Friday, 31 January 2020
Dorchester, Day's Lock: 31st January
2 Shelduck on floods at 15:40
3 Egyptian Geese downstream from lock at 16:00
3 Egyptian Geese downstream from lock at 16:00
Port Meadow: The Perch: 31st January
Port Meadow: The Perch
2 Redshank: On river bank opposite the Perch. 14:45.
Port Meadow
2 Shelduck: On the floods. 14:45.
Andrew Siantonas
2 Redshank: On river bank opposite the Perch. 14:45.
Port Meadow
2 Shelduck: On the floods. 14:45.
Andrew Siantonas
Dorchester 31st January
Whooper Swan 2 again in field with Mute Swans S/E of Dorchester adjacent to the A4074 then flushed 15:11 (per Peter Law).
Dix Pit: 31 January
Many thanks to Justin for putting me on to both of these!
Garganey (c) Stephen Burch
Smew (c) Stephen Burch
For larger versions of the above, go to here
Dix Pit Stanton Harcourt 31st January
Garganey near northern side of the Heronry island 10:45
Scaup 3 at the tip end 10:56
Smew rh in N/W corner 11:28
(per Justin Taylor).
Scaup 3 at the tip end 10:56
Smew rh in N/W corner 11:28
(per Justin Taylor).
Thursday, 30 January 2020
Port Meadow: 30th January
2 Caspian gulls (adult and 1w)
4 yellow legged gulls (2 adults, 3w and 2w)
This 1w cachinnans is not the regular bird, it has roosted at Port Meadow only once before, on the 24th January.
4 yellow legged gulls (2 adults, 3w and 2w)
This 1w cachinnans is not the regular bird, it has roosted at Port Meadow only once before, on the 24th January.
: 30th January
Balsote Quarry nature reserve
Egyptian Goose: A single early morning flew off north - a first record for the site (per Iain Brown). SP301428. 09:10.
Steve Holliday
Egyptian Goose: A single early morning flew off north - a first record for the site (per Iain Brown). SP301428. 09:10.
Steve Holliday
Wednesday, 29 January 2020
Appleford: 29th January
A green-ringed adult Caspian gull at Appleford this evening. Unfortunately I was not able to read the code, although a green ring on the left leg indicates either a German or Polish ringing scheme.
New Yatt: Merryfield Farm: 29th January
New Yatt: Merryfield Farm
Merlin: fem. Flying rapidly West. SP364113. 15:55.
Jeremy Blakey
Merlin: fem. Flying rapidly West. SP364113. 15:55.
Jeremy Blakey
Farmoor Reservoir 29th January
1100-1500hrs
Greater Scaup 1 first winter male
Common Goldeneye 2 pair
Little Grebe 10
Common Snipe 6
Eurasian Wigeon 1f
Barn Owl 1
European Stonechat 2 pair
Greater Scaup 1 first winter male
Common Goldeneye 2 pair
Little Grebe 10
Common Snipe 6
Eurasian Wigeon 1f
Barn Owl 1
European Stonechat 2 pair
 |
| Greater Scaup first winter male |
Aston Rowant: Aston Rowant NNR: 29th January
Aston Rowant: Aston Rowant NNR
4 Raven: Four birds together over Bald Hill. 14:48.
John Edwards
4 Raven: Four birds together over Bald Hill. 14:48.
John Edwards
Balscote 29th January
Balscote Quarry Nature Reserve
Great Black-backed Gull: An adult flew west. Scarce here but all recent records have been of singles in January/February. SP301428. 09:10.
Steve Holliday
Great Black-backed Gull: An adult flew west. Scarce here but all recent records have been of singles in January/February. SP301428. 09:10.
Steve Holliday
Tuesday, 28 January 2020
Port Meadow: 28th January
2 Caspian gulls, at least 1 yellow legged gull and 10 goosander in the roost tonight
Adult Caspian gull, first seen on the 20th January
3w Caspian gull. Initially thought to be the Appleford bird from last week, but this bird seems to have very little hind neck streaking. Possibly an artefact of differing light conditions, and the fact that the Appleford bird was so distant, or perhaps most likely, that it has just moulted off the feathers over the last few days. Otherwise seems identical in plumage and bill markings.
Adult Caspian gull, first seen on the 20th January
 |
| Caspian gull together with a 2w yellow legged gull on the left |
3w Caspian gull. Initially thought to be the Appleford bird from last week, but this bird seems to have very little hind neck streaking. Possibly an artefact of differing light conditions, and the fact that the Appleford bird was so distant, or perhaps most likely, that it has just moulted off the feathers over the last few days. Otherwise seems identical in plumage and bill markings.
Ruff at Cote 28th January
+9 Egyptian geese. 13:03.
Dix Pit Stanton Harcourt 28th January
Smew rh near island 13:28
Garganey: With wigeon Presumably the pit 60 bird which wasn't seem there yesterday though people were looking. 13:40. Unusual combination to see Smew and Garganey in January, and on the same water!
Duxford: 28th January
Duxford
2 Great White Egret: Two seen feeding in flooded meadows near Duxford. 10:25.
Simon Cousins
2 Great White Egret: Two seen feeding in flooded meadows near Duxford. 10:25.
Simon Cousins
Standlake Pit 60: 28th January
Standlake Pit 60
2 Great White Egret: Both arrived late in the day. Sadly, just after two birders new to the site left the hide having hoped to see them. 17:07.
Mick Cunningham
2 Great White Egret: Both arrived late in the day. Sadly, just after two birders new to the site left the hide having hoped to see them. 17:07.
Mick Cunningham
Caulcot: 28th January
Caulcot
Green Sandpiper: Flushed from small stream flowing through field adjacent to north side of B4030 Lower Heyford Road next to footpath to Upper Heyford. Resemblance to large house martin as it flew off was clear. SU518246. 12:35.
Andrew Siantonas
Green Sandpiper: Flushed from small stream flowing through field adjacent to north side of B4030 Lower Heyford Road next to footpath to Upper Heyford. Resemblance to large house martin as it flew off was clear. SU518246. 12:35.
Andrew Siantonas
Witney Lake: 28th January
Witney Lake
2 Stonechat: 1m 1f. Pair in Field to east of Witney Lake. SP361085. 12:01.
Dave Murphy
2 Stonechat: 1m 1f. Pair in Field to east of Witney Lake. SP361085. 12:01.
Dave Murphy
Clanfield 28th January
No sign of the Great Grey Shrike this morning at the end of Marsh Lane near Old Man's Bridge SP 303006
(per Mick Cunningham).
(per Mick Cunningham).
Monday, 27 January 2020
Port Meadow: 27th January
Port Meadow
Caspian Gull: 1w. Returning bird. 20:18.
2 Yellow-legged Gull: 2w and 3w. 20:18.
4 Dunlin 20:18.
Thomas Miller
Caspian Gull: 1w. Returning bird. 20:18.
2 Yellow-legged Gull: 2w and 3w. 20:18.
4 Dunlin 20:18.
Thomas Miller
Chimney 27th January
Great white Egret S/W of Standlake flew over road north of Chimney Meadows 08:56 (per RBA).
Dix Pit Stanton Harcourt 27th January
Scaup 3 (1drk) this morning
Smew rh still present 12:44
(per Peter Law et al).
Smew rh still present 12:44
(per Peter Law et al).
Garganey display
Sunday, 26 January 2020
Clanfield: 26th January
A Great Grey Shrike briefly this morning 1.5 kms south-east of Clanfield at the end of Marsh Lane near Old Man's Bridge SP 303006 (per John Melling).
Standlake Pit 60: 26th January
Standlake Pit 60
Garganey: Again, from north hide: currently lost to view. 11:45.
Mick Cunningham
Garganey: Again, from north hide: currently lost to view. 11:45.
Mick Cunningham
Standlake Pit 60: 26th January
Standlake Pit 60
Marsh Harrier: Cc. 11:01.
2 Great White Egret 11:01.
Mick Cunningham
Marsh Harrier: Cc. 11:01.
2 Great White Egret 11:01.
Mick Cunningham
Saturday, 25 January 2020
Chipping Norton: 25th January
Chipping Norton
Barn Owl: Hunting at dusk in field alongside road between Churchill and Chipping Norton. 16:30.
Steve Akers
Barn Owl: Hunting at dusk in field alongside road between Churchill and Chipping Norton. 16:30.
Steve Akers
Port Meadow: 25th January
Port Meadow
18 Goosander
150 Barnacle Goose
2 Shelduck
4 Pintail: 4+, approx count.
200 Lapwing: Unusually large count.
2 Redshank
Adam Hartley
18 Goosander
150 Barnacle Goose
2 Shelduck
4 Pintail: 4+, approx count.
200 Lapwing: Unusually large count.
2 Redshank
Adam Hartley
Wytham: Field Station: 25th January
Wytham: Field Station
2 Stonechat: Pair along Thames Path between Cassington and Wytham early afternoon. SP463099. 17:33.
Matt Livesey
2 Stonechat: Pair along Thames Path between Cassington and Wytham early afternoon. SP463099. 17:33.
Matt Livesey
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake: 25th January
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake
Great White Egret: Feeding at waters edge then seen at top of tree by waters edge. 15:00.
Andrew Siantonas
Great White Egret: Feeding at waters edge then seen at top of tree by waters edge. 15:00.
Andrew Siantonas
Dorchester: 25th January
Dorchester
2 Whooper Swan: Feeding in field from the bypass with second group of mutes left hand side of field . Opposite the road to Dorchester ( A4074 ). 11:50.
Ralph Watts
2 Whooper Swan: Feeding in field from the bypass with second group of mutes left hand side of field . Opposite the road to Dorchester ( A4074 ). 11:50.
Ralph Watts
Dix Pit: Dix Pit/Linch Hill: 24th January
Dix Pit: Dix Pit/Linch Hill
6 Pintail: m f. At least this number amongst the hordes of wildfowl here. I was wondering where all the wildfowl were? No sign of the Scaup or Smew . Black Swan added interest. 12:36.
Dorchester
2 Whooper Swan: The swans had been pushed into the next field by the blasting of a bird scarer gun in their favoured Kale field. A bit further away but still visible from the pull in opposite the Dorchester turn. 12:36.
John Edwards
6 Pintail: m f. At least this number amongst the hordes of wildfowl here. I was wondering where all the wildfowl were? No sign of the Scaup or Smew . Black Swan added interest. 12:36.
Dorchester
2 Whooper Swan: The swans had been pushed into the next field by the blasting of a bird scarer gun in their favoured Kale field. A bit further away but still visible from the pull in opposite the Dorchester turn. 12:36.
John Edwards
Dorchester: 25th January
Whooper Swan 2, still in fields by A4074 opposite Dorchester turning. A bit distant 10.50
Friday, 24 January 2020
Port Meadow: 24th January
Two 1w Caspian gulls in the roost, the regular bird and a new one
Also 11 goosander, highest count so far this winter
 |
| Regular bird |
 |
| New bird flew in well after sunset |
 |
| Nice white underwing |
Also 11 goosander, highest count so far this winter
Port Meadow: The Perch: 24th January
24th January
Port Meadow: The Perch
2 Redshank: Flitting up and down the river bank opposite The Perch. 15:00.
Port Meadow
3 Shelduck: On the floods.As I walked back up the meadow to Wolvercote I saw 2 shelduck in a water channel near Wolvercote at 16.30. Possibly 2 of the ones I had seen earlier. Not seen shelduck here before. 15:15.
Pintail: Amongst the many wigeon and fewer shoveller and teal on the floods. 15:15.
Port Meadow: The Perch
5 Goosander: 1 male, 4 fem. On the river upstream from the Perch. As I watched they flew off and landed on the floods. 15:45.
Andrew Siantonas
Port Meadow: The Perch
2 Redshank: Flitting up and down the river bank opposite The Perch. 15:00.
Port Meadow
3 Shelduck: On the floods.As I walked back up the meadow to Wolvercote I saw 2 shelduck in a water channel near Wolvercote at 16.30. Possibly 2 of the ones I had seen earlier. Not seen shelduck here before. 15:15.
Pintail: Amongst the many wigeon and fewer shoveller and teal on the floods. 15:15.
Port Meadow: The Perch
5 Goosander: 1 male, 4 fem. On the river upstream from the Perch. As I watched they flew off and landed on the floods. 15:45.
Andrew Siantonas
Dorchester 24th January
Whooper Swan 2 with Mute Swans in field S/E of Dorchester adjacent to the A4074 at 15:20 (per RBA).
Pit 60: 24 January
10 Little Egrets!
Pintail
Note: LL hide just accessible with walking boots.
Pintail
Note: LL hide just accessible with walking boots.
8 of the 10 Little Egrets
(c) Stephen Burch
Dix Pit Stanton Harcourt 24th January
Scaup (f) viewed from the west side of the pit
No sign of red head Smew by midday.
Thursday, 23 January 2020
Chipping Norton: 23rd January
Chipping Norton
Raven: In valley near Salford Village cronking from atop fir tree. 15:30.
Grey Wagtail: Feeding in brook in valley. 15:30.
Steve Akers
Raven: In valley near Salford Village cronking from atop fir tree. 15:30.
Grey Wagtail: Feeding in brook in valley. 15:30.
Steve Akers
Sarsgrove: 23rd January
Sarsgrove
2 Raven: ad pair. Sat cronking and grooming one another. 11:00.
Steve Akers
2 Raven: ad pair. Sat cronking and grooming one another. 11:00.
Steve Akers
Port Meadow: 23rd January
New 2nd winter Caspian gull on the floods tonight, no qualms about structure with this one!
Edit: review of footage also shows a 3w Caspian gull, different to the individual on the 15th
Edit: review of footage also shows a 3w Caspian gull, different to the individual on the 15th
: 23rd January
Balscote Quarry Nature Reserve
330 Golden Plover: In field south of reserve. Also 34 lapwing and 16 snipe. SP391423. 14:50.
Steve Holliday
330 Golden Plover: In field south of reserve. Also 34 lapwing and 16 snipe. SP391423. 14:50.
Steve Holliday
Dorchester 23rd January
Whooper Swan 2 in field with Mute Swans S/E of Dorchester adjacent to the A4074 13:55 (per Peter Law).
Wednesday, 22 January 2020
Dorchester 22nd January
No sign of the Whooper Swans S/E of Dorchester this afternoon in field adjacent
Tuesday, 21 January 2020
Port Meadow: 21st January
Adult Caspian gull - probably yesterday's bird, but only seen distantly.
2 adult Yellow legged gulls
2w hybrid Caspian gull - last night's bird, reidentified as a hybrid on basis of poor structure.
2 adult Yellow legged gulls
2w hybrid Caspian gull - last night's bird, reidentified as a hybrid on basis of poor structure.
 |
| Hybrid 2w Caspian-ish gull |
Tackley 21st January
Whooper Swan 9 flying down the Cherwell Valley at Tackley 15:56 (per John Reynolds).
Letcombe Bassett 21st January
Parsonagehill Barn
Hen Harrier: ringtail. One on field flew off north. SU375837. 15:06.
Brian Walker
Hen Harrier: ringtail. One on field flew off north. SU375837. 15:06.
Brian Walker
Dorchester 21st January
Whooper Swan 2 with Mute Swans S/E of Dorchester, in field north of the A4074 opposite turning to Dorchester and Dorchester Abbey 16:25 (per Peter Law).
Stadhampton: 21st January
Stonechat in horse paddocks along footpath from A329 / B480 roundabout
2 Egyptian Goose by Thame floods approx SU598996 at 12:20pm
2 Egyptian Goose by Thame floods approx SU598996 at 12:20pm
Monday, 20 January 2020
Chipping Norton: 20th January
Chipping Norton
100 Golden Plover: Still present in fields E of CN near Heathrop, together with Lapwing. 09:30.
50 Lapwing 09:30.
Peregrine: Perched on raised clump of earth in centre of field (possibly staking out the Golden Plover). 09:30.
Steve Akers
100 Golden Plover: Still present in fields E of CN near Heathrop, together with Lapwing. 09:30.
50 Lapwing 09:30.
Peregrine: Perched on raised clump of earth in centre of field (possibly staking out the Golden Plover). 09:30.
Steve Akers
Chipping Norton: 20th January
Chipping Norton
100 Golden Plover: Still present in fields E of CN near Heathrop, together with Lapwing. 09:30.
50 Lapwing 09:30.
Peregrine: Perched on raised clump of earth in centre of field (possibly staking out the Golden Plover). 09:30.
Steve Akers
100 Golden Plover: Still present in fields E of CN near Heathrop, together with Lapwing. 09:30.
50 Lapwing 09:30.
Peregrine: Perched on raised clump of earth in centre of field (possibly staking out the Golden Plover). 09:30.
Steve Akers
Dorchester: Dorchester (SE): 20th January
Dorchester: Dorchester (SE)
2 Whooper Swan: Back in field on east side at south end of Dorchester by-pass. SU590934. 14:30.
Gary Magill
2 Whooper Swan: Back in field on east side at south end of Dorchester by-pass. SU590934. 14:30.
Gary Magill
Port Meadow: 20th January
3 (edit: actually 2) Caspian gulls on Port Meadow tonight
Regular 1st winter bird showing extremely well
Adult
2nd winter picked out in near-darkness so record shots unfortunately don't reveal much. Luckily it was only about 30-40m away on the opposite side of the bank so scope views were surprisingly good and revealed all diagnostic features. Looks like a 3rd winter in these photos but had brown 2nd generation greater coverts - I think the appearance of a large P10 mirror in the last photo is an artefact.
Edit: having obtained much better views on the 21st (see today's post for photos), structure not looking good for pure cachinnans - so into the hybrid box it goes. Thanks to Ian Lewington for comments.
Also the hybrid 1st winter Caspian x herring, a 2nd winter yellow legged gull and 3 goosander.
Regular 1st winter bird showing extremely well
Adult
2nd winter picked out in near-darkness so record shots unfortunately don't reveal much. Luckily it was only about 30-40m away on the opposite side of the bank so scope views were surprisingly good and revealed all diagnostic features. Looks like a 3rd winter in these photos but had brown 2nd generation greater coverts - I think the appearance of a large P10 mirror in the last photo is an artefact.
Edit: having obtained much better views on the 21st (see today's post for photos), structure not looking good for pure cachinnans - so into the hybrid box it goes. Thanks to Ian Lewington for comments.
Also the hybrid 1st winter Caspian x herring, a 2nd winter yellow legged gull and 3 goosander.
Bicester Wetland Reserve 20th January
Most standing water frozen this morning only Works Pool clear.
1 Chiffchaff feeding along bank of Landford Brook
160 Teal
6 Gadwall
2 Little grebe
1 Grey Wagtail
Alan Peters and Bill Foley
1 Chiffchaff feeding along bank of Landford Brook
160 Teal
6 Gadwall
2 Little grebe
1 Grey Wagtail
Alan Peters and Bill Foley
Great Milton: 20th January
Great Milton
80 Golden Plover: Flock flying to North of A329. 16:00.
Andy Coates
80 Golden Plover: Flock flying to North of A329. 16:00.
Andy Coates
Port Meadow: 20th January
Port Meadow
13 Pintail: Between 13-16 first thing this morning. SP496088. 10:15.
Matt Livesey
13 Pintail: Between 13-16 first thing this morning. SP496088. 10:15.
Matt Livesey
: 20th January
Magnolia Park Golf club
Golden Eagle: Spotted the Sea Eagle whilst playing golf at The Magnolia Park Golf Club Saturday 18th Jan, the species section above does not give 'Sea Eagle' as an option so had to input Golden Eagle! SP617137. 09:21.
Andy Kyle
Golden Eagle: Spotted the Sea Eagle whilst playing golf at The Magnolia Park Golf Club Saturday 18th Jan, the species section above does not give 'Sea Eagle' as an option so had to input Golden Eagle! SP617137. 09:21.
Andy Kyle
Sunday, 19 January 2020
Stanford-in-the-Vale: Stanford Quarry: 19th January
Stanford-in-the-Vale: Stanford Quarry
2 Stonechat: pair.
Mark Merritt
2 Stonechat: pair.
Mark Merritt
Port Meadow: 19th January
Port Meadow
150 Barnacle Goose
8 Pintail
2 Redshank
3 Chiffchaff: fly catching along the hedgerow next to the allotments.
Adam Hartley
150 Barnacle Goose
8 Pintail
2 Redshank
3 Chiffchaff: fly catching along the hedgerow next to the allotments.
Adam Hartley
Otmoor 19th January
07:30-11:30 (Fine sunshine, Icy)
Barn Owl (reedbed)
Marsh Harrier 2, m&f (reedbed displaying)
Peregrine 2, m&f (in dead tree Noke Sides)
Common Redshank (Noke Sides in Plover flocks)
Raven (over Noke Sides)
Sparrowhawk f (carpark)
Pintail 6
Common Snipe 4 (reedbed 1st screen)
Water Rail (2nd screen)
Cetti's warbler (2nd screen)
Stonechat 4 (m showing well 2nd screen)
Old Caley's Diary
Barn Owl (reedbed)
Marsh Harrier 2, m&f (reedbed displaying)
Peregrine 2, m&f (in dead tree Noke Sides)
Common Redshank (Noke Sides in Plover flocks)
Raven (over Noke Sides)
Sparrowhawk f (carpark)
Pintail 6
Common Snipe 4 (reedbed 1st screen)
Water Rail (2nd screen)
Cetti's warbler (2nd screen)
Stonechat 4 (m showing well 2nd screen)
Old Caley's Diary
Saturday, 18 January 2020
Stadhampton: 18th January
 |
Courtesy of David Stracey.
|
2 Whooper Swan: In large field north of Stadhampton church. Viewable from the footpath at SU601993. SU603992. 15:30.
David Stracey
Gramp’s Hill 18th January
Hen Harrier (r/t)
2 Peregrine (female hunted and left with prey, male appearing a couple of minutes later)
Stonechat
2 Peregrine (female hunted and left with prey, male appearing a couple of minutes later)
Stonechat
Port Meadow: 18th January
Regular 1w Caspian gull
1w Caspian x Herring gull hybrid
3 Yellow legged gulls (2 adults and a 2w)
250 golden plover
4 dunlin
Pochard
Thomas Miller and Will Langdon
1w Caspian x Herring gull hybrid
3 Yellow legged gulls (2 adults and a 2w)
250 golden plover
4 dunlin
Pochard
Thomas Miller and Will Langdon
Shiplake: 18th January
Shiplake
5 Egyptian Goose: In favourite field alongside A4155. 14:00.
John Kearns
5 Egyptian Goose: In favourite field alongside A4155. 14:00.
John Kearns
Chipping Norton: 18th January
Chipping Norton
Peregrine: juv. SP350294. 12:00.
100 Golden Plover: SP350294. 12:00.
60 Lapwing: SP350294. 12:00.
Steve Akers
Peregrine: juv. SP350294. 12:00.
100 Golden Plover: SP350294. 12:00.
60 Lapwing: SP350294. 12:00.
Steve Akers
Waterstock: River Thame: 18th January
Waterstock: River Thame
13 Pintail: 10 male 3 fem. On flood. 12:34.
Luke Marriner
13 Pintail: 10 male 3 fem. On flood. 12:34.
Luke Marriner
Waterstock: River Thame: 18th January
Waterstock: River Thame
Jack Snipe: Flushed from marsh area. 12:29.
Stonechat: male. 12:29.
11 Grey Partridge 12:29.
Peregrine: fem. Heavy bird flew through flood causing havoc with the water foul. 12:29.
Barnacle Goose: With Canada's. 12:29.
Luke Marriner
Jack Snipe: Flushed from marsh area. 12:29.
Stonechat: male. 12:29.
11 Grey Partridge 12:29.
Peregrine: fem. Heavy bird flew through flood causing havoc with the water foul. 12:29.
Barnacle Goose: With Canada's. 12:29.
Luke Marriner
Friday, 17 January 2020
Port Meadow 17th January
The returning 1w Caspian gull again on the floods tonight. In addition, a 1w yellow legged gull and 2 goosander.
 |
| 1w Caspian gull, first seen last Sunday |
Dorchester: Days Lock: 17th January
Dorchester: Days Lock
3 Egyptian Goose 10:30.
Peter Law
3 Egyptian Goose 10:30.
Peter Law
 |
Egyptian Geese Days Lock courtesy of Barry Neale.
|
Port Meadow: Godstow: 17th January
Port Meadow: Godstow
Goosander: male. Swam on river downstream from just below Wolvercote car park to half way to the Perch. 15:00.
Port Meadow
200 Barnacle Goose: Feeding on "island" surrounded by the greatly expanded floods at northern -Wolvercote - end of meadow. 15:00.
2 Pintail: At least 2 amongst the many wigeon on the floods. 15:00.
Andrew Siantonas
Goosander: male. Swam on river downstream from just below Wolvercote car park to half way to the Perch. 15:00.
Port Meadow
200 Barnacle Goose: Feeding on "island" surrounded by the greatly expanded floods at northern -Wolvercote - end of meadow. 15:00.
2 Pintail: At least 2 amongst the many wigeon on the floods. 15:00.
Andrew Siantonas
Standlake Pit 60: 17th January
Standlake Pit 60
3 Great White Egret: Seen from North Shore hide as they flew up from reed bed. 11:30.
Simon Cousins
3 Great White Egret: Seen from North Shore hide as they flew up from reed bed. 11:30.
Simon Cousins
Harwell Laboratory: Rutherford Laboratory: 17th January
Harwell Laboratory: Rutherford Laboratory
Black Redstart: fem/imm. Still present - unusually vocal bird which is quite instructive!
Mark Merritt
Black Redstart: fem/imm. Still present - unusually vocal bird which is quite instructive!
Mark Merritt
Pit 60 Standlake 17th January
Garganey still present 11:15 from the North Shore Hide, Langley Lane hide is inaccessible due to flooding.
Wellingtons advised.
Thursday, 16 January 2020
Chipping Norton: 16th January
Chipping Norton
150 Golden Plover: Over fields alongside A361 to Banbury. 12:00.
100 Lapwing: With Golden Plover. 12:00.
Steve Akers
150 Golden Plover: Over fields alongside A361 to Banbury. 12:00.
100 Lapwing: With Golden Plover. 12:00.
Steve Akers
Port Meadow: 16th January
Port Meadow
Caspian Gull: 1w. Same bird as before. 17:22.
2 Yellow-legged Gull: ad. 17:22.
5 Ruff 17:22.
Goosander 17:22.
Thomas Miller
Caspian Gull: 1w. Same bird as before. 17:22.
2 Yellow-legged Gull: ad. 17:22.
5 Ruff 17:22.
Goosander 17:22.
Thomas Miller
Gaganey Pit 60 again
Wednesday, 15 January 2020
Port Meadow 15th January
 |
| Third winter Caspian gull on Port Meadow tonight |
2 Caspian Gull: 3w and 1w. New 3w bird and the same 1w from the 12th Jan. 18:10.
5 Goosander 18:10.
Thomas Miller
2 Redshank: On finger of river bank a little upstream from the Perch. 15:00.
140 Barnacle Goose: Now floods have expanded flock has returned to their favoured place grazing at the fringe of the northern (Wolvercote ) end of the floods. 15:00.
Andrew Siantonas
Tuesday, 14 January 2020
Otmoor WeBS 13th January
21 Black Headed Gull
927 Canada Geese
92 Coot
8 Dunlin
81 Gadwall
2400 Golden Plover
8 Grey Heron
171 Greylag Geese
4535 Lapwing
175 Mallard
1 Moorhen
6 Mute Swan
201 Pintail
16 Pochard
4 Ruff
3 Shelduck
377 Shoveler
18 Snipe
2428 Teal
34 Tufted Duck
1 Water Rail
3284 Wigeon
927 Canada Geese
92 Coot
8 Dunlin
81 Gadwall
2400 Golden Plover
8 Grey Heron
171 Greylag Geese
4535 Lapwing
175 Mallard
1 Moorhen
6 Mute Swan
201 Pintail
16 Pochard
4 Ruff
3 Shelduck
377 Shoveler
18 Snipe
2428 Teal
34 Tufted Duck
1 Water Rail
3284 Wigeon
Standlake Pit 60: 14th January
Standlake Pit 60
Shelduck: Still present. Also, 17 common gulls. 13:55.
Mick Cunningham
Shelduck: Still present. Also, 17 common gulls. 13:55.
Mick Cunningham
Cote: 14th January
Cote
2 Shelduck: In flood fields between Cote and chimney. No gulls at all! 13:51.
320 Golden Plover: With about 4000 lapwings between Cote and chimney. 13:51.
Mick Cunningham
2 Shelduck: In flood fields between Cote and chimney. No gulls at all! 13:51.
320 Golden Plover: With about 4000 lapwings between Cote and chimney. 13:51.
Mick Cunningham
Monday, 13 January 2020
Port Meadow: 13th January
Port Meadow
2 Yellow-legged Gull: ad + 1w. 22:27.
6 Ruff 22:27.
3 Goosander 22:27.
Egyptian Goose 22:27.
Thomas Miller
2 Yellow-legged Gull: ad + 1w. 22:27.
6 Ruff 22:27.
3 Goosander 22:27.
Egyptian Goose 22:27.
Thomas Miller
Woodstock: Woodstock Water Meadows: 13th January
Woodstock: Woodstock Water Meadows
Great White Egret
Bob Pomfret
Great White Egret
Bob Pomfret
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake: 13th January
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake
144 Tufted Duck
8 Little Grebe
6 Little Egret
35 Grey Heron
2 Yellow-legged Gull
Bob Pomfret
144 Tufted Duck
8 Little Grebe
6 Little Egret
35 Grey Heron
2 Yellow-legged Gull
Bob Pomfret
Standlake Pit 60: 13th January
Standlake Pit 60
Shelduck: fem. Shelduck remains at the pit. Also, great white Egret. 17:29.
Mick Cunningham
Shelduck: fem. Shelduck remains at the pit. Also, great white Egret. 17:29.
Mick Cunningham
Oxon Birders Social Saturday 11th January
Nestled between the Golden Globes and the Oscars, the annual Oxon Birders Awards took place
on Saturday night, showcasing the highs and lowes of Oxfordshires greatest birders,thier finds and achievements, the firsts and lasts of 2019, and those deserved of extra merritt.
Once again our host for the evening was the erudite and ever charming Mr Tom Bedford whose write up can be found here Out of the Blue
Thank you to all that came along and made it such a great evening and here's to 2020 being a great year for Oxfordshire birding and birders.
on Saturday night, showcasing the highs and lowes of Oxfordshires greatest birders,thier finds and achievements, the firsts and lasts of 2019, and those deserved of extra merritt.
Once again our host for the evening was the erudite and ever charming Mr Tom Bedford whose write up can be found here Out of the Blue
Thank you to all that came along and made it such a great evening and here's to 2020 being a great year for Oxfordshire birding and birders.
Dorchester 13th January
No sign of the Whooper Swans amongst the Mute Swan herd in field north of the A4074 between Dorchester and Shillingford, opposite
turning to Dorchester and Dorchester Abbey
Little Wittenham Days Lock 13th January
No sign of any Whooper Swans or White-fronted Geese this morning.
Sunday, 12 January 2020
Baulking Pit: 12th Jan.
Merlin (F)
Green Sandpiper
2 Barn Owl
At least 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in a moderate (2Kish) roost which arrived too late for thorough scrutiny!
Green Sandpiper
2 Barn Owl
At least 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in a moderate (2Kish) roost which arrived too late for thorough scrutiny!
Dorchester: Days Lock: 12th January
Dorchester: Days Lock
2 Whooper Swan: SU572939. 15:30.
2 Egyptian Goose: SU572939. 15:30.
Malcolm Teal
2 Whooper Swan: SU572939. 15:30.
2 Egyptian Goose: SU572939. 15:30.
Malcolm Teal
Farmoor Res 12th January
1045-1230hrs
Greater Scaup 2
Common Goldeneye 8
Grey Wagtail 2
Common Snipe 11 (Pinkhill)
Redwing 25
Fieldfare 3
Winter Garganey at Pit 60
The shelduck remains and minimum 2 GW Egrets.
Iffley Lock: 12th January
Ring-necked Parakeet 1 in chestnut trees next to the footpath late afternoon
Port Meadow: 12th January
Caspian Gull: 1w in the evening roost
Yellow-legged Gull : adult in the evening roost
5 Ruff: in with the Lapwing flock
Also,
4 Shelduck
4 Goosander
1 calling Chiffchaff
1 Grey Wagtail
Thomas Miller & Adam Hartley
 |
| 1w Caspian Gull courtesy of Thomas Miller |
Shiplake: 12th January
Shiplake
11 Egyptian Goose: In field on outskirts of Shiplake. 16:10.
John Kearns
11 Egyptian Goose: In field on outskirts of Shiplake. 16:10.
John Kearns
Dorchester 12th January
 |
Whoopers and Mute Swans courtesy of Alan Dawson.
|
Whooper Swan 2 with Mute Swans in field North of the A4074 between Dorchester &
Shillingford until mid afternoon then flushed by a quad bike and flew off towards
Long Wittenham (per Brian Wyatt, Alan Dawson et al).
Long Wittenham (per Brian Wyatt, Alan Dawson et al).
Otmoor: RSPB reserve: 12th January
12th January
Otmoor: RSPB reserve
Peregrine 12:40.
2 Marsh Harrier: 1m + 1f. 12:45.
Sparrowhawk 13:40.
3 Cetti's Warbler 13:40.
Stonechat 13:40.
4 Bullfinch 12:20.
Little Grebe 12:00.
Isaac West
Otmoor: RSPB reserve
Peregrine 12:40.
2 Marsh Harrier: 1m + 1f. 12:45.
Sparrowhawk 13:40.
3 Cetti's Warbler 13:40.
Stonechat 13:40.
4 Bullfinch 12:20.
Little Grebe 12:00.
Isaac West
Saturday, 11 January 2020
Dorchester: Days Lock: 11th January
Dorchester: Days Lock
3 White-fronted Goose: On flooded field immediately north of path from Little Wittenham to Dorchester, but mobile. Still there at 16:15.
11 Egyptian Goose
700 Lesser Black-backed Gull: Approximate count.
Ian Elkins
3 White-fronted Goose: On flooded field immediately north of path from Little Wittenham to Dorchester, but mobile. Still there at 16:15.
11 Egyptian Goose
700 Lesser Black-backed Gull: Approximate count.
Ian Elkins
Little Wittenham Days Lock 11th January
White-fronted Geese 3 again on flooded field
nr Days Lock (per Ian Elkins).
Park at the church in Little Wittenham and take the track down the hill to follow footpath over both bridges.
Sonning Eye GPs: 11th January
Sonning Eye GPs
Mediterranean Gull: 1w. 16:10.
Yellow-legged Gull: ad. 16:10.
Marek Walford
Mediterranean Gull: 1w. 16:10.
Yellow-legged Gull: ad. 16:10.
Marek Walford
New Marston: New Marston Meadows: 11th January
New Marston: New Marston Meadows
Jack Snipe
98 Snipe
26 Teal
14 Wigeon
Buzzard
Tom Evans
Jack Snipe
98 Snipe
26 Teal
14 Wigeon
Buzzard
Tom Evans
Otmoor Saturday 11th January am
Barn Owl
2 Hen Harriers
2 Marsh Harriers
Peregrine
75+ Pintail
11 Pochard
3 Dunlin
4 Ruff
18 Snipe
3 prs Stonechat
5000+ Golden Plover
4000+ Lapwing
Bark, S.R.,Oz, D.W. and J.N.
2 Hen Harriers
2 Marsh Harriers
Peregrine
75+ Pintail
11 Pochard
3 Dunlin
4 Ruff
18 Snipe
3 prs Stonechat
5000+ Golden Plover
4000+ Lapwing
Bark, S.R.,Oz, D.W. and J.N.
Radley GP: 11th January
Radley GP
Barn Owl: Hunting at dawn.
4 Egyptian Goose: Two pairs.
Raven
2 Little Egret
Ian Elkins
Barn Owl: Hunting at dawn.
4 Egyptian Goose: Two pairs.
Raven
2 Little Egret
Ian Elkins
Bicester Wetland Reserve 11th Janaury
Strong winds
313 Teal
1 Wigeon
10 Gadwall
1 Little Grebe
Alan Peters
Key Holder Reserve
313 Teal
1 Wigeon
10 Gadwall
1 Little Grebe
Alan Peters
Key Holder Reserve
Friday, 10 January 2020
Harwell 10th January
 |
Courtesy of D.Ferret.
|
Black Redstart still present in an area with no general access (D.F).