31st December

2 Goosander were again present. Ruddy Duck had increased to 3 birds, with 4 Gadwall also on the main pool. The Marsh tit was present with a small tit flock along the stream between both pools, as was a Treecreeper.
L Johnson...

29th December

A Yellow legged Gull was present during the morning on the main pool.
P Forbes...

A single drake Goosander was on the main pool with a Ruddy Duck. The site was otherwise quiet.
L Johnson...

27th December

17 Goosander were present
P Forbes...

24th December

Another site year tick came in the form of a Woodcock. An influx of this species into the midlands in recent weeks has led to much searching of likley areas of the site. Today all the searching finally paid off, with a single bird flushed from along the river at the eastern end. The bird flew off low north east between the trees and off site. Yesterdays female Ruddy duck was still on the main pool along with 4 Gadwall and a single female Goldeneye. 2 drake and 2 female Goosander were present mid afternoon, before being joined by a further 2 drakes before dusk. Other species noted included 8 RL Partridge, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Redpoll, Grey Wagtail and a Yellowhammer (over).
L Johnson...

23rd December

The first year tick for the site for several weeks was a long overdue female Ruddy Duck. Present at the east end of the main pool late morning. The fact that it has taken this long to get the species on to the site yearlist, just goes to show the effect of the national cull so far. A single drake Teal was present on the small pool before moving to the river, whilst Wigeon numbers on the small pool had risen to 76. The Marsh tit was in the regular spot, with several siskin also around the eastern end of the site. A 2nd winter Herring Gull was present early afternoon with 5+ Common Gull.
L Johnson...

22nd December

2 drake Goosander were again at the western end of the main pool mid morning, before flying off towards Ladywalk. Two Grey Wagtail were also noted.
P Johnson...

21st December

2 drake Goosander were present mid morning at the west end of the main pool. These were later joined at around mid day by a further 2 drakes and a female. The female Goldeneye was again at the eastern end of the main pool.
L Johnson...

December 19th

Both pools were partially frozen over this morning, with the majority of duck being concentrated at the east end of the main pool. Presumably as a result of other surrounding pools being frozen, Wigeon numbers jumped to 51. 3 Gadwall were present on the main pool, with a Female Goosander arriving in the centre of the main pool mid morning. The Goosander was then seen flying east along the river at around 11am. The usual female Goldeneye was also still present.
L Johnson...

16th December

Wigeon numbers continue to build, with 28 birds present this morning. The single female Goldeneye was still on the main pool, but coot and other diving duck numbers were lower than the previous week. A minimum of 7 Redpoll joined the rather mobile Siskin flock at the east end of the site. The Marsh tit was again in its favoured spot, flitting between the eastern most rail crossing and the bridge north of the fishing lodge. Around 300 Wood pigeon were roosting in the trees around the sewage works at first light, but soon departed. Other species of note included a Grey Wagtail and 4 Goldcrest.
L Johnson...

14th December

A single female Goldeneye was present again in the centre of the main pool. The site was otherwise quiet.
L Johnson...

11 December

The fog this morning made checking the pools hard work. Once the fog began to lift a single female Goldeneye became visable in the centre of the main pool. 3 Shovler (2 drakes) also on the main pool, were unusual. Wigeon numbers increased on the small pool to 9 birds. The Marsh tit was in the same spot as on Wednesday. An adult and 1st winter Herring Gull were present late morning.
L Johnson...

9 December

2 female Goldeneye were present in the centre of the main pool late morning. The small pool had finally began to attract the first few Wigeon of the regular wintering flock, with 2 drakes and 2 ducks. Interestingly the group that overwinter on site didn't begin to build in numbers until mid December last year (dispite other sites locally reaching regular wintering numbers around the middle of November) and looks set to do the same this year. The Marsh Tit was with a single Coal tit, Goldcrest and Treecreeper by the inlet for the small pool. With a second Treecreeper in the eastern corner. A Grey Wagtail was also noted.
L Johnson...

4 December

A Peregrine flew high south to the east of the site. Otherwise the area was very quiet, with no sign of any of Tuesday's Goldeneye. Several Siskin and a single Grey Wagtail were the only other birds of note.
L Johnson...

1st December

After several records of single female goldeneyes in the last few weeks, possibly as a result of the cold weather, 5 birds were present this morning (including 1 drake). This is a rather high count for the site, with no more than 2 birds recorded together in the past 12 months. The Marsh tit was in a small tit flock along the railway line at the west end of the site. 3 Goldcrest and a Coal tit were also scattered along the railway line. Several small groups of siskin were around the site, along with a single Redpoll.
L Johnson...

30th November

The Marsh tit was around the bat box this morning with a small tit flock. The only other bird of note was a single siskin.
L Johnson...

A good count of Coot this afternoon totalled 372 birds.
S Haynes...

27th November

A Marsh tit was again present to the east of the fishing lodge, in with a small group of LT Tit. The flock also held single Goldcrest and Treecreeper. Otherwise the site was generally quiet, with a 1st winter Hering Gull present off the car park, and a small group of Siskin along the railway line to the north of the small pool.
L Johnson...

25th November

An adult Kittiwake flew north over the west end of the main pool just after 9am. This represents the only record of this species for the site so far this year.
S Haynes...

A Peregrine flew west over the main pool at midday, before heading off towards Coleshill quarry. A Grey Wagtail was also noted.
L Johnson, S Haynes...

24th November

A first winter Little Gull was found at 14:00 on the south side of the main pool, and was seen briefly twice over a period of 10 minutes. A Goldeneye was also present.
S Haynes...

There was no further sign of the Little Gull by 15:15. A single adult Greater black backed Gull was present in a small group of LBB Gull at 15:00. A Common Gull was also noted.
L Johnson, S Haynes...

22nd November

There was no sign of either of the Divers today.
Many observers...

21st November

The two GN Divers flew off seperatley during the morning, but both returned soon after and were present for the rest of the day.
T Perrins et al...

20th November

Both adult and juvenile GN Divers were still present on the main pool. 7 Yellowhammer flew south over the small pool mid morning. A Kingfisher was also noted.
L Johnson...

19th November

A juvenile Great Northern Diver was located just off from the car park at midday, followed 15 minutes later by an adult bird, just beginning to moult out of summer plumage. As these represent the first twitchable birds in the Tame Valley for over 10 years, and are the first birds at Shustoke since 1986 (as far as I am aware), the birds were very popular. Over 20 people had travelled to see them by mid afternoon. Aside from the two Divers, 2 Common Gulls were present early afternoon and a large group of mixed Siskin and Goldfinch were present at the eastern end of the site.
L Johnson...

13th November

The pools were generally very quiet today, with only a Grey Wagtail of note around the main pool. 30+ Siskin were in the alders at the east end of the site, with Treecreeper, Coal Tit and 2 Goldcrest between there and the eastern rail crossing. Some visable migration was evident, with 72 Fieldfare, 1 Skylark and a single Redpoll all heading south.
L Johnson...

11th November

The good run of Scoter at the site in the last month or so continued this morning, with a single female/immature present by the boat on the main pool. 2 Shovler were the first for several weeks, also present on the main pool, but became rather mobile by late morning. 2 Gadwall were on the small pool. Other species of note included Goldcrest, Grey Wagtail and a Kingfisher.
L Johnson...

10th November

3 Common Scoter were present in the centre of the main pool around midday. The group consisted of one drake and two female types (one of which was rather dull brown on the cheeks, possibly suggesting a first year bird). A Raven flew over the southern side of the main pool at 12:30. A single Redpoll flew west along the river at 11:30, followed by a group of around 20 Siskin.
L Johnson...

4th November

A single Redpoll flew over the eastern end late morning. A Marsh Tit called twice from a large tit flock south of the road bridge. 2+ Siskin flew west. A flock of around 40 Wigeon flew over the main pool mid morning, heading towards Ladywalk. The only other thing of note was the Chiloe Wigeon, still just off the car park.
L Johnson...

30th October

An adult YL Gull was present mid afternoon. Also noted were a single Siskin (over) and the usual Chiloe Wigeon.
A Dean, L Johnson, P Forbes...

28th October

Highlight this morning was the reappearence of the Marsh Tit (assuming its not a different bird). It was present mid morning in a tit flock along the railway line to the west of the confluence. Also along the railway line were 2 Goldcrest, Treecreeper, 5 Siskin and a single Redpoll flew over. A Stoat showed well half way between the confluence and the bridge. A female Goldeneye was on the small pool. Also noted were 1 Pochard, 1 Herring Gull, 5 RL Partridge and 20+ Fieldfare flew over.
L Johnson...

27th October

A Green Sandpiper was present.
P Forbes...

21st October

Another attempt at locating the small gull sp. in better light conditions this evening. There was however no sign of the bird by dark. 2 Adult Yellow legged Gulls were present along with 2 adult GBB gull.
L Johnson...

October 20th

Small Gull sp. again present in the roost tonight. Light was fading when it was picked out and the bird was distant. Bird has an obvious dark hood, dark grey mantle and looks short bodied (possibly due to short primary projection) and appeared to have a relativly short bill. A Yellow legged Gull was present again in the roost.
S Haynes, S Cawthray, P & L Johnson...

19th Oct Gull roost - Poss Franklin's!!!

Small gull with dark mantle and extensive white tertial crescent present at the eastern end late evening, thought possibly to be Franklin's. Also 600 LBB Gull, 60 Herring, 6000 BH Gull, 1 GBB Gull and a single Common Gull.
S Haynes...

19th October

Very quiet on site this morning. A single Yellowhammer, which flew over the western end of the main pool, was the first for several weeks. The Chiloe Wigeon was the only other bird of note.
L Johnson...

16th October

A female/juvenile Common Scoter was present on the main pool for most of the morning at least, although there was no sign of the previous days two drakes or the Arctic Terns. A single Wigeon was also on the main pool whilst 30 Redwing and a single siskin were noted during the morning.
L Johnson...

15th October - Afternoon

After checking the site this morning with little of note present, and spending most of lunch time wondering why there were no Common Scoter present this morning, dispite good numbers inland outside of Warwickshire. I recieved a text mid afternoon informing me that there were indeed 2 Common Scoter on site, along with 2 Arctic Tern. By 15:30 I was back on site. The two drake Scoter were half way down the main pool, whilst the two juvenile Arctic Tern were present just off the car park. Teal numbers had risen to 4, and 2 Pochard were present. Small numbers of Gulls had started to come in to roost by the time I left, with a single Herring and 2 Common Gull. Both the Scoters and Terns were still present until 16:30 at least.
L Johnson...

15th October

A drake Wigeon on the main pool represents the first record for this autumn/winter period, and was present at the west end with 2 Teal. Several groups of Redwing flew west, totaling at least 85, but numbers were hard to count in the low cloud and drizzle.
L Johnson...

14th October

No sign of the Marsh tit this morning, however a rather large grass snake was a good record.
P Forbes...

12th October - 1st for site!!

Dispite an increase in duck numbers on both pools, there was little of note (apart from the Chiloe Wigeon that was still near the car park). There was some visable migration with 7 Skylark and several Meadow Pipit over. Due to good numbers of Firecrest and Yellow brows around the country in the last few days, some time was spent checking along the railway line. 3 Siskin, 3 Chiffchaff and a male Blackcap were notable. A Marsh Tit called several times from Warbler corner, and showed briefly before heading off west along the railway line with a large mixed tit flock. Although Marsh Tit records have been increasing in recent years in one small area of the Tame valley, it still remains unusual outside this area and todays individual represents the first for Shustoke. Kingfisher and Little Owl were also noted today.
L Johnson...

8th October

After yesterdays excitment this morning was very quiet. A Chiffchaff sang briefly behind the sailing club and a single Siskin flew south late morning. The Chiloe Wigeon was again present.
P Forbes, L Johnson...

7th October

A nice surprise today came when I recieved a text, mid afternoon, saying that 4 Whooper Swan had dropped onto the main pool. The 4 adult Whoopers stayed at the western end of the main pool until 6:30pm at least, even allowing me to get back from near Doncaster in time to see them. Also present on the main pool throughout the afternoon was a single Goldeneye. Single Common and Yellow legged Gulls were present in the roost, and a Dunlin was present briefly.
Many observers...

6th October

The adult Arctic Tern was still present throughout the day and was joined by a juvenile late afternoon/evening. A Peregrine was also noted.
B Kington...

October 5th

The adult Arctic Tern was present again, proving to be more mobile as the morning went on. Otherwise the site was generally quiet.
L Johnson...

4th October

Yesterdays adult Arctic Tern was still present this morning at the western end of the main pool. 2 Shovler were also on the main pool, along with a reasonably large congregation of gulls, which dropped in to wash at around 10.30. 17 Herring Gulls were present along with 40+ LBB and 80+ BH Gull. There was some visable migration again in the sunny weather, with 6 Siskin, 3 Skylark and 20+ Meadow Pipit.
L Johnson...

October 3rd

An adult Arctic Tern was found late morning, and was present throughout the day.
S Haynes...

2nd October

A Teal was present on the main pool and was the only duck of note, aside from the single Chiloe Wigeon. There was some visable migration in the clear weather with 8 Swallow, 2+ Siskin, 1 Skylark and several Meadow Pipit, all heading south. Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail were also noted.
L Johnson...

29th September

Needless to say there was no sign of yesterdays Arctic Terns this morning; or much else for that matter. 2 Swallow flew south mid morning along with a few Meadow Pipits. One of the Chiloe Wigeon was again present with the Mallards.
L Johnson...

28th September

2 juvenile Arctic tern and a 3rd winter Yellow legged Gull were present late afternoon/evening.
Birdguides...

25th September

Todays highlight was an adult Yellow legged Gull, which dropped in with 3 adult Herring and 10+ LBB Gull mid morning. 5 Swallow flew low south over the small pool early morning, and there was a steady passage of Meadow Pipit (around 100 per hour counted at nearby Marsh Lane NR late morning). On the plastic front, what was presumably one of last months Chiloe Wigeon was present again at the east end of the main pool.
L Johnson...

24th September

A peregrine flew north, to the west of the site, mid morning. As it flew through a Teal and several Lapwing were flushed from the coleshill gravel pit area. Otherwise the site was quiet.
L Johnson...

20th September

2 Peregrine and 7 Buzzard recorded today.
S Bradley...

17th September

A Sedge Warbler was present behind the sailing club, representing the only record of the species for the site this year. Also present were 12 Chiffchaff, 10 Teal and 4 Shovler.
P Forbes...

September 16th

Teal were again present until mid morning at the western end of the main pool, this time down to 4 birds. In contrast Shovler numbers were up from yesterdays single, also to 4. After an absence of a week or so a single Pochard was on the main pool. Also noted this morning were 2 Gadwall, 1 Grey Wagtail and a Raven flew north over the main pool.
L Johnson...

September 15th

Teal numbers on the main pool were up to 6 mid morning and were joined by a single Shovler. All had however departed by 11am. Otherwise the site was generally quiet.
L Johnson...

10th September

A Yellow Wagtail flew north east over the main pool mid morning. Once again there was a steady movment of Meadow pipit south over the site. Two Teal present in the centre of the main pool were notable. Also present this morning were Kingfisher, 6+ Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and a Whitethroat.
L Johnson...

September 8th

Very little of note today during a quick check of the site mid morning. Again small numbers of Meadow Pipit flew south, along with good numbers of Swallow. By far the most notable sighting this morning was a Stoat, which ran along the bottom of the gate by the jetty heading towards the pool.
L Johnson...

September 5th

A juvenile Black Tern was present at the west end of the main pool this morning, representing only the second record of the species for the site so far this year. An adult and juvenile Common Tern joined the Black briefly mid morning. Further passage was noted with several small groups of Meadow Pipit heading south over the site early morning. Also noted was 1 Common Sandpiper.
L Johnson...

2 Dunlin and a Spotted Flycatcher were also noted on site during the day.
P Forbes...

August 30th

The 2 Chiloe Wigeon were still with Mallards by the car park. The only other species of note was a calling Little Owl.
L Johnson...

August 27th

2 Chiloe Wigeon still present, but little else of note.
P Forbes...

August 26th

2 escaped Chiloe Wigeon were present on the main pool
B Kington...

August 25th

9 Common Tern were present in the evening
S Haynes...

Late news for August 22nd

2 Yellow Wagtail were present during the morning, also noted were Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff and Nuthatch.
P Forbes...

August 24th

A large group of Gulls flew in from the south as I arived this morning. The majority being Black headed, with a single 1st winter Mediterranean Gull present on the metal pier. The Med showed very well for 10 minutes before flying off low south with several BH Gull. This record represents the first Med Gull for the site this year. The only other species of note this morning was a calling Little Owl.
L Johnson...

The Med Gull reappeared later in the day in the gull roost. Also present were 3 Common Sandpiper.
S Haynes, S Cawthray...

18th August

A large group of Gulls came in to wash late morning, including around 200 LBB, 10+ Herring and 300+ BH Gull. Otherwise the site was generally quiet.
L Johnson...

16th August

A family group of Spotted Flycatcher were present at the eastern end of the site today.
S Bradley...

5 Crossbill flew over (first site record this year) and 2 Common Sandpiper were present.
S Cawthray...

August 12th

Another addition to the site year list today came in the form of a partially moulted juvenile Spotted Flycatcher. The bird was present late morning at the eastern end of the main pool. Another relativley unusual site record this morning was the presence of 4 Shovler, also at the eastern end of the main pool. Dispite this species being common throughout the middle tame valley, records from Shustoke are rather sparodic. Also present was a single Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Tern and 2 Swift.
L Johnson...

August 6th - About time...something a little more interesting!

The last few weeks have been rather quiet with 2 Common Sandpiper and the regular 3 Common Tern. The first real sign of any movement occured this morning with 2 Garganey, present with the Mallards at the eastern end of the main pool. This is the first addition to the site year list for two months, and comes several years since the last site record of the species. The birds still seemed settled feeding in amongst the Mallards at 11:30, so hopefully will hang around for a while. Also present this morning were singles of both Common Sandpiper and Common Tern.

L Johnson...

June 30th - 14th July

Usual story for the summer months with the site being generally very quiet. Highlights of the last few weeks have included 3 Common Tern (including 1 juvenile), several records of up to 3 Oystercatcher and a single fly over Redshank. There have been good numbers of Meadow browns and Ringlets around the site, and the last week in particular has been exceptional (especially given the low numbers last year) for Small tortoiseshell, with up to 40 in the meadow.

As wader passage begins to gather a little more momentum locally and large numbers of crossbills move through the country, hopefully it will only be a matter of time before something a little more reasonable turns up.

L Johnson...

June 30th

4 Oystercatcher were present briefly late morning. A Red admiral butterfly was along the north shore of the main pool, with good numbers of Ringlets and Meadow browns around the site.

During the last two weeks numbers of Lapwing and BH Gulls have increased on site. The hot weather has produced good numbers of Common blue and Azure damsels, with a single Southern Hawker also noted.

L Johnson...

June 5th

New additions to the site yearlist are rather rare during June and July, so a singing Reed Warbler was nice surprise this morning. Although this species is relativley common throughout the Midlands, due to the lack of habitat on site this represents just the second site record of the species. Also noted today were 3+ Painted Lady and a Small copper butterfly, 1 Black tailed skimmer, 5+ Blue tailed Damsels and 30+ Common blue damsels.
L Johnson...

End of May to June 4th

Visited the site several times since my last post, but as spring migration draws to a close, the number of interesting species at the site decreased rapidly. Very little of note has been present in the last fe weeks. Highlights have included a pair of Gadwall on one date only and single Oystercatchers over on several dates. A Large Red Damselfly was by the bridge earlier in the week. Butterflies have been relativley thin on the ground, with the exception of Painted Ladies; with the highest count being at least 50. Small Copper has also been noted on most days.
L Johnson...

May 20th

Again very little to report today. A Common Tern was present briefly mid morning. Due to the sunny weather numbers of Swift had dropped.
L Johnson...

May 19th

Passage through inland counties seems to have slowed somewhat in the past few days and this was clearly reflected by the distinct lack of birds on site this morning. A Common Tern flew high north as I arrived, with a drake Gadwall being the only other species of note.
L Johnson...

May 16th

1 Whimbrel arrived at the west end at 8:30 and circled low over the main pool, before gaining height and departing in the direction of Ladywalk. Other species noted included 2 Gadwall and 500+ Swift.
L Johnson...

May 14th

1 Black Tern and 2 Ringed Plover were present
D Hutton...

May 8th

A Red Kite was reported during the day per WMBC. I have however not recieved any further details of this sighting.

May 7th

Again large numbers of Swifts were present over the main pool for most of the morning. Numbers of Garden Warblers around the site had increased, however most other warblers were quiet in the strong breeze. The first damselfly of the year was noted, however the individual had only just emerged and views were brief so ID could not be clinched.
L Johnson...

May 6th

2 Common Sandpiper were present at the east end of the main pool this morning. Heavy cloud brought down around 200 Swift, but the site was otherwise quiet.
L Johnson...

May 4th

A Cuckoo was singing distantly to the south this morning. Also noted were single Oystercatcher and Common Sandpiper.
L Johnson...

May 3rd

An early start this morning didn't prove to be very productive. 4 Shelduck were present until 7:30 along with 7 Gadwall. A single Oystercatcher was on the sailing club slipway, but had also departed before 7am.
L Johnson...

April 28th

An unusually large flock of about 40 Bar tailed Godwit flew high east over the main pool at 9:45. Not only does this record represent only the second record of the species at the site as far as I am aware, but is one of the largest groups to ever be recorded in Warwickshire. A Yellow Wagtail flew over the eastern end of the main pool at 9am. Also noted this morning were 3 Gadwall and at least 7 Swift.
L Johnson...

April 25th

1 Arctic Tern dropped in to the main pool during a heavy shower @ 9:00 and was still present until 9:30 at least. 3 Common Tern flew through at 8:30. The showers also brought down a Swift and a Yellow Wagtail flew west over the main pool at 9am. Also noted were 2 Gadwall.
L Johnson...

Late Morning:
6 Swift, 2 Oystercatcher
K Wimbush...

April 24th

The first Swifts of the year were present this morning, with 2 over the western end until 10am. A common Tern flew high south over the main pool mid morning, and a Common Sandpiper was present on the north shore. Other species noted were 7 RL Partridge and 5 Gadwall.
L Johnson...

April 23rd

Once again there was very little of note (especially given the time of year). The only new migrant was a rather silent Lesser Whitethroat, which was being harassed by Blackcaps at the eastern end. This addition to the site year list now brings this years total to 100 species so far. Other species of note were 1 Curlew, which flew south over the main pool at 8:30 and a Kingfisher.
L Johnson...

April 21st

The site was very quiet this morning, with the only exception being someones escaped Cockatiel which circled the car park calling for several minutes before flying off south. The only other birds of note were 2 Oystercatcher which flew over mid morning and a Whitethroat.
L Johnson...

19th April

2 Little Gulls were present in the evening.
D Galletly...

April 17th

2 Yellow Wagtail were present briefly early morning at the western end before flying off west. Shelduck were up to 4 and Gadwall to 7. With large movements of Little Gulls and Arctic terns over the last two days, it is interesting that none have been recorded at the site, dispite several observers visiting at regular intervals on both days and the sites good track record for both species.
L Johnson...

Late update for 12th April

A Common Sandpiper was present in the morning. This represents the first for the site this year.
P Forbes...

April 16th

After a few days away I was hoping that some more migrants would have arived, however the site was relativley quiet this morning. 2 Shelduck were again present on the main pool along with a drake Shovler and 3 Gadwall (2 drake). There were good numbers of Swallows brought down by the rain but very few Martins and no sign of any Terns (dispite some passage through other Midland sites yesterday and today).
L Johnson...

April 15th

A late 2nd summer Common Gull was present in the afternoon
Many observers...

April 11th

A Sandwich Tern arrived from the west at 6:40. After flying around the centre of the res and settling on one of the bouys, the bird flew off north west at 7:10. The first Redshank to be recorded at the site this year was present early morning at the western end, along with 2 White Wagtail. A probable Mealy Redpoll was present for just a few minutes high in trees along the streamline before flying off east. Also noted this morning were Little Owl, 5 Shovler (4 drake), 2 Shelduck and 4 Gadwall (3 drake).
L Johnson...

April 9th

2 Shelduck were present again at the eastern end of the main pool briefly early morning. A Peregrine flew east mid morning, and a Willow Tit was noted around the small pool.
L Johnson…

April 8th

Numbers of warblers had increased again this morning with Willow Warblers up to 4 and Blackcap to 5, whilst Chiffchaff numbers are now around 10. 1 House Martin, 1 Swallow and just 3 Sand Martin were present. Other species noted were 6 RL Partridge, Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher.
L Johnson…

April 7th

The first Willow warblers of the year were present, with 3 around the main pool, along with 4 Blackcap. 30 Golden plover flew north early morning, whilst a single Curlew flew south. Small numbers of House Martins and Swallows dropped in during a shower with around 50 Sand Martin. A drake Gadwall was also present.
L Johnson…

April 3rd

Although long overdue, the first House Martin to be recorded on site this year was present for just 5 minutes over the main pool early morning. Another male Blackcap was singing in the car park, however there was no sign of the original two birds. A pair of Shelduck were at the western end of the main pool again mid morning. Also noted were RL Partridge, 4 Swallow and a Sand Martin.
L Johnson...

April 2nd

Arrived mid morning, after being side tracked by a long over due Warwickshire (and tame valley) tick. After plenty of movement yesterday through Draycote, I was hoping the res might have something a little more unusual this morning. A Curlew circled the main pool at 9:20. 1 swallow, 2 Sand Martin and 40 Fieldfare flew north. Other species noted were Blackcap, Reed Bunting and 3 RL Partridge. Alas not even 1 Black necked Grebe, you would have thought we could have borrowed 1 of the Draycote 7 for the day, even the 1 that hadn't finished moulting yet would have done!
L Johnson...

March 31st

The top field produced yet another male Wheatear this morning, although this individual did not linger. The bird was seen at 9:45 on the telegraph wire above the field before flying off north over the main pool, it circled the horse paddock to the north briefly and may have dropped down on the other side of the road. Yesterdays Blackcap was joined by another singing male. An Oystercatcher flew west early morning before flying back east 20 mins later. A Reed Bunting singing along the streamline was notable, as records of this species on site are surprisingly sparse. Other species noted included 2 Gadwall, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreeper, 7 RL Partridge and 3 Sand Martin.
L Johnson...

March 30th

Two site year ticks this morning; the first being a pair of Shelduck at the western end, which were present early morning before being flushed by a dog walker and heading off towards Ladywalk. The second came in the form of the first returning Blackcap of the year, a male singing along the streamline. A notable passage was taking place with 5 Swallow, 10 Sand Martin, 15 Meadow pipit and a mixed flock of 35 Fieldfare and Redwing all heading north. Only the second Oystercatcher of the year flew east mid morning and possibly came down on the small pool. Friday's pair of Gadwall had moved to the main pool and a Tree Sparrow was again present.
L Johnson...

March 28th

A Red Kite was reported to have flown over the western end heading north west at 1pm

March 27th

The sites first Swallow of the year flew through heading west early morning. A single Sand martin was present later on and 4 of yesterdays Chiffchaff were still in song. As many winter thrushes have now moved on 3 Redwing were notable. Other species included Nuthatch, Treecreeper and 7 RL Partridge.
L Johnson...

March 3rd

Although long overdue the first House Martin to be recorded this year was present for just 5 minutes early morning low over the main pool. A third male Blackcap was present, this time in the car park. 2 Shelduck were at the western end mid morning. Also noted were RL Partridge, 4 Swallow and 1 Sand Martin.
L Johnson...

March 26th

Very little of note in the strong winds this morning. Chiffchaff numbers were back up to 5, with most birds along the river. A pair of Gadwall were on the small pool. Other species noted were Kingfisher and 8 RL Partridge.

Goosander roost:
I have had several reports in the last few days about the roost. A count early morning on the 25th March of 11 birds, and a peak count in the evenings of at least 30 on one date a few weeks ago. Most birds usually have dispersed within half an hour of sunrise.
L Johnson...

March 24th

A Willow tit calling from the streamline early morning was the first record of the species for over a month. 11 Sand Martin were around the western end at 8:00 but didn't linger. Still only 2 Chiffchaff were singing and there was no sign of last weeks Goldeneye.
L Johnson...

20th March

Cloud this morning brought down a group of 37 Sand Martin, which departed as soon as the sun broke through. The female Goldeneye was still present on the main pool, as were a drake and 2 female Goosander. Two Chiffchaff were still singing along the north shore and a Yellowhammer flew over.
L Johnson...

March 19th

Heavy fog this morning made viewing difficult. Just 2 Chiffchaff were singing this morning, both along the north shore of the main pool. Yesterdays single Tree Sparrow was still present. The only other species of note was a Kingfisher.
L Johnson...

18th March

The top field finaly delivered what I had been hoping for in the last few days with a male Wheatear, the first for the site this spring. The fog early on brought down 3 Sand Martin, while Chiffchaff numbers were now up to 5 singing birds. Yesterdays female Goldeneye was still present on the main pool, although simillarly to yesterday it proved to be surprisingly ellusive. After an absence of a week a single female Pochard was on the main pool. Other species noted included 13 RL Partridge, 18 Siskin, Green Woodpecker and a Jay.
L Johnson...

March 17th

A female Goldeneye was present in the centre of the main pool mid morning. The Chiffchaff from Saturday was still present, with a second bird singing by the small pool.
L Johnson...

March 14th

Spring had arived this morning with a Chiffchaff singing from the hedgeline running north towards Hogrill's end, and 2 Sand Martin, which dropped in for several minutes at the western end mid morning, before continuing on north up the valley. The third addition to the site year list was an Oystercatcher, which flew in from the west before circling low over both pools and heading off in the direction of Coleshill. 35+ Meadow pipit flew north. Other species noted included Kingfisher, 25 Siskin and 5 Buzzard.
L Johnson...

March 11th

Yesterdays 4 Goosander were joined by another 2 females this morning, and respresented the largest count of this winter period. It would be interesting to know if the count refers to birds from Ladywalk or if it is as a result of some passage of the species through the area (a female has also arived in the Marsh Lane area in the past few days). Siskin numbers around the site have decreased in the last week or two and now number around 20 birds. 2 Redpoll were still present amongst the largest siskin flock at the eastern end. Species also noted today were 2 Yellowhammer (over), 10 RL Partridge and a Treecreeper.
L Johnson...

March 10th

A more productive morning at the res today. 4 Goosander were present at the western end for most of the morning, consisting of 1 female, 2 1st winter drakes and an adult drake. A curlew called once over the eastern end at around 9am but could not be located, this or a second Curlew then flew high south over the sailing club 45 minutes later. Red legged Partridge numbers rose to 17, with a flock of 30 Linnet and 15 Pied Wagtail also along the lane. A Kingfisher was again noted along the river.
L Johnson...

March 9th

With the strong westerly wind and good numbers of Kittiwake reported in the severn estuary yesterday afternoon, I went to the res in the hope that one had dropped in. There was no such luck. In fact there was very little present. Due to the high winds most passerines kept a low profile and Duck numbers on the two pools were down again, with no Pochard present today and only around 5 Wigeon. Single Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher were the only species of note.
L Johnson...

March 8th

A Peregrine flew over the eastern end mid morning heading south, this represents the second site record this year. At least 6 Lesser Redpoll were present around the small pool with small numbers of Goldfinch. 6 Red legged Partridge were again in fields south of the lane.
L Johnson...

March 6th

Not a lot of change today from the past couple of days. A small flock of Redpoll were still at the eastern end with a couple of Siskin. 1 Grey Wagtail and a Yellowhammer flew over. A Kingfisher was present along the Blythe although proving to be rather elusive. A total of 5 Red legged Partridge were present in fields along the southern boundary of the site.
L Johnson...

March 5th

A Curlew feeding in the field south of the lane this morning was a nice surprise and represents the first record of the species on site this year. After an absence of nearly two months, 4 Tree Sparrow were in the horse paddocks. 5 Redpoll flew west over the eastern end of the small pool along with a single Grey Wagtail. 30+ Siskin were scattered around the site. Pochard numbers were down to just 5.
L Johnson...

March 4th

At least 1 Grey Wagtail was present this morning. Several Siskin flew over as well as single Skylark and Yellowhammer. The site was otherwise relativly quiet with only a few Wigeon and Pochard left on the small pool. 2 Greylag's were still on the main pool.
L Johnson...

Feb 27th

A female Goosander was present early morning at the western end of the main pool. 30+ LBB and 2 Herring Gull flew over during a two hour period, all heading in a westerly direction. 5+ Siskin flew over heading north. At least 3 Goldcrest were still singing around the site.
L Johnson...

Feb 25th

A female Goldeneye was present on the main pool mid morning. Although long over due, this is the first record of the species on site so far this year. 2 Yellowhammer and a Skylark flew over during the course of the morning. 5 Red legged Partride were well scattered around the site. The flock of Siskin (40+) at the eastern end held 3+ Lesser Redpoll with a further flock of 30 Siskin along the northern shore of the main pool. 5 Goldcrest and 2 Treecreeper were also noted.
L Johnson...

24th Feb

A quiet day on site this morning. Highlight was a Teal that flew low over the main pool heading west. Other species noted included 3 Goldcrest, 3 Greylag Geese and still good numbers of Pochard and Wigeon.
L Johnson...

23rd Feb

No sign of the Little Egret this morning. A flock of 50+ Siskin by the bat house held just 2 Lesser Redpoll. Small numbers of Yellowhammer passed over throughout the morning with 1 Skylark over late morning. At least 4 Buzzards were present.
L Johnson...

Feb 19th

A quick walk around this afternoon produced counts of 23 RL Partridge, 38 Pochard and 30 Wigeon. Highlight was 5 Goosander (2 drakes and 3 ducks) which were present at the western end before being flushed by the sailing and coming down on the river towards hams hall.
L Johnson...

Feb 18th

Another addition to the site year list this morning came in the form of a Peregrine, which flew high west over the main pool before stooping down over Ladywalk. The Little Egret was in its usual spot on the small pool, and a drake Goosander put an apperence in late morning in the centre of the main pool. Single Yellowhammers have been passing over the eastern end regularly for the past few weeks, but a count of 8 over today was notable. Pochard numbers were up to 45. Finally a very high Lapwing count (50+), was only achieved after the Peregrine flushed them off nearby Ladywalk.
L Johnson...

Feb 16th

Went today hoping that the warm sunny weather would bring out yesterdays Red Kite again, but no such luck. The Little Egret was again on the small pool, along with a Grey Heron, 26 Wigeon and 9 Pochard. The main pool was very quiet once again. There appeared to be some movement overhead with 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Skylark, Yellowhammer and Grey Wagtail all heading north as well as good numbers of Fieldfare and Redwing. At least 6 Buzzards were noted.
L Johnson...

Feb 15th

A Red Kite flew over the small pool at 11:30.
S Bradley...

13th Feb

The pools themselves were very quiet today. A Green Sandpiper was flushed from the sewage works early morning and flew off towards Ladywalk, this represents the second record this year for the site. A Yellowhammer flew east over calling. 2 Goldcrest and a treecreeper were around the steam. Other species noted included Buzzard and 3 Bullfinch.
L Johnson...

Feb 10th

A far more productive morning at the site than of late. A female Goosander was present on the main pool, interestingly this is the first record of a female for this winter period. The Little Egret was present again on the far side of the small pool, whilst watching it a Mallard ran out from under the tree next to the egret with a Stoat in persuit. The Stoat paused upon reaching the Egret, when both staired at each other, before the stoat continued to persue the Mallard. The Egret was later seen flying off to the east. 50+ Siskin were present in the alders by the fishing lodge. Also noted were 2 Treecreeper, 3+ Bullfinch, 20+ Goldfinch, 5+ Linnet and a Sparrowhawk.
L Johnson...

Feb 9th

After the sailing at the weekend the main pool was unfrozen but aside from 20+ Wigeon and 3 Greylag Geese there was little of note. The small pool remains completly frozen over. The most notable species was a Grey Wagtail which flew north over the main pool; although this species is usually seen daily at the site throughout the year, there were very few sightings in December last year and no birds had been recorded prior to this bird so far this year. Other species of note included GS Woodpecker, 2 Buzzard, 4 Bullfinch, 8+ Greenfinch, 30+ Goldfinch and 3 Common Gull. The remains of a Little Grebe on the north shore was probably due to predation by a Grey Heron.
L Johnson...

Feb 4th

An extreemly quiet morning today around ther res' with a single Meadow pipit being probably the most noteworthy record. Greylags were back down to the usual 3, and yesterdays Teal and Gadwall had also dissapeared. Other species noted were Common Gull and Bullfinch.
L Johnson...

feb 3rd

A brisk walk in the snow produced 4 Lesser Redpoll along the north shore. 6 Common Gull were present on the main pool. The cold weather had produced some duck movement with 2 drake Teal on the small pool and a pair of Gadwall on the main pool. Also noted this morning were Skylark (over), 4 Greylag Geese and 13 Lapwing.

Nearby: 3 Scaup (2 drake and a duck) on Lea Marston. 1 GBB Gull (adult) and 2 Goldeneye on Coton.
L Johnson...

Jan 28th

The Little egret was present again today, feeding in the same spot as last week, before moving to the small pool. A Willow tit, 2 Redpoll and 20+ Siskin were present along the river. Wigeon numbers appear to have dropped with no birds on the main pool again and just 15 on the small pool along with 25 Pochard. Also noted were 1 Gadwall (drake), 14 RL Partridge, 3 Goldcrest, Treecreeper and 3 Mistle Thrush.

Nearby: 1 Firecrest, 15+ Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff and Green Sandpiper still off Eddison road, Hams Hall.
L Johnson...

Jan 27th

Very little of note this morning in a brief walk around the main pool in the fog. A Meadow pipit flew south over the western end. Usual numbers of Tufted duck on the main pool as well as the 3 resident Greylag Geese with the Canada flock. Interestingly no Wigeon were present. At least 2 Goldcrest were also noted.
L Johnson...

Jan 23rd

There was no sign of yesterdays Little Egret this morning, however a Kingfisher in the same spot was the first to be recorded at the site this year. A mobile flock of 20+ Redpoll at the eastern end contained 3 pale birds (a female/1st winter male and 2 adult male), probably of the race flammea. 90+ Siskin were also in the area aound the small pool. More evidence of a recent local release of game by the surrounding land owners was evident with a count of 53 phesant in one field! The total count this morning ended up with 58 birds plus 20 RL Partridge. 80+ Redwing flew over south, with a further 10 in the horse paddocks. Other species noted were 1 Willow tit, 1 Jay, 2 Buzzard, 2 Mistle Thrush and a Goldcrest.
L Johnson...

22nd Jan

After a blank year at the site for the species in 2008, a Little egret feeding at the eastern end was a nice surprise. A very high count of 39 Red legged Partridge may relate to a recent release in the area. Also noted were 8 Phesant and 2 Goldcrest.
L Johnson...

Jan 19th

Duck numbers seemed to have dropped slightly this morning, although the drake Gadwall was still present on the small pool. A flock of around 50 Siskin were along the stream with two Lesser Redpoll in amongst them. A willow tit was calling from the south side of the small pool. Also noted this morning were 1 Goldcrest, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Common Gull and 4+ Bullfinch.
L Johnson...

Jan 17th.

Request for sightings records.
If you have any interesting records, or any high counts for 2008 please forward them to Lee or myself , so we can update last years figures. You can find Lee,s and my e mail address and phone numbers on top left hand side of this page. Many thanks.
Steve.

Jan 17th

The majority of the ducks this morning had been pushed onto the small pool by the sailing. A pair of Gadwall were present on the floating reedbed along with good numbers of Pochard. There was some gull movement mid morning with 3 GBB gull over (2 adults and a 1st winter) and 5 Herring Gull. 1 Common Gull was present on the main pool. At least 2 Yellowhammer flew over.
L Johnson...

Jan 14th

Very little around this morning in the fog. Wigeon numbered 49, while the number of Pochard present dropped to 19. 1 Common Gull was present late morning on the main pool. 2 Yellowhammer were around the horse paddocks and 4 Redpoll flew over.
L Johnson...

Jan 13th

Both pools were finaly ice free this morning. Duck numbers had been quick to recover with 31 Pochard and 40+ Tufted Duck. Wigeon numbers were fairly consistent to that over the cold snap, numbering 44. Last weeks sub-adult Yellow legged gull was on the small pool briefly at 10:00 with 2 LBB Gull, before relocating to the main pool for the rest of the morning. 4+ Herring Gull flew over heading west at 11:00 with at least 30 LBB Gull. The first Willow Tit of the year was calling from the north shore section of the river.
L Johnson...

Jan 8th

The drake Goosander was present again this morning on the main pool. Gull numbers had dropped from yesterdays figures but 1 Herring Gull was still present and a 1st winter GBB Gull flew over. 5 Teal present on the river just north east of the small pool were the only ducks of note. A mixed flock of finches along the river held 20+ Siskin and 12+ Lesser Redpoll. Two Yellowhammer were along the hedge on the south side of the field. A notable record came in the form of a fly over Common Snipe. Also present this morning were Mistle Thrush, 4 Goldcrest, Green Woodpecker, GS Woodpecker, Phesant, 6 RL Partridge, Linnet, Jay and 3 Coal Tit.
L Johnson...

Jan 7th

After Mondays good start to the site year list, this morning made it a great start (by Shustoke standards anyway). Two Yellow legged Gulls, an adult and sub adult, were present on the main pool for most of the morning (only 1 bird was recorded at the site last year). Four Greater black backed gulls joined the Yellow legged's at 11:20, comprising of 2 adults, a 1st winter and a 2nd winter (again only 1 bird was recorded at the site last year). The most unusal record was a Dunlin that flew in calling from the east at 11:00, circled the pool before landing briefly on the ice and flying off low west. At 11:25 a Green Sandpiper flew east along the river before turning around and heading back in the direction of Ladywalk. Also noted this morning were 54 Wigeon, 6 Shovler, 15 Herring Gull, Collared Dove, 1 Goldcrest, Buzzard, 6 Common Gull and a Siskin.
L Johnson...

5th Jan

After temperatures of around 28 degrees for the last two weeks I was met with snow showers on my first morning back. Both pools were almost completly frozen over with just a few small patches of open water left. The year got off to a fairly good start though with a drake Goosander on the main pool. The cold weather must also have displaced some Teal with 10 present on the main pool. Two Tree Sparrow were around the sailing club, with Bullfinch, 8 Redwing and Fieldfare also noted. Wigeon were concentrated around the floating reedbed on the small pool with 44 present. Also noted this morning were 4 Mute Swan, 1 Skylark (over), House Sparrow, 2 GC Grebe, 15 Little Grebe, 2 Herring Gull, 7 LBB Gull, 3 Common Gull, 50 BH Gull, 8 Lapwing (over) and 2 Redpoll (over).
L Johnson...