Recent Sightings
| Name | Sighting | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Lowe | This 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 Ashton | The 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, AMD | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | Monthly 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | 2 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 Roddis | 3 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | From 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 Atkins | Species 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, Gadwall | 06/04/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The 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 Ashton | The 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 Stewardson | Highlights 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 Roddis | The 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, AMD | The 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 Roddis | Red-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 Roddis | Perimeter 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 Ashton | Clive 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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | GN 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 Roddis | The 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 Ashton | Another 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, AHS | Another 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 Lowe | Off 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 Lowe | A pair of Garganey distantly off Millfields at 1pm ish were a highlight, together with GN and RTDivers off Stones Is. | 22/03/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A 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, KR | Alan 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 Roddis | A 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 Ashton | The 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 Lowe | Late 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 Roddis | 3 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 Roddis | The 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, CA | Monthly 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 Armitt | 5 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 Treecreeper | 16/03/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The 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, AMD | A 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, AHS | GN 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 Lowe | This 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 Roddis | At 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 Lowe | Late afternoon: YLGull (ad) on sailing club jetty; GNDiver off Stones Is; Goldeneye (7) displaying off Stones Is. | 11/03/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | GN 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, AHS | The 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 Lowe | Early afternoon: Mediterranean Gull (1st w) off Sailing Club; Whooper Swan (16) off Lane End. | 09/03/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Survey 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 Lowe | At 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 Ashton | Another 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 Lowe | At 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
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2006-03-04 | A friend and I spotted a single Red Kite hunting over Carsington Pasture on Saturday 4th March 2006, at approximately 10.30 AM. The bird was hovering and swooping fairly low to the ground (15 – 20 ft?) and at one point landed and appeared to pick up some prey. The bird did not seem that bothered about us – we were on a family sledging trip and making quite a bit of noise and moving around a great deal – but after approximately 2 minutes it was mobbed by crows and flew off in the direction of Carsington Water. The bird’s markings were very clear – this was on a bright, sunny and crisp morning with excellent visibility – with my friend clearly seeing the V-shaped tail and I had an excellent view of the underside of the wing, showing distinct white markings and black wing tips. The shape, size, colouring, markings and behaviour of the bird indicated quite clearly that this was a Red Kite and this was confirmed when we reviewed the literature and online image galleries related to the breed. Also, severe winter weather in Wales during the period could well have driven the animal eastwards and beyond its normal habitat in order to hunt on clearer ground. Did anyone else see | Will Hoon |
| 2006-03-13 | Thirty five species seen from or near to the Wildlife Centre at around midday. Weather: Overcast with a cold northerly wind blowing. Very few people on the site. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (19); Oystercatcher (3); Snipe (1); Song Thrush (1); Bullfinch (a pair); Reed Bunting (1). Gleaned from the logbook and the display board outside the visitor centre: 12th March: Oystercatcher (9). 11th March: Common Scoter (1). 10th March: Curlew (20); Goldeneye (20). 8th March: Black-necked Grebe (2). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-03-21 | Of interest today between 13:00 and 18:00 were, The Red Necked Grebe, along with a pair of Goosander at Millfields. 7 Redshank - Horseshoe Island, Watersports area, and Stones Island. 15 Lesser Redpoll feeding on the grass bank at the end of Stones Island, along with several Goldfinch and a solitary Redwing. Towards dusk a single Dunlin on Horseshoe Island was joined by the fine sight of 61 Curlew coming in to roost. | Clive Ashton |
| 2006-03-25 | Red-necked Grebe and a pair of Goosander in Millfields Bay today | P Stoppard |
| 2006-03-27 | Sightings for Saturday 25th March: Two Sand Martins over Stones Island at 07:15 (RC) One Chiffchaff singing by Stones Island feeding station (RC) Two Wheatears reported to RC on the Dam Wall at 08:15 One Chiffchaff reported to me as singing at the bottom of Tail Bay One Swallow reported to RC as being seen from Lane Ends Hide One Lesser Spotted Woodpecker seen at the Paul Stanley Feeders at 10.30 and 13.00 Two Common Scoter seen from Paul Stanley Hide (I think) (SJH) Sunday 26th March Two Sand Martins along the Dam Wall at 17.00 Monday 27th March Up to five Sand Martins all day between the Visitor Centre and the Wildlife Centre One Stonechat on the Dam Wall | Paul Bennett Ranger Service, Severn Trent Water Ltd |
| 2006-03-29 | The Red-Necked Grebe fishing at Millfields near the tower. c100 Sand Martins along the dam wall and on Stones Island, along with c20 Swallows and a single House Martin near the Sailing Club. 3 Chiffchaff ( Millfields,Paul Stanley and W.L.C.) 4 Buzzard seen soaring around the site. 2 Little Owl at Shiningford Creek. 3 Goldcrest and 1 Willow Tit seen at Wildlife Centre Creek. 7 Redpoll and 2 Redwing on Stones Island. Good numbers of Tree Sparrow seen, with 20 around the feeding station on Stones Island. A Kingfisher seen flying from the Wildlife Centre towards Shiningford farm. Several sightings of Meadow Pipit along the dam wall. Also seen at various locations, though difficult to count with confidence,Redshank, Oystercatcher,Curlew,Snipe and healthy numbers of Reed Bunting. | Clive Ashton and Dave Newcombe |
| 2006-03-30 | More spring migrants arrived: Tues 28th, 1 House Martin. Thur 30th, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Blackcap but it could be a wintering bird, and a pager report of a first winter Little Gull. | Roger Carrington |
| 2006-04-05 | Red-necked Grebe showing well from the Dam wall, near to the tower with Swallow, Sand Martin and House Martin over the water in the sailing club bay. Buzzard and Raven showing well from several places Several Chiffchaff around, Blackcap, Redstart, Willow Tit and Reed Bunting have all been seen today | None |
| 2006-04-07 | The Red-Necked Grebe showing very close from the amphitheatre at the end of the dam wall. Also from the Millfields end of the dam wall 2 female Wheatear. Stones Island proved productive with 2 Little Ringed Plover,1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Yellow Wagtail. A male Redstart in the field behind the Wildlife Centre. | Clive Ashton and Dave Newcombe |
| 2006-04-09 | Round the reservoir: 19 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler. Millfields: 1 Red-necked Grebe off towards the water tower, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Sparrowhawk taking a Woodpigeon corpse away. Dam Wall: Approx. 50 Sand Martins and 25 Swallows through in five minutes heading north over the water, with more feeding over the reservoir as the day progressed. Stones Island: 3 White Wagtails (m). WLC: 3 Redshank, 5 Oystercatcher. North End: 2 Oystercatcher on shingle spit. | Matthew Kelly |
| 2006-04-10 | 2 Buzzard - Soaring over Hall Wood 2 Goldeneye - left of Sheepwash Hide 3 Swallows - Sheepewash and Paul Stanley Hide 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker- Paul Stanley Hide feeders 2 Bullfinch - Paul Stanley Hide feeders 1 Blackcap - Drinking from a pool left of the path to Paul Stanley Hide | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-04-11 | The Red-necked Grebe was still by the draw-down tower this morning (11th). A Whooper Swan was found behind Horseshoe Island at 10:30 yesterday. It hung around there all day until at least 17:00. The Common Sandpiper that's been on site for a few days now, was on Horseshoe Island early on yesterday, along with a Little Ringed Plover, but it later moved to the Watersports Island. There were also one or two White Wagtails on Stones Island and Horseshoe Island throughout the day. This morning I found a burgundy RSPB note pad on the track to the wildlife Centre. It has notes in it from Spurn, Donna Nook, Old Moor, Blacktoft and Linacre. I will keep hold of it at the Ranger Base. Any enquiries to the reception desk (01629 540696) or this website. | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 2006-04-12 | On Stones Island this morning (08:00): 1 Wheatear (female) 1 Yellow Wagtail (male) 4 White Wagtail 1 Common Sandpiper 4 House Martins (in trees on eastern end) 63 Swallows (in trees on eastern end) 3 Meadow Pipits 1 Willow Warbler | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 2006-04-11 | Two migrating Ospreys sighted on Tuesday 11th – one over the River Wye above Rowsley and the other above the Derwent near Chatsworth. | Neil Venables |
| 2006-04-17 | At least 14 Yellow Wagtails (including one blue headed), eight White Wagtails and over 30 Pied wagtails were seen feeding on the south side of Stones Island in the evening (19:15). There was also a female Brambling (found by John Bradley), a Little Ringed Plover and good numbers of Reed Buntings, Tree Sparrows and Hirundines. Two male Common Redstarts were in the field north-west of the Wildlife Centre (RH side of the track, heading north-west). | Paul Bennett STW Ranger |
| 2006-04-18 | At least 36 Species seen on the Bird Club walk this evening just going round Stones Island and up to the Wildlife Centre between 7 and 8.15pm. Species included: Good views of the White, Pied and Yellow Wagtails (included one blue headed), Tree Sparrow, Brambling, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Swallow, House Martin, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew and Raven. | None |
| 2006-04-24 | Highlights for last week as follows: 24/04 Garden Warblers arrived on site. At least two on Stones Island and two at Sheepwash car park. Also a Little Egret was seen flying over the reservoir by John Bradley and Alan Stewardson at around 18:45. 25/04 Alan Stewardson drew my attention to a pair of Cackling Geese on Horseshoe Island. Alan found these on Stones Island on the 24th and after consulting the appropriate field guides, decided on the aforementioned identification. They are superficially similar to Canada Geese, but are at least half the size and have a darker breast. They also appear to be slightly smaller than Barnacle Geese. Cackling Geese occur naturally in north-west America (I think) and it is unlikely that they are genuine vagrants, but are still interesting to see on site. 28/04 Thirty-nine Black-tailed Godwits were found spread between fields around the Wildlife Centre and Stones Island this morning. Jim Craw counted 42 in to roost on Horseshoe Island in the evening, along with three Whimbrel. Also seen today were three Arctic Terns, which were off Stones Island briefly in the morning. 29/04 Nine Black-tailed Godwits still present this morning, feeding in the fields opposite the Wildlife Centre. Also of interest locally was an Alpine Swift, found at Ogston on the evening of the 27th. It was seen over Ogston Hall at around 18:45 and then moved over to Carr Wood. It was relocated at 06:05 the following morning, but didn't hang around long. It has not been seen since. | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 2006-04-29 | Willow Warbler - trees at the back of the Wildlife Centre 10 Black-Tailed Godwits & 1 Bar-Tailed Godwit - On Horseshoe Island and flew to the field to the left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Ringed Plover - Running around Horseshoe Island 2 Barnacle Geese - Swam past the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Siting on a post behind the electricity pylon at the Wildlife Centre | None |
| 2006-05-04 | Today was the warmest day of the year so far - at 22-24C. Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 39 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (10). Pintail (1 male) - Horseshoe Island. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island. Dunlin (1) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (2) - Horseshoe Island | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-05-07 | *****Another first for Carsington!! A Roseate Tern along with other Tern species dropped in at Carsington for a couple of hours today. This is the first seen in Derbyshire since 1979 | None |
| 2006-05-11 | Three Black Terns were just north-west of Watersports Island between 15:30 and 17:00 at least. Two Whimbrel flew in from the south at 15:30 and landed on Horseshoe Island. One was reported as still being there at 18:00 (five Whimbrel passed through on Monday 8th). Other waders of note were three Little Ringed Plovers flying around Watersports Bay, a Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island, a Dunlin on Horseshoe Island and a Turnstone along the shoreline by the fishery office (present, on and off, since Friday 7th). | Paul Bennett, STW Ranger Service |
| 2006-05-20 | A male Pied Flycatcher in the small wood at the side of Lane End hide (Sheepwash side.) Also c30 Swifts in front of Lane End hide. 3 Dunlin on Horseshoe Island. 1 Little Ringed Plover on Stones Island. 1 Curlew flew over by Shiningford Farm. Clive Ashton. 2 Coots - One on the nest in front of the Wildlife Centre while the other one kept fetching sticks 1 Redshank - Flew and landed right in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Dunlin - Feeding on Horseshoe Island 3 Tree Sparrow - On the feeders next to the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Sat on the same post as last time then dropped down & caught something then flew to the nest box | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-05-22 | Approx 14.00 to 16.00: Large numbers of Sand and House Martins around the Visitor Centre in the aftermath of a severe downpour. One Little Ring Plover and a male Wheatear on Stones Island, the latter only for about 30 seconds before flying north. Very little activity around the Wildlife Centre - three Redshank, four Oystercatcher, three Tree Sparrows and a Dabchick - until a Short Eared Owl appeared along the shoreline in the vicinity of Horseshoe Island. It was quickly mobbed, first by a pair of Oystercatchers and then by Jackdaws before disappearing in the trees. A group of visitors claimed to have seen a hobby hawking over the fields behind the Wildlife Centre but investigation revealed a merlin being harrassed by a kestrel before settling briefy on a fence post and then departing in a westerly direction. Male Pied Flycatcher and Greater Spotted Woodpecker seen later from the (strongly recommended) tea room at Lea Rhododendron Gardens and a Little Owl was on its usual telegraph pole at Ridgway near Belper. Two Hobby were also seen in the afternoon (RC) at Carsington | None |
| 2006-06-01 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. Sunny but a strong breeze noted when on Stones Island. Water level very high. Horseshoe Island (HI) has become four smaller islands. 37 species of bird identified. The following were of note: Pink-footed Goose (1) - with Canada Geese near WC Creek. Greylag Goose (1) - on HI. Barnacle Goose (10) Bar-headed Goose (1) - on HI then joined Canada Geese in fields near Shiningford Farm. Oystercatcher (1) - field by WC Creek. Redshank (4) - on HI. Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. Very young birds of the following species were seen: Mallard, Moorhen, Coot and one Lapwing chick was seen on HI. The following sightings were entered in the logbook by others for today: Hobby (1) and Whitethroat (2). BUTTERFLIES: Green-veined White and Brimstone. PLANTS in flower: Hawthorn, Gorse, Meadow Buttercup, Daisy, Silverweed, Germander Speedwell, Bogbean, Water Forget-me-not, Field Forget-me-not, Cow Parsley, Red Campion, Cowslip, Bluebell, Bush Vetch (or Crow-peas), Ribwort Plantain and Common Sorrel. A DIP into the LOGBOOK for the last few days: MAY 31st: Little Ringed Plover (2), Shelduck (1), Common Buzzard (4), Raven (2), Lesser Whitethroat (1) and a Great Crested Grebe with striped young on its back. MAY 28th: Turnstone (1) and Curlew (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-06-08 | 33 species of birds identified during the morning. Main viewing sites were Stones Island and from the Wildlife Centre (WC). Hot and sunny. Hottest day so far this year 26-27degrees C. OF NOTE: Great Crested Grebe - two females were carrying striped young on their backs. Greylag Goose (1) - off Stones Island. Barnacle Goose (10) - mainly on Horseshoe Island (HI). Shoveler (one male) - off HI. Oystercatcher (2) - one HI and one seen from Stones Island. Lapwing - including one chick on HI. Redshank (2) - HI. Reed Bunting (2) - Stones Island. Also identified today but found by others: Curlew (1), Grasshopper Warbler (one heard between Sheepwash and Lane Ends hide), Bullfinches. BUTTERFLIES: Only Orange Tip and Small White seen. DAMSELFLY: Common Blue - 16 pairs of this species were laying eggs in plant material on the pond by the WC. Each male was in tandem with the female, the tail of the male locked onto the neck or head of the female while she deposited the eggs from her tail. Quite a sight! PLANTS: Most of the plants reported on the 1st June are still in bloom but the following additional species were noted today: Yellow Iris, Yellow-rattle, Dog Rose, Hogweed, Common Mouse-ear, Marsh Marigold and Broad-leaved Willowherb. FROM the LOGBOOK for the last few days: 7th JUNE: Bar-headed Goose (1); Redshank (5). 6th JUNE: Redshank - two very young birds on HI; Red-crested Pochard (one hybrid or leucistic bird) - on HI. Lapwing - including three chicks. 5th JUNE: Curlew (1); Common Tern (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-06-24 | 4 Tree Sparrows - On the feeders next to the Wildlife Centre 2 Common Terns - On the tern rafts in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Barnacle Geese - Right in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Little Grebes - 1 adult with two young 1 Little Ringed Plover - On Horseshoe Island 1 Male Red-Crested Pochard - on Horseshoe Island 2 Curlews - Flew in and landed on Horseshoe Island 3 Cackling Canada Geese - To the left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Sitting on a dead tree near the electricity pylon 1 Bar-Headed Goose - With Canada Geese near the childrens' play area | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-07-04 | 40 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (6) - one adult with cygnet. Greylag Goose (1) - with Canadas near the sailing club. Barnacle Goose (5) Kestrel (one female) Oystercatcher (3) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Little Ringed Plover (2) - HI. Black-tailed Godwit (1) - HI, in full summer plumage. Redshank (1) - HI. Lesser Black-backed Gull (~200) - centre of reservoir. Common Tern (2) - nesting on raft in front of the WC. One bird frequently hunted by Stones Island and often caught small fish. It was reported to us verbally that one tern egg had been stolen by a gull. Little Owl (1) - seen from WC on far side of WC creek. BUTTERFLIES on the wing: Meadow Brown, Small Blue, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell. ODONATA: Common Blue damselfly - pool by WC. (also many Water Boatmen). PLANTS in bloom: Thirty one species noted including Black Medick, Kidney Vetch, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Bush & Tufted Vetches, Meadow Vetchling, Bramble, Sweet Briar, Cleavers, Great Willowherb, Broad- leaved Willowherb, Woody Nightshade (or Bittersweet), Meadow Crane's-bill, Common Knapweed, Spear & Field Thistles, Hawkweed, Oxeye Daisy, Selfheal, Common Ragwort and Nipplewort. An "Aren't Birds Brilliant" event was started on Sunday and will run for a week in the WC. Volunteers are present with telescopes to introduce the public to birds. This is a joint venture between Severn Trent Water and the RSPB. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK on recent dates: 2nd JULY: Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Redshank chick. 1st JULY: Lapwing chicks, Pochard. 30th JUNE: Common Sandpiper (2), Curlew, Redshank (2), Ruddy Duck. 29th JUNE: Common Scoter (one male), Gadwall (one male). The arrival of the first Common Tern was on the 21st JUNE. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-07-13 | A few records for today from Roger Carrington, our club recorder: 2 Blacktailed Godwits at Wildlife Centre pair of Common Terns breeding at Wildlife Centre 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton Arm reedbed 1 Reed Warbler singing in Brown Ale Bay reedbed. 1 Common Sandpiper Sheepwash. For Sunday 9th 1 Whistling Swan [escape] in front of Sailing Club | Roger Carrington |
| 2006-07-13 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC) as usual. Only 33 species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (4) - WC. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Redshank (4) - Stones Island (SI). Common Tern (2) - raft opposite WC. One bird sitting in place, presumably on a nest and the other hunting for fish. Warblers only sing occasionally now or not at all. However, the following were noted; Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler. Juvenile birds from the following species were noted: Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Redshank, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling and Greenfinch. INSECTS present: Water Boatmen, Common Blue damselfly (~10) - some laying eggs. (WC pond). Large White, Meadow Brown and Brimstone butterflies. PLANTLIFE: Plants identified on the 4th July are still in bloom plus Perennial Sow-thistle, Welted Thistle, Cat's Ear, Autumn Hawkbit (starts flowering in June), Tufted Vetch and Hedge Bedstraw. A dip into the logbook: 10th JULY: Cackling Goose (1) - looks like a small Canada Goose. 9th JULY: Whistling Swan (1) - like a Whooper Swan but its beak is completely black. Was this the same bird that visited Tittesworth on the 18th June? 7th JULY: Tawny Owl (2) - juveniles. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-07-16 | Terns seem to have hatched 3 young on raft in front of WLC on Friday14th July, I only saw one but RSPB team have seen 3. Was at a meeting so didn't note much else of note just the Cackling Geese still on Horseshoe and male Black-tailed Skimmer Dragonfly on WLC pond. Steph' Hicking 1 Wren - Wood behind Sheepwash Hide 7 Shelduck - Sheepwash Hide 1 Common Tern - Feeding in front of Sheepwash Hide 2 Oystercatchers - Sheepwash Spit 1 Common Scoter - Drake from Sheepwash Hide 1 Garden Warbler - Woods behind Sheepwash Hide | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-07-17 | A female/imm Marsh Harrier flew towards Fishtail Creek at 5.00.p.m., 3 Black Tailed Godwits on Sheepwash Spit and a Green Sandpiper by the Wildlife Centre | None |
| 2006-07-22 | Short afternoon visit to Wildlife Centre produced: 1 adult Whistling Swan at wildlife centre (WLC) (presumed escape) - see picture gallery for photograph 3 Cackling Geese (WLC) (escapes). 200+ Tufted Duck (WLC). 1 Snipe (WLC). 2 Common Sandpiper (WLC). 4 Common Tern adults (2 pair) 3 chicks seen 1 on left hand raft 2 on right hand (have they been swimming?). 8 Mute Swan plus the usual numbers of Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher etc. | Steph Hicking |
| 2006-07-25 | 4 Barnacle Geese - Came and fed under the bird feeders 1 of the Common Tern chicks fell off the Tern Raft and was bobbing up and down until a boat came and rescued it and put it back on the Tern Raft. then a few minutes later the two of them on that raft fell out again. 1 Cormorant - Few and landed near the Wildlife Centre and then disappeared 1 Whistling Swan - To the left of the Wildlife Centre | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-06-30 | 1 Black-Tailed Godwit - Flew onto Horseshoe Island 2 Snipe - On Horseshoe Island 1 Kestrel - Hunting over the back of Horseshoe Island 1 Song Thrush - In the Visitor Center Car Park | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-08-11 | Ruddy Shell Duck from the Wild Life Centre (far bank). Also lots of activity around the W.L.C. feeders including Male Bull Finch and Tree Sparrows feeding juveniles. Common Sandpiper x 2 from Paul Stanley hide. Also Great Spotted Woodpecker and Willow Tit on the feeders. | Mick Sharp |
| 2006-08-19 | 1 Common Sandpiper - Horseshoe Island 1 Cormorant - Flew in next to one of the Tern Rafts 18 Teal - feeding on Horseshoe Island and on the bank to the far left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Male Bullfinch - On the the Wildlife Centre feeders for about 3 minutes | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-08-21 | 2 Common terns,1 Kingfisher & 1 Common sand from WLC plus 1 Common sand & 1 LRP on Stones Island | Geoff Barter, Hook, Surrey |
| 2006-08-25 | 2 Red-Crested Pochard - Sighting on Horseshoe Island 1 Sparrowhawk - Flew over Horseshoe Island making all the Lapwings and Teal fly up 1 Buzzard - Flew over Horseshoe Island | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-08-28 | Just to let you know that on my walk around Carsington today (Monday 28th August 2006) I saw 2 Female Teal in front of the Paul Stanley Hide at around 5pm. | Anita Dale |
| 2006-08-30 | Very busy on the site today but there were few people walking around Stones Island or visiting the Wildlife Centre. Teal numbers have increased and there are five smart looking Gadwall present. The best find of the day was a Ruddy Shelduck on Horseshoe Island. Two Pochards were spied in Shiningford Creek and there were plenty of Tufted Ducks about. The only wader species present was Lapwing but in good numbers. The only warbler detected today was Willow Warbler. One bird was detected because it was making a contact call and a second bird was found because it sang part of its song - a descending trill or warble. Arctic Terns were seen yesterday but unfortunately not today. According to the logbook there was an immature Peregrine present on the 28th. Most plants have finished flowering but the following were in bloom today: Greater Reedmace, Water Mint, Silverweed and a small patch of Redshank on Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-09-01 | Paul Stanley Hide - 10.00 - 12.30hrs Very little activity - highlight was 2 Common Sandpipers on "Cormorant" Island (far side). WLC - 13.30 - 15.30h - highlights: Gadwall - 6 Pied Wagtail - 20+ Grey Wagtail - 1 Ruddy Shelduck - 1 Tree Sparrows - 15+ | richard Pittam |
| 2006-09-05 | 1 Ruddy Shelduck - On Horseshoe Island 2 Snipe - Feeding on Horseshoe Island 1 Buzzard - Flew over Horseshoe Island making everything fly off 1 Little Owl - On a dead tree near the pylon to the left of the Wildlife Centre | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-09-07 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre. Mute Swan (14); Teal (6); Kestel (female); Lapwing - the only wader. Swallow (30); House Martin (6); Pied Wagtail (16); Willow Warbler (1); Tree Sparrow (~40) - around the Wildlife Centre & on Horseshoe Island. Insects: Gatekeeper butterfly; Southern Hawker dragonfly (male): Water Boatman; Pond Skater. Plantlife: Hips and Haws: Flowers in bloom: Redshank, Yarrow, Silverweed, Hawkweed, Meadow Vetchling, Selfheal, Daisy, White Dead-nettle, Water Forget-me-not, and Gipsywort - not noted by us before at Carsington. There were also a few specimens only of Tufted Vetch, Great Willowherb and Field Thistle. The most interesting observation was as follows; A Grey Squirrel was seen in the shallows of the Sailing Club Island. It then proceeded to swim strongly to Stones Island. When it arrived it ran off quickly into the trees. We have never seen a squirrell swim before! A dip into the Wildlife Centre logbook: 3rd September: Yellow Wagtail, Peregrine, Swift. 5th September: Little Owl, Snipe (2) - Horseshoe Island; Ruddy Shelduck. 6th September: Stoat, Water Vole, Red Fox and the Ruddy Shelduck. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-09-10 | Buzard (1) Wigeon (15) Teal (4) Dunlin (3) Grt Spotted Woodpecker (1 young female) Bullfinch (heard only) Wren (1) Dunnock (1 + 1 young) Lesser Black backed (3 x 1st winter) + 1 adult House Martins (11) Wildlife Centre - 11.00 - 16.00hr Teal (5) Black Tailed Godwit (1 non-breeding or young)) Snipe (1) Tree Sparrrows (15) Little Grebe (8) Kestrel (1 on camera) Red Crested Pochard (1 female) Little Owl (1 showing) Willow Warbler (by pond) Water Vole (3 - on pond o/s Wildlife Centre) Southern Hawkers ( 8 - on pond) Common Darters (6 - on pond) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-09-15 | Mute Swan (24 including two well developed cygnets); Gadwall (6). Common Buzzard (1); Kestrel (1 female) - caught a small mammal on Horseshoe Island; Snipe (2); Collared Dove (1); Little Owl (1); Swallow (1); House Martin (4); Willow Warbler (2); Linnet (2). OTHER SIGHTINGS: A Water Vole was found at the back of the pool next to the WC. It could not be seen with the naked eye. Although partially hidden by vegetation, it could be seen feeding by using binoculars. Odonata: Common Hawker & Common Darter dragonflies; Common Blue damselfly. Butterflies: Large White & Speckled Wood. Plants: As well as Hips & Haws berries of the Elder and Woody Nightshade (or Bittersweet) were noticed. All parts of the Woody Nightshade plant are poisonous. It contains the alkaloid solanine. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: Recent interesting sightings: 14th September: Black-tailed Godwit (2); Dunlin (1); Snipe (6). 13th September: Arctic Tern (2 juveniles); Wigeon (88); Pochard (32). These observations were reported by Roger Carrington. 12th September: Yellow-legged Gull (1); Yellow Wagtail (5); Red-crested Pochard (1 female); Curlew Sandpiper (1 juvenile). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-09-22 | Wigeon (2); Gadwall (2 males); Pintail (one female) - off Horseshoe Island; Red-crested Pochard (one female) - Horseshoe Island; Common Pochard (2); House Martin (9); Willow Warbler (1); Linnet (5); Reed Bunting (one male) - on WC feeder. OTHER SIGHTINGS: Mammals: Weasel (1); Wood Mouse (1) - both just outside the WC. Insects: Southern Hawker dragonfly (one male); Pond Skater (dozens) - pond by the WC. Plants: Herb Robert; Water Forget-me-not. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: Recent interesting sightings: 21st September: Golden Plover (1); Snipe (1). 18th September: Shoveler (1); Kestrel (1); Snipe (2); Bullfinch (1); Nuthatch (1); Jay (2). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-09-23 | 4 Grey Heron - 3 from Sheepwash Hide and 1 from Paul Stanley Hide 3 Pochard - From Sheepwash Hide 1 Pintail - Wildlife Centre | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-09-28 | Fem/Imm Garganey at the WLC 1st winter Caspian Gull in roost off Stones. Late news concerned a Black Tern reported on the 27th. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-10-02 | Visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Four large parties of secondary school children on site. All visited SI and the WC. Most seemed to be interested in the information given to them and the birds that they observed. A very good sign! Weather: Warm. Slightly overcast. BIRDS OF NOTE: Red-crested Pochard (1 female) - Horseshoe Island, Wigeon, Gadwall (6), Teal, Pochard (1) - Shiningford Creek, Snipe (10) - seen from the WC, Little Owl - seen from the WC, Goldfinch (~ 70) - on SI. OTHER SIGHTINGS: Mammals: Red Fox - WC Creek, Weasal - immediately in front of the WC, spotted by one of the students! Water Vole - feeding at the back of the WC pool. Excellent views! Plants: Several clumps of Redshank were noticed on SI. This has to be the birdwatchers plant! A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: 2nd October: Stonechat. Noted by another observer. 1st October: Meadow Pipit (8), Swallow (3). 30th September: Mediterranean Gull - first winter bird. 29th September: Cackling Goose (3). 27th September: Kingfisher, Water Vole. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-10-05 | Snipe - 14 (continually mobbed by Coot) Pochard - 8 Wigeon - 150+ (put up by some idiot in a speedboat) Red Crested Pochard - 2 Tree Sparrows - 20 Goldfinch - 20+ Pied Wagtail - 4 Little Grebe - 8 Great Crested grebe - 5 Kestrel - 1 (being mobbed by Lapwings) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
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