2007-04-15 | 1 Great Northern Diver (Lane Ends) 1 Common Scoter (Drake) (Brick Tower), Plenty of Chiffchaff between Sheepwash CPk and Shiningford Creek. 2 Willow Warblers in same area as well as several Blackcaps singing. 14 Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Blue and Great Tits etc all showing well at the Lane Ends feeding station. | Steph' & Paul Hicking |
2007-04-14 | Millfields:
2 Nuthatch, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap (male), 2 Long-tailed tits, 8 Blue Tits, 2 Coal Tits, 4 Great Tits, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Song Thrush.
Wildlife Centre
1 Little Ringed Plover, 12 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff.
| Richard and Frances Pittam |
2007-04-14 | 2 Little Gulls
1 Shelduck
1 Blackcap
3 Willow Warblers
2 Little Ringed Plover
1 Dunlin
1 Common Sandpiper
13 Bullfinches
2 Cackling Geese
1 Reed Bunting
1 Great Nortern Diver | Oliver Simms |
2007-04-12 | 2 Chifchaffs-Behind Sheepwash Hide
1 Pheasant-Male In between Sheepwash & Paul Stanley Hides
1 Shelduck-Behind Sheepwash Spit
1 Great Northern Diver-Sheepwash Hide
1 Jay-Behind Paul Stanley Hide
4 Reed Bunting-3 males and 1 female on Paul Stanley Hide feeders
2 Willow Tits-In between Sheepwash and Pual Satanley Hide | Sam Pedley |
2007-04-12 | 41 species today plus seagulls
Paul Stanley hide
Two Oystercatchers only 15ft from the hide
Grey Herron,Chiffchaffs, 2 Jays
Stones island
Black Cap,2 Cackling Geese, 4 Barnacle Geese, Willow Warbler, Greenfinch, long tailed tits, tree sparrows
Wildlife Centre
3 Gadwall, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Bulfinches on the feeder
2 redshank | Julian and Caroline Walters |
2007-04-10 | 1 Great Northern Diver off Stones Island early morning.
1 Willow Warbler at Wildlife Centre.
3 Willow Warbler at Millfields.
2 Blackcaps singing on Stones Island.
2 Little-ringed Plover at Wildlife Centre.
30+ Sand Martin and 20 Swallows through this morning. | Roger Carrington |
2007-04-08 | highlights from this morning -
Millfields:
4 nuthatch, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Coal Tit, 5 Blue tit, 2 Great tit, 1 Wren, 2 Blackbird.
Dam:
2 Barnacle geese, 2 Cackling Geese.
Stones Island:
1 Little Ringed Plover (in front of sailing club), 3 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Barnacle Geese, 2 Bullfinch, 2 song Thrush, 3 Goldeneye (2 male, 1 female - one of the males was displaying).
Wildlife Centre:
1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 2 Chiffchaff. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
2007-04-08 | Was out sailing on the lake from the visitor centre. Great Northern Diver still in the lake. I saw it just past the small island offshore from the watersports centre, still in winter plumage with white throat. | Graham Taylor |
2007-04-08 | 1 Great Northern Diver still present in centre of reservoir. Plenty (c.10) of Chiffchaffs singing between Millfields and Oldfield Lane. 1 Blackcap singing in same area, 15+ Lesser Black Backs flying through at c.1.30pm. Goldcrest singing (stone shelter) Nuthatch on territory in usual areas.
Several Brimstone Butterflies Millfields-Oldfield Lane. | Steph' and Paul Hicking |
2007-04-07 | 1 Little Ringed Plover-On Horseshoe Island
6 Reed Buntings-2 males on the Wildlife Centre Feeders and 2 males and 2 females on Stones Island
1 Chiffchaff-Near the Wildlife Centre
1 Snipe-From the Wildlife Centre | Sam Pedley |
2007-04-06 | Millfields:
4 Nuthatch, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, female Goosander, 2 Redshank (mating), 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Long-tailed tits, 2 Raven, 1 buzzard.
Wildlife Centre:
2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Wigeon, 12 Tree sparrows, Chiffchaff.
Paul Stanley:
Tawny Owl, 2 Oystercatchers (mating), 2 Coal Tits, 2 Reed Buntings, Chiffchaff. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
2007-04-04 | 4 Wigeons-3 Males and 1 Female from the Wildlife Centre
2 Ravens-Flew over the Wildlife Centre
1 Little Owl-On a fence post near the pylon from the Wildlife Centre
4 Redshanks-On Horseshoe Island
1 Reed Bunting-On the Wildlife Centre Feeders
1 Oystercatcher-On Horseshoe Island
1 Cackling Canada Goose-With Barnacle Geese in a field to the left of the Wildlife Centre
4 Buzzards-Circling over the Vistor Centre Car Park calling
2 Swallows-Flying around the Visitor Centre
1 Chiffchaff-In a tree near the Wildlife Centre + many more singing | Sam Pedley |
2007-04-03 | Male Blackcap singing in bushes at Millfields end of the Dam Wall this morning, and still no willow warblers!
12 Swallows perched on a small tree on Stones Island,
25 Sand Martins around Stones Island. | Roger Carrington |
2007-04-01 | Sunny, but cold day.
Millfields:
4 Nuthatch, 2 Chiffchaff (singing)
Wildlife Centre:
Great Northern Diver, 10 Wigeon, 7 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 22 Barnacle Geese, 15 Lapwing, 1 Little Owl, 2 Great Crested Grebe.
Paul Stanley:
Great Northern Diver, Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Treecreeper, Tawny Owl, Coal Tit.
Sheepwash Car Park:
5 Bullfinch (2 male, 3 female), Reed Bunting.
| Richard and Frances Pittam |
2007-03-29 | A cold day- so it was ironic that the first Swallows should show up.
Myself and Dave Newcombe saw one on Stones Island and 4 more towards Lane End (from Sheepwash).
We also saw 2 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash.
Other sightings of note:9 Goldeneye,at least 5 Buzzard,2 Raven and 10 Reed Buntings. | Clive Ashton |
2007-03-28 | On site around midday. Sunny and warm. No wind. Main points of observation: Stones Island, the Wildlife Centre (WC) and around WC Creek. 37 species of bird identified. Of Note: Cackling Goose (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Wigeon (2), Snipe (2), Redshank (2), Redwing (1) - foraging for food under a hedge close to the footpath near the WC, totally oblivious of passing walkers only 5 feet away; Song Thrush (2), Chiffchaff (3), Bullfinch (one male) and Reed Bunting (2 males). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
2007-03-28 | 44 species seen today including
Sheepwash 9:00
Great Northern Diver moving away towards the dam
about 30 widgeon, 1 chiffchaff, 2 song thrush, pochard
2 Jays flew over
Paul Stanley 10:30
Oyster catcher, 2 reed buntings, 1 great spotted wood pecker, red shank
WildLife Centre 13:00
small numbers of lapwing, 5 snipe, 2 oyster catchers, 2 gadwall, 5 red shank, reed buntings
Stones island 15:00
Great Northern Diver moving towards millfields this time
6 pied wagtail
| Julian and Frank Walters |
2007-03-28 | A beautiful spring day at Carsington for the usual Tuesday Aren't birds brilliant! event.
Plenty of Chiffchaffs singing but no sign of a hoped for Sand Martin.
A Great Northern Diver spent prolongued periods in front of the Wildlife Centre giving excellent views as it at times slept or preened near the tern rafts. And, there are definitely two birds still present on site with sightings of both at different parts of the reservoir.
Bullfinches are very easy to see at the moment and both male and female reed buntings visited the feeder station.
17 Snipe were flushed by a ranger work party on Sheepwash spit and there were 4 on horseshoe island.
31 Curlew flew onto Horseshoe island at the end of day and could be heard calling well after dark.
Both Little Owls were out and about but they have become a bit more elusive of late. | Matthew Capper |
2007-03-26 | Millfields:
2 Bullfinch, 4 Wren, 8 Dunnock, 4 Pied Wagtail, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker(h/o), 1 Oystercatcher, 10 Barnacle Geese.
Stones Island:
22 Barnacle Geese, 2 Redshank, 3 Redwing, 43 Wigeon, 12 Goldfinch, 32 Whooper Swans (flying north over Visitor Centre @ 10.15am).
Wildlife Centre:
2 Long-tailed tit, 22 Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Gadwall.
Paul Stanley:
1 Tawny Owl, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Greylag Goose, 40 Wigeon, 2 Dunnock, 1 Male Great Spotted woodpecker, 1 Wren. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
2007-03-24 | 30+Whooper Swans flew over the Visitors Centre Mid Morning
1 Little Owl on a post near the Pylon from the Wildlife Centre
1 Gadwall from the Wildlife Centre
4 Redshanks from the Wildlife Centre
1 Cackling Goose in a field near the Main Car Park | Sam Pedley |
2007-03-21 | Fairly quiet on site today. Sunny but cold. 33 species seen around midday. Main viewing points: Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre. OF NOTE: Two male Mute Swans engaged in battle on the water close to the Water Sports Centre. Barnacle Goose (32), Gadwall (4), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing - just a handful, Redshank (2), Chiffchaff (3) - Stones Island.
Lesser Celandine is in flower by the Wildlife Centre pond. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
2007-03-21 | 40 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today. Nothing startling but 21 Curlew early on, both Bullfinch and Reed Bunting on the feeders, cackling geese still in with the Barnacles and several snipe, redshank and oystercatchers. | Matthew Capper |
2007-03-20 | The March WeBS count :
1 Great Northern Diver
31 Little Grebe 29 Great Crested Grebe
20 Cormorant 11 Mute Swan
1 Greylag Goose 159 Canada Goose
34 Barnacle Goose 92 Wigeon
3 Gadwall 1 Teal
62 Mallard 236 Tufted Duck
12 Goldeneye 39 Moorhen
215 Coot 10 Oystercatcher
13 Lapwing 9 Snipe
18 Curlew 6 Redshank | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
2007-03-17 | Millfields:
3 Chiffchaff, 2 Nuthatch, 8 Long tailed Tit, 4 Little Grebe, 14 Great Crested Grebe (together).
Wildlife Centre:
32 Barnacle Geese, 1 Cackling Goose, 8 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Oystercatcher
Paul Stanley:
1 Snipe, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Willow Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (M), 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff.
| Richard and Frances Pittam |
2007-03-16 | Just returned from a walk around the reservior, and have seen my first Sand Martin (16:00 hrs 16/3/07) over the water on the dam, by the sailing club. | David Naylor |
2007-03-13 | 4 Little Gulls (at 1pm), Chiffchaff and Willow warbler reported on the Birdnet pager system today. | Steph Hicking |
2007-03-12 | Millfields:
Treecreeper(1),Nuthatch(2),Coal Tit(2),Willow Tit(2),Bullfinch(2), Song Thrush(2),Wren,Chiffchaff(1), Pheasant, Goldfinch(3), Dunnock, Canada Geese(20),Mute Swan(2).
Wildlife Centre - A quiet day at the Wildlife Centre - for obvious reasons.
Redshank(3),Cackling Goose,Barnacle Geese(12),Greenfinch(4),Reed Bunting(2),Oystercatcher(2),Tree Sparrow(2),Snipe(2),Canada Geese(70),Wigeon(4),Chaffinch(8),Wren,Collared dove(1),Long-tailed Tit(2).
Paul Stanley
Greylag Goose(1),Tawny Owl(1 - heard only),Great Northern Diver(1),Coal Tit,Great Spotted Woodpecker(M and F),Cormorant(18),Herring Gull(4),Lesser Black Backed Gull(15),Willow Tit,Reed Bunting(2),Snipe(4),Pied Wagtail(2),Grey Wagtail(1),Grey Heron,Curlew(12),Kingfisher(1),Buzzard(5),Little Grebe(2).
| Richard and FRances Pittam |
2007-03-10 | A bright, sunny day today.
Highlights -
Millfields:
Great Northern Diver (plumage is beginning to change), Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, GS Woodpecker, Goldeneye (2), Little Grebe, Wren, Goldcrest, 12 Great Crested Grebe together.
Stones Island:
Barnacle Goose, Redshank, Oystercatcher (2)
Wildlife Centre:
Willow tit, Lapwing, Barnacle Geeese (25), Cackling Goose (1), Gadwall (2), Snipe (2), Great Crested Grebe(2), Wigeon (3), Teal (2).
Sheepwash:
Curlew (1), Goldeneye (3), Kingfisher, Lesser Black Backed Gull (50), Cormorant (18), Wigeon (6).
Sheepwash Car Park Feeder:
Bullfinch (6), Reed Bunting (2) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
2007-03-09 | A nice surprise this morning on Stones Island were 24 Bewick`s Swans.
Also present was a singing Chiffchaff.
C30 Curlew around Sheepwash, and a Black Tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island.
| Clive Ashton |
2007-03-08 | Very quiet on site today. 32 species counted around midday.
OF NOTE -
Wigeon (4), Gadwall (1), Oystercatcher (4), Curlew (1), Redshank (2), Reed Bunting (2 males), CHIFFCHAFF (1) - singing on Stones Island - First reported in the logbook on the 3rd.
Two Moorhens fought a vicious battle for 10 minutes by the water's edge in front of the Wildlife Centre. In addition 10 Coots were in continuous skirmishes in the same area but were less severe fights than those of the Moorhens.
Catkins and Pussy Willow is now very evident. A single Daisy was spotted and a small patch of Coltsfoot was found on Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
2007-03-03 | Sheepwash Hide:
27 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew Sandpiper,Goldeneye,Wigeon,Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe,Tufted Duck and Tawney Owl (seen in woodland along path from Sheepwash Hide.
Paul Stanley Hide:
Finally saw the Great Northern Diver and watched this for an hour.
Saw numerous Balck Headed and Lesser Black Backed Gulls and 17+ Cormorants. | Dean Powell |
2007-03-03 | Millfields (0815h):
2 Bullfinch, 3 Great Tit, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard), 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Dunnock, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Oystercatcher.
Stones Island (0915h):
35 Barnacle Geese, 9 Curlew, 3 Cackling Geese, 55 Canada Geese, 3 Redshank, 2 dunnock, 3 Robin, 1 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Great Crested Grebe.
Wildlife Centre (1030h):
35 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Owl, 65 Canada Geese, 12 Moorhen, 1 Dunnock, 3 wigeon, 6 Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Gadwall.
Paul Stanley (12.00h):
1 Goldcrest, 3 Goldeneye (1m, 2f), 35 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 12 Little Grebe, 25 Tufted duck, 17 Cormorant, 2 Teal, 1 Great Northern Diver, 7 Curlew. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
2007-03-03 | No message | Neil Venables |
2007-03-03 | 3 Shovelers-2 males and 1 female from Wildlife Centre
3 Cackling Canada Geese-Horseshoe Island and then flew into a field
3+Redshanks-Wildlife Centre
2 Oystercatchers-Wildlife Centre
1 Falcon sp-Flew over the Horsehoe Island very High | Sam Pedley |
2007-03-01 | 2 Great Northern Divers seen today,one at Millfields the other at Sheepwash.The Diver at Sheepwash was heard to call on one occassion it was also noted feeding on what appeared to be some kind of molluscs?
Curlew were noted throughout the day arond the reservoir, with a maximum count of 51 at the Wildlife Centre at 17:00Hr.
Numerous Geese at the Wildlife Centre, including c40 Barnacle,3 Cackling and 1 Greylag.
Also of note were 1 Male Shoveler,a male Sparrowhawk,8 Oystercatcher and 9 Goldeneye. | Clive Ashton |
2007-03-01 | Two Great Northern Divers seen from Sheepwash car park at 12:30, then flew up to dam at 14:30. | David Goodwin |
2007-02-28 | At least 45 species seen
Highlights
Wildlife center 10.005 Oystercatchers, Redshank, 21 Wigeon, 2 Snipe, Many Lapwing, Kestrel, 25 Gadwall
Lane End Feeders 10:45
Male bullfinch, Goldcrest, 30 Tree SparrowsSheepwashRedshank, 12 Goldeneye
Paul Stanley 11:45
Redshank, 10 Goldeneye, 2 Herring Gull, Willow Tit, Great Spotted WoodpeckerReported Black necked Grebe, Kingfisher
Wildlife Center 12:30
Poss Little Owl, 25 Collared Dove | Oliver Simms |
2007-02-28 | 45 species seen
Highlights
Wildlife center 10.005
Oystercatchers, Redshank, 21 Wigeon, 2 Snipe, Many Lapwing, Kestrel, 25 Gadwall
Lane End Feeders 10:45
Male bullfinch, Goldcrest, 30 Tree SparrowsSheepwashRedshank, 12 Goldeneye
Paul Stanley 11:45
Redshank, 10 Goldeneye, 2 Herring Gull, Willow Tit, Great Spotted WoodpeckerReported Black necked Grebe, Kingfisher
Wildlife Center 12:30
Poss Little Owl, 25 Collared Dove | Oliver Simms |
2007-02-23 | Adult Mediterranean Gull, 4 Curlew,4 Snipe,2 Great Northern Divers,3 Cackling Geese and several Oystercatchers and Redshank all seen from the Wildlife Centre. Wildfowl numbers much reduced, 6 Goldeneye, c30 Wigeon, c10 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Pochard from various areas.
Quite a few Reed Buntings around with several singing in the Paul Stanley area. Also c100 Redwing were around Shiningford Farm. | Clive Ashton |
2007-02-20 | WeBS count for Sunday 18th February was as follows:
2 Great Northern Divers, 77 Little Grebe, 50 Great Crested Grebe,
21 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Mute Swan, 201 Canada Geese,
33 Barnacle Geese, 106 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 21 Teal, 94 Mallard,
1 Shoveler, 13 Pochard, 68 Moorhen, 486 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher,
227 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Redhank.
| Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
2007-02-20 | WeBS count for Sunday 18th February was as follows:
2 Great Northern Divers, 77 Little Grebe, 50 Great Crested Grebe,
21 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Mute Swan, 201 Canada Geese,
33 Barnacle Geese, 106 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 21 Teal, 94 Mallard,
1 Shoveler, 13 Pochard, 68 Moorhen, 486 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher,
227 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Redhank. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
2007-02-19 | From the Wildlife Centre:
48 Barnacle Geese.
3 Cackling (small race) Canada Geese | Richard Pittam |
2007-02-19 | Stones Island:
4 Bullfinches (2M, 2F).
Wildlife Centre:
6 Oystercatchers plus 2-300 Lapwing giving good displays against the winter sun. Also 2 Redshank.
Paul Stanley:
1 Snipe, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Willow Tit
| Richard Pittam |
2007-02-19 | Adult Mediterranean Gull this afternoon from Sheepwash hide,also Great Northern Diver seen at Sheepwash and Wildlife Centre. | Clive Ashton |
2007-02-19 | 2 GN Divers still on the Reservoir today, both seen from the WLC together, during the ABB/STW and Radio Derby nest box event, 1 drake Shoveler, 3+ Oystercatchers, 4+ Snipe where amongst the other highlights seen by the CBC and RSPB volunteers from the WLC.
The Kirk Ireton Starlings seem to me to be dropping slightly in numbers, but are still putting on a good acrobatic display from around 4.45pm | Steph' Hicking |
2007-02-19 | CORRECTION: Before there is a stampede to Millfields! It was at Lane End Hide and feeder, where the GN Diver and Willow Tits were as discussed in my earlier post from Saturday. Sorry! | Tony |
2007-02-18 | Black Swan | Andy Gregory and Janet Smith |
2007-02-18 | What a day on Saturday!! Dragged a couple of new to birding friends down from Sheffield and we did the birdhide tour! An astonishing 53 species! Without any Raptors!
Paul Stanley first, quiet on the water but then their first GS Woodpecker and Reed Buntings at the feeders. Then Sheepwash Hide and Golden Eye, Teal, Pochard, Redshank, Oyster Catcher etc and a distant GN Diver.
Sheepwash Car Park feeder, Bullfinchs a plenty and Reed Buntings.
Millfields Hide: Quiet to begin with..then a very close GN Diver showing well for a good 20 minutes!!
Millfields Feeders: The other bird they really wanted to see (and unusually not seen around Sheepwash)..of course the Willow Tits!! And many Tree Sparrows.
Then Millers Arms for lunch.....
Wildlife Centre: Bit quiet as we had seen most birds by then, but great enthusiasm and knowledge on display from many young birders that were in there!
Finally, of course, a stroll round the corner and the Little Owl was on his favourite post!! BN Grebe was showing in the bay and returning to the Car Park a Goldcrest almost waving at us!!
Fantastic day!! My friends are now completely hooked!!
To finish...it was 5pm so I thought.....Hmm I haven''t been to the Starling Roost yet....suggested it they went 'yeh' and as many of you have said on here it was an utterley fantastic display. | Tony |
2007-02-18 | 1 Shoveler-Wildlife Centre
1 Grey Heron-Horseshoe Island
1 Kestrel-Flew over Horseshoe Island
1 Reed Bunting-Wildlife Centre Feeders
2 Oystercather-Wildlife Centre
3 Cackling Canada Goose-With Barnacle Geese behind Wildlife Centre
1 Pheasant-Visitor Centre Car Park
3 Bullfinch-Sheepwash Car Park Feeders
1 Tawny Owl-In big Ivy covered tree near Paul Stanley Hide
1 Great Northern Diver-Sheepwash Hide | Sam Pedley |
2007-02-14 | Kirk Ireton starlings were a little down compared to last night apparantly, but still estimated to be over 30,000 birds! These attracted a Peregrine tonight, and a slightly confused looking Buzzard which was thought to have taken a Starling in flight! | Steph' Hicking |