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
2019-12-20The 2 GNDivers still, the adult at Millfields and the juv off Stones island early morning. 33 Wigeon. 59 Teal. c200 Pochard. c300 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 1 Ruff around Horseshoe island. Female Kingfisher at Sheepwash. The Cetti's Warbler called once from WLC reedbed mid-morning.31 Goldfinch in WLC creek. 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-12-18An afternoon visit seemed sensible today, giving this morning's fog. The 2 GNDivers are still there, the adult showed really well off Stones early afternoon, and both visible from Sheepwash late afternoon. 162 Canada Geese. 27 Cormorants at roost at Sheepwash. 3 Woodcock at the Hopton end at dusk. 1,777 Common Gulls counted coming in to roost. Adult Peregrine on the Shiningford pylons. 10 Fieldfare at Sheepwash late afternoon.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-12-17Both GNDivers again present this morning; the juv was right up at Sheepwash around 12:30, the furthest north I've seen it. 133 Canadas. 2 Barnacle. Female Pintail at WLC. 57 Teal. 196 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye. 450 Lapwing. 1st-w Yellow-legged Gull at Watersports. Tawny Owl (a rather grey one) being mobbed by small stuff on Stones island. 4 GSWoodpecker. 6 Willow Tit. Total of 11 Greenfinch, including 7 on Stones. 1 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. Total of 35 Siskin, including 24 at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2019-12-16As well as the juvenile GNDiver off Stones island, an adult was off Millfields from late morning. It remains to be seen if this is the returning adult and stays for the winter - if so, it's a bit later than usual but not the latest it has arrived. 112 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 6 Shoveler (4m,2f; 1m at Sheepwash, the other 5 at WLC). 35 Wigeon. 239 Pochard. 2 Heron. 23 Cormorant. 670 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Herring Gull and the near-adult Yellow-leg. 2 Kingfishers at Sheepwash. 82 Rooks over/from Stones island mid-morning. 6 Willow Tit. 12 Tree Sparrow (8 WLC, 4 Millfields).Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-12-15Monthly WeBS count: 101 Canada Geese, 1 Pink-foot, 2 Mute Swans, 31 Gadwall, 21 Wigeon, 100 Mallard, 48 Teal, 207 Pochard, 163 Tufted, 15 Goldeneye, 1 GNDiver, 24 Little Grebe, 43 GCGrebe, 15 Cormorant, 1 Water Rail, 6 Moorhen, 623 Coot, 206 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 3 Redshank. Chiffchaff still on Stones island.John Bradley, Roger Carrington
2019-12-11The GNDiver was off Stones/Watersports islands at 08:00. 106 Canada Geese. 13 Greylags. 287 Pochard. 11 Goldeneye. 226 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 49 Rooks E over Hall Wood late morning. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Simon Roddis
2019-12-10The juv GNDiver was in Sailing Club bay this morning. 3 Shelduck at Watersports and a Chiffchaff on Stones island. 280 Pochard. 3 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 7 Willow Tit.Simon Roddis
2019-12-09Tawny Owl, sitting on Gibfield Lane near Turlowfields Lane. Drove right up to it before it flew into nearby trees.Wayne Dixon
2019-12-09The juv GNDiver off Stones around 08:30-09:00. 18 Pink-footed Geese flew SE and 30 Golden Plover SW at 09:00. 2 GBbG. 209 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 32 Woodpigeon N. 5 Stock Dove. 5 Willow Tit. Two micro-site ticks (if there is such a thing?): 2 Mistle Thrushes actually on Millfields island, and a Goldcrest inside Sheepwash Hide and duly released.Simon Roddis
2019-12-0882 Pochard,4 Wigeon,5 Robin,19 Canada goose,4 Great Crested Grebe,2 Mute Swan,5 Teal,2 Little Grebe,70 Tufted Duck,1 Tree Creeper,12 Blue Tit,6 Redwing,1 Willow Tit,1 Coal tit,10 Great Tit,2 CormorantDavid Armitt
2019-12-0880 Canada Goose,12 Gadwall,50 Tufted Duck,9 Teal,3 Cormorant,4 Great Crested Grebe.6 Wigeon,300 lapwing,2 Redshank,75 Pochard,1 Coal Tit,6 Goldfinch,1 Willow Tit,6 Blue Tit,1 Wren,3 Robin,1 cettis(WLC),2 Great tit,1 Redwing,1 BuzzardDavid Armitt
2019-12-07The juv GNDiver was off the south end of Stones island mid-morning and a Jack Snipe was among 40 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. The Cetti's Warbler called a couple of times from WLC reedbed. 429 Pochard, with 200+ from both WLC and Sheepwash hide. 172 Canadas. 26 Gadwall. Female Pintail at WLC. 10 Goldeneye. 2f Goosander at Millfields early morning. 3 Grey Heron. 15 Cormorant. 315 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. c11,000 BhGs and 500 LBbG from Millfields early morning. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 14 Magpies at the Millfields carpark feeders early morning. Simon Roddis
2019-12-06Total of 393 Pochard, almost 300 of them at the WLC. 2f Pintail there too. 150 Canada and 2 Barnacle Geese. 310 Lapwing. 21 Snipe and a Redshank on Horseshoe island. 4 ad Herring Gull and the near-ad Yellow-leg. 2 Collared Dove at Sheepwash feeder. Chiffchaff at WLC. 20 Siskin at Millfields. Couldn't find the elusive diver.Simon Roddis
2019-12-03At Hopton end early morning, 4, maybe 5 Woodcock flew in, the last one not until 07:30 by when it was relatively light and the bird seemed a bit put off by the traffic on the road; 5 Tawny Owls and a Water Rail calling (plus another in Brown Ale Bay); c10 Reed Buntings calling in the reedbed. 2 Ruddy Shelduck flew N off Brown Ale Bay at 12:50. 210 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 97 Wigeon in total. M and f Pintail at WLC. 274 Pochard. 10 Goldeneye. 3 Goosander. 180 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Single adult GBb, Herring and Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher and Chiffchaff at WLC. 7 Goldcrest. c100 Starling in WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2019-12-02The juv GNDiver was patrolling its usual beat off Stones island this morning. 9 Whooper Swans flew in and landed at 09:45. The Cetti's Warbler called briefly in WLC creek late morning. 220 Pochard from WLC. 23 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 4 Herring Gull. The near-ad Yellow-leg still. 120 Woodpigeon, including 90 N.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-12-019am-noon (Sheepwash to Stones): Robin, Pheasant, Dunnock, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Goldfinch, Redwing, Starling (150 in three small flocks in fields), Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Pochard (c60 from Lane End hide), Coot, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Wren, Long-tailed Tit, Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Lapwing (flock of 25), Jackdaw, Willow Tit, Canada Goose, Wigeon, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Cormorant, Kestrel, Song Thrush, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Snipe, Great Crested Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Goldeneye, Chaffinch, Redshank, Common Gull, Great Northern Diver, Meadow Pipit, Moorhen Gary Atkins
2019-12-01The juv GNDiver again off Stones island, and the Cetti's Warbler calling occasionally in the small reedbed on the other side of WLC creek from the centre itself. 110 Pink-footed Geese SW at 10:15. 205 Canadas. 2 Barnacle Geese. 24 Gadwall. 7 Goldeneye. In Brown Ale Bay, male Shoveler, Water Rail and Kingfisher. 16 Snipe and 2 (maybe 3) Redshank on Horseshoe island. 1 ad Herring Gull through. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. 84 Woodpigeons N. 4 Raven. 9 Meadow Pipit. 1 Linnet over WLC creek, a Lesser Redpoll over Stones and 16 Siskin at Millfields. 74 species - not a bad start to the month!Simon Roddis
2019-11-30Decent visibility until the fog rolled in around 09:00. Woodcock, Water Rail, 2 Grey Wagtail and male Goosander over the Hopton end early morning. 7 Goldeneye. 150 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 2nd-w Yellow-legged Gull. c100 Starling in WLC creek. 100+ Goldfinch (c80 in WLC creek, 21 N at Hopton end). Failed to see the diver before the murk descended.Simon Roddis
2019-11-29The juv GNDiver was off Stones island around midday. 110 Pink-footed Geese flew SE at 10:00. 26 Greylag at Sheepwash. 20 Cormorant. 170 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. 9 Snipe. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (near-ad and 2w again). 2 ad GBBGull. 495 Woodpigeon, including 420 N. 4 Raven (2 pairs). Chiffchaff again on Stones island. 15 Fieldfare and 459 Redwing N. 60 House Sparrows at the main centre. 10 Meadow Pipit on Stones. Total of 6 Greenfinch. 12 Lesser Redpoll at Hopton end. Simon Roddis
2019-11-28The juv GNDiver was close in off Watersports and Stones islands early morning. The Cetti's Warbler again, around the damp patch half way up WLC creek. 2 Barnacle Geese and a redhead Goosander at Millfields. 18 Cormorant. 150 Lapwing. 13 Snipe on Horseshoe island. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. 40 Rooks N over Stones. 330 Starling, including 300 SW at Millfields early morning.Simon Roddis
2019-11-27The juv GNDiver was again off Stones/Sailing Club islands early morning. 152 Canada Geese. 16 Gadwall. 240 Lapwing, 1 Redshank and 8 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (near-ad and 2nd-winter). 3 Kestrel. 6 Goldcrest, including 5 on Stones. 130 Redwing (100 at Sheepwash, 30 in WLC creek). 5 Meadow Pipit.Simon Roddis
2019-11-26Roger saw the juv GNDiver off Stones island early morning but it then played hard to get (for me, anyway) until 11:00 when it popped its head up again. A Chiffchaff along Stones causeway. 6 Goldeneye. 6 Goosander (3m,3f) at Millfields early morning. 120 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Raven feeding on a dead fish on Horseshoe island near the WLC. 1 Skylark over Stones. 26 Long-tailed Tit (12 at Millfields, 14 on Stones). 190 Redwing (50 NE over Millfields, 140 in WLC creek). Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-11-25The juv GNDiver was off Stones island early morning. 170 Canada Geese. 195 Lapwing. 1 Peregrine over Horseshoe island. c100 Redwing in WLC creek and 120 Fieldfare N overhead. 18 Bullfinch, including 16 at Millfields. Total of 90 Goldfinch (60 WLC, 20 main carpark, 10 Millfields).Simon Roddis
2019-11-23Afternoon visit, at least the rain almost stopped but still very grey. The Cetti's Warbler called in WLC reedbed at 12:35. 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull again. 600 Common Gull and 150 Pochard from Sheepwash late afternoon. 11 Greenfinch S over Sheepwash carpark, including a flock of 9. 30 Rooks S over Stones island. 40 Goldfinch at WLC. At Hopton reedbed late on, a Kingfisher caught two small fish in successive dives, at least one Water Rail and a Woodcock.Simon Roddis
2019-11-22The juv GNDiver was off Watersports mid-morning and later off Millfields. 2 Barnacle Geese flew in with a skein of Canadas. 6+ Goldeneye. A Water Rail 'chipping' near the gate overlooking Brown Ale Bay but refused to show itself. Near-adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 7 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 30 Rooks over WLC. 6 Goldcrests on Stones island. 20 Fieldfare and c100 Redwing in/over WLC creek. 2 Lesser Redpoll over Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-11-21A bit of NE movement over the Hopton end early morning: 2,480 Redwing (+ 100 in WLC creek), 190 Fieldfare, 88 Goldfinch (+ 50 at WLC, 15 at Millfields), 75 Starling (+ 15 at WLC), 16 Chaffinch and 3 Greenfinch (+ 5 at WLC). The juv GNDiver was between Stones island and the WLC mid-morning. 138 Canada Geese. 6 Pink-feet S. 1 redhead Goosander N. 25 Pheasants and 1 Woodcock at Hopton end and a Water Rail in the reedbed. Near-adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones causeway, perhaps the bird which has been around for much of the last couple of years, though if so its bill has turned black again! Mistle Thrush singing at Hopton end. Simon Roddis
2019-11-20The juv GNDiver off Stones island again. A Yellowhammer over Stones causeway at 08:10 was the first of the year. 4 Ruff at WLC mid-morning raise the question of whether these are some of the same birds that have have spent the last 2 winters here. 1 Redshank and 230 Lapwing there too. 58 Wigeon off Brown Ale Bay. The big Pochard flock has decamped from the WLC area, with 220 now from Sheepwash. 7 Buzzard. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 70 Fieldfare N. Total of 475 Redwing, of which 425 flew N. 4 Lesser Redpoll on Stones and 60 Goldfinch between WLC and Shiningford. Simon Roddis
2019-11-19The juv GNDiver again off Stones island. The Cetti's Warbler is still at WLC reedbed though it's playing hard to get, just the occasional call. 4 Redshank were a minor surprise, first here for a month or so. 1 sub-ad Herring Gull. Pair of Kestrel at Millfields. 20 Fieldfare and 75 Redwing N. Total of 20 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2019-11-18The juv GNDiver still off Stones island. 2 female Common Scoter mid-res. 100 Pink-footed Geese SE at 0910. 2 Barnacle Geese among Canadas at Millfields. c250 Lapwing. 130 Woodpigeons N. Juv Peregrine. 15 Skylarks (14 NW, 1 SW). 270 Starlings SW. 35 Fieldfare N. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-11-17Monthly WeBS count: 37 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Shoveler, 22 Gadwall, 108 Mallard, 78 Teal, 24 Wigeon, 314 Pochard, 159 Tufted Duck, 15 Goldeneye, 21 Little Grebe, 45 GCGrebe, 1 GNDiver, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 18 Cormorant, 2 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay), 8 Moorhen, 647 Coot, 140 Lapwing, 3 Kingfisher. Also: the Cetti's Warbler still at WLC reedbed (per Roger C), 139 Pink-feet E and 25 Skylark NW over Stones island, Brambling at Millfields, 60 Woodpigeon N, 15 Siskin at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-11-16A pretty good morning, with two new birds for the year: a juvenile Scaup between Sheepwash and Lane End, and a Cetti's Warbler (second record) on the edge of WLC reedbed, calling and seen. The juv GNDiver still off Stones island. 90 Canada Geese. 50 Pink-footed geese flew S at 11:00. 27 Wigeon. Female Pintail at WLC. c300 Pochard again. At least 8, possibly 11, Goldeneye. 5 Goosander at Millfields. c350 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 25 Snipe flushed from Horseshoe island. 14 Long-tailed Tits on Stones. c100 Redwing. 10 Meadow Pipit (8 at Sheepwash). 1 Brambling SW ove WLC creek. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-11-15299 Pochard. 6 Goldeneye. c300 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 7 Collared Dove (6 at ranger base, 1 at Sheepwash). 10 Fieldfare at top of WLC creek. Total of c100 Redwing. 17 Tree Sparrows at WLC (and Alan S had 4 on the PS hide feeder). 40 Goldfinch (30 at WLC, 10 on Stones island). Didn't see the diver, doesn't mean it isn't still there...Simon Roddis
2019-11-13The juv GNDiver was off Stones island this morning. 3 Whooper Swans flew N at 0900, followed closely by 89 Pink-footed Geese NE. 300+ Pochard (290 at WLC). 4+ Goldeneye. Water Rail in Brown Ale Bay. 220 Lapwing. 50 Rooks and 10 Skylarks over. 2 Lesser Redpoll (WLC and BA Bay).Simon Roddis
2019-11-12The juv GNDiver was just off Millfields carpark early afternoon, and the 2 drake Red-crested Pochard by Millfields island (later flew past Stones island towards the WLC). 4 Goldeneye (2m,2f). 29 Pheasants in the gorse field above Hall Wood (wild-bred birds, obviously). 3+ Sparrowhawks, including a displaying female. 220 Lapwing. 2+ adult Yellow-legged Gull. 16 Blue Tits on the Millfields feeders. 30 Goldfinch at WLC. At Hopton end late afternoon, 55 Redwing, 21 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Water Rails calling in the reedbed and 3 Woodcock.Simon Roddis
2019-11-12Osmaston. Eight red kites. Around 2pm.Catherine Moore
2019-11-1162 Wigeon. 2 drake Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash mid-morning. 3 Goldeneye. 190 Lapwing. 60 Snipe flushed from Horseshoe island, perhaps by the Peregrine that was flying around later. Failed again to find the diver 🙁Simon Roddis
2019-11-10At Hopton end first thing, 6 Tawny Owls calling and 1+ Woodcock. 193 Pochard. 110 Canadas. 139 Lapwing. Female Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 100 Woodpigeons S. Totals of 140 Starling and 70 Redwing. 25 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-11-09Afternoon visit: c200 Lapwing on Horseshoe island; 932 Common, 2 Herring and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls from Sheepwash hide at 16:00; total of 30 WigeonSimon Roddis
2019-11-06This morning on a short walk from Millfields along the east bank,150 Pink feet geese heading east at8:35,Blackbirds and Redwing were plentiful in the berry bearing bushes with lesser numbers of Song and Mistle thrush,and about 50 Fieldfare, Male and female Goldeneye were also seen. Alan Stewardson
2019-11-05Great northern diver still present off Stones island, 30 Common snipe on Horse shoe island, 110 Pink feet geese heading SE at 10:12 am, 3 female Goldeneye from Sheepwash hide plus a Grey wagtail and fox.AHS,RC.
2019-11-04Great northern diver is still present off Stones island, 1 Redshank,2 Ravens, 12 Collard doves in trees near ranger base, many Redwings and Blackbirds in the fields behind WLC.Alan Stewardson
2019-11-03Species seen today 9am-noon (mostly during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk from Sheepwash): Goldfinch, Robin, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Gt Crested Grebe, Bullfinch, Canada Goose, Lapwing, Magpie, Little Grebe, Pochard, Wren, Mute Swan, Mallard, Pheasant, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Gt Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Cormorant, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Goldeneye, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Common Gull, Wigeon, Kingfisher, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Teal, Dunnock, Grey HeronGary Atkins
2019-11-02This morning from Stones island, the weather started cloudy but with good visibility and then deteriorated to rain by 9:30.1 Redshank,a juvenile Great northern diver was found by MR near the WLC,2 kingfishers in front of Sheepwash hide,4 Goldeneye and a Yellow legged gull also from this hide. AHS,RC.
2019-10-29This morning from Millfieids, cold north wind but plenty of birds on the move,3 skanes of Pink feet geese heading North West total 230,30 plus Skylarks flying as a single flock low over the water, many Wood pidgeons moving South, I counted 89 Redwing but there were many more,a Bramberling called whilst I was in the carpark, 64 Fieldfare along the East bank and 1 female type Goldeneye.Alan Stewardson
2019-10-29From 08-30 this morning, cold windy but lovely sun nothing exciting from WLC and Sheepwash :- Redshank, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Mallard, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Great Black Backed Gull, Blackhead Gull, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Wigeon, Teal, Snipe, Magpie, Blackbird, Tree Sparrow, Great Tit, BlueTit, Longtailed Tit, Wren, Wood Pigeon,Dave Horsley
2019-10-26If you haven't noticed its been raining heavily all morning so these observations are from the shelter of Sheepwash Hide, Kingfisher seen several times,Common Snipe in the softbrush, Redshank feeding in the bay, one Grey Wagtail and a pair of Shoveller.A H Stewardson
2019-10-24Continuing to be very miserable this morning walk from Hopton end to Sheepwash revealed:- two pairs of Shoveler, female Goldeneye, Kingfisher, Gagwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Mute Swan, Coot, Cormorant, Black Head Gull, Lapwing, Wren, Blackbird, Bluetit, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe.Dave Horsley
2019-10-23Very foggy this morning at Stones island with appalling visibility but I could just see 5 Shoveller the Slavonian grebe,the usual flock of Long-tailed tits and numerous Blackbirds in the berry bearing bushes. Alan Stewardson
2019-10-21This morning from Millfieids RC had 3 Whooper swans at 7:45,a Manx Shearwater was first seen at 8:30 and was present all morning, 17 Whooper Swans flew NE at 9:10 followed by 20 more Whooper swans at 9:15,RC saw 52 Pink feet geese heading SE,Slavonian still present off Stones island, 50 Redwing heading south and 9 Tree sparrows at Millfieids. AHS,RC.
2019-10-19This morning from Stones island, Slavonian grebe still present and showing well from Stones island, 2 Great Spotted woodpeckers, 1 Golden plover overhead, Blackbirds still abundant as are the Long tailed tits.A H Stewardson

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