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
2019-10-18This morning from Stones island, Slavonian grebe still present, 40 plus Long tailed tits,at least 6 Willow tits,Blackbirds very active in the Hawthorn bushes, flocks of Redwings moving down both banks all morning,small groups of Starlings passing overhead, 4 Skylarks and 10 Tree Sparrows at WLC A H Stewardson
2019-10-17This morning from Stones island, Slavonian grebe still present a pair of Shoveler from the causeway, 6 Skylark overhead, 1 Redshank,Common Sandpiper reported, 20 plus Long tailed tits and 4 male Bullfinch. Alan Stewardson
2019-10-15The Slav Grebe still off Stones island this morning, a Common Sandpiper on the sailing club shore, perhaps the same bird as was there on Saturday, and a female Stonechat in WLC creek. 91 Canada Geese. Pair Shoveler again off Stones causeway. Water Rail calling in the narrows of Brown Ale Bay (perhaps the same one as at PS hide last week). 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and sub-ad) from Sheepwash, plus a GBbG which caught and ate a signal crayfish. 4 Collared Doves at the ranger base. 4 Kingfishers (Millfields, WLC creek, BA Bay and Hopton end). 2 Swallows over Stones, plus a Chiffchaff, a female Blackcap, c20 Blackbirds and 10 Song Thrushes there. Totals of 106 Starling (including 50 in fields up Hays Lane), 254 Redwing and 32 Siskin (23 at Sheepwash). 26 Tree Sparrows (16 WLC, 10 Millfields). Simon Roddis
2019-10-14The Slav Grebe again off Stones island this morning. 18 Mute Swans, including yesterday's 5 juvs still. Pair of Shoveler off Stones causeway. 1 Little Egret. 2 Dunlin through. 50 Woodpigeons S. 16 Skylarks SW. 3 Chiffchaff. There's clearly been an influx of thrushes, with 32 Blackbirds and 16 Song Thrushes on Stones island. 5 Greenfinch and 6+ Siskin over.Simon Roddis
2019-10-131 Slovenian Grebe,6 Great crested Grebe,2 Little grebe,2 Gadwall,6 Teal,2 Mute Swan,2 Cormorant,4 Goldfinch,10 Tufted Duck this afternoon David Armitt
2019-10-13The Slav Grebe still off Stones this morning, in the rain. 16 Mute Swan including 5 juveniles, clearly come in from somewhere. 27 Wigeon. 70 Lapwing. 2 Kingfishers at Sheepwash. 1 Chiffchaff among a tit flock on Stones. 41 Redwing. Simon Roddis
2019-10-12Monthly WeBS count done this morning as the forecast isn't too sparkling for tomorrow: 53 Canada Geese, 22 Greylags, 10 Mute Swan, 2 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 14 Wigeon, 142 Mallard, 62 Teal, 96 Pochard, 147 Tufted Duck, 1 Goosander, 20 Little Grebe, 38 GCGrebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 29 Cormorant, 750 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 88 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper on Stones causeway, 3 Kingfisher. In other news: 4 Whooper Swans dropped in briefly at 11:00 before heading off E; 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning, and 6 Grey Wags left the reedbed; 10+ Goldcrest; 37 Redwing; and 2 very pale redpoll sp. over.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-10-11The Slav Grebe again off Stones island mid-afternoon. A first-year Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash at 17:45, and 131 Common Gulls there. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (1 ad, 2 sub-ads). 57 Lapwing. 29 Cormorant. Little Egret at Sheepwash. c150 Woodpigeons flushed from the Shiningford area by 2 police choppers flying up the west side. Kingfishers at Sheepwash and WLC creek. 2 Chiffchaff. 26 Tree Sparrows (18 at WLC, 8 at Millfields).Simon Roddis
2019-10-10The Slav Grebe again off Stones island this morning. From the dam wall early morning, c5,000 Black-headed Gull, c3,500 Lesser Black-backs, 11 Great Black-backs and 84 Rooks. Total of 112 Pochard. 14 Magpie and 14 Tree Sparrows at the Millfields carpark feeders. 5 Chiffchaff. Male Blackcap and 35 Long-tailed Tits on Stones causeway. Tiny bit of movement: 90 Woodpigeon, 1 Skylark, 5 Starling, 24 Redwing, 32 Meadow Pipit and 5 Siskin, all S.Simon Roddis
2019-10-09The Slav Grebe still among the Coots off Stones island. A bit of movement, with a skein of c300 Pink-footed Geese SE at 09:20, and 12 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 19 Starling, 81 Redwing, 42 Meadow Pipit and 2 Siskin S. 2 Shoveler off Stones causeway, 62 Lapwing, a flock of 8 Stock Dove, 4 Kestrel, 7 Chiffchaff between Stones and Lane End, 7 Greenfinch, and 10 Tree Sparrow at WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-10-08Sadly, no sign of yesterday's Long-tailed Skua, but the Slav Grebe was still off Stones island. 88 Pochard. 1 Little Egret. 3 Sparrowhawk (1m,2f) in the air together over Hopton village. 4 Kestrel. 1 Peregrine. 3 Tawny Owls calling around Brown Ale Bay early morning, and 2 Kingfishers there. 5 Skylark over. 1 Blackcap on Stones causeway. 30 Starling and 75 Redwing through. 4 Greenfinches feeding on berries on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
2019-10-07A rather good session today. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua was on the water near Flat Island (north of Paul Stanley hide), found at 14:15 and still there at 15:30, not looking as if it wanted to move far in the poor conditions. The Slavonian Grebe was still off Stones island, presumably yesterday's juvenile Black Tern still from Sheepwash and Stones island mid-morning, a 2nd/3rd-winter Caspian Gull off Brown Ale Bay early afternoon, and a Rock Pipit over WLC creek and maybe the same bird later dropped onto Watersports island. 98 Canada Geese. 182 Greylag. 3 Shelduck. 1 Shoveler. 83 Pochard. 52 Lapwing. A flock of 48 Long-tailed Tits at Watersports. 6 Chiffchaff. 12 Blackbirds and 6 Song Thrushes on Stones. 155 Redwing. 6 Linnet. c50 Goldfinch on Stones. 22 Siskin at Millfields. As I said, a good day!Simon Roddis
2019-10-06Seen/heard during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk: Canada Goose, Coot, Robin, Long-tailed Tit, Greylag Goose, Slavonian Grebe, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Teal, Carrion Crow, Mallard, Wigeon, Moorhen, Pochard, Gadwall, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Pink-footed Goose, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Raven, Jackdaw, Buzzard, Mute Swan, Kingfisher, Lapwing, Coal Tit, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Tree Sparrow, Woodpigeon, Snipe, Starling and MagpieGary Atkins
2019-10-06The Slav Grebe again off Stones island this morning. A Rock Pipit flew W up WLC creek with an alba wagtail at 09:10. 185 Greylags at Sheepwash. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 34 Wigeon. 7 Buzzard. 1 Dunlin around Stones island. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. 2 Swallow. 3 Chiffchaff. Total of 70 Starlings. 160 Redwings through. 4 Siskin.SJR, RC, AHS
2019-10-05The Slav Grebe was again in the Stones/Watersports/Horseshoe islands area this morning. Among moving birds, the biggest surprise was a flock of 46 Ravens which flew E over Millfields at 07:00 (plus another at Sheepwash). That was a whole lotta ronking! 130 Redwing and a total of 36 Skylarks, including one flock of 28 going NE. Also 203 Greylags, 23 Wigeon, 52 Teal, 70+ Pochard, 1 Little Egret, 7 Common Gull, 3 Collared Dove, 2+ Kingfishers, 8 Jay, 350 Jackdaws out of their roost below the dam wall early morning, 6 Willow Tit, 3 Swallow, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 6 Grey Wag.Simon Roddis
2019-10-04A good morning! Roger found a winter-plumage Slavonian Grebe between Watersports and Horseshoe islands. Although elusive at times as it dived frequently, it then showed well off Stones island. While watching the grebe at Watersports, I saw a small wader fly off the water and go behind Horseshoe island. Suspecting that it may be a phalarope, I went round to the WLC and there it was, a juvenile Grey Phalarope feeding on the water. At times it walked along the shore of Horseshoe island and we last saw it there at about 09:00. And the first Redwings of the autumn flew through: a total of 650 SW over WLC creek. In addition, 1 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 7 Wigeon, 66 Pochard, 5 Common Gull, 7 Chiffchaff, and c100 Goldfinch on Shiningford island.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-10-02A little bit of movement this morning, with 33 Meadow Pipits, 8 Skylark, 13 House Martin, 13 Swallow, 6 Greenfinch, 4 Siskin, 1 Dunlin and 1 Golden Plover. Totals of 148 Canada Geese, 161 Greylags, 2 Barnacle, 1 Pink-foot, 65 Teal, 10 Little Grebe, 32 Cormorant at Sheepwash, 2 Little Egret, 1200 Black-headed Gulls early morning, sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull, 12 Jay, 10 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap.Simon Roddis
2019-10-013 juvenile Arctic Terns were around from at least 12:30 to 14:20, feeding out in the middle of the res. 13 Mute Swan. 54 Teal. 58 Pochard. 2 Common Gull. 2 Swallow and 5 House Martins through. 5 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap still.Simon Roddis
2019-09-30Much quieter on the vismig front than yesterday, with just 119 Meadow Pipits, 4 'alba' wagtails, 10 Skylarks, 6 Swallows and 4 House Martins. Otherwise, 2 Shoveler off Horseshoe island, 11 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret, 11 Chiffchaff and 3 Blackcap.Simon Roddis
2019-09-29A significant SW movement of Meadow Pipits this morning, with 1,404 counted from Stones causeway between 08:15 and 10:15, plus 31 Linnets. A Lesser Redpoll dropped into Stones island, first of the autumn here. 4 Chiffchaff on the causeway and 2 House Martins over the visitor centre. 2 Little Egrets and colour-ringed Grey Heron number 61 at WLC.Simon Roddis
2019-09-25A few snippets from after the early morning murk cleared. 2 Little Egrets and a 1st-w Yellow-legged Gull from Sheepwash hide. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields. 3 Kingfishers (1 at Millfields, 2 at WLC). 16 House Martins over Shiningford creek. 12 Chiffchaff. 6 Blackcap. 2+ Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed and 7+ Raven over (and maybe another 3 over Blackwall plantation).Simon Roddis
2019-09-23A pretty good morning. The first Great Egret of the year (as far as I know) was seen initially from Sheepwash hide by John Geary, then flew E over Hall Wood at 10:05. A female/juv Red-breasted Merganser (second of the year) flew W at 08:50, seen from Stones island, then a juvenile Osprey flew S over the visitor centre at 09:15. 1 Little Egret. 2 juv Common Gull. 2 Skylark over WLC creek. 12 Swallows. 7 House Martins through. A Sedge Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap on Stones island, and another 3 Blackcaps feeding on elderberries in WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2019-09-19The highlight this morning was 13 Pintail at Millfields. 3 Wigeon. 31 Teal. 435 Canada Geese, 30 Barnacles and 19 Greylags over the dam wall early morning. 2+ Kingfisher at Millfields. 1 Skylark over Stones island. Total of 22 Meadow Pipits, 20 House Martins and 25 Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis
2019-09-18Around Stones island this morning, 2 female-type Pintail, 9 Wigeon, juv Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, juv Arctic Tern flew N, sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Siskin N. A Tree Pipit flew S over WLC creek, 1 Hobby from WLC, 30 Swallows and 45 House Martins.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-09-17On/over the dam wall early morning: 1,075 Canada Geese, 29 Barnacle, 16 Greylag (33 later at Sheepwash), 1 Pink-foot (plus a skein of 27 NE at 0955), 2 Yellow Wag, 33 Rook, 7 Linnet. A flock of unidentified grey geese flew W at 0820 - definitely not Greylags and I don't think they were Pink-feet or White-fronts... Totals of 43 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 24 Meadow Pipit, 6+ Raven, 20 Swallow, 15 House Martin, 2 Skylark, plus single Shoveler, Wigeon, Little Egret, sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull, Hobby, Sand Martin, Reed Warbler. Simon Roddis
2019-09-16A handful of new waders this morning, despite the high water level: a Black-tailed Godwit (spotted by Roger C) and 2 Oystercatchers flew in at 0810 and a Golden Plover flew S at 0900. c800 Canada Geese. 2 Wigeon. One Little Egret still. 20 House Martins over Shiningford creek. A singing Willow Warbler on Stones. 2 Common Whitethroat (Stones causeway and Shiningford creek). 1 Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. 80 Goldfinch on Stones. 45 Starlings up Hays Lane.Simon Roddis
2019-09-157 Mute Swan,9 Lapwing,37 Tuffted Duck,4 Heron,2 Little Grebe,14 Great Crested Grebe,11 Pochard,6 Cormorant,1 Little Egret,9 Greylag Goose,16 Great Tit,15 Blue Tit,1 Long Tailed Tit,1 Coal Tit,1 Treecreeper ,2 Goldcrest ,1 Wren, 1 ChiffchaffDavid Armitt
2019-09-15Monthly WeBS count: 683 Canada Geese, 26 Barnacles, 6 Greylag, 14 Mute Swan, 17 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 132 Mallard, 25 Teal, 56 Pochard, 293 Tufted, 1 redhead Goosander, 17 Little Grebe, 50 GCGrebe, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 30 Cormorant, 10 Moorhen, 625 Coot, 97 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 4 Kingfisher. Also: second-winter Common Gull, sub-ad Yellow-leg, 6 Willow Tit, 40 Chiffchaff and 15 Blackcap between Hopton end and Stones island, 1 Lesser Whitethroat in Shiningford creek, 2 Yellow Wag over.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-09-12Totals this morning (covering Millfields, Stones island to Shiningford and Sheepwash to Hopton end): 730 Canada Geese, 15 Greylags, 28 Pochard, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 55 Lapwing, 6 Curlew flew S, c600 Black-headed Gulls early morning, 3 Yellow-legs, 2 Kingfisher, 4 GSWoodpecker, 57 Rook, 7 Willow Tit, 2 Sand Martin, c100 Swallow, c50 House Martin, 60 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler (Hopton reedbed), 16 Blackcap (several feeding on elderberries), 1 Garden Warbler and 1 Whitethroat (both WLC creek), 9 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Fly (Shiningford creek), 1 Redstart (WLC fields), 1 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wag (dam wall), 60 Meadow Pipit (10 on the dam wall, the rest moving over), 11 Bullfinch (7 in Brown Ale Bay including a very blotchy moulting juvenile male). The WLC fields were full of small stuff mid-morning: 5 species of tit, 2 Goldcrests, the Whitethroat and Redstart, 15 Chiffchaffs, c20 Tree Sparrows, Robins, Dunnocks, Goldfinches, Swallows flying through. Very entertaining. Simon Roddis
2019-09-10A dawn to dusk session recorded 81 species, whilst the STW vols had an Osprey past the WLC which we didn't see. From the dam wall early morning: 670 Canada Geese, 10 Greylag, 2 Barnacle, 1 Pink-foot, c.4,500 roosting Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 88 Rook, 1 Skylark, 1 Wheatear. Elsewhere, 19 Little Grebe, at least 15 Wigeon and 24 Pochard, 7 Grey Heron, the Little Egret still, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Curlew and 2 Snipe through, 2 Hobby, at least 9 Raven, at least 100 each of House Martin and Swallow, Willow Warbler singing on Stones island, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 1 Redstart in WLC creek/fields, 5 Goldcrest at Millfields, 4 Spotted Flycatcher in Shiningford creek still, 23 Tree Sparrow, 3 Yellow Wag (2 on the dam wall, 1 over Stones) and 127 Pied Wag going to roost on Watersports.SJR, RC, DN, AHS
2019-09-08On/over the dam wall early morning: 435 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 6 redhead Goosander flew in, 1 Dunlin, 11 Stock Dove, 2 Kingfisher, 102 Rook, 1 Skylark, 1 Wheatear. Totals of 12 Gadwall, 17 Teal, 10 Pochard, 44 Lapwing, Hobby from WLC, 120 Swallow (50 on the dam wall, others moving through), 2 Sand Martin, 45 House Martin at the VC, 3 singing Willow Warbler (2 on Stones, 1 WLC fields), 10 Blackcap, 1+ Common Whitethroat in WLC fields, 30 Meadow Pipit (16 on the dam wall, the others moving over).Simon Roddis
2019-09-07Highlight of the morning was a female Merlin which stooped through Stones island, doubtless attracted by the large flock of Goldfinches there (c100). On/over/from the dam wall early morning: c3000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls; 430 Canada Geese, 15 Greylag and 1 Pink-foot; 1 Oystercatcher; 2 calling Tawny Owls; 67 Rooks; 40 Swallow; 3 Wheatear; 12 Grey Wagtails, including a party of 9 SW. Elsewhere, 4 Spotted Flycatchers still in Shiningford creek, the Little Egret still, second-year Yellow-legged Gull, 25 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler on Stones, House Martins still attending young in the nest under the eaves of the visitor centre, and totals of 70 Pied Wag and 16 Meadow Pipit.Simon Roddis
2019-09-05On/over the dam wall early morning: 960 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 5 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot, c600 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Redshank, 109 Rooks and 1 Wheatear. 12 Pochard and 2 Wigeon at WLC. The Little Egret still. 31 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover W. Sub-ad Common Gull. 1 Redstart and 2 Lesser White in WLC fields and a Tree Pipit in Shiningford creek. Totals of 80 House Martin, 20+ Swallows, 3 Sand Martin, 29 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 6 Grey Wag, 16 Meadow Pipit and c100 Goldfinch (including 80 on Stones).Simon Roddis
2019-09-04An Osprey put in a brief appearance at 09:20, carrying a fish over and beyond Hall Wood. 2 Barnacle Geese. 1 Pink-foot. 12 Pochard. The Little Egret still. 1 Peregrine. Over/around Stones island, 85 House Martin, 17 Swallow and 3 Sand Martin. 1 Reed Warbler singing(!) on Stones causeway. 3 Lesser Whitethroat and a Redstart in WLC fields. The family party of 4 Spotted Flycatchers still in Shiningford creek. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-09-03650 Canada Geese and one Pink-foot this morning. The Little Egret still. 1 Oystercatcher. At least 1 Common Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler on Stones island, and a Yellow Wagtail and a Sand Martin over. In WLC fields, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Redstart and a Tree Pipit over. 4 Spotted Flycatcher (family party of 2 ads, 2 young) and another Lesser White in Shiningford creek. Totals of 25 Chiffchaff and 9 Blackcap.Simon Roddis
2019-09-02Species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk around Stones Island/WLC: Highlight was a close-up view of dashing Peregrine; other species Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Woodpigeon, Canada Goose, Lapwing, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Wren, Goldfinch, Coot, Great Tit, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Buzzard, House Martin, Sand Martin, Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Teal, Raven, Blue Tit, Cormorant, Robin, Greylag Goose, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Common Sandpiper, Jackdaw, Chaffinch, Pochard and Pied Wagtail.Gary Atkins
2019-09-01Two pale adult Arctic Skuas were at Millfields for about 3 minutes around 07:15 before flying off SW. An Osprey flew in from the north at 09:10, as seen from Stones island. On/over the dam wall early morning: 535 Canada Geese, 123 Rooks, 45 Swallow, 1 Wheatear, 70 Starling, 5 Grey Wag. Elsewhere, 3 Shoveler at WLC (and maybe another 2 flying around), 20 Gadwall, 1 Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpiper on Stones island, 1 Redshank at WLC, 8 Stock Dove, 2 Hobby over the east side, 25 House Martin at the visitor centre, 16 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, Common Whitethroat on Stones, Lesser White and 2 Redstart in WLC fields, 9 Meadow Pipit. A decent start to the month!Simon Roddis
2019-09-01Osprey around Sheepwash 16.00 to 16.15 hrs then drifted off west. Neil Moulden
2019-09-01Osprey around Sheepwash 16.00 to 16.15 hrs then drifted off west. Neil Moulden
2019-08-31Less action on the dam wall this morning given the howling gale. c600 Canada Geese mid-morning. 15 Gadwall. 14 Teal. 9 Pochard. 1 Little Egret still. 71 Lapwing. The moulting sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 2 Common Tern (ad and juv) through. 1 Swift over WLC creek. Peregrine over Stones causeway and 1, maybe 2, Hobby from Stones island. 6+ Raven. 30 Swallow. 7 Sand Martin. 2 House Martin. 32 Chiffchaff, including 20 on Stones, 15 of them in a flock with Blue, Great, Willow and Long-tailed Tits. 8 Blackcap, including one singing in WLC fields. Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Yellow Wag over Stones. 6 Grey Wag. c100 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-08-30The Osprey arrived early this morning, at 08:05, and spent most of the next hour flying up and down the res but didn't catch anything in that time. On or over the dam wall early morning, 640 Canada Geese, 23 Greylags, 6 Stock Doves SE, 120 Rooks, 30 Swallow and 1 Yellow Wag. 43 Mute Swan. 4 Wigeon. 23 Teal. 3 female/juv Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. 1 Little Egret still. 76 Cormorant. 62 Lapwing. 1 Snipe at WLC. 1 Common Gull. 4 GBbG. 1 2nd-summer Yellow-leg at Sheepwash. Totals of 31 Chiff-chaff, 2 Willow Warbler and 13 Blackcap. 3 Redstart and a Reed Warbler in WLC fields. 80+ Pied Wag (50 on the dam wall, 30 at Sailing Club).Simon Roddis
2019-08-29A decent morning, with a bit of an arrival of small stuff. A juv Whinchat (first of the year), 2 juv Wheatears and 3 yellow Wags on the dam wall early morning, a Spotted Flycatcher at Millfields, 37 Chiffchaffs counted, with at least 15 in Millfields viewing area. Osprey from 10:10 to 10:20, mobbed at one point by 2 Ravens, one of which pulled out one of the Osprey's tail feathers! 2 Arctic Terns (adult straight through and a juv which hung around from 0-8:10 to 09:30 at least). 530 Canada Geese flew out early morning, along with 37 Greylag, 2 Barnacle and 1 Pink-foot. Female Pintail through. 25 Gadwall. 11 Pochard. 1 Little Egret still. 10 Buzzard. 60 Lapwing. 1 Snipe at WLC. 1 Common Gull. 1 sub-ad Herring Gull. 2 Yellow-legs (first-year and the moulting sub-ad). 2 Swift. 2+ Kingfishers. 3 Kestrel. 1 Peregrine. 79 Rooks over the dam wall early morning. 60 Swallows on the dam wall, 50 House Martins around the visitor centre, and 5 Sand Martins. 1 Sedge Warbler on Stones causeway. Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 70 House Sparrows at the visitor centre and 150 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-08-28This morning from Stones island one Greenshank at 8:30, one Yellow Wagtail at 9:15,three distant Terns at 9:35 flying north,Couldn't identify them,an Osprey flew down the Reservoir at 9:40 towards Millfieids. I found one Lesser Whitethroat in the fields behind the Wildlife centre. A H Stewardson
2019-08-26More wildfowl today: a female-type Common Scoter, drake Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 32+ Teal and 5 Pochard. 1 Little Egret. 45 Lapwing. 2 Snipe on Watersports island. 1 Common Sand at Millfields. 1 Redshank at Sheepwash. 2 Common Gull (ad and 1st-year) at Sailing Club. The mouting sub-ad Yellow-leg (same as on 22/8). 3+ Kingfishers. 50 Rook (exact count) over the dam wall early morning, biggest count for ages. 70 Swallow, 25 House Martin and 3 Sand Martin on the dam wall. 4 Willow Warbler at various spots. In WLC fields, 2 Tree Pipit, 1 Meadow Pipit over, 2 Redstart, 3 Spot Fly and single Common and Lesser Whitethroats. 4 Yellow Wag through. Simon Roddis
2019-08-25Looks like there has been a mini wildfowl arrival: female Pintail at Millfields, 2 Shoveler flew in and totals of 24 Gadwall and 15 Teal. 1 Barnacle Goose and the Pink-foot again. 6 Grey Herons at Sheepwash, including number 61. 1 Little Egret still. 42 Lapwing. At least 2 Kingfishers (1, maybe 2, at Millfields, 1 in Brown Ale Bay). Reed Warbler in Brown Ale Bay. Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Redstarts in WLC fields. 7 Yellow Wags and a Meadow Pipit on/over the dam wall early morning. Simon Roddis
2019-08-242 Black Terns flew in over the dam wall early morning but not seen subsequently. Alan S. picked up an Osprey from Stones island about 09:40; if flew up and down the res then at 10:30 a second Osprey appeared. At least one remained to 11:00 at least. 2 distant unid'd terns (not the Blacks) from Sheepwash at the same time as the 2 Ospreys. 66 Greylags flew out early morning and one Pink-foot flew in with Canadas. 1 Little Egret still. 2 Sparrowhawks on Stones. 35 Lapwing. 1st-year Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Swift. Kingfisher at Millfields. 50 Swallows on the dam wall early morning and a total of at least 50 House Martins. 1 Meadow Pipit and 5 Grey Wag on the dam wall. In WLC fields, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Common Whitethroat and single Lesser White and Garden Warbler. 2 Sedge on Stones. Simon Roddis
2019-08-233 Tree Pipits in WLC fields this morning, along with 3 Redstart, 3 Common Whitethroat (and another on Stones) and a Garden Warbler. Juv Black-tailed Godwit still. 36 Lapwing. 52 Greylags. 12 Teal. 4 Pochard. 42 Cormorant. 40 House Martins over Stones island. Simon Roddis
2019-08-22At least one Tree Pipit in WLC fields mid-morning, along with a Redstart and a Spotted Flycatcher. Moulting sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull (not the regular bird). Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 43 Mistle Thrushes came out of Sheepwash wood. 60 Starlings in fields up Hays Lane. c25 Tree Sparrows in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2019-08-2153 Greylags. 10 Teal. 1 Pochard. 1 Little Egret. 44 Cormorant. Juv Black-tailed Godwit on Watersports island. 1 Common Sand at Sheepwash. 1 Redshank on Flat island. 2 Herring Gull through. 1 Yellow-leg. 18 Swifts (4 over Shiningford, 14 over Blackwall Plantation). Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Hobby over Stones island. 25 House Martin over Stones. 5 Sand Martin. Garden Warbler on Stones. Single Redstart and Reed Warbler in WLC fields. At least 3 Spotted Flycatcher on the edge of Sheepwash wood. 2 Yellow Wag on the dam wall early morning. 100+ Linnet at top of WLC creek and c100 Goldfinch on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
2019-08-2010:20 to 10:40 - Osprey (one) - seen from Stones Island - flew around full length of water, then out of sight to the west.Regular Visitor

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