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
2011-12-17Great Northern Diver - from Stones' Island - it was near to buoy number 3 at approx. 11.40h.Richard Pittam
2011-12-17Red throated Diver, found by Mark Pass this morning. Still present off Stones Island at 09:45 hr.Clive Ashton
2011-12-15Adult Great Northern Diver, 84 Canada Geese, 10 Pintail (the usual 2 at Sheepwash plus another 8 in Brown Ale Bay, 5 female and 5 drake in total), 3 Shoveler, 6 Goldeneye, 9 Snipe, 10 Dunlin, Redshank, 2 Sparrowhawks and Yellow-legged Gull. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-12-14White-fronted Goose and Greylag still at Wildlife Centre among flock of c60 Canada GeeseJohn Matkin
2011-12-131 White-fronted Goose from Wildlife Centre at lunchtime (euroasian race), plus 15 feral Barnacle and 1 Greylag Goose. 11 Snipe at Paul Stanley Hide. Adult Great Northern Diver Off Stones Island Counts of 45 Pied Wagtail, 55 Meadow Pipits, 31 Great Crested Grebe, 55 Wigeon.Roger Carrington
2011-12-12Great Northern Diver 6 Goosander 21 Dunlin Mediterranean Gull (adult) 3 Yellow legged Gull 20+ Herring Gull 5 Great black backed Gull.Clive Ashton
2011-12-08Great Northern Diver, 155 Golden Plover, c25 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 2 Pintail, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Greylag, Peregrine, 2 Raven, Sparrowhawk, c50 Linnet, c50 Meadow Pipit, c10 Siskin, 10 Bullfinch, 10 Redwing, 3 Lesser Redpoll, Skylark, Yellow legged Gull.Clive Ashton
2011-12-05Adult Great Northern Diver, 6 Grey Heron, 60 Canada Geese, 10 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 2 Peregrine, 20 Dunlin, 87 Golden Plover, Redshank, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, 1st winter GBB Gull, 35 Meadow Pipit, 2 Skylark, 9 Bullfinch, 8 Lesser Redpoll, Brambling and a Raven. At least 500 Jackdaw flew over Sheepwash near dusk. Dave Newcombe
2011-12-03GN diver from Lane End Hide pm , 2 goosander (drake + redhead) at Millfields.john babb
2011-12-03GN Diver still present this afternoon. The drake Pintail at Sheepwash. Gull roost contained 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls,3 Yellow legged Gulls,3 Herring Gulls and a 1st winter Great black backed Gull.Clive Ashton
2011-12-02c30x Linnets on Sheepwash Spit. 2x Stock Doves over Hopton Reedbed. Siskin, Goldcrest and a flock of 16x Long Tailed Tits in Hall Wood. Fishtail Creek: Large flock of c100x winter thrushes (mostly Fieldfares), flock of c40 Goldfinches (also included 3x Lesser Redpolls and Chaffinch), and 2x Crossbills overhead. John Matkin
2011-12-011 Great Northern Diver c150 Golden Plover 15 Dunlin 2 Pintail Adult Mediterranean Gull Peregrine male. 3 Herring Gull 2 Yellow legged Gull Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2011-11-305 Grey Heron, drake Pintail, 6 Goldeneye, 18 Dunlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Kestrel, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Raven, 10 Siskin, 10 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-11-29Popped up this morning where there was little of note. Returned at 12:30 when the adult Med Gull was present. Later a 1st Winter Little Gull dropped in at Sheepwash, and was then relocated by Roger at Lane End, in a downpour.Clive Ashton
2011-11-282 Pintail, 9 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye, drake Goosander, 2 Buzzards. Female Kestrel caught and stashed 2 Bank Voles on the 'new' Sheepwash Spit. 22 Dunlin, 21 Golden Plover, c50 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult and 1st winter), 1st winter GBB Gull, 4 Herring Gulls, 8 Fieldfare and 7 Bullfinch. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-11-28WeBS count for November: Mute Swan 27,Canada Goose 90,Wigeon 75(320 in October),Gadwall 6,Teal 247,Mallard 158,Pintail 2,Pochard 4,Tufted Duck 307(578 on 14/11/10),Goldeneye 7,Little Grebe 6,Great Crested Grebe 28,Cormorant 17,Grey Heron 5,Moorhen 3,Coot 319(1330 on 14/11/10 and 1016 this October),Golden Plover 46,Lapwing 290,Dunlin 6,Greenshank 1. Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2011-11-27All from Sheepwash Hide, 9 Pheasants, 13 Cormorants, 83 Canada Geese, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Pintail, 5 Goldeneye, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Mediterranean Gull, 5 Herring Gulls and c100 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-11-242 Red crested Pochard at Millfields. From the dam wall,5 Goldeneye, a Peregrine causing mass panic amongst the wader flock (Lapwing,Golden Plover and Dunlin) From Sheepwash,2 Pintail,c25 Dunlin,c100 Linnet,c30 Pied Wagtail,Raven and the late Greenshank still present.Clive Ashton
2011-11-232 Pintail, 8 Goldeneye, 50+ Golden Plover, 6 Snipe, Greenshank, male Peregrine, Buzzard, Kestrel, c30 Meadow Pipit, adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-11-2315 Dunlin flying with flock of Lapwings, landed near Dam Wall. 5 Redpoll with Gold and Bullfinches Millfield end of Fishtale Creek. 30 Lesser Blackback Gulls near Dam Wall. Nuthatch on feeder between Sheepwash and Visitor CentreEric Dewhurst
2011-11-23c30x Golden Plover over Fishtail Creek (early am), 63x Tree Sparrows counted on and around Ranger Base feeders, Female Sparrowhawk took a Collared Dove at Ranger Base(second time this month) this bird is frequently seen hunting around Visitor Centre car park, Tawny Owl calling from Shiningford CreekJohn Matkin
2011-11-22The Black Redstart was still present until around 15.30 at least. It was quite mobile and was often moving further up the Dam past the draw off tower. Also seen from the Dam Wall was 6 Gadwall, 6 Goldeneye, 112 Golden Plover, 7 Dunlin, 6 Snipe, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and 3 Herring Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-11-22Black Redstart at Millfields by draw-off tower at 1325hrs. 14 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank and pair Pintail at Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2011-11-215 Grey Heron, 72 Canada Geese, 7 Pheasants, 2 Pintail, 3 Goldeneye, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, c250 Golden Plover, 26 Dunlin, 530 Lapwing, Greenshank, Redshank, 6 Snipe, adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 120+ Common Gulls, Herring Gull, 15 Fieldfare and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-11-1924 Dunlin 1 Greenshank 100+ Golden Plover 2 Pintail 4 Goldeneye 1160 Wood Pigeon over north east 7 Skylark over 10+ Lesser Redpoll Peregrine.Clive Ashton
2011-11-17Mediterranean Gull 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult Greenshank 1 Dunlin 20 Paul Mollatt
2011-11-162 Pintail, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Grey Partridge on Stones Island, 51 Golden Plover, 20 Dunlin, Greenshank, 2 Snipe, 160 Common Gull, c5'500 Lesser Black-Backed Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls, 5 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Skylark, c30 Meadow Pipit, 24 Blackbirds, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Raven, 9 Bullfinch and c80 Linnet. Dave Newcombe
2011-11-15Early morning, at Sheepwash 1 Greenshank, 3 Dunlin, 2 Goldeneye, c.80 Linnet. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit at Lane end. Sailing Club: 14 Dunlin, c.90 Golden Plover. WLC: c.80 Pink-footed Goose over heading NE, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Gadwall. 1 Peregrine - appeared to upset vast flocks of Lapwing, and smaller flocks of Golden Plover and Dunlin in the distance at Sheepwash. Also, 1 juv Grey Partridge moulting into adult plumage photographed near Stones Island by a regular visitor.James Owen (STW vol)
2011-11-143 Whooper Swans flew North East at 10:30, 361 Golden Plover, 300+ Lapwing, 27 Dunlin, 7 Snipe, 1 Greenshank. Wildfowl included 3 Pintail (2 drakes),6 Goldeneye, 1 Common Scoter and 32 Pochard. Large flock of 92 Linnet at Sheepwash,12 Lesser Redpoll, Skylark.Gull roost included adult Mediterranean, 2 Yellow legged and Herring. Adult male Peregrine scattered the waders on several occassions. Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2011-11-13Female Pintail, 350+ Golden Plover, 21 Dunlin, Oystercatcher, 4 Snipe, adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 8 Herring Gulls, GBB Gull, male Sparrowhawk, Raven. We didn't see the 11 Bewick's Swans on site, although we did luckily see them flying over nearby Matlock after they had left. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-11-103 Little Egret,3 Goldeneye,284 Golden Plover,19 Dunlin,7 Snipe,3 YL Gull,100+ Linnet, Peregrine.Clive Ashton
2011-11-095 Grey Herons, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Shoveler, 276 Golden Plover (202 in front of Sheepwash and 74 in front of Sailing Club), 16 Dunlin, Redshank, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 115 Common Gulls, 56 Pied Wagtails, Kingfisher, 2 Skylark, 2 Reed Buntings, c50 Redwings, 25 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-11-08Grey Plover in front of Sheepwash Hide from 1530hrs, still there at dusk.Roger Carrington
2011-11-08Female Pintail, Goldeneye, 4 Snipe, Raven, 55 Linnet, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 4 Snipe, 148 Golden Plover (MAP had 151), Mark also had 17 Dunlin. Most of the Golden Plover are in front of Sheepwash Hide. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-11-0717 Little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 4 Goldeneye( 3 females and a 1st winter male), 25 Golden Plover, 7 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 90 Common Gulls, 11 Herring Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Great-black Backed Gulls on Dam Wall early a.m, 65 Pied Wagtails, 50+ Redwing, 6 Willow Tits, Raven and c50 Linnet. Dave Newcombe
2011-11-05Small flock of circa 20 Siskin David Naylor
2011-11-023 Grey Heron, drake Shoveler, 20 Pochard, 210 Lapwing, 7 Dunlin, 9 Golden Plover, Buzzard, Sparrohawk, Kestrel, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Mediterranean Gull, 84 Common Gulls, 100+ Meadow Pipits, 7 Skylark, 105 Wood Pigeon south, 90 Redwing, 10 Fieldfare and 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe
2011-11-01WLC: 1 Redshank, 1 Peregrine (f), 1 Kestrel (f) took prey - vole species, 1 redhead Goosander over. Sailing Club: 8 Golden Plover, 5 Dunlin, among many Lapwings.James Owen (STW vol.)
2011-10-31187 Lapwing, 10 Dunlin, 7 Golden Plover, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Buzzard, Kestrel, 4 Skylark, 11 Greylag Geese, c20 Meadow Pipits, 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-10-31 Great Black-backed Gull 1 first winter Herring Gull 6 adult and 1 first winter. One bird with a noticeable dark band round the end of the bill, which on checking when I got home equated to a 3rd winter Herring Gull. Yellow-legged Gull 2 first winter and 1 adult.Paul Mollatt
2011-10-27No messageClive Ashton
2011-10-26Dear Clive, Many thanks for your email regarding the colour ringed Mute Swans at Carsington.You have two very remarkable birds - good to know they are well and alive.Here are the ringing details: Yellow JCA - metal ring W00590. The bird was ringed as a young male (age code 5) on 22.07.00 at Burton on Trent. This means he was hatched in 1999 making him in his 12th year. Yellow 5XY - metal ring W03247. The bird was ringed as a young female (age code 5) on 18.11.00 also at Burton on Trent. This also means she was hatched in 1999 making her the same age as her mate. Hope this is of some use. Best wishes. Bert Coleman.Clive Ashton
2011-10-25Exceptionally quiet day at the WLC, on 32 species all day. Included 1 Redshank, 1 Gadwall, 22 Lapwing, flocks of c25 Redwing and c35 Fieldfare over, 2 Raven.James Owen (STW vol)
2011-10-2416 Gadwall, 22 Pochard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Ruff, Redshank, 10 Dunlin, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Mediterranean Gull, 47 Common Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, Grey Wagtail, Wheatear, 90 Redwing, Raven and c100 Starlings. Dave Newcombe
2011-10-2111 Dunlin, Ruff, Redshank, Kingfisher, Peregrine, 2 Yellowhammers over the Dam Wall, also 8 Skylark over, c55 Linnet at Sheepwash, 8 Pheasant, 27 Redwings and 3 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown/Clive Ashton
2011-10-21Oystercatcher, 10 Dunlin, Ruff, 2 Yellow legged Gulls, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult and 1st winter). Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-10-196 Grey Herons, 140 Greylag Geese, 3 adult Whooper Swans arrived on site around 08.30 and was still present until around 12.15 at least. Pintail, 10 Dunlin, Ruff, Ringed Plover, Yellow legged Gull, 31 Common Gulls, 2nd winter GBB Gull, 3 Herring Gulls, 4 Skylarks over, 2 Raven, 30 Siskin, Crossbils were heard over the Dam but not seen. At around 17.30 tonight a juvenile Arctic Skua was seen by MAP, it was seen to fly past Lane End hide and towards the Dam but wasn't seen again. Dave Newcombe
2011-10-18WeBS count for October. Water level 57.1%.Mute Swan 19,Greylag Goose 220,Canada Goose also 220,Ruddy Shelduck 1,Wigeon 320,Gadwall 30,Teal 282,Mallard 141,Pintail 1,Red-crested Pochard 2,Pochard 33,Tufted Duck 265,Little Grebe 11,Great Crested Grebe 37,Cormorant 30,Grey Heron 5,Peregrine 1,Moorhen 2,Coot 1016,Ringed Plover 1, Lapwing 34,Dunlin 9,Ruff 1,Snipe 1,Blac-headed Gull 58,Lesser Black-backed Gull 12,Yellow-legged Gull 1, Total Species 27 Total Birds 2763.Peter Gibbon
2011-10-17An adult Great Northern Diver was seen from Sheepwash Hide at around 10.30hrs. We watched it for a while before we left site. When we returned there was no further sign. Also of note today was c160 Greylag Geese, Pintail, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Ruff, 10 Dunlin, Rock Pipit, 3 Lesser Redpoll and a Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-10-16Red Kite, sheepwash hide. Was being mobbed by two lapwings and a grey heron.Claire Simpson

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