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
2011-05-08Adult and 1 juvenile GN diver together in middle of water between Lane End hide and Fishtail Creek, watched for an hour(late afternoon) until the juvenile flew off. Adult produced ritualised aggression display to the juvenile which lasted several minutes and included wailing.John Babb
2011-05-07Osprey sitting on nest platform for two hours from 07.00 despite mobbing by Jackdaws and Black-headed Gulls. Also 2 divers, 1 Whimbrel and 4 Common Tern.Peter Gibbon
2011-05-06No sign of Osprey this evening, but 4 Little ringed Plovers,4 Common sandpipers and 7 Mute Swans.Clive Ashton
2011-05-06Osprey still on Lane End perch early morning, flew from perch about 0900hrs and was fishing near Millfields at 1010hrs when disturbed by helicopter, no sign by 1100hrs. Adult and juv Great Northern Diver also.Roger Carrington
2011-05-06As Roger has already mentioned an Osprey was found yesterday evening on the new perch at Lane End. Although I didn't see it catch a fish it was seen flying around the wildlife centre with a fish being chased by an Oystercatcher. Also seen yesterday was the adult and juvenile Great Northern Divers. A pair of Gadwall, 3 Dunlin, c5 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers, Greenshank, 5 Common Gulls, 2 Common Terns, Arctic Tern (C Brown). Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-05-05Osprey found at 1840hrs on Lane End Osprey perch by John Bradley. Still there at 2000hrs eating a fish. White ring on left leg marked KR.Roger Carrington
2011-05-04Barnacle Goose (14), Little Ringed Plover (2) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Lapwing (8), Black-tailed Godwit (1) - Stones Island (SI), Dunlin (2) - SI, Redshank (1) - HI, and Song Thrush (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-05-04Both the adult and juvenile Great Northern Divers still present. The wild Barnacle Goose (ADZ) with the feral flock. 6 Mute Swan, Shelduck, 4 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 5+ Little Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, Curlew, 2 Bar Tailed Godwits, 3+ Common Sandpipers, 2 Common Terns, Yellow Wagtail, 40+ Swift, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-032 Great Northern Divers (adult and juvenile). Grey Heron, 3+ Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, female Peregrine, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, Lapwing chick on Horseshoe Island, Dunlin, Snipe, 2 Bar Tailed Godwits, Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Common Sandpipers, Black Tern, 2 Common Terns, 31+ Swift, 2 Sedge Warblers and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-02During the monthly 'birdwatching for beginners' walk (1st Sunday of month, 10am-noon), led by STW volunteer ranger David Bennett, the following were recorded ... Highlights: Adult Gt Northern Diver was giving great and close views in front of the watersports centre, two Swifts flew over Stones Island, several warblers, notably Garden Warblers, were singing well on Stones Island; also (no specific quantities, sorry!) Canada and Barnacle Geese, Dunlin, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover (seen 'coupling' - so at least two!), Lapwing, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Reed Bunting, House Martin, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Wren, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Robin and Starling.Gary Atkins
2011-05-011 Waxwing perched and calling at entrance to Sheepwash car park 0600hrs. 2 Stock Doves under Sheepwash feeders. 7 Swift and 1 Yellow Wagtail over Stones Island. 2 Snipe at Wildlife Centre. 3 Great Northern Divers including summer plumage adult. 1 Common and 6 Arctic Terns thru.Roger Carrington
2011-04-291 Artic Tern on Sheepwash Island early morning only. 4 common sandpiper and 2 LRP later. 2 juv + 1 summer plumage adult great northern diver. Wild Barnacle with leg ring ADZ still on Stones Island with feral flock.Roger Carrington
2011-04-292 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel past, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper all at Sheepwash. 46 Arctic Terns thru North at 1920hrs. 2 Common Terns thru North at 1950hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-04-27The following were of particular interest on our short visit to the site:Great Northern Diver (adult) - off Horseshoe Island (HI), a Great Crested Grebe sitting on a nest just off HI near the wildlife centre, Barnacle Goose (3), a Moorhen standing by a nest on the edge of HI (this is a different nest to the one mentioned on the 18th April), Lapwing (5), Little Ringed Plover (1) - HI, Redshank - a pair mating on HI and Swallow (3).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-273 Great Northern Divers still present. Both juveniles were seen flying around several times. And with the adult also being seen in flight over the last few days it looks like all three will soon be leaving us. The adult in breeding plumage really is worth a look before it goes. The 'wild' Barnacle Goose (ADZ) is still present with the regular feral flock. Also of note today was a Grey Heron, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, Snipe, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Redshank, 3 Buzzards, 2 LBB Gulls, a 1st summer Common Gull, 3 Common Terns and 2 Raven. A walk between Millfields and Hopton End produced 28 Blackcap, 19 Willow Warbler, 7 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat and 4 Common Whitethroat. Dave Newcombe
2011-04-26A Green Woodpecker flew over towards the visitor centre at 08:30hr, an Arctic Tern flew north between 10:10 and 10:25hr. Still 3 GN Divers with the adult now looking very smart,2 Common Sandpipers and 4 LR Plovers. Barnacle Goose ADZ still present.Clive Ashton
2011-04-25Sacred Ibis seen on Horseshoe Island. First reported 15:30John Matkin
2011-04-24WeBS count for April: Mute Swan 4, Canada Goose 59, Greylag 1,Barnacle Goose 15, Mallard 55, Tufted Duck 126, Great Northern Diver 3,Little Grebe 2,Great Crested Grebe 46, Cormorant 3, Moorhen 4, Coot 67, Oystercatcher 9, Little Ringed Plover 6, Lapwing 12,Snipe 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Redshank 3, Black-headed Gull 20.Peter Gibbon
2011-04-221 Yellow Wagtail, 32 Carrion Crow and 12 Rooks on dam wall and fields. Pied Flycatcher and 2 Goldcrest singing in Hall Wood. 2 Lesser Whitethroat, at top of Sheepwash car park and Hopton End. 2 Common Whitethroat, at Wildlife Centre and Hopton End. 2 Common Terns on Flat Island. 1 Common Sandpiper on the small new Sheepwash Island. 2 juvenile Great Northern Divers close in to Sheepwash Hide at 10:00hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-04-21Much the same as yesterday but with 5 Shellduck coming into land just in front of the Paul Stanley hide this morning. Whitethroat this afternoon around the reed beds.Adam Jones
2011-04-211 Ringed Plover flying around Stones Island with 3 Little Ringed Plover at 07.45 hrs.Neil Moulden
2011-04-202 Wheatear and 3 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall and a female Sparrowhawk over. Sedge Warbler singing on Stones Island. Lesser Whitethroat singing at the back of Sheepwash Car Park. 3 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash (2 juvs and adult). Pair of Goldeneye, Common Sandpiper, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, 5+ Redshank, Yellow Wagtail on Sheepwash Spit and 4+ Garden Warbler. Shortly after 18.00 I was standing near the Watersports Centre and looked out on to the water and saw 3 Black Terns. By the time I had walked on to Stones Island there were 5 Black Terns. Whilst on Stones a Ringed Plover flew over and then a little later on a Whimbrel flew past. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-20Sheepwash car park feeders:2 Willow Tit,6 Bullfinch,3 Tree Sparrow, Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (juv),1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher,4 Lapwing, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker on feeder, Reed Beds: 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Reed WarblerAdam Jones
2011-04-20Sheepwash car park feeders:2 Willow Tit,6 Bullfinch,3 Tree Sparrow, Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (juv),1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher,4 Lapwing, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker on feeder, Reed Beds: 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Reed WarblerAdam Jones
2011-04-2008:45 - 11:30 Millfieds and Penn Carr. - (4+)nr Swallow, 4nr Black Cap in 2 pairs M/F, 10 pairs G.C Grebe courting / nest building & sitting. 1nr Oystercatcher near possible nest site on island, 2nr Little Grebe possible pair in Penn Carr, 1nr Mute Swan near sailing club.David Edmonds
2011-04-19Of note: Barnacle Goose (8), a female Mallard with 10 ducklings, a nesting Moorhen on very small island next to Horseshoe Island, Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (2) plus Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-191 Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island until 08.25 hrs at least. Wild Barnacle Goose on Stones Island. 2 Little Ringed Plover at Sailing ClubNeil Moulden
2011-04-19Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (Adult) towards dam wall, 2 Redshank, 2 G C Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Lapwing, GSW (drumming)Sheepwash feeders: 6 Bullfinch, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit, Stones Island: 2 Barnacle GeeseAdam Jones
2011-04-191 Garden warbler and 1 Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island. 1 Redstart singing in the field behind the Wildlife Centre. 2 Great Northern Divers with the adult coming into summer plumage.Clive Ashton
2011-04-18Visitor Centre:1 Great Northern Diver (juvenile)4 Barnacle GeesePaul Stanley Hide:4 Great Crested Grebe1 OystercatcherLapwings3 Cormorants2 Nuthatch1 Reed Bunting1 TreecreeperSheepwash Car park feeders:6 Bullfinch3 Tree SparrowsMany Chaffinch1 Green WoodpeckerAdam Jones
2011-04-17In addition to Roger's sightings, there was a Green Sandpiper on Sheepwash spit(now Island!)early afternoon, and still present at 17:00hr.Clive Ashton
2011-04-171 lesser whitethroat top of Sheepwash car park 0630hrs. 5 greylag south over dam. drake shoveler, pair gadwall and wild barnacle ADZ all on stones island. 4 broods of mallard; 11+7@WLC and 6+7@sheepwash. 1 common sandpiper at sheepwash. 7 common buzzards together in a thermal. 1 adult + 2 juvenile great northern divers.Roger Carrington
2011-04-15Still 3 Great Northern Divers, with the adult bird coming into summer plumage. 5+ Little ringed Plover,2 Dunlin,4 Curlew,3 Goosander over west and another north later. Clive Ashton
2011-04-142 G N Divers displaying, initially the two faced each other flapping wings before one, using its feet reared upright with its wings forming a crucifix shape but not flapping. This occurred over a 10 minute period around 11-30 just off of buoy 9 on the dam wall.Ian Scrimshaw
2011-04-14Bullfinch (at least 3 pairs). Redstart (1male) SFCreek area. Plenty of Chiffchaffs etc. Buzzard several in area showing very well, one in particular being mobbed by corvids over SFCreek.Steph Hicking
2011-04-133 Great Northern Divers, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 100+ Swallow, 50+ Sandmartin, 2 Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail and 11 Linnet. Also a male Redstart on Shiningford Creek found by RC.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-123 Great Northern Divers between Tower Bank and Stones Island, viewed from Paul Stanley and Sheepwash hidesJim Clarke
2011-04-11Of note: Great Northern Diver (1), Barnacle Goose (17), Shoveler (pr)-Horseshoe Island, Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (4), Redshank (3), Swallow (over 80), Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Bullfinch (pr), Read Bunting (a female).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-113 Great Northern Divers all seen from Stones Island. c30 Barnacle Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Shoveler, Mallard with 13 ducklings, 3 Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Snipe, Curlew, numerous Redshank and Oystercatcher, 5 Buzzard, male Peregrine, female Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 65 Swallow, 30 Sandmartin, 19 Blackcap, 13 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 2 Raven, 15+ Linnet on Horseshoe Island. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-06Warm today. Only viewed from wildlife centre and Stones Island for about an hour. 32 species identified. Of note: Barnacle Goose (28), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (4), Redshank (1), Blackcap (1), Chiffchaff (4)and Reed Bunting (1 male)Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-062 Great Northern Divers from the Dam Wall early morning then both seen from Stones Island later on. A Red Kite drifted over the Dam Wall and then disappeared behind Sailing Club. A Little Ringed Plover in front of Sailing Club. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe Island. 2 Greylag Geese, 30+ Barnacle Geese including colour ringed bird (ADZ), Wheatear on Dam Wall, Skylark, Linnet, numerous Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail, Curlew, Raven. Lots of Chiff Chaffs and Blackcaps in song, also several Willow Warblers. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-043 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese including (ADZ), Curlew, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, c10 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, 19 Swallow, 9 Sand Martins, 2 Housemartins, 22 Chiff Chaff, 6 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 120+ Lesser-black Backed Gulls. Dave Newcombe
2011-04-02An Osprey first seen by Jon Bradley at 08:30, later put on a good show between 10:25 and 10:45 from the Wildlife centre. A total of 4 Wheatear seen.Clive Ashton
2011-04-02Early am Fishtail Creek to VC- 46 species. Highlights: Red-Legged Partridge (x2) flew from path to adjacent fields at Fishtail Creek, Little Owl (heard but not seen) calling from overgrown hedge in fields by Fishtail Creek, Willow Warbler, 2x Great Northern Divers, 20+ Sand Martins, Wheatear on Dam wall stones at 9:00.John Matkin
2011-04-023 GN Divers. Willow Warbler singing by sailing club. 2 Blackcaps singing, Stones Island/Wildlife centre. 3 Snipe, Wildlife centre. ADZ Barnacle Goose still present as was the marked Tufted Duck AAS. A Common Tern was reported, though not seen by me as I left site for a couple of hours.Clive Ashton
2011-03-30The Black Redstart was still present at 15.00 in Wildlife Centre Creek. 2 Great Northern Divers, 3 Pink-Footed Geese, c30 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird (ADZ), 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, c10 Oystercatchers, 6+ Redshank, 2 Curlew, 25 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows, 20+ Meadow Pipits, 21 Chiff Chaff between Millfields and Sheepwash, Willow Warbler again singing briefly near Black Redstart, Blackcap, 2 Raven, 25 Tree Sparrows, female Brambling at Millfields and a Linnet over Stones Island. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-30Little Egret at Brownale Bay then flew down Hopton End and then back to land on far side below Hall WoodSteph and Paul Hicking
2011-03-30Female Black Redstart still between Wldlife Centre and Creek mid morning. Also Willow Warbler nearby and blackcap singing near Sailing Club early morning [DN].Roger Carrington
2011-03-29Female type Black Redstart, half way between the Wildlife Centre and the bend on Wildlife centre creek. Viewed from the gap in the hedge where the reeds are. The bird was perching in Hawthorn bushes and dropping down to feed on the grass. Still present at 18:00hr though it went to ground when the rain came. This morning 2 Swallows and c20 Sand Martins. 3 GN Divers still present.Clive Ashton
2011-03-29Still 3 Great Northern Divers on site including an adult and 2 juveniles. One of the Divers was seen catching and eating a Crayfish near the Dam Wall in the morning. 32 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird (ADZ). 3 female Goldeneye, 3 female Goosander. At least 6 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, 2 Curlew and a Snipe. c900 BH Gulls including many 1st winters, 63 LBB Gull and 1 imm GBB Gull. 1 Sand Martin. 23 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall mid-afternoon. 100+ Fieldfare over the Wildlife Centre. 2 Raven. A Linnet over Stones Island. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton

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