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
2011-10-13A massive 395 Greylag Geese,23 Barnacle Geese,5 Whooper Swans north at 09:25,21+Dunlin,2 Ringed Plover,8 Shoveler,c560 Redwing,c50 Fieldfare,and another birder reported c45 Skylarks over.Clive Ashton
2011-10-13Stones Island 10.45 to 12.15 meadow pipits 15.goldfinches 20.greenfinchs5.long-tailed tits about 10.coal tits 2.wilow tits2.dunlin 2.lessar bkack back gulls 2. kestrel 1.Maurice Tilford
2011-10-13Redwings passing over all day: flocks of c150 at 11:10 and 11:30, flocks of c200 at 12:00 and 18:00, another further flock of c100 feeding at Fishtail Creek. Flocks of x12 Siskin, 7x Bullfinch and 15x Tree Sparrows also feeding at Fishtail Creek. 1x Skylark and 6x Meadow Pipits passing over. John Matkin
2011-10-13Redwings passing over all day: flocks of c150 at 11:10 and 11:30, flocks of c200 at 12:00 and 18:00, another further flock of c100 feeding at Fishtail Creek. Flocks of x12 Siskin, 7x Bullfinch and 15x Tree Sparrows also feeding at Fishtail Creek. 1x Skylark and 6x Meadow Pipits passing over. John Matkin
2011-10-1242 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, 750 Canada Geese, 265 Greylag Geese, 23 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pintail, 8 Shoveler, 2 drake Red Crested Pochards, Peregrine, 4 Buzzard, Kestrel, Curlew Sandpiper in front of Sailing Club still, 32 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, Yellow-legged Gull, Herring Gull, 14 Skylark, Wheatear, 4 Chiff Chaffs including 3 in song, and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-10-117 Grey Heron, Pink footed Goose, 5 Shoveler, Pintail, 2 Red crested Pochards, 31 Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Yellow-legged Gull. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-10-108 Grey Heron, 230+ Greylag Geese, 5 Pintail, 4 Shoveler, 29 Pochard, female Peregrine caught and devoured a Teal in front of Sheepwash Hide, Sparrowhawk, 34 Dunlin, Grey Plover at Sheepwash, Curlew Sandpiper in front of Sailing Club with the majority of the Dunlin, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 150+ Meadow Pipits, 19 Linnets and 15 Redwing. Dave Newcombe
2011-10-09The massive numbers of Geese continues with: 236 Greylag 802 Canada 13 Barnacle These birds continue to come in from the south west early morning and leave late afternoon. Waders still about in good numbers: 29 Dunlin 2 Ruff, west 1 Grey Plover 1 Ringed Plover 1 Curlew Sandpiper 7 Shoveler Many Teal including a bill saddled bird (KPHKP) 2 Red crested Pochard 2 Pintail c170 Meadow Pipits with a Rock Pipit also present on the dam wall.65 Redwing s/w, c40 Siskin, Lesser Redpoll. 2 Yellow legged gulls and 12 Common gulls. These sightings are a mix of my own and those of Richard James, Rodney Key and Tony Davison.Clive Ashton
2011-10-074 Little Egrets at Millfields at 1835hrs, then flew towards Stones Island and lost from view as they headed up to the north end.Jonathan Bradley
2011-10-052 Rock Pipits and a Yellow Wagtail on the Dam Wall near Sailing Club at c1830hrs, then flew off west with Meadow Pipits.Jonathan Bradley
2011-10-04On Sailing Club shore viewed from dam wall this morning: 1 juv little stint, 8 curlew sandpiper, 14 dunlin, 5 ringed plover, 2 snipe. Stones Island: 60 meadow pipit, 9 linnet, 2 chiffchaff. Sheepwash: 335 wigeon, 5 snipe 46 greylag, 45 cormorant. Elsewhere: 6 skylark over, 3 redpoll over, 24 pochard.Roger Carrington
2011-10-041 juv Little Stint, 4 juv Curlew Sandpipers and a juv Ruff with the Dunlin flock in rocks near the Sailing Club at dusk.Jonathan Bradley
2011-10-01Sheepwash: 2 Curlew Sandpiper,12 Dunlin,3 Snipe. Sailing Club/Dam Wall: 2 Curlew Sandpiper,12 Dunlin(likely same birds seen earlier),4 Ruff, 1 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail and 1 Yellow Wagtail with 60+ Pied Wagtail, probable Merlin (small falcon flew low over Dam wall flushing waders but not teal.Paul Thomas
2011-09-30Sheepwash: 2 Curlew Sandpiper,12 Dunlin,3 Snipe. Sailing Club/Dam Wall: 2 Curlew Sandpiper,12 Dunlin(likely same birds seen earlier),4 Ruff, 1 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail and 1 Yellow Wagtail with 60+ Pied Wagtail, probable Merlin (small falcon flew low over Dam wall flushing waders but not teal)Paul Thomas
2011-09-30A group of 4x Raven over Fishtail Creek early am heading southeast a 5th seen shortly after heading in the same direction. A furter 2x Raven seen later over Sheepwash. 1x male Blackcap by gate for Paul Stanley Hide, 1x Goldcrest at Shiningford Creek, 6x Coal Tits (seen individually), 27x Long-Tailed Tits over VC car park.John Matkin
2011-09-29700 Canada Geese,146 Greylag Geese,22 Barnacle Geese,25 Dunlin,8 Ringed Plover,7 Snipe,4 Ruff,6 Skylark over,1 Wheatear,8Goosander,8 Yellow legged Gulls,4+Common Tern and 1 Black Tern.Clive Ashton
2011-09-27Common SandpiperJohn Eaton
2011-09-26c10 Grey Heron, 5 Greylag Geese, 9 Shoveler (poss 11), 3 Buzzards, Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawks, 24 Dunlin, 14 Ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls, c5'000 LBB Gulls, 45 Swallows, 7 Skylark, 2 Wheatear, Green Woodpecker and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-09-26A juvenile Arctic Skua was found by Jon Bradley late Saturday evening. It was watched by Jon and myself, scattering the gull roost, until dark.The Skua was seen again early this morning ,by Roger Carrington,before it flew to the north east at 06:45hr.Also present today were 8 Shoveler,9 Goosander,29 Dunlin,16 Ringed Plover,4 Ruff,Peregrine, Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail. The juv. Black Tern was still also present on Sunday evening.Clive Ashton
2011-09-22The Waders that Roger mentioned were still there late afternoon, also 3 Turnstone flew in but flew off South shortly after. A Little Egret dropped in onto Sheepwash Spit and 4 Jays were in Brown Ale Bay. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-09-22Dam wall 0700hrs; 177 Pied Wagtail, 4 Yellow Wag, 1 White Wag, 1 Wheatear. Millfields; 1 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Shoveler, 3 Goldcrest. Sailing Club Shore; 3 Ruff, 22 Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin. Sheepwash; juv Black Tern still this morning, 111 Wigeon, 2 Redpoll.Roger Carrington
2011-09-21c10 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, 45 Cormorants, 140 Wigeon, 63 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 18 Pochard, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, 21 Ringed Plover, 4 Ruff, 10 Dunlin, Redshank, juvenile Black Tern, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 170+ Meadow Pipits and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-09-202 juvenile Black Tern 18 Ringed Plover 10 Dunlin 2 Ruff 1 Redshank 5 Yellow legged Gull 4 Shoveler 103 Meadow Pipit 2 Yellow WagtailClive Ashton
2011-09-19WeBS count for September 07.30 to 11.30. As well as the birds mentioned by Dave and Clive the following were counted: Mute Swan 25,Canada Goose 470,Wigeon 167,Gadwall 43,Teal 357,Mallard 236, Shoveler 4,Pochard 24, Tufted Duck 394,Little Grebe 31,Great Crested Grebe 30,Cormorant 43,Grey Heron 10,Moorhen 4,Coot 1095,Lapwing 38,Common Tern 1. Also 1 Wheatear. Peter Gibbon
2011-09-1943 Cormorants, 10 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, Pink-footed Goose, 3 Shoveler, 130 Wigeon, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel. The Sailing Club area is still pulling in the Waders. The Curlew Sandpipers have now gone but today there was 23 Ringed Plover, 12 Dunlin, Snipe, 3 Ruff and a Redshank. Meadow Pipits seem to be everywhere and we managed a count of 135 although there are probably many more than that. 2 Yellow Wagtails, Grey Wagtail, 55 Swallows, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls and a Common Gull. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-09-161 Curlew Sand, 3 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover at Sailing Club early morning. No sign of Curlew Sand at 1200hrs, but 2 juv LRP there. 1 Golden Plover over Stones Island calling, also 4 Linnets. 440 Canada Geese including a large flock in from south. 1 Pinkfoot and 85 Wigeon at Sheepwash. 1 Common Tern south past Millfields at 1230hrs. 1 Little Egret landed on Sheepwash Spit at 1345hrs.Roger Carrigton
2011-09-16Hobby over Millfields/Hays Lane at about 18:45John Matkin
2011-09-16Further to Roger's records: 2 Green sandpipers at Sheepwash this afternoon. Large number of Swallows moving through, including a count of 100 in a 15 minute period,attracting the attention of a Hobby. Waders still near sailing club this evening were, 5 Ruff,1 Knot,1 Curlew Sandpiper and 4 Ringed Plover. Later on Stones Island an early Rock Pipit amongst the large Meadow Pipit flock.Clive Ashton
2011-09-15Waders still on Sailing Shore this morning: 4 Ruff, 3 Curlew Sands, 1 Knot, 1 Dunlin and 9 Ringed Plover. Dam Wall 0645-0715hrs: 160 Pied Wagtails, 6 Yellow Wags, 1 Grey Wag, 1 Wheatear and 1 adult Arctic Tern fishing along the wall then went south with a flock of swallows, but at 1100hrs a distant comic tern near Fishtail. 1 Little Egret low southwards over Visitor Centre 0800hrs. 15 Siskin and 2 Skylark over Millfields. Lesser Whitethroat in WLC Creek.Roger Carrington
2011-09-144 Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Ruff, 1 Knot,1 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin in front of Sailing Club.12 Ringed Plover on Stones Island.A Gannet was found by Steph Hicking flying past Sheepwash, seen by me and others, then on the water behind the spit, then flew off NE mobbed by an ambitious juvenile Peregrine at 1615hrs.10 Barnacle Geese, 2 Skylark, 1 Redpoll.18 Chiffchaff between Millfields and Wildlife Centre Creek, 1 Whitethroat and 4 Blackcap in WLC Creek and a Blackcap singing early evening.Also Yellow Wagtail, Wheeatear.Roger Carrington
2011-09-13I'll start with the stand out highlight. A near adult Gannet was found by Steph and Roger from P Stanley hide shortly after 15.30hrs. We managed to catch up with it from Stones Island and then on the new path near Hopton End where it had a brief altercation with the immature female Pergrine. Shortly after this the Gannet flew off high North East. Also of note today was 4 Curlew Sandpipers, 5 Ruff, Knot, 12 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin present all day around Sailing Club/Stones Island area. A Greenshank and Green Sandpiper was in Brownale Bay. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Chris Brown
2011-09-13Short visit around midday. Of note: Grey Heron (2), Sparrowhawk (1), Curlew Sandpiper (1) - on the dried out area by the Stones Island causeway - opposite the Sailing Club, Swallow (30), Goldcrest (1), Long-tailed Tit (2) and Willow Tit (2).Butterflies: Common Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell and Small White.Plants: Spindle Tree - part of the hedge near the Watersports Centre - now bears orange berries. Not previously reported - Scentless Mayweed (white). Most flowers are over but there are still a few specimens to be found of some species e.g. Meadow Crane's-bill, Selfheal, Water Forget-me-not, Silverweed and Redshank.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-09-133 peregrines just north west of Carsington village (around Old Knoll). Two adults and a younger bird. Also one briefly above Carsington village.Adam Summerhayes
2011-09-124 Curlew Sandpipers, 5 Ruff and a Knot all in front of Sailing Club. At least 11 Ringed PLover and several Dunlin flitting between Sailing Club and Stones Island. Greenshank, Green Sand and Common Sand in Brownale Bay. 65 Meadow Pipits scatterd across site. 5 Yellow Wagtails and a Wheatear on the Dam Wall. Dave Newcombe
2011-09-11Waders in front of Sailing Club this evening: 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 11 Ringed Plover, 1 Knot. Also drake Mandarin and 2 Red Crested Pochard in front of Sheepwash, 44 Wigeon, 203 Teal, 3 Ruff past Stones Island heading towards Sailing Club and at least 7 Yellow-legged Gull in roost.Roger Carrington
2011-09-10An observation about the osprey seen by Dave Newcombe on 7th at 3pm - this was certainly Rothiemurchus, one of Roy Dennis' Scottish satellite tagged ospreys which was reported flying S over Ladybower Res at 1pm and then south over Carsington at 2.50pm. Google 'roydennis' and look under ospreys/Rothiemurchus autumn migration 2011nick brown
2011-09-08Sailing Club shore: 2 Ruff, 1 Curlew sandpiper. Stones Island: 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Wheatear, 16 Meadow Pipit. WLC Creek: 1 male Redstart. Sheepwash: 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Pintail. Brown Ale Bay: 4 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper.Roger Carrington
2011-09-08An Osprey flew south mid-afternoon. It came over Hall Wood and flew straight through. Hobby at Millfields early morning. 6 Grey Heron, 29 Wigeon, 195 Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Red Crested Pochard, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, Turnstone, 3 Greenshank, 2 Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, 26 Meadow Pipits, 5 Yellow Wagtails, Wheatear, 4 Sand Martins, lots of Swallows and House Martins heading south, 9 Chiff Chaff, Whitethroat, Blackcap,2 Buzzard and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-09-065 Greylag Geese, Pintail, 24 Wigeon, 47 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, 2 Peregrine, 4 Greenshank (1 at Millfields and 3 in Brownale Bay), Black-tailed Godwit in Brownale Bay, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper. 2 Ruff and the Curlew Sandpiper in front of Sailing Club late afternoon, Yellow-legged Gull, Stock Dove, c20 Meadow Pipit, c5 Yellow Wagtails, 157 Pied Wagtails, Sand Martin, 2 Wheatear, 7 Siskin and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-09-06Curlew Sandpiper with Ruff still, mid-afternoon on Stones Island facing the sailing club/dam. WLC: 1 Whinchat, 2 Raven, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 2 Gadwall, a single Lapwing was the only wader seen from here all day. Also, 3 Greenshank and 1 Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Pochard and 1 Yellow-legged Gull from Sheepwash.James Owen(STW vol)
2011-09-059 Grey Heron, 160 Teal, 21 Wigeon, 4 Pochard, Peregrine, Hobby, 3 Greenshank. Ruff and Curlew Sandpiper still present near Sailing Club late evening, Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, 6+ Yellow Wagtails, 10+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Wheatear, Siskin, Linnet, Whitethroat, Stock Dove and 3 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-09-051 curlew sandpiper, 1 ruff adjacent to causeway near sailing club.Richard pittam
2011-09-03The 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers were still present this morning in Hopton Bay. Also present today was 37 Cormorants, 8 Grey Heron, 19 Wigeon, 142 Teal, 2 Pintail, 2 Pochards, 2 Red Crested Pochards, 2 Kestrel, 4 Greenshank, 8 Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Meadow Pipits, 4 Siskin, 2 Yellow Wagtails, Grey Wagtail, 45 Swallows and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-09-03For those that don't know already, there were 2 Curlew Sandpipers at the Hopton end Friday night. Also present in that area 2 Greenshank and Ruff. Bar tailed Godwit near sailing club.Clive Ashton
2011-08-31A female/immature Marsh Harrier flew over Stones Island heading North East at 17.45 this evening. This was the only Raptor seen today but don't come much better. Also of note today was 34 Cormorants, 6 Grey Heron, 11 Wigeon, Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 3 Greenshank, 3 Redshank, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, Yellow Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipits, 15 Long-tailed Tits, Raven, 2 Siskin and a Blackcap. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-30The highlight today was an Osprey that flew South at 12.15hrs. Other birds of note were 33 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, 5 Greylag Geese, 3 Greenshank, 2 Dulin, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, 6 Buzzards, Peregrine, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, Yellow Legged Gull, Meadow Pipit and 2 Raven. Lots of Swallows and Housemartins moving South. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-2930 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, 5 Greylag Geese, 114 Teal, 9 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, 4 Buzzards, 3 Greenshank, juvenile Knot, Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-28Fishtail Creek: several species taking advantage of large number of flying insects in sheltered spot. Several Willow Warblers, 2x Spotted Flycatcher and a Wood Warbler at 12:30. Also Hobby flew over heading southwest and 2x Raven.John Matkin
2011-08-28Just a quick visit this afternoon; 3 Greenshank,1 Green Sandpiper and 3 Common Sandpipers in Brown Ale Bay. At Sheepwash Wigeon numbers are slowly rising, with 9 present. On the way back to the car park at Sheepwash, a Hobby flew over.Clive Ashton
2011-08-278 Grey Heron, 30 Cormorants, 7 Wigeon, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Greenshank (another birder saw 3), Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 5 Little Ringed Plover, Yellow-legged Gull, Arctic Tern, 2 Wheatear, 5+ Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and 2 Raven. Goldfinch numbers on Stones Island have been steadily increasing and today we estimated around 150 birds. A lot of these were juveniles. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton

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