Recent Sightings

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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2008-06-04Taken from the logbook for the 2nd: Teal (2), Redshank (3), Curlew (1), Whimbrel (1), Common Tern (4), Coal Tit (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-06-04Red legged partridge seen by Rose Day at Sheepwash.Amanda Lynnes
2008-06-03mallard great crested grebe coot moorhen teal tufted duck black headed gull 4 commern tern little grebe great tit lapwing house martin swallow swift canada goose jackdaw starling oystercatcher mute swan tree sparrow chaffinch blue tit collared dove wood pigeon coal tit magpie redshank common gull pied wagtail curlewabb tom wareham
2008-06-02A family of Treecreepers on the bend seperating Wildlife centre creek and Shiningford creek including 2 adults and 3 juveniles. 2 Common Terns and 2 Grey wagtails. Several Black Headed Gull chicks from the Wildlife centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2008-05-301 adult Spoonbill.Paul Bennett
2008-05-2734 species found around midday. Area covered - Stones Island to Shiningford Creek. Rather dull and breezy. OF NOTE: Canada Geese with three well developed goslings. Two of the goslings were fighting on Stones Island! Mallard ducklings (5). Pheasant - on the Wildlife Centre feeding table! Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (1), Redshank (2). Black-headed Gull chicks (2). Common Gull (2). Common Tern (2). Swift (probably over 100) accompanied by Swallows (~50), House Martins and a single Sand Martin, all hunting very close to the surface of the water. Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-05-27Some sightings taken from the logbook: Oystercatcher (4) + 2 young, Barnacle Goose (10) + 6 young, Sparrowhawk (1), Kestrel (1), Raven (3), Common Sandpiper (1), Curlew (1), Redshank (5), Buzzard (1) PLUS - on the 26th a Whimbrel. Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-05-27WLC: 2 Common Tern on raft, 2 BH Gull chicks on another, 1 Curlew overflew, 2 Common Gull on Horseshoe Island. From Paul Stanley: 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail. Also, during the morning a Tawny Owl was mobbed and chased in Shiningford Creek by a pair of Blackbirds. Very quiet day otherwise.James Owen
2008-05-2618th May WeBS count should read 185 Canada Goose not 85. My mistake.Peter Gibbon
2008-05-24From Wildlife Centre: Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Black-headd Gull, Tufted Duck, Great-crested Grebe, Tree Sparrow. From Paul Stanley: Buzzard, Canada Geese, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorehen, Common Sandpiper (1), Redshank (1), Pied Wagtail (2). Richard and Frances Pittam
2008-05-211st summer Little Gull, from Paul Stanley at 11:00 hr and again at Sheepwash 11:30 then flew high to North West. 2 Common Terns on raft at Wildlife Centre, also 2 Common Gulls present on Horseshoe Island.Sparrowhawk attacked Tree Sparrows on feeding station at Wildlife Centre.No sign of Turtle Dove this morning.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2008-05-20Notable today: 1 Turtle Dove on WLC bird table both early morning and mid-afternoon, at least 4 Raven from Paul Stanley Hide. 2 Lapwing chicks on Horseshoe Island, and 3 Barnacle goslings around Stones Island. 2 Curlews bathed on Horseshoe Island 30 minutes apart during the morning. Also 4 singing Garden Warblers along path between Lane End and Sheepwash.James Owen
2008-05-18WeBS count for May 6.15 to 10.2019 Mute swan, 85 Canada Goose, 12 Barnacle Goose, 10 Cormorant59 Mallard, 105 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 14 Little Grebe,40 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Moorhen, 64 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher,2 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Lapwing, 7 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper 11 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull,2 common tern.Peter Gibbon
2008-05-18Please note that this area of the website is exclusively for the reporting of sightings of birds and other wildlife at the reservoir. If anyone has any questions or comments they wish to raise regarding activities, policies, problems, please email your comments directly to me (click the 'Contact Us' link on the home page) and I will make sure they are passed to the appropriate person to respond to you directly.Webmaster - Carsington Bird Club
2008-05-18none todayLeslie Fisher
2008-05-18None.Paul Bennett
2008-05-17PAUL STANLEY HIDE 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Little Grebes,Swallows,4 Cormerants,Greater Spooted Woodpecker,2 Redashank mating directly in front of hide, single Heron, single Common Sandpiper, Pied Wagtail, single Grey Wagtail, 4 Little Ringed Plover, watched in fascination as a Great Crested Grebe laid an egg in front of the hide, never seen it live before. SCRUBLAND NEXT TO SHINNINGFORD Reed Bunting,Reed Warbler,Sedge Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler VISITOR CENTRE Sand Martins, House Martins,Swallows, Swifts, a Pair of Common Gulls, 4 Redshank, 2 Barnacle Geese, single Oystercatcher.Leslie Fisher
2008-05-165 Common Terns passed through late this morning. This afternoon from the Wildlife Centre: 1 Dunlin 1 Curlew At 15:15hr a male Grey Plover dropped onto Horseshoe Island, and was still present at 17:00 hr.Clive Ashton
2008-05-14Common Tern and 2 Little Ringed Plover in front of sailing club, 2 Common Sandpipers and a Curlew at Sheepwash plus the 4 juv and 2 adult Ravens again. Dave Newcombe
2008-05-14Oystercatcher with 2 chicks on Millfields islandBob and Gill Smith
2008-05-136 Ravens in field between Hall and Middle Wood. Presumably 2 adults with 4 juveniles. Also had 2 Common Sandpipers. Also of interest was a Wood Sandpiper down Wyver lane this morning.Dave Newcombe
2008-05-12Fairly quiet on site today, in Hall Wood a male Pied Flycatcher and 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Common Sandpipers on Sheepwash spit, several Redshanks and Oystercatchers, male Sparrowhawk with prey by the Wildlife Centre, Buzzard, Raven, quite a few broods of Canada Geese and Mallards. Also of note was a Hare in the field to the left of the Wildlife Centre where the Little Owls are often seen.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2008-05-11Male garganey on Horseshoe Island most of day then swimming in front of hide approx 16:30Amanda Lynnes
2008-05-10little gull pied flycatcher common tern Andy & Lieza radage
2008-05-08Black Tern(one adult summer)and Little Gull(1st summer)Paul Thomas
2008-05-08A Sanderling on Sheepwash spit,at 14:00 hours until 14:20, also 2 Ringed Plover and a Dunlin from Paul Stanley hide.Clive Ashton
2008-05-07Very sunny on site today. 42 species of bird identified between Stones Island and Shiningford Creek. Of note: Pink-footed Goose (1), Mallard ducklings of different sizes, Pochard (male) - from the Wildlife Centre, Pheasant (1), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (~10), Redshank (2) - all three waders on Horseshoe Island, Song Thrush (1), Bullfinch (2 males), Reed Bunting (4 singing males).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-05-07The following interesting sightings were noted in the Wildlife Centre logbook for today: Common Tern, Black Tern, Brambling (pr), Little Ringed Plover, Curlew, Peregrine, Common Buzzard, Kestreel, White Wagtail and Pink-footed Goose.Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-05-07Had a walk round Carsington today mainly recording the more common birds. 40 Chiff Chaffs, 41 Willow Warblers, 15 Garden Warblers, 28 Blackcaps, 7 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 41 Blackbirds, 57 Robins, 9 Dunnocks, 31 Blue Tits, 23 Great Tits, 51 Wrens, 42 Chaffinch, 14 Goldfinch, 8 Goldcrest, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Song Thrush, male Pied Flycatcher between Penn Carr and Oldfield lane by wooden boardwalk, Skylark over Upperfields farm, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Male on Stones Island and a Female over Horseshoe island, 2 Common Terns on dam wall, Little Ringed Plover at P.Stanley, 3 Common Sandpipers, drake Pochard, Pink Footed Goose and 2 Cackilng Geese at Wildlife Centre. Plenty of Butterflies with it being warm and sunny including, lots of Orange Tips, Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells and a few Speckled Woods and Brimstones Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2008-05-06canada goose mute swan mallard moorhen coot carrion crow barnacle goose tufted duck oystercatcher chiffchaff blackbird chaffinch blue tit robin reed bunting starling common tern little grebe great crested grebe tree sparrow willow warbler pied wagtail garden warbler black headed gull goldfinch sparrowhawk kestrel buzzard cormorant whitetroat collare dove common sandpiper wood pigeon little owl wren great tit swifts cackling goose pink footed goose greenfinch lesser black backed gull common gull (5)redshankabb tom wareham
2008-05-04tufted duck, lapwing, black headed gull, coot, moorhen, tree sparrow, great crested grebe, canada goose, redshank, mute swan, oystercatcher, pied wagtail, collared dove, blackbird, chaffinch, sparrowhawk, mallard, jackdaw, swallow, starling, dunnock, robin, little owl, little grebe, swift, wood pigeon, barnacle goose, pink footed goose, carrion crow, cormorant, spotted flycatcher, grey heron, pheasant, yellow wagtail, curlew, sand martin, house martin, greenfinch, magpie.abb tom wareham
2008-05-03Pied Flycatcher,Male 16:30 hrs.Mick Sharp
2008-04-29starling mallard jackdaw sand martin blackbird tufted duck redshank magpie swift robin canada goose coot moorhen grey heron great crested grebe little grebe mute swan chiffchaff wood pigeon black heade gull willow warbler wren swallow pied wagtail oystercatcher dunlin greylag goose dunnock sedge warbler garden warbler house martin tree sparrow barnacle goose chaffinch carrion crow great tit avocet whitethroat buzzard white wagtail sand martin collared dove rook cormorant pink footed goose sparrowhawk reed buntings little owl kestrel swallow curlew whimbrel house martin goldfinch yellow wagtail greenfinch blue tit scaup great black backed gull little ringed ploverabb tom wareham
2008-04-29The 2 Avocets were present in front of the WLC till 1.25pm at least (that was when I left!!). Usual stuff included Oystercatcher (6+), Redshank (5+), good numbers of Swift, Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler etc on Stones. Steph' Hicking
2008-04-292 Avocet reported on pager systems from the WLC this AM.Steph Hicking
2008-04-28Forty four species seen from Stones Island to the end of Wildlife Centre Creek (WCC). OF NOTE: A pair of Canada Geese with three yellow goslings (WCC), Gadwall (male), Mallard ducklings (~15), Pheasant (heard), Oystercatcher (4), Redshank (4), Little Owl (1), WHEATER (female) - close to WCC, Song Thrush (1), Whitehroat (1), Garden Warbler (1) + several each of Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting (male).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-04-28No messageAmanda Lynnes
2008-04-28Record to confirm sighting of two Little Terns from Sheepwash Hide (I wasn't the person that spotted them. The Little Terns were feed among a number of Common Terns for around a half hour before flying west. John Wynn
2008-04-27coot little grebe mallard canada goose moorhen tufted duck great crested grebe black headed gull lapwing redshank oystercatcher chaffinch little owl carrion crow jackdaw collared dove barnacle goose mute swan tree sparrow 5dunlin swifts goldfich house martin pied wagtail wood pigeon blue tit reed bunting blackbird great tit robin wren spotted flycatcher curlew whimbrel dunnock cormorant magpie buzzard little ringed plover lesser black backed gull starlingabb tom wareham
2008-04-27Sanderling and Little Gull from Sheepwash Hide.from birdguides
2008-04-27A single Little Gull off Stones Island and a single Swift over Stones Island berween 6.30 and 7.15.Peter Gibbon
2008-04-26A very good day today barring all the cyclists and runners. Paul Stanley Hide 2 Oystercatchers 1 Female Sparrowhawk catching a Pied Wagtail 1 Yellow Wagtail on island in front of hide Walking back to-wards the visitor centre on a piece of rough land near what I think is fishtail creek but I'm not sure about that though, there were 4 species of Warbler viewable. Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Garden warbler and a grasshopper Warbler was heard briefly, also on this small piece of shrub-land there were also Whitethroats and Chiffchaffs.It was so good here that I spent 3 hours here and never got to the visitor center In the hedges near lane end there were at least 4 pairs of BlackcapsLeslie Fisher
2008-04-261 swift flying over heanortom wareham
2008-04-24Thirty eight species seen on a short visit. Best find was a singing Sedge Warbler on Stones Island. The following were also interesting: Mallard ducklings in Wildlife Centre Creek, Oystercatcher (2), Dunlin (2) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (4), Little Owl (1), Blackcap (1 male) - Stones Island, and Bullfinch (a pr) - near the Water Sports Centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-04-241 green sandpiper 1 greenshank 2 common sandpiperabb tom wareham
2008-04-24Immature Little Gull from Wildlife Centre this afternoon, still at 16:45 3 Dunlin,1 Common Sandpiper,1 Yellow Wagtail and the female Scaup on Horseshoe Island. 1 Yellow Wagtail,2 Grey Wagtail,1 drake Pochard from Sheepwash, Lesser Whitethroat still singing in car park.Clive Ashton
2008-04-24No sign of little gulls this morning. 16 Arctic Terns through about 0930hrs. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing in Sheepwash Car Park. Another near the stone barn at Millfields. Also a Whitethroat near stone barn. 1 Sedge Warbler singing on Stones Island.Roger Carrington
2008-04-233 Little Gulls infront of Lane End hide at 12:00hr and still at 15:00hr. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing near Lane End hide. The Pink footed Goose also near Lane End. Female Scaup at Wildlife centre, along with 2 Dunlin. Clive Ashton
2008-04-221 Greenshank, 1 Pink footed goose. In bay left of WLC.Bob and Gill Smith
2008-04-21Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Raven, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, Curlew, Female Scaup, pr Red Breasted Merganser, 7 Goldeneye, pr Gadwall, Female Teal, Great Northern DiverDave Newcombe

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