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
2007-04-151 Great Northern Diver (Lane Ends) 1 Common Scoter (Drake) (Brick Tower), Plenty of Chiffchaff between Sheepwash CPk and Shiningford Creek. 2 Willow Warblers in same area as well as several Blackcaps singing. 14 Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Blue and Great Tits etc all showing well at the Lane Ends feeding station. Steph' & Paul Hicking
2007-04-14Millfields: 2 Nuthatch, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap (male), 2 Long-tailed tits, 8 Blue Tits, 2 Coal Tits, 4 Great Tits, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Song Thrush. Wildlife Centre 1 Little Ringed Plover, 12 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff. Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-04-142 Little Gulls 1 Shelduck 1 Blackcap 3 Willow Warblers 2 Little Ringed Plover 1 Dunlin 1 Common Sandpiper 13 Bullfinches 2 Cackling Geese 1 Reed Bunting 1 Great Nortern DiverOliver Simms
2007-04-122 Chifchaffs-Behind Sheepwash Hide 1 Pheasant-Male In between Sheepwash & Paul Stanley Hides 1 Shelduck-Behind Sheepwash Spit 1 Great Northern Diver-Sheepwash Hide 1 Jay-Behind Paul Stanley Hide 4 Reed Bunting-3 males and 1 female on Paul Stanley Hide feeders 2 Willow Tits-In between Sheepwash and Pual Satanley HideSam Pedley
2007-04-1241 species today plus seagulls Paul Stanley hide Two Oystercatchers only 15ft from the hide Grey Herron,Chiffchaffs, 2 Jays Stones island Black Cap,2 Cackling Geese, 4 Barnacle Geese, Willow Warbler, Greenfinch, long tailed tits, tree sparrows Wildlife Centre 3 Gadwall, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Bulfinches on the feeder 2 redshankJulian and Caroline Walters
2007-04-101 Great Northern Diver off Stones Island early morning. 1 Willow Warbler at Wildlife Centre. 3 Willow Warbler at Millfields. 2 Blackcaps singing on Stones Island. 2 Little-ringed Plover at Wildlife Centre. 30+ Sand Martin and 20 Swallows through this morning.Roger Carrington
2007-04-08highlights from this morning - Millfields: 4 nuthatch, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Coal Tit, 5 Blue tit, 2 Great tit, 1 Wren, 2 Blackbird. Dam: 2 Barnacle geese, 2 Cackling Geese. Stones Island: 1 Little Ringed Plover (in front of sailing club), 3 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Barnacle Geese, 2 Bullfinch, 2 song Thrush, 3 Goldeneye (2 male, 1 female - one of the males was displaying). Wildlife Centre: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 2 Chiffchaff.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-04-08Was out sailing on the lake from the visitor centre. Great Northern Diver still in the lake. I saw it just past the small island offshore from the watersports centre, still in winter plumage with white throat.Graham Taylor
2007-04-081 Great Northern Diver still present in centre of reservoir. Plenty (c.10) of Chiffchaffs singing between Millfields and Oldfield Lane. 1 Blackcap singing in same area, 15+ Lesser Black Backs flying through at c.1.30pm. Goldcrest singing (stone shelter) Nuthatch on territory in usual areas. Several Brimstone Butterflies Millfields-Oldfield Lane. Steph' and Paul Hicking
2007-04-071 Little Ringed Plover-On Horseshoe Island 6 Reed Buntings-2 males on the Wildlife Centre Feeders and 2 males and 2 females on Stones Island 1 Chiffchaff-Near the Wildlife Centre 1 Snipe-From the Wildlife CentreSam Pedley
2007-04-06Millfields: 4 Nuthatch, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, female Goosander, 2 Redshank (mating), 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Long-tailed tits, 2 Raven, 1 buzzard. Wildlife Centre: 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Wigeon, 12 Tree sparrows, Chiffchaff. Paul Stanley: Tawny Owl, 2 Oystercatchers (mating), 2 Coal Tits, 2 Reed Buntings, Chiffchaff.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-04-044 Wigeons-3 Males and 1 Female from the Wildlife Centre 2 Ravens-Flew over the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl-On a fence post near the pylon from the Wildlife Centre 4 Redshanks-On Horseshoe Island 1 Reed Bunting-On the Wildlife Centre Feeders 1 Oystercatcher-On Horseshoe Island 1 Cackling Canada Goose-With Barnacle Geese in a field to the left of the Wildlife Centre 4 Buzzards-Circling over the Vistor Centre Car Park calling 2 Swallows-Flying around the Visitor Centre 1 Chiffchaff-In a tree near the Wildlife Centre + many more singingSam Pedley
2007-04-03Male Blackcap singing in bushes at Millfields end of the Dam Wall this morning, and still no willow warblers! 12 Swallows perched on a small tree on Stones Island, 25 Sand Martins around Stones Island.Roger Carrington
2007-04-01Sunny, but cold day. Millfields: 4 Nuthatch, 2 Chiffchaff (singing) Wildlife Centre: Great Northern Diver, 10 Wigeon, 7 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 22 Barnacle Geese, 15 Lapwing, 1 Little Owl, 2 Great Crested Grebe. Paul Stanley: Great Northern Diver, Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Treecreeper, Tawny Owl, Coal Tit. Sheepwash Car Park: 5 Bullfinch (2 male, 3 female), Reed Bunting. Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-03-29A cold day- so it was ironic that the first Swallows should show up. Myself and Dave Newcombe saw one on Stones Island and 4 more towards Lane End (from Sheepwash). We also saw 2 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash. Other sightings of note:9 Goldeneye,at least 5 Buzzard,2 Raven and 10 Reed Buntings.Clive Ashton
2007-03-28On site around midday. Sunny and warm. No wind. Main points of observation: Stones Island, the Wildlife Centre (WC) and around WC Creek. 37 species of bird identified. Of Note: Cackling Goose (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Wigeon (2), Snipe (2), Redshank (2), Redwing (1) - foraging for food under a hedge close to the footpath near the WC, totally oblivious of passing walkers only 5 feet away; Song Thrush (2), Chiffchaff (3), Bullfinch (one male) and Reed Bunting (2 males).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-03-2844 species seen today including Sheepwash 9:00 Great Northern Diver moving away towards the dam about 30 widgeon, 1 chiffchaff, 2 song thrush, pochard 2 Jays flew over Paul Stanley 10:30 Oyster catcher, 2 reed buntings, 1 great spotted wood pecker, red shank WildLife Centre 13:00 small numbers of lapwing, 5 snipe, 2 oyster catchers, 2 gadwall, 5 red shank, reed buntings Stones island 15:00 Great Northern Diver moving towards millfields this time 6 pied wagtail Julian and Frank Walters
2007-03-28A beautiful spring day at Carsington for the usual Tuesday Aren't birds brilliant! event. Plenty of Chiffchaffs singing but no sign of a hoped for Sand Martin. A Great Northern Diver spent prolongued periods in front of the Wildlife Centre giving excellent views as it at times slept or preened near the tern rafts. And, there are definitely two birds still present on site with sightings of both at different parts of the reservoir. Bullfinches are very easy to see at the moment and both male and female reed buntings visited the feeder station. 17 Snipe were flushed by a ranger work party on Sheepwash spit and there were 4 on horseshoe island. 31 Curlew flew onto Horseshoe island at the end of day and could be heard calling well after dark. Both Little Owls were out and about but they have become a bit more elusive of late.Matthew Capper
2007-03-26Millfields: 2 Bullfinch, 4 Wren, 8 Dunnock, 4 Pied Wagtail, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker(h/o), 1 Oystercatcher, 10 Barnacle Geese. Stones Island: 22 Barnacle Geese, 2 Redshank, 3 Redwing, 43 Wigeon, 12 Goldfinch, 32 Whooper Swans (flying north over Visitor Centre @ 10.15am). Wildlife Centre: 2 Long-tailed tit, 22 Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Gadwall. Paul Stanley: 1 Tawny Owl, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Greylag Goose, 40 Wigeon, 2 Dunnock, 1 Male Great Spotted woodpecker, 1 Wren.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-03-2430+Whooper Swans flew over the Visitors Centre Mid Morning 1 Little Owl on a post near the Pylon from the Wildlife Centre 1 Gadwall from the Wildlife Centre 4 Redshanks from the Wildlife Centre 1 Cackling Goose in a field near the Main Car ParkSam Pedley
2007-03-21Fairly quiet on site today. Sunny but cold. 33 species seen around midday. Main viewing points: Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre. OF NOTE: Two male Mute Swans engaged in battle on the water close to the Water Sports Centre. Barnacle Goose (32), Gadwall (4), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing - just a handful, Redshank (2), Chiffchaff (3) - Stones Island. Lesser Celandine is in flower by the Wildlife Centre pond.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-03-2140 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today. Nothing startling but 21 Curlew early on, both Bullfinch and Reed Bunting on the feeders, cackling geese still in with the Barnacles and several snipe, redshank and oystercatchers.Matthew Capper
2007-03-20The March WeBS count : 1 Great Northern Diver 31 Little Grebe 29 Great Crested Grebe 20 Cormorant 11 Mute Swan 1 Greylag Goose 159 Canada Goose 34 Barnacle Goose 92 Wigeon 3 Gadwall 1 Teal 62 Mallard 236 Tufted Duck 12 Goldeneye 39 Moorhen 215 Coot 10 Oystercatcher 13 Lapwing 9 Snipe 18 Curlew 6 RedshankPeter Gibbon and John Bradley
2007-03-17Millfields: 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Nuthatch, 8 Long tailed Tit, 4 Little Grebe, 14 Great Crested Grebe (together). Wildlife Centre: 32 Barnacle Geese, 1 Cackling Goose, 8 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Oystercatcher Paul Stanley: 1 Snipe, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Willow Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (M), 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff. Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-03-16Just returned from a walk around the reservior, and have seen my first Sand Martin (16:00 hrs 16/3/07) over the water on the dam, by the sailing club.David Naylor
2007-03-134 Little Gulls (at 1pm), Chiffchaff and Willow warbler reported on the Birdnet pager system today.Steph Hicking
2007-03-12Millfields: Treecreeper(1),Nuthatch(2),Coal Tit(2),Willow Tit(2),Bullfinch(2), Song Thrush(2),Wren,Chiffchaff(1), Pheasant, Goldfinch(3), Dunnock, Canada Geese(20),Mute Swan(2). Wildlife Centre - A quiet day at the Wildlife Centre - for obvious reasons. Redshank(3),Cackling Goose,Barnacle Geese(12),Greenfinch(4),Reed Bunting(2),Oystercatcher(2),Tree Sparrow(2),Snipe(2),Canada Geese(70),Wigeon(4),Chaffinch(8),Wren,Collared dove(1),Long-tailed Tit(2). Paul Stanley Greylag Goose(1),Tawny Owl(1 - heard only),Great Northern Diver(1),Coal Tit,Great Spotted Woodpecker(M and F),Cormorant(18),Herring Gull(4),Lesser Black Backed Gull(15),Willow Tit,Reed Bunting(2),Snipe(4),Pied Wagtail(2),Grey Wagtail(1),Grey Heron,Curlew(12),Kingfisher(1),Buzzard(5),Little Grebe(2). Richard and FRances Pittam
2007-03-10A bright, sunny day today. Highlights - Millfields: Great Northern Diver (plumage is beginning to change), Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, GS Woodpecker, Goldeneye (2), Little Grebe, Wren, Goldcrest, 12 Great Crested Grebe together. Stones Island: Barnacle Goose, Redshank, Oystercatcher (2) Wildlife Centre: Willow tit, Lapwing, Barnacle Geeese (25), Cackling Goose (1), Gadwall (2), Snipe (2), Great Crested Grebe(2), Wigeon (3), Teal (2). Sheepwash: Curlew (1), Goldeneye (3), Kingfisher, Lesser Black Backed Gull (50), Cormorant (18), Wigeon (6). Sheepwash Car Park Feeder: Bullfinch (6), Reed Bunting (2)Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-03-09A nice surprise this morning on Stones Island were 24 Bewick`s Swans. Also present was a singing Chiffchaff. C30 Curlew around Sheepwash, and a Black Tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island. Clive Ashton
2007-03-08Very quiet on site today. 32 species counted around midday. OF NOTE - Wigeon (4), Gadwall (1), Oystercatcher (4), Curlew (1), Redshank (2), Reed Bunting (2 males), CHIFFCHAFF (1) - singing on Stones Island - First reported in the logbook on the 3rd. Two Moorhens fought a vicious battle for 10 minutes by the water's edge in front of the Wildlife Centre. In addition 10 Coots were in continuous skirmishes in the same area but were less severe fights than those of the Moorhens. Catkins and Pussy Willow is now very evident. A single Daisy was spotted and a small patch of Coltsfoot was found on Stones Island.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-03-03Sheepwash Hide: 27 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew Sandpiper,Goldeneye,Wigeon,Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe,Tufted Duck and Tawney Owl (seen in woodland along path from Sheepwash Hide. Paul Stanley Hide: Finally saw the Great Northern Diver and watched this for an hour. Saw numerous Balck Headed and Lesser Black Backed Gulls and 17+ Cormorants.Dean Powell
2007-03-03Millfields (0815h): 2 Bullfinch, 3 Great Tit, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard), 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Dunnock, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Oystercatcher. Stones Island (0915h): 35 Barnacle Geese, 9 Curlew, 3 Cackling Geese, 55 Canada Geese, 3 Redshank, 2 dunnock, 3 Robin, 1 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Great Crested Grebe. Wildlife Centre (1030h): 35 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Owl, 65 Canada Geese, 12 Moorhen, 1 Dunnock, 3 wigeon, 6 Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Gadwall. Paul Stanley (12.00h): 1 Goldcrest, 3 Goldeneye (1m, 2f), 35 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 12 Little Grebe, 25 Tufted duck, 17 Cormorant, 2 Teal, 1 Great Northern Diver, 7 Curlew.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-03-03No messageNeil Venables
2007-03-033 Shovelers-2 males and 1 female from Wildlife Centre 3 Cackling Canada Geese-Horseshoe Island and then flew into a field 3+Redshanks-Wildlife Centre 2 Oystercatchers-Wildlife Centre 1 Falcon sp-Flew over the Horsehoe Island very HighSam Pedley
2007-03-012 Great Northern Divers seen today,one at Millfields the other at Sheepwash.The Diver at Sheepwash was heard to call on one occassion it was also noted feeding on what appeared to be some kind of molluscs? Curlew were noted throughout the day arond the reservoir, with a maximum count of 51 at the Wildlife Centre at 17:00Hr. Numerous Geese at the Wildlife Centre, including c40 Barnacle,3 Cackling and 1 Greylag. Also of note were 1 Male Shoveler,a male Sparrowhawk,8 Oystercatcher and 9 Goldeneye.Clive Ashton
2007-03-01Two Great Northern Divers seen from Sheepwash car park at 12:30, then flew up to dam at 14:30.David Goodwin
2007-02-28At least 45 species seen Highlights Wildlife center 10.005 Oystercatchers, Redshank, 21 Wigeon, 2 Snipe, Many Lapwing, Kestrel, 25 Gadwall Lane End Feeders 10:45 Male bullfinch, Goldcrest, 30 Tree SparrowsSheepwashRedshank, 12 Goldeneye Paul Stanley 11:45 Redshank, 10 Goldeneye, 2 Herring Gull, Willow Tit, Great Spotted WoodpeckerReported Black necked Grebe, Kingfisher Wildlife Center 12:30 Poss Little Owl, 25 Collared DoveOliver Simms
2007-02-2845 species seen Highlights Wildlife center 10.005 Oystercatchers, Redshank, 21 Wigeon, 2 Snipe, Many Lapwing, Kestrel, 25 Gadwall Lane End Feeders 10:45 Male bullfinch, Goldcrest, 30 Tree SparrowsSheepwashRedshank, 12 Goldeneye Paul Stanley 11:45 Redshank, 10 Goldeneye, 2 Herring Gull, Willow Tit, Great Spotted WoodpeckerReported Black necked Grebe, Kingfisher Wildlife Center 12:30 Poss Little Owl, 25 Collared DoveOliver Simms
2007-02-23Adult Mediterranean Gull, 4 Curlew,4 Snipe,2 Great Northern Divers,3 Cackling Geese and several Oystercatchers and Redshank all seen from the Wildlife Centre. Wildfowl numbers much reduced, 6 Goldeneye, c30 Wigeon, c10 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Pochard from various areas. Quite a few Reed Buntings around with several singing in the Paul Stanley area. Also c100 Redwing were around Shiningford Farm.Clive Ashton
2007-02-20WeBS count for Sunday 18th February was as follows: 2 Great Northern Divers, 77 Little Grebe, 50 Great Crested Grebe, 21 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Mute Swan, 201 Canada Geese, 33 Barnacle Geese, 106 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 21 Teal, 94 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 13 Pochard, 68 Moorhen, 486 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher, 227 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Redhank. Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2007-02-20WeBS count for Sunday 18th February was as follows: 2 Great Northern Divers, 77 Little Grebe, 50 Great Crested Grebe, 21 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Mute Swan, 201 Canada Geese, 33 Barnacle Geese, 106 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 21 Teal, 94 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 13 Pochard, 68 Moorhen, 486 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher, 227 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Redhank.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2007-02-19From the Wildlife Centre: 48 Barnacle Geese. 3 Cackling (small race) Canada GeeseRichard Pittam
2007-02-19Stones Island: 4 Bullfinches (2M, 2F). Wildlife Centre: 6 Oystercatchers plus 2-300 Lapwing giving good displays against the winter sun. Also 2 Redshank. Paul Stanley: 1 Snipe, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Willow Tit Richard Pittam
2007-02-19Adult Mediterranean Gull this afternoon from Sheepwash hide,also Great Northern Diver seen at Sheepwash and Wildlife Centre.Clive Ashton
2007-02-192 GN Divers still on the Reservoir today, both seen from the WLC together, during the ABB/STW and Radio Derby nest box event, 1 drake Shoveler, 3+ Oystercatchers, 4+ Snipe where amongst the other highlights seen by the CBC and RSPB volunteers from the WLC. The Kirk Ireton Starlings seem to me to be dropping slightly in numbers, but are still putting on a good acrobatic display from around 4.45pmSteph' Hicking
2007-02-19CORRECTION: Before there is a stampede to Millfields! It was at Lane End Hide and feeder, where the GN Diver and Willow Tits were as discussed in my earlier post from Saturday. Sorry!Tony
2007-02-18Black Swan Andy Gregory and Janet Smith
2007-02-18What a day on Saturday!! Dragged a couple of new to birding friends down from Sheffield and we did the birdhide tour! An astonishing 53 species! Without any Raptors! Paul Stanley first, quiet on the water but then their first GS Woodpecker and Reed Buntings at the feeders. Then Sheepwash Hide and Golden Eye, Teal, Pochard, Redshank, Oyster Catcher etc and a distant GN Diver. Sheepwash Car Park feeder, Bullfinchs a plenty and Reed Buntings. Millfields Hide: Quiet to begin with..then a very close GN Diver showing well for a good 20 minutes!! Millfields Feeders: The other bird they really wanted to see (and unusually not seen around Sheepwash)..of course the Willow Tits!! And many Tree Sparrows. Then Millers Arms for lunch..... Wildlife Centre: Bit quiet as we had seen most birds by then, but great enthusiasm and knowledge on display from many young birders that were in there! Finally, of course, a stroll round the corner and the Little Owl was on his favourite post!! BN Grebe was showing in the bay and returning to the Car Park a Goldcrest almost waving at us!! Fantastic day!! My friends are now completely hooked!! To finish...it was 5pm so I thought.....Hmm I haven''t been to the Starling Roost yet....suggested it they went 'yeh' and as many of you have said on here it was an utterley fantastic display. Tony
2007-02-181 Shoveler-Wildlife Centre 1 Grey Heron-Horseshoe Island 1 Kestrel-Flew over Horseshoe Island 1 Reed Bunting-Wildlife Centre Feeders 2 Oystercather-Wildlife Centre 3 Cackling Canada Goose-With Barnacle Geese behind Wildlife Centre 1 Pheasant-Visitor Centre Car Park 3 Bullfinch-Sheepwash Car Park Feeders 1 Tawny Owl-In big Ivy covered tree near Paul Stanley Hide 1 Great Northern Diver-Sheepwash HideSam Pedley
2007-02-14Kirk Ireton starlings were a little down compared to last night apparantly, but still estimated to be over 30,000 birds! These attracted a Peregrine tonight, and a slightly confused looking Buzzard which was thought to have taken a Starling in flight!Steph' Hicking

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