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
08/11/20222,100 Woodpigeons flew S in 2 hours (07:45-09:45) this morning, plus 16 Stock Doves, 105 Redwing, 85 Starling. The almost-adult Caspian Gull again from Stones. 2+ Goldeneye. 6 Red Kites, 5 Buzzards and 3 Sparrowhawks enjoying the breeze.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
06/11/2022Species noted during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre: Canada Goose, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Black-headed Gull, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Song Thrush, Moorhen, Gt Crested Grebe, Mallard, Magpie, Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, Carrion Crow, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Goldfinch, Grey Heron, Dunlin (13), Wigeon, Coot, Greylag Goose, Chaffinch, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Jackdaw, Sparrowhawk, Wren, Tree Sparrow, Teal, Gadwall, StarlingGary Atkins
04/11/2022The day of the Woodpigeon: a total of 62,600 flew S to the east of the reservoir, watching/counting from Stones island, looking towards Alport Heights, 07:15-10:30. A site record! Drake Pintail at WLC. Redhead Goosander. 1 Redshank. Adult Caspian Gull and 2 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. A Yellowhammer over Stones and Chiffchaff there still.Simon Roddis
03/11/2022The Little Stint was again with the Dunlin flock (18 birds) at the north end of the dam wall mid-morning. Just 1,080 Woodpigeons S in grey conditions early on. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed early morning. 175 Canadas. 43 Greylag. 118 Lapwing. 2 Little Egrets. The Marsh Tit again in Sheepwash carpark. 70 Meadow Pipits feeding on Stones shore. Total of 24 Lesser Redpoll including a flock of 15 S over Stones.Simon Roddis
02/11/2022The juvenile Little Stint was with 16 Dunlin at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning. Movement included 4,450 Woodpigeons, 15 Stock Doves, 22 Skylarks, 273 Starlings, 432 Redwing and 22 Fieldfare heading S or SW. c1,000 Jackdaws left their roost early morning. 2 Chiffchaffs on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/11/2022Not as much moving this morning, at least at Carsi, presumably because of low cloud and rain: 1,690 Woodpigeons, 16 Stock Doves and 80 Starling. 50 Gadwall. 41 Wigeon. 126 Mallard. 174 Teal. 127 Tufted. An adult Peregrine tucked into a snack on Lane End shore. Chiffchaff still on Stones causeway and the 2 Red-legged Partidges on Stones again. Marsh Tit calling at Sheepwash. Total of 45 Siskin.Simon Roddis
30/10/2022Woodpigeon numbers continue to increase: 7,450 S and SW this morning, mostly between 07:30-09:30, along with 13 Stock Doves, 290 Starling, 165 Redwing and 105 Fieldfare. 2 Brambling in WLC creek. A male Mandarin over Brown Ale Bay early morning is my first here since early May. 204 Teal. 8 Pochard. 30 Coot. 104 Lapwing. 13 Dunlin. 2 Little Egrets. The Marsh Tit again at Paul Stanley hide. Chiffchaff singing on Stones causeway. 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/10/2022In the gull roost tonight of note: Mediterranean Gull 1W; Caspian Gull (sub-adult); Yellow-legged Gull 6 Adults. Total number of gulls un-countable but guessed well in excess of 10,000.Richard Lowe
28/10/2022Brownale Bay (from PS Hide), 1530 hrs: 2 Great Egrets, 6 Shoveler, 2 (m/f) WigeonGary Atkins
30/10/2022A bit of movement this morning: 4,280 Woodpigeons, 10 Stock Doves, 261 Starlings and 165 Redwings SW (most of it 07:30-10:00). 45 Greylags. 4 Shoveler. 37 Gadwall. 9 Pochard. Drake Goosander at Millfields early morning. A surprise pair of Red-legged Partridge on Stones/sailing club islands - they should be safe here! 191 Lapwing. 14 Dunlin. 32 Cormorants. 1 Little Egret. 9 Red Kites together over Carsington pastures.Simon Roddis
28/10/20223-Mediterranean Gulls (Adult plus two 1w's) in the gull roost tonight plus at least 5 Adult and 1-1w Yellow-legged Gulls, all from Lane end Hide.Richard Lowe
28/10/2022A juvenile Little Stint, presumably the one that was off Lane End on Sunday, was with the Lapwing flock (c140) at Watersports 10:30-11:15 at least. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Little Egret. 4 Red Kites. 3 Tawny Owls early morning at Hopton end/PS hide. 5 Raven. 8 Skylark over. c500 Starlings and 12 Chaffinch SW.Simon Roddis
27/10/2022A 1st winter Mediterranean Gull and at least 5 adult Yellow-legged Gulls in the gull roost this evening from Lane End Hide.Richard Lowe
25/10/2022Frustrated by low cloud this morning (although that did allow a view of the solar eclipse!) but in a brief window of brightness 09:00-09:30, there was a bit of movement: 2,050 Woodpigeons, 300 Redwing, 70 Fieldfare, 250 Starlings, 25 Siskin. A Yellowhammer over Stones and perhaps the same bird later over the WLC, plus a Brambling over Stones. 6 Shoveler. Marsh Tit in Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
DateofSightingSightingsNameSupplied
24/10/2022The first Goldeneye of the autumn, a male, was off Brown Ale Bay this morning. 36 Gadwall. 1 (2?) Little Egret. 4 Red Kites over Carsington pastures. The Marsh Tit again on the Paul Stanley feeder. 2 Brambling over Stones. Totals of 185 Redwing, 85 Fieldfare, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 45 Goldfinch and 27 Siskin. Couldn't see yesterday's Little Stint at Lane End.Simon Roddis
23/10/2022A juvenile Little Stint from Lane End hide this afternoon, found by Richard Lowe, as was a first-winter Mediterranean Gull there. The 3rd/4th-winter Caspian Gull - it has tiny bits of black in the primary coverts and tail-centre - caught a crayfish but was mugged by a gang of young Lesser Black-backs. 4 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Shoveler. 35 Gadwall (definite increase). 111 Wigeon. 95 Mallard. 286 Teal. 4 Pochard. 104 Tufted. 34 GCGrebe. 85 Lapwing. 19 Dunlin at Millfields. 1 Little Egret. 114 Redwing. 130 Fieldfare.Simon Roddis
22/10/2022An adult Hybrid Ring-billed Gull / Lesser black-backed Gull was off Lane end Hide late this afternoon. This (or a very similar bird) was first seen at Carsington in November 2018. A Caspian Gull (sub-adult or possibly a hybrid) was also present along with at least 7 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.Richard Lowe
21/10/2022Fog pretty much put an end to vismigging after 8 this morning. 275 Redwing by then. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash - the Yellow-leg is getting very good at catching crayfish! A Peregrine was upsetting the Wigeon there too, and a Marsh Tit at the carpark. 50 Meadow Pipits on Stones and 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
19/10/2022The floodgates opened this morning: masses of Redwing in particular, 29,190 counted moving SW 07:45-14:00 (with a gap at lunchtime so I'm sure it will have exceeded 30k in reality), 286 Fieldfare, 200 Starling, 3,170 Woodies, 31 Stock Dove. 60 Pink-feet SW at 08:45. Other bits and pieces included a Brambling, 2 Golden Plover, Peregrine.Simon Roddis
18/10/2022Little movement evident this morning, just 190 Woodies S. 18 Canada, 2 Barnacle and 64 Greylag Geese. 2 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 53 Wigeon and 5 Pochard. 6 Coot! 120 Lapwing, my highest count here since February. A first-year Caspian Gull off Lane End mid-morning, and 2 Yellow-legs. Kingfisher at Millfields. A Peregrine took a Skylark off Stones island. Total of 13 Ravens, including 9 flying SW. 33 Carrion Crows on the shore at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
16/10/20226 Wigeon, 30 Pied wagtail, 3 Little Grebe, 15 Cormorant, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 1 Jay, 48 Lapwing, 7 Mute Swan, 100+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Willow Tit, 12 Dunlin, 2 Raven afternoon walk roundDavid Armitt
16/10/2022A late Swallow through WLC creek, my first for a week, was the best this morning. 1 redhead Goosander. 8 Dunlin. 25 Redwing. 19 Skylarks over Stones, heading N. Total of 29 Siskin, including a flock of 22 S over Hall Wood, and 10 Greenfinch (8 S over Shiningford). Pretty quiet.Simon Roddis
14/10/2022A frustrating first 2 or 3 hours of this morning due to low-lying murk, although 4 adult Whooper Swans on the water at around 07:30 lifted the gloom. A little surprisingly, 5 Whoopers flew past Stones island shortly afterwards, leaving to the N. Have to assume that the 5 included the earlier 4. The Kingfisher again at Millfields. 10 Dunlin still. c120 Meadow Pipits on Stones, flushed by a low-flying male Sparrowhawk. A few finches, including Chaffinches and Siskin, appeared to be on the move but the conditions were less than ideal for vismig!SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
13/10/2022A Rock Pipit flew over the dam wall at 09:45. Movement this morning: 19 Stock Doves, 223 Woodpigeons and 39 Redwings S or SW, and 35 Skylarks N. Green Sandpiper again near Big Island. 12 Dunlin. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and 2 first-years). 5 Red Kites and 8 Buzzards in the air. Peregrine loafing on Lane End shore. 5 Chiffchaffs. 7 Lesser Redpolls flew onto Watesports island.Simon Roddis
12/10/2022Tiny bit of vismig this morning: 45 Redwing, 23 Starling, 75 Woodpigeon and 16 Stock Doves S or SW 08:00-09:00. Nice male Stonechat in WLC creek. 1 Pintail off Sheepwash. 65 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. 1 Peregrine. 3 Tawny Owls calling in Tail Bay early morning. Kingfisher again at Millfields. 1 Chiffchaff in WLC creek. c100 Meadow Pipits on Stones island.Simon Roddis
10/10/20224 Great Egrets flew through SW at 09:44, a site record (never more than 2 at a time before). Adult Caspian Gull at sailing club, along with 20 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover. 4 Pintail flew in at 09:20. 9 Pochard. 32 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 24 Skylarks over Stones, but possibly some double-counting. 150 Starlings flew SW in several flocks.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
09/10/2022Monthly WeBS count - numbers generally much lower than last month, no doubt due to the low water level: 12 Canada, 30 Greylag, 9 Mute Swan, the Garganey still at sailing club, 20 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 92 Wigeon, 150 Mallard, 254 Teal, 1 Pochard, 135 Tufted, 6 Moorhen, 34 Coot, 23 LGrebe, 41 GCGrebe, 47 Lapwing, 4 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpiper near Big Island, 1 Jack Snipe at Watersports, 20 Cormorant, 10 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher at Millfields. Juvenile Arctic Tern flew SW at 08:15. 1 Rock Pipit and 3 Brambling over Stones island. 4 Red Kite. 7 Skylark. 18 Redwing. Total of 25 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
07/10/2022Waders this morning were 24 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, single Golden Plover and Snipe. c2,000 BhGulls early morning before most of them dispersed. 46 Cormorants. 1 Little Egret. 5 Red Kites. 4 House Martins SW. 4 Redwing.Simon Roddis
06/10/2022Highlight this morning was a female Merlin which flew south over Carsington Pastures. 22 Lapwing, 13 Ringed Plover and 19 Dunlin in sailing club bay. 3+ Red Kites. Peregrine over Hopton end. Great Egret in Brown Ale Bay. 13 Skylarks over, most heading N. 8 Tree Sparrows at WLC. Total of 20+ Siskin over. 40 House Martins (flocks of 27 and 13) SW.Simon Roddis
05/10/2022Afternoon visit, after the rain abated. Duck numbers seem much reduced, though 480 Teal was up on the last WeBS count. (We'll see what this coming weekend's WeBS brings.) 24 Dunlin at sailing club. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and 2 first-years) at Sheepwash. Great Egret and Marsh Tit still from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Kestrels, including 2 being harassed by a Magpie in the main carpark. 1 Peregrine. 8 Swallows and 2 House Martins moved through. I didn't get round to posting yesterday (4/10) but the highlights were the RbMerganser again flying out of Hopton end at 07:05, and a Yellowhammer over Stones island.Simon Roddis
03/10/2022A pretty decent morning: a juvenile Marsh Harrier (probably a female) came in from the NE at 09:15, hung around Brown Ale Bay for a while and play-chased a Peregrine before heading off SW over Carsington pastures at 09:30; a female-type Red-breasted Merganser flew NE over Hopton end at 07:10 (wonder if it's the same bird as last week, perhaps roosting here overnight and going elsewhere in the day?); Great Egret also NE over Hopton end at 06:40; and a Merlin came in over Shiningford, upsetting the Lapwings, at 10:20. 25 Mute Swans. 15 Shoveler. 13 Ringed Plover and 18 Dunlin in sailing club bay early morning. A juv female Sparrowhawk took a Meadow Pipit off the dam wall. 8 Buzzards. 11 Skylarks over in random directions. c60 House Martins still hanging about. 9 Redwing.Simon Roddis
02/10/2022Species seen 10am to noon on Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (38). Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Woodpigeon, Moohen, Coot, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Magpie, Jackdaw, Raven, Willow Tit, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and Goldfinch.Lorna Lomas
02/10/20222 skeins of Pink-feet, 165 birds, flew E between 08:25 and 08:30. 72 Greylags. 15 Shoveler. 9 Pintail. 17 Ringed Plover, 23 Dunlin and a Redshank at sailing club early morning. 2 Yellow-legged and 15 Common Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. 2 Jays flying across Hopton end carrying acorns. 10 Skylarks over. 70+ House Martins and 8 Swallows. 4 Redwing. 20 Linnet.Simon Roddis
01/10/2022Hobby, Great Egret and Marsh Tit from Paul Stanley hide late morning. 21 Ringed Plover and 12 Dunlin at sailing club. 3 Tawny Owls calling in Tail Bay early morning, and 500 Jackdaws out of their roost. Kingfisher at Millfields. 43 House Martins and 12 Swallows. Total of c300 Meadow Pipits across Lane End, Stones and sailing club. 6 Siskin and 1 Lesser Redpoll over.Simon Roddis
30/09/2022Very foggy this morning, could finally see across to the other side of the water at 11. The ghostly Great Egret and a calling Marsh Tit from PS hide early on. 44 Cormorants. Kingfisher at Millfields. 13 Ringed Plovers. 32 House Martins flew S past Stones island at 11:15. 14 Chiffchaff. At least 16 Redwing. 9 Bullfinch, including 7 in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
29/09/2022Great Egret from Paul Stanley hide early morning. 19 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover in sailing club bay but I didn't see the Curlew Sandpiper. 2 skeins of Pink-feet totalling 98 birds flew NE. 71 Gadwall including 62 from Lane End hide. 4 Pintail. 12 Tree Sparrows at WLC (my highest figure this year) and a Lesser Redpoll over Millfields (my first here since 4th April).Simon Roddis
27/09/2023The highlight this afternoon was a juvenile Little Gull from Lane End hide. It was present for c30 mins before disappearing from view. Great Egret also from the hide. 7 Grey Herons. 143 Wigeon. 50 Gadwall. 6 Pintail at Lane End. 17 Shoveler. Female Red-crested Pochard off Shiningford Creek, 19 Ringed Plover. 20 Dunlin. 2 Ruff. Peregrine. 2000+ LBB Gulls. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Adult Herring and GBB Gull. 29 Common Gull. 3 House Martin over dam. 2 Blackcap. 2 Raven.Dave Newcombe
28/09/2022A female/immature Red-breasted Merganser flew SW over the dam wall at 07:10 and the juv Curlew Sandpiper was among the Dunlin flock in sailing club bay. 8 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 300 birds flew E between 09:10 and 10:45. 37 Shoveler. 4 Pintail. Loose flock of 22 Little Grebes off Shiningford. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and first-year). 5 Red Kites, 9 Buzzards and 6 Ravens in the air. Kingfisher and Marsh Tit at PS hide. 25 Swallows and 5 House Martins. 102 Meadow Pipits and 40 Linnet on Stones island. 350 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning.Simon Roddis
27/09/2022The first Redwings of the autumn, 10 in total, flew through this morning, while a single Sand Martin is the latest ever here (previous latest 25 Sep in 2012 and 2017). The Curlew Sandpiper was still in sailing club bay. Total of 497 Teal (332 of them at Millfields). 3 Pintail. Drake RcPochard still. 6 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at Millfields. 9 Skylarks over, heading towards Carsington pastures. High numbers of Meadow Pipits again: 90 at sailing club and Alan S counted 128 from Lane End hide.Simon Roddis
25/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at sailing club early morning and later in front of Lane End hide at 10:45. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash. Also from Lane End, Great Egret, 44 Shoveler, 9 Pintail, 2 RcPochard, 14 Pochard, 121 Meadow Pipits feeding. 21 Dunlin and 16 Ringed Plover. 2 Hobbies (adult and probably a juv) flew fast south over the main centre at 11:35. Male Peregrine. 12 Swallows.Simon Roddis
24/09/202265 Meadow Pipit, 10 Ringed Plover, 27 Dunlin, 15 Goldfinch, 1 Curlew sandpiper on Stones opposite sailing Club , 6 Little Grebe, 2 Kestrel, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Buzzard, 6 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 14 Gadwall,16 Wigeon, 35 Cormorant, 1 PochardDavid Armitt
24/09/2022Evening visit: c4,500 Lesser Black-backs roosting, plus c1,000 BhGs, 34 Common, 5 Yellow-leg (3 ads, 2 first years) and 1 GBbG. The Curlew Sand still at sailing club. 2 RcPochard off Shiningford. c200 Pied Wagtails, 25 Swallows and 10 Starlings went to roost on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
24/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was again in sailing club bay this morning, along with 24 Dunlin, 19 Ringed Plover, a Redshank and a Great Egret. 3 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 213 birds flew E between 08:48 and 09:35. Totals of 57 Shoveler (site record, I think), 238 Wigeon and 8 Pintail. The male RcPochard off Shiningford. 47 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Millfields. Skylark over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
23/09/2022The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was still present in front of sailing club later in the day. Plus 21 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin and 5 Ruff in the area. 9 Little Egrets and 10 Grey Herons. 46 Cormorants. 122 Wigeon. 45 Shoveler mostly from lane end hide with some further towards sheepwash. Also 9 Pintail from lane end. 5 in front of the hide and 4 more nearer sheepwash. Female Wheatear on the dam wall. 5 Buzzards, female Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls at sheepwash along with 320 Lessers, adult Herring and 10 Common Gulls. 2 Raven over middle wood.Dave Newcombe
23/09/2022The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was again in sailing club bay early morning. 22 Dunlin, Ringed Plover are up to 28 and now 5 Ruff. Two flocks of House Martins totalling 138 went SW. 4 Pintail. 2 RcPochard still. 10 Little Egrets. At least 100 Pied Wagtails and 50 Meadow Pipits around the dam wall and sailing club bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
22/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was still in sailing club bay early afternoon. Other main highlights this morning were a Great Egret in Brown Ale Bay, a juvenile female Merlin past Stones island and a Marsh Tit at the feeder to the side of Paul Stanley hide. Perimeter counts: 8 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Tit, 30 Long-tailed Tit, 49 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 31 Goldcrests, 78 Wren, 9 Nuthatch, 13 Treecreeper, 9 Song Thrush, 45 Blackbird, 205(!) Robins, 19 Dunnock, 13 Bullfinch. 20 Dunlin, 2 Ruff and 18 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 8 Little Egrets. A Peregrine sitting in front of Lane End hide. 14 Swallows and a House Martin flew through.Simon Roddis
21/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at sailing club early morning and then at Millfields to 11:30 at least. 23 Dunlin, 2 Ruff, 6 Ringed Plover, 6 Snipe, 29 Lapwing. 781 Canada Geese and 1 Pink-foot flew out early morning, and 311 Greylags flew in. 38 Shoveler. 2 Pintail. The 2 RcPochard still. Single adult Yellow-legged, GBb and Common Gulls. 9 Little Egrets. 1 Peregrine. Very few hirundines today, just 7 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin and a handful unid'd. 15 Chiffchaff. 3 Blackcaps.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
20/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at Millfields first thing and then at sailing club. 24 Dunlin. 10 Ringed Plover. 2 LRP. 2 Ruff. 2 Barnacle Geese at Millfields. 5 Pintail off Lane End. c1,000 BhGulls along the dam wall early morning. 8 Little Egrets. c100 Swallows and 5 House Martins. 12 Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis
19/09/2022A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was in sailing club bay and later at Millfields this morning - much hoped for given the numbers on the east coast recently. 21 Dunlin, the Ruff still, 4 Ringed, 2 LRP and 1 Golden Plover. The 2 RcPochard again roosting at Shiningford. 10 Little Egrets. 22 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap. 70 Starlings in fields above Penn Carr. 60 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 50 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis

Scroll to Top