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
2008-03-23Great Northern Diver near Stones Island this morning. Male Wheatear on paving between Millfields and dam wall. Male Wheatear and a Skylark on spit from Sheepwash Hide.Roger Carrington
2008-03-21Wheatear on Stones Island this morning, adult Kittiwake from Sheepwash hide and Great Northern Diver still present.Clive Ashton
2008-03-20Great Northern Diver near Stones Island. 4 singing Chiffchaff, Stones + Millfield. Redwing singing on Stones Island. 7 Meadow Pipits on dam wall. 1 Shelduck on Flat Island.Roger Carrington
2008-03-20From Paul Stanley hide between 9.30 and 11.15. 3 Buzzard over Hall Wood. Kestrel as well. Also 5 Dunlin flew down the reservoir going north after circling once over Flat Island.4 Teal, 6 Goldeneye and 8 Oystercatcher also.Peter Gibbon
2008-03-19In addition to usual species - Raven, 2 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Female Blackcap, Kingfisher, Redshank (5), Oystercatcher (c10), Curlew (4), bullfinch (m&f) and large party of long-tailed tits. All seen from or in the vicinity of the Wildlife Centre between 15.30 - 17.15hrs.Neil Hallam
2008-03-1932 species of bird seen around midday. Of Note: Barnacle Goose (36), Wigeon (6), Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (1), Little Owl (1) and Reed Bunting (1 male).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-03-172 Whooper Swans early in the day and then by flat island at c16.00hrs, Great Northern Diver, 10 Buzzard, Peregrine over West, at least 4 Redshank, 14 Goldeneye, Chiff Chaff singing by Millfields and two more on Stones Island and Sailing club (RC), 4 Grey Herons, Raven, 6 Redwings, 20+ Barnacle Geese, Cackling Goose, Pink Footed Goose and 3 Greylag Geese over and 1 Snipe at Sheepwash.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2008-03-16Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash Hide. No sign of the 2 Avocets, but 2 were reported this morning at Sandbach Flashes in Chesire. 7 Shovelers mobile around Stones Island and Wildlife Centre. 1 Peregrine. Oystercatchers, Redshank and Curlew. 1 Dunlin flew to Sheepwash Spit. 1 Chiffchaff calling/feeding in sheltered bushes in Tail Bay.Roger Carrington
2008-03-15On a slightly misty morning at exactly 11 - 13 am I sighted two Aovocets from the Paul Stanley hide to the right of the island halfway between the shore and the island. I observed them for 30 mins waiting for someone to enter the hide to confirm them but as is the norm no one came, so I went to the Sheepwash hide and asked Dave Topliff to please come and confirm them which he duly did and I thank him for that. I continued to observe them until about 1400 they were switching between the two hides and both showed really well. Sheilduck, Shovelers little grebes, goldeneye's where also present as was a Green Woodpecker on the path down to the Paul Stanley hide A Buzzard gave a good show form the Sheepwash hide 2 redshanks, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew and a Snipe were sighted from the Visitor centre, but the Avocets made my day today, over the moon!Leslie Fisher
2008-03-152 Avocets around Sheepwash/P.stanley area, quite mobile but still present at 16.30hrs on Sheepwash spit, also Great Northern Diver, 3 Shelduck, 3 drake Shoveler.Dave Newcombe
2008-03-143 grey heron, one with twig in beak displaying.John Payne
2008-03-14Great Northern Diver near Stones Island. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones Island, not singing nor calling, presume it is a wintering bird. 5 Skylarks flew over Wildlife Centre. 2 Stock Doves in Tail Bay. Oystercatcher, Redshank and Curlew seen from most hides.Roger Carrington
2008-03-12Extremely windy at around midday. 33 species seen from the wildlife centre. Of note: Barnacle Goose (21), Wigeon (32), Oystercatcher (2), Curlew (3), Redshank (4), Herring Gull (1) and Song Thrush (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-03-1210 oyster catchers E of Millfields Spit 80+ tufted duck Millfields 1 Great crested grebe Dam 4 oyster catchers N WLC 1 jay S side Brownale Bay Long tailed tits,blue tits, great tits, wrens and robinsdave williams
2008-03-12Highlight of the day was an adult Kittiwake at Sheepwash hide from 15.15 onwards, other sightings include Great Northern Diver, 23 Curlew, 19 Goldeneye, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Raven, 3 Reed Buntings, 25 Redwings, 5 Goldcrests, male Sparrowhawk, Grey Wagtail.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2008-03-11Of note from WLC: Great Northern Diver, 14 Curlew (one mobile flock), 4+ Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 1 Pochard, 4 Teal, 1 Little Owl, 1 Raven (distant over Shinningford Farm). Also from Paul Stanley Hide, 1 Chiffchaff (out left window), 2 Buzzard, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Tawny Owl.James Owen (ABB!)
2008-03-111 PINK FOOT WITH A MIXED FLOCK OF CANADA AND BARNACLE GEESE,2 GREYLAG NEAR SHEEPWASH HIDE.LES BEESTON
2008-03-10Mixed weather day - nice morning, average weather pm. 49 species seen/heard. Black-heaeded gull, Blue Tit, Barnacle Geese, Blackbird, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Cormorant, Common Gull, Carrion Crow, Canada Goose, Coot, Cackling Goose, Dunnock, Collared Dove, Greenfinch, Goldeneye (2m + 2f), Great-crested Grebe, Great Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker(f), House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Jay(Millfields), Lapwing, Little Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black backed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Raven (2 over Carsington Pasture), Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Redshank, Pheasant, Reed Bunting, Redwing, Song Thrush, Snipe, Tufted duck, Tree Sparrow, Teal, Starling, Willow tit, Wood Pigeon, Wren, Wigeon.Ken, Richard and Frances Pittam
2008-03-10male sparrowhawk in my garden sat on pergola overlooking wildlife pond for about 10 minutesk
2008-03-10Mute Swan 11, Greylag Goose 2, Canada Goose 85, barnacle Goose 11, Wigeon 15, Gadwall 2, Teal 6, Mallard 89, Shoveler 1, Pochard 1, Tufted Duck 308, Goldeneye 8, Goosander 1, Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 54, Great Crested Grebe 17, Cormorant 20, Grey Heron 4, Moorhen 32, Coot 284, Oystercatcher 11, Ringed Plover 1, Lapwing 82, Snipe 1, Curlew 5, Redshank 7, Black-headed Gull 45, Common Gull 6, Lesser Black-backed Gull 30, Buzzard 4, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 2. Also Willow Tit and Greater Spotted Woodpecker on table at back of Paul Stanley Hide.Peter Gibbon & John Bradley
2008-03-08Viewed from the Paul Stanley Hide all the usual suspects plus a pair of Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Little Grebe. Birding was not good here when I visited as people were surveying the spit. Whilst walking from here to the visitor centre I counted 6 pairs of Oystercatchers I thought some of them may have been duplicated so on the walk back I re-checked and 5 pairs were where they were originally with one pair missing, so all I can assume is that there are at least 6 pairs on site. 30 Barnacle Geese counted. 3 Curlew in a field near the overhead pylons Les Fisher
2008-03-06Adult med gull from Sheepwash this afternoon. A different bird from last night with an incomplete hood.Doug Allen
2008-03-06abc123oclenj
2008-03-06Starlings are displaying nicely at the Longcliffe crossroads (above Brassington) at dusk. Perhaps up to 1000 individuals.Amanda Lynnes
2008-03-05Quiet on site today. Fairly bright but cold. 34 species of bird seen around midday in wildlife centre/Stones Island area. OF NOTE: Pink-footed Goose (1) - with Canada Geese in Shiningford Creek. Barnacle Goose (11), Wigeon (22), Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (~30), Redshank (3) and Long-tailed Tit (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-03-05Taken from the wildlife centre logbook for the 4th. Great Northern Diver (1), Pochard (1), Oystercatcher (8), Snipe (1), Redshank (4), Buzzard (2), Kestrel (1), Redwing (1) and Reed Bunting (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-03-05Adult med gull in full breeding plumage in the roost from at least 3.15p.m. Drake shoveler in front of sheepwash and g n diver still present by dam wallDoug Allen
2008-03-05Grt. Northern Diver, Tawny Owl, Redwing, Bullfinch, Curlew, Snipe, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Willow Tit, Goldeneye, Buzzard & Kestrel among many others.John & Fay
2008-03-02Great Northern Diver 7 x Goosander (3 m, 4 f) Flock of Redwing Pair of Bullfinch plus 19 other speciesNeil Venables
2008-03-02tawny owldave w
2008-03-02100+ lapwings in field between dam road and observtion pillarNo name given
2008-03-022 Oyster catchers Dam wall 40+ Lapwing in field between dam wall road and observation pillar 80+ tufted duck Millfields 1 buzzard Stone shelter/Hay's Lanedave w
2008-02-2848 species in 3.5 hour walk around the water early PM. Of possible interest: 21 long-tailed tit (3 parties of 5 or 6 + singles /pairs), 70+ redwing in large trees behind holiday cottages Oldfield Lane (there were 20+ starlings in the same group), goldcrest Fishtail Creek, 12 carrion crow, 42 barnacle geese. John Payne
2008-02-28Great Northern Diver near Fishtail creek, 17 Curlew around Sheepwash area, 15+ Goldeneye, 4 Oystercatcher 2 Redshank and 2 Buzzard.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2008-02-27Great northern diver x 1 Oystercatcher x 2 Redshank x 2 Goldeneye x13 3M 10FZachary Harkin
2008-02-26Great Northern Diver distant from Millfields, 14 Goldeneye including 12 females, at least 6 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank and 1 Curlew, 2 Buzzard, Reed Bunting in song by the Wildlife Centre, 1 Pink Footed Goose with the Canada GeeseDave Newcombe
2008-02-25 8 Hawfinch church CromfordNo name given
2008-02-20Siskin 30+ Nuthatch dave w
2008-02-18Sunny day. Blue sky. No clouds. No wind. Many visitors in and around the visitor centre. Few birders in the wildlife centre. 32 species seen around midday. Worth a mention: Barnacle Goose (9), Oystercatcher (2), Song Thrush (1). From the logbook for yesterday, the 17th - Great Northern Diver (1), Yellow-legged Gull (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-02-18Great Northern Diver in flight at the Sheepwash carpark end of Carsington reservoirNo name given
2008-02-14A beautiful warm day we enjoyed watching the birds feed at the table by Sheepwash car park. Reed bunting, tree sparrow, chaffinch, robin, bullfinch, great tit, blue tit, blackbird and a pipit (probably meadow but not sure). On the water around the visitors centre we saw widgeon, cormorant, heron, pied wagtail, little grebe, tufted duck, pochard, canada geese, oyster catcher, coot, moorhen and in the bushes a long tailed tit.Pat & Bryan
2008-02-131 Great Northern Diver distant near Fishtail Creek at 4pm. 1 Peregrine, 2 Buzzard and 2 Raven from Paul Stanley Hide. Male + Female Pintail between Sheepwash and Lane End. Gull roost from Lane End, 2000 Black-headed Gulls, 130 Common Gulls and 300 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.Roger Carrington
2008-02-12Sunny and warm today on site after a frosty start. Very busy on site, probably because of half term. The wildlife centre was crowded due to an Aren't Birds Brilliant session run by RSPB volunteers. Some of the birds encountered at the wildlife centre and Stones Island: Barnacle Goose (~20) - this species is now beginning to pair up for breeding. Gadwall (4), Pochard (2 males), Little Owl (1), Redshank (1). Both Alder and Hazel catkins can now be found in abundance. Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-02-12Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 59, Great Crested Grebe 36,Cormorant 24, Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 12, Whooper Swan 10 (flying over), Canada Goose 91, Barnacle Goose 42 (seen on Monday 11th), Wigeon 77, Gadwall 3, Teal 42, Mallard 99, Pochard 3, Tufted 284, Goosander 1, Golden Eye 17, Moorhen 39, Coot 470, Oystercatcher 3, Lapwing 154, Snipe 1 and Redshank 4.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2008-02-101 Pink-Footed Goose-Wildlife Centre 1 Female Goldeneye-Wildlife Centre 3 Oystercatcher-Horseshoe IslandSam Pedley
2008-02-0936 Species seen today. All the usual species including 2 red shank, 1 little owl and 2 gadwall from the wildlife centre.Frank,Caroline and Julian Wallters
2008-02-06A very sunny day brought the birders and general visitors out in good numbers. 32 species of bird found by us at around midday. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (~40), Common Pochard (2), Goldeneye (one female), Kestrel (1), Little Owl (1), Oystercatcher (4) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing (~300) and Redshank (1). Please note that a group of visiting birders observed the Great Northern Diver close to the dam wall.Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-02-063 Oystercatchers around Stones Island/Wildlife Centre. 3 Redshank together on Stones Island, 1 at Sheepwash. 21 Meadow Pipits from the path below the dam. 1 Skylark flew over the dam wall, calling as it went North. Pair Raven displaying. Pair Common Buzzard displaying. Did not see GNDiver, but not really looking for it, it was reported on pager yesterday.Roger Carrington
2008-02-062 shelduck at sheepwash tom wareham
2008-02-05Approx 20 Goosanders, 1 Oystercatcher and a Sparrowhawk on or around Millfields IslandBob and Gill Smith

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