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
2020-02-05Great Northern Diver still present, seen from Stones island, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers,2 Redshank ,1 Chiffchaff and 20 Common Snipe TALC. AHS,RC.
2020-02-02Species seen during Birdwatching for Beginners walk today (10am-noon) from WLC to Stones Island: Dunnock, Robin, Blue Tit, Redwing, Great Tit, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Coot, Mallard, Gt Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Pochard, Wigeon, Chaffinch, Coal Tit, Willow Tit, Snipe, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Gt Black-backed Gull, Teal, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Redshank, Gt Northern Diver, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, House Sparrow, Goldcrest, PeregrineGary Atkins
2020-02-02The adult GNDiver still, but didn't see the juv. 31 Barnacle Geese. 11 Greylags. 9 Goldeneye (4m,5f) at Sheepwash. c350 Lapwing. 2 Oystercatcher. 46 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 first-winter Yellow-legged Gulls. 5 Stock Dove. 3 GSWoodpecker, including one drumming at the top of WLC creek. 2 Skylark over WLC creek. Chiffchaff at the WLC. 35 Siskin at Millfields. Simon Roddis
2020-02-01The adult GNDiver again, out in the middle. 203 Canada Geese. 16 Wigeon. 550 Lapwing and 20 Common Snipe on Horsehoe island. 2 Redshank. 1w Yellow-legged Gull. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Total of 150 Redwing (including 70 at Millfields, 60 at Sheepwash). 10 Tree Sparrows (7 Millfields, 3 WLC).Simon Roddis
2020-01-31The adult GNDiver out in the middle still. 160 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 10 Wigeon. 13 Goldeneye. c450 Lapwing. 1 Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew S over the visitor centre. 30 Snipe on Horseshoe island. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 9 Tree Sparrow (8 at Millfields, 1 at WLC). 15 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-01-29Adult and juv GNDivers still. The juv caught a crayfish (I think it's the first time in over 500 sightings of GND at Carsington that I've seen one with prey - they usually swallow it underwater) and shook it so that there were bits of crayfish flying everywhere, which it then retrieved and swallowed. 170 Canada Geese. 355 Pochard. 15 Goldeneye. 3 Grey Heron. 27 Cormorant. 1 Oystercatcher on Millfields island, then flew towards Stones. 1 Dunlin through. c200 Lapwing. 23 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Peregrine seen several times from Stones/WLC creek. Chiffchaff still on Stones. 200 Starlings in fields at the top of WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2020-01-28The adult GNDiver from Stones island early morning and a Jack Snipe at the WLC. 11 Pintail (7m,4f) also off Stones but very skittish and flew shortly after I saw them. A Red Kite flew south down the west side, over Carsington Pastures then behind the Visitor Centre and over Hognaston around 11:00. 10 Goldeneye. 38 GCGrebe from Millfields. 22 Cormorant on the Sailing Club raft. c400 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Redshank. 1w Yellow-legged Gull and adult GBbG. Simon Roddis
2020-01-25Great Northern diver, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, Redwing. (Around Stones Island)Matthew Birkin
2020-01-24Both GNDivers still, the juv off the WLC and the adult off Millfields. 1 Jack and 27 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. Female Pintail off WLC and the Cetti's Warbler still in the reedbed. 159 Pochard from Sheepwash (121m,38f). c350 Lapwing. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 1w). Chiffchaff and singing Willow Tit on Stones island. c100 Redwing at Sheepwash. 40 Goldfinch (plus 1 Siskin and 1 Lesser Redpoll) at WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-23Both GNDivers found once the fog had lifted late morning, the adult out in the middle and the juv close in at Millfields. 1 Jack Snipe, 45 Common Snipe and c300 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. The juv Grey Heron there had another vole for elevenses. At Hopton end early morning, 1 Woodcock, 4 calling Tawny Owls, 2, maybe 3 Grey Wags out of the reedbed, and singing Willow Tit. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad and 1w). The Cetti's Warbler still in WLC creek. Total of 170 Redwing. 20+ Chaffinch at Penn Carr. 50 Goldfinch at WLC. Total of 40 Siskin including 25 at Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
2020-01-22The adult GNDiver was off Stones island and the juv was seen by Dan Martin in front of the WLC. Dan also reported a Heron catching and swallowing a vole on Horseshoe island. 100 Canada Geese. 4 Greylags. 4 Mute Swans. 26 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. Didn't see any Jacks but I guess they're still there. 370 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis
2020-01-21The adult GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields, and one Jack Snipe at the WLC. 22 Greylags. Female Pintail at WLC. 4 Goosander (2m,2f) at Millfields, and 57 GCGrebe counted from the viewing area. 2 Grey Heron. 20 Snipe on Horseshoe island. Single adult Herring, 1w Yellow-leg and adult GBbGulls. Kingfisher in WLC/Shiningford creeks. Willow Tit singing in WLC creek. 50 Starling in fields above WLC creek. 8 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-01-21No sign of yesterday’s Black-necked Grebe around the WLC early morning. Note this species requires rarity form submission to Derbyshire Ornithological Society.Roger Carrington
2020-01-20Enjoy your blog. Visited Carsington for first time today (20th Jan). Thought you might like to know that there was a Black-necked Grebe about 100 metres north of the Wildlife Centre between 13:30 and 14:15 today - probably still around, and 100% certain of identity - textbook winter plumage.Paul Swinhoe
2020-01-20Both GNDivers this morning, the juv close to the shore at Millfields, guess it's been tucked into the west bank for the last few days, and the adult out in the middle. 1 Jack Snipe and 20 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 3 Curlew flew past Sheepwash hide at 12:40 but couldn't find anywhere to land and turned back south. 169 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 27 Gadwall (16m,11f). 30 Teal (19m,11f). 52 Wigeon (29m,23f). 194 Pochard. 11 Goldeneye (6m,5f). 15 Little Grebe. 50 GCGrebe. 2 Redshank. 1 imm Herring, 2 Yellow-leg (adult and 1w) and 1 adult GBbGull. 8 Willow Tit. 3 Raven.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-19Just the adult GNDiver again this morning, between Stones and Millfields. 3, possibly 4, Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island, plus 20 Common Snipe. At Hopton end early morning, 2 Woodcock, 4 calling Tawny Owls, 4 Stock Dove, 7 Reed Buntings out of the reedbed (plus 2 elsewhere later), 5 Fieldfare SW. 220 Pink-footed Geese NW over the north end at 10:45. 2 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from Stones causeway. 282 Lapwing on Sailing Club shore. 5 adult Herring Gulls through. Kingfisher from WLC. 5 Willow Tit. 3 Lesser Redpoll among Goldfinches at WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-01-18The adult GNDiver was between Stones island and Millfields this morning, and 2 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 166 Canada Geese. 10 Greylags (2 out with Canadas, 8 flew in later). 22 Cormorant on the raft off Sailing Club early morning. 330 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 19 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 765 Lesser Black-backs out over Millfields early morning, plus 1 Herring Gull. 2 adult Yellow-legs on the water. Adult GBbG. 500+ (possibly 1,000) Jackdaws over the dam wall early morning. Brief Willow Tit song on Stones, and the Chiffchaff there still. 4 Mistle Thrush, including singing birds at Brown Ale Bay and Hognaston end of the dam wall. 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2020-01-17Millfields 13 00 hrs, 4 Lesser Redpoll (Male plus Female), Bullfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Mute Swan, 9 Whooper Swan, GC Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Pochard, Nuthatch, Robin, Mallard, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Goldeneye.David Horsley
2020-01-17Millfields 13 00 hrs, 4 Lesser Redpoll (Male plus Female), Bullfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Mute Swan, 9 Whooper Swan, GC Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Pochard, Nuthatch, Robin, Mallard, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Goldeneye.David Horsley
2020-01-17Just the adult GNDiver again today, I wonder if we're just missing the juv? Roger spotted 9 Whooper Swans (7 adults,2 juvs) off Millfields mid-morning, there to 13:00 at least. 1, maybe 2, Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 17 Common Snipe there. The Cetti's Warbler showed along the fence down the side of WLC reedbed again. First-winter Yellow-legged Gull. Chiffchaff on Stones. 14 Blackbird in Sheepwash carpark. 50 Goldfinch at WLC.SJR,RC,AD,RJ
2020-01-15Only saw the adult GNDiver this morning, off Stones island. Early morning at Millfields, 500+ LBbGulls and 2 Herring flew out, with 2 Yellow-leg (adult and 1w) and 11 Goldeneye on the water. 172 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 8 Greylag. Total of 186 Pochard (147m,39f) at WLC and Brown Ale Bay. 5 Buzzard over the dam wall. 300 Lapwing. 16 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Redshank. Kingfisher and Chiffchaff on Stones. The Cetti's Warbler called and showed briefly in WLC reedbed. 6 Willow Tit. 50 Goldfinch and 2 Lesser Redpolls feeding on alders at the WLC. 2m Reed Bunting on Sheepwash carpark feeder.Simon Roddis
2020-01-14Adult and juv GNDivers again from Stones island, and Chiffchaff and Long-tailed Tits flycatching there. 2 Barnacle Geese. 5 Mute Swans. 14 Goldeneye. 350 Lapwing. 13 Common Snipe. 6 Willow Tit. 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-01-13Both GNDivers from Stones island this morning, plus a Chiffchaff there again. One Jack Snipe showing on Horseshoe island. 34 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:10. 291 Pochard. 350 Lapwing. 14 Common Snipe. 1 first-winter Herring Gull. 52 Rooks. 170 Redwing (120 at Sheepwash, 50 at Millfields). 30 Chaffinch (20 at Sheepwash, 10 at WLC). Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-12Monthly WeBS count: 2 GNDivers, 101 Canadas, 5 Mute Swan (including colour-ringed bird JCA back at Paul Stanley), 33 Gadwall (20m,13f), 54 Wigeon (28m,26f), 147 Mallard (89m,58f), 1f Pintail, 62 Teal (40m,22f), 306 Pochard (223m,83f), 133 Tufted (100m,33f), 11 Goldeneye (6m,5f), 1m Goosander, 15 Little Grebe, 37 GCGrebe, 1 Grey Heron, 27 Cormorant, 8 Moorhen, 487 Coot, 370 Lapwing, 3 Woodcock, 16 Snipe, 3 Jack Snipe, 2 Redshank, 2 Kingfisher. Also: 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. 1 Skylark over Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones. 4 Mistle Thrush, including singing birds at Sheepwash and Brown Ale Bay. 25 Siskin at BABay.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2020-01-11Jack Snipe again on Horseshoe island. Adult GNDiver from Stones island looking towards Millfields (juv also reported off Stones). c380 Lapwing. 3 Woodcock into Hopton end early morning. 15 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. Simon Roddis
2020-01-10The juv GNDiver was right in front of the WLC at around 09:00 this morning, and the adult between Stones island and Millfields. The Jack Snipe was among the cut-off brambles on Horseshoe island. 117 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 2 Greylag. 75 Pink-feet flew W just after 11:00. 37 Teal at Sheepwash. 38 GCGrebes from Millfields. 2 Grey Heron. c 200 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. Adult GBbGull and near-ad Yellow-leg. 2 GSWoodpecker, including one drumming at Brown Ale Bay, and 20 Siskin there. Simon Roddis
2020-01-09Adult and juv GNDivers again on their usual beats. 5 Shelduck at Millfields (and flying around). 3 Goosander at Millfields early morning. c280 Lapwing. 2 adult Herring Gull. 4 Raven (2 pairs). 6 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff still on Stones. 35 Starling and 2 Fieldfare over WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2020-01-08Both GNDivers still; the juv seems to be spending more time in the Watersports/WLC area now, the adult still out in the middle. 127 Canada Geese. 38 Gadwall. 41 Wigeon. 102 Mallard. 35 Teal. Female Pintail in Shiningford creek. 299 Pochard (198m,101f). 13 Goldeneye. 15 Little Grebe. 23 Cormorant. c400 Lapwing. 14 Snipe on Horseshoe island. First-winter Yellow-legged Gull. 3+ Raven. The Cetti's Warbler again called from WLC reedbed. Chiffchaff on Stones. 9 Tree Sparrow at Millfields. 14 Bullfinch (12 at Millfields). 15 Lesser Redpoll (13 at Millfields).Simon Roddis
2020-01-07Both GNDivers initially from Stones island, then the juv again later from the WLC. The Jack Snipe showed well on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 160 Canada Geese. 2 Shelduck. 242 Pochard from Sheepwash hide (181m,61f). 2 Grey Heron. Adult GBBGull. Chiffchaff again flycatching on Stones island.Simon Roddis
2020-01-06Adult and juv GNDiver from Stones again, then the juv at WLC mid-morning. 90 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 1 Shelduck. 30 Wigeon. 4 Buzzard. c350 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 14 Snipe. 1 adult Herring Gull. Kingfisher from PS hide. 6 Willow Tit. The Cetti's Warbler showed really well just after 10:00 in WLC reedbed, low in the single Alder near the main track; it and a Wren appeared to be scolding something on the ground (a Stoat maybe?). Chiffchaff on Stones. 70+ Redwing at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-056 Goldeneye,26 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall,275 lapwing,8 Blue Tit,10 Goldfinch,8 Long Tailed Tit,4 Robin,120 Canada Goose,1 Redwing, 10 Great Crested Grebe,20 Cormorant,1 Kestrel,2 Little Grebe,2 Chaffinch,1 Dunnock,4 Snipe,1 Redshank,2 Willow Tit,7 Tree Sparrow,5 Great Tit,62 Pochard,6 Teal,1 Great Northern Diver off stonesDavid Armitt
2020-01-05Species (39) noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon between Stones Island and WLC): Coot, House Sparrow, Mute Swan, Mallard, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Pheasant, Black-headed Gull, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Wren, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Long-tailed Tit, Gt Northern Diver, Dunnock, Raven, Robin, Little Grebe, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Jackdaw, Great Tit, Redshank, Tree Sparrow, Snipe, Willow Tit, Woodpigeon, Pochard, Barnacle Goose, Moorhen, ChaffinchGary Atkins
2020-01-058 Goosander at Millfields at dawn. Water Rail feeding at side of PSHide. Chiffchaff still on Stones Island. Cetti’s Warbler calling with ‘rattle’ and single note calls while moving rapidly through small reedbed by Wildlife Centre mid morning.Roger Carrington
2020-01-04The adult and juv GNDivers were still in their favoured areas this morning. 2 adult Whooper Swans untill 11:00 at least, in the Stones/WLC area. 230 Canadas. 30 Barnacles (the flock of 28 plus 2 which flew out with Canadas). 23 Gadwall. 29 Wigeon. 2m Goosander at Millfields early morning, and 29 Cormorants on the raft in Sailing Club Bay. c300 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull off Brown Ale Bay. 1 Peregrine. 600 Jackdaws over the dam wall early morning. 4+ Raven. Chiffchaff on Stones still. Total of 85 Redwing. 15 Tree Sparrow (10 WLC, 5 Millfields). 10 Bullfinch, including 7 at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-01-03Both GNDivers from Stones and the Jack Snipe showed again on Horseshoe island from the WLC. 110 Canada Geese. 28 Barnacles. 4 Shoveler (2m,2f) around Horseshoe. 225 Pochard. 415 Lapwing. 33 Rooks and 5 Raven over Hall Wood. 5 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff again on Stones. 12 Tree Sparrow (11 WLC, 1 Millfields).Simon Roddis
2020-01-023 Tree sparrow on feeders at Millfields car park. Matthew Birkin
2020-01-02Goldcrest on trail to Sheepwash car park from the centre about 11.30Sandra Coxon
2020-01-02The adult and juv GNDivers from Stones still this morning and the Jack Snipe again at the WLC. 4 Woodcock flew into Hopton end at first light and a Water |rail calling in the reedbed. 80 Pink-footed Geese flew NE at 11:40. 170 Canada Geese. 24 Barnacles. 27 Gadwall. 22 Wigeon. 9 Goldeneye. 350 Lapwing, rather unsettled by a Peregrine. 12 Snipe on Horseshoe island. c50 Redwing, 50 Goldfinch and 20 Siskin at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis
2020-01-01Reasonable start to 2020 with, Woodcock flying in to Hopton end at 07:30 and a rather vocal Water Rail in the Reedbed there. Adult and juv GNDivers off Stones Island. The Jack Snipe occasionally ‘bouncing’ but mainly hidden in brambles on Horseshoe Island. Also a pair of Shoveler and 21 Barnacles there. Near adult Yellow-legged Gull mobile around the site.Roger Carrington
2019-12-31Both GNDivers still. 21 Barnacle Geese. 7 Greylags. 41 Wigeon. 317 Pochard - definite increase on recent days. 1 Goosander. 35 GCGrebe from Millfields. 32 Cormorant. 4 Buzzard. 540 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 1 Redshank. 18 Snipe (Alan S's count). Gull counts from Lane End at 4pm: c5,000 Black-heads, 2,000 Common, 420 Lesser Black-back, 4 Greater, 3 Yellow-leg. 5 Willow Tit. 85 Redwing. 7 Tree Sparrow (2 WLC, 5 Millfields). 1 Linnet over Millfields. 3 Lesser Redpoll. 20 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2019-12-30Both GNDivers between Stones and Millfields. 98 Canada Geese. 22 Greylags flew in at dusk. 2 Mute Swan. 1 Shelduck at WLC (Alan S.). 38 Gadwall. 36 Wigeon. 114 Mallard. 18 Teal. 190 Pochard. 126 Tufted. 11 Goldeneye. 15 Little Grebe. 47 GCGrebe. (Failed to find the reported Red-necked Grebe.) 2 Grey Heron. 15 Cormorant. 4 Buzzard. 2 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay). 3 Moorhen. 449 Coot. 300 Lapwing. 6 Snipe. 1 Redshank. c1000 Common Gulls from Sheepwash hide by 15:00. 1 adult Yellow-leg. 1 GBbG. Kingfisher at Sheepwash/BABay. Alan and I had a total of 8 GSWoodpeckers on the west side. 2 Kestrel. 1 Peregrine worrying the Lapwing flock on Horseshoe island. 10 Coal Tit. 7 Willow Tit. 39 Blue Tit. 25 Great Tit. 22 Long-tailed Tit. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. 33 Blackbird. 98 Redwing. 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. Totals of 16 Bullfinch and 34 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2019-12-29The adult GNDiver was between Stones island and Millfields this morning, didn't see the juv. The Jack Snipe was visible on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 174 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle. 3 Mute Swans. 21 Gadwall. 42 Wigeon. 129 Mallard. 24 Teal. 202 Pochard. 12 Goldeneye. 9 Goosander (4m,4f at Millfields early morning and a f N over Stones). 500 Lapwing, 10 Snipe and 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 760 LBbG out over Millfields early morning. The near-ad Yellow-leg still. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields. Kingfisher at Sheepwash and Hopton end (same bird?). 500 Jackdaw and 55 Rooks on/over the Millfields end of the dam wall early morning. 26 Long-tailed Tit. 2 Chiffchaff on Stones. Totals of 135 Goldfinch and 75 Siskin (flock of 70 at Millfields).Simon Roddis
2019-12-28The adult and juv GNDivers still from Stones island this morning. 130 Canada Geese. 3 Mute Swans. 34 Gadwall. 6 Goldeneye. 22 Pheasant (most at Hopton end). 14 Little Grebe. 50 GCGrebe. 1 Grey Heron. 18 Cormorant. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. c400 Lapwing, 14 Snipe and 1 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 4 Woodcock flew into the Hopton end at first light, and 8 Tawny Owls calling there. 1 Peregrine over Horseshoe island. Passerine counts: 14 Magpie, 66 Jackdaw, 23 Rook, 27 Carrion Crow, 4 Coal Tit, 3 Willow Tit, 40 Blue Tit, 15 Great Tit, 22 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Chiffchaff on Stones, 3 Goldcrest, 18 Wren, 4 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper, 39 Starling, 31 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 101 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 34 Robin, 40 House Sparrow at VC, 9 Tree Sparrow, 15 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wag, 7 Pied Wag, 2 Meadow Pipit, 23 Chaffinch, 9 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 50 Goldfinch, 8 Siskin and 8 Reed Bunting.Simon Roddis
2019-12-27Both GNDivers again from Stones island, the adult quite distantly towards Millfields but the juv patrolled up and down not too far out. The Jack Snipe was visible for a few minutes on Horseshoe island late morning. 149 Canada Geese. 3 Mute Swans. 25 Gadwall. 31 Wigeon. 157 Pochard. 7 Goldeneye. 450 Lapwing and 6 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Redshank. 500+ Common Gulls flew out of Sailing CLub bay early morning. The near-ad Yellow-leg, 1 Herring and 1 GBbGull. Female Kingfisher in Brown Ale bay. 2 GSWoodpecker, including one drumming at Penn Carr. 5 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff again on Stones island. Totals of 170 Redwing, 28 Goldfinch and 40 Siskin. SJR, AHS, Rowan Wakefield, Lindsey Wakefield
2019-12-26The adult and juv GNDivers again in their usual areas this morning. 4 Whooper Swans flew W at 08:55. 197 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 1 Greylag. 16 Gadwall. 16 Wigeon. c100 Mallard. 156 Pochard. 10 Goldeneye. 500 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. c7,000 BhGulls, 650 LBbG and 600 Jackdaws from Millfields early morning. 6 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff on Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-12-25Both GNDivers again in their usual spots early morning. 201 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail again at WLC. 10 Goosander (5m,5f) at Millfields. 24 Cormorant. 370 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 4 Woodcock at the Hopton end at first light. 1 adult Herring Gull and the near-ad Yellow-leg. 6 Stock Dove. At least 5 Tawny Owls calling at the Hopton end, seemingly reacting to a barking Muntjac behind the village. 2 Chiffchaff (Stones and Paul Stanley). 10 Tree Sparrows (8 at Millfields, 2 WLC). 20 Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. Happy Christmas!Simon Roddis
2019-12-24Both GNDivers still. 142 Canada Geese. 4 Mute Swans. 35 Gadwall. Female Pintail at WLC. 61 Teal. 215 Pochard. 13 Goldeneye. 20 Little Grebe. 1 Grey Heron. 27 Cormorant. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 548 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover. 1 Redshank. Kingfisher and Chiffchaff on Stones island, and 70 Rooks over. 240 Redwing (200 at Sheepwash). 1 Grey Wag and 6 Reed Bunting in Hopton reedbed early morning.Simon Roddis
2019-12-23Both GNDivers off Stones island early morning. 158 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle and 9 Greylags. 177 Pochard (138m,39f). 8 Goosander (3m,5f) at Millfields first thing. 17 Cormorant. 1 Woodcock at Penn Carr at first light, and 2 Tawny Owls calling. c7,000 BhGulls off Millfields first thing. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. 8 Stock Doves over the east side. 70 Rooks over Stones. 95 Redwing at Sheepwash. c50 Goldfinch in Shiningford creek and a mixed flock of c40 Goldfinch and Siskin at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2019-12-22A Great White Egret flew over Stones island at 08:40, landed for a minute on Watersports and then flew on and landed in Shiningford creek but not seen again as far as I know. Both GNDivers still. c220 Pink-footed Geese flew E over Stones at 09:55. 157 Canadas. 1 Greylag. c500 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Woodcock, 1 Water Rail, 4 calling Tawny Owls, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Grey Wag at Hopton end early morning. 2 GBbGulls. 3 Kestrels (2 on Stones, 1 at Millfields). Chiffchaff on Stones again. c350 Redwing at Penn Carr, and 1 singing on Stones. 4+ Lesser Redpoll (2 on Stones, 2+ at Millfields).Simon Roddis
2019-12-21Both GNDivers again this morning, the juvenile only feet away from the shoreline off Stones early morning, and the adult from Millfields later. 570 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Yellow-legged Gull. c500 Jackdaw over the visitor centre early morning. 120 Redwing at Millfields.Simon Roddis

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