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
18/09/2022Two more skeins of Pink-feet this morning, both heading NE: 65 at 07:58 and 70 at 08:13. Dunlin now up to 15 in sailing club bay, with 9 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plover. The Ruff still there too. The 2 Red-crested Pochard again at Shiningford. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher at Millfields. 24 House, 11 Sand Martins and 10 Swallows. 16 Chiffchaffs. 13 Mistle Thrushes. 30 Linnets on the dam wall and 40 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
18/09/202250 Teal, 32 Gadwall, 4 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret,10 Dunlin, 8 Ringed Plover, 40 Sand Martin , 1 Ruff, 4 Shoveler, 18 Cormorant,2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Kestrel,6 Swallow, 5 House Martin , 30 LapwingDavid Armitt
17/09/2022(Delayed) monthly WeBS count: 576 Canada, 613 Greylag, 40 Mute, 37 Shoveler, 53 Gadwall, 114 Wigeon, 260 Mallard, 6 Pintail, 430 Teal, 2 RcPochard, 8 Pochard, 298 Tufted, 9 Moorhen, 860 Coot, 43 LGrebe, 43 GCG, 15 Lapwing, 12 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, 4 Snipe, 1 Common Sand, 43 Cormorant, 19 Heron, 11 LEgret. 3 skeins of Pink-feet totalling 145 E 08:15-08:45. 86 Rooks flew E over the north end early morning. 6 Sand Martin around Stones/sailing club.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/09/2022A few more waders in sailing club bay later in the day. 14 Dunlin and 9 Ringed Plover. Another Ringed Plover at Millfields. They were quite mobile and was at lane end early evening. Common Sand on sheepwash spit. 6 Little Egrets and 5 Grey Herons spread around. 39 Shoveler, 2 Pintail and female Red-crested Pochard at lane end. 4 Buzzard and 2 Red Kites over fishtail creek. Skylark over the dam. 3 Linnets on the dam. 26 Meadow Pipits on stones island. 11 Chiffchaff between Millfields and Hopton end. Not many Hirundines but all 3 noted....2 House Martins, 4 Swallows and 4 Sand Martins.Dave Newcombe
16/09/2022392 Pink-feet flew E in several skeins between 08:40-08:50, most of them moving to the north of Carsi itself. 480 Greylags. 2 Red-crested Pochard from WLC, female and eclipse male. 1 Ruff, 7 Ringed Plover and 9 Dunlin in sailing club bay. 2 LRP on Stones. Total of c100 Swallows moved through during the morning.SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
14/09/2022A Whinchat in the dam wall fields was my first of the year here. The Pink-footed Goose again, seemingly hanging around with a Canada Goose. 8 Pintail and 1 Ruff still. 2 Redshank. 6 Ringed Plover. 1 LRP. Lesser Whitethroat still in WLC creek. 20 Chiffchaffs and 4 Blackcaps. Only 10 Swallows this morning.Simon Roddis
11/09/2022WeBS count frustrated by fog this morning. Ruff and Greenshank still present, a Common Whitethroat at Hopton end, Yellow Wagtail at Millfields and c100 Goldfinch at Middle Wood.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
10/09/2022Not the same variety of waders this morning, but Dunlin had increased to 9, 11 Ringed Plovers, 2 LRP and the Ruff still. 47 Shoveler. 4 Pintail. 11 Little Egrets. 180 Pied wagtails feeding in sailing club bay and a total of 25 Meadow Pipits, 20 of them in the same area as the Pied Wags.Simon Roddis
09/09/2022Waders were again the highlight this morning: juv Spotted Redshank, Ruff, 3 Dunlin, 4 Golden Plover, 14 Ringed Plover and 1 juv LRP, most of them in sailing club bay. The Greenshank was between Sheepwash and Lane End but attracted the attention of a Peregrine and took refuge on the water before going out of sight. Not sure what the outcome of that will be. c950 Canada Geese, 297 Greylags, 2 Barnacle, 1 Pink-foot. 44 Shoveler. 58 Wigeon. 4 Pintail. 60 House Martins over Stones. 2 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek. 50 Starlings in fields above Penn Carr. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall. Total of at least 15 Meadow Pipits.SJR, AHS
07/09/2022Spotted Redshank still at the Wildlife Centre this evening. 16 Ringed Plover, 2 Golden Plover and 3 Snipe on dam wall. A further 2 Snipe at WLC. 36 Shoveler, 7 Pintail and a Red-crested Pochard at Lane End. Yellow Wagtail over the dam + several Meadow Pipits and a Skylark over. Other highlights were 8 Little Egrets, 6 Grey Heron, 39 Wigeon, 55 Gadwall, 24 Pochard, Red Kite over Carsington pastures, Peregrine at lane end, Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash, several Swallows and House Martins through, Grey Wagtail, 14 Chiffchaff including one in song, 2 Blackcaps and a Raven.Dave Newcombe
06/09/2022Very misty this morning, infront of Yatch club 2 Golden Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Little Egret, on Stones Island the Goldfinch flock must be over 200,up WLC creek 2 Blackcaps,Chiffchaff singing and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.AHS, MR
05/09/2022Very misty start to the morning, 9 Ringed Plover near yacht club, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaffs in the Hawthorns on Stones Island, 100 plus Goldfinches on Stones Island with distant views of Pintail and Shoveller from there. From WLC ,40 plus Lapwing, 1 Spotted Redshank and another Lesser Whitethroat up WLC creek.A H Stewardson
04/09/2022Species noted (48) during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Is to Lane End hide): Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Pied Wagtail, Black-headed Gull, Goldfinch, Swallow, House Sparrow, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, Little Egret, Coot, Jackdaw, Wren, Chiffchaff, Jay, Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Great-crested Grebe, Robin, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit, Moorhen, Goldcrest, Greylag Goose, Greenshank, Shoveler, Gadwall, Pintail, Wigeon, Dunlin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Willow Tit, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Raven, Dunnock, Tree Sparrow, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Blackbird, Snipe, Coal Tit.Gary Atkins
04/09/2022The 2 juvenile Spotted Redshanks reappeared in front of Lane End hide late morning, they'd presumably been tucked away somewhere the last couple of days. Single Greenshank and Dunlin there too. At least 45 Shoveler, 74 Gadwall and 7 Pintail, mostly in front of Lane End. 13 Little Egrets. 2 Peregrines, looked like young male and female, over Stones. A male Stonechat on the fence near the overflow carpark. 200 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
03/09/2022Highlights this morning were a Turnstone at Sheepwash early morning and a drake Common Scoter out in the middle to 11:20 at least. Duck are clearly on the move: 7 Pintail, 31 Wigeon and 46 Shoveler - another site record. 8 Ringed Plover still at sailing club. 9 Snipe. 1 Greenshank. 40 Cormorants. Kingfisher at WLC. Young Peregrine over WLC creek. Sedge Warbler and Common Whitethroat on Stones, 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed and 2 Willow Warblers (Horseshoe island and Hopton). Wheatear on Stones. A nice morning's birding.Simon Roddis
02/09/2022One Garganey still off Sheepwash late morning, plus 3 Pintail (first of the autumn) and 28 Shoveler (I think a new site record). 63 Greylags. 10 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 2 Yellow-legged and 1 Herring Gull. 10 Little Egrets. 1 Spotted Flycatcher at WLC and a Yellow Wagtail over Stones. Totals of 90 Swallow, 40 House Martin, 170 Pied Wagtails.Simon Roddis
01/09/2022The 2 juv Spotted Redshanks again from the WLC this morning, along with a Greenshank. 10 Shoveler. 15 Wigeon. 13 Little Egrets. 5 Ringed Plover. 1 LRP. 5 Snipe. Total of 250 Goldfinches (150 at Sheepwash, 100 on Stones).Simon Roddis
31/08/20221 Greenshank with the the 2 Spotted Redshanks, 12 noon to 12.20 pm, at least.Alan Hobson
19/08/2022One of the Marsh Tits was still around the Paul Stanley Hide area. Apologies for the late submission of this record; I went on holiday immediately after and didn't get chance to send it in.Jim Clarke
31/08/202232 Gadwall, 6 Grey Heron, 38 Cormorant, 23 Lapwing, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Ringed Plover,2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Wagtail , 3 Swallow, 12 Long Tailed Tit, 10 Little Egret, 1 Snipe, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Willow Tit, 30 Goldfinch, 8 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 11 Pochard, 1 Yellow wagtailDavid Armitt
31/08/2022The 2 juvenile Spotted Redshanks were still at the WLC this morning. 17 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 7 Wigeon (6 Sheepwash, 1 Millfields). 55 Lapwing. I'm not saying that Peregrines are lazy but one sitting on the ground in Brown Ale Bay at 07:00 was still there at 10:15!Simon Roddis
30/08/20229 Little Egret,10 Grey Heron,15 Gadwall, 15 Little Grebe, 1 Wheatear on the dam wall,11 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 11 Snipe, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 30 Cormorant, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 30 Lapwing, 2 Willow Tit, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Buzzard, 40+ Goldfinch, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 20 Pochard, 10 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 12 Sand Martin, 1 Nuthatch , 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Little Ringed Plover,1 Red KiteDavid Armitt
30/08/2022Two juvenile Spotted Redshanks at the WLC were a nice surprise this morning - still there to 11:00 at least. The female Ruddy Shelduck also from WLC. 1m Wigeon. 16 Ringed Plover. Single adult Yellow-legged, Common and GBb Gulls. Peregrine and Spotted Flycatcher through WLC creek. 1 Wheatear on sailing club shore. Mike Redfern reported the 3 Garganey from Paul Stanley hide mid-morning.SJR, AMD, RPJ
29/08/20221 female-type Garganey in Brown Ale Bay this morning, and a Greenshank there. The female Ruddy Shelduck flew in with Canadas and roosted on Watersports island. 733 Canadas. 33 Mute Swans, plus 9 large young. 11 Shoveler. 75 Gadwall. 1m Wigeon. 20 Pochard. 300+ Tufted at Big Island. Ringed Plovers now up to 22. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 5 Kestrels and a juv Peregrine. 1 Wheatear on Stones island. 2 Yellow Wagtails again on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
28/08/202215 Ringed Plovers still this morning. A Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wags on the dam wall. Marsh Tit near Paul Stanley hide (where they've just started clearing ash trees, going to make quite a difference). Seems like a lot of the warblers have shipped out, only came across Blackcap and Chiffchaff this morning. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 14 L-t Tits at Millfields.Simon Roddis
25/08/2022After a bit of a slow start to the morning, 'tern o'clock' delivered the goods: a juv Arctic at 09:47, 5 juv Black and 2 adult Common at 10:15 and a flock of 21 mainly juv Arctics at 11:00, all from Stones. The Blacks were there until 11:30 at least. 139 Greylags flew in mid/late morning. 1 female Wigeon. 1 Swift. 11 Ringed Plovers. 11 Little Egret. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wagtails. 1 Wheatear and c200 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
24/08/20222 Garganey still off Sheepwash spit, a bit tricky to find from a distance in the drizzle! A Great Egret flew S past Stones around 09:00. Waders this morning: 15 Ringed Plover, single Greenshank and Redshank, 4 Dunlin, 2 Common Sand, 40 Lapwing, 4 Snipe. 660 Canadas, 2 Barnacle and 82 Greylag. 7 Shoveler. 20 Pochard. A Hobby and a juv Sparrowhawk caused havoc in sailing club bay and around Watersports island but didn't appear to catch anything. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Jays on Stones: one thought about crossing the res but soon lost its bottle and turned back. 3 Redstart and a Lesser Whitethroat around WLC fields, and a female Common Whitethroat at the WLC. 3 Yellow Wagtails.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
23/08/2022Highlights this morning were an Osprey which drifted S just before 11:00 and all 3 Garganey still off Sheepwash spit (looking across from Middle Wood). Waders in sailing club bay: 1 Greenshank, 3 Dunlin, 16 Ringed Plover, 4 LRP, Common Sandpiper. 50 Lapwing at WLC. 14 Pochard. 13 Little Egret. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Lesser Whitethroat, Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher in WLC fields. 170 Goldfinches on Stones.SJR, RPJ, AMD
22/08/2022A few waders around sailing club bay this morning: 2 Redshank, 10 Ringed Plover, 3 LRP, 2 Dunlin, 7 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 10+ Little Egrets. c150 Swallows on the dam wall. 5+ Yellow Wagtails. Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat still on Stones. Also reliably reported were the 2 Garganey off Sheepwash spit, 1 Greenshank, 6 Red Kites over the pastures.SJR, CA, AHS
21/08/20222 Garganey still off Sheepwash spit late morning, along with 4 Shoveler. Minimum of 20 Little Egrets early morning. In sailing club bay, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Yellow Wagtails. 5 Red Kites over Carsington pastures. 50 Swallows, 12 Sand Martins, 50 House Martins. 40 Starlings in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
21/08/202215 Little Egret,5 Grey Heron, 8 Little Grebe, 4 Black- tailed Godwit, 4 Ringed Plover, 1 Dublin, 1 Yellow Wagtail near sailing club, 24 Cormorant, 1 Great Spotted woodpecker,15 Sand Martin , 6 House Martin,1 Willow Tit, Numerous Goldfinch flocks 50+,2 Sedge Warbler,1 Swift,11 Lapwing, 1 willow warbler, 1 ChiffchaffDavid Armitt
20/08/202210 Little Grebe, 10 Little Egret,138 Pied Wagtail,2 Common Sandpiper,5 Grey Wagtail,4 Grey Heron,12 Long Tailed Tit,2 Blackcap,2 Garden Warbler,2 Lesser whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Bullfinch, 4 House Martin, 20 Sand martin, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Snipe,1 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed PloverDavid Armitt
20/08/2022Highlight this morning was a lovely juvenile Grasshopper Warbler on Stones island, along with 2 Common and 2 Lesser Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler. 49 Gadwall. 4 Ringed Plover. 2 Snipe. c100 Swallows and 2 Skylarks from the dam wall early morning. Last night (Friday 19/8), c4,500 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost, a Peregrine had its supper on Sheepwash shoreline, and the Pink-footed Goose put in its first appearance for a while.Simon Roddis
19/08/20222 Garganey still off Sheepwash spit this morning. 3 Shoveler. 4 redhead Goosander. Some of yesterday's waders still in sailing club bay: 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 5 Snipe and a total of 9 LRP (3 there, 6 on Sheepwash spit). 17 Little Egrets in Brown Ale Bay first thing. Eight species of warbler, including 1 Garden, 2 Common and 1 Lesser Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
18/08/2022A decent showing of waders along the dam wall early morning: 1 Turnstone, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin, plus 12 Little Egrets, 1 Yellow and c150 Pied Wagtails, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Common Terns and 3 redhead Goosander flying out 6 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 3 Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
16/08/20222 Garganey off Sheepwash spit still (I dare say the third bird was somewhere but they're becoming a bit more tricky to find among the increased number of Teal). 6 Shoveler. 382 Canadas. 2 Ringed Plover. 2 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 6 LRP. 44 Cormorant. 3 Red Kites. c100 Swallows on the dam wall early morning. 30 House Martins. 1 Garden Warbler and 2 Lesser Whitethroats on Stones. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall. c120 Goldfinches on Stones and 100 House Sparrows at the main centre.Simon Roddis
14/08/2022Evening Visit 9 Little Grebe,1 Kingfisher,35 Lapwing,4 Pochard,2 Snipe,8 Little Egret,9 Grey Heron,23 Gadwall,14 Cormorant,21 Mute Swan,10 Swallow,5 House Martin,30 Great Crested Grebe,12 Moorhen, 1 Common Tern,3 GarganeyDavid Armitt
15/08/2022An Osprey flew SE over the res at 08:00, seemed to keep on going. The 3 Garganey again off Sheepwash spit, along with 6 Shoveler (where were they on yesterday's WeBS?!). Good showing of waders: 8 Common and 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, mostly around Millfields and the dam wall. 16 Grey Heron and 14 Little Egrets. Reed Warblers still at WLC and Hopton reedbed. 3 Garden Warblers and a Common Whitethroat on Stones. 3 Redstarts in WLC fields. Total of 4 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall and over Stones.Simon Roddis
14/08/2022Monthly WeBS count: 296 Canada, 2 Barnacle, 9 Greylag, 33 Mute Swan, 3 Garganey, 58 Gadwall, 394 Mallard, 143 Teal, 13 Pochard, 476 Tufted, 23 Moorhen, 647 Coot, 23 Little Grebe, 74 GCGrebe, 13 Grey Heron, 18 Little Egret (the site record tumbles again!), 38 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 2 LRP. A young male Peregrine practising its dives at anything within reach.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
13/08/2022A Tree Pipit flew over Middle Wood at 06:30, first of the autumn (and the year, come to that). The female Ruddy Shelduck was back on sailing club island. Teal up to 143 and Cormorant to 57. The 5 Shoveler still off Sheepwash spit. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 ads, 1st-summer). 13 Little Egrets. 2 Lesser Whitethroat and 145 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
11/08/2022The 3 Garganey were again on the Brown Ale Bay side of Sheepwash spit early this morning, along with a Great Egret and 3 Green Sandpipers. Redhead Goosander flew N. Greenshank from WLC. 5 Shoveler. 71 Teal. 15+ Grey Herons and 15 Little Egrets - a site record, I reckon. 4 Lesser and 1 Common Whitethroats. 3 Redstart.Simon Roddis
10/08/2022The 3 Garganey again on the Brown Ale Bay side of Sheepwash spit this morning, along with a Great Egret (seen earlier at sailing club and Millfields), a Greenshank and the first Wigeon of the autumn. 53 Teal. 3 Shoveler. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Common Gull. An adult Hobby landed on the shoreline on Stones island before flying off over the res, and a juv Peregrine was on the shoreline at Lane End. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
09/08/20223 female-type Garganey on the Brown Ale Bay side of Sheepwash spit early morning. 7 Pochard. 2 Oystercatchers. 1 Common Sandpiper. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 8 Little Egrets. 2 Sparrowhawks, including a lovely juvenile low through WLC creek. Kingfisher at WLC. At least 1 Whitethroat on Stones. Single Garden Warblers on Stones and at WLC. 4+ Redstarts in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
08/08/2022A Black-tailed Godwit was the best for me this morning, at sailing club first thing and later between Lane End and Sheepwash, along with 3 Redshank. My first clear juvenile Red Kite of the year under Hall Wood. Plenty of warblers again, though no Common Whitethroat today. 120 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning, and 3 Yellows around/over Stones/WLC. 13 Mistle Thrushes and c20 Starlings in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
07/08/2022Species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (around Stones Island - Wildlife Centre, 10am to noon): Pied Wagtail, Mallard, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Grey Heron, House Sparrow, Gt Crested Grebe, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Coot, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Little Grebe, Little Ringed Plover, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, House Martin, Mute Swan (20+ around Stones), Canada Goose, Goldfinch, Red Kite, Cormorant, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Blackcap, Robin, Lesser Whitethroat, Song Thrush, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Tree Sparrow, Tufted Duck, Little Egret, Gadwall, Lapwing and Sand MartinGary Atkins
07/08/20222 female-type Garganey still off Sheepwash late morning. A Greenshank dropped in, maybe landed around Horseshoe island, 09:00. Eight species of warblers, lots on Stones: 32 Blackcap (mainly Stones and Millfields), 4 Garden, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat on Stones, family of Reed at WLC. Haven't had many eight warbler days this year, mainly due to the dearth of Common Whitethroats. 34 Teal. 5 Yellow-legged Gulls on Sheepwash spit. 6+ Little Egrets. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
05/08/2022Highlight this morning was an adult Sanderling, still with some summer plumage, on Stones island mid-morning. 1 Redshank also around sailing club. 4 adult yellow-legged Gulls among c300 Lesser Black-backs on Sheepwash spit. 41 Cormorants. 2 Red Kites, 3 Kestrels and a Peregrine over Carsington pastures. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/08/20222 Garganey still off Sheepwash this morning. 20 Teal. 32 Mute Swans plus 2 broods. 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls on Sheepwash spit. 33 Cormorant. 10 Grey Herons. 6 Little Egrets. Hobby over Carsington pastures. 35 House Martins. 3 Lesser Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler in warbler corner (Stones). 3 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail S over Stones.Simon Roddis
31/07/2022Another excellent morning to finish the month, after a few decent days. 3 Garganey (female-types, maybe one eclipse male) off Lane End hide late morning, feeding on the emerging weed among the Mallards. Total of 28 Common Scoter (26m,2f) which left W when the cloud lifted at 08:45. The Shoveler and juv Shelduck still. 19 Teal. Adult Ringed Plover and a Whimbrel on Stones. Total of 7 Snipe, including 5 flying SW. 4 Common Sand. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. A Great Egret on Sheepwash spit (different bird from the 2 on Friday, this one was well plumed!). 8 Little Egrets. 4 Redstarts (3 in WLC fields, 1 at Lane End).Simon Roddis
30/07/2022On the dam wall early morning, juv Wheatear, c100 Swallow, 10 House and 2 Sand Martin, and 3 Skylarks. The juv Shelduck still. 34 Gadwall. 26 Moorhen. 81 GCGrebe. 4 Common Gulls including a juvenile, and 2 adult Yellow-legs. 9 Little Egrets. Total of 34 Magpies. 8 Sedge Warblers on Stones. Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in WLC fields, and another Redstart at Middle Wood. c80 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis

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