Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
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
SJR, CA, AHSThe Lesser and 2 Greater Scaup, the Ring-necked Duck and both GN and Red-throated Divers in their respective spots this morning. The Red-throat had a bit of a fly again. The Aythya hybrid also off Stones causeway again. 2 singing Mistle Thrushes at Sheepwash. 30 Siskin over WLC creek.12/02/2025
Simon RoddisGN and Red-throated Divers distantly in the murk from Stones island this morning, and the 2 Greater Scaup below Hall Wood, seen from PS hide. I couldn't find the Lesser Scaup or the Ring-necked Duck in their usual haunts. 33 Barnacle Geese. 500+ Pochard.11/02/2025
Simon RoddisThe Lesser and Greater Scaup, Ring-necked Duck and both GN and Red-throated Divers all present and correct this morning. The Greater Scaup were among a flock of 260 Pochard in Brown Ale Bay, seen from Paul Stanley hide (c500 Pochard in total). 3 Woodcock and a calling Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing.09/02/2025
Richard Lowe2nd winter Caspian Gull off Sailing Club late this afternoon - thankfully out of the biting wind; Ring-necked Duck showing well off Stones Is causeway; Lesser Scaup showing well from the perimeter path between Millfields car park and Fishtail creek.07/02/2025
Richard LoweAdult Mediterranean Gull off Stones Is in the roost late afternoon.01/02/2025
Simon RoddisLate afternoon, 800 Lesser Black-backs and 30+ Herring Gulls in the roost, plus several thousand Black-heads and Commons. Both divers still, and the 5 Whoopers were still there at dusk. Earlier, the 2 Greater Scaup still under Hall Wood.06/02/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonThe female Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck and both GN and Red-throated Divers were in their usual areas this morning. 700+ Pink-footed Geese flew NW in 6 skeins 0915-1015. 5 Whooper Swans flew in from the SW at 0940. 1 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, single Great Egret and Redshank. 8 Oystercatchers. 3 Curlew. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing and 17 Reed Buntings came out of the reedbed.06/02/2025
Simon RoddisThe Lesser and Greater Scaup, Ring-necked Duck and both GN and Red-throated Divers were in their usual areas this morning. The Red-throat called several times with its breath visible as it exhaled, something I've never heard or seen before. 33 Barnacle Geese. 5 Goosander. Mini waderfest involving 21 Lapwing, 7 Oystercatcher, 3 Curlew, 4 Snipe and a Woodcock. Barn Owl early morning. Peregrine N over Sheepwash. Totals of 13 Raven and 6 Skylark. An excellent morning, my first 70+ haul this year (73 species).05/02/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThe female Lesser Scaup was still at Millfields this morning, the Ring-necked Duck at sailing club, both GN and Red-throated Divers from Stones island, and the 2 Scaup still below Hall Wood. 1 Shelduck at Millfields. Totals of 558 Pochard and 32 Goldeneye. 30 Barnacle Geese. At least 3,000 Black-headed and 1,000 Common Gulls early morning. 6 Oystercatchers.04/02/2025
Simon RoddisAll the main attractions still present this morning: the female Lesser Scaup at Millfields, the female Ring-necked Duck at sailing club, GN and Red-throated Divers from Stones island, and the 2 immature drake Greater Scaup towards the north end of the res below Hall Wood. 5 Oystercatchers indicates an arrival of several birds in the last day. 3 singing Mistle Thrushes and my first singing Chaffinch of the year at Sheepwash.03/02/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow, Coot, Canada Goose, Gt Crested Grebe, Robin, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Pied Wagtail, Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Pochard, Magpie, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Dunnock, Common Gull, Barnacle Goose, Teal, Buzzard, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Great Northern Diver, Willow Tit, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Kestrel, Goldeneye, Mallard and Oystercatcher02/02/2025
Simon RoddisAnother eventful morning: huge credit to Jon Bradley for finding a female Lesser Scaup at Millfields, a first for Carsington and just the second for the county. Red-throated and GN Divers still from Stones. The female Ring-necked Duck was at sailing club early on but then relocated to Millfields. 31 Barnacle Geese. 3 Goosander. 560 Woodpigeons flew N in 2 hours. Single Oystercatcher, GBbGull and Peregrine.02/02/2025
Simon RoddisThe female Ring-necked Duck was again at sailing club early morning but disappeared once the inevitable boating activities started. GN and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Scaup still from Stones island. 4 Pintail on the water for a while, and 6 Shoveler at Millfields. 20 Goldeneye from Stones and the Aythya hybrid again. A Great Egret flew N and Colin Bowler had a Little Egret perched in Tail Bay. 55 Woodpigeons N. At least 1 Oystercatcher. Barn Owl at the Knockerdown early morning.01/02/2025
SJR, AHS, CAAll the goodies were in their usual areas this morning, the Ring-necked Duck, both divers and the 2 Scaup, although the Ring-necked Duck got a bit elusive later in the morning. The Aythya hybrid still off Stones causeway too. One Woodcock and 3 Goosander at Millfields first thing. Single Oystercatcher still at Watersports. Peregrine over Hall Wood.31/01/2025
Simon RoddisA beautiful morning and a few decent birds to boot. The female Ring-necked Duck was in her current favoured spot at sailing club; the Red-throated Diver flew around for at least 15 minutes but was later on the water off Stones island, and the GNDiver from there too. A Great Egret flew in from the E and an Oystercatcher was at Watersports. 73 Woodpigeons NE. c30 Barnacle Geese, 1 Skylark and 55 Redwing.30/01/2025
Simon RoddisThe female Ring-necked Duck was again at the sailing club early morning, and the Red-throated and GN (eventually) Divers from Stones. 195 Greylags flew out. 30 Barnacle Geese at WLC. The Aythya hybrid again off Stones causeway. 43 Woodpigeons flew NE. 330 Lesser Black-backs out of their roost. Peregrine on sailing club shore and later from Stones. 300 Jackdaws and 60 Rooks on the dam wall early morning. 30 Fieldfares on the east side. 4 Bullfinch, 2 Redpoll and a Linnet on Stones.29/01/2025
Simon RoddisThe female Ring-necked Duck, presumably the same as last November and also reported a week or so ago, was at sailing club between 09:00 and 10:00 at least but couldn't find it there at 11. GN and Red-throated Divers still from Stones, and both immature drake Scaup, getting greyer by the day. 3 Redpoll on Stones and 60 Starlings over.28/01/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers and one of the Scaup were back in their usual areas, visible from Stones island, early morning. By late morning the GNDiver was down at Millfields. 30+ Barnacle Geese. Pair of Shoveler at WLC. Water Rail showing extremely well on the pond off the boardwalk just before the WLC. Kingfisher and the Aythya hybrid off Stones causeway.27/01/2025
SJR, CA, AHSBoth the GN and Red-throated Divers still this morning, again moved north of Stones, the Red-throat best seen from Sheepwash hide late morning. The 2 immature drake Scaup have also relocated to that area, not having been seen from Stones for a few days. 32 Barnacle Geese. The Aythya hybrid was in sailing club bay and later in Brown Ale Bay.26/01/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver was still off Stones island this afternoon, and the Red-throated was off Millfields. Minimum of 934 Pochard, including 545 at Sheepwash.24/01/2025
Simon RoddisAfternoon visit: the GN and Red-throated Divers from Millfields/Stones all afternoon, and the 2 Scaup landed off Stones early afternoon. The Great Egret seen elsewhere by others roosted on Flat Island for much of the afternoon. 32 Barnacle Geese still. Duck numbers: 61 Gadwall, 17 Wigeon, 5 Teal (presumably missed some), 107 Mallard, 967 Pochard, 364 Tufted, 12 Goldeneye, plus 20 Little and 74 GCGrebes. 32 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club. Peregrine over Hall Wood. A flock of 500+ (1,000?) Starlings flew S behind Hall Wood late afternoon.22/01/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonThe GN and Red-throated Divers were still visible from both Stones island and Millfields this morning, although the 2 immature drake Scaup had moved maybe 200m north and we only picked them up from WLC creek, looking off Shiningford island. 33 Barnacle Geese still. Woodcock and Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. My first singing Song Thrush of the year at Millfields. 2 Willow Tits on Stones.20/01/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
10/05/2022Evening walk round 8 Oystercatcher, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Buzzard, 30 Sand martin,1 Peregrine, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Redshank, 1 Heron, 1 Wigeon, 2 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pink - Footed Goose with Canada geese ,1 Tawny Owl. Blue tits in nest box 79David Armitt
10/05/2022Highlight this morning was 3 Sanderling on sailing club shore, first seen in flight around 07:00, still present 09:45. A summer plumage Dunlin sang briefly off Stones causeway. Drake Wigeon again at WLC and adult Med Gull at Millfields island. 1 Common Tern. 13 Swifts. 8 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks and a Peregrine. Pied Flycatcher again singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
08/05/2022New broods of Canada and Greylag, and 2 of Mallard. 2 Red-legged Partridge near Penn Carr (first of the year). 4 Swifts from Stones island. Oystercatcher taking food onto Shiningford island, so presumably a new brood of chicks on there. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. Pied Flycatcher singing in Hall Wood. 1 Yellow Wag on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
07/05/2022No sign of the GNDiver this morning (but I said that once before...). A female Bar-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel on sailing club shore early morning and Dunlin again on Watersports island. 2 imm male Goldeneye at Millfields. 2 Arctic Terns past Stones at 09:00. 11 sedge Warblers, including 1 singing in Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis
06/05/2022The GNDiver was on the water early morning but last seen in flight 07:30. 6 Shelduck flew in mid-morning. Oystercatchers still with at least 2 chicks on Horseshoe island. Summer plumage Dunlin on Watersports island. 45 Carrion Crows in the dam wall fields. Pair of Raven feeding 2 fledged young.Simon Roddis
05/05/2022Couldn't see the GNDiver this morning so I guess it has flown. Drake Wigeon at Shiningford and pair of Teal at Sheepwash. Brood of 4 Coot chicks off Stones causeway. 4 Common Sandpipers. 3 Common Gulls. 2 Sparrowhawks including one bathing at the edge of the water at Shiningford. Lesser Whitethroat singing at Hopton end. 2 singing Pied Flycatchers and 6 singing Redstarts in the Hopton end/Hall and Middle Woods area.Simon Roddis
04/05/2022An Osprey fished over the res 11:05 to 11:15 this morning, my first ever here in May. The GNDiver flew around for a while, called a couple of times, but was back on the water late morning. A bit of movement but not as much as I'd hoped for in the conditions: single Bar-tailed Godwit (female), Turnstone, Whimbrel, Common and Arctic Terns. Adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. Not quite so many hirundines as yesterday but still c200 Sand Martins, 50 Swallows and 20 House Martins. Tree Sparrow with food near WLC.Simon Roddis
03/05/2022A nice bit of movement this morning: 10 Arctic Terns, 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel. A Green Sandpiper on sailing club shore later also flew N. The GNDiver close to Stones island, resplendent in its pristine breeding plumage. Pair of Mandarins at Lane End. 1 Swift from Stones, plus c300 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Now 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
02/05/2022After spending a long time way across towards Millfields, the GNDiver obligingly came close to Stones island late morning. 6 Arctic Terns (1,3 and 2) through. 2 male Goosander flew N. A Peregrine pylon-hopping at the top of WLC creek. Fewer hirundines but still c50 Sand Martins, 25 Swallows and 5 House Martins. Male Common Whitethroat (at last!) in WLC creek and Lesser White still singing there.Simon Roddis
01/05/2022Sightings for Bird Watching for Beginners walk. Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Mallard; Coot; Tufted Duck; Oystercatcher; Little Grebe; Great Crested Grebe; Black Headed Gull; Common Gull; House Sparrow; Pied Wagtail; Swallow; Sand Martin; Willow Warbler; Garden Warbler; Chiffchaff; Blackcap; Wren; Woodpigeon; Pochard; Willow tit; Blue Tit; Reed Bunting; Blckbird; Goldfinch; Sedge Warbler; Carrion Crow; Redshank; Cormorant. 33 speciesDavid Bennett (Back out of retirement)
01/05/2022The GNDiver kept its distance from Stones island this morning, but still present along the east side. At least 3 Arctic Terns from Stones mid/late morning. 4 Pochard (3m,1f) off Shiningford and a drake Goosander past Stones. Broods of 9 Mallard ducklings on Stones and 10 in WLC creek. 1 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 2 Common Sandpiper. The adult Med Gull at Millfields island. Lots of hirundines: c300 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows and 20 House Martins. 2 Yellow Wag (dam wall and over Stones).Simon Roddis
30/04/20226 Sedge Warbler,4 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 11 Cormorant, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Chiffchaff, Great Northern Diver,4 Moorhen , 2 Song Thrush, 6 Goldfinch, 3 Wren, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap,1 Reed Bunting, 1 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little GrebeDavid Armitt
30/04/2022The GNDiver still off Stones island this morning. Pair of Shelduck and pair of Mandarin from Stones. Sub-adult female Caspian Gull and a first-summer presumed Caspian making as if to mate on a buoy until they were chucked off by a Cormorant! A new Reed Warbler singing in WLC creek. Treecreeper with food at Lane End.Simon Roddis
29/04/2022Perimeter count this morning: 6(5 singing) Stock Dove, 3 GSWoodpecker, 7 Jay, 83 Blue Tit, 41(29) Great Tit, 22(21) Willow Warbler, 90(77) Chiffchaff, 10 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed, 85(72) Blackcap, 9 Garden, 5 Lesser White, 131(125) Wren, 37(25) Song Thrush, 12 Mistle, 104(42) Blackbird, 88(58) Robin, 4 Pied Fly, 12 Redstart, 24(17) Dunnock, 28(20) Chaffinch, 11 Bullfinch, 29 Goldfinch. In addition, the first Swift of the year over Stones (thanks Roger), 5 Arctic Terns N at 09:08, the GNDiver still, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Goldeneye (2 imm male, 2 female), pair of Teal, Lapwing displaying over Horseshoe island, 1 Yellow Wag N over Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
28/04/20222 singing male Pied Flycatchers this morning, one in Hall Wood in the area where they bred last year, and one just S of Middle Wood. The GNDiver still, flew again. 2 imm male Goldeneye still. Single Curlew and Dunlin; 2 Common Sandpiper along Stones causeway. The adult Med Gull still at Millfields island. At least 100 Sand Martins, 40 Swallows, 5 House Martins. Totals of 8 Sedge Warblers, 6 Garden, 1 Lesser White, 4 Redstart. 1 Yellow Wag N over Stones. Fledged Song Thrush on Stones and Blackbird in WLC creek. My first 80 species haul of the year.Simon Roddis
27/04/2022The GNDiver again off Stones this morning and a female Common Scoter off Watersports. Single Snipe and Common Sand again, and the adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. Male Kestrel flew twice to the east side carrying prey. Total of 5 Skylarks. At least 100 Sand Martins, 50 Swallows and 10 House Martins. 4 singing Garden Warblers. Blackbird fledglings on Stones and at Hopton end. Male Yellow Wag on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
26/04/2022The GNDiver was still off Stones island this morning. An adult Kittiwake at sailing club, later flew N over Stones. 3 Arctic Terns hanging around. Brood of 9 Greylag goslings at Shiningford. Pair of Teal again in Brown Ale Bay. Common Sandpiper at Watersports. Lots of hirundines again, 100+ Sand Martins, 30+ Swallows, handful of House Martins. Garden Warbler (my first of the year) singing on Stones causeway, along with a Reed Warbler. 2 Yellow Wagtails, one each on Stones and Horseshoe islands.Simon Roddis
25/04/2022The GNDiver flew around for several minutes this morning before coming back down and sleeping. An Arctic Tern from Stones 08:00-11:00 at least. 6 Shelduck (pair on the water early morning then flew N; another 4 flew through to N). 1 Pink-footed Goose. Drake Mandarin flew out of Millfields. 1 Snipe at WLC and 1 Curlew through. c100 Sand Martins, 30 Swallows and 10+ House Martins. 10 Sedge Warblers singing in the Stones area, plus a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones and a Yellow Wag over. Treecreeper with food near WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
24/04/2022The GNDiver again off Stones island, Lesser Whitethroat singing at the top of WLC creek and the adult Mediterranean Gull again at Millfields island. 2 imm male Goldeneye at Sheepwash. 5 Redstarts singing between Hopton end and Middle Wood. Brood of 6 Greylags at Middle Wood and Chiffchaff nest-building on Stones.Simon Roddis
23/04/2022This morning's highlights were the GNDiver off Stones island, 4 Ruff flew E, a summer-plumage male Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island, drake Goosander and a Lesser Whitethroat singing at the top of WLC creek. Song Thrush nest-building at Penn Carr, Blackbird with food near the main centre.Simon Roddis
22/04/2022On and around Stones island this morning, 3 Arctic Terns N at 11:22, a lingering Common Tern, the GNDiver still, 3 Whimbrel past N at 07:50, drake Mandarin, and a female Brambling late morning.Simon Roddis
21/04/2022The GNDiver was right over towards Fishtail Creek late morning, and a Black-tailed Godwit at sailing club 08:30.Simon Roddis
20/04/2022The GNDiver out in the middle this morning, looking fairly smart now. 4 Goldeneye. 1 Common Sandpiper. 3 GSWoodpecker in Hall Wood. Peregrine again (third day on the trot). A Grasshopper Warbler singing on Watersports island, one Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 5 Sedge again around Stones.Simon Roddis
19/04/2022A quieter morning, but the GNDiver was still off Stones and my first Common Tern of the year. The bizarre Jay goings-on continue: total of 8, including 1 S over Stones and the dam wall, and 4 dropped into Middle Wood from the south. Very strange!Simon Roddis
18/04/2022Most frustrating sighting of the year so far: a ringtail harrier, probably Pallid or Montagu's, flew N over the res just before 08:30, last seen disappearing behind Carsington Pastures. Slim shape, long, narrow, relatively pointed wings, didn't feel bulky enough for Hen. Hey ho. The GNDiver off Stones island still. I think it's safe to say that the Red-necked Grebes have gone now - last seen on 15th as far as I'm aware. First Reed Warbler of the year singing in Hopton reedbed. Sub-adult Yellow-legged Gull. A distant Peregrine. 5 Sedge Warblers singing around Stones and 5 singing Redstarts, 4 in Middle/Hall Woods, 1 in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
18/04/20222 Little Egret, 6 Chiffchaff, 8 Oystercatcher, GN Diver of water sports island,6 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Willow Tit, 6 Barnacle Goose, 4 Wren, 2 Bullfinch, 6 Starlings, 4 Sedge Warbler, 18 Cormorant, 2 Redshank, 60 Sand martin, 2 Blackcap, 1 Common sandpiper, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Little Ringed ploverDavid Armitt
17/04/20221 Whimbrel on the grass left of the Visitor Centre first thing this morning looking out over the res. 3 Pied wagtail, 5 Oystercatcher, 4 Reed Bunting,4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Gadwall, 4 Wren, 10 Cormorant, 20 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mute Swan,9 Chiffchaff, 8 Greylag Goose, 4 Blackcap, 4 Bullfinch, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Black-backed GullDavid Armitt
16/04/2022Monthly WeBS count: 135 Canada Geese, 8 Barnacle, 45 Greylag, 8 Mute Swan, 27 Gadwall, 63 Mallard, 2 Teal, 66 Tufted, 2 Goldeneye, 10 Moorhen, 78 Coot, 13 LGrebe, 71 GCGrebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 12 Redshank, 18 Cormorant. Couldn't find the Red-necked Grebes. Additionally, the adult Med Gull again, total of 13 Jays (unusually obvious at the moment), 4 Redstart (3 in/around Hall Wood, 1 in WLC fields), first Mallard brood (8-9) at Millfields, first Greylag brood at WLC.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
15/04/2022The GNDiver is colouring up nicely now, well marked on its upperparts and getting darker around the head. The adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. 1 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. 4 Sedge Warblers again singing around Stones. 3 Redstart: pair in WLC fields and one singing at Shiningford.Simon Roddis
14/04/20222 Black Terns off Millfields Adult Med Gull in gull colony Millfields 1 Red Kite over visitor Centre 1 Great Northern Diver 2 Red-necked GrebesSteve, Tracy and Alex Mann
13/04/2022A decent morning: Richard Pittam found an Osprey early morning which hung around for a couple of hours, the 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver still, Ringed Plover still, total of 6 Jays, 2 Skylarks singing along the dam wall, c200 Sand Martins around Stones, 20 Swallows and 3 House Martins, 2 Sedge Warbler still on Stones, a Redstart (first of the year) singing at Hopton end, 3 Wheatears (female on a raft off Watersports and 2 first-summer males on the dam wall) and 1 White Wagtail at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
11/04/2022A bit more spring action this morning, with 2 Sedge Warblers singing on Stones island and causeway, and 2 Sandwich Terns flew S past Stones at 07:50. Plenty of hirundines at last: c100 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows and 1 House Martin. The 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver still present. 1 Dunlin on the dam wall, the Ringed Plover still and a Common Sand on Stones. 10 GBbGulls. 55 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
11/04/2022Highlight this morning was a flock of 9 Little Gulls (7 adults, some showing a beautiful pink flush to the underparts, and 2 first-summers) at Millfields, 09:40 to 10:25, before they left E. And finally a few hirundines: at least 12 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows and 2 House Martins. The 2 Red-necked Grebes and GNDiver still. 11 Barnacles, 1 Pink-foot and 1 Ringed Plover again. 6 Willow Warblers.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
10/04/2022My first Common Sandpiper of the year was on Stones island this morning. The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End and the GNDiver from Stones. An adult Whooper Swan with a yellow ring on its left leg flew out at 08:20. 11 Barnacle Geese. 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) at WLC. The Ringed Plover still. 54 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning. Pair of Mistle Thrushes with food near PS hide. 7 Redwing N. Not a single hirundine - madness!Simon Roddis
09/04/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End early morning and the GNDiver off Stones island. 2 Willow Warblers singing on Stones. 2 Shelduck, left to SE at 07:15. 8 Goldeneye. Ringed Plover again at sailing club. 5 Curlew early morning. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. 66 Fieldfare flew N.Simon Roddis
08/04/2022Red Kite over fields adjacent to Fish Tail Creek.Robert Smith
08/04/2022The 2 Red-necked grebes again off Lane End early morning, then went out towards the east side. The GNDiver off Stones, now showing quite a bit of white spotting on its upperparts. Female Wheatear on the dam wall. Meadow Pipits on the move: 444 NW in an hour between 8 and 9am. 1 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 3 Sparrowhawks and 8 Buzzards in the air. Skylark singing over the dam wall. 3 Sand Martins and 1 Swallow.Simon Roddis
07/04/2022House Martin (1) and at least 6 Swallows seen from Lane End Hide mid-afternoon; Red-necked Grebe (1) and GN Diver still present.Richard Lowe
06/04/2022All this morning. Red-necked Grebe from Lane End hide. Great Northern Diver close in to Stones Island and my first Willow Warbler of the year singing on the causeway to Stones. Ringed Plover on Sailing Club shore and a Little Egret mobile.Roger Carrington
04/04/2022The Red-necked Grebes were within a few feet of Lane End hide first thing this morning, pity the light was rubbish. One of them caught a fish which I think was a Ruffe. The GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields and 1 Swallow flew past the main centre. Otherwise grey and damp.Simon Roddis
03/04/2022Species noted during the monthly 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): Song Thrush, House Sparrow, Tufted Duck, Pied Wagtail, Great Northern Diver, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Black-headed Gull, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Ringed Plover, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Greylag Goose, Redshank, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Canada Goose, Wren, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Dunnock, Robin, Bullfinch, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Moorhen, Buzzard, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Shoveler (pair), Great Tit, Mute Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Jackdaw, Grey Wagtail, Goldeneye and Carrion CrowGary Atkins
03/04/2022A flock of 30 Whooper Swans (14 adults, 16 immatures) was off Sheepwash at 06:45 and departed W at 08:30, and an adult Kittiwake was off Stones island, along with the GNDiver. The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End. 82 GCGrebes. 12 Wigeon acting like migrants, sitting out in the middle, and a pair of Shoveler at the WLC. Kingfisher at Millfields. 5 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
02/04/2022Mediterranean Gull 2nd winter off Lane End Hide at 3.30pm, then flew towards Sheepwash.Richard Lowe
02/04/2022Both Red-necked grebes off Lane End this morning and the GNDiver off Watersports, quite close to the main centre. 8 Wigeon and 9+ Teal. Ringed Plover again at sailing club. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. 5 Sand Martins through. 32 Redwing N and 18 Fieldfare NW.Simon Roddis
01/04/2022One Red-necked Grebe off Lane End this morning, and the GNDiver off Stones. A Black-tailed Godwit flew N at 07:40 and the Ringed Plover again on sailing club shore. 13 Oystercatchers. 2 ad GBbGulls, including Onefoot.Simon Roddis
31/03/2022The GNDiver off Stones again this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes out in the middle between Lane End and Sheepwash. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The male Shoveler still. Ringed Plover at sailing club. A Little Egret near Paul Stanley hide (also seen there yesterday by Roger C) was my first ever here in March. Totals of 350 Redwing NE, 44 Pied Wagtails (couldn't turn any of them into Whites) and 29 Meadow Pipits (both the latter mainly around sailing club and on the dam wall).Simon Roddis
30/03/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End and the GNDiver and a drake Common Scoter off Stones this morning. The male Shoveler still present. 2 second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls. 103 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning. 3 Sand Martins off Stones. 120 Redwing flew N.Simon Roddis
29/03/2022Perimeter count this morning: 148 singing Chiffchaffs! 8 singing Blackcaps. 9 GSWoodpecker. 99 Blue Tit. 61 Great Tit. 5 Willow Tit. 8 L-t Tit. 114 Wren (96 singing). 6 Nuthatch. 3 Treecreeper. 40 Song Thrush (20 singing). 14 Mistle Thrush. 112 Blackbird (40 singing). 132 Robin (101 singing). 9 Tree Sparrow. 41 Dunnock (27 singing). 4 Grey and 10 Pied Wag. 28 Chaffinch. 15 Bullfinch. 8 Greenfinch. 38 Goldfinch. 9 Reed Bunting. The GNDiver and 2 Red-necked Grebes still. A female Merlin flew N through Hopton end at 07:10. Male Shoveler again. 102 Herring Gulls (77 flew N, 25 on the water). 2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull again. Total of 180 Redwing, including 160 N.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
28/03/2022The GNDiver again off Stones and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 8 Redshank around sailing club/Stones/Horseshoe island. 66 Carrion Crows in the dam wall fields.SJR, RC, AHS
27/03/2022The GNDiver off Stones and 1 Red-necked Grebe off Lane End early morning. 27 Greylags. Male Shoveler and male Pochard at Millfields (and presumably the same Shoveler at WLC later). 10 Goldeneye (5m,5f). At least 8 Buzzards. Pair of Kestrel. 2 Sand Martins on Stones. 5 Treecreepers singing (4 in Hall Wood). 25 Redwing, 14 Meadow Pipits and 3 Redpoll N.Simon Roddis

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