Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon RoddisClive and Alan saw the Wood Sandpiper at Sheepwash early morning, and a Greenshank dropped in there later. The Osprey was around again and caught a fish at around 9 and apparently another at 11. A female/juv-type Goldeneye was off Stones, perhaps the same bird as appeared a couple of times in July. 389 Pied and 7 Yellow Wagtails left their roost on Watersports island early morning, along with 25 Swallows. Totals of 22 Shoveler, 23 Pochard and at least 2 Red-crested Pochard. 2 Ruff and 8 Snipe at sailing club. 1+ Ringed Plover, and 6 Little Ringed (plus chicks) again at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay. 2 Great Egrets, 13 Little Egrets and 17 Grey Herons. Common Whitethroat in WLC creek and Alan had a Garden Warbler at Sheepwash. 150 Goldfinches on Stones.29/08/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Wood Sandpiper was visible from Sheepwash hide all morning, albeit that the shoreline is some distance away at the moment. Other waders: 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plovers (plus 3 large chicks), Green and Common Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Snipe and a fly-through Greenshank. 4 female/juv Red-crested Pochard were at sailing club early on and later at Millfields. 16 Shoveler. 29 Pochard. Adult Caspian Gull from Sheepwash early morning, and 5 Yellow-legs. 2 Great and 16 Little Egrets. Male and female Redstart and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 100 Goldfinches on Stones.28/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon: Wood Sandpiper (juv); Ringed Plover (1) Ad; LRPlover (4) - an adult plus 3 chicks/juvs, almost certainly the same ‘family’ as noted last week. Caspian Gull (Ad) (regular bird); YLGull (3) Ads; GBBGull (1) Ad; Osprey - disappeared towards the Visitor Centre then seen later with a small fish over Fishtail Creek.27/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonStar bird this morning was a Whinchat on the fence down the side of the overflow carpark, first of the year to the best of my knowledge. Waders comprised 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 7 Snipe. 2 female-type Red-crested Pochard were at the sailing club end of the dam wall. 12+ Shoveler. 1 Common Tern. 45 Cormorants. 10 Little Egrets flew in over WLC creek early morning. 2 Great Egrets. Lesser Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC creek. Kingfisher in Shiningford creek.27/08/2025
Simon RoddisA total of 20 Whimbrel, including a flock of 17, flew SW this morning, a new site record. Other waders: 1 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 2 Ruff and 2 Dunlin. Totals of 169 Teal and 14+ Shoveler. 32 Common Pochard and the female Red-crested at Millfields. 10 Swift over Millfields, my first here for over 2 weeks. 2 Common Terns. 2 adult Great Black-backs. Great Egret again in Brown Ale Bay. 40 Swallows. Common Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail at Millfields. 15+ Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood.26/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonPresumably the same Osprey as the last couple of days again for at least an hour this morning, hovering several times but we didn't see it catch anything. Three Peregrine sightings, quite possibly more than one bird. 1,200 Canadas and 174 Greylags out over the dam wall early morning. Total of 17 Shoveler, and 19 Pochard at Millfields. Black-tailed Godwit again at sailing club/dam wall, at least 3 Ruff, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 5 Snipe. Great Egret around Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Redstarts and a Spotted Flycatcher in WLC fields, and another Redstart in front of the cafe at the main centre. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall.25/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: Osprey (adult) fishing on and off for at least an hour; LRPlover - an adult plus two chicks/juvs, likely the same family as recent weeks albeit one chick down; Curlew (2); Ringed Plover (1); GWEgret (1); YLGull (1); The Osprey put paid to any gulls on the bank.24/08/2025
Simon RoddisA pretty decent morning. An Osprey flew past Stones and landed in a tree near Fishtail Creek; Paul Bennett saw presumably the same bird later from Sheepwash. A Marsh Harrier flew south just before 10:00 and kept on going. Duck included 149 Teal and 11 Shovelers. Waders included a Black-tailed Godwit again, 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Dunlin, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, Snipe, Common Sandpiper and Oystercatcher. Adult Caspian Gull off Stones. One Great and 16 Little Egrets. 2+ Willow Tits on Stones. c50 Swallows and 70 House Martins.24/08/2025
Simon RoddisA summer-plumage Black-tailed Godwit was at sailing club/dam wall this morning and the Ruff still at Sheepwash. Other waders were Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, 2 Snipe and 2 Oystercatchers. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and the Great Black-back again. 220 Pied and 1 Yellow Wagtail left the roost on Watersports island early morning. Common Whitethroat again in WLC creek and 4 Willow Warns at various spots.23/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Ruff (f), Ringed Plover, LRPlover; YLGull (4+) - 3+(Ads) and a Juv, Common Gull juv, GBBGull Juv.22/08/2025
Simon RoddisTwo Ospreys appeared over the res just after 10:15, one of them soon catching a fish and carrying it away while being chased and harried by Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Ruff at Sheepwash (found by R&A). 43 Greylags, the juvenile Shelduck still and a fleeting visit by 7 Goosander, presumably a family group. Adult Common Tern. 2 Great and 20 Little Egrets. 44 Cormorants. c50 Swallows and 40 House Martins. In WLC creek, at least 6 Blackcaps and single Common and Lesser Whitethroats feeding on berries, and another Common on Stones. Sedge Warbler on Stones. At least 2 Wheatears on the dam wall (plus 2 at Sheepwash later, per Clive A) and 7 Yellow Wagtails (6 on the dam wall, 1 over WLC creek). Also Siskin over WLC creek. SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD22/08/2025
Simon RoddisA Turnstone, Sanderling, Ringed Plover and Dunlin were around the sailing club end of the day wall this morning, but none appeared to stay long. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls. Possibly 2 female Red-crested Pochard, Horseshoe and Flat Islands. 1 Shelduck, looked like an adult female.21/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonAn Osprey flew south down the reservoir just after 09:00, putting all the gulls up out of Brown Ale Bay. Adult Caspian Gull still and 3 Yellow-legs. 750 Canadas and 20 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Female Red-crested Pochard at Flat Island. 13 Shoveler. 4 Ringed, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and a juvenile Peregrine at Sheepwash. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 1 at Sheepwash. A Reed Warbler singing quietly on Stones and a Yellow Wagtail at Sheepwash.20/08/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: drake Common scoter still from Sheepwash hide. Gulls: 1,500 Lesser Black-backs, 8 Yellow-legged (7 adults, 1 juvenile), 6 Common (4 adults, 2 juveniles), 450 Black-headed. 155 Rooks flew to roost.19/08/2025
Richard LoweThis afternoon of note from Sheepwash Hide: Osprey - flew from south to Brown Ale Bay then south again, lost to view. Common Scoter (drake); Wigeon (5); Red-crested Pochard (from Paul Stanley); GBB Gull (Juv); YL Gull (2) Ad+2nd s; Plus Dunlin and Ringed Plover on Sailing Club shore; Common Sandpiper and LRP (2) juvs in Brown Ale Bay.19/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe adult Caspian Gull was on Shiningford shore this morning. Totals of 5 Ringed Plover, 4 Snipe and 3 Dunlin. 9 Shoveler and 8 Pochard at Sheepwash. 12+ Little Egrets.19/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Ringed Plover (11); LR Plover - adult with two chicks plus single Juv; Redshank (2) juvs; YL Gull (3) Ads; Common Gull (1) Ad; very few (< 100) LBB Gulls compared to previous days.18/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe adult Caspian Gull was tucking into a well-matured dead fish in Brown Ale Bay this morning - rather him/her than me! 3 Yellow-legged and a rather tatty Common Gull. Waders included Redshank, Snipe, 2 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers at Sheepwash and Dunlin at sailing club. Juvenile Shelduck and female Red-crested Pochard still. 50 House Martins over the dam wall. Sedge Warbler at Sheepwash and Garden Warbler on Stones causeway. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall.18/08/2025
Simon RoddisA Golden Plover at sailing club was, I think, the first of the year here. Ruff and Dunlin still there too, 5 Ringed Plovers over Stones, and a Common Sandpiper and Oystercatcher at Hopton end. Juvenile Shelduck still. 126 Teal. 11 Shoveler at Sheepwash and a juvenile Peregrine putting up the gulls there. Juvenile Common Gull past Stones. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC creek.17/08/2025
Richard LoweLate afternoon of note: Red Kite, Greenshank (Juv), Black-tailed Godwit (c.4 flew out of Brown Ale Bay northwards), Caspian Gull (regular adult) and c. 4 YLGulls (ads) from Sheepwash; Ruff (Juv) and Dunlin in front of Sailing Club with calling Greenshank over.16/08/2025
Simon RoddisTwo Ospreys from Stones island this morning, one of them carrying a fish before disappearing behind Blackwall Plantation; probably a juvenile and an adult although they weren't together, the adult later reappearing at Sheepwash. At least 2 Hobbies over the north end. 8 Shoveler at Sheepwash. A female Ruff at sailing club (found by Mike Redfern) and Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again. Common Tern past Stones. 52 Cormorants. Redstart in WLC creek and Yellow Wagtail at Sheepwash.16/08/2025
Simon RoddisHighlight this morning was an Osprey which circled its way down the reservoir at around 10:30. 3 Ruffs (2m,1f) flew around for a few minutes but couldn't convince themselves to land and departed SE, while 3 Black-tailed Godwits flew behind Flat Island and may have landed in Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile Shelduck still, 115 Teal and the female Red-crested Pochard now up towards Sheepwash. 2 Snipe and a Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 2 Dunlin. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Peregrine at Millfields and Hobby over Hopton end. Skylark on the dam wall and Yellow Wagtails at Sheepwash and Millfields.15/08/2025
Richard LoweBlack Tern (6) - 2 moulting adults and 4 juvs from Sheepwash/Lane End hides at c.4pm onwards; Sanderling (1) and Ringed Plover (2) on Watersports Is.; a very brief female-type Marsh Harrier from Sheepwash car park; Caspian Gull (the regular adult) in front of Lane End hide plus at least 4 Ad YLGulls at Sheepwash with a summer plumaged Grey Plover. A very productive late afternoon!13/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA superb summer-plumage Grey Plover was at Sheepwash this morning. 2 Ringed Plovers there and another at sailing club with 3 Dunlin. Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile Mediterranean Gull loafing among BhGs at sailing club, and Green Woodpecker calling from the woods behind. Juvenile Shelduck still. 64 Teal. 8 Shoveler. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Yellow Wagtails at Sheepwash and Millfields. Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood and at Millfields. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 19 Crossbills over Hall Wood and a Siskin over Millfields.13/08/2025
Simon RoddisIn a slightly truncated visit this morning, a Green Woodpecker was calling in the woods below the dam wall; 7 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plovers and a Curlew were at sailing club; the adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret at Watersports; 20 Pochard at Sheepwash; and 175 Pied and 3 Yellow Wagtails left their roost on Watersports island.11/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyHighlight of this morning's wildfowl count were 2 Black-necked Grebes, probably juveniles, initially off Middle Wood and later at Shiningford, and 3 Turnstones on/around sailing club island (per JB). Numbers were: 463 Canada, 5 Barnacle, 5 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan (plus 4 large cygnets), 82 Gadwall, 468 Mallard, 29 Teal, 13 Pochard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 194 Tufted, 17 Moorhen, 977 Coot, 26 Little Grebe, 54 GCGrebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 5 Ringed Plover, 4 LRPlover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (10 later in Brown Ale Bay per CA), 2 Common and 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Dunlin, 47 Cormorant, 21 Little Egret, 1 Great Egret, 13 Grey Heron. Also a Hobby over Millfield, Yellow Wagtail over the north end, 2+ Crossbills over Hall Wood, Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood.10/08/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Arctic Tern was at sailing club this morning, and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay (winner of the best-looking-juvenile-gull award). 3 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 69 Gadwall just from the WLC, plus the female Red-crested Pochard. 19 Little Egrets. Redstart and 2 Garden Warblers on Stones, and another Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wagtails over the dam wall and WLC creek. 100 Linnets in WLC creek too.09/08/2025
Simon RoddisLong-stayers this morning included the adult Caspian Gull, juvenile Shelduck, family of 5 Barnacle Geese and the Great Egret. 28 Teal and 9 Pochard are both small increases. 228 Tufted. 2 Ringed and 4 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, plus a Yellow Wagtail, at Sheepwash. 3 Common Sandpipers between Sheepwash and Lane End, and Alan S had 2 Green Sandpipers in Brown Ale Bay. 4 Spotted Flycatchers at Hopton end/Hall Wood. 2 Garden Warblers and a juvenile Common Whitethroat on Stones, and another Whitethroat at Hopton end. Juvenile Redstart in WLC creek.08/08/2025
Richard LoweAt Sheepwash this afternoon: LRPlover (Ad) with 3 chicks recently hatched; Ringed Plover - 3+; YLGull - 4 Ads; Peregrine - Ad plus juvenile, the latter chasing BHG’s; Little Egret - 6;07/08/2025
Simon RoddisLots of singles this morning: Whimbrel flying SW high over the main centre, Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay, juvenile Little Ringed Plover at Sheepwash, Dunlin off the dam wall, adult Common Tern at sailing club, juvenile Shelduck again on Stones, female Red-crested Pochard at WLC, adult Caspian Gull at Watersports and a probable third-year at Sheepwash, Great Egret, Peregrine, Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in WLC fields, Common Whitethroat on Stones and Crossbill SW over Millfields. Plus 2 Garden Warblers and 5 Barnacle Geese on Stones, and 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash.07/08/2025
Simon RoddisBit of an arrival of coastal birds this morning, with an adult Sandwich Tern around sailing club, then at Millfields late morning, a Turnstone flew off the dam wall, 3 Ringed Plovers (courtesy of RPJ & AMD) at Millfields all morning, and a Dunlin. Long-stayers included the adult Caspian Gull, Great Egret and female Red-crested Pochard. 260 Canada Geese. 12+ Little Egrets. 2 Peregrines, the juvenile took a lump out of a Woodpigeon but flew on without stopping. In WLC fields, 2 Redstarts, 2 Lesser and a Common Whitethroat, and another Common on Stones. 12 Crossbills SW over the visitor centre mid-morning.06/08/2025
Simon RoddisTwo drake Common Scoters this morning, one off Sheepwash, the other between Stones and Millfields. Green Sandpiper at WLC. Juv Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Great Egret still present. 16 Little Egrets. 150 Canadas. 468 Mallard. 220 Tufted. 52 Cormorants. 22 Little Grebe. 8+ Spotted Flycatchers in 3 presumed family parties in Hall Wood (seems like they've had a good year), and 20 Crossbills over. 2 Redstarts at WLC/fields.05/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA drake Common Scoter was between Stones and Millfields this morning and the adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. Juvenile Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard and Great Egret still. A Green Sandpiper flew past Sheepwash hide and a Yellow Wagtail over Stones causeway. A trickle of Sand Martins flying into the breeze, 32 in 2 hours.04/08/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre. The grand total of 41 was surprisingly the highest of the year so far: House Sparrow; Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Woodpigeon, Red Kite, Buzzard, LIttle Egret, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, Goldfinch (a flock of 80+), Bullfinch, Shelduck, Magpie, Blackcap, Tufted Duck, Sedge Warbler, Wren, Swift, House Martin, Mallard, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Red-crested Pochard, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Redstart, Coot, Gadwall, Oystercatcher03/08/2025
Simon RoddisJuvenile Shelduck (still?) at Lane End/Stones island. 16 Teal. Female Red-crested Pochard still from WLC. Common Sandpiper at Lane End and Common Tern off Stones. Probable third-summer Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. 49 Cormorants. The Great Egret still and at least 17 Little, including the colour-ringed bird LV at Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields. 40 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning. Garden Warbler on Stones. In WLC creek, female Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat and juvenile Common Whitethroat (both 'throats' in the same scope view). Family party of at least 5 Spotted Flycatchers in Sheepwash carpark and 200+ Linnets in the meadows.03/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonFamily of 5 Barnacle Geese still. Juvenile Shelduck on Stones. 1 Dunlin at Sheepwash. Adult Caspian Gull still from Stones and an adult Common Tern. 38 Cormorant. One Great and a mere 27 Little Egrets. Hobby eating prey on the wing over the east side and 2 juvenile Kestrels in WLC fields. 3 Willow Tits (Brown Ale Bay, Stones and Millfields). 5 Redstarts and a Common Whitethroat in WLC fields. 12 Crossbills SW over Sheepwash.02/08/2025
Dave ArmittLittle Egret 16, Grey Heron 5 , Pochard 4, Pied Wagtail 10, Cormorant 30, Yellow leg Gull sheep wash , Sand martin 2, Buzzard 1,Little Grebe 2, Great White Egret 1,Common Scoter, Barnacle goose 4, two flocks of Gold Finch 20+, Blackcap 2,Redstart 1,Swift 1,Swallow 1, RC Pochard 1, Oystercatcher 2,Gadwall 20 , Chiffchaff 101/08/2025
SJR, AHS, MJRAnother day, another record count of Little Egrets: 30 this morning, including 13 roosting at Shiningford. The Great Egret on Stones too, and a drake Common Scoter offshore. Female Red-crested Pochard from the WLC. A Black-tailed Godwit, a Redshank (heard earlier over Millfields) and 2 Dunlin were at Sheepwash late morning. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports. Juvenile Peregrine upsetting the gulls at Millfields. Around Stones and the WLC, 4+ Redstarts, 2 Willow Warblers, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, several Sedge and lots of Blackcaps.01/08/2025
David GriffinYellow Wagtail in rocks half way between sailing club and dam walk, flew towards dam wall.31/07/2025
Simon RoddisA female-type Goldeneye was off Flat Island this morning, presumably the same bird as last week. Female Red-crested Pochard still. 84 Gadwall. One Great and at least 22 Little Egrets. 3 Common Sandpipers at Lane End and a Dunlin past Millfields. Immature Common Gull over Stones and 7 Yellow-legs on Sheepwash spit. Peregrine from Stones and 2 Buzzards, an adult and a noisy juvenile, over Hall Wood. On Stones, 2 Willow Tits, a juvenile Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler. 3 Spotted Flycatchers between Hall and Middle Woods.31/07/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Knot in slightly fading summer plumage was on the Brown Ale Bay side of Sheepwash spit early morning, along with 4 Dunlin. Four drake Common Scoters were off Stones island mid-morning. 5 Barnacle Geese still. 484 Mallard (site record) and c900 Coot. Adult Caspian Gull, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and a pair of Common Terns. One Great and 13 Little Egrets. 1+ Peregrine. 20 Sand Martins came out of Hopton reedbed early morning, closely followed by 20 Swallows. Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end, presumably for a second brood. Family party of c5 adult and fledged juvenile Spotted Flycatchers in the bottom of Hall Wood. 1 Redstart in WLC fields.30/07/2025
Simon Roddis6 Dunlin were on Sheepwash spit early morning, a Ringed Plover over Stones later and a Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 3 Common Terns. Adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. One Great and 15 Little Egrets. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Redstart in WLC fields.29/07/2025
Simon RoddisSmall stuff caught the eye this morning: Spotted Flycatcher and juvenile Whitethroat in Tail Bay, make Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in 'warbler corner' on Stones; 3 more Redstarts in WLC fields, Willow Tits in Tail Bay and on Stones, and a Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. Plus Peregrine, Dunlin, 10 Swifts moving through, Red-crested Pochard, Great Egret, and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls among 335 Lesser Black-backs on Sheepwash spit.28/07/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDWildfowl this morning included 5 female/juv Shoveler off the dam wall, 1 juvenile Shelduck, female R-cPochard still and 2 Common Pochard. A Dunlin landed on Watersports island. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 36 Cormorant. One Great and 21 Little Egrets. Hobby over the dam wall and it or another later over the north end, and juvenile Peregrine over the main centre. Skylark and 5 Yellow Wagtails on/over the dam wall. Female Redstart in WLC fields and another reported at WLC.27/07/2025
Simon RoddisA pair of Common Scoter were out in the middle this morning, the first for a while. Female Red-crested Pochard, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Great Egret still. 2 Dunlin flying around Stones island and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe. Yellow Wagtail and Skylark on/over the dam wall. 2 Redstarts and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.26/07/2025
Simon RoddisNo sign of yesterday's Goldeneye from WLC but the female Red-crested Pochard was there, and 2 Peregrines (adult and juv?) overhead. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 5 female/juv Redstarts in WLC fields/Shiningford creek, and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Spotted Flycatcher in Millfields viewing area and a Crossbill over.25/07/2025
Simon RoddisA female-type Goldeneye from WLC is my first here in July (and I think a site first too). Adult Caspian Gull still but mobile, last seen on Sheepwash spit with 2 adult Yellow-legs. 600+ Coot. 15 Little and 64 GCGrebes. One Great and 12+ Little Egrets. 1 Redshank at sailing club. 39 Cormorants. Peregrine on the usual pylon. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Crossbill over Hall Wood.24/07/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonBarnacle Goose family still present, the 3 young now able to fly. 2 full-grown juvenile Mandarins at Millfields. 24 Teal. Female Red-crested Pochard still off Horseshoe island. 52 GCGrebe. 2 Common Sandpipers at Sheepwash. Pair of Common Terns again at sailing club. Adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls including 2 juveniles at Sheepwash. At least 4 juvenile Lesser Black-backs, first I've seen this year. 1 Great and 16 Little Egrets. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Fledged Reed Warblers in Brown Ale Bay. Female Redstart in WLC fields and juvenile Bullfinch at Shiningford.23/07/2025
Simon Roddis1 Great and 13 Little Egrets this morning. 59 Gadwall. 10 Common and one female Red-crested Pochard still. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls, plus 4 Common. 4 GSWoodpeckers. 2, maybe 3 Peregrines. Lesser Whitethroat near WLC and 2 female-type Redstarts in the fields. 130 Linnets south of Sheepwash and 30 on Stones. 4 Crossbill SW.22/07/2025
SJR, AHS, CAJust a few bits and pieces this morning: juvenile Peregrine around Stones island, 2 Great and at least 8 Little Egrets, 2+ Garden Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones, Yellow Wagtail over, female-type Redstart in WLC creek and a Crossbill SW.21/07/2025


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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