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
2019-06-23675 adult Canada Geese this morning. 82 Greylags, including some pretty well grown juvs. 3 Barnacles plus 4 goslings. 5 Gadwall. New brood of 2 GCGrebe chicks at Millfields island. 8+ Redshank, including a pair with 2 large young on Watersports island. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. Adult Tawny Owl at Hopton end. 12 Starlings over. Lesser White singing again in the Hays Lane/Millfields island area.Simon Roddis
2019-06-225 Gadwall. 6 Little Grebe, including one still sitting in Brown Ale Bay. Adult Little Egret. 15 Lapwing. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. Third pair of Sedge Warblers with food on Stones island. Lesser Whitethroat singing on Hays Lane. 25+ Tree Sparrows at WLC, including 20+ juvs - quite encouraging.Simon Roddis
2019-06-21Pair of Barnacles with 4 young still at Millfields island. 30 Mute Swans plus the 3 cygnets. 3 Shoveler and 7 Gadwall off Stones island. 22 Cormorant. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. One Peregrine. 5 Raven. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. Simon Roddis
2019-06-2019 Mute Swans, plus the three cygnets still at WLC. 63 Greylag. 6 Gadwall. Drake Teal now going into moult. 15 Oystercatcher. 10 Lapwing. 5 Redshank. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. A Skylark singing over the dam wall. Simon Roddis
2019-06-1880 Canada Goose,17 Tufted Duck,2 willow Tit,3 Great Tit,2 Wren,12 Great Crested Grebe,15 Mute Swan,10 Goldfinch,2 oystercatcher,1 Little Ringed Plover,1 RedshankDavid Armitt
2019-06-1717 Mute Swan,2 Bullfinch, 6 Great Tit,14 Goldfinch,2 Swift,20 House Martin,5 Blackcap,2 Whitethroat,10 Blue Tit,8 Great Crested Grebe,3 Chiffchaff,5 Oystercatcher,2 lapwing, 10 Tree Sparrow,1 Buzzard,1 Kestrel,2 RedshankDavid Armitt
2019-06-16Monthly WeBS count - biggest surprise was a Green Sandpiper, and Common Sand on Stones was also new. 45 GCGrebe; 7 Little Grebe (one ad with a chick at Hall Wood, nest with eggs in Brown Ale Bay); 1 Grey Heron; 14 Cormorant; 27 Mute Swan (plus 3 cygnets); 584 Canada Goose; 65 Greylags; 4 Barnacles; 73 Mallard; 1 Teal; 4 Gadwall; 86 Tufted; 124 Coot; 5 Moorhen; 15 Oystercatcher; 6 Lapwing; 2 LRP; 6 Redshank; 152 BhGulls. Also: adult Jay feeding 3 fledged young at Hopton end, plus Chiffchaff and Garden Warbler with food in the same area; 7 Reed Warblers; BhGulls mobbing a Tawny Owl at BABay was a combo I haven't seen before!Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-06-1335 Mute Swans, plus 3 cygnets. 7 Barnacle Geese at Millfields, plus 4 young (one brood). Brood of 8 small Mallard at Sailing Club. Drake Teal again. 8 Gadwall, including the female in Brown Ale Bay, now with 9 young. 7 Oystercatcher. 7 Redshank. A first-summer Common Gull on Millfields island (there yesterday too). Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull. 20 LBbG. 2 fledged Tawny Owls at Hopton end. 40 Swifts feeding over Stones island. GSWoodpecker with a fledged youngster at Millfields. Hobby over Stones island. 20 House Martins on Stones causeway. 8 singing Reed Warblers. Sedge Warbler with food on Stones island. Fledged Common Whitethroats near Millfields island. Blackcap with food at Penn Carr. Fledged Jay at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
2019-06-07On the west side between Hopton end and Stones island: total of 18 Willow Tits, including 3 family parties (9+ juvs); Little Egret at WLC; GCGrebes with 3 young from Sheepwash hide; sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull; 4 Stock Dove; 7 Reed Warbler; Garden Warblers with fledged young near Big Island; Reed Bunting fledged young on Stones; total of 13 Tree Sparrow.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-06-06A summer-plumage Turnstone was on Stones island early(ish) morning. Drake Teal in Brown Ale Bay. 5 Redshank. 2 Yellow-legged Gull. 30 Swifts feeding over Stones island. 4 Raven at Penn Carr. 6+ Reed Warblers, including one singing at Penn Carr. Lesser Whitethroat singing on Hays Lane. 25 Tree Sparrows at Millfields, including many juvs.Simon Roddis
2019-06-05The summer build-up of Mute Swans has started - a total of 22, plus 3 cygnets. c50 adult Greylag. Female Gadwall still with 11 young in Brown Ale Bay. Pair of Red-legged Partidge again at Penn Carr/Hays Lane. Little Grebe nest-building in BA Bay. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (sub-ad and first-summer). Tawny Owl mobbed by Blackbirds at Penn Carr. 30+ Swifts. 2 GS Woodpecker. Willow Tit with fledged young at Sheepwash. Reed Warblers singing on Stones causeway and between WLC/Watersports. Blackcap with food at WLC. Whitethroats with fledged young at southern end of Stones island. Goldcrest with fledged young at Penn Carr. Spotted Fly in Penn Carr. 5 Greenfinch at WLC/visitor centre.Simon Roddis
2019-06-03We finally have a brood of Gadwall, 11 in Brown Ale Bay, and a total of 9 adults. I could only see 3 cygnets on Horseshoe island this morning, and a Little Egret there. 4 Ringed Plover (3 on Horseshoe, 1 at Sheepwash). At least 3 pairs of Black-headed Gull have young on the WLC raft, but all the nests on Horseshoe island have been abandoned; plenty still on Millfields island and now 2 nests on the raft in BA Bay. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull. 50+ Swifts. 4 Raven over Millfields. 45 House Martin. A pair of Long-tailed Tits with 9 fledged young at Penn Carr, all sitting in the sun and preening for several minutes - never seen them stay still for so long before. Reed Warbler singing on Stones. Blackcap taking food onto Sailing Club island. Fledged Nuthatches in Sheepwash carpark. Redstart still singing up Hays Lane. 2 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-06-02The following species were noted collectively by those attending today's Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (10am-noon, chiefly in the Sheepwash area): House Sparrow, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Mute Swan, Nuthatch, Great Tit, Magpie, Jay, Chaffinch, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Coot, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Reed Bunting, Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Swallow, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Blue tit, Blackcap, Pheasant, Grey Heron, Woodpigeon, Dunnock and Coot.Gary Atkins
2019-05-31Broods of 5 and 2 (presumably down from the 3 on 29/5) Barnacle Geese at Millfields. 40 adult Greylag. New broods of 10 and 4 Mallard off Stones causeway. Drake Teal at Watersports. 3 Red-legged Partridge at Hays Lane (pair in the ploughed field, another calling on the other side of the lane). 6 Moorhen. 2 sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull. 14 Swifts. Willow Tits with fledged young at Hopton end. Total of 6 singing Reed Warblers. Whitethroat with food near Millfields island. The Lesser Whites on Hays Lane now have fledged young. 2 singing Spotted Flycatchers (Sheepwash and Penn Carr). Male Redstart singing at Hopton end. Pied Wag with fledged young at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2019-05-29This morning's highlight was a lovely pair of Garganey at the WLC, to 0930 at least. Little Egret there too. 2 summer plumage Dunlin on Watersports island. 9 Mute Swan, plus 4 cygnets at WLC. 1 Pink-footed Goose among Canadas and Greylags at Sheepwash. Female Shelduck off Stones island. 2 Grey Heron, both this year's young birds. 3 Yellow-legged Gull. 2 pairs of Stock Dove. 20 Swift. 30 House Martin. 2 singing male Redstart (Hopton end and Hays Lane). Lots of breeding activity: Barnacle Geese with 3 young and Carrion Crows with fledged young at Millfields; at Millfields island, brood of 4 Mallard, 3 GCGrebe nests with sitting birds plus another pair nest-building, several Black-headed Gulls nesting, and Oystercatchers with 2 large young; at Penn Carr, fledged Nuthatch, Coot with 2 young, Bullfinch nest-building; pair of Lesser Whitethroat with food on Hays Lane; Whitethroat with food at Hopton end; in Hall Wood, Carrion Crow nest with young, Nuthatch with food, and fledged Blackcaps, Robin and Great Tit; brood of 6 Mallard on Stones island and 4 Canada Geese at WLC; Dunnock with food at WLC; and fledged Willow Tits and Treecreeper at Sheepwash. Quite a busy morning!Simon Roddis
2019-05-27A Hobby was over Hall Wood then down the east side mid-morning - first of the year as far as I know. Ringed Plover still on Horseshoe island. Drake Teal at WLC. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 sub-adults, 1 fist-summer). 22+ Swifts. 5 Sand Martin. c30 House Martin. Simon Roddis
2019-05-2620 ad Greylags and c20 young in total. 8 Gadwall. 1 Curlew. 2 sub-ad Yellow-legged Gulls. Pair of Coot with 4 small young at WLC, and another pair with 4 small young in BA Bay. 13 Swifts and 30 House Martins in the rain from Sheepwash mid-morning (plus another 4 House Martins around the visitor centre). At Millfields, Willow Warbler with food and a family of Pied Wags with 3 fledged young. Whitethroat with food and another nest-building on Stones island. Spotted Flycatcher in Sheepwash wood (perhaps the BA Bay bird?).Simon Roddis
2019-05-25A cream-crown Marsh harrier flew NW up the dam wall at 06:05. An adult male Green Woodpecker was yaffling away at the top of WLC creek mid-morning but gradually moved further away. Red-legged Partridge above Penn Carr. Little Egret at Sailing Club. Ringed Plover on Horseshoe island. 6 adult Redshank, including a pair with at least 2 small young on Millfields island. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull. Fledged Long-tailed Tits at Sheepwash. Chiffchaff with food at Brown Ale Bay, and Garden Warbler with food on Stones. 3 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek. 2 Spotted Flycatchers singing.Simon Roddis
2019-05-23New brood of 2 Greylags at Penn Parr, plus a brood of 10 Mallard there and 15 accompanied by 2 females. Oystercatchers have 2 large young on Millfields island. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull. Willow Tit with food near Millfields stone barn. Great Tits taking food into a natural tree cavity at Penn Carr. Pair of Nuthatch taking food into a tree hole at Sheepwash carpark, with Tree Bumblebees occupying a nestbox on the same tree.Simon Roddis
2019-05-223 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Oystercatchers, 5 Redshank, 2-3 Garden Warblers, Whitethroat, 2 Gadwall, c.6 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Pied Wagtails, 2-3 Goldfinches. All seen in period from c. 17.10 to 18.45. Alan Hobson
2019-05-22Perimeter counts this morning - numbers probably lower than they might have been because of a cool overcast start, there was a definite increase in song when the sun came out later morning: 14 Willow Tits, including fledged young in Tail Bay (3) and Brown Ale Bay (5); 31 Great Tit; 34+ Long-tailed Tits, including fledged young at Tail Bay, WLC, Brown Ale Bay and 2 broods on the east side; 18 Willow Warblers (16 singing); 58 Chiffchaffs (54 singing); 5 Sedge Warblers; 5 singing Reed Warblers; 62 Blackcaps (60 singing); 26 Garden Warblers (22 singing); 6 Common Whitethroat (5 singing); 2 singing Lesser Whitethroats at WLC creek/Shiningford; 107 Wrens (98 singing); 9 Treecreeper, including fledged young at Tail Bay and Sailing Club; 89 Blackbirds (60 singing); 34 Song Thrush (25 singing); 2 singing Spotted Flycatchers (Shiningford and BA Bay); 71 Robins (63 singing); 3 singing Redstarts; 8 Tree Sparrows at Millfields, including fledged young; 17 Dunnock (12 singing); 22 Chaffinch (17 singing); 24 Bullfinch, including 11 pairs; 12 Reed Bunting (9 singing); 6 Jays. Otherwise, the Grey Plover was still around Stones island, one Common Tern, 3 Kestrels.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-05-21Red Kite over Brown Ale Bay at 15.15 - 15.20 hrs before drifting off west.Neil Moulden
2019-05-21Site covered from 05:00 to 21:00 - a 'big sit' - with at least one person on Stones island during all that time. 81 species recorded. Highlight was a Grey Plover on Watersports island for most of the day. A Curlew also dropped in there for a bathe mid-afternoon. 3 Redshank. Pair of Mandarin at Penn Carr. 3 Little Egrets: 1 at sailing club early morning and 2 through NW at 09:15. 1 Pink-footed Goose briefly early morning. Red-legged Partridge calling near Penn Carr. 17 GBbGull early morning, including Onefoot. Total of 60 LBbG: a flock of 35 went through mid-afternoon and c20 apparently roosting late pm. 2 first-summer Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 first-summer Common Gull late pm. 3 Raven. 7 Willow Tit. Fledged Long-tailed Tits in Hall and Middle Woods, and at sailing club. Chiffchaff with food in Hall Wood. 6 Reed Warblers. Lesser Whitethroat singing between Sheepwash and Lane End. Nuthatch with food at Sheepwash carpark. 2 Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. 4 singing Redstarts. Pied Wagtails with food on Stones and at Sheepwash. Fledged Grey Wagtails at Millfields and Middle Wood.SJR, RC, AHS, JB
2019-05-19Monthly WeBS count: 119 Canada Geese, 8 Barnacles, 12 Greylags, 4 Mute Swan, 4 Gadwall, 55 Mallard, 70 Tufted, 5 Little Grebe, 51 GCGrebe, 11 Cormorant, 5 Moorhen, 59 Coot, 10 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 2 LRP, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sand, 2 Redshank, 100 BHGulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. Also: 2 Peregrine over Hopton end, 7 singing Reed Warblers, 2 singing Lesser Whitethroat (Sheepwash and WLC creek) and 2 singing Redstart (Shiningford and Hall Wood).Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-05-18The winter-plumage Bar-tailed Godwit still on Horseshoe island, along with a Curlew. 1 Whimbrel through. New broods of 2 Canada Geese on Watersports island and 1 on Horseshoe. 1 Redstart singing above Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
2019-05-171 Common Tern, 2 Dunlin and 1 Whimbrel flew through this morning. 16 Cormorant. 2 first-summer Yellow-legged Gulls. c150 House Martins, 50 Sand Martins and 50 Swifts. Total of 7 singing Reed Warblers. Simon Roddis
2019-05-17Arctic Skua (pale phase) NW over J29a of M1 @09.15Brian Hedley
2019-05-16The Oystercatchers on Millfields island have one youngster. 10 Mute Swan, including sitting birds still on Sailing Club and Horseshoe islands. 18 immature GBbGulls and a 1st-summer Yellow-leg at sailing club. 100 BhGs at WLC. 1 Dunlin. Nuthatch with food at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2019-05-163 Common Sandpiper ,4Chiffchaff,2 Wren,12 Great crested Grebe,4 Greylag,3 oystercatcher,18 tufted DuckDavid Armitt
2019-05-15The winter-plumage Bar-tailed Godwit still on Horseshoe island. Pair of Mandarin below Hall Wood. Moorhen with 2 small young in Hopton reedbed. Black-headed Gulls are nesting again at WLC, 15-20 nests there and one in Brown Ale Bay. 4 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reebed. 2 singing Redstarts (Hopton end and Hall Wood). Spotted Flycatcher on the top path through Hall Wood. Birds with food: Blue Tit on Stones (box #4), Hall and Middle Woods; Great Tit on Stones (box #2), Hall and Middle Woods; Treecreeper in Hall Wood; Dunnock between Hall and Middle Woods; Tree Sparrow at WLC.Simon Roddis
2019-05-14Two Avocets - found by Ian Wright - were on Watersports island until 09:05 when they flew (though they might have come down again round the back of sailing club island). Winter-plumage Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island. 16 GBbGs, all immatures of various ages. Willow Tit and Blackcap with food on Stones island. Mistle Thrush nest with 4 young at Brown Ale Bay. Simon Roddis
2019-05-132 Whitethroat,8 Oystercatcher,4 lapwing,2 wren,15 Great Crested Grebe,5 Blackbird,20 Canada Goose,4 Graylag Goose,1 Sedge Warbler,1 Garden warbler,4 Gadwall,3 Chiffchaff,3 Reed Bunting,6 Tree Sparrow,2 Shoveler , 1 Stoat on stones island David Armitt
2019-05-12On the Warbler Walk this morning, views of Willow, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden and Sedge on Stones island, but surprisingly no Common Whitethroat. Earlier, total of 5 singing Reed Warblers (3 in Hopton reedbed, singles in Brown Ale Bay and at PS hide); 2 singing Spotted Flycatchers (BA Bay and Penn Carr); pair of Shoveler and 3 Dunlin over Stones; recently fledged Long-tailed Tits at Millfields stone barn; Blue and Great Tits taking food to boxes at Penn Carr; Tree Sparrows taking food away from Millfields feeders.Simon Roddis
2019-05-111 Black Tern from WLC / Stones Island 14.45 until 15.35 at least. Neil Moulden
2019-05-10A pretty good morning which quietened down when the weather 'improved'. One Little Tern, 2 Black Terns, 1 Common Tern, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Little Egret through between 08:15-10:30. Yesterday's 2 Barwits still present at the WLC. Single Ringed Plover, White Wagtail and 1st-s Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club. 1 Dunlin. 2 1st-s Common Gull. Similar numbers of hirundines to yesterday, with an increase in Swifts - at least 63. 2 Yellow Wagtails around Stones island, perhaps another over WLC creek. Black-headed Gulls are back nesting on Horseshoe island/WLC raft. No sign of the diver.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-05-09An afternoon visit produced 25 Arctic Terns from 15:30-15:45, 3 lingering Black Terns, and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit (adult female and one in winter plumage) at sailing club. At least 1,000 hirundines (if pushed, I would estimate c700 Sand Martins, 200 House Martins and 100 Swallows), plus 25 Swifts.Simon Roddis
2019-05-08150 House Martin,130 Sand Martin,120 Swallow,16 Great crest Grebe,20 Tufted Duck,8 Graylag Adults with 10 young,16 Canada goose,6 Mute Swan,2 Chiffchaff,1 Blue Tit,2 Robin,2 Song Thrush,4 Cormorant,15 Mallard +9 young,3 oystercatcher,2 Moorhen,1 pied Wagtail,1 Tawny owl in the wood behind Paul Stanley Hide David Armitt
2019-05-0707:30 to 09:30. Great northern diver still present off stones island.Birds on stones island include Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat,6 Sedge Warblers,Garden Warblers, Blackcaps, Willow Warbler,Chiffchaff,Reed buntings,Swift,Swallow and House Martins, 1 Common sand piper,2 Redshank. Sailing club shoreline 2 Little Ring Plovers, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank. Water Sports Shoreline 2 more Common sandpiper, 2 dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover. WLC reedbed 1 more Sedge Warbler. ian wright
2019-05-06Species list from the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk around Stones Island, WLC Creek and WLC (10am-noon): Swallow, Sand Martin, Blackcap, Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Blackbird, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Canada Goose, Gt Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Coot, Wren, Goldfinch, Cormorant, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Long-tailed Tit, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Great Northern Diver, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Herring Gull, Dunnock, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Buzzard, Magpie, Garden Warbler, Tree Sparrow and Little GrebeGary Atkins
2019-05-05This morning from Stones island, Great Northern Diver still present, 2 Little ringed plover, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Whimbel, 2 Swifts with Swallows and Martin's,and a good selection of Warblers including Willow, chiffchaff,Blackcap Common Whitethroat, Garden and Sedge Warbler. A H Stewardson
2019-05-04Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island at 16.00 hrs.Neil Moulden
2019-05-04Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island at 16.00 hrs.Neil Moulden
2019-05-03The GNDiver still this morning in pretty constant rain. A Turnstone flew through at 0930. 1 Dunlin. Lots of hirundines: c500 Sand Marrtin, 100 Swallow and 30-40 House Martin. 3 Swifts. 2 Mandarin and 4 Teal from Sheepwash. 3 singing Lesser Whitethroats (Sheepwash, Stones and WLC fields). We expected some terns to come through given the weather conditions, but none up to 1145 at least.SJR, AHS, RC
2019-05-02The GNDiver still this morning. 7 Mute Swan (2 nests). Canada Geese and Greylags with 6 young each below Middle Wood. Mallard broods of 4 and 4 near the visitor centre, and 13 at Sheepwash. 16 GBbG. 1 Yellow-leg. 2 Common Gulls. 6 Swifts. Lots of hirundines: c400 Sand Martin, 30 House Martin and 20 Swallows. 7 singing Sedge Warblers (5 on Stones, 2 WLC creek). 2 Lesser Whites in/at top of WLC creek. 4 singing Goldcrests (3 Hall Wood, 1 Penn Carr). Female Wheatear at the visitor centre. The Millfield Grey Wags appear to have just one fledged youngster.Simon Roddis
2019-05-01The GNDiver has made it into May - off Stones island this morning. 6 broods of Mallard ducklings (4,4,6,7,7,10). 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sand at Sailing Club. 9 GBbG. 2 Yellow-legs. 70 Woodpigeons flushed from Hall Wood by a low-flying Buzzard. Total of 7 singing Sedge Warblers (5 on Stones, 1 on the causeway and 1 at WLC). 2 singing Lesser Whites (WLC fields and Hays Lane). Fledged Blackbirds at Millfields stone barn. 1 Meadow Pipit and 2 Siskin over.Simon Roddis
2019-04-30The GNDiver was showing very well close to the shore off Stones island mid-morning, diving actively but looking rather splendid in full breeding plumage. Nothing new to report but 3 Common Gulls, 8 GBbG, the 3rd-summer Yellow-leg, 5 Garden Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, Goldcrest singing near the WLC, fledged Grey Wags at Millfields, Long-tailed Tits with food on Stones and at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-04-29The GNDiver had another fly around this morning before dropping back onto the water. Mallard broods: 7 and 12 in Brown Ale Bay; 8 at Shiningford, maybe same 8 as at WLC last week; 4 normal and 10 (started as 14) mixed race from Stones causeway. 4 Teal. 1f Goldeneye. 11 Buzzard. The Greenshank still. 11 Common Gull (4 1st-summers N, mixed group of 7 at Sailing Club). 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Little Grebe and Mistle Thrush sitting at BA Bay. c100 Sand Martin and 20 House Martin from Sheepwash. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing between Sheepwash and Lane End. Male Redstart at Hopton end. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-04-28The GNDiver had a fly around early morning but settled back on the water. Around Stones island and the WLC: 1 Arctic Tern, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 1 Swift, 4 Sedge Warbler. Elsewhere, a male Mandarin at Millfields, 2f Goldeneye, 3 Sparrowhawks over Hall Wood, 3rd-summer Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Collared Dove, 4 Garden Warbler.SJR, AHS, JB
2019-04-27This morning from Sheepwash Hide, very windy weather forced us to watch from the hide. Many Hirundines over the water, 2 Redshank,2 Oystercatchers, 2 Arctic Terns at 9:50 am followed at 9:55am by a first summer Kittiwake and a short while after a Whimbrel flew over,possibly the one that had been found earlier in front of the yatch club. AHS,JB,RC
2019-04-26This morning from Stones Island, Great Northern Diver still present, 1 Dunlin, 1 Swift, small numbers of Sand Martins and a good selection of Warblers including Sedge,Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Garden, Willow and Chiffchaff. A H Stewardson

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