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
2018-07-26I forgot to mention Blackbirds: quite a few are now feeding along the shoreline of the res because the ground elsewhere is so dry and hard. There were 5 along Stones causeway, 4 on Sailing Club island and 3 in Shiningford creek. There was also one on Stones island with a beakful of what looked like worms, presumably for young in the nest or recently-fledged young.Simon Roddis
2018-07-26Caspian Gull again off Stones/Sailing Club and the imm Yellow-leg still. 11 Teal. 4 Gadwall. 1 Wigeon in BA Bay. 6 Pochard (5 BA Bay, 1 WLC). 28 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 3 Little Egret. 2 LRP on Sailing Club island. 4 Common Sand. 1 Dunlin in BA Bay. 4 Raven. At least 10 Whitethroat between WLC creek and Stones, and 4 Garden Warbler. 3 Sedge Warbler on Stones island. Recently fledged Reed Warbler in BA Bay. Moulting female Redstart in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2018-07-25Several Purple Hairstreaks along bottom track of Hall Wood mid afternoon (thanks JonB). 1 Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr this evening.Roger Carrington
2018-07-25Adult Caspian Gull and adult Med Gull at/off Sailing Club 0830-0900; the Med then flew over the Stones causeway, didn't see it again. Imm Yellow-leg still and adult Common Tern. 1 Whimbrel down in BA Bay. 2+ Common Sand. 2 Redshank. 2 Oycs. 45 adult Mute Swan. 2 Little Egret. Good showing of warblers again on Stones, at least 2 each of Lesser White, Garden and Sedge.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-07-249+ Purple Hairstreak Butterflies between Hopton reedbed and the south end of the Gorse field mid evening.John Bradley
2018-07-23On the west side from Hopton end to the visitor centre this morning: 12 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 30 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 6 Moorhen, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Common Sand, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, fledged Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, 4 Redstart, 1 Yellow Wag, 4 Grey Wag, plus 6 Ravens over Millfields. Also a possible Garganey very briefly from the WLC which flew behind Shingingford island. Not claiming it but worth looking out for.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-07-22An adult Sandwich Tern was on number 1 buoy off Stones/Sailing Club 0730-0745 at least but had gone by 0910. 2 adult Common Gulls through and the imm Yellow-leg still. 6 Wigeon. 3 Gadwall. 11 Teal. 1 Pochard. 2 Little Egret. One Dunlin on Horseshoe island. 4 Reed Warblers in BA Bay, presumably a family with fledged young. Male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2018-07-21Shiningford Creek area between 8:30 and 10:00. Pair of Bullfinches, Pair of Linnets and a Pair of Redstarts feeding 2 young.ERIC DEWHURST
2018-07-20A pretty decent morning, 74 species. 46 adult Mute Swan plus one cygnet. 42 Greylags. Pair of Shoveler and female Gadwall at Sheepwash. 10 Teal in total. 1 Pochard. 4 Little Egret in Shiningford creek. 5 Grey Heron. 2 Oystercatcher. 6 LRP. 5 Common Sand. Snipe at WLC. Imm Y-l Gull. Adult Common Tern. Kingfisher in BA Bay. 4+ Raven. 6 Sand Martin. Excellent showing of warblers on Stones: minima of 8 Common Whitethroat, 5 Sedge, 5 Blackcap, 4 Garden, 2 Lesser White plus Willows and Chiffs. 10 Tree Sparrows at WLC and 2 at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wags over. Simon Roddis
2018-07-18This morning: 1 Shelduck and 1 vocal Oystercatcher on Horseshoe Island. 1 Common Snipe asleep on now fledged Grebe nest in WLC Creek. An adult Coot feeding 1 very small young in Shiningford Creek. 1 mobile Common Tern. 1 Redshank and 1 Barnacle Goose on Stones Island, also 2 Whitethroat there, one carrying food and the other with a neat white line down its forehead. Still 44 Mute Swans but could only find 1 of the 2 cygnets. 3 LRP young still on Sheepwash Spit. Adult Coot feeding a big young on Tail Bay pond. 1 Little Egret mobile.Roger Carrington
2018-07-173 Little Egrets again. 44 adult Mute Swans. 6 Teal. 2 Pochard. 3 Oystercatcher. 1 Snipe in BA Bay. Imm Y-l Gull still. 15 Swifts over Shiningford. 11 Rooks over Sheepwash. Simon Roddis
2018-07-163 Little Egrets, 2 at Sheepwash, 1 on Stones. 41 adult Mute Swans but just one cygnet with the breeding pair. 4 Teal. 5 LRP. 5 Common Sand. Imm Y-l Gull still. 4 Raven. Bit of a warbler fest on Stones: 3 Sedge, 2 Garden, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow, Chiff, most of them in a small patch of hawthorn. Reed Warbler still in BA Bay, and Reed Bunting with food there. 3 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-07-1515 Lapwing,28 Cormorant,2 Pied Wagtail,57 Tufted Duck,1 Great Tit, 2 C.Crow,113 Canada Goose,1 Little ringed plover,5 Mallard,11 Greylag Goose,11 Great Crested Grebe + 2 young,23 Mute Swan,5 Goldfinch,1 Oystercatcher,1 Willow Tit,1 Spotted FlycatcherDavid Armitt
2018-07-1599 Canada Goose,22 Greylag Goose,10 Cormorant,9 Grey Heron + 1 young,35 Mute Swan,1 Yellow leg Gull,1 GBBG,6 Lapwing, 1 Little ringed plover + 1 Young,3 Great Crested Grebe,1 Little Grebe,1 Bullfinch,1 ChaffinchDavid Armitt
2018-07-14Forgot to mention Reed Warblers with food in BA Bay and Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
2018-07-14An Avocet flew north past Paul Stanley hide at 07:40 but no further sign. Monthly WeBS count: 41 Mute Swans (plus 2 cygnets), 39 Greylag, 466 Canadas, 1 Barnacle, 5 Teal, 160 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 227 Tufted, 33 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, 6 Little Grebe, 33 GCGrebe, 345 Coot, 3 Oystercatcher, 29 Lapwing, 3 LRP, 3 Common Sand, 1 Snipe. Also, 5 Raven over Lane End, 1 Meadow Pipit at BA Bay, 45 Linnet between Sheepwash and Lane End, and JB had 8 Crossbill over Blackwall Plantation.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2018-07-137 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 08:30hrsRoger Carrington
2018-07-1260 Greylags. 28 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 5 Grey Heron. 60 Lapwing. 8 LRP (5 juvs). 4 Common Sand. Imm Yellow-legged Gull. 40 Swallows around the draw-off tower. Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2018-07-1035 adult Mute Swans plus 2 cygnets. 7 Teal. Tufted Duck broods of 12 (possibly actually 2 x 6) in Shiningford creek and 13 at Sailing Club. 2 Little Egrets (adult in BA Bay, juv from WLC). 3 ad and 2 juv LRP. Full-grown juv Redshank on Horseshoe island, and a Snipe there. Imm Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls still. At least 10, possibly 13, Ravens over. Simon Roddis
2018-07-05Just looked at the Hopton end, Hall Wood and Sheepwash this morning. 3 Crossbill over Hall Wood (1N,2S). 3 male Pochard. 30 Cormorant. 6 Grey Heron. 1 Common Tern. 2nd-summer Y-l Gull. 3 Raven. 15 House Martin over Hopton end, presumably the birds from the villages. Loads of butterflies (whites, Ringlets, Meadow Browns, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Commas) and several dragonflies, including Broad-bodied Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer and Southern Hawker.Simon Roddis
2018-07-04At Millfields, pair of GCGrebe with 2 small young, plus 2 sitting birds at Penn Carr and one on Millfields island; 3 GSWoodpecker; family party of 3 Jays (at least one juv) (and another Jay in BA Bay); 5 Mistle Thrush at Penn Carr (plus one over Hall Wood); Grey Wags with food - second brood; 5 Starlings over. Totals of 33 adult Mute Swan (plus 2 cygnets), 524 Canada Geese, 1 Barnacle, 2 Teal, 1 Pochard, 30 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 9 Little Grebe (including a pair with a large chick at Big Island), 3 Collared Dove. Second-summer Common Gull at Sailing Club. Second-summer Y-l Gull still. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2018-07-03Pair of Common Terns from Sheepwash mid-morning, and imm Yellow-legged Gull there. 62 Lapwing. 4 ad LRP. 44 Greylag. 1 Barnacle. Drake Pochard at WLC. 31 Cormorant, most of them loafing at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis
2018-07-01Species seen/heard during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Blackcap, Mallard, Coot, Wren, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, House Martin, Chaffinch, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Great Crested Grebe, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Whitethroat, Blue Tit, Willow Warbler, Cormorant, Pied Wagtail, Starling, Jackdaw, Barnacle GooseGary Atkins
2018-06-30At Hopton end 0600-0800: adult Kittiwake flew SW at 0645; 137 Swifts flew NE into the wind, and a Hobby on the same flight path; the GCGrebes nesting near the reedbed now have 1 young; female Tufted with 23(!) young. Imm Yellow-leg and 2 drake Teal from Sheepwash. Pair of Pochard and a Mallard with 8 small young in BA Bay. Stock Dove singing near PS hide. Female Tufted with 9 small young at WLC. Total of 26 Mute Swans plus 2 cygnets. 46 Greylag.Simon Roddis
2018-06-2922 Mute Swans plus 2 cygnets. 41+ Greylag. Drake Teal at WLC. Female Tufted Duck in BA Bay with, as far as I could see, just 1 young. 23 Cormorant. 8 juv/imm Grey Herons from Sheepwash. Adult Common Tern at WLC - it even tried to land on the tern raft! Imm Yellow-leg and 2 GBbG at Sheepwash. Reed Warblers still singing at WLC and PS hide. Female Redstart in WLC fields. 11 Tree Sparrow, mostly juvs, at WLC. 1 Siskin over the main carpark.Simon Roddis
2018-06-257 drake Common Scoter off Stones, 0830 to 1130 at least. 7 Gadwall. 4 Grey Heron. 15 Lapwing. Adult Herring Gull, not to the liking of the BhGs on Horseshoe island. Imm GBb and Y-l Gulls still. 2 Sedge Warbler singing on Stones, and 1 Reed Warbler at PS hide. Adult Garden Warbler feeding fledged young on Stones.Simon Roddis
2018-06-252 Redshank,21 Cormorant,2 Lapwing,190 Canada Goose,20 coot,2 Ringed Plover,6 Grey Heron,1 White Wagtail,1 Little Ringed Plover,7 Great Crested Grebe+ 3 Young,9 Mute swan,1 Moorhen,3 Greylag Goose,1 little Grebe, 1 GBBG, 2 Carrion Crow,30 Tufted duck,1 Reed Bunting,1 Spotted Flycatcher,1 Blackcap,1 chiffchaff David Armitt
2018-06-235 drake Common Scoter from Stones island 0800-0900 at least. 519 Canada Geese. 64 Greylags plus 10 goslings. 4+ Little Grebe, one nest-building in BA Bay. 7 Oycs over WLC. 1 Ringed Plover over Stones. 3 Common Sand. Pair of Redshank alarming on Watersports island. Imm Y-l Gull. 20 Swifts. 4 Raven. At BA Bay, recently fledged Goldcrest and Blackcap, and Garden Warbler with food. 3+ Sedge Warblers on Stones island (1 singing).Simon Roddis
2018-06-22Drake Pochard again in WLC creek. Moorhen with 2 small young at Hopton reedbed. GCGrebe with small young on its back (probably 2) in BA Bay. Only one BhG still sitting there. Pair of Redstarts alarm-calling at north end of Hall Wood. Spotted Fly alarming in BA Bay but only one bird seen. Alan S had 11 Tree Sparrows (2 juvs) - not helped by the empty feeders.Simon Roddis
2018-06-211 sp Dunlin at Sheepwash, 1 Little Ringed Plover Stones, Spotted Flycatcher Brown Ale Bay, 2 Redstart WLC Creek.Neil Moulden
2018-06-2115+ Mute Swans. 387 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle. Drake Pochard in WLC creek. 2 drake Teal at Sheepwash. 19 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. Imm Y-l and GBb Gulls. 20 Swifts. 2 Ravens. Fledged Willow Warbers and Chiffchaff at Millfields. Blackcap nestbuilding at Penn Carr, presumably for a second time. Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island and 2 Reed Warblers at WLC/creek. At least 5 juv Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
2018-06-17Monthly WeBS count: 19 Mute Swan (+ 2 cygnets), 37 Greylags, 326 Canadas, 1 Barnacle, 63 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 87 Tufted, 18 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 4 Little Grebe, 29 Great Crested Grebe, 133 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 6 LRP, 1 Common Sand, 8 Redshank. Now only 2 BhG nests in BA Bay, but a fully flying juvenile at WLC looked too old to be a Carsington-bred bird. 25 Swifts. 6 singing Reed Warblers.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2018-06-112 Redshank,1 lapwing,1 Little Grebe,18 Cormorant,16 Tufted Duck,30 Coot,10 BH Gull,87 Canada goose, 1 GBB Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 8 Great Crested Grebe,3 Mallard,2 C crow,2 Chaffinch,3 Reed Bunting,10 Greylag GooseDavid Armitt
2018-06-106 Crossbills (probably all females/immatures) over Millfields at 0635. c250 Canadas, 41 Greylag and 4 Barnacles (+ 1 chick). Broods of 4 small Canadas and 9 small Mallard around Stones island. 21 Cormorant. 9 Lapwing. 2 Common Sand on Stones. 1 Curlew. 2nd-summer Yellow-legged Gull at Sailing Club and later at Sheepwash. Lots of fledged Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits, plus Coal Tit at Sheepwash and families of Willow Tit near WLC and on Stones island (at least 4 young). Fledged Nuthatch at Sheepwash carpark. Garden Warbler with food on Stones. Sedge Warbler singing and song-flighting on Stones. Singing Reed Warblers in WLC reedbed, WLC creek and between Sheepwash and PS hides. Redstart alarming at the top of WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2018-06-08Female Pochard in BA Bay. c50 Swifts feeding. Breeding stuff: family of fledged Willow Tits between Hopton end and BA Bay; Chiffchaffs with food at Hopton end and BA Bay; Redstart with at least 2 fledged young in Shiningford creek; Nuthatch with fledged young at Paul Stanley. Alan S. counted 17 Tree Sparrows, including one juvenile in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2018-06-071 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover on Stones at 08.15. Neil Moulden
2018-06-03Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon) sightings: House Sparrow, Gt Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Redshank, Buzzard, Canada Goose, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Mallard, Willow Tit, Black-headed Gull, House Martin, Swallow, Blue Tit, Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, Greylag Goose, Coot, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Wren, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Dunnock, Tree Sparrow, Blackcap, Barnacle Goose, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Cormorant, LapwingGary Atkins
2018-06-021 Turnstone again in front of Sailing Club. 1 Sanderling dropped into Stones island, 1 Ringed Plover over and 1 Hobby past. Red Kite over the east side. Common Tern at the visitor centre. Breeding activity: GCGrebe with 2 small young at Big Island, and 2 Oystercatcher chicks there. Little Grebe nest-building at Hopton end. At Brown Ale Bay, Blackcap with food, Reed Warbler nest-building and Spotted Flycatcher chasing a Grey Squirrel away from its usual nesting tree. Male Redstart still at Hopton end.SJR, AHS, JB
2018-06-011 Turnstone in front of Sailing Club. Pair of Common Terns around Stones island. 10 Mute Swan. 229 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle. 29 Greylags. 1 Pink-foot. Young Mallard at Hopton end: 1 fully feathered; 8x2-week old; 3x2-day old. GCGrebe with a small chick at Sailing Club island, a nest with 3 eggs at Hopton end. Coot with small young in BA Bay. 8 Lapwing. After the mass failure of two colonies, there are now about 13 BhGull nests on the wire basket in BA Bay. Imm Yellow-legged Gull still. Reed Warblers singing in WLC reedbed and WLC creek. Nuthatch with food at Sheepwash. Spotted Flycatcher back in its usual spot at BA Bay.Simon Roddis
2018-05-3110 Mute Swan: 4 incomers being given a hard time by the resident birds. New brood of 3 small Canadas at Millfields. 21 Cormorant at Sheepwash. 1 Whimbrel around Stones. Imm Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. Reed Warbler singing near Millfields island, and Sedge Warbler still there. 2 young Grey Wags being fed by 2 adults at Millfields viewing area. 1 Crossbill over Millfields.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2018-05-28One Ringed Plover at Sheepwash; otherwise just the usual waders. 8 Mute Swan. Grey Wags with fledged young at Millfields, and Pied Wag also with young on Sailing Club island. Nuthatch with food in Penn Carr. Tree Sparrow again in Millfields carpark, this time collecting food and flying off over the carpark entrance, so it presumably has a nest over the road somewhere. Also Song Thrush with food in Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis
2018-05-27Two more Ringed Plover at Sheepwash this evening brings my total for the day to 15. With the north-easterly gale that has been blowing all week, forcing waves onto the north end of Sailing Club island, several of the low-lying Black-headed Gull nests have been washed out. A pity, they must have been close to hatching.Simon Roddis
2018-05-2710 species of wader this morning: 13 Ringed Plover (1 down, 4+8 through), 2 Whimbrel, 1 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin all went through, still 1 Turnstone, plus the regulars. 20 Cormorant. 3 Stock Dove (2 on Stones, 1 at Sheepwash). 20 House Martin (14 through, 6 around the visitor centre). Pair of Pied Wags taking food onto Sheepwash spit. 2 male Bullfinches feeding on dandelion seed heads at BA Bay, and Willow Tit with food there.Simon Roddis
2018-05-26A Sanderling dropped into Watersports island at 10:05 but flew off a little later. 3 Turnstone still. 3 Ringed Plover. 1 Common Tern. Drake R-c Pochard. c30 Swallows moving through. 6 singing Reed Warblers (5 Hopton, 1 Stones). 3 singing Spotted Fly around Hall Wood. Fledged Tawny Owl in Hall Wood. Willow Tit with food at Hopton end.SJR, CA, JB, AHS
2018-05-25No sign of any terns this evening, but c100 House Martins around Stones causeway, 3 Turnstones still, and Whitethroat with food. Black-headed Gulls now have chicks on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
2018-05-253 Black Terns from 10:20 to 11:30 at least. 5 Common and 10 Arctic Terns stayed a while but moved on. 3 Turnstone still. Drake R-c Pochard. Pair of Shoveler. Second-summer Common Gull again. 4 imm GBbG. Imm Yellow-leg. 2 Linnet on Stones causeway.SJR, CA, AHS
2018-05-243 Turnstones still on Stones island and 4 Arctic Terns past at 08:40. 20 LBbG and 1 Herring Gull through. Reed Warbler singing in WLC reedbed. 2 Tree Sparrows in Millfields carpark, first I've ever seen away from the west side. Confirmed breeding on Stones island: Long-tailed Tit (FL), Willow Tit (FF), Great Tit (NY), Reed Bunting (FF); and at Millfields, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Blackcap (all FF).Simon Roddis
2018-05-234 Turnstones still around Stones/Sailing Club. Arctic Tern past Stones at 08:20. 3 GBbG. Imm Yellow-leg. Second-summer Common Gull. (One of the Great Black-backs was hovering over the dam wall, following a Stoat as it ran through the rocks. Probably best for the Gull that it didn't catch it). 28 Greylags. 3 Stock Doves in WLC fields. 30 Swifts. Reed Warbler singing on Sailing Club island, and 4 in Hopton reedbed. Redstart singing at Hopton end. Breeding evidence: Willow Tit with food and Tree Sparrows with young in nest box.Simon Roddis
2018-05-22Perimeter counts of singing birds this morning: 31 Chiffchaffs, 17 Willow Warblers, 54 Blackcaps, 10 Garden Warblers, 8 Whitethroat, 5 Reed Warblers in Hopton end, 53 Wrens, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 7 Song Thrush, 60 Blackbirds (91 in total), 38 Robins, 15 Dunnock and 15 Chaffinch. Also: 4 Turnstones on Stones island, 5 Jays and 11 Bullfinch. Black-headed Gulls now have chicks on the platform in front of the WLC, and there is still one Oystercatcher chick on Horseshoe island, I guess the survivor of the brood there on 5/5. 7 Starlings were feeding in the overflow carpark at the end of the dam wall and flying out with food for young. I was able to follow one of them back to the church tower in Hognaston village, which it entered via a gap in the louvre-style window, where it presumably has a nest full of young Starlings.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-05-214 Black Terns from 7:00pm till dusk feeding off Lane End.John Bradley

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