Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon RoddisA flock of 7 Little Egrets flew in early morning, joining the 5 already present. Great Egret still too. Off Horseshoe island, 7 Pochard (plus duckling), female Red-crested Pochard and 7 Teal. 2+ Common Sandpiper. Fully grown juvenile Redshank at WLC and then in Brown Ale Bay (per Clive). Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 Redstarts and 17 Mistle Thrushes in WLC fields/Shiningford.04/07/2025
Simon Roddis2 adult Black-tailed Godwits off Stones this morning. 3 Shelduck flew in early morning. 11 Teal, female Red-crested Pochard and at least 9 Pochard (plus 1 duckling) around Horseshoe island/WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull among 150 Lesser Black-backs on Sheepwash spit late morning. 1 Peregrine. Two pairs of Sedge Warblers with food on Stones island, presumably feeding second broods. Female and at least 1 juvenile Redstart in WLC fields.03/07/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's Black-tailed Godwit was still on Stones this morning, although last seen in flight. A juvenile Stonechat in the overflow carpark is the first of the year, I believe. Another flock of Crossbills, 23 in the top of Hall Wood. A very tatty first-summer Common Gull flew past Stones. 367 Greylags. Female Pochard still with one duckling (and another 5 adults). Adult Yellow-legged Gull, the Great Egret and 6 Little Egrets still. Redstart in WLC fields.02/07/2025
Simon RoddisEarly-ish morning visit: a Black-tailed Godwit and female Teal off Stones, and a fly-over Yellow Wagtail. Great Egret at the north end. Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Spotted Flycatcher family still in Brown Ale Bay and c100 Linnets in the Sheepwash wildflower meadows.01/07/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA Greenshank, presumably yesterday's bird, was on Stones/sailing club islands this morning. The Great Egret still, at least 6 Little Egrets and 10 Grey Herons. Female Red-crested Pochard still. 5 Common Sandpipers on Horseshoe island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull among 65 Lesser Black-backs. 2 Redstarts (female and juvenile) and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. Alan had a Peregrine take a duckling off the water.30/06/2025
Simon RoddisA bit of a waderfest this morning, with 8 species in total. Highlights were 6 Black-tailed Godwits initially on sailing club island and later on Watersports island before flying W; a Green Sandpiper off the dam wall, a Greenshank circling Stones island and 2 Common Sandpipers on Horseshoe island, while a very small Oystercatcher chick on Watersports island was a surprise - many of the birds which bred or hatched here have already left. In addition, a Common Tern, 5 Shoveler, the female Red-crested Pochard still, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Great Egret, 5 Little Egrets, family of Willow Tits near WLC, Whitethroat still singing in Tail Bay, female Redstart again in WLC fields, and 80 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning.29/06/2025
Simon RoddisA little bit quiet this morning (call it summer if you like) but still a few birds: 3 Shoveler from WLC, 420 Coot, 3 Little Egrets (5 yesterday evening), 9 Grey Heron, adult Spotted Flycatcher with recently fledged young at Brown Ale Bay, female Redstart in WLC fields, 5 Linnets in the wildflower meadows S of Sheepwash.28/06/2025
Simon Roddis6 Crossbills (a male and 5 female/juvs) flew through WLC creek mid morning, landing in a holly for a minute and giving great views before heading off SW. Adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones. The Great Egret still, plus 2 Little Egrets. 17 Mute Swans plus the 4 cygnets. 3 Shoveler and the female Red-crested Pochard still from WLC. 65 Gadwall. 137 Tufted. Common Sandpiper on Watersports island. Total of c100 juv Black-headed Gulls doesn't seem like a particularly good return from 200+ nests.26/06/2025
Simon RoddisThe Black-tailed Godwit was still by the WLC this morning. Both egrets still and a very similar collection of duck to the last few days. Barnacle Geese pair still with 3 goslings. 2 Common Sandpipers at sailing club. Whitethroat still singing in Tail Bay. Spotted Flycatcher at Hopton end. Juvenile Redstart in WLC fields (another first of the autumn) and a Siskin over. And scores of tiny froglets on the path in Tail Bay.25/06/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island is the first of the autumn. Great and Little Egrets still. 19 adult Mute Swan. Just 3 Shoveler this morning, and the Red-crested Pochard from WLC. Black-headed Gulls seem to be having a poor breeding season: Millfields island appears deserted and the number of juveniles seems to be going down rather than up. Shame. 3 Sedge Warblers still singing in WLC creek and 2 near Millfields island, Reed Warbler singing at WLC, 4 Garden Warblers singing on/around Stones and another 2 in WLC creek.24/06/2025
Simon RoddisThe Great and Little Egrets still present this morning. 6 Shoveler from WLC. 7 Pochard, plus a single duckling with one of the females. Female Red-crested Pochard again from Stones. Peregrine over. 25 Sand Martins. Fledged Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed.23/06/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 1,111 Canada Geese, 4 Barnacle (plus 3 goslings), 344 Greylags, 12 Mute Swan (plus 4 cygnets), 63 Gadwall (plus 6 broods), 267 Mallard, 1 RcPochard, 7 Pochard, 120 Tufted (plus 6 broods), 11 Moorhen, 333 Coot, 16 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 8 Little Grebe, 63 Great Crested, 8 Cormorant, single Little and Great Egrets, 8 Grey Heron. Pair of Peregrines over the WLC, upsetting the Black-headed Gulls.22/06/2025
Simon RoddisBack after a few days away, the water level has dropped quite a bit further! Pair of Mute Swans with 4 cygnets off Sheepwash, presumably from the Hopton nest. Pair of Barnacle Geese still with 3 young at WLC, plus another pair. Canada Geese and Greylags look to have increased significantly. Drake Teal on Horseshoe island. Female Pochard now with 2 chicks off Stones. 5 Lapwing. 3 Redshank. 1 Little Egret. 4 Grey Herons, including 3 juveniles at Sheepwash. 2 adult Willow Tits calling and singing on Stones and in WLC creek. House Martins collecting mud from sailing club shore but then flying off towards Hognaston. Fledged Garden Warbler on Stones and an adult with food in WLC creek. Reed Buntings with food on Stones.21/06/2025
Dave Armitt and Clive Ashton4 Chiffchaff , 3 LRP, 8 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Little grebe, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting,6 Juv Blue tits, 3 pied wagtail, 2 Common Turn, 4 Redshank, 5 Drake Pochard WLC, 2 Barnacle goose with 3 Juv ,20 Gadwall, RC Pochard female WLC, Buzzard predating BH Gull chick WLC island , 2 Sedge warbler,2 Willow Warbler ,1 Willow Tit, 1 Treecreeper13/06/2025
Simon RoddisThe first brood of 7 Tufted ducklings were off Horseshoe island this morning, but soon trumped by Laura's brood of 14! The two Gadwall broods, 4 in each, appear to have merged under just one female. Kingfisher at Hopton end. 3 Redshank and 2 Lapwing, and a Little Egret off Stones causeway.08/06/2025
Simon RoddisTotal of 8 Willow Tits in Tail Bay this morning, a pair with at least 4 fledged young, plus 2 singles. 16 Crossbills over Millfields, 2 or 3 of them landing in the top of Blackwall Plantation. 2 Egyptian Geese past Stones island. 37 Gadwall and single Common and Red-crested Pochard. 2 Ringed Plover. 1 Lapwing. 150 Lesser Black-backs. Kingfisher and Whitethroat in Tail Bay. Reed Warblers at WLC and Brown Ale Bay. Male Redstart at top of WLC creek.07/06/2025
Simon RoddisA Carsi mega this morning in the shape of a Green Woodpecker on Stones, first calling in the wildlife classroom and then seen by Mike Redfern to fly onto sailing club island,but no further sign in the time we were there. Barnacle Geese still with 3 young on Horseshoe island. Male Shoveler. 29 Gadwall plus 2 broods of 4 still. 1 Ringed Plover. 2 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and Sedge in Hopton reedbed. Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end and Blackcap in WLC creek.06/06/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MWAn excellent morning, although difficult to tell what time of year it is. A female Garganey was on Watersports island, a summer-plumage Black-necked Grebe at the WLC (credit to Roger), a Sanderling flew over Stones island, and Crossbill and Hobby over Hall Wood. 13 Mute Swans. 95 Greylags (plus goslings). 3 male Shoveler. Red-crested Pochard still. 3 Ringed Plover. 300 loafing Lesser Black-backs. Reed Warbler singing on Stones. Redstart and 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood.04/06/2025
Simon RoddisA brood of 4 small Gadwall ducklings were in Shiningford creek this morning, my first of the year. 4 Ringed Plover on Watersports island and 3 Redshank around Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard loafing among the moulting Gadwall. Geese numbers seem to be on the rise, including 73 Gadwall (plus goslings).03/06/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBird Walk for beginners. Sand Martin, house sparrow, sedge warbler, Canada goose, oystercatcher, mallard, gt cr grebe, coot, mute swan, tufted duck, garden warbler, carrion crow, pied wagtail, BH gull, LR Plover, Red-crested pochard(fem), pochard, swift, greylag goose, blackbird, goldfinch, robin, house martin, blackcap, LBB gull, chiffchaff, blue tit, great tit, song thrush, cormorant, redshank, gadwall, woodpigeon, swallow, wren.01/06/2025
Simon Roddis10 Sanderling (9 at sailing club, 1 on Watersports island) is the equal highest count ever here. 2 Dunlin. Pair of Shoveler and the female Red-crested Pochard still. 25 Gadwall. Pair of Kestrels over the main centre buzzed by a Sparrowhawk. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and Whitethroat at Hopton end.30/05/2025
Simon Roddis5 Dunlin and 2 Sanderling flew NW at 09:27 and another Dunlin flew in past Stones island at 10:15. A pair of Egyptian Geese at Millfields were new for the year here, I believe, and the first ever in May. Otherwise, it was mainly long-stayers: pair of Barnacle Geese with young, pair of Shoveler, drake Pochard, Little Egret, 2 Redshank, Reed Warbler on Stones causeway. A male Bullfinch was feeding a female at Millfields, presumably courtship behaviour.29/05/2025
Simon Roddis3 Sanderling this morning, one on Watersports island and 2 found by Jon Lowes on the dam wall. 3 Dunlin. 2 Shelduck. Male and female Shoveler (separately) and female Red-crested Pochard still. Little Egret. 4 singing Reed Warblers in the Stones/sailing club area, clearly still arriving.28/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 203 Canada Geese, 54 Greylag, 9 Mute Swan, 12 Gadwall, 106 Mallard, 52 Tufted, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 9 Moorhen, 191 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 86 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 10 Dunlin, 21 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 1 Little Egret. Broods (all minima) included 12 Mallard, 5 Greylag, 2 GCGrebe, 2 Coot. A pair of Canadas at Sheepwash had 38 goslings in tow! Who knows how many broods they came from?!25/05/2025
Simon Roddis450 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash late morning is my highest ever May total here - not even had a three-figure count before. 2 immature Herring Gulls among them. Female Teal and Red-crested Pochard still. Lapwing displaying over Watersports island. Redstart and Chiffchaff with food at Hopton end. 1 Pied and 3 Spotted Flycatchers singing in Hall Wood, and Reed Warbler on Stones causeway.23/05/2025
Simon Roddis2 Sanderling flew between Stones island and the dam wall early morning but not seen again. 3 Ringed Plover still at sailing club. Little Egret on Stones causeway. Pair of Shoveler at WLC and a Reed Warbler singing in the creek. Single immature Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls. 300+ Lesser Black-backs at Sheepwash late morning. Willow Tit singing on Stones.21/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA Sanderling approaching summer plumage was on sailing club shore, with 3 Ringed Plovers there too. An Osprey from Stones island at 09:20, mobbed by Black-headed Gulls as it flew over Millfields. Female Teal in Shiningford Creek. Two more Oystercatcher chicks off Stones causeway (fourth brood so far). 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. Fledged Great Tits at Watersports.20/05/2025
Simon RoddisThe pair of Barnacle Geese on Millfields island now have 4 chicks, last seen heading over towards sailing club. Pair of Moorhens with 5 chicks at PS hide. Pair of Little Grebe with 2 young in Shiningford creek. A few waders early on: 2 Dunlin, 2 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper around Stones/sailing club. Common Tern at Millfields. 130 Lesser Black-backs loafing at Sheepwash late morning. 1 immature Common Gull. Reed Warbler singing on Watersports island, plus 3 in Hopton reedbed. Redstart at Hopton end. And Clive had a Little Egret off Stones causeway.19/05/2025
Simon RoddisMost frustrating sighting of the morning was a tern, possibly Roseate, which flew up the res but didn't stop, kept heading NNE. Couldn't get enough on it to be sure. 4 Common Terns were at the WLC briefly. 2 pairs of Mediterranean Gulls flew over Stones, the first one consisting of an adult and a second-summer, the other 2 adults; the first pair later flew back past Stones after being seen at the WLC by Roger and Alison. A Whimbrel flew N early on. Female Red-crested Pochard back off Stones causeway. Another Oystercatcher chick, this one on Shiningford shore. Great Egret on the shore at Sheepwash. 25 House Martins. Chiffchaff with food on Stones.17/05/2025
Simon RoddisAnother brood of Oystercatchers this morning, 2 small chicks on Millfields island. Common Sandpiper and Redshank on Stones. 75 Lesser Black-backs. A gathering of c100 Carrion Crows in/over Hall Wood. 4 Reed Warblers (3 singing) in Hopton reedbed, and 2 Linnet over. Fledged Long-tailed Tits on Stones and at Hopton end. Clive had Grey Wagtail with food at Sheepwash.16/05/2025
Simon RoddisJust bits and bobs this morning: at Sheepwash, pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks, drake Mandarin, Little Egret, singing Sedge Warbler. Redstart and Whitethroat at Hopton end. Single Curlew, Redshank and Lapwing from Stones, and Clive had 2 Common Sandpipers. Total of 50 Lesser Black-backs through/loafing, virtually all immatures of various ages. Hirundines moving through, c35 Sand Martins, 20 House, 12 Swallows.15/05/2025
Simon RoddisThe highlight this morning was a Black Tern around Watersports island 10:20-10:30 at least, and a Ringed Plover was on the sailing club shoreline. 4 immature Common Gulls. 2 Little Egret. Pair of Redstart at the top of WLC creek.14/05/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter count this morning (not helped by a fairly strong breeze which will have drowned out some birdsong): 16 Pheasant, 1 Cuckoo just N of Millfields, 13 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Egret, 1 GSWoodpecker, 25 Magpie, 5 Coal Tit, 56 Blue, 31 Great, 23 Long-tailed, 7 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 86 Chiffchaff, 15 Sedge, 3 Reed, 57 Blackcap, 12 Garden, 2 Whitethroat (Oldfield Lane and Tail Bay), 7 Goldcrest, 139 Wren, 2 Nuthatch, 12 Treecreeper, 22 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle, 84 Blackbird, 1 Spotted and 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 105 Robin, 25 Dunnock, 1 Grey and 5 Pied Wagtail, 22 Chaffinch, 5 Bullfinch, 4 Greenfinch, 21 Goldfinch, 7 Reed Bunting. Quite a bit of breeding activity, including fledged Robin and Treecreeper, plus birds with food: Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits, Mistle Thrush, Robin.13/05/2025
Simon RoddisEarly cloud and a spot of rain may have brought in the 5 adult Sandwich Terns which sat on buoys off Stones island, 05:50-06:05, before being hassled by a Lesser Black-back and weren't seen again. 2 Shelduck past Stones. 6 Pochard (4m,2f). Several broods of Greylag included a mega-brood of 20+ small goslings crossing the res with 2 adults. 2 adult Dunlin and a Curlew on sailing club shore. A sub-adult Herring Gull flew through with c30 Lesser Black-backs during the morning, and a sub-adult Great Black-back. Little Egret again on Horseshoe island/sailing club. Barn Owl on the main road early morning. 5 Ravens over the east side may have been a family party. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and 1 on sailing club island. 3 Spotted Flycatchers singing in Hall and Middle Woods, and the Pied Fly and a Redstart still in Hall Wood.12/05/2025
Simon RoddisWaders this morning included single Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew and Whimbrel. 2 Arctic Terns briefly. 5 Pochard (3f,2m). Immature Yellow-legged Gull again. Little Egret. A distant Peregrine. Willow Tit singing at Lane End and Reed Warbler singing on Stones. Fledged Treecreepers in WLC creek and Goldfinch at Lane End (seems quite early?).10/05/2025
D COATESTHE FIRST SWIFT ARRIVED AT DARLEY DALE APPROX { 11 }09/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA pretty decent morning, with 2 Sanderling (approaching summer plumage) on sailing club shore and an Osprey later (but not for very long) over the Lane End area. Female Goldeneye off Stones still, single Little Egret and Common Tern. Pied Wagtails with food on the dam wall.09/05/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDA Bar-tailed Godwit was on Horseshoe island late morning. A Whimbrel flew NE early morning and it or another was in WLC fields later. A Yellow Wagtail flew SE over Stones island. The female Goldeneye off Stones again early morning and a Little Egret from the causeway. c75 Sand Martins, 20 House Martins and 10 Swallows. Treecreeper with food in WLC creek.08/05/2025
Simon RoddisA Whimbrel was on the dam wall early morning and departed NE at 07:45. Second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull again at Watersports. Female Goldeneye again off Stones island. Redstarts at Hopton end and WLC fields (per Clive). Grey Wagtail with food at Millfields.07/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found a Spotted Flycatcher at the Lane End bombing tower this morning, first of the year we believe. Female Goldeneye and Red-crested Pochard still off Stones, the latter again hanging out with a male Common Pochard. 2 Shelduck. Curlew at sailing club and 2+ Redshank.06/05/2025
SJR, AHS, CA, KR5 Arctic Terns (4+1) through this morning (AHS,CA). Female Goldeneye still off Stones and male Mandarin at Sheepwash (KR). 20 Swifts, 100+ Sand Martins and single figures of House Martin and Swallow. Immature Common Gull again. Whitethroat singing in Tail Bay (a real scarcity here these days).05/05/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBirdwatching for beginners walk. house sparrow, BH gull, blackbird, robin, willow warbler, chiffchaff, sedge warbler, blackcap, garden warbler, swallow, swift, redshank, house Martin, sand Martin, mallard, tufted duck, gadwall, pochard, mute swan, Canada goose, greylag goose, moorhen, little grebe, gt Cr grebe, oystercatcher, coot, buzzard, crow, magpie, long-tailed tit, cormorant, goldfinch, pied wagtail, woodpigeon, wren, common sandpiper. 36 species.04/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonHighlights this morning were a Whimbrel and 2 fly-through Bar-tailed Godwits (only Clive saw the latter). 22 Swifts included 15 going N and 7 loitering. Female Goldeneye, female Red-crested and a pair of Common Pochard off Stones. 1 immature Common Gull. 4+ Sparrowhawks. Immature Peregrine past Stones. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed, and Pied Flycatcher and Redstart in Hall Wood. 1 Siskin over Hopton end.04/05/2025
Christina KennedyThis afternoon in a field across from WLC, I saw a godwit. I'm just not 100 percent sure which one but I have photos.30/04/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter counts this morning: 40 Pheasant, 4 singing Stock Dove, 3 Collared Dove, 2 GSWoodpecker, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Willow, 124 Blue, 47 Great, 5 Long-tailed, 50 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 150 Chiffchaff, 14 Sedge, 3 Reed, 56 Blackcap, 9 Garden, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Goldcrest, 164 Wren, 1 Pied Flycatcher, only 1 Redstart (very disappointing), 115 Robin, 34 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle, 103 Blackbird, 37 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 15 Chaffinch, 12 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 32 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting. Clive's 3 Common Scoters still present mid-morning.26/04/2025
Dave Armitt8 Sedge Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, Great Crested Grebe with two young, 1 Male Pochard, 1 Heron , 4 Goldfinch,2 Garden Warbler, 2 Long tailed tit, 7 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Reed Warbler WLC Reed bed25/04/2025
Simon RoddisClive saw the GNDiver early doors but I couldn't find it later (probably my eyes 😉). 4 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard still. New brood of 4 Greylag goslings in Shiningford Creek. Immature Yellow-legged Gull again. 1 House Martin among the Sand Martins. Reed Warbler singing on Stones and Redstart calling in WLC creek. (And I see that someone has had an Osprey over Stones island at 12:21.)24/04/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThe GNDiver still this morning. 2 Pink-footed Geese over Stones were a bit of a surprise. 2 Shelduck off Watersports island. c6 Pochard (at least 2 pairs). Drake Goosander flew N. Immature GBbGull. A Great Egret did pretty much a whole circuit of the res, while a Little Egret flew past Stones. After very few early in the morning, Sand Martins built up to c100 when the rain came later. 2 Dunlin past Stones (CA,AHS).21/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver still this morning. A Yellow Wagtail flew over Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash. Red-legged Partridge at Hopton end. The second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull again. 100+ Sand Martins. 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and another on Stones causeway, and Sedge Warblers in WLC Creek and at Millfields as well as on Stones. Song Thrush with fledged young at Hopton and Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood. And a female Roe Deer eating gorse flowers.20/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA few terns appeared early on: 10 Arctics flew through while 2 Commons were harassed briefly by 2 more Arctic. The GNDiver still, again coming pretty close to Stones island. Female Red-crested Pochard. Second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull hanging around the buoys. 1 Little Egret. First Greylag brood, c5 below Middle Wood.19/04/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2012-04-254 Whimbrel on Stones Island at 5.25 pm, but flew off NW after a couple of minutes.Neil Moulden
2012-04-24Mandarin DuckEric Dewhurst
2012-04-24Great northern Diver off Stones Island. 1 Common Sandpiper,1 Yellow Wagtail,1 Curlew,1 Swift.Clive Ashton
2012-04-232 female Goldeneye, Pied Flycatcher, 3 pairs of Nuthatch between Millfields and Oldfield Lane, Green Woodpecker over Millfields, Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island. On the dam: 28 Pied Wagtail, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Linnet, 14 Meadow Pipits.John Matkin
2012-04-23Adult Great Northern Diver almost in full summer plumage. 1 Little Gull seen from Sheepwash Hide for most of the day. Later from Stones Island it was joined by a 2nd bird. Arctic Tern east at 11.15. A 'commic' Tern east at 16.30. Garden Warbler singing in Sheepwash Woods. Drake Gadwall, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipits, 4 Linnets and c200 Swallows. A Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island. Black-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island p.m only. 3 Buzzards and a Kestrel. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-04-23Great Northern Diver. 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Pinkfooted Goose on Stones Island. Pied Flycatcher singing. Lapwing with 4 chicks at Wildlife Centre. 1 Whimbrel and 2 Curlew over.roger Carrington
2012-04-20Adult Great Northern Diver still present. Roger saw a Whooper Swan fly in with 2 Mute Swans at 07.30. I saw it at around 08.45 but no further sign after that. Pink-footed Goose at the Wildlife Centre, Mallard with 2 young near Big Island, 2 female Goldeneye, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Yellow Wagtail, 50+ Swallow, 33 Blackcap, 26 Willow Warbler and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2012-04-199 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island. GN Diver almost in summer plumage.Clive Ashton
2012-04-18Lots of Arctic Terns throughout the country today and Carsington didn't miss out. Roger had 1 fly straight through just before 09.30. Shortly after, there was 7 birds which over the course of the day built up to 28. 7 of these flew North at 15.15. The remaining 21 were present until around tea time before leaving. Also today was an adult Little Gull which was around all day feeding with the Terns. The adult Great Northern Diver is still present. 2 Goldeneye, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 150+ Swallow, 100+ Sand Martin, 2 White Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Keith Bunting
2012-04-17WLC: 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 16 Barnacle Geese, 2 Teal (pair), 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Raven, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit, Mallard still with 2 ducklings. Also, 1 male Cape Shelduck.James Owen
2012-04-16Bird sightings adequately covered by others. Plant life in flower: Red Campion, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage (yellow), Gorse (yellow), Cowslip (yellow), Dandelion, Daisy, Lesser Celandine (yellow), Coltsfoot (yellow), Red Dead Nettle, Blackthorn (white), Bluebell, Ground Ivy (blue/maroon)and Common Mouse-ear (white). Ray and Margaret Perry
2012-04-16Adult Great Northern Diver, Pink-footed Goose, 20+ feral Barnacle Geese, female Mallard with 2 young at WLC, also a female with 7 young off S'ford Creek, female Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, female Redstart on S'ford Creek, 4 Linnets (2 on Stones Island and 2 on Big Island), Siskin in Hall Wood, Grey Heron, Raven and 50+ Swallows with smaller numbers of Sand Martins. A walk from Millfields to Fishtail Creek via Sheepwash produced 49 Chiff Chaff, 33 Blackcap and 21 Willow Warbler. 2 White Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island p.m. Also 2 Curlew over. Dave Newcombe
2012-04-15Great Northern Diver still. 7 Pheasants at Sheepwash. 3 Linnet on Stones Island. 1 Wheatear in WLC Creek. 1 Yellow Wagtail flew past Sheepwash and Pink-footed Goose there. 30 Sand Martin. 2 Shelduck mobile.Roger Carrington
2012-04-14pink footed goose, scaup and great northern diver all from sheepwashscott linacre
2012-04-142 Yellow Wagtails & pair of Redshank on Millfields Island, 2 Curlew, c30 Fieldfare briefly in ash tree at Millfields then headed north, 15 Carrion Crow on dam, Nuthatch with nesting material over Oldfield Lane, c15 Swallows & Sand Martins, 20+ Willow Warblers singing around Tailbay & southern end of reservoir.John Matkin
2012-04-13Great Northern Diver, 22 Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Goose of unknown origin, female Mallard with 12 young, female Goldeneye, 2 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Wheatear, 2 Skylark, 2 White Wagtails, c150 Swallow, 2 Raven Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-04-13Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre via Sheepwash (early am): 43 Chiffchaff, 31 Blackcap (including 4 males pursuing 1 female by Lane End hide), 11 Willow Warbler. 1 Jay, male Sparrowhawk carrying prey through Hall Wood, 4 Willow Tit, 1 female Goldeneye, Mallard with 4 ducklings in Wildlife Centre Creek, Common Sandpiper on Stones Island and Greenfinch singing & displaying in the VC car park.John Matkin
2012-04-121 Great Northern Diver (adult still distant towards Millfields/Dam Wall), 1 Raven, 2 Sparrowhawk (pair), 8+ Common Buzzard, 6 Black-tailed Godwit (circled and flew towards Wildlife Centre), 1 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Willow Warbler (singing), 2 House Martin with 30+ Swallow and 20+ Sand Martin, 60+ Common Gulls (all in together at 15:45), 6 LBB Gull, 1 GBB GullPaul Thomas
2012-04-121 Common Sandpiper in front of Wildlife Centre at 6.00 pmNeil Moulden
2012-04-11Adult Great Northern Diver still. Also 15 Barnacle Geese, Greylag Goose, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Shelduck, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Redshank, Curlew, 13 Swallow, 10 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin, 5 White Wagtails on Stones Island, 110 Black-headed Gull, 90 Common Gull, 26 Lesser-black Backed Gulls. Also a very young Blackbird at the bottom of the entrance road to the main car park. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2012-04-10Osprey again at 17:00hr over the dam wall, then at 17:15hr caught large fish in the same spot as this morning. Flew over Blackwall plantation pursued by Gulls at 17:25hr. 4 White Wagtail on Stones Island. Curlew at Sheepwash, LRP sailing club.Clive Ashton
2012-04-10Sacred Ibis flew from Carsington Pastures over the edge of the reservoir but quite high then left towards the Knockerdown pub but unable to relocate. Over the reservior around 11-45Ian Scrimshaw
2012-04-10Osprey at 0655 over water along side of Hall Wood. Small numbers of hirundines: 5 Swallow, 2 House Martin & 1 Sand Martin. 1 Goldcrest singing behind Lane End hide. 2 Linnet on Stones Island, 3 Fieldfare at Fishtail Creek (34 over on 09/04).John Matkin
2012-04-10 07:05hr Osprey caught fish, on east side of resevoir, and flew north pursued by BH Gulls. Clive Ashton
2012-04-082 Ospreys possibly 3; PeregrineDavid Bennett
2012-04-08WeBS count (0700-1030hrs) Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 1, Great Crested Grebe 41, Cormorant 4, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 3, Greylag Goose 9, Canada Goose 88, Barnacle Goose 18, Teal 19, Mallard 98, Tufted Duck 68, Goldeneye 1, Mandarin 1, Moorhen 3, Coot 72, Oystercatcher 10, Lapwing 14, Ruff 2, Snipe 1, Redshank 4, Lesser Black-backed Gull 4, Black-headed Gull 80 also 11 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk and White Wagtail.John Bradley
2012-04-07Notes today - 12:30hr to 13:30hr flock of mixed hirundines low over Sailing club boats and Stones Island - When briefly settled counted 21nr Swallow, 17nr House Martin (appx), 2 or 4nr Sand Martin. 3nr Common Scoter [2 drake female or juv], GN Diver, Wheatear, 3nr Meadow Pipit. David Edmonds
2012-04-07OspreyPaul Highman
2012-04-06All from Sheepwash Hide, unless stated. The adult Great Northern Diver is now moulting into summer plumage and is looking quite smart. 19 Barnacle Geese (Stones Island), 2 Grey Heron, Ruff (Stones Island), Little Ringed Plover in front of Watersports, Curlew, 3 Swallows, 8+ Buzzard, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Raven. 21 Meadow Pipit and a Wheatear on the Dam Wall, 19 Chiff Chaff and 5 Blackcap between Millfields and Sheepwash, 2 Skylark over Dam Wall, and 5 Linnet. Dave Newcombe
2012-04-06Birds seen or heard between Fishtail Creek & Visitor Centre (via Sheepwash): 50 Tree Sparrow (inc. 28 at Wildlife Centre & 7 on Stones Island), 49 Blackbird, 44 Blue Tit, 43 Wren, 42 Great Tit, 34 Chiffchaff, 30 Dunnock, 24 Robin, 22 Bullfinch, 18 Chaffinch, 13 Song Thrush, 12 Linnet (flocks of 8 & 4), 10 Goldfinch, 10 House Sparrow, 9 Blackcap, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 7 Reed Bunting, 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Treecreeper, 3 Goldcrest (2 in Shiningford Creek & 1 singing behind Lane End Hide), 3 Willow Tit, 3 Greenfinch (1 singing at Visitor Centre), 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Meadow Pipit. John Matkin
2012-04-06Nuthatch on bird table near Shiningford approx 2.30pmJOHN & BETTY WINNARD
2012-04-06Osprey, at height, approx 3pm observed from Stones Island flying in direction of Tail Bay from distance over Fishtail Creek.JOHN WINNARD
2012-04-05Osprey again at 1920hrs flying around Hopton Arm then went to roost in a tree close to the osprey platform at Lane Ends at 1940hrs. Also Great Northern Diver and 2 Ruff around Stones Island.Roger Carrington
2012-04-05Osprey flew between Stones Island & Watersports Island at 16:20, was carrying a fish and being mobbed by 2 Black-headed Gulls, an Oystercatcher & a Carrion Crow. It then headed over the water towards Millfields. Also on Stones Island; 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 19 Barnacle Geese, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow in Watersports bay.John Matkin
2012-04-03Willow Warbler singing near Visitor Centre 0800hrs. 2 Ruff mobile around Stones Island. Great Northern Diver off Stones Island early a.m. Osprey from Sheepwash car park 0935-1015hrs, then flew high north. Drake Red-breasted Merganser off Lane End at 1430hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-04-02Following is a list (no note taken of numbers, sorry!) of the birds seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk, led by David Bennett: Curlew, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Lapwing, Redshank, Coot, Tufted Duck, Ruff, Black-hd Gull, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Little Ringed Plover, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Mute Swan, Starling, Reed Bunting, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Buzzard, Pied Wagtail, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Magpie, Wren, Gt Tit, Jackdaw, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Dunnock, ChaffinchGary Atkins
2012-04-02Dam wall- 1 Wheatear,30 Pied wagtail,1 Grey Wagtail,15+ Meadow Pipit,1 Linnet,1 Skylark (grounded). Stones Island- 2 Ruff,1 Little ringed Plover. Sheepwash- GN Diver towards Millfields,2 Greylag,Shoveler,Curlew,Raven.Clive Ashton
2012-04-02Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre (via Millfields)birds in song: 22 Chiffchaff, 19 Wren, 11 Blackbirds, 11 Dunnock, 10 Robin, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, 1 Starling (Oldfield Lane) and 1 Greenfinch (VC car park). Other sightings inc. Treecreeper, Grey Heron, 6 pairs of Bullfinch, c35 Meadow Pipits & 1 Wheatear on dam (Sailing Club end). 9 pairs of Great Crested Grebe; 1 pair seem to have begun nesting on Millfields Island & a single bird in Fishtail Creek probably part of nesting pairJohn Matkin
2012-03-31Wren 4, Bullfinch 12+, Goldfinch, Nuthatch, Song Thrush 3, Blackcap, Chifchaff, Buzzard, G S Woodpecker, Grey Heron, Teal, Redshank, Meadow Pipit, Raven. Eric Dewhurst
2012-03-30First Little Ringed Plover of the year, on sailing club island today.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2012-03-28All seen from Sheepwash Hide, unless stated. Great Northern Diver, 2 Grey Herons, 19 Barnacle Geese (Dam Wall), 4 Shoveler, Goldeneye, 6 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 7 Meadow Pipits (Dam Wall), and 2 Raven. 16 Chiff Chaff and 6 Blackcap between Millfields and Hopton End. 5 Redshank between Wildlife Centre and Stones Island. A further 3 Redshank and 4 Ruff flew in at Sheepwash shortly after 14.00hrs. The 4 Ruff then left North at c16.00hrs. Dave Newcombe
2012-03-27Black tailed Godwit still at Sheepwash. Blackcap singing Sheepwash car park. 1 Shelduck off Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2012-03-26Black tailed Godwit at Sheepwash. GN Diver,5 Shoveler.Clive Ashton
2012-03-246 Whooper Swans at 1730hrs off Stones Island, then flushed by boat at 1750hrs and flew north.Roger Carrington
2012-03-24Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre: 16 Chiffchaff, 6 Linnet, Jay, 2 Reed Bunting. 23 Pied Wagtail & 16 Meadow Pipits on the damJohn Matkin
2012-03-23Adult Great Northern Diver, 11 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 2 female Pintail at Wildlife Centre, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Pheasants, 10+ Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, 2 Buzzards, GBB Gull, 19 Chiff Chaff in song between Millfields and Hopton End, 8 Redwing, 20+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Raven and 4 Reed Buntings. Dave Newcombe
2012-03-22Bullfinch 2 pairs, Treecreeper 4, Greylag 1, Curlew 7, Heron 1, Oystercatcher 10+, Buzzard 1, Chiffchaff at regular intervals all the way round.Eric Dewhurst
2012-03-212 Sand Martin thru' early morning. 2 female Pintail at Wildlife Centre. 24 Meadow Pipit and 24 Pied Wagtail on dam early morning. Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 1 Red-legged Partridge, 4 Curlew, 1 Linnet on Stones Island late afternoon. Also Dave Newcombe saw 2 Red Kite drifting south over Hall Wood at 1704hrs and 2 Shelduck from Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2012-03-20WLC: 2 female Pintail, 1 drake Shoveller, 1 Curlew over, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher. Elsewhere, 4 Redwing near Sheepwash hide early morning, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Shelduck flew West over Shiningford Creek, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Curlew on Sheepwash Spit late evening.James Owen (STW vol.)
2012-03-19Adult Great Northern Diver, 20 Barnacle Geese, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, 69 Teal (Sheepwash), 2 female Pintail at Wildflife Centre, 4 Goldeneye, 11 Buzzard all seen from Sheepwash though well spread out, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, c12 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 13 Curlew seen by Roger, 325 Common Gull, 125 LBB Gull, Herring Gull, 2 male Wheatear found by Roger near Sailing Club first thing, still there when I walked past at c09.00, 6 Chiff Chaff in song between Millfields and Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe

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