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
29/09/2023Gulls on Flat Island late afternoon: YL Gull - (4) Ads; Caspian Gull (1) the 'regular' Ad; LBB Gull c600+; Herring Gull (1) Ad;Richard Lowe
29/09/202365 Common and the 3 Red-crested Pochard were in front of the WLC this morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Peregrine and the Oystercatcher still. Single Snipe at WLC. 1 Blackcap at Millfields. 85 Starlings out of their roost on Stones causeway early morning. Total of 25 Siskin.Simon Roddis
28/09/2023Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls on Flat Island late morning. 3 Red-crested Pochard still. 69 Pochard. 228 Tufted. c1,000 Black-headed Gulls early morning, post-roost. The Oystercatcher on Stones still. c100 Rooks and 50 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning. 11 Mistle Thrushes. c60 Goldfinches from Stones.Simon Roddis
27/09/2023Not much different today: 1 Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 70 Pochard, 2 RcPochard, 15 Little Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Caspian Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 38 Cormorants, 1 Kingfisher, 16 Swallow, 19 House Martin, 61 Meadow Pipits S in 1 hour, 12 Chiffchaff, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 17 Siskin.Simon Roddis
26/09/2023Couldn't see the Glossy Ibis this morning, maybe it's lurking in a quiet corner somewhere. c90 Pochard. Drake Mandarin in Brown Ale Bay. The Oystercatcher and 2 Caspian Gulls (adult, 3w) still. Flock of 13 Cormorants flew S. Peregrine again in WLC fields. Marsh Tit on the feeder at Paul Stanley hide.Simon Roddis
25/09/2023Glossy Ibis seen early evening on Flat Island with Caspian Gull (2) - Ad plus 3rd w; YL Gull (4) 3-ads plus 1st w.Richard Lowe
25/09/2023Evening visit to follow up an earlier report of a Glossy Ibis. The bird did appear in flight over the Shiningford area at 18:05 and flew towards sailing club before being lost to view; not seen again up to 19:20. (If the original finder of this bird sees this, perhaps you would complete a DOS rarity form, please. Thanks.)Simon Roddis
25/09/2023Two late summer migrants this morning: a Garden Warbler (equal latest ever here) on Stones causeway and the male Redstart still in WLC fields. Adult Caspian Gull again from Stones island and Yellow-leg at Millfields. 241 Greylags. 1 Pink-foot. 3 RcPochard and 29 Common Pochard from WLC. 1 Pintail. The Oystercatcher still on Stones. 2 Little Egrets.Simon Roddis
22/09/2023On Flat Island late morning: Caspian Gull (2) Ad + 3rd w; YL Gull (1) Ad; GBBGull (1) Ad.Richard Lowe
22/09/2023Mostly S over WLC creek 07:30-10:30 this morning: 447 Meadow Pipits, 44 Siskin, 11 Lesser Redpoll, 24 Linnet. Male Redstart still in WLC fields. 1 Sedge Warbler on Stones island. The regular adult Peregrine in its favoured ash in WLC fields. 3 Kestrels in the air over the pastures. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Redhead Goosander from Stones and 6 Pintail off Sheepwash late morning.Simon Roddis
21/09/2023This morning, 550 Canadas and 220 Greylags, 1 RcPochard in Brown Ale Bay, the Oystercatcher still, the adult Caspian Gull again on Flat Island late morning, Great Egret past Stones, 10+ Buzzards, 11 Skylarks including a flock of 7S, 6 Sand and c120 House Martins, Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall, total of at least 70 Meadow Pipits (still moving through late morning), 8 Lesser Redpoll and 10 Siskin S over WLC creek, c50 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
19/09/2023Thinking it might be worth another look after today's winds, I was nicely surprised to find a Manx Shearwater on the water between Stones island and Millfields draw-off tower at 18:15 this evening. Still there at 19:00, after which it became difficult to see the gaps between the roosting Lesser Black-backs, c5,500 by 19:40. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Pintail and 3 RcPochard also off Stones.Simon Roddis
19/09/2023Adult and first-winter Caspian and the adult Yellow-legged Gull on Flat Island late morning, plus a 1w Yellow-leg from Stones. 2 RcPochard in Brown Ale Bay, the male starting to show some colour in his crown now. c35 Pochard. Total of 18 Stock Doves (17S,1N). 6 Swallows flying into the breeze on Stones and c12 House Martins at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
18/09/2023Pretty much as you were this morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls from Stones, 3 R-c Pochard, 1 Pintail, 1 Little Egret, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sand. 70 Starlings early morning might have been roosting on sailing club island. 2 Lesser Redpoll over Millfields. c40 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
17/09/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 429 Canada, 92 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan (including one now full-grown cygnet), 51 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 169 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 159 Teal, 3 RcPochard, 42 Pochard, 152 Tufted, 1 Goosander, 12 Moorhen, 631 Coot, 17 LGrebe, 39 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 48 Cormorant, 3 Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Clive also had 2 Ringed Plover. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGulls again. 3 Common Gulls. 4 Tawny Owls calling early morning. 20 House Martin. 15 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/09/2023c950 Canada, 80 Greylag and 23 Barnacle Geese flew out over the dam wall early morning, some of them returning later. 2 Pintail again off Stones island, and the Oystercatcher and Great Egret there still. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGulls on Flat Island late morning. 52 Cormorants. c100 Pied Wagtails, 1 Yellow Wagtail and c50 Carrion Crows on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
15/09/2023Another very decent morning. Highlight was a juvenile Knot which Clive found on Watersports island. Wildfowl included 1 Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon and a drake Common Scoter (off Lane End, found by Roger Thornley). 22 Barnacle Geese plus one hybrid flew in mid-morning. Regulars included the Great Egret and Yellow-legged Gull. Passerines were pretty good this morning: 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, male Redstart and 11 Magpies in WLC fields; Clive had at least 6 Yellow Wagtails and 20 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall, and another 107 Meadow Pipits flew S over WLC fields 08:00-09:30, while a Yellowhammer flew N and 18 Greenfinch (including a flock of 16) S, the highest count since 2003. Totals of 6 Siskin and 6 Lesser Redpoll. 76 species again.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
14/09/2023Slight contrast from yesterday! 3 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Pintail and 95 Teal on Stones. 3 Shoveler and a Wigeon from WLC. Great Egret, Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gull and Oystercatcher still.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/09/2023Skeins of 65 (at 09:50) and 88 (11:05) Pink-footed Geese flew NE (my earliest ever autumn record of genuine migrants). 2 female/juv Pintail off Stones, and later from WLC. Female/juv Common Scoter off Millfields. 7 Wigeon. 2 Red-crested Pochard off Stones. The Oystercatcher still and a mobile and vocal Ringed Plover around Stones, and 4 Common Sandpipers at Millfields. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. 45 Cormorant. 3 Sparrowhawks together over Hall Wood. Kingfisher on Stones causeway and the regular Peregrine on sailing club shore early morning. Total of 6 Willow Tit (3 in WLC creek, 3 at Millfields). Hirundines included at least 10 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin and 1 House Martin. At least 25 Chiffchaffs around the Stones/WLC area, and 6 Blackcaps in WLC creek. c100 Starlings early morning. Female/juv Wheatear in WLC fields. 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. Quite a productive morning when you add it all up, 76 species.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
12/09/2023Very damp this morning. 7 Wigeon, 3 Red-crested Pochard and at least 25 Pochard off Stones. 26 Lapwing. Snipe at WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and an odd-looking possible hybrid grey-backed gull on Flat Island. The Great Egret still. Alan had 2 Kingfishers from PS hide, and a Marsh Tit in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, CA, AHS
11/09/2023Evening visit: similar to Clive and Alan's report for this morning: the Great Egret and Peregrine eyed each other curiously on Watersports island, the adult Caspian Gull was still off Stones, and at least 3,750 Lesser Black-backs had come in to roost by 19:45.Simon Roddis
11/09/20231 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipits and 1 Little Egret from dam wall this morning. From Stones Island, 3 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Oystercatcher, many Chiffchaffs in the Willows. From WLC creek, 1 Peregrine, 1 Great White Egret, a small number of House Martins and Swallows, CA also saw Yellow Legged Gull, Caspien Gull and Redkite.AHS, CA.
10/09/2023This morning from Stones Island, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 14 Pochard, 1 Black Tern, 1 Hobby. Early morning CA had 3 Yellow Wagtails on dam wall, 1Great White Egret and 3 little Egrets.AHS, CA.
08/09/2023This morning at Carsington from Stones Island 21 Pochard, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 2 Shoveller ,13 Wigeon, less Chiffchaffs than of late, but the usual number of Blackcaps feeding in the Elderberry, and 1 Great Black Backed Gull. WLC creek produced Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 140 plus House Martins, Swallows and Sand Martins, 1 Great White Egret, Willow Warbler still singing. 1 Little Egret in front of Yatch club.AHS, CA.
07/09/2023On Flat Island late this afternoon: Caspian Gull 1 Ad YL Gull 2 Ads GBB Gull 1 Ad LBB Gull c150.Richard Lowe
06/09/2023Great White Egret , other side of the water opposite the wildlife centreSteve Wright
05/09/2023Quiet morning with regard to the birds probably due to the high temperatures currently. Highlights were 1Whinchat, 1 Wheatear found by CA up in the fields beyond WLC creek, also there, were 1 Peregrine , 2 Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, 1Buzzard , Swallows and House Martins.AHS, CA.
04/09/2023Plenty of Warblers at Carsington this morning, mainly Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps ,2 Lesser Whitethroat up WLC creek. Also up WLC creek Peregrine, Kestrel and a Tawney Owl called briefly. 4 Shoveller, 6 Wigeon from Stones Island. Butterflies included Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Holy Blue and Gate Keeper.AHS, CA.
03/09/2023Following species were noted at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island/WLC creek/Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Coot, Mute Swan, Swallow, Mallard, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Gt Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Little Grebe, Woodpigeon, Willow Tit, Jay, Bullfinch, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Wren, Blackcap, Buzzard, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Moorhen, Long-tailed Tit, Red Kite, Lapwing, Gadwall and Pochard.Gary Atkins
31/08/2023Couldn't see the chats this morning but a Wheatear was in the overflow carpark. Adult Caspian (on Stones Shoreline) and Yellow-legged Gulls again. The 3 Red-crested Pochard were off Stones early on and later in Brown Ale Bay. 21 Common Pochard. New Little Grebe chick in BABay. 2 Kingfishers at WLC. Peregrine past Stones. 2 Reed Warbler fledglings still near WLC and 3+ in Hopton reedbed. 3 Common Whitethroat and male Redstart in WLC fields, and 35 Linnets over.Simon Roddis
30/08/2023A beautiful juvenile Whinchat and a slightly scruffy moulting male Stonechat were in the overflow carpark fields (off the dam wall) this morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Ruff, Pink-footed Goose and 3 Red-crested Pochard still. 13 Pochard. 102 Woodpigeons S 06:00-07:00. 37 Lapwing. Peregrine on Watersports island. c250 Swallows and 25 House Martin. 2 recently-fledged Reed Warblers near WLC - they've been very discrete! Garden Warbler on Stones, and 1 Yellow Wagtail over.SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
29/08/2023The adult Caspian Gull was back this morning, and a juvenile as well as adult Yellow-legged Gull. The Ruff still present though mobile around Watersports/WLC and a Curlew flew over Stones. The 3 Red-crested Pochard still, plus 12 Common Pochard off Stones. A Pink-footed Goose was among the Canadas, and a Stonechat was on the dam wall. Willow Warbler singing in WLC creek, adult male Redstart still in the fields, and 2 Sedge Warblers on Stones. 1 Yellow Wagtail S over Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
28/08/2023Evening visit: a juvenile Ruff (probably a male) was on Stones island at 18:30, takes me to 150 for the year. The juv Mediterranean Gull was in the same spot at sailing club as it had been a couple of nights ago. The 3 Red-crested Pochard still off Stones. 6 Little Grebes (5 ads, 1 juv) together in Brown Ale Bay, and a Kingfisher there. c500 Swallows went to roost in Hopton reedbed at dusk.Simon Roddis
28/08/2023The full complement of 3 Red-crested Pochards were back off Stones early morning, along with 6 redhead Goosander. 92 Woodpigeons and 13 Stock Doves flew S 06:00-07:00. 1 Dunlin on Horseshoe island. 1 Redshank. 9 Common Gulls. c300 Lesser Black-backs on the water, unusual to see as many as that during the day. 4 separate GSWoodpeckers. The Peregrine again in an ash in WLC fields. 10 Mistle Thrushes over Millfields.Simon Roddis
27/08/2023The 2 juv female Red-crested Pochard were off Stones early morning and later in front of the WLC. 76 Woodpigeons and 16 Stock Doves flew S 06:20-07:20. 1 Common Sandpiper. 2 Yellow Wagtails and a Spotted Flycatcher in WLC fields, plus a Hobby over (and it or another later over Fishtail). 2 Sand Martins. 1+ Sedge Warbler on Stones.Simon Roddis
26/08/2023Evening visit: a juvenile Mediterranean Gull was at sailing club, the 3 Red-crested Pochard were still off Stones, and c4,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost, along with 400 Black-headed and 6 Common Gulls.Simon Roddis
26/08/23This morning's highlight was an Osprey which appeared at 10:45 (good spot, Alison), patrolled the res for 10 minutes, upsetting the ducks and gulls, before catching a fish and heading towards Millfields (just eclipsing the first Meadow Pipit of the month, which flew over Stones). Clive's 3 Red-crested Pochard (probably a juv male and 2 juv females) were still off Stones although mobile. 64 Teal in Brown Ale Bay. 65 Woodpigeons flew S (and 4N) 06:30-07:30. 13 Moorhen, including an adult with a small chick at Shiningford. 9 Little Grebes, plus the brood of 4 growing young from WLC. The adult Yellow-legged Gull on Flat Island much of the morning. 47 Cormorant. 5 Buzzards over Hall Wood. 1 Sand Martin among the Swallows and House Martins in WLC creek. 3 Redstarts (1m,2f) in WLC fields and 8 Siskin flew S. 2 Yellow Wagtails ove Stones.Simon Roddis
25/08/2023585 Canadas and 81 Greylag flew out over the dam wall early morning. c150 Pied and 3 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall. 7 Grey Wags and c80 Swallows at Millfields. 5 Shoveler on Flat Island mid-morning. 1 Wigeon. 58 Teal. 9 Pochard. Juvenile Goosander. 1 Swift among c100 House Martins beyond WLC creek. 1 Ringed Plover. 1 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 3 Redshank. 1 Common Snipe. 56 Cormorants. Kingfisher at Millfields. Total of 9 Jays. Male Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Siskin over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
21/8/202313 Common Pochard and 3 Red-crested Pochard were together near Sailing Club island early morning. Myself and Alan S. also had at least 5 (probably 6) Redstart in WLC fields and a Garden Warbler in the creek also Kingfisher here after I had left. Single Dunlin and Common Sandpiper on Stones, female Sparrowhawk in the main car park.Clive Ashton
19/08/233 Greenshank flew calling south west over Stones Island at 09.20 hrs. Also 1 summer plumage Dunlin on Stones Island.Neil Moulden
20/8/2023Monthly WeBS count: Canada Goose 119, Greylag 11, Mute Swan 24, Grey Heron 3, Little Egret 2, Cormorant 30, GC Grebe 36, Little Grebe 10, Gadwall 51, Mallard 168, Tufted Duck 180, Pochard 4, Teal 87, Wigeon 1, Shoveler 1, Coot 385, Moorhen 9, Kingfisher 3, Lapwing 27, Common Sandpiper 4, Dunlin 1, Ringed Plover 1. Also Yellow Wagtail 2, Grey Wagtail 1, YLG 1, LBbG 80, BhG 37, Redstart 1, Whitethroat 1, Reed Warbler 1, Red Kite 4, Buzzard 5, Kestrel 2, Sparrowhawk 1.Clive Ashton/ Jon Bradley
19/8/20233 Common Terns flew through at 0645hrs. A further 2 Common and a single Black Tern then arrived at 0700hrs and were then perched on a jetty in front of the Sailing Club until around 0745hrs, but no further sign later. A juvenile Yellow Wagtail was on Stones along with 3 Common Sandpipers.Clive Ashton
16/08/2023Not as busy as yesterday, but another 2 Tree Pipits and a Yellow Wagtail flew S over WLC fields (and 2 Redstarts there). Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. The same Peregrine which roosted in WLC fields last week took an adult Moorhen at Watersports; again went to roost in WLC fields after its breakfast. 80 Teal on Stones shoreline early morning. 4 Jays, presumably a family party, in WLC creek. 2 Spotted Flycatchers at Sheepwash, and a Garden Warbler feeding with Blackcaps on elderberries.Simon Roddis
15/08/2023An excellent morning started with a Turnstone on Stones island briefly at 06:50. The adult Caspian Gull was around most of the morning, and an Osprey flew in from the NE at 09:30, quite possibly the bird seen on Beeley Moor 40 minutes earlier. In WLC fields, 5+ Redstarts, single Wheatear and Common Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, fly-over Tree Pipit and Yellow Wagtail, and c75 House Martins in the air and landing on the overhead wires. 110 Woodpigeons flew S (20 N) with 7 Stock Doves. 2 juv LRPlover on Horseshoe island. 10 Common Buzzards. Kingfishers in WLC creek and at PS hide. Hobby from Stones. 7+ Raven.SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD
14/08/2023Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again from Stones this morning. 40 Cormorants. 2 Dunlin. Snipe and Kingfisher at WLC. 4 Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. A wet Whitethroat on Horseshoe island. 2+ Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
13/08/2023Caspian Gull (moulting to Adult plumage) on Flat Island late afternoon - this is the same bird that was at Ogston Res. in late July and at both Carsington and Ogston in early winter 2022 as a 'sub-adult'. Also present YL Gull (3 Ads).Richard Lowe
13/08/2023The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls off Stones again this morning. 51 Teal. 10 Swifts over the east side. Pair of Little Grebes in Brown Ale Bay, large juv off Stones/WLC, still 4 chicks in WLC creek. 35 Cormorant. 7 Grey Heron. 3 Little Egret. Kingfisher at WLC. Marsh Tit again between Sheepwash and Paul Stanley. 2 juv Common Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail over Stones. c100 Goldfinch (70 on Stones, 30 WLC creek).Simon Roddis
09/08/2023Evening visit: a Garganey, probably an eclipse male, was off Stones with a couple of Teal, 20:00-10:15. Adult Caspian and 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost among the Lesser Black-backs. Yellow Wagtail flew over Stones. c80 Swallows went to roost in Hopton reedbed, and 2 Swifts flew over.Simon Roddis
09/08/2023Total of 5 Little Grebes (plus chicks in WLC creek). 3 Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. 32 Cormorants. A Peregrine perched in a big ash in WLC fields for at least an hour. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and Brown Ale Bay). A Marsh Tit called several times between PS hide and Sheepwash carpark - presumably the bird that spent some months there last winter. Juvenile Spotted Flycatcher near PS hide. In WLC fields, 3 Redstart and single Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler (and Clive had another Redstart from WLC). 3 Tree Sparrows at Millfields and 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
08/08/2023Evening visit: a cream-crown Marsh Harrier with red wing tags (presumably from Norfolk) flew N up the res 19:35-19:40. Peregrine over the visitor centre. c2,350 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 3 Pochard. 1 Ringed Plover.Simon Roddis

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