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
2008-03-23Great Northern Diver near Stones Island this morning. Male Wheatear on paving between Millfields and dam wall. Male Wheatear and a Skylark on spit from Sheepwash Hide.Roger Carrington
2008-03-21Wheatear on Stones Island this morning, adult Kittiwake from Sheepwash hide and Great Northern Diver still present.Clive Ashton
2008-03-20Great Northern Diver near Stones Island. 4 singing Chiffchaff, Stones + Millfield. Redwing singing on Stones Island. 7 Meadow Pipits on dam wall. 1 Shelduck on Flat Island.Roger Carrington
2008-03-20From Paul Stanley hide between 9.30 and 11.15. 3 Buzzard over Hall Wood. Kestrel as well. Also 5 Dunlin flew down the reservoir going north after circling once over Flat Island.4 Teal, 6 Goldeneye and 8 Oystercatcher also.Peter Gibbon
2008-03-19In addition to usual species - Raven, 2 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Female Blackcap, Kingfisher, Redshank (5), Oystercatcher (c10), Curlew (4), bullfinch (m&f) and large party of long-tailed tits. All seen from or in the vicinity of the Wildlife Centre between 15.30 - 17.15hrs.Neil Hallam
2008-03-1932 species of bird seen around midday. Of Note: Barnacle Goose (36), Wigeon (6), Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (1), Little Owl (1) and Reed Bunting (1 male).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-03-172 Whooper Swans early in the day and then by flat island at c16.00hrs, Great Northern Diver, 10 Buzzard, Peregrine over West, at least 4 Redshank, 14 Goldeneye, Chiff Chaff singing by Millfields and two more on Stones Island and Sailing club (RC), 4 Grey Herons, Raven, 6 Redwings, 20+ Barnacle Geese, Cackling Goose, Pink Footed Goose and 3 Greylag Geese over and 1 Snipe at Sheepwash.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2008-03-16Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash Hide. No sign of the 2 Avocets, but 2 were reported this morning at Sandbach Flashes in Chesire. 7 Shovelers mobile around Stones Island and Wildlife Centre. 1 Peregrine. Oystercatchers, Redshank and Curlew. 1 Dunlin flew to Sheepwash Spit. 1 Chiffchaff calling/feeding in sheltered bushes in Tail Bay.Roger Carrington
2008-03-15On a slightly misty morning at exactly 11 - 13 am I sighted two Aovocets from the Paul Stanley hide to the right of the island halfway between the shore and the island. I observed them for 30 mins waiting for someone to enter the hide to confirm them but as is the norm no one came, so I went to the Sheepwash hide and asked Dave Topliff to please come and confirm them which he duly did and I thank him for that. I continued to observe them until about 1400 they were switching between the two hides and both showed really well. Sheilduck, Shovelers little grebes, goldeneye's where also present as was a Green Woodpecker on the path down to the Paul Stanley hide A Buzzard gave a good show form the Sheepwash hide 2 redshanks, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew and a Snipe were sighted from the Visitor centre, but the Avocets made my day today, over the moon!Leslie Fisher
2008-03-152 Avocets around Sheepwash/P.stanley area, quite mobile but still present at 16.30hrs on Sheepwash spit, also Great Northern Diver, 3 Shelduck, 3 drake Shoveler.Dave Newcombe
2008-03-143 grey heron, one with twig in beak displaying.John Payne
2008-03-14Great Northern Diver near Stones Island. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones Island, not singing nor calling, presume it is a wintering bird. 5 Skylarks flew over Wildlife Centre. 2 Stock Doves in Tail Bay. Oystercatcher, Redshank and Curlew seen from most hides.Roger Carrington
2008-03-12Extremely windy at around midday. 33 species seen from the wildlife centre. Of note: Barnacle Goose (21), Wigeon (32), Oystercatcher (2), Curlew (3), Redshank (4), Herring Gull (1) and Song Thrush (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-03-1210 oyster catchers E of Millfields Spit 80+ tufted duck Millfields 1 Great crested grebe Dam 4 oyster catchers N WLC 1 jay S side Brownale Bay Long tailed tits,blue tits, great tits, wrens and robinsdave williams
2008-03-12Highlight of the day was an adult Kittiwake at Sheepwash hide from 15.15 onwards, other sightings include Great Northern Diver, 23 Curlew, 19 Goldeneye, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Raven, 3 Reed Buntings, 25 Redwings, 5 Goldcrests, male Sparrowhawk, Grey Wagtail.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2008-03-11Of note from WLC: Great Northern Diver, 14 Curlew (one mobile flock), 4+ Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 1 Pochard, 4 Teal, 1 Little Owl, 1 Raven (distant over Shinningford Farm). Also from Paul Stanley Hide, 1 Chiffchaff (out left window), 2 Buzzard, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Tawny Owl.James Owen (ABB!)
2008-03-111 PINK FOOT WITH A MIXED FLOCK OF CANADA AND BARNACLE GEESE,2 GREYLAG NEAR SHEEPWASH HIDE.LES BEESTON
2008-03-10Mixed weather day - nice morning, average weather pm. 49 species seen/heard. Black-heaeded gull, Blue Tit, Barnacle Geese, Blackbird, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Cormorant, Common Gull, Carrion Crow, Canada Goose, Coot, Cackling Goose, Dunnock, Collared Dove, Greenfinch, Goldeneye (2m + 2f), Great-crested Grebe, Great Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker(f), House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Jay(Millfields), Lapwing, Little Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black backed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Raven (2 over Carsington Pasture), Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Redshank, Pheasant, Reed Bunting, Redwing, Song Thrush, Snipe, Tufted duck, Tree Sparrow, Teal, Starling, Willow tit, Wood Pigeon, Wren, Wigeon.Ken, Richard and Frances Pittam
2008-03-10male sparrowhawk in my garden sat on pergola overlooking wildlife pond for about 10 minutesk
2008-03-10Mute Swan 11, Greylag Goose 2, Canada Goose 85, barnacle Goose 11, Wigeon 15, Gadwall 2, Teal 6, Mallard 89, Shoveler 1, Pochard 1, Tufted Duck 308, Goldeneye 8, Goosander 1, Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 54, Great Crested Grebe 17, Cormorant 20, Grey Heron 4, Moorhen 32, Coot 284, Oystercatcher 11, Ringed Plover 1, Lapwing 82, Snipe 1, Curlew 5, Redshank 7, Black-headed Gull 45, Common Gull 6, Lesser Black-backed Gull 30, Buzzard 4, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 2. Also Willow Tit and Greater Spotted Woodpecker on table at back of Paul Stanley Hide.Peter Gibbon & John Bradley
2008-03-08Viewed from the Paul Stanley Hide all the usual suspects plus a pair of Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Little Grebe. Birding was not good here when I visited as people were surveying the spit. Whilst walking from here to the visitor centre I counted 6 pairs of Oystercatchers I thought some of them may have been duplicated so on the walk back I re-checked and 5 pairs were where they were originally with one pair missing, so all I can assume is that there are at least 6 pairs on site. 30 Barnacle Geese counted. 3 Curlew in a field near the overhead pylons Les Fisher
2008-03-06Adult med gull from Sheepwash this afternoon. A different bird from last night with an incomplete hood.Doug Allen
2008-03-06abc123oclenj
2008-03-06Starlings are displaying nicely at the Longcliffe crossroads (above Brassington) at dusk. Perhaps up to 1000 individuals.Amanda Lynnes
2008-03-05Quiet on site today. Fairly bright but cold. 34 species of bird seen around midday in wildlife centre/Stones Island area. OF NOTE: Pink-footed Goose (1) - with Canada Geese in Shiningford Creek. Barnacle Goose (11), Wigeon (22), Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (~30), Redshank (3) and Long-tailed Tit (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-03-05Taken from the wildlife centre logbook for the 4th. Great Northern Diver (1), Pochard (1), Oystercatcher (8), Snipe (1), Redshank (4), Buzzard (2), Kestrel (1), Redwing (1) and Reed Bunting (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-03-05Adult med gull in full breeding plumage in the roost from at least 3.15p.m. Drake shoveler in front of sheepwash and g n diver still present by dam wallDoug Allen
2008-03-05Grt. Northern Diver, Tawny Owl, Redwing, Bullfinch, Curlew, Snipe, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Willow Tit, Goldeneye, Buzzard & Kestrel among many others.John & Fay
2008-03-02Great Northern Diver 7 x Goosander (3 m, 4 f) Flock of Redwing Pair of Bullfinch plus 19 other speciesNeil Venables
2008-03-02tawny owldave w
2008-03-02100+ lapwings in field between dam road and observtion pillarNo name given
2008-03-022 Oyster catchers Dam wall 40+ Lapwing in field between dam wall road and observation pillar 80+ tufted duck Millfields 1 buzzard Stone shelter/Hay's Lanedave w
2008-02-2848 species in 3.5 hour walk around the water early PM. Of possible interest: 21 long-tailed tit (3 parties of 5 or 6 + singles /pairs), 70+ redwing in large trees behind holiday cottages Oldfield Lane (there were 20+ starlings in the same group), goldcrest Fishtail Creek, 12 carrion crow, 42 barnacle geese. John Payne
2008-02-28Great Northern Diver near Fishtail creek, 17 Curlew around Sheepwash area, 15+ Goldeneye, 4 Oystercatcher 2 Redshank and 2 Buzzard.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2008-02-27Great northern diver x 1 Oystercatcher x 2 Redshank x 2 Goldeneye x13 3M 10FZachary Harkin
2008-02-26Great Northern Diver distant from Millfields, 14 Goldeneye including 12 females, at least 6 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank and 1 Curlew, 2 Buzzard, Reed Bunting in song by the Wildlife Centre, 1 Pink Footed Goose with the Canada GeeseDave Newcombe
2008-02-25 8 Hawfinch church CromfordNo name given
2008-02-20Siskin 30+ Nuthatch dave w
2008-02-18Sunny day. Blue sky. No clouds. No wind. Many visitors in and around the visitor centre. Few birders in the wildlife centre. 32 species seen around midday. Worth a mention: Barnacle Goose (9), Oystercatcher (2), Song Thrush (1). From the logbook for yesterday, the 17th - Great Northern Diver (1), Yellow-legged Gull (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-02-18Great Northern Diver in flight at the Sheepwash carpark end of Carsington reservoirNo name given
2008-02-14A beautiful warm day we enjoyed watching the birds feed at the table by Sheepwash car park. Reed bunting, tree sparrow, chaffinch, robin, bullfinch, great tit, blue tit, blackbird and a pipit (probably meadow but not sure). On the water around the visitors centre we saw widgeon, cormorant, heron, pied wagtail, little grebe, tufted duck, pochard, canada geese, oyster catcher, coot, moorhen and in the bushes a long tailed tit.Pat & Bryan
2008-02-131 Great Northern Diver distant near Fishtail Creek at 4pm. 1 Peregrine, 2 Buzzard and 2 Raven from Paul Stanley Hide. Male + Female Pintail between Sheepwash and Lane End. Gull roost from Lane End, 2000 Black-headed Gulls, 130 Common Gulls and 300 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.Roger Carrington
2008-02-12Sunny and warm today on site after a frosty start. Very busy on site, probably because of half term. The wildlife centre was crowded due to an Aren't Birds Brilliant session run by RSPB volunteers. Some of the birds encountered at the wildlife centre and Stones Island: Barnacle Goose (~20) - this species is now beginning to pair up for breeding. Gadwall (4), Pochard (2 males), Little Owl (1), Redshank (1). Both Alder and Hazel catkins can now be found in abundance. Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-02-12Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 59, Great Crested Grebe 36,Cormorant 24, Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 12, Whooper Swan 10 (flying over), Canada Goose 91, Barnacle Goose 42 (seen on Monday 11th), Wigeon 77, Gadwall 3, Teal 42, Mallard 99, Pochard 3, Tufted 284, Goosander 1, Golden Eye 17, Moorhen 39, Coot 470, Oystercatcher 3, Lapwing 154, Snipe 1 and Redshank 4.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2008-02-101 Pink-Footed Goose-Wildlife Centre 1 Female Goldeneye-Wildlife Centre 3 Oystercatcher-Horseshoe IslandSam Pedley
2008-02-0936 Species seen today. All the usual species including 2 red shank, 1 little owl and 2 gadwall from the wildlife centre.Frank,Caroline and Julian Wallters
2008-02-06A very sunny day brought the birders and general visitors out in good numbers. 32 species of bird found by us at around midday. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (~40), Common Pochard (2), Goldeneye (one female), Kestrel (1), Little Owl (1), Oystercatcher (4) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing (~300) and Redshank (1). Please note that a group of visiting birders observed the Great Northern Diver close to the dam wall.Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-02-063 Oystercatchers around Stones Island/Wildlife Centre. 3 Redshank together on Stones Island, 1 at Sheepwash. 21 Meadow Pipits from the path below the dam. 1 Skylark flew over the dam wall, calling as it went North. Pair Raven displaying. Pair Common Buzzard displaying. Did not see GNDiver, but not really looking for it, it was reported on pager yesterday.Roger Carrington
2008-02-062 shelduck at sheepwash tom wareham
2008-02-05Approx 20 Goosanders, 1 Oystercatcher and a Sparrowhawk on or around Millfields IslandBob and Gill Smith

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