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
2009-04-05Willow Warbler singing at Millfields. Male Brambling,with Chaffinches on Stones Island. 2 GN Divers. Cackling Goose with Barnacle Geese. 3 Willow Tit.Clive Ashton
2009-04-04Shown up well in the evening light were a bull finch singing at the top of a tree and a pair of gadwall in front of Paul Stanley hide.David and Sue Edmonds
2009-04-032 Blackcap,Millfields/Stones Island 1 Wheatear(male),Sheepwash spit. 4 Goldeneye, Paul Stanley. 2 Raven,Sparrowhawk,Buzzard,Grey Wagtail,9 Swallow,17 GBB Gull. Clive Ashton
2009-04-013 Great Northern Divers, 4 Buzzards, Raven, 12 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Curlew, 12 Chiff Chaffs, Blackcap, 12 Meadow Pipits, 3 Reed Buntings.Dave Newcombe
2009-03-31Still at least 2 Great Northern Diver Of note from WLC: 3 Redshank, 5 Snipe, 1 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 1 Willow Tit, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Buzzard, 2 Oystercatcher (mated throughout the day), 2 Pied WagtailJames Owen (ABB)
2009-03-30Highlights From the visitor centre: 2 Great Northern Divers From the Wildlife Centre: 3 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 5 Common gull, 1 Lesser Black Backed gull, 6 Tree sparrow, 2 TealKen, Richard & Frances Pittam
2009-03-303 G.N.Divers, 10 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 20+ Sand Martins, 10+ Swallows, Blackcap by Millfields, 8 Redshanks, 7 Goldeneye, 11 Wigeon, 38 Pied Wagtails, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Kestrels.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-03-28Full bird count from Sheepwash to Stones Island this afternoon. Canada Goose, c.30 Barnacle Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Teal, Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Lapwing, 5 Redshank, Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew, 2 Snipe, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Wren, Robin, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Meadow Pipit (Stones Island), c. 50 Pied Wagtail (Stones Island), 3 Swallow (Stones Island), Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Buzzard (over Hall Wood), 2 Raven (over Hall Wood), Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Rook.Craig Morris
2009-03-28Approx 12 swallows over water near dam wallBob and Gilll Smith
2009-03-253 Great Northern Divers, 3 Sand Martins, 8 Goldeneye, 4 Buzzards, 41 Barnacle Geese, 32 Pied Wagtails, 4 Curlews, 21 Wigeon. 2 Peregrine Falcons over Hall Wood seen by two observers. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-03-25WLC: 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 14 Barnacle geese, 2 snipe, 4 Lapwing, 1 Great Northern diver. PS Hide: 2 Gr Spotted woodpeckers (m and f) Millfields: 1 Chiffchaff (heard singing), 1 Nuthatch (nest preparation - Penn Carr), 6 Pied Wagtails, 1 Great northern diver. Richard and Frances Pittam
2009-03-23WeBS count for March - 9 Mute Swan, 1Greylag Goose, 75 Canada Goose, 10 Barnacle Goose, 30 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 56 Mallard, 264 Tufted Duck, 16 Goldeneye, 8 Goosander, 4 Great Northern Diver, 32 Little Grebe, 41 Great Crested Grebe, 26 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 24 Moorhen, 199 Coot, 3 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 10 Blackheaded Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Kingfisher. Peter Gibbon & John Bradley
2009-03-23Single Sand Martin, 5 Chiff Chaffs, 2 GN Divers, 2 Ravens, 2 Buzzards, male Shoveler, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Greylag Geese, Kingfisher, 6 Teal, male Gadwall, 2 Curlew, 2 Snipe and several Redshanks and Oystercatchers.Dave Newcombe
2009-03-2242 Species seen today, including the first 29nr recorded by the ABB count, before we left the WLC. Of note, at 09:20hr flock of 25 - 30 Wigeon circling over Millfields for 10 minutes before heading away from Carsington. No Wigeon were seen on the water today. 2nr GN Divers from SW hide from 14:40hr to 16:00hr. 6nr Shoveler, 5 male 1 female from PS at 14:20hr. (Surprisingly we have not seen these at Carsington since we joined last year) David & Sue Edmonds
2009-03-21Walked the dam wall early morning; 50+ Meadow Pipit 7 Sand Martin 3 Skylark 8 Chiffchaff singing between Millfields and Wildlife centre.Clive Ashton
2009-03-203 GN Divers 17 Goldeneye 2 Raven 5 SnipeClive Ashton
2009-03-18At least 3 G.N.Divers still present. 4 Chiff Chaffs in song at Millfields, Stones Island, WLC creek and one by P.Stanley hide. Female Scaup showing well to the left of P.Stanley hide. 8+ Snipe, several Redshanks and Oystercatchers. 2 Meadow Pipits, Buzzard, Kestrel, 12 Goldeneye. Great Spot Woodpecker drumming. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-03-16An oversight!! In addition seven Redshanks present today (SI & HI).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-03-16Fairly quiet on site. Warm sunny weather. OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Barnacle Goose (21), Teal (2), Goldeneye (pr) - off Stones Island (SI), Buzzard (1) - over Millfields, Oystercatcher (6) - SI and HI, Snipe (4) - HI & Wildlife Centre Creek, Chiffchaff (1) - in trees close to the Wildlife Centre (WC) and Reed Bunting (pr) - WC feeding station. Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-03-15Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Mallard, Wigeon, Wren, Dunnock, Jackdaw, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Great-crested Grebe, Great Tit, Lapwing, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Redshank, Tree Sparrow, Snipe, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Woodpigeon, Robin, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Little Grebe, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Magpie, Pheasant, Carrion Crow, Cormorant, Nuthatch, Pied Wagtail, Raven, Reed Bunting, Chiff-chaff, Goldcrest, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Jay, Buzzard, Goldeneye, SkylarkGary Atkins
2009-03-15Chiffchaff at Millfields and Male Sparrowhawk were notable sightings on brief visitJohn & Fay Follett
2009-03-13PS Hide 10 cormorants, Pied Wagtails building their nest Redshank, Oystercatchers, 25 Curlew, Nuthatch, Great Crested Grebes displaying, Reed Bunting,Dunnock, Jay, Pair of Goldeneye SW Hide 2 pair of Shovelers, pair of Sparrowhawks, LBB Gulls, GBB Gulls, Common GullsLeslie Fisher
2009-03-13A Chiff Chaff gave a half hearted attempt at singing at Millfields. 2 Meadow Pipits on dam wall. Walked around stones island and had 15 Redwings and 4 Shoveler just off watersports island. Also 2 G.N Divers form there. 10 Snipe and a Greylag Goose at the Wildlife Centre. Went on to Sheepwash and had the 4 Shoveler from there, also 2 Sparrowhawks, 9+ Goldeneye, 900 BH Gulls, several Redshanks and Oystercatchers, 10 Curlew, Raven, Buzzard and Kestrel. The highlight for me was at 17.40 when I saw 11 wildfowl flying towards Hopton end. I managed to scope them briefly and could see at least 3 Pintial before I lost them. Then just before leaving I spotted the 11 birds again and could see that there were actually 10 Pintail....5 males and 5 females and 1 Wigeon amongst them. Dave Newcombe
2009-03-121 Sand Martin around Stones Island 0830hrs - early date for this site. 1 Chiffchaff singing at Millfields 0930hrs - could be a wintering bird. 1 Dunlin at Wildlife Centre. 7 Curlew, 4 Redshank, 6+ Oystercatcher. 18 Snipe at Wildlife Centre. 6 Redwing on Stones Island.Roger Carrington
2009-03-113 Great Northern Divers, together from Sheepwash. 8 Buzzard. 2 Raven. 12 Goldeneye. Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2009-03-10the marsh tit i reported at paul stanley hide, is in fact a willow tit, after closer inspection of photographs.michael johnson
2009-03-09Sunny today but with a cold NW breeze blowing. Few visitors on site. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (10) - in a Shiningford Farm field with Canadas, Goldeneye (pr) - just off Stones Island, Oystercatcher (2) - Stones Island, Curlew (14) - Horseshoe Island, arrived about 1230hrs, Redshank (3) - one by Wildlife Centre Creek & two on Stones Island.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-03-04Gull roost count, 1630-1730hrs from Lane End Hide; 2500 Black-headed, 220 Common, 210 Lesser Black-backed and 2 Herring Gulls. 4 Great Northern Divers together from 1645hrs to dusk.Roger Carrington
2009-03-04At least 2 Great Northern Divers still present, 26 Curlew, 25 Snipe, 10+ Goldeneye, female Sparrowhawk, Raven, several Buzzards, 8+ Oystercatcher, female Pintail, Greylag Goose, 2 Treecreepers.Dave Newcombe
2009-03-02Of note today: Grey Heron (1), Barnacle Goose (47), Goldeneye (pr) - off Stones Island, Oystercatcher (2 prs), Lapwing (~60), Snipe (11), Song Thrush (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-02-263 drake Common Scoter between Millfields and Fishtail this morning. 16 Curlew at Wildlife Centre early morning. At least 10 Oystercatcher - very mobile in pairs. Female Pintail from PS Hide. 3 GN Divers from Sheepwash Hide. Raven and 2 Buzzard from Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2009-02-254 Great Northern Divers all together at dusk, drake Common Scoter, 21 Snipe, 6+ Oystercatcher, 12+ Goldeneye, female Pintail, 4 Curlew, 3 Buzzards, Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-02-24WLC: 2 Great Northern Diver throughout the day, 18 Snipe on Horseshoe Island, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 8 Teal, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Barnacle Geese,Also, 40 Barnacle Geese on Stones IslandJames Owen (ABB)
2009-02-24We saw a male Garganey from the sheepwash bird hide.Robert Newing and Sheila Carr
2009-02-23Mediterranean Gull, adult near full summer plumage from Sheepwash somwhere between 15:00 & 16:00Keefe Murphy
2009-02-23WeBS count for February: 3 Great Northern Divers, 19 Great Crested Grebe, 40 Little Grebe, 53 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Mute Swan, 125 Canada Goose, 40 Barnacle Goose, 4 Shelduck, 90 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 117 Wigeon, 15 Teal, 2 Pochard, 1 Scaup,532 Tufted Duck, 1 Scoter, 15 Goldeneye, 13 Moorhen, 458 Coot, 12 Oystercatcher, 295 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 7 Curlew, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel. Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2009-02-23Not many sightings today as I was doing the walk round with the family. Drake Common Scoter at Millfields, good views of 2 Ravens whilst walking between Hall and Middle Woods. 5+ Oystercatchers, 2 Redshanks, 20+ Robins, 8 Bullfinch, 6 Song Thrush.Dave Newcombe
2009-02-193 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash Hide. Female Scaup near Big Island. Female Pintail from PS Hide late pm. 5 Goosander near Millfields Is. 27 Great Crested Grebe, 49 Little Grebe. 8 Oystercatchers:2 on Millfields Is, 2 on Sailing Club Is, 2 on Big Island, 2 around Sheepwash and Flat Is. 1 Curlew over Stones Is. 2 Skylarks over Millfields. Gull roost:1200 Black-headed, 250 Common, 130 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.Roger Carrington
2009-02-17Checked my notebook - also had a Peregrine fly over Sheepwash about 9:30.James Owen
2009-02-173 Great Northern Diver distant from Sheepwash in the morning, singles beyond Horseshoe Is after that. WLC: 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 45 Barnacle Geese, 1 Snipe Paul Stanley: 2 Oystercatcher (Flat Is), 3 Buzzard, 11 Goldeneye, 2 Willow Tit, 1 GS Woodpecker, 8+ Siskin Sheepwash: 3 Redwing, 1 RedshankJames Owen (ABB)
2009-02-16OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (2), Barnacle Goose (~30) - with Canada Geese in a Shiningford Farm field, Common Buzzard (1), Oystercatcher (1), Lapwing (~110), Curlew (1), Redshank (2), Lesser Redpoll (4).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-02-114 Great Northern Divers, female Scaup, Raven, 2 Redshanks, 10+ Goldeneye, Grey Heron, also a Buzzard eating prey below Willow tree to left of Sheepwash hide.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-02-09A very cold and foggy morning. The only highlights were: Wildlife Centre:1 Male Sparrowhawk Watersports Centre - to - Visitor Centre:1 Possible MerlinRichard, Frances and Ken Pittam
2009-02-042 Great Northern Divers, female Scaup, male Stonechat, 15 Goldeneyes including 13 females, 5 Snipe, 2 Redshanks, 2 Meadow Pipits, Raven, 6 Bullfinch, 4 Siskin.Dave Newcombe
2009-01-304 Great Northern Divers, all together in front of Sheepwash at 1430hrs, 3 stayed together until dusk, 1 drifted to Fishtail still in view at dusk. Heron carried a live adult rat to shoreline, killed it and gradually swallowed it whole, head first, infront of 3 astonished onlookers in Sheepwash Hide.Roger Carrington
2009-01-26Of note today: Great Northern Diver (1) - near Lane end hide; Barnacle Goose (43); Pheasant (1 male) - feeding ON a Wildlife Centre bird table! Lapwing (~360) - in two flocks, one on Horseshoe Island & one by the sailing club; Snipe (5) - Horseshoe Island; Redshank (1) - edge of Wildlife Centre Creek; Robin (15) - all visible and singing; Redwing (2) - Stones Island; WILLOW TIT [Red listed] (2)- near the Wildlife Centre. Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-01-263 Great Northern Divers form Sheepwash, female Scaup, female Pintail, Yellow Legged Gull, Raven, Kingfisher, 12 Goldeneye, 3 Reed Buntings, 7 Pheasants, Grey Heron, 2 Nuthatch, Redshank.Dave Newcombe
2009-01-233 GN Divers from Sheepwash, Drake Common Scoter, and female Pintail from Paul Stanley and 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2009-01-19Strange weather on site today. All the seasons within an hour! Snow on the low hills near by and a mist. The temperature rose a bit but snow showers blew in quite strongly. The sun then came out and blue sky was seen. Finally, the sky clouded over and we had drizzly rain. Of note: Lapwing (over 300) - all in the sky at once; Snipe (14) - 3 by Wildlife Centre Creek and 11 on Horseshoe Island; Redshank (1) - Horseshoe Island; Fieldfare (1); Redwing (5); Lesser Redpoll (6) and Bullfinch (5).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-01-147 Lesser Redpolls by path down to Wildlife Centre, 2 Great Northern Divers, female Scaup, drake Common Scoter, Yellow-Legged Gull, c440 Lapwings, 28 Gadwall, 8 Goldeneye, Kingfisher, Raven, Buzzard,,3 Snipe. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton

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