Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon RoddisA Whimbrel was on the dam wall early morning and departed NE at 07:45. Second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull again at Watersports. Female Goldeneye again off Stones island. Redstarts at Hopton end and WLC fields (per Clive). Grey Wagtail with food at Millfields.07/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found a Spotted Flycatcher at the Lane End bombing tower this morning, first of the year we believe. Female Goldeneye and Red-crested Pochard still off Stones, the latter again hanging out with a male Common Pochard. 2 Shelduck. Curlew at sailing club and 2+ Redshank.06/05/2025
SJR, AHS, CA, KR5 Arctic Terns (4+1) through this morning (AHS,CA). Female Goldeneye still off Stones and male Mandarin at Sheepwash (KR). 20 Swifts, 100+ Sand Martins and single figures of House Martin and Swallow. Immature Common Gull again. Whitethroat singing in Tail Bay (a real scarcity here these days).05/05/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBirdwatching for beginners walk. house sparrow, BH gull, blackbird, robin, willow warbler, chiffchaff, sedge warbler, blackcap, garden warbler, swallow, swift, redshank, house Martin, sand Martin, mallard, tufted duck, gadwall, pochard, mute swan, Canada goose, greylag goose, moorhen, little grebe, gt Cr grebe, oystercatcher, coot, buzzard, crow, magpie, long-tailed tit, cormorant, goldfinch, pied wagtail, woodpigeon, wren, common sandpiper. 36 species.04/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonHighlights this morning were a Whimbrel and 2 fly-through Bar-tailed Godwits (only Clive saw the latter). 22 Swifts included 15 going N and 7 loitering. Female Goldeneye, female Red-crested and a pair of Common Pochard off Stones. 1 immature Common Gull. 4+ Sparrowhawks. Immature Peregrine past Stones. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed, and Pied Flycatcher and Redstart in Hall Wood. 1 Siskin over Hopton end.04/05/2025
Christina KennedyThis afternoon in a field across from WLC, I saw a godwit. I'm just not 100 percent sure which one but I have photos.30/04/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter counts this morning: 40 Pheasant, 4 singing Stock Dove, 3 Collared Dove, 2 GSWoodpecker, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Willow, 124 Blue, 47 Great, 5 Long-tailed, 50 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 150 Chiffchaff, 14 Sedge, 3 Reed, 56 Blackcap, 9 Garden, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Goldcrest, 164 Wren, 1 Pied Flycatcher, only 1 Redstart (very disappointing), 115 Robin, 34 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle, 103 Blackbird, 37 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 15 Chaffinch, 12 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 32 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting. Clive's 3 Common Scoters still present mid-morning.26/04/2025
Dave Armitt8 Sedge Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, Great Crested Grebe with two young, 1 Male Pochard, 1 Heron , 4 Goldfinch,2 Garden Warbler, 2 Long tailed tit, 7 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Reed Warbler WLC Reed bed25/04/2025
Simon RoddisClive saw the GNDiver early doors but I couldn't find it later (probably my eyes 😉). 4 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard still. New brood of 4 Greylag goslings in Shiningford Creek. Immature Yellow-legged Gull again. 1 House Martin among the Sand Martins. Reed Warbler singing on Stones and Redstart calling in WLC creek. (And I see that someone has had an Osprey over Stones island at 12:21.)24/04/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThe GNDiver still this morning. 2 Pink-footed Geese over Stones were a bit of a surprise. 2 Shelduck off Watersports island. c6 Pochard (at least 2 pairs). Drake Goosander flew N. Immature GBbGull. A Great Egret did pretty much a whole circuit of the res, while a Little Egret flew past Stones. After very few early in the morning, Sand Martins built up to c100 when the rain came later. 2 Dunlin past Stones (CA,AHS).21/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver still this morning. A Yellow Wagtail flew over Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash. Red-legged Partridge at Hopton end. The second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull again. 100+ Sand Martins. 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and another on Stones causeway, and Sedge Warblers in WLC Creek and at Millfields as well as on Stones. Song Thrush with fledged young at Hopton and Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood. And a female Roe Deer eating gorse flowers.20/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA few terns appeared early on: 10 Arctics flew through while 2 Commons were harassed briefly by 2 more Arctic. The GNDiver still, again coming pretty close to Stones island. Female Red-crested Pochard. Second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull hanging around the buoys. 1 Little Egret. First Greylag brood, c5 below Middle Wood.19/04/2025
Richard LoweThis evening: RC Pochard - 2 females off Sheepwash; YL Gull (2cy) off Visitor Centre; LRP - 2 and Curlew on sailing club front; GN Diver looking resplendent in middle of res. Plus 10’s swallows/sand martins over the water in light rain.18/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe first Arctic and Common Terms and Garden Warblers (2) from/around Stones island this morning. The GNDiver came very close at one point, stunning in full breeding plumage. Female Red-crested Pochard still. 2 Common Sandpiper at sailing club, and 2 distant fly-through waders may well have been Whimbrel.18/04/2025
SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMDThe welcome change in the weather brought about a bit of a change, with a handful of waders and the first Reed Warbler singing in Hopton reedbed. A probable total of 5 Black-tailed Godwits (3+2) were found by Clive and Alan, and a Common Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers and a Dunlin were on sailing club shore late morning. Wildfowl included a drake Shoveler, female Teal, 2 female Red-crested and at least 3 Common Pochard. The GNDiver still, looking very nice indeed. c100 Sand Martins. Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood and 2 singing Redstarts (Hopton end and WLC fields). 3 Sedge Warblers around Stones island. 2 Redwing still at Hopton end.15/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver had a good fly around this morning. Wonder if it's thinking about leaving early again? 2 Common Sandpiper on Watersports island; singing Sedge Warbler there and another on Stones. 7 Common and 1 female Red-crested Pochard off Stones. 40 Sand Martins, 10 Swallows and 2 House Martins. More Willow Warblers than yesterday, 7 between Stones and WLC creek. Redstart singing in WLC fields.14/04/2025
Simon RoddisMonthly wildfowl count: 265 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 29 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot, 3 Mute Swan, 8 Gadwall, 60 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 6 Pochard, 88 Tufted, 1 Goldeneye, 8 Moorhen, 211 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, 91 GCGrebe, 13 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 22 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 1 Heron. Elsewhere, Barn Owl hunting early am; influx of hirundines in the cloudy conditions: 250 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows and 5 House Martins off Stones; Mistle Thrush with food at Hopton end.13/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver still from Stones this morning, rapidly turning into breeding plumage. Wildfowl included 1 Shelduck, 2 Teal, 2 Common and 1 female Red-crested Pochard. 3 Redshank. 1 Dunlin past Stones island. 2 Little Egret. Singing Pied Flycatcher in Hall Wood (also reported yesterday) and 2 singing Redstarts.12/04/2025
Simon Roddis2 drake Common Scoters were out in the middle of the res this morning, and the GNDiver off Stones island. Drake Shoveler, 2 female Red-crested and 9 Common Pochard. 2 more broods of Mallard ducklings. Little Egret still at Sheepwash/Lane End. 4 Sparrowhawks and 3 Kestrels. Male Redstart singing in WLC fields. 10 Linnets on the dam wall.11/04/2025
Simon Roddis3 singing Willow Tits in the southern tetrad on my final survey of the season. Perimeter counts of 162 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler, 40 Blackcaps, 3 drumming GSWoodpecker. Singing male Redstart near Oldfield Lane. GNDiver still from Stones Island. Pair of Mandarin in Tail Bay. 6 drake Goldeneye. 7 Pochard. 1 female Red-crested Pochard. Brood of 10 Mallard ducklings below Middle Wood. 13 Meadow Pipits (12 in dam wall fields). And Clive had a Common Sandpiper at sailing club.10/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver still from Stones island. Wildfowl included 8 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 2f Red-crested Pochard, 2m Goldeneye. Little Egret again at Sheepwash. c30 Swallows and 50 Sand Martins around Stones, built up during the morning. 1 Skylark N over Stones. Male Redstart in WLC fields. 1 Redpoll over Hall Wood.09/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver was off Stones this morning but no sign of the Red-throat. 2 female Red-crested Pochard again, 12 Wigeon and 2 Shoveler. Little Egret again on Sheepwash spit. 47 Fieldfare flew N up the east side late morning, and Mike Redfern reported a singing Redstart at Millfields, the first of the year.08/04/2025
Simon RoddisFrom Stones island early morning, the GN and Red-throated Divers and 2 female Red-crested Pochard. Yesterday's pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls were with Black-heads on the field between the visitor centre and the play area. Nil return on a Willow Tit survey in the northern tetrad but 2 singing around Fishtail Creek. Perimeter counts of 154 Chiffchaff, 23 Blackcap but only 5 Willow Warblers. A few duck were new in: 5 Wigeon, a pair of Shovelers at Millfields, and Clive had 4 Teal.07/04/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Mallard, Pied Wagtail, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Coot, Tufted Duck, Redshank, Little Grebe, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Woodpigeon, Sparrowhawk, Robin, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Cormorant, Dunnock, Mute Swan, Blue Tit, Buzzard, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Gadwall06/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers still present this morning. A beautiful pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls flew in over Stones island at 10:15 and settled on Horseshoe island, where they happily stayed until 11:00 when a boat got too close to the island and put all the gulls up. Aaarrgh! Looked like a small northerly movement of Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls too. 2 female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. Definitely more hirundines this morning, 10+ Swallows and 25+ Sand Martins. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields early on.06/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe GN and Red-throated Divers still from Stones island (and Millfields). Female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. 1 Little Egret. 277 Lesser Black-backs over Hopton end early morning. 3 House Martins.05/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonHighlights of a very nice morning at Carsi were at least 27 (possibly 35) Little Gulls, 2 Avocets which hung around Watersports island, 2 House Martins N past Stones island, and the GNDiver still, which took a couple of short flights. Couldn't find the Red-throated Diver. 3 Pochard and 2 female Red-crested Pochard at sailing club. Little Egret again at Sheepwash. 2 singing Willow Warblers.04/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers were still present this morning. The female Red-crested Pochard seems to have gained a friend, a male Common Pochard, and was off Stones Island this morning. Little Egret roosting at Sheepwash early morning. A small northerly passage of c25 Common Gulls. 4 Swallows. GSWoodpecker drumming in Hall Wood.03/04/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDThe GNDiver was still off Stones island this morning, and the Red-throated Diver towards Millfields. Incidentally, today is the 100th day of the Red-throat's stay here. The female Red-crested Pochard still at Millfields. A Rook was actively mobbing 3 Buzzards over WLC fields - rather unusual in my experience to see Rooks mobbing raptors in this country. 48 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Skylark and 2 Linnets flew N over the dam wall.02/04/2025
Simon RoddisRed-throated and GN Divers again from Stones this morning. 16 Curlew early on. Female Red-crested Pochard still at Millfields. 2 Shelduck (yesterday's birds, perhaps?). 250 Common Gulls out over WLC creek early morning. This afternoon, Clive found at least 6 Little Gulls off Lane End late afternoon, and there were 8 from Sheepwash hide early evening.01/04/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter counts this morning: 24 Pheasant, 10 Little Grebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 4 drumming GS Woodpeckers, 5 Jay, 15 Magpie, 13 Coal Tit, 77 Blue, 32 Great, 9 Long-tailed, 1 Skylark, 135 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 8 Goldcrest, 135 Wren, 7 Nuthatch, 8 singing Treecreeper, 35 Song Thrush, 10 Mistle Thrush, 4 Redwing, 62 Blackbird, 152 Robin, 36 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wag, 5 Pied Wag, 22 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 24 Goldfinch, 4 male Reed Buntings. Also the GN and Red-throated Divers, 2 Shelduck, female RcPochard.31/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found an adult Kittiwake off Stones early morning, it hung around for at least an hour or so, getting a bit of hassle from the BhGs. Both divers still, over towards the east side. Female Red-crested Pochard again at Millfields. 13 Snipe (7 from PS hide, 6 on Horseshoe island). Little Egret past PS hide.30/03/2025
Simon RoddisA Jack Snipe was at Paul Stanley hide early this morning, along with 4 Common Snipe (plus another 11 Common at WLC, bit of an influx, maybe). The GN and Red-throated Divers again from Stones island. 12 Sand Martin. Singing Blackcaps on Stones and at Sheepwash. A flock of 9 distant unidentified Redshank-sized waders flew north. Alan had a Little Egret briefly on Horseshoe island.28/03/2025
Simon RoddisGN and Red-throated Divers both still from Stones island this morning. The female Red-crested Pochard again off sailing club. 98 GCGrebes! 21 just from the WLC. Blackbird nest-building on Stones, and at least 1 Redpoll still there.27/03/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers again from Stones island this morning, and the female Red-crested Pochard in sailing club bay. 25 Wigeon and 2 drake Shoveler suggests some wildfowl movement. The male Mandarin that flew past Stones probably hadn't come as far! The Pink-footed Goose was off Lane End. 5 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Skylarks in the dam wall fields.26/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonAnother Kittiwake (or one of yesterday's birds?) was at Sheepwash early morning, and a Brambling on Stones island mid-morning (an increasingly regular spring occurrence, it seems). The GN and Red-throated Divers both from Stones too. 14 Barnacle and 1 Pink-footed Goose. Pair of Mandarin flew into Tail Bay. The female Red-crested Pochard was off the sailing club this morning. 80+ GCGrebes. 1 sub-adult GBbGull. 4 Swallows and 16 Sand Martins on/around Stones, and Blackcap still singing there. c30 Meadow Pipits flew N.25/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHSAnother fine spring morning. 2 adult Kittiwakes appeared among the Black-headed Gulls on the water late in the morning, perhaps they'd been there all along. The GN and Red-throated Divers were still visible from Stones island. Wildfowl included a Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 9 Wigeon, and Clive saw the female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields early on. A Dunlin (very scarce here of late) flew N past Stones. 5 Swallows and 4 Sand Martins were around Stones, along with singing Blackcap and Willow Warbler. Flock of at least 300 Starlings flew N over WLC creek.24/03/2025
Richard LoweOff Stones Is late afternoon an adult Kittiwake in the gull roost; plus single Swallow and Sand Martin over Stones Is causeway.23/03/2025
SJR, CA, AHS et al.Another excellent morning. The pair of Garganey were on Watersports island, visible from Stones causeway, most of the morning. The first Little Ringed Plover of the year flew over Stones and 2 Swallows joined 5 Sand Martins there. Willow Warbler and Blackcap still singing. The GN and Red-throated Divers off Stones still. 5 Wigeon. The female Red-crested Pochard was with a single female Common Pochard at Paul Stanley hide early morning. 30 Redwing at Sheepwash.23/03/2025
Richard LoweA pair of Garganey distantly off Millfields at 1pm ish were a highlight, together with GN and RTDivers off Stones Is.22/03/2025
Simon RoddisA very decent morning started with a Sandwich Tern N past Stones island at 06:35, the first March record here. A Blackcap was singing, the GN and Red-throated Divers were out on the water and 3 Sand Martins flew N. As I came off Stones a Willow Warbler was singing on the causeway, the earliest ever here (by a day). 11 Wigeon flew around, Clive had a Pintail and the female Red-crested Pochard was still at Millfields. 6 Curlew and 3 Redshank. About 1,000 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek first thing.22/03/2025
SJR, AHS, CA, KRAlan had the first Sand Martin of the year briefly past Stones island this morning. The GN and Red-throated Divers still, and the female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. 4 Wigeon. 6 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 3 Redshank. Peregrine over Shiningford. 20 Redwing. 7 Linnets.21/03/2025
Simon RoddisA pair of Common Scoter from Stones island this morning, plus the GN and Red-throated Divers. One female Pochard. Clive and Alan had a Little Egret from Stones. 15 Buzzards and 3 Sparrowhawks from the dam wall, and a singing Skylark there.20/03/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe GN and Red-throated Divers both still from Stones island this morning. The Red-throat flew around for a while but dropped back in. 2 pairs of Shoveler. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 421 Woodpigeons and 440 Starlings flew mostly NE during the morning.19/03/2025
Richard LoweLate this afternoon: 1st w Med Gull off Horseshoe Is; RCPochard (f), Avocet (3) - flew off and lost to sight late afternoon, RT and GN Divers all off Millfields earlier this afternoon.18/03/2025
Simon Roddis3 Avocets on Millfields island mid-morning were a nice surprise, and a Red-legged Partridge was calling at Hopton end early morning (both first of the year). 30 Goldeneye. GN and Red-throated Divers still. Survey for Willow Tits in the southern tetrad (which does not include the entire southern end) found 3 pairs, in different locations from the 2 I found in the tetrad in February. 55 Chiffchaffs around the perimeter, fewer than I had expected.18/03/2025
Simon RoddisThe Rock Pipit showed well on the shore below the Watersports centre mid morning. GN and Red-throated Divers from Stones, the 2 drake Greater Scaup again off Lane End, while the female Red-crested Pochard was at sailing club for a change.17/03/2025
SJR, JB, CAMonthly wildfowl count: 121 Canada, 5 Barnacle, 17 Greylags, 4 Mute Swan, 16 Gadwall, 69 Mallard, 8 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 97 Tufted, 1 Pochard, 2 Scaup, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 25 Goldeneye, 14 Moorhen, 274 Coot, 11 Little Grebe, 77 GCGrebe, 9 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 GNDiver, 22 Cormorant, 2 Heron. A Rock Pipit flew over Stones causeway towards sailing club late morning.16/03/2025
Dave Armitt5 Oystercatcher, 1 Red crested Pochard, 1 Red Throated Diver, 2 Goldeneye, 8 Chiffchaff , 7 Barnacle goose,4 Little Grebe, 28 Cormorant, Great Northern Diver, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Treecreeper16/03/2025
Simon RoddisThe long-staying GN and Red-throated Divers, 2 Scaup and now the female Red-crested Pochard still present this morning. The Scaup seemed to be moving about a bit, perhaps because fishing boats are out on the water for the first time this year. Let's see how long they'll put up with that. 2 Whooper Swans were at sailing club but departed NW at 09:20. Pair of Shoveler at Shiningford. 25 Barnacle Geese. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed early morning, and 16 Pied Wagtails came out of their roost there. 14 Oystercatcher. Presumably the same Peregrine twice over Hognaston. Total of c400 Starlings and 33 Redwing.15/03/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2016-12-310720-1200: GNDiver still present. At Hopton reedbed first thing, 4 Jack Snipe, 5 Woodcock, 4 Tawny Owls calling, 9 Grey Wagtails and 5 Reed Bunting. 25 Mute Swan, 1 Shoveler, 16 Goldeneye, 5 Goosander, 5 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 2 GBbG, 14 Feral Pigeons, 3 Stock Doves, 2 Raven, 90 Redwing (Millfields), 13 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 71 species.Simon Roddis
2016-12-29WeBs count for December-Little Grebe 16, Great Crested Grebe 32, Cormorant 22, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 20, Canada Goose 99, Barnacle Goose 15, Wigeon 103, Gadwall 27, Teal 221, Mallard 148, Pochard 177, Tufted Duck 196, Goldeneye 16, Moorhen 11, Coot 939, Lapwing 676, Dunlin 8, Snipe 22, Redshank 2.JB, SJR
2016-12-28GNDiver from Millfields this morning. 1 Shoveler at WLC. 7 Dunlin. Cetti's Warbler still on Stones. 2 Raven.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-260730-1045: GNDiver still between Stones and Millfields. Ruff still around Stones. 2 Redshank. 10 Dunlin at Sheepwash. 3 Woodcock flew into the Hopton end conservation area first thing, and 13 Grey Wags flew out of the reedbed. 8 Stock Dove. Great Spot drumming and Willow Tit singing at Brownale Bay, plus 5 Bullfinch including 3 feeding on the ground on the footpath. 80 Redwing.Simon Roddis
2016-12-25GNDiver off Millfields. A dark-bellied Brent Goose among Canadas on the dam wall. 20 Barnacles. 9 Goosander. 11 Goldeneye. 150 Golden Plover over Watersports. Ruff still. 10 Dunlin at Sheepwash. 2 Redshank. 2 ad Herring Gull. 1 GBbG. 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. Happy Christmas!Simon Roddis
2016-12-23GN Diver from Millfields this morning. 10 Dunlin and 1 Redshank around Stones. 1 GBbG. 2 Raven. 6 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. 70 Siskin (30 Millfields, 40 Brownale Bay).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-21GN Diver still present. 3 Shelduck, 11 Dunlin, Ruff, 2 Redshank, c50 Snipe and Cetti's Warbler. Clive Ashton
2016-12-201200-1500: 49 Greylag, 29 Barnacles, 12 Goosander (Millfields), 3 Shoveler, 500 Lapwing, 8 Dunlin, 2 ad Yellow-legged Gulls (Sheepwash).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-20Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island this morning. Also present Ruff, 2 Redshank, 8 Dunlin, 280 Golden Plover, 48 Snipe, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Goosander and Kingfisher.CA/RC/SJR
2016-12-170730-1200: Little Stint, Ruff, 8 Dunlin and Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island, and 1 Crossbill over, flying N. 1 Curlew. 31 Pink-footed Geese SE at 0935, 130 NW at 1125. 16 Barnacle Geese. 5 Shoveler. 10 Goosander. 13 Goldeneye. 6 Bullfinch and 20 Siskin at Millfields. 76 species.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-1642 Golden Plover, Little Stint and Dunlins with Lapwing flock on Watersports Island. Elusive Cetti's Warbler still calling occasionally on Stones Island this afternoon. 6 Shoveler(3 drakes) and 15 Barnacle Geese from Wildlife Centre. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 12 Herring Gulls in roost from Sheepwash Hide and 2 Raven over.Roger Carrington
2016-12-15Afternoon visit: Little Stint, Ruff and Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island. 2 White-fronted Geese with 11 Greylags from Lane End, presumably the 2 that were seen around the south of the county a few weeks ago. Pair of Shoveler at WLC. At least 800 Common Gull in the roost by 1530. Single Herring, Yellow-legged and GBB Gulls from Sheepwash. 3 Willow Tit at WLC. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. 30 Siskin at Hopton. 66 species, not bad for a grotty afternoon!Simon Roddis
2016-12-14Little Stint and Ruff still around Stones/Watersports island, along with 29 Golden Plover, 13 Dunlin, 3 Redshank. Adult Herring and Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash. 13 Goldeneye. 100 Redwing at Millfields. 4 Greenfinch. 14 Feral Pigeons at Tail Bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-13Little Stint and Ruff still on Stones island. 9 Dunlin. 39 Common Snipe. 1 Jack Snipe at Hopton reedbed early morning. 700 Lapwing. 16 Gadwall. 182 Pochard (from Sheepwash and WLC). 2 Herring Gull. 1 GBbG. In 2 hours in Hopton/Sheepwash area, 32 Robins, 26 Blackbirds, 32 Wrens, 16 Dunnocks and 11 Song Thrushes. 15 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 1 Brambling at Hopton. 9 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2016-12-12Little Stint and Ruff still on Watersports island. 16 Goosander (1m,15 redheads) at Millfields. 9 Herring Gulls. 3 Stock Doves. 1 Skylark. 28 Fieldfare S. 1 Brambling at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-11Little Stint, Ruff, 18 Dunlin, 2 Shelduck and male Stonechat still around Stones. 10 Shoveler (5m,5f) at WLC. 250 Pink-footed Geese E. 700 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover. 2 Redshank. 3 Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed at first light. c40 Herring Gull S. 10 Stock Dove. 600 Redwing and 130 Fieldfare S. 13 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton reedbed first thing. 10 Lesser Redpoll (9 on Stones). 74 species.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2016-12-10Little Stint, Ruff, 18 Dunlin and 2 Shelduck all still present. Cetti's Warbler calling and giving short bursts of song on Stones Island. Kingfisher flew over Stones. 6 Grey Wagtail out of Hopton reed bed at dawn.Clive Ashton
2016-12-09Little Stint, Ruff, 18 Dunlin, 2 Shelduck and Cetti's Warbler still around Stones/Watersports. Jack Snipe at Hopton reedbed early morning. 4 Herring Gull. 1 GBbG. 1+ Skylark over. 3 Raven. More southwards movement of thrushes: 2150 Redwing and 45 Fieldfare. 12 Grey Wag came out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 1 Brambling over Hopton. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.SJR, AHS, CA
2016-12-08Little Stint still on Watersports island. 18 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 400 Lapwing. 210 Teal. 2 Shelduck. Adult male Peregrine causing havoc. 4 Stock Dove incl 3 high to SE. 1 Skylark. Cetti's Warbler and male Stonechat on Stones island. Some of the Redwing that flew NE a couple of weeks ago clearly decided they didn't like it up there: 1400 flew S this morning. 30 Fieldfare.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2016-12-07Brief visit this morning: 16 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, Ruff and Little Stint all on Stones Island along with 2 Shelduck and the Cetti's Warbler.Clive Ashton
2016-12-05Buzzard teal redshank 14 snipe 15 dunlin Wigeon lesser black backed gull kestrel redwings Pochard gadwall goldcrest goldeneye All seen between 10am and 12pm Tom Wareham
2016-12-05Monthly Birdwaching for Beginners walk (10am-noon); 42 species observed, which is the best total of 2016 and includes two species not seen before during 11 years of previous BfB walks. Details: Magpie, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Starling, Jackdaw, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Dunlin, Gt Black-backed Gull, Lapwing, Coot, Little Stint, Shelduck, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, Canada Goose, Ruff, Gt Crested Grebe, Snipe, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Robin, Blue Tit, Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Wren, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Redpoll, Cormorant, Pochard, Tree Sparrow, Song Thrush, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Kestrel and Pink-footed Goose.Gary Atkins
2016-12-042 Shelduck off Stones IslandIan Scrimshaw
2016-12-03Little Stint, Ruff and Cetti's still present. 180 Canada Geese. 4 Greylags. 19 Gadwall. 17 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. Woodcock at Hopton first thing. 1 GBbG. 450 Redwing. 600 Jackdaw over Hopton early morning. Simon Roddis
2016-12-03Little Stint, Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 18 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 2 Shelduck on Stones/Watersports. 1 more Dunlin at WLC. Cetti's still on Stones.SHR, JB, AHS
2016-12-01Little Stint still on Watersports island, and a Ruff and 17 Dunlin there. 3 Redshank. Jack Snipe at Hopton reedbed first thing. 147 Canadas and 1 Pink-foot. 17 Goosander at Millfields at dawn. 17+ Gadwall. No sign of the Scaup. 1 Little Egret flew through early morning. 150 Woodpigeons N. Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island. Male Stonechat at WLC. 3 Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash. 14 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton reedbed early morning.SJR, CA, DN, CB
2016-11-302 Hawfinches NE over Hopton end are the first since 2006. Quieter vismig: 740 Redwings, 266 Fieldfare, 200 Woodpigeons, 1 Stock Dove. Little Stint, Scaup and Cetti's Warbler all still present. 44 Common Snipe (Roger C's count), big increase this week. 12 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 1 GBbG. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. Simon Roddis
2016-11-29Birds on the move again at Hopton this morning: 2580 Redwing, 109 Fieldfare and 1 Blackbird NE, 235 Woodpigeons and 1 Stock Dove N, 0830-1000. 10 Dunlin at Watersports/Stones. 9 Lesser Redpoll at Hopton.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-11-28Vismig at Hopton, 0820-1000: 3150 Redwing, 26 Fieldfare, 1 Blackbird, 200 Starling all NE. 5 Stock Dove E. 14 Common Scoter off Stones late morning (RC) but appeared to have gone by 1300. Imm male Scaup still in Brownale Bay. Little Stint still on Watersports island. 9 Dunlin. 22 Common Snipe. 4 Herring Gull. 3 Raven. Cetti's still calling on south side of Stones, and 1 Chiffchaff at Hopton. 6 Greenfinch at Hopton. (70 species)SJR,AHS,RC
2016-11-27Large movement over Hopton this morning: 9270 Redwing, 82 Fieldfare, 4 Blackbird, 870 Starling, all north-east. 110 Woodpigeons N. 2 Stock Dove E. 15 Lesser Redpoll. 50 Siskin. The Scaup still in Brownale Bay.Simon Roddis
2016-11-26A very late Little Stint on Stones Island this morning. Also present 3 Jack Snipe in the Hopton end, Shoveler and the 1st winter drake Scaup in Brown Ale Bay [JB], 44 Pink footed Geese west, 5 Snipe, 4 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, Yellow legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Cetti's Warbler singing briefly and 530 Wood Pigeons north.CA,JB,SJR,AHS.
2016-11-25Afternoon visit: 165 Canadas with 1 Pink-foot at WLC. Scaup still in Brownale Bay. Drake Goosander. In the Gull roost, c.4000 Black-heads, 4-500 Lesser Black-backs, 500+ Commons (282 Commons at Sheepwash at 14:00). 1 GBbG. At Hopton at dusk, 450 Jackdaws over, 600 Starlings to roost, 3 Grey Wags.Simon Roddis
2016-11-25Drake Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Dunlin from Sheepwash (RC). Jack Snipe at Hopton Reedbed and first winter drake Scaup still in Brownale Bay (AS). 150 Pinkfeet heading NW at 0850hrs, 250 Wood Pigeons NE in 3 flocks (RC)Roger Carrington, Alan Stewardson
2016-11-24First winter male Scaup back in Brownale Bay. 65 Pink-feet W. 125 Canada Geese. Male Goosander. 8 Goldeneye. 1 Peregrine. 500 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 4 Dunlin. 1 Herring Gull. 2 Raven. 14 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. Another birder heard the Cetti's sing briefly on Stones this morning.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2016-11-23Cetti's Warbler showed fairly well and calling in scrub between main path and burial mound on Stones on either side of path before flying to reeds in small pond.Steph Hicking
2016-11-23Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island, calling and sang briefly. Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed first thing. Possible Lapland Bunting flew over Stones, heard calling but getting further away all the time. 8 Goldeneye. 22 Cormorant. 300 Lapwing. 5 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 15 Common Snipe. 1 Herring Gull. 1 Stock Dove. 5 Grey Wag. 59 Fieldfare (48E, 11W). 2 Mistle Thrushes singing (Hopton and Sheepwash). 7 Brambling at Hopton. 3 Greenfinch. (66 species)Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-11-22Cettis Warbler still on Stones Island showing in willows by the mound, calling occasionally.Roger Carrington
2016-11-19CETTI'S WARBLER on Stones Island seen briefly at c9:00am in Willows by the Barrow then heard calling several times till c10:00am when it was last heard in the Blackthorn hedge on the centre of Stones. 2 female Common Scoters in Fishtail Creek.JB, SJR, AS
2016-11-18187 Canada Geese, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Barnacle Goose, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, c350 Lapwing, 1,050 Wood Pigeons N/E, 70 Starling W, 50 Redwing and 30 Goldfinch WLC Creek.Clive Ashton
2016-11-14The highlight this morning was a first-winter male Scaup with Tufted Ducks in Brownale Bay. 1 Shelduck and adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. Total of 219 Pochard and 480 Lapwing. 3 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 150 Woodpigeons N. 1 Kingfisher (Stones). 3 Kestrel. 4 GS Woodpecker. 1 Raven. 32 Fieldfare S. 14 Meadow Pipit. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. 70 Siskin (30 Millfields, 40 WLC). 72 species.Simon Roddis
2016-11-13WeBs count for November- Little Grebe 21, Great Crested Grebe 44, Cormorant 21, Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 29, Canada Goose 230, Greylag Goose 26, Pink-footed Goose 290 (over SE), Mallard 140, Teal 104, Wigeon 121, Gadwall 19, Tufted Duck 185, Pochard 181, Goldeneye 15, Common Scoter 2 females, Moorhen 10, Coot 837, Water Rail 1, Lapwing 292, Dunlin 4, Redshank 3, Snipe 6, Kingfisher 1, Grey Wagtail 5JB, SJR, CA
2016-11-124 Pintail at Sheepwash 0800-0830 (1 ad m, 2 imm/eclipse m, 1f). 110 Lapwing. 7 Dunlin on Stones. 5 Common Snipe at WLC. 12 Blue and 15 Long-tailed Tits in a flock near WLC. 6 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2016-11-112 Common Scoter. 1 Shelduck. 78 Greylags. c200 Canadas. 160 Lapwing. 8 Dunlin. 1 GBbG, a first-winter which seems to have lost one foot. 8 Stock Dove. 4 GSWoodpecker. 2 Raven and 3 Willow Tit at Millfields. 21 Skylark over (16N,2W,3 heard only). 150 Starling W. Pair Stonechats at WLC. 1 Brambling at Hopton. (72 species)Simon Roddis
2016-11-10Drake Pintail moving around Stones/WLC/Sheepwash. 3 Goldeneye. 26 Greylag Geese. 5 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. 5 Common Snipe. 10 Collared Doves. 2 Raven. 5 Willow Tit between Stones and WLC creek. 1 Chiffchaff and pair of Stonechats at WLC. c100 Starlings W. 2 Fieldfare. 1 Greenfinch. 2 Lesser Redpoll. 30 Goldfinch.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2016-11-09Midday blue morph snow goose on stones island with a greylag and 68 canada geeseChris brown
2016-11-09A Knot was on Stones island this morning until it was flushed by a beach-walker; not sure what happened to it after that. 6 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 5 Shelduck (2 on Millfields island, 3 S at 0910). 8 Goldeneye (1m,7f). 1f Goosander. 1 GBbG. 14 Feral Pigeons (my highest ever count here!) at Tail Bay. 1 Raven. 12 Meadow Pipits. 80 Siskin (10 Hopton, 30 Sheepwash, 40 Millfields).Simon Roddis
2016-11-07Pink-footed Geese: 79 SE and 220 NE. 4f Common Scoter to 1130 at least. 2 drake Pintail. 1f Shoveler. 3 Goldeneye. 1 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 1 GBbG. 2 Raven. Pair Stonechats at WLC.SJR,AHS,CA
2016-11-072 Whooper Swans flew in at 0800 and landed near Watersports island but didn't appear to stay long. 1f Shoveler at Sheepwash. 3 Golden Plover north over Stones. 1 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 410 Woodpigeons south. 150 Starlings and 110 Fieldfare west. 2 Raven.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2016-11-06Monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon) - collective sightings for whole group: Cormorant, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Robin, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Mallard, Canada Goose, Coot, Greylag Goose, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Redpoll, Little Grebe, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Wigeon, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Willow Tit, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Moorhen, Gadwall, Snipe, Pheasant, Jackdaw, Collared DoveGary Atkins
2016-11-05Ruff x1, Dunlin x1 between watersports centre and visitor centre. Great Spotted Woodpecker - Lane End. Sparrow Hawk - Female - Shiningford creek. mick sharp

Scroll to Top