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
2017-03-06GNDiver still this morning. 1 Shelduck at Sailing Club. 6 Wigeon at Sheepwash. 30 Curlew. The Ruff still. 3 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 5 GBbG (2 ads inc the long-staying bird, and 3 imms). Minimum of 6 Ravens (or as many as 14 if all sightings were different birds). The Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones. 24 Tree Sparrows between Stones and Sheepwash (second highest recent count).SJR, RC, AHS
2017-03-060900-0935 Hopton End-Paul Stanley Hide: Singing male Reed Bunting in reed bed; Oystercatcher pair on Big Island, 5 Goldeneye (4 male, 1 female), 30 Common Gulls on north side of spit 1115-1200 WLC: 30+ Common Snipe on shore of Horseshoe Island (though quite mobile, so probably more), 2 Willow Tits and Reed Bunting on feedersGary Atkins
2017-03-05Before the rain started the GNDiver was off Stones island and the Ruff, 33 Curlew and Cetti's Warbler were on Stones. 2 Pochard at WLC. 5 Goosander including a pair in Shiningford Creek and later at Sheepwash. 2 Redshank. 2 Herring Gull.Simon Roddis
2017-03-040600-1200: GNDiver still. 8 Barnacle Geese. 7 Wigeon including a pair displaying. 1 Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. Pair Goosander in Brownale Bay. 7 Common Buzzard. Single Jack Snipe, Woodcock and Water Rail at Hopton reedbed first thing. 41 Curlew. The Ruff still at WLC. 1 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. Ad GBbG. 4 Herring Gull. 3 Stock Dove. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton first thing. 1 Kingfisher at Millfields. 22 Carrion Crows at Millfields and 14 at WLC creek. 1 Raven. 8 Skylark going in random directions. Cetti's Warbler and Redwing singing on Stones. 180 Starling. 5 Mistle Thrush. 5 Meadow Pipit. 11 Grey Wags out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 2 Linnet. 3 Lesser Redpoll. 7 Siskin. 8 singing Reed Buntings. (77 species.)Simon Roddis
2017-03-02The GNDiver was between Sheepwash and Lane End this morning. Peak count of 51 Curlews, with a lot of coming and going between the shore around Lane End and the fields. Only 7 Lapwings! Ad GBbG. Cetti's and 4 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-03-01This morning: the GNDiver between Stones and Lane End. A 2nd winter Kittiwake was off the dam wall at 08:15 then later at the WLC at 11:00. 20 Cormorant. 7 pairs of Oystercatcher. The Ruff still. 2 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 13 Curlew. Ad GBbG. 4 Stock Dove. Female Kingfisher at Penn Carr (Millfields). 10 Rooks at small rookery at Hognaston (as seen from the dam wall). Willow Tits singing at Millfields and WLC creek. Reed Buntings singing on Stones, WLC creek, Tail Bay and Millfields island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-02-28This morning, the GNDiver between Stones and Millfields. 2 Wigeon. 2 Goosander. 8 Buzzards in the air from Stones. The Ruff still. 38 Curlew at Lane End. 1 Dunlin. 2 ad GBbG over. 1 Herring Gull. 1 Peregrine. 3 Skylark over. Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones. 21 Tree Sparrows between Sheepwash and Stones Island. 1 Linnet N over WLC creek. 3 Reed Buntings singing (WLC and 2 on Stones).SJR, AHS, RC
2017-02-270820-1045: the GNDiver still, off Lane End. Ruff still around Stones. 30+ Common Snipe at the WLC. A singing Grey Wag at Sheepwash appeared to be a female by its plumage.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-02-26The GNDiver was off Stones this morning. 6 Wigeon. 1 Pochard. 1 Peregrine. 15 Curlew. The Ruff still. 1 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 5 Skylark and 30 Starling W. 90 Redwing (5 on Stones, 85 WLC Creek). 9 Willow Tits between the WLC and Millfields (via Tail Bay): 3 pairs and 3 singles, including 2 singing.Simon Roddis
2017-02-25GNDiver at Millfields. First thing at Hopton reedbed, 3 Jack Snipe, 4 Woodcock, 11 Grey Wagtails out of their roost, 1 Tawny Owl calling. 29 Curlew from Sheepwash. Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-02-2508:00-10:00 between Visitor Centre and Sheepwash.2 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers' 6-8 Curlew, Treecreeper, Willow Tit and 2 NuthatchesEric Dewhurst
2017-02-24The GNDiver was off Stones this morning. 4 Wigeon. 4 Gadwall. 6 Buzzard. 1 Ringed Plover. 19 Curlew. Pair of Oycs mating on Horseshoe island. 2 Dunlin. The Ruff still. 2 Redshank. Ad GBbG still. 7 Stock Dove. 20 Starling and 18 Redwing N.SJR, AHS, RC
2017-02-23The GNDiver was off Millfields 08:20. Ruff at Sailing Club. 2 Shelduck flew up the res at 10:40, seemed to land in Brownale Bay. Not many birds singing this morning for some reason!Simon Roddis
2017-02-21This mornings Tree Sparrow count was 23.A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-210830-1230, west side from Hopton end to Stones island: GNDiver, 5 Buzzard, 7 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 2 GBbG, 2 Raven, 7 Goldcrest (3 singing), 51 Blue Tits, 19 Great Tits, 10 Coal Tits, 4 Willow Tits (3 singing), 13 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Nuthatch, 4 Treecreeper, 35 Wren (28 singing), 100 Starling W, 28 Blackbirds (only 1 singing), 18 Song Thrush (15 singing), 88 Robin (62 singing), 27 Dunnock (20 singing), 8 singing Chaffinches, 18 Bullfinch, 5 Reed Bunting (3 singing).Simon Roddis
2017-02-20Adult GNDiver still present. 26 Barnacle Geese. 2 Greylags. 1 Shelduck. 10 Goldeneye. 9 Goosander. 1 Peregrine. 9 Oystercatcher. 1 Ruff still. 1 Ringed Plover N. 4 Dunlin. 1 Curlew. 7 GBbG first thing, presumably roosted. 4 Herring Gull. 60 Woodpigeons at Millfields. 7 Raven over Millfields. Total of c.200 Starling N. 70 Redwing (20 Millfields, 50 Sheepwash). Total of 20 singing SongThrushes at Millfields (14), Stones area (4) and Sheepwash (2).SJR, AHS, CA
2017-02-19This morning from Stones Island, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Ruff, 4 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, 70 Common Snipe, 3 Skylarks flying north and 1 Cetti's Warbler.A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-160650-1210: adult GNDiver still present. At Hopton first thing, 1 Water Rail, 1 Jack Snipe and 13 Grey Wags out of their roost. 10 Stock Doves over. 20 Barnacle Geese. 18 Wigeon. 5 Pochard. 12 Goldeneye. 8 Goosander. 1 Grey Heron. 2 Sparrowhawk. 6 Buzzard. 5+ Oystercatcher. 2 Golden Plover. 2 Redshank. 3 Curlew. 4+ Dunlin. 73 Common Snipe at WLC. 3 Herring Gull. 1 ad GBbG. 7 Feral Pigeon (Tail Bay). Female Kingfisher in Brownale Bay. 4 Raven at Millfields. 6 Skylark over. Willow Tit singing at Millfields. 2 Linnet S over Stones. 1 Reed Bunting singing at WLC. (75 species) SJR, AHS, RC
2017-02-140830-1200: the GNDiver was easier to see today in much more benign conditions. 980 Lapwing in total. 2 Dunlin. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 4 Great Spots including 2 drumming. Reed Bunting singing on Stones. Peregrine over Sheepwash. Adult GBbG. 3 Mistle Thrushes (1 Hopton, 2 Sheepwash).Simon Roddis
2017-02-13February WeBs count- Mute Swan 8, Canada Goose 50, Wigeon 2, Gadwall 11, Teal 133, Mallard 97, Pochard 8, Tufted Duck 84, Goldeneye 9, Goosander 2, Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 13, Great Crested Grebe 39, Grey Heron 1, Moorhen 6, Coot 564, Oystercatcher 5, Lapwing 384, Dunlin 4, Ruff 1, Common Snipe 32, Redshank 2. JB, SJR
2017-02-13No sign of the diver this morning but maybe it was just sheltering from the wind. Wildfowl numbers continue to fall. 8 Goldeneye off the dam wall and 2 redhead Goosander at Millfields. Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank. 1 GBbG.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-02-090830-1300. Whole site covered. Adult Great Northern Diver. 14 Cormorants. 45 Great Crested Grebes. 19 Little Grebes including 14 around the Wildlife Centre area. 8 Mute Swans. 156 Canada Geese. Pink-footed Goose. 12 Gadwall. 11 Wigeon. 159 Teal. 17 Pochard. 18 Goldeneye. 8 Moorhen. 4 Dunlin. Ruff. 6 Oystercatchers including a pair at Millfields. Pair on Big Island (hopton end), and a pair at Sheepwash which includes the ringed (bar code) bird returning for its 12th consecutive year. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2017-02-0809:00 to 11:30 from Sheepwash hide 3 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 lesser black backed gull, 1 Greater black backed gull, 1 Common gull, 65 Black headed gulls, 1 greylag Goose,2 Ravens, 1 Greater spotted woodpecker drumming, 30 Redwing. From brown ale bay 1 Redshank, 3 Dunlin. Great Northern Diver near dam wall.A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-07This morning from Stones Island 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 3 Ravens,from WLC 67 Common Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Ruff, 1 Pink foot Goose, 5 Common Buzzard. A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-0610:oo Lane end hide 1 Skylark flying south west, 1 Curlew calling, 11:00 from Stones Island, 2 Skylarks flying south west.A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-06Very foggy this morning, so I walked to Laneend hide. 10 Siskins, 2 Goldeneye from hide and 8 Great crested grebes, at the feeding station near Lane end hide excellent views of many of our commoner birds, I saw in 10 minutes Great,Blue, Coal,Willow and Longtailed Tits, Nuthatch, Treecreeper,Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Dunnock,Woodpigeon, Mistlethrush singing close by. From Stones Island when fog had cleared, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Ruff. A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-05Species noted during monthly birdwatching for beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island/ Wildlife Centre): Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Dunnock, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Robin, Starling, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Teal, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Lapwing, Tufted Duck, Ruff, Redshank, Cormorant, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Mallard, Song Thrush, Greenshank, Gt Northern Diver, Goldeneye, Redwing, Pied Wagtail, Goosander, Snipe, Oystercatcher, Blue Tit, MagpieGary Atkins
2017-02-03This morning from Millfields, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Skylarks, 6 Goldeneye, 1 Raven, from Stones Island 1Ruff, 2 Redshank, from the WLC, 4 Dunlin, 11 Barnacle Geese, 1 Pink foot Goose, 1 Oystercatcher and 13 Common SnipeA H STEWARDSON
2017-02-02In thick fog little to report, 6 Dunlin and a Redshank on Stones island. 2 Stock Dove over. Pair of Mistle Thrush in traditional breeding area near Paul Stanley hide. Clive Ashton
2017-02-01This morning from Sheepwash hide,fog made any observations very difficult, 1 Pintail, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipits, Greater spotted woodpecker could be heard drumming from the far bank. From Stones Island, fog turning to mist and eventually clearing,1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Common Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Redshank. From the Wildlife Centre, 42 Common Snipe. A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-29This morning from Stones island 6 Dunlin,1 Shelduck,1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Common Snipe, from Wildlife Centre 1 Oystercatcher, 20 Common Snipe, 1 Pink footed Goose amongst the Canada Geese and 1 Great Black Backed Gull. A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-24This morning at Millfields, 1 Kingfisher,5 Lesser Redpolls. From Stones Island 1 Ruff,1 Curlew. From Wild life centre, 7 Common Snipe,1 Oystercatcher and amongst the Canada Geese 1 Pink footed goose and 22 Barnacle Geese.A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-24Hopton end- 2 Jack Snipe, 6 Grey Wagtails,Jay. 4 Jay flew over the road at Brown Ale Bay. Stones/WLC - 2 Redshank, Curlew, Ruff, Dunlin, 36 Snipe. Clive Ashton /Alan Stewardson
2017-01-22Hopton End 0715hrs, 3 Jack Snipe, and 2 Woodcock flew in. Millfields, 4 female Goosander. Stones Island, 1 Knot (AHS, RWK, RC) flew in 1000hrs, 17 Snipe, 1 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, Great Northern Diver and Raven plus Peregrine over. Wildlife Centre, 39 Snipe and 1 Oystercatcher.Roger Carrington
2017-01-21This morning from Stone's island,3 Redshank,5 Dunlin,1 Ruff,1 Oystercatcher from WLC and 4 Common Snipe.A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-20This morning from Stone's Island light south easterly breeze, pockets of light mist generally visibility excellent. 2 Redshank, 4 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, Great Northern Diver, Cetti's Warbler, 20 Whooper Swans distant and brief flying northwest at 9:15am 2 flying northwest at 10:07am 16 on water at 11:05am, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Skylark. From Wildlife Centre 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 11 Common Snipe.A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-19From Stones Island GN Diver, 5 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, 1 Redshank, 11 Common Snipe, 2 Herring Gull, Grey Heron, Cetti's Warbler and 8 Lesser Redpoll. From WLC 25 more Snipe so 36 total. A pair of Teal displaying and mating in WLC Creek. Clive Ashton
2017-01-18Morning fog made any observations very difficult. On the causeway to Stones island I saw 4 Dunlin, 1 Ruff. 5 Common Snipe were just visible from the Wildlife centre. A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-151300-1700: GNDiver off Millfields. 333 Canada Geese. 2 Greylags 1 Pink-foot. 900 Lapwing (500 Sheepwash, 400 Sailing Club). 7 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 1 Woodcock at Hopton at dusk. 12 Herring Gull. 1 Yellow-legged Gull. 25 Redwing at Hopton late pm. 2 Meadow Pipit. 4 Reed Bunting.Simon Roddis
2017-01-15January WeBs count-Mute Swan 22, Greylag Goose 2, Canada Goose 48, Cormorant 15, Great Crested Grebe 33, Little Grebe 12, Great Northern Diver 1, Wigeon 35, Teal 163, Mallard 143, Gadwall 33, Pintail 5, Tufted Duck 187, Pochard 55, Goldeneye 17, Coot 950, Moorhen 9, Lapwing 383, Dunlin 7, Ruff 1, Redshank 2, Snipe 7, Curlew 1.JB, SJR
2017-01-120730-1140: GNDiver still off Stones. 8 Goosander at Millfields early morning, and 3 calling Tawny Owls. Female Peregrine. 600 Lapwing at Sailing Club. Ruff still on Stones causeway.9 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. Ad GBbG. 2 female Kingfishers (Millfields and Brownale Bay). 40 Redwing. 15 Bullfinch, including 13 (7m,6f) on Sheepwash feeder. 3 Greenfinch. 2 Lesser Redpoll. 35 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2017-01-100715-1145: GNDiver off Stones island. 4 Jack Snipe, 4 Woodcock and 9 Grey Wagtails at Hopton reedbed first thing. 29 Barnacle Geese. 15 Gadwall. 10 Goldeneye (7m,3f). 1000 Lapwing spread between Sheepwash, WLC and Sailing Club. 7 Dunlin. Ad GBbG. Female Kingfisher again in Brownale Bay. Willow Tit singing at Hopton. Mistle Thrushes singing at Hopton and Sheepwash. 10 Bullfinch, inc. 9 (3m,6f) on the topped-up feeder in Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
2017-01-080730-1230: GNDiver, Ruff and Cetti's Warbler still on/around Stones. 24 Goosander (4 ad males, 4 imm males) and 12 Goldeneye (8 males) off the dam wall at Millfields first thing. 3 Shoveler (2 males). 29 Barnacle Geese. 95 Common Snipe at the WLC (the record is 130 in 2003). 7 Dunlin. 2+ Redshank. 500 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover. 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 3 GBbG. 2 GSWoodpeckers drumming at Millfields. Female Kingfisher again in Brownale Bay. 2 Raven. 2 Greenfinch. 1 Linnet. (69 species)Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-01-060730-1200: I decided to do a count of small(ish) stuff this morning, so the following are totals from Hopton to Stones: 4 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 7 Moorhen, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 13 Magpie, 1 Jay, 300 Jackdaw, 52 Blue Tit, 30 Great Tit, 10 Coal Tit, 3 Willow Tit, 5 Nuthatch, 4 Treecreeper, 27 Wrens, 65 Blackbird, 19 Song Thrush, 82 Redwing, 47 Robin, 21 Dunnock, 5 Grey Wagtails, 28 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 27 Siskin and 5 Reed Bunting. The GN Diver is still there, along with 12 Shoveler. Surprisingly, there were some early signs of breeding activity: a pair of Mallards mating towards the Hopton end, and a pair of Mute Swans at Sheepwash which were displaying to each other, mirroring each other’s moves as they preened, dipped their heads in the water, bowed to each other and so on – beautiful to watch – but it turned out that this was also the preamble to a bit of how’s your father: at least they then had the decency to do a bit more post-coital displaying to each other afterwards. Clearly the pair bond means more to Mute Swans than it does to Mallard! Alan S. also had a pair of Coots mating near the WLC.Simon Roddis
2017-01-05Tawny Owl, Woodcock, Jack Snipe, 300 Jackdaw, singing Willow Tit and 9 Grey Wags at Hopton reedbed first thing. 215 Canadas, 1 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot. (72 species)Simon Roddis
2017-01-05Adult GN Diver, 25 Snipe, 6 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, Ruff, 3 Goosander over and Cetti's Warbler.Clive Ashton
2017-01-040800-1230: adult GNDiver off Stones. 8 Greylag. 15 Goldeneye. 3 Goosander. 24 Cormorant. 3 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. 17 Common Snipe at WLC. 4 Great Black-backs (the resident bird plus 3 adults north). 14+ Stock Doves. Female Kingfishers at Millfields and Brownale Bay, difficult to say whether one or two birds. 3 Kestrel. 3 Great Spots. The Cetti's Warbler on Stones showed incredibly well, called then popped up into a bush for about 30 seconds. (67 species)Simon Roddis
2017-01-03GN Diver, Ruff and Cetti's Warbler all still present around/off Stones. 2 drake Pintail also off Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-01-01Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon) - 33 species: House Sparrow, Coot, Pochard, Gadwall, Jackdaw, Gt Tit, Robin, Little Grebe, Pheasant, Mute Swan, Mallard, Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Blue Tit, Magpie, Willow Tit, Tufted Duck, Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Dunnock, Teal, Blackbird, Collared Dove, Snipe, Ruff, Pied Wagtail, Gt Crested Grebe, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Black-hd Gull, Wren, Goldfinch, Carrion CrowGary Atkins
2017-01-01Afternoon visit: GN Diver still off Stones. 207 Canada Geese, 28 Barnacles, 1 Pink-foot, 1 Greylag. 1 Ruff still. 1 Redshank. 6 Dunlin. 3 Woodcock at Hopton reedbed at dusk.Simon Roddis

Scroll to Top