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
2007-02-14Kirk Ireton starlings still there, no idea how many couldn't think of estimating numbers, but lots. 4.40 to 5.50, most spectacular about 5.20 to 5.40.D Eberlin
2007-02-133 Bullfinch-Sheepwash Wood 1 Grey Wagtail-Sheepwash Hide 1 Treecreeper-Sheepwash Wood 1 Black-Necked Grebe-Paul Stanley Hide 1 Reed Bunting-Paul Stanley Feeders 1 Willow Tit-Paul Stanley Feeders Samn Pedley
2007-02-122 G N Divers from Lane End Hide,at 1450, one fairly close, one distant. Black-necked grebe from P.S.Hide.Alan Lewin
2007-02-110800 to 1130hrs: 1 Black-necked Grebe from PSHide then out of sight probably in Hopton Arm. 1 GNDiver off Stones Island, 1 GND at Millfields. 4 Skylarks flew over the dam wall. 5 Oystercatchers were around Stones Island and WLC areas. 2 Buzzards and 1 Raven over Hall Wood.Roger Carrington
2007-02-07Best guesses at Starlings tonight seemed to range around the 30-50,000 mark, but as Peter Gibbon says its really difficult to count birds as they are spread out over at least four actual roost centres, over at least a square mile, usually in the thick Holly hedges. Several Sparrowhawks were also seen tonight including a bird which dropped a Starling which almost hit myself and several other observers near the village! Steph' Hicking
2007-02-07The Kirk Ireton Starlings at their best about 5pm. To view the full splendour get back a bit. It was spectacular from the top Hulland/Callow(Blind Lane) road to see the gathering with a bemused Buzzard with them but then go down into Kirk Ireton and drive up out towards Callow and up the hill just past the farm/stables with guard dog warning and park. Then look back at close quarters at the display. As for counting I think it is hard to say beacuse so many go down into so many stands of trees. A great spectacle ! Peter Gibbon
2007-02-07Female Blackcap visited my bird table on and off for about 20 minutes from approx 8.30am. I live along Windmill Lane, Ashbourne.Simon Truscott
2007-02-06Sunday 5 feb 2007, 4:30pm. The starlings at Kirk Ireton are amazing there must be 999,999 birds not quite a million because I saw a sparrow hawk take one right in front of me. Sent a mate today who also thought there must be a million. Hope to go again at the weekend. Does anyone have any idea this event will carry on?DALE LEES
2007-02-05The Great Northern Diver was showing well between Watersports and Wildlife Centre first thing. The Little Owl was in the usual spot at lunch time and a couple of Oystercatchers were in a field near Shiningford Bend. Dave Newcombe had a harrier through north this morning. Unfortunatley it was flying against the sun in silhouette so a positive id wasn't possible but a probable Marsh. Dave had lots of other raptor activity with Buzzard and Sparrowhawk showing well and a couple of Raven over as well. Matthew Capper
2007-02-04Sightings included the following:-1 Redshank,5 Snipe,1 Goldeneye,Numerous Black Headed Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Lapwing, Crow, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black Necked Grebe, Herring Gull, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Cormorant, GS Woodpecker, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, Wren, BlackbirdDean Powell
2007-02-03Highlights from a gloriously sunny day. Millfields: 4 Goosander (2M, 2F), 1 G.N.diver, 3 nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Redshank, 1 Song Thrush, 8 Redwing, 1 G.S Woodpecker. Paul Stanley: 1 black-necked Grebe, 3 willow tit, 2 Long-tailed tit, 1 Coal Tit, 6 Goldcrest.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-02-03Brilliant starling roost last night and tonight near Scotland Nurseries at Tansley. Best views from road from the top of 'The Slack' across to Tansley Moor near to Nursery. John Winnard
2007-02-03black necked grebe,cackling geese, tufted ducks, heron, pochard, coots, great crested grebe, little grebe, robin, blackbird, jackdaw, starling, bullfinch, blue tit, great tit, reed bunting, dunnocks, tree sparrows, buzzards,swan, barnacle geese, canada geese, black headed gulls, chaffinchesCarolyn
2007-02-03Lunchtime to Dusk. 9 Common Buzzards on thermals at same time from PSHide. 2 Sparrow Hawk and 2 Raven over Hall Wood. 4 Reed Bunting at Lane End feeders. 4 Shelduck off Lane End. 7 Pintail [4 males] from Millfields. 3 Redshank at Wildlife Centre. 1 Great Northern Diver towards Fishtail. 1 Black-necked Grebe from PSHide. At dusk from Sheepwash Hide, Starling numbers were counted in flocks going south, then again distantly when a Sparrow Hawk attacked the main swarm of starlings in the sky, estimated 30,000 birds.Roger Carrington
2007-02-02A pleasant site visit. Sunny. Viewed only from Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 30 species counted. Of note: Barnacle Goose (19), Gadwall (pair), Kestrel (male), Lapwing (about 250), Redshank (2). Other people's observations for today taken from the WC logbook: Black-necked Grebe (1), Goldeneye (3), Reed Bunting (3 pairs), Jay (1), Willow Tit (2), Bullfinch (20 - from two locations). Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-02-01A quiet day was transformed by the spectacular hunting display given by a Peregrine from Sheepwash hide.The bird was first spotted high above a nervous Lapwing flock,it then made a couple of dives into the flock and managed to take one,which it then dropped onto the water.The Lapwing managed to struggle out of the water and headed for the spit, but the Peregrine came sweeping down and hit it again before appearing to go down with it on the end of the spit.Moments later,mobbed by gulls, the Peregrine appeared minus the Lapwing.The Peregrine headed off towards the draw off tower where it was seen to make several more attempts at the Lapwings,high above the water. CLIVE ASHTON
2007-01-30A relatively quiet day today with 33 species recorded from the Wildlife Centre. Certainly not as many wildfowl sat out in front of the Centre. The diver was reported off Stones Island and the Black Necked Grebe was still showing at Paul Stanley Hide. Geese Included Canada, Cackling, Greylag and Barnacle and a Lesser Redpoll gave very good views near the feeders. Once the Aren't birds brilliant! event had finished I sneaked off with one of the volunteers to Kirk Ireton for the Starling roost. Wow! Got there around 4.30pm but still something to behold. Thousands upon thousands wheeling and swirling. Several sightings of Sparrowhawk including one late on that flew by with a starling in its talons. One Sparrowhawk that won't go hungry tonight.Matthew Capper
2007-01-281 Great Northern Diver still in Millfields area. Good Numbers Redwing in Tail Bay area. 1+ Willow Tits by Millfields Car park. Went for the Kirk Ireton Starling roost, amazing sight, will leave the counting to those better equiped, but tens of thousands present.Paul and Steph' Hicking
2007-01-27Went to view the Starlings at Kirk Ireton tonight,tens of thousands of birds, many of which seemed to drop down S/W of Moor Lane, possibly in the area of Blackwall Plantation? A spectacle well worth seeing.Many thanks for the information provided.Clive Ashton
2007-01-27Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost from Stones Is thie evening. 2 Great Northern Divers, 1 off Stones Is, 1 at Millfields. 1 Black-necked Grebe from PSHide. 6 Shoveler off Stones Is early am. 1 Oystercatcher on Millfields Is. 1 Greylag and 3 Barnacle with Canada Geese at Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2007-01-26GN Diver again near watersports and Black Necked Grebe again from Paul Stanley.Matthew Capper
2007-01-26Many thousands of Starlings coming in to roost at Kirk Ireton.Virtually impossible to count but surely we are talking about 100,000 plus!Mick, Bec Sharp & Les
2007-01-26To add to Roger's details.. 43 species from the Wildlife Centre today including a Redshank to add to Roger's total and 6 snipe. A Shelduck flew across late on - about 4pm. The Diver near the Watersports Island was showing very well on very still calm water. 3 Lesser Redpoll were in the Alders near the Wildlife Centre early morning and 2 Little Owls were making the most of the sun for much of the day. A fox was also seen nea to where the owls were perching.Matthew Capper
2007-01-25This afternoon: 1 Great Northern Diver at Millfields, 1 Great Northern Diver near Watersports Island, 1 Black-necked Grebe at PSHide, 1 Kingfisher at PSHide, Single Redshanks at: Millfields Is, Stones Is, Sheepwash and PSHide. Gull Roost: 70 Herring Gull, 30 Great Black-backed Gulls, LBBG+BHG+CommonG's were spread over the whole water and impossible to count.Roger Carrington
2007-01-2345 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today including the usual suspects - little owl, redshank, 3 snipe 30 Barnacle Geese, 3 Cackling Geese. A male bullfinch gave excellent views on the feeders and a Peregrine put all the wildfowl up as it cruised through at about 12.30pm. The Black Necked Grebe was by the far opposite bank from Paul Stanley Hide and one of the Great Northern Divers was down at that end today also. Both divers are still around - the Bird Club's monthly WeBs count picked up both of them at the weekend. Matthew Capper
2007-01-22a 1st winter Great Northern Diver nr Horseshoe Island (2nd Bird reported in Millfields Bay, plus Black-necked Grebe reported in the top of Hopton arm). 2000+ Lesser Black Backs roosted with 4500 Black headed Gulls. 250+ Common Gulls. 3+ Goldeneye(Sheepwash). 2 Oystercatchers (Sheepwash), 1 Redshank (Sheepwash), 32 Barnacle Geese, 3 Cackling Geese (WLC).Steph' Hicking
2007-01-19In response to the question of a large starling roost. In recent weeks, a flock of many thousands has regularly gathered in the evening NW / over kirk Ireton and the roost can be heard from the village and surrounding lanes.Neil Venables
2007-01-19A massive flock of Starlings flew across the water and on past Sheepwash at 0755hrs, rough estimate 10,000 birds. This has occurred several times over the past few months, does anyone know of a large roost just south of Carsington Water? 1 Black-necked Grebe 0815hrs from PSHide. 3 Reed Buntings on Sheepwash Car Park feeders. 1 Oystercatcher on Stones Island then Sheepwash Spit. I failed to locate any Great Northern Divers this morning.Roger Carrington
2007-01-18Jim Craw was filling the feeders on site this morning and refound the Black Necked Grebe, close in shore from Sheepwash Hide. The Great Northern Diver was still around yesterday (17th) but no reports so far today.Matthew Capper
2007-01-17Very few species located at around midday at or near the Wildlife Centre. Of note and seen from the Wildlife Centre - Redshank (2) and a single Greylag Goose with the Canada Geese.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-01-1642 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today in generally dank and rainy weather. Best bird was Great Northern Diver which initially showed relatively close to the centre off from Watersports bay. It then moved off and was later seen over towards the dam on the main body of water. A shelduck was around early on, on the far bank from the wildlife centre. 5 snipe circled for a while but only one was seen on the ground and there was also just the one Redshank. The local Little Owl was around for the morning but decided to drop out of sight just as I was about to show it to a visitor. Sods law I suppose! 5 bullfinches were also in the same area as the owl and showed well for a while. Lastly, a kestrel put on fantastic show just before we finished, hovering in full telescope view for several minutes.Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brillaint! Project Officer)
2007-01-15Highlight of the day: c400 Pink-footed Geese flew high (SW)over Wildlife Centre at 10.40am. Wildlife Centre: 2 Redshank, 20 Pochard, 55 Wigeon, 8 Goldfinch, 55 Lapwing, 2 Pied Wagtail, 12 Redwing. Paul Stanley: Both male and female Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Willow tits, 2 Coal Tits, 1 Redshank, 39 Teal, 1 goldeneye (female).Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam
2007-01-151 Oystercatcher on Watersports Island. 1 Shelduck near Watersports Island 1 Great Northern Diver between Millfields and Oldfield Lane close inshore. 4 Redshank. Gull Roost: 5000+ Black-headed Gulls 1400 Lesser Black-backed Gulls 2 immature Great Black-backed Gulls 18 Herring Gulls 2 Adult Yellow-legged Gulls 200 Common Gulls.Roger Carrington
2007-01-14Paul Stanley Hide 9:30 1 Blacknecked grebe in Brownale Bay 2 willow tits on the feeders 10 widgeon and teal Sheepwash hide 10:30 1 redshank a second seen at the wildlife centre 11:30 Sailing club area 13:00 1 oyster catcher 6 gadwall 3 pochard and many wigeon sheepwash Hide 14:30 30 tealCaroline and Julian Walters
2007-01-143 Cackling Geese with around 30 Barnacle Geese - Wildlife Centre 1 Redshank - Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - In a bush near the Plyon to the left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Kingfisher - Flew into Wildlife Centre CreekSam Pedley
2007-01-13A mixed morning. 30 species from the Wildlife Centre - numbers of Canada Geese were high, with only 2 Barnacle Geese present (no Cackling geese). 10-15 Redwing at the back of the Centre, including approx. 12 Blackbirds. Millfields: 1 Goldeneye (drake) and 8 Great crested Grebe.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-01-0945 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today during the Aren't birds brilliant! event. Kingfisher was seen several times dashing about but never settled out in the open. In contrast a peregrine that dashed across the reservoir scaring, in particular one timid moorhen, flew up and landed in full view at the top of a pylon. Soon after a couple of Buzzard were circling in the same area. Plenty of geese around in the afternoon. First a large flock of Canadas came in with a lone Greylag and then later, 30 Barnacles came in accompanied by the 3 Cackling Geese. A couple of Goldeneye were on show and a Redshank gave good views. Lots of redwings about and a very showy Goldcrest hawking for insects by the path. No sign of Little Owl though all day. Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! project officer)
2007-01-072 GNDiver (1 Millfields, 1 by Fishing hut/Horseshoe Island), 3500 Black headed Gulls inc a white one, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, less than 1000 Lesser Black Backs, Several Willow Tits at PS HIde along with Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker.Steph' Hicking
2007-01-07Highlights: W.Centre: Kingfisher, 38 Barnacle Geese, Kestrel, Redshank, 1 drake Goldeneye, Sheepwash: 3 Bullfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Goldcrest, 2 Goldeneye(1 male) Paul Stanley: Black-necked Grebe, 3 Goldeneye(1 male), Kestrel, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (male and female), 3 Willow Tit, Coal Tit, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Dunnock, RobinRichard and Frances Pittam
2007-01-047 Pintail (3 Drakes 4 Female)were at Sheepwash. Black-necked Grebe at Paul Stanley. 3 Cackling Geese with Barnacle Geese at the Wildlife Centre. Also a few Lesser Redpoll in Paul Stanley wood along with a pair of Reed Bunting on the feeding station.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2006-12-31Highlights: W.Centre - 2 Redshank, 65 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher Sheepwash - 5 Goldeneye (2 Drake, 3 ducks)Richard and Frances Pittam
2006-12-312 GN Divers reported on Birdnet Pager as present this am, near dam and at the Sailing Club.Steph' Hicking
2006-12-30Highlights: W.Centre 37 Barnacle Geese, 55 Redwing, 2 Black-headed Gulls (with darkish head cap)Richard and Frances Pittam
2005-01-03Thanks to Peter Hill for his observations at Carsington today: Spent 5 hours walking around Carsington today. Some of the birds we saw were, Great Grey Shrike (showing near the tower) Black necked grebe (bay near wildlife centre) Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Snipe, Treecreepers, wren, willow tit, coal tit, male and female Greater Spotted Woodpeckers (Paul Stanley), goosander (2) wigeon, teal, pochard, goldeneye, common gulls and Redwings..
2005-01-08Thanks to Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) for an update on the current highlights at Carsington: The Black-necked Grebe that has been around for a week or two now, was showing very well in Shiningford Creek today (Saturday 8th). It was also viewable there from the Wildlife Centre with a telescope. The Great Grey Shrike was elusive today, but was seen daily up until yesterday (7th), either in the field just north of the brick tower, or around the Shiningford Farm area. A drake Ferruginous Duck was found in Millfields Bay on the morning of Monday 3rd. It later flew north and was re-located from Sheepwash Hide. Unfortunately, despite a good number of birders spending all day on Tuesday looking for it, it was not found again..
2005-01-13Thanks to Ray & Margaret Perry for their highlights at Carsington today: Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WLC) as usual plus covered the area on the western edge of the water from the WLC to the brick look-out tower. Weather mild. Site generally quiet but there was a notable presence of birdwatchers! Thirty seven species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: Black-necked Grebe (1) - Shiningford Creek. Barnacle Goose (36) - Eight by the playground and 28 in a Shiningford Farm field with Canadas. Lapwing (~200) - mainly on Horseshoe Island. Redshank (1) - seen from WLC by first bay/creek north of the WLC. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (1) - in woodland near Lane End hide. Great Grey Shrike (1) - on field posts near the Brick Tower. Redwing (3) - by Shiningford Creek. Also a mixed flock of Redwings and Fieldfares (~60) at Longcliffe. In addition others reported Goosanders (3) at Sheepwash today and a Caspian Gull at Sheepwash yesterday the 12th January..
2005-01-16Thanks to Paul Bennett for an update on the following current highlights at Carsington: Two female Common Scoter off the Dam Wall on the afternoon of Sunday 16th, along with six Shelduck and 14 Goosander. The Great Grey Shrike and the Black-necked Grebe were both still around the Sheepwash area..
2005-01-22A visit by members of Bakewell & District Bird Study group to the Sheepwash area of Carsington today produced the following list of 52 species today - just in this area. How many more species would we have found if we had gone all the way round! Sparrowhawk Dunnock Carrion Crow Rook Bullfinch Magpie Little Grebe Song Thrush Lapwing Moorhen Greenfinch Teal Heron Goosander Goldeneye G.S. Woodpecker Pied Wagtail Raven Stock Dove Canada Goose Chaffinch Mistle Thrush Robin Coot Black-headed Gull Goldfinch Great Crested Grebe Ruddy Duck Long-tailed Tit Mute Swan Treecreeper Black-necked Grebe Willow Tit Coal Tit Common Gull Blackbird Jackdaw Great Tit Redwing Cormorant Blue Tit Kestrel Widgeon Tufted Duck Tree Sparrow Little Owl Pheasant Redshank Pochard Snipe Herring Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull.
2005-01-2333 Barnacle Geese, 1287 Coot, 20 Gadwall and 14 Goldeneye counted at Carsington today..
2005-01-24Thanks to Ray and Margaret Perry for their update for Carsington today: Visited Stones Island and the WLC. Very, very cold. Snow in the northerly wind. Only 29 species found. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (6) - Horseshoe Island. Ruddy Duck (~70) - all seen from the WLC. Oystercatcher (1) - Horseshoe Island. Song Thrush (2) - just off site. Mistle Thrush (1) - by WLC. EARLIER SIGHTINGS: 19th January: Great Grey Shrike (1) - taken from the "Water Rail" logbook. 22nd January: Pink-footed Goose (~70) - flew over. From "Water Rail" logbook. Black-necked Grebe (1) - found by Macclesfield RSPB visitors. Goosander (3) - Macc RSPB. Little Owl (1) - Macc RSPB. Great Grey Shrike (1) - Macc RSPB. Kingfisher (1) - near WLC. Taken from "Water Rail" logbook..

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