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
2007-11-10Adult Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash. Adult Ring-billed Gull again in roost from Sheepwash. Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost. 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in roost [1W+3W+2xad]. Roger Carrington
2007-11-09A petrel species [Probable Leach's] was found [by CA] and seen [by DN] several times this morning but no further sign by dusk. Gull roost included an adult Ring-billed Gull from Sheepwash Hide from 1600hrs, and an adult Mediterranean Gull from Lane End Hide. Also on site were 15 Whooper Swans including 5 Juvs.Roger Carrington
2007-11-07Very quiet on site today. Weather: dull - poor visibility, quite breezy. 32 species seen around midday from or near the Wildlife Centre (WC). Of note: Barnacle Goose (16), six duck species including Pochard (10). Only two wader species present. Lapwing (~50) and Redshank (1). Interestingly around 20 Magpies were spotted. Normally we only see a couple. Amusingly there was a Dunnock on the bird feeding table by the WC. Usually this species is a ground feeder. Birds learn quickly when it is to their advantage. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-11-06From the Wildlife centre; A Peregrine on the pylons for about 30 minutes, a female Sparrowhawk in the willow in front of the hide, 1 Greylag and 2 Redshank. Stones Island;10+ Redpoll. From Sheepwash; 2 Peregrine in the air together over Hall wood,7 Goldeneye including 3 drakes, a drake Shoveler, 2 Redshank and 1 Kingfisher.Clive Ashton
2007-11-04On organised bird walk--Wigeon,Teal,Cormorant,Tufted Duck,Goldeneye,many Lapwing,Goldfinch,Little Grebe, Redwing, Willow Tit,Dunnock.From Wildlife Centre--Little Owl,Snipe, Kestrel,Gadwall.TED
2007-11-031 Redshank from Sheepwash. 1 Drake Goosander from Sheepwash. 1 Adult Caspian Gull in Roost. 5 [4xAd, 1x3W] Yellow-legged Gulls in roost.Roger Carrington
2007-11-02reply to request for information on grebe sightings last saturday 27 10 07 john kelsall
2007-10-31Red-breasted Merganser - 3 in Millfields Bay.No name given
2007-10-29If anyone has any information they wish to share or any photo images of the possible Grebe sightings over the weekend, please get in touch with us as soon as they can. ThanksRichard Pittam
2007-10-2983 Little Grebe between Millfields - Stones Island - PS Hide this morning. 1 Redshank at Wildlife Centre. 1 Shoveler at Wildlife Centre. 2 Brambling flew over Sheepwash calling. 3 Skylark flew over Stones Is.Roger Carrington
2007-10-28Of interest on saturday was a colour ringed meadow pipit on the dam wall. The bird had 2 pink rings on the left leg and a metal bto ring on the right leg.Having searched the internet, it appears the bird was ringed at Kex Gill near Harrogate Aug/Sept this year.Clive Ashton
2007-10-271 Slavonian Grebe - Wildlife centre 10:00am RSPB Feed the Birds
2007-10-266 Shoveler,5 Goldeneye,1 Goosander,1 Redshank, from Sheepwash and P.Stanley. 3 L.Redpoll on Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2007-10-20From the Wildlife Centre this morning: Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Snipe (1), Teal, Tree Sparrow, Little Grebe, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren (young), Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese, Song Thrush, Lapwing, Magpie, Robin, Moorhen, Coot, Great-crested Grebe, Greenfinch, Collared dove.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-10-1729 Golden Plover flew infront of Sheepwash hide, but then continued West. 1 Turnstone landed at Sheepwash and gave good views infront of the hide. Peregrine were seen on 3 occasions. 8 Siskin by the Wildlife Centre. Also 2 Raven,Buzzard,Sparrowhawk,Kestrel.Clive Ashton
2007-10-11Lapland Bunting reported on Birdnet pager this am over the dam.Steph' Hicking
2007-10-10Viewed from Stones Island & the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. 37 bird species identified. Quite warm. Very bright. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Gadwall (2 prs), Common Pochard (6), REDSHANK (1), Little Owl (1) and Coal Tit (1). From the WC logbook: 7th October: Merlin, Grey Plover and 65 Pink-footed Geese. 9th October: Grey Wagtail (1), Meadow Pipit (25), Redpoll (7), Common Buzzard (1) and a female Sparrowhawk. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-10-08WeBS count for Sunday 7th October : 52 Little Grebe, 45 Great Crested Grebe, 30 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 18 Mute Swan, 279 Canada Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 972 Wigeon, 29 Gadwall, 156 Teal, 205 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 125 Pochard, 706 Tufted Duck, 122 Moorhen, 1785 Coot, 185 Lapwing, 1 Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, 6 Black-headed Gull, 106 Lesser Black-backs and 1 Yellow-legged Gull.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2007-10-07Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Teal, Long Tailed Tits,Wren, while on Birding for Beginners Walk. Wheatear(11-55),Little Owl, Gadwall, Wigeon,from Wildlife Centre, and many others.Ted
2007-10-05Pintail Sheep Wash Hide Stonechat Paul Stanley HideIvan Webb
2007-10-04Just 33 species of bird found at around midday. Of Note: Barnacle Goose (1), Wigeon (~40), Gadwall (10), Common Pochard (1), Lapwing (~50), Long-tailed Tit (10) and Rook (3). It's unusual for us to find Rook at Carsington. Common Darter dragonfly, Large White and Speckled Wood butterflies were present. Many flowering plants previously reported can still be found in very small numbers. There is still a small patch of Scarlet Pimpernel on Stones Island. Two species found today but previuosly overlooked were Oxford Ragwort and Lesser Hawkbit.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-10-032 Common Scoter (m/f) off Stones Island. 1 Red-breasted Merganser from Sheepwash 1 Common Sandpiper from Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2007-10-03Carsington Water (SK2451) An Osprey first spotted by school children in a tree opposite the Wildlife Centre at 10:55 and flew off north up the reservoir shortly afterwards . From DOS records
2007-10-01Peregrine flew from Horsehoe Island 10:30, and juvenile Water Rail on the water edge near the reed bed at the northern tip.James Owen
2007-09-286 adult + 8 juv/first winter Common Gulls on Sheepwash Spit mid-afternoon. 3 Dunlin in flight eastwards past Sheepwash. Gull Roost: At least 2 Herring Gulls. At least 2 near adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 adult + 1 juv/first winter Little Gulls.Roger Carrington
2007-09-272 Redwings and 4 Meadow Pipits over Wildlife Centre Creek. 1 Grey Plover flew low over Horseshoe Island, calling, went west. 3 Snipe, 1 Dunlin on Stones Island. 3 Siskin near boardwalk at Wildlife Centre. Pink-footed Geese southwards: 60 at 0845hrs and 150 at 0950hrs.Roger Carrington
2007-09-26A cold north westerly wind blew across the site today. Only 29 species of bird counted just after lunch. Visited Stones Island (SI)and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Because of the weather conditions all the water birds huddled into sheltered bays e.g. Wildlife Centre Bay and by the sailing club. Last week 23 adult Mute Swans were counted but today none were seen, obviously they were in a bay out of our sight. Of Note: Barnacle Goose (3), Gadwall (2 pairs), Red-crested Pochard (3), Common Pochard (1), Lapwing (17) - the only wader seen, Willow Warbler (2) - SI. The same plants were in flower as last week but only a few specimens could be found and required some effort to find some species such as Self Heal and Black Medick. One Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil plant was the only additional species this week. There are plenty of berries about now. In addition to the berry bearing plants found last week the fruit of the Spindle-tree shrub was noticed today in the hedge by the main carpark towards the WC end. The fruit is a pinky red with four bulbous parts. Some of these berries had split open so that the bright yellowy orange seeds could be seen. PLEASE NOTE: These seeds are poisonous to humans but not to birds.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-09-24WeBS count for September done on Sunday 23rd.Little Grebe 34, Great Crested Grebe 20, Cormorant 39, Grey Heron 6,Mute Swan 36, Canada Goose 123, Barnacle Goose 28, Wigeon 318, Gadwall 39, Teal 95, Mallard 203, Pintail 3, Red-Crested Pochard 5,Pochard 25, Tufted Duck 650, Moorhen 61, Coot 1611, Lapwing 56, Green Sandpiper 1, Black-headed Gull 14, Lesser Black-backed Gull 7.Total number of birds counted 3377.Peter Gibbon
2007-09-201 Green Sandpiper still around PSHide. 1 Common Sandpiper PSHide. 2 Dunlin still on Flat Island. 69 Wigeon and 37 Gadwall. 3 Common Buzzard, 2 Raven. 7000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls in roost, several Yellow-legged Gulls, and Black-headed Gulls numbers are building up into hundreds but not counted due to being spread all over. 1 Little Stint late yesterday evening in front of Watersports [no sign today].Roger Carrington
2007-09-20A juv. Yellow Wagtail was on Stones Island. 5 Red Crested Pochard at the Wildlife Centre. A Green Sandpiper at Paul Stanley hide,also 2 Dunlin on Flat Island. Later at the Wildlife Centre a flock of 7 small waders were seen briefly (probably Dunlin) Sparrowhawk and 2 Raven over the woods from Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2007-09-17Few visitors on site today. Dull and a cold north westerly breeze was blowing. Visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 36 species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (23 adults), Gadwall (2 pairs), Red-crested Pochard (5) - all asleep by the WC! Common Pochard (12 males) - Shiningford Creek, Green Sandpiper (1) - not seen by us, a logbook entry, House Martin (6), Willow Warbler (4) - SI, Raven (2) - over Shiningford Farm and Goldfinch (flock of ~ 40) - SI. From the logbook: 15th: Little Owl (1), Red-crested Pochard (5), Common Pochard (12), Gadwall (6), Teal (40), Lapwing (30) and Common Buzzard (2). 16th: Sparrowhawk (1), Common Tern (1). Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-09-12Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre around midday. Sunny and warm. 35 species of bird identified. Of Note: Red-crested Pochard (1 female), Common Pochard (five males), Teal (over 20), Little Owl (1), Swallow (20), House Martin (~20), White Wagtail (1) - by res. near the visitor centre, Chiffchaff (1) - short bursts of its monotonous song, Willow Warbler (1) - both warblers on Stones Island. From the Wildlife Centre logbook for the 9th September: Red-crested Pochard (3), Wigeon (2), Wood Sandpiper (1), Dunlin (1) and Hobby (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-09-111 juvenile Arctic Tern from Sheepwash. At least 1 juv Common Tern from Stones Is. 3 Red-crested Pochard at Wildlife Centre and 1 from Sheepwash. 1 Green Sandpiper occasionally from Wildlife Centre. Male Peregrine took juvenile Coot from Stones Island at 7pm. 2000 Lesser black-backed Gulls in roost and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. On 10/9/07, 3 Pintail at Millfields. On 9/9/07, 1 Wood Sandpiper late morning/lunchtime at Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2007-09-09From the Wildlife Centre (08.30): 2 Goldcrest, 3 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant, 12 Lapwing From Paul Stanley: 1 Buzzard, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Kestrel, 2 TreecreeperRichard and Frances Pittam
2007-09-041 ECLIPSE MALE RED CRESTED POCHARD WITH TUFTEDS P STANLEY HIDE 1 JUV LITTLE TERN FROM P STANLEY HIDE 10-30HOURS and 14-00 HRS OFF STONES ISLAND 1 GREEN SAND IN BAY FRONT WILDLIFE CENTRE EARLY MORNING 1 RING PLOVER ON ISLAND NORTH OF STONES ISLAND FLUSHED BY BOATS 14-00HRS 1 ADULT YELLOW LEGGED GULL FROM SHEEPWASH HIDE WITH CORMORANTS ON SPITA G MACEY . OGSTON BIRD CLUB.
2007-09-031 Coal Tit-Paul Stanley Hide Feeders 1 Kingfisher-Flew left to right infront of Sheepwash HideSam Pedey
2007-09-021 raven on The Spit with cormorants at 10:00. 1 little tern in Millfield Bay at 14:25. Flew round two or three times then disappearedTony Cooper
2007-08-311 Green Sandpiper from Paul Stanley Hide. 19 Wigeon from PSHide. 1 Dunlin in front of Sailing Club. No sign of Garganey.Roger Carrington
2007-08-30All from the Wildlife Centre 1 Garganey 1 Little Owl 1 Willow Tit 1 female BlackcapSam Pedley
2007-08-28Juv Black-necked Grebe showed in front of Wildlife Centre 1700-1730hrs, otherwise elusive. Juv Common Tern still present in evening. Gull roost: at least 7 Yellow-legged Gulls of various ages, 1 juv Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull.Roger Carrington
2007-08-28A juvenile Black-necked Grebe at the Wildlife Centre this morning. Also present; 34 Teal,12 Wigeon,1 Common Sandpiper,1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 juvenile Common Tern and a singing Willow Warbler.Clive Ashton
2007-08-26From the Wildlife Centre: 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 8 Tree Sparrow, 6 Pochard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Greylag Goose.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-08-23Of interest today; 24 Teal,1 Pochard,1 Drake Wigeon,2 Shelduck.A Greenshank flew from Sheepwash towards Lane End.A male Redstart,with a probable female/juvenile, towards the pylons from the Wildlife Centre.A Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Linnet were around Sheepwash spit.5 Buzzard were in the air together over Hall wood.There were 4 Grey Heron at Paul Stanley hide along with a single Whitethroat.Clive Ashton
2007-08-211 Little Stint from the Wildlife Centre with 1 Dunlin at about 11:00. 1 Sparrowhawk on Horseshoe IslandSam Pedley
2007-08-19From Paul Stanley hide: 4 Gadwall,2 Teal,2 Common Sandpiper,2 Jay on the feeding station and a Kingfisher on the posts to the left of the hide. From Sheepwash: 2 Raven and 2 Buzzard over Hall wood.Also a Common Sandpiper (one of the 2 from P.Stanley ?) From the Wildlife centre: 2 Snipe and 1 more Gadwall. From Stones Island : c50 Goldfinch,also Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. There were c25 Swallows over the Dam wall,and c20 more moving through from other areas of the reservoir.Clive Ashton
2007-08-18Family of Spotted Flycatchers in Shiningford Creek. Water Vole in Wildlife Centre Creek. Common Sandpiper from Sheepwash Hide. Gull roost, 2030hrs from Stones Island: 1200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 adult and 1 juvenile Common Gulls.Roger Carrington
2007-08-15An early afternoon visit yielded 31 species of bird. Weather sunny and warm. There was hardly any wind. OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1) - near sailing club. The only warblers found were Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Linnet (6). The juveniles of the following species were observed: Great Crested Grebe (3), Tufted Duck (5), Coot (1), Robin (2) and Goldfinch (4). Interesting observations taken from the Wildlife Centre logbook: 14th August: Curlew (2), Golden Plover (6). 12th August: Teal (5), Common Pochard (2), Kingfisher (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-08-11from the Wildlife Centre: Juv male Great Spotted Woodpecker, SparrowhawkRichard and Frances Pittam
2007-08-06As usual visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. Only 29 bird species identified. Nothing suprising to report but it was good to see a Gadwall from the WC. Also two Linnets flew overhead. The only warbler present appeared to be Willow Warbler singing on SI. There were at least 14 adult Mute Swans present in the area plus five developing cygnets. Two well developed juvenile Black-headed Gulls were also seen. Other youngsters about today included one young Lapwing and severel Pied Wagtails. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-08-034 hours on duty in the wildlife centre, produced 31 species including 1 Redshank and the regular pr of Bullfinches on the feeding table. ...Until 2.30pm, when I found 2 Turnstones behind the little stone Island to the left of Horseshoe Island. Needed the island camera to see them.David Bennett Carsington Vol Ranger

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