Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
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
Natalie WindsorSheepwash/Paul Stanley: Treecreeper, Chiffchaff singing. WLC: 25 Barnacle Geese visible at far back, Chiffchaff singing, House Sparrows. Stones: Chiffchaff singing. Oystercatchers.07/03/2025
Richard LoweIn BH Gull colony on Horseshoe Is a 1st w Mediterranean Gull late afternoon, plus an adult in the gull roost off Stones Island as well as Caspian Gull 1st w and RT and GN Divers.04/03/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers are still here this morning, and the 2 drake Greater Scaup again off Lane End. Just 1 (one!) drake Pochard. 30 Barnacle Geese. 27 Goldeneye. Pair of Goosander flew out of Millfields early morning. 1 Redshank at sailing club. 16 Curlew. A Woodcock at Millfields first thing. Pair of Peregrines sitting on a pylon on the pastures.03/03/2025
Richard LoweFrom Stones Is late afternoon - Mediterranean Gull (Ad); Caspian Gull (1st w); Red-throated Diver (1).02/03/2025
Dave Armitt1 Great spotted woodpecker,17 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher, 9 Little grebe, 22 Barnacle goose, 1 Curlew, 2 Pochard, 2 Raven, Great Northern Diver , Red Throated Diver, 2 Great Scaup from stones , 4 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Reed Bunting , 2 Chiffchaff catching midges on stones.02/03/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): Barnacle Goose, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Buzzard, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Common Gull, Coot, Cormorant, Dunnock, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Goldfinch, Great Crested Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Great Tit, Greylag Goose, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Red-throated Diver, Robin, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Willow Tit, Woodpigeon and Wren (38)02/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe GN and Red-throated Divers were still off Stones island this morning, and the 2 Greater Scaup were off Lane End, visible from Stones and the main centre terrace. Again no sign of the Ring-necked Duck or Lesser Scaup. Drake Shoveler from Stones. Pair of Goosander from Millfields early on and 17 Curlew on sailing club shore.02/03/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers still present this morning; the GND is starting to show a few white spots on its upperparts. A minor duck arrival included 4 Shelduck, 3 Pintail and 10 Wigeon, but again couldn't find the Lesser Scaup or Ring-necked Duck. 14 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 16 Ravens W over Hopton end first thing. 1 Skylark in the dam wall fields.01/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe GN and Red-throated Divers were both off Stones island this morning, and the 2 Greater Scaup below Hall Wood, but we couldn't find the Lesser Scaup or Ring-necked Duck. There has been quite a clear-out of wildfowl in recent days so perhaps they've gone. A Lesser Black-backed x Ring-billed Gull hybrid, which presumably roosted and is very likely the one that has been seen here before, was at sailing club early morning. 12 Curlew and a Kingfisher there at the same time. c10 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2+ Chiffchaffs on/around Stones.28/02/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter counts this morning: 21 Pheasant, 7 Stock Dove, 1 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed), 10 Oystercatcher (including the colour-ringed bird Barcode), 16 Curlew (WLC fields), 10 Buzzards, 6 GSWoodpecker, 1 Jay, 32 Magpie, 4 Raven, 9 Coal Tit, 1 singing Willow, 149 Blue, 64 Great, 43 Long-tailed, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 49 Wren, 6 Nuthatch, 5 Treecreeper, 100 Starling, 34 Song Thrush, 9 Mistle, 27 Redwing, 54 Blackbird, 122 Robin, 40 Dunnock, 9 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 47 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 16 Goldfinch, 38 Reed Buntings (35 out of Hopton reedbed early morning).27/02/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Mediterranean Gull was at Millfields this morning, and the GN and Red-throated Divers visible from there (and from Stones ). Didn't see the Lesser Scaup but it has been reported since. Ring-necked Duck at sailing club before it got disturbed, and the 2 Greater Scaup were again below Hall Wood. Kingfisher from WLC.26/02/2025
Simon RoddisThe Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, GN and Red-throated Divers were in their usual areas this morning. Chiffchaff occasionally singing on Stones. Little Egret feeding in the fields above Fishtail Creek, had to look twice to make sure it wasn't Cattle. About 20 Buzzards in the air late morning. Kingfisher at sailing club. Willow Tits on Stones and at Millfields. Grey and Pied Wagtails singing at Millfields.25/02/2025
Simon RoddisA new bird to add to the cast list today: a winter-plumage Black-necked Grebe was off the south end of Stones island 08:30-08:45. The Lesser and Greater Scaup, the Ring-necked Duck and both GN and Red-throated Divers still present. Pochard numbers have dropped quite a bit, 186 is my lowest count since mid-September last year. 25 Goldeneye. 5 Woodcock and a Water Rail at Hopton reedbed first thing. 13 Oystercatcher. 17 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 6 Curlew. Little Egret at PS hide. Skylark over the dam wall.24/02/2025
Dave Armitt65 Pochard, 5 Wigeon,11 Goldeneye, 2 Curlew, 8 Little Grebe,GN Diver, Red throated Diver of stones, 20 Cormorant,1 Chiffchaff, 8 Barnacle goose, 5 oystercatcher, 2 Greater Scaup, 1Lesser Scaup Mill fields ring- necked Duck23/02/2025
Simon RoddisThe Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, GN and Red-throated Divers were all in their usual areas this morning. More of a surprise was that the 2 immature drake Greater Scaup were also at Millfields, within a few metres of the Lesser. 70 Greylags. 3+ Curlew. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Grey Wagtail singing at Millfields. 25 Redwing at Sheepwash.23/02/2025
Simon RoddisWillow Tit survey in the southern tetrad (which isn't quite all of the southern half of the res) yielded 2 pairs. The Red-throated Diver was way up north of Flat Island. 30 Barnacle Geese. 9 Mistle Thrushes, 5 of them singing. Redshank still on Stones causeway.22/02/2025
Simon RoddisThe blustery conditions made finding birds a bit tricky this morning but all except the Red-throated Diver eventually gave themselves up, the Lesser Scaup finally appearing at Millfields late morning, with the Ring-necked Duck also there after being at sailing club earlier. GNDiver off the east side and the 2 Greater Scaup still below Hall Wood. 33 Barnacle Geese. 2 Curlew. At least 25, maybe 30 Snipe on Horseshoe island. Kingfisher at Millfields.21/02/2025
Simon RoddisThe Lesser Scaup was still at Millfields first thing this morning, the Ring-necked Duck at sailing club, the GN and Red-throated Divers off Stones island, and the 2 Greater Scaup below Hall Wood (viewed from Paul Stanley hide). 33 Barnacle Geese. 20 Lapwing and 5 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Curlew. GSWoodpecker drumming at Penn Carr. The Sheepwash/Lane End Chaffinch flock is now up to 45, along with 10 Goldfinches.20/02/2025
Simon RoddisAll the goodies were in their usual areas this morning, although the Greater Scaup were tucked right into Flat Island when I saw them, first time I've seen them there. 4 Goosander early morning. 38 Reed Buntings came out of Hopton reedbed, calling Water Rail there and a Great Egret flew over. 1 Curlew. Willow Tit survey on the west side yielded 4 birds, a pair and 2 singles (1 also at Millfields). 30 Chaffinches between Sheepwash and Lane End.19/02/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThe female Lesser Scaup still at Millfields, the female Ring-necked Duck at sailing club and the GN and Red-throated Divers from Stones this morning. 13 Snipe on Horseshoe island and Alan had 4 Curlew (and a Skylark) over the east side. 37 Ravens, including a party of 20, E over Millfields early morning, presumably out of a roost not too far away.18/02/2025
AHS, CA.This morning from Stones Island, Great Northern Diver in it's usual place sleeping off the East bank, Ring Necked Duck just near the last jetty on the left of yatch club. Late morning Red Throated Diver was showing very well behind Watersports Island and relatively close. 30 Barnacle Geese in WLC bay, 1 Snipe, 1 Redkite, 2 Willow Tit plus all the usual waterfoul.17/02/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count, a little bit later in the day than usual because it was a bit dreich this morning: 207 Canada, 31 Barnacle, 88 Greylag, 4 Mute Swan, 19 Gadwall, 11 Wigeon, 116 Mallard, 3 Teal, 550 Pochard, 1 Ring-necked Duck, 158 Tufted, 2 Scaup, 1 Lesser Scaup, 1 Aythya hybrid, 22 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 1 Water Rail, 10 Moorhen, 570 Coot, 25 Little Grebe, 85 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 GN Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Little Egret. Peregrine over WLC. 25 Chaffinch feeding in field south of Sheepwash. Later from Stones island, c6,000 Black-headed Gulls, 1 adult Mediterranean, 4,000 Common, 550 Lesser Black-backed and 50 Herring.16/02/2025
Richard LoweTwo adult Mediterranean Gulls late afternoon, one from Millfields, the other from Stones Is. Both RTDiver and GNDiver visible at range from Millfields. Ring-necked Duck (f) off Sailing Club, courtesy of Simon Roddis. Little Egret flew over Stones Island towards Sheepwash at dusk.16/02/2025
Tom EelesLittle Egret over Stones at 0830. Too murky to see Divers, Ring Necked Duck off Sailing Club at 11am15/02/2025
Richard LoweCaspian Gull 1st w and YL Gull 3rd w in this afternoon’s gull roost plus 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult plus 1st w) well spotted by Clive Ashton. An eight species gull roost. Plus Ring-necked Duck (f) off sailing club.14/02/2025
Simon RoddisThe Lesser Scaup was still at Millfields this morning, and the Ring-necked Duck was there too, just to keep us on our toes. GN and Red-throated Divers out on the water and the 2 drake Scaup again below Hall Wood. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. Peregrine(s?) over the east and west sides. 250 Starlings. 32 Barnacle Geese. The Aythya hybrid again in sailing club bay.14/02/2025
Richard Lowe1st winter Mediterranean Gull in gull roost off Watersports centre late afternoon.13/02/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThe Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, 2 Greater Scaup and the 2 divers were in their usual spots this morning. Otherwise as you were.13/02/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
30/12/2024Red throated diver still off Stones Island this morning.Matthew Birkin
29/12/2024This morning at Carsington, 26 Wigeon, Great Northern Diver, Kingfisher, 16 Goldeneye, 2 Redkite, 2 Pintail, all from Stones Island, 4 Common Snipe at WLC, 1 Peregrine and Red Throated Diver from Dam wall.AHS, CA.
28/12/2024Common gull, Pintail, Pochard at Wildlife Centre. Kingfisher, Goldeneye and 8+ Redpoll around Stones Island.Matthew Birkin
27/12/2024Willow tit on feeders around 11.45Andy Johnson
25/12/2024Both the GN and Red-throated Divers still this morning, the GND well north of Stones and the RtD still off the east side north of Millfields. 29 Barnacle Geese. 125 Woodpigeons N. 1 Golden Plover over the dam wall. 25+ Snipe on Horseshoe island first thing. c4,000 Common Gulls and 500 Jackdaws out of their respective roosts. 5 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 20+ Siskin and a Water Rail in WLC creek. Compliments of the season, everyone!Simon Roddis
24/12/2024The Red-throated Diver was still present this afternoon to 4pm at least, frequenting the east side between Fishtail Creek and Millfields (viewed from Stones). GNDiver still too. 1,032 Pochard - 802m,230f, an overall ratio of near enough 4.5:1, although the ratio at WLC/Shiningford was less than 2.4:1 - explain that if you can! Adult Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club (found by Richard Lowe). 191 roosting Lesser Black-backs. 40 Cormorants.Simon Roddis
24/12/2024From Paul Stanley Hide this morning, foggy conditions making difficult birdwatching conditions, however, Pochard 129+, Teal 45, Wigeon 10, Lapwing 20, Little Egret, Grey Heron ,Black Headed Gulls, Common Gulls and Lesser Black Backed Gulls.AHS
23/12/2024Another Monday, another Red-throated Diver. Well, more likely the same one as last week, off Millfields this morning. The GNDiver north of Stones. Great Egret in flight off Sheepwash. Chiffchaff still on Stones. 6 Barnacle Geese. 2 Kingfishers off Stones. At Hopton end first thing, 2 Woodcock, Water Rail and Kingfisher.Simon Roddis
20/12/2024The adult GNDiver from Stones again this morning. 4 adult Whooper Swans briefly but disturbed by a boat. 39 Teal. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. Pair of Peregrines over the north end. Chiffchaff again on Stones.Simon Roddis
19/12/2024From PS Hide 1400hrs: 1 GW Egret, 200+ Pochatd, 70 Tufted Duck, 50 Lapwing (on raft), 40-50 Coot, 10 Wigeon, 8-10 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan ... also 15 Cormorant (end of spit, viewed from Sheepwash).Gary Atkins
19/12/2024The adult GNDiver was off Stones island again this morning, a few raptors were enjoying the breeze, plus the 31 Barnacle Geese still. Otherwise a bit quiet.Simon Roddis
18/12/2024In addition to Simon's sightings, a male Goldeneye at the Hopton Arm, two Buzzard over the woods at the Hopton Arm end, at least one Teal at Paul Stanley hide. Also too distant to say which, but a skein of 34 geese flying SSE.Stephen Plant
18/12/2024The adult GNDiver was off Stones island all day. Total of 1,014 Pochard spread around the res (new site and county record). 31 Barnacle Geese. 12 Snipe at WLC. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. Pair of Peregrines playing around with crows and Ravens over Watersports island. Chiffchaff on Stones. 25 Siskin at WLC. Adult Caspian and 6 Herring Gulls in the roost off Stones late afternoon.Simon Roddis
17/12/2024The adult GNDiver was again off Stones island this morning but no sign of yesterday's Red-throated Diver, although the murky conditions didn't help. 3 Woodcock at Millfields first thing.Simon Roddis
16/12/2024A double diver day: as well as the adult Great Northern, a winter plumage adult Red-throated Diver was off Millfields this morning to 11:15 at least. 31 Barnacle Geese. 46 Pink-footed Geese flew E. 8 Goosander (7+1) flew through. c4,000 Common Gulls flew out of the roost early morning, believe that's a new county record. Kingfisher(s) at WLC/Stones. 188 Woodpigeons N. Chiffchaff still on Stones island. 60 Redwing. 4 Linnet S over WLC creek.SJR, CA, AHS
15/12/2024Highlight of this morning's monthly wildfowl count was the returning adult Great Northern Diver, for around the 15th winter in succession. 155 Canada, 46 Greylags, 5 Mute Swan, 48 Gadwall, 32 Wigeon, 139 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 36 Teal, 888 Pochard, 377 Tufted, 17 Goldeneye, 14 Moorhen, 1377 Coot, 29 Little Grebe, 50 GCGrebe, 38 Lapwing, 10 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 23 Cormorant.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
14/12/2024112 Pink-footed Geese flew E in 3 skeins this morning. Adult Caspian Gull again. c2,000 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 100 Woodpigeons N. Woodcock roosting in Hopton reedbed. Redshank at sailing club. Raptors enjoying the breeze included 4 Sparrowhawks and a Peregrine, plus 10 Ravens.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
11/12/2024Pretty similar today, but Lapwings up to 91, total of 16 Goldeneye, 85 Starlings W, Chiffchaff still on Stones, and Clive had 8 Goosander early on.Simon Roddis
10/12/2024A coordinated count of 924 Pochard this morning, we believe that's a county record. 14 Goldeneye. At least 2,000 Common Gulls flew out post-roost. Adult Peregrine over the main centre. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley. 15+ Redpolls feeding on StonesSJR, CA, AHS
09/12/2024Windy, wet and cold at Carsington this morning, so a day for using the hides, Paul Stanley and Sheepwash. About 400 Pochard in Brown ale bay, 24 Teal, Kingfisher showing well infront of Paul Stanley hide, 1 Goosander, a Redkite over Blackwell Plantation plus all the usual suspects.AHS, CA.
08/12/2024A site record (and county record) 858 Pochard this morning. All the birds were sheltering from the wind in 3 groups, (Paul Stanley, Sheepwash, Wildlife centre). Also 9 Goldeneye.Clive Ashton
06/12/2024Best bird this morning was a Great Egret which flew SE, perched up for a bit and then returned NW! Kingfisher and Shoveler at WLC. 10 Goldeneye. 62 GCGrebe. 23 Little Grebe. 10 Skylarks N over WLC and c30 Siskin in the alders. Chiffchaff again on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
05/12/2024This morning from Stones Island, 7 Goldeneye, Redkite, 2 Willow Tits, Common Buzzard and two Ravens. From the WLC, Three Common Snipe, 32 Lapwing, 2 Mandarin ducks, 1 Goosander plus all the usual waterfoul.AHS, CA.
04/12/2024An adult Kittiwake was off Middle Wood early morning but not seen again. A mobile drake Pintail flew over the main centre and was at Millfields for a while. 12 Goldeneye. 20 Lapwing. 5 Snipe. Chiffchaff on Stones causeway. 12 Redpolls on Stones. Alison and Roger had 6 Woodcock flypasts at Millfields at first light.Simon Roddis
02/12/2024The female Ring-necked Duck was again at Millfields this morning. A Woodcock flew into Hall Wood early am and the Water Rail showed well on Horseshoe island. Total of 60 Siskin, including 50 at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
01/12/2024Species seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (10am-noon; WLC to Stones Island): Goldfinch, Mute Swan, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Cormorant, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Great Tit, Robin, Gt Crested Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Red Kite, Chaffinch, Moorhen, Blue Tit, Gadwall, Dunnock, Little Grebe, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kestrel, Willow Tit, Pied Wagtail, Herring Gull, Blackbird, Lesser Redpoll, Woodpigeon, Wren, House Sparrow an Magpie (35)Gary Atkins
01/12/2024The female Ring-necked Duck was back at Millfields early afternoon today. 4 Goosander (3m,1f) there too. 8+ Goldeneye. The Egyptian Goose again flew in with Greylags. At least 225 Redwing between Fishtail and Millfields. 20 Redpoll again on Stones. 1150 Common and the adult Caspian Gull roosted.Simon Roddis
28/11/2024Didn't see the Ring-necked Duck this morning but she could easily still be around. 2 Woodcock, Water Rail and Great Egret at Hopton end early morning. 404 Woodpigeons and 12 Stock Doves N in 90 mins, plus 6 Stock S. The Redshank still around Stones causeway. 2 Chiffchaffs. 9 Redpolls on Stones.Simon Roddis
27/11/2024Afternoon visit: the Egyptian Goose flew in with Greylags late afternoon. Female Shoveler at WLC. 10+ Goldeneye. 600+ Pochard. 48 GCGrebes from Stones. Great Egret on the shore at Sheepwash. 30+ Greenfinches feeding in treetops above Hall Wood (highest number here since 1997). In the gull roost, 3,000+ Black-heads, c1,400 Common, 350 Lesser Black-backs, 4 Herring, 3 Yellow-legged and 1 adult Caspian.Simon Roddis
26/11/2024Little Egret flew over the road at the Knocker Down as I was driving to reservoir at 7:45am. Ring Necked Duck still present in Shinning Ford Creek with plenty of Birdwatchers getting excellent views, Waterrail was also seen from WLC showing very well, Redpolls on Stones Island, Redkite over Hall Wood, 2 Buzzard over the Wind Turbines and C A had 3 Pintail at Millfields.AHS, CA.
25/11/2024The female Ring-necked Duck had moved over to the Watersports/WLC area this morning and was very obliging for a while from the WLC. Redhead Goosander over Millfields. A bit of movement, with 216 Woodpigeons N, 270 Starlings W, 10 Fieldfare SW and 14 Skylarks mostly S. 41 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. Pair of Peregrines again. Chiffchaff on Stones causeway. Total of 10+ Redpolls around Stones/WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
24/11/2024Clive relocated the female Ring-necked Duck among Tufteds at Millfields this morning. Pochard now up to 620 and at least 8 Goldeneye. 5 Herring Gulls flew S. 12 Collared Doves flushed by a Sparrowhawk behind Fishtail Creek. Chiffchaff at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
21/11/2024285 Pink-footed Geese flew SW in 4 skeins 1015-1045 this morning. Total of 105 Lapwing (72 down, 33 flew S). Redshank and drake Pintail still. Water Rail on Horseshoe island. 8 Redpolls on Stones. Total of 44 Fieldfare.SJR, AHS, CA
20/11/2024A bit quiet this morning but a Great Egret put in an appearance at the WLC, Water Rail called in the creek, female Shoveler, 2 Peregrines, 60 Lapwing, and a Brambling on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
18/11/2024Couldn't find yesterday's Ring-necked Duck this morning, and Pochard numbers looked a bit lower too. 2 Shoveler in Shiningford creek. 60 Lapwing. 2 Peregrines over WLC and Water Rail on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
17/11/2024Highlight of this morning's wildfowl count was a female Ring-necked Duck which Jon B found off Stones causeway; it then flew into Shiningford creek and was visible from the WLC. Only the second for Carsi. Other figures: 314 Canada, 2 Barnacle, 166 Greylags, 13 Mute Swan, 35 Gadwall, 36 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 74 Mallard, 52 Teal, 434 Pochard, 237 Tufted, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Water Rail, 24 Moorhen, 1127 Coot, 27 LGrebe, 54 GCGrebe, 64 Lapwing, 9 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 19 Cormorant.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/11/2024From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon of note in the gull roost: Caspian Gull (Ad); YLGull (2) Ads; GBBGull (Ad); Herring Gull (3) Ad, 3w; 1w.Richard Lowe
16/11/2024c500 Starlings came out of Hopton reedbed early morning, and Water Rail calling. 77 Lapwing at sailing club. 5 Goldeneye off Stones, a Dunlin flying around and a Chiffchaff calling. Total of 17 Ravens flew W. 100 Redwing N over WLC creek. 12 Redpoll, including 10 in Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
15/11/2024Afternoon visit: gull counts of c700 Common, 1,000 Lesser Black-backs and 7,000 Black-heads. 2 adult Yellow-legs. 2 Herring Gulls, my first here since June. 8 Dunlin in flight from Sheepwash hide and 6 Goldeneye (3m,3f) there.Simon Roddis
12/11/2024This morning from Stones Island, 234 Pochard, 365 Pink Feet Geese all heading east, 6 Redkite, 3 Ravens, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Shoveller, 26 Wigeon and 4 SparrowhawksAHS, CA.
14/11/2024This morning from Stones Island, 10 Shelduck, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Redkite at least over Fishtail creek and 50+ Lapwings around yatch club, 1 Yellow Legged Gull just off East bank. WLC ,6 Common Snipe and 19 Barnacle Geese including one of dubious heritage.AHS
12/11/2024From Sheepwash / Paul Stanley Hides late this afternoon: Whooper Swan (13) - distantl, off Fishtail creek then flew off to the south at c. 4pm. Mediterranean Gull 1st W; YL Gull (2) Ads; Goldeneye (4).Richard Lowe
08/11/2024Possible pair Slavonian grebe by dam seen from main visitor centre.Jonathan Lees
08/11/2024More Hawfinch action this morning: at least 2 at Millfields had probably been in the trees near the viewing area before flying out, then 2 S over WLC creek just after 10:00. Drake Pintail at Sheepwash and 2 drake Goldeneye off Sailing Club island. A Great Egret flew past WLC and Water Rail on Horseshoe Island. 32 Ravens, including a flock of 29, flew NE up the pastures. 32 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/11/2024Rather murky again this morning. 45 Chaffinches and 3 Brambling in an hour over Sheepwash. First Woodcock of the autumn/winter flushed from the path to Paul Stanley hide. Dodgy Pochard hybrid again from WLC.Simon Roddis
06/11/2024Off Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon: Caspian Gull (Ad); Goldeneye 1m. Large gull roost of Common Gull/Black-headed Gull/Lesser Black-backed Gull extending from off LaneEnd hide to the Dam wall - uncountable!Richard Lowe
06/11/2024Highlight this morning was 2 single Hawfinches SW over Hopton end and Sheepwash. 26 Wigeon. Drake Pintail at Shiningford. 2 Goldeneye (drake at Sheepwash, redhead off Stones). 2 redhead Goosander. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 50 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Marsh Tit (returning bird?) calling along the path between Sheepwash and Paul Stanley. 400 Starlings came out of Hopton reedbed early morning. Totals of 82 Fieldfare and 70 Siskin.Simon Roddis
05/11/2024Off Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon (despite the fog): Mediterranean Gull (Ad); YL Gull 2 Ads; Goldeneye 1m.Richard Lowe
04/11/2024Nothing moving again in dull conditions this morning, but managed to drag out a first-winter Caspian Gull off Stones/Watersports, Brambling and Water Rail in WLC creek, drake Pintail and redhead Goldeneye at Sheepwash, Kingfisher and 50 Siskin at Millfields, and the Egyptian Goose flew up the res mid morning.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/11/2024November Birdwalk for beginners. house sparrow, mallard. coot. moorhen. tufted duck. black-headed gull. pochard. wigeon. teal. gadwall. gt cr grebe. little grebe. lapwing. lesser bb gull cormorant. Dunnock. robin. magpie. crow. kestrel. g s woodpecker. long-tailed tit. blue tit. wren. chaffinch. redwing. common gull. great tit. wood pigeon. blackbird. goldfinch. mute swan. Canada goose.Amanda Palethorpe

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