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
2011-03-2831 species identified early pm. Of note: Barnacle Goose (35), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (4), Chiffchaff (6) and Reed Bunting (1 female).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-28Redstart - maleNeil Venables
2011-03-251 Curlew --WLC 22 Barnacle geese --WLC 2 -Gt. Nortern Divers -- From Stones Island 1 - Redshank --Stones Island 2 - Oystercatcher -- From stones IslandPaul Highman
2011-03-24Great Northern Diver, at Sheepwash/Lane End Hide end of reservoir, Carsington Water. Also Raven, Chiffchaff, 2 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Goldeneyes.Alan Hobson
2011-03-233 Great Northern Divers off Stones Island. All together in scope and one displaying to two others.Peter Gibbon
2011-03-212 juv Great Northern Divers, 3 Little Grebe, 6 Greylag Geese, 29 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird. pr Mandarin, 24 Wigeon, 4+ Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, pr Peregrine, 12 Oystercatcher, 6 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Meadow Pipit, 3 Fieldfare, 19 Chiff Chaff counted on the circular walk, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, 2 Raven, 40 Starling, 2 Brambling with Chaffinch flock near Fishtail Creek and 2 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-203 GN Divers 2 Shelduck 5 Snipe 5+ Chiffchaff The colour ringed barnacle Goose still present.Clive Ashton / Roger Carrington
2011-03-183 swallows circling around stone shelter Millfields Snipe on Millfields island.Bob and Gill Smith
2011-03-18Regarding the colour ringed Barnalce Goose that has been seen with the regular feral flock of Barnacle Geese. Orange ADZ was ringed on 8/2/99 at Caerlaverock WWT in Dumfriesshire, Scotland as a male first year bird hatched in summer 1998. It was last seen on the reserve on 27/1/10 and is seen on the Solway in most winters. It has not been reported from Svalbard.Dave Newcombe
2011-03-172 Great Northern Divers, 2 Grey Heron, 20 Barnacle Geese, 21 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 9 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 5 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 2 Curlew, several Oystercatchers, 2 Chiff Chaff, 12 Meadow Pipits, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 4+ Reed Bunting and 55 Redwing. Several thousand Gulls in the roost but could only see BH, LBB and Common but viewing was difficult due to fog which lingered for most of the day. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-143 Great Northern Divers and a probable 4th Diver seen entering bay near holiday cottages. c8 Goldeneye, drake Pochard, drake Gadwall, 18 Wigeon, female Goosander, 4 Snipe, 6 Curlew, 3+ Redshank, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Raven, and the Barn Owl near Sheepwash Hide at 17.55. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-03-13WeBS count for March:2 Mute Swan,2 Greylag,51 Canada and 2 Barnacle Goose,1 Wigeon,81 Teal,81 Mallard,2 Pintail,3 Shoveller,270 Tufted Duck,8 Goldeneye,2 Great Northern Diver,1 Little Grebe,38 Great Crested Grebe(one pair building nest),7 Cormorant,8 Moorhen,116 Coot,10 Oystercatcher,8 Lapwing,5 Snipe,5 Curlew,4 Redshank,1 Buzzard. Also 2 Ravens.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2011-03-13ChiffchaffAlein Shreeve
2011-03-121x Greylag goose, 3x Lesser redpoll, 2x Reed bunting, 23x Pied wagtails in and around VC courtyard at 17:30, 1x Tawny owl at Fishtail Creek c20:00.John Matkin
2011-03-102 GN Divers off the dam wall. 2 Pintail Sheepwash, Redwing, c30 Sailing Club, c25 Sheepwash, 5 Stones island, 1 WLC. Curlew flock c40 seen briefly flying to fields by brick tower. The colour ringed Barnacle Goose on the dam wall, and then later on Stones Island (Orange ring black letters AOZ) The female Tufted Duck with the blue bill saddle AAS again from the dam wall.Clive Ashton
2011-03-092 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese including a colour ringed bird which I'm currently persuing. Greylag Goose, pr Pintail, drake Shoveler, 18 Goldeneye, pr Goosander, 17 Wigeon, c50 Curlew near dusk landed on Millfields Island, 3 Dunlin, 3+ Redshank, c10 Oystercatcher, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Raven. The Gull roost consisted mostly BH Gulls and Common Gulls with c50 LBB Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-03-09Flock of c. 20 Curlew circling opposite Watchtower 12.50; Bean Goose with group of Canada Geese 2.45, close in at left side of path towards Stones Island.G.S. Woodpecker and two Nuthatches on feeder at Paul Stanley, 11.00John Bell
2011-03-08A male Snow Bunting on the tip Sheepwash Spit at 0650hrs this morning. Its calls attracted me to it, after taking a very distant record photo I could not re-find it, also checked Stones Islands, no sign by 0930hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-03-0710.45am. viewed from the tip of Stones Island and looking towards Fishtail creek, 2 Great Northern Divers swimming together , and a third opposite Lane End Hide. David Bennett ( S/T VR)
2011-03-07Birding only at wildlife centre and Stones Island. Of note: Barnacle Goose (21) - by Stones Island, Oystercatcher (3), Redshank (2), Wren (1) - the first found by us since the harsh December weather, Raven (1) and Tree Sparrows & Moorhens displaying.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-07A Rock Pipit on Sheepwash Spit today. Also on site 2 Great Northern Divers, 30+ Barnacle Geese, drake Pintail, 104 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 15 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 5 Buzzards, 7 Curlew, c8 Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, adult Mediterranean Gull, 6 Bullfinch, 3 Reed Buntings and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-0725 curlewNo name given
2011-03-06A flock of 36 Curlew flew around Sheepwash spit,then lost to sight over Fishtail creek. The pair of Pintail still close in from Sheepwash. 2 GN Divers,4 Buzzards,2 Kestrels,Raven,13+Goldeneye.A pair of Oystercatchers mating on Sheepwash spit (bar code ringed bird) C200 Common Gulls on the water this afternoon, with many more passing through.Clive Ashton
2011-03-032 Whooper Swan on Stones Island at dawn, then circled and flew north at 0740hrs. 12 Redwing on Stones Is. 2 Gadwall, 1 Dunlin and 5 Curlew at Wildlife Centre. 2 Great Northern Divers distant. 3 first winter GBBGulls on Flat Island. Pair Pintail at Sheepwash. 24 Woodpigeon in field near Sheepwash car park and 5 Tree Sparrow on feeder there. Counts of 18 Wigeon and 68 Teal.Roger Carrington
2011-03-02No sign of yesterday's 22 Whooper Swans so I guess they must have departed early this morning. The 2 Great Northern Divers still remain, as does the pair of Pintail. Also 32 Barnacle Geese, 12+ Goldeneye, 17 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Dunlin, c10 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Raven and a Barn Owl near Sheepwash Car Park at 17.30. Also a Water Vole at Hopton End and a Fox behind the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-02Viewed from Wildlife Centre and nearby area. Of note: Barnacle Goose (20), Goldeneye (pr), Oystercatcher (2), Curlew (1), Pied Wagtail (6), Willow Tit (2) and Bullfinch (1 male).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-01As well as flock of 15 whooper swans reported already, a further group of 6 (2 adults, 4 cygnets) in Shiningford Creek.Neil Venables
2011-03-0115 Whooper swans between Millfields and lake centre Flock of Curlew (Approx 2 dozen) in cattle field South of Fishtail creek. Bob and Gill Smith
2011-03-01Still 2 Great Northern Divers present, 2 Grey Heron, pair of Pintail, 16 Goldeneye, 5 Curlew, 5+ Oystercatchers, c5 Redshank, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 525 Common Gull, 3 GBB Gull, 10 Redwing and a Raven. A Fox was near the Wildlife Centre early morning. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-02-261 GN Diver off dam wall flying north-west 11am 1 Sparrowhawk ~25 Barnacle GeeseChris Johnstone
2011-02-25From Sheepwash at 10.00 - 11.00 a.m. 2 G N Divers, Juv G B B gull, lots of LBB and BH gulls, 10 goldeneye, teal, tufted D. Behind hide - buzzard, 4 Mistle thrush, sev red wingMartin Kaye
2011-02-24From sheepwash this afternoon, 1 GN Diver 12 Curlew 2 Pintail (m+f) 2 Shoveller (m+f) 10+ Goldeneye 3 Buzzard.Clive Ashton
2011-02-21Very misty/foggy on site today. Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Watersports Island, Little Grebe (1) - by the Sailimg Club, Goldeneye (3, 2 males & a female), Oystercatcher (2) - on top of the dam wall, Lapwing (~300) - Horseshoe Island, Song Thrush (1) - singing loudly near the Wildlife Centre and a male Bullfinch - eating at the Wildlife Centre feeding station.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-02-1743 Great Black-backed Gulls on Sheepwash Spit 0730hrs. 7 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Grebe, 5 Lesser Redpoll. 3 Shelduck very mobile. 3 Great Northern Divers. Pair Pintail at Sheepwash. Pair Goosander at Millfields.Roger Carrington
2011-02-163 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pintail, c20 Goldeneye, 5 Oystercatchers, Curlew, 2 Redshank, Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 8 GBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 260 Common Gull. The Gull roost was c6000 birds but most were well scattered and distant. A Barn Owl again flew in front of Sheepwash Hide at 17.10 and I then saw it in the car park at 17.30. Dave Newcombe
2011-02-1510:30hr - Millfields: Tufted Duck 2 rafts of [60+ each], G.C.Grebe[5]; 11:15hr - WLC, Lapwing [120], Drake Shoveler [1], Teal [22], Oystercatcher [3], Wigeon [14], Usual Birds on Feeder - Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Pheasant, Mallard, Robin, plus nearby Dunnock, Thrush(not sure which), Blackbird, ; 12:00hr Sheepwash - Goldeneye [7], Cormorant [9], GN Diver [2], Oystercatcher [2], David Edmonds
2011-02-14WeBS count for February 07.45 to 10.30- 12 Cormorant,2 Mute Swan,51 Canada Goose,33 Barnacle Goose,2 Great Northern Diver,2 Little Grebe,23 Great Crested Grebe,55 Wigeon,102 Teal,106 Mallard,2 Pintail,285 Tufted Duck,6 Pochard,18 Goldeneye,2 Moorhen,171 Coot,201 Lapwing,5 Oystercatcher,1 Redshank,1 Kestrel,1 Sparrowhawk,1 Buzzard. Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2011-02-142 Great Northern Divers, 31 Barnacle Geese, 15+ Goldeneye, pair of Pintail, 5 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, Curlew, 3 Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Skylark. At 16.40 a Barn Owl flew in front of Sheepwash Hide to the delight of several birders. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-02-1433 species of bird observed around midday. Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island (SI), Barnacle Goose (30+) - flew north away from SI, Gadwall (pr), Goldeneye (1 male) - seen from the Wildlife Centre (WLC), Oystercatcher (1) - on raft near water sports centre, Lapwing (~250) - ~150 on Horseshoe Island & ~100 by Sailing Club, Redshank (2) - either side of SI causeway, Willow Tit (2) - WLC feeding station, and Rook & Crow - a combined flock of about 40 birds on the dam wall grassy area.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-02-133 oystercatchers - stone island, shore furthest from the visitors centre 12am-ishNo name given
2011-02-12From Sheepwash 14:00-17:00 Probable 3rd winter Caspian Gull at 15:30 for 30mins before flying off towards wildlife centre and out of view 1 Adult Yellow-legged Gull on end of spit 2 Great Northern Divers together, distantly towards Millfields 5 Goldeneye (1 drake) 1 Pintail (drake) 1 Barn Owl first seen at 16:39, absolutely superb views with several fly pasts right by the hide Paul Thomas
2011-02-09Of note: Barnacle Goose (25), Gadwall (1 male), Kestrel (1 male), Lapwing (140) - mainly on Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1), Pied Wagtail (2), Robin - many singing, Willow Tit (2) - Wildlife Centre (WLC) feeding station and Reed Bunting (1 male) - behind the WLC feeding station. Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-02-092 Great Northern Divers, 31 Barnacle Geese, 2 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, c20 Goldeneye, Oystercatcher, Yellow-legged Gull, 15 Redwing, Fieldfare, 40 Rook, 2 Raven and a Linnet. Also a Stoat near the Sailing Club. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-02-08A Dark Bellied Brent Goose at Sheepwash today. The bird was on the spit in the morning and was still present to the right of the hide near dusk. Also seen today was 2 Great Northern Divers, 28 Barnacle Geese, 18+ Goldeneye, pair of Pintail, 4 Redshank, 235 Lapwing, Dunlin, 5 Skylark over, 15 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, Raven and c180 Jackdaw. The adult Yellow-legged Gull was there as usual and the Gull roost consisted of around 3000 birds and apart from 1 Herring Gull I only saw BH, Lesser and Common Gulls. Dave Newcombe
2011-02-06from Sheepwash at 2.00 - 3.30 p.m.- teal, tufted d, 21 goldeneye, wigeon, mallard, pair pintail, herring, lesser black, black headed and 1 Y legged gull. Lapwing, coot, pied wagtail from dam wall 4.00 - 5.00 p.m. pair goosander and female smew.Martin Kaye
2011-02-05Snipe at paul stanley memorial hide, feeding in runnoff to left of hide at mid-day on Thursday, 3rd Feb.jane burgess
2011-02-033 Great Northern Divers, female Smew near the Draw Off Tower then briefly at Sheepwash. Pair of Pintail, c35 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 207 Lapwing, 3 Redshank and Yellow-legged Gull. Dave Newcombe
2011-02-023 Great Northern Divers,pair of Pintail(Sheepwash),3 Pink footed Geese(Stones Island)30+Goldeneye,c15 Redwing also on Stones Island. Gull roost very spread and mainly Common and Black headed, though the Yellow legged Gull was present as usual.Clive Ashton
2011-01-31Very misty on site. Of note: Wigeon (80+) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing (6) - dam wall area, Snipe - one flew past the Wildlife Centre (WC) window, Fieldfare (1) - dam wall area and Willow Tit (1) - WC feeding station.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-01-313 Great Northern Divers, 3 first reported several days ago so that could well be the answer to my 3 Divers that I saw last Wednesday. Although I'm still sure the third one that I had was smaller than a G.N.Diver. Also seen today was 2 drake Goosander, 3 Pink-footed Geese in field in Tail Bay. Grey Heron, 18 Pochard, c15 Goldeneye, Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Redshank, Reed Bunting and Raven. Didn't see the Smew but spoke to a couple who saw it near the Sailing Club. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton

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