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
2009-10-08Good No's of Duck species at Sheepwash, Pochard, Tufted, Teal and Wigeon, plus the Chiloe Wigeon drake which seems to be displaying aggressively to the female Wigeons! Lapwings were roosting on the floating weed mats out in the middle of the water, some sinking up to their bellies!The roost was a few thousand Lesser Black Backs, with 2 or 3 Yellow-legged Gulls and 3 or so Herrings....(ads and Imms).Best views were of a Kingfisher fishing for over an hour in the small pool to the right of Sheepwash Hide! Cracking views.Steph' Hicking
2009-10-07Rock Pipit on the Dam Wall early morning, 5 Buzzards, Yellow-legged Gull, Raven, Kingfisher, 107 Pochard, 54 Cormorants, Chiloe Wigeon and 5 Chiff Chaffs including one singing.Dave Newcombe
2009-10-0641 species during today's event in the Wildlife Centre. Notable were a Raven and Peregrine mobbing each other (or playing?) around the pylons near Shiningford Farm. A single Snipe and Yellow-legged Gull, the Kingfisher showed exceptionally well on the new post. A Kestrel caught prey on the bank beyond Horseshoe Is, a Buzzard flew low into WLC Creek, and a Sparrowhawk caught prey by the bird table. A single Little Grebe chick still present. 1 Mistle Thrush overflew. Stones Is: 1 Chiffchaff singing again, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over the Visitor Centre.James Owen
2009-10-05Of note: Grey Heron (2) - Horseshoe Island & Shiningford Island, Barnacle Goose (45) - Sailing Club Island, Common Buzzard (1) - over Shiningford Farm, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - from Wildlife Centre (WC), Robin - at least 10 singing near WC, and Blackcap (1) - singing on Stones Island.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-10-053 Whooper Swans flew north at 10.05, Common Sandpiper and Kingfisher at Sheepwash, Chiloe Wigeon still present, Raven, 3 Buzzards, 4 Linnets, Greylag Goose, Chiff Chaff, Yellow-legged Gull, 3'000 Lesser black Backed Gulls, 7 Common Gulls, 6+ Crossbils flew over Paul Stanley hide (RC).Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-10-012 Kingfishers, 2 Ravens, Peregrine, Chiloe Wigeon, still present. 2 Jays.Clive Ashton
2009-09-30Of note: Grey Heron (1) - Wildlife Centre Creek, Kestrel (1) - over Watersports Island, Collared Dove (8) - on Wildlife Centre feeding table and in the trees behind, Blackcap (1) - singing male on Stones Island. Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-09-301 Skylark flew over Stones Island. A Dunlin flew past past Sheepwash towards Stones Island at 1700hrs. An adult Kittiwake was in the gull roost from 1700hrs. A female Common Scoter was off Stones Island at dusk.Roger Carrington
2009-09-29First visit this year! 44 species seen and a further 4 either heard or probables. All 4 Hides and Stones Island visited, on a very drizzly day. Highlights include: Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Lapwing, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Tree Sparrow, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Snipe, Kingfisher, Pochard, Teal, Pheasant, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Jay, House Martin (in good numbers considering its nearly October!), Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, and both Black-backed Gulls. Nothing major, and several notables missing! However, there was the male Chiloe Wigeon (unringed) showing very well from Sheepwash. Presumably this is an escape rather than a first for Britain? Also seen were several Rats at PS Hide, and a Water Vole at WLC pool.Peter Charlton
2009-09-28On site today was a drake Chiloe Wigeon (presumably the same bird that's been at Ogston since early summer). Also on site a Shoveler, 85 Pochards, 10 Housemartins, Swallow, 2 Kingfishers, Grey Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipits, 4 Linnets, 4 Chiff Chaffs, 3 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 6 Grey Herons, 54 Cormorants and a Greylag Goose. Dave Newcombe
2009-09-24Of note: Little Grebe - adult feeding a very tiny young bird (in front of the wildlife centre (WC) main window), Great Crested Grebe - adults with three striped young, Mute Swan - inc. one pair with 6 large grey cygnets, Cormorant (24) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Pochard (5) - Shiningford Creek, Lapwing (~60) - in the air and on HI, House Martin (2), Swallow (1), Chiffchaff (1) - singing on Stones Island and a Jackdaw flecked, with many white feathers, feeding at the WC feeding table.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-09-221 Yellow-legged Gull at WLC on the usual raft.Kingfisher showing very well at WLC and Paul Stanley.Also notables at PS Hide, 2 Buzzard, 1 Raven, 1 Greylag Goose among many Canadas on Flat Is, 2 Heron, several Long-tailed Tits, 300 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew in at 6pm.WLC: 5 Snipe, 3 Swallow, 1 Kestrel, 32 Cormorant, 6 Wigeon, many Teal, c.35 Lapwing, a pair of Little Grebe with 1 very small chick, 3 Pied Wagtail, 4 Pochard, 1 Black-headed GullStones Island, 1 calling Chiffchaff, 2 Great Crested Grebe with 2 young.Sparrowhawk flew from Shiningford Creek.James Owen (RSPB vol)
2009-09-20WeBS count for September done between 7.30 and 11.00. Mute Swan 23, Canada Goose 158, Wigeon 270, Gadwall 19, Teal 57, Mallard 170, pochard 48, Tufted Duck 1008 (double the number for this time last year), Little Grebe 53, Great Crested Grebe 41, Cormorant 41, Grey Heron 4, Moorhen 25, Coot 1,379. Lapwing 111, Snipe 4 and Kingfisher 1. Also 2 Buzzard. Total 3375.Peter Gibbon
2009-09-17Overcast today but no rain. Few birding visitors seen. Of note: Cormorant (25) - Horseshoe Island, Grey Heron (1) - Shiningford Island, Mute Swan - two pairs of adults with 4 & 5 very large grey cygnet broods respectively, Teal (~ 100) - much increased in numbers since last week, Mallard - including 5 well formed ducklings innocently feeding at our feet on the edge of Stones Island, GARGANEY (1 imm) - in front of the Wildlife Centre and Lapwing (~40) - Horseshoe Island. Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-09-15107 Pied Wagtails, 6 Meadow Pipits, Yellow-legged Gull, 91 Wigeon, 27 Gadwall, Pintail, 2 Redshanks, 43 Cormorants, 3 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, Kestrel, Grey Heron, Kingfisher, 50+ Housemartins, 10+ Swallows.Dave Newcombe
2009-09-09Of note: Grey Heron (1) - on Horseshoe Island (HI), Gadwall (4 prs) in amongst the mass of Tufted Ducks (several hundred!) immediately in front of the Wildlife Cente (WC) and in WC Creek, Teal (10) - HI, Lapwing (~50) - HI, Swallow (10) and Willow Warbler (1)- Stones Island. Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-09-09On site for around 9 hours today and saw 23 Pochard, 21 Gadwall, 14 Wigeon, Yellow-Legged Gull, 2 Sparrowhawks including one chasing Pied Wagtails near Dam wall, 35 Pied Wagtails, Grey Wagtail, 8 Meadow Pipits, 4 Buzzards, 3 Ravens, Kestrel, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Grey Herons, Kingfisher, Oystercatcher (poss 2). On shiningford creek by the bend near the farm there was a lot of bird activity. I stood there for a good half hour and watched Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaffs (including 3 singing), male Blackcap, 2 Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Bullfinches including 3 juveniles, 2 Willow Tits and lots of other common birds. Dave Newcombe
2009-09-07An Osprey flew south today at 15.00, also 14 Buzzards in the air together, 12 high over sheepwash spit and 2 over the dam wall, Pintail, 2 Common Sandpipers, 19 Gadwall, 11 Wigeon, 2 Meadow Pipits, good sized tit flock on stones island with maybe as many as 20 Warblers with most if not all being Chiff Chaffs. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-09-04Of note: Cormorant (14) - Stones Island, Gadwall (4 prs) - from the Wildlife Centre(WC), Teal (2) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Pheasant (1 male) - by the WC feeding station, Lapwing (~30) - HI, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - Tern raft and KINGFISHER (1) - flew past the WC THREE times within 10 minutes around midday. Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-08-27Of note: 19 Mute Swans including 5 cygnets, Gadwall (2 prs) - from wildlife centre (WC); Lapwing (~60) - on Horseshoe Island; Yellow-legged Gull (1) - on Tern raft; Swallow and House Martin (20+ each); Tree Sparrow (20+) - all around and on the WC feeding table; many were youngsters.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-08-27A family walk round the res today, so whilst not really birding I did note the following; Brood of 3 GC Grebe at Lane End Brood of at least 3 GC Grebe at Shiningford Creek, 2 youngsters in the water and at least 1 on adults back. A pair of Pochard in Shiningford Creek and 3 males in Fishtail Creek. 6 Wigeon at Millfields. Clive Ashton
2009-08-24Not a bad day today. Black Tern towards Millfields, Wheatear on Millfields Island, Yellow-legged Gull, 5 Gadwall, Teal, Pochard, 3 Wigeon, Great Crested Grebe with 3 small young, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Swifts, Curlew, male Sparrowhawk, adult Common Gull. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-08-24From WLC, all usual suspects, but along with Chris from RSPB-ABB between 09:30 and 10:30 we observed :- Pochard (1), Yellow Leg Gull (1), Chiff Chaff (1) and Willow Warbler (1)David & Sue Edmonds
2009-08-24I was out for a walk yesterday afternoon and took the second footpath off the track, after entering the site at the North End. Whilst crossing the third field, heading for Stainsborough Lane, a flock of Common Crossbills flew over (heading ESE)and into the trees on the edge of Rough Pitty Side. They were quite active, but hung around in the same area in the tops of the trees. I managed a best count of 19.Paul Bennett
2009-08-23WeBS count for August done today between 7.30 and 10.30. 27 Mute Swan, 224 Canada Goose, 3 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 83 Mallard, 309 Tufted Duck, 46 Little Grebe, 27 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Moorhen, 575 Coot, 55 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Black-Headed Gull, 1 Kingfisher.Peter Gibbon
2009-08-20Yellow-Legged Gull, 3 Wigeon, 4 Buzzards, adult male Peregrine, female Gadwall, 50+ Goldfinches including 40+ juveniles, Common Sandpiper, Raven.Dave Newcombe
2009-08-16Osprey from sheepwash 15:35-15:45, mobbed by Peregrine, before flying over Hall Wood. Also Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher and YL Gull.Clive Ashton
2009-08-15A pair of Hobbies were hunting hirundines over Shiningford farm, for at least an hour this morning.One was observed with prey, which it ate on one of the pylons. Also present from the Wildlife centre,Sparrowhawk,Raven, 2 Buzzard,4 Gadwall,Shoveler and Teal. Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2009-08-13Oversights! Thistles are mainly over, just showing fluffy white heads instead of purple flowers. This situation is very good for Goldfinches. Also very noticable today were masses of Hover flies and various bee species. We had a very enjoyable time on site today. Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-08-13Very busy on site today because it was sunny. However, few birders about. Of note: Tufted Duck (female with 5 quite small ducklings), Lapwing (10) - on Horseshoe Island, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - on the raft opposite the wildlife centre, Goldfinch (10) - on Horseshoe Island, Bullfinch (pair) on wildlife centre feeding station. It was reported to us that an Osprey was seen over the dam on the 12th August. Also the Little Egret was seen.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-08-11An angler reported an Osprey flying south along the west bank, from near the brick bombing tower at 15.00 today. This was subsequently radioed through to STW staff by Phil from Fisheries. Fortunately, I happened to have a pair of binoculars in the van and after a few minutes, I managed to locate it flying south down the centre of the reservoir. It then started circling just north-east of Watersports Island. I then carried on with what I was doing, so I'm not sure where it went after that. Paul Bennett (STW Ranger Service)
2009-08-05Little Owl in field between main car park and wildlife centre. Yellow-Legged Gull, drake Common Scoter, Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpipers, Oystercatcher, Kinghfisher, 2 Buzzards, male Sparrowhawk, 3 Little Grebe young, Whitethroat. Dave Newcombe
2009-08-03Overall quite busy on-site but few birders about. Weather: quite warm and no rain for a change! Of note: Lapwing (10), Wren (1) - juvenile, hit Wildlife Centre (WC)window but seemed unharmed. Dunnock (2 juveniles) - feeding at the WC feeding station, Willow Warbler (2) - one adult and a juvenile in the willow in front of the WC. House Sparrow - several including a juvenile being fed by adults, Bullfinch (pr) - feeding at the WC feeding station. A Weasel observed from the WC front window. Great! Butterflies: Small White, Green-veined White, Large White, Small Copper, Gatekeeper, Painted Lady, Peacock and Meadow Brown. Buff-tailed and Red-tailed Bumblebees seen on Stones Island.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-08-02House Martin (50+) near Visitor Centre; Swift (20-30) end of Stones Island; Tufted Duck (3 families); Litte Grebe (12) engaging in squabbles; Gold Finch (20 appx) Stones Island; Little Egret (1) flying past Stones Island towards watersports ctr.David & Sue Edmonds
2009-07-27It was very noticable today that there was hardly any birdsong. Very few species located. Of note: Barnacle Goose (6), Common Tern (1), Swift (3), Goldfinch (10) - Stones Island, Bullfinch (a pair). Plants: A large mass of Redhank noticed on Horseshoe Island. Plants in flower but not previously noted: Hedge Bindweed, Large Bird's-foot Trefoil, Common St John's-wort and Short-fruited Willowherb.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-07-27Little Egret still present around Stones Island area. Kingfisher and drake Pochard at the Wildlife Centre. The pair of Common Terns have successfully raised one young which made several brief flights around flat island today. Other sightings include Hobby, Whimbrel,and Common Sandpiper. Several Tufted Duck broods around including one of 13 plus three more of 3/3 and 8. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-07-25Just a walk today with wife so not really birding but spotted a single Little Tern close to stones islandLeslie Fisher
2009-07-22Little Egret on Stones Island and later on Watersports Island, Male Redstart in field behind the Wildlife Centre, juvenile Perergine over Middle Wood, Gadwall and Kingfisher at Sheepwash. Two Tufted Duck broods of 5 & 10. Two Common Terns still presumably feeding one young on Flat Island.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-07-20Few birds on site today. A tufted duck family has been reduced to 8 ducklings since last week. Only two Lapwings found on Horseshoe Island. Of the warblers only Chiffchaff and Blackcap found. Common Blue damselflies over the pool close to the wildlife centre. Butterflies: Small White, Large White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small Copper & Small Tortoiseshell. The plants in flower last week are the same except that a small patch of Black Medick was found.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-07-1638 species seen around midday. Of note: LITTLE EGRET (1)- Horseshoe Island & Wildlife Centre Creek; Barnacle Goose (1); Red-crested Pochard (1 juv/fem)- from Wildlife Centre (WC); Tufted Duck - including a female with 9 ducklings; Sparrowhawk (1 fem); Lapwing (34) - Horseshoe Island; Song Thrush (1); Blackcap (2); Chiffchaff (1); Bullfinch (pr) - on the WC feeding table; Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. Insects: Bumblebees: Red-tailed & Buff-tailed. Damselflies: Common Blue & a Beautiful Demoiselle (Stones Island). This latter species is a first for us! Great views. Butterflies: Green-veined White, Small White and Gatekeeper. Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-07-14A juvenile female Peregrine from Paul Stanley hide at 11.00, female Gadwall, Kingfisher, 2 Buzzards, 2 Linnets, Common Tern, Grey Heron, Tufted Duck broods of 9&12, female/imm Red Crested Pochard. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-07-14WeBS count for July:Mute Swan 26(plus 5+6+6 cygnets),Canada Goose 334,Barnacle Goose 8,Gadwall 4,Mallard 81,Red-crested Pochard 1,Tufted Duck 113 (plus two broods with one of 10, Little Grebe 17, Great Crested Grebe 18, Cormorant 2,Grey Heron 3,Moorhen 11,Coot 377,Oystercatcher 4,Lapwing 27,Black-headed Gull 8,Common Tern 2(feeding hidden young) and 1 Buzzard.Peter Gibbon
2009-07-10The pair of Common Terns on Flat Island were feeding 1 young this morning. Also the Black-headed Gull pair on this Island have at least 1 chick. 3+ Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood. Reed Warbler singing from Hopton Reedbed and from Hopton Pond. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sailing Club jetty.Roger Carrington
2009-07-08A Barn Owl was flying around Shiningford Creek area at 10.00 this morning. 2 Little Ringed Plovers in front of sailing club. 5 Linnets over Stones Island. 12+ Bullfinches including 4 juveniles, 2 Common Terns, 2 Ravens, 2 Buzzards, Curlew, Grey Wagtail, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and female Tufted Duck with 6 very small young. Dave Newcombe
2009-07-04oystercatcher canada geese common tern blackbird dunnock chiffchaff mute swan with six cygnets lapwing coot moorhen tufted duck buzzard black headed gull great crested grebe little grebe house martins crows jackdaws sparrows pied wagtail wood pigeon cormorant swifts magpie tom wareham
2009-07-03No messageClive Ashton
2009-07-01From Sheepwash: Yellow-Legged Gull, 2 Shelduck, 9 Oystercatcher, 5 Raven, female Gadwall, Common Tern, Common Gull. From Wildlife Centre: Pair of Red Crested Pochards, male Wigeon. Little Ringed Plover in front of Sailing club. Dave Newcombe
2009-06-29A pair of Red crested Pochard and a male Wigeon at the Wildlife centre. A Hobby flew over the fields towards Wildlife centre creek. Swift twice went under the eaves of the visitor centre. Clive Ashton
2009-06-17Of note: Mute Swan - including two broods of cygnets, 5 & 6 respectively. Barnacle Goose (3), Oystercatcher (6) - all adults. Redshank (1). Song Thrush (1). Reed Bunting (1). Common Blue damselfly (13) - including one female over the wildlife centre pond. Painted Lady butterfly.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-06-16WLC: 2 Gadwall, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 3 Bullfinch, 2 Common Tern, 4 Cormorant, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Lapwing, c.20 Tree Sparrow (including fledglings) on the bird tables at one time. Also at PS Hide: 9 Mallard ducklings with apparently no mother, 3 Redshank, 2 Raven, and a Treecreeper on the path down. James Owen (ABB)

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