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
2020-09-11420 Greylags flew in this morning. Only 27 Wigeon at Millfields. 37 Gadwall, most of them off Stones causeway. 5 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 43 Pochard. 1 Curlew flew W over WLC creek. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 9 Grey Heron. 3 Little Egret. 65 House Martins, 2 Sand martins and 16 Swallow. Single Reed and Willow Warblers on Stones island. 3 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
2020-09-102 drake Common Scoter off Stones island all morning. Female Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. WLC creek was quite busy, with a beautiful juvenile Whinchat (first of the year), 2 Common Whitethroat, and 2 Golden Plover and 13 Lesser Redpoll over (plus another 3 LR over BABay). 3 Ringed Plover over Millfields early morning, and a Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. 2 Kingfishers. Reed Warbler in BABay. 15 Meadow Pipits over.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-09-097 Knot flew around the WLC area for a minute or so this morning but didn't land and I didn't see them again. 635 Canada Geese and 390 Greylags. 37 Gadwall. 64 Wigeon at Millfields. 231 Teal. 30 Pochard. 325 Tufted Duck. 590 Coot (probably more as it's difficult counting around Sheepwash at the moment). 35 Cormorant. 7 Grey Heron. 2 Little Egret. 1 Red Kite. Hirundine numbers much reduced but still 40 House Martins, 5 Sand Martins and 15 Swallows. 27 Chiffchaff. 5 Blackcaps. 1 Redstart still in WLC fields. 23 Tree Sparrow (22 at WLC). 2 Yellow wagtail on the dam wall early morning. 20 Meadow Pipits over. 14 Siskin (12 at Brown Ale Bay).Simon Roddis
2020-09-08This morning, 410 Greylag, 1 Pintail, 41 Pochard, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 LRP, 1 Barwit, the adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Little Egret, 1 Red Kite over the east side, Redstart in WLC creek, 3 Lesser Redpoll around the visitor centre/Stones. 4 species there that we didn't get yesterday!Simon Roddis
2020-09-07An all-day session from dawn to dusk resulted in 92 species being recorded. Highlight was a juvenile Marsh Harrier which flew S down the res just after midday. Counts of 360 Greylag, 38 Mute Swan, 255 Teal and 35 Pochard, with 2 Shelduck and single male Common Scoter and female Red-crested Pochard. 3 Little Egret at dusk, looking as if they wanted to roost on Stones island, while a Great Egret flew NE also at dusk. 46 Cormorant. 2 Oystercatcher. 71 Lapwing. 4 Dunlin. 1 Ringed Plover. 1 Redshank. Single adult Common and Yellow-legged Gulls. 2,300 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost by 20:00. 2 Red Kite over the east side. Hobby at Hopton reedbed at first light. 2 Kingfishers. 4 Swifts from Stones island. 78 Rooks over Hopton end early morning. 1 Skylark, 70 Pied and 3 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall (and 30 Pied went to roost on Watersports island at dusk). 76 House Martins resting on the visitor centre roof. 1 Willow Warbler on Stones. 3 Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. 4 Lesser Redpoll dropped into WLC creek, and a Crossbill and 20 Siskin SW through Millfields.SJR,RC,AHS,ASB,NM
2020-09-0612 Pied Wagtail,11 Little Grebe,5 Robin,30 Teal, 4 Grey Heron,6 Gadwall,8 Moorhen,19 Great Crested Grebe,8 House Martin,16 Tree Sparrow, 2 Bullfinch,3 Chiffchaff,3 Willow Tit,24 Mute Swan,50+ sand Martin,1 Willow Warbler,1 Blackcap,29 cormorant,1 Redshank,2 Swifts,2 Reed BuntingDavid Armitt
2020-09-05Green Sandpiper from WLC at 15.15. Hobby at Sheepwash at 16.25.Neil Moulden
2020-09-05This morning: 359 Greylag, 68 Wigeon, 199 Teal, 44 Pochard, 1 Dunlin, 3 Common Sand, adult Yellow-leg, 2 GBbG, 39 Cormorant, juv Red Kite again, single Peregrine and Hobby, Kingfisher in Shiningford creek, 3 Swifts over Stones island, 8 Raven, 15 Sand Martin, 60 House Martin, 43 Mistle Thrushes at Sheepwash, 60 Pied Wag including 50 on the dam wall early morning, along with 2 Yellow Wags including the leucistic bird seen earlier in the week.Simon Roddis
2020-09-04The Osprey was around again from 09:55 to 11:25 at least. 230 Canada Geese, 1 Barnacle and 324 Greylags. 50 Wigeon. 120 Teal. 1 Shoveler. 29 Pochard. A juv Red Kite settled on the shore beneath Hall Wood, apparently interested in something that a group of Carrion Crows had got, but they were having none of it. Hobby over Sheepwash area. 2 Common Sand. Adult Common Gull and Yellow-leg still. 34 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 1 Little Egret. 7 Swift. Minima of 50 Swallow, 80 House Martin and 30 Sand Martin. 33 Chiffchaff. 33 Mistle Thrushes at Sheepwash. 1 Yellow Wag over Stones. 6 Meadow Pipits over. Total of 10 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2020-09-03Not a lot to report this morning but a further increase in some wildfowl, with 194 Teal and 58 Wigeon. 3 R-c Pochard still present. 8 Swifts around Stones island. Breeding migrants definitely getting thinner on the ground.SJR,RC,AHS
2020-09-02A very decent morning, perhaps the highlight being the Osprey catching a fish off Sheepwash carpark at 11:20, then flew N with it. Other raptors included 3 Red Kites over the east side, 9 Buzzards and a Hobby. A clear arrival of duck included 8 Pintail, 9 Shoveler, 18 Wigeon and 3 Red-crested Pochard (2m,1f). 113 Teal. 244 Greylags. A Green Sandpiper was on the Millfields end of the dam wall early morning. 2 Common Sand. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 8 Grey Heron. Kingfishers(s) at Millfields and Stones island. 3+ (maybe 6) Swifts. 200+ Swallow, including 150+ again out of Hopton reedbed early morning. c5 Reed Warbler also in Hopton reedbed. 3 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall, including a very pale (leucistic?) bird.SJR,AHS,RPJ,AMD
2020-09-01This morning, 2 Barnacle Geese flew into Millfields with Canadas. 205 Greylag. 6 Shoveler. 3 Wigeon. 27 Pochard. 1 Ringed Plover. 1 Common Sand. 2 adult Common Gull. 2 adult GBbG including Onefoot. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Swifts from Stones island. Loads of hirundines again: minima of 100 Swallow, 50 House Martin, 30 Sand Martin. c35 Chiffchaff. 5 Willow Warbler. 12 Blackcap. 1 Sedge Warbler on Stones. 1 Lesser Whitethroat and a Redstart in WLC fields. 5 Meadow Pipit. 1 Yellow Wag along Stones causeway. 80 Goldfinch and 6 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-08-31This morning, 2 Great White Egret flew through N 08:05-08:10, presumably the birds seen an hour later at Carr Vale. 4 Pintail and 4 Wigeon off Stones island were new in. 1 Shoveler. 20 Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. 270 Greylag. 2 Ringed Plover and a Redshank through. 2 Common Sand. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 44 Cormorant, including 18 (6+12) SW. A distant Red Kite beyond Fishtail creek. 2 Swift. Kingfisher(s) at Penn Carr and Stones island. Hundreds of hirundines again: 150+ Swallow left Hopton reedbed just after 06:00 and flew high and away - 2 minutes later and I'd have missed them; c100 Sand Martin at WLC; c20 House Martin over Stones. 4 Willow Warbler. Sedge Warbler on Stones. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Yellow Wag on Stones. 3 Meadow Pipit (lots moving at Spurn this morning, apparently). 80 Goldfinch at Millfields. 25 Siskin (8 Millfields and a flock of 17 dropped onto Stones island).Simon Roddis
2020-08-31150+ Sand Martin, 8 Little Grebe, 5 Grey Heron, 2 Sedge warbler, 2 Great White Egret over,45 Greylag Goose ,14 Pied Wagtail,1 Chiffchaff, 32 Mute Swan, 1 Blackcap,Grey Wagtail, 2 Swift,1 Kingfisher WLC, , 12 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 8 Cormorant,1 Redstart,2 Common Sandpiper David Armitt
2020-08-30Raft of 18 Gt Crested Grebes just off Brown Ale Bay; also here Common Sandpiper. Gary Atkins
2020-08-29The Osprey returned this morning and fished from 09:15 to 10:00 at least but didn't catch anything in that time, despite a couple of attempts. 2 Hobbies over the east side. 10 Buzzards. 2 Shoveler at Millfields. 2 Ringed Plover. 2 Common Sandpiper. 1 Common Tern. 32 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret in Tail Bay. 2 Swift. 3 Redstart in WLC/Shiningford creeks. Total of 18 Tree Sparrow. 40 Goldfinch at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-08-274 Greenshank dropped onto Watersports island at 08:00 but didn't stay long. 3 Ringed Plover on Stones. 70 Lapwing. 4 Common Sand. 1 Dunlin. c100 Teal. 25 Pochard. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 3+ Swift. 6 Stock Dove. Little Egret in Brown Ale Bay. 100s of hirundines, particularly Sand Martin. 6 Reed Warbler (4 Hopton reedbed, 2 BABay). Whitethroat on Watersports island. 45 Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash. Total of 5 Grey Wag. 2 Yellow Wag over Stones. c80 Goldfinch on Stones. 2 Crossbill SW over WLC creek.SJR,RPJ,AMD
2020-08-26A juv Arctic Tern flew past Stones island just before 08:00. Later 5 Common Terns (3 adults first, later joined by a juv and then a very scruffy moulting adult) and 5 Ringed Plover. 370 Canada Geese. 20 Greylags. 37 Gadwall. 103 Teal. 9 Pochard. 2 Common Sand. 4 Common Snipe (3 Watersports island, 1 WLC creek). Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 8+ Swift from Stones. Juv Peregrine chasing Lapwings again, and a Hobby from Stones. 5 Raven. 50+ Sand Martin. Single Redstart and Wheatear in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-08-24An Osprey drifted SE to the north of the reservoir at 08:00. 4 Shelduck off Horseshoe island. 25 Greylag. 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Yellow Wagtail over Millfields. 3 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad,1w). 34 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 4 Lesser Whitethroat and 5 Redstart in WLC creek/fields. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-08-23Monthly WeBS count: 241 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 41 Mute Swan, 2 Shoveler (WLC), 39 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 224 Mallard, 92 Teal, 19 Pochard, 300 Tufted, 1f Common Scoter, 22 Moorhen, 698 Coot, 33 Little Grebe, 46 GCGrebe, 68 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover (plus 2 flew through), 6 Common Sand, 1 Green Sand (Brown Ale Bay), 34 Cormorant, 8 Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow Wag. Also: 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad,1w), 10 Buzzard, 9 Kestrel in the air over Carsington pastures, 9 Swift from Stones, 6+ Raven, 1 Whitethroat at Hopton end, single Redstart and Lesser White in WLC creek, 1 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash, 24 Tree Sparrow at WLC, 10 Bullfinch including a family of 5 at Hopton end.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2020-08-22Around/from Stones island, 17+ Swift, 40 Sand martin, 3 Yellow Wagtail (plus 1 over Millfields), 2 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite over the east side, 80 Goldfinch. Elsewhere, 4 Redshank on the dam wall at Millfields early morning, 8 Siskin over Millfields, totals of 9 Goldcrest and 18 Tree Sparrow, and 2 Redstart in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-08-21Evening visit. 1,500 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 4 Yellow-legged Gull (2 ads, 2 first-years). 300 BhGull. 36 Gadwall at Millfields. 3 Little Egret. Hobby and Peregrine chasing over Sheepwash. Tawny Owl calling at Sheepwash. 1 Yellow Wag over Stones casueway.Simon Roddis
2020-08-212 Great Egrets at Millfields briefly this morning at 09:50hrs. When leaving they were heading over the dam against a rather strong headwind and I lost sight of them behind trees.Roger Carrington
2020-08-2120 Sand Martin, 7 Little Grebe,60 Goldfinch,18 Cormorant, 2 Raven, 6 Mute Swan,12 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret,1 Snipe,3 Common sandpiper, 3 Pochard ,4 Teal, 8 Great Crested Grebe,8 Moorhen, 12 Tree Sparrow, 16 Lapwing,,8 Gadwall,1 Great Black-Backed GullDavid Armitt
2020-08-20WLC fields 08-00 today - 20+ Mistle Thrushes, at least 2 Tree Pipits, Redstart, Robin, Buzzard, Willow WarblerDAVID HORSLEY
2020-08-2028 Gadwall. 80 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Common Sand around Stones/WLC. 1 Common Gull. 2 GBbG and the adult Yellow-leg still. 1 Little Egret. 6 species of raptor but nothing unexpected. 5+ Swift (same birds as yesterday?). 2 Redstart and a Lesser White in WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2020-08-1938 Mute Swan. 9 Greylag. 1 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 1 Wigeon. 92 Teal. 7 Pochard. 65 Lapwing. 3 Common Sandpiper. 1 Ringed Plover. 3 GBbGull, including Onefoot. Juv Common Gull. 2 Yellow-legged Gull, the long-staying adult and a sickly-looking first-year. 8 Heron. 3 Little Egret. 5 (9?) Swift. Lots of hirundines, minima of 100 House Martin, 50 Sand Martin and 20 Swallows which attracted the attention of 2 Hobbies over Sheepwash area. Kingfishers(s) at Millfields and WLC creek. Total of 4 GSWoodpecker. 6 Willow Warbler. 3 Reed Warbler in BABay. 50 House Sparrow at the visitor centre. 120 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2020-08-18Rain just stopping as I left at 10:30. Surprised so few waders, 4 Common Sandpipers around the site and 1 Snipe from WLC. 3 imm/female Pochard at Millfields and 3 males in Brown Ale Bay. 1 Swift high SW.Roger Carrington
2020-08-173 Ringed Plover again, along with 3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Oystercatcher, 91 Teal, 4 Swift, 50 House Martin, 70 Goldfinch and a Hobby around Stones island. Juv Common Gull (first juv I've seen this autumn) at Millfields. Kingfisher at Penn Carr. In WLC creek, 2 Redstart, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and a Reed Warbler.Simon Roddis
2020-08-16I'd hoped that this murky weather might have brought a bit more down but just 3 Ringed Plovers were on Watersports island. 2 Common Sand. 1 Wigeon, 93 Teal and 2 Pochard. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Around Stones, 30 Sand Martin, 40 House Martin, 2 Swift, 60 Goldfinch, 1 Whitethroat, and 3 Yellow Wagtails over. A Heron on Watersports island caught another Perch. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 3+ Spotted Fly at Penn Carr. 2 Redstart. 50 House Sparrows at the visitor centre.Simon Roddis
2020-08-15Teal now up to 107, mostly off Stones island early morning. 44 Mute Swan. 2 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 1 Wigeon still. 24 Gadwall. 2 Pochard. 218 Tufted in the northern part of the res. 23 Moorhen. 22 Little Grebe. 58 GCGrebe. 31 Cormorant. 9 Grey Heron. 2 Little Egret. 1 Common Sand. 2 GBbGull and the adult Yellow-leg. 3+ Swift. 2 juv Peregrine at WLC, chasing Lapwings and then each other; one caught a Lapwing which managed to escape and dive into a willow bush. 4 Raven. 50 Sand and 10 House Martin. Totals of 41 Chiffchaff, 17 Blackcap and 5 Willow Warbler. 2+ Reed Warblers in BABay. 2 Lesser White in WLC creek. 5 Blackbirds feeding on the water's edge at BABay, turning over dead leaves under an overhanging Sallow. 70 Pied Wag, including 40 on the dam wall. 40 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2020-08-14On a grey overcast morning, 45 House Sparrows on path to Stones Island, 60 Teal around the Island, Stoat on circular path and a Wigeon towards Sailing Club. Another Stoat near WLC, 3 Little Egret, 50 House Martins, 30 Sand Martins there and 3 Redstart along the Creek. Another Little Egret in Brown Ale Bay, also a raft of 186 Tufted Duck there which suggests well over 200 on site. A juv Common Buzzard with prey on the elevated platform between Sheepwash and PSHide viewed from the main track.Roger Carrington
2020-08-135+ Swift over Shiningford. 2 Common Sand and 2 Snipe in WLC creek. 1 extremely tatty immature Common Gull. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 35 Cormorant. 2 Little Egret. 50+ House Martin. 4 Spotted Flycatchers in Penn Carr (think different from the Millfields carpark birds). 32 Tree Sparrow (27 WLC, 5 Millfields, 75% juvs). 5 Siskin at Penn Carr.SJR, RJP, AMD
2020-08-1236 Mute Swan. 65 Teal around Stones island. 1 Wigeon. 1 Swift. 1 Whimbrel flew S. 1 Snipe in WLC creek. 2 Common Sand. 3 GBbGull, including Onefoot. Adult Yellow-leg. 2 Garden Warbler (Stones and 1 almost singing at Sheepwash). 2 Common Whitethroat on Stones. Total of 5 Lesser White. Reed Warbler still in Brown Ale Bay. 30 Starling above Penn Carr. 4 Spotted Flycatcher at Millfields carpark entrance. 4 Redstart in WLC creek. Tree Pipit over Millfields. Crossbill over Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
2020-08-111 Wigeon off Stones island. 1 Dunlin. 5 Common Sand. Adult Common Tern. 36 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. Juv peregrine again. Another new Moorhen brood - 2 small young at Shiningford. Garden Warbler and Spotted Fly at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
2020-08-10Whimbrel and Ringed Plover flew through, and single Common Snipe and Dunlin down in WLC creek. 20 Gadwall, plus 10 young. 10 (possibly 19) Teal. 2 Swift. Kingfisher at Penn Carr. Total of 10 Willow Tit. Garden Warbler and 2 Spotted Fly in Penn Carr (and another Spot Fly in WLC creek). 5 Redstart and 2 Lesser Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-08-085 Pied Wagtail, 2 Little Egret,14 Little Grebe ,18 Great Crested Grebe,14 Mute Swan,4 Grey Heron,3 Willow Tit, 7 Goldfinch, 1 Male Bullfinch,2 Willow Warbler,2 Blackcap,1 Spotted Flycatcher, 45 Lapwing, 2 Redstart,11 Moorhen David Armitt
2020-08-0808-00 - 09-00 WLC Creek/fields - Group of 7 Ravens above Creek plus 2 over Stones, 3 Redstart (2 Juvenile) in fields, 1 Willow Warbler plus 1 Chiffchaff from Stones walkway.DAVID HORSLEY
2020-08-08Female Shoveler off Stones island. 9 Teal at WLC. 1 Common Sand on the dam wall. Adult Yellow-legged Gull plus the sub-ad Caspian-type again. 30 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret around Stones. Kingfisher at Penn Carr. 9 Raven. Spotted Flycatcher on Stones. 4 Redstart in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2020-08-07Drake Common Scoter off Brown Ale Bay late morning. 3 Barnacle Geese. 3 Greylag. 3 Pochard. 2 Common Sand. A (probably) 3rd-year gull which looked as if it had at least some Caspian in it. 6+ Grey Heron. 1 Little Egret. Kingfishers at Millfields and Brown Ale Bay. 2 Reed Warblers still carrying food at BABay. In WLC fields/creek, 4+ Redstart, 3 Spotted Fly and 3 Lesser Whitethroat (plus singles at Millfields and Stones). 3 Yellow Wagtails SE at Millfields early morning.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-08-05Ad hoc wildfowl count: 308 Canada Geese, 41 Mute Swan, 20 Gadwall, 183 Mallard, 11 Teal, 1 Pochard, 305 Tufted, 17 Moorhen (plus a new brood of 2 small young in WLC creek), 557 Coot, 19 Little Grebe, 44 GCGrebe, 80 Lapwing, 33 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret. Also: 14 Swift, 25 Sand and 15 House Martin, 20 L-t Tit at Hopton end, 6 Redstart, including 2 between Sheepwash and Lane End.Simon Roddis
2020-08-04From the Millfields end of the dam wall early morning, a Green Woodpecker calling in Tail Bay, juv Wheatear and c200 Swallow. 43 Mute Swan. 1 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 26 Gadwall. 11 Teal. 218 Tufted in the northern half of the res. 2 Pochard. Total of 40 Swift, including 35 feeding at Sheepwash. 49 GCGrebe. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 26 Cormorant. 7+ Little Egret (4 flew in from N at 07:45). Kingfisher near Big Island. Totals of 80 House and 20 Sand Martin. 13 Mistle Thrush over Shiningford. 4 Redstart. 30 Linnet.Simon Roddis
2020-08-0210 Lapwing,4 Grey Heron, 3 Barnacle goose, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Little Egret,6 Moorhen, 6 Little Grebe,10 Great Crested Grebe,3 Willow Tit ,1Tree Sparrow,6 House Martin , 2 Redstart,8 Goldfinch, 12 Pied Wagtail ,1 Common Sandpiper,1 Reed Warbler, 1 lesser Whitethroat, 2 Wren, 8 Sand Martin, 6 Swift David Armitt
2020-08-02Quieter than yesterday but the first Dunlin for a while was on Watersports island. 3 Little Egret. 50 Swift moved S through. 8 Buzzard. 2 Hobby over WLC creek mid-morning. 11 Blackcaps in one bush on Sailing Club island. 3 Garden Warbler (1 Millfields, 2 Stones). 4 Lesser Whitethroat (Millfields, Stones, WLC and Shiningford creeks). 5 Redstart. 2+ Spotted Fly still at Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis
2020-08-01From Millfields early morning, a drake Common Scoter, a Green Sandpiper flew over the dam wall and 4 Spotted Flycatcher (family party) near the carpark entrance. Female Mandarin in Shiningford creek. 13 Teal. 2 Pochard at WLC. 19 Little Grebe. 31 GCGrebe in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Little Egret. 2 GBbG, 1 Herring among a group of Lessers, and one adult Yellow-legged Gull. Single adult Ringed and Little Ringed Plover on Stones. 2 Curlew through. 3 Common Sand. 1 Red Kite over Blackwall plantation. 4 Raven (2 pairs) chasing and ronking over the east side. In WLC creek, 6 Redstart, 3 Lesser White (plus one on Stones) and 2 Sedge Warbler. Garden Warbler on Stones. 2+ Reed Warblers in BABay, one with food.Total of 6 Grey Wag. 80 species, my highest total this year.Simon Roddis
2020-08-01(Evening) 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Grey Heron,1 Great Black Backed Gull, 6 Little Grebe,1 Raven, 1 Little Egret, 3 Barnacle Goose, 5 Moorhen,4 Lapwing, 8 Great Crested Grebe,4 Starling,2 Cormorant , 1 Tawny Owl wood behind Paul Stanley HideDavid Armitt
2020-07-302 Turnstone were on the shore at Millfields at 06:15 before flying off south. 44 Mute Swan. 17 Little Grebe. 1 LRP. 1 Common Sand. 1 Redshank at sailing club. 2 GBbGull. Adult Yellow-leg and adult Common Tern again. 9 Grey Heron including 4 flying S. 2 Little Egret. 1 Skylark N over Stones. 3+ Lesser Whitethroat (family party) in WLC creek. 6 Redstart. 45 Pied Wag on the dam wall. 1 Crossbill over Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-07-2942 Mute Swan. 4 Teal. 3 Oystercatcher. 1 adult LRP. 5 Common Sand. 2 Redshank in Brown Ale Bay. 2 GBbG. Adult Common Tern. 24 Cormorant. 2 Little Egret. 2 Red Kite over Blackwall. Juv Peregrine honing its hunting skills by chasing an Oystercatcher, and Hobby from Stones island. 5 Raven. 35 Swallows on the dam wall early morning. Recently-fledged Sedge Warbler with an adult on Stones. 2 Lesser Whitethroat (Millfields and Shiningford creek). 8 Redstart in WLC/Shiningford creeks.Simon Roddis
2020-07-28Not much different today but a Tree Pipit flew over WLC creek around 10:30. 15 Swift. 71 Lapwing. 2 Common Sand at WLC/Shiningford. 6 Oystercatcher. 375 Lesser Black-backs flew in 07:30-09:00. The one-footed GBbG (now adult) at sailing club and adult Yellow-leg still. 21 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. Kingfisher in WLC creek. 10 Willow Tit, including 7 at Millfields. c50 Sand Martin. 1 Lesser Whitethroat in Shiningford creek. 7 Redstart in WLC/Shiningford area. 70 Starling in fields north of Millfields. 30 Linnet still in Shiningford creek.Simon Roddis
2020-07-2609 00 - 10 00 suplementing SR report 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel, 4 Redstart incl. juveniles all WLC Creek area and field.Dave Horsley

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