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
2007-08-01From the Wildlife Centre: 1 Snipe, 6 Tufted ducklings, 8 Tree Sparrows, 4 Little Grebe, 5 Black-headed Gull young, 3 Little Owls, 1 Song Thrush, 14 Collared Doves. Plus 1 odd Tufted duck with a green ring on it's beak - a BTO ring! (No. ?3H?). Millfields: 1 Greylag goose, 5 Pied Wagtails (incl. 3 young).Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-31Re YN Albatross on 2nd July.Steph' Hicking
2007-07-31Unconfirmed report of yellow nosed albatross on DOS WEbsiteUNconfirmed report
2007-07-28Wildlife Centre: 6 young Tufted ducklings with parents, 4 young Mallard ducklings, 6 young Black-headed Gulls, Little Owl.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-22An hour either side of noon produced 36 bird species from Stones Island, Wildlife Centre, Sheepwash and Paul Stanley Hides. Of note, two Raven flying towards the dam.6 Oystercatchers on Stones Island also a large flock of Goldfinches (@30+) feeding on Thistle heads. There were several newly emerged Ringlets on the wing in front of the Paul Stanley Hide and a Great Spotted Woodpecker near feeding station.Martin Froggatt
2007-07-202 Red crested Pochard (male/female) at the Wildlife Centre, along with 3 Gadwall,1 Teal and at least 6 Pochard.Clive Ashton
2007-07-19A sunny day at Carsington. Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Only 30 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1). Tufted Duck - one female had nine tiny ducklings in tow! Oystercatcher (2). Black-headed Gull juveniles (2). Goldfinch (3 juveniles). Butterflies etc: Gatekeeper (or Hedge Brown). Small White. Meadow Brown. Common Blue damselfly - three pairs mating over the pond next to the WC. Flowering plants: 19 species identified including - Tufted Vetch, Black Medick, Herb Robert, Common Knapweed, Self-heal, Rosebay Willowherb, Great Willowherb, Broad-leaved Willowherb and Oxeye Daisy. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-07-172 Sightings of Peregrine today, 1 young bird over towards the dam wall, from Sheepwash, flew hard towards the Hopton end. At one point it actually made a half hearted attack on a Cormorant!!! The other, possibly the same, bird was seen later from the Wildlife Centre with prey of a more realistic size in its grasp, as it flew towards Middle Wood.Clive Ashton
2007-07-14From the wildlife Centre (8.30am): 9 Mute Swans (including 7 Cygnets), 2 Little Grebe, 7 Tree sparrow, 19 Lapwing, 250+ Canada Geese, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Jays (Shiningford Creek from WLC), 4 Great Crested Grebe.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-14There was a sighting of a bird from Millfields Car Park on 2nd July at 15.10hrs which was probably a Yellow-nosed Albatross. This bird was on the Somerset coast on 29/30th June and arrived on a fishing lake near Messingham [North Lincs] about 19.00hrs, so calling in at Carsington would be on route.Roger Carrington
2007-07-1135 species of bird seen on site today around midday. Viewing points: Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1) - near the sailing club. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island. Black-headed Gull chicks (2) - raft in front of the WC. Common Tern (2). Swift (6). Blackcap (1) - singing on Stones Island. Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. Plant species in flower: (lots of yellows, reds and purples). Meadow Vetchling, Kidney Vetch, Woody Nightshade, Common Knapweed, Field Thistle, Spear Thistle, Welted Thistle, Nipplewort, Autumn Hawkbit, Meadow Crane's-bill, Crowpeas, Common Sorrel, Red Clover, Daisy, Cow Parsley, Water forget-me-not, Redshank (Persicaria maculosa). The only butterfly species on the wing was Meadow Brown. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-07-08The Open Day was held today. Highlights from the Wildlife Centre: Oystercatchers, Mute Swans, Coot, Buzzard, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plovers, Bullfinch, Redshank, Tree Sparrow, Common Tern.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-07A male Redstart was seen briefly -distant from the wildlife centre. 3 Little Ringed Plover were on Horseshoe Island and were joined by a Curlew. The adult Black-headed Gulls on the tern raft now also have young (2 I think) the first summer pair have apparently relocated to the main island as their island is now almost under water. Though the adult Common Terns were still around,I could see no sign of the chick. The Coots on the front of Horseshoe island now have 3 young. Clive Ashton
2007-07-051 Ruddy Shelduck-Flew over the Wildlife Centre and then towards Sheepwash 2 Bullfinches-Male & FemaleSam Pedley
2007-07-04Cormorant, and unusually a shoveler and goldeneye Mitch
2007-07-04cormorant, and unusually a shoveler and goldeneye mitch
2007-07-04Hobby over dam wall at 7.20pm. From DOS websiteDOS website news
2007-07-02An immature Peregrine was over Sheepwash spit.Four Black Tailed Godwits dropped onto Horseshoe Island.Also present were a single Pochard and a couple of Greylag Geese.The Black Headed Gull chicks made an excursion to the main island.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2007-07-01From the Wildlife Centre: 5 Oystercatchers (2 adult 3 young) 2 Redshank 6 Black-headed Gull (incl. 2 young). 3 Common Tern (incl. 1 young).Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-06-30The pair of first summer BHGulls have still 2 young despite a rapidly reducing island in the rising water! The other adult pair sitting tight on the tern raft so not able to see whats happening! The Common tern on the new raft left the nest a couple of times and at least one youngsters head was seen over the edge! Tree sparrows were present in numbers around the nest box scheme and youngsters were visiting the feeders at the WLC. Mute Swans still have 7 cygnets at the WLC and one Barnacle Goose gosling was under the feeders...the hybrid Barni-Canada adult was also present!Steph' Hicking
2007-06-26Pair of Black-headed Gulls have 2 chicks, from Wildlife Centre. Pair of Common Terns have 1 chick so far, from WLC. Pair of Mute Swans still have 7 cygnets, from WLC.Roger Carrington
2007-06-23From the Wildlife Centre: Mute Swan with 7 very young Cygnets, 6 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 165 Canada Geese, 3 Coot young, Bullfinch, Young Pied Wagtail, 8 Tree Sparrow.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-06-22The WeBS count for June done between 6 and 9am12 Little Grebe, 21 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mute Swan with 7 young (6 in one family), 5 Greylag Geese, 786 Canada Geese (a high number for June), 33 Barnacle Geese, 3 Gadwall, 86 Mallard, 96 Tufted Duck, 28 Moorhen, 215 Coot, 11 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 16 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Tern.Also 4 Cackling Geese.Peter Gibbon
2007-06-181 Ruddy Shelduck and 1 Shelduck flew together past the Wildlife Centre, they appeared to be coming in to land , but unfortunately flew off to the west.Also of note: 2 L.R.Plover,1 Curlew,4 Gadwall,10 Redshank (including 2 young),1 young G.C.Grebe,7 Mute Swan cygnets,1 Sparrowhawk and 3 Common Terns were all at the Wildlife Centre. Clive Ashton
2007-06-17coot,moorhen,blackbird,lapwing,reed bunting,mallard,mute swan,greenfinch,black headed gull,common tern,redshanks,canada geese,house sparrow,blue tit,great tit,tufted duck,barnacle geese,little owl,bullfinch,chaffinch,robin,chiff chaff,whitethroat,pied wagtail,oystercatcher,heron,jackdaw,carrion crow,rook,tree sparrow,little grebe,great crested grebe,starling,magpie,gadwall,collared dove,wood pigeon,pheasant,dunnock.Peter Hill
2007-06-16From Stones Island: Approx. 260 Canada Geese, 2 Willow Warblers Wildlife Centre:2 Redshank, 3 Barnacle Geese (1 gosling), 1 Bullfinch, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Owl, 8 Lapwing (1 young). Paul Stanley:2 Oystercatchers, 2 families of coots (3 2)Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-06-07OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose with a yellow gosling, Coot - one adult with a single chick, Oystercatcher (3), Ringed Plover (1), Lapwing - inc one chick, Redshank (2), Common Sandpiper (1).Plants newly into flower: Foxglove, Herb Robert, Cleavers, Meadow Cranesbill, Dog Rose, Spear Thistle. Also Horsetail, a flowerless plant is now obvious. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-06-03Wildlife centre 2 oystercatchers with 4 chicks, 1 coot with chick, two mallard families with ducklings, 2 barnacle geese with single gosling redshank,common tern and little ringed ploverJulian and Caroline Walters
2007-06-02Wildlife Centre highlights: 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher (c/w 4 young), 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Tern, 1 Pochard (male).Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-05-29Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre around midday.Only 33 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (6), Oystercatcher (2), Ringed Plover (2) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing - including one chick on Horseshoe Island, and Redshank (2) - also on Horseshoe Island.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-05-242 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood. 1 Reed Warbler singing from the reedbed in Hopton Arm. Pair of Oystercatchers with 3 young, on Horseshoe Island viewed from the Wildlife Centre. Also 3 other pairs of Oystercatchers have young on other more remote Islands.Roger Carrington
2007-05-22Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WG)in the late morning. Sunny and no obvious breeze. 38 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Canada Goose goslings - 3 and 4 with respective parents. Barnacle Goose (4). Gadwall (one male). Three juvenile Moorhens. Oystercatcher (4). Little Ringed Plover (2). Reed Bunting (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-05-22Whilst carrying out a Breeding Bird Survey of our Islands this afternoon, I was lucky enough to have superb views of an Arctic Tern circling the boat at the North End of the Reservoir. According to Mike from fisheries, there has been a single Tern sitting on a Buoy next to Big Island for the last couple of days. Although we have a pair of Common Terns on site, I think that the Arctic may have been around for a few days now. I saw presumably the same bird around Shiningford Creek last night(21st at 19:30)and I believe RC saw one on site a couple of days ago.Paul Bennett
2007-05-19Short visit this morning - no Garganey at WLC up to 10.00am. Other highlights: 22 Dunlin dropped in on sailing club island. 2 Little Ringed Plovers on Horseshoe Island. 4 Willow Warblers on Stones Island. Richard Pittam
2007-05-18A drake Garganey at the Wildlife centre today. Also present:G.N Diver,2 Curlew,1 Whimbrel,1 Dunlin,2 L.R.Plover,3 Gadwall,1 Teal, and 2 Common Terns. One Lapwing chick was also seen. Clive Ashton
2007-05-18BARN OWLCLIVE AND RUTH SLACK
2007-05-162 Whimbrel from the visitor centre at 2.46.p.m. DOS Report
2007-05-12Stones Island: 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Northern Diver (off Watersports, 4 young Canada goslings Wildlife Centre: 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 6 Canada Goslings, 2 young Coot Paul Stanley Hide: 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Redshank, 8 Canada goslings, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (male and female), 2 Wren.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-05-0240 species of bird seen from Stones Island or the Wildlife Centre around midday. Sunny but a cold north easterly wind was blowing. OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island; Canada Geese with goslings - one pair with a single gosling and another pair with 3 goslings; Barnacle Goose (2); Shelduck (4); Mallard ducklings - a female with five and another with 12; Oystercatcher (1); Little Ringed Plover (2) - exploring terra cotta shelters on Stones Island; Lapwing (6); Curlew (1); Redshank (2); Common Tern (1); Garden Warbler (2); Blackcap (2); Willow Warbler (3); Reed Bunting (2 singing males). Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-05-011 Great Northern Diver [1W/1S] near Millfields. 4 Shelduck, mobile, at many locations. 1 Common Tern at Wildlife Centre most of today, looking at the rafts. 1 Arctic Tern flew through. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit Wildlife Centre then Stones Is. 2 Curlew Wildlife Centre. 1 Yellow Wagtail flew over Stones Is. Many Garden Warblers and Whitethroats and some Sedge Warblers now present.Roger Carrington
2007-04-29In addition to Sam's sightings: Bar Tailed Godwit initially on Stones Island and then near the Wildlife Centre. Curlew dropped in to Horseshoe Island for a preen. Reed Bunting and Willow Tit on the feeders Matthew Capper
2007-04-292 Goldfinches-Wildlife Centre Feeders 2 Little Ringed Plovers-Horseshoe Island 1 Common Sandpiper-Horseshoe Island 25+Swifts-Visitor Centre Car ParkSam Pedley
2007-04-28Stones Island:7 Barnacle Geese, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatcher. Wildlife Centre:15 Swift (over watersports centre), 4 Cackling Geese, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Owl.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-04-232 Sandwich Terns reported on the Birdnet pager from Paul Stanley Hide at 12pmSteph' Hicking
2007-04-21Stones Island: 2 Oystercatcher, 13 Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Pied Wagtails. Wildlife Centre: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (heard only).Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-04-191 G N Diver from Stones Island. 5 Turnstones on Sailing Club Is from Stones Is at 7pm. 1 Common Sandpiper on Watersports Is. 2 Curlew on Stones Is. 1 Lesser Whitethroat in Shiningford Creek. 1 at Sheepwash CP. 1 Yellow Wagtail on Stones Is. Many Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap singing.Roger Carrington
2007-04-191 House martin-Stones1 LRP @ WLC2 Dunlin -StonesGeoff Barter
2007-04-191 Arctic Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Common Swift, Sand Martins, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, Willow Warbler, Great Northern Diver, 2 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese.Leo Galante
2007-04-18Highlights included, Common Scoter 1 drake, Yellow Wagtail 1, Dunlin 2, Swallow 3, Sand Martin 1. Great Northern Diver also seen. Steph' Hicking
2007-04-176 Black Tailed Godwits at Wildlife CentreRichard & Frances Pittam

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