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
2011-08-26A good afternoon. Started at Sheepwash where there were 5 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 1 Pochard and 7 Wigeon. Went onto Stones, in the rain, and had 3 LRP,3 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover and a Dunlin. The wildlife centre held a Snipe and the Red crested Pochard. Back to Brown ale bay, where a Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3+LRP and 1 Ringed Plover were present. (Roger also had 2 Greenshank at Millfields) Into Sheepwash again, where Roger picked a group of waders, which turned out to be 17 Knot. We watched 7 fly high to the north east, then the other 10 made another atempt to land, but eventually flew towards Stones. Later a Yellow Wagtail on Stones and 2 Yellow legged Gulls from Stones.Clive Ashton
2011-08-2511 Grey Heron all at Sheepwash, 6 Wigeon, c90 Teal, drake Red Crested Pochard, drake Common Pochard, 2 Buzzards, 2 Kestrel. 5 Turnstone flew past Sheepwash and towards Stones Island. Unfortunately they couldn't be re-located. 2 Greenshank at Sheepwash. Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay. Yellow-legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail, 13 Chiff Chaff including several in song, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Whitethroat and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-25Dam Wall:3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sand Martin, 7 Rook, 1 Golden Plover flying low north, 1 Greenshank. WLCentre: 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Yellow-legged Gull. Stones Island: 1 Yellow Wagtail. 1 Whitethroat. Sheepwash: 1 Greenshank, 2 Peregrine together, 4 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall. Brown Ale Bay: 1 Green Sandpiper.Roger Carrington
2011-08-248+ Grey Heron, 5 Wigeon, 71 Teal, drake Red Crested Pochard, Pochard, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff briefly at Sheepwash but couldn't be re-located, Green Sandpiper, 8 Common Sandpiper, 4 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 91 Pied Wagtails, several Yellow Wagtails. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-22Short stay around midday. Only common bird species noted. Butterflies: Peacock, Small White, Large White, Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Gatekeeper and Small Copper. Plants in bloom: Red Goosefoot & Brooklime (blue) not previously reported. Berries: A sign of autumn approaching. The following red berries were seen:- Guelder Rose, Woody Nightshade, Dog Rose (Hips) and Hawthorn (Haws). Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-22The main highlight today was seeing 19 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island around teatime. We could hear some calling and then had a flock of 17 fly in front of us and then over our heads. We then picked out another 2 in flight. Also seen today was 11 Grey Heron, 8 Greylag Geese, 4 Wigeon, drake Red Crested Pochard, 4 Buzzards, Peregrine (twice), Hobby, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 5+ Common Sandpipers, Yellow Legged Gull, 100+ Swallow and 5 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-21A couple of hours on site this evening. Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper. A total of 10 Plovers, one of these was a Ringed Plover and the other 9 all looked like Little Ringed but viewed from distance. A total of 38 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon and drake Red Crested Pochard. 2 Yellow Wagtails, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Greylag Geese, Buzzard and Kestrel. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-08-208 LRP mainly juvs, 1 adult Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper all at Paul Stanley Hide. 403 Canada Geese total count, 6 Greylag at Millfields. 1 Juv Ruff with Lapwings around WLC.Roger Carrington
2011-08-20Only a few hours on site today. 78 Teal, 4 Wigeon, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, 6 Greylag Geese, 2 Kestrel, 8 Common Sandpipers, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, and the Yellow Legged Gull. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-08-19No sign of yesterdays spotted redshank. 1 Wheatear on dam wall 0700hrs. 1 Yellow Wagtail over WLC Creek and Redstart there. 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plover from Paul Stanley Hide. Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 0950hrs mobbed by Peregrine and 2 Buzzards, later mobbed by 3 Herons with their necks outstretched, last seen at 1030hrs. Roger Carrington
2011-08-19Juvenile Spotted Redshank first found in Brown Ale Bay, the Paul Stanley side of Sheepwash Spit. This area is best viewed from the new path and is currently pulling in a few Waders. Also seen there was 6 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 6 Common Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper. The Spot Red then flew and was re-located at the Wildlife Centre and a little later it was seen from Sheepwash Hide. Also seen today was a Little Egret, 12 Grey Heron, 4 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, Red Crested Pochard, 2 Peregrines, 2 Buzzards, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, 2 Wheatear, Stock Dove, Whitethroat, 85 Pied Wagtails and a singing Reed Warbler at the Wildlife Centre.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-17Little Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, 5 juvenile Shelduck flew in just before lunch, Wigeon, c25 Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, 2 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, Ruff flew in late evening, Curlew, Greenshank, 7 Common Sandpiper, Common Gull, Yellow-Legged Gull, lots of Swallows moving south, 3 Yellow Wagtails, female Wheatear, 7 Song Thrush in woods near Sheepwash Hide, Whitethroat, Raven, c100 Goldfinch on Stones Island and 2 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-16Sheepwash: 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 3 Raven, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Kestrel, 2 Stock Dove. WLC: 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Linnet. Also, 1 Redstart near Shiningford Creek.James Owen (STW vol)
2011-08-16WeBS count for August:Mute Swan 13(adults and excluding 6 cygnets),Canada Goose 247,Gadwall 15,Teal 25,Mallard 319,Red-crested Pochard 1,Tufted Duck 277,Little Grebe 19,Great Crested Grebe 42,Cormorant 23, Little Egret 2, Grey Heron 4,Moorhen 7,Coot 664,Oystercatcher 1,Little Ringed Plover 4,Ringed Plover 1,Common Sandpiper 7,Redshank 1,Black-headed Gull 19,Yellow-legged Gull 2.Peter Gibbon
2011-08-15Comprehensive bird reports already submitted for today by others but it's worth mentioning Chiffchaff singing on Stones Island plus a Willow Warbler seen. Very few birds seem to be singing. Also seen: 7-spot Ladybird and Common Blue Damselfly. Many butterflies seen in the sunshine. Species identified: Brimstone, Gatekeeper, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Large White, Peacock and Small Copper. Many flowering plants are now past their best. However, the following species have not previously been reported and are around in profusion: Hedge Bindweed (white), Autumn Hawkbit (yellow) and Cat's-ear (yellow).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-1554 species seen. Including: Yellow Wagtail and Yellow-Legged Gull at Sheepwash, Spotted Flycatcher between Sheepwash carpark and bombing tower, Redstarts showing well (x1 Shiningford Creek, x2 WLC Creek),x2 Grey Wagtail on far bank of Shiningford Creek, x27 Goldfinches on Stones Island, Green Woodpecker over Ranger Base at 12:45, 6x Little Grebes and Red-Crested Pochard at WLC (pm).John Matkin
2011-08-1532 Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets, 12 Grey Heron, Wigeon, 25 Teal, 15+ Gadwall, eclipse drake Red Crested Pochard, 5 Buzzard, juvenile Peregrine, Oystercatcher, Redshank, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 3 Whimbrel flew in late evening, 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 adult Yellow-Legged Gulls, 800 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 2 Stock Doves, Skylark on Dam Wall, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Linnets. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-142 calling curlews over visitor centre at 12.00noon, heading south.David Bennett
2011-08-14Dam wall 0700hrs: 70 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Stones Island: 8 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Shiningford Creek: 1 Greensandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Millfields: 1 Drake Wigeon, 1 Common Sandpiper. Sheepwash: 1 Greenshank. Paul Stanley Hide: 2 Common Sandpiper, LRP family. Other sightings (by RMRJ) 2 Whimbrel over SW, 4 Little Egret at Sheepwash plus 1 Sanderling briefly 0900hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-08-14The juvenile Little Stint that was found by Clive on Friday evening was still present early on Saturday morning but then more than likely left site. Some sightings for Friday include 11 Grey Heron, 2 Greenshank, 3 Turnstone, 12 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, Curlew, 8 Little Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Yellow Wagtail. Some sightings for Saturday include 27 Cormorants, 29 Mute Swans, Little Egret, 10+ Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, 14 Teal, 3 Buzzard, 8 Common Sandpiper, 7 Ringed Plover (16 recorded earlier), 4 Dunlin, Whimbrel, Ruff, 2 adult Sandwich Terns, Yellow Legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Raven, 2 Swift, c50 Goldfinch, 2 Linnets, and 3 Crosssbil flew over Hopton End.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-1025 Cormorants, 10 Grey Heron, Little Egret, 29 Mute Swans including the pair with 6 young, 261 Canada Geese, 11 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 2 Wigeon, female Tufted Duck with 2 young (was 5 on Monday), 2 Buzzards, juvenile Peregrine. Green Sandpiper at Millfields. 7 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover. A juvenile Knot on Stones Island this evening. 2 adult Yellow-Legged Gulls, c50 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 3 Redstarts and 5 Swift. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-09Of note: Grey Heron (1), Tufted Ducks including a female with 5 tiny ducklings, Little Ringed Plover (3) - adult & 2 juvs, edge of Stones Island; Black-tailed Godwit (1) - in small bay between the Wildlife Centre [WLC] & Watersports Centre; Common Sandpiper (2) - just outside main window of WLC; Willow Warbler (4); Tree Sparrow (60+) - WLC feeding station. Gatekeeper butterfly. Plants in bloom not previously mentioned: Great Mullein (or Aaron's Rod) [yellow] and Rough Hawkbit [yellow].Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-088+ Grey Heron, Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, Teal, Pochard, Shoveler, female Tufted Duck with 5 fresh young and female Mallard with 6 fresh young. 3 Peregrines together from Sheepwash. Also 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. At least 6 Ringed Plover. 4 of these were with 4 Turnstone near the Sailing Club this evening. 6+ Little Ringed Plover including an adult with 3 young. 3 Dunlin, Black-Tailed Godwit present all day on Horseshoe Island, and 6+ Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 7 Collared Dove including a juvenile, 3 Swift. 5 Redstart in field behind Wildlife Centre, 2 Wheatear and 2 Raven. Finally c70 Tree Sparrows at the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-039 Little Grebe, Little Egret, 27 Mute Swan including the pair with 6 young, 16 Teal, 7 Gadwall, female Peregrine, 2 Buzzard, Greenshank, c5 Common Sandpipers, Oystercatcher, adult Yellow-Legged Gull, 3 Common Tern, Kingfisher, c75 Housemartin,, 7 Willow Tits, Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-02Of note: A Great Crested Grebe on a nest at the edge of Wildlife Centre Creek (northern side). Two female Mallards with 2 young & four young respectively. Lapwing (~20) - Horseshoe Island [HI]. Common Sandpiper (2) - HI. Common Tern (1) - fishing by the Stones Island causeway. House Martin (~30) around the visitor centre. Pied Wagtail (2 juvs). Yellowhammer (1 male) just off site. Common Blue damselflies. Butterflies: Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Large White, Small White and Small Copper (many). Plants in bloom but not previously reported: Redshank (pink flower & red stem), Zigzag Clover (very dark red) - a first for us; Water Mint (pale blue) and Gipsywort (white).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-017 Little Grebe, 10 Grey Heron, 11 Gadwall, 2 Teal, Sparrowhawk with prey, 3 Oystercatchers, 4+ Common Sandpipers, 4+ Little Ringed Plovers, Black-Tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Common Tern (adult and 2 juveniles straight through South), 100+ Swallows, 50+ House Martin, 3 Redstart and 2 Linnets. A Marsh Tit was heard calling near to Sheepwah Hide morning only. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-311 Greenshank 1 Black tailed Godwit 3+ Common Sandpiper 2 Common Scoter 1 Teal YL GullClive Ashton
2011-07-30Sheepwash hide at 18:00hr-2 Greenshank1 Little Egret4 Common ScoterA mole crawling on the dry bank was attacked and killed by 3 Magpies.A Southern Hawker dragonfly was taken by a Blackbird.Clive Ashton
2011-07-302 ravens soaring high over visitor centre. 2 greenshanks were feeding at sheepwash hide.Alex Barnett
2011-07-292 Greenshank at Sheepwash 1 Little Egret at Sheepwash 3 Common Sandpiper 1 Dunlin c8 Little ringed Plover 24 Cormorant 8+ Heron Wigeon,Gadwall,Yellow legged Gull. Clive Ashton /Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-07-292x Red Kites over Fishtail Creek at 18:45. Observed for about half an hour then drifted northeast.John Matkin
2011-07-28Little Egret on Horseshoe Island 0800hrs. 9 linnet on Stones Island. 2 Green Sandpiper in flight then settled at Millfields. 1 Wheatear on dam wall. Young Common Buzzards calling from Hall Wood. 11 Great Tit on Paul Stanley feeders and pair of Moorhen with 2 chicks on pond there. Counts: 263 Canada Geese, 21 Cormorant, 19 Mute Swan plus pair with 6 cygnets, 9 Heron, 3 Common Sandpiper. Butterflies: small tortoiseshell, gatekeepers, meadow browns and a small skipper in WLC Creek.Roger Carrington
2011-07-28We were only on site for a couple of hours yesterday. 12 Grey Heron, 21 Cormorants, 3 Common Sandpipers at Sheepwash. Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Common Tern. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-281 Little Egret flew N over the Hopton Reedbed at @7.45pm (seemed to be flushed by a Hot Air Ballon Launched from behing Carsington Village) 2 Common Scoters in centre of reservoir. 1 Common Sandpiper Hopton Arm. 8 'red head' Goosander Steph and Paul Hicking
2011-07-25Short visit: Species worth a mention: Little Grebe (1), Swallow (1), House Martin (12), Grey Wagtail (1), Pied Wagtail (10) - mostly juveniles, Willow Warbler (2), Rook (2) and Reed Bunting (1). Dave and Clive : Re: juvenile Little Ringed Plovers comment. Good points but ours was not a juvenile bird; it was definitely an adult Ringed. Just passing through I guess.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-07-255 Little Grebe, 19 Cormorants, 25 Mute Swan including 6 juveniles, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk with prey at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers, 10+ Little Ringed Plover including an adult with 4 small young, 5 Common Sandpipers, Yellow-legged Gull, c50 Housemartins, 65 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail on Sheepwash Spit, Grasshopper Warbler reeling near to Millfields Island, 5 Linnet and a Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-24I know nothing about this eagle report! I do not know why it has been sent to our Website as the record was so far away from Carsington. It will be removed when possible.Roger Carrington
2011-07-24White Tailed Eagle flying not at great height towards Castleton area away from Hope/Bradwell. Looked like a mature bird certainly not a juvenile bird. Having watched these birds in the North West Highlands for 12 plus years I was amazed to see this bird over this part of the country. I nearly crashed the car as it flew overhead! Once seen never mistaken for anything else. I note that a similar bird was seen in Lincolnshire at the end of June. Hope someone else sees it, was heading Westerly direction.Ryan
2011-07-214 Pochard, 5+ Little Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, Curlew, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 270 Black-headed Gulls including 55 juveniles, 180 Lesser-black Backed Gulls, 4 Common Gulls, Common Tern, 2 adult and at least 2 juvenile Reed Warblers at Hopton End, also one singing at the Wildlife Centre along with a Sedge Warbler. Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood, 3 Siskin, 2 Greenfinch and a Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-19Still several Common Sandpipers on site, but nowhere near yesterdays count of 18. 6 Dunlin,1 Sanderling,3+ Little Ringed Plover,2 Oystercatcher,Several sightings of Peregrine,Adult Yellow legged Gull,Juvenille Mediterranean Gull,Common Tern.Clive Ashton
2011-07-19The water levels at Carsington are dropping fast and providing ideal conditions for Waders. Yesterday we had at least 18 Common Sandpipers. 14 together at Sheepwash including 2 juveniles and 4 at the Wildlife Centre. We believe this to be a site record after 17 were recorded in July 1993. Also yesterday was 7 Dunlin at the Wildlife Centre including a juvenile, 6+ Little Ringed Plover, c50 Lapwing, a Redshank and an Oystercatcher. Mark Pass had another 4 Redshank on Stones Island in the evening. Other sightings include adult Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, c50 Tree Sparrows at the WLC, and c20 Long-tailed Tits and c20 Goldfinch on Stones Island.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-18On site for a short time in the early afternoon. Of note: Mallard including a female with 3 tiny ducklings. Moorhen (1) - on Wildlife Centre (WLC) feeding station! Where have all the Moorhens gone? Oystercatcher (1). Ringed Plover (1) - just outside WLC main window. No eye ring. A very plump bird. Lapwing (20). Dunlin (3) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Strong summer plumage. Redshank (1) - HI. Common Sandpiper (2) - outside WLC main window. Pied Wagtail - including 2 juveniles. Long-tailed Tits (3) - Stones Island (SI). Goldfinch (12) - an active flock on SI. Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-07-18WeBS count for July:Great Crested Grebe 32,Little Grebe 4,Cormorant 9,Grey Heron 5,Mute Swan 25,Canada Goose 359,Mallard 228,Tufted Duck 182,Pochard 2,Moorhen 7,Coot 408,Dunlin 7,Common Sandpiper 11,Redshank 1,Little Ringed Plover 3,Lapwing 16,Black-headed Gull 38,Common Gull 1,Common Tern 1,Peregrine 1,Sparrowhawk 1.Peter Gibbon
2011-07-17Pair of Dunlin, in bay between water sports centre and Stones Island, at middayNeil Venables
2011-07-151 Green Sandpiper flying and calling around Stones Island 0830hrs. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at Wildlife Centre. 110 Black-headed Gulls on Horseshoe Island, 2 Common Tern past Stones Island, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash Spit, 326 Canada Geese.Roger Carrington
2011-07-1413 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, drake Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 drake Pochard, 7 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Common Terns. Spotted Flycatcher family still at Millfields. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-07-1312 Cormorants, 8 Grey Heron, Mute Swans with 6 young, 4 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 6 Buzzards, female Sparrowhawk, 3 Oystercatcher, 7 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1st summer Herring Gull, adult Yellow Legged Gull, juv Great Spotted Woodpecker, c50 Swift. Pair of Spotted Flycatchers feeding 3 recently fledged juveniles at Millfields. At around 19.20hrs 5 Greenshank were spotted to the right of Sheepwash Hide. They were looking jittery and soon took flight towards the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-11Of note: Common Pochard (1 male), Common Buzzard (1), Oystercatcher (1); Common Sandpiper (2) - immediately in front of the main Wildlife Centre window. They were very lively! Sand Martin (1), Pied Wagtail (2). Only 28 species identified around midday.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-07-118 Grey Heron, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, drake Pochard, female Tufted Duck with 3 young, Mallard with fresh brood of 10 young, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, 5 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, Yellow Legged Gull, Green Woodpecker and 2 Spotted Flycatchers. Roger found 3 Black-Tailed Godwits late afternoon at the Wildlife Centre. I had a look and they were still present at 19.00hrs.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-0628 Mute Swans, 4 Grey Heron, 347 Canada Geese, 5 Gadwall, 4 Teal, female Tufted Duck with 4 young, 2 Peregrines, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk seen on 3 occasions including one with prey, Kestrel, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 2 juvenile Ringed Plover, 5 Oystercatcher, adult Yellow Legged Gull, Common Tern, adult and juvenile Redstart, family of 5 Dunnocks, and a Raven. Dave Newcombe

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