Port Meadow
2 Oystercatcher
2 Shelduck
5 Little Ringed Plover
3 Redshank
Pintail
Mary Gregory
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Radley Lakes: 31st March
Radley Lakes
1 Cetti's Warbler
1 Redshank
2 Willow Warbler
1 Raven
South Abingdon GPs
c.30 Sand Martins
1 Cetti's Warbler
1066
1 Ruff
2 Redshank
c.20 Lapwing
c.40 Teal
Dix Pit Great White Egret
RBA are reporting a Great White Egret that flew over Dix Pit early afternoon. We don't know anything more about this report at this stage.
Rushy Common 31st March
Peregrine
Oystercatcher 4
Little Ringed Plover 2 (Tar Lakes)
Shelduck 2
Egyptian Goose 5
Blackcap (singing)
(per Clackers)
Oystercatcher 4
Little Ringed Plover 2 (Tar Lakes)
Shelduck 2
Egyptian Goose 5
Blackcap (singing)
(per Clackers)
Friday, 30 March 2012
In search of the 'Aloo' Chat 30th March
Good to see some new faces at what is always a great evening.
Birders Curry Night Kidlington 30th March.
Port Meadow: 30th March
Port Meadow
4 Little Ringed Plover
2 Redshank
Oystercatcher
2 Shelduck
Richard Foster
4 Little Ringed Plover
2 Redshank
Oystercatcher
2 Shelduck
Richard Foster
South Leigh: 30th March
South Leigh
Great Grey Shrike: Usual place. Showing well in the evening sunlight.
Gareth Blockley
Great Grey Shrike: Usual place. Showing well in the evening sunlight.
Gareth Blockley
Henley Road GPs: 30th March
Henley Road GPs
2 Oystercatcher: Flew over calling, heading towards Sonning Eye.
Marek Walford
2 Oystercatcher: Flew over calling, heading towards Sonning Eye.
Marek Walford
Otmoor.A.M 30th March.
8+ Redshank
75+ Goldies, changing plumage.
1 Snowgoose, with small flock of Canadas.
75+ Goldies, changing plumage.
1 Snowgoose, with small flock of Canadas.
Port Meadow: 30th March
Port Meadow
3 Little Ringed Plover
3 Redshank
2 Shelduck
2 Pintail
Adam Hartley
3 Little Ringed Plover
3 Redshank
2 Shelduck
2 Pintail
Adam Hartley
Swallow
One Swallow does not make a summer, so hopefully this chap has some friends following close behind. The sun may not be shining today but it certaining felt like spring hearing him twittering away.
... and a possible White Wagtial ? ...
Gareth
Gareth
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Otmoor: RSPB reserve: 29th March
Otmoor: RSPB reserve
2 Short-eared Owl
Steve Roby
Otmoor
Ruff: On Big Otmoor scrape.
Joe Harris
2 Short-eared Owl
Steve Roby
Otmoor
Ruff: On Big Otmoor scrape.
Joe Harris
South Leigh, 29th March pm
Great Grey Shrike still present in usual spot. Wheatear in adjacent field. No sighting of the Hen Harrier. 2 Buzzards. (3 Hares.)
_1.jpg)
Photo (c) Nigel Forrow
Farmoor March 29
Whilst it is great to see rare and unusual birds and to hear about them I submit the humble Mallard which like many species we take for granted and often only look at casually in our search for the out of the ordinary is, when looked at closely, a thing of great beauty as are most of the bird species we share this planet with and that enhance our lives
Osprey Thursday 29th March 6.15 pm.
A friend has just reported an Osprey hunting the Thames first seen at Rushey Weir and heading towards Grafton Lock.
Barry Hudson.
Barry Hudson.
Bodicote: 29th March
Bodicote
2 Corn Bunting: m. singing. Canal Lane.
Gareth Blockley
2 Corn Bunting: m. singing. Canal Lane.
Gareth Blockley
 |
| (c) Roger Wyatt |
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Crane Update
25th March Gloucestershire 3 Cranes Whitminster flew S/E over M5 j13 at 11:30am
25th March Oxfordshire 3 Cranes flew north over Farmoor Res 18:19pm
25th March Oxfordshire 3 Cranes Otmoor 19:15pm
26th March Oxfordshire 3 Cranes Otmoor 09:30am before flying N/E
26th March Bucks 3 Cranes flew north over Little Horton c12:00pm
28th March Suffolk 3 Cranes Minsmere RSPB flew over car park then
circled over at 4.25p.m.
Cranes over Otmoor
25th March Gloucestershire 3 Cranes Whitminster flew S/E over M5 j13 at 11:30am
25th March Oxfordshire 3 Cranes flew north over Farmoor Res 18:19pm
25th March Oxfordshire 3 Cranes Otmoor 19:15pm
26th March Oxfordshire 3 Cranes Otmoor 09:30am before flying N/E
26th March Bucks 3 Cranes flew north over Little Horton c12:00pm
28th March Suffolk 3 Cranes Minsmere RSPB flew over car park then
circled over at 4.25p.m.
 |
| (c) Paul Greenaway |
Cranes over Otmoor
Farmoor 28th March
Common Scoter 2Scandinavian Rock Pipit
Both still this evening
(per The Wickster)
Common Scoter 2
Both still this evening
(per The Wickster)
photo (c) Dai The Insomniac Birder
Port Meadow March 28
Little Ringed Plover 2
Ruff 2
Common Redshank 3
Common Shelduck 3
Northern Pintail 2
Common ChiffChaff 2 singing males
Port Meadow
Oystercatcher
Gadwall
Willow Warbler
Sydney Penner
Ruff 2
Common Redshank 3
Common Shelduck 3
Northern Pintail 2
Common ChiffChaff 2 singing males
Port Meadow
Oystercatcher
Gadwall
Willow Warbler
Sydney Penner
Grimsbury Reservoir: 28th March
Grimsbury Reservoir
Sand Martin: Just a single through north late afternoon. Low in altitude but it didn't hang around.
Gareth Blockley
Sand Martin: Just a single through north late afternoon. Low in altitude but it didn't hang around.
Gareth Blockley
White Storks 28th March
Possible 5 White Storks reported over Wytham wood heading north east towards Otmoor c09:20
(per Steve Heath)
No further sign on Otmoor this afternoon.
(per Steve Heath)
No further sign on Otmoor this afternoon.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Otmoor 27th March
White-fronted Goose still with the Greylags on Greenaways at mid day (per RBA)
Short-eared Owl over reedbed on Greenaways 19:03 (per RBA)
Water Rail 1st screen
Dunlin 1st screen
Golden Plover c40
Otmoor Birding
Short-eared Owl over reedbed on Greenaways 19:03 (per RBA)
Water Rail 1st screen
Dunlin 1st screen
Golden Plover c40
Otmoor Birding
Iffley: Iffley Meadows: 27th March
Iffley: Iffley Meadows
Cetti's Warbler: 1 singing along the thames opposite Iffley meadows.
Wayne Bull
Cetti's Warbler: 1 singing along the thames opposite Iffley meadows.
Wayne Bull
Grimsbury Reservoir: 27th March
Grimsbury Reservoir
2 Blackcap: m. singing.
9 Common Gull
Gareth Blockley
2 Blackcap: m. singing.
9 Common Gull
Gareth Blockley
Monday, 26 March 2012
Cranes on Otmoor 26th March
Two Cranes have been been seen again this morning in the Otmoor area. The birds are very mobile and flighty and if you are lucky enough to see them please keep your distance and be aware that at this time of year all the fields hold breeding birds which should not be disturbed.
Bark
3 Common Crane flew off North from Otmoor c09:30 (Badger)
Otmoor Birding
25th March Gloucestershire 3 Cranes Whitminster flew S/E over M5 j13 at 11:30am
25th March Oxfordshire 3 Cranes flew north over Farmoor Res 18:19pm
25th March Oxfordshire 3 Cranes Otmoor 19:15pm
26th March Oxfordshire 3 Cranes Otmoor 09:30am before flying N/E
26th March Buckinghamshire 3 Cranes flew north over Little Horton c12:00pm
Top 2 photos (c) Paul Greenaway.
 |
| (c) Stewart Prattley |
Farmoor F1 26th March
Open Bill, Close Bill, Swallow
Perhaps 8-10,000 B H Gulls by dusk not knowing which way to catch a fly next as possibly billions of insects emerged this evening, forming a dense low mist around the perimeter of the Reservoir. Just two wp adult Little Gulls and seemingly all the GC Grebes joined in the fly catching bonanza, whilst the late arriving Common Gulls (adults and exceptionally contrasty first winter birds of late) and c250 L. B-backs declined to dine. The work of the Cotswold Park Ringing Group in ringing nestlings was on show - the first of at least four similar white ringed birds I have managed to confirm the code for; with previous sightings at Shippon, Appleford and Farmoor. Hope to post more info when I get a reply.
A glance up to view a sunlit low flying Merlin helicopter(?) at 18:30, meant a very high flying north bound Oystercatcher was seen (one heard and seen earlier across NW of F1) and immediately followed in same frame by a south bound fast descending Swallow which after reaching water level, continued southward. Hardly competes with yesterday's ('overwintering'!) Sedge Warbler but very probably a personal earliest nevertheless.
Perhaps 8-10,000 B H Gulls by dusk not knowing which way to catch a fly next as possibly billions of insects emerged this evening, forming a dense low mist around the perimeter of the Reservoir. Just two wp adult Little Gulls and seemingly all the GC Grebes joined in the fly catching bonanza, whilst the late arriving Common Gulls (adults and exceptionally contrasty first winter birds of late) and c250 L. B-backs declined to dine. The work of the Cotswold Park Ringing Group in ringing nestlings was on show - the first of at least four similar white ringed birds I have managed to confirm the code for; with previous sightings at Shippon, Appleford and Farmoor. Hope to post more info when I get a reply.
A glance up to view a sunlit low flying Merlin helicopter(?) at 18:30, meant a very high flying north bound Oystercatcher was seen (one heard and seen earlier across NW of F1) and immediately followed in same frame by a south bound fast descending Swallow which after reaching water level, continued southward. Hardly competes with yesterday's ('overwintering'!) Sedge Warbler but very probably a personal earliest nevertheless.
Farmoor March 26th
Pinkhill
Blackcap 1 singing male
Common ChiffChaff 2 singing males
Common Snipe 2
Common Teal 5
Shrike Meadow
Kingfisher 2 on river
Blackcap 1 singing male
Common ChiffChaff 2 singing males
Common Snipe 2
Common Teal 5
Shrike Meadow
Kingfisher 2 on river
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Common Cranes 25th March
3 Common Cranes flew North over Farmoor Reservoir at about 18:15 (per Ian Smith)
2 Common Cranes were then seen to land at Otmoor RSPB at 19:15 with a third bird
circling before all three headed off N/E. (per Bark)
5 Little Gulls at Farmoor on F1 this evening.
1 Little-ringed Plover on Otmoor in front of the hide.
Otmoor Birding
2 Common Cranes were then seen to land at Otmoor RSPB at 19:15 with a third bird
circling before all three headed off N/E. (per Bark)
5 Little Gulls at Farmoor on F1 this evening.
1 Little-ringed Plover on Otmoor in front of the hide.
Otmoor Birding
Cranes, Little Gulls and Snow Geese; Tick, Tick, Tick
3 Common Cranes heading NE on the NE side of Farmoor, lost to sight behind hilltop reservoir (Beacon Hill) at 18:19 (BST)
5 Little Gulls; 4 together plus 1 remaining apart for 2 hours plus - all winter plumage adults (Breeding plumage adult seen earlier in day by Dai).
‘Craning’ my neck for an English tick 18:19 (BST) was possibly just reward for helping another birder, not that many minutes previously, get Little Gull on his life list. An even earlier English ‘tick’ (for me) was the wandering flock of 16 (11 white & 5 blue) Snow Geese that circled at 16:40. Was there a certain First Nation accent mixed with Texan drawl to those geese calls ? Expert opinion is always welcome.
No apologies for the photographs. They possibly exceed my usual Farmoor standard as regular readers will recognise.
Saturday, 24 March 2012
South Leigh, 24th March pm
Hen Harrier in the field next to the usual Shrike field. Great Grey Shrike present until at least 5 pm.
_1.jpg)
Photo (c) Nigel Forrow
Saturday 24th March: Farmoor
Little gull still on Farmoor I (per Dai)
Garganey on west side of Farmoor II (per Stuart Thompson)
Garganey on west side of Farmoor II (per Stuart Thompson)
 |
| Garganey (c) Dai The Insomniac Birder |
Cowleaze Woods March 24
Common Crossbill 5
Lesser Redpoll 11
Siskin 3
Marsh Tit 2
Tree Creeper 1
Nuthatch 3
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1
Green Woodpecker 1
Lesser Redpoll 11
Siskin 3
Marsh Tit 2
Tree Creeper 1
Nuthatch 3
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1
Green Woodpecker 1
Shutford, 24th March
I've just received a call from Steve Holliday who is watching a male Black Redstart in Shutford, North Oxon. It is hanging around the cemetery and adjacent orchard at SP 379401. Please respect the privacy of the residents.
Otmoor Hare Madness 23rd March
Scrum (c) P. Barker
A pile of nine hares on Big Otmoor. Passion running wild.
Friday, 23 March 2012
Great Grey Shrike, South Leigh
The Shrike was active last night (22nd), catching two Shrews (I think) then regurgitating a ball of something. Unfortunately, it was a bit gloomy at 5-6 pm hence the quality of the photos is not great but they are, I hope, interesting nonetheless.
Photos (c) Nigel Forrow
Port Meadow: 23rd March
Port Meadow
Peregrine: Came in onto the flood from the east, over Burgess Field, and put up assorted Redshank, LRP and ducks; circled the flood and disappeared back eastwards.
Steve Goddard
Peregrine: Came in onto the flood from the east, over Burgess Field, and put up assorted Redshank, LRP and ducks; circled the flood and disappeared back eastwards.
Steve Goddard
Spit Pit, Appleford 23rd March
The 2nd winter Iceland Gull was back this afternoon along with a 1st w Yellow-legged Gull.
Farmoor Roost
Iceland Gull roosted again on F.2.
Closer views tonight and looks more like a second winter...
Farmoor 23rd March
No sign of the Black Redstart around the treatment works east of F1 this afternoon.
Henley Road GPs: 23rd March
23rd March
Henley Road GPs
2 Oystercatcher
2 Goosander: drk+rh.
2 Goldeneye: m+f.
Sonning Eye GPs
Oystercatcher: Feeding on the rowing course bund. Not one of the Henley Road birds.
Scaup: drk.
Marek Walford
Henley Road GPs
2 Oystercatcher
2 Goosander: drk+rh.
2 Goldeneye: m+f.
Sonning Eye GPs
Oystercatcher: Feeding on the rowing course bund. Not one of the Henley Road birds.
Scaup: drk.
Marek Walford
South Leigh 23rd March
Great Grey Shrike still near South Leigh singing and showing well at 16:10.
(per Terry Tossel)
About Here
(per Terry Tossel)
About Here
Port Meadow: 23rd March
Port Meadow
Little Ringed Plover
2 Oystercatcher
4 Redshank
4 Pintail
Adam Hartley
Little Ringed Plover
2 Oystercatcher
4 Redshank
4 Pintail
Adam Hartley
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Bayworth 22nd March
Black Redstart (m) since last Saturday near Bayworth Park but no sign this afternoon.
South Leigh 22nd March
Great Grey Shrike still this morning near South Leigh 6:30-7a.m although mobile.
(per Andrew Last)
About Here
(per Andrew Last)
About Here
Farmoor 22nd March
 |
| (c) Mike Flemming |
(per Justin)
Little Gull (per RBA)
Peregrine (m) over this morning
The Insomniac Birder
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Banbury: 21st March
Banbury
Red Kite: Thermalling over town with Raven and Buzzard (per Clive Payne).
Raven: Thermalling over town with Red Kite and Buzzard (per Clive Payne).
Hopcrofts Holt
Merlin: by the roadside on the A4260 just North of Hopcrofts Holt. Flew North (per Paul Hunter-Higgins, Banburybirds) . SP4625.
Somerton
Probable Merlin: around 1400hrs today flying by the side of the road over the field verges on the right between North Aston Mill and the set of humpback bridges on the way to Somerton. (per Penelope Lack, Banburybirds).
Gareth Blockley
Banbury Birds
Red Kite: Thermalling over town with Raven and Buzzard (per Clive Payne).
Raven: Thermalling over town with Red Kite and Buzzard (per Clive Payne).
Hopcrofts Holt
Merlin: by the roadside on the A4260 just North of Hopcrofts Holt. Flew North (per Paul Hunter-Higgins, Banburybirds) . SP4625.
Somerton
Probable Merlin: around 1400hrs today flying by the side of the road over the field verges on the right between North Aston Mill and the set of humpback bridges on the way to Somerton. (per Penelope Lack, Banburybirds).
Gareth Blockley
Banbury Birds
Otmoor: RSPB reserve: 21st March
White-fronted Goose: on Ashgrave with Greylags.
Curlew: est 3-4 birds on Greenaways.
Redshank: several to-ing and fro-ing.
2 Little Egret
Lesser Redpoll
Peter Law
Otmoor Birding
Curlew: est 3-4 birds on Greenaways.
Redshank: several to-ing and fro-ing.
2 Little Egret
Lesser Redpoll
Peter Law
Otmoor Birding
Farmoor I March 21
Black Redstart 1 still present at 1200 around the works and viewable from the perimeter track of Farmoor 1. It is in female type plumage which some second calendar year male birds show (see BWP Vol 5 p 693) It was also singing quietly to itself when first found which confirms it as a male.
Little Gull 1 ad in winter plumage
Black headed Gull 1500+
Oystercatcher 1
(Photo of the Black Redstart on Cholsey Wildlife and The Insomniac Birder)
Little Gull 1 ad in winter plumage
Black headed Gull 1500+
Oystercatcher 1
(Photo of the Black Redstart on Cholsey Wildlife and The Insomniac Birder)
South Leigh 21st March
Great Grey Shrike still near South Leigh at 11:40am (per Justin)
still there at 13:30 (per Wayne Bull)
About Here
still there at 13:30 (per Wayne Bull)
About Here
Farmoor 21st March
Black Redstart (m) around the water treatment works to the east of F1 at 10:15a.m
(per Ewan)
(per Ewan)
South Leigh: 20th March
South Leigh
Great Grey Shrike: still where reported earlier in the day - excellent views.
Richard Catling
Great Grey Shrike: still where reported earlier in the day - excellent views.
Richard Catling
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Tilehurst Station 20th March
White-fronted Goose (in fields opposite Tilehurst station with Canada Geese late afternoon)
Egyptian Geese 11
Mandarin 2
(per The Wickster)
Egyptian Geese 11
Mandarin 2
(per The Wickster)
Farmoor Roost
Iceland Gull. juv/first winter, F.2
Mediterranean Gull. 1 adult, F.1.1 first winter, F.2.
Crowmarsh Gifford 20th March
2 birds seen yesterday (19th) in an area with no general access.
At least 1 Black Redstart still present today (per Richard Broughton Oxonbirds)
More about these charismatic birds on The Bald Birder blog.
Farmoor Reservoir 20th March
Farmoor I
Little Gull: Still present with the Black headed Gulls. Bird is in mostly winter plumage.
John Edwards
Little Gull: Still present with the Black headed Gulls. Bird is in mostly winter plumage.
John Edwards
South Leigh: 20th March
Great Grey Shrike Still present in the bushes north of the footpath east of the road just
south of Green farm.
John Edwards
south of Green farm.
John Edwards
Otmoor: 19th March
Jack Snipe (Flushed up from Big Otmoor)
Dunlin
Joe Harris
Hen Harrier (male) seen over reed bed from first hide.
John Barnes
Otmoor Birding
Dunlin
Joe Harris
Hen Harrier (male) seen over reed bed from first hide.
John Barnes
Otmoor Birding
South Leigh 19th March pm
Great Grey Shrike present until at least 3 pm. Thanks to Ian for pointing me in the right direction.
Photos (c) Nigel Forrow
Letcombe Bassett: Ridgeway above Letcombe Bassett: 19th March
Letcombe Bassett: Ridgeway above Letcombe Bassett
Peregrine: Feasting on a supper of Woodpigeon!.
Mark Merritt
Peregrine: Feasting on a supper of Woodpigeon!.
Mark Merritt
GG Shrike South Leigh Monday 19th
Click on title for a Streetmap link that shows the field in which the bird was using last year's projecting hedge growth for perches along north and south boundaries, which were in full sunshine. Perched with underside illuminated by sun, it was visible from the roadside between 11.35 and 12.20 minimum. Also much closer from the footpath alongside the south hedge boundary, where it had some comment to make on my presence !
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Otmoor: 18th March
Marsh Harrier (male) flew in to reed bed from N at 18:00hrs, circled twice and went
down at southern end. Viewed from bridle path.
Peter Law
see Otmoor Birding for the complete weekend round up.
down at southern end. Viewed from bridle path.
Peter Law
see Otmoor Birding for the complete weekend round up.
Farmoor late morning March 18
Goshawk 2
A female seen over the pylons and then a male approx 45 minutes later in the same vicinity
Red Kite 4+
Common Buzzard 6+
Common Kestrel 2
Raven 1
Little Gull 1 [adult but without hood on Farmoor 1]
Black Headed Gull 800+
Curlew 1
Common Shelduck 2 [ a pair in amongst the BH Gulls]
Sand Martin 15+
Short-eared Owl (Buckthorn Meadow per Dai)
The Insomniac Birder news from the Res
A female seen over the pylons and then a male approx 45 minutes later in the same vicinity
Red Kite 4+
Common Buzzard 6+
Common Kestrel 2
Raven 1
Little Gull 1 [adult but without hood on Farmoor 1]
Black Headed Gull 800+
Curlew 1
Common Shelduck 2 [ a pair in amongst the BH Gulls]
Sand Martin 15+
Short-eared Owl (Buckthorn Meadow per Dai)
The Insomniac Birder news from the Res
South Leigh March 18
Great Grey Shrike 1 from 0830 to at least 1000
(with grateful thanks to Sally for putting out the news)
Hen Harrier 1
Red Kite 2
Common Buzzard 8+
Common Kestrel 2
2 Short-eared Owl (Thomas Stevens)
Directions for the Shrike
(with grateful thanks to Sally for putting out the news)
Hen Harrier 1
Red Kite 2
Common Buzzard 8+
Common Kestrel 2
2 Short-eared Owl (Thomas Stevens)
Directions for the Shrike
Otmoor 18th March
There is clearly some truth to the folk tale of a sinister hooded figure that stalks the moor.
At least seven Wheatears from hide
Merlin (per David Wilding)
Dunlin with Goldies
Sand Martin mid morning
Grimsbury Reservoir: 18th March
Rock Pipit Late morning (per Clive Payne). No sign early afternoon.
Peregrine
Gareth Blockley
Peregrine
Gareth Blockley
Port Meadow: 18th March
18th March
Port Meadow
4 Redshank
71 Golden Plover
Dunlin
Oystercatcher
Curlew
Black-tailed Godwit: still present at 14:15.
Also 3 sand martins over at 15:45 (Adam Hartley)
Peter Law
Port Meadow
4 Redshank
71 Golden Plover
Dunlin
Oystercatcher
Curlew
Black-tailed Godwit: still present at 14:15.
Also 3 sand martins over at 15:45 (Adam Hartley)
Peter Law
Farmoor 18th March
2 Goshawk (m/f) south of F2 nr Lower Whitley Farm late morning (per Steve Heath)
1 Little Gull (ad) still on F1
2 Shelduck
Rock Pipit (along the causeway. different bird from yesterdays)
Sand Martin (small numbers through early morning)
1 Little Gull (ad) still on F1
2 Shelduck
Rock Pipit (along the causeway. different bird from yesterdays)
Sand Martin (small numbers through early morning)
Sunday 18th March Port Meadow
A (rather flighty) black-tailed godwit on the floods & a singing chiffchaff along the railway track
(per Jarrod Hadfield)
(per Jarrod Hadfield)
Sunday 18th South Leigh: Great Grey Shrike Still
The great grey shrike is still present at South Leigh this morning at 10 am (per Badger) though mobile. Also a hen harrier.
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Great Grey Shrike South Leigh 17th March
Great Grey Shrike near South Leigh this evening.
Along road from barnard gate to south leigh,south of Green House Farm,
and east of Twelve Acre farm.
(per Sally Hula)
Otmoor 17th March
 |
| Wheatears (c) Terry Sherlock |
9 Wheatear (2 nr the farm at Noke 3 Big Otmoor 4 Ashgrave)
4 Chiffchaff
1 Peregrine
1 Merlin (m Greenaways)
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Ruff (per the Robys)
1 Snipe
4 Redpoll (on the C.F feeders)
Otter (along bridleway)
White-fronted Goose still on Ashgrave at 3.30pm (per RBA)
Otmoor Birding
Farmoor 17th March
2 Little Gull (mid afternoon on F1)
1 Rock Pipit (along causeway early morning)
30+ Sand Martin
The Insomniac Birder
1 Rock Pipit (along causeway early morning)
30+ Sand Martin
The Insomniac Birder
Port Meadow 17th March
5 Redshank
4 Dunlin
1 Oystercatcher
3 Shelduck
No sign of Little Ringed Plover this morning.
(per The Wickster)
4 Dunlin
1 Oystercatcher
3 Shelduck
No sign of Little Ringed Plover this morning.
(per The Wickster)
Friday, 16 March 2012
Port Meadow: 16th March: Little Ringed Plover
Little Ringed Plover
2 Oystercatcher
2 Ruff
6 Redshank
Dunlin
Shelduck
4 Goosander
4 Pintail
Adam Hartley
2 Oystercatcher
2 Ruff
6 Redshank
Dunlin
Shelduck
4 Goosander
4 Pintail
Adam Hartley
Henley Road GPs: 16th March
16th March
Henley Road GPs
3 Smew: 1m+2rh.
2 Goosander: 1m+1rh.
Chiffchaff
3 Sand Martin
Sonning Eye GPs
Oystercatcher: Feeding on the rowing course bund.
Marek Walford
Henley Road GPs
3 Smew: 1m+2rh.
2 Goosander: 1m+1rh.
Chiffchaff
3 Sand Martin
Sonning Eye GPs
Oystercatcher: Feeding on the rowing course bund.
Marek Walford
Black Redstart Crowmarsh Gifford 16th March
A confiding Black Redstart at a private site in Crowmarsh Gifford today.
(Per John Redhead)
Ring-necked Parakeet Crowmarsh Gifford Howbery Park this afternoon.
(per The Wickster)
(Per John Redhead)
Ring-necked Parakeet Crowmarsh Gifford Howbery Park this afternoon.
(per The Wickster)
Grimsbury Reservoir: 16th March
Grimsbury Reservoir
Redshank: Still there this morning but gone by c.08:00.
Banbury: Spital Farm Lake
Goosander: f.
Gareth Blockley
Redshank: Still there this morning but gone by c.08:00.
Banbury: Spital Farm Lake
Goosander: f.
Gareth Blockley
Standlake Pit 60 16th March
Sand Martin 12+ (two parties)
Ruff 1
Redshank 3
Little Egret 2
Chiffchaff 2 (singing along track)
Blackcap
T3 Lake (pit adjacent to Pit 60)
Sand Martin 8+
(per Jon Prowse)
Ruff 1
Redshank 3
Little Egret 2
Chiffchaff 2 (singing along track)
Blackcap
T3 Lake (pit adjacent to Pit 60)
Sand Martin 8+
(per Jon Prowse)
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Otmoor: 15th March
Otmoor
Brent Goose: On Big Otmoor with Canada's.
Joe Harris
Otmoor: RSPB reserve
Short-eared Owl
Steve Goddard
Otmoor Birding
Brent Goose: On Big Otmoor with Canada's.
Joe Harris
Otmoor: RSPB reserve
Short-eared Owl
Steve Goddard
Otmoor Birding
Dix Pit March 15
White Wagtail 1 [in with flock of 35 Pied Wagtail]
Meadow Pipit flock of 30
Some of the nesting Cormorants on the island have young now two thirds grown
Meadow Pipit flock of 30
Some of the nesting Cormorants on the island have young now two thirds grown
Farmoor 1 March 15
This Mallard has been present usually near the yacht marina for the last three years. It is always in this intriguing plumage variation which appears to be a combination of mostly eclipse plumage with some male plumage. See comments
Common Goldeneye 26 [5 males 3 imm males and 18 females]
Gadwall 4
Common ChiffChaff 1 singing
Grimsbury Reservoir: 15th March
Grimsbury Reservoir
Redshank
3 Chiffchaff: 2 singing.
Redwing: Singing. First time I've ever heard one singing.
Gareth Blockley
Redshank
3 Chiffchaff: 2 singing.
Redwing: Singing. First time I've ever heard one singing.
Gareth Blockley
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Banbury: 14th March
Banbury
Snipe: Flying round over my flat calling, maybe disorientated in the fog?.
Gareth Blockley
Snipe: Flying round over my flat calling, maybe disorientated in the fog?.
Gareth Blockley
Missing Red tailed Hawk
I was wondering if you could help us…
We are looking for a Bird of prey that has gone missing in the oxford area.
The bird in question is an American Red Tailed Hawk.
The bird was last seen in the Woodeaton area at Sescut Farm on Sunday.
He’s easily identified if nothing else than by the leather straps that are attached to his legs.He’s similar in size to a female common buzzard but with a red tail.
We are looking for a Bird of prey that has gone missing in the oxford area.
The bird in question is an American Red Tailed Hawk.
The bird was last seen in the Woodeaton area at Sescut Farm on Sunday.
He’s easily identified if nothing else than by the leather straps that are attached to his legs.He’s similar in size to a female common buzzard but with a red tail.
I don’t know if there is any way that your site can help it would be great.
Thanks
Adam
If anyone has any news or sightings of the Red tail please call Adam Bloch on 07703532828
or email him at adam@bloch.com
Otmoor 14th March pm
(c) Andy Last
Brent Goose back with the Canadas
Peregrine stooping over Big Otmoor
4 or 5 Short eared Owls
(per Andy Last)
Otmoor Birding
Farmoor Gulls
Another evenings cachophony of courting Black-headed Gulls totalling ? - so estimated at 15-20,000 which is what I also reckoned last Sunday. Around 600 L B-backs, 10 Common, 1 tiny Herring Gull, 1 adult winter Little Gull hawking amongst a massive fly emergence and 1 adult Med Gull not bothered about much; thus showing the extent of hood reaching down the neck, in comparison to BH Gull, is still viewable when the rear of bird hidden by others in the roost (as this bird was initially). 1 Oystercatcher over F2 and 24 plus Pied's (no alba)taking the walking approach to harvesting the diptera feast along the causeway. Must dispute claim on Adam's excellent Birding Diary that Cormorants are "just not that attractive" (at least when seen in good light) and I leave it to others to decide whether this bird is a carbo or sinensis
Ewan