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
2011-08-26A good afternoon. Started at Sheepwash where there were 5 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 1 Pochard and 7 Wigeon. Went onto Stones, in the rain, and had 3 LRP,3 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover and a Dunlin. The wildlife centre held a Snipe and the Red crested Pochard. Back to Brown ale bay, where a Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3+LRP and 1 Ringed Plover were present. (Roger also had 2 Greenshank at Millfields) Into Sheepwash again, where Roger picked a group of waders, which turned out to be 17 Knot. We watched 7 fly high to the north east, then the other 10 made another atempt to land, but eventually flew towards Stones. Later a Yellow Wagtail on Stones and 2 Yellow legged Gulls from Stones.Clive Ashton
2011-08-2511 Grey Heron all at Sheepwash, 6 Wigeon, c90 Teal, drake Red Crested Pochard, drake Common Pochard, 2 Buzzards, 2 Kestrel. 5 Turnstone flew past Sheepwash and towards Stones Island. Unfortunately they couldn't be re-located. 2 Greenshank at Sheepwash. Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay. Yellow-legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail, 13 Chiff Chaff including several in song, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Whitethroat and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-25Dam Wall:3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sand Martin, 7 Rook, 1 Golden Plover flying low north, 1 Greenshank. WLCentre: 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Yellow-legged Gull. Stones Island: 1 Yellow Wagtail. 1 Whitethroat. Sheepwash: 1 Greenshank, 2 Peregrine together, 4 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall. Brown Ale Bay: 1 Green Sandpiper.Roger Carrington
2011-08-248+ Grey Heron, 5 Wigeon, 71 Teal, drake Red Crested Pochard, Pochard, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff briefly at Sheepwash but couldn't be re-located, Green Sandpiper, 8 Common Sandpiper, 4 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 91 Pied Wagtails, several Yellow Wagtails. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-22Short stay around midday. Only common bird species noted. Butterflies: Peacock, Small White, Large White, Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Gatekeeper and Small Copper. Plants in bloom: Red Goosefoot & Brooklime (blue) not previously reported. Berries: A sign of autumn approaching. The following red berries were seen:- Guelder Rose, Woody Nightshade, Dog Rose (Hips) and Hawthorn (Haws). Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-22The main highlight today was seeing 19 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island around teatime. We could hear some calling and then had a flock of 17 fly in front of us and then over our heads. We then picked out another 2 in flight. Also seen today was 11 Grey Heron, 8 Greylag Geese, 4 Wigeon, drake Red Crested Pochard, 4 Buzzards, Peregrine (twice), Hobby, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 5+ Common Sandpipers, Yellow Legged Gull, 100+ Swallow and 5 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-21A couple of hours on site this evening. Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper. A total of 10 Plovers, one of these was a Ringed Plover and the other 9 all looked like Little Ringed but viewed from distance. A total of 38 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon and drake Red Crested Pochard. 2 Yellow Wagtails, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Greylag Geese, Buzzard and Kestrel. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-08-208 LRP mainly juvs, 1 adult Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper all at Paul Stanley Hide. 403 Canada Geese total count, 6 Greylag at Millfields. 1 Juv Ruff with Lapwings around WLC.Roger Carrington
2011-08-20Only a few hours on site today. 78 Teal, 4 Wigeon, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, 6 Greylag Geese, 2 Kestrel, 8 Common Sandpipers, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, and the Yellow Legged Gull. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-08-19No sign of yesterdays spotted redshank. 1 Wheatear on dam wall 0700hrs. 1 Yellow Wagtail over WLC Creek and Redstart there. 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plover from Paul Stanley Hide. Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 0950hrs mobbed by Peregrine and 2 Buzzards, later mobbed by 3 Herons with their necks outstretched, last seen at 1030hrs. Roger Carrington
2011-08-19Juvenile Spotted Redshank first found in Brown Ale Bay, the Paul Stanley side of Sheepwash Spit. This area is best viewed from the new path and is currently pulling in a few Waders. Also seen there was 6 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 6 Common Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper. The Spot Red then flew and was re-located at the Wildlife Centre and a little later it was seen from Sheepwash Hide. Also seen today was a Little Egret, 12 Grey Heron, 4 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, Red Crested Pochard, 2 Peregrines, 2 Buzzards, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, 2 Wheatear, Stock Dove, Whitethroat, 85 Pied Wagtails and a singing Reed Warbler at the Wildlife Centre.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-17Little Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, 5 juvenile Shelduck flew in just before lunch, Wigeon, c25 Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, 2 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, Ruff flew in late evening, Curlew, Greenshank, 7 Common Sandpiper, Common Gull, Yellow-Legged Gull, lots of Swallows moving south, 3 Yellow Wagtails, female Wheatear, 7 Song Thrush in woods near Sheepwash Hide, Whitethroat, Raven, c100 Goldfinch on Stones Island and 2 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-16Sheepwash: 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 3 Raven, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Kestrel, 2 Stock Dove. WLC: 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Linnet. Also, 1 Redstart near Shiningford Creek.James Owen (STW vol)
2011-08-16WeBS count for August:Mute Swan 13(adults and excluding 6 cygnets),Canada Goose 247,Gadwall 15,Teal 25,Mallard 319,Red-crested Pochard 1,Tufted Duck 277,Little Grebe 19,Great Crested Grebe 42,Cormorant 23, Little Egret 2, Grey Heron 4,Moorhen 7,Coot 664,Oystercatcher 1,Little Ringed Plover 4,Ringed Plover 1,Common Sandpiper 7,Redshank 1,Black-headed Gull 19,Yellow-legged Gull 2.Peter Gibbon
2011-08-15Comprehensive bird reports already submitted for today by others but it's worth mentioning Chiffchaff singing on Stones Island plus a Willow Warbler seen. Very few birds seem to be singing. Also seen: 7-spot Ladybird and Common Blue Damselfly. Many butterflies seen in the sunshine. Species identified: Brimstone, Gatekeeper, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Large White, Peacock and Small Copper. Many flowering plants are now past their best. However, the following species have not previously been reported and are around in profusion: Hedge Bindweed (white), Autumn Hawkbit (yellow) and Cat's-ear (yellow).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-1554 species seen. Including: Yellow Wagtail and Yellow-Legged Gull at Sheepwash, Spotted Flycatcher between Sheepwash carpark and bombing tower, Redstarts showing well (x1 Shiningford Creek, x2 WLC Creek),x2 Grey Wagtail on far bank of Shiningford Creek, x27 Goldfinches on Stones Island, Green Woodpecker over Ranger Base at 12:45, 6x Little Grebes and Red-Crested Pochard at WLC (pm).John Matkin
2011-08-1532 Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets, 12 Grey Heron, Wigeon, 25 Teal, 15+ Gadwall, eclipse drake Red Crested Pochard, 5 Buzzard, juvenile Peregrine, Oystercatcher, Redshank, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 3 Whimbrel flew in late evening, 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 adult Yellow-Legged Gulls, 800 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 2 Stock Doves, Skylark on Dam Wall, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Linnets. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-142 calling curlews over visitor centre at 12.00noon, heading south.David Bennett
2011-08-14Dam wall 0700hrs: 70 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Stones Island: 8 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Shiningford Creek: 1 Greensandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Millfields: 1 Drake Wigeon, 1 Common Sandpiper. Sheepwash: 1 Greenshank. Paul Stanley Hide: 2 Common Sandpiper, LRP family. Other sightings (by RMRJ) 2 Whimbrel over SW, 4 Little Egret at Sheepwash plus 1 Sanderling briefly 0900hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-08-14The juvenile Little Stint that was found by Clive on Friday evening was still present early on Saturday morning but then more than likely left site. Some sightings for Friday include 11 Grey Heron, 2 Greenshank, 3 Turnstone, 12 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, Curlew, 8 Little Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Yellow Wagtail. Some sightings for Saturday include 27 Cormorants, 29 Mute Swans, Little Egret, 10+ Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, 14 Teal, 3 Buzzard, 8 Common Sandpiper, 7 Ringed Plover (16 recorded earlier), 4 Dunlin, Whimbrel, Ruff, 2 adult Sandwich Terns, Yellow Legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Raven, 2 Swift, c50 Goldfinch, 2 Linnets, and 3 Crosssbil flew over Hopton End.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-1025 Cormorants, 10 Grey Heron, Little Egret, 29 Mute Swans including the pair with 6 young, 261 Canada Geese, 11 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 2 Wigeon, female Tufted Duck with 2 young (was 5 on Monday), 2 Buzzards, juvenile Peregrine. Green Sandpiper at Millfields. 7 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover. A juvenile Knot on Stones Island this evening. 2 adult Yellow-Legged Gulls, c50 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 3 Redstarts and 5 Swift. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-09Of note: Grey Heron (1), Tufted Ducks including a female with 5 tiny ducklings, Little Ringed Plover (3) - adult & 2 juvs, edge of Stones Island; Black-tailed Godwit (1) - in small bay between the Wildlife Centre [WLC] & Watersports Centre; Common Sandpiper (2) - just outside main window of WLC; Willow Warbler (4); Tree Sparrow (60+) - WLC feeding station. Gatekeeper butterfly. Plants in bloom not previously mentioned: Great Mullein (or Aaron's Rod) [yellow] and Rough Hawkbit [yellow].Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-088+ Grey Heron, Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, Teal, Pochard, Shoveler, female Tufted Duck with 5 fresh young and female Mallard with 6 fresh young. 3 Peregrines together from Sheepwash. Also 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. At least 6 Ringed Plover. 4 of these were with 4 Turnstone near the Sailing Club this evening. 6+ Little Ringed Plover including an adult with 3 young. 3 Dunlin, Black-Tailed Godwit present all day on Horseshoe Island, and 6+ Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 7 Collared Dove including a juvenile, 3 Swift. 5 Redstart in field behind Wildlife Centre, 2 Wheatear and 2 Raven. Finally c70 Tree Sparrows at the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-039 Little Grebe, Little Egret, 27 Mute Swan including the pair with 6 young, 16 Teal, 7 Gadwall, female Peregrine, 2 Buzzard, Greenshank, c5 Common Sandpipers, Oystercatcher, adult Yellow-Legged Gull, 3 Common Tern, Kingfisher, c75 Housemartin,, 7 Willow Tits, Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-02Of note: A Great Crested Grebe on a nest at the edge of Wildlife Centre Creek (northern side). Two female Mallards with 2 young & four young respectively. Lapwing (~20) - Horseshoe Island [HI]. Common Sandpiper (2) - HI. Common Tern (1) - fishing by the Stones Island causeway. House Martin (~30) around the visitor centre. Pied Wagtail (2 juvs). Yellowhammer (1 male) just off site. Common Blue damselflies. Butterflies: Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Large White, Small White and Small Copper (many). Plants in bloom but not previously reported: Redshank (pink flower & red stem), Zigzag Clover (very dark red) - a first for us; Water Mint (pale blue) and Gipsywort (white).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-017 Little Grebe, 10 Grey Heron, 11 Gadwall, 2 Teal, Sparrowhawk with prey, 3 Oystercatchers, 4+ Common Sandpipers, 4+ Little Ringed Plovers, Black-Tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Common Tern (adult and 2 juveniles straight through South), 100+ Swallows, 50+ House Martin, 3 Redstart and 2 Linnets. A Marsh Tit was heard calling near to Sheepwah Hide morning only. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-311 Greenshank 1 Black tailed Godwit 3+ Common Sandpiper 2 Common Scoter 1 Teal YL GullClive Ashton
2011-07-30Sheepwash hide at 18:00hr-2 Greenshank1 Little Egret4 Common ScoterA mole crawling on the dry bank was attacked and killed by 3 Magpies.A Southern Hawker dragonfly was taken by a Blackbird.Clive Ashton
2011-07-302 ravens soaring high over visitor centre. 2 greenshanks were feeding at sheepwash hide.Alex Barnett
2011-07-292 Greenshank at Sheepwash 1 Little Egret at Sheepwash 3 Common Sandpiper 1 Dunlin c8 Little ringed Plover 24 Cormorant 8+ Heron Wigeon,Gadwall,Yellow legged Gull. Clive Ashton /Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-07-292x Red Kites over Fishtail Creek at 18:45. Observed for about half an hour then drifted northeast.John Matkin
2011-07-28Little Egret on Horseshoe Island 0800hrs. 9 linnet on Stones Island. 2 Green Sandpiper in flight then settled at Millfields. 1 Wheatear on dam wall. Young Common Buzzards calling from Hall Wood. 11 Great Tit on Paul Stanley feeders and pair of Moorhen with 2 chicks on pond there. Counts: 263 Canada Geese, 21 Cormorant, 19 Mute Swan plus pair with 6 cygnets, 9 Heron, 3 Common Sandpiper. Butterflies: small tortoiseshell, gatekeepers, meadow browns and a small skipper in WLC Creek.Roger Carrington
2011-07-28We were only on site for a couple of hours yesterday. 12 Grey Heron, 21 Cormorants, 3 Common Sandpipers at Sheepwash. Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Common Tern. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-281 Little Egret flew N over the Hopton Reedbed at @7.45pm (seemed to be flushed by a Hot Air Ballon Launched from behing Carsington Village) 2 Common Scoters in centre of reservoir. 1 Common Sandpiper Hopton Arm. 8 'red head' Goosander Steph and Paul Hicking
2011-07-25Short visit: Species worth a mention: Little Grebe (1), Swallow (1), House Martin (12), Grey Wagtail (1), Pied Wagtail (10) - mostly juveniles, Willow Warbler (2), Rook (2) and Reed Bunting (1). Dave and Clive : Re: juvenile Little Ringed Plovers comment. Good points but ours was not a juvenile bird; it was definitely an adult Ringed. Just passing through I guess.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-07-255 Little Grebe, 19 Cormorants, 25 Mute Swan including 6 juveniles, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk with prey at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers, 10+ Little Ringed Plover including an adult with 4 small young, 5 Common Sandpipers, Yellow-legged Gull, c50 Housemartins, 65 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail on Sheepwash Spit, Grasshopper Warbler reeling near to Millfields Island, 5 Linnet and a Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-24I know nothing about this eagle report! I do not know why it has been sent to our Website as the record was so far away from Carsington. It will be removed when possible.Roger Carrington
2011-07-24White Tailed Eagle flying not at great height towards Castleton area away from Hope/Bradwell. Looked like a mature bird certainly not a juvenile bird. Having watched these birds in the North West Highlands for 12 plus years I was amazed to see this bird over this part of the country. I nearly crashed the car as it flew overhead! Once seen never mistaken for anything else. I note that a similar bird was seen in Lincolnshire at the end of June. Hope someone else sees it, was heading Westerly direction.Ryan
2011-07-214 Pochard, 5+ Little Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, Curlew, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 270 Black-headed Gulls including 55 juveniles, 180 Lesser-black Backed Gulls, 4 Common Gulls, Common Tern, 2 adult and at least 2 juvenile Reed Warblers at Hopton End, also one singing at the Wildlife Centre along with a Sedge Warbler. Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood, 3 Siskin, 2 Greenfinch and a Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-19Still several Common Sandpipers on site, but nowhere near yesterdays count of 18. 6 Dunlin,1 Sanderling,3+ Little Ringed Plover,2 Oystercatcher,Several sightings of Peregrine,Adult Yellow legged Gull,Juvenille Mediterranean Gull,Common Tern.Clive Ashton
2011-07-19The water levels at Carsington are dropping fast and providing ideal conditions for Waders. Yesterday we had at least 18 Common Sandpipers. 14 together at Sheepwash including 2 juveniles and 4 at the Wildlife Centre. We believe this to be a site record after 17 were recorded in July 1993. Also yesterday was 7 Dunlin at the Wildlife Centre including a juvenile, 6+ Little Ringed Plover, c50 Lapwing, a Redshank and an Oystercatcher. Mark Pass had another 4 Redshank on Stones Island in the evening. Other sightings include adult Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, c50 Tree Sparrows at the WLC, and c20 Long-tailed Tits and c20 Goldfinch on Stones Island.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-18On site for a short time in the early afternoon. Of note: Mallard including a female with 3 tiny ducklings. Moorhen (1) - on Wildlife Centre (WLC) feeding station! Where have all the Moorhens gone? Oystercatcher (1). Ringed Plover (1) - just outside WLC main window. No eye ring. A very plump bird. Lapwing (20). Dunlin (3) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Strong summer plumage. Redshank (1) - HI. Common Sandpiper (2) - outside WLC main window. Pied Wagtail - including 2 juveniles. Long-tailed Tits (3) - Stones Island (SI). Goldfinch (12) - an active flock on SI. Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-07-18WeBS count for July:Great Crested Grebe 32,Little Grebe 4,Cormorant 9,Grey Heron 5,Mute Swan 25,Canada Goose 359,Mallard 228,Tufted Duck 182,Pochard 2,Moorhen 7,Coot 408,Dunlin 7,Common Sandpiper 11,Redshank 1,Little Ringed Plover 3,Lapwing 16,Black-headed Gull 38,Common Gull 1,Common Tern 1,Peregrine 1,Sparrowhawk 1.Peter Gibbon
2011-07-17Pair of Dunlin, in bay between water sports centre and Stones Island, at middayNeil Venables
2011-07-151 Green Sandpiper flying and calling around Stones Island 0830hrs. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at Wildlife Centre. 110 Black-headed Gulls on Horseshoe Island, 2 Common Tern past Stones Island, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash Spit, 326 Canada Geese.Roger Carrington
2011-07-1413 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, drake Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 drake Pochard, 7 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Common Terns. Spotted Flycatcher family still at Millfields. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-07-1312 Cormorants, 8 Grey Heron, Mute Swans with 6 young, 4 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 6 Buzzards, female Sparrowhawk, 3 Oystercatcher, 7 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1st summer Herring Gull, adult Yellow Legged Gull, juv Great Spotted Woodpecker, c50 Swift. Pair of Spotted Flycatchers feeding 3 recently fledged juveniles at Millfields. At around 19.20hrs 5 Greenshank were spotted to the right of Sheepwash Hide. They were looking jittery and soon took flight towards the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-11Of note: Common Pochard (1 male), Common Buzzard (1), Oystercatcher (1); Common Sandpiper (2) - immediately in front of the main Wildlife Centre window. They were very lively! Sand Martin (1), Pied Wagtail (2). Only 28 species identified around midday.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-07-118 Grey Heron, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, drake Pochard, female Tufted Duck with 3 young, Mallard with fresh brood of 10 young, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, 5 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, Yellow Legged Gull, Green Woodpecker and 2 Spotted Flycatchers. Roger found 3 Black-Tailed Godwits late afternoon at the Wildlife Centre. I had a look and they were still present at 19.00hrs.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-0628 Mute Swans, 4 Grey Heron, 347 Canada Geese, 5 Gadwall, 4 Teal, female Tufted Duck with 4 young, 2 Peregrines, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk seen on 3 occasions including one with prey, Kestrel, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 2 juvenile Ringed Plover, 5 Oystercatcher, adult Yellow Legged Gull, Common Tern, adult and juvenile Redstart, family of 5 Dunnocks, and a Raven. Dave Newcombe

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