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
2017-06-081 Common Tern south past Sheepwash 0930. 25 Mute Swans including one apparently sitting on a nest on Horseshoe island. 1 drake Teal on Stones. Drake R-c Pochard at Millfields. Imm GBbG. Fledgling Blue, Great, Coal (BA Bay) and Willow (WLC creek) Tits. Pair of Mistle Thrushes with food at Sheepwash. Reed Warbler singing at PS Hide.Simon Roddis
2017-06-07At the Hopton end, a Hobby, probably a 2nd-year female, perched in an ash tree, giving just about my best and most prolongued views of a perched Hobby ever; Redstart and GSWoodpecker with food there, and 3 singing Reed Warblers in the reedbed. 1 imm Herring Gull. 1 imm GBbG. 2 Stock Dove. 1 Raven. 25 House Martins around Stones. Another singing Reed Warbler in BA Bay, and singing Redstart in WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2017-06-06This afternoon, 16 Mute Swan, 28 Greylag + goslings, 247 Canada Geese + goslings, pair Gadwall in BA Bay, male R-c Pochard, 11 Cormorant, 25 Swift at Sheepwash, 100 House Martin (70 around Stones, 30 Sheepwash), 6 Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash. No sign of the scoters.Simon Roddis
2017-06-066 Common Scoter mobile between Sheepwash and dam. 7 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 1 LRP from Janet Ede Hide early morning in poor weather conditions.Roger Carrington
2017-06-05A pair of Gadwall with 10 ducklings on the pond in front of Paul Stanley hide this morning, hopefully with more broods to follow. Fledgling Goldcrest in BA Bay and Chiffchaff with food there. Pair of Redstarts alarm-calling at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
2017-06-04List of species from the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Coot, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Great Crested Grebe, Swift, Little Ringed Plover, Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Cormorant, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Wren, Black-headed Gull, House Martin, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Dunnock, Blackbird, Magpie, Goldfinch, Swallow, Pheasant, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Lapwing, Little Grebe and RedshankGary Atkins
2017-06-0215 Mute Swans. 180+ Canada Geese. 6 Gadwall (2 pairs and 2 drakes). Male R-c Pochard. 9 Cormorant. 3 Grey Heron. 6 adult Redshank. 2 imm GBbG. 4 Stock Dove. 2 Sand Martin briefly at the WLC wall. 2 Reed Warblers (Sailing Club island and BA Bay). 20 Starlings over BA Bay. Whitethroat and Reed Bunting with food at BA Bay.Simon Roddis
2017-05-28A Red Kite over the Blackwall end at 0520. Sanderling flew through north at 0930. 11 Mute Swan. 2 pairs Gadwall. Male R-c Pochard. 10 Cormorant. 1 Curlew. 2 singing Common Sands (Hopton and Stones). 3 GBbG. male Kingfisher in BA Bay. 25 House Martin over Stones. 1 Lesser Whitethroat at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2017-05-2713 Mute Swan, 10 Cormorant, 2 Heron, GC Grebe nest building in Brown Ale Bay, pair Shoveler, pair Mandarin, 4 Gadwall, 2 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 1 Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher with 3 young on Millfields Island, 2 Common Tern, 1st summer YL Gull, 2 Stock Dove, 2 juv Tree Sparrow at WLC.Clive Ashton/Jon Bradley
2017-05-26A bit more from today: 3 young Redshank at Hopton end, and 2 young Lapwings there still, plus Nuthatch with food. In Hall Wood, 2 singing Spotted Flycatchers, Chiffchaff with fledged young. GSWoodpecker nest with young in Middle Wood. 3 Common Terns north at Hopton 0945. 11 Mute Swan. 27 adult Greylags, including 4 pairs with young. 70 Canada Geese. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 8 Cormorant. 5 Gadwall (2 pairs and a male). Pair R-c Pochard on Stones. Pair Little Grebes in BA Bay. 1 Common Sand. 3 imm GBbG. 2 singing Stock Doves (Hall and Middle Woods). 3 Raven at Hopton end. 3 Jays in different locations. 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 4 Mistle Thrush. Third Spotted Fly singing at BA Bay.Simon Roddis
2017-05-26Redshank broods of 2 at Hopton end, Big Island and Flat Island. Lapwing brood of 2 on Big Island, Oystercatcher sitting on Flat Island, Coot nest on Big Island. GBbG on spit at Sheepwash, Jay flying to Hall Wood, Buzzard taking prey there too. Two Ringed Plover on Stones, Sedge Warbler on Watersports Island, Reed Warbler on Sailing Club Island, drake RC Pochard at WLC and Sand Martins going to sand bank at WLC.Clive Ashton
2017-05-25Information returned on the ringed Sanderling from the flock on Tuesday; It was captured in Banc d'Arguin National Park, Mauritania in December 2012, and last observation was in August 2016 in Dublin Bay, sex is unknown. James Owen
2017-05-24Not much evidence of movement this morning, but a few birds with young, etc: a pair of Oystercatchers with at least 3 young on Millfields island; Redshank with at least one young and Lapwing with two in Hopton end (Redshanks also still alarm-calling on Big Island). Fledged Willow Tits at PS Hide. Blackcap with food and Nuthatch coming out of a nest-hole with a faecal sac at Penn Carr. Fledged Treecreeper in WLC creek. Also 27 adult Greylags, including PPX, 8 Cormorant, at least 3 male Gadwall, pair of Little Grebes in BA Bay, 34 Carrion Crows on the dam wall, 5 singing Reed Warblers, and one Curlew on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-05-23WLC: 7 Sanderling from midday then all afternoon (one bird with two white rings on either leg), also 2 Common Tern through (with brief interest in nest raft), 4 Oystercatcher (including pair with fresh young on HS Island), 1 juv Great Black-backed Gull ('one-foot'), 2 Willow Tit. Also, Red-crested Pochard pair and 2 male Gadwall from Janet Ede hide.James Owen
2017-05-222 Black Terns around 07:55, then flew north. We counted singing birds on one side of the reservoir each again today, with the following results: 12 Goldcrests, 65 Chiffchaffs, 32 Willow Warblers, 55 Blackcaps, 14 Garden Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Common Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warblers, 125 Wrens, 56 Blackbirds (out of 91 in total), 23 Song Thrushes, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (Shiningford creek), 91 Robins, 3 Redstarts, 20 Dunnocks, 17 Chaffinch, 6 Reed Bunting. Confirmed breeding for Redshank, GSWoodpecker, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Garden Warbler, Dunnock, Blackbird.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-05-201 Whimbrel on end of Stones Island at 17.00. Had moved to shore in front of Sailing Club by 17.30 Paul Bennett
2017-05-19The Knot still present to 1615 at least, at the WLC. Single Turnstone, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper and Curlew. 2 Sandwich Terns north at 1330. 3 Common and 3 Arctic Terns also through. Drake Mandarin and R-c Pochard. Pair of Gadwall. Pair of Goosander flew NE. 8 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. 65 LBbG through. 1 Herring Gull. 2 1st-summer GBbG. 3 Stock Dove. 40 Swift. c120 House Martin. 4 Raven. Spotted Fly and Redstart singing in Hall Wood. Male Yellow Wagtail on Watersports island. Fledgling Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash. Fledgling Great Tit on Stones. Dunnocks feeding young in the nest in gorse near Middle Wood. Male Grey Wagtail at Millfields but no fledglings seen. 1 Greenfinch at Sheepwash. A pretty good day - 83 species, my highest ever at Carsi.Simon Roddis
2017-05-18In addition to Clive's sightings. Pink-footed Goose with Greylags in field near brick tower. 3 Gadwall, drake Mandarin, 5 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel. The second pair of Lapwings mentioned by Clive had at least 2 young. Also on Big Island a pair of Redshank with 4 young. Winter plumage Knot on Horseshoe Island from 17.00. Whimbrel heard from Stones Island in the evening rain. Warblers counted between Penn Carr and Hopton: 37 Chiffchaff, 14 Willow Warblers, 32 Blackcaps, 9 Garden Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers and a Sedge Warbler. Also a Stoat chasing and eventually catching a Rabbit at the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe
2017-05-18Hopton end to Flat Island: Canada Goose with 2 small young, 2 Mallard broods 5+4 probably 1 week old, Greylag Goose PPX neck collar, Lapwing brood of 4 and another of at least 1, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail and Siskin over. Millfields: Great Crested Grebe attempting to build a nest, drake Gadwall, Coot on nest, Oystercatcher sitting on nest, Grey Wagtail feeding 1 young and at least 2 young BhG. Stones to WLC: Drake RC Pochard, drake Gadwall, Grey Heron, Reed Warbler.. Clive Ashton
2017-05-170830-1200 in the rain: c.150 House Martins around Stones, with single figures each of Swallow and Sand Martin, and 12 Swifts. 1 Ringed Plover. 2 pairs Gadwall. Pair R-c Pochard. Drake Mandarin on the WLC feeders. 6 Cormorants. 20 LBbG. 2 1st-summer GBbG. Reed Warblers singing in WLC and Hopton reedbeds. Pair of Tree Sparrows with a juv at the WLC, and another collecting insects and flying off up the creek.Simon Roddis
2017-05-160600-1100: 1 Sanderling from Sheepwash hide. 1 Common Tern south at 08:50. 4 broods each of Greylag and Canada Goose, including one young Canada leaping from its nest on a platform at Millfields. Coot with 2 young at Sheepwash. 3 Gadwall. Pair R-c Pochard. Pair of Little Grebe in Brown Ale Bay. 4 Redshank. 15 LBbG. Onefoot the GBbG. 3 Stock Dove. Reed Warbler singing in Brown Ale Bay. Spotted Flycatcher between Sheepwash and PS. Willow Tit with food at Millfields. Grey Wag feeding 2 fledged young at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
2017-05-16Pair Gadwall. Pair R-c Pochard. 8 Cormorant. Juv Yellow-legged Gull. 3 juv GBbG. 30 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr. Grey Wagtail feeding fledged young at Penn Carr. Simon Roddis
2017-05-12Drake Mandarin, drake RC Pochard and 2 Ringed Plover from WLC. Reed Warbler singing in WLC Creek. Little Egret from Stones, Swift going under eaves of the VC, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, Lesser Whitethroat singing near Sheepwash car park and a pair of Spotted Flycatcher in Brown Ale Bay.Clive Ashton
2017-05-11In addition to Simon's sightings. Grey Plover was still at Sheepwash late afternoon. Evening on Stones 3 Sanderling, c7 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel flew through and appeared to land at Sheepwash, and 2 Yellow Wagtails. c5 Common Sandpiper but probably more, 3 Redshank, Curlew. Another brood of 7 young with the brood of 6. Also a brood of 5 at the Wildlife Centre. Warblers counted from Millfields to Hopton: 27 Chiffchaff, 28 Blackcaps, 13 Willow Warblers, 10 Garden Warblers, 7 Whitethroat and 2 Lesser Whitethroats. 7 singing male Reed Buntings: Millfields, Stones, Hopton, Lane End, Sheepwash and Wildlife Centre (2). Dave Newcombe
2017-05-100545-1245: one Grey Plover still, initially on Stones and later from Sheepwash. 1 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin on Stones. 4 Common Sandpiper. 4 Redshank. The one-footed juv GBbG still. 12 Mute Swans. 65 Canada Geese. 19 Greylags at Hopton end, including PPX, plus a brood of 6 young. Drake Mandarin. Pairs of Gadwall and R-c Pochard. 3 Grey Heron. 2 Little Grebe (Tail Bay and Brown Ale Bay). 2 Stock Dove. 25 Swifts. 3 Raven. 4 Willow Tits in separate locations. Singing Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek and Millfields car park. 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and 1 at WLC. Sedge Warblers singing on Sailing Club and near Millfields islands. Redstarts singing in WLC creek and top of Hall Wood. Grey Wags at Millfields and Brown Ale Bay. Pair Linnet in gorse near Middle Wood. (75 species.)Simon Roddis
2017-05-09In addition to already noted: from WLC 2 Stock Dove below feeders, 4 Curlew (individual birds bathing through the day), drake Mandarin, Red-crested Pochard pair, Reed Bunting pair. James Owen
2017-05-09Grey Heron, 3 Shelduck, drake Goosander, 3+ Gadwall, cream crown Marsh Harrier flew north at 07:55hr, Kestrel carrying food to east side, 2 Grey Plover from WLC, 8 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Curlew around Stones Island also 1 Bar tailed Godwit flew through. The one footed GBb Gull, a single Common Tern, 50+ Swift, 25+ House Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, Reed Warbler at WLC reed bed, Sedge Warbler on Sailing Club Island, Lesser Whitethroat at Penn Carr, Chiffchaff carrying food on Stones Island. Blue Tit and Coal Tit feeding young at Penn Carr and 1 Raven. CA,AHS,SJR
2017-05-08Adult summer Little Gull flew north at 0835. 2 summer plumage Grey Plovers from the WLC. 3 Arctic Terns. Drake Mandarin. Pair Gadwall. Pair R-c Pochard. Drake Goosander. 5 Ringed Plover. 8 Dunlin. 1 GBbG. 2 Raven. Steady movement of hirundines, all 3 species.SJR, CA, AHS
2017-05-072 1st summer Little Gulls thru high east at 10:25am, 1 Black Tern, 1 Commic Tern, 5 Turnstones, 8 Ringed Plovers, 5 Dunlin from Stones Island, Grey Plover on Watersports Island plus a second bird in Shiningford Creek, 1 Whimbrel.John Bradley
2017-05-071Hobby flew north over Wildlife Centre mid morning veering off quickly west into the wood and out of sight. Leo Galante
2017-05-06Quite a few waders this morning: 2 Grey Plover (including the long-staying bird, now approaching full breeding plumage), 10 Ringed Plover, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank. 2 Common Terns. 387 Swifts flew through, heading north. A Wood Warbler was singing for a short time around 06:00 in Hall Wood. 1 Yellow Wagtail. 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 3 Gadwall. 2 Mandarin. 2 R-c Pochard. Two broods of Canada Geese (8 and 3) in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2017-05-054 Turnstones, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Curlew and Common Sandpiper on Stones Island.John Bradley
2017-05-04Pair RC Pochard, pair Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Sandpiper, Grey Plover, 4 Turnstone, 3 Herring Gull, 1 GBBg, 1 YLG, 3 Arctic Tern, 4 Swift, 5 Reed Warbler and Black Swan still at the Hopton end.CA,RC,AHS
2017-05-03Black swan at sheep wash hide,5 Blackbird,8 pheasant,5 oystercatcher,2 c.crow,20 Canada goose 15 Mallard,15 Great crested Grebe,10 cormorant,20 coot,2 BH gull,3 swallows,6 Woodpiegon,20 Tufted Duck, 1 Mute swan,1 Pied wagtail,2 Chaffinch,9 Canada goose goslings,4 Robin,1 Grey heron,6 Greylag goose,6 Long tailed titsDavid Armitt
2017-05-031 winter plumage Knot on Sailing Club Island this evening.Roger Carrington
2017-05-03Brood of 11 small Mallard ducklings on Stones island in the evening, still there on 01/05.Simon Roddis
2017-05-0314 Arctic Terns through north (10 at 0820, 4 at 0920). Grey Plover still from the WLC. 3 Common Sand in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Gadwall. Pair R-c Pochard. Canada Geese with 5 small young in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Swift. Reed Warbler still singing in WLC reedbed. Couldn't see the GNDiver this morning - perhaps it has flown... Interesting side note: I (SJR) have been to Ogston this afternoon and the one-footed juv GBbGull was there, so when it isn't at Carsi, at least some of time it would appear to be at Ogston.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-05-03The GNDiver, Grey Plover, Turnstone and 1 Sanderling still present. 4 Gadwall, male Mandarin and pair of R-c Pochard. Feale Mallard with 3 ducklings at WLC. 2 Sedge Warblers around Stones and 1 Reed Warbler singing in WLC reedbed.Simon Roddis
2017-05-01Another fairly busy morning. 3 Black Terns at Millfields to 1145 at least. c30 Arctic and 4 Common Terns. The Grey Plover still on Watersports island. 6 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin and a Turnstone on Stones. The GNDiver flew around and called but dropped back in. Pairs of Mandarin and R-c Pochard. 1st-summer Med Gull on Millfields island. First summer Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls. 1 Swift. 1 White Wag on Stones. Pair of Grey Wags at Tail Bay.SJR, AHS, RC, JB, CB
2017-04-301700-2000: the GNDiver still. 18 Common Scoter (6m,12f). 10 Sanderling, c20 Dunlin and a Whimbrel on Stones island. 4 Curlew. The Grey Plover was still present, initially at Millfields then on Watersports island. 2 Common Terns south at 1900. 1 Yellow Wagtail.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2017-04-30Grey Plover at Millfields 12:15pmJohn Bradley
2017-04-30GN Diver still present and flying around, 11 Common Scoter up to 1130hr at least, pair of mandarin. Waders and Terns mainly moving straight through included: 1 Greenshank, 1 male Ruff, 11 Whimbrel, 1 Bar tailed Godwit, 2 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 10 Black Tern, 4 Little Tern and 5 Common Tern. On Stones Island 2 Whitethroat and 1 Yellow Wagtail. 1 Swift over also first summer GBBG and YLG.JB,RC,CA
2017-04-290600-1130: the GNDiver is still present and in full summer plumage but is flying around a bit and won't be here much longer. 1 Shelduck. 4 Whimbrel. 4 Ringed Plover. 3 Dunlin. 3 Arctic Terns and 1 Common Tern. 3 Common Gull. Single first-summer Herring, Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls. 1 Yellow Wagtail. Grasshopper Warbler near Middle Wood (east side) - the first here since 2011. 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 2 singing Redstarts. 1 Siskin. (81 species between us.)SJR, CA,JB, AHS
2017-04-26Wagtail walk (6-7.30pm; around Visitor Centre, causeway and Stones Island): Redshank, Ringed Plover, Sand Martin, House Martin, Swallow, Oystercatcher, Tufted Duck, Mallard, GC Grebe, Coot, Common Sandpiper, Pied Wagtail (incl White individuals), Gt Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Little Ringed Plover, Gadwall, Dunlin, Yellow Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Carrion Crow, Red-crested Pochard, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Garden Warbler, Gt Northern Diver, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Blackcap, Song Thrush, Barnacle Goose, Wren, Mute Swan, Woodpigeon and Greylag Goose, Canada GooseGary Atkins
2017-04-260800-1200, counting down one side of the reservoir each. Totals were: 86 Chiffchaff (74 singing), 46 singing Willow Warblers, 52 Blackcaps (47 singing), 3 Garden Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat (Hopton), 4 Sedge Warbler, 96 singing Wrens, 77 singing Robins, 1 Redstart, 80 Blackbirds (30 singing), 21 Song Thrush (12 singing), 20 singing Dunnocks. As well as these, the GNDiver is still present, 1 Yellow Wagtail on Watersports island, 2 Mandarins, 7 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2 Red-crested Pochard, 1 female Goldeneye, 4 LRP, 2 Ringed Plover, 14 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 10 House Martins. (74 species)Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-04-25GN Diver, pair of Red crested Pochard, 5 Gadwall, Black tailed Godwit, 10 Dunlin, 5 LRP, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover, Gbbg, YLG, Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Raven. CA, SJR, AHS
2017-04-24GN Diver, 6 Teal, pair of Red crested Pochard, 4 LR Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 2 Common Sandpiper, GBb Gull, 5 House Martin, Redstart behind Wildlife Centre, and 2 Raven.Clive Ashton/Alan Stewardson
2017-04-23Great Northern Diver coming into summer plumage and flying around this morning. 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls early morning in fields near Middle Wood with BHGulls and Redstart Hall Wood (JB). Red Kite flew south along east bank 0840hrs. Reed Warbler (JB), Sedge and Garden Warblers, 3 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover and 3 LRP's on Stones Island. Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in field between car park and Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2017-04-21GN Diver, 4 LR Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper,2 Snipe, 1 Swift, 100 Sand Martin, Meadow Pipit and Yellow Wagtail on Watersports Island, 2 Garden Warbler on Stones Island and 8 Linnet. An unusual event concerned a Carrion Crow attacking a Bh Gull on Millfields Island with the two grappling on the ground for several minutes before the Gull managed to reach the water and was safe, if a little bruised!CA,RC,AHS
2017-04-20From Stones Island: GN Diver, drake Wigeon, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 LR Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail, Sedge Warbler still on Sailing Club Island, 14 Linnet. From WLC: Grey Heron, Coot building nest in Shiningford creek.Clive Ashton

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