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
01/02/2022The GNDiver was again off Stones island this morning but could only find one of the Red-necked Grebes, north of Lane End. Female Pintail again from WLC. 2,000+ Common Gulls left their roost and departed W early morning. 8 Herring Gulls flew in late morning. 3 Red Kites and a Peregrine over the east side.Simon Roddis
31/01/2022The GNDiver and the 2 RnGrebes again in their usual haunts this morning. 1 Shelduck and female Pintail from WLC. 1 Red Kite. Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide. 8 Ravens in the air over Hall Wood early morning. 10 Tree Sparrows (6 at WLC, 4 Millfields).Simon Roddis
30/01/2022The GNDiver and RnGrebes again in their favoured spots this morning. 46 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from WLC. 1 Red Kite. 3 Oystercatcher. 35 Snipe on Horsehoe island/from WLC. 5 Herring Gulls. 195 Rooks over Shiningford early morning.Simon Roddis
29/01/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End and the GNDiver was off Millfields late morning. 4 Red Kites over Carsington pastures (and perhaps a couple more reported over the east side). 3 Shelduck at Millfields. Male Shoveler at Sheepwash and female Pintail again at WLC. 4 Oystercatchers, including a metal-ringed bird at Millfields. 13 Herring Gulls (third day in succession there have been HGs, clearly a bit of movement going on). c100 Starlings and 50 Fieldfare on the pastures.Simon Roddis
28/01/2022Much the same again today: GNDiver off Stones much of the morning and the 2 RnGrebes off Lane End. 43 Barnacle Geese. Single Woodcock and Brambling at Millfields first thing. 2 Red Kites over the east side. c100 Siskin at WLC.Simon Roddis
27/01/2022The GNDiver again off Stones this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 45 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from WLC. 3 Herring Gulls N. 2 GBbGull (adult and 1w). Flock of 32 Stock Doves behind the villages, perhaps flushed by a raptor (maybe even the Peregrine which upset all the Lapwings!). 1 Red Kite. 30 Cormorant. Total of c100 Redwing, including 50 in WLC fields, along with c100 Starlings.Simon Roddis
25/01/2022Another dull morning weather-wise but the GNDiver was again off Stones island and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 45 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from WLC. 35 Snipe (28 from WLC, 7 in Brown Ale Bay). 1 Oystercatcher. Willow Tit singing at Hopton. Total of c200 Siskin, including a flock of 150+ over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
24/01/2022Picked up the GNDiver and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End despite increasingly murky conditions this morning. 6 Goosander at Millfields early on. Total of 42+ Common Snipe. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher at PS hide.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
23/01/2022Monthly WeBS count: 262 Canada, 13 Greylag, 12 Mute Swan, 157 Gadwall, 184 Wigeon, 177 Mallard, 1f Pintail, 554 Teal, 11 Pochard, 201 Tufted, 13 Goldeneye, 2 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay), 23 Moorhen, 904 Coot, 42 Little Grebe, 2 Red-necked Grebe, 108 GCGrebe, 1 GNDiver, 2 Oystercatcher, 1034 Lapwing, 2 Woodcock, 14 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 23 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 1 Kingfisher.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
22/01/202218 adult Whoopers this morning, off Millfields. 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End (couldn't see one at Millfields) and the GNDiver out in the middle. 2 Oystercatchers (unringed) from WLC. c800 Lapwing. 3 Curlew. 2 Redshank. 14 Common Snipe. 1 Woodcock between WLC and Shiningford. c1300 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 11 Tree Sparrow (6 at Millfields, 5 WLC).Simon Roddis
21/01/2022The GNDiver and both RnGrebes were still in their usual areas this morning. 49 Barnacle Geese. 3m Goosander, including 1 on the water off Sheepwash carpark, unusual at that end of the res. 1 Oystercatcher still. 3 Curlew on Stones island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Single Kingfisher and Water Rail in the narrow end of Brown Ale Bay. 12 Lesser Redpoll over WLC creek, and a total of c50 Siskin.Simon Roddis
20/01/2022The GNDiver was out in the middle of the res late morning, and a Red-necked Grebe off Millfields island. Failed to find the Lane End bird this morning. 17 Little Grebes from the WLC. c800 Lapwing, a definite increase. 9 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Oystercatcher still. Raptors were enjoying the breeze, with a Red Kite, 7 Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks and single Peregrine and Kestrel. 80 Redwings came out of a roost near Sheepwash first thing, and c20 Blackbirds around the carpark.Simon Roddis
19/01/20223 Whooper Swans (2 ads,1 juv) off Stones causeway were new in this morning, while the GNDiver was off Millfields and the 2 Red-necked Grebes still at Millfields and Lane End. 44 Barnacle Geese. 1 Woodcock at Hall Wood first thing. 50 Siskin at Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
18/01/2022The GNDiver and both Red-necked Grebes again in their regular spots this morning. Increased geese numbers: c500 Canada and 350 Greylags (most of the Greylags flew in after midday), with c40 Barnacles and hybrids feeding in WLC fields. 70 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 09:15. c600 Lapwing. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end at first light. 1 Little Egret and 3 Grey Herons.Simon Roddis
17/01/2022Single Red-necked Grebe at Millfields early morning and the GNDiver off Stones. c350 Canada Geese. 49 Barnacles plus 3 Nene hybrids. 19 Greylag. 3 Pintail from WLC. 1 Oystercatcher still. 2 Red Kites.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
16/01/2022This morning: Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island, Water Rail calling from Hopton reedbed, Red-necked Grebe near draw-off tower Millfields, 8 Goosander at Millfields early morning only, 4 Pintail still at WLC and 5 Snipe there, Oystercatcher still at Watersports and at least 1 Redshank mobile.Roger Carrington
15/01/2022No sign of the swans (except Mutes) this morning but the 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver were still present. 3 Curlew past Stones island and the Oystercatcher still. 4 Pintail and 1m Shoveler from WLC. 6 Goosander (3m,3f) at Millfields.Simon Roddis
14/01/2022A beautiful herd of 13 Bewick's Swans was off Sheepwash all afternoon, along with 8 Whoopers. The first Bewick's since 2013, and my first ever here. Red-necked Grebes again at Millfields and Lane End, and the GNDiver off Stones island. 44 Barnacle Geese with 3 Nene hybrids in WLC fields. A GSWoodpecker drumming at Lane End. 7 Tree Sparrows at WLC. In the gull roost, c10,000 Black-heads, 1,000 Common, 200 Lesser Black-backs, 1 adult Yellow-legged. At Hopton end at dusk, 2 Woodcock, Water Rail and Tawny Owl. A great afternoon!Simon Roddis
13/01/2022Both Red-necked Grebes and the Great Northern Diver were on their usual beats this morning, and the Oystercatcher was on Horseshoe island. 40 Barnacle Geese and the 2 hybrids again. 1m Shoveler at WLC. c650 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. 3 Sparrowhawks. 5 Raven over Millfields. 6 Tree Sparrow.Simon Roddis
12/01/2022Both Red-necked Grebes again this morning but separately, at Millfields and off Lane End, and the GNDiver off Stones island. In other wildfowl news: 177 Canadas, at least 38 Barnacles (plus 2 Nene hybrids), 3 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan, 159 Gadwall, 227 Wigeon, 186 Mallard, 4 Pintail, 406 Teal, 11 Pochard, 213 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 18 Moorhen, 1182 Coot, 32 LGrebe, 79 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher (very early return date but not the earliest ever), c500 Lapwing, the Black-tailed Godwit still, 2 Redshank, 20 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron. 1 Red Kite perched near Sheepwash and c60 Siskin at Middle Wood, plus a mixed Siskin/Lesser Redpoll flock in alders near the WLC.Simon Roddis
11/01/20222 Red-necked Grebes together by Millfields draw-off tower early morning. I couldn't find the Lane End bird so I assume that the 2 have found each other (again?). The adult GNDiver was off Stones island and the Black-tailed Godwit still on Stones causeway. 4 Pintail (2m,2f) again from WLC. 183 Canada. 9 Barnacle. 3 Goosander. A Water Rail showed well in WLC creek mid-morning and a young Peregrine put everything up off Horseshoe island. 1 Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Total of 170 Redwing. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/01/2022The Great Northern Diver, 2 Red-necked Grebes and Black-tailed Godwit still all present this morning. A Great Egret was on Shiningford island late morning (credit to Alison and Roger). 4 Pintail still. c400 Lapwing. 2 Kingfishers (Penn Carr and Brown Ale Bay). 6 Willow Tits. Out of the corvid roost early morning, c1000 Jackdaws, 200 Rooks and 100 Carrion Crows over the visitor centre.Simon Roddis
09/01/20221 Red Necked Grebe, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Redshank, 5 Pied Wagtail, 75 Lapwing, 60 Teal, 10 Pochard, 1 Redwing, 8 Little Grebe, 26 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Meadow Pipit, Pintail 2M 1F, 13 Greylag, 10 Gadwall, 1 Raven, 1 Black-tailed GodwitDavid Armitt
09/01/2022The Great Northern Diver and 2 Red-necked Grebes (Millfields and Lane End) still this morning. 1+ Woodcock, 3 Tawny Owls, 2 Little Egrets and 1 Water Rail at Hopton end early morning. 4 Pintail (2m,2f) from WLC. The Black-tailed Godwit again around Stones island and then WLC. 2 Redshank. 1 Red Kite. 4 Raven.Simon Roddis
07/01/2022The adult GNDiver was again off Millfields early afternoon, and 2 Red-necked Grebes again, one at Millfields and one off Lane End. An adult Kittiwake, presumably yesterday's bird, was on sailing club shore early afternoon and the second-winter Caspian Gull was on Horsehoe island (from WLC) mid-afternoon. Pair of Pintail from WLC. 2 Peregrines (male and female) over Blackwall plantation. 24 Snipe over Stones island.Simon Roddis
05/01/20224 Tree sparrows on nut feeder at Millfields Car park. Grey wagtail near Dam wall.Matthew Birkin
06/01/2022An adult Great Northern Diver, quite possibly the returning bird of previous winters, was initially off Stones island then resting out in the middle of the res. We'd almost given up hope! Couldn't find any Red-necked Grebes. An adult Kittiwake sat on buoy number 7 for a while, and yesterday's second-winter Caspian Gull and Black-tailed Godwit were still around. 3 Pintail from WLC. 1 Little Egret still, quite surprising given how cold it is. 13 Fieldfare flew S. c20 Lesser Redpoll on Stones and a mixed flock of c50 Goldfinch, Siskin and Redpoll at the WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
05/01/2022Ad hoc wildfowl count: 2 Red-necked Grebes (Millfields and Lane End), 85 GCGrebe, 37 Little Grebe, 16 Mute Swan, 223 Canada, 6 Barnacle, 62 Greylag, 137 Gadwall, 205 Wigeon, 135 Mallard, 4 Pintail (2m,2f), 348 Teal, 14 Pochard, 184 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 14 Moorhen, 1195 Coot, c400 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC, 2nd-winter Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island around midday, 24 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron.Simon Roddis
04/01/2022The Red-necked Grebe again off Millfields this morning. 140 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 09:40. 8 Barnacle Geese. 2 Woodcock at Sheepwash early morning. 1 Little Egret still. 2 Red Kites. c50 Fieldfare above Hopton village. 30 Siskin.Simon Roddis
03/01/2022The Red-necked Grebe was at the Millfields end of the dam wall early morning. 180 Canada Geese. 7 Barnacles. 1 Woodcock at Penn Carr. 250 Common Gulls from PS hide late morning. Little Egret from WLC again. 3 Red Kites. 1 Skylark S over Stones. 200 Redwing. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
02/01/2022Species seen during first Birdwatching for Beginners walk of the year (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Pied wagtail, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Robin, Lapwing (around 350), Raven, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Red Kite, Gt Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Carrion Crow, Wigeon, Pochard, Teal, Common Gull, Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit, Blackbird, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Barnacle Goose, Redshank (2), Collared Dove, Magpie, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Willow Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Snipe (at least 5), Wren, Tree Sparrow, Pintail (m), Dunnock In addition, earlier when alone, I also saw Nuthatch, Siskin, Goldfinch, Redwing, Bullfinch, Long-tailed Tit and a Mistle Thrush that decided it was spring, singing its heart out!Gary Atkins
02/01/2022Lapwing 300+ Wigeon 128, 83 Teal, Monte Swan 16, Grey Heron 1,Pochard 15, Cormorant 6, Goldeneye 3, Greylag 7, Gadwall 7, Lesser Redpoll 6,Goldfinch 15, Redwing 10, Bullfinch 4, Pintail 1, long tailed tit 6, Meadow Pipit 1, Raven 2David Armitt
01/01/2022Happy New Year! The Red-necked Grebe was again off Millfields this morning. 3 Pintail (2m,1f) from WLC. 5 Goosander (2m,3f) at Millfields early on. 2 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 1 Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 1 Little Egret. 4 Red Kites over Fishtail creek. Kingfisher at Millfields. 4 Raven. 1 Skylark over. 1 Brambling on Stones island. Total of c80 Siskin. A Yellowhammer over WLC creek - we had to wait until December for one last year!Simon Roddis
31/12/20213 Goldeneye (1m,2f) between draw-off tower and MillfieldsGary Atkins
31/12/2021Red-necked Grebe again at Millfields, and lots of people coming to see it! 1 Shelduck at Sheepwash. Pair of Pintail in Shiningford creek. 22 Snipe flying around Stones island, presumably flushed from Horseshoe island. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 1 + Redshank. 3 adult Yellow-legged and 8 Herring Gulls on Sheepwash spit early pm. 32 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 20 Lesser Redpoll on Stones and c60 Siskin near the WLC.Simon Roddis
30/12/2021The Red-necked Grebe was on its usual beat off Millfields this morning. 7 Shoveler (6m,1f) were new in. Pair of Pintail at WLC. 9 Goldeneye. 65 Greylags. c600 Lapwing. 5 Snipe. 2 adult GBbG, including Onefoot. 14 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
29/12/2021The Red-necked Grebe was again near the draw-off tower at Millfields, then off the dam wall closer to sailing club late morning. 195 Canadas. 9 Greylag. 17 Mute Swan. Drake Pintail at WLC. c750 Lapwing. 5 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull. Best day for raptors for ages, though only average really: 6 Buzzard, 3 Sparrowhawk, single Kestrel and Peregrine - they must have struggled during the past several days of rain, fog and no wind. Female Brambling at Millfields.Simon Roddis
28/12/2021One Red-necked Grebe was just north of Millfields this morning. c600 Lapwing. 3+ Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 31 Cormorant. 2 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
27/12/2021RedNecked Grebe 1 Goldeneye (M) 1 Both from Millfields CP 1230-1300 Note - 8 Whopper Swans seen in field off B5030 (from A50 but before Crakemarsh) might be the same birds recently seen at Carsington Michael
26/12/2021Couldn't find any different grebes or swans in the murk this morning. 11 Shoveler (5m,6f). 3 Pintail (1m,2f). 2 Kingfishers chasing at Hopton end, and a female Brambling also there. 13 Lesser redpolls on Stones island.Simon Roddis
24/12/2021One Red-necked Grebe was in Sailing Club bay and off Stones island this morning, presumably one of the 2 here a couple of days ago but who knows? Similarly, 8 Whooper Swans (6 ads, 2 juvs) were probably part of the 13 earlier in the week. 1 Little Egret at WLC. 4 Shoveler (2m,2f). 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Kingfisher in Sailing Club bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
22/12/2021Highlight of a belated wildfowl count were 2 Red-necked Grebes off Stones island, still present late pm up towards Sheepwash (looking from Stones). 13 Whooper Swans (10 ads, 3 juvs) dropped in about 12:15, also still present late pm. 274 Canadas, 18 Barnacle, 3 Greylag, 3 Pink-feet, 20 Mute Swans, 2 Shoveler, 145 Gadwall, 270 Wigeon, 244 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 432 Teal, 30 Pochard, 205 Tufted, 11 Goldeneye, 23 Moorhen, 1,268 Coot, 39 Little Grebe, 74 GCGrebe, 550 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 3 Woodcock, 19 Cormorant, 2 Heron. In the gull roost late afternoon, c10,000 Black-headed, 1,500 Common, 500 Lesser Black-back, 4 Herring, 2 adult Yellow-leg and 1 adult Caspian. 200 Starlings over, presumably heading to roost.Simon Roddis
21/12/21A pair of Shelduck between Stones island and Millfields this morning. Female Pintail at WLC. c200 Canada, 3 Greylag, 8 Barnacle and 1 Pink-foot in the fields, plus 45 Pink-feet SW at 10:40. 400 Lapwing. The Ruff and Redshank still. c40 Siskins near the WLC.Simon Roddis
11/12/2021A Jack Snipe showed briefly on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 1 Ruff and 2 Redshank still. 1 Dunlin past Stones island. 320 Lapwing. 208 Canadas. 3 Greylag. 27 Mute Swan. 91 Gadwall. 158 Wigeon. 274 Mallard. 475 Teal. 3 Pintail. 46 Pochard. 9 Goldeneye (5m,4f). 18 Moorhen. 22 LGrebe. 70 GCGrebe. Total of 75 Siskin.Simon Roddis
09/12/2021A redhead Smew was off Watersports island from 08:20. Flighty, didn't seem particularly settled, last seen around 09:00. The first since Feb 2011. A Yellowhammer over Stones later was also the first of the year (as far as I know anyway). 300 Canada Geese. 32 Greylags (highest since early October). 2 Little Egrets. 1 Ruff and 2 Redshank still. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at Millfields. 16 Magpies, including 13 at the Millfields feeders.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
07/12/2021An adult Kittiwake flew up the res around 09:00, perhaps ahead of the impending storm. 2 Barnacle Geese. 27 Mute Swans. 3 Pintail still. 120 Lapwing. Single Ruff and Redshank still. 3 Woodcock into Hopton end first thing. 4 Snipe. c900 Common Gulls early morning - unusual for such high numbers to be around in the morning, they usually seem to leave even earlier than the Lesser Black-backs. 1 Little Egret still. 1 Red Kite. 2 Skylarks flew S. 15 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
05/12/21Species seen during the Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-11.45am), though a couple may have only been seen by me ahead of the main walk: Blackbird, Gadwall, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Mallard, Coot, Teal, Little Grebe, Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Robin, Gt Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Siskin, Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Dunnock, Mute Swan, Wren, Wigeon, Cormorant, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Redpoll, Pink-footed Goose, Canada Goose, Pochard, House Sparrow, Ruff, Long-tailed Tit, Fieldfare, Bullfinch, Redwing, Redshank, Little Egret, Raven, WoodpigeonGary Atkins
04/12/20213 Pintail (2m,1f) again. 185 Lapwing, an increase on the last couple of days. 1, maybe 2 male Ruff at WLC. 10 Stock Dove, including 8 S. 2 Little Egret. 1,400 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning. 7 Ravens over Hall Wood. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/12/2021Afternoon visit: a Water Rail showed very well in Brown Ale Brook (the stream below the path to Paul Stanley hide). The gull roost seemed much smaller than below the cold weather: c5,000 BhGulls, 1,000 Common, 1,000 Lesser Black-back, 3 Herring. Corvids from the main centre late pm: c1,400 Jackdaws, 80 Carrion, 105 Rooks. 1 Little Egret. 2 Redshank.Simon Roddis
02/12/2021Partial wildfowl count to see if the weekend's cold weather brought any in: 283 Canadas, 20 Mute Swan, 2 adult Whoopers off Stones, 132 Gadwall, 219 Wigeon, 238 Mallard, 3 Pintail (2m,1f), 474 Teal, 41 Pochard, 175 Tufted, 12 Goldeneye (5m,7f), 1 redhead Goosander, 23 Moorhen, 33 LGrebe, 56 GCGrebe, 65 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, probably 4 Redshank, 3 Woodcock, 1 Little Egret. 4 Sparrowhawks, including a displaying pair. 30 Blackbirds.Simon Roddis

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