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
2017-09-102 Greenshank at Sheepwash till 11:00am then flew east, plus 3 Redshank.John Bradley
2017-09-091 Pintail in BA bay. 23 Greylags. 4 Little Egrets. At least 3 Sparrowhawks in the Stones/WLC area. 14 Dunlin. 10 Ringed Plover. 2 LRP. 1 Common Sand. 3 Y-l Gull. 33 Rooks, mostly over the dam wall. 4 Raven. 50 Swallow. 40 House Martin. 3 Sand Martin. Common Whitethroat on Stones. 150 Goldfinch on Stones still. JB also had single Mandarin and Swift.Simon Roddis
2017-09-0836 Wigeon. 2 Pintail still. 2 R-c Pochard. 1 Pinkfoot among the Canadas. 4+ Little Egret. 85 Lapwing. 3 LRP (2 off Stones causeway, 1 Sheepwash). 5 Ringed Plover. 1 Common Sand at Sheepwash. 15+ Dunlin on Stones, and possibly another 9 which flew south past Sheepwash. Adult Y-l Gull. 1 Swift still. 30 House Martin through, and c10 hanging around. 5 Sand Martin. 1 Willow Warbler on Stones. 150 Goldfinch and 40 Linnet around Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-09-077 Little Egret, 15 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 1 Shoveler, 2 Sparrowhawk, 12 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, 6 Collared Dove, at least 2 Sand Martin, many Chiffchaff on Stones Island also 2 Blackcap there, male Redstart in WLC fields, 2 Jay over Middle Wood, 120 Goldfinch and 30 Linnet on Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2017-09-07Also 100 Swallow around the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail on the dam and 6 Ringed Plover.Clive Ashton
2017-09-06In addition to Simon's sightings. 9 Little Grebes, 36 Cormorants, Pink-footed Goose, 34 Greylag Geese, 14 Gadwall, 221 Teal, 33 Pochard, 4 Buzzards, Redshank, probably as many as 150 Pied Wagtails on site, 12 Chiffchaff including 2 in song, 2 Sand Martins, Kingfisher, 4 Willow Tits, 2 Ravens. 14 Wigeon and a Yellow Wagtail in the evening (J Bradley). Dave Newcombe
2017-09-06The first Pintail of the autumn this morning, 2 females in front of Sheepwash hide. 9 Wigeon. 8 Shoveler. 4 R-c Pochard. 1 Barnacle Goose. 5 Little Egret. 2 LRP. 15 Dunlin. 3 Common Sand. 2 GBbG. 1 Swift. 5 Blackcap (4 in WLC creek, 1 on Stones). 32 Meadow Pipits south/south-west. 150 Goldfinch and 40 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-09-05Duck numbers still increasing: 202 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon, 44 Pochard, 4 R-c Pochard. 46 adult Mute Swans + 6 cygnets. 35 Greylags. At least 4 Little Egrets and 10 Grey Herons. 2 Golden Plover flew S at 1130. 5 Ringed Plover. 15 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 4 Common Sand. 2 GBbG. 2 Kingfisher. 1 Swift. 1 Wheatear on Stones island. 90+ Pied Wagtails around Stones causeway and Sheepwash, and a possible White Wag and 3 Yellow Wags at Sheepwash. 3 Meadow Pipits. 35 Linnet. Summer visitors are getting much thinner on the ground now - didn't even hear Blackcap this morning.SJR, AHS, RC
2017-09-05Little Egret 4 ,coot 250+,Teal 23,Pochard 8,Cormorant 10,Mallard 15,Mute Swan 19,Gadwell 7,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 2,Red Crested Pochard 3, Tufted Duck 12,Greylag Goose 2,Moorhen 1,Canada Goose 12David Armitt
2017-09-04The 2 Sandwich Terns were still present this morning, initially heard only in the fog at around 0915, then they flew S past Stones island at 0940 and were up at Sheepwash at 1130. 7 Wigeon. 12 Shoveler. 4 R-c Pochard. 1 Little Egret. 11 Ringed Plover. 15 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 3 Common Sand. Adult and 1st-summer Y-l Gull. Adult GBbG. 6 Blackcaps feeding on elderberries in WLC creek, and 1 Common Whitethroat there.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-09-032 Sandwich Terns perched on buoys this evening in rain.Roger Carrington
2017-09-03Species seen between Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Woodpigeon, Swallow, House Martin, Coot, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Greylag Goose, Gt Crested Grebe, Mallard, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Raven, Robin, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, Linnet, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Chiffchaff, Meadow Pipit, Gt Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Gadwall, Common Sandpiper, Lapwing, Willow Tit ... also a Fox on Horseshoe IslandGary Atkins
2017-09-03A new species for the site this morning: a Dipper in Tail Bay, seen from the dam wall. Not a county rarity but hey, it's still a first! 70 Greylags. 1 Pinkfoot. 152 Teal. 10 Shoveler. 30 Gadwall. 6 Wigeon. 4 R-c Pochard. 27 Pochard. 2-3 Little Egret. 2 Hobby over Millfields. 1 juv LRP. 7 Ringed Plover. 1 Greenshank. 1 Redshank. 11 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 5 Curlew. First-summer Y-l Gull. 1 Common and 1 commic Tern through. 3 Kingfisher. 1 Swift over Hall Wood. 100 Swallow. 30 House Martin. 20 Sand Martin. 1 Willow Warbler in Tail Bay. 5 Yellow Wag and 3 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.SJR, CA, JB
2017-09-021100 -- 20 Buzzards high over Wildlife Centre creek, some being mobbed by one or two RavensGary Atkins
2017-09-022 Little egret, 6+Grey Heron, 8 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 LRP, 3 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 100 +Teal, 14 Pochard, 10 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Clive Ashton
2017-09-015 Ringed Plover. 4 Dunlin. 1 Common Sand. 1 Common Redshank but no sign of the Spotshank. 2GBbG. Single Pinkfoot and Barnacle and 2 Greylags among 8-900 Canadas. 5 Wigeon. 1 Shoveler. 4 R-c Pochard. Only 2 Little Egrets. 12 Buzzards. 2 Peregrines, the juv female and a male. The juv female landed right in front of Sheepwash hide, she has a metal ring on her right leg. 2 Sparrowhawks. 2 Swifts. 2 Willow Warbler. 2 Common Whitethroat. 3 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wag at Sheepwash.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-08-31This evening: From Sheepwash: adult Yellow Legged Gull, ad Common Gull and 2 Swifts through. Wildlife Centre: 2 Dunlin. Stones Island: 11 Ringed Plovers, 8 Dunlin and 1 Redshank (no sign of Spotted Redshank).Roger Carrington
2017-08-31Juv Spotted Redshank from Sheepwash hide again early morning. 70 Lapwing. 5 Ringed Plover. 1 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 2 Black-tailed and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit flew north with 3 smaller waders, possibly Greenshank. 1 Pink-foot and 4 Greylags among c800 Canada Geese. 3 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 22 Pochard. 3 R-c Pochard. 7 Little Egrets. 6 Grey Heron. 2 GBbG. 5 Stock Dove. 2 Swifts. 60 Rooks on the east side. 100 Swallow. 20 House Martin. 5 Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. Common Whitethroat and 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 17 Blackbirds on Stones causeway. 2 Yellow Wag at Sailing Club. 41 Pied Wag at the WLC. 11 Meadow Pipits, mostly heading south.Simon Roddis
2017-08-30On the late shift today. The Spotted Redshank was around Sheepwash most of the afternoon. 10 Ringed Plovers on Stones. 3 Common Sand. 110 Teal. 1 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 10 Pochard. 4 R-c Pochard (2m, 2f/imm). 6 Little Egrets. 2500 LBbG came in to roost. 2 GBbG. Ad Y-l Gull. 4+ Swift. 1 Kingfisher in BA Bay. Tawny Owl calling at Hopton end at dusk. c200 swallows went to roost in Hopton reedbed at dusk. 2+ Reed Warblers there too. 2 Wheatear on the dam wall. 15 Linnet at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2017-08-30Juv Spotted Redshank still from Sheepwash Hide at 12:20hrs.Roger Carrington
2017-08-29Juv Spotted Redshank at Sheepwash feeding in the small pool, 1st summer and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls on the spit,3 Common Gulls in the roost plus Yellow Wagtail on Water Sports Island.John Bradley
2017-08-28Similar to yesterday. 69 Teal. 13 Gadwall. 4 Shoveler. 4 Little Egret. 4 LRP. 2 Ringed Plover. 2 Common Sand. Adult Y-l Gull. 3 GBbG. 2Swifts.. 2 Yellow Wag. 7 Meadow Pipit. 2 Redstart. 150 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-2745 Teal, 1 Wigeon and 7 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 7 Pochard. 2 eclipse male R-c Pochard at Millfields. 5 Little Egrets. 20 Common Buzzards together in the air over Hopton end at 11:00. 4 juv LRP. 2 juv Ringed Plover. The Black-tailed Godwit still, on Stones. 3 Common Sand. 2 GBbG (adult and imm). 4 adult probably Common Terns, difficult against the light. 4 Stock Dove. 2 Raven. 35 House Martin at Hopton end. 2 Willow Warblers. Sedge Warbler on Stones. Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 7 Grey Wag (6 at Millfields, 1 Hopton end).Simon Roddis
2017-08-263 Common Scoter (1m,2f) off the dam wall early morning, later at Sheepwash. 4 Wigeon. 1 Shoveler. 2 R-c Pochard. 5 Goosander. 41 Teal at Sheepwash - numbers down courtesy of a b****y hot-air balloon which flushed lots of stuff. (10 species of duck nonetheless.) 23 Greylag. 5 Little Egret. 78 Lapwing. 3 juv LRP. Adult Ringed Plover. Single Whimbrel and Greenshank through. Black-tailed Godwit initially at Sailing Club (thanks Merv) then at Sheepwash to 10:25 at least. 4 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Kingfisher. Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstart in WLC fields. Juv Wheatear on the dam wall. 7 Yellow Wag, including 5 south over Millfields. 150 Goldfinch and 15 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-2550 Mute Swan plus 6 cygnets. 2 Greylag. 10 Gadwall. 79 Teal. 2 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 7 Pochard. 2 R-c Pochard. 50 Cormorants on Sheepwash spit. 7 Little Egrets. 2 LRP. 3 Dunlin. 1 Greenshank. 5 Common Sand. Adult Y-l Gull. 2 imm GBbG. 3 Swift. 2 Kingfisher. 3 Raven. 30 Swallow at Millfields. 60-70 House Martins feeding in BA Bay. Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. Redstart in Shiningford creek. 6 Mistle Thrush at Millfields. 5 Grey Wag. 2 Yellow Wag. 1 Meadow Pipit. (74 species)Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2017-08-2444 adult Mute Swan, 650 Canada Geese, 5 Little Egret, 64 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 2 Rc Pochard, 1 Pochard, Marsh Harrier flew south at 07:00,imm female Peregrine, 4 Dunlin, 2 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, one foot GBBG, 4 Stock Dove, 4 Raven, Kingfisher, 50 Swallow and 2 Meadow Pipits on the dam. Clive Ashton
2017-08-23A Tree Pipit flew south over Stones at about 0830, first (and last?) of the year. 3 Yellow Wagtails around Stones. 46 Teal. 4 R-C Pochard. 35 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 5 Little Egret. 9 Grey Heron. 1 Oystercatcher. 4 Ringed Plover. 7 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 8 Common Sand. 3 Snipe. 1 Whimbrel. 3 Swifts. Mixed flock of 100 Swallows and House Martins over Stones early on, then 60 House Martin south over BA Bay and 50 more feeding in front of Sheepwash hide. Small numbers of hirundines still going through late morning. 1 Sedge Warbler on Stones. 60 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 200 Goldfinch on Stones still.SJR, CA, RC
2017-08-234 wheatear on dam wall 3 pm ishPhil Davies
2017-08-221 Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall at Millfields. 5 Little Egrets. 9 Gadwall. 44 Teal. 2 R-c Pochard. 4 Pochard. 3 Ringed Plover. 6 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 3 imm GBbG including Onefoot. Kingfisher at Millfields. 7 Willow Tits. 1 Sand Martin. 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 200 Goldfinches on Stones island. 46 Tree Sparrows at WLC - thanks to Jill and Pat (vols) for the accurate count! An interesting bit of behaviour in WLC creek: there appeared to be a hatch of small black flies over the hawthorns and quite a few birds were feeding on them: 4 Common and 2 Lesser Whitethroats in the bushes, but several Tree Sparrows and 2 Blue Tits actively flycatching from the bushes - I've never seen either species do that before.Simon Roddis
2017-08-21Should also have mentioned 21 Tree Sparrows - fewer than recent counts, it remains to be seen if they have dispersed or if they were just playing hard to get today.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-21At least 4 Little Egrets still. 1100 Canada Geese - that's just too many! 1 Pink-foot. 2 Greylags. 33 Teal. 7+ Gadwall. 3 R-c Pochard in BA Bay, including the youngster. 1 Oystercatcher. 3 ad Ringed Plover. 1 ad LRP. 3 Common Sand. 6 Dunlin. Ad Y-l Gull. Onefoot the GBbG. Single Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher in Shiningford creek. 50 Linnet around Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-1810 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Pink footed Goose, 43 Teal, 2 Pochard, 7 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover heard, 2 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpiper, Redstart in WLC fields.Clive Ashton
2017-08-1750 adult Mute Swans. 6 Gadwall. 28 Teal (so much for me saying numbers were increasing daily!). 6 Pochard. 4 Little Egrets. 1 Oystercatcher. 21 Lapwing. 1 LRP. 4 Ringed Plover (3 ads, 1 juv). 8 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 1 Snipe. Ad Y-l Gull. 2 imm GBbGs including Onefoot. 2+ Swifts. 5 Kestrels (family party?) in the air together over Carsington Pastures. 3 Peregrines (young female plus 2 males). 3 Raven. Reed Warbler in WLC reedbed. 12 Mistle Thrushes and 7 Starlings settled in tall conifers in Hall Wood. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. Huge numbers of Goldfinches: 200 again on Stones and another 100 in WLC creek, along with 40 Linnets, amazing sight. (72 species)Simon Roddis
2017-08-1650 adult Mute Swans. 2 Greylags. 7 Gadwall. 37 Teal (increasingly daily at the moment). 6 Pochard. The female R-C Pochard with her now-nearly-full-grown youngster was in BA Bay today. 40 Cormorant. At least 4 Little Egrets. 6 Grey Herons. 16 Common Buzzards in the air. 43 Lapwing. 2 juv LRP. 1 juv Ringed Plover. 9 Dunlin. 5+ Common Sand. 1 Snipe over Stones island. Adult Y-l Gull. 2 imm GBbG. 4 Swift. Kingfisher in BA Bay. 100 Jackdaw over Hopton end. 2 Lesser Whitethroat (Stones and WLC creek). 3 Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Grey Wagtail. 55 Pied Wags between Stones and the WLC. 200 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-15An Osprey flew in at 1130 and stayed until 1145 at least, seen from the WLC. 6 Little Egrets. 26 Teal. 4 Pochard. Female R-c Pochard with one young still. Peregrine. 1 Oystercatcher. 3 Ringed Plover. 1 juv LRP. 8 Dunlin. 6 Common Sand. Adult Y-l Gull. 2 Swifts. 2 Raven. 2 Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2017-08-1449 adult Mute Swans. 1 juv Shelduck. 4 Greylags. 8 Gadwall. 22 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with one young at WLC. 5 Little Egrets. 9 Dunlin. 4 Ringed Plover. 4 Common Sand. 1 Swift. 5 Starling north. Female/juv Redstart in WLC fields. c50 Tree Sparrows and 5 Collared Doves at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-08-13Monthly WeBS count: 35 GC Grebe, 13 Little Grebe, 9 Grey Heron, 8 Little Egret, 30 Cormorant, 51 Mute Swan, 6 Greylag (including neck-collar PPX), 398 Canada Geese, 264 Mallard, 17 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 407 Tufted Duck, 714 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, 26 Lapwing, 1 LRP, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sand, 4 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher. Also Spotted Fly, 2 Redstart.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2017-08-1110 Little Egrets this morning, a site record. 6 Grey Heron. 49 adult Mute Swans. 16 Greylags. 19 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with one young still. 6 Dunlin. 1 Ringed Plover. 1 juv LRP. 3 Common Sand. On Sheepwash spit, 110 LBbG, 2 GBBg (adult and first-summer) and 2 ad Y-l Gulls. First-summer Common Gull. Kingfisher at Millfields. 1 Peregrine. 5 Ravens. 30 Swallows on the dam wall early on. 4 Redstarts in WLC fields. 80 Goldfinch at Millfields (over 100 in total).Simon Roddis
2017-08-10The highlight this morning was an adult Sandwich Tern from Stones Island. 9 Teal, drake Pochard, 5 Dunlin, 2 LRP, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher. Many warblers on Stones Island including 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Sedge Warblers. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields also another Lesser Whitethroat there and another Sedge Warbler in WLC Creek reed bed.Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-08-0918 Black-tailed Godwits flew through SE at 10:50. 2 Dunlin. 45 Lapwing. 3 LRP. 1 Ringed Plover. 5 Common Sand. 2 Oystercatcher. Adult Y-l Gull. 1 Common Tern. 50 adult Mute Swans. 6 Gadwall. 9 Teal. Drake Pochard. 3 female R-c Pochard - and the young bird does actually look like a miniature RcP now! 7 redhead Goosander. 2 Peregrine. 2 Raven. 4 Stock Doves. 1 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 120 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-0814 Dunlin, 1 juv LRP, 1 Ringed Plover and a Greenshank around Stones island. 35 Lapwing. 4 Common Sand. 2 adult Common Terns. Adult Y-l Gull. 3 female R-c Pochard and 1 young again. 2 male Sparrowhawks. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-07Species noted during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Mallard, Dunlin, Mute Swan, Robin, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Swallow, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Willow Warbler, House Martin, Black-headed Gull, Buzzard, Magpie, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Wren, Gt Crested Grebe, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Lapwing, Lesser Black-back Gull, Peregrine*, Reed Bunting**, Willow Tit, Linnet, Little Egret *Peregrine looked like young female previously noted; it emerged from long grass on Horseshoe Island with prey in its talons ** Young, recently fledged femaleGary Atkins
2017-08-07A Red Kite flew west across the Hopton end at 11:15. 8 Buzzards. 3+ Little Egret. 3 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 2 female Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash, plus the female and young at WLC. 2 Teal. 3 Greylag. 1 Oystercatcher. 2 LRP. 12 Dunlin still. 2 Common Sand. 1 Redshank. Juv Collared Dove at WLC. 4+ Swifts. 3 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 30+ Linnet. 1 Siskin. 54 Tree Sparrow, and 2 nestboxes still with young. 41+ House Sparrow.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-06An Osprey was present from 0840-0900, dived once but didn't catch anything, then drifted north. Imm female Peregrine again. 5 Little Egret. 50 adult Mute Swan. 1 Pochard. 1 Greylag. 10 Little Grebe, plus small youngster in Tail Bay. Full grown young GC Grebe at Sheepwash, presumably flown in from elsewhere. 1 ad LRP at WLC. 12 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 2 Common Sand. 1 ad Y-l Gull. 1 Stock Dove. Kingfisher at Millfields. 3 GSWoodpecker. 2 Swifts. 5 Raven. 10 Sand Martin. Spotted Fly feeding fledged young at Millfields car park. Blackcap feeding fledged young at Penn Carr. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 40 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 30 Linnets. 120 Goldfinch. (75 species)Simon Roddis
2017-08-05Brief visit this morning: 50 adult Mute Swan, 2 Egyptian Geese at Millfields, 4+ Little Egret, 6+ Grey Heron, 9 Dunlin on Watersports Island, 1 Redshank, 3 Sedge Warbler on Stones Island, 1st Summer Herring Gull. Clive Ashton
2017-08-04Should also have mentioned a probable Bar-tailed Godwit over, moving north.CA, RC
2017-08-04At least 5 Little Egrets, possibly as many as 8. 50 adult Mute Swans. 10 Gadwall. 3 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with 1 young still. 43 Cormorants. 2+ Oystercatcher. 5+ Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 6 Redshank. 2 ad Y-l Gull. Young female Peregrine again. 9 Swifts through. Steady trickle of Sand Martins through, at least 20 in total. SJR, CA, RC
2017-08-032 Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay at 13.30 hrs.Neil Moulden
2017-08-03At least 4 Little Egrets. 5 Gadwall. 2 Teal. 38 Cormorants. 1 Oystercatcher. 1 juv LRP. 1 adult Ringed Plover arrived in rain at 11:00, left SE 15 mins later when the weather cleared up. 1 Dunlin. At least 18 Swifts through to the south. 2 Raven. 2 young Spotted Fly in BA Bay. 2 Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-026 Little Egrets still. 2 Whimbrel flew west. 2 juv LRP. 1 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 9 Swifts. 2 Raven. 6 Sand Martin. 3 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 fly-over Crossbill at Hopton end. 65 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton

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