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
29/09/2023Gulls on Flat Island late afternoon: YL Gull - (4) Ads; Caspian Gull (1) the 'regular' Ad; LBB Gull c600+; Herring Gull (1) Ad;Richard Lowe
29/09/202365 Common and the 3 Red-crested Pochard were in front of the WLC this morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Peregrine and the Oystercatcher still. Single Snipe at WLC. 1 Blackcap at Millfields. 85 Starlings out of their roost on Stones causeway early morning. Total of 25 Siskin.Simon Roddis
28/09/2023Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls on Flat Island late morning. 3 Red-crested Pochard still. 69 Pochard. 228 Tufted. c1,000 Black-headed Gulls early morning, post-roost. The Oystercatcher on Stones still. c100 Rooks and 50 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning. 11 Mistle Thrushes. c60 Goldfinches from Stones.Simon Roddis
27/09/2023Not much different today: 1 Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 70 Pochard, 2 RcPochard, 15 Little Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Caspian Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 38 Cormorants, 1 Kingfisher, 16 Swallow, 19 House Martin, 61 Meadow Pipits S in 1 hour, 12 Chiffchaff, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 17 Siskin.Simon Roddis
26/09/2023Couldn't see the Glossy Ibis this morning, maybe it's lurking in a quiet corner somewhere. c90 Pochard. Drake Mandarin in Brown Ale Bay. The Oystercatcher and 2 Caspian Gulls (adult, 3w) still. Flock of 13 Cormorants flew S. Peregrine again in WLC fields. Marsh Tit on the feeder at Paul Stanley hide.Simon Roddis
25/09/2023Glossy Ibis seen early evening on Flat Island with Caspian Gull (2) - Ad plus 3rd w; YL Gull (4) 3-ads plus 1st w.Richard Lowe
25/09/2023Evening visit to follow up an earlier report of a Glossy Ibis. The bird did appear in flight over the Shiningford area at 18:05 and flew towards sailing club before being lost to view; not seen again up to 19:20. (If the original finder of this bird sees this, perhaps you would complete a DOS rarity form, please. Thanks.)Simon Roddis
25/09/2023Two late summer migrants this morning: a Garden Warbler (equal latest ever here) on Stones causeway and the male Redstart still in WLC fields. Adult Caspian Gull again from Stones island and Yellow-leg at Millfields. 241 Greylags. 1 Pink-foot. 3 RcPochard and 29 Common Pochard from WLC. 1 Pintail. The Oystercatcher still on Stones. 2 Little Egrets.Simon Roddis
22/09/2023On Flat Island late morning: Caspian Gull (2) Ad + 3rd w; YL Gull (1) Ad; GBBGull (1) Ad.Richard Lowe
22/09/2023Mostly S over WLC creek 07:30-10:30 this morning: 447 Meadow Pipits, 44 Siskin, 11 Lesser Redpoll, 24 Linnet. Male Redstart still in WLC fields. 1 Sedge Warbler on Stones island. The regular adult Peregrine in its favoured ash in WLC fields. 3 Kestrels in the air over the pastures. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Redhead Goosander from Stones and 6 Pintail off Sheepwash late morning.Simon Roddis
21/09/2023This morning, 550 Canadas and 220 Greylags, 1 RcPochard in Brown Ale Bay, the Oystercatcher still, the adult Caspian Gull again on Flat Island late morning, Great Egret past Stones, 10+ Buzzards, 11 Skylarks including a flock of 7S, 6 Sand and c120 House Martins, Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall, total of at least 70 Meadow Pipits (still moving through late morning), 8 Lesser Redpoll and 10 Siskin S over WLC creek, c50 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
19/09/2023Thinking it might be worth another look after today's winds, I was nicely surprised to find a Manx Shearwater on the water between Stones island and Millfields draw-off tower at 18:15 this evening. Still there at 19:00, after which it became difficult to see the gaps between the roosting Lesser Black-backs, c5,500 by 19:40. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Pintail and 3 RcPochard also off Stones.Simon Roddis
19/09/2023Adult and first-winter Caspian and the adult Yellow-legged Gull on Flat Island late morning, plus a 1w Yellow-leg from Stones. 2 RcPochard in Brown Ale Bay, the male starting to show some colour in his crown now. c35 Pochard. Total of 18 Stock Doves (17S,1N). 6 Swallows flying into the breeze on Stones and c12 House Martins at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
18/09/2023Pretty much as you were this morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls from Stones, 3 R-c Pochard, 1 Pintail, 1 Little Egret, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sand. 70 Starlings early morning might have been roosting on sailing club island. 2 Lesser Redpoll over Millfields. c40 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
17/09/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 429 Canada, 92 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan (including one now full-grown cygnet), 51 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 169 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 159 Teal, 3 RcPochard, 42 Pochard, 152 Tufted, 1 Goosander, 12 Moorhen, 631 Coot, 17 LGrebe, 39 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 48 Cormorant, 3 Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Clive also had 2 Ringed Plover. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGulls again. 3 Common Gulls. 4 Tawny Owls calling early morning. 20 House Martin. 15 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/09/2023c950 Canada, 80 Greylag and 23 Barnacle Geese flew out over the dam wall early morning, some of them returning later. 2 Pintail again off Stones island, and the Oystercatcher and Great Egret there still. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGulls on Flat Island late morning. 52 Cormorants. c100 Pied Wagtails, 1 Yellow Wagtail and c50 Carrion Crows on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
15/09/2023Another very decent morning. Highlight was a juvenile Knot which Clive found on Watersports island. Wildfowl included 1 Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon and a drake Common Scoter (off Lane End, found by Roger Thornley). 22 Barnacle Geese plus one hybrid flew in mid-morning. Regulars included the Great Egret and Yellow-legged Gull. Passerines were pretty good this morning: 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, male Redstart and 11 Magpies in WLC fields; Clive had at least 6 Yellow Wagtails and 20 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall, and another 107 Meadow Pipits flew S over WLC fields 08:00-09:30, while a Yellowhammer flew N and 18 Greenfinch (including a flock of 16) S, the highest count since 2003. Totals of 6 Siskin and 6 Lesser Redpoll. 76 species again.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
14/09/2023Slight contrast from yesterday! 3 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Pintail and 95 Teal on Stones. 3 Shoveler and a Wigeon from WLC. Great Egret, Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gull and Oystercatcher still.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/09/2023Skeins of 65 (at 09:50) and 88 (11:05) Pink-footed Geese flew NE (my earliest ever autumn record of genuine migrants). 2 female/juv Pintail off Stones, and later from WLC. Female/juv Common Scoter off Millfields. 7 Wigeon. 2 Red-crested Pochard off Stones. The Oystercatcher still and a mobile and vocal Ringed Plover around Stones, and 4 Common Sandpipers at Millfields. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. 45 Cormorant. 3 Sparrowhawks together over Hall Wood. Kingfisher on Stones causeway and the regular Peregrine on sailing club shore early morning. Total of 6 Willow Tit (3 in WLC creek, 3 at Millfields). Hirundines included at least 10 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin and 1 House Martin. At least 25 Chiffchaffs around the Stones/WLC area, and 6 Blackcaps in WLC creek. c100 Starlings early morning. Female/juv Wheatear in WLC fields. 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. Quite a productive morning when you add it all up, 76 species.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
12/09/2023Very damp this morning. 7 Wigeon, 3 Red-crested Pochard and at least 25 Pochard off Stones. 26 Lapwing. Snipe at WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and an odd-looking possible hybrid grey-backed gull on Flat Island. The Great Egret still. Alan had 2 Kingfishers from PS hide, and a Marsh Tit in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, CA, AHS
11/09/2023Evening visit: similar to Clive and Alan's report for this morning: the Great Egret and Peregrine eyed each other curiously on Watersports island, the adult Caspian Gull was still off Stones, and at least 3,750 Lesser Black-backs had come in to roost by 19:45.Simon Roddis
11/09/20231 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipits and 1 Little Egret from dam wall this morning. From Stones Island, 3 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Oystercatcher, many Chiffchaffs in the Willows. From WLC creek, 1 Peregrine, 1 Great White Egret, a small number of House Martins and Swallows, CA also saw Yellow Legged Gull, Caspien Gull and Redkite.AHS, CA.
10/09/2023This morning from Stones Island, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 14 Pochard, 1 Black Tern, 1 Hobby. Early morning CA had 3 Yellow Wagtails on dam wall, 1Great White Egret and 3 little Egrets.AHS, CA.
08/09/2023This morning at Carsington from Stones Island 21 Pochard, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 2 Shoveller ,13 Wigeon, less Chiffchaffs than of late, but the usual number of Blackcaps feeding in the Elderberry, and 1 Great Black Backed Gull. WLC creek produced Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 140 plus House Martins, Swallows and Sand Martins, 1 Great White Egret, Willow Warbler still singing. 1 Little Egret in front of Yatch club.AHS, CA.
07/09/2023On Flat Island late this afternoon: Caspian Gull 1 Ad YL Gull 2 Ads GBB Gull 1 Ad LBB Gull c150.Richard Lowe
06/09/2023Great White Egret , other side of the water opposite the wildlife centreSteve Wright
05/09/2023Quiet morning with regard to the birds probably due to the high temperatures currently. Highlights were 1Whinchat, 1 Wheatear found by CA up in the fields beyond WLC creek, also there, were 1 Peregrine , 2 Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, 1Buzzard , Swallows and House Martins.AHS, CA.
04/09/2023Plenty of Warblers at Carsington this morning, mainly Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps ,2 Lesser Whitethroat up WLC creek. Also up WLC creek Peregrine, Kestrel and a Tawney Owl called briefly. 4 Shoveller, 6 Wigeon from Stones Island. Butterflies included Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Holy Blue and Gate Keeper.AHS, CA.
03/09/2023Following species were noted at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island/WLC creek/Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Coot, Mute Swan, Swallow, Mallard, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Gt Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Little Grebe, Woodpigeon, Willow Tit, Jay, Bullfinch, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Wren, Blackcap, Buzzard, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Moorhen, Long-tailed Tit, Red Kite, Lapwing, Gadwall and Pochard.Gary Atkins
31/08/2023Couldn't see the chats this morning but a Wheatear was in the overflow carpark. Adult Caspian (on Stones Shoreline) and Yellow-legged Gulls again. The 3 Red-crested Pochard were off Stones early on and later in Brown Ale Bay. 21 Common Pochard. New Little Grebe chick in BABay. 2 Kingfishers at WLC. Peregrine past Stones. 2 Reed Warbler fledglings still near WLC and 3+ in Hopton reedbed. 3 Common Whitethroat and male Redstart in WLC fields, and 35 Linnets over.Simon Roddis
30/08/2023A beautiful juvenile Whinchat and a slightly scruffy moulting male Stonechat were in the overflow carpark fields (off the dam wall) this morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Ruff, Pink-footed Goose and 3 Red-crested Pochard still. 13 Pochard. 102 Woodpigeons S 06:00-07:00. 37 Lapwing. Peregrine on Watersports island. c250 Swallows and 25 House Martin. 2 recently-fledged Reed Warblers near WLC - they've been very discrete! Garden Warbler on Stones, and 1 Yellow Wagtail over.SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
29/08/2023The adult Caspian Gull was back this morning, and a juvenile as well as adult Yellow-legged Gull. The Ruff still present though mobile around Watersports/WLC and a Curlew flew over Stones. The 3 Red-crested Pochard still, plus 12 Common Pochard off Stones. A Pink-footed Goose was among the Canadas, and a Stonechat was on the dam wall. Willow Warbler singing in WLC creek, adult male Redstart still in the fields, and 2 Sedge Warblers on Stones. 1 Yellow Wagtail S over Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
28/08/2023Evening visit: a juvenile Ruff (probably a male) was on Stones island at 18:30, takes me to 150 for the year. The juv Mediterranean Gull was in the same spot at sailing club as it had been a couple of nights ago. The 3 Red-crested Pochard still off Stones. 6 Little Grebes (5 ads, 1 juv) together in Brown Ale Bay, and a Kingfisher there. c500 Swallows went to roost in Hopton reedbed at dusk.Simon Roddis
28/08/2023The full complement of 3 Red-crested Pochards were back off Stones early morning, along with 6 redhead Goosander. 92 Woodpigeons and 13 Stock Doves flew S 06:00-07:00. 1 Dunlin on Horseshoe island. 1 Redshank. 9 Common Gulls. c300 Lesser Black-backs on the water, unusual to see as many as that during the day. 4 separate GSWoodpeckers. The Peregrine again in an ash in WLC fields. 10 Mistle Thrushes over Millfields.Simon Roddis
27/08/2023The 2 juv female Red-crested Pochard were off Stones early morning and later in front of the WLC. 76 Woodpigeons and 16 Stock Doves flew S 06:20-07:20. 1 Common Sandpiper. 2 Yellow Wagtails and a Spotted Flycatcher in WLC fields, plus a Hobby over (and it or another later over Fishtail). 2 Sand Martins. 1+ Sedge Warbler on Stones.Simon Roddis
26/08/2023Evening visit: a juvenile Mediterranean Gull was at sailing club, the 3 Red-crested Pochard were still off Stones, and c4,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost, along with 400 Black-headed and 6 Common Gulls.Simon Roddis
26/08/23This morning's highlight was an Osprey which appeared at 10:45 (good spot, Alison), patrolled the res for 10 minutes, upsetting the ducks and gulls, before catching a fish and heading towards Millfields (just eclipsing the first Meadow Pipit of the month, which flew over Stones). Clive's 3 Red-crested Pochard (probably a juv male and 2 juv females) were still off Stones although mobile. 64 Teal in Brown Ale Bay. 65 Woodpigeons flew S (and 4N) 06:30-07:30. 13 Moorhen, including an adult with a small chick at Shiningford. 9 Little Grebes, plus the brood of 4 growing young from WLC. The adult Yellow-legged Gull on Flat Island much of the morning. 47 Cormorant. 5 Buzzards over Hall Wood. 1 Sand Martin among the Swallows and House Martins in WLC creek. 3 Redstarts (1m,2f) in WLC fields and 8 Siskin flew S. 2 Yellow Wagtails ove Stones.Simon Roddis
25/08/2023585 Canadas and 81 Greylag flew out over the dam wall early morning. c150 Pied and 3 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall. 7 Grey Wags and c80 Swallows at Millfields. 5 Shoveler on Flat Island mid-morning. 1 Wigeon. 58 Teal. 9 Pochard. Juvenile Goosander. 1 Swift among c100 House Martins beyond WLC creek. 1 Ringed Plover. 1 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 3 Redshank. 1 Common Snipe. 56 Cormorants. Kingfisher at Millfields. Total of 9 Jays. Male Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Siskin over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
21/8/202313 Common Pochard and 3 Red-crested Pochard were together near Sailing Club island early morning. Myself and Alan S. also had at least 5 (probably 6) Redstart in WLC fields and a Garden Warbler in the creek also Kingfisher here after I had left. Single Dunlin and Common Sandpiper on Stones, female Sparrowhawk in the main car park.Clive Ashton
19/08/233 Greenshank flew calling south west over Stones Island at 09.20 hrs. Also 1 summer plumage Dunlin on Stones Island.Neil Moulden
20/8/2023Monthly WeBS count: Canada Goose 119, Greylag 11, Mute Swan 24, Grey Heron 3, Little Egret 2, Cormorant 30, GC Grebe 36, Little Grebe 10, Gadwall 51, Mallard 168, Tufted Duck 180, Pochard 4, Teal 87, Wigeon 1, Shoveler 1, Coot 385, Moorhen 9, Kingfisher 3, Lapwing 27, Common Sandpiper 4, Dunlin 1, Ringed Plover 1. Also Yellow Wagtail 2, Grey Wagtail 1, YLG 1, LBbG 80, BhG 37, Redstart 1, Whitethroat 1, Reed Warbler 1, Red Kite 4, Buzzard 5, Kestrel 2, Sparrowhawk 1.Clive Ashton/ Jon Bradley
19/8/20233 Common Terns flew through at 0645hrs. A further 2 Common and a single Black Tern then arrived at 0700hrs and were then perched on a jetty in front of the Sailing Club until around 0745hrs, but no further sign later. A juvenile Yellow Wagtail was on Stones along with 3 Common Sandpipers.Clive Ashton
16/08/2023Not as busy as yesterday, but another 2 Tree Pipits and a Yellow Wagtail flew S over WLC fields (and 2 Redstarts there). Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. The same Peregrine which roosted in WLC fields last week took an adult Moorhen at Watersports; again went to roost in WLC fields after its breakfast. 80 Teal on Stones shoreline early morning. 4 Jays, presumably a family party, in WLC creek. 2 Spotted Flycatchers at Sheepwash, and a Garden Warbler feeding with Blackcaps on elderberries.Simon Roddis
15/08/2023An excellent morning started with a Turnstone on Stones island briefly at 06:50. The adult Caspian Gull was around most of the morning, and an Osprey flew in from the NE at 09:30, quite possibly the bird seen on Beeley Moor 40 minutes earlier. In WLC fields, 5+ Redstarts, single Wheatear and Common Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, fly-over Tree Pipit and Yellow Wagtail, and c75 House Martins in the air and landing on the overhead wires. 110 Woodpigeons flew S (20 N) with 7 Stock Doves. 2 juv LRPlover on Horseshoe island. 10 Common Buzzards. Kingfishers in WLC creek and at PS hide. Hobby from Stones. 7+ Raven.SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD
14/08/2023Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again from Stones this morning. 40 Cormorants. 2 Dunlin. Snipe and Kingfisher at WLC. 4 Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. A wet Whitethroat on Horseshoe island. 2+ Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
13/08/2023Caspian Gull (moulting to Adult plumage) on Flat Island late afternoon - this is the same bird that was at Ogston Res. in late July and at both Carsington and Ogston in early winter 2022 as a 'sub-adult'. Also present YL Gull (3 Ads).Richard Lowe
13/08/2023The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls off Stones again this morning. 51 Teal. 10 Swifts over the east side. Pair of Little Grebes in Brown Ale Bay, large juv off Stones/WLC, still 4 chicks in WLC creek. 35 Cormorant. 7 Grey Heron. 3 Little Egret. Kingfisher at WLC. Marsh Tit again between Sheepwash and Paul Stanley. 2 juv Common Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail over Stones. c100 Goldfinch (70 on Stones, 30 WLC creek).Simon Roddis
09/08/2023Evening visit: a Garganey, probably an eclipse male, was off Stones with a couple of Teal, 20:00-10:15. Adult Caspian and 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost among the Lesser Black-backs. Yellow Wagtail flew over Stones. c80 Swallows went to roost in Hopton reedbed, and 2 Swifts flew over.Simon Roddis
09/08/2023Total of 5 Little Grebes (plus chicks in WLC creek). 3 Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. 32 Cormorants. A Peregrine perched in a big ash in WLC fields for at least an hour. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and Brown Ale Bay). A Marsh Tit called several times between PS hide and Sheepwash carpark - presumably the bird that spent some months there last winter. Juvenile Spotted Flycatcher near PS hide. In WLC fields, 3 Redstart and single Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler (and Clive had another Redstart from WLC). 3 Tree Sparrows at Millfields and 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
08/08/2023Evening visit: a cream-crown Marsh Harrier with red wing tags (presumably from Norfolk) flew N up the res 19:35-19:40. Peregrine over the visitor centre. c2,350 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 3 Pochard. 1 Ringed Plover.Simon Roddis

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