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
2018-04-05Very showy summer plumage Black-necked grebe near the island at Millfields this morning - then scared off by fishing boats @CBCSightings @DerbyshirebirdsJames Taylor
2018-04-04An Osprey (yesterday's bird again?) flew over the Watersports centre at 1045 and was seen again over Shiningford and Carsington Pastures before disappearing into the cloud at 1120. A Common Tern was off Stones island 0815-0845. 3 LRP. 10+ Sand Martins. 1 House Martin. 5+ Swallows. Female Wheatear on the dam wall. Willow Warbler singing on Stones causeway at 1230. The GNDiver and Scaup still there. 1 Dunlin. 1 Curlew. The imm Yellow-legged Gull. 15 Redwing at Sheepwash. 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-04-03An Osprey flew north at 1105, first seen from the WLC over Shiningford; it hovered over the water a few times before heading off. One Swallow over Brown Ale Bay (and Keith Badrick had another on the dam wall). c10 Sand Martins during the morning. At least 3 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Ringed Plover. The GNDiver and male Scaup still. Female Shelduck. 5 Goosander. Male Wheatear still on the dam wall. 20 Herring Gulls down/through. 5 GBbGulls. The imm Y-l Gull still. 4 Skylarks over. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson, Clive Ashton
2018-04-02Male Wheatear with meadow pipits and pied wagtails on dam bank 15.30Tony Wood
2018-04-01Species seen collectively by the group undertaking the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-12 noon): Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Tufted Duck, Coot, Cormorant, Great Tit, Buzzard, Meadow Pipit, Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Redshank, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Wren, Scaup, Willow Tit, Teal, Gt Northern Diver and Lesser Black-backed GullGary Atkins
2018-04-01The GNDiver, male Scaup and immature Yellow-legged Gull still present. 6 Chiffchaffs but I didn't see any other migrants. Millfields island is still devoid of Black-headed Gulls but 5 pairs of Barnacle Geese were back, with another 6 elsewhere.Simon Roddis
2018-03-31The GNDiver and male Scaup still present. Pair of Mandarins at the WLC. At Millfields island, where there were over 500 Black-headed Gulls earlier in the week, there were none - zero - this morning, presumably because of the inclement weather. No Barnacle Geese on the island either, although there were 7 in the fields above Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
2018-03-30As well as Roger's birds, 2 Sand Martins flew past Stones island mid-morning. 3 Mandarins: a male flew over the Hopton end at first light and a pair flew across the reservoir from Stones island and landed in a tree on the east side. 1 Ruff. 1 Snipe at Hopton reedbed. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end. 1 Skylark N. Total of 50 Redwing, including 45 at Sheepwash. Mistle Thrush nest-building near Sheepwash. A party of c5 Redpolls on Stones included a couple of pale birds which might have been Commons (though they're the same species as Lesser now anyway).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-301 Avocet on Sailing Club Island, viewable only from dam at 0930 hrs. Also Scaup and Great Northern Diver still.Roger Carrington
2018-03-29Counts of birds on both sides of the reservoir yielded the following totals: 14 Chiffchaff (in contrast to 93 at the same time last year!), 57 Blackbirds, 24 Song Thrushes, 7 Mistle Thrushes (5 singing), 6 Redwing, 52 singing Robins, 21 singing Dunnocks, 24 singing Wrens (104 last year), 11 Willow Tits, 10 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 18 Bullfinch, 18 singing Chaffinch. Also: the GNDiver and male Scaup still, probably 5 Mandarins (pair at Millfields, 2m at Fishtail and 1m flew over the main carpark), 16 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 1f Wigeon, 6 Gadwall in BA Bay, 2 Tawny Owls on the east side, a male Sparrowhawk caught a Pied Wagtail off the Stones island causeway, dropping briefly onto the water in the process, 1 Peregrine, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-28A Sand Martin flew past Stones island this morning, as did an adult Kittiwake. The GNDiver and male Scaup are still there. 7 Ruff this morning, presumably the long-staying 5 plus a couple of new arrivals. 6 Gadwall (4m,2f). 9 Goldeneye (5m,4f). 6 immature Herring, the immature Yellow-leg and 5 GBbGulls. c540 Black-headed Gulls around Millfields island. 3 Chiffchaff. 50 Redwing at Sheepwash. 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-03-27The GNDiver, Scaup, Shelduck and immature Y-l Gull all still present. 2 Chiffchaffs singing at Millfields. Pair of Mandarin along the Stones causeway. Pair of Grey Wagtails at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-26An LRP flew around Stones island, calling, for several minutes between 0950 and 1000. 2 Merlins flew north up the west side at 0950, picked up over the Shiningford area, played around a bit and then headed north together. The GNDiver, Scaup, Shelduck and 5 Ruff still present. 18 Barnacle Geese. At least 2 Sparrowhawks and a Peregrine. 6 Herring Gull, the imm Yellow-leg and 2 GBbGs. 3 Skylarks over. Steady trickle of Meadow Pipits during the morning, 56 in total, all heading north. 3 Linnet. 2 Siskin. Alan S. counted 23 Tree Sparrows between Stones and Sheepwash, and we had a total of 8 singing Chiffchaffs between us.Simon Roddis
2018-03-256 Cormorant,42 Canada Goose,5 Dunnock,6 Robin,20 Tufted Duck,6 Little Grebe,15 Great Crested Grebe,60 BH Gull,3 Mute swan,12 Mallard,6 oystercatcher,10 Teal,21 Greylag,2 Goldfinch,22 Barnacle Goose,4 Ruff,6 Magpie,17 woodpigeon,4 Redshank,6 House Sparrow,2 Shoveler,4 Blue Tit,4 Long Tailed Tit,4 Great Tit,2 Gadwall,David Armitt
2018-03-25Monthly WeBS count: 1 ad GNDiver, 13 Little Grebe, 34 GCGrebe, 13 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Mute Swan, 88 Canada Geese, 10 Barnacles, 20 Greylags, 1 Shelduck, 2 Mandarin, 44 Mallard, 32 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 23 Wigeon, 70 Tufted, 4 Pochard, 1 Scaup, 7 Goldeneye, 108 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 16 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 5 Ruff, 11 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 1 Common Snipe, 2 Grey Wagtail. Also: 3 Golden Plover NW, 2 Peregrine, 20 Buzzards in the air from Stones island, 3 imm Herring Gull, 2 imm GBbGull, 3 Kestrel, 2 Stock Dove at Sheepwash feeder, 8 Skylark over, 70 Starlings NE, 6+ Mistle Thrush, 100+ Redwing at Sheepwash/Paul Stanley, 2 Lesser Redpoll on Stones, 4 singing Willow Tits, 4 Chiffchaff (per Roger C).Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2018-03-24GN Diver, 1 Shelduck, drake Scaup, 5 Ruff, 70 Redwing, Chiffchaff singing briefly at Sheepwash (RC), 2 Raven.Clive Ashton, Roger Carrington.
2018-03-205 Mute Swan, the single Whooper Swan still, 5 Ruff, 1 GBBG, 1 YLG, 6 Willow Tit, c30 Redwing near PS Hide and 18 Skylark flew NE.Clive Ashton
2018-03-20This morning between the Wildlife Center and Lane End. 3 Oystercatchers, 4 Ruff, 5 Gadwall, Buzzard,Scaup and a Whooper Swan flew over (low level)Eric Dewhurst
2018-03-191 Whooper Swan around Sailing Club Island, 1 Ruff, 5 Redshank, 14 Oystercatcher, 3 GBBG, 2 Linnet, 4 Stock Dove feeding at Sheepwash car park.Clive Ashton
2018-03-16The Bar-tailed Godwit was still at Sheepwash to 16:00 at least. GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff all still present. 2 Goosander. 14 Oystercatcher. 6 Redshank. 9 Curlew. Immature Grey Heron hunting frogs (successfully) in the softrush on Sheepwash spit.Simon Roddis
2018-03-16Bar-tailed Godwit 5 Ruff 3 oystercatchers 2 Redshank. Sheep wash 12-30 p.m.David Horsley
2018-03-15A female Merlin flew over the visitor centre area at about 1330, putting up lots of Jackdaws and Woodpigeons in the process. The GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff still present. 7 Redshank. 22 Barnacle Geese. 30 Redwing at Sheepwash. 12 Meadow Pipit. Linnet singing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2018-03-14The GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff still. A pair of Pintail flew N. 1 Dunlin. Single imm Y-l and GBbGulls. 2 Kestrel. 6 Skylarks over. 1 Linnet and 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.SJR, AHS, RC, CA
2018-03-14Chiffchaff singing at Millfields carpark at 0815. The GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff still present. 5 Mute Swans. 6 Greylag (3 pairs). 20+ Barnacles. Male Shelduck flew N. 1 male Pochard. 22 Cormorant. 3 Grey Heron. 16 Common Buzzards in the air. 1 Dunlin. Single imm Y-l and GBbGulls. 2 Collared Dove. At least 6 Raven. c400 Starlings flew E during the morning, and 70 Fieldfares flew NE over Sheepwash at 1120. Male Linnet at Sheepwash.SJR, AHS, RC, CA
2018-03-11The GNDiver and male Scaup still present. A Rock Pipit flew over Stones island at 0920 and appeared to land in the Stones/Sailing Club island area but I couldn't find it again. 3 Mute Swan. 5+ Greylags. 27 Barnacle Geese. 25 Cormorant. 1 Grey Heron. 6 Buzzard including one displaying. 8 Redshank around the site. 4 Herring Gull. The imm Yellow-legged Gull. 2 GBbG, the adult and 'Onefoot'. 5 Skylark over. 120 Starlings E. Redwings: 50 chattering and singing at Millfields, 57 on Stones island then flew N. Simon Roddis
2018-03-10The GNDiver, male Scaup, 5 Ruff and immature Yellow-legged Gull still this afternoon. The Yellow-leg appears to have just one leg - becoming a bit of a trend among the big gulls, it seems! 15 Redwings chattering and singing to themselves at Sheepwash. 1 Skylark over Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-03-095 Ruff, 2 Willow Tits, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatchers, 15 Lapwings - all from WLC Hide Willow Tit, 2 Barnacle Geese - on Stones Island 30 Common Gulls, 2 Goldeneye, Scaup, Linnet, 2 Ravens - from Sheepwash Hide and c/p Willow Tit, 10 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 8 Lapwing - from Stanley HideAlan Hobson
2018-03-09Brief visit this morning in foggy conditions, very little visibility: 2 Shoveler at Millfields, pair of Goldeneye at Sailing Club, 28 Barnacle Geese, 5 Ruff and 2 Curlew.Clive Ashton
2018-03-08This morning from Sheepwash hide 1 Redshank, 2 Grey wagtails, 2 Linnets, Meadow pipit, 4 Oystercatchers and 2 Great black backed gulls 1 adult and the other was the one legged juvenile that was here last year. A H Stewardson
2018-03-06Late afternoon visit. Female Stonechat at Millfields carpark, perching on picnic tables and rubbish bins! GNDiver off Stones island. The male Scaup off Shiningford island. 24 Gadwall. 3 Goosander. 11 Curlew came in. 2 Ruff at Sailing Club. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end at dusk. In the gull roost, 4500 Black-headed, 1300 Common, 160 LBbG, 2 GBbG and 1 Herring. 400 Jackdaws flew over the visitor centre towards the dam wall before dusk.Simon Roddis
2018-03-06GN Diver, drake Scaup at Lane End, 3 Curlew through, 1 Bar tailed Godwit flew north with one of the Curlews, 3+ Ruff, Dunlin heard, 70 Lapwing through East, 2 Snipe, 12 Skylark mainly North, 7 Mistle Thrush, 5 Willow Tits in WLC Creek.Clive Ashton, Roger Carrington, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-05The 59 Whooper Swans were still in Brown Ale Bay until they flew off W at 1005. 2 Whoopers then flew in, difficult to say if they were part of the 59 or not. GNDiver, male Scaup and 4 Pintail all still present. An adult winter Little Gull was over the res, seen from Brown Ale Bay, 0845-0915. 8 Golden Plover flew N at 1150. Total of 130 Lapwing, including 100 E. 4 Ruff. 1 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. 3 Curlew. 18 Gadwall. 73 Skylarks flew N during the morning, including one flock of 25. 2 Herring Gull. 1ad GBbG. 1 Fieldfare at Sheepwash. Not a bad morning!Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson, Clive Ashton
2018-03-052 Whooper Swan @ Hopton end 10-15 left over Visit WLC at 11-10 but returned to Hopton end at 11-50 but after a short time left again towards Wirksworth, Pair Pintail from WLC and Peregrine circled several times before landing on the island where it proceeded to pluck a bird with the wildfow all moving to the bank below, I didn't see it catch anything prior to landing. Male Scaup from Lane End Hide.Ian Scrimshaw
2018-03-0359 Whooper Swans (57 ads, 2 juvs) in Brown Ale Bay to 4pm at least. 54 (53 ads, 1 juv) had been reported earlier in Shiningford Creek; these flew N at 1350 but it looks like they came down again and joined/were joined by another 5. The GNDiver was between Stones island and Fishtail Creek. Adult male Scaup and 4 Pintail (1m, 3f) at the WLC. 1 Dunlin. Only saw 1 Ruff, 3 Lapwing and 2 Snipe. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (1 ad, 1 imm) at Sheepwash. 16 Cormorant.Simon Roddis
2018-02-262 Ruff,13 Teal,2 Oystercatcher,2 Mallard,22 BH Gull,17 Canada Gosse,20 Tufted Duck,15 Great Crested Grebe,11 Cormorant,88 Lapwing,3 Redshank,2 Pied Wagtail,6 Blue Tit,2 Great tit,1 Long tailed Tit,4 Robin,2 Dunnock,6 C Crow,4 Woodpigeon,1 GN Diver,1 Nuthatch,6 BlackbirdDave Armitt
2018-02-2615 Coots,9 Teal,34 Canada Goose,7 BH Gull,2 Robin,4 Blue Tit,2 Pochard,12 Long Tailed Tit,1 Coal Tit,2 Goldfinch,1 Redwing,1 Mistle Thrush,3 Blackbird,3 snipe,1 Jack Snipe,5 Wigeon,2 C Crow,1 Magpie,2 MallardDave Armitt
2018-02-265 Ruff and a Jack Snipe close to the Wildlife Center at 10:00. Redpoll near Lane End Feeder.Eric Dewhurst
2018-02-25The GNDiver was off the spit from Sheepwash hide early morning. 2 Ruff there. 2 Redshank at the WLC.Simon Roddis
2018-02-254 Woodcock flew into the Hopton end between 0615 and 0630Simon Roddis
2018-02-23This morning, 28 Barnacle Geese, 5 Ruff, 3 Redshank, 12 Snipe, imm Yellow-legged Gull, at least 3 Kestrels. I reckon I've now had a total of 7 singing Mistle Thrushes at different spots around the res this week.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-02-22Monthly WebS count: 3 Mute Swan, 7 Whooper Swan (5 ads, 2 juvs),4 Greylag, 118 Canadas, 28 Barnacles, 9 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 190 Teal, 123 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 74 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, 1 GNDiver, 26 Cormorant, 16 Little Grebe, 38 GCGrebe, 6 Moorhen, 157 Coot, 10 Oystercatcher, 260 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 1 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 16 Snipe. Also 2 Raven, 12 Meadow Pipits on Stones, male Brambling at Sheepwash, 20 Siskin at Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
2018-02-21The GN Diver still; it has dropped all but its outermost primaries so won't be going far any time soon! 3 Mute Swan. 26 Barnacle Geese. 10 Gadwall. 28 Cormorant. Pair of Sparrowhawks displaying at Millfields. Pair of Kestrels flew N over the visitor centre. 5 Ruff. 1 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. 19 Snipe (13 on Horseshoe island, 6 in BA Bay). Ad GBbG. 4 Raven over the visitor centre. 3 Skylark E. 60 Starlings N. 2 Mistle Thrushes singing at different locations from the 3 yesterday. Grey Wagtail singing at Sheepwash. Male Brambling at Sheepwash feeder again. Linnet singing on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-02-21Late morning: 8 Oystercatchers (5 flying north-east towards Hopton end, 2+1 probing the now narrower strip of mud in Shiningford Creek)Gary Atkins
2018-02-2121.02.18 Brambling in my garden in HognastonAlan Cribbens
2018-02-20Adult GN Diver still. 17 Barnacle Geese. 2 Curlew. Ruff. 3 Redshank. 2 GBbG. 2 Skylark over. Male Brambling at Sheepwash carpark feeder. 3 singing Mistle Thrushes.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-02-19The adult GN Diver still. 8 Greylags, 1 Barnacle and c50 Canada Geese. 2 Pochard. 5 Goldeneye. 22 Cormorant. 12 Little Grebe. 6 Buzzard. c600 Lapwing. Probably 7 Oystercatcher. 3 Ruff. 3 Redshank. 5 Snipe visible at WLC. 2 Herring Gull. Ad GBbG. 5 Willow Tits singing. 2 Skylark over. 6 Nuthatch. 15 Redwing at Sheepwash. 17 Meadow Pipit (7 on the dam wall, 10 on Stones).Simon Roddis
2018-02-192 Brambling on Sheepwash car park feeders.Clive Ashton
2018-02-164 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton Reedbed at dawn. From Millfields early morning: pair Goosander, pair Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Skylark over and Great Northern Diver. From Stones Island: 2 Jack Snipe and 2 Oystercatchers. From Wildlife Centre: 5 Ruff and 5 Common Snipe. Male Brambling still on Sheepwash car park feeder and Curlew over calling.Roger Carrington
2018-02-15This morning from Millfields 1 Peregrin bathing on shoreline,Great northern diver,1 female Sparrowhawk,3 Oystercatchers and a Redshank.A H Stewardson
2018-02-157 Redshank around site, 5 Ruff on Watersports Island, 7 Magpie together on Stones, 2 Jay at Millfields. Plenty of species now in song including 16 Dunnock. Male Brambling on Sheepwash CP feeders.Clive Ashton

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