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
2011-12-17Great Northern Diver - from Stones' Island - it was near to buoy number 3 at approx. 11.40h.Richard Pittam
2011-12-17Red throated Diver, found by Mark Pass this morning. Still present off Stones Island at 09:45 hr.Clive Ashton
2011-12-15Adult Great Northern Diver, 84 Canada Geese, 10 Pintail (the usual 2 at Sheepwash plus another 8 in Brown Ale Bay, 5 female and 5 drake in total), 3 Shoveler, 6 Goldeneye, 9 Snipe, 10 Dunlin, Redshank, 2 Sparrowhawks and Yellow-legged Gull. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-12-14White-fronted Goose and Greylag still at Wildlife Centre among flock of c60 Canada GeeseJohn Matkin
2011-12-131 White-fronted Goose from Wildlife Centre at lunchtime (euroasian race), plus 15 feral Barnacle and 1 Greylag Goose. 11 Snipe at Paul Stanley Hide. Adult Great Northern Diver Off Stones Island Counts of 45 Pied Wagtail, 55 Meadow Pipits, 31 Great Crested Grebe, 55 Wigeon.Roger Carrington
2011-12-12Great Northern Diver 6 Goosander 21 Dunlin Mediterranean Gull (adult) 3 Yellow legged Gull 20+ Herring Gull 5 Great black backed Gull.Clive Ashton
2011-12-08Great Northern Diver, 155 Golden Plover, c25 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 2 Pintail, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Greylag, Peregrine, 2 Raven, Sparrowhawk, c50 Linnet, c50 Meadow Pipit, c10 Siskin, 10 Bullfinch, 10 Redwing, 3 Lesser Redpoll, Skylark, Yellow legged Gull.Clive Ashton
2011-12-05Adult Great Northern Diver, 6 Grey Heron, 60 Canada Geese, 10 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 2 Peregrine, 20 Dunlin, 87 Golden Plover, Redshank, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, 1st winter GBB Gull, 35 Meadow Pipit, 2 Skylark, 9 Bullfinch, 8 Lesser Redpoll, Brambling and a Raven. At least 500 Jackdaw flew over Sheepwash near dusk. Dave Newcombe
2011-12-03GN diver from Lane End Hide pm , 2 goosander (drake + redhead) at Millfields.john babb
2011-12-03GN Diver still present this afternoon. The drake Pintail at Sheepwash. Gull roost contained 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls,3 Yellow legged Gulls,3 Herring Gulls and a 1st winter Great black backed Gull.Clive Ashton
2011-12-02c30x Linnets on Sheepwash Spit. 2x Stock Doves over Hopton Reedbed. Siskin, Goldcrest and a flock of 16x Long Tailed Tits in Hall Wood. Fishtail Creek: Large flock of c100x winter thrushes (mostly Fieldfares), flock of c40 Goldfinches (also included 3x Lesser Redpolls and Chaffinch), and 2x Crossbills overhead. John Matkin
2011-12-011 Great Northern Diver c150 Golden Plover 15 Dunlin 2 Pintail Adult Mediterranean Gull Peregrine male. 3 Herring Gull 2 Yellow legged Gull Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2011-11-305 Grey Heron, drake Pintail, 6 Goldeneye, 18 Dunlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Kestrel, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Raven, 10 Siskin, 10 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-11-29Popped up this morning where there was little of note. Returned at 12:30 when the adult Med Gull was present. Later a 1st Winter Little Gull dropped in at Sheepwash, and was then relocated by Roger at Lane End, in a downpour.Clive Ashton
2011-11-282 Pintail, 9 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye, drake Goosander, 2 Buzzards. Female Kestrel caught and stashed 2 Bank Voles on the 'new' Sheepwash Spit. 22 Dunlin, 21 Golden Plover, c50 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult and 1st winter), 1st winter GBB Gull, 4 Herring Gulls, 8 Fieldfare and 7 Bullfinch. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-11-28WeBS count for November: Mute Swan 27,Canada Goose 90,Wigeon 75(320 in October),Gadwall 6,Teal 247,Mallard 158,Pintail 2,Pochard 4,Tufted Duck 307(578 on 14/11/10),Goldeneye 7,Little Grebe 6,Great Crested Grebe 28,Cormorant 17,Grey Heron 5,Moorhen 3,Coot 319(1330 on 14/11/10 and 1016 this October),Golden Plover 46,Lapwing 290,Dunlin 6,Greenshank 1. Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2011-11-27All from Sheepwash Hide, 9 Pheasants, 13 Cormorants, 83 Canada Geese, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Pintail, 5 Goldeneye, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Mediterranean Gull, 5 Herring Gulls and c100 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-11-242 Red crested Pochard at Millfields. From the dam wall,5 Goldeneye, a Peregrine causing mass panic amongst the wader flock (Lapwing,Golden Plover and Dunlin) From Sheepwash,2 Pintail,c25 Dunlin,c100 Linnet,c30 Pied Wagtail,Raven and the late Greenshank still present.Clive Ashton
2011-11-232 Pintail, 8 Goldeneye, 50+ Golden Plover, 6 Snipe, Greenshank, male Peregrine, Buzzard, Kestrel, c30 Meadow Pipit, adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-11-2315 Dunlin flying with flock of Lapwings, landed near Dam Wall. 5 Redpoll with Gold and Bullfinches Millfield end of Fishtale Creek. 30 Lesser Blackback Gulls near Dam Wall. Nuthatch on feeder between Sheepwash and Visitor CentreEric Dewhurst
2011-11-23c30x Golden Plover over Fishtail Creek (early am), 63x Tree Sparrows counted on and around Ranger Base feeders, Female Sparrowhawk took a Collared Dove at Ranger Base(second time this month) this bird is frequently seen hunting around Visitor Centre car park, Tawny Owl calling from Shiningford CreekJohn Matkin
2011-11-22The Black Redstart was still present until around 15.30 at least. It was quite mobile and was often moving further up the Dam past the draw off tower. Also seen from the Dam Wall was 6 Gadwall, 6 Goldeneye, 112 Golden Plover, 7 Dunlin, 6 Snipe, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and 3 Herring Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-11-22Black Redstart at Millfields by draw-off tower at 1325hrs. 14 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank and pair Pintail at Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2011-11-215 Grey Heron, 72 Canada Geese, 7 Pheasants, 2 Pintail, 3 Goldeneye, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, c250 Golden Plover, 26 Dunlin, 530 Lapwing, Greenshank, Redshank, 6 Snipe, adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 120+ Common Gulls, Herring Gull, 15 Fieldfare and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-11-1924 Dunlin 1 Greenshank 100+ Golden Plover 2 Pintail 4 Goldeneye 1160 Wood Pigeon over north east 7 Skylark over 10+ Lesser Redpoll Peregrine.Clive Ashton
2011-11-17Mediterranean Gull 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult Greenshank 1 Dunlin 20 Paul Mollatt
2011-11-162 Pintail, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Grey Partridge on Stones Island, 51 Golden Plover, 20 Dunlin, Greenshank, 2 Snipe, 160 Common Gull, c5'500 Lesser Black-Backed Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls, 5 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Skylark, c30 Meadow Pipit, 24 Blackbirds, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Raven, 9 Bullfinch and c80 Linnet. Dave Newcombe
2011-11-15Early morning, at Sheepwash 1 Greenshank, 3 Dunlin, 2 Goldeneye, c.80 Linnet. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit at Lane end. Sailing Club: 14 Dunlin, c.90 Golden Plover. WLC: c.80 Pink-footed Goose over heading NE, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Gadwall. 1 Peregrine - appeared to upset vast flocks of Lapwing, and smaller flocks of Golden Plover and Dunlin in the distance at Sheepwash. Also, 1 juv Grey Partridge moulting into adult plumage photographed near Stones Island by a regular visitor.James Owen (STW vol)
2011-11-143 Whooper Swans flew North East at 10:30, 361 Golden Plover, 300+ Lapwing, 27 Dunlin, 7 Snipe, 1 Greenshank. Wildfowl included 3 Pintail (2 drakes),6 Goldeneye, 1 Common Scoter and 32 Pochard. Large flock of 92 Linnet at Sheepwash,12 Lesser Redpoll, Skylark.Gull roost included adult Mediterranean, 2 Yellow legged and Herring. Adult male Peregrine scattered the waders on several occassions. Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2011-11-13Female Pintail, 350+ Golden Plover, 21 Dunlin, Oystercatcher, 4 Snipe, adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 8 Herring Gulls, GBB Gull, male Sparrowhawk, Raven. We didn't see the 11 Bewick's Swans on site, although we did luckily see them flying over nearby Matlock after they had left. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-11-103 Little Egret,3 Goldeneye,284 Golden Plover,19 Dunlin,7 Snipe,3 YL Gull,100+ Linnet, Peregrine.Clive Ashton
2011-11-095 Grey Herons, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Shoveler, 276 Golden Plover (202 in front of Sheepwash and 74 in front of Sailing Club), 16 Dunlin, Redshank, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 115 Common Gulls, 56 Pied Wagtails, Kingfisher, 2 Skylark, 2 Reed Buntings, c50 Redwings, 25 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-11-08Grey Plover in front of Sheepwash Hide from 1530hrs, still there at dusk.Roger Carrington
2011-11-08Female Pintail, Goldeneye, 4 Snipe, Raven, 55 Linnet, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 4 Snipe, 148 Golden Plover (MAP had 151), Mark also had 17 Dunlin. Most of the Golden Plover are in front of Sheepwash Hide. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-11-0717 Little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 4 Goldeneye( 3 females and a 1st winter male), 25 Golden Plover, 7 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 90 Common Gulls, 11 Herring Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Great-black Backed Gulls on Dam Wall early a.m, 65 Pied Wagtails, 50+ Redwing, 6 Willow Tits, Raven and c50 Linnet. Dave Newcombe
2011-11-05Small flock of circa 20 Siskin David Naylor
2011-11-023 Grey Heron, drake Shoveler, 20 Pochard, 210 Lapwing, 7 Dunlin, 9 Golden Plover, Buzzard, Sparrohawk, Kestrel, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Mediterranean Gull, 84 Common Gulls, 100+ Meadow Pipits, 7 Skylark, 105 Wood Pigeon south, 90 Redwing, 10 Fieldfare and 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe
2011-11-01WLC: 1 Redshank, 1 Peregrine (f), 1 Kestrel (f) took prey - vole species, 1 redhead Goosander over. Sailing Club: 8 Golden Plover, 5 Dunlin, among many Lapwings.James Owen (STW vol.)
2011-10-31187 Lapwing, 10 Dunlin, 7 Golden Plover, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Buzzard, Kestrel, 4 Skylark, 11 Greylag Geese, c20 Meadow Pipits, 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-10-31 Great Black-backed Gull 1 first winter Herring Gull 6 adult and 1 first winter. One bird with a noticeable dark band round the end of the bill, which on checking when I got home equated to a 3rd winter Herring Gull. Yellow-legged Gull 2 first winter and 1 adult.Paul Mollatt
2011-10-27No messageClive Ashton
2011-10-26Dear Clive, Many thanks for your email regarding the colour ringed Mute Swans at Carsington.You have two very remarkable birds - good to know they are well and alive.Here are the ringing details: Yellow JCA - metal ring W00590. The bird was ringed as a young male (age code 5) on 22.07.00 at Burton on Trent. This means he was hatched in 1999 making him in his 12th year. Yellow 5XY - metal ring W03247. The bird was ringed as a young female (age code 5) on 18.11.00 also at Burton on Trent. This also means she was hatched in 1999 making her the same age as her mate. Hope this is of some use. Best wishes. Bert Coleman.Clive Ashton
2011-10-25Exceptionally quiet day at the WLC, on 32 species all day. Included 1 Redshank, 1 Gadwall, 22 Lapwing, flocks of c25 Redwing and c35 Fieldfare over, 2 Raven.James Owen (STW vol)
2011-10-2416 Gadwall, 22 Pochard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Ruff, Redshank, 10 Dunlin, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Mediterranean Gull, 47 Common Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, Grey Wagtail, Wheatear, 90 Redwing, Raven and c100 Starlings. Dave Newcombe
2011-10-2111 Dunlin, Ruff, Redshank, Kingfisher, Peregrine, 2 Yellowhammers over the Dam Wall, also 8 Skylark over, c55 Linnet at Sheepwash, 8 Pheasant, 27 Redwings and 3 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown/Clive Ashton
2011-10-21Oystercatcher, 10 Dunlin, Ruff, 2 Yellow legged Gulls, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult and 1st winter). Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-10-196 Grey Herons, 140 Greylag Geese, 3 adult Whooper Swans arrived on site around 08.30 and was still present until around 12.15 at least. Pintail, 10 Dunlin, Ruff, Ringed Plover, Yellow legged Gull, 31 Common Gulls, 2nd winter GBB Gull, 3 Herring Gulls, 4 Skylarks over, 2 Raven, 30 Siskin, Crossbils were heard over the Dam but not seen. At around 17.30 tonight a juvenile Arctic Skua was seen by MAP, it was seen to fly past Lane End hide and towards the Dam but wasn't seen again. Dave Newcombe
2011-10-18WeBS count for October. Water level 57.1%.Mute Swan 19,Greylag Goose 220,Canada Goose also 220,Ruddy Shelduck 1,Wigeon 320,Gadwall 30,Teal 282,Mallard 141,Pintail 1,Red-crested Pochard 2,Pochard 33,Tufted Duck 265,Little Grebe 11,Great Crested Grebe 37,Cormorant 30,Grey Heron 5,Peregrine 1,Moorhen 2,Coot 1016,Ringed Plover 1, Lapwing 34,Dunlin 9,Ruff 1,Snipe 1,Blac-headed Gull 58,Lesser Black-backed Gull 12,Yellow-legged Gull 1, Total Species 27 Total Birds 2763.Peter Gibbon
2011-10-17An adult Great Northern Diver was seen from Sheepwash Hide at around 10.30hrs. We watched it for a while before we left site. When we returned there was no further sign. Also of note today was c160 Greylag Geese, Pintail, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Ruff, 10 Dunlin, Rock Pipit, 3 Lesser Redpoll and a Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-10-16Red Kite, sheepwash hide. Was being mobbed by two lapwings and a grey heron.Claire Simpson

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