Recent Sightings
| Name | Sighting | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Roddis | A 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 Roddis | 2 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 Roddis | Yesterday'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 Roddis | Early-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 Stewardson | A 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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | 6 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | An 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 Roddis | The 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 Bradley | Monthly 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 Roddis | Back 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 Ashton | 4 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 Treecreeper | 13/06/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The 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 Roddis | Total 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 Roddis | A 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, MW | An 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 Roddis | A 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 Palethorpe | Bird 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 Roddis | 10 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 Roddis | 5 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 Roddis | 3 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 Bradley | Monthly 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 Roddis | 450 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 Roddis | 2 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 Ashton | A 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | Most 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 Roddis | Another 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 Roddis | Just 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | Perimeter 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 Roddis | Early 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 Roddis | Waders 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 COATES | THE FIRST SWIFT ARRIVED AT DARLEY DALE APPROX { 11 } | 09/05/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton | A 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, AMD | A 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 Roddis | A 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 Ashton | Clive 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, KR | 5 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 Palethorpe | Birdwatching 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 Ashton | Highlights 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 Kennedy | This 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 Roddis | Perimeter 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 Armitt | 8 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 bed | 25/04/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Clive 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, AHS | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Ashton | A 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
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 23/11/2023 | Highlights this morning were a juvenile Great Northern Diver which dropped in at 09:05 and was then between Stones Causeway and Shiningford until 09:20 at least, and a Great Egret which flew NE over Stones at 08:35. 35 Barnacle Geese again in flight. 315 Pochard from WLC, and the 4 RcPochard flew in. Peregrine over Stones. | SJR, RPJ, AMD |
| 22/11/2023 | Still a trickle of movement: 440 Woodpigeons S (and 20 the wrong way), total of 29 Stock Doves (17S), 155 Starlings W (plus c100 in fields on the east side). Totals of 150 Redwing and 50 Fieldfare. 6 Shoveler and 2 Shelduck off Stones. 27 Wigeon. 61 Teal. 282 Pochard. 35 Barnacle Geese (as seen by Alan S yesterday). 65 Lapwing. Single Dunlin, Snipe and Brambling over Stones. 4 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields/Tail Bay early morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 20/11/2023 | Similar fare this morning: 294 Pochard, 4 RcPochard, 9 Goldeneye, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, Kingfisher on Stones, 355 Woodpigeons flew S. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 19/11/2023 | Monthly wildfowl count: 214 Canada, 60 Greylag, 13 Mute, 1f Mandarin, 108 Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 46 Teal, 5 RcPochard, 304 Pochard, 122 Tufted, at least 11 Goldeneye, 10 Moorhen, 771 Coot, 23 LGrebe, 41 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 78 Lapwing, 1 Woodcock, 20 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher. Chiffchaff singing again at PS hide. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 18/11/2023 | Afternoon visit. From WLC, 333 Pochard (254m,79f), 6 Shoveler, 4 RcPochard, the Oystercatcher. 7 Goldeneye (3m,4f) from Lane End. Minimum of 58 Lapwing. 1st-w Yellow-legged Gull. Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Barn Owl at Hopton end at dusk. And Alan S had a singing Chiffchaffs at PS hide this morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 17/11/2023 | A much brighter day. 730 Woodpigeons flew S 07:30-09:30, 405 Starlings W. 3 Shelduck on the water off Stones and 3 Pintail (2m,1f) over. 4 RcPochard (2m,2f) from WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Herring, 2 Great Black-back. 1 Dunlin past Stones. 31 Lapwing. A Barn Owl at the Brassington turn at first light. 10+ Ravens. | Simon Roddis |
| 16/11/2023 | Of note in the gull roost late afternoon: Yellow legged Gull (4) - 3Ads plus 2ndW; GBB Gull (1) 1stW; Herring Gull (2) Ads; BHGull/LBBGull/Common Gull - scattered over the entire length of the reservoir. | Richard Lowe |
| 16/11/2023 | Grey and getting greyer at Carsi this morning. 263 Pochard from WLC comprised 202m,61f. 1f RcPochard there too. 26 Lapwing at sailing club. 12 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall and 40+ Siskin in alders near the WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 14/11/2023 | A bit of vismig this morning: 1,060 Woodpigeons flew S (and 10N), 547 Starlings W. 335 Canada and 265 Greylags flew out early morning. 41 Wigeon (22m,19f). 174 Pochard (136m,38f). 2f Rc Pochard (WLC and Sheepwash). 4 Goldeneye (2m,2 redheads). The Oystercatcher still and the Dunlin which Clive has heard a couple of times finally showed itself, in flight off Stones and then perched on Watersports island. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Peregrine over WLC creek. 2 Brambling over Tail Bay and 8 Bullfinches together over WLC creek. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 12/11/2023 | Given the weather this morning, it was never going to be a repeat of the last couple of days. Nonetheless, a Barn Owl on the dam wall and a Woodcock at Millfields early morning were some consolation. 34 Pink-feet flew W over Stones 08:40. Pair of RcPochard still from WLC. 1 Redshank on Stones (and Clive heard Dunlin). Brambling and 5 Lesser Redpoll over Millfields. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 11/11/2023 | They keep on coming: 12,350 Woodpigeons S this morning, 15 Stock Doves (plus 3 N), 740 Pink-footed Geese E in 4 skeins 08:35-09:10, plus 90W, 780 Starlings W (plus 750 out of Hopton reedbed at dawn), 13 Skylark. Over Hopton end early morning, 6 Crossbill N, 1 Brambling, 1 Little Egret, 13 Raven, 9 Reed Bunting. Shelduck off Stones and later off Brown Ale Bay. 5 Goldeneye. 2 RCPochard. Oystercatcher, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/11/2023 | 6 Wigeon,3 Pied wagtail,18 Mute Swan,9 Little Grebe,20 Teal,28 Pochard, 20 starling , 15 Cormorant,2 Goldfinch, 2 Wren, 10 Blue Tit, 2 Willow Tit, 1 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 1 Chiffchaff on stones,10 Gadwall, 30 Greylag ,1 Coal Tit, 5 Dunnock, 20 Redwing | David Armitt |
| 10/11/2023 | Woodpigeons on the move again this morning: 13,420 S between 07:30-10:30, plus a site record 89 Stock Doves, (88S,1N), 585 Starlings W, 31 Pink-feet E at 09:42, 3 Skylark, 1 Brambling and 2 Crossbill. 3 RcPochard. 6 Goldeneye. Kingfisher at Millfields. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 09/11/2023 | At least 1,000 Starlings came out of Hopton reedbed early morning (female Sparrowhawk in attendance) and another 380 flew W 10:00-11:00. Adult Caspian GUll from Stones island. Pair of RcPochard at WLC. 6+ Goldeneye. 24 Mute Swans. 320 Woodpigeons S. The Oystercatcher still present. 19 Ravens on/over the pastures, 4 of them playing around with a Red Kite and a Peregrine at one point. 25 Siskin, including 20 near WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 08/11/2023 | Afternoon visit: 224 Greylag, 84 Gadwall, 20 Wigeon, 180 Mallard, 39 Teal, 1f RcPochard at Millfields, 196 Pochard, 137 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 2m Goosander flew down the res, 1,144 Coot, 15 LGrebe, 46 GCGrebe, 20 Lapwing. Roosting gulls included at least 5,000 Lesser Black-backs, at least 1,000 Common (maybe even 2k), 2 adult Yellow-legs, 1 Herring. 8 Ravens over the pastures. Brambling near WLC. 35 Siskins over Millfields carpark. And an unknown number of chattering Starlings roosting in Hopton reedbed. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/11/2023 | Movement on a smaller scale this morning: 1,750 Woodpigeons S, 275 Starlings W, 100 Pink-footed Geese E 09:55. 201 Greylags. Drake Pintail from WLC. 1 Shoveler at Millfields. 4 Goldeneye (1m,3f). 4 Goosander (3m,1f) flew out of Millfields early morning. The Oystercatcher and Little Egret still. 100s of Redwing and Fieldfare again on the east side. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 06/11/2023 | A bit more vismig this morning: 7,310 Woodpigeons, 15 Stock Dove, 325 Starling, 194 Redwing, 521 Fieldfare. 4 Brambling and 22 Raven over Hopton end first thing - guess the Ravens must have roosted nearby before heading E. 4 Goldeneye. 4 Shoveler on Horseshoe Island. The Oystercatcher still. 1 Little Egret off Stones (apparently seen yesterday as well). 2 Peregrine in the air together. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 05/11/2023 | Species noted by the group undertaking the Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Robin, Canada Goose, Long-tailed Tit, Gt Crested Grebe, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Mallard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Gadwall, Teal, Redshank, Magpie, Greylag Goose, Wren, Red Kite, Pheasant, Grey Wagtail, Lapwing, Blackbird, Wigeon, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Pochard, Chaffinch, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Goldfinch | Gary Atkins |
| 05/11/2023 | Woodpigeons were on the move this morning: 32,570 counted flying S, mostly beyond the east side. c150 Greylags. 172 Pochard at WLC comprised 108m and 64f. 6 Goldeneye (2m,4 redheads) off Sheepwash. 2 Redshank and the Oystercatcher still. 12 Skylarks over in random directions. Guesstimate of 500 Fieldfares on the east side. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 03/11/2023 | Quite a bit of movement this morning, mostly from 07:30-09:30: 250 Pink-footed Geese E, 8,970 Woodpigeons S, 7 Stock Doves S, 18 Skylark (mostly N), 75 Starlings W, 384 Fieldfare (plus another 200 on the east side), 1 Rock Pipit over Stones, 2 Brambling over Hopton end. The adult Caspian Gull and Oystercatcher still, 2 Redshank on Stones, Water Rail in Hopton reedbed, 5 RcPochard (2m,3f) at WLC. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 01/11/2023 | Later visit than usual today, counted a few ducks etc: 120 Canada, 54 Greylag, 20 Mute Swan, 55 Gadwall, 25 Wigeon, 107 Mallard, 34 Teal, 4 RcPochard (2m,2f), 338 Pochard, 233 Tufted, 2 redhead Goldeneye, 811 Coot, 10 Little Grebe, 39 Cormorant, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Marsh Tit calling in Sheepwash carpark. | Simon Roddis |
| 30/10/2023 | This morning's highlight was a juvenile Shag off Stones island at 08:20; it didn't stay long and appeared to be chased off by a Cormorant. The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Oystercatcher still. 6 Crossbills flew E over Hopton end early morning. At Millfields, a Rock Pipit flew S, a drake Goosander flew in, and a female RcPochard (the one with the little white spots at the base of the bill) was among the Common Pochard there. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 29/10/2023 | In much better conditions than the last few days, vismig from 07:30-09:30 brought 2,870 Woodpigeons S, 33 Stock Doves S, 13+ Collared Doves, 56 Skylarks (36N, 20S, possibly some double-counting), 238 Starling SW, 24 Fieldfare. 200+ Greylags flew out early morning. Totals of 30 Gadwall, 23 Wigeon, 309 Pochard, 34 Lapwing, 38 Cormorant. The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and the Oystercatcher again/still. Kingfisher at Millfields. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 27/10/2023 | Afternoon visit: a Rock Pipit was on the dam wall mid-afternoon. 43 Lapwings over WLC and the Oystercatcher still. And lots of gulls came in to roost: c7,000 Lesser Black-backs, at least 5,000 Black-heads (could be a huge underestimate) and probably 1,000 Commons, plus 3 Yellow-legs and a Herring. 70+ Starlings went to roost on Watersports island and the Peregrine did a fly-past. | Simon Roddis |
| 26/10/2023 | A shorter visit than usual given the damp and foggy conditions. At least the 2 Great Egrets on Watersports island stood out, albeit briefly. Hoping for better weather tomorrow. | Simon Roddis |
| 25/10/2023 | Main event late morning was a total of 325 Pink-footed Geese NE in 3 skeins 11:40-12:00 (and I understand another 70 earlier). Male RcPochard from WLC. 1 Common Sandpiper on Stones and a Chiffchaff on the causeway. Kingfisher at Hopton end. | SJR, RPJ, AMD |
| 24/10/2023 | The first Goldeneye of the autumn/winter, a redhead, flew into Fishtail Creek this morning. At least 24 Gadwall, a definite increase on recent numbers. Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. 2 Tree Sparrows at WLC. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 23/10/2023 | A bit quieter this morning: the Peregrine both in the air and loafing in WLC fields, 2 redhead Goosander, the Oystercatcher and adult Yellow=legged Gull still, 17 Skylarks, 85 Redwing, and a Brambling dropped into WLC creek. | Simon Roddis |
| 22/10/2023 | A Carsington mega this morning: a ringtail Hen Harrier flew SE 08:12-08:17, the first here since December 2006. Other birds on the move included c200 Pink-footed Geese NE at 09:05, 328 Woodpigeons, 160 Fieldfare, 70 Redwing and 19 Skylarks. 2 adult Whooper Swans were off Lane End late morning. Totals of 55 Wigeon and 214 Pochard. 3 R-cPochard off Sheepwash late morning. 15 Little Grebes. Single Oystercatcher and Common Sandpiper still on Stones, and the Peregrine did a fly-past. 22 Common Gulls off Brown Ale Bay. | SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD |
| 19/10/2023 | From Paul Stanley Hide late this afternoon: Egyptian Goose (1); Shoveller (4); Wigeon (c.50); YL Gull (2) Ads; Caspian Gull (1) Ad; GBB Gull (1) Ad. | Richard Lowe |
| 15/10/2023 | 2 Lapwing, 4 Moorhen, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 90 Pochard, 4 Little Grebe, 8 Long tailed Tit , 1 Mistle Thrush , 2 Pied wagtail, 1 Common Sandpiper, Red Crested Pochard 1M 2 Female, 1 Willow Tit, 12 Gadwall, 3 Skylark, 1 Peregrine, 15 Siskin , 10 Goldfinch, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mute Swan | David Armitt |
| 15/10/2023 | Monthly wildfowl count: 55 Canada Geese, 16 Greylag, 19 Mute Swan, 14 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 124 Mallard, 61 Teal, 4 RcPochard, 104 Pochard, 226 Tufted, 3 Goosander, 13 Moorhen, 909 Coot, 18 LGrebe, 35 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 54 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sand, 33 Cormorant, 2 Heron, 2 Kingfisher, 4 Grey Wag. The Peregrine again in the ash tree in WLC fields, and 35 Siskin. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 14/10/2023 | This morning: 3 Whooper Swans, male Shoveler off Stones, 3 RcPochard, 130 Common Pochard, 4 Common Snipe among Lapwings at the end of the dam wall, 2 Common Sandpiper, the Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still, 41 Cormorants on Flat Island, Kingfisher at Lane End, Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder, 9 Skylarks over, 1 Tree Sparrow on the WLC feeder - first I've seen there for months, 1 Crossbill N over Hopton end. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 12/10/2023 | Not a bad morning: at least 6 Whooper Swans (all adults in 2, possibly 3, groups of 3), 32 Pink-footed Geese flew SW, 6 Stonechats (site record) in the dam wall fields, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 41 Lapwing, single Common Sandpiper, Snipe and Oystercatcher, 4 RcPochard still, 84 Common Pochard, 1 Pintail, Peregrine, 30 Meadow Pipits. | Simon Roddis |
| 11/10/2023 | The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Oystercatcher, 2 Common Sand and 4 Red-crested Pochard still around this morning. In other news, work is actually starting today on removing the old Sheepwash Hide. At least 2 high viz jackets in evidence! End of an era. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/10/2023 | Not so many thrushes this morning, but that was offset by 2 Hawfinches: one S over Millfields at 08:10 and 1 SW from WLC creek at 11:10. [Alan Stewardson also had one over Harewood Moor at 10:00.] Also on the move were 1,310 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 78 Woodpigeons, 37 Skylarks (including a flock of 30 S over Millfields), 46 Chaffinch (probably a huge underestimate given the number of unid'd finches), 10 Lesser Repoll, 64 Siskin. 6 redhead Goosander. Only saw 1m RcPochard at WLC, looks like an adult so maybe a different bird. The Oystercatcher still. 2 Common Sandpipers around Horseshoe island. 1 Dunlin. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. The Peregrine again roosting in the ash tree in WLC fields after apparently tucking into a Pochard earlier. | Simon Roddis |
| 09/10/2023 | The winter thrushes arrived with a bang this morning, with 18,180 Redwings flying S down the east side, 07:30-10:30, plus 117 Fieldfare, 25 Starling, 13 Skylarks, 1 Brambling, 5 Swallows. 25 Wigeon. 3 Pintail off Stones, different from yesterday's 2 birds. 139 Pochard and 4 RcPochard at WLC. 1,200 Black-headed Gulls early morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 08/10/2023 | 25 Pochard ,5 Lapwing,15 Gadwall, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Little Grebe, 14 Cormorant, 20 Long tailed tit, Red Crested Pochard 1 male 2 female, 1 Kestrel, 12 Mute Swan, 50 Teal, 20 Great Crested Grebe. | David Armitt |
| 08/10/2023 | 2 Common Sandpipers were at Millfields late morning, and 8 House Martins flew S, while the adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls were both there earlier. 4 RcPochard and the Oystercatcher still. At Sheepwash, 2 Pintail (which later moved to Millfields), 22 Wigeon and a Peregrine eating its breakfast. Redhead Goosander from Stones. 2 Kingfishers at Millfields. Total of 37 Skylarks over, including one flock of 17 NE. Appeared to have been an influx of c15 Blackbirds and 7 Song Thrushes into WLC creek, but no winter thrushes yet. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/10/2023 | The juv Ringed Plover was still on Stones this morning, and the 4 RcPochard at WLC. 6 Wigeon on Stones, 1 Pintail at Lane End and a redhead Goosander at Millfields. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls patrolling the shores. 3 Tawny Owls at Hopton end early morning. Peregrine at Millfields. Totals of 13 Skylarks, including a flock of 8 S over WLC creek, and at least 13 Lesser Redpoll and 35 Siskin. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 06/10/2023 | A juvenile Ringed Plover landed on Stones island this morning - something of a novelty in a really poor autumn for waders here. 1 Pink-foot flew out with the other geese. 1 Pintail off Stones. 4 RcPochard still at WLC. 85 Pochard. The Oystercatcher still. Adult and 3w Caspian Gulls on Flat Island late morning. Adult Yellow-leg at Millfields. 12 Swallows feeding around Hays Lane, Millfields. Total of 45 Meadow Pipits. | Simon Roddis |
| 05/10/2023 | A partial wildfowl count this morning yielded 23 Mute Swans, 10 Gadwall, 117 Mallard, 63 Teal, 3 RcPochard (might have missed the fourth), 79 Pochard, 285 Tufted, 11 Moorhen, 836 Coot, 10 Little Grebe, 26 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing. Adult Caspian and 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls on Flat Island late morning. 10 Common Gulls early morning. Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash/Paul Stanley hide. Total of 40+ Siskin. 7 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 04/10/2023 | Red Kite flying over north end of reservoir. Seen from Paul Stanley hide around 2.30pm. Returned from NW about 10 minutes later. | SUE RICHARDSON |
| 04/10/2023 | Plenty of the same stuff this morning, but 4 Crossbills S over Sheepwash were different. 4 R-cPochard still at WLC. 117 Pochard. 550 Canada. 155 Greylag. The Oystercatcher still. 33 Lapwing. Adult and 3w Caspian and adult Yellow-legged Gull on Flat Island late morning. 4 GSWoodpecker. The Marsh Tit again from PS hide. 2 Swallow. 3 House Martin. | Simon Roddis |
| 03/10/2023 | On Flat Island late morning: Caspian Gull (2) Ad and 3w. YL Gull (2) Ad plus 2w. Plus Red Kite over Shiningford Creek. | Richard Lowe |
| 03/10/2023 | Water Rail again in Hopton reedbed this morning, 4 RcPochard still at WLC and 2 Wheatears on the dam wall. 116 Pochard at WLC. 1 redhead Goosander. The Oystercatcher still on Stones. 14 Swallows and 3 House Martins S. 5 Skylarks over the dam wall. | Simon Roddis |
| 02/10/2023 | Adult and 3rd-winter Caspian Gull, adult Yellow-leg and sub-adult Herring from Paul Stanley hide late morning. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. 102 Pochard, the highest count here since January 2021. 470 Canada Geese. 115 Greylags. 1 Pink-foot. 2 Pintail over WLC, and now 4 RcPochard (1m,3f) there. The Oystercatcher still. The colour-ringed Heron SX, ringed at Attenborough in April 2022, was on Flat Island. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Marsh Tit again at PS hide. 7 House Martins S over WLC creek. 10 Chiffchaff. 2 Blackcap. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 01/10/23 | Species noted on the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Coot, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Carrion Crow, Long-tailed Tit, Woodpigeon, Mistle Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Gt Crested Grebe, Teal, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Mallard, Meadow Pipit, Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Wren, Goldfinch, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Yellow-legged Gull, Gadwall, Magpie, Grey Heron, Gt Black-backed Gull, Coal Tit, Blackcap, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Grey Wagtail | Gary Atkins |
| 01/10/2023 | This morning from Paul Stanley hide, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh tit, 10 plus Long Tailed tits,1 Yellow Legged Gull, 1 Caspien Gull, 1 GBBG, 1 Kingfisher ,7 plus Chiffchaffs plus the usual suspects. | AHS |
| 30/09/2023 | The adult Caspian Gull, 3 RcPochard and Oystercatcher still this morning. Moving S over WLC creek in an hour, 178 Meadow Pipits, 49 Siskin, 14 Lesser Redpoll, 11 Stock Dove, 7 House Martin, 1 Swallow. 120 Starlings departing Stones causeway early morning. | Simon Roddis |
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