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
2009-04-05Willow Warbler singing at Millfields. Male Brambling,with Chaffinches on Stones Island. 2 GN Divers. Cackling Goose with Barnacle Geese. 3 Willow Tit.Clive Ashton
2009-04-04Shown up well in the evening light were a bull finch singing at the top of a tree and a pair of gadwall in front of Paul Stanley hide.David and Sue Edmonds
2009-04-032 Blackcap,Millfields/Stones Island 1 Wheatear(male),Sheepwash spit. 4 Goldeneye, Paul Stanley. 2 Raven,Sparrowhawk,Buzzard,Grey Wagtail,9 Swallow,17 GBB Gull. Clive Ashton
2009-04-013 Great Northern Divers, 4 Buzzards, Raven, 12 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Curlew, 12 Chiff Chaffs, Blackcap, 12 Meadow Pipits, 3 Reed Buntings.Dave Newcombe
2009-03-31Still at least 2 Great Northern Diver Of note from WLC: 3 Redshank, 5 Snipe, 1 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 1 Willow Tit, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Buzzard, 2 Oystercatcher (mated throughout the day), 2 Pied WagtailJames Owen (ABB)
2009-03-30Highlights From the visitor centre: 2 Great Northern Divers From the Wildlife Centre: 3 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 5 Common gull, 1 Lesser Black Backed gull, 6 Tree sparrow, 2 TealKen, Richard & Frances Pittam
2009-03-303 G.N.Divers, 10 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 20+ Sand Martins, 10+ Swallows, Blackcap by Millfields, 8 Redshanks, 7 Goldeneye, 11 Wigeon, 38 Pied Wagtails, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Kestrels.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-03-28Full bird count from Sheepwash to Stones Island this afternoon. Canada Goose, c.30 Barnacle Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Teal, Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Lapwing, 5 Redshank, Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew, 2 Snipe, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Wren, Robin, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Meadow Pipit (Stones Island), c. 50 Pied Wagtail (Stones Island), 3 Swallow (Stones Island), Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Buzzard (over Hall Wood), 2 Raven (over Hall Wood), Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Rook.Craig Morris
2009-03-28Approx 12 swallows over water near dam wallBob and Gilll Smith
2009-03-253 Great Northern Divers, 3 Sand Martins, 8 Goldeneye, 4 Buzzards, 41 Barnacle Geese, 32 Pied Wagtails, 4 Curlews, 21 Wigeon. 2 Peregrine Falcons over Hall Wood seen by two observers. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-03-25WLC: 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 14 Barnacle geese, 2 snipe, 4 Lapwing, 1 Great Northern diver. PS Hide: 2 Gr Spotted woodpeckers (m and f) Millfields: 1 Chiffchaff (heard singing), 1 Nuthatch (nest preparation - Penn Carr), 6 Pied Wagtails, 1 Great northern diver. Richard and Frances Pittam
2009-03-23WeBS count for March - 9 Mute Swan, 1Greylag Goose, 75 Canada Goose, 10 Barnacle Goose, 30 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 56 Mallard, 264 Tufted Duck, 16 Goldeneye, 8 Goosander, 4 Great Northern Diver, 32 Little Grebe, 41 Great Crested Grebe, 26 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 24 Moorhen, 199 Coot, 3 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 10 Blackheaded Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Kingfisher. Peter Gibbon & John Bradley
2009-03-23Single Sand Martin, 5 Chiff Chaffs, 2 GN Divers, 2 Ravens, 2 Buzzards, male Shoveler, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Greylag Geese, Kingfisher, 6 Teal, male Gadwall, 2 Curlew, 2 Snipe and several Redshanks and Oystercatchers.Dave Newcombe
2009-03-2242 Species seen today, including the first 29nr recorded by the ABB count, before we left the WLC. Of note, at 09:20hr flock of 25 - 30 Wigeon circling over Millfields for 10 minutes before heading away from Carsington. No Wigeon were seen on the water today. 2nr GN Divers from SW hide from 14:40hr to 16:00hr. 6nr Shoveler, 5 male 1 female from PS at 14:20hr. (Surprisingly we have not seen these at Carsington since we joined last year) David & Sue Edmonds
2009-03-21Walked the dam wall early morning; 50+ Meadow Pipit 7 Sand Martin 3 Skylark 8 Chiffchaff singing between Millfields and Wildlife centre.Clive Ashton
2009-03-203 GN Divers 17 Goldeneye 2 Raven 5 SnipeClive Ashton
2009-03-18At least 3 G.N.Divers still present. 4 Chiff Chaffs in song at Millfields, Stones Island, WLC creek and one by P.Stanley hide. Female Scaup showing well to the left of P.Stanley hide. 8+ Snipe, several Redshanks and Oystercatchers. 2 Meadow Pipits, Buzzard, Kestrel, 12 Goldeneye. Great Spot Woodpecker drumming. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-03-16An oversight!! In addition seven Redshanks present today (SI & HI).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-03-16Fairly quiet on site. Warm sunny weather. OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Barnacle Goose (21), Teal (2), Goldeneye (pr) - off Stones Island (SI), Buzzard (1) - over Millfields, Oystercatcher (6) - SI and HI, Snipe (4) - HI & Wildlife Centre Creek, Chiffchaff (1) - in trees close to the Wildlife Centre (WC) and Reed Bunting (pr) - WC feeding station. Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-03-15Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Mallard, Wigeon, Wren, Dunnock, Jackdaw, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Great-crested Grebe, Great Tit, Lapwing, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Redshank, Tree Sparrow, Snipe, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Woodpigeon, Robin, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Little Grebe, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Magpie, Pheasant, Carrion Crow, Cormorant, Nuthatch, Pied Wagtail, Raven, Reed Bunting, Chiff-chaff, Goldcrest, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Jay, Buzzard, Goldeneye, SkylarkGary Atkins
2009-03-15Chiffchaff at Millfields and Male Sparrowhawk were notable sightings on brief visitJohn & Fay Follett
2009-03-13PS Hide 10 cormorants, Pied Wagtails building their nest Redshank, Oystercatchers, 25 Curlew, Nuthatch, Great Crested Grebes displaying, Reed Bunting,Dunnock, Jay, Pair of Goldeneye SW Hide 2 pair of Shovelers, pair of Sparrowhawks, LBB Gulls, GBB Gulls, Common GullsLeslie Fisher
2009-03-13A Chiff Chaff gave a half hearted attempt at singing at Millfields. 2 Meadow Pipits on dam wall. Walked around stones island and had 15 Redwings and 4 Shoveler just off watersports island. Also 2 G.N Divers form there. 10 Snipe and a Greylag Goose at the Wildlife Centre. Went on to Sheepwash and had the 4 Shoveler from there, also 2 Sparrowhawks, 9+ Goldeneye, 900 BH Gulls, several Redshanks and Oystercatchers, 10 Curlew, Raven, Buzzard and Kestrel. The highlight for me was at 17.40 when I saw 11 wildfowl flying towards Hopton end. I managed to scope them briefly and could see at least 3 Pintial before I lost them. Then just before leaving I spotted the 11 birds again and could see that there were actually 10 Pintail....5 males and 5 females and 1 Wigeon amongst them. Dave Newcombe
2009-03-121 Sand Martin around Stones Island 0830hrs - early date for this site. 1 Chiffchaff singing at Millfields 0930hrs - could be a wintering bird. 1 Dunlin at Wildlife Centre. 7 Curlew, 4 Redshank, 6+ Oystercatcher. 18 Snipe at Wildlife Centre. 6 Redwing on Stones Island.Roger Carrington
2009-03-113 Great Northern Divers, together from Sheepwash. 8 Buzzard. 2 Raven. 12 Goldeneye. Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2009-03-10the marsh tit i reported at paul stanley hide, is in fact a willow tit, after closer inspection of photographs.michael johnson
2009-03-09Sunny today but with a cold NW breeze blowing. Few visitors on site. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (10) - in a Shiningford Farm field with Canadas, Goldeneye (pr) - just off Stones Island, Oystercatcher (2) - Stones Island, Curlew (14) - Horseshoe Island, arrived about 1230hrs, Redshank (3) - one by Wildlife Centre Creek & two on Stones Island.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-03-04Gull roost count, 1630-1730hrs from Lane End Hide; 2500 Black-headed, 220 Common, 210 Lesser Black-backed and 2 Herring Gulls. 4 Great Northern Divers together from 1645hrs to dusk.Roger Carrington
2009-03-04At least 2 Great Northern Divers still present, 26 Curlew, 25 Snipe, 10+ Goldeneye, female Sparrowhawk, Raven, several Buzzards, 8+ Oystercatcher, female Pintail, Greylag Goose, 2 Treecreepers.Dave Newcombe
2009-03-02Of note today: Grey Heron (1), Barnacle Goose (47), Goldeneye (pr) - off Stones Island, Oystercatcher (2 prs), Lapwing (~60), Snipe (11), Song Thrush (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-02-263 drake Common Scoter between Millfields and Fishtail this morning. 16 Curlew at Wildlife Centre early morning. At least 10 Oystercatcher - very mobile in pairs. Female Pintail from PS Hide. 3 GN Divers from Sheepwash Hide. Raven and 2 Buzzard from Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2009-02-254 Great Northern Divers all together at dusk, drake Common Scoter, 21 Snipe, 6+ Oystercatcher, 12+ Goldeneye, female Pintail, 4 Curlew, 3 Buzzards, Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-02-24WLC: 2 Great Northern Diver throughout the day, 18 Snipe on Horseshoe Island, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 8 Teal, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Barnacle Geese,Also, 40 Barnacle Geese on Stones IslandJames Owen (ABB)
2009-02-24We saw a male Garganey from the sheepwash bird hide.Robert Newing and Sheila Carr
2009-02-23Mediterranean Gull, adult near full summer plumage from Sheepwash somwhere between 15:00 & 16:00Keefe Murphy
2009-02-23WeBS count for February: 3 Great Northern Divers, 19 Great Crested Grebe, 40 Little Grebe, 53 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Mute Swan, 125 Canada Goose, 40 Barnacle Goose, 4 Shelduck, 90 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 117 Wigeon, 15 Teal, 2 Pochard, 1 Scaup,532 Tufted Duck, 1 Scoter, 15 Goldeneye, 13 Moorhen, 458 Coot, 12 Oystercatcher, 295 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 7 Curlew, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel. Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2009-02-23Not many sightings today as I was doing the walk round with the family. Drake Common Scoter at Millfields, good views of 2 Ravens whilst walking between Hall and Middle Woods. 5+ Oystercatchers, 2 Redshanks, 20+ Robins, 8 Bullfinch, 6 Song Thrush.Dave Newcombe
2009-02-193 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash Hide. Female Scaup near Big Island. Female Pintail from PS Hide late pm. 5 Goosander near Millfields Is. 27 Great Crested Grebe, 49 Little Grebe. 8 Oystercatchers:2 on Millfields Is, 2 on Sailing Club Is, 2 on Big Island, 2 around Sheepwash and Flat Is. 1 Curlew over Stones Is. 2 Skylarks over Millfields. Gull roost:1200 Black-headed, 250 Common, 130 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.Roger Carrington
2009-02-17Checked my notebook - also had a Peregrine fly over Sheepwash about 9:30.James Owen
2009-02-173 Great Northern Diver distant from Sheepwash in the morning, singles beyond Horseshoe Is after that. WLC: 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 45 Barnacle Geese, 1 Snipe Paul Stanley: 2 Oystercatcher (Flat Is), 3 Buzzard, 11 Goldeneye, 2 Willow Tit, 1 GS Woodpecker, 8+ Siskin Sheepwash: 3 Redwing, 1 RedshankJames Owen (ABB)
2009-02-16OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (2), Barnacle Goose (~30) - with Canada Geese in a Shiningford Farm field, Common Buzzard (1), Oystercatcher (1), Lapwing (~110), Curlew (1), Redshank (2), Lesser Redpoll (4).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-02-114 Great Northern Divers, female Scaup, Raven, 2 Redshanks, 10+ Goldeneye, Grey Heron, also a Buzzard eating prey below Willow tree to left of Sheepwash hide.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-02-09A very cold and foggy morning. The only highlights were: Wildlife Centre:1 Male Sparrowhawk Watersports Centre - to - Visitor Centre:1 Possible MerlinRichard, Frances and Ken Pittam
2009-02-042 Great Northern Divers, female Scaup, male Stonechat, 15 Goldeneyes including 13 females, 5 Snipe, 2 Redshanks, 2 Meadow Pipits, Raven, 6 Bullfinch, 4 Siskin.Dave Newcombe
2009-01-304 Great Northern Divers, all together in front of Sheepwash at 1430hrs, 3 stayed together until dusk, 1 drifted to Fishtail still in view at dusk. Heron carried a live adult rat to shoreline, killed it and gradually swallowed it whole, head first, infront of 3 astonished onlookers in Sheepwash Hide.Roger Carrington
2009-01-26Of note today: Great Northern Diver (1) - near Lane end hide; Barnacle Goose (43); Pheasant (1 male) - feeding ON a Wildlife Centre bird table! Lapwing (~360) - in two flocks, one on Horseshoe Island & one by the sailing club; Snipe (5) - Horseshoe Island; Redshank (1) - edge of Wildlife Centre Creek; Robin (15) - all visible and singing; Redwing (2) - Stones Island; WILLOW TIT [Red listed] (2)- near the Wildlife Centre. Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-01-263 Great Northern Divers form Sheepwash, female Scaup, female Pintail, Yellow Legged Gull, Raven, Kingfisher, 12 Goldeneye, 3 Reed Buntings, 7 Pheasants, Grey Heron, 2 Nuthatch, Redshank.Dave Newcombe
2009-01-233 GN Divers from Sheepwash, Drake Common Scoter, and female Pintail from Paul Stanley and 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2009-01-19Strange weather on site today. All the seasons within an hour! Snow on the low hills near by and a mist. The temperature rose a bit but snow showers blew in quite strongly. The sun then came out and blue sky was seen. Finally, the sky clouded over and we had drizzly rain. Of note: Lapwing (over 300) - all in the sky at once; Snipe (14) - 3 by Wildlife Centre Creek and 11 on Horseshoe Island; Redshank (1) - Horseshoe Island; Fieldfare (1); Redwing (5); Lesser Redpoll (6) and Bullfinch (5).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-01-147 Lesser Redpolls by path down to Wildlife Centre, 2 Great Northern Divers, female Scaup, drake Common Scoter, Yellow-Legged Gull, c440 Lapwings, 28 Gadwall, 8 Goldeneye, Kingfisher, Raven, Buzzard,,3 Snipe. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton

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