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
2020-03-22Both GNDivers still, the adult between Stones and Sheepwash and the juv off Millfields early morning. 29 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mute Swans courting and mating at Shiningford - one of the most beautiful bits of courtship you could wish to see. 3 Mandarin. 1m Shoveler. Male R-c Pochard from WLC still. 2nd-w Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 250 Jackdaws over the dam wall late morning. 10 Fieldfare N over Fishtail. 30 Redwing.Simon Roddis
2020-03-21The adult GNDiver off Stones island. Male Red-crested Pochard and female Pintail at WLC. 2m Shoveler. Pair of Mandarin in Penn Carr. 60 Canada Geese. 29+ Barnacles. Pairs of Lapwing, Redshank and Oystercatcher on Millfields island. 6 Snipe at Sheepwash. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad, 2w). Peregrine over Hopton end. 12 Chiffchaff. 20 Fieldfare N up the east side, and 10 meadow Pipits N. 2 Sand Martins from Stones (1 seen by Roger J only).Simon Roddis
2020-03-197 Oystercatcher ,57 Canada Goose ,23 Great Crested Grebe,6 Cormorant,8 Goldeneye,1 Redshank,2 Common Scoter,1 Jay,1 Willow Tit,3 Nuthatch,1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,5 Blue Tit,5 Great Tit,8 Greylag , 8 Gadwall, 2 Shovlers,2 Long Tailed Tit,2 Curlew ,1 Great Northern Diver David Armitt
2020-03-19Both GNDivers off Stones island. A pair of Common Scoter all morning from Stones/WLC/Sheepwash. 27+ Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarin at Millfields. 2m Shoveler and 1f Pintail at WLC. 10 Goldeneye (3m,7f). 10 Oystercatcher. 4 Lapwing. 5 Curlew. 6 Redshank. 1 Snipe. 185 Common Gulls from Sheepwash late morning. 4 Yellow-legged Gulls (1w,2w,3w,ad). 11 Buzzard from Sheepwash hide. 45 Redwing (40 at Sheepwash). 14 Meadow Pipits N. 8 Siskin N over Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-03-18Both GNDivers off Stones island. 2 Sand Martins around Stones at 08:00. 25 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarin at Millfields. 2 GBbGull, including Onefoot. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad & 2w). 30 Redwing at Sheepwash. 8 Tree Sparrow at WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-03-17Both GNDivers from Stones island mid-morning. 3 Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island all morning at least. Total of 37 Barnacle Geese: 27 down but a skein of 10 flew S at 08:45; very unusual to see Barnacles in V formation here, probably not part of the feral flock, possibly wild birds? At least 3, possibly as many as 8 Mandarins. 4 Wigeon. 3 Yellow-legged Gull (adult, 2w and 3w). 120 Starling N. 110 Fieldfare (80 NE, 30 SW).SJR, AHS, RC
2020-03-16Willow Tit survey (second visit) in the tetrad covering the northern half of the res: 6 or 7 territories (9 birds) plus another 7 birds outside the tetrad, so 16 in total between Middle Wood and Stones via the west side. The adult GNDiver off Stones mid-morning. 22 Barnacle Geese. 17 Greylags on Big Island. 47 Wigeon, 45 of them off Sheepwash late morning. 10 Teal. Two 2w Yellow-legged Gulls again. 18 Buzzard in the air in a scan from Sheepwash hide around midday. Kingfisher at the Hopton end. 2 Skylark and 21 Meadow Pipit heading N. 17 Chiffchaff (14 singing) and 6 Mistle Thrush (4 singing) between Middle Wood and Stones.Simon Roddis
2020-03-15Both GNDivers from Stones island this morning. 19 Barnacles. 3 Wigeon (2m,1f). 5 Mandarin (3m,2f) just north of Millfields. 1w Herring and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad,2x2w) at WLC. Kingfisher(s?) at Stones island and Millfields. 3 GSWoodpecker. 5 Chiffchaff. Mac and Amanda (STW vols) had 2 Sand Martins at the WLC around midday.Simon Roddis
2020-03-148 Great Crested Grebe,4 Long tailed tit,28 Canada goose,2 Robin,2 Chiffchaff ,6 Blue tit,7 Cormorant,5 Redshank,2 Wren,4 Little Grebe,4 Oystercatcher,4 Lapwing,4 Gadwall,2 Teal,1 Goldeneye,20 Barnacle goose,3 Snipe Black necked grebe in water sports bay Friday afternoon David Armitt
2020-03-14Little Ringed Plover still on Horseshoe island 15:30 and 2 Shelduck out on the res.Simon Roddis
2020-03-14A Black-necked Grebe showing the first hints of summer plumage was between Stones and Millfields around 0745, then at Millfields and off Stones island at about 10:30. Both GNDivers still from Stones. 3 Mandarin (2m,1f) at Millfields, then a pair landing in a tree in Penn Carr. 1m Pochard. 3 Yellow-legged Gull (adult, 1w, 2w). 3 singing Chiffchaff. Linnet over Stones. 5 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. Total c15 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2020-03-13The adult GNDiver all morning from WLC/Stones. An adult Kittiwake from Stones island 0830-0930 at least. 2m Pochard. 5 Teal. 6 Lapwing, including 1 displaying at Millfields. 29 Curlew at Sheepwash. 8 Redshank. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 2w). 21 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 3 singing Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2020-03-12The adult GNDiver from Millfields and Stones island early morning. 80 Canadas. 9 Barnacles. 9 Greylag. 1m Wigeon. 12 Teal. 8+ Stock Dove. 10 Oystercatcher. 10 Curlew. 4 GBbG. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 2w). 2 Peregrine over the dam wall. 4 Raven. 4 Chiffchaff. 10 Meadow Pipit over Stones/WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2020-03-11From Wildlife Centre 3.20pm to 4.40pm. 1Knot,1 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 3 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Barnacle Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black Headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, 2 Grey Heron, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, 2 Reed Bunting, Wood Pigeon, Tree Sparrow, Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Magpie.Lorna Lomas
2020-03-11Both GNDivers still, visible from Sheepwash hide late morning. c500 BhGulls, including c200 each at Millfields and Horseshoe islands. 26 Curlew at Sheepwash. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 4 Grey Heron. 9 Buzzards in the air from Stones island; 5 over Blackwall plantation later may have been different birds. 4 Chiffchaff. Total of 100+ Starling.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-03-08Monthly WeBS count: 102 Canadas, 30 Barnacles, 6 Greylag, 2 Mute Swan, 23 Gadwall, 60 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 6 Teal, 77 Tufted, 12 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 145 Coot, 12 Little Grebe, 52 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 30 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (first of the year), 6 Snipe, 7 Redshank, 15 Cormorant, 2 GNDiver, 2 Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Wag. Also: 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Herring Gull, Black-headed Gulls now showing interest in the raft in Brown Ale Bay as well as Millfields island, 1 (possibly 2) Chiffchaff on Stones island/causeway, 1 Fieldfare over Sheepwash, 4 singing Mistle Thrush, 8 Tree Sparrows at Millfields, 5 singing Reed Buntings.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2020-03-07Both GNDivers still this morning, the juv from Sheepwash hide, the adult out in the middle. 24 barnacles. Pair of Wigeon. 36 Curlew on Horseshoe island early morning, then later in fields at Shiningford. 14 Snipe. 2 Woodcock at the Hopton end first thing. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and 1w). 4 GSWoodpecker, including 3 together at Sheepwash. 7 Raven. 7 Willow Tit. 1 Skylark over. Chiffchaff again singing on Stones causeway. 3 Meadow Pipit on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
2020-03-06Both GNDivers from Stones island mid-morning. 4 Mandarin (2m,2f) at Millfields early morning are (I think) the first of the year here. 28+ Barnacles. 9 Greylag. Female Pintail at WLC. 12 Wigeon at Sheepwash. 17 Teal. 1m Pochard. 1(!) Lapwing. 38 Curlew on Horseshoe island early morning. 1 Dunlin flew N. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 1w). 11 Willow Tits, including several singing birds and a pair displaying at Millfields. 2 Skylark E. Chiffchaff again singing on Stones causeway. Simon Roddis
2020-03-05The adult GNDiver was off Stones island this morning. 28 Barnacle Geese. 8 Greylags. 2 Collared Dove over Stones. 23 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 20 Snipe and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and 2w) on Horseshoe island. GSWoodpecker drumming at Millfields. Chiffchaff singing on Stones causeway. 3 singing Goldcrests. 65 Redwing at Sheepwash. 4 Greenfinch.Simon Roddis
2020-03-04Both GNDivers still from Millfields and later from Stones island. 2 Shelduck. 18 Teal. 14 Goldeneye. 38 GCGrebes from Millfields. 38 Curlew, 200 Common Gull and 40 Redwing at Sheepwash. 28 Snipe at WLC. 1 adult Herring Gull. 4 Grey Heron. 4 Sparrowhawks (2 pairs?) over the west side, a bit of display, and perhaps a 5th bird, an adult male perched on a fence post in WLC creek. 3 Skylark over. 3 Meadow Pipit and 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. 1 Linnet over Millfields.SJR, AHS, RC
2020-03-03Both GNDivers from Stones island early morning and later from the WLC. 2 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Horseshoe island. 1 Kingfisher near the main centre. 2 Chiffchaff (Stones island and Millfields). 12 Tree Sparrow (8 Millfields, 4 WLC).Simon Roddis
2020-03-022 Curlew, Oystercatcher, Redshank (WLC), Redwing & Willow tit (Stones Island). 11.00amMatthew Birkin
2020-03-02Willow Tit survey around the southern half of the reservoir: 21 birds, including 6 pairs, about 15 territories in total. Adding those found on 26/2, that gives a total of 37 birds and at least 20 territories. Quite impressive! One GNDiver seen from the cafe. 26 Barnacle Geese at WLC. 2 Skylark and 2 Meadow Pipit over. 23 Song Thrush (12 singing), no overlap with the 23 on 8/2. 11 Tree Sparrow (9 at WLC, 2 north of Fishtail Creek). 5 Lesser Redpoll. Simon Roddis
2020-03-01The adult GNDiver, 1,000+ Common Gulls, c3,000 BhGull and 200 Lessers from Millfields early morning. 116 Canada Geese. 2m Wigeon, 1f Pintail and 1m Pochard at WLC. 10 Teal (8m,2f). 11 Oystercatcher. 35 Curlew on Horseshoe island. 4 Redshank. 2 Sparrowhawk. 6 Willow Tit. 2 Chiffchaff (1 snging briefly) on Stones. 13 Fieldfare S over Shiningford. 6 Skylark. Simon Roddis
2020-03-0126 Curlew,30 Barnacle Goose,2 Redshank,4 Little Grebe,2 wigeon,1 kingfisher,4 Robin,3 Reed bunting,2 Chaffinch,2 Dunock,3 Wren,4 Great Tit,2 Gadwall,8 Great Crested Grebe,1 Pochard,6 Mute Swan,2 oystercatcher,20 Cormorant,5 Goldeneye,5 Lapwing,4 Tree Sparrow,1 Kestrel,28 Canada Goose,2 GreylagDavid Armitt
2020-02-29Both GNDivers still but couldn't find yesterday's Shag. Female Pintail at WLC. 25+ Curlew. 35 Snipe and 4 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 11 Buzzards in the air from Stones island/causeway (6 to the south, 5 north). 4 Skylark N.Simon Roddis
2020-02-28A juvenile Shag was at Millfields, 07:05 to 07:30 at least, initially near the draw-off tower then flying to the east side just north of Millfields island. Both GNDivers still. 6 Wigeon at WLC. 9 Goldeneye (4m,5f) at Millfields. At least 63 Common Snipe on what's left of Horseshoe island. 22 Curlew. 2 Woodcock and 5 calling Tawny Owls at Hopton end at first light. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Simon Roddis
2020-02-27Both GNDivers still, from Stones island and later from WLC. 29 Curlew landed at Sheepwash at 11:20. 27 Barnacle Geese. 4 Greylags. 4 Mute Swan. 1 Shelduck. Pair of Shoveler. 1m Wigeon. Female Pintail at WLC. 2 Skylark N. At least 1 Chiffchaff on Stones island, with a little bit of song on this nice sunny morning.Simon Roddis
2020-02-26Covered the northern half of the res as part of the national Willow Tit survey this morning - not ideal weather conditions but birders can't be choosers. 10 birds, 6 territories identified, plus another 6 birds off the survey, so 16 in total from Middle Wood to Stones (via the west side). Both GNDivers from Sheepwash hide early afternoon. 80 Canada Geese. 27 Barnacles at Shiningford. The female Pintail in Shiningford creek. 9 Oystercatcher. 75 Lapwing. 3 Sparrowhawk. 3 Skylark N. 6+ Fieldfare among c60 Redwing at Hopton end (c100 Redwing in total). Simon Roddis
2020-02-26This morning from Stones island, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers,1 Sparrowhawk,and 1 Kingfisher, from the WLC 3 Redshank and 14 Common snipe. A H Stewardson
2020-02-25Both GNDivers still, the adult from Stones island mid-morning and the juv late morning with a crayfish from Sheepwash. A Merlin, probably a female, flew N up the res and over Sheepwash hide around 12:30. Total of 24 Barnacle Geese. 2 Greylag. 8 Teal. 2 Pochard. Pair of Stock Dove display flighting over Hopton end. Only c50 Lapwing. 5 Curlew and 4 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 2 GBbG. 6 Buzzard. 2 Sparrowhawk. 1 Peregrine. 5 Skylark over, including 1 singing over Millfields. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. Totals of 6 Goldcrest and 6 Mistle Thrush. 3 Grey Wag (2m,1f) at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-02-24Drenching rain dictated most species seen from Sheepwash/Paul Stanley Hides and WLC (11am-3pm): Mute Swan, Magpie, Gt Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Coot, Mallard, Willow Tit, Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow (VC only), Goldeneye, Blue Tit, Gt Tit, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Reed Bunting, Long-tailed Tit, Little Grebe, Common Snipe (x2), Chaffinch, Oystercatcher (x3), Woodpigeon, Robin, Goldcrest, Dunnock, Pheasant, Nuthatch and Siskin (both PS hide feeders), Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Lapwing (c 200), Greylag Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Redshank (x3 on what's left of Horseshoe Is), Gadwall, Moorhen, Starling, Cormorant, Pied Wagtail and Tree Sparrow.Gary Atkins
2020-02-234 Curlews, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 32 Barnacle Geese, c. 70 Lapwings, Kingfisher, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Tree Sparrows, 2 Goldeneye - all on Horseshoe Island or from WLC.Alan Hobson
2020-02-23One GNDiver, probably the juv, off Watersports island early morning. Pair of Shoveler off Stones island. 6 Wigeon. 3 Pochard. Pair of Goldeneye mating at Sheepwash. 2 Peregrine and 5 Buzzards over the dam wall. 1 Skylark over WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-02-22The adult GNDiver was off Millfields early morning, and 3 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 13 Goldeneye (4m,9f). 3 Curlew around Horseshoe island, and 1 Dunlin there and later at Sailing Club. c250 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 2 first-winter Yellow-legged Gulls. Peregrine over WLC. 9 Willow Tit, including 3 singing. 2 Chiffchaff on Stones island, one of them flycatching with a Goldcrest. Grey Wagtail singing at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-02-21Both GNDivers still, the adult from Millfields, the juv at Sheepwash. 2 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 1m Wigeon. 3 Pochard. 10 Oystercatcher. c200 Lapwing. 4 Curlew at Sailing Club early morning. 2 GBbG. 1w Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at WLC. Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-02-20Afternoon visit: the adult GNDiver out in the middle off Stones and Jack Snipe still at WLC. c30 Barnacle Geese in flight from Sheepwash. From Lane End hide late afternoon: 1,000+ Common Gulls, c3,000 BhGulls, 212 LBbGull, 3 Herring Gull, 4 Yellow-legged Gull (ad, 3 first-winters). Peregrine over Millfields. The volunteers had 35 Snipe and 10 Curlew from WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-02-20Sightings for 19/2. Red Kite low over Millfields CP. 2 Willow Tits on Millfields feeders. GN Diver in flight from Millfields towards Stones at c10:45Simon Thompson
2020-02-19Both GNDivers still, with the juv showing really well from Sheepwash hide late morning. 1 Jack Snipe again on Horseshoe island. c30 Barnacle Geese. 2m Wigeon. 2f Pochard. 42 GCGrebes from Millfields. 10 Oystercatchers, including 2 returning colour-ringed birds, 'Barcode' and M7, both ringed while wintering in Devon (and first seen by Roger C yesterday). 2 Curlew at Sailing Club. 4 second-winter Herring Gulls. 2 ad GBbG. Adult Yellow-leg. 7 Willow Tit,including 3 on the Sheepwash carpark feeder. 1 Skylark over Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island still.Simon Roddis
2020-02-18Adult and juv GNDiver off Millfields early morning. 1 Jack Snipe and 20 Common Snipe at WLC. 80 Canada Geese. 34 Barnacles. 6+ Greylag. At least 8 Oystercatchers. c400 Lapwing. 2 Curlew at Sailing Club early morning. 2 GBbG again. 24 Cormorant. 3 Grey Heron. 6 Buzzards in the air over the east side. 3 Kestrel. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 2 Skylark over the dam wall. 4 Lesser Redpoll at Penn Carr. Simon Roddis
2020-02-17Both GNDivers still, from Stones island looking towards Millfields this morning. It's now easy to tell the adult from the juv if either of them flaps its wings, the adult now being heavily in moult. 1 Shelduck off Watersports. 6 Wigeon. 4 Pochard. 7 Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew. 1 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 GBbG (ad and 1w). Peregrine from WLC. 6 Willow Tit, including 3 on the Sheepwash feeder. 1 Skylark N. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-02-16Both GNDivers still, from Stones island. The adult was robbed of prey by a Great Black-backed Gull, the first time I've seen that happen. It is also now in active wing moult, missing all its primaries. Just the 1 Pochard. c300 Lapwing. Only 7 Common Snipe visible on Horseshoe island. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 3 GSWoodpecker. 230 Redwing at Penn Carr. 11 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. c18 Lesser Redpoll (c15 at Millfields, 3 on Stones island).Simon Roddis
2020-02-15This morning, after the fog lifted and before the storm struck: adult GNDiver off Millfields, 2 Jack Snipe (fantastic views) and 64 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 7 Barnacle Geese, including 3 pairs on Millfields island, and a few BhGulls checking the island out as well. Female Pintail in WLC creek. Only 2 Pochard. 5 Oystercatcher. 560 Lapwing. 1 Curlew. 2 Redshank. 3 Skylark S over WLC creek. 20 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. 2 Blackbirds singing at Millfields, I think they're the first I've heard this year.Simon Roddis
2020-02-14Both GNDivers towards the east side between Fishtail Creek and Millfields this morning. 1 Jack Snipe again on Horseshoe island, with 38 Common Snipe. 29 Barnacle Geese flew in and then split up, with a couple of pairs later at Millfields. Pair of Pintail out in the middle, but only 1 Wigeon and 4 Pochard. c400 Lapwing. 2 Curlew at Sailing Club early morning. Kingfisher at Shiningford and Brown Ale Bay, perhaps the same bird. 2 Kestrel. 5 Skylark N. 200+ Redwing, including 100 at Penn Carr and 90 at Sheepwash. Mistle Thrush singing at Millfields. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-02-133-00 to 4 00 pm WLC to Stones Island - Common Snipe. Lapwing Oystercatcher Canada Geese Mute Swan Mallard GBB Gull Black Head Gull Cormorant Long Tailed Tit Wren Blue Tit Great Tit Blackbird Goldfinch Redwing Pheasant Magpie Great Crested Grebe Little Grebe Goldeneye Coot Tufted Duck Goldcrest.David Horsley
2020-02-12Both GNDivers still, the juv off Millfields early morning and the adult from Sheepwash late morning. A first-winter Kittiwake flew through, heading SW, at 10:30. The Pink-footed Goose flew in again with Canadas. 5 Greylag. 28 Wigeon. 26 Teal. 9 Pochard. 10 Goldeneye. 7+ Oystercatcher. c400 Lapwing. 21 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 4 Curlew were flushed by a Peregrine and then settled at Sailing Club. 1w Yellow-legged Gull. 5 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff still on Stones island. Mistle Thrush singing at Shiningford. Total of c150 Starling.Simon Roddis
2020-02-11Both GNDivers again of Millfields this morning. 1 Jack and 35 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Pink-footed Goose with c40 Canadas. 14 Wigeon. 17 Teal. 10 Pochard. 2 GBbGull. 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. 10 Bullfinch including 7 feeding on the ground at Millfields. 3 Meadow Pipits on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
2020-02-10Both GNDivers from Millfields late morning. 1 Jack and 26 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Shelduck. 21 Wigeon. 19 Pochard. Female Goosander at Millfields early morning. 7 Oystercatcher. 300 Lapwing. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-02-08Monthly WeBS count (as Storm Ciara might make it tricky tomorrow): the highlight was 3 female Scaup off Stones island, and both GNDivers are still present, the adult off Lane End hide, the juv at Millfields. 66 Canada Geese, 29 Barnacles and 5 Greylags. 2 Mute Swan. 34 Gadwall (including a pair mating at WLC). 22 Wigeon. 97 Mallard. 25 Teal. 30(!) Pochard. 96 Tufted. 15 Goldeneye. 1 Water Rail (PShide). 11 Moorhen. 291 Coot. 10 Little Grebe. 49 GCGrebe. 7 Oystercatcher. 600 Lapwing. 4 Woodcock (Hopton end, early morning). 25 Common Snipe. 3 Redshank. 2 GBbGull. 19 Cormorant. 1 Grey Heron. Also: 7 Tawny Owls calling at the Hopton end first thing, total of 10 Willow Tit (including 8 between the Hopton end and WLC creek), Chiffchaff on Stones, 23 Song Thrush (18 singing) between Hopton end and WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2020-02-0614 Barnacle geese (WLC), Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher (WLC), 30+ Lapwing, Redwing, Goldcrest, Willow tit (Behind Paul Stanley hide).Matthew Birkin

Scroll to Top