Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Richard LoweThis evening: RC Pochard - 2 females off Sheepwash; YL Gull (2cy) off Visitor Centre; LRP - 2 and Curlew on sailing club front; GN Diver looking resplendent in middle of res. Plus 10’s swallows/sand martins over the water in light rain.18/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe first Arctic and Common Terms and Garden Warblers (2) from/around Stones island this morning. The GNDiver came very close at one point, stunning in full breeding plumage. Female Red-crested Pochard still. 2 Common Sandpiper at sailing club, and 2 distant fly-through waders may well have been Whimbrel.18/04/2025
SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMDThe welcome change in the weather brought about a bit of a change, with a handful of waders and the first Reed Warbler singing in Hopton reedbed. A probable total of 5 Black-tailed Godwits (3+2) were found by Clive and Alan, and a Common Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers and a Dunlin were on sailing club shore late morning. Wildfowl included a drake Shoveler, female Teal, 2 female Red-crested and at least 3 Common Pochard. The GNDiver still, looking very nice indeed. c100 Sand Martins. Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood and 2 singing Redstarts (Hopton end and WLC fields). 3 Sedge Warblers around Stones island. 2 Redwing still at Hopton end.15/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver had a good fly around this morning. Wonder if it's thinking about leaving early again? 2 Common Sandpiper on Watersports island; singing Sedge Warbler there and another on Stones. 7 Common and 1 female Red-crested Pochard off Stones. 40 Sand Martins, 10 Swallows and 2 House Martins. More Willow Warblers than yesterday, 7 between Stones and WLC creek. Redstart singing in WLC fields.14/04/2025
Simon RoddisMonthly wildfowl count: 265 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 29 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot, 3 Mute Swan, 8 Gadwall, 60 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 6 Pochard, 88 Tufted, 1 Goldeneye, 8 Moorhen, 211 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, 91 GCGrebe, 13 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 22 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 1 Heron. Elsewhere, Barn Owl hunting early am; influx of hirundines in the cloudy conditions: 250 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows and 5 House Martins off Stones; Mistle Thrush with food at Hopton end.13/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver still from Stones this morning, rapidly turning into breeding plumage. Wildfowl included 1 Shelduck, 2 Teal, 2 Common and 1 female Red-crested Pochard. 3 Redshank. 1 Dunlin past Stones island. 2 Little Egret. Singing Pied Flycatcher in Hall Wood (also reported yesterday) and 2 singing Redstarts.12/04/2025
Simon Roddis2 drake Common Scoters were out in the middle of the res this morning, and the GNDiver off Stones island. Drake Shoveler, 2 female Red-crested and 9 Common Pochard. 2 more broods of Mallard ducklings. Little Egret still at Sheepwash/Lane End. 4 Sparrowhawks and 3 Kestrels. Male Redstart singing in WLC fields. 10 Linnets on the dam wall.11/04/2025
Simon Roddis3 singing Willow Tits in the southern tetrad on my final survey of the season. Perimeter counts of 162 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler, 40 Blackcaps, 3 drumming GSWoodpecker. Singing male Redstart near Oldfield Lane. GNDiver still from Stones Island. Pair of Mandarin in Tail Bay. 6 drake Goldeneye. 7 Pochard. 1 female Red-crested Pochard. Brood of 10 Mallard ducklings below Middle Wood. 13 Meadow Pipits (12 in dam wall fields). And Clive had a Common Sandpiper at sailing club.10/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver still from Stones island. Wildfowl included 8 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 2f Red-crested Pochard, 2m Goldeneye. Little Egret again at Sheepwash. c30 Swallows and 50 Sand Martins around Stones, built up during the morning. 1 Skylark N over Stones. Male Redstart in WLC fields. 1 Redpoll over Hall Wood.09/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver was off Stones this morning but no sign of the Red-throat. 2 female Red-crested Pochard again, 12 Wigeon and 2 Shoveler. Little Egret again on Sheepwash spit. 47 Fieldfare flew N up the east side late morning, and Mike Redfern reported a singing Redstart at Millfields, the first of the year.08/04/2025
Simon RoddisFrom Stones island early morning, the GN and Red-throated Divers and 2 female Red-crested Pochard. Yesterday's pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls were with Black-heads on the field between the visitor centre and the play area. Nil return on a Willow Tit survey in the northern tetrad but 2 singing around Fishtail Creek. Perimeter counts of 154 Chiffchaff, 23 Blackcap but only 5 Willow Warblers. A few duck were new in: 5 Wigeon, a pair of Shovelers at Millfields, and Clive had 4 Teal.07/04/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Mallard, Pied Wagtail, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Coot, Tufted Duck, Redshank, Little Grebe, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Woodpigeon, Sparrowhawk, Robin, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Cormorant, Dunnock, Mute Swan, Blue Tit, Buzzard, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Gadwall06/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers still present this morning. A beautiful pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls flew in over Stones island at 10:15 and settled on Horseshoe island, where they happily stayed until 11:00 when a boat got too close to the island and put all the gulls up. Aaarrgh! Looked like a small northerly movement of Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls too. 2 female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. Definitely more hirundines this morning, 10+ Swallows and 25+ Sand Martins. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields early on.06/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe GN and Red-throated Divers still from Stones island (and Millfields). Female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. 1 Little Egret. 277 Lesser Black-backs over Hopton end early morning. 3 House Martins.05/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonHighlights of a very nice morning at Carsi were at least 27 (possibly 35) Little Gulls, 2 Avocets which hung around Watersports island, 2 House Martins N past Stones island, and the GNDiver still, which took a couple of short flights. Couldn't find the Red-throated Diver. 3 Pochard and 2 female Red-crested Pochard at sailing club. Little Egret again at Sheepwash. 2 singing Willow Warblers.04/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers were still present this morning. The female Red-crested Pochard seems to have gained a friend, a male Common Pochard, and was off Stones Island this morning. Little Egret roosting at Sheepwash early morning. A small northerly passage of c25 Common Gulls. 4 Swallows. GSWoodpecker drumming in Hall Wood.03/04/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDThe GNDiver was still off Stones island this morning, and the Red-throated Diver towards Millfields. Incidentally, today is the 100th day of the Red-throat's stay here. The female Red-crested Pochard still at Millfields. A Rook was actively mobbing 3 Buzzards over WLC fields - rather unusual in my experience to see Rooks mobbing raptors in this country. 48 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Skylark and 2 Linnets flew N over the dam wall.02/04/2025
Simon RoddisRed-throated and GN Divers again from Stones this morning. 16 Curlew early on. Female Red-crested Pochard still at Millfields. 2 Shelduck (yesterday's birds, perhaps?). 250 Common Gulls out over WLC creek early morning. This afternoon, Clive found at least 6 Little Gulls off Lane End late afternoon, and there were 8 from Sheepwash hide early evening.01/04/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter counts this morning: 24 Pheasant, 10 Little Grebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 4 drumming GS Woodpeckers, 5 Jay, 15 Magpie, 13 Coal Tit, 77 Blue, 32 Great, 9 Long-tailed, 1 Skylark, 135 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 8 Goldcrest, 135 Wren, 7 Nuthatch, 8 singing Treecreeper, 35 Song Thrush, 10 Mistle Thrush, 4 Redwing, 62 Blackbird, 152 Robin, 36 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wag, 5 Pied Wag, 22 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 24 Goldfinch, 4 male Reed Buntings. Also the GN and Red-throated Divers, 2 Shelduck, female RcPochard.31/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found an adult Kittiwake off Stones early morning, it hung around for at least an hour or so, getting a bit of hassle from the BhGs. Both divers still, over towards the east side. Female Red-crested Pochard again at Millfields. 13 Snipe (7 from PS hide, 6 on Horseshoe island). Little Egret past PS hide.30/03/2025
Simon RoddisA Jack Snipe was at Paul Stanley hide early this morning, along with 4 Common Snipe (plus another 11 Common at WLC, bit of an influx, maybe). The GN and Red-throated Divers again from Stones island. 12 Sand Martin. Singing Blackcaps on Stones and at Sheepwash. A flock of 9 distant unidentified Redshank-sized waders flew north. Alan had a Little Egret briefly on Horseshoe island.28/03/2025
Simon RoddisGN and Red-throated Divers both still from Stones island this morning. The female Red-crested Pochard again off sailing club. 98 GCGrebes! 21 just from the WLC. Blackbird nest-building on Stones, and at least 1 Redpoll still there.27/03/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers again from Stones island this morning, and the female Red-crested Pochard in sailing club bay. 25 Wigeon and 2 drake Shoveler suggests some wildfowl movement. The male Mandarin that flew past Stones probably hadn't come as far! The Pink-footed Goose was off Lane End. 5 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Skylarks in the dam wall fields.26/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonAnother Kittiwake (or one of yesterday's birds?) was at Sheepwash early morning, and a Brambling on Stones island mid-morning (an increasingly regular spring occurrence, it seems). The GN and Red-throated Divers both from Stones too. 14 Barnacle and 1 Pink-footed Goose. Pair of Mandarin flew into Tail Bay. The female Red-crested Pochard was off the sailing club this morning. 80+ GCGrebes. 1 sub-adult GBbGull. 4 Swallows and 16 Sand Martins on/around Stones, and Blackcap still singing there. c30 Meadow Pipits flew N.25/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHSAnother fine spring morning. 2 adult Kittiwakes appeared among the Black-headed Gulls on the water late in the morning, perhaps they'd been there all along. The GN and Red-throated Divers were still visible from Stones island. Wildfowl included a Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 9 Wigeon, and Clive saw the female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields early on. A Dunlin (very scarce here of late) flew N past Stones. 5 Swallows and 4 Sand Martins were around Stones, along with singing Blackcap and Willow Warbler. Flock of at least 300 Starlings flew N over WLC creek.24/03/2025
Richard LoweOff Stones Is late afternoon an adult Kittiwake in the gull roost; plus single Swallow and Sand Martin over Stones Is causeway.23/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHS et al.Another excellent morning. The pair of Garganey were on Watersports island, visible from Stones causeway, most of the morning. The first Little Ringed Plover of the year flew over Stones and 2 Swallows joined 5 Sand Martins there. Willow Warbler and Blackcap still singing. The GN and Red-throated Divers off Stones still. 5 Wigeon. The female Red-crested Pochard was with a single female Common Pochard at Paul Stanley hide early morning. 30 Redwing at Sheepwash.23/03/2025
Richard LoweA pair of Garganey distantly off Millfields at 1pm ish were a highlight, together with GN and RTDivers off Stones Is.22/03/2025
Simon RoddisA very decent morning started with a Sandwich Tern N past Stones island at 06:35, the first March record here. A Blackcap was singing, the GN and Red-throated Divers were out on the water and 3 Sand Martins flew N. As I came off Stones a Willow Warbler was singing on the causeway, the earliest ever here (by a day). 11 Wigeon flew around, Clive had a Pintail and the female Red-crested Pochard was still at Millfields. 6 Curlew and 3 Redshank. About 1,000 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek first thing.22/03/2025
SJR, AHS, CA, KRAlan had the first Sand Martin of the year briefly past Stones island this morning. The GN and Red-throated Divers still, and the female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. 4 Wigeon. 6 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 3 Redshank. Peregrine over Shiningford. 20 Redwing. 7 Linnets.21/03/2025
Simon RoddisA pair of Common Scoter from Stones island this morning, plus the GN and Red-throated Divers. One female Pochard. Clive and Alan had a Little Egret from Stones. 15 Buzzards and 3 Sparrowhawks from the dam wall, and a singing Skylark there.20/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe GN and Red-throated Divers both still from Stones island this morning. The Red-throat flew around for a while but dropped back in. 2 pairs of Shoveler. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 421 Woodpigeons and 440 Starlings flew mostly NE during the morning.19/03/2025
Richard LoweLate this afternoon: 1st w Med Gull off Horseshoe Is; RCPochard (f), Avocet (3) - flew off and lost to sight late afternoon, RT and GN Divers all off Millfields earlier this afternoon.18/03/2025
Simon Roddis3 Avocets on Millfields island mid-morning were a nice surprise, and a Red-legged Partridge was calling at Hopton end early morning (both first of the year). 30 Goldeneye. GN and Red-throated Divers still. Survey for Willow Tits in the southern tetrad (which does not include the entire southern end) found 3 pairs, in different locations from the 2 I found in the tetrad in February. 55 Chiffchaffs around the perimeter, fewer than I had expected.18/03/2025
Simon RoddisThe Rock Pipit showed well on the shore below the Watersports centre mid morning. GN and Red-throated Divers from Stones, the 2 drake Greater Scaup again off Lane End, while the female Red-crested Pochard was at sailing club for a change.17/03/2025
SJR, JB, CAMonthly wildfowl count: 121 Canada, 5 Barnacle, 17 Greylags, 4 Mute Swan, 16 Gadwall, 69 Mallard, 8 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 97 Tufted, 1 Pochard, 2 Scaup, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 25 Goldeneye, 14 Moorhen, 274 Coot, 11 Little Grebe, 77 GCGrebe, 9 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 GNDiver, 22 Cormorant, 2 Heron. A Rock Pipit flew over Stones causeway towards sailing club late morning.16/03/2025
Dave Armitt5 Oystercatcher, 1 Red crested Pochard, 1 Red Throated Diver, 2 Goldeneye, 8 Chiffchaff , 7 Barnacle goose,4 Little Grebe, 28 Cormorant, Great Northern Diver, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Treecreeper16/03/2025
Simon RoddisThe long-staying GN and Red-throated Divers, 2 Scaup and now the female Red-crested Pochard still present this morning. The Scaup seemed to be moving about a bit, perhaps because fishing boats are out on the water for the first time this year. Let's see how long they'll put up with that. 2 Whooper Swans were at sailing club but departed NW at 09:20. Pair of Shoveler at Shiningford. 25 Barnacle Geese. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed early morning, and 16 Pied Wagtails came out of their roost there. 14 Oystercatcher. Presumably the same Peregrine twice over Hognaston. Total of c400 Starlings and 33 Redwing.15/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMDA female Common Scoter, the first of the year, was off Millfields this morning. The GN and Red-throated Divers, the 2 Greater Scaup and the female Red-crested Pochard again on their usual beats. 27 Barnacle Geese. Drake Shoveler. 5 Redshank, a definite increase. A bit of vismig involving small numbers of Chaffinches, Goldfinch, Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtails.14/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHSGN and Red-throated Divers again from Stones island, the 2 drake Greater Scaup off Lane End, and the female Red-crested Pochard reportedly still at Millfields. 22 Barnacle Geese. 50 Redwing. 12 Siskin flew N.13/03/2025
Richard LoweThis evening: Med Gull (3) - 1st w (unringed bird) in BHGull colony on Horseshoe Is; 2 Ads in roost off Stones Is. Plus GNDiver.12/03/2025
Simon RoddisAt the risk of being repetitious, the GN and Red-throated Divers were both off Stones island this morning, the 2 Scaup off Lane End and the female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. Pair of Shoveler again at Sheepwash. 25 Barnacle Geese. 17 Curlew on Horseshoe Island and c2,500 Common Gulls flew out early morning. Later in the morning, and strictly speaking not at Carsington, a huge flock of Starlings, maybe 5-10,000, were visible from Stones island a mile or two to the south, somewhere in the Hulland area.12/03/2025
Richard LoweLate afternoon: YLGull (ad) on sailing club jetty; GNDiver off Stones Is; Goldeneye (7) displaying off Stones Is.11/03/2025
Simon RoddisGN and Red-throated Divers again from Stones island, the 2 drake Greater Scaup off Lane End and the female Red-crested Pochard again at Millfields. Pair of Shoveler still at Sheepwash. A male Mandarin flew in over Hopton reedbed early morning, my first of the year here. 12 Oystercatcher. Single Woodcock and Tawny Owl at Hopton end early morning, and 15 Pied Wagtails out of the reedbed.. Total of 11 Ravens, including 9 tumbling over the pastures. 21 Fieldfare flew N up the east side.11/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThe GN and Red-throated Divers were again visible from Stones island this morning. The 2 drake Scaup were off Sheepwash, and a pair of Shoveler there. Female Red-crested Pochard still at Millfields. 4 migrant Wigeon out in the middle. 18 Curlew. Total of at least 75 Redwing.10/03/2025
Richard LoweEarly afternoon: Mediterranean Gull (1st w) off Sailing Club; Whooper Swan (16) off Lane End.09/03/2025
Simon RoddisSurvey for Willow Tits in the northern tetrad (not quite the same as the northern half) found just 2 birds, plus another pair off the transect. 47 Chiffchaffs around the perimeter. 16 Whooper Swans off Sheepwash. The female Red-crested Pochard was again at Millfields.09/03/2025
Richard LoweAt Carsington early evening: Med Gull (2) - ad in roost; 1st w (unringed) in BHG colony on Horseshoe Is. Whooper Swan (5) flew off from Wildlife Hide towards Dam Wall and lost to sight. RT and GNDivers still present from Stones Is.08/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonAnother excellent morning, with another winter plumage Black-necked Grebe off Stones island, the GN and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Greater Scaup still, 5 Whooper Swans, 7 Pintail, an adult Mediterranean Gull on Horseshoe island, and Dimple, the female Red-crested Pochard, in the same spot at Millfields where Clive saw her yesterday. 3 Redshank. 20 Chaffinch NE over WLC creek.08/03/2025
Richard LoweAt Carsington this evening: Med Gull (2) - ad, 1st w. Plus Pintail (2), Shelduck (1), GN and RTDiver. (1st w Med had yellow colour ring).07/03/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2006-12-18The drake Green-winged Teal was seen today on the spit of land to the right of Sheepwash hide, before moving off with other Teal. The Black-necked Grebe was also present,catching many small fish in front of Sheepwash hide. c10 Goldeneye,2 Goosander (over Lane End hide),distant views of a Great Northern Diver (also from Lane End) were amongst the other highlights.CLIVE ASHTON and DAVE NEWCOMBE.
2006-12-17No sign today of the drake Green Winged Teal. Two juv. Great Northern Divers at Millfields at 12.00.p.m. with a third juvenile close to Horeshoe Island from the windsurfing club. Later at 3.00 p.m. a juv. Great Northern Diver was just behind Sheepwash spit. The Black necked Grebes was showing well from Paul Stanley Hide. A first winter Glaucous Gull spent about 20 mins on Flat Island before taking off and flying down the Reservoir at 2.55 p.m. and disappearing off to the West. An adult Yellow Legged Gull in a fair sized roost. Up to 6 Redshank about the reservoirRichard James and Rod Key
2006-12-16Highlights: W.Centre: Green Winged Teal, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Wren, Redwing Paul Stanley: Willow Tit(2), GS Woodpecker, Coal tit Millfields: Great Northern Diver(1)Richard and Frances Pittam
2006-12-15W.Centre 24 snipe, 60 Black-headed gull, 21 Pochard, 11 Teal (no green-winged), 9 Wigeon, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Redwing, 1 Bullfinch(F), 1 Redshank Sheepwash 1 Black-necked Grebe, 2 Redshank, 3 Meadow Pipit, 23 Teal, 1 Goldeneye(f) Millfields 8 Long-tailed titsRichard, Frances and Ken Pittam
2006-12-14Green-winged Teal (drake) again reported at WLC and 2 Great Northerns at Sailing Club (off Birdnet pager.Steph' Hicking
2006-12-13Drake Green-winged Teal still present till just before dusk at least, to the left of the Wildlife Centre,1 adult Yellow-legged Gull in front of WLC at 3pm, 1 Great Northern Diver reported at the Sailing Club this am. Black-necked Grebe reported still at Sheepwash this pm. 20+ Common Gulls in area in front of WLC 3pm. Steph' Hicking
2006-12-13Green Winged Teal and PintailMatthew Capper
2006-12-13Green-winged Teal (drake) reported on Birdnet Pager as being in front of Wildlife Centre at 9.40amSteph' Hicking
2006-12-1235 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today - not as high a number as recently. No sign of the of the Green Winged Teal from the wildlife centre but reasonable numbers of gulls came in to roost. The Black Grebe and Diver(s) were not reported at the Wildlife Centre but are presumably are still on site.Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer)
2006-12-113 Great Northern Divers were seen together off the Sailing Club this pm, all juveniles. Close in between the jettys and near the dam at times. Steph' Hicking
2006-12-11Black Necked Grebe from Sheepwash Hide mid afternoon Ring Billed Gull again seen from Sheepwash Hide Great Northern Diver still present Green Winged Teal present to dusk yesterday but not reported today.Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer)
2006-12-10Green Winged TealMatthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer)
2006-12-09Black-necked Grebe commuting between Paul Stanley and Sheepwash Hides this pm.Steph' Hicking
2006-12-09Wildlife Centre 1 Treecreeper, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Barnacle Geese, 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank Paul Stanley 6 Pochard, 1 Dunnock, 3 Snipe, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Cormorant, 1 Willow Tit, 2 Grt Spotted W/Peckers(m f), 1 Redshank, 4 Tree Sparrow, 250 Lapwing, 2 Canada Geese, 6 Great Tit, 20 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 1 Black Swan, 2 Gadwall, 12 Grt Crested Grebe Sheepwash 4 Goldeneye (1m, 3f), 45 Teal, 1 Redshank, 2 Pied Wagtail, 12 Cormorant, 85 Wigeon, 150 Lapwing, 12 Grt Crested Grebe, 6 Gadwall Millfields 80 Tufted Duck, 2 Great Northern Divers (3.10pm)Richard and Frances Pittam
2006-12-082 G N Divers, both juvenile, one in Millfields Bay from car park, one halfway along the dam wall.1 Black-necked Grebe at Sheepwash.Roger Carrington (Carsington Bird Recorder)
2006-12-08Of interest, on 6th December Severn Trent Ranger Paul Bennet found a dead Leach's Petrol whilst working on the east bank at Ogston Reservoir.The first record in Derbyshire since 1994 it ended up temporarily in the freezer at Carsington.Sadly I'm not sure the Bird Club Committee will therefore let me submit it as a record for Carsington but interesting never the less.Matthew Capper (RSPB)
2006-12-07Black-necked grebe seen from Sheepwash Hide from 2.30pm. No sign of Ring-billed gull in large roost spread out from Lane end hide south.
2006-12-05Very quiet at Carsington today not helped by the windy weather and frequent heavy showers.4 Redshank and 6 Snipe at the Wildlife Centre and both juvenile Great Northen Divers from the dam - three divers were again seen yesterday.43 Barnacle Geese were counted along with the three Cackling Geese which are still present. Look for a Canada Goose that is much smaller - smaller than the Barnacles. Also, whilst Canada Geese have a pale breast, these birds are a chocolate brown all over giving a much darker appearance and less contrast between the breast and black neck.No reports of the Black Necker Grebe but not to say that it isn't still present. The Gull roost this evening seemed to be building off Stones Island rather the Sheepwash / Paul Stanley area.Matthew Capper
2006-12-04A good number and range of birds seen today from the Wildlife Centre. The most unusual observation was of 50 Barnacle Geese, quite a high number.Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-12-02Further interesting sightings for this date taken from the Wildlife Centre logbook:Woodcock (2), Siskin (10), Raven (1), Common Buzzard.Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-12-03A busy day at Carsington with plenty of birders on site. A respectable 43 species seen during the day from the wildlife centre including the regular Little Owl and the long staying Black Tailed Godwit. The Canada Goose flock included 18 Barnacle Geese - a much improved number and with them for the first time in a while were three Cackling Geese. Also here were several snipe and 5 Redshank including a flock of 4. The biggest talking point of the day was the Great Northern Divers with several people reporting three birds - and one report positive about 2 juvenile birds and one adult winter. Certainly two of the birds showed very well just off the dam near the draw off tower for much of the day. The Black Necked Grebe was seen from Sheepwash Hide and the Black Swan was also in this area. Late on, the bird news services reported the adult Ring Billed Gull again in the roost as well as a first winter Yellow Legged Gull. The roost is best observed from Paul Stanley or Sheepwash hides and you need to be in place by about 2.30 - 3pm. Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Officer)
2006-12-03 Two Bar - tailed Godwit observed fling off muddy shore of Millfields Bay @ 0805hrs today as I arrived , no white wing bars and whitish V between wings with white rump identifies. Also two Great Northern Diver, one seen very well at damwall and the other out in Millfields, but could still be followed between dives. Gavin Lord
2006-12-03Two Great Northern DiversRoy Smith
2006-12-02Great Northern Diver showing well at Millfields (tower) and Dam wall. Also at Wildlife Centre and Shiningford Creekrichard and Frances Pittam
2006-12-02adult Ring billed Gull again present in roost from Paul Stanley Hide. 4 adult Yellow Legged Gulls. 2 Great Northern Divers Millfields/Draw off Tower (one showing very well just off car park. Paul and Steph Hicking
2006-12-01In addition to the sightings submitted by Roger Carrington, the female red breasted merganser was also reported today.Matthew Capper
2006-12-012 GNDivers near draw-off tower this afternoon. 1 Black-necked Grebe from Sheepwash Hide at 1200hrs. 2 Whooper Swans flew northwest over Sheepwash at 1130hrs.Roger Carrington
2006-11-29Just to let you know that the Diver was just north of the draw-down tower, just off the dam wall at 09:15 this morning.Paul Bennett Ranger Service, Severn Trent Water Ltd
2006-11-28A respectable 45 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today. The best bird however, was the juvenile Great Northern Diver found by Roger Carrington first thing this morning. Present all day giving close views at time from the dam wall. The Black Swan is still present, as is the Black Tailed Godwit - both from the Wildlife Centre where Little Owl also showed on and off. Other sightings included 1 redshank at Millfields Island and 2 on Horseshoe Island; 1 Dunlin on Stones Island; 14 Snipe from Paul Stanley Hide and 11 from the Wildlife Centre; 5 Goldeneye off Stones Island; 2 Buzzard over Blackwall Plantation; 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island and a female Goosander at Millfields.Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Officer)
2006-11-28A juv. Great Northern Diver found mid-morning on Nov. 28th mid way along the damDerbyshire Ornithological Society website
2006-11-26Adult Ring-billed Gull present in roost from 3.30pm, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 5000+ Lesser Black backed Gulls,3000-4000 Black headed gulls, 30 Common Gulls, about 10 Greater Black backed Gulls. (All from Sheepwash Hide) Good numbers of wildfowl present in the Sheepwash area.Paul and Steph Hicking
2006-11-26W. Centre - 8 Lesser Redpoll, 12 Goldfinch, 1 Kestrel, 6 Redwing, 1 Redshank Stones Island - 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush Paul Stanley - 1 Red-breasted Merganser (F), 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 30 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (M+F), 2 Willow Tit, 1 Dunnock Sheepwash - 1 Redshank, 1 Pied Wagtail Millfields - 10 Goosander (8F+2M), 1 Redshank, 1 Meadow Pipit Richard and Frances PittamNone
2006-01-01The following were either observed by us today or were taken from the logbook in the WLC: OF NOTE: Red-necked Grebe (1) - Millfields. Black-necked Grebe (2) - Paul Stanley hide. Gadwall (3) - Shiningford/WLC creeks. Goosander (1 male) Ruddy Duck (~70) - Shiningford Creek. Kestrel (1) - near the Knockerdown Inn. Lapwing (~500) - Horseshoe Island and by the boat club. Redshank (1) - WLC Creek. Skylark (1) - edge of WLC Creek. Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island.Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-01-022 Little Grebe-in front of Lane End Hide 3+ Great Crested Grebe-in front of Lane End Hide 48 Canada Goose- swimming left to right of Lane End Hide 1 Redshank-left of Lane End Hide 1 Willow Tit-between Sheepwash Hide and Paul Stanley Hide 2 Black-Necked Grebe-left of Paul Stanley Hide 5 Snipe - Spit next to Paul Stanley Hide 1 Grey Heron-on Sheepwash Spit with the Cormorants A mystery Silvery-Grey bird sitting in trees opposite Sheepwash Hide. Great Grey Shrike?Sam Pedley
2006-01-042 Black-necked Grebes still present - Paul Stanley hide (near tern raft) showing well again 5 Snipe - to the left of Paul Stanley hide 7 Goosander - (3 males) Millfields bay 6 Little Grebes in Millfields bay but no sign of Red Necked grebeNone
2006-01-05Today, the Red Necked Grebe has moved North East from Millfields car park and is in the bay overlooked by Upperfield Farm, a 10-15 minute walk from Millfields. A pleasant walk, with a couple of Bull Finches around and a Weasel near the small pond.Mick Sharp
2006-01-07Red-necked Grebe still present in front of sailing Club. 2No. Black-necked Grebe left of Paul Stanley Hide. c50 Wigeon ‘grazing’ on grass bank opposite Paul Stanley Hide 16 Teal left of Wildlife CentreJohn and Pam Eaton
2006-01-11Kingfisher at Shiningford creek c 12 mid day c 15 Siskin Paul Stanley HideJ Mowbray
2006-01-14Today's visit to the site, by Ray and Margaret Perry, yielded 31 species of bird for the Stones Island area and those seen from the WLC.It was a very mild day with no wind and good light. OF NOTE: Red-necked Grebe (1) - near the Sailing Club. Gadwall (at least 3 pairs) - near the Sailing Club. Pochard (17) - off Stones Island. Sparrowhawk (1 female) - working Shiningford and WLC creeks. Lapwings frequently "put up". Lapwing (over 400) - Stones Island & by the Sailing Club. Snipe (1) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (1) - Horseshoe Island. Little Owl (1) - by the WLC creek. Sightings taken from the Wildlife Centre (WLC) logbook for the last few days: 9th January: Red-necked Grebe (1) Goldeneye (3) Shoveler (1 female) Mediterranean Gull (1 adult) Nuthatch (1) Treecreeper (1) Raven (1) Reed Bunting (1) 12th January: Black-necked Grebe (2) Siskin (50+) 13th January: Red-necked Grebe (1) Goldeneye (15) Redshank (1) Snipe (1) Common Buzzard (1) Sparrowhawk (1) Redwing (~50) Siskin (25) Lesser Redpoll (2)Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-01-19Weather warmer than of late but cloudy: Hopton End 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 100 Rooks, 30 Mallards Hall Wood 4 Goldcrest, 9 Long-tail Tits, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit. Fishtail Creek 1 Robin, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Jackdaw Upperfields Bay 10 Wigeon, 1 Pochard 1 Squirrel, 1 Rabbit, 1 Jay, 1 Female Blackbird, 4 GreatTtits, 12 Mallards, 1 Magpie Millfields Bay 8 Little Grebe, 100 Tufties, 2 Mute Swans, 30 Canada's, 12 Wigeon, 2 Pochard Dam Wall 40 Tufties, 1 Pr Goosander, 2 Great Crested Grebe Boat Club 20 Tufties, 80 Canada's, 8 Great Crested Grebe Visitor Centre 40 Barnacle Geese, 100 Lapwings Shiningford Creek 32 Wigeon, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Stoat, 40 Canada's, 2 Mute Swans 30 Barnacles (in field), 1 Female Teal, 4 Male Teal, 40 Lapwing, 2 Cormorant, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Tufties, 10 Pochard Feeding Station Brick Tower 1 Male Bullfinch, 1 Female Bullfinch, 5 Sparrows, 2 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 2 ChaffinchJan and Elv Sheppard
2006-01-19 Black Swan was found with a Mute Swan in the Watersports Bay yesterday morning (18/01) at 09:00 by Jim Craw. Unfortunately, it immediately took off and headed south and wasn't reported again. Sixty-six Pink-footed Geese flew over Shiningford Farm on the afternoon of 18th. They then peeled off and carried on in a NW direction. The two Black-necked Grebes are still being seen regularly from Paul Stanley Hide and were seen this morning. It was recently realised that there are two Red-necked Grebes on site, rather than one mobile bird. This morning there was a juvenile seen from Lane Ends Hide and an adult seen in Millfields Bay. The adult bird has been present in front of the sailing club for some time now and was very close in and easily viewable from the patio area at the back of the restaurant yesterday. However, it does make excursions south of the Sailing Club Island into Millfields Bay. There was a juvenile Kittiwake seen over Sheepwash this morning, whilst a Chiffchaff sang there briefly. A Blackcap was seen between the Visitor centre car park and the Wildlife Centre, also this morning.Paul Bennett, Severn Trent Ranger Service
2006-01-25We visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WLC) today, the 25th and found 36 species around midday. There was a cold northerly wind blowing and the sky was largely overcast. The following represents a summary of the best finds today and in the previous six days. Data from our own observations, the WLC logbook and the notice board outside the visitor centre. 25th: Red-necked Grebe (1) - off Stones Island, near the sailing club. Black-necked Grebe (2) - near the Paul Stanley hide. Barnacle Goose (40-50) - WLC creek. Redshank (1) - WLC creek. Song Thrush (1) Raven (2) Siskin (23) Lesser Redpoll (~10) 24th: Red-necked Grebe (1) Barnacle Goose (47) Goosander (a pair) Little Owl (2) Snipe (2) Redshank (3) 23rd: Largely similar to the 24th and 25th. 22nd:Pintail (a pair). 21st: Kingfisher (1), Snipe (1) 20th: Hawfinch (1) - Stones Island. 19th: Peregrine (1),Goldeneye (12), Caspian Gull (2)Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-02-08Peregrine flying SE over Millfields. Two Ravens over Hall Wood. Also, in the space of 90 minutes during the morning, among daily visitors on and around birdtable and feeders in Belper: 2 Blackcap (separately, 1M /1F). Gtr Spotted Woodpecker (M). 2 Nuthatch. Pr Bullfinch, 7 Long tailed tits, 3 Siskin (1M/2F), Song Thrush.Neil Hallam
2006-02-09Visited the site today - the . A very sunny day. No clouds but a cold breeze. Birdwatching from Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WLC). Of note today: Barnacle Goose (20) - on the water, WLC Creek & Shiningford Creek. More in a field near Shiningford Farm but uncounted. Gadwall (a pair) - WLC Creek. Redshank (1) - Horseshoe Island. Little Owl (1) - near WLC Creek. The following were noted from the WLC logbook and the notice board outside the visitor centre: 8th February: Oystercatcher (3),Redshank (3), Great Black-backed Gull (1), Nuthatch (2), Treecreeper (6) 6th February: Black-necked Grebe (1), Goldeneye (15), Goosander (10), Ruddy Duck (42), Common Buzzard (3), Kingfisher (1), Bullfinch (7), 5th February: Dunlin (1), Redshank (1), 4th February: Dunlin (1), Snipe (2) 1st February: Red-necked Grebe (1), Goosander (5), Peregrine (1), Siskin (21) 31st January: Black-necked Grebe (2), Red-necked Grebe (1) 27th January: Black-necked Grebe (2), Red-necked Grebe (1), Goldeneye, (10), Snipe (9), Sparrowhawk (1)Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-02-15Here is a list of the birds I saw during 1 hour in Paul Stanley hide today, both on the water and on the Bird Feeders between 13:00 - 14:00 Hours. Weather bright and breezy - birds sheltering in Brown Ale Bay. If I can see them anyone can, although I did use a telescope. Little Grebe 1, GCrested Grebe 4, Cormorant 12, Heron 1, Mute Swan 2, Canada Goose 1, Wigeon 50, Gadwall 1, Teal 60, Mallard 2, Pochard 5, Tufted Duck 125, Goldeneye 1, Moorhen 2, Coot 175, Oystercatcher 1, Lapwing 30, Snipe 1, B-headed Gull 6, Lesser B-b Gull 15, Pied Wagtail 1, Willow Tit 1, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 2, Nuthatch 1, Carrion Crow 2, Tree Sparrow 1, Chaffinch 2, Goldfinch 1. Total Species 30Roy Smith
2006-02-16Between approx 14.35hrs to 15.45hrs: Sheepwash Hide. As well as large numbers of coot, wigeon and lapwings there were: Five dabchicks (but no trace of black-necked grebes), two curlew on the spit, one oystercatcher (spit), one redshank (spit), one kingfisher (flying past the hide, heading towards Paul Stanley), one kittiwake (flying north over the spit), three goldeneye (2F/1M), 1 pochard (briefly beneath far bank), one raven (in field below Hall Wood), three redpoll (near car park), one male brambling (with chaffinches, in bush on far side of car park). On way home, little owl perched on telegraph pole near between Ridgway and Belper.Neil Hallam
2006-02-261 Goldcrest-Visitor centre car park 1 Barnacle Goose-on bank left of Wildlife Centre 5 Oystercatchers-on Horseshoe Island 1 Little Grebe-Infront of Wildlife Centresam Pedley
2006-02-272 Black-necked Grebe, 19 Snipe (Paul Stanley hide), Redshank, 6 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander (Millfields), Oystercatcher, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Common Gulls, Buzzard, Raven displaying, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Reed Bunting as well as all the usual waterfowl and woodland birdsNone
2006-03-03I Black-necked Grebe, pair Red-crested Pochard , 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew flew into VC creek at14.50, 45 Barnacles, 2 Willow Tit PS hide feeder.Alan Lewin
2006-03-04The Red-necked Grebe and Goosander (pictures shortly on the Picture Gallery page) seen today alongside the dam wall. Also Nuthatch on the Paul Stanley hide feedersEric Dewhurst

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