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
2013-07-179 fresh broods of Tufted Duck this morning including 1 brood which came across the road from Hopton Pond. Total of 7 broods of Great Crested Grebe on site. 2 Grey Heron and 7 more flew in at 0700hrs. 5 Pochard, 4 Teal, 69 Lapwing, Yellow-legged Gull. Reed Warbler family plus pair feeding nestlings in Hopton Reedbed, also male Kingfisher and 2 Linnet there. Sedge and Reed Warbler on Stones Island. Swift in/out of Visitor Centre eaves. 26 Black-headed young visible on Millfields Island.Roger Carrington
2013-07-054 drake Common Scoters present all day in mid water. 361 adult and 51 young Canada Geese. Female Tufted Duck with 7 young, 9 Greylag Geese including a BTO ringed bird, 22 Barnacle Geese, Grey Heron, 20 Mute Swans, 4 Buzzards, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5+ Oystercatchers, pair of Coots with 3 young at Sheepwash and another pair with 5 young at P.Stanley. Common Tern, 6 Redstarts-male and 3 juveniles in field behind WLC, and a pair feeding young in nest box nearby. 2 Spotted Flycatchers in WLC creek, Raven, 6 Reed Buntings. Dave Newcombe
2013-06-30Reed Warbler singing near P S Hide. Tufted Duck with 1 young in Brown Ale Bay. 1 Green Sandpiper flew past P S Hide at 1000hrs towards Sheepwash. Coot with 4yg from P S Hide, Coot with 3yg from Sheepwash. 8 Greylag, 2 Heron, 1 adult Common Gull. 21 House Sparrow, including begging juvs, feeding on ground together at Visitor Centre. Willow Tit family at Millfields, dam end. Swallow pair taking food in under draw-off tower.Roger Carrington
2013-06-29WeBS count - 12 Mute Swan,7 Greylag Goose,289 Canada Goose,14 Barnacle Goose,4 Teal,67 Mallard,1 Pochard,60 Tufted Duck,2 Cormorant,31 Great Crested Grebe,1 Moorhen,68 Coot,8 Oystercatcher,5 Lapwing,1 Redshank,60+ Black-headed Gull,1 male Hobby amongst 100s Swift around Stone's Island.Peter Gibbon
2013-06-12Great Crested Grebes with 1 large young in Brown Ale Bay, 8 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 7 Mute Swans, 215 adult and 69 young Canada Geese, 6 Greylag Geese, 19 Barnacle Geese including 2 pairs with 1 young each, 3 Mallard broods of 6/7 and 11, 4 Buzzards, male Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Redshank, 5+ Oystercatchers, 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull, 20 LBB Gulls, 17 BH Gull chicks at the WLC, 2 Lesser Whitethroats (1 on WLC Creek and 1 by the brick tower), Sedge Warbler, 2 pairs of Redstarts ( 1 pair in field behind WLC and another pair at the end of WLC creek, 60 Swifts, Great Spotted Woodpeckers feeding young in nest hole in Brown Ale Bay. Dave Newcombe
2013-06-11Osprey on Lane End post at 16:15. The bird sat/preened for 30 minutes, then made several aborted hunting attempts before being mobbed by BH gulls and flying off high over Hall Wood.James Owen
2013-06-10Marsh Warbler still behind toilet block on entrance to Stones at 5pm Osprey caught fish mid pm and landed to feed on post outside Lane EndsSteph' Hicking
2013-06-06Spotted Flycatcher still in WLC Creek. Redshank pair & 3yg on Millfields Island, also 15 black-hdd gull nests on there. Oystercatcher pair with 2 big young around Millfields c.p. Swallow pair repairing last years nest in Stone Barn. 2 drake Teal at WLC. Count of 178 adult Canadas plus 88yg this morning.Roger Carrington
2013-06-05Counts done during a circular walk. 47 Chiffchaffs, 49 Blackcaps, 35 Willow Warblers, 24 Whitethroats, 11 Garden Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, Sedge Warbler, 13 Long-tailed Tits, 22 Blue Tits, 24 Great Tits, 38 Wrens, 32 Robins, 11 Dunnocks, 23 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle Thrush, 8 Pied Wagtails, 59 Blackbirds, 45 Chaffinch, 19 Goldfinch, 5 Redstarts (pair in field behind WLC and a pair plus another male between Middle Wood and Warrington Knob), 24 Magpies, 10 Reed Buntings. Also of note was 148 Canada Geese inc 37 young, Greylag Goose, 2 pairs of Barnacle Geese each with 1 young, Great Crested Grebes with 1 young in Brown Ale Bay, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Spotted Flycatcher in WLC Creek, 10+ BH Gull young on raft at WLC, 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Common Terns. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-06-02The 4 Common Scoters were still present in front of Sheepwash Hide at 17.25hrs. Also 5 Greylag Geese there and a Grey Heron. Lots of Warblers in song. Mainly Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Garden Warblers. But also a couple of Whitethroats. Several Oystercatchers and Redshanks. Nuthatch feeding young in nestbox just past Shiningford Creek. At least 8 BH Gull chicks on raft at WLC. Also male Redstart singing by bend on WLC Creek. c55 Lesser Black Backed Gulls mid water this afternoon. Dave Newcombe
2013-06-02Spotted Flycatcher in Wildlife centre creek. Also Swift seen going under then eaves of the visitor centre. Sedge warbler singing on Stones island, and House Sparrows feeding young on the ground by the visitor centre.Clive Ashton/ Roger Carrington
2013-06-024 Common Scoter, 5 Shelduck off Stones Island 0800hrs. Roger Carrington
2013-05-31Osprey westward over dam wall at 1340hrs.Roger Carrington
2013-05-30Little Egret mobile around Stones Island and Sheepwash this morning. First summer Common Gull at Wildlife Centre. 2 Reed Warbler singing in Hopton Reedbed. Lapwing with 2 young still on Big Island and a drake Pochard there.Roger Carrington
2013-05-26Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, 8 Mute Swans, 6 Cormorants, Curlew, Common Sandpiper, 2 LRP, Hobby at Sheepwash at 09.28hrs, Buzzard, 100's of Swallows and House Martins, 6 Sand Martins, 1 young BH Gull on raft at Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-05-21Sedge Warbler, Common Sandpiper, Bullfinch, Good number of Swifts, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Goldfinches, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Long Tailed Tit, Grey Heron. Eric Dewhurst
2013-05-21Paxton Pits bird club trip.63 species recorded including Nightingale(there are 23 singing males on the Paxton Pits Reserve),Cetti's Warbler,Cuckoo(2)and Hobby(3).Peter Gibbon
2013-05-18A much quieter day than Wednesday. 2 Ruddy/Cape Shelducks at the Wildlife Centre this morning. One was probably a Cape but the other looked good for a Ruddy. Either way, most probably escapes anyway. Also a Cackling Goose at the WLC which may have came in with the Shelducks but didn't leave with them as it was still present in the evening. At least 9 broods of Canada Geese and 3 of Mallard. 10 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, 3 Buzzards, Hobby, 2 Dunlin, 10 Oystercatchers (RC had 13), 7 Redshank, 2 LRP, 2 Sedge Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat, 50+ Swifts, Redstart and 2 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2013-05-15It turned out to be quite an incredible day today. Earlier on at 10.20hrs whilst Roger and I were in Sheepwash Hide Roger picked out a distant Black Tern . It remained until just after lunch. There was also a single Arctic Tern and 4 Common Terns. This morning Roger had 17 Dunlin go through. Then a little later I had a flock of 27 go through followed by a further 2. A few more Dunlin later on made a total of 55. Then this evening Sailing Club Island was crawling with Turnstones. We counted 34 with a further 2 birds dropping in later on. 36 is certainly a site record and most probably a county record. The majority of these left site with only 7 remaining at dusk. There was also at least 8 Sanderling. 3 flew off high and 5 remained on Sailing Club shore. Also of note was a Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, Peregrine, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, adult Common Gull, 8 Mute Swans and 5 Greylag Geese. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2013-05-14WeBS addendum a single Turnstone at 07.00 on Stones IslandPeter Gibbon
2013-05-14WeBS count 06.00 to 11.40. Mute Swan 8,Greylag Goose 4,Barnacle Goose 6,Canada Goose 41 adults,Mallard 48,Tufted Duck 75,Cormorant 5,Grey Heron 2,Great Crested Grebe 46,Moorhen 3,Coot 53,Oystercatcher 8,Little ringed Plover 2,Lapwing 9,Common sandpiper 2,Redshank 4,Black-headed Gull 60. Peter Gibbon
2013-05-1310 broods of Canada Geese: Pair with 6 young at Millfields, 4 pairs with 2/5/5 and 6 young on Stones Island. 3 pairs at the Wildlife Centre with 4/5 and 6 young. 2 pairs at P.Stanley/Sheepwash with 4 and 7 young. 4 Greylag Geese and a Grey Heron at Sheepwash. 76 Tufted Ducks including 44 on Big Island. 8 Mute Swans including 6 having a scrap at the Wildlife Centre. A Turnstone and a Sanderling on the Dam Wall this morning, then a further 2 Turnstones joined the other one and all 3 were together this evening. 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, pair of Lapwings with 2 young on Big Island. 6 Redshank, 8 Oystercatchers. 16 Dunlin this evening. 15 dropped on to Horseshoe Island at 16.50hrs during a hailstorm...and another bird on Stones Island. Hobby from Sheepwash at 11.26hrs, immature female Peregrine also from Sheepwash at 13.45hrs. 6 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 2 singing male Redstarts. 1 at the bend of WLC Creek and 1 c100 yards north of the brick tower. 50+ Swifts, 100's of Swallows and House Martins, 6 Linnets on the dam. Warblers counted between Millfields and Hopton include 11 Garden Warblers, 16 Blackcaps, 19 Willow Warblers, 8 Whitethroats, 13 Chiffchaffs and 2 Sedge Warblers. Also a Stoat in the main car park. Dave Newcombe
2013-05-12turnstone on left of island opposite Wildlife Centre 15.15Ian Weatherley
2013-05-09Water Pipit on Horseshoe Island this morning just after 09.45hrs and present until just after 10.00hrs when it flew. However, the bird must have came back as somebody else reported it in the log book. No sign of any G.N.Divers today. 3 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 2 broods of Canada Geese (6 & 5), Mallard with 7 young at Sheepwash, 4 Greylag Geese, male Peregrine, Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, Ringed Plover, Curlew, 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Dunlin, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Redshank, 4+ Oystercatchers, 1st summer Herring Gull, 6 Common Terns, White Wagtail on Sheepwash Spit, 8 Garden Warblers, 5 Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Willow Warblers, 12 Blackcaps, 9 Chiffchaffs (not many Warblers singing due to the wet and windy weather), 2 Stock Doves over Sheepwash, 9 Linnets on Dam Wall. This evening there were Hirundines everywhere all across the water. Maybe over a 1000 in total. Mostly Swallows with good numbers of House Martins and a few Sand Martins. Also 29+ Swifts. Dave Newcombe
2013-05-09Adult Great Northern Diver calling at 06:15am. Juv diver flying around the site at 08:00, 1 Little Gull, 4 Mute Swans, Grey Heron. 4 Jays & a Sparrowhawk in Hall Wood, Swift, pair of Redstarts at edge of big covert (female with nesting material), 2 Buzzards in Middle Wood and 2 at Fishtail Creek & Moorhen at Fishtail Creek.John Matkin
2013-05-07Still 2 Great Northern Divers (adult and imm both seen having a short fly around today). 6 Greylag Geese, Little Grebe, 3 Grey Herons, 3 Turnstones on Sailing Club Island this evening, 5 Oystercatchers, 7 Redshank, 4 Common Sandpipers, Dunlin, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Terns, 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 9 Whitethroats, 11 Garden Warblers, 4 Sedge Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-05-07I heard a cuckoo about 9-45 am on 1st May whilst doing a path survey in Millington Green. I thought this might be of interest to members of the bird club and possibly help to confirm other reports.Dave Williams
2013-05-032 Great Northern Divers (adult and imm)), 2 Greylag Geese, Grey Heron, 3 Cormorants, 2 Mute Swans, 5 Gadwall, drake Shoveler, Dunlin, 5+ Oystercatchers, 5+ Redshank, 3 Curlew, Whimbrel, 5+ Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Buzzards, 2 Arctic Terns, 1st summer Little Gull. Warblers counted between Millfields and Warrington Knob (via Sheepwash) include: 36 Blackcaps, 10 Garden Warblers, 28 Willow Warblers, 27 Chiffchaffs, 15 Whitethroats and 2 Lesser Whitethroats. 2 Grey Wagtails at Millfields, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 50+ Swallows, 4 Sand Martins, 2 Redstarts, 7 Reed Buntings, 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island, 2 Linnets on Dam Wall. Dave Newcombe
2013-05-01A magnificent sight of 3 Red Kites together at c14.00hrs today. We were in Sheepwash Hide when Clive picked up a Raptor flying over Blackwall Plantation towards the dam wall. We eventually realised that it was a Red Kite. As it got around the mid dam area we noticed a 2nd and 3rd bird with it. All 3 birds were soaring over the dam for a short while before drifting west. Also today was 3 Great Northern Divers, Mallard with 8 young at Sheepwash, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, Common Sandpiper, 8 Redshank, 4 Curlew, 1st summer Little Gull, Arctic Tern, Common Tern, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Ravens. Also a Wood Warbler on Stones Island this evening (JB). Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-05-01Fishtail Creek: Garden Warbler, 3 Mistle Thrush, Mallard with 5 ducklings. Pair of Redstarts between Middle Wood & Warrington Knob. Sparrowhawk, Goldcrest & 2 Jays in Middle Wood. Pairs of Treecreepers in Middle Wood & Hall Wood. 1 Reed Warbler & Lesser Whitethroat singing at Hopton.John Matkin
2013-04-30Just to add a few things on to what James has already posted. All 3 G.N.Divers were close together near dusk. The 2 1st summer Little Gulls in Sailing Club Bay. Also a 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2013-04-302 Whimbrel on Stones Island then Dam Wall early morning. Also 2 Great Northern Diver (ad + juv), 6 Yellow Wagtail, 2 imm Little Gull, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 6 Swift, 2 Greylag Goose, 3 Buzzard, 4 Shelduck, 3 Garden Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler.James Owen
2013-04-29Male Blue-headed Wagtail on Stones Island for the majority of the day. The 3 Great Northern Divers still present. 2 1st summer Little Gulls, 45 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Greylag Geese, Grey Heron, 5 Buzzards, 4 Dunlin, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 6+ Redshank, 8+ Oystercatchers, 18 Yellow Wagtails, Sedge Warbler and Garden Warbler on Stones Island, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Meadow Pipits, 300+ Hirundines mostly Swallows, 10+ Swifts, 2 Ravens, 8 Lesser Redpolls, 7 Siskins. Dave Newcombe
2013-04-283 Great Northern Divers, 5+ Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Arctic Tern, 11 Yellow Wagtails, 100's of Swallows. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2013-04-27Early am- walk around the reservoir: 61 Blue Tit, 49 Willow Warbler, 47 Blackbird, 42 Great Tit, 41 Chiffchaff, 40 Wren, 30 Chaffinch, 29 Tree Sparrow, 25 Blackcap, 24 Robin, 18 House Sparrow, 17 Song Thrush, 15 Dunnock, 13 Goldfinch, 11 Long-tailed Tit (pair building nest in Hall Wood), 11 Pied Wagtail, 10 Willow Tit, 9 Whitethroat, 8 Reed Bunting, 7 Bullfinch, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Coal Tit, 3 Treecreeper, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Nuthatch, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 2 Siskin, 2 White Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush & 1 Redstart (singing behind the Wildlife Centre). Also of note: 2 Sparrowhawks: Male at Wildlife Centre, Female in Hall Wood and another female (assumed to be the same bird) over the new reed bed, several hundred hirundines, a flock of c20 waders high overhead at 08:45 heading northwest. Shape, size, flight & colouring suggested Whimbrel but too distant for positive id.John Matkin
2013-04-263 Great Northern Divers. 4 Little Gulls (adult and 3 first summers. 7 Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe Island at 19.00hrs until at least 20.00hrs. 6 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, Peregrine, Whimbrel, Curlew, 4 Common Sandpipers, 8+ Redshank, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, Grey Wagtail, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails, 9+ Swifts, 2 female Wheatear on Dam Wall, Redstart singing in field behind Wildlife Centre, Warblers counted between Millfields and Hopton End: 26 Blackcaps, 21 Chiffchaffs, 20 Willow Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskins. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-04-252 Great Northern Divers (3 reported by AHS), 8 Redshank, 11+ Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, Whimbrel, 2 1st summer Little Gulls, 100's of Swallows, 13 Yellow Wagtails. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2013-04-24A Whiskered Tern seen early this morning by Mark Pass. It was seen in Sailing Club Bay before being lost to view. Unfortunately It had left before I arrived. This is the first record of this species at Carsington. Also today was the 2 Great Northern Divers still (adult in summer plumage and 1st summer). 5 Cormorants, 3 Mute Swans, 2 Wigeon. 4 Little Ringed Plovers (2 on Horseshoe Island and 2 in front of Sailing Club). 14 Dunlin (2 around Horseshoe Island/Stones Island and 3 flew past Sheepwash followed by a further 9). 5 Common Sandpipers, 7+ Redshank, Curlew and Whimbrel. 12+ Oystercatchers including 6 birds that came in high over Hall Wood, had a fly around and left high Northeast. 4 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Swift, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Common Whitethroats, 15 Willow Warblers, 10 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps (all Warblers counted between visitor centre and Sheepwash). 7 Yellow Wagtails and 3 White Wagtails on Stones Island this evening. Male Redstart singing in field behind Wildlife Centre this morning. This afternoon there was no sign but there was a singing male c100 yards north of the brick tower so it could have been the same bird that had moved on. Leucistic Coal Tit at Lane End feeders. 3 Lesser Redpolls on Stones Island. Also 5 Lesser Redpolls and 4 Siskins at Millfields RMRJ. Dave Newcombe
2013-04-24highlights. 3 Little Gull (1st winters/summers), 3 Dunlin (1 WLC, 2 flew through), 2 GNDivers. 12+ Yellow Wagtails on Stones/ Sailing Club Island, 6+ White Wagatails on Stones/Sailing Club Island).Steph' Hicking
2013-04-22Adult and immature Great Northern Divers. Adult in very smart summer plumage now. Little Grebe, 7 Greylag Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Shoveler, 7+ Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin, Whimbrel, Curlew, 5+ Redshank, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Buzzards including a very pale bird in Tail Bay, c100 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 1st winter GBB Gull, 2 Arctic Terns, 27 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island this evening, 7 White Wagtails, 200+ Swallows, Lesser Whitethroat singing just up from the Wildlife Centre, 23 Willow Warblers, 15 Chiffchaffs, 17 Blackcaps, 5 Treecreepers, 5 Siskins, Raven, 3 Reed Buntings. Also a Water Vole in Hopton Reedbed. Also of note was quite an extraordinary sight of c10 Great Tits acting very aggressive towards each other in an almost free for all scrap! Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-04-22Highlights from evening visit, 2 GNDiver (1st summers), 5 Shelduck, 3 Arctic Terns, 150 Swallows, Sand Martin 2.Steph' Hicking
2013-04-22Highlights, Shelduck 7, GNDiver 2 (ad+1st summer), Arctic Tern 1Steph' Hicking
2013-04-19Water Pipit on Sheepwash Spit this afternoon. Showed well for most of the afternoon before being flushed by a male Sparrowhawk. Also seen by Mark Pass. Then this evening on Stones Island there was a phenomenal amount of Wagtails. We counted at least 40 White Wagtails and that was being conservative. There was probably well over 50. Also a male Blue-headed Wagtail and c15 Yellow Wagtails. DN/MAP/JB/AHS. Also on site today: 3 Great Northern Divers, 2 Mute Swans, 8+ Common Sandpipers (probably double figures), 12 Oystercatchers, 2 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 6 Arctic Terns, 150+ Swallows, 2 Common Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 19 Willow Warblers, 15 Chiffchaffs and a Raven. Dave Newcombe
2013-04-173 Great Northern Divers (adult and 2 juveniles), 3 Greylag Geese, drake Wigeon, 2 Teal, 7+ Redshank, 4 Common Sandpipers (2 at Sheepwash and 2 on Millfields Island), 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Curlews, Snipe, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull, 130+ Swallows this morning, 3 House Martins, 3 Sand Martins, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 5 White Wagtails, 25 Starlings on Horseshoe Island, 10 Siskins at Millfields, 3 Ravens. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-04-15WeBS count:Canada Goose 34,Barnacle Goose 14,Great Northern Diver 2,Great Crested Grebe 58,Cormorant 4,Wigeon 4,Teal 4,Mallard 38,Tufted Duck 64,Goldeneye 9,Coot 113,Oystercatcher 10,Lapwing 8,Redshank 4,Dunlin 1,Little Ringed Plover 2,Snipe 2. Peter Gibbon + Roger Carrington
2013-04-154 Great Northern Divers still. 1 juvenile having a fly around this morning. 35 Great Crested Grebes although counting accurately was difficult due to the very choppy water. Little Grebe in Brown Ale Bay. 25 Barnacle Geese, 3 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 6 Redshank, 7 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 3 Little Ringed Plovers (2 in front of Sailing Club and 1 over Stones Island), 3 Common Sandpipers (2 at Sheepwash and 1 on Watersports Island), 9 Dunlin (2 on Horseshoe Island a.m and 7 on Sailing Club Island p.m), 2 Snipe, 3 Buzzards, male Sparrowhawk, 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull, Arctic Tern, 8+ White Wagtails on Stones Island this evening, they were very flighty so difficult to get an exact figure but there could have been well into double figures, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 18 Pied Wagtails, Skylark over the Dam, 7 Meadow Pipits, 12 Willow Warblers, 14 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps ( 2 females and a non singing male), 5 Song Thrush, 8 Redwings, 2 Treecreepers including 1 singing on Shiningford Creek, and 1 Linnet. Dave Newcombe
2013-04-14Blackbirds, Blue Tits, Buzzards, Carrion Crows, Chaffinches, Chiffchaffs, Cormorants, Dunnocks, Great Crested Grebes, Great Tits, House Sparrows, Magpies, Oystercatchers, Pied Wagtails, a Redshank, Robins, a Song Thrush, a Swallow and Woodpigeons.Richard Parry
2013-04-103 Great Northern Divers including the adult now moulting into summer plumage. Little Grebe in Brown Ale Bay. 58 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 7 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 5 Goldeneye, Buzzard, 8+ Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, male Wheatear on Dam Wall, 3 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins, 14 Chiffchaffs between Millfields and Hopton End, Grey Wagtail in Tail Bay, 70 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 70 Redwing in field near Lane End, Skylark over, 3 Mistle Thrush, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe
2013-04-094pm Sheepwash hide - 1 Sand Martin feeding. 4.30 Field edge behind the Sheepwash hide - 1 Brambling (good views), several more small birds with white rumps also flew away (presumably this species too). 5pm Sheepwash carpark feeder - 1 Willow Tit. 4 GN Divers present. Good views from Lane End.Paul Mollatt
2013-04-084 Great Northern Divers still. All seen from either Sheepwash Hide or Stones Island. 22 Barnacle Geese, 11 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 6 Goldeneye, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 7+ Redshank, 4+ Oystercatchers, 2 Buzzards, male Sparrowhawk, 600+ Common Gulls, Kingfisher, 6 Chiffchaffs in song, Raven. This morning there was 24 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall and 70+ in fields behind the Wildlife Centre. We suspected that the 24 were part of the flock of 70. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton

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