Recent Sightings

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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2010-03-15Of note: Pink-footed Goose (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Wigeon (pr), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (11), Redshank (1), Song Thrush (1) and Goldfinch (10).Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-03-15Ring-billed Gull, first winter. A little smaller than the Lesser Black-backeds and a paler mantle than the obviously smaller Commons. Very heavily blotched underparts and back of the neck, heavily streaked head. Bill, eye, legs and upper wing good for the species. I am sure of the identification , but would like confirmation. Also an adult Great Northern Diver. Paul Mollatt
2010-03-142 Snipe,2 Oystercatchers,1 Redshank,1 G.N.Diver from Wildlife Centre Reed bunting and Willow tit on feeding station Pete Furniss
2010-03-14WeBS count for March: Mute Swan 7, Pink-foot Goose 1, Canada Goose 102, Barnacle Goose 46, Wigeon 23, Gadwall 3, Teal 9, Mallard 59, Pintail 1, Tufted Duck 325, Goldeneye 14, Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 25, Great Crested Grebe 35, Cormorant 14, Grey Heron 3, Sparrowhawk 2, Buzzard 8 (6 at once over Hall Wood), Kestrel 1, Moorhen 8, Coot 247, Oystercatcher 7, Lapwing 8, Curlew 10, Redshank 4Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2010-03-14All from Sheepwash hide 10:50 - 11:50, 7 oystercatchers, 5 curlew, 7 goldeneye, 1 Great Northern Diver off Fishtail Creek Martin Kaye
2010-03-143 Oystercatcher in field between water and footpath close to Sheepwash Car Park. Early afternoon.David Meredith
2010-03-10Of note: Pink-footed Goose (1) - feeding with Canadas on Stones Island, Barnacle Goose (39) - on the Sailing Club Island, Common Buzzard (1), Kestrel (1), Pheasant (a pr), Oystercatcher (4), Dunlin (2) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1), Yellow-legged Gull (1) - seen from the Wildlife Centre, Pied Wagtail (~10), Song Thrush (1) and an over-wintering Blackcap in trees near the Wildlife Centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-03-10Sheepwash.. 1 GN Diver,48 Wigeon and 18 Goldeneye. Wildlife centre.. adult Mediterranean Gull at 16:20 until 17:05 when flushed to middle of res.Clive Ashton
2010-03-08Oystercatcher 1each from Paul Stanley, Sheepwash and Wildlife Centre Hides. G N Diver, 4 Curlew, 24 Whooper Swan, Raven(heard),Redshank seen from Sheepwash Hide. Willow Tit,Tree Sparrow,Bullfinch & Reed Bunting at Feeding Station between Sheepwash and Wildlife Centre. Water Rail & @ 50 Barnacle Goose from Wildlife Centre. Little Owl seen in field to right of track from Wildlife Centre to Car ParKPhilip Burnham c/o Netherfield wildlife Group, Nottingham
2010-03-0824 Whooper swans 1 Pink footed goose I Snipe 3 Redshank from wildlife centre swans still there at 4-00pmPete Furniss
2010-03-086 Snipe in flight Warrington Knob 1 Redshank just Sth of Oldfield Lane holiday letsdave williams
2010-03-08One kingfisher along stream leading into Brownale Bay.dave williams
2010-03-0724 Whooper Swans flew in at 09:30 and were still present when I left site at 10:30. Also present 1 Dunlin on Stones Island,1 GN Diver and 4 Curlew.Clive Ashton
2010-03-03GarganeyDermot Smyth
2010-03-02Large area of the reservoir frozen over today, but an interesting day all the same.3 Curlew on Sheepwash spit, 2 More flew east and later a flock of 7-8 flew over middle wood.2 GN Divers beyond Fishtail creek.Pintail(f) at Sheepwash. Scaup(f) at Wildlife centre.Clive Ashton
2010-03-01Fairly quiet on site today. Very few birders and walkers. We only managed 29 species from Stones Island to the end of Wildlife Centre Creek around midday. Weather was good, sunny and quite mild. Of note: Barnacle Goose (46) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Pheasant (1,m) - calling near the Wildlife centre (WC), Oystercatcher (2) - Stones Island, Lapwing (~120) - HI, Curlew (3) - overflying WC creek, Redshank (1) -HI, Robin - many singing. Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-02-2810 Oystercatchers this morning - 2 on Big Island, 5 on Stones Is, 1 in front of Sailing Club and a pair mating on Millfields Is. 13 Goldeneye near dam wall. 2 Pochard at Millfields. 1 Skylark flying north. 2 Curlew flew east and 3 landed at Sheepwash. At Sheepwash - drake Shoveler, drake Pintail, 48 Wigeon, juv Great Northern Diver. In the air - 5 Buzzard, 2 Raven, Sparrow Hawk, Peregrine. 4 Song Thrush singing.Roger Carrington
2010-02-252 Great Northern Divers together from Sheepwash. 5 Shelduck flew north at Hopton end before returning a few minutes later,(with another or one of the same from Sheepwash later.) 2 Goosander towards Millfields, with probably several more on Millfields island. No sign of Red necked Grebes at Hopton end. 2 Raven from Sheepwsh and an Oystercatcher on Big island.Clive Ashton
2010-02-23Since submitting WeBS count figures I am adding the following as seen by Roger Carrington later in the day. Great Crested Grebe will be 14, an extra 3 Moorhen makes a total of 5 and he also saw 6 Wigeon. Thank you Roger.Peter Gibbon
2010-02-23February WeBS count : 2 Great Northern Diver,4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 22 Little Grebe, 6 Mute Swan,60 Canada Goose, 29 Cormorant, 6 Gadwall, 42 Teal,141 Mallard, 442 Tufted Duck, 19 Goldeneye, 2 Moorhen, 401 Coot, 4 Oystercatcher, 36 Lapwing,1 Woodcock(seen by Roger Carrington), 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine(seen by RC),1 Kestrel.Peter Gibbon
2010-02-23One Red-necked Grebe just south of Big Island watched between 16.00 and 16.30 on Sunday. It was viewed from the lower track at the bottom of Hall Wood and occasionally drifted round to the eastern side of the island. Paul Bennett
2010-02-23On arrival at Carsington yesterday I was shocked to see so much ice. I reckon around 80% of the water was frozen over. In all my years of going I have never seen it so bad. There was still several large pockets of water where the wildfowl had gathered and one such area was sheepwash. From here I had 11 Goldeneye, 6 Gadwall and many Teal, Wigeon and Tufted Ducks. Also seen was 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 2 Grey Heros, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. As the day went on I eventually picked out the 2 Great Northern Divers towards Fishtail Creek. I also possibly had the 2 Red-necked Grebes briefly towards Hopton End.Dave Newcombe
2010-02-202 Red necked Grebes (Between Big and Flat Islands) 2 Great Northern Divers(Sheepwash) 5 Shoveler (4m 1f Sheepwash) Oystercatcher (returning bird with bar code ring on Sheepwash spit)Clive Ashton
2010-02-191 Red-necked Grebe Hopton Arm. 1 Jack Snipe Hopton Arm near Reedbed area on mud at waters edge. Also sev' Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Pochard and 2 plus Buzzard in the top end area.Steph Hicking
2010-02-17Very foggy on site around midday. Visibility at best 100m, therefore birding difficult. Low species count at 24. Of note: Lapwing (1), Redwing (1), Lesser Redpoll (10) - next to wildlife centre, and a pair of Bullfinches.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-02-16Goldeneyes close in at Sheepwash 2 male 5 female. Courting calls and male displays very advanced!Dave Farrer
2010-02-16Red-necked Grebe at extreme end of Hopton arm. 50+ Fieldfare, 20+ Redwing,3 GS Woodpecker,2 Reed Bunting. A Grey Heron was struggling to swallow the carcase of a gull at Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2010-02-15Red-necked Grebe at Sheepwash at c13.20 heading towards Lane End. I went to Lane End and had quite good views before it then headed back towards Sheepwash. I then went back to Sheepwash only to watch it disappear behind the spit. Unfortunatley it couldn't be re-located despite several birders looking. After a bit of perseverance some birders located 2 adults in Hopton Arm at 17.00. Also on site today was 2 Great Northern Divers, 8 Goldeneye, female Goosander, Oystercatcher, Yellow-legged Gull, Sparrowhawk, 45 Cormorants and 2 Grey Herons. Dave Newcombe
2010-02-151 Redshankin creek left of Wildlife centre 1 M Goldeneye Shining Ford Creek 1 Red Necked Grebe off Lane end hide.Bob and Gill Smith
2010-02-11It was cold on site today with few visitors. We just worked from Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre. Nothing very unusual seen except for a high number of Magpies (15). We only found 23 species, all quite common but just as important and interesting to us. It was good to see various catkins and Daffodil shoots pushing up. Maybe Spring is on the way. Let's hope so.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-02-113m + 1f Goldeneye, 1m Goosander and 1 Redshank. Between Millfields and Holiday cottages.Bob and Gill Smith
2010-02-102 Great Northern Divers, 6 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons and 43 Barnacle Geese. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-02-022 Great Northern Divers present, a juvenile off Stones Island and an adult behind Millfields Island. 3 Shoveler at WLC. Clive Ashton
2010-02-011 Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 46 feral Barnacle Geese on Stones Island. 1 drake Goosander on Millfields Island. 149 Lapwing on Sailing Club foreshore. 55 Teal and 1 female Shoveler from Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2010-01-29WeBS count for January: Mute Swan 28,Canada Goose 107,Wigeon 23(compared with 210 last Jan),Gadwal 36,Teal 49,Mallard 122,Pochard 134,Tufted Duck 596,Scaup 1, Goldeneye 12, Goosander 3,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 46,Great Crested Grebe 45,Cormorant 31,Grey Heron 3,Moorhen 11,Coot 1424,Lapwing 7,Snipe 2,Black-headed Gull 7,Common Gull 19,Lesser Black-backed Gull 27,Yellow-legged Gull 1.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2010-01-25Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Horseshoe Island, Grey Heron (1) by Wildlife Centre Creek, Barnacle Goose (10) - flying with Canadas, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - by Wildlife Centre Creek eating a dead fish! Bullfinch (4; 3 males & one female) - near ranger base.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-01-20Great Northern Diver, female Scaup, female Peregrine, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Ravens, drake Goosander, Yellow-legged Gull, 5 Greylag Geese, 45 Barnacle Geese. Dave Newcombe
2010-01-194 Goosanders, 8 Goldeneye, 4 Snipe, Peregrine, Raven, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 6 Siskin and Skylark. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-01-193m + 1f Goldeneye Dam wall 4m Goosander Millfields island 2 small egrets Horseshoe IslandBob and Gill Smith
2010-01-19Great Northern Diver, juv, near Millfields, 1200hrs. Little Egret near Wildlife Centre. Adult Yellow-legged Gull eating a Little Grebe on shoreline in front of Sailing Club, left the carcase and skin with feathers floating on the water. 2 Skylark flying east.Roger Carrington
2010-01-11Female Scaup, female Pintail, Yellow-legged Gull, Little Egret, Raven, c40 Siskin, 7 Goldeneye, 3 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 6 Bullfinch and 2 Grey Heron. Dave Newcombe
2010-01-07Juvenile Great Northern Diver off Stones Island, Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash, 8 Goldeneye, 18 Gadwall, Skylark, 10 Siskin, female Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Raven.Dave Newcombe
2010-01-04Juv Great Northern Diver near Watersports Island. Little Egret near Wildlife Centre until 1100hrs when it flew over dam and probably landed. 25 Barnacle Geese on Horseshoe Island. 35 Siskin by path to P S Hide.Roger Carrington
2010-01-011 Little Egret-Wildlife Centre near the fence that runs to the water on the left. 1 male Bullfinch-Wildlife Centre FeedersSam Pedley
2009-12-312 Redshank from Stones Island. 3 Willow tits Millfields.Richard and Frances Pittam
2009-12-27Little Egret at Sheepwash at 3pm then went into the small creek to right of hide. Adult Caspian Gull in roost from Sheepwash from 3:15pm. Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 9 Goosander (5 males) on Millfields Island.Roger Carrington
2009-12-23Great Northern Diver, adult Yellow-legged Gull, female Pintail, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 31 Gadwall, 6 Goldeneye, Redshank, Snipe, 12 Song Thrush, Buzzard and Raven. Dave Newcombe
2009-12-16Of note: Scaup (female) - from wildlife centre. Also seen yesterday by another observer. Lapwing (~80) and Redshank (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-12-14A quiet morning from the Wildlife Centre. Highlight was a visit from the Yellow-legged Gull.Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam
2009-12-102 Great Northern Divers, adult winter + juvenile. 44 Pinkfeet going northwest at 1205hrs. 1 adult winter Mediterranean Gull in roost from Sheepwash from 1430hrs.Roger Carrington

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