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
2017-04-20Sedge warbler singing on Sailing club island. Clive Ashton
2017-04-19This morning the GN Diver, drake Red crested Pochard off Stones, 6 Whimbrel on Sailing Club Island until flew off at 08:05hr, 6 LRP, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, male Wheatear at Sheepwash, 4 White Wagtail.CA,RC,AHS.
2017-04-18Hopton end 3 Goldeneye, GBb Gull with missing foot, Grey Wagtail, Jay. From Stones Island GN Diver, Bar tailed Godwit on the back of Sailing Club Island, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 6 LR Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, Raven. WLC 3 Common Sandpiper.CA,JB,AHS
2017-04-17 Great Northern Diver, Pink footed Goose, 3 Gadwall, still at least 5 Ringed Plover present, 4 LRP, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Whimbrel through, 2 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1st summer Yellow legged Gull and Mediterranean Gull. CA,JB,RC,AHS
2017-04-16Hopton end to Flat Island, pair of Mandarin, pair of Goldeneye, 2 Common Sandpiper, pair of Little Ringed Plover around Flat Island, Lapwing sitting on Big Island also 5 Redshank and 3 pairs of Greylag there. From Stones Island GN Diver occasionally flying around, 2 Shelduck, 1 Pink footed Goose, 7 Ringed Plover, 5+ LRP, 1 Dunlin, GBbG, 3 Herring Gull, adult Kittiwake at 09:35hr until 10:45hr, 3rd summer Yellow legged Gull, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 5+ Buzzard, Raven, male Redstart, 3 pairs of Song Thrush, 2 White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit over. Sheepwash 1 Dunlin. Millfields 4 pairs Barnacle Geese and 1st summer Mediterranean Gull.CA,RC,JB,AHS
2017-04-15GN Diver, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Gadwall, Mallard brood of 4, 7 Ringed Plover, 4 Little ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Wheatear on Watersports Island, 5 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Skylark over, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 1st summer Mediterranean Gull at Millfields, 10 Linnet on Stones Island.Clive Ashton/Jon Bradley
2017-04-14Osprey at Carsington water 13:00 made a failed attempt dive near shiningford creek then circled high and drifted north at 13:17. Adrian Siddall
2017-04-14Arctic Tern mid AM, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, Great Northern Diver and a leucistic Black-headed Gull on Millfields Island.JB, AHS
2017-04-14WeBS count for April - Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 6, Great Crested Grebe 37, Cormorant 12, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 5, Greylag Goose 9, Canada Goose 128, Barnacle Goose 14, Gadwall 3, Teal 11, Mallard 41, Tufted Duck 58, Goldeneye 4, Moorhen 8, Coot 72, Oystercatcher 12, Little Ringed Plover 4, Lapwing 8, Snipe 1, Redshank 11, Common Sandpiper 2, Turnstone 1.JB, SJR
2017-04-14morning between 10.00 and 12.00. Red Necked Grebe identified from photo at RSPB Coombe Valley reserve by warden who suggested I submit my sighting. It was near the osprey platforms.Pam Harwood
2017-04-13GN Diver still present,15 Barnacle Geese around site,3 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper around Stones Island,1 Snipe at WLC,1 Yellow Wagtail on Watersports Island. Clive Ashton
2017-04-10This morning from Stones Island 2 Little ringed Plovers, Great Northern Diver still present, 100 plus hirudines mainly Sand Martins but including 30 Swallows and 1 House Martin, Curlews heard as was Yellow Wagtail but unfortunately not seen. Alan Stewardson
2017-04-09Yellow Wagtail on Horseshoe Island this evening. Turnstone still on Stones Island plus 2 Willow Warblers. Dave Newcombe
2017-04-09Sandwich Tern briefly at 9:10am off Stones Island plus 2 on Horseshoe Island at 10:40am with at least 1 still present at 11:00. Mallard with a brood of 11 in Shiningford Creek, Turnstone on Watersports Island.JB, CA
2017-04-08Green Woodpecker, Tawny Owl, Stock Dove & Blackcap at Tailbay. Also fox around Tailbay ponds.John, Matkin
2017-04-07An Osprey flew NW over Brown Ale Bay at 12:08, flushing a few ducks and gulls as it did so, but didn't stop. 1 Turnstone on Horseshoe island. The GNDiver still. 3 Gadwall. 1m Shoveler in BA Bay. 3 Golden Plover flew through. 2 LRP. 1 sum plum Dunlin at Sheepwash. 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull. 150 Sand Martins with 5+ Swallows and at least 1 House Martin. 10+ Linnets around Stones island.SJR, CA, AHS, KR
2017-04-061 House Martin among 100 Sand Martins and 5 Swallows in Sailing Club Bay this morning. The GNDiver still. 2 Gadwall. 2 female Goldeneye from Sheepwash. 24 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 2 Fieldfare north over WLC creek. 2 Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2017-04-05This morning from Stones Island, Great Northern Diver still present, 50+ Sand Martins, 3 Swallows, 2 Shellduck, 1 Skylark plus the now good numbers of chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers. Alan Stewardson
2017-04-04A Little Egret dropped in at 0845 and appeared to land in Brown Ale Bay but not seen again to 11:00. GNDiver still present. 7+ Swallows and 12+ Sand Martins. Male Mandarin in Fishtail and at least 3 Gadwall around. 1 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 1 LRP.SJR, CA, AHS
2017-04-01The GNDiver still. 8 Swallows and 50 Sand Martins on Stones. Whooper Swan briefly. 2 Wigeon. 2 LRP and 1 Ringed Plover.SJR, JB, AHS
2017-04-01Common Sandpiper - Millfields 12.10A and G Hattersley
2017-03-31A Swallow briefly from Stones island this morning. The GNDiver still, 2 LRP, Ringed Plover, Willow Warbler on Stones, Blackcap at Millfields, 20+ Sand Martins, pair Gadwall, female Goosander.SHR, RC, AHS
2017-03-300620-1125: the GNDiver still, off Stones. 2 Willow Warblers (WLC and Stones) and a Common Sandpiper (Stones) were the first of the year. 20 Sand Martins arrived during a rain shower mid-morning. 1 Herring Gull. 2 GBbG. 1 Redwing at Hopton. 5 Grey Wags out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 3 Linnet and 2 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-03-29The GNDiver still, 2 drake Common Scoter, 7 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall (Brown Ale Bay), 18 Barnacles, 11 Greylags, 1 LRP display flighting on Stones, 1 Dunlin, 32 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning, 1 Raven, 3 Skylark, 5+ Sand Martin and male Wheatear on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-03-28Misty AM, 2 Curlew, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Lapwing, 6 Snipe at Sheepwash, also 2 Shoveler and 1 Grey Wagtail at Lane End WLC: 8 Snipe, 8 Sand Martin through, Great Northern Diver, 10 Barnacle Geese, 1 Greylag, 8 Tree Sparrow, 2 Willow Tit, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 6 Teal, c.300 Jackdaw over Carsington pastures No sign of yesterday's Grey Plover.James Owen
2017-03-28Very foggy this morning so I decided to do another Tree Sparrow survey, I managed to count 23 Tree Sparrows and also found a singing male Blackcap.Alan Stewardson
2017-03-27Stones island, 1730-1915: this must be the best time of day to see the GNDiver, quite close and in great light from Stones. 2 LRP, 3 Curlew and 1 Dunlin. 600 Common Gulls roosting, 150 LBbGs, 1 GBbG, 1 Herring Gull and 1 1st-winter Yellow-legged. 33 Pied Wags.Simon Roddis
2017-03-270800-1100: Alan and I did a count of singing birds this morning, taking one side of the reservoir each. Totals were: 93 Chiffchaffs, 104 Wrens, 104 Robins (yes, identical numbers of Wren and Robin), 14 Blackbirds, 20 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 31 Dunnock, 11 Chaffinch, 1 Skylark. Also: The GNDiver still present, a winter plumage Grey Plover on Horseshoe island, pair of Gadwall in Brown Ale Bay, pair of Mandarin, 13 Oystercatcher, 6 Redshank, 1st-w GBBG, 11 GS Woodpecker, 4 Redwing, 31 Bullfinch.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-03-260615-1000: the GNDiver still from Stones. 1 LRP on Watersports island. 14 Curlew. 8 GBbGulls. 2 Jack Snipe and 2 Mandarins at Hopton reedbed early morning. 12 Greylags. 24 Lesser Redpolls.SJR, CA, RC
2017-03-24Black-necked Grebe off Dam Wall at 6:00pm, 2 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull in roost.John Bradley
2017-03-24Yesterday's possible Red-necked Grebe was looked for but not seen this morning. The GNDiver was still present, and LRP again on Watersports island. 3 Greylags. 1 Mandarin. Pair of Goosander. 8 Goldeneye at Sheepwash. 11 Buzzards. 3 Curlew. 2 Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed early morning. 'One-foot' the juv GBbG still there. 2 Raven at Lane End. 5 Willow Tits. 2 Skylark.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-03-23I had a visitor at Coombes Valley today who'd just been to Carsington. They showed me a photo that they'd taken (today) of a 'strange' grebe. It was slightly blurred, but it look rather like a winter Red-necked Grebe. From what they told me, it sounds like they saw it from Lane Ends Hide. Worth checking out? Regards, PaulPaul Bennett
2017-03-231 Little Ringed Plover this morning, first on Watersports island then later on Horseshoe island with a Ringed Plover. The GNDiver still. 4 Shoveler (3m,1f) and male Gadwall, at first at Millfields then at the WLC. 1f Goosander, 1f Mandarin and 1 Kingfisher at Millfields. 19 Cormorant. 1 Grey Heron. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-03-22The GNDiver still present. 3 Dunlin on the Stones causeway were new. There's a one-footed 1st-winter GBbG around at the moment, it was at Sheepwash around 10:00. And also in the last few days I've seen Common Gulls sitting on the water, stretching their heads up and braying, just like Herrings and LBbGs do, though not quite as loud! I've not seen Commons doing that before.Simon Roddis
2017-03-21Afternoon visit full curcuit of the res great northern diver from lane end hide.8 little grebes.2 grey herons.11 cormorants.7 mute swans.189 canada geese.16 barnacle geese.2 greylag geese (inc orange neck collar bird ppx).15 teal.drk shoveler.80 tufted ducks.17 goldeneyes (7 drakes).13 oystercatchers.12 curlew.9 redshank.2 lapwings.3 moorhens.male wheatear still on the dam wall late afternoon.Chris brown
2017-03-21The GNDiver still. 4 Mandarins (2 pairs) at Millfields. 3 Goosander. 6+ Redshank. 1 1st-winter Herring Gull. 1+ Peregrine. Skylark singing on the dam wall. 15 Starling E. 12 Redwing. Male Wheatear on the dam wall. 11 Bullfinch at Millfields including a party of 9 (5m,4f).Simon Roddis
2017-03-201130-1630: the highlight was an early Osprey which flew W over Stones island at 14:25, the earliest ever at Carsington by 6 days. The GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields. 21 Barnacle Geese on Horseshoe island. 4 Greylags. Maybe as many as 15 Buzzards in the air - 8 down the east side, 7 on the west. An immature, probably female, Peregrine. 3 sub-ad Herring Gull. 1 ad GBbG. 5 Stock Doves. 120 Starlings E. 2 Linnet and 3 Lesser Redpolls on Stones.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2017-03-170550-1140: the GNDiver still. 4 Greylags including the neck-collar, 25 Barnacles, 4 Wigeon, 36 Curlew on Stones early morning, 1 imm GBbG, 3 Herring Gull, 2 Raven at Millfields, 20 Redwing, male Wheatear on the dam wall, 1 Lesser Redpoll on Stones, 12 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2017-03-16Greylag Goose with red neck ring Hopton end island. Unable to read the numberIan Scrimshaw
2017-03-16The GNDiver still this morning, and a male Wheatear on the dam wall. 3 Greylags. 12 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarins. Female Goosander. 2 Grey Herons. The Ruff from Sheepwash. 1 imm Herring Gull. 5 Stock Dove. 1 Raven. 30 Redwing. Simon Roddis
2017-03-15Highlights from circular walk (0815-1230): Ruff in Brown Ale Bay, 6 Goldeneye (4m,2f) off Big Island, Jack Snipe flushed from Hopton reedbed, Sparrowhawk in Hall Wood, Buzzard on ground in field just behind Hall Wood, Gt Northern Diver off Stones, Cetti's Warbler on Stones (51 species in all). Also 2 Comma and 2 Brimstone butterflies.Gary Atkins
2017-03-15The GNDiver still, from Stones. 3 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 5 Greylags. 3 Grey Heron. The Ruff still, at Sheepwash. 8+ Redshank. 3 Jack Snipe and 2 Woodcock at Hopton reedbed early morning. 13 Feral Pigeons in Tail Bay. Green Woodpecker calling in Tail Bay early morning. Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones. 150 Starlings through. Only 2 Grey Wags out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 3 Linnets.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-03-14This morning, the GNDiver still, 25 Barnacle Geese, 3 Greylags including one with an orange neck collar, 1 Ringed Plover on Watersports island, 1 Dunlin, Tawny Owl calling down the Tail Bay track, 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin through, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 15 Chiffchaff between Sheepwash and Tail Bay, 7 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall, 27 Tree Sparrows.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-03-13Afternoon visit great northern diver.5 little grebe.grey heron.18 cormorants.5 mute swan.148 canada geese.7 greylag geese.25 barnacle geese.23 teal.21 wigeon.12 goldeneye.2 common scoter 1 male.ruff and dunlin(at sheepwash).9 lapwing.4 redshank.12 oystercatchersChris brown/dave newcombe
2017-03-13This morning, the GNDiver still, pair of Common Scoter, pair of Goosander, 3 Wigeon, 7 Greylags, 1 Ringed Plover, the Ruff still, 1 Dunlin, ad GBbG, Kingfisher at Millfields, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 12 Chiffchaff, 10 Bullfinch (8 at Millfields).SJR, AHS, RC
2017-03-12This morning, the GNDiver still, 2 Shelduck, 3 Mandarin, 7 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, the Ruff still, 2 Dunlin, 2 JackSnipe at Hopton reedbed early morning, ad GBbG, 2 Herring Gull, Cettis' Warbler on Stones island still, 18 Chiffchaff, 250 Starling E.SJR, CA, AHS
2017-03-11March WeBS count - Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 7, Great Crested Grebe 56, Cormorant 25, Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 8, Greylag Goose 5, Canada Goose 110, Barnacle Goose 21, Shelduck 1, Teal 50, Mallard 71, Pintail 2, Pochard 1, Tufted Duck 63, Goldeneye 13, Goosander 2, Moorhen 7, Coot 242, Oystercatcher 19, Lapwing 5, Dunlin 1, Ruff 1, Snipe 35, Curlew 34, Redshank 8, Kingfisher 1. Plus Sand Martin thru N over Stones 0850hrs, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 2+Chiffchaff and 10 Common Buzzards over Blackwall Plantation.JB, SJR, AHS
2017-03-10The main event this morning was a party of 7 AVOCETS, on Stones from 0725 to 0850 and then moving up to Sheepwash. They flew around a couple of times as if they wanted to leave but were put off by the murky weather. Still at Sheepwash to 1120 at least. Also: the GNDiver still, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Greylags, 23 Barnacle Geese, 4 Wigeon, 6 Goldeneye, 22 Curlew, the Ruff, 78 Common Snipe at WLC, ad GBbG, female Kingfisher at Millfields, 1 Skylark, Cetti's Warbler on Stones, 2 Chiffchaff (Stones and Sheepwash), 120 Redwing, 2 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin, 15 Goldfinch.SJR, CA, RC
2017-03-09This afternoon, the GNDiver off Millfields, 21 Barnacle Geese at WLC, 2 Shelduck on Stones, 20 Cormorant, 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull, ad GBbG, 5 Curlew, 5 Redshank, 15 Common Snipe, Cetti's Warbler on Stones. Late pm at Hopton reedbed, Water Rail calling, 1 Woodcock, 1 Peregrine, 150 Starlings N.Simon Roddis
2017-03-07Very much the usual suspects this morning: GNDiver, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Curlew, ad GBbG etc. The main event was some extreme aggro between Mute Swans at PS hide, which started rather oddly when 2 birds flew in from the east and one of them hit a tree and crash-landed on the shore of the res. When it regained its composure it swam across towards PSH after the other bird of the two. A pair of swans were already at PSH and they took exception to the new arrivals: one of them repeatedly chased one of the new birds away (a female based on the slimness of its neck). I assume that the chasing bird was also a female but it did seem to have a rather stout neck so I'm not certain about that. The other birds, both males based on their thick necks and large knobs at the base of the bill, had a real set-to, a full-on fight, grabbing each other's wings with their bills amid lots of wing-flapping and splashing. One of them, I assume the male that had already been present, got the upper hand and repeatedly grabbed the other one's head and neck with its bill. They came out of the water and for some minutes the 'winning' bird actually stood on top of the other bird, holding its neck with its bill all the while. The 'losing'' bird broke free and ran towards the hide, the other one hot on its tail until they reached the bank behind the feeder to the right of the hide, when it again grabbed the losing bird's neck and held it down. This carried on for a while longer until I managed to catch their attention and they separated, the losing bird managing to escape over the water and the winner washing and preening itself after its exertions. I don't know how long this might have gone on had they not separated, but I suspect that the losing bird would have come out even worse than it did. I was surprised that the second bird of the initial pair didn't return, at least while I was there, so it will be interesting to see if there are any further developments there.Simon Roddis

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