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
2007-11-10Adult Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash. Adult Ring-billed Gull again in roost from Sheepwash. Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost. 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in roost [1W+3W+2xad]. Roger Carrington
2007-11-09A petrel species [Probable Leach's] was found [by CA] and seen [by DN] several times this morning but no further sign by dusk. Gull roost included an adult Ring-billed Gull from Sheepwash Hide from 1600hrs, and an adult Mediterranean Gull from Lane End Hide. Also on site were 15 Whooper Swans including 5 Juvs.Roger Carrington
2007-11-07Very quiet on site today. Weather: dull - poor visibility, quite breezy. 32 species seen around midday from or near the Wildlife Centre (WC). Of note: Barnacle Goose (16), six duck species including Pochard (10). Only two wader species present. Lapwing (~50) and Redshank (1). Interestingly around 20 Magpies were spotted. Normally we only see a couple. Amusingly there was a Dunnock on the bird feeding table by the WC. Usually this species is a ground feeder. Birds learn quickly when it is to their advantage. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-11-06From the Wildlife centre; A Peregrine on the pylons for about 30 minutes, a female Sparrowhawk in the willow in front of the hide, 1 Greylag and 2 Redshank. Stones Island;10+ Redpoll. From Sheepwash; 2 Peregrine in the air together over Hall wood,7 Goldeneye including 3 drakes, a drake Shoveler, 2 Redshank and 1 Kingfisher.Clive Ashton
2007-11-04On organised bird walk--Wigeon,Teal,Cormorant,Tufted Duck,Goldeneye,many Lapwing,Goldfinch,Little Grebe, Redwing, Willow Tit,Dunnock.From Wildlife Centre--Little Owl,Snipe, Kestrel,Gadwall.TED
2007-11-031 Redshank from Sheepwash. 1 Drake Goosander from Sheepwash. 1 Adult Caspian Gull in Roost. 5 [4xAd, 1x3W] Yellow-legged Gulls in roost.Roger Carrington
2007-11-02reply to request for information on grebe sightings last saturday 27 10 07 john kelsall
2007-10-31Red-breasted Merganser - 3 in Millfields Bay.No name given
2007-10-29If anyone has any information they wish to share or any photo images of the possible Grebe sightings over the weekend, please get in touch with us as soon as they can. ThanksRichard Pittam
2007-10-2983 Little Grebe between Millfields - Stones Island - PS Hide this morning. 1 Redshank at Wildlife Centre. 1 Shoveler at Wildlife Centre. 2 Brambling flew over Sheepwash calling. 3 Skylark flew over Stones Is.Roger Carrington
2007-10-28Of interest on saturday was a colour ringed meadow pipit on the dam wall. The bird had 2 pink rings on the left leg and a metal bto ring on the right leg.Having searched the internet, it appears the bird was ringed at Kex Gill near Harrogate Aug/Sept this year.Clive Ashton
2007-10-271 Slavonian Grebe - Wildlife centre 10:00am RSPB Feed the Birds
2007-10-266 Shoveler,5 Goldeneye,1 Goosander,1 Redshank, from Sheepwash and P.Stanley. 3 L.Redpoll on Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2007-10-20From the Wildlife Centre this morning: Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Snipe (1), Teal, Tree Sparrow, Little Grebe, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren (young), Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese, Song Thrush, Lapwing, Magpie, Robin, Moorhen, Coot, Great-crested Grebe, Greenfinch, Collared dove.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-10-1729 Golden Plover flew infront of Sheepwash hide, but then continued West. 1 Turnstone landed at Sheepwash and gave good views infront of the hide. Peregrine were seen on 3 occasions. 8 Siskin by the Wildlife Centre. Also 2 Raven,Buzzard,Sparrowhawk,Kestrel.Clive Ashton
2007-10-11Lapland Bunting reported on Birdnet pager this am over the dam.Steph' Hicking
2007-10-10Viewed from Stones Island & the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. 37 bird species identified. Quite warm. Very bright. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Gadwall (2 prs), Common Pochard (6), REDSHANK (1), Little Owl (1) and Coal Tit (1). From the WC logbook: 7th October: Merlin, Grey Plover and 65 Pink-footed Geese. 9th October: Grey Wagtail (1), Meadow Pipit (25), Redpoll (7), Common Buzzard (1) and a female Sparrowhawk. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-10-08WeBS count for Sunday 7th October : 52 Little Grebe, 45 Great Crested Grebe, 30 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 18 Mute Swan, 279 Canada Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 972 Wigeon, 29 Gadwall, 156 Teal, 205 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 125 Pochard, 706 Tufted Duck, 122 Moorhen, 1785 Coot, 185 Lapwing, 1 Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, 6 Black-headed Gull, 106 Lesser Black-backs and 1 Yellow-legged Gull.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2007-10-07Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Teal, Long Tailed Tits,Wren, while on Birding for Beginners Walk. Wheatear(11-55),Little Owl, Gadwall, Wigeon,from Wildlife Centre, and many others.Ted
2007-10-05Pintail Sheep Wash Hide Stonechat Paul Stanley HideIvan Webb
2007-10-04Just 33 species of bird found at around midday. Of Note: Barnacle Goose (1), Wigeon (~40), Gadwall (10), Common Pochard (1), Lapwing (~50), Long-tailed Tit (10) and Rook (3). It's unusual for us to find Rook at Carsington. Common Darter dragonfly, Large White and Speckled Wood butterflies were present. Many flowering plants previously reported can still be found in very small numbers. There is still a small patch of Scarlet Pimpernel on Stones Island. Two species found today but previuosly overlooked were Oxford Ragwort and Lesser Hawkbit.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-10-032 Common Scoter (m/f) off Stones Island. 1 Red-breasted Merganser from Sheepwash 1 Common Sandpiper from Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2007-10-03Carsington Water (SK2451) An Osprey first spotted by school children in a tree opposite the Wildlife Centre at 10:55 and flew off north up the reservoir shortly afterwards . From DOS records
2007-10-01Peregrine flew from Horsehoe Island 10:30, and juvenile Water Rail on the water edge near the reed bed at the northern tip.James Owen
2007-09-286 adult + 8 juv/first winter Common Gulls on Sheepwash Spit mid-afternoon. 3 Dunlin in flight eastwards past Sheepwash. Gull Roost: At least 2 Herring Gulls. At least 2 near adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 adult + 1 juv/first winter Little Gulls.Roger Carrington
2007-09-272 Redwings and 4 Meadow Pipits over Wildlife Centre Creek. 1 Grey Plover flew low over Horseshoe Island, calling, went west. 3 Snipe, 1 Dunlin on Stones Island. 3 Siskin near boardwalk at Wildlife Centre. Pink-footed Geese southwards: 60 at 0845hrs and 150 at 0950hrs.Roger Carrington
2007-09-26A cold north westerly wind blew across the site today. Only 29 species of bird counted just after lunch. Visited Stones Island (SI)and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Because of the weather conditions all the water birds huddled into sheltered bays e.g. Wildlife Centre Bay and by the sailing club. Last week 23 adult Mute Swans were counted but today none were seen, obviously they were in a bay out of our sight. Of Note: Barnacle Goose (3), Gadwall (2 pairs), Red-crested Pochard (3), Common Pochard (1), Lapwing (17) - the only wader seen, Willow Warbler (2) - SI. The same plants were in flower as last week but only a few specimens could be found and required some effort to find some species such as Self Heal and Black Medick. One Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil plant was the only additional species this week. There are plenty of berries about now. In addition to the berry bearing plants found last week the fruit of the Spindle-tree shrub was noticed today in the hedge by the main carpark towards the WC end. The fruit is a pinky red with four bulbous parts. Some of these berries had split open so that the bright yellowy orange seeds could be seen. PLEASE NOTE: These seeds are poisonous to humans but not to birds.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-09-24WeBS count for September done on Sunday 23rd.Little Grebe 34, Great Crested Grebe 20, Cormorant 39, Grey Heron 6,Mute Swan 36, Canada Goose 123, Barnacle Goose 28, Wigeon 318, Gadwall 39, Teal 95, Mallard 203, Pintail 3, Red-Crested Pochard 5,Pochard 25, Tufted Duck 650, Moorhen 61, Coot 1611, Lapwing 56, Green Sandpiper 1, Black-headed Gull 14, Lesser Black-backed Gull 7.Total number of birds counted 3377.Peter Gibbon
2007-09-201 Green Sandpiper still around PSHide. 1 Common Sandpiper PSHide. 2 Dunlin still on Flat Island. 69 Wigeon and 37 Gadwall. 3 Common Buzzard, 2 Raven. 7000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls in roost, several Yellow-legged Gulls, and Black-headed Gulls numbers are building up into hundreds but not counted due to being spread all over. 1 Little Stint late yesterday evening in front of Watersports [no sign today].Roger Carrington
2007-09-20A juv. Yellow Wagtail was on Stones Island. 5 Red Crested Pochard at the Wildlife Centre. A Green Sandpiper at Paul Stanley hide,also 2 Dunlin on Flat Island. Later at the Wildlife Centre a flock of 7 small waders were seen briefly (probably Dunlin) Sparrowhawk and 2 Raven over the woods from Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2007-09-17Few visitors on site today. Dull and a cold north westerly breeze was blowing. Visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 36 species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (23 adults), Gadwall (2 pairs), Red-crested Pochard (5) - all asleep by the WC! Common Pochard (12 males) - Shiningford Creek, Green Sandpiper (1) - not seen by us, a logbook entry, House Martin (6), Willow Warbler (4) - SI, Raven (2) - over Shiningford Farm and Goldfinch (flock of ~ 40) - SI. From the logbook: 15th: Little Owl (1), Red-crested Pochard (5), Common Pochard (12), Gadwall (6), Teal (40), Lapwing (30) and Common Buzzard (2). 16th: Sparrowhawk (1), Common Tern (1). Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-09-12Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre around midday. Sunny and warm. 35 species of bird identified. Of Note: Red-crested Pochard (1 female), Common Pochard (five males), Teal (over 20), Little Owl (1), Swallow (20), House Martin (~20), White Wagtail (1) - by res. near the visitor centre, Chiffchaff (1) - short bursts of its monotonous song, Willow Warbler (1) - both warblers on Stones Island. From the Wildlife Centre logbook for the 9th September: Red-crested Pochard (3), Wigeon (2), Wood Sandpiper (1), Dunlin (1) and Hobby (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-09-111 juvenile Arctic Tern from Sheepwash. At least 1 juv Common Tern from Stones Is. 3 Red-crested Pochard at Wildlife Centre and 1 from Sheepwash. 1 Green Sandpiper occasionally from Wildlife Centre. Male Peregrine took juvenile Coot from Stones Island at 7pm. 2000 Lesser black-backed Gulls in roost and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. On 10/9/07, 3 Pintail at Millfields. On 9/9/07, 1 Wood Sandpiper late morning/lunchtime at Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2007-09-09From the Wildlife Centre (08.30): 2 Goldcrest, 3 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant, 12 Lapwing From Paul Stanley: 1 Buzzard, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Kestrel, 2 TreecreeperRichard and Frances Pittam
2007-09-041 ECLIPSE MALE RED CRESTED POCHARD WITH TUFTEDS P STANLEY HIDE 1 JUV LITTLE TERN FROM P STANLEY HIDE 10-30HOURS and 14-00 HRS OFF STONES ISLAND 1 GREEN SAND IN BAY FRONT WILDLIFE CENTRE EARLY MORNING 1 RING PLOVER ON ISLAND NORTH OF STONES ISLAND FLUSHED BY BOATS 14-00HRS 1 ADULT YELLOW LEGGED GULL FROM SHEEPWASH HIDE WITH CORMORANTS ON SPITA G MACEY . OGSTON BIRD CLUB.
2007-09-031 Coal Tit-Paul Stanley Hide Feeders 1 Kingfisher-Flew left to right infront of Sheepwash HideSam Pedey
2007-09-021 raven on The Spit with cormorants at 10:00. 1 little tern in Millfield Bay at 14:25. Flew round two or three times then disappearedTony Cooper
2007-08-311 Green Sandpiper from Paul Stanley Hide. 19 Wigeon from PSHide. 1 Dunlin in front of Sailing Club. No sign of Garganey.Roger Carrington
2007-08-30All from the Wildlife Centre 1 Garganey 1 Little Owl 1 Willow Tit 1 female BlackcapSam Pedley
2007-08-28Juv Black-necked Grebe showed in front of Wildlife Centre 1700-1730hrs, otherwise elusive. Juv Common Tern still present in evening. Gull roost: at least 7 Yellow-legged Gulls of various ages, 1 juv Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull.Roger Carrington
2007-08-28A juvenile Black-necked Grebe at the Wildlife Centre this morning. Also present; 34 Teal,12 Wigeon,1 Common Sandpiper,1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 juvenile Common Tern and a singing Willow Warbler.Clive Ashton
2007-08-26From the Wildlife Centre: 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 8 Tree Sparrow, 6 Pochard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Greylag Goose.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-08-23Of interest today; 24 Teal,1 Pochard,1 Drake Wigeon,2 Shelduck.A Greenshank flew from Sheepwash towards Lane End.A male Redstart,with a probable female/juvenile, towards the pylons from the Wildlife Centre.A Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Linnet were around Sheepwash spit.5 Buzzard were in the air together over Hall wood.There were 4 Grey Heron at Paul Stanley hide along with a single Whitethroat.Clive Ashton
2007-08-211 Little Stint from the Wildlife Centre with 1 Dunlin at about 11:00. 1 Sparrowhawk on Horseshoe IslandSam Pedley
2007-08-19From Paul Stanley hide: 4 Gadwall,2 Teal,2 Common Sandpiper,2 Jay on the feeding station and a Kingfisher on the posts to the left of the hide. From Sheepwash: 2 Raven and 2 Buzzard over Hall wood.Also a Common Sandpiper (one of the 2 from P.Stanley ?) From the Wildlife centre: 2 Snipe and 1 more Gadwall. From Stones Island : c50 Goldfinch,also Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. There were c25 Swallows over the Dam wall,and c20 more moving through from other areas of the reservoir.Clive Ashton
2007-08-18Family of Spotted Flycatchers in Shiningford Creek. Water Vole in Wildlife Centre Creek. Common Sandpiper from Sheepwash Hide. Gull roost, 2030hrs from Stones Island: 1200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 adult and 1 juvenile Common Gulls.Roger Carrington
2007-08-15An early afternoon visit yielded 31 species of bird. Weather sunny and warm. There was hardly any wind. OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1) - near sailing club. The only warblers found were Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Linnet (6). The juveniles of the following species were observed: Great Crested Grebe (3), Tufted Duck (5), Coot (1), Robin (2) and Goldfinch (4). Interesting observations taken from the Wildlife Centre logbook: 14th August: Curlew (2), Golden Plover (6). 12th August: Teal (5), Common Pochard (2), Kingfisher (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-08-11from the Wildlife Centre: Juv male Great Spotted Woodpecker, SparrowhawkRichard and Frances Pittam
2007-08-06As usual visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. Only 29 bird species identified. Nothing suprising to report but it was good to see a Gadwall from the WC. Also two Linnets flew overhead. The only warbler present appeared to be Willow Warbler singing on SI. There were at least 14 adult Mute Swans present in the area plus five developing cygnets. Two well developed juvenile Black-headed Gulls were also seen. Other youngsters about today included one young Lapwing and severel Pied Wagtails. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-08-034 hours on duty in the wildlife centre, produced 31 species including 1 Redshank and the regular pr of Bullfinches on the feeding table. ...Until 2.30pm, when I found 2 Turnstones behind the little stone Island to the left of Horseshoe Island. Needed the island camera to see them.David Bennett Carsington Vol Ranger

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