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
08/05/2024A Common Tern was the only suggestion of movement this morning. Drake Common and RcPochard still. 1 Common Sandpiper. Fledged Long-tailed Tits at WLC and female Blackcap with food on Stones. 60+ Canada Geese gathered off Watersports island at one point while 50 Black-headed Gulls circled overhead. The cause of their anxiety: a female Roe Deer on the island (that's 3 days on the trot I've seen Roe Deer here, the other 2 being a buck/bucks).Simon Roddis
07/05/2024A flock of 8 Little Egrets this morning was unexpected, although they didn't stay long. First time I've seen more than 3 here in the first half of the year. Drake PcPochard still. 11 Garden Warblers in the areas I covered. 4 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. Pied Flycatcher still in Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
05/05/2024Species noted during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island/WLC): Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard, Gt Crested Grebe, Red-throated Diver, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wren, Robin, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Sedge warbler, BH Gull, Buzzard, Red Kite, Reed Bunting, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Lapwing.Gary Atkins
05/05/20243.40pm Red Throated Diver still present. Viewed from Stones Island looking NE. Quite distant.Emma Hattersley-Hornett
05/05/2024The Red-throated Diver was still present this morning, looking from Stones island. Drake Shoveler and RcPochard still. 3 Common Sandpiper. And a Roe Deer buck swam across the reservoir (west to east), as they do...Simon Roddis
05/05/2024A very decent morning. Biggest surprise was a Red-throated Diver which Clive initially picked up in flight; it circled for 3-4 minutes and seemed to be gaining height when we lost it at 09:05. Twenty minutes later it appeared on the water and remained for the rest of the morning at least. It is in transitional plumage, not full summer but on its way there. An adult Kittiwake flew down the res at almost the same time and showed now and them over the next hour. 3 (or more?) Arctic Terns passed through, 3 Whimbrel were on Horseshoe island and 3 Dunlin on the dam wall, plus 8 and 2 unidentified small waders. A White Wagtail on Stones causeway. Drake Red-crested and 3 Common Pochard still. 4 Swifts, 100s of hirundines (mostly Swallows and Sand Martins). 1 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields.Simon Roddis
02/05/2024Very little to report from 1/5/24; 3 Pochard (2m,1f), 2m Shoveler, drake R-c Pochard, a Shelduck flew towards WLC 19:15 hr, 2 Common Sandpiper. Great Crested Grebes at WLC with young.Clive Ashton
03/05/2024This morning, Clive picked up 3 Arctic Terns off Stones, followed later by another 2. 1 Common Tern. Drake Shoveler and RcPochard, and 3 Common Pochard still. Curlew at sailing club early on. 1 immature Great Black-back. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC fields and Common Whitethroat singing on Stones causeway. 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields and 3 Lesser Redpoll flew N (seem to be a few moving through at the moment).Simon Roddis
01/05/2024Perimeter count this morning: 7 Jay, 23 Magpie, 9 Coal Tit, 4 Willow, 126 Blue, 46 Great, 13 Long-tailed, 5 Nuthatch, 5 Treecreeper, 17 Willow Warbler, 122 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge, 3 Reed, 65 Blackcap, 11 Garden, 1 Lesser White, 118 Wren, 31 Song Thrush, 8 Mistle, 103 Blackbird, 122 Robin, 1 Pied Fly, 6 Redstart, 39 Dunnock, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Yellow Wag, 5 Pied Wag, 15 Chaffinch, 13 Bullfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 12 Linnet, 22 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting. The female Bar-tailed Godwit was still around WLC creek, drake Shoveler still, 1 Swift, 3 Common Sand, 1 Little Egret, 9 Buzzard.Simon Roddis
26/04/2024Male and female Bar-tailed Godwits still, feeding in Shiningford creek this morning. Pair of Common Scoter off Lane End. Drake Red-crested and 2 Common Pochard still. Pair of Moorhen on Stones with 4 chicks. 4 Sparrowhawks. 2 Garden Warblers singing on Stones. Pied Flycatcher singing in Middle Wood. 4 singing Redstarts. 2 Yellow Wagtails over the dam wall. Male Brambling still singing on Stones. Lesser Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
28/04/2024A bit damp for a Songbird Walk, but a Hobby from the WLC (found by Jon B), 9 Arctics and a Common Tern made up for it. Drake Shoveler and RcPochard. 4 Pochard. 1 fly-over Black-tailed Godwit. 1 Swift from Stones. Guesstimates of hirundine numbers: c500 Swallow, 200 Sand and 30 House Martins.Simon Roddis
24/04/2024Early evening visit. An Osprey flew N over the WLC, mobbed by gulls, at 18:25, and the first Swift of the year from Stones at 19:00. Single Arctic Tern off Stones. Pairs of Common and Red-crested Pochards still. Vocal Whimbrel around Horseshoe island. Common Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
23/04/2024The Bar-tailed Godwit again on Horseshoe island and in WLC fields this morning. Influx of Redshank included 12 at sailing club (16 in total). Couldn't find the GNDiver - it would be an extremely early departure date if it has in fact left. A cream-crown Marsh Harrier flew W past Stones at 09:10. Clive had a single Arctic Tern early morning. Pair of RcPochard again, 3 Pochard, 3 Mandarin. 1 Dunlin past Stones. 2 Whimbrel in WLC fields. 2 Lesser Whitethroats singing at Sheepwash/Lane End. A male Brambling on Stones.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
22/04/2024Early evening in light rain off Millfields: 13 Arctic Terns, 3 Kittiwake (2 ads and 1st s), RC Pochard pr., GN Diver, plus Bar tailed Godwit with BH Gulls on Horseshoe Is.Richard Lowe
22/04/2024The poor weather brought 17 Arctic Terns in between 07:35-08:10. The GNDiver still from Stones, 2 Shelduck, pairs of Shoveler, Pochard and RcPochard, 3 Whimbrel on Horseshoe island early morning and presumably the same birds later over Stones. Hirundines: c100 each of Swallow and Sand Martin, and 10 House Martins.Simon Roddis
18/04/2024Slavonian Grebe showing well at Hopton End. Blackcap and maybe Garden Warbler singing in Hopton itself. Reed Warbler singing Hopton end. Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff singing Stones Island.Natalie Windsor
18/04/2024Osprey, flying over near Janet Ede hide. Attempted to dive for a fish although gulls began mobbing. We lost sight of it after 5-10 minutes.Natalie Windsor
20/04/2024Three new birds for the year (as far as I'm aware) this morning: a Whimbrel on Horseshoe island early morning, a Lesser Whitethroat singing on Watersports island and a Grasshopper Warbler singing at Millfields. The GNDiver was looking splendid off Stones island. Pair of RcPochard north of Millfields. 2 drake Shoveler. 5 Goldeneye. 3 Pochard. Far fewer hirundines this morning, c80 Sand Martins, 10 Swallows, 2 House Martins. 2 male Wheatears on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/04/20242 Sandwich Terns flew past Flat Island early morning, the GNDiver was still between Stones and Millfields, but no sign of yesterday's Slavonian Grebe. 9 Black-tailed Godwit (8 lovely summer-plumage Icelandic birds) and 5 Dunlin on Horseshoe Island. 3+ Common Sandpiper. 3 Goldeneye. c500 Sand Martins and 100 Swallows. Whitethroat singing near Flat Island. 6 Mistle Thrushes, including 4 (perhaps a family party) over Hopton end.Simon Roddis
17/04/2024A drake Red-breasted Merganser was at Millfields first thing, and later off Stones to 10:00 at least - completes the set of 3 sawbills for the year. The GNDiver still from Stones. Female RcPochard still. 1 Dunlin on Horseshoe island. 3 Common Sandpiper at Millfields and Willow Tit singing there. 4 male Wheatears on the dam wall.SJR, AHS, CA
16/04/2024The GNDiver was between Stones island and Millfields much of the morning. Pair of Mandarin in Shiningford creek. 3 Goldeneye. Common Tern around Horseshoe island. Loads of hirundines: c200 Sand Martin, 5 House, 30 Swallows. 3 singing Sedge Warblers. At least 2 male Redstarts in WLC creek. 3 male Wheatears on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
15/04/2024A couple of hours in Sheepwash hide in horrible conditions. The only things of note were a White Wagtail on the spit and 3 Common Sandpipers. Neil Loverock had a Yellow Wagtail near the bombing tower.Clive Ashton/Alan Stewardson
12/04/20242 Little grebe,5 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch, 5 Redshank, 2 Wren, 2 Blackcap, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Bullfinch, 14 Barnacle Goose, 10 Cormorant, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Oystercatcher, 5 Sand Martin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Willow WarblerDavid Armitt
11/04/2024The GNDiver still from Stones. 2 Sandwich Terns off Stones/Watersports most of the morning. 1 Common Tern. The first-summer Little and Med Gulls again on Horseshoe island. 25 Barnacles. 6 Mute Swan. Male Mandarin in WLC creek. Pair of Pochard in BABay. Female RcPochard at Millfields. 2 Common Sandpiper. Kingfisher at Millfields. First-summer male Wheatear again on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
10/04/2024The GNDiver still from Stones this morning, and the first-summer Little and Med Gulls again at WLC. A singing Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed is the earliest record here by 4 days. 4 singing Redstarts in the Hopton, Hall/Middle Woods area. 31 Barnacle Geese. The female RcPochard still at Millfields. 2 drake Goosander flew N. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. Male Wheatear and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
09/04/2024As far as I'm aware, no sign of yesterdays' Slavonian Grebe to 11:00 at least. The GNDiver still from Stones, and first-summer Little and Mediterranean Gulls at the WLC. 1 Common Tern. 1 Little Egret flew past the new Sheepwash hide. 6 Common and the female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields.Simon Roddis
08/04/2024Star bird this morning (and the year so far) was a summer-plumage Slavonian Grebe found by Neil Loverock at the WLC. Gorgeous bird, deservedly attracting some admirers. Supporting cast of GNDiver, first-summer Little and Med Gulls, 1 Common and 2 Arctic Terns, Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow Wagtails and a Brambling.SJR, AHS, CA
08/04/2024Slavonian Grebe still distant from behind Horseshoe Island.Richard Pittam
07/04/2024Species noted during today's monthly Birdwatching for Beginner's walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): Canada Goose, House Sparrow, Coot, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Cormorant, Gt Northern Diver, BH Gull, LBB Gull, House Martin, Sand Martin, Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Oystercatcher, Magpie, Goldfinch, Gt Crested Grebe, Siskin, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon.Gary Atkins
06/04/2024Red Kite over, Great Northern diver, 2 Grey wagtail around dam wall.Matthew Birkin
07/04/2024Another decent morning: the first-summer Med Gull was on Horseshoe island early on (and later from Stones), a Common Tern really close on Stones causeway and later 3 Arctic Terns, the earliest ever here by 4 days, off Stones. The GNDiver still from Stones, took a short flight at one point. 30+ Barnacle Geese. Drake Shoveler. 2 Red-legged Partridge on Hays Lane (Millfields). 2 Dunlin. The most hirundines yet this year: c50 Swallows, 30 Sand Martins and 2+ House Martins on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS, JB
06/04/2024An excellent spring morning. In the WLC/Stones area, 2 Little Gulls, single Common and Sandwich Terns and a first-summer Med Gull. The GNDiver still. Male Redstart in Hall Wood. And the monthly wildfowl count: 179 Canada, 2 Barnacle, 38 Greylag, 4 Mute Swan, 10 Gadwall, 77 Mallard, 1 Pochard, the female RcPochard, 67 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 1 Water Rail in Hopton reedbed, 6 Moorhen, 60 Coot, 5 LGrebe, 60 GCGrebe, 15 Oystercatcher, 5 Redshank, 8 Curlew, 13 Cormorant, 4 Heron.SJR, JB, CA
05/04/20246 Chiffchaff,1 shoveler, 6 Oystercatcher, 3 Buzzard, 5 Barnacle goose, 1 Red Kite, 3 Willow Warbler, 9 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Gadwall, 4 Sand martin , 1 House MartinDavid Armitt
05/04/2024Another Osprey this morning, fairly briefly over Shiningford/Lane End at 08:35. The GNDiver off Stones still and the female RcPochard off the east side. Drake Shoveler and Teal. 2 Kestrels (my first here since February). 1 adult Herring Gull. 1 House Martin from Stones.Simon Roddis
04/04/2024The GNDiver still this morning. 10 Goldeneye (6m,4f). Clive had a House Martin over the dam wall and it or another was over Stones causeway with Sand Martins later. Total of 6 Jays.Simon Roddis
02/04/2024The highlight this morning was an Osprey which flew slowly north between 10:50-10:58, mobbed at one point by a Buzzard. The GNDiver was still off Stones. 12 Curlew on Horseshoe island early morning. 2 Swallows and 15 Sand Martins. 4 singing Willow Warblers. Small northward movement of Woodpigeons (35) and Meadow Pipits (23). 14 Siskin at Millfields. Clive and Alan also had 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and a Pochard.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
01/04/2024The GNDiver from Stones island all morning. 35 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Shoveler. The female RcPochard still off Oldfield Lane. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. 13 Oystercatcher. 4 Redshank. Willow Warbler singing at the main centre.Simon Roddis
31/03/2024Perimeter count this morning: 32 Pheasant (29 males), 9 Moorhen, 4 LGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 5 Redshank, 3 drumming GSWoodpecker, 15 Coal, 5 Willow, 101 Blue, 64 Great and 10 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Skylark, 1 Willow Warbler, 185 Chiffchaffs (169 singing), 18 singing Blackcaps, 135 Wren, 11 Nuthatch, 17 Treecreeper, 40 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle, 91 Blackbirds, 144 Robin, 49 Dunnock, 21 Chaffinch, 1 Hawfinch, 7 Bullfinch, 24 Goldfinch, 22 Siskin, 5 Reed Bunting. 6 Shoveler (4m,2f), 2 drake Pochard and my first brood of Mallard ducklings, 7 at Millfields island.Simon Roddis
30/03/2023The GNDiver was off Stones all morning. 35 Barnacle Geese. 12 Goldeneye. 12 Curlew on Horseshoe island early morning. 5 Redshank. 2 immature Herring Gulls. Black cap, Willow Warbler and Willow Tit - 2 of each singing. Total of 5 Linnet over Stones/dam wall.Simon Roddis
29/03/2024The GNDiver off Stones still. A Whooper Swan flew in early morning and lingered off the dam wall. 9 Black-tailed Godwits still, but flushed by a Peregrine and not seen subsequently. 2 drake Pochard. 4 Redshank. Swallow and Sand Martin over Stones causeway. Singing Blackcaps on Stones and in Middle Wood. Clive had the singing Willow Warbler again near the main centre. 8 Treecreepers in Hall/Middle Woods. 2 Tree Sparrows at WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
26/03/2024This morning started cold but warmed up as the morning progressed, one lucky person had an Osprey fly over near Hopton, we could not refind it unfortunately. 5 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 1 Barn owl, 3 Shoveller, 28 Barnacle Geese, 2 Peregrines, 3 Grey Herons, 25 Fieldfares flying over Blackwall plantation, 1 Redkite, 1 Sparrowhawk, 200 Common Gulls, 7 Buzzards, Great Northern Diver and a Blackcap singing on Stones Island. Chiffchaffs everywhere at the moment.AHS, CA.
22/03/2024This morning from Stones Island and the WLC, 2 CURLEW, 5 Redshank, 2 Black Tailed Godwits, 14 Goldeneye, 30 + Barnacle Geese, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Sand Martins and the Great Northern Diver.AHS, CA.
21/03/2024Misty morning today, 1 Curlew, 2 Redshank and a Dunlin at the WLC, Stones Island produced 24 Sand Martins, 1 Little Ringed Plover, Great Northern Diver off the East bank, 6 Chiffchaffs and 23 Barnacle Geese.AHS, CA.
18/03/2024The GNDiver still from Stones island this morning. Movement included 246 Woodpigeons N, 120 Fieldfare N and 52 S, 34 Redwing N, 50 Starling N. 4 drake Shoveler, flighty but hanging around. Only 10 Pochard, must have been a big clear-out overnight (113 yesterday). 19 Goldeneye. The female RcPochard still at Millfields. Water Rail, Kingfisher and Woodcock at Hopton end early morning. 1 Sand Martin on Stones.Simon Roddis
16/03/2023A cracking early spring morning. A drake Common Scoter, 2 adult Caspian Gulls (presumably roosted overnight) and the GNDiver from the dam wall first thing. An adult Kittiwake flew in at 08:25 and settled amongst B-h Gulls at Millfields, and a male Wheatear was on the dam wall at 09:10. c35 Barnacle Geese. The female RcPochard still north of Millfields. 4 Redshank on Horseshoe island. A 360 scan from the dam wall mid-morning produced 44 Buzzards and 4 Sparrowhawks. Steady trickle of northbound Woodpigeons amounted to at least 100. 3 singing Skylarks. 33 Fieldfare above Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
15/03/2024The GNDiver still from Stones island. A Jack Snipe was in Hopton reedbed early morning. An Egyptian Goose flew S past Stones at 09:18 (Carsi tick for Alan). 16 Wigeon and a drake Pintail flew in early morning, very skittish. 31 Barnacle Geese. 73 Mallard. 176 Pochard. 23 Goldeneye. 55 GCGrebe. 15 Oystercatcher. A Kingfisher flew past Middle Wood. 15 singing Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
13/03/2024From Stones island this morning, GNDiver, pair of Shelduck, Sand Martin, 12 Buzzards. At WLC, adult Med Gull, 33 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarin at Millfields early on, and Barn Owl in Tail Bay. The female RcPochard off the east side. 3 Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
11/03/2024This morning from Paul Stanley hide, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Redkite, 73 Pochard, 6 Goldeneye , 7 Gadwall, 2 Teal,5 Whooper Swans, Great Northern Diver and 5 Oystercatchers.AHS
11/03/2024The GNDiver was between Stones island and the dam wall late morning. The 5 Whooper Swans still, towards the north end of the res; must be a chance they'll leave now that the weather has improved a bit. Little Egret at Sheepwash. Chiffchaffs singing at Millfields and on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/03/2024The GNDiver was off Stones mid-morning, now looking pretty full-winged. A Golden Plover flew NE over Stones at 09:30. Yesterday's 5 Whooper Swans still. 3+ Redshank. 3 Chiffchaffs. 70 Starlings at Hays Lane.Simon Roddis

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