Kingston Bagpuize: 30th November
Kingston Bagpuize
Merlin: fem. Flew South @10:50 carrying prey dropping down lower.
4 Hawfinch: 1 NW @07:41, 1 @08:23 & 2@08:55 landed in trees behind Hinds Head Pub.
Jed Cleeter
Merlin: fem. Flew South @10:50 carrying prey dropping down lower.
4 Hawfinch: 1 NW @07:41, 1 @08:23 & 2@08:55 landed in trees behind Hinds Head Pub.
Jed Cleeter
Otmoor rspb. 30th. November.
Marsh Harrier.
2. Raven.
Mixed flocks of Redwing and Field Fare.
Peregrine.
2.Marsh Tit.
Coal Tit.
Brambling. Reported on feeders.
2. Raven.
Mixed flocks of Redwing and Field Fare.
Peregrine.
2.Marsh Tit.
Coal Tit.
Brambling. Reported on feeders.
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| Redwing. |
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| Marsh Harrier. |
Barnard Gate: 30th November
Barnard Gate
From 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 in freezing conditions
9 Hawfinch: Briefly in the trees behind the gatehouse.
Marsh Tit
2 Nuthatch
Fieldfare
Adam Hartley
From 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 in freezing conditions
9 Hawfinch: Briefly in the trees behind the gatehouse.
Marsh Tit
2 Nuthatch
Fieldfare
Adam Hartley
Wednesday, 29 November 2017
Kingston Bagpuize: 29th November
Kingston Bagpuize
4 Hawfinch: Singles West @07:40, 08:00 (with 15 Redwing), 08:40 & North @12:55.
Jed Cleeter
4 Hawfinch: Singles West @07:40, 08:00 (with 15 Redwing), 08:40 & North @12:55.
Jed Cleeter
Chipping Norton: 29th November
Chipping Norton
68 Golden Plover: In dip of large field W of CN. 09:30.
Steve Akers
68 Golden Plover: In dip of large field W of CN. 09:30.
Steve Akers
Standlake Common: 29th November
10:00
Pit 38 Great White Egret
Pit 28 At least 78 Red Crested Pochard
Pit 38 Great White Egret
Pit 28 At least 78 Red Crested Pochard
Tuesday, 28 November 2017
Sarsgrove: 28th November
Sarsgrove
2 Raven: Pair flying W along valley calling constantly to each other. 09:00.
120 Fieldfare 09:00.
Sparrowhawk: f. 09:00.
Steve Akers
2 Raven: Pair flying W along valley calling constantly to each other. 09:00.
120 Fieldfare 09:00.
Sparrowhawk: f. 09:00.
Steve Akers
Kingston Bagpuize: 28th November
Kingston Bagpuize
Brambling: Flew low west calling @14:55.
Peregrine: fem. Flying slowly North at height before a spectacular stoop out of sight.
Jed Cleeter
Brambling: Flew low west calling @14:55.
Peregrine: fem. Flying slowly North at height before a spectacular stoop out of sight.
Jed Cleeter
Glyme Valley, Woodstock. 28th. November.
Great White Egret. At least one bird still present.
2. Little Egret.
3. Grey Heron.
2. Kingfisher.
Sparrowhawk.
2. Little Egret.
3. Grey Heron.
2. Kingfisher.
Sparrowhawk.
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| Great White Egret |
Monday, 27 November 2017
Barnard Gate 27th November
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Hawfinch photo and video courtesy of Eddie McLaughlin
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Hawfinch 2 near the gatehouse c12:00 (per Eddie McLaughlin)
Chipping Norton: 27th November
Chipping Norton
200 Golden Plover: Flock of at least 200 golden plover still present circling high over fields W of CN. 09:00.
Steve Akers
200 Golden Plover: Flock of at least 200 golden plover still present circling high over fields W of CN. 09:00.
Steve Akers
Kingston Bagpuize: 27th November
Kingston Bagpuize
Hawfinch: Flew SE @08:24.
27 Lapwing: Flew South early am.
Jed Cleeter
Hawfinch: Flew SE @08:24.
27 Lapwing: Flew South early am.
Jed Cleeter
Letcombe Bassett: 26th November
26th November
Letcombe Bassett
220 Golden Plover: Feeding on ploughed field with 250 Lapwing.
Fyfield
Barn Owl: Sitting on roadside hedge on Appleton road. 17:25.
Jed Cleeter
Letcombe Bassett
220 Golden Plover: Feeding on ploughed field with 250 Lapwing.
Fyfield
Barn Owl: Sitting on roadside hedge on Appleton road. 17:25.
Jed Cleeter
Worminghall: 26th November
Worminghall
2 Hawfinch: At least 2 seen every weekend for last few weeks flying around the village.
Peter Alfrey
2 Hawfinch: At least 2 seen every weekend for last few weeks flying around the village.
Peter Alfrey
Sarsgrove: 26th November
Sarsgrove
241 Golden Plover: larger flock now settled feeding in corner of large pasture field near Sarsbank equestrian farm.
Steve Akers
241 Golden Plover: larger flock now settled feeding in corner of large pasture field near Sarsbank equestrian farm.
Steve Akers
Saturday, 25 November 2017
Otmoor RSPB 25th November
Merlin on Greenaways c15:45 (Per PAUL WREN)
Bittern
Hen Harrier (2ym)
Marsh Harrier
Jack Snipe 2
Stonechat
(per Tezzer, Paul Greenaway, The Roby’s, Luke O'Byrne)
Bittern
Hen Harrier (2ym)
Marsh Harrier
Jack Snipe 2
Stonechat
(per Tezzer, Paul Greenaway, The Roby’s, Luke O'Byrne)
Newbridge: 25th November
Newbridge
Barn Owl: Crossed the A415 by the Rose Revived Pub. 16:20.
Jed Cleeter
Barn Owl: Crossed the A415 by the Rose Revived Pub. 16:20.
Jed Cleeter
Barnard Gate: 25th November
Hawfinch courtesy of Badger please view at 1080p HD
Hawfinch 12+ viewed from road and from outside the gatehouse 08:30-10:30.
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Courtesy of Badger
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Courtesy of Badger
|
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Hawfinch feeding on hornbeam seeds courtesy of Jeremy Dexter
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Chipping Norton: 25th November
Chipping Norton
121 Golden Plover: Vocal flock came in over first field at Sarsgrove and have settled in traditional feeding spot in very large field W of CN - easily viewable from minor road between B4450 and A361 - in dip close to hedge line. SP304256. 09:30.
Steve Akers
121 Golden Plover: Vocal flock came in over first field at Sarsgrove and have settled in traditional feeding spot in very large field W of CN - easily viewable from minor road between B4450 and A361 - in dip close to hedge line. SP304256. 09:30.
Steve Akers
Farmoor, 25th November
08:30 - 10:30am
2 GBBG
1 Common Gull
2 Wigeon
4 Pochard (seen by Dai)
2 Goldeneye
1 Redshank
1 Water Rail
1 Barn Owl (seen by Dai)
1 Rock Pipit
2 Meadow Pipit
10 Siskin
George Best and Dai
2 GBBG
1 Common Gull
2 Wigeon
4 Pochard (seen by Dai)
2 Goldeneye
1 Redshank
1 Water Rail
1 Barn Owl (seen by Dai)
1 Rock Pipit
2 Meadow Pipit
10 Siskin
George Best and Dai
Kingston Bagpuize: 25th November
Kingston Bagpuize
3 Hawfinch: NE @07:36 & 08:04 and S @08:26.
Jed Cleeter
3 Hawfinch: NE @07:36 & 08:04 and S @08:26.
Jed Cleeter
Friday, 24 November 2017
Otmoor. PM.
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| Marsh Harrier at dusk. |
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| Stonechat. |
 |
| Buzzard. |
3. Marsh Harrier.
Sparrowhawk.
Kingfisher.
Hen Harrier. (m.)
2. Stonechat.
Kingston Bagpuize: 24th November
Kingston Bagpuize
3 Hawfinch: 2 North @07:22 and 1 East @10:46.
Jed Cleeter
3 Hawfinch: 2 North @07:22 and 1 East @10:46.
Jed Cleeter
Bicester Wetland Reserve 24th November
1 Cetti's Warbler (present for 5 weeks now)
1 Water Rail
6 Mute Swan
1 Little |Grebe
45 Teal
12 Gadwall
5 Shoveler
Key holder reserve
Alan Peters
1 Water Rail
6 Mute Swan
1 Little |Grebe
45 Teal
12 Gadwall
5 Shoveler
Key holder reserve
Alan Peters
Otmoor.A.M. 24th November.
2 Marsh Harrier
1 Bittern
1 Brambling (by cattle pens)
1 Hen Harrier (male)
2 Stonechat
20+ Snipe
1 Peregrine.
1 Bittern
1 Brambling (by cattle pens)
1 Hen Harrier (male)
2 Stonechat
20+ Snipe
1 Peregrine.
Cavell Road, Oxford 24th November
Hawfinch one warming up in the sun along with the usual common garden birds.
Oxon/Berks nr South Stoke 24th November
Hawfinch 8-10 in trees by the side of the A4074 just south of the South Stoke turn c07:45 (per Mark Chivers)
Thursday, 23 November 2017
Otmoor dusk 23rd November
3 Sparrowhawks
1 Merlin
3 Marsh Harriers
2 Peregrines
1 Kestrel
2 Woodcock
Starlings
1 Merlin
3 Marsh Harriers
2 Peregrines
1 Kestrel
2 Woodcock
Starlings
Kingston Bagpuize: 23rd November
Kingston Bagpuize
3 Hawfinch: 1Flew South @07:32 & 2 NE @08:46.
3 Brambling: Flew SW low & calling @07:30.
Raven: High NW early am.
Jed Cleeter
3 Hawfinch: 1Flew South @07:32 & 2 NE @08:46.
3 Brambling: Flew SW low & calling @07:30.
Raven: High NW early am.
Jed Cleeter
Barnard Gate: 23rd November
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Hawfinch courtesy of Mick Cunningham
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25 Hawfinch: Closer,if less frequent (?), views can be had from start off cycle track just after exit from A40. Check tops of mature trees in grounds of property with "keep out" signs. Birds being seen single track road were also using this garden.
Mick Cunningham
Cholsey: 23rd Nov
3 Hawfinch briefly in the garden trees, then flew off south.
60+ Golden Plover, Cholsey Hill.
60+ Golden Plover, Cholsey Hill.
Woodstock Water Meadows 23rd November
No sign of any Great White Egrets at 10:00 a.m., but 3 Grey Herons in the field
Gnome & Phil Barnett
Gnome & Phil Barnett
Barnard Gate, 23rd November
Please note that a scope is recommend for viewing as the birds are rather distant
25 Hawfinch: At least 25 birds viewed from gap obstructed by log. 07:30. (Thomas Miller)
10+ Hawfinch (possibly higher number, but mobile) 0900 hrs (George Best)
10+ Hawfinch 12:00 p.m (Gnome et al.)
Also,
Redpoll
Siskin
Sparrowhawk
Buzzard
2 Red Kites
Redwings
25 Hawfinch: At least 25 birds viewed from gap obstructed by log. 07:30. (Thomas Miller)
10+ Hawfinch (possibly higher number, but mobile) 0900 hrs (George Best)
10+ Hawfinch 12:00 p.m (Gnome et al.)
Also,
Redpoll
Siskin
Sparrowhawk
Buzzard
2 Red Kites
Redwings
Otmoor.A.M. 23rd. November.
1 Peregrine (f)
1 Bittern
2 Marsh Harrier (fem & imm.)
1 Stonechat
Lots of Goldies in the distance.
1 Bittern
2 Marsh Harrier (fem & imm.)
1 Stonechat
Lots of Goldies in the distance.
Port Meadow: 23rd November
Port Meadow
Probable 6 Pink-footed Goose: Flew low over the houses in south easterly direction whilst calling. 07:00.
Adam Hartley
Probable 6 Pink-footed Goose: Flew low over the houses in south easterly direction whilst calling. 07:00.
Adam Hartley
Wednesday, 22 November 2017
Kingston Bagpuize: 22nd November
Kingston Bagpuize
2 Hawfinch: Flew South @07:40. 07:40.
Jed Cleeter
2 Hawfinch: Flew South @07:40. 07:40.
Jed Cleeter
Barnard Gate: 22nd November
Barnard Gate
10 Hawfinch: Quick visit. Ewan already in situ. He'd had 7. 7 flew out of view then 3 seen to land. Scope views.
Mick Cunningham
10 Hawfinch: Quick visit. Ewan already in situ. He'd had 7. 7 flew out of view then 3 seen to land. Scope views.
Mick Cunningham
Otmoor rspb. 22nd. November.
2. Marsh Harrier. (m. and f.)
Bittern. Ashgrave.
Hen Harrier. (m.) Noke Side onto Big Otmoor.
Much increased numbers of Field Fare.
1000+. Golden Plover.
200+. Lapwing.
Per. P.G. T.S.
Bittern. Ashgrave.
Hen Harrier. (m.) Noke Side onto Big Otmoor.
Much increased numbers of Field Fare.
1000+. Golden Plover.
200+. Lapwing.
Per. P.G. T.S.
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| Shoveler. |
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| Marsh Harrier. (f.) |
Woodstock Glyme Meadows 22nd November
Great White Egret 2
Little Egret 7
Kingfisher 2
Cetti's Warbler
(per Dave Doherty)
Little Egret 7
Kingfisher 2
Cetti's Warbler
(per Dave Doherty)
Barnard Gate 22nd November
Hawfinch 13+ but mobile 10:47
5 c10:00 viewed from minor road near log (per Jon Prowse)
5 c10:00 viewed from minor road near log (per Jon Prowse)
Tuesday, 21 November 2017
Farmoor Reservoir 21st November
Goldeneye 9 (2f) per Barry Neale
Aythya hybrid possibly Greater x Lesser Scaup or Scaup x Tufted Duck reportedly still present.
Aythya hybrid possibly Greater x Lesser Scaup or Scaup x Tufted Duck reportedly still present.
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Female Goldeneye courtesy of Barry Neale
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Goldeneye courtesy of Barry Neale
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Kingston Bagpuize: 21st November
Kingston Bagpuize
Green Sandpiper: Flew low SSW. 08:54.
Jed Cleeter
Green Sandpiper: Flew low SSW. 08:54.
Jed Cleeter
Kingston Bagpuize: 21st November
Kingston Bagpuize
5 Hawfinch: Singles SW @07:50 & 08:10, East @10:15, South @12:28 & West @14:10.
5 Brambling: 2 SW with Redwings @07:48, 1 South @08:07 & 2 SW calling @10:14.
Jed Cleeter
5 Hawfinch: Singles SW @07:50 & 08:10, East @10:15, South @12:28 & West @14:10.
5 Brambling: 2 SW with Redwings @07:48, 1 South @08:07 & 2 SW calling @10:14.
Jed Cleeter
Grimsbury Reservoir 21st November
1w Kittiwake at 08:35am for 5 minutes before drifting off with LBBGs.
Also at least 3 Yellow Legged Gulls about today, amongst large numbers of gulls around the reservoir
Also at least 3 Yellow Legged Gulls about today, amongst large numbers of gulls around the reservoir
Barnard Gate. 21st. November.
Hawfinch again present. 8. viewed from the gap obstructed by log during brief visit.
Walk up single track road (marked by arrow) to view line of tall trees on the left
Best viewed from the gap in hedge barricaded with the tree trunk.
Walk up single track road (marked by arrow) to view line of tall trees on the left
Best viewed from the gap in hedge barricaded with the tree trunk.
Otmoor: WeBS: 20/11
Bittern- 2
Black-headed gull- 9
Canada goose- 473
Coot- 8
Cormorant- 5
Grey heron- 4
Greylag goose- 303
Lapwing- 11
Lesser black-back gull- 2
Mallard- 237
Moorhen- 2
Mute swan- 11
Shoveler- 116
Snipe- 33
Teal- 97
Wigeon- 109
Buzzard- 1
Kestrel- 4
Marsh harrier- 3
Merlin- 1
Red kite- 3
Monday, 20 November 2017
Presumed hybrid Lesser x Greater Scaup Farmoor Reservoir
There has been much speculation over the identification of the Farmoor Aythya which was first discovered on the 17th, photographed and initially identified as a Greater Scaup.
Video clip of the Aythya hybrid with Tufted Duck and Coot.
Secondly the vermiculation on the back appear to be too fine for Lesser Scaup with the base
colour of the back too dark, it should appear whiter, also the vermiculations should become
coarser towards the tail which doesn't happen on the Farmoor bird.
But the main concern was shown within the wing bars, with the the Farmoor bird containing white on the outer webs of the primaries to p6 which rarely occurs on Lesser Scaup (see photo below) but is consistent with the wing pattern of Greater Scaup.
After much conjecture and the emergence of some clearer photos, it was thought to be showing more characteristics of Lesser Scaup, but over time it soon became apparent that several of these features were not right for Lesser Scaup, and although some could possibly be found within normal variations others could not.
The first discrepancy that was noted was the overall size of the bird which was noticeably bigger
than the accompanying Tufted Ducks, which can be seen in the video clip and grabs below.
Lesser Scaup are generally considered smaller than Tufted Ducks but the Farmoor bird was not,
(this was even more apparent in flight next to a Tufted Duck).
than the accompanying Tufted Ducks, which can be seen in the video clip and grabs below.
Lesser Scaup are generally considered smaller than Tufted Ducks but the Farmoor bird was not,
(this was even more apparent in flight next to a Tufted Duck).
Video clip of the Aythya hybrid with Tufted Duck and Coot.
Size difference comparable in these video grabs.
Secondly the vermiculation on the back appear to be too fine for Lesser Scaup with the base
colour of the back too dark, it should appear whiter, also the vermiculations should become
coarser towards the tail which doesn't happen on the Farmoor bird.
But the main concern was shown within the wing bars, with the the Farmoor bird containing white on the outer webs of the primaries to p6 which rarely occurs on Lesser Scaup (see photo below) but is consistent with the wing pattern of Greater Scaup.
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The Farmoor Aythya with comparison Lesser Scaup wing courtesy of Ian Lewington.
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Hybrid Lesser x Greater Scaup have previously been documented in North America and in
the U.K it is also worth considering Scaup x Tufted Duck.
With thanks to Ian Lewington, & Roger Wyatt.
Photos courtesy of Terry Sherlock & Ewan Urquhart.
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Sarsgrove: 20th November
Sarsgrove
Peregrine: Flew straight over me at tree top height heading NE. 09:00.
Steve Akers
Peregrine: Flew straight over me at tree top height heading NE. 09:00.
Steve Akers
Lambourn: Red Barn: 20th November
Lambourn: Red Barn
Hawfinch: Flew West @13:05.
45 Corn Bunting: 45+ in 3 different flocks.
2 Raven
Letcombe Bassett
14 Golden Plover: With Lapwing on ploughed field.
55 Lapwing: With Golden Plover on ploughed field.
Jed Cleeter
Hawfinch: Flew West @13:05.
45 Corn Bunting: 45+ in 3 different flocks.
2 Raven
Letcombe Bassett
14 Golden Plover: With Lapwing on ploughed field.
55 Lapwing: With Golden Plover on ploughed field.
Jed Cleeter
Seven Barrows: 20th November
Seven Barrows
Merlin: fem. Put up Chaffinch flock before landing on roadside Bush.
Jed Cleeter
Merlin: fem. Put up Chaffinch flock before landing on roadside Bush.
Jed Cleeter
Farmoor Reservoir 20th November
Aythya hybrid (probably Lesser x Greater Scaup) still present 12:37 on F2 off western bank.
More identification details to follow.
More identification details to follow.
Barnard Gate 29th November
Hawfinch 30+ by 09:20 (per Colin and Graham)
Just a few more seen in murky conditions late morning (per Jeremy D & Gnome)
29 reported at 1.30 pm (per RBA)
Walk up single track road (marked by arrow) to view line of tall trees on the left
Best viewed from the gap in hedge barricaded with the tree trunk.
Sunday, 19 November 2017
Over Norton: Over Norton Park: 19th November
Over Norton: Over Norton Park
Brambling: In copse where Little Bunting seen earlier this year. 15:30.
200 Golden Plover: At least 200 circling high overhead in two v-line formations of c 100 birds and the flew N. 15:30.
Steve Akers
Brambling: In copse where Little Bunting seen earlier this year. 15:30.
200 Golden Plover: At least 200 circling high overhead in two v-line formations of c 100 birds and the flew N. 15:30.
Steve Akers
Barnard Gate 19th November
14+ Hawfinch c12:20-13:00 (Andy Last,Ewan Urquhart,Wreny,Badger)
Up to 9 Hawfinch from the minor track looking west (11am)
Up to 9 Hawfinch from the minor track looking west (11am)
(Keith Clack and Dave Lowe)
Sent from my iPhone
Betterton: 19th November
Betterton
Hawfinch: From the car parking area. Also a very fleeting glimpse of what was likely a further 6-7 birds in flight. 10:45.
Leo Bateman
Hawfinch: From the car parking area. Also a very fleeting glimpse of what was likely a further 6-7 birds in flight. 10:45.
Leo Bateman
Woodstock: Glyme valley: 19th November
Woodstock: Glyme valley
2 Great White Egret: very active but didn't seem to be travelling far. 07:30.
2 Kingfisher: At least two on the water meadows close to Black Prince pub. 07:30.
Bob Pomfret
2 Great White Egret: very active but didn't seem to be travelling far. 07:30.
2 Kingfisher: At least two on the water meadows close to Black Prince pub. 07:30.
Bob Pomfret
Farmoor Reservoir 19th November
LESSER SCAUP (drk) 16:07 in N/W corner of F1.
There is some speculation that this Bird may be a hybrid.
Common Scoter 2 (f)
Goldeneye 7
Goosander 2
There is some speculation that this Bird may be a hybrid.
Common Scoter 2 (f)
Goldeneye 7
Goosander 2
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| courtesy of Thomas Miller |
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| Courtesy of David Hastingse birdimages.net |
Saturday, 18 November 2017
Blenheim Eatate 18th November
Hawfinch 1+ at Glyme Bridge in trees by road between bridge and cattle grid (per RBA).
Farmoor Reservoir 18th November
All photos courtesy of Thomas Miller.
Woodstock Glyme Valley 18th November
Great White Egret 2 15:45
Little Egret 2
Grey Heron 8
Kingfisher 1+
(Tezzer, Badger)
Standlake Pit 60: 18th November
Great White Egret along north shore 14:44
Dunlin: Flew west. 14:47.
Redshank
Goosander: male. Flew in from WSW @ 15.50 pm. Used to ignore these in Yorkshire. Patch tick! ;.
127 Teal: Only half counted until something unseen flushed everything from N shore.
Mick Cunningham
Dunlin: Flew west. 14:47.
Redshank
Goosander: male. Flew in from WSW @ 15.50 pm. Used to ignore these in Yorkshire. Patch tick! ;.
127 Teal: Only half counted until something unseen flushed everything from N shore.
Mick Cunningham
Barnard Gate: 18th Nov.
At least 14 Hawfinches (Mark Merritt)
A flock of 7 seen again c14:45 (Tezzer, Badger)