Recent Sightings
| Name | Sighting | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Lowe | This 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 Ashton | The 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, AMD | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | Monthly 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | 2 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 Roddis | 3 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | From 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 Atkins | Species 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, Gadwall | 06/04/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The 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 Ashton | The 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 Stewardson | Highlights 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 Roddis | The 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, AMD | The 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 Roddis | Red-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 Roddis | Perimeter 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 Ashton | Clive 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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | GN 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 Roddis | The 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 Ashton | Another 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, AHS | Another 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 Lowe | Off 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 Lowe | A pair of Garganey distantly off Millfields at 1pm ish were a highlight, together with GN and RTDivers off Stones Is. | 22/03/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A 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, KR | Alan 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 Roddis | A 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 Ashton | The 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 Lowe | Late 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 Roddis | 3 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 Roddis | The 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, CA | Monthly 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 Armitt | 5 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 Treecreeper | 16/03/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The 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, AMD | A 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, AHS | GN 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 Lowe | This 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 Roddis | At 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 Lowe | Late afternoon: YLGull (ad) on sailing club jetty; GNDiver off Stones Is; Goldeneye (7) displaying off Stones Is. | 11/03/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | GN 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, AHS | The 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 Lowe | Early afternoon: Mediterranean Gull (1st w) off Sailing Club; Whooper Swan (16) off Lane End. | 09/03/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Survey 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 Lowe | At 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 Ashton | Another 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 Lowe | At 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
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2010-11-18 | Black Redstart this afternoon. 130 Pinkfeet low NW at 0930hrs. Tufted Duck with Turquoise/Blue bill saddle marked AS at Millfields again. 267 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 5 Dunlin, 3 Snipe all at Sheepwash. Counts of 38 Little Grebe, 58 Great Crested Grebe, 156 Mallard, 8 Goldeneye. | Roger Carrington |
| 2010-11-17 | Juvenile Great Northern Diver still near the Dam Wall. Also of note today was 2 Pintail, 3 Goosander, 8 Goldeneye, 6 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, Snipe, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 41 Redwing and 4 Meadow Pipits. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-11-15 | Thirty four species of bird seen around midday. Of note: Lapwing (18), Dunlin (1) - Stones Island, Redshank (2), Common Sandpiper (1) - Stones Island, Goldfinch (4) and a pair of Siskins by the wildlife centre. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2010-11-15 | Great Northern Diver seen from Sheepwash towards Dam Wall. Other highlights include 2 Pintail, 8 Goosander, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Redshank, 2 Snipe, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 3 Skylark, Kingfisher, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 (1st winter) Great-black-Backed Gulls, 4 Herring Gull, 2 Raven, 5 Siskin, c20 Redwing and 1 Fieldfare. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2010-11-15 | WeBS count for November: 25 Mute Swan,85 Canada Goose,277 Wigeon,32 Gadwall,209 Teal,263 Mallard,2 Pintail,62 Pochard,578 Tufted Duck,9 Goldeneye,1 Great Northern Diver,35 Little Grebe,58 Great Crested Grebe,33 Cormorant,3 Grey Heron,15 Moorhen,1330 Coot,293 Lapwing,3 Dunlin,3 Redshank and 1 Kingfisher | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 2010-11-13 | 38 species from the WLC today, included 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 6 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Buzzard, 2 Raven. Late in the afternoon a Barn Owl swooped by the bird table and was chased away by Jackdaws. | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 2010-11-11 | A male Red-breasted Merganser on the Dam Wall early morning. A total of 255 Pink-footed Geese over East. 200 at 08.35hrs and 55 at 09.00. 2 Redshank at the Wildlife Centre. A total of 15 Goldeneye. Female Pintail, Dunlin, 2 Raven, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2010-11-10 | 33 species of bird seen in one hour of birding. Of note: Goldeneye (1 male) - by Stones Island (SI), Pheasant (1 female) - seen from the boardwalk, Lapwing (18) - Horseshoe & SI, Coal Tit (1) - rarely seen by us at Carsington, Goldfinch (10) - seen by the boardwalk. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2010-11-09 | Yet another very quiet day after an exciting weekend. Notable from the WLC: 2 Redshank, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 female Kestrel (two prey consumed on Horseshoe Is - one unidentified vole and one probable Wood Mouse). 1 Yellow-legged Gull again terrifying the Little Grebes, 2 Meadow Pipit. 4 Dunlin at Sheepwash, and 1 Peregrine over just north of the reservoir. | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 2010-11-08 | All from Sheepwash Hide. 10 Shoveler, 3 drake Red-crested Pochard, Pintail, 9 Goldeneye, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, adult Yellow-legged Gull and 4 Herring Gull. No sign of the Whooper Swans or the Great Northern Diver reported yesterday. Although they could have been hiding away in one of the many bays keeping out the way of the worst of the weather. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-11-07 | Great Northern Diver 1, Whooper Swan 10 (inc 3 juvs), Goldeneye 10, Mediterranean Gull 1 (adult winter), Yellow-legged Gull 3+ (adults), Herring Gull 20+ (argentatus and argenteus), Greater Black-back 1 (1st winter), Lesser Black Back c.3500+, Black Headed Gull c.4000, Common Gull 30+, Dunlin 1, Redshank 2. | Steph Hicking/Roger Carrington/John Bradley |
| 2010-11-06 | c200 Wood Pigeons over south early morning. 10+ Skylark over, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Med Gull, female Pintail, Raven, 6 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Kingfisher, 2 Goosander and a female Goldeneye. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2010-11-03 | Only a short time on site today so only visited the wildlife centre. Dull with some rain. Just 28 species found including Lapwing (~60), Redshank (2), Wren (2) - not often seen on site, Rook (2) and a Goldfinch flock on Horseshoe Island (20). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2010-11-03 | 4 Yellow-legged Gulls (3 adults and a 1st winter), 2 Pintail, 2 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, Brambling, c50 Meadow Pipits, Kingfisher, 6 Siskin, Raven and Sparrowhawk. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-11-01 | Well the obvious highlight was a cracking male Bearded Tit,in the small reed bed to the left of Sheepwash hide at 10:45hr.The bird was heard pinging and then seen well on at least 3 occassions, before flying high to the north west at 12:35hr.We had the time to get the news out and at least 7 birders caught up with this Derbyshire rarity. 2 Pintail, 50+ Meadow Pipits,2 Redshank,4 Dunlin,7+ Snipe, male Mandarin, adult Mediterranean Gull, 3+Yellow legged Gulls and Kingfisher also on site today. | Clive Ashton/Dave newcombe |
| 2010-10-29 | Mediterranean Gull (1 adult winter). Yellow legged Gull (3 adults). Herring Gull(c.6). Pintail (1). Lesser Black Back (c.3500). Black headed Gull (c.4000). Magpies (13 in one group outside SWhide). Buzzard. Raven (2+). | Steph' Hicking |
| 2010-10-27 | Of note today; Skylarks were on the move, Dave had 8 over Stones Island, and I had 5+ over the dam wall moving s/w. A Pintail at Sheepwash,also 7 Goosander flew in towards dusk. The ad Med Gull showed well from Sheepwash from 15:15hr, along with a couple of YL Gulls. A Redshank also in the area of Sheepwash spit. Raptors seen, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel. | Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-10-23 | 6 Yellow-legged Gulls (5 adults and a 1st winter), lots of Gulls in tonight but viewing wasn't easy due to bad light and distance. Also seen today was c20 Meadow Pipits, 4 Skylark, c50 Redwings, 3 Buzzard, 2 Raven and a Dunlin. Not seen by myself but 17 Golden Plover were seen early this morning. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-10-22 | Whoopers and Rock Pipit are confirmed. Spoke to the finder of the GG Shrike, who is a well known Derbyshire birder,so no problem there. Not sure who had the Red Kite, but there was a report the previous day. | Clive Ashton |
| 2010-10-22 | According to Birdguides' Bird News Extra yesterday (ie 21st) the Red Kite was seen at 10.15 over the fields south of the dam and at 15.00 a Great Grey Shrike was seen at 15.00 by the Wildlife Centre before flying North. Today at 8.00 seven Whooper Swans were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit at the east end of it. Again acording to Birdguides. | Peter Gibbon |
| 2010-10-21 | Red Kite.Drifting over the fields south of the dam wall in the area of Millfields. 10:15am I reported the sighting at the RSPB shop. | Robert Stanley |
| 2010-10-19 | Another quiet day at the WLC, highlights were 2 Brambling, 1 Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Siskin. A marauding Yellow-legged Gull hunted Little Grebes throughout the day but failed to catch any. At Sheepwash, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost, with c.9 Yellow-legs. 7 Shoveller. Many Redwing on site, 1 Fieldfare over Sheepwash car park. A visitor reported in the shop that a Red Kite overflew the dam wall, no further details. | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 2010-10-17 | WeBS count for October: Great Crested Grebe 49,Little Grebe 47,Grey Heron 3,Cormorant 53,Mute Swan 27,Canada Goose 48,Greylag Goose 2,Wigeon 781,Teal 89,Mallard 103,Gadwall 38,Shoveler 5,Tufted Duck 741,Pochard 91,Goldeneye 1,Moorhen 16, Coot 972,Lapwing 182,Snipe 2,Kingfisher 1.Time 08.00 to 11.00. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 2010-10-13 | Rock Pipit on the Dam Wall this morning, 45 Pink-footed Geese over. 2 Dunlin, Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, Snipe, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 5 Siskin and 3 Lesser Redpoll. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-10-12 | Quiet day at the WLC, notable were 17 Redwing over and 2 Buzzard. From Sheepwash, 2 Kestrel, 3 Dunlin, 1 Snipe. At least 5 Yellow-legged Gull in the early roost. Also, 5 Shelduck and 1 Jay. | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 2010-10-11 | Of note: Grey Heron (juvenile), Red-crested Pochard (1 male) - in Wildlife Centre Creek, Meadow Pipit (2) - dam wall area, Rook (1) - this species not often seen on site, and Goldfinch (~30) - on Horseshoe Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2010-10-11 | Rock Pipit in front of Sheepwash Hide with c20 Meadow Pipits. c300 Pink-footed Geese surprisingly heading west at 14.40hrs. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and 9 Common Gull on Sheepwash Spit. Also of note 2 Dunlin, Golden Plover heard only flying over Stones Island. 85 Lapwing, 3 Grey Heron, 62 Cormorants, Red-crested Pochard, several Siskin, 4 Buzzard and 2 Sparrowhawks. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-10-08 | 2 Rock Pipits on the Sheepwash shoreline, along with Meadow Pipits. Kingfisher, Raven, Sparrowhawk,Kestrel,YL Gull. | Clive Ashton |
| 2010-10-07 | 1 Curlew Sandpiper | Dermot Smyth |
| 2010-10-06 | Bright and breezy on site today. Of note: Common Pochard (3 males). Hundreds of water birds in Wildlife Centre Creek sheltering from the wind. Predominately Tufted Ducks (~500). Sparrowhawk (1), Lapwing (44), Common Sandpiper (1). The Sparrowhawk tried to take the sandpiper but it got away. Later the sandpiper was seen feeding at the eastern end of Horseshoe Island. Goldfinch (53). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2010-10-06 | 62 Cormorants, Red-crested Pochard, Pintail, 4 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 4 Chiff Chaff, 10+ Siskin, 2 Redpoll, c30 Meadow Pipits, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull and Raven. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-10-05 | 2 Rock Pipits on Stones Island at around 09.30hrs. Also one on Sheepwash Spit early afternoon and another flew over Stones Island just before 18.30hrs. Red-crested Pochard at Millfields and then at the Wildlife Centre. 6 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover and 3 Reed Buntings on Stones Island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, Snipe, Redpoll and 6 Skylark. At around 17.30 again on Stones Island the Goldfinches and Pied Wagtails that had been feeding quite happily all shot up in obvious alarm. Their reason for such alarm was a Merlin that flew right past us and over the island. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2010-10-04 | Red-crested Pochard, Shoveler, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 3 Swallow, 6 Skylark, 8 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 8 Linnet, Raven, Siskin and Redpoll. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2010-10-02 | An Osprey appeared from over Hall Wood at 12.20hrs and slowly drifted south over the Dam Wall. Then at 13.05hrs presumably the same bird re-appeared and showed on and off until around 14.10hrs. A drake Red-crested Pochard was at the Wildlife Centre. c20 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash. Also 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 4 Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk and 11 Swallows. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-09-30 | At least 1 Rock Pipit still on Stones Island with meadow pipits at 0800hrs. A Lapland Bunting in flight over Stones Island 0810hrs. 4 Skylark, fly-over. 1 Dunlin. | Roger Carrington |
| 2010-09-29 | Pintail at Millfields, 4 Common Scoter off Stones Island, 9 Dunlin on Stones Island. Redshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwits at Sheepwash although the Godwits were only seen by Roger. Ruddy Shelduck, 6 Swallows and Yellow-legged Gull. At around 17.15 3 Rock Pipits were on the south side of Stones Island. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-09-28 | 10 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover on Stones Island. Over 30 Meadow Pipits present with some on the Dam and some around Sheepwash. 29 Swallows through south. 30+ Gadwall, 12 Pochard, female Peregrine, a Hobby east at 12.40, several Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Common Gull, Raven, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Ruddy Shelduck and a juvenile Common Tern. At 17.55 an adult Spotted Redshank flew in front of Stones Island then turned again and headed south. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-09-27 | 11 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall and a further 20+ at Sheepwash. 8 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover on Stones Island then later in front of Sailing Club. A Ruddy Shelduck on Stones Island and then at Sheepwash with Canada Geese. A single Swallow through south. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash Spit. Female Sparrowhawk. Possible Hobby over Stones Island. Several Chiff Chaffs including one in song. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-09-27 | A very modest session today. Dull and foggy plus occasional drizzle so low light conditions. Just 29 species of bird located around midday. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Canada Goose (at least 300) - eastern edge of Stones Island; duck species present - Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard & Tufted Duck; Kestrel (1), Coot (over 150) - between Stones Island and the Sailing Club; Lapwing (3) - the only wader noted!; Pied Wagtail (10), Goldfinch (12). The Pieds and Goldfinches seemed to be flocking together on the western edge of Stones Island. They were feeding and also drinking from puddles. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2010-09-22 | A very good day today but the bird of the day was early this morning. I started walking the Dam Wall around 08.30 and was only getting a few Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails until I neared the Sailing Club. Around 150 yards from the Sailing Club I heard a bird call and more or less straight away I knew it was a Lapland Bunting. I looked up into the air expecting to see it flying over but saw nothing.I then looked onto the rocks in front of me and there it was about 10 yards away. It then walked away from me and I lost it amongst the weeds and stones. I stood there for a while waiting and then edging closer but still saw nothing. Eventually 2 walkers flushed the bird and it flew up calling several times and flew towards Stones Island. Despite several birders searching it could not be re-located. Also seen today was quite a few Dunlin. 8 flew through early morning, then 4 were on Sheepwash Spit. 2 on Horseshoe Island and another 4 flew past Stones Island. Then 3 more were flying around with 11 Redshank. Near dusk on Stones Island there was a flock of 12 Waders...10 Dunlin and 2 Curlew Sandpipers. Also 3 Ringed Plover earlier in the day. 2 Pintail, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern and a female Peregrine finished off what was a very good day. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-09-21 | WeBS count for September: 28 Mute Swan,213 Canada Goose,193 Wigeon,25 Gadwall,81 Teal,166 Mallard,15 Pochard,879 Tufted Duck,35 Little Grebe,47 great Crested Grebe,28 Cormorant,8 Grey Heron,17 Moorhen,1009 Coot,1 Ringed Plover,67 Lapwing,1 Common Sandpiper. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 2010-09-20 | The level of the reservoir has dropped a couple of feet since last week. Of note: A juvenile Little Grebe observed. Grey Heron (2) - one adult and one juvenile. The juvenile was successfully fishing in a pool in front of the Wildlife Centre main window. Wigeon (6), Gadwall (8), Teal (4), Kestrel (1) - Horseshoe Island. Two well developed juvenile Moorhens seen. Lapwing (~20), Collared Dove (10), Willow Warbler (1) and Willow Tit (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2010-09-20 | Of note today: 27 Meadow Pipit, c100 Starling and a Grey Wagatil on the Dam Wall. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, c12 Chiff Chaff, 102 Swallows south throughout the day, also 15 Housemartins. 6 Dunlin on Sheepwash Spit. 2 Spotted Flycatchers and a Lesser Whitethroat on Wildlife Centre Creek. 2 Raven, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-09-17 | Of note: Canada Goose (~200) - Wildlife Cente Creek & Shiningford Creek area, Gadwall (12), Teal (2), Lapwing (2), Redshank (1), Common Sandpiper (1), Tree Sparrow (~30) - all feeding on bird table at the same time!; Goldfinch (~40) - active flock on Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2010-09-15 | Osprey mid morning. 22 Greylag flew over Millfields. 26 feral Barnacle Geese on Stones Island. 450 Canada Geese at dusk. Up to 9 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank and 2 Oystercatchers flew in at dusk. 1 Adult Kittiwake flew thru east at 1630hrs. A Barn Owl used Sheepwash Hide as a hunting post around 6pm for 35minutes. | Roger Carrington |
| 2010-09-14 | As well as the sightings already mentioned, 16 Greylags, 105 Wigeon, 20+ Meadow Pipits, 45 Swallows, Hobby, 2 Sparrowhawks, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Raven and 2 Buzzards. The Osprey has been spending quite a bit of time around the Fishtail Creek area and could well be roosting there. It now and again flies up the water giving good views from Sheepwash and P. Stanley hides. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-09-14 | Wryneck still present until at least 18:30 mostly feeding in leaf litter around the curbs near the slipway. With patience showed very well, no need to approach. Also, WLC: Osprey fishing in the middle waters. 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Grey Heron, c.60 Goldfinch and 2 Linnet before midday when STW ranger mowed Horseshoe Island after which little else arrived, however 1 Kestrel successfully hunted. 1 Sedge Warbler (briefly) and 2 Chiffchaff in the willow. 2 Willow Tits, 1 Yellow-legged Gull. | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 2010-09-14 | Wryneck. Found at 1740hrs, went into bushes, then showed from 1845 to 1930hrs. From Millfielfds car park, walk towards the dam wall, it was on the water side of the paved approach path to the large paved circle. The bird was feeding along the kerb between the paving and bushes. To give the bird space to come out of the bushes and feed we were viewing from the slipway behind the 'no swimming' sign. | Roger Carrington |
| 2010-09-13 | An Osprey at c11.30hrs caught a fish after several attempts and carried the fish down Hopton Arm around 30 minutes later. Also of note today was 37 Meadow Pipits, 34 Housemartins, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 23 Swallows, 4+ Grey Heron, Redshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, 60 Cormorants, 72 Wigeon, Kingfisher, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 4 Bullfinch, female Sparrowhawk and c90 Goldfinch. Roger will no doubt post at some point but shortly after 17.30 this evening Roger found a Wryneck in bushes at the south end of the Dam Wall past the draw off tower near the slipway. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2010-09-09 | Hobby Juvenile | John Mowbray |
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