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
2009-06-16WeBS count for Sunday 14th June 07.15 to 10.15 hours. 16 Mute Swan,537 Canada Goose,6 Barnacle Goose,47 Mallard,129 Tufted Duck,10 Little Grebe,25 Great Crested Grebe,4 Cormorant,3 Heron,11 Moorhen,68 Coot,8 Oystercatcher,2 Lapwing,4 Redshank,25 Black-headed Gull,2 Common Tern,1 Kingfisher and 1 Sparrowhawk.Peter Gibbon
2009-06-16Fairly quiet on site, of note were; Broods of 3 Moorhen at Sheepwash,and 4 at WLC pond. Single drake Gadwall still at WLC. Common Tern on Flat Island. Pair of Bullfinch on Paul Stanley feeding station.Clive Ashton
2009-06-15Thought you'd be interested to hear that during a walk from Carsington Water I spotted a Red Kite being mobbed by crows! I'm not sure if they've been seen in the area before but thought I'd contact you just in case they haven't. Seeing it made mine and my husband's day! A brilliant sight. Regards, GlenGlenys Torr
2009-06-14A Yellowhammer (red listed) seen at Bullhill Farm Kirk Ireton. The first I have seen in the Parish for years. 54 sightings in the parish in 1988. Appears not to have been recorded in CBC sightings so be aware that they are in the neighbourhood. dave williams
2009-06-113 Black-tailed Godwits on Stones Island, 0730hrs. At least 2 Swifts around the Visitor Centre eaves, breeding would be a first at Carsington. Jay carrying food in Hall Wood, showing breeding. Pair of Reed Bunting feeding young in Hopton Arm Reedbed, and Reed Warbler still singing. Common Tern pair with nest on Flat Island, but hidden behind vegitation when viewed from P S Hide.Roger Carrington
2009-06-10Of note: A pair of Mute Swans with five quite small cygnets. A pair of Gadwall. A female Mallard with four sturdy ducklings. Four Oystercatchers. A Common Tern fishing near the sailing club. A pair of Redshanks behaved as if defending a nest or young. Another observer told us he thought he had seen a very young bird but we did not see it. The Redshank pair attacked a Moorhen and also drove off a Crow and a Jackdaw. They were very aggressive. The pair were active at the water's edge between the wildlife centre and the watersports centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-06-10A few highlights for today. At the Wildlife Centre was 3 Gadwall, and a pair of Redshank with one small youngster. A pair of Common Terns, and Oystercatcher with one young on Flat Island. Reed Warbler singing at Hopton End and also a Spotted Flycatcher there. 3 Broods of Mute Swan 3/5/6.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-06-04Of note: Barnacle Goose (4), Gadwall (pr), Mallard inc. a female with 3 very small ducklings & a female with 3 well grown youngsters, Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (1), Common Tern (2) - sitting on orange buoys near Horseshoe Island, Song Thrush (2): WARBLERS: Sedge, Garden, Willow, Whitethroat, and Blackcap + Chiffchaff; Blue Tits feeding young in box 0305, Great Tits feeding young in box 0304. A Great Tit youngster could occasionally be seen poking its fluffy head out through the hole in the box. Reed Bunting (singing male). Insects: Common Blue damselfly - a mating pair, Buff-tailed Bumblebee, Small White, Large White and Painted Lady butterflies.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-06-01As already stated a Black Tern this morning, also 4 Black Terns to at least 17.15. Reed Warbler briefly singing to the left of Sheepwash Hide. Not many more highlights apart from several Buzzards and a Raven. A pair of Oystercatchers feeding 2 young on flat island, Coots feeding 5 young to the left of Paul Stanley hide and a family of Blue Tits by Sheepwash Hide.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-06-014 Black Terns now present at 17:30hrs, and the 2 Common Scoters also. Reed Warbler singing at base of Sheepwash spit.Clive Ashton
2009-06-01This morning: 1 Black Tern, at least 2 Common Terns, pair of Common Scoter, Reed Warbler singing in Hopton Arm Reedbed, Pied Flycatcher still singing in Fishtail Creek but distant, 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood and 1 in Middle Wood, Treecreeper singing and 1 family party in Hall Wood and another Treecreeper singing in Middle Wood.No name given
2009-05-28Because of half-term and the sunny weather it was very busy on site today. We found 40 species of bird around midday. Of note: Barnacle Goose (4), Mallard - including a female with 5 very well developed ducklings, Common Buzzard being harrassed by Crows near the dam wall, Pheasant (2 heard), Common Tern (2) - on the raft near the Watersports Centre, Swift (2), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 female) - next to Shiningford Creek, Common Whitethroat (2), Garden Warbler (1), Blackcap(2), Chiffchaff (2), Willow Warbler (2) and Reed Bunting (2 singing males). Butterflies: Orange Tip, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Wall and Red Admiral. Also Water Boatmen and hundreds, perhaps thousands of tadpoles in the pond next to the Wildlife Centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-05-24Millfields Island late afternoon - Barnacle Geese 3 pairs with 4nr goslings between them. Looked like 1+1&2. Swallows nesting inside the wooden furniture house.David & Sue Edmonds
2009-05-22A Whitethroat probably female, near the reed beds by the Hopton crossing.Bob and Gill Smith
2009-05-18Not a lot about today but did get two cracking birds. A Cuckoo flew over Wildlife Centre Creek and perched long enough for me to get my scope on it before disappearing. And then a Hobby flew from the east and headed over Sheepwash hide shortly before 15.00. Also of note was a pair of Barnacle Geese with 4 young on Stones Island, a single Dunlin on Horseshoe Island, a flock of 7 Waders flew across the water which I think were also Dunlin. Dave Newcombe
2009-05-17Belated WeBS count done on Sunday 10th May. Mute Swan 13,Canada Goose 107,Barnacle Goose 14,Mallard 34,Tufted Duck 101,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 16,Great Crested Grebe 24,Cormorant 1,Grey Heron 1,Moorhen 19,Coot 80,Oystercatcher 12,Little Ringed Plover 2,Lapwing 4,Redshank 5,Common Sandpiper 2,Black-headed Gull 20,Common Tern 2.Peter Gibbon
2009-05-15Quick visit this morning: 8 Turnstone,5 on the raft near Watersports and 3 on the Island. 1 Sanderling on Sailing Club Island 3 Gadwall on Horseshoe Island. 100+ Swallows, and many House Martins/Swifts.Clive Ashton
2009-05-13With the weather being wet and windy today I thought there was a good chance of getting some migrants blown in but I didn't expect it to be quite so good. Spoke to a birder first thing who said he had had about a dozen distant Terns but couldn't quite ID them so they went down as 'Commic Terns' I made my way to Sheepwash and sat there a while before the first flock of Terns flew through....17 Arctics and 1 Black Tern followed by a further 7 Arctics 10 minutes later. Another Black Tern flew through and then 4 more later in the day. Throughout the day there were more flocks including one of 27 Arctics around 17.00. In total there was at least 80 Arctic Terns throughout the day plus 2 Common Terns. Other highlights include 3 or 4 Common Sandpipers, at least 2 Sanderlings, a Turnstone, several Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers, at least 2 Little Ringed Plovers, female Yellow Wagtail and a stunning adult Med Gull on Horseshoe Island to end the day. There were also literally 100's of Swifts, Housemartins and Swallows with a fair few Sandmartins too. Dave Newcombe
2009-05-12From WLC: 2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 1 Buzzard over toward pylons on left, 8 House Martins, 6 Swift. From Paul Stanley: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin (in plumage), 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Pheasants (1 male), 1 Blackcap, 2 Willow tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sand Martin (north).Richard and Frances Pittam
2009-05-11Pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks on Millfields islandBob and Gill Smith
2009-05-09Great Northern Diver (1) - Still present against the dam wall, sailing club end, immediately after the dawn chorus walk.David & Sue Edmonds
2009-05-09DAWN CHORUS WALK :Willow Warbler,Chiffcaff,Garden Warbler,Blackcap and Whitethroat all singing well and showing themselves for the group. Also Robin,Dunnock,Wren,Blackbird,Song Thrush,Great and Blue Tit,Chaffinch,Bullfinch,Woodpigeon,Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting singing or calling.Great Spotted Woodpecker and Kestrel.Pair of Common Terns trying valiantly to fight for the tern raft against Black-headed Gulls.A Whimbrel and two Dunlin seen from the hide at the end of the walk.Finally the Dunlin and a Redshank were scared off from the west bank by a Fox that slowly made its way along the shoreline looking for food. Peter Gibbon & Roger Carrington
2009-05-08Yesterday afternoon, Phil and Mike from Fisheries towed the tern raft back into position, in front of the Wildlife Centre. Whilst locking up the Wildlife Centre at 18.30, I had a look around and noticed the two Common Terns, which I believe have been hanging around the site for a few days. They were both sat on the new Watersports raft initially, but then one moved over to the tern raft and fought off five Black-headed Gulls. It was then joined by the other tern. Chris Johnstone informed me that they were both still on the raft this morning.Paul Bennett
2009-05-064 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe Island, 2 Dunlin on Stones Island and then 5 on Sheepwash Spit later in the day. Good views of the Great Northern Diver from the Wildlife Centre and then at Lane End Hide. Shelduck, c50 Swifts, Ringed Plover, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Raven. Lots of Hirundines in the early morning drizzle. Female Teal, Mallard with 8 young and Canada Geese with 6 young. A lot of Warblers in now including Lesser Whitethroat by brick tower, 5+ Common Whitethroats and numerous Chiff Chaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Garden Warblers. Also Robin feeding young in Hall Wood. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-05-06Whilst checking the CCTV function in the Wildlife Centre this morning, I found three Whimbrel on the back of Horseshoe Island at 07.20. They were still there at 08.45, but were still in the same place, so frustratingly, could still only be viewed with the camera!(at least we've got one I suppose!). I also had a Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island at 18.40 on Monday 4th.Paul Bennett
2009-05-04Barnacle Goose (7), Mallard ducklings (9), Oystercatcher (3), Redshank (3), Common Gull (1), Garden Warbler (1) - Stones Island, Blackcap (2), Chiffchaff (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-05-04Great Northern Diver (Adult Summer) from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon. 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher from Wildlife Centre. 20+ Barnacle Goose, 3 Cackling Canada Goose, 12+ Swift from Stones Island.Paul Thomas
2009-05-02Sheepwash Hide Common Sandpiper (1), GN Diver (1) 4:45pm - 6pm.; Kestrel(1): 6pm Paul Stanley same Diver still well visible, Little Ringed plover (1), Redshank (1). Pied Wagtail (2, see notes)David & Sue Edmonds
2009-05-011 Great Northern Diver,between Lane End and Watersports. 2 Lesser Whitethroat,and 2 Common Whitethroat between Sheepwash and WLC. Butterflies: 30+ Green veined White,3 Orange Tip,2 Brimstone and 1 Peacock.Clive Ashton
2009-04-281 Bar tailed Godwit 1 GN Diver 1 LRP c8 Swift 2 GreylagClive Ashton
2009-04-27Steady rain until late afternoon. Barnacle Goose (10), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (2), Curlew (2) - Horseshoe Island; Redshank (3), Sand Martin (1), Swallow (over 50), House Martin (1), Song Thrush (2), Chiffhaff (1), Willow Warbler (5), Bullfinch (pr) and Reed Bunting (1 male).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-04-27Highlights.... 1 Avocet (Horseshoe), 1 (summer plumage) Bar tailed Godwit (SFord Creek), Lesser Whitethroat (SFord creek), Redshank 2plus pairs displaying etc, 1 pair Mandarin. Steph Hicking
2009-04-25The two Great Northern Divers still present off Fishtail Creek pm.Alan Lewin
2009-04-24Black TernJohn Mowbray
2009-04-23CBC Evening walk of the 21st April: The 2 Great Northern Divers were seen clearly and 1 Shelduck. All the Wagtails seen were pied and summer migrants included House and Sand Martin Swallow in good numbers. Little Ringed Plovers on the yachting launch area were seen plus Oystercatcher, Redshank and 3 Curlew. Before the walk a Snipe was flushed on Stones Island and at 16.30 a Common Tern appeared on a buoy before being found again with the Black-headed Gulls at the Wildlife Centre. Unfortunately by the time the group came to the centre at 20.15 it had gone. Peter Gibbon
2009-04-22A Honey Buzzard circled over the Hopton Inlet from about 12.20-12.30.p.m. having come in from the West. Escorted east by 2 Common Buzzards. Also 1 Dunlin briely on Stones mid-morning and a Garden Warbler singing quietly behind Sheepwash Hide at dinnertime. Both Great Northern Divers still present and a Shelduck of Lane End Hide.rOD kEY
2009-04-212 Great Northern Divers towards the dam early morning.Of note from WLC: 2 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Shelduck, 1 Cackling Goose (among many Canadas and Barnacles). 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch all on bird table.Elsewhere, 1 White Wagtail on Flat Is, many singing Blackcaps between WLC and Sheepwash.James Owen (ABB)
2009-04-21WeBS count for April(7.00-10.00) 1 Great Northern Diver, 31 Great Crested Grebe, 18 Little Grebe, 9 Mute Swan, 98 Canada Goose, 12 Barnacle Goose, 2 Shelduck, 38 Mallard(+10 young), 215 Tufted Duck, 16 Moorhen, 115 Coot, 2 Lapwing, 8 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 113 Black-headed Gull. Also big numbers of swallow.Peter Gibbon
2009-04-217:45pm Millfields Bay - Mandarin Duck pair M&F.David & Sue Edmonds
2009-04-20Nice day on site. Wall to wall sunshine and a blue sky. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (19), Mallard (inc 10 ducklings) - near Sailing Club; Pheasant (1), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (2), Redshank (2), House Martin - several around the visitor centre; COMMON WHITETHROAT (1) - in hedge by path next to Shiningford Creek [near post 5G]; Blackcap (4) - 3 singing males & 1 fem; Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-04-17At Sheepwash this evening: 35 Arctic Terns 12 Little Gulls 2 Mallard young. Also 4 Yellow Wagatils over Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2009-04-17Swallows (8 - 10nr), difficult to count in the strong wind Yellow Wagtail (5nr) looked like 4 male 1 female, Pied Wagtail (11 - 12nr) including 1nr possible White Wagtail, Goldfinch (2) Redshank (4), Little Ringed Plover (2), Oystercatcher (3), Barnacle Goose (2) David & Sue Edmonds
2009-04-15Misty and rather dull on site today. A very strong northerly wind was blowing. White horses on the res!OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (13), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (4), Redshank (7), Swallow (~50), House Martin (1), Chiffchaff (2) and Willow Warbler (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-04-14Sandwich Tern off Stones Island, mid morning. 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 GN Diver.Clive Ashton
2009-04-134 Common Scoter, 2m2f,from Stones Island this evening. 2 GN Divers from Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2009-04-12Quiet again from the Wildlife Centre, with 4 Redshank, who appear to be attracted to the roof, squabbling Oystercatchers, squabbling Barnacle Geese - guess its the time of year. View of the GND from rear of Watersports Centre. From Stones Island - 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher (nesting?), 12 Barnacle Geese, numerous Chiffchaff, at least 4 Willow Warblers, 1 possible Garden Warbler, 2 Bullfinch, 10 Sand Martin. From Visitor Centre - 4 House Martins, 2 Swallows.Richard and Frances Pittam
2009-04-08Early evening walk, Stones Island area: 40 Pied Wagtail on Stones Island. 1 White Wagtail on Watersports Island. 1 Yellow Wagtail between Watersports and Wildlife Centre. 1 Redpoll near steps to cafe,interesting looking bird for a possible Common, but lost sight of before better views could be obtained. 1 Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island/Horseshoe Island. Clive Ashton
2009-04-07Still 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Ravens. Female Wheatear and 6 Meadow Pipits on dam wall. 12 Chiff Chaffs, 7 Willow Warblers and 3 Blackcaps. 30+ Sand Martins, 10+ Swallows, 4 Buzzards, 2 Goldeneye, Grey Heron, 2 Snipe, Common Sandpiper. Dave Newcombe
2009-04-06Of note: Barnacle Goose (26), Gadwall (pr), Pheasant (1 calling), Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (3), Pied Wagtail (9), Chiffchaff (4), Long-tailed Tit (2), Bullfinch (pr) and Reed Bunting (1 male).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-04-06Hall Wood - Treecreeper, Gt Spttd Woodpecker, Ponds North of by-pass Pair Reed Bunting,Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot. Near Paul Stanley - Long tailed tits, Chiff Chaff, Oyster Catchers Bullfinch, Reed Bunting. Nesting box Nth of Wildlife centre pair of Jackdaws seeing off Sparrow Hawk investigating box.Dave Williams

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