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
10/05/2022Evening walk round 8 Oystercatcher, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Buzzard, 30 Sand martin,1 Peregrine, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Redshank, 1 Heron, 1 Wigeon, 2 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pink - Footed Goose with Canada geese ,1 Tawny Owl. Blue tits in nest box 79David Armitt
10/05/2022Highlight this morning was 3 Sanderling on sailing club shore, first seen in flight around 07:00, still present 09:45. A summer plumage Dunlin sang briefly off Stones causeway. Drake Wigeon again at WLC and adult Med Gull at Millfields island. 1 Common Tern. 13 Swifts. 8 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks and a Peregrine. Pied Flycatcher again singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
08/05/2022New broods of Canada and Greylag, and 2 of Mallard. 2 Red-legged Partridge near Penn Carr (first of the year). 4 Swifts from Stones island. Oystercatcher taking food onto Shiningford island, so presumably a new brood of chicks on there. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. Pied Flycatcher singing in Hall Wood. 1 Yellow Wag on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
07/05/2022No sign of the GNDiver this morning (but I said that once before...). A female Bar-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel on sailing club shore early morning and Dunlin again on Watersports island. 2 imm male Goldeneye at Millfields. 2 Arctic Terns past Stones at 09:00. 11 sedge Warblers, including 1 singing in Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis
06/05/2022The GNDiver was on the water early morning but last seen in flight 07:30. 6 Shelduck flew in mid-morning. Oystercatchers still with at least 2 chicks on Horseshoe island. Summer plumage Dunlin on Watersports island. 45 Carrion Crows in the dam wall fields. Pair of Raven feeding 2 fledged young.Simon Roddis
05/05/2022Couldn't see the GNDiver this morning so I guess it has flown. Drake Wigeon at Shiningford and pair of Teal at Sheepwash. Brood of 4 Coot chicks off Stones causeway. 4 Common Sandpipers. 3 Common Gulls. 2 Sparrowhawks including one bathing at the edge of the water at Shiningford. Lesser Whitethroat singing at Hopton end. 2 singing Pied Flycatchers and 6 singing Redstarts in the Hopton end/Hall and Middle Woods area.Simon Roddis
04/05/2022An Osprey fished over the res 11:05 to 11:15 this morning, my first ever here in May. The GNDiver flew around for a while, called a couple of times, but was back on the water late morning. A bit of movement but not as much as I'd hoped for in the conditions: single Bar-tailed Godwit (female), Turnstone, Whimbrel, Common and Arctic Terns. Adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. Not quite so many hirundines as yesterday but still c200 Sand Martins, 50 Swallows and 20 House Martins. Tree Sparrow with food near WLC.Simon Roddis
03/05/2022A nice bit of movement this morning: 10 Arctic Terns, 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel. A Green Sandpiper on sailing club shore later also flew N. The GNDiver close to Stones island, resplendent in its pristine breeding plumage. Pair of Mandarins at Lane End. 1 Swift from Stones, plus c300 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Now 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
02/05/2022After spending a long time way across towards Millfields, the GNDiver obligingly came close to Stones island late morning. 6 Arctic Terns (1,3 and 2) through. 2 male Goosander flew N. A Peregrine pylon-hopping at the top of WLC creek. Fewer hirundines but still c50 Sand Martins, 25 Swallows and 5 House Martins. Male Common Whitethroat (at last!) in WLC creek and Lesser White still singing there.Simon Roddis
01/05/2022Sightings for Bird Watching for Beginners walk. Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Mallard; Coot; Tufted Duck; Oystercatcher; Little Grebe; Great Crested Grebe; Black Headed Gull; Common Gull; House Sparrow; Pied Wagtail; Swallow; Sand Martin; Willow Warbler; Garden Warbler; Chiffchaff; Blackcap; Wren; Woodpigeon; Pochard; Willow tit; Blue Tit; Reed Bunting; Blckbird; Goldfinch; Sedge Warbler; Carrion Crow; Redshank; Cormorant. 33 speciesDavid Bennett (Back out of retirement)
01/05/2022The GNDiver kept its distance from Stones island this morning, but still present along the east side. At least 3 Arctic Terns from Stones mid/late morning. 4 Pochard (3m,1f) off Shiningford and a drake Goosander past Stones. Broods of 9 Mallard ducklings on Stones and 10 in WLC creek. 1 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 2 Common Sandpiper. The adult Med Gull at Millfields island. Lots of hirundines: c300 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows and 20 House Martins. 2 Yellow Wag (dam wall and over Stones).Simon Roddis
30/04/20226 Sedge Warbler,4 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 11 Cormorant, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Chiffchaff, Great Northern Diver,4 Moorhen , 2 Song Thrush, 6 Goldfinch, 3 Wren, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap,1 Reed Bunting, 1 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little GrebeDavid Armitt
30/04/2022The GNDiver still off Stones island this morning. Pair of Shelduck and pair of Mandarin from Stones. Sub-adult female Caspian Gull and a first-summer presumed Caspian making as if to mate on a buoy until they were chucked off by a Cormorant! A new Reed Warbler singing in WLC creek. Treecreeper with food at Lane End.Simon Roddis
29/04/2022Perimeter count this morning: 6(5 singing) Stock Dove, 3 GSWoodpecker, 7 Jay, 83 Blue Tit, 41(29) Great Tit, 22(21) Willow Warbler, 90(77) Chiffchaff, 10 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed, 85(72) Blackcap, 9 Garden, 5 Lesser White, 131(125) Wren, 37(25) Song Thrush, 12 Mistle, 104(42) Blackbird, 88(58) Robin, 4 Pied Fly, 12 Redstart, 24(17) Dunnock, 28(20) Chaffinch, 11 Bullfinch, 29 Goldfinch. In addition, the first Swift of the year over Stones (thanks Roger), 5 Arctic Terns N at 09:08, the GNDiver still, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Goldeneye (2 imm male, 2 female), pair of Teal, Lapwing displaying over Horseshoe island, 1 Yellow Wag N over Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
28/04/20222 singing male Pied Flycatchers this morning, one in Hall Wood in the area where they bred last year, and one just S of Middle Wood. The GNDiver still, flew again. 2 imm male Goldeneye still. Single Curlew and Dunlin; 2 Common Sandpiper along Stones causeway. The adult Med Gull still at Millfields island. At least 100 Sand Martins, 40 Swallows, 5 House Martins. Totals of 8 Sedge Warblers, 6 Garden, 1 Lesser White, 4 Redstart. 1 Yellow Wag N over Stones. Fledged Song Thrush on Stones and Blackbird in WLC creek. My first 80 species haul of the year.Simon Roddis
27/04/2022The GNDiver again off Stones this morning and a female Common Scoter off Watersports. Single Snipe and Common Sand again, and the adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. Male Kestrel flew twice to the east side carrying prey. Total of 5 Skylarks. At least 100 Sand Martins, 50 Swallows and 10 House Martins. 4 singing Garden Warblers. Blackbird fledglings on Stones and at Hopton end. Male Yellow Wag on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
26/04/2022The GNDiver was still off Stones island this morning. An adult Kittiwake at sailing club, later flew N over Stones. 3 Arctic Terns hanging around. Brood of 9 Greylag goslings at Shiningford. Pair of Teal again in Brown Ale Bay. Common Sandpiper at Watersports. Lots of hirundines again, 100+ Sand Martins, 30+ Swallows, handful of House Martins. Garden Warbler (my first of the year) singing on Stones causeway, along with a Reed Warbler. 2 Yellow Wagtails, one each on Stones and Horseshoe islands.Simon Roddis
25/04/2022The GNDiver flew around for several minutes this morning before coming back down and sleeping. An Arctic Tern from Stones 08:00-11:00 at least. 6 Shelduck (pair on the water early morning then flew N; another 4 flew through to N). 1 Pink-footed Goose. Drake Mandarin flew out of Millfields. 1 Snipe at WLC and 1 Curlew through. c100 Sand Martins, 30 Swallows and 10+ House Martins. 10 Sedge Warblers singing in the Stones area, plus a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones and a Yellow Wag over. Treecreeper with food near WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
24/04/2022The GNDiver again off Stones island, Lesser Whitethroat singing at the top of WLC creek and the adult Mediterranean Gull again at Millfields island. 2 imm male Goldeneye at Sheepwash. 5 Redstarts singing between Hopton end and Middle Wood. Brood of 6 Greylags at Middle Wood and Chiffchaff nest-building on Stones.Simon Roddis
23/04/2022This morning's highlights were the GNDiver off Stones island, 4 Ruff flew E, a summer-plumage male Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island, drake Goosander and a Lesser Whitethroat singing at the top of WLC creek. Song Thrush nest-building at Penn Carr, Blackbird with food near the main centre.Simon Roddis
22/04/2022On and around Stones island this morning, 3 Arctic Terns N at 11:22, a lingering Common Tern, the GNDiver still, 3 Whimbrel past N at 07:50, drake Mandarin, and a female Brambling late morning.Simon Roddis
21/04/2022The GNDiver was right over towards Fishtail Creek late morning, and a Black-tailed Godwit at sailing club 08:30.Simon Roddis
20/04/2022The GNDiver out in the middle this morning, looking fairly smart now. 4 Goldeneye. 1 Common Sandpiper. 3 GSWoodpecker in Hall Wood. Peregrine again (third day on the trot). A Grasshopper Warbler singing on Watersports island, one Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 5 Sedge again around Stones.Simon Roddis
19/04/2022A quieter morning, but the GNDiver was still off Stones and my first Common Tern of the year. The bizarre Jay goings-on continue: total of 8, including 1 S over Stones and the dam wall, and 4 dropped into Middle Wood from the south. Very strange!Simon Roddis
18/04/2022Most frustrating sighting of the year so far: a ringtail harrier, probably Pallid or Montagu's, flew N over the res just before 08:30, last seen disappearing behind Carsington Pastures. Slim shape, long, narrow, relatively pointed wings, didn't feel bulky enough for Hen. Hey ho. The GNDiver off Stones island still. I think it's safe to say that the Red-necked Grebes have gone now - last seen on 15th as far as I'm aware. First Reed Warbler of the year singing in Hopton reedbed. Sub-adult Yellow-legged Gull. A distant Peregrine. 5 Sedge Warblers singing around Stones and 5 singing Redstarts, 4 in Middle/Hall Woods, 1 in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
18/04/20222 Little Egret, 6 Chiffchaff, 8 Oystercatcher, GN Diver of water sports island,6 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Willow Tit, 6 Barnacle Goose, 4 Wren, 2 Bullfinch, 6 Starlings, 4 Sedge Warbler, 18 Cormorant, 2 Redshank, 60 Sand martin, 2 Blackcap, 1 Common sandpiper, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Little Ringed ploverDavid Armitt
17/04/20221 Whimbrel on the grass left of the Visitor Centre first thing this morning looking out over the res. 3 Pied wagtail, 5 Oystercatcher, 4 Reed Bunting,4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Gadwall, 4 Wren, 10 Cormorant, 20 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mute Swan,9 Chiffchaff, 8 Greylag Goose, 4 Blackcap, 4 Bullfinch, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Black-backed GullDavid Armitt
16/04/2022Monthly WeBS count: 135 Canada Geese, 8 Barnacle, 45 Greylag, 8 Mute Swan, 27 Gadwall, 63 Mallard, 2 Teal, 66 Tufted, 2 Goldeneye, 10 Moorhen, 78 Coot, 13 LGrebe, 71 GCGrebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 12 Redshank, 18 Cormorant. Couldn't find the Red-necked Grebes. Additionally, the adult Med Gull again, total of 13 Jays (unusually obvious at the moment), 4 Redstart (3 in/around Hall Wood, 1 in WLC fields), first Mallard brood (8-9) at Millfields, first Greylag brood at WLC.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
15/04/2022The GNDiver is colouring up nicely now, well marked on its upperparts and getting darker around the head. The adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. 1 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. 4 Sedge Warblers again singing around Stones. 3 Redstart: pair in WLC fields and one singing at Shiningford.Simon Roddis
14/04/20222 Black Terns off Millfields Adult Med Gull in gull colony Millfields 1 Red Kite over visitor Centre 1 Great Northern Diver 2 Red-necked GrebesSteve, Tracy and Alex Mann
13/04/2022A decent morning: Richard Pittam found an Osprey early morning which hung around for a couple of hours, the 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver still, Ringed Plover still, total of 6 Jays, 2 Skylarks singing along the dam wall, c200 Sand Martins around Stones, 20 Swallows and 3 House Martins, 2 Sedge Warbler still on Stones, a Redstart (first of the year) singing at Hopton end, 3 Wheatears (female on a raft off Watersports and 2 first-summer males on the dam wall) and 1 White Wagtail at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
11/04/2022A bit more spring action this morning, with 2 Sedge Warblers singing on Stones island and causeway, and 2 Sandwich Terns flew S past Stones at 07:50. Plenty of hirundines at last: c100 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows and 1 House Martin. The 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver still present. 1 Dunlin on the dam wall, the Ringed Plover still and a Common Sand on Stones. 10 GBbGulls. 55 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
11/04/2022Highlight this morning was a flock of 9 Little Gulls (7 adults, some showing a beautiful pink flush to the underparts, and 2 first-summers) at Millfields, 09:40 to 10:25, before they left E. And finally a few hirundines: at least 12 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows and 2 House Martins. The 2 Red-necked Grebes and GNDiver still. 11 Barnacles, 1 Pink-foot and 1 Ringed Plover again. 6 Willow Warblers.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
10/04/2022My first Common Sandpiper of the year was on Stones island this morning. The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End and the GNDiver from Stones. An adult Whooper Swan with a yellow ring on its left leg flew out at 08:20. 11 Barnacle Geese. 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) at WLC. The Ringed Plover still. 54 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning. Pair of Mistle Thrushes with food near PS hide. 7 Redwing N. Not a single hirundine - madness!Simon Roddis
09/04/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End early morning and the GNDiver off Stones island. 2 Willow Warblers singing on Stones. 2 Shelduck, left to SE at 07:15. 8 Goldeneye. Ringed Plover again at sailing club. 5 Curlew early morning. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. 66 Fieldfare flew N.Simon Roddis
08/04/2022Red Kite over fields adjacent to Fish Tail Creek.Robert Smith
08/04/2022The 2 Red-necked grebes again off Lane End early morning, then went out towards the east side. The GNDiver off Stones, now showing quite a bit of white spotting on its upperparts. Female Wheatear on the dam wall. Meadow Pipits on the move: 444 NW in an hour between 8 and 9am. 1 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 3 Sparrowhawks and 8 Buzzards in the air. Skylark singing over the dam wall. 3 Sand Martins and 1 Swallow.Simon Roddis
07/04/2022House Martin (1) and at least 6 Swallows seen from Lane End Hide mid-afternoon; Red-necked Grebe (1) and GN Diver still present.Richard Lowe
06/04/2022All this morning. Red-necked Grebe from Lane End hide. Great Northern Diver close in to Stones Island and my first Willow Warbler of the year singing on the causeway to Stones. Ringed Plover on Sailing Club shore and a Little Egret mobile.Roger Carrington
04/04/2022The Red-necked Grebes were within a few feet of Lane End hide first thing this morning, pity the light was rubbish. One of them caught a fish which I think was a Ruffe. The GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields and 1 Swallow flew past the main centre. Otherwise grey and damp.Simon Roddis
03/04/2022Species noted during the monthly 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): Song Thrush, House Sparrow, Tufted Duck, Pied Wagtail, Great Northern Diver, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Black-headed Gull, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Ringed Plover, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Greylag Goose, Redshank, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Canada Goose, Wren, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Dunnock, Robin, Bullfinch, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Moorhen, Buzzard, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Shoveler (pair), Great Tit, Mute Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Jackdaw, Grey Wagtail, Goldeneye and Carrion CrowGary Atkins
03/04/2022A flock of 30 Whooper Swans (14 adults, 16 immatures) was off Sheepwash at 06:45 and departed W at 08:30, and an adult Kittiwake was off Stones island, along with the GNDiver. The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End. 82 GCGrebes. 12 Wigeon acting like migrants, sitting out in the middle, and a pair of Shoveler at the WLC. Kingfisher at Millfields. 5 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
02/04/2022Mediterranean Gull 2nd winter off Lane End Hide at 3.30pm, then flew towards Sheepwash.Richard Lowe
02/04/2022Both Red-necked grebes off Lane End this morning and the GNDiver off Watersports, quite close to the main centre. 8 Wigeon and 9+ Teal. Ringed Plover again at sailing club. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. 5 Sand Martins through. 32 Redwing N and 18 Fieldfare NW.Simon Roddis
01/04/2022One Red-necked Grebe off Lane End this morning, and the GNDiver off Stones. A Black-tailed Godwit flew N at 07:40 and the Ringed Plover again on sailing club shore. 13 Oystercatchers. 2 ad GBbGulls, including Onefoot.Simon Roddis
31/03/2022The GNDiver off Stones again this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes out in the middle between Lane End and Sheepwash. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The male Shoveler still. Ringed Plover at sailing club. A Little Egret near Paul Stanley hide (also seen there yesterday by Roger C) was my first ever here in March. Totals of 350 Redwing NE, 44 Pied Wagtails (couldn't turn any of them into Whites) and 29 Meadow Pipits (both the latter mainly around sailing club and on the dam wall).Simon Roddis
30/03/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End and the GNDiver and a drake Common Scoter off Stones this morning. The male Shoveler still present. 2 second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls. 103 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning. 3 Sand Martins off Stones. 120 Redwing flew N.Simon Roddis
29/03/2022Perimeter count this morning: 148 singing Chiffchaffs! 8 singing Blackcaps. 9 GSWoodpecker. 99 Blue Tit. 61 Great Tit. 5 Willow Tit. 8 L-t Tit. 114 Wren (96 singing). 6 Nuthatch. 3 Treecreeper. 40 Song Thrush (20 singing). 14 Mistle Thrush. 112 Blackbird (40 singing). 132 Robin (101 singing). 9 Tree Sparrow. 41 Dunnock (27 singing). 4 Grey and 10 Pied Wag. 28 Chaffinch. 15 Bullfinch. 8 Greenfinch. 38 Goldfinch. 9 Reed Bunting. The GNDiver and 2 Red-necked Grebes still. A female Merlin flew N through Hopton end at 07:10. Male Shoveler again. 102 Herring Gulls (77 flew N, 25 on the water). 2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull again. Total of 180 Redwing, including 160 N.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
28/03/2022The GNDiver again off Stones and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 8 Redshank around sailing club/Stones/Horseshoe island. 66 Carrion Crows in the dam wall fields.SJR, RC, AHS
27/03/2022The GNDiver off Stones and 1 Red-necked Grebe off Lane End early morning. 27 Greylags. Male Shoveler and male Pochard at Millfields (and presumably the same Shoveler at WLC later). 10 Goldeneye (5m,5f). At least 8 Buzzards. Pair of Kestrel. 2 Sand Martins on Stones. 5 Treecreepers singing (4 in Hall Wood). 25 Redwing, 14 Meadow Pipits and 3 Redpoll N.Simon Roddis

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