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
09/07/2021A Greenshank was on Horseshoe island around 08:00 this morning. 23 Mute Swans. 4 Barnacle Geese plus 4 large young. 5 Grey Herons. 2 Raven over the dam wall. 4 Willow Warblers still singing at Millfields and Stones island.Simon Roddis
07/07/202136 Swifts flew S, most between 10:00 and 11:00, along with a few hirundines this morning. 40 Lapwing. 1 Common Sand on Watersports island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Red Kite over the west side. Total of 5 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall and Middle Woods. 2 juv Redstarts (WLC fields and Middle Wood). And the 2 Ruddy Shelducks still off Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
05/07/2021A beautiful pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls were on Horseshoe island mid-morning, and a Red Kite overhead. 1 Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 27 adult Gadwall, plus a new brood of 9 in Brown Ale Bay (sixth brood at least this year), and 6 and 4 in WLC creek. 17 Mute Swans. The 2 Ruddy Shelduck in front of Sheepwash carpark late morning. Total of 16+ Tree Sparrows at WLC and Millfields. 1 Skylark S.Simon Roddis
04/07/2021Male Ruddy Shelduck below Hall Wood again this morning. 19 Mute Swans. 10 Oystercatcher. Spotted Flycatcher singing in Hall Wood; nestbox now empty, young presumably fledged. Family parties of Blackcap (4 young) on Hays Lane, Goldcrest at BABay and Bullfinch at Sheepwash. In other news, 2 albino Stoats with two regular ones at sailing club.Simon Roddis
02/07/20211 Ruddy Shelduck again among Greylags off Sheepwash. 16 Mute Swans. Barnacle geese still with 4 young at Millfields. 6 Teal at WLC. New brood of 9 Tufted at Hopton end, and probably a sixth brood of Gadwall (4 young) off Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 10+ Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
30/06/2021Swifts appear to have been on the move this morning: 330 flew N, most of them over Millfields between 10:00 and 10:45. The 2 Ruddy Shelducks still from Sheepwash. 819 Canada Geese. 304 Greylags. 12 Mute Swans. 91 Tufted. 145 Coot. 46 GCGrebe. 11 Oystercatcher. 30 Lapwing. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Hobby.Simon Roddis
27/06/2021Already a post breeding flock of 200 Jackdaws swirling above fields behind the Ranger Base. 140 young Black-headed Gulls visible around Millfields Island this morning. Others will still be hidden in nests in the deep vegetation there and some have left the island. 2 female type Ruddy Shelduck with mixed goose flock at Sheepwash again.Roger Carrington
25/06/202112 Goldfinch, 5 Pied Wagtail,4 Lapwing,3 Little Grebe, 4 Swift, 20 Sandmartin, 10 Greylag Goose,7 Mute Swan, 3 Sedge Warbler, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Blackcap, 2 Bullfinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Grey Heron, 7 Oystercatcher, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Great Tit,2 Cormorant, 1 lesser whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler, 12 Long Tailed Tit,1 Redshank, 2 Teal, 11 Tree Sparrow, 2 Redstart+ 1 young,1 KestrelDavid Armitt
25/06/2021Little Egret and Curlew at sailing club early morning. 11 adult Mute Swans but haven't seen the cygnets for a few days, bit concerning. 4 Barnacles with 4 young still. The female Ruddy Shelduck with Canadas at Watersports. 3 Teal. New brood of 10 Gadwall off Stones. 10 Oystercatcher. 15 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged and 1st-summer Common Gulls. Family of Willow Tits at top of WLC creek. Fledged Swallows at Millfields draw-off tower. 1 Meadow Pipit over main centre. 3 Spotted Fly. 12 Tree Spoarrows (10 WLC, 2 Millfields).Simon Roddis
23/06/2021Roger C had 2 Ruddy Shelducks from Sheepwash this morning. 778 Canada Geese. 182 Greylags. 2 male Pochard. New broods of 6 Tufted Duck at WLC and 4 at Millfields island. 7 Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew W. 3 Common Sandpiper at sailing club/WLC. 5 redshank. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 2nd-summer). 3 Common Terns. Kingfisher again in WLC creek. New brood of 2 young Coots at Millfields island. 7 Raven. Pair of Spotted Flycatchers now feeding young in a nestbox. Redstarts still with fledged young in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
22/06/2021Frustrating highlight was a possible Black Kite seen distantly over the east side, first over the north end then probably again over Millfields. Tail didn't look as forked as Red Kite but too far away to be sure. Barnacle Geese still with 4 young at Millfields. 2 male Pochard (WLC and Millfields). c40 Swifts. Part of 7 Stock Doves. 7 Oystercatcher. 5 Redshank (all adults) at WLC. 2 Curlew W. Adult Yellow-leg and 1st-summer Caspian Gulls at sailing club. 3 Common Terns early morning. Male Peregrine from Stones. Total of 15 Raven (5,2,4 & 4). Redstart family in WLC creek, at least 3 juvs.Simon Roddis
21/06/2021Cetti’s Warbler still singing on north shore of Fishtail Creek. Ruddy Shelduck with flock of 180 Greylag Geese below Hall Wood this morning.Roger Carrington
19/06/2021Highlight this morning was confirming breeding by Pied Flycatcher for the first time at Carsington: a female with food in Hall Wood. Brood of 6 Gadwall at Watersports, several days old but I think the 4th brood of the year. 16 Lapwings at sailing club. Sedge Warblers with food on Stones and male Redstart with food in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
18/06/2021Forgot to mention a new brood of 8 Tufted at WLC and 2 new Mallard: 5-6 at Millfields island and 11-12 off Stones.Simon Roddis
18/06/2021The Cetti's Warbler still singing in Fishtail creek this morning. Pied Fly alarm-calling in Hall Wood. Spotted Flys in Hall and Middle Woods. 819 Canada. 251 Greylags. Male Teal and Pochard at WLC. 12 Swifts. 14 Lapwing. c350 Black-headed Gulls, plus young. Kingfisher again in WLC creek. Total of 8 GSWoodpeckers, including a family of 4 (2 juvs) at Millfields. 5 Raven, presumably a family party.Simon Roddis
16/06/20212 Great White Egrets flew S over the Hopton end at 06:10 this morning, not seen again. 8 Mute Swans, plus the 3 cygnets. Red Kite again over the east side. More breeding evidence: Willow Warblers feeding fledged young in WLC creek, Chiffchaff and Treecreeper with food in Hall Wood, Whitethroat with food at Hopton reedbed, juv Tree Sparrows in WLC creek, along with a juv Siskin.Simon Roddis
14/06/2021Red Kite over the east side, Common Tern early morning and a Kingfisher in WLC creek (my first here since 23rd January). The WLC Mute Swans are now down to 3 cygnets. Brood of 7 Gadwall at Paul Stanley, c.1 week old but I've not seen them before, and the 10 young Tufteds still. 1 Curlew flew SW. 2 imm Herring Gulls through. 4 Ravens at Millfields. 10 Sand Martins at Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
13/06/2021Monthly WeBS count: 687 Canada, 4 Barnacle (plus 4 young), 188 Greylag, 6 Mute (plus 4 cygnets), 18 Gadwall, 57 Mallard, 67 Tufted (plus first brood of 10+), 7 Moorhen, 62 Coot, 8 LGrebe, 52 GCGrebe, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 3 Redshank. Redstarts with food at Hopton end and in WLC fields. 8+ Reed Warblers, including 4 (2 singing) in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/06/2021A second brood of Gadwall, 5 ducklings, was in Brown Ale Bay on Friday morning, and a new brood of 8 Mallard at WLC. A Peregrine took a Jackdaw over WLC fields, much to the annoyance of lots of other corvids. Chiffchaff with food at top of WLC creek, and Sedge Warbler with food at WLC. Pair of Redstart in WLC fields and at least 1 at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
10/06/2021Pair Gadwall at Millfields with 7yg (noted yesterday by Simon Roddis with 9yg). Pair Mute Swan still with 4 cygnets on the water near the Visitor Centre toilet block and Reed Warbler singing there. Today I noted my 34th pair of birds taking food into nest boxes this breeding season. All these boxes with box numbers were observed from the main paths. Nearly all species were Blue or Great Tit and I found 2 boxes today that had been taken over by Tree Bumblebees. Please note and report any nest box activity you see.Roger Carrington
07/06/2021Geese numbers increasing: 377 Canada and 77 Greylag. Barnacles still with 4 young at Millfields and Mute Swans still with 5 at WLC. 11 Lapwing. Moorhens with 4 young at WLC. Fledged GSWoodpeckers at Sheepwash. Chiffchaff with food in Hall Wood, Redstarts and Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end. 22 Starlings over Sheepwash. 10 Tree Saprrow (8 in WLC creek, 2 at Millfields).Simon Roddis
06/06/2021Species noted by the Birdwatching for Beginners group between 10am and noon: Canada goose, Greylag goose, Mute swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted duck, Little grebe, Great crested grebe, Grey heron, Cormorant, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Redshank, Black-headed gull, Woodpigeon, Swift, Swallow, Sand Martin, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Blue tit, Great tit, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden warbler, Sedge Warbler, Dunnock, Wren, Blackbird, Song thrush, House sparrow, Tree sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Reed buntingGary Atkins
04/06/2021The WLC/Horseshoe Island Mute Swans now have 5 cygnets. 2 male Teal at WLC. A 2nd-summmer Yellow-legged Gull on the raft off sailing club. Pair of Swifts again checking out the visitor centre. Juvenile Tree Sparrows at both Millfields (1) and WLC (2). And 2 Broad-bodied Chaser dragonflies at Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
31/05/20211 Reed Bunting, 3 Mute Swan, 21 Greylag Goose,16 Great Crested Grebe,1 Oystercatcher, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 1 Moorhen, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Jay,2 Reed Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Male pochard of big island, Mute Swan with 4 young in Brown Ale BayDavid Armitt
30/05/20213 Wren, 5 oystercatcher, 1 Dunnock, 2 Gadwall, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Sedge Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Swift, 12 House Martin, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Redstart, 12 Long-tailed TitDavid Armitt
01/06/2021The Hopton Mute Swans have hatched - 7 cygnets on Saturday according to the STW rangers though I only saw 3 this morning. Barnacle Geese still with 4 young at Millfields. 349 Canadas and 39 greylags. 3 Swifts checking out the visitor centre. GSWoodpecker nest with noisy young. Fledged Willow Tits at Hopton end. The Cetti's Warbler still singing in Fishtail creek. Total of 9 Reed Warblers (7 singing). Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
29/05/2021A pair of Shoveler at the WLC this morning were slightly unexpected; 1 Common Tern; 10 Oystercatcher including 4 full grown young - 2 will have come from Horseshoe island but not sure about the other 2; Lesser White and Redstart in WLC creek, plus Common Whitethroat with food. And an obliging Tawny owl sat out for photos.Simon Roddis
28/05/2021A total of 11+ Reed Warblers this morning, 9 of them singing. The male Pied Fly still in Hall Wood, and Spotted Fly there and at Penn Carr. 1 Curlew over Millfields.Simon Roddis
27/05/20217 Common Scoter (5 imm male, 2 female) off Stones island this morning, and 2 summer plumage Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island. Pair of Barnacle Geese with 4 small goslings at Millfields. Red Kite over Carsington Pastures. Male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
26/05/20212 adult Arctic Terns from Stones island from 09:45 for the next hour at least. A Green Woodpecker was calling behind sailing club early morning. 13 LBbG and 2 Herring Gull through. Fledged Willow Tits, Robin and Wrens. Black-headed Gull chicks starting to hatch on Millfields island.Simon Roddis
20/05/2021The Turnstone was still on sailing club shore this morning. Tawny Owl calling late morning at Millfields. c20 Swifts and 50 Sand Martins. Reed Warbler singing on Sailing Club island. Redstart singing at Penn Carr. Willow Tit with food near WLC.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
17/05/20211 Little Ringed Plover,20 Sandmartin, 11 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher , 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Great Spotted WoodpeckerDavid Armitt
19/05/2021We did the (early) WeBS count this morning: 133 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacles, 40 Greylags, 4 Mute Swans, 1 female Shelduck at WLC, 14 Gadwall, 47 Mallard, 79 Tufted, 2 Moorhen, 56 Coot, 13 Little Grebe, 44 GCGrebe, 8 Oystercatcher, a summer plumage Turnstone at sailing club, 1 Redshank, 12 Cormorant, 7 Herons. On top of that, single Red Kite and Hobby, 6 Jays including a family party of 4, 6 singing Reed Warblers: 3 Hopton reedbed, singles in BABay, WLC creek and PSHide (first time I've said that for over a year!), 4 (maybe 5) singing Spotted Flycatcher between Hopton and Middle Wood and the 2 singing Pied Flys again in Hall and Middle Woods, and 3+ Lesser Redpoll at PSHide.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
18/05/20213 Arctic (late morning) and 3 Common Terns (early morning) from the dam wall/Stones island. 2 male Pied Fly, in Middle and Hall Woods. Male Redstart at Hopton end. Cetti's Warbler still singing in Fishtail Creek. 10 Buzzards in the air. Breeding confirmed for Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, Willow, Blue and Long-tailed Tits.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
17/05/20213 Whimbrel on sailing club shore this morning, along with the one-footed adult GBbGull. c80 Sand Martin, 30 House and 20 Swallows feeding around Stones island. Reed Warbler singing in WLC creek and Redstart singing near sailing club. Fledged grey Wagtail at Millfields and Tree Sparrows taking food to a box near WLC.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
14/05/2021Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood this morning, along with 2 Spotted Fly (and another at Hopton). 1 Sedge and 3 Reed Warbler singing in Hopton reedbed, and the Cetti's still at Fishtail Creek. c20 Swifts and 50 House Martins over Stones island. Redstarts singing in Middle Wood and at Hopton end. 1 Yellow Wag over Stones causeway. 6 Ravens (family party?) perched above Penn Carr. 1 Red Kite down the east side.Simon Roddis
13/05/2021It looks as if the GNDiver has gone - no sign this morning though I gather it was still there mid-afternoon yesterday. 2 Shelduck flew in early morning. 1 Hobby. 2-3 Moorhen chicks on Stones island and 2 GCGrebe chicks at the WLC. A Reed Warbler singing on Stones causeway near the visitor centre. Total of 7 singing Garden Warblers at Millfields and on Stones island. House Sparrow fledglings at the main carpark.Simon Roddis
12/05/2021The GNDiver had a good fly around this morning but did settle back on the water. 1 Common Tern off Stones. Male Wheatear still on the dam wall. Red Kite down the west side. Tawny Owl at Millfields.SJR, AHS, JB
11/05/2021A brief watch this evening from 4:45-5:45pm. Managed to catch up with the Great Northern Diver in full Summer plumage. An ample supporting cast in a single Little Gull briefly at 5:30pm before floating SW, Yellow Wagtail over Stones and a Lesser Whitethroat on the causeway.Sam Goddard
11/05/2021Undoubted highlight this morning was a Spoonbill which flew in just after 10:00, stayed for a while on Horseshoe island before departing high to the west just after 10:30. Earlier, the GNDiver called in the early morning mist and was then off Stones during the morning. 2 Dunlin. 2 Yellow Wags. 10 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields.Simon Roddis
10/05/2021The GNDiver is looking stunning now although a bit elusive at times this morning. 3 Common Terns. 15 Swifts. 6 Raven. New singing Reed Warblers in WLC creek and BA Bay. At least 1 Wheatear on the dam wall. Singing Pied and 3 Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood.SJR, RC, AHS, NJM
09/05/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. 4 Whimbrel on Horseshoe island. 1 Common Tern past Stones and the Grasshopper Warbler still singing there. 14 Swifts. 2 Red-legged Partridge on Hays Lane. 25 LBbGulls W. 12 Buzzards, a Red Kite and female Peregrine in the air. 12 Sedge and 3 Garden Warblers around Stones.Simon Roddis
07/05/2021The GNDiver in summer plumage again from Stones island. A well-plumed Little Egret on Horseshoe island late morning. 1 Ringed Plover. 4 Common Sandpiper. 2 Dunlin. Grasshopper Warbler still singing on Stones. 7 Yellow Wags, including 5 on Stones. 2 Wheatear (probably Greenland birds) on the dam wall. Both John Matkin and Jon Bradley heard the Cetti's Warbler in Fishtail Creek this morning.Simon Roddis
06/05/2021The GNDiver, now in almost pristine condition, was off Stones this morning. Hundreds of hirundines: 300+ Sand Martins, much smaller numbers of Swallow and House Martin. 10 Swifts. 2 Common Sandpiper. 4 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 10 Buzzards in the air, and a Red Kite floating around. Grasshopper Warbler still reeling (and seen briefly) on Stones. 3 singing Lesser and 6 Common Whitethroat. 9 Fieldfare still at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
05/05/2021(Evening) 4 Goldfinch,4 Chiffchaff, 200+ sand martin, 4 Little Grebe, 15 Great Crested Grebe,3 Redshank,1 Dunlin,2 Gadwall,1 Lesser Whitethroat ,1 Garden Warbler ,1 Swift, 150 + Swallow,50+ House Martin, Mallards on stones with 7 young,4 Pied Wagtail,10 Cormorant,1 Little ringed plover,2 oystercatcher and 2 young on WLC island,1 Grey wagtail GN Diver from stonesDavid Armitt
05/05/2021GNDiver still, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Wheatear on dam early morning. Pair Greylag with 6yg in Shiningford Creek, Redstart singing in Wildlife Centre Creek and Lesser Whitethroat singing between the Creeks. Another Lesser Whitethroat still singing on Stones Island and no sign of yesterday’s Gropper.Roger Carrington
04/05/2021The GNDiver is still there this morning. 4 Arctic Terns from Millfields to 07:45 but not thereafter. A Ringed Plover at Sailing Club and a singing Grasshopper Warbler on Stones island were first of the year for me. 3 Dunlin. 1 Common Sand. 12 Herring Gulls flew N. Loads of hirundines: guesstimates of c200 each of Swallow and Sand Martin, and 10 House Martin. 3 Yellow Wags on Millfields viewing area.Simon Roddis
03/05/2021The GNDiver again from Stones island this morning but it took a couple of flights, so probably won't be here much longer. 2 Wheatears (male and female) along the dam wall. Hundreds of hirundines, especially Swallows and Sand Martins but an increase in House Martin numbers too.SJR, RC, AHS
02/05/2021The highlight of today's 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon around Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre) were seven warbler species on Stones - Garden, Sedge and Willow Warblers, Lesser and Common Whitethroat, Blackcap and Chiffchaff. A big surprise (albeit escapees) were two Snow Geese that dropped in to say 'hi' to the Canada Geese on Watersports island. Other species today were: Coot, Moorhen, Barnacle, Canada and Greylag Geese, Great Crested and Little Grebes, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Gt Northern Diver, Cormorant, Black-headed and Common Gulls, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Mute Swan, Buzzard, Blue, Great and Willow Tits, House and Tree Sparrows, Goldfinch, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Woodpigeon and Reed Bunting.Gary Atkins
02/05/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island again, now looking pretty smart. An Arctic Tern was off Millfields late morning and a Shelduck flew towards the WLC. 1 male Teal. 2 male Pochard. 9 singing Garden Warblers. 60+ Fieldfare still at Hopton end. 3 Yellow Wags.Simon Roddis

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