The Meadow is presently extremely flooded and best viewed from Wolvercote or from the river north of the Perch Inn
1w Caspian Gull
per Giles Moon
Sunday, 31 January 2021
Port Meadow 31st January
Otmoor: 31st January
Otmoor
122 White-fronted Goose: Ashgrave. 16:00.
3 Peregrine: Possibly 4. 16:00.
3 Raven 16:00.
Hen Harrier: Ringtail. 16:00.
3 Marsh Harrier 16:00.
5 Dunlin 16:00.
Isaac West
122 White-fronted Goose: Ashgrave. 16:00.
3 Peregrine: Possibly 4. 16:00.
3 Raven 16:00.
Hen Harrier: Ringtail. 16:00.
3 Marsh Harrier 16:00.
5 Dunlin 16:00.
Isaac West
Chipping Norton: 31st January
Chipping Norton
Lesser Redpoll: Back garden - The Leys. 10:25.
Blackcap: ad fem. 10:25.
Steve Akers
Lesser Redpoll: Back garden - The Leys. 10:25.
Blackcap: ad fem. 10:25.
Steve Akers
Farmoor Reservoir 31st January
 |
| Courtesy of Dave Lowe |
Yellow-legged Gull
Common Sandpiper
Scaup 1 f + Aythya hybrid
Stonechat
(per Dave Lowe)
Radley GP: 31st January
Radley GP
2 Ring-necked Duck: pair.
2 Pintail: pair.
Peregrine
150 Lapwing
Ian Elkins
2 Ring-necked Duck: pair.
2 Pintail: pair.
Peregrine
150 Lapwing
Ian Elkins
Moulsford 31st January
Moulsford Downs, Wellbarn Estate
2 Raven: Flying W up valley, kronking. SU5782. 10:50.
Mike Amphlett
2 Raven: Flying W up valley, kronking. SU5782. 10:50.
Mike Amphlett
Cotisford Lake 31st January
Cotisford Lake
2 Goosander: male /female. First time seen on this lake. SP593312. 13:00.
John Gough
2 Goosander: male /female. First time seen on this lake. SP593312. 13:00.
John Gough
: 31st January
Toot Baldon
Blackcap: m. Brief snatches of liquid song, so welcome at the end of this wretched month! SP564003. 10:00.
D Moden
Blackcap: m. Brief snatches of liquid song, so welcome at the end of this wretched month! SP564003. 10:00.
D Moden
New Marston: New Marston Meadows: 31st January
New Marston: New Marston Meadows
450 Black-headed Gull
38 Pied Wagtail: Foraging on ice on flooded meadows.
170 Redwing
Tom Evans
450 Black-headed Gull
38 Pied Wagtail: Foraging on ice on flooded meadows.
170 Redwing
Tom Evans
Saturday, 30 January 2021
30th January, Port Meadow
2w Caspian Gull: the usual bird, now christened "Eric"
ad + 1w Yellow-legged Gull
Also
180 Barnacle Geese
Gnome & Giles Moon
Friday, 29 January 2021
Chipping Norton: 29th January
Chipping Norton
2 Stonechat: ad pair. At the marsh near Cornwell. I have seen two pairs here resident for most of the winter. 10:30.
8 Mute Swan: ad pair and six juv ad birds. On the small lake near Cornwell. 10:30.
2 Grey Heron 10:30.
Steve Akers
2 Stonechat: ad pair. At the marsh near Cornwell. I have seen two pairs here resident for most of the winter. 10:30.
8 Mute Swan: ad pair and six juv ad birds. On the small lake near Cornwell. 10:30.
2 Grey Heron 10:30.
Steve Akers
Port Meadow: 29th January
Port Meadow
Mediterranean Gull: 1w.
Also
3 Pintail
180 Barnacle Geese
1 Shelduck
Other gulls this week on the Meadow:
2w Caspian Gull (visited regularly at the start of the week)
2w Caspian x Yellow-legged Gull hybrid
1w Caspian x ? (ringed as a Caspian at Braunsdebra, Germany)
adult Yellow-legged Gull
Gnome & Giles Moon
 |
| 2w Caspian Gull courtesy of Giles Moon |
Oxford: Christchurch Meadow: 29th January
Oxford: Christchurch Meadow
3 Stonechat: 2m 1f. On the meadow closest to the river. One lone pristine male and a pair.
Bob Pomfret
3 Stonechat: 2m 1f. On the meadow closest to the river. One lone pristine male and a pair.
Bob Pomfret
Water Eaton: Water Eaton/Sparsey: 29th January
Water Eaton: Water Eaton/Sparsey
2 Pintail: 1m/1f. Cherwell has flooded fields on both sides of river below Water Eaton Manor. At least 2 pintails amongst many ducks on widespread floods. 14:30.
Barnacle Goose: With a group of Canada Geese on Cherwell floods. 14:30.
30 Wigeon: Many wigeon spread over the extensive flooded fields either side of Cherwell below Water eaton Manor. 14:30.
Andrew Siantonas
2 Pintail: 1m/1f. Cherwell has flooded fields on both sides of river below Water Eaton Manor. At least 2 pintails amongst many ducks on widespread floods. 14:30.
Barnacle Goose: With a group of Canada Geese on Cherwell floods. 14:30.
30 Wigeon: Many wigeon spread over the extensive flooded fields either side of Cherwell below Water eaton Manor. 14:30.
Andrew Siantonas
Thursday, 28 January 2021
Otmoor Lane Closure
Otmoor Lane, Beckley will be closed from 26th-29th January. The road is due to open again on the 30th January.
During this time, there will be no access down Otmoor Lane to the reserve for daily, local exercise.
This is due to water mains work that is being undertaken in the village.
The Otmoor Team.
East Hendred: East Hendred Downs: 28th January
East Hendred: East Hendred Downs
2 Raven 11:00.
Stonechat 11:00.
Anthony Cheke
2 Raven 11:00.
Stonechat 11:00.
Anthony Cheke
Yarnton: 28th January
Yarnton
Raven 15:00.
Oxford Canal - Yarnton
Cetti's Warbler: Heard between Dukes Lock and Kings Bridge, Yarnton. SP487111. 15:00.
Pixey Mead
OTHER SPECIES: Brimstone butterfly. In flight over Pixey Mead. 15:00.
Nick Suckling
Raven 15:00.
Oxford Canal - Yarnton
Cetti's Warbler: Heard between Dukes Lock and Kings Bridge, Yarnton. SP487111. 15:00.
Pixey Mead
OTHER SPECIES: Brimstone butterfly. In flight over Pixey Mead. 15:00.
Nick Suckling
Mapledurham: 28th January
Mapledurham
4 Egyptian Goose: Two in one field and two others across the lane in a second field. 10:45.
2 Stonechat m&f
John Kearns
4 Egyptian Goose: Two in one field and two others across the lane in a second field. 10:45.
2 Stonechat m&f
John Kearns
Letcombe Regis 28th January
Cattle Egret still 13:20 with sheep W of allotments
Great Bustard still 13:00
Dunsden Green: 28th January
Dunsden Green
2 Nuthatch: SU741776. 10:25.
Sonning Eye GPs
27 Tufted Duck 10:25.
4 Great Crested Grebe 10:25.
Ralph Watts
2 Nuthatch: SU741776. 10:25.
Sonning Eye GPs
27 Tufted Duck 10:25.
4 Great Crested Grebe 10:25.
Ralph Watts
Wednesday, 27 January 2021
Standlake: 27th January
Standlake
8 Redwing: In my garden, 7 on cotoneaster, 1 eating apple peal on lawn. SP390028. 17:50.
8 Reed Bunting: 5 m 3 f. In my garden . SP390028. 17:50.
Antony Collieu
8 Redwing: In my garden, 7 on cotoneaster, 1 eating apple peal on lawn. SP390028. 17:50.
8 Reed Bunting: 5 m 3 f. In my garden . SP390028. 17:50.
Antony Collieu
Pishill: Pishill Bank: 26th January
Pishill: Pishill Bank
Probable 4 Raven: Two, probably more , pairs of over Pishill Bank and Greenfield Wood, south Oxfordshire Chilterns. Seen frequently over Pishill valley. SU716901. 16:46.
Nicholas Verge
Probable 4 Raven: Two, probably more , pairs of over Pishill Bank and Greenfield Wood, south Oxfordshire Chilterns. Seen frequently over Pishill valley. SU716901. 16:46.
Nicholas Verge
Farmoor Reservoir 27th January
Scaup 3
Snow Geese 100 (inc 7 blue morph)
Barnacle Geese 39
Yellow-legged Gull
Yarnton Mead: 27th January
Yarnton Mead
2 Stonechat: 1m/1f. In the regular place I have seen them in shrubs and reeds by river bank a few hundred yards upstream from King's Lock. 10:00.
Andrew Siantonas
2 Stonechat: 1m/1f. In the regular place I have seen them in shrubs and reeds by river bank a few hundred yards upstream from King's Lock. 10:00.
Andrew Siantonas
Bicester Wetland Reserve: 27th January
Bicester Wetland Reserve
2 Stonechat: 1m 1f. Resident pair showing well on fence to second hide. 11:22.
Laurie Bryant
2 Stonechat: 1m 1f. Resident pair showing well on fence to second hide. 11:22.
Laurie Bryant
Tuesday, 26 January 2021
: 26th January
Towersey
Stonechat: Female by footpath south-east of Penn Farm. SP750042. 11:00.
David Stracey
Stonechat: Female by footpath south-east of Penn Farm. SP750042. 11:00.
David Stracey
Monday, 25 January 2021
Vicarage Pit: 25th January
Vicarage Pit
5 Red-crested Pochard: 4m, 1f. SP399056. 14:00.
Steve Goddard
5 Red-crested Pochard: 4m, 1f. SP399056. 14:00.
Steve Goddard
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake: 25th January
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake
3 Great White Egret: SU441168. 21:53.
Stonechat: fem. SU441168. 21:53.
David Doherty
3 Great White Egret: SU441168. 21:53.
Stonechat: fem. SU441168. 21:53.
David Doherty
Chipping Norton: 25th January
Chipping Norton
Raven: Over Applegarth Nurseries Garden Centre as I was walking home with bird food supplies - perhaps one of the resident birds of Over Norton Park. 14:15.
Steve Akers
Raven: Over Applegarth Nurseries Garden Centre as I was walking home with bird food supplies - perhaps one of the resident birds of Over Norton Park. 14:15.
Steve Akers
Otmoor: 25th January
Otmoor
Crane: On Greenaways. 13:30.
75 White-fronted Goose: On Ashgrave. 13:30.
Hen Harrier: Over Greenaways. 13:30.
90 Pintail 13:30.
Peter Alfrey
Crane: On Greenaways. 13:30.
75 White-fronted Goose: On Ashgrave. 13:30.
Hen Harrier: Over Greenaways. 13:30.
90 Pintail 13:30.
Peter Alfrey
Standlake: 25th January
Standlake
Shelduck: Circular walk to Hunts Ponds, Downs Rd, Thames fields via shifford lane and back. Winter thrushes numerous. Thames fields are very flooded, 100s pintail, wigeon, fewer teal, 10s shoveler, large goose flock hard to b see owing to impassable flood but no white fronts spotted. 3 chiffchaffs overall, 1 stonechat,. 17:48.
Mick Cunningham
Shelduck: Circular walk to Hunts Ponds, Downs Rd, Thames fields via shifford lane and back. Winter thrushes numerous. Thames fields are very flooded, 100s pintail, wigeon, fewer teal, 10s shoveler, large goose flock hard to b see owing to impassable flood but no white fronts spotted. 3 chiffchaffs overall, 1 stonechat,. 17:48.
Mick Cunningham
Mapledurham: 25th January
Mapledurham
Egyptian Goose: Commuting between field and River Thames. 10:25.
John Kearns
Egyptian Goose: Commuting between field and River Thames. 10:25.
John Kearns
Farmoor Reservoir: Causeway: 25th January
Farmoor Reservoir: Causeway
3 Scaup: 1m, 2f still present. SP441064. 16:51.
32 Barnacle Goose: SP441064. 16:51.
Julian Webster
3 Scaup: 1m, 2f still present. SP441064. 16:51.
32 Barnacle Goose: SP441064. 16:51.
Julian Webster
Balscote: Balscote Quarry: 25th January
Balscote: Balscote Quarry
Merlin: Reported again in the 12-1330 period. Also 11 snipe and brambling under feeders. (per RS). 13:00.
Steve Holliday
Merlin: Reported again in the 12-1330 period. Also 11 snipe and brambling under feeders. (per RS). 13:00.
Steve Holliday
Lye Valley, Oxford: 25th January
Male Blackcap in full song - despite the sub-zero temperatures. Also Tawny Owl, 50+ Redwing, 50+ Fieldfare, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin.
Sunday, 24 January 2021
Farmoor Reservoir: Pinkhill: 24th January
 |
| Snow Geese courtesy of Dave Lowe. |
Cetti's Warbler: SP445065. 21:52.
Snipe: SP445065. 21:52.
Snow Geese 104
(per Paul Butler, Dave Lowe)
Farmoor 24th January
Farmoor village
Blackcap: male. Bean hear before Christmas feeding on apples. SP450070. 21:33.
Paul Butler
Blackcap: male. Bean hear before Christmas feeding on apples. SP450070. 21:33.
Paul Butler
Letcombe Regis - 24 January
1 Great Bustard in the usual field
 |
| Great Bustard in the snow (c) Stephen Burch |
Go to this page on my website for a larger image
Wheatfield 24th January
Merlin: Flying very fast and low across the area behind the church, then sat in a large cedar tree. SU687993. 17:58.
Jez March
Jez March
Mapledurham: 24th January
4 Stonechat: 2 f 2 m. 14:55.
Egyptian Goose: Alone in snow covered field. 14:45.
Egyptian Goose: Alone in snow covered field. 14:45.
John Kearns
Standlake: 24th January
Standlake
Lesser Redpoll: Single with tits Hunts Corner. V scarce here. 16:10.
20 Meadow Pipit: On floods opposite st giles. 16:10.
2 Blackcap: m and f. Still hanging on in my Rack End garden. 16:10.
Bullfinch: f. In garden. Used to be fairly regular in garden when I moved here 2017. Not so since 2019. 16:10.
2 Nuthatch: Regular in garden. 16:10.
Chiffchaff: Ground feeding edge of flood water opposite st giles. 16:10.
Mick Cunningham
Lesser Redpoll: Single with tits Hunts Corner. V scarce here. 16:10.
20 Meadow Pipit: On floods opposite st giles. 16:10.
2 Blackcap: m and f. Still hanging on in my Rack End garden. 16:10.
Bullfinch: f. In garden. Used to be fairly regular in garden when I moved here 2017. Not so since 2019. 16:10.
2 Nuthatch: Regular in garden. 16:10.
Chiffchaff: Ground feeding edge of flood water opposite st giles. 16:10.
Mick Cunningham
Cornbury 24th January
Common Crossbill 6 noticeable the resident Great Spotted Woodpeckers are very intolerant of them
Common Raven 1
Waterstock: River Thame: 24th January
Waterstock: River Thame
16 Snipe 10:00.
2 Lesser Redpoll 10:00.
Peregrine 10:00.
Sparrowhawk 10:00.
Kestrel 10:00.
2 Raven 10:00.
52 Pintail 10:00.
83 Shoveler 10:00.
38 Golden Plover 10:00.
Barn Owl 10:00.
45 Lapwing 10:00.
450 Teal 10:00.
1050 Wigeon 10:00.
4 Reed Bunting 10:00.
9 Meadow Pipit 10:00.
6 Stonechat 10:00.
Nick Marriner
16 Snipe 10:00.
2 Lesser Redpoll 10:00.
Peregrine 10:00.
Sparrowhawk 10:00.
Kestrel 10:00.
2 Raven 10:00.
52 Pintail 10:00.
83 Shoveler 10:00.
38 Golden Plover 10:00.
Barn Owl 10:00.
45 Lapwing 10:00.
450 Teal 10:00.
1050 Wigeon 10:00.
4 Reed Bunting 10:00.
9 Meadow Pipit 10:00.
6 Stonechat 10:00.
Nick Marriner
Radley GP: 24th January
Radley GP
2 Ring-necked Duck: pair. On Thrupp Lake.
4 Red-crested Pochard: 3 drakes; 1 duck. On Thrupp Lake.
Pintail: drk. On Thrupp Lake.
Ian Elkins
2 Ring-necked Duck: pair. On Thrupp Lake.
4 Red-crested Pochard: 3 drakes; 1 duck. On Thrupp Lake.
Pintail: drk. On Thrupp Lake.
Ian Elkins
Ardington 24th January
Hawfinch briefly in trees with Redwing flock, edge of Millennium Stones clearing W of village 13:00
Moulsford 24th January
Halfpenny Lane
25 Grey Partridge: A large covey 25, (poss 30) exploded from the rough-vegetated strip S of the pylon, flying N to the road and over the fence. A couple of singles had flown a few minutes earlier, but we must have walked right past the main covey! SU585846. 12:10.
4 Stonechat: At least 4 x birds on the (electric!) fence, posts, and the immedaite vegetation around the sheep 'paddock', just N of Halfpenny Lane. A few hundred yards from the house, we now seem to encounter them almost everywhere! SU588850. 11:45.
25 Grey Partridge: A large covey 25, (poss 30) exploded from the rough-vegetated strip S of the pylon, flying N to the road and over the fence. A couple of singles had flown a few minutes earlier, but we must have walked right past the main covey! SU585846. 12:10.
4 Stonechat: At least 4 x birds on the (electric!) fence, posts, and the immedaite vegetation around the sheep 'paddock', just N of Halfpenny Lane. A few hundred yards from the house, we now seem to encounter them almost everywhere! SU588850. 11:45.
Mike Amphlett
Saturday, 23 January 2021
Oxford: 23rd January
Christ Church meadows
Stonechats: at least 1 male and 1 female, excellent views.
Common gull: 1 adult with several hundreds black-headed gulls, a few herring and black-backed gulls
Tom Pizzari
Letcombe Regis 23rd January
Cattle Egret
Great Bustard
Peregrine (1w f)
45 Golden Plover
2 Stonechat
2 Little Egret
Marsh Tit
Otmoor: 23rd January
c140 White-fronted Geese - Ashgrave
3 Crane - heard + seen in flight from 2nd screen
Grey Plover - on Big Otmoor with Golden Plover
Hen Harrier (ringtail) - over reedbed
3 Ruff - Big Otmoor
9 Dunlin - Big Otmoor
Jack Snipe - dropped into middle of reedbed at dusk
Goldeneye (female) - 1st screen
Raven - over Ashgrave
Brambling - by hide
6 Red-legged Partridge
80 Skylark - single flock flew W!
2 Stonechat
2 Sparrowhawk
Chiffchaff
Quite possibly my best ever day at Otmoor!
 |
| One of the Cranes |
 |
| Ruff in with Golden Plover |
Sandford-on-Thames: 23rd January
Sandford-on-Thames
Water Rail 19:00.
2 Kingfisher 19:00.
Chiffchaff 19:00.
D Moden
Water Rail 19:00.
2 Kingfisher 19:00.
Chiffchaff 19:00.
D Moden
Oxford: Christchurch Meadow: 23rd January
Oxford: Christchurch Meadow
Kingfisher: fishing the small stream/ditch alongside the Cherwell.
Goosander: male.
Bob Pomfret
Kingfisher: fishing the small stream/ditch alongside the Cherwell.
Goosander: male.
Bob Pomfret
Radley GP: 23rd January
Radley GP
2 Ring-necked Duck: pair. Again on pit south of old railway (a.m.).
Ian Elkins
2 Ring-necked Duck: pair. Again on pit south of old railway (a.m.).
Ian Elkins
Chadlington: 23rd January
Chadlington
Barn Owl: Quartering hedge line at Curdle Hill. SP325227. 16:30.
Steve Akers
Barn Owl: Quartering hedge line at Curdle Hill. SP325227. 16:30.
Steve Akers
Port Meadow: 23rd January
Port Meadow
136 Barnacle Goose: One hybrid bird - perhaps Greylag cross? SP496081. 16:27.
Peregrine: SP496081. 16:27.
6 Pintail: SP496081. 16:27.
Julian Webster
136 Barnacle Goose: One hybrid bird - perhaps Greylag cross? SP496081. 16:27.
Peregrine: SP496081. 16:27.
6 Pintail: SP496081. 16:27.
Julian Webster
Sarsgrove: 23rd January
Sarsgrove
120 Golden Plover: Circling overhead. SP304251. 11:30.
101 Fieldfare: SP304251. 11:30.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: ad male. At edge of Sarsgrove Wood - plus four Roe Deer in adjacent field. SP304251. 11:30.
Nuthatch: Bashing open a nut high up in branches. SP304251. 11:30.
Steve Akers
120 Golden Plover: Circling overhead. SP304251. 11:30.
101 Fieldfare: SP304251. 11:30.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: ad male. At edge of Sarsgrove Wood - plus four Roe Deer in adjacent field. SP304251. 11:30.
Nuthatch: Bashing open a nut high up in branches. SP304251. 11:30.
Steve Akers
Mapledurham: 23rd January
Mapledurham
2 Stonechat: In same field as Egyptian Gosse. Wonderful. 11:15.
John Kearns
2 Stonechat: In same field as Egyptian Gosse. Wonderful. 11:15.
John Kearns
Sonning Eye GPs: 23rd January
Sonning Eye GPs
Jack Snipe: Flushed from floods at the triangle. SU745766. 13:10.
Marek Walford
Jack Snipe: Flushed from floods at the triangle. SU745766. 13:10.
Marek Walford
Sonning Eye GPs: 23rd January
Sonning Eye GPs
2 Brambling: At least 2 in the finch flock at Spring Lane allotments. 12:42.
Marek Walford
2 Brambling: At least 2 in the finch flock at Spring Lane allotments. 12:42.
Marek Walford
Farmoor Reservoir 23rd January
Scaup 3 +Aythya hybrid
Wigeon 4
Goldeneye 1
Snow Goose 99
Barnacle Goose 39
Common Sandpiper
Water Rail
Treecreeper
Stonechat 2
Moreton nr Thame: Moreton Golf Course: 23rd January
Moreton nr Thame: Moreton Golf Course
2 Goosander: male and fem. Flying west over the course. 11:18.
Woodcock 11:18.
Luke Marriner
2 Goosander: male and fem. Flying west over the course. 11:18.
Woodcock 11:18.
Luke Marriner
Henley Road GPs: 23rd January
Henley Road GPs
Raven: Calling over the water-ski lake. 10:45.
Marek Walford
Raven: Calling over the water-ski lake. 10:45.
Marek Walford
Friday, 22 January 2021
Black Bushes 22nd January
Black bushes/North Farm
Raven: 2 overhead. SU400831.
Peregrine: Overhead. SU400831.
2 Stonechat: SU400831. 14:15.
Mark Bradfield
Raven: 2 overhead. SU400831.
Peregrine: Overhead. SU400831.
2 Stonechat: SU400831. 14:15.
Mark Bradfield
Letcombe Regis 22nd January
Cattle Egret still - in sheep field
Great Bustard still - on one occasion partaking in a bizarre “dance”
2 Little Egret
Sparrowhawk (f)
c100 Linnet
2 Reed Bunting
Chipping Norton: 22nd January
Chipping Norton
Blackcap: ad male. Feeding on holly berries in The Leys. 10:30.
3 Raven: A lot of Raven activity this morning over Bliss Common - a pair flew over heading N and then returned with another bird, dipping, tumbling and calling as they flew over Bliss Mill; then moments later a pair, no doubt the same birds, flew back N over the Common. 10:30.
Grey Wagtail: ad fem. On the balustrade ramparts above the Mill. Yesterday seen by the mill pond. 10:30.
Sparrowhawk: Circling over to the W of the Common. 10:30.
Redwing 10:30.
Steve Akers
Blackcap: ad male. Feeding on holly berries in The Leys. 10:30.
3 Raven: A lot of Raven activity this morning over Bliss Common - a pair flew over heading N and then returned with another bird, dipping, tumbling and calling as they flew over Bliss Mill; then moments later a pair, no doubt the same birds, flew back N over the Common. 10:30.
Grey Wagtail: ad fem. On the balustrade ramparts above the Mill. Yesterday seen by the mill pond. 10:30.
Sparrowhawk: Circling over to the W of the Common. 10:30.
Redwing 10:30.
Steve Akers
Radley GP: 22nd January
Radley GP
2 Ring-necked Duck: 1m,1f. On small pond were originally seen. 09:05.
Raven 09:05.
Colm O Caomhanaigh
2 Ring-necked Duck: 1m,1f. On small pond were originally seen. 09:05.
Raven 09:05.
Colm O Caomhanaigh
Thursday, 21 January 2021
Letcombe Regis: 21 January
1 Cattle Egret - commuting between the sheep field by the allotments and the Warborough road lake
3+ Little Egret
1 Great Bustard - in usual field but distant
 |
| Cattle Egret (c) Stephen Burch |
Go to this page on my website for a larger image.
Sonning Eye GPs: 21st January
Sonning Eye GPs
Egyptian Goose 15:15.
30 Wigeon: Plus. 15:15.
Great Crested Grebe 15:15.
40 Tufted Duck: Plus lost count. 15:15.
15 Canada Goose 15:15.
Ralph Watts
Egyptian Goose 15:15.
30 Wigeon: Plus. 15:15.
Great Crested Grebe 15:15.
40 Tufted Duck: Plus lost count. 15:15.
15 Canada Goose 15:15.
Ralph Watts
: 21st January
21st January
Wellbarn Estate, Moulsford Downs
5 Grey Partridge: Exploded E across road from hillside. SU5882. 10:45.
Wellbarn Estate, Moulsford Downs
Raven: Kronking heard beyond valley end. SU5581. 11:35.
Mike Amphlett
Wellbarn Estate, Moulsford Downs
5 Grey Partridge: Exploded E across road from hillside. SU5882. 10:45.
Wellbarn Estate, Moulsford Downs
Raven: Kronking heard beyond valley end. SU5581. 11:35.
Mike Amphlett
Letcombe Regis 21st January
 |
| Little & Cattle Egret taken recently courtesy of Mark Bradfield. |
Cattle Egret still in sheep field to W of allotments 12:45 - then flew to lake
Great Bustard still in usual field E of village 12:20, but no sign later on
3 Little Egret
Siskin
Radley GPs 21st January
Ring-necked Duck 2 (m/f) on the small lake they were originally on.
Common Gull
Play Hatch: 21st January
Play Hatch
Little Egret: Seen from road driving past. SU744765. 12:25.
Ralph Watts
Little Egret: Seen from road driving past. SU744765. 12:25.
Ralph Watts
Standlake: 21st January
Standlake
Treecreeper: Working the trees in my Rack End garden. A garden tick! 12:37.
Mick Cunningham
Treecreeper: Working the trees in my Rack End garden. A garden tick! 12:37.
Mick Cunningham
Witney Lake: 21st January
2 Chiffchaff: Not Siberian. SP354086. 12:19.
Grey Wagtail
Mark Pidgeon
Grey Wagtail
Siskin: SP359083. 10:52.
2 Stonechat
2 Stonechat
Mark Pidgeon
Wednesday, 20 January 2021
Access to Standlake Pit 60
Just a reminder that there is currently no access to the hides at Pit 60 due to the covid restrictions, and that the site itself is now private.
Tuesday, 19 January 2021
Sarsgrove: 19th January
Sarsgrove
46 Brambling: Today the Brambling formed a distinctive flock separate from the Chaffinch and Linnet. I was lucky enough to see them fly in and settle briefly in the top of one of the trees and was able to make a much more accurate count. SP314249. 12:45.
30 Chaffinch: SP314249. 12:45.
20 Linnet: Approx 20 - much smaller numbers today. SP314249. 12:45.
Greenfinch: ad male. SP314249. 12:45.
2 Raven: ad pair. Flew over toward Sarsgrove Wood. SP314249. 12:45.
Green Woodpecker: H/O. SP314249. 12:45.
Steve Akers
46 Brambling: Today the Brambling formed a distinctive flock separate from the Chaffinch and Linnet. I was lucky enough to see them fly in and settle briefly in the top of one of the trees and was able to make a much more accurate count. SP314249. 12:45.
30 Chaffinch: SP314249. 12:45.
20 Linnet: Approx 20 - much smaller numbers today. SP314249. 12:45.
Greenfinch: ad male. SP314249. 12:45.
2 Raven: ad pair. Flew over toward Sarsgrove Wood. SP314249. 12:45.
Green Woodpecker: H/O. SP314249. 12:45.
Steve Akers
Port Meadow: 19th January
Port Meadow
Goosander: Red head on the river upstream of the Perch. 16:07.
2 Pintail: At least 2 on the floods. 16:07.
2 Shelduck: On the floods. 16:07.
100 Barnacle Goose: Feeding half way between northern edge of floods and Wolvercote. 16:07.
Andrew Siantonas
Goosander: Red head on the river upstream of the Perch. 16:07.
2 Pintail: At least 2 on the floods. 16:07.
2 Shelduck: On the floods. 16:07.
100 Barnacle Goose: Feeding half way between northern edge of floods and Wolvercote. 16:07.
Andrew Siantonas
Lower Shiplake: 19th January
Lower Shiplake
10 Ring-necked Parakeet: Plus. SU777796. 14:20.
Ralph Watts
10 Ring-necked Parakeet: Plus. SU777796. 14:20.
Ralph Watts
Balscote: Balscote Quarry: 19th January
Balscote: Balscote Quarry
2 Brambling: Male and female in separate small flocks of Chaffinches. 09:30.
Mike Prentice
2 Brambling: Male and female in separate small flocks of Chaffinches. 09:30.
Mike Prentice
Bicester Wetland Reserve 19th January
97 Common Snipe
1 Jack Snipe
160 Teal
4 Gadwall
2 Heron
Pair Stonechat
Alan Peters and Colin Oram
Key Holder Reserve
Monday, 18 January 2021
Letcombe Regis: 18th January
Letcombe Regis
Cattle Egret: Cattle Egret still in field west of Warborough Road allotments - seen feeding amongst a flock of sheep. 12:15.
Simon Cousins
Cattle Egret: Cattle Egret still in field west of Warborough Road allotments - seen feeding amongst a flock of sheep. 12:15.
Simon Cousins
Port Meadow: 18th January
Port Meadow
Black-tailed Godwit
2 Yellow-legged Gull: 1w & 3w.
3 Shelduck
8 Pintail
Redshank
Oystercatcher
Adam Hartley, Giles Moon
Black-tailed Godwit, courtesy of Giles Moon
Otmoor: 18th January
69 White-fronted Geese: Ashgrave
Hen Harrier (ringtail): over back of Greenaways
10 Dunlin
Kingfisher
2 Peregrine
2 Marsh Tit
4 Lesser Redpoll
2 Stonechat
8 Pochard
7 Yellowhammer
14 Bullfinch
2 Marsh Harrier
Raven
6 Water Rail
 |
| White-fronted Geese |
 |
| Ringtail Hen Harrier |
Dix Pit: 18th January
LWV Dix Pit
9 Siskin: SP407049. 14:30.
Lesser Redpoll: SP407049. 14:29.
10 Goldeneye: 4m,6f. SP407049. 14:28.
LWV Vicarage Pit 8
7 Red-crested Pochard: 5m, 2f. SP400056. 11:30.
Julian Webster
Witney Lake: 18th January
Witney Lake
Kingfisher 13:07.
6 Siskin 13:07.
2 Stonechat 13:07.
Chiffchaff 13:07.
Mark Pidgeon
Kingfisher 13:07.
6 Siskin 13:07.
2 Stonechat 13:07.
Chiffchaff 13:07.
Mark Pidgeon
Balscote: Balscote Quarry: 18th January
Balscote: Balscote Quarry
Brambling: fem. Close to the feeders. 09:45.
Graeme Porter
Brambling: fem. Close to the feeders. 09:45.
Graeme Porter
Sarsgrove: 18th January
Sarsgrove
30 Brambling: Many perched low in the thicket. SP314249. 11:30.
200 Linnet: A wonderful cacophony of song greets you immediately you arrive here - there are at least 200 Linnet present, probably more, singing from the tops of the trees and flying out in flocks of up to 100. SP314249. 11:30.
40 Chaffinch: SP314249. 11:30.
22 Fieldfare: SP314249. 11:30.
2 Kestrel: SP314249. 11:30.
Red Kite: SP314249. 11:30.
Buzzard: SP314249. 11:30.
Steve Akers
30 Brambling: Many perched low in the thicket. SP314249. 11:30.
200 Linnet: A wonderful cacophony of song greets you immediately you arrive here - there are at least 200 Linnet present, probably more, singing from the tops of the trees and flying out in flocks of up to 100. SP314249. 11:30.
40 Chaffinch: SP314249. 11:30.
22 Fieldfare: SP314249. 11:30.
2 Kestrel: SP314249. 11:30.
Red Kite: SP314249. 11:30.
Buzzard: SP314249. 11:30.
Steve Akers
Kings Lock: 18th January
Kings Lock
100 Barnacle Goose: In field by the Thames Path a few 100 yards upstream from Kings Lock. 10:30.
Andrew Siantonas
100 Barnacle Goose: In field by the Thames Path a few 100 yards upstream from Kings Lock. 10:30.
Andrew Siantonas
Sunday, 17 January 2021
Waterstock: River Thame: 17th January
White-fronted Goose: Juv with the geese flock. 13:05.
Woodcock
3 Stonechat: 1m 2f. 13:05.
13 Pintail 13:05.
2 Raven 13:05.
Luke Marriner
3 Stonechat: 1m 2f. 13:05.
13 Pintail 13:05.
2 Raven 13:05.
Luke Marriner
Both photos courtesy of
Luke Marriner.
New Marston: New Marston Meadows: 17th January
New Marston: New Marston Meadows
15 Ring-necked Parakeet: Flew over early morning. Largest flock yet for the site. Smaller numbers later in day.
170 Redwing: Largest flock recorded at site.
35 Teal
Water Rail
2 Sparrowhawk
Tom Evans
15 Ring-necked Parakeet: Flew over early morning. Largest flock yet for the site. Smaller numbers later in day.
170 Redwing: Largest flock recorded at site.
35 Teal
Water Rail
2 Sparrowhawk
Tom Evans
Chimney: 17th January
Chimney
2 Crane: Heard at least two from main road through the site coming from towards the Thames. SP355010. 20:49.
Sam Prior
2 Crane: Heard at least two from main road through the site coming from towards the Thames. SP355010. 20:49.
Sam Prior
Oxford: Botanic Gardens: 17th January
Oxford: Botanic Gardens
Goosander: male. On the Cherwell floating gently past the gardens.
Bob Pomfret
Goosander: male. On the Cherwell floating gently past the gardens.
Bob Pomfret
Oxey Mead: 17th January
Oxey Mead
8 Goosander: 5m, 3f. SP480109. 15:00.
17 Pochard: 14m, 3f. SP480109. 15:00.
Steve Goddard
8 Goosander: 5m, 3f. SP480109. 15:00.
17 Pochard: 14m, 3f. SP480109. 15:00.
Steve Goddard
Appleford: Appleford GP: 17th January
Appleford: Appleford GP
Peregrine: very smart adult; on pylon, then flew off west. 12:00.
2 Stonechat: pair. 12:00.
Pintail: male. 12:00.
Anthony Cheke
Peregrine: very smart adult; on pylon, then flew off west. 12:00.
2 Stonechat: pair. 12:00.
Pintail: male. 12:00.
Anthony Cheke
: 17th January
Moulsford Downs, Wellbarn Estate
Raven: Overflew, SE. Medium height, kronking all the way across the valley and into Berk's. SU5682. 12:30.
Mike Amphlett
Raven: Overflew, SE. Medium height, kronking all the way across the valley and into Berk's. SU5682. 12:30.
Mike Amphlett
Elsfield: 17th January
17th January
Elsfield
Raven: Well-settled on larch, giving single "kronk" calls. SP543106. 09:40.
Sydlings Copse
7 Common Crossbill: Feeding in larch and Scots pines along the northwestern perimeter fence; all eventually flew off northwest. SP552096. 10:40.
Nicholas Boyd
Elsfield
Raven: Well-settled on larch, giving single "kronk" calls. SP543106. 09:40.
Sydlings Copse
7 Common Crossbill: Feeding in larch and Scots pines along the northwestern perimeter fence; all eventually flew off northwest. SP552096. 10:40.
Nicholas Boyd
Play Hatch: 17th January
Play Hatch
2 Brambling: m. With large flock of Linnets and Chaffinch. 11:15.
John Kearns
2 Brambling: m. With large flock of Linnets and Chaffinch. 11:15.
John Kearns
Letcombe Regis 17th January
 |
| Courtesy of Mark Bradfield |
Great Bustard still 11:00
 |
| Courtesy of Mark Bradfield |
Dunsden Green: 17th January
Dunsden Green
Raven 10:39.
Raven 10:39.
2 Egyptian Goose: m & f. In their favourite location ( mine as well) Loddon Brewery. 09:50.
John Kearns
John Kearns
Balscote: Balscote Quarry: 17th January
Balscote: Balscote Quarry
Merlin: Seen chasing finches by Dylan Parry-Davies. Also m f brambling and at least 5 snipe. 14:20.
Steve Holliday
Merlin: Seen chasing finches by Dylan Parry-Davies. Also m f brambling and at least 5 snipe. 14:20.
Steve Holliday
Cornbury Park: 17th January
Cornbury Park
6 Common Crossbill: 4 ad male, 2 ad fem. Feeding in large Scots Pine right beside the footpath through Knighton's Copse just before the clearing/open area - pine cones dropping gave away their presence - this seems to be a favourite tree for them to feed in. SP325183. 12:00.
Raven: SP325183. 12:00.
Nuthatch: H/O. SP325183. 12:00.
Steve Akers
6 Common Crossbill: 4 ad male, 2 ad fem. Feeding in large Scots Pine right beside the footpath through Knighton's Copse just before the clearing/open area - pine cones dropping gave away their presence - this seems to be a favourite tree for them to feed in. SP325183. 12:00.
Raven: SP325183. 12:00.
Nuthatch: H/O. SP325183. 12:00.
Steve Akers
Bicester 17th January
Bicester Duxford close
Merlin: Flying low through the close I live in. SP594238. 08:00.
John Gough
Merlin: Flying low through the close I live in. SP594238. 08:00.
John Gough
White-fronts Standlake Family Party.
Family party, part of the 7 in SNT's report. Along with 2 Great Egrets in same field.
Saturday, 16 January 2021
Standlake: 16th January
White-fronted Goose 7, in Thames-side fields beyond pits 38 & 60
Great White Egret 2
Great White Egret 2
Sarsgrove: 16th January
Sarsgrove
40 Greylag Goose: Flew over in over in V formation at dusk calling loudly. Also confirmed sighting by a friend in Salford moments later. 17:00.
Steve Akers
40 Greylag Goose: Flew over in over in V formation at dusk calling loudly. Also confirmed sighting by a friend in Salford moments later. 17:00.
Steve Akers
Sarsgrove 16th January
Brambling 40+
Chaffinch 60+
Linnet 100+
Common Crossbill 2
Fieldfare 250
Common Raven 2
Moreton nr Thame: Moreton Golf Course: 16th January
Moreton nr Thame: Moreton Golf Course
Woodcock 18:52.
Luke Marriner
Woodcock 18:52.
Luke Marriner
Port Meadow: 16th January
Port Meadow
3 Caspian Gulls: 2w, 2x 1w - found by Giles Moon
4 Shelduck
2 Redshank
3 Pintail
Gnome et al.
 |
| Courtesy of Giles Moon |
Sonning Eye GPs: 16th January
Sonning Eye GPs
Bittern: In the reedbed at the north end. 16:42.
Great White Egret: At the river end of the rowing lake. 15:45.
Marek Walford
Bittern: In the reedbed at the north end. 16:42.
Great White Egret: At the river end of the rowing lake. 15:45.
Great White Egret: At the river end of the rowing lake. 15:45.
Marek Walford
Letcombe Regis: 16 January
1 Cattle Egret
2 Little Egret
1 Stonechat - in allotments
Egrets in field by allotments on west side of Warborough Road. SU380860. Until about 14:00
 |
| Cattle Egret (c) Stephen Burch |
Middleton Stoney, 16th January 2021
12:00
4 Grey Partridge
13 Red-legged Partridge
in fields to North of B4030 by Upper Heyford turn.
Letcombe Brook 16th January
 |
| Cattle Egret courtesy of Geoff Dymott photo taken yesterday |
(per Leo Bateman).
It was originally on pond adjacent to the Warborough Road this morning with 3 Little Egret
(per Mark Merritt).
A329 near Moulsford: 16th January
A329 near Moulsford
Brambling: Fem on sfh feeder, first of the winter! SU5985. 09:35.
Mike Amphlett
Brambling: Fem on sfh feeder, first of the winter! SU5985. 09:35.
Mike Amphlett
Churn 15th January
Churn Farm
6 Stonechat: At lest six individuals, in ex-sheep fields, just S of the metalled road. A couple of quite bright males. SU5182. 13:30.
Mike Amphlett
6 Stonechat: At lest six individuals, in ex-sheep fields, just S of the metalled road. A couple of quite bright males. SU5182. 13:30.
Mike Amphlett
Moulsford 15th January
Moulsford, Halfpenny Lane
Stonechat: Perched atop a dead stem, poss a dock. SU5884. 15:00.
Mike Amphlett
Stonechat: Perched atop a dead stem, poss a dock. SU5884. 15:00.
Mike Amphlett
Friday, 15 January 2021
Port Meadow: 15th January
Port Meadow
Caspian Gull, 1w (found by Joe Wynn)
2 Shelduck
2 Pintail
2 Redshank
2 Oystercatcher
Gnome et al.
1w Caspian Gull courtesy of Isaac West