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
2019-06-23675 adult Canada Geese this morning. 82 Greylags, including some pretty well grown juvs. 3 Barnacles plus 4 goslings. 5 Gadwall. New brood of 2 GCGrebe chicks at Millfields island. 8+ Redshank, including a pair with 2 large young on Watersports island. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. Adult Tawny Owl at Hopton end. 12 Starlings over. Lesser White singing again in the Hays Lane/Millfields island area.Simon Roddis
2019-06-225 Gadwall. 6 Little Grebe, including one still sitting in Brown Ale Bay. Adult Little Egret. 15 Lapwing. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. Third pair of Sedge Warblers with food on Stones island. Lesser Whitethroat singing on Hays Lane. 25+ Tree Sparrows at WLC, including 20+ juvs - quite encouraging.Simon Roddis
2019-06-21Pair of Barnacles with 4 young still at Millfields island. 30 Mute Swans plus the 3 cygnets. 3 Shoveler and 7 Gadwall off Stones island. 22 Cormorant. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. One Peregrine. 5 Raven. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. Simon Roddis
2019-06-2019 Mute Swans, plus the three cygnets still at WLC. 63 Greylag. 6 Gadwall. Drake Teal now going into moult. 15 Oystercatcher. 10 Lapwing. 5 Redshank. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. A Skylark singing over the dam wall. Simon Roddis
2019-06-1880 Canada Goose,17 Tufted Duck,2 willow Tit,3 Great Tit,2 Wren,12 Great Crested Grebe,15 Mute Swan,10 Goldfinch,2 oystercatcher,1 Little Ringed Plover,1 RedshankDavid Armitt
2019-06-1717 Mute Swan,2 Bullfinch, 6 Great Tit,14 Goldfinch,2 Swift,20 House Martin,5 Blackcap,2 Whitethroat,10 Blue Tit,8 Great Crested Grebe,3 Chiffchaff,5 Oystercatcher,2 lapwing, 10 Tree Sparrow,1 Buzzard,1 Kestrel,2 RedshankDavid Armitt
2019-06-16Monthly WeBS count - biggest surprise was a Green Sandpiper, and Common Sand on Stones was also new. 45 GCGrebe; 7 Little Grebe (one ad with a chick at Hall Wood, nest with eggs in Brown Ale Bay); 1 Grey Heron; 14 Cormorant; 27 Mute Swan (plus 3 cygnets); 584 Canada Goose; 65 Greylags; 4 Barnacles; 73 Mallard; 1 Teal; 4 Gadwall; 86 Tufted; 124 Coot; 5 Moorhen; 15 Oystercatcher; 6 Lapwing; 2 LRP; 6 Redshank; 152 BhGulls. Also: adult Jay feeding 3 fledged young at Hopton end, plus Chiffchaff and Garden Warbler with food in the same area; 7 Reed Warblers; BhGulls mobbing a Tawny Owl at BABay was a combo I haven't seen before!Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-06-1335 Mute Swans, plus 3 cygnets. 7 Barnacle Geese at Millfields, plus 4 young (one brood). Brood of 8 small Mallard at Sailing Club. Drake Teal again. 8 Gadwall, including the female in Brown Ale Bay, now with 9 young. 7 Oystercatcher. 7 Redshank. A first-summer Common Gull on Millfields island (there yesterday too). Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull. 20 LBbG. 2 fledged Tawny Owls at Hopton end. 40 Swifts feeding over Stones island. GSWoodpecker with a fledged youngster at Millfields. Hobby over Stones island. 20 House Martins on Stones causeway. 8 singing Reed Warblers. Sedge Warbler with food on Stones island. Fledged Common Whitethroats near Millfields island. Blackcap with food at Penn Carr. Fledged Jay at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
2019-06-07On the west side between Hopton end and Stones island: total of 18 Willow Tits, including 3 family parties (9+ juvs); Little Egret at WLC; GCGrebes with 3 young from Sheepwash hide; sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull; 4 Stock Dove; 7 Reed Warbler; Garden Warblers with fledged young near Big Island; Reed Bunting fledged young on Stones; total of 13 Tree Sparrow.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-06-06A summer-plumage Turnstone was on Stones island early(ish) morning. Drake Teal in Brown Ale Bay. 5 Redshank. 2 Yellow-legged Gull. 30 Swifts feeding over Stones island. 4 Raven at Penn Carr. 6+ Reed Warblers, including one singing at Penn Carr. Lesser Whitethroat singing on Hays Lane. 25 Tree Sparrows at Millfields, including many juvs.Simon Roddis
2019-06-05The summer build-up of Mute Swans has started - a total of 22, plus 3 cygnets. c50 adult Greylag. Female Gadwall still with 11 young in Brown Ale Bay. Pair of Red-legged Partidge again at Penn Carr/Hays Lane. Little Grebe nest-building in BA Bay. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (sub-ad and first-summer). Tawny Owl mobbed by Blackbirds at Penn Carr. 30+ Swifts. 2 GS Woodpecker. Willow Tit with fledged young at Sheepwash. Reed Warblers singing on Stones causeway and between WLC/Watersports. Blackcap with food at WLC. Whitethroats with fledged young at southern end of Stones island. Goldcrest with fledged young at Penn Carr. Spotted Fly in Penn Carr. 5 Greenfinch at WLC/visitor centre.Simon Roddis
2019-06-03We finally have a brood of Gadwall, 11 in Brown Ale Bay, and a total of 9 adults. I could only see 3 cygnets on Horseshoe island this morning, and a Little Egret there. 4 Ringed Plover (3 on Horseshoe, 1 at Sheepwash). At least 3 pairs of Black-headed Gull have young on the WLC raft, but all the nests on Horseshoe island have been abandoned; plenty still on Millfields island and now 2 nests on the raft in BA Bay. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull. 50+ Swifts. 4 Raven over Millfields. 45 House Martin. A pair of Long-tailed Tits with 9 fledged young at Penn Carr, all sitting in the sun and preening for several minutes - never seen them stay still for so long before. Reed Warbler singing on Stones. Blackcap taking food onto Sailing Club island. Fledged Nuthatches in Sheepwash carpark. Redstart still singing up Hays Lane. 2 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-06-02The following species were noted collectively by those attending today's Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (10am-noon, chiefly in the Sheepwash area): House Sparrow, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Mute Swan, Nuthatch, Great Tit, Magpie, Jay, Chaffinch, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Coot, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Reed Bunting, Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Swallow, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Blue tit, Blackcap, Pheasant, Grey Heron, Woodpigeon, Dunnock and Coot.Gary Atkins
2019-05-31Broods of 5 and 2 (presumably down from the 3 on 29/5) Barnacle Geese at Millfields. 40 adult Greylag. New broods of 10 and 4 Mallard off Stones causeway. Drake Teal at Watersports. 3 Red-legged Partridge at Hays Lane (pair in the ploughed field, another calling on the other side of the lane). 6 Moorhen. 2 sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull. 14 Swifts. Willow Tits with fledged young at Hopton end. Total of 6 singing Reed Warblers. Whitethroat with food near Millfields island. The Lesser Whites on Hays Lane now have fledged young. 2 singing Spotted Flycatchers (Sheepwash and Penn Carr). Male Redstart singing at Hopton end. Pied Wag with fledged young at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2019-05-29This morning's highlight was a lovely pair of Garganey at the WLC, to 0930 at least. Little Egret there too. 2 summer plumage Dunlin on Watersports island. 9 Mute Swan, plus 4 cygnets at WLC. 1 Pink-footed Goose among Canadas and Greylags at Sheepwash. Female Shelduck off Stones island. 2 Grey Heron, both this year's young birds. 3 Yellow-legged Gull. 2 pairs of Stock Dove. 20 Swift. 30 House Martin. 2 singing male Redstart (Hopton end and Hays Lane). Lots of breeding activity: Barnacle Geese with 3 young and Carrion Crows with fledged young at Millfields; at Millfields island, brood of 4 Mallard, 3 GCGrebe nests with sitting birds plus another pair nest-building, several Black-headed Gulls nesting, and Oystercatchers with 2 large young; at Penn Carr, fledged Nuthatch, Coot with 2 young, Bullfinch nest-building; pair of Lesser Whitethroat with food on Hays Lane; Whitethroat with food at Hopton end; in Hall Wood, Carrion Crow nest with young, Nuthatch with food, and fledged Blackcaps, Robin and Great Tit; brood of 6 Mallard on Stones island and 4 Canada Geese at WLC; Dunnock with food at WLC; and fledged Willow Tits and Treecreeper at Sheepwash. Quite a busy morning!Simon Roddis
2019-05-27A Hobby was over Hall Wood then down the east side mid-morning - first of the year as far as I know. Ringed Plover still on Horseshoe island. Drake Teal at WLC. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 sub-adults, 1 fist-summer). 22+ Swifts. 5 Sand Martin. c30 House Martin. Simon Roddis
2019-05-2620 ad Greylags and c20 young in total. 8 Gadwall. 1 Curlew. 2 sub-ad Yellow-legged Gulls. Pair of Coot with 4 small young at WLC, and another pair with 4 small young in BA Bay. 13 Swifts and 30 House Martins in the rain from Sheepwash mid-morning (plus another 4 House Martins around the visitor centre). At Millfields, Willow Warbler with food and a family of Pied Wags with 3 fledged young. Whitethroat with food and another nest-building on Stones island. Spotted Flycatcher in Sheepwash wood (perhaps the BA Bay bird?).Simon Roddis
2019-05-25A cream-crown Marsh harrier flew NW up the dam wall at 06:05. An adult male Green Woodpecker was yaffling away at the top of WLC creek mid-morning but gradually moved further away. Red-legged Partridge above Penn Carr. Little Egret at Sailing Club. Ringed Plover on Horseshoe island. 6 adult Redshank, including a pair with at least 2 small young on Millfields island. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull. Fledged Long-tailed Tits at Sheepwash. Chiffchaff with food at Brown Ale Bay, and Garden Warbler with food on Stones. 3 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek. 2 Spotted Flycatchers singing.Simon Roddis
2019-05-23New brood of 2 Greylags at Penn Parr, plus a brood of 10 Mallard there and 15 accompanied by 2 females. Oystercatchers have 2 large young on Millfields island. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull. Willow Tit with food near Millfields stone barn. Great Tits taking food into a natural tree cavity at Penn Carr. Pair of Nuthatch taking food into a tree hole at Sheepwash carpark, with Tree Bumblebees occupying a nestbox on the same tree.Simon Roddis
2019-05-223 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Oystercatchers, 5 Redshank, 2-3 Garden Warblers, Whitethroat, 2 Gadwall, c.6 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Pied Wagtails, 2-3 Goldfinches. All seen in period from c. 17.10 to 18.45. Alan Hobson
2019-05-22Perimeter counts this morning - numbers probably lower than they might have been because of a cool overcast start, there was a definite increase in song when the sun came out later morning: 14 Willow Tits, including fledged young in Tail Bay (3) and Brown Ale Bay (5); 31 Great Tit; 34+ Long-tailed Tits, including fledged young at Tail Bay, WLC, Brown Ale Bay and 2 broods on the east side; 18 Willow Warblers (16 singing); 58 Chiffchaffs (54 singing); 5 Sedge Warblers; 5 singing Reed Warblers; 62 Blackcaps (60 singing); 26 Garden Warblers (22 singing); 6 Common Whitethroat (5 singing); 2 singing Lesser Whitethroats at WLC creek/Shiningford; 107 Wrens (98 singing); 9 Treecreeper, including fledged young at Tail Bay and Sailing Club; 89 Blackbirds (60 singing); 34 Song Thrush (25 singing); 2 singing Spotted Flycatchers (Shiningford and BA Bay); 71 Robins (63 singing); 3 singing Redstarts; 8 Tree Sparrows at Millfields, including fledged young; 17 Dunnock (12 singing); 22 Chaffinch (17 singing); 24 Bullfinch, including 11 pairs; 12 Reed Bunting (9 singing); 6 Jays. Otherwise, the Grey Plover was still around Stones island, one Common Tern, 3 Kestrels.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-05-21Red Kite over Brown Ale Bay at 15.15 - 15.20 hrs before drifting off west.Neil Moulden
2019-05-21Site covered from 05:00 to 21:00 - a 'big sit' - with at least one person on Stones island during all that time. 81 species recorded. Highlight was a Grey Plover on Watersports island for most of the day. A Curlew also dropped in there for a bathe mid-afternoon. 3 Redshank. Pair of Mandarin at Penn Carr. 3 Little Egrets: 1 at sailing club early morning and 2 through NW at 09:15. 1 Pink-footed Goose briefly early morning. Red-legged Partridge calling near Penn Carr. 17 GBbGull early morning, including Onefoot. Total of 60 LBbG: a flock of 35 went through mid-afternoon and c20 apparently roosting late pm. 2 first-summer Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 first-summer Common Gull late pm. 3 Raven. 7 Willow Tit. Fledged Long-tailed Tits in Hall and Middle Woods, and at sailing club. Chiffchaff with food in Hall Wood. 6 Reed Warblers. Lesser Whitethroat singing between Sheepwash and Lane End. Nuthatch with food at Sheepwash carpark. 2 Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. 4 singing Redstarts. Pied Wagtails with food on Stones and at Sheepwash. Fledged Grey Wagtails at Millfields and Middle Wood.SJR, RC, AHS, JB
2019-05-19Monthly WeBS count: 119 Canada Geese, 8 Barnacles, 12 Greylags, 4 Mute Swan, 4 Gadwall, 55 Mallard, 70 Tufted, 5 Little Grebe, 51 GCGrebe, 11 Cormorant, 5 Moorhen, 59 Coot, 10 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 2 LRP, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sand, 2 Redshank, 100 BHGulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. Also: 2 Peregrine over Hopton end, 7 singing Reed Warblers, 2 singing Lesser Whitethroat (Sheepwash and WLC creek) and 2 singing Redstart (Shiningford and Hall Wood).Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-05-18The winter-plumage Bar-tailed Godwit still on Horseshoe island, along with a Curlew. 1 Whimbrel through. New broods of 2 Canada Geese on Watersports island and 1 on Horseshoe. 1 Redstart singing above Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
2019-05-171 Common Tern, 2 Dunlin and 1 Whimbrel flew through this morning. 16 Cormorant. 2 first-summer Yellow-legged Gulls. c150 House Martins, 50 Sand Martins and 50 Swifts. Total of 7 singing Reed Warblers. Simon Roddis
2019-05-17Arctic Skua (pale phase) NW over J29a of M1 @09.15Brian Hedley
2019-05-16The Oystercatchers on Millfields island have one youngster. 10 Mute Swan, including sitting birds still on Sailing Club and Horseshoe islands. 18 immature GBbGulls and a 1st-summer Yellow-leg at sailing club. 100 BhGs at WLC. 1 Dunlin. Nuthatch with food at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2019-05-163 Common Sandpiper ,4Chiffchaff,2 Wren,12 Great crested Grebe,4 Greylag,3 oystercatcher,18 tufted DuckDavid Armitt
2019-05-15The winter-plumage Bar-tailed Godwit still on Horseshoe island. Pair of Mandarin below Hall Wood. Moorhen with 2 small young in Hopton reedbed. Black-headed Gulls are nesting again at WLC, 15-20 nests there and one in Brown Ale Bay. 4 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reebed. 2 singing Redstarts (Hopton end and Hall Wood). Spotted Flycatcher on the top path through Hall Wood. Birds with food: Blue Tit on Stones (box #4), Hall and Middle Woods; Great Tit on Stones (box #2), Hall and Middle Woods; Treecreeper in Hall Wood; Dunnock between Hall and Middle Woods; Tree Sparrow at WLC.Simon Roddis
2019-05-14Two Avocets - found by Ian Wright - were on Watersports island until 09:05 when they flew (though they might have come down again round the back of sailing club island). Winter-plumage Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island. 16 GBbGs, all immatures of various ages. Willow Tit and Blackcap with food on Stones island. Mistle Thrush nest with 4 young at Brown Ale Bay. Simon Roddis
2019-05-132 Whitethroat,8 Oystercatcher,4 lapwing,2 wren,15 Great Crested Grebe,5 Blackbird,20 Canada Goose,4 Graylag Goose,1 Sedge Warbler,1 Garden warbler,4 Gadwall,3 Chiffchaff,3 Reed Bunting,6 Tree Sparrow,2 Shoveler , 1 Stoat on stones island David Armitt
2019-05-12On the Warbler Walk this morning, views of Willow, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden and Sedge on Stones island, but surprisingly no Common Whitethroat. Earlier, total of 5 singing Reed Warblers (3 in Hopton reedbed, singles in Brown Ale Bay and at PS hide); 2 singing Spotted Flycatchers (BA Bay and Penn Carr); pair of Shoveler and 3 Dunlin over Stones; recently fledged Long-tailed Tits at Millfields stone barn; Blue and Great Tits taking food to boxes at Penn Carr; Tree Sparrows taking food away from Millfields feeders.Simon Roddis
2019-05-111 Black Tern from WLC / Stones Island 14.45 until 15.35 at least. Neil Moulden
2019-05-10A pretty good morning which quietened down when the weather 'improved'. One Little Tern, 2 Black Terns, 1 Common Tern, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Little Egret through between 08:15-10:30. Yesterday's 2 Barwits still present at the WLC. Single Ringed Plover, White Wagtail and 1st-s Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club. 1 Dunlin. 2 1st-s Common Gull. Similar numbers of hirundines to yesterday, with an increase in Swifts - at least 63. 2 Yellow Wagtails around Stones island, perhaps another over WLC creek. Black-headed Gulls are back nesting on Horseshoe island/WLC raft. No sign of the diver.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-05-09An afternoon visit produced 25 Arctic Terns from 15:30-15:45, 3 lingering Black Terns, and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit (adult female and one in winter plumage) at sailing club. At least 1,000 hirundines (if pushed, I would estimate c700 Sand Martins, 200 House Martins and 100 Swallows), plus 25 Swifts.Simon Roddis
2019-05-08150 House Martin,130 Sand Martin,120 Swallow,16 Great crest Grebe,20 Tufted Duck,8 Graylag Adults with 10 young,16 Canada goose,6 Mute Swan,2 Chiffchaff,1 Blue Tit,2 Robin,2 Song Thrush,4 Cormorant,15 Mallard +9 young,3 oystercatcher,2 Moorhen,1 pied Wagtail,1 Tawny owl in the wood behind Paul Stanley Hide David Armitt
2019-05-0707:30 to 09:30. Great northern diver still present off stones island.Birds on stones island include Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat,6 Sedge Warblers,Garden Warblers, Blackcaps, Willow Warbler,Chiffchaff,Reed buntings,Swift,Swallow and House Martins, 1 Common sand piper,2 Redshank. Sailing club shoreline 2 Little Ring Plovers, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank. Water Sports Shoreline 2 more Common sandpiper, 2 dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover. WLC reedbed 1 more Sedge Warbler. ian wright
2019-05-06Species list from the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk around Stones Island, WLC Creek and WLC (10am-noon): Swallow, Sand Martin, Blackcap, Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Blackbird, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Canada Goose, Gt Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Coot, Wren, Goldfinch, Cormorant, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Long-tailed Tit, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Great Northern Diver, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Herring Gull, Dunnock, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Buzzard, Magpie, Garden Warbler, Tree Sparrow and Little GrebeGary Atkins
2019-05-05This morning from Stones island, Great Northern Diver still present, 2 Little ringed plover, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Whimbel, 2 Swifts with Swallows and Martin's,and a good selection of Warblers including Willow, chiffchaff,Blackcap Common Whitethroat, Garden and Sedge Warbler. A H Stewardson
2019-05-04Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island at 16.00 hrs.Neil Moulden
2019-05-04Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island at 16.00 hrs.Neil Moulden
2019-05-03The GNDiver still this morning in pretty constant rain. A Turnstone flew through at 0930. 1 Dunlin. Lots of hirundines: c500 Sand Marrtin, 100 Swallow and 30-40 House Martin. 3 Swifts. 2 Mandarin and 4 Teal from Sheepwash. 3 singing Lesser Whitethroats (Sheepwash, Stones and WLC fields). We expected some terns to come through given the weather conditions, but none up to 1145 at least.SJR, AHS, RC
2019-05-02The GNDiver still this morning. 7 Mute Swan (2 nests). Canada Geese and Greylags with 6 young each below Middle Wood. Mallard broods of 4 and 4 near the visitor centre, and 13 at Sheepwash. 16 GBbG. 1 Yellow-leg. 2 Common Gulls. 6 Swifts. Lots of hirundines: c400 Sand Martin, 30 House Martin and 20 Swallows. 7 singing Sedge Warblers (5 on Stones, 2 WLC creek). 2 Lesser Whites in/at top of WLC creek. 4 singing Goldcrests (3 Hall Wood, 1 Penn Carr). Female Wheatear at the visitor centre. The Millfield Grey Wags appear to have just one fledged youngster.Simon Roddis
2019-05-01The GNDiver has made it into May - off Stones island this morning. 6 broods of Mallard ducklings (4,4,6,7,7,10). 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sand at Sailing Club. 9 GBbG. 2 Yellow-legs. 70 Woodpigeons flushed from Hall Wood by a low-flying Buzzard. Total of 7 singing Sedge Warblers (5 on Stones, 1 on the causeway and 1 at WLC). 2 singing Lesser Whites (WLC fields and Hays Lane). Fledged Blackbirds at Millfields stone barn. 1 Meadow Pipit and 2 Siskin over.Simon Roddis
2019-04-30The GNDiver was showing very well close to the shore off Stones island mid-morning, diving actively but looking rather splendid in full breeding plumage. Nothing new to report but 3 Common Gulls, 8 GBbG, the 3rd-summer Yellow-leg, 5 Garden Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, Goldcrest singing near the WLC, fledged Grey Wags at Millfields, Long-tailed Tits with food on Stones and at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-04-29The GNDiver had another fly around this morning before dropping back onto the water. Mallard broods: 7 and 12 in Brown Ale Bay; 8 at Shiningford, maybe same 8 as at WLC last week; 4 normal and 10 (started as 14) mixed race from Stones causeway. 4 Teal. 1f Goldeneye. 11 Buzzard. The Greenshank still. 11 Common Gull (4 1st-summers N, mixed group of 7 at Sailing Club). 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Little Grebe and Mistle Thrush sitting at BA Bay. c100 Sand Martin and 20 House Martin from Sheepwash. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing between Sheepwash and Lane End. Male Redstart at Hopton end. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-04-28The GNDiver had a fly around early morning but settled back on the water. Around Stones island and the WLC: 1 Arctic Tern, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 1 Swift, 4 Sedge Warbler. Elsewhere, a male Mandarin at Millfields, 2f Goldeneye, 3 Sparrowhawks over Hall Wood, 3rd-summer Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Collared Dove, 4 Garden Warbler.SJR, AHS, JB
2019-04-27This morning from Sheepwash Hide, very windy weather forced us to watch from the hide. Many Hirundines over the water, 2 Redshank,2 Oystercatchers, 2 Arctic Terns at 9:50 am followed at 9:55am by a first summer Kittiwake and a short while after a Whimbrel flew over,possibly the one that had been found earlier in front of the yatch club. AHS,JB,RC
2019-04-26This morning from Stones Island, Great Northern Diver still present, 1 Dunlin, 1 Swift, small numbers of Sand Martins and a good selection of Warblers including Sedge,Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Garden, Willow and Chiffchaff. A H Stewardson

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