Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon RoddisAfternoon visit to carry out the BTO Winter Gulls Survey. Counts of c3,200 Black-headed, 1,500 Common, 323 Lessers, 1 Greater, 3 Herring, 2 adult Yellow-legs and an adult Caspian. The GN and Red-throated Divers still and the 2 Scaup. 2 Oystercatchers again. 36 Lapwing. 32 Barnacle Geese.19/01/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe first Oystercatchers of the year, presumably a pair, were at sailing club this morning. The GNDiver and both immature drake Scaup were off Stones and the Red-throated Diver finally appeared between Stones and Millfields. Willow Tit on Stones, and 2 and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were at Millfields.18/01/2025
Simon RoddisAfternoon visit: both divers and one Scaup from Stones. 33 Barnacle Geese at WLC. 58 Gadwall. 68 Wigeon. The Aythya hybrid again at sailing club. 40 Lapwing. 20 Siskin at Millfields. In the gull roost, c1,500 Common, 2,500 Black-headed, 365 Lesser Black-backs.17/01/2025
AHS, CA.At the Brassington road junction near the Knockerdown one Barn Owl at 7:45am, from Stones Island this morning Great Northern Diver, Red Throated Diver, 2 Scaup, 1 Peregrine, Redpoll and Willow Tit plus all the usual waterfoul. The usual Barnacle Geese flock were in the fields where the pylons are , with Canada and Greylag Geese.17/01/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonBoth divers and the Scaup again from Stones island this morning, along with a constant stream of admirers. 25+ Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Redhead Goosander off Stones. 30 Lapwing. Water Rail along the shore at Shiningford and a Willow Tit singing at the WLC. A bit of movement involved 97 Fieldfares and 200 Starlings NW and another 50 Starlings E.16/01/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter count: 27 Pheasant, 3 singing Stock Dove, 30 Lapwing, 1 Woodcock, 3 GSWoodpecker, 2 Jay, 21 Magpie, 2 Raven, 19 Coal Tit, 4 Willow, 239 Blue, 68 Great, 18 Long-tailed, 6 Skylark over, 8 Goldcrest, 39 Wren, 7 Nuthatch, 7 Treecreeper (1 singing), 9 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle (1 singing), 67 Redwing, 98 Blackbird, 85 Robin, 34 Dunnock, 8 Pied Wagtails, 18 Meadow Pipit in the dam wall fields, 16 Chaffinch, 4 Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 1 Linnet N, 2 Redpoll, 14 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin. The GN and Red-throated Divers still, and the 2 Scaup off Stones island. Peregrine at Sheepwash.15/01/2025
Simon RoddisThe GN and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Scaup were all in their usual areas off Stones island this morning. 350 Greylags early morning. 33 Barnacles at Watersports (per Alison and Roger). The Aythya hybrid again at sailing club. At least 104 Lapwing in total: 20 down, 30 S, 6 N and 48 flew in. 1 Woodcock at Millfields early morning. Adult Peregrine over the main carpark. Skylark over WLC creek, heading towards the pastures.14/01/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonMonthly wildfowl count: 192 Canada, 3 Barnacle, 14 Greylag, 4 Mute Swan, 77 Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, 159 Mallard, 44 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 843 Pochard, 317 Tufted, 2 Scaup, 23 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 1394 Coot, 28 Little Grebe, 71 GCGrebe, 1 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Woodcock, single GN and RtDivers, 33 Cormorant, 1 Heron. 130 Pink-footed Geese flew W, 9 Herring Gulls S.13/01/2025
Simon RoddisAn excellent winter morning's birding. The Great Northern and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Scaup still from Stones island. 49 Whooper Swans: 31 dropped in from the east at 11:35 while another 18 kept going W. 92 Pink-feet flew W and another 11 E. 33 Barnacle Geese. 7 Shoveler (5m,2f). 56 Teal around Stones/WLC. The regular Aythya hybrid and 43 Lapwing at sailing club. 62 GCGrebe from Stones. Kingfisher from WLC and later from Stones. 3 Fieldfare and a Meadow Pipit over Stones.11/01/2025
Simon RoddisBoth divers and both Scaup off Stones island this afternoon. 310 Canada, 33 Barnacle and 61 Greylags. 65 GCGrebe from Stones. 20 Lapwing flew in. Much smaller gull roost than before the cold weather: c1,000 each of Common and Black-headed, only 10 Lesser Black-backs by 16:20.10/01/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive picked up both the GN and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Scaup from Stones this morning. Pochard numbers still holding up, at 725. Pair of Goosander at Millfields. 11 Snipe dropped onto Watersports/Stones islands and a Peregrine over (maybe not a coincidence).07/01/2025
Simon RoddisAfternoon visit: the Great Northern and Red-throated Divers and the 2 immature male Scaup all visible from Stones island, although much better views of the Red-throat from Millfields (it is now the equal longest stayer ever at the res.). 33 Barnacle Geese. 38 Cormorant. 62 Collared Doves (site record) flew S down the east side, appeared to come from the Fishtail area, perhaps flushed from a farmyard by a Red Kite.06/01/2024
Dave ArmittRed Throated Diver from Millfields03/01/2025
Dave Armitt10 Long Tailed Tit,3 Red Kite, 145 Pochard, 9 Little Grebe, 8 Gadwall, 23 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Coal Tit , 1 Green Finch, 7 Goldeneye, 18 Wigeon, 24 Lapwing, 11 Barnacle goose, 8 Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Goose03/01/2025
SJR, AHS, CAThe Great Northern and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Scaup still from Stones island this morning. Water Rail showing well from WLC while it caught sticklebacks on the edge of Horseshoe island. Kingfisher there too. 9 Barnacle Geese.03/01/2025
Simon RoddisBoth the Great Northern and Red-throated Divers still from Stones/Millfields this morning, while the 2 Scaup appeared off Stones late morning. Pochard numbers have dropped a little since their peak but still 775 this morning. 10 Barnacle Geese. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed.02/01/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThis morning's highlight was a Velvet Scoter which Clive saw briefly from Sheepwash hide mid-morning but not thereafter as far as we're aware. The GN and RtDivers and the 2 Scaup still from Stones. 3 Shelduck past Sheepwash. 33 Barnacle Geese. Redshank in Brown Ale Bay. 12 Snipe at WLC. Peregrine and 3 Fieldfare (first and last of the month!) from Stones.31/12/2024
Tom EelesTwo 1st Winter Drake Scaup's off Stone's as of 12:30.30/12/2024
AHS, CA.This morning from Paul Stanley Hide, 1 Chiffchaff seen on approach to the hide, 1 Great White Egret briefly infront of hide. 4 Goldeneye, 3 Wigeon, 50 Pochard ,13 Teal, 25 Lapwing, 12 Long Tailed Tits. CA Had Great Northern Diver and Red Throated Diver plus 1 Little Egret from Stones Island.30/12/2024


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
30/12/2024Red throated diver still off Stones Island this morning.Matthew Birkin
29/12/2024This morning at Carsington, 26 Wigeon, Great Northern Diver, Kingfisher, 16 Goldeneye, 2 Redkite, 2 Pintail, all from Stones Island, 4 Common Snipe at WLC, 1 Peregrine and Red Throated Diver from Dam wall.AHS, CA.
28/12/2024Common gull, Pintail, Pochard at Wildlife Centre. Kingfisher, Goldeneye and 8+ Redpoll around Stones Island.Matthew Birkin
27/12/2024Willow tit on feeders around 11.45Andy Johnson
25/12/2024Both the GN and Red-throated Divers still this morning, the GND well north of Stones and the RtD still off the east side north of Millfields. 29 Barnacle Geese. 125 Woodpigeons N. 1 Golden Plover over the dam wall. 25+ Snipe on Horseshoe island first thing. c4,000 Common Gulls and 500 Jackdaws out of their respective roosts. 5 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 20+ Siskin and a Water Rail in WLC creek. Compliments of the season, everyone!Simon Roddis
24/12/2024The Red-throated Diver was still present this afternoon to 4pm at least, frequenting the east side between Fishtail Creek and Millfields (viewed from Stones). GNDiver still too. 1,032 Pochard - 802m,230f, an overall ratio of near enough 4.5:1, although the ratio at WLC/Shiningford was less than 2.4:1 - explain that if you can! Adult Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club (found by Richard Lowe). 191 roosting Lesser Black-backs. 40 Cormorants.Simon Roddis
24/12/2024From Paul Stanley Hide this morning, foggy conditions making difficult birdwatching conditions, however, Pochard 129+, Teal 45, Wigeon 10, Lapwing 20, Little Egret, Grey Heron ,Black Headed Gulls, Common Gulls and Lesser Black Backed Gulls.AHS
23/12/2024Another Monday, another Red-throated Diver. Well, more likely the same one as last week, off Millfields this morning. The GNDiver north of Stones. Great Egret in flight off Sheepwash. Chiffchaff still on Stones. 6 Barnacle Geese. 2 Kingfishers off Stones. At Hopton end first thing, 2 Woodcock, Water Rail and Kingfisher.Simon Roddis
20/12/2024The adult GNDiver from Stones again this morning. 4 adult Whooper Swans briefly but disturbed by a boat. 39 Teal. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. Pair of Peregrines over the north end. Chiffchaff again on Stones.Simon Roddis
19/12/2024From PS Hide 1400hrs: 1 GW Egret, 200+ Pochatd, 70 Tufted Duck, 50 Lapwing (on raft), 40-50 Coot, 10 Wigeon, 8-10 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan ... also 15 Cormorant (end of spit, viewed from Sheepwash).Gary Atkins
19/12/2024The adult GNDiver was off Stones island again this morning, a few raptors were enjoying the breeze, plus the 31 Barnacle Geese still. Otherwise a bit quiet.Simon Roddis
18/12/2024In addition to Simon's sightings, a male Goldeneye at the Hopton Arm, two Buzzard over the woods at the Hopton Arm end, at least one Teal at Paul Stanley hide. Also too distant to say which, but a skein of 34 geese flying SSE.Stephen Plant
18/12/2024The adult GNDiver was off Stones island all day. Total of 1,014 Pochard spread around the res (new site and county record). 31 Barnacle Geese. 12 Snipe at WLC. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. Pair of Peregrines playing around with crows and Ravens over Watersports island. Chiffchaff on Stones. 25 Siskin at WLC. Adult Caspian and 6 Herring Gulls in the roost off Stones late afternoon.Simon Roddis
17/12/2024The adult GNDiver was again off Stones island this morning but no sign of yesterday's Red-throated Diver, although the murky conditions didn't help. 3 Woodcock at Millfields first thing.Simon Roddis
16/12/2024A double diver day: as well as the adult Great Northern, a winter plumage adult Red-throated Diver was off Millfields this morning to 11:15 at least. 31 Barnacle Geese. 46 Pink-footed Geese flew E. 8 Goosander (7+1) flew through. c4,000 Common Gulls flew out of the roost early morning, believe that's a new county record. Kingfisher(s) at WLC/Stones. 188 Woodpigeons N. Chiffchaff still on Stones island. 60 Redwing. 4 Linnet S over WLC creek.SJR, CA, AHS
15/12/2024Highlight of this morning's monthly wildfowl count was the returning adult Great Northern Diver, for around the 15th winter in succession. 155 Canada, 46 Greylags, 5 Mute Swan, 48 Gadwall, 32 Wigeon, 139 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 36 Teal, 888 Pochard, 377 Tufted, 17 Goldeneye, 14 Moorhen, 1377 Coot, 29 Little Grebe, 50 GCGrebe, 38 Lapwing, 10 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 23 Cormorant.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
14/12/2024112 Pink-footed Geese flew E in 3 skeins this morning. Adult Caspian Gull again. c2,000 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 100 Woodpigeons N. Woodcock roosting in Hopton reedbed. Redshank at sailing club. Raptors enjoying the breeze included 4 Sparrowhawks and a Peregrine, plus 10 Ravens.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
11/12/2024Pretty similar today, but Lapwings up to 91, total of 16 Goldeneye, 85 Starlings W, Chiffchaff still on Stones, and Clive had 8 Goosander early on.Simon Roddis
10/12/2024A coordinated count of 924 Pochard this morning, we believe that's a county record. 14 Goldeneye. At least 2,000 Common Gulls flew out post-roost. Adult Peregrine over the main centre. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley. 15+ Redpolls feeding on StonesSJR, CA, AHS
09/12/2024Windy, wet and cold at Carsington this morning, so a day for using the hides, Paul Stanley and Sheepwash. About 400 Pochard in Brown ale bay, 24 Teal, Kingfisher showing well infront of Paul Stanley hide, 1 Goosander, a Redkite over Blackwell Plantation plus all the usual suspects.AHS, CA.
08/12/2024A site record (and county record) 858 Pochard this morning. All the birds were sheltering from the wind in 3 groups, (Paul Stanley, Sheepwash, Wildlife centre). Also 9 Goldeneye.Clive Ashton
06/12/2024Best bird this morning was a Great Egret which flew SE, perched up for a bit and then returned NW! Kingfisher and Shoveler at WLC. 10 Goldeneye. 62 GCGrebe. 23 Little Grebe. 10 Skylarks N over WLC and c30 Siskin in the alders. Chiffchaff again on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
05/12/2024This morning from Stones Island, 7 Goldeneye, Redkite, 2 Willow Tits, Common Buzzard and two Ravens. From the WLC, Three Common Snipe, 32 Lapwing, 2 Mandarin ducks, 1 Goosander plus all the usual waterfoul.AHS, CA.
04/12/2024An adult Kittiwake was off Middle Wood early morning but not seen again. A mobile drake Pintail flew over the main centre and was at Millfields for a while. 12 Goldeneye. 20 Lapwing. 5 Snipe. Chiffchaff on Stones causeway. 12 Redpolls on Stones. Alison and Roger had 6 Woodcock flypasts at Millfields at first light.Simon Roddis
02/12/2024The female Ring-necked Duck was again at Millfields this morning. A Woodcock flew into Hall Wood early am and the Water Rail showed well on Horseshoe island. Total of 60 Siskin, including 50 at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
01/12/2024Species seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (10am-noon; WLC to Stones Island): Goldfinch, Mute Swan, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Cormorant, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Great Tit, Robin, Gt Crested Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Red Kite, Chaffinch, Moorhen, Blue Tit, Gadwall, Dunnock, Little Grebe, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kestrel, Willow Tit, Pied Wagtail, Herring Gull, Blackbird, Lesser Redpoll, Woodpigeon, Wren, House Sparrow an Magpie (35)Gary Atkins
01/12/2024The female Ring-necked Duck was back at Millfields early afternoon today. 4 Goosander (3m,1f) there too. 8+ Goldeneye. The Egyptian Goose again flew in with Greylags. At least 225 Redwing between Fishtail and Millfields. 20 Redpoll again on Stones. 1150 Common and the adult Caspian Gull roosted.Simon Roddis
28/11/2024Didn't see the Ring-necked Duck this morning but she could easily still be around. 2 Woodcock, Water Rail and Great Egret at Hopton end early morning. 404 Woodpigeons and 12 Stock Doves N in 90 mins, plus 6 Stock S. The Redshank still around Stones causeway. 2 Chiffchaffs. 9 Redpolls on Stones.Simon Roddis
27/11/2024Afternoon visit: the Egyptian Goose flew in with Greylags late afternoon. Female Shoveler at WLC. 10+ Goldeneye. 600+ Pochard. 48 GCGrebes from Stones. Great Egret on the shore at Sheepwash. 30+ Greenfinches feeding in treetops above Hall Wood (highest number here since 1997). In the gull roost, 3,000+ Black-heads, c1,400 Common, 350 Lesser Black-backs, 4 Herring, 3 Yellow-legged and 1 adult Caspian.Simon Roddis
26/11/2024Little Egret flew over the road at the Knocker Down as I was driving to reservoir at 7:45am. Ring Necked Duck still present in Shinning Ford Creek with plenty of Birdwatchers getting excellent views, Waterrail was also seen from WLC showing very well, Redpolls on Stones Island, Redkite over Hall Wood, 2 Buzzard over the Wind Turbines and C A had 3 Pintail at Millfields.AHS, CA.
25/11/2024The female Ring-necked Duck had moved over to the Watersports/WLC area this morning and was very obliging for a while from the WLC. Redhead Goosander over Millfields. A bit of movement, with 216 Woodpigeons N, 270 Starlings W, 10 Fieldfare SW and 14 Skylarks mostly S. 41 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. Pair of Peregrines again. Chiffchaff on Stones causeway. Total of 10+ Redpolls around Stones/WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
24/11/2024Clive relocated the female Ring-necked Duck among Tufteds at Millfields this morning. Pochard now up to 620 and at least 8 Goldeneye. 5 Herring Gulls flew S. 12 Collared Doves flushed by a Sparrowhawk behind Fishtail Creek. Chiffchaff at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
21/11/2024285 Pink-footed Geese flew SW in 4 skeins 1015-1045 this morning. Total of 105 Lapwing (72 down, 33 flew S). Redshank and drake Pintail still. Water Rail on Horseshoe island. 8 Redpolls on Stones. Total of 44 Fieldfare.SJR, AHS, CA
20/11/2024A bit quiet this morning but a Great Egret put in an appearance at the WLC, Water Rail called in the creek, female Shoveler, 2 Peregrines, 60 Lapwing, and a Brambling on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
18/11/2024Couldn't find yesterday's Ring-necked Duck this morning, and Pochard numbers looked a bit lower too. 2 Shoveler in Shiningford creek. 60 Lapwing. 2 Peregrines over WLC and Water Rail on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
17/11/2024Highlight of this morning's wildfowl count was a female Ring-necked Duck which Jon B found off Stones causeway; it then flew into Shiningford creek and was visible from the WLC. Only the second for Carsi. Other figures: 314 Canada, 2 Barnacle, 166 Greylags, 13 Mute Swan, 35 Gadwall, 36 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 74 Mallard, 52 Teal, 434 Pochard, 237 Tufted, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Water Rail, 24 Moorhen, 1127 Coot, 27 LGrebe, 54 GCGrebe, 64 Lapwing, 9 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 19 Cormorant.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/11/2024From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon of note in the gull roost: Caspian Gull (Ad); YLGull (2) Ads; GBBGull (Ad); Herring Gull (3) Ad, 3w; 1w.Richard Lowe
16/11/2024c500 Starlings came out of Hopton reedbed early morning, and Water Rail calling. 77 Lapwing at sailing club. 5 Goldeneye off Stones, a Dunlin flying around and a Chiffchaff calling. Total of 17 Ravens flew W. 100 Redwing N over WLC creek. 12 Redpoll, including 10 in Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
15/11/2024Afternoon visit: gull counts of c700 Common, 1,000 Lesser Black-backs and 7,000 Black-heads. 2 adult Yellow-legs. 2 Herring Gulls, my first here since June. 8 Dunlin in flight from Sheepwash hide and 6 Goldeneye (3m,3f) there.Simon Roddis
12/11/2024This morning from Stones Island, 234 Pochard, 365 Pink Feet Geese all heading east, 6 Redkite, 3 Ravens, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Shoveller, 26 Wigeon and 4 SparrowhawksAHS, CA.
14/11/2024This morning from Stones Island, 10 Shelduck, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Redkite at least over Fishtail creek and 50+ Lapwings around yatch club, 1 Yellow Legged Gull just off East bank. WLC ,6 Common Snipe and 19 Barnacle Geese including one of dubious heritage.AHS
12/11/2024From Sheepwash / Paul Stanley Hides late this afternoon: Whooper Swan (13) - distantl, off Fishtail creek then flew off to the south at c. 4pm. Mediterranean Gull 1st W; YL Gull (2) Ads; Goldeneye (4).Richard Lowe
08/11/2024Possible pair Slavonian grebe by dam seen from main visitor centre.Jonathan Lees
08/11/2024More Hawfinch action this morning: at least 2 at Millfields had probably been in the trees near the viewing area before flying out, then 2 S over WLC creek just after 10:00. Drake Pintail at Sheepwash and 2 drake Goldeneye off Sailing Club island. A Great Egret flew past WLC and Water Rail on Horseshoe Island. 32 Ravens, including a flock of 29, flew NE up the pastures. 32 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/11/2024Rather murky again this morning. 45 Chaffinches and 3 Brambling in an hour over Sheepwash. First Woodcock of the autumn/winter flushed from the path to Paul Stanley hide. Dodgy Pochard hybrid again from WLC.Simon Roddis
06/11/2024Off Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon: Caspian Gull (Ad); Goldeneye 1m. Large gull roost of Common Gull/Black-headed Gull/Lesser Black-backed Gull extending from off LaneEnd hide to the Dam wall - uncountable!Richard Lowe
06/11/2024Highlight this morning was 2 single Hawfinches SW over Hopton end and Sheepwash. 26 Wigeon. Drake Pintail at Shiningford. 2 Goldeneye (drake at Sheepwash, redhead off Stones). 2 redhead Goosander. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 50 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Marsh Tit (returning bird?) calling along the path between Sheepwash and Paul Stanley. 400 Starlings came out of Hopton reedbed early morning. Totals of 82 Fieldfare and 70 Siskin.Simon Roddis
05/11/2024Off Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon (despite the fog): Mediterranean Gull (Ad); YL Gull 2 Ads; Goldeneye 1m.Richard Lowe
04/11/2024Nothing moving again in dull conditions this morning, but managed to drag out a first-winter Caspian Gull off Stones/Watersports, Brambling and Water Rail in WLC creek, drake Pintail and redhead Goldeneye at Sheepwash, Kingfisher and 50 Siskin at Millfields, and the Egyptian Goose flew up the res mid morning.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/11/2024November Birdwalk for beginners. house sparrow, mallard. coot. moorhen. tufted duck. black-headed gull. pochard. wigeon. teal. gadwall. gt cr grebe. little grebe. lapwing. lesser bb gull cormorant. Dunnock. robin. magpie. crow. kestrel. g s woodpecker. long-tailed tit. blue tit. wren. chaffinch. redwing. common gull. great tit. wood pigeon. blackbird. goldfinch. mute swan. Canada goose.Amanda Palethorpe

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