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
15/09/2021On the dam wall early morning, c200 Pied and 2 Yellow Wags, 15 Meadow Pipits, 1 Wheatear, 150 Starling and 50 Goldfinch. 2 Pintail again off Stones island. 262 Greylags flew in, most then loafing at Sheepwash. 4+ Red Kites over the east side, 10+ Buzzards, a total of at least 5 Sparrowhawks, and an adult Hobby past Stones. 31 Lapwing, 4 Snipe and a Common Sand around WLC/Horseshoe island. 2 Little Egrets. Total of 45 Swallows and 6 House Martins. 2 Willow Warblers (Stones and WLC creek), a Sedge Warbler on Stones and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 15 Mistle Thrushes flew up the east side, first flock I've seen this year.SJR, AHS, RC
12/09/20211 wheatear on the damLauren Batt
12/09/2021Monthly WeBS count: 1,211 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 167 Greylag, 36 Mute Swan, 77 Gadwall, 65 Wigeon, 240 Mallard, 253 Teal, 40 Pochard, 231 Tufted, 31 Moorhen, 1,032 Coot, 28 Little Grebe, 56 GCGrebe, 48 Lapwing, 1 Common Sand, 2 Snipe, 41 Cormorant, 9 Heron, 3 Little Egret, 3 Kingfisher. c50 each of Swallows and House Martins moving through.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/09/2021This morning, 200 Pied, 3 Yellow Wags, 1 Wheatear and 70 Starlings on the dam wall. A few Meadow Pipits moving, counted 18. Adult and juv Yellow-legged Gull. 3 Little Egret. 26 Pochard. The 2 Pintail again off Stones. Common Whitethroat and Spotted Fly in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
10/09/2021On the dam wall early morning, 215 Pied, 2+ Yellow and 3 Grey Wags, 2 Wheatear, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Skylark, 89 Rooks over and 1,030 Canada Geese flew out. 2 Pintail again off Stones. Black-tailed Godwit on Stones and Common Sand at Sheepwash. 43 Cormorants. 2 Spotted Flycatchers, a Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, and a Common Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
08/09/2021A decent morning: a Grey Plover flew SW (calling several times) over the dam wall at 06:45, an Osprey went down the east side at 10:40 and a Spotted Flycatcher was in WLC creek. 224 Greylags. 2 Pintail. 36 Wigeon. 210 Teal. 21 Pochard. 46 Lapwing. 2 Common Sand. 38 Cormorant. 4 Little Egrets. 76 Rooks flew SE over the dam wall early morning, and 180 Pied and 5 Yellow Wags were along the wall. 1 Reed Warbler on Stones island.Simon Roddis
05/09/2021Species seen during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon ... apologies for late submission!): Red Kite (over Hall Wood), Buzzard (4 together, also over Hall Wood), House Sparrow, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Canada Goose, Mallard, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Pied Wagtail, Moorhen, Lapwing, Little Egret, Woodpigeon, Teal, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Swallow, House Martin, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Pochard, Blue Tit, Black-tailed Godwit, Tree Sparrow, Jackdaw, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Robin, Wren, Goldfinch and Tufted Duck. (Also seen by leaders outside the time of the walk: Swift, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Great Egret and Cattle Egret)Gary Atkins
06/09/2021Roger Carrington, Alan Stewardson, Neil Moulden, Brian Boothby and I have covered the site from dawn to dusk today. 84 species in total. Highlights were a Marsh Harrier and an Osprey, both from Stones island late afternoon. 4 Pintail. 4 Shoveler. 52 Wigeon. 29 Pochard. 5 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 6,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 5 Little Egrets. 1 Red Kite. 4 Kingfishers (Millfields, Stones area and 2 at Brown Ale Bay). 7 Raven. c100 Swallows. Common Whitethroat, Reed and Sedge Warblers on Stones. Lesser Whitethroat in WLC creek. 180 Pied and 4 Yellow Wags on the dam wall early morning. 10 Meadow Pipits, mostly flying N.Simon Roddis
05/09/2021A Great Egret flew in at 07:10 and was still around, on Shiningford island, at 11:00. 3 Little Egret. A Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island, Ringed Plover on Stones and 3 Common Sand. 595 Canadas. 53 Greylag. 31 Mute Swan. 211 Teal. 32 Wigeon. Female Shoveler at Sheepwash. 19 Pochard. 2 Swifts again around the visitor centre. 5 Raven. 120 Swallows, including 100 on the dam wall early morning, along with 200 Pied and 4 Yellow Wags. Willow and Sedge Warblers on Stones and a Lesser Whitethroat again in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
04/09/2021A Cattle Egret was on sailing club island around 07:00 this morning then flew past Stones at 08:30. Still reported as present off Sheepwash carpark early afternoon. Third site record. 3 Pintail flew through, departing SW. 177 Teal. 18 Wigeon. 12 Pochard. 3 Swifts around the visitor centre. Juv LRP on Stones. A Dunlin over the dam wall and a Common Sand on Watersports island. 3+ Kingfishers (Millfields, Horseshoe island and possibly 2 in Brown Ale Bay). Adult Y-l Gull still. 50+ House Martins over Stones. Common and 2 Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 150 Pied and 3 Yellow Wags on the dam wall. 130 Goldfinch on Stones. Not a bad morning 🙂Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
04/09/2021Cattle Egret still on shoreline at 18.25, viewable from Sheepwash car park.Paul Bennett
03/09/2021163 Teal, 19 Wigeon and 12 Pochard. 3 Little Egrets. Another Swift over the visitor centre, and totals of 25 House and 15 Sand Martins. 36 Lapwing. 3 Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island and 6 Snipe at WLC. Hobby over the road near Sheepwash. 150 Pied and 2 Yellow Wags on the dam wall early morning.SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
30/08/20215 Little Egrets again, and Teal up further to 155. 14 Wigeon. 3 Red Kites together over Hall Wood mid-morning. 3 Snipe, single Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 2 ad Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Sedge Warblers still on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/08/20214 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 16 Mute Swan, 1 little Ringed Plover, 30 Lapwing, 9 Little Grebe, 1 Kingfisher,20 Pied Wagtail, 2 Pochard,79 Teal, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank,1 Red Kite, 1 Buzzard, 10 Cormorant, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Gadwall, 5 Tree Sparrow, 30 Goldfinch, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 NuthatchDavid Armitt
29/08/2021190 Pied and 1 Yellow Wag on the dam wall early morning, along with 2 juv Wheatears. 5+ Little Egrets. Wildfowl numbers increasing: 144 Teal, 16 Wigeon, 15 Pochard. 32 Lapwing. 3 Ringed Plover on Flat island. 35 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Millfields. c80 House Martins, most of them over Sheepwash. 2 Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Willow Warbler still on Stones.Simon Roddis
28/08/2021Plenty of birds though no surprises this morning. 4 Little Egrets. 1f Shoveler. 2 Red Kites over the east side. 3 GBbGull and 2 Yellow-legs (adult and juvenile). Kingfisher at Hopton end. 2 Lesser and a Common Whitethroat at top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
26/08/2021Evening visit: at least 7,150 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 3 adult Yellow-legs. 2 juvenile Ruffs on Stones. c150 Starlings looked as if they were going to roost on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
26/08/2021A juv Ringed Plover was on the dam wall early morning and a late Swift flew past the main centre around 10:45. 2 Little Egrets still. 7+ Raven including a group of 6 N over WLC creek. Numbers of warblers and hirundines dropping daily.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
25/08/20214 Shelduck flew through at 08:40. Teal now up to 70. 6 Wigeon. 11 Pochard. 3 Little Egrets still, 2 Red Kites again over the east side and the juvenile Greenshank still in Brown Ale Bay late morning. Kingfisher at Millfields and 180 Pied wags on the dam wall. 70 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
23/08/2021This morning, 460 Canada Geese, 30 Mute Swans, 48 Teal, sub-ad Herring Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legs, 2 Little Egret, 2 Red Kite over the east side, a Reed Warbler singing at WLC, and 220 Pied and 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall early on.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
22/08/2021Monthly WeBS count: 267 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 233 Greylag, 27 Mute Swan, 4 Shoveler, 49 Gadwall, 221 Mallard, 42 Teal, 5 Pochard, 299 Tufted, 32 Moorhen, 607 Coot, 16 Little Grebe, 51 GCGrebe, 9 Lapwing (+28 over), 1 Common Sand, 1 Greenshank, 27 Cormorant, 10 Heron, 3 Little Egret, 2 Kingfisher. Also: 3 Swifts over Carsington village, 1 Peregrine, 3 Curlew flew N, 2 Snipe S, 5 Raven, Redstart on Stones, Wheatear on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/08/2021A Turnstone flew over the dam wall just before 07:00 and a Greenshank dropped onto Stones island at 09:45. 30 Mute Swans. 3 Little Egret. 50 Lapwing. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 240 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning, and a Kingfisher at each end. Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wagtails over. 55 Linnet at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
19/08/20213 pristine juvenile Black-tailed Godwits dropped into Stones island for a few minutes this morning, and a juvenile Grasshopper Warbler (another August tick) was in the same bushes as a Reed and 3 Sedge. 28 Teal. 2 Ringed Plover over the dam wall. 16 Buzzards, including a kettle of 10 with 2 Red Kites. 2 Little Egrets. 200 Pied Wags on the dam wall early morning, and a total of 6 Yellows: 2 over the dam wall and 4 on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
18/08/2021A productive morning started with a small wader arrival and movement: a Turnstone and a Ringed Plover on the dam wall, which then flew S; 3 more Ringed Plovers during the morning; 2 Redshank along the dam wall, an Oystercatcher at sailing club and 2 Curlew flew N. Later, an Osprey gave a great performance, coming down the res and floating around for 20 minutes, 10:40-11:00, the first here since April as far as I'm aware. 161 Greylags flew in. Female Shoveler on Horseshoe island. 26 Teal. 7 Pochard. 2+ Little Egret. 1 Swift. 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
17/08/20212 adult Kittiwakes flew down the res at 09:00 and stayed to 10:30 at least: my first ever August Kittiwakes at Carsi. 305 Greylags. 28 Mute Swan. 45 Gadwall. 7 Pochard. 32 Cormorant. 1 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Little Egret. 2 Red Kite beyond Fishtail creek. 2 Kingfishers (Hopton end and WLC creek). 25 Sand Martins. c90 Goldfinches on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
16/08/2021A flock of 11 Dunlin flying N up the res at 10:50 was this morning's highlight. c300 Greylags flew in during the morning. 35 Mute Swan. 27 Teal. 5 Pochard. 29 Cormorant. 2 Little Egret. Peregrine past Stones. 9 Swifts flew SW. 18 Common Gull. Single adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 190 Pied Wags on the dam wall early morning. Single Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
15/08/2021Evening visit: Ruff flew through, Greenshank dropped in, 20 Teal, Kingfisher in BA Bay, 160 Swallows past Stones, presumably going to roost. Gull roost: 4,000 Lesser Black-backs, 1 GBbG, 2 Yellow-legs, 26 Common, 400 Black-heads.Simon Roddis
14/08/2021Trying for that Pied Wag record: 240 along the dam wall this morning. 2 Red Kites over the east side. 3 Little Egret. 20 Teal. 5 Pochard. Kingfishers at Hopton end, WLC creek and BA Bay (2 birds maybe? Difficult to know). Totals of 50 Swallow, 25 House Martin and 4 Sand Martin. 1 Swift. Female Redstart in WLC fields. The Stones Goldfinch flock now up to c70.Simon Roddis
13/08/2021Pied Wagtails up to 225 along the dam wall early morning. Juv LRP and adult Peregrine on Watersports island. 3 Little Egrets, adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls and 4 Swifts still. Spotted Fly on Stones. c100 House Sparrows again at the main centre. 30 Linnets in fields S of Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
12/08/2021A bit quieter this morning. Just 150 Pied Wags, a Wheatear and the Barnacle Goose family on the dam wall. 1 Ringed Plover over. 3 Little Egrets. 15 Teal. Single adult Yellow-legged and GBbGulls. Garden Warbler at Millfields.Simon Roddis
11/08/2021A Great Egret flew past Stones island about 08:30 and was then mobile, settling on Watersports island and in Shiningford creek before departing S over Millfields at 09:40. 3 Little Egrets. Wildfowl numbers: 29 Mute Swan, 71 Canada, 30 Greylag, 43 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon (first of the autumn), 182 Mallard, 15 Teal, 4 Pochard, 370 Tufted (and a late brood of 2 at Hopton end), 16 Moorhen, 728 Coot, 49 GCGrebe, 17 Little Grebe, 30 Cormorant. 205 Pied, 8 Grey and 1 Yellow Wagtail plus 80 Swallows along the dam wall early morning. 3 Swifts. 4 Kestrel over Carsington pastures. Redstart and 4 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek/fields. Spotted Flycatcher on Stones. 20 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
10/08/2021c300 Swallows from Millfields early morning, looked as if many of them might have roosted on Stones. 27 Mute Swan. 40 Greylag. The Barnacle family, still with 4 young, are back at Millfields. 7 Pochard (4m,3f). 1 Little Egret. 3 Swifts still around the main centre, and 100+ House Sparrows there. c100 Lapwing around Horseshoe island. Adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and BA Bay). 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
09/08/2021Early Monday morning, 65 Swallows out of Hopton reedbed and c100 at Millfields, 160 Pied Wags along the dam wall, and single Wheatears on the dam wall and at sailing club. Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Garden Warblers at Millfields. 2 Little Egrets. 12 Teal. 6 Pochard (4m,2f). 4 Swifts around the main centre. 60 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Adult LRP and juv Ringed Plover on Watersports island. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 90 House Sparrows at the main centre and 70 Goldfinch on Stones. 1f Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2021This morning from Stones Island, 2 Shoveller, 1 Yellow legged gull,1 Redstart, 3 Swift, warblers included Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap,Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Sedge Warbler.A H Stewardson
02/08/2021A female-type Common Scoter was off Stones island early morning and later off Sheepwash carpark. 2 Little Egret. 47 Swifts flew SW. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Common and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
01/08/2021Species noted during the monthly 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon, around Stones Island, WLC and WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Swift, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Moorhen, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, House Martin, Sand Martin, Blackbird, Dunnock, Willow Tit, Swallow, Tufted Duck, Sedge Warbler, Woodpigeon, Whitethroat, Redstart, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Cormorant, Wren, Blackcap, Robin, Song Thrush, Pochard and RedshankGary Atkins
01/08/2021130 Pied Wagtails and a Skylark on the dam wall early morning. Hobby and Peregrine from Stones island. 3 Redshank (2 adults and a juv) on Horseshoe island. 1 Common Sand. Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher at Millfields. 2 Redstart and 2 Whitethroat in WLC fields. 30 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis
31/07/2021Evening visit 1930-2100: a few gulls in by then, 530 Black-heads, 60 Lessers, 8 Common, 2 GBbG, 3 Yellow-legs. 120 Carrion Crows on the dam wall/overflow carpark fields.Simon Roddis
31/07/20213 juv Shelduck flew through SE early morning. 1 Little Egret. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and sub-ad). c150 Sand Martins and 100 Swallows from PS hide. 26 Swifts. Total of at least 9 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay. 50+ Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/07/2021One adult Common Tern around for most of the morning, and a Whimbrel through Millfields early on. c100 House Sparrows at the main centre, the highest count in recent years at least (and one seen carrying and dismembering a Poplar Hawkmoth!). From Stones, c25 Sand Martins, Hobby, Red Kite, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpiper. c110 Lapwings on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
29/07/20212 adult Arctic Terns were on a buoy off the dam wall early morning, and then I assume one of them around Stones island mid-morning. A summer plumage Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island. 13 Grey Herons. 2 Little Egrets. 95 Pied Wagtails (72 of them along the dam wall early morning). c25 Swifts. 80 Lapwing. Juv LRP still. Reed Warbler singing in WLC creek. Redstarts in WLC fields and Middle Wood. 7 Willow Tits.Simon Roddis
28/07/20213 Common Terns through this morning, a single and a pair, all adults. 8 Barnacle Geese at Millfields, including the 4 growing youngsters (they must have been hiding in the long grass the last few days!). The 2 Ruddy Shelducks were at Millfields early morning (and they can fly!). 1 Little Egret. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and sub-ad). 20 Swifts over Stones. At least 2 Lesser Whites in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
27/07/20212 Arctic Terns (adult and juvenile) were on a buoy off the dam wall early morning (perhaps having roosted overnight?) until flushed by swimmers. 27 Mute Swans. 2 Little Egret. 1 Ruddy Shelduck at Flat Island. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull and 2 GBbG, including Onefoot. 1 Skylark on the dam wall. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat again in WLC fields, and 2 Garden Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
26/07/20218 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret from Stones causeway, 7 Teal, 2 Pochard, juvenile Red Kite, juv LRP, 1 Common Sand, 2 Redshank on the dam wall, sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher at Millfields early morning, Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, Reed Warbler on Stones (in Warbler Corner, to be precise) and Garden Warbler on the causeway, 12+ Raven including a flock of 10 N.Simon Roddis
25/07/2021Monthly WeBS count: 2 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 47 GCGrebe, 16 LGrebe, 29 Cormorant, 22 Mute Swan, 350 Canadas, 85 Greylag, 1 Barnacle, 2 Ruddy Shelduck, 137 Mallard, 4 Teal, 35 Gadwall, 261 Tufted,, 1 Pochard, 1 juv Goosander, 19 Moorhen, 333 Coot, 92 Lapwing, 1 juv LRP, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sand. Also 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and sub-ad), 1 ad Common Gull, 2 Hobby, 6 Swifts screaming around the main centre, 4 Redstarts under Middle Wood.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/07/20216 Common Scoter (4 drakes) off Stones Island 08:15. 1 Dublin flying around Stones Island. 3 Little Egrets and a Common Sandpiper on Sailing Club shore early morning. 2 Ruddy Shelduck still from Sheepwash car park. No Black-headed Gulls on Millfields Island at 10:00!Roger Carrington
15/07/20218 Common Scoter, including 5 drakes, mid-water at 10am. 2 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on raft near dam. 24 Mute Swans and Tufted with 4 fresh young from Stones Island. Reed Warbler and 2 singing Sedge Warblers still on Stones. Immature female Peregrine diving at Black-headed Gulls around Millfields. Still 2 Ruddy Shelduck at Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
13/07/20212 Little Egrets at Wildlife Centre early morning. Adult Common Gull at Sailing Club, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad+sub ad) and 2 Great Blacked-backed (ad+tailless imm) from Millfields. 2 Ruddy Shelduck still with geese from Sheepwash car park this morning.Roger Carrington
11/07/2021Ad hoc wildfowl count: 969 Canadas, 4 Barnacle (plus 4 young), 240 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan, 2 Ruddy Shelduck from Sheepwash carpark, 28 Gadwall, 125 Mallard, 4 Teal, 1 Pochard, 110 Tufted (plus new brood of 9 at Hopton end), 15 Moorhen, 309 Coot, 11 Little Grebe (plus 2 young below Hall Wood), 50 GCGrebe, 7 Oyc, 40 Lapwing, 2 LRP, 19 Cormorant, 7 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, adult Yellow-legged Gull. Also 200 Jackdaws over Tail Bay, Lesser Whitethroat with food on Stones island, female Redstart with 3+ juvs below Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
10/07/20215 drake Common Scoter off the dam wall/Stones island early morning. A Little Egret at Paul Stanley hide late morning. 23 Mute Swans. New broods of 7 and 8 Tufted off Stones causeway. 5 male Pochard. 1 Ruddy Shelduck just visible on the shoreline from Sheepwash carpark late morning. Adult LRP and Common Sand at sailing club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 7 Grey Herons. Skylark and c40 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning. Lesser Whitethroat singing but mobile in WLC fields.Simon Roddis

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