Chinnor: Cement Works: 31st October

Chinnor: Cement Works
Mediterranean Gull: With Black-headed Gull flock Lake 2b. 19:59.

David Stracey

Standlake Pit 60: 31st October

Standlake Pit 60
Water Rail: Heard. ENTER THIS THE ONLY TO NOTE THAT TRACK TO LL HIDE IS ACCESSIBLE. HOWEVER, WATER IS UP TO TOP OF WATER LEVEL POST IE ABOVE TOP MARKER. HEAVY RAIN FORECAST. 18:01.

Mick Cunningham

Standlake Pit 60: 31st October

Standlake Pit 60
3 Pintail: eclipse/ juv. All asleep. Modest increase in teal to c180 and wigeon c75. 17:49.

Mick Cunningham

Cote: 31st October

Cote
Marsh Harrier: cc. feeding on carrion. 17:45.
11 Dunlin 17:45.
300 Golden Plover: Approximate. Includes leucistic bird. 17:45.

Mick Cunningham

Port Meadow 31st October

Caspian Gull 1stw again

Chiffchaff 

Stonechat

(Per Phil Barnett).

Cutteslowe: Cutteslowe Park: 31st October

Cutteslowe: Cutteslowe Park
Shelduck: on park pond. 14:35.

Nicholas Boyd

Farmoor Oct 31st (a.m.)

Female Scaup on west bank of F2

2 Great White Egrets flew east over F1 and were later seen on Port Meadow by T.Miller

female Goldeneye on F2 

3 Blackcap (1 male) near Pinkhill 

12 Siskin south 

Approx 90 Snow and 16 Barnacle Geese in fields to the south of F2

Freeland: 30th October

Freeland
Raven: Over fields to east of Wrosslyn Rd. 10:00.

David Cleal

Cote: 30th October

Cote
14 Dunlin: Numbers obviously vary. 17:11.
Shelduck: f. SAT's bird still here. No sign of pintail Leucistic golden plover still in flock. Nothing unusual in the diminishing gull flock. 17:11.

Mick Cunningham

Shelduck Otmoor rspb courtesy of Malcolm Bowey.

 

Port Meadow: 29th October

Port Meadow
Goosander: fem. On Thames well north of floods. 13:00.

William Lester

Blenheim: 30th October

Blenheim
67 Pochard: Approx including a/the local leucistic male. 09:30.
2 Great White Egret 09:30.
Caspian Gull: Adult again, flew through South without stopping. 09:30.

Gareth Casburn

Waterstock: River Thame: 29th October

Waterstock: River Thame
40 Redwing 08:30.
95 Fieldfare 08:30.
210 Wigeon 08:30.
4 Gadwall 08:30.
Stonechat 08:30.
6 Shoveler 08:30.
Chiffchaff 08:30.
30 Lapwing 08:30.
125 Teal 08:30.
6 Mandarin Duck 08:30.
Little Egret 08:30.
6 Goldcrest 08:30.
175 Black-headed Gull 08:30.
13 Meadow Pipit 08:30.
26 Snipe 08:30.
400 Lesser Black-backed Gull: Est. 08:30.
Kingfisher 08:30.
30 Skylark 08:30.
3 Raven 08:30.

Nick Marriner

Sparsholt Firs 29th October

Ring Ouzel m late afternoon (W.P).

Port Meadow: 29th October

Port Meadow
Great White Egret flew south along the river 
4 Dunlin
2 Stonechat
10 Lapwing
150 Barnacle Goose

Adam Hartley, Thomas Miller, Steve Lavington

70 Golden Plover 17:30.
Kingfisher 17:30.

Bob Pomfret

Sparrowhawk Otmoor rspb courtesy of Malcolm Bowey.

 

Radley GP: 29th October

Radley GP
Great White Egret: Present again this afternoon. 15:11.

Ian Elkins

Cote: 29th October

Golden Plover 87, including partially leucistic bird
Dunlin 10
Shelduck 1
Pintail 1
Redpoll 1

Tubney: Tubney Wood: 29th October

Tubney: Tubney Wood
5 Common Crossbill
3 Lesser Redpoll
8 Siskin
Marsh Tit
Raven

Mark Merritt

Ardley ERF 29th October

Goosander - a female flew over the lagoon but didn't stop.

Green sandpiper - 1 on large puddle near vehicle checkpoint.

Stonechat - 2

Skylark - 25+

Linnet - c10

Bagley Wood 29th October

Crossbill m 09:38 (per Ben Carpenter).

Port Meadow: 28th October

Port Meadow
Dunlin
6 Cattle Egret
2 Stonechat
250 Wigeon
120 Teal
56 Shoveler
2 Gadwall
 

Steve Lavington

Farmoor 28th Oct

Scaup on F1

Sent from my iPhone

Grimsbury Reservoir: 28th October

Grimsbury Reservoir
Barnacle Goose
Cattle Egret: briefly and flew north (relocated near Chacombe, Northants, by JFT).

Gareth Blockley

Gilden Plover Norrh Oxon courtesy of Edwin Barson.

 

Bicester Wetland Reserve 28th October

 Water levels dropped at last!
7 Green Sandpiper
6 Snipe
290 Teal
4 Gadwall
1 Sparrowhawk
2 Stonechat
4 Little Grebe

A Peters
Key Holder Reserve

Mapledurham - Friday 27th October 2023

 Stonechat x 4 ( 2f 2m ), Pied Wagtail x 11, Grey Wagtail x 2, Goldfinch x 15+, Buzzard x 2, 

Egyptian Goose x 2 (f & m ), Little Grebe (f & m )

.

Blenheim 27th October

Pochard - c25 on Great Lake

Caspian gull - 1 adult on the Queen Pool briefly with c50 LBBGs and 1 adult Yellow-legged gull. I've checked back at images of the bird that has visited Blenheim in late autumn 2021 and 2022, and it would appear to be the same bird again. This time a month earlier than the past couple of years. The photos show it is still growing its P10.

Brambling - c20 in Beech trees near sunflower patch up towards the farm.

Scary Hill: 26th October

Scary Hill
2 Stonechat: A pair close to the road on the west side of it. SU326842. 12:00.

Stephen Burch

Chipping Norton: 26th October

Chipping Norton
2 Stonechat: ad pair. On Addlestrop Hill W of CN. 11:00.
23 Skylark 11:00.
11 Meadow Pipit 11:00.
32 Linnet 11:00.
Sparrowhawk 11:00.
Kestrel 11:00.
Green Woodpecker: H/O. 11:00.

Steve Akers

Chipping Norton: 26th October

Chipping Norton
5 Stonechat: 3m, 2f. SP283268. 09:30.
9 Meadow Pipit: SP283268. 09:30.
5 Reed Bunting: SP283268. 09:30.
9 Snipe: Highest count this Autumn - individual and small groups flying from the marsh near Cornwell - circling round and settling again. SP283268. 09:30.
3 Grey Heron: SP283268. 09:30.
Water Rail: Heard only. SP283268. 09:30.
Green Woodpecker: Heard only. SP283268. 09:30.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: SP283268. 09:30.

Steve Akers

RSPB Otmoor Thursday 26 October 2023

Kingfisher 3
Raven 1
Stonechat 2

Little Egret 1

Cattle Egret 4

Snipe 20
 

Cote: 26th October

Cote
4 Dunlin 14:25.
Redshank: With the four remaining dunlin. 14:23.

Mick Cunningham

Port Meadow: 26th October

Port Meadow
60 Barnacle Goose: On meadow some 100 yards north of floods. 11:33.
7 Cattle Egret: Amongst cattle on stone bridge near North Gate to Burgess Field. 11:33.

Andrew Siantonas

Chipping Norton: 25th October

Chipping Norton
5 Stonechat: 3m, 2f. 2m, 1f on marsh close to the small lake. A pair at other end of marsh on recently cut reeds near duck pond. SP283268. 14:30.
3 Grey Heron: Perched in old oak tree. SP283268. 14:30.
Water Rail: Hear screeching from marsh. SP283268. 14:30.
15 Meadow Pipit: SP283268. 14:30.

Steve Akers

Mapledurham - Wednesday 25th October 2023

 Stonechat x 2 (m & f), Greenfinch x 2, Meadow Pipit x 2, Jay x 3, Buzzard, Long Tailed Tit x 6,

  Chaffinch x 4 (2 m 2 f), Little Grebe x 2 (long term residents in Golf Course Lake).

Grimsbury Reservoir: 25th October

Grimsbury Reservoir
Barnacle Goose: Flew over north with canada geese, per Clive Payne.
2 Brambling: over west.

Gareth Blockley

Farmoor Reservoir 24th October

1w Caspian Gull again in roost.
Courtesy of Lew.

 

Brighthampton: 24th October

Brighthampton
15 Cattle Egret: In flooded field with little egrets and small flock of wigeon. 18:00.

Mick Cunningham

Standlake Pit 60: 24th October

Standlake Pit 60
OTHER SPECIES: Not a sighting. Just done a quick visit to check flood . LANGLEY LANE HIDE INACCESSIBLE EVEN IN WELLIES. no time to check North Hide. 17:24.

Mick Cunningham

Cote: 24th October

Cote
16 Dunlin: Standing water rapidly diminishing ... flock number down or maybe some hidden? Gull numbers much reduced again and nothing unusual in gull flock. 17:19.
Green Sandpiper 17:19.

Mick Cunningham

Radley GPs Thrupp Lake 4th October

Great white Egret 16:45

Little Egret 6

Otmoor: 24th October

Otmoor
Short-eared Owl: Came in high from NE. 12:25.

Nick Suckling

Harwell Lab: 24th Oct.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Redstart in an area with no general access

Tar Lakes, Rushy Common: 22nd October

Tar Lakes, Rushy Common
60 Red-crested Pochard 16:15.

Richard Catling

Blenheim: Queen Pool: 23rd October

23rd October

Blenheim: Queen Pool
Great White Egret 15:30.
2 Kingfisher 16:00.
2 Brambling 16:20.
Mandarin Duck: m. 16:50.
2 Cattle Egret 17:20.

Colin Teal

Chipping Norton: 23rd October

Chipping Norton
39 Skylark: On Addlestrop Hill W of CN. 11:00.
9 Meadow Pipit 11:00.
30 Linnet 11:00.
Sparrowhawk: male. Flew at tree top height along edge of beech trees before swooping in spectacular pursuit of Chaffinch. 11:00.
Kestrel: Took vole. 11:00.

Steve Akers

Cote: 23rd October

Cote
24 Dunlin: Max count at once. All distant. 15:15.
70 Golden Plover: Circled several times before leaving SE Gull numbers reduced. 15:15.
Grey Plover: Flew east calling some time after golden plover. Lost to view. 15:15.

Mick Cunningham

Otmoor rspb 23rd October

No sign of the male Hen Harrier this morning (K.N).

Grimsbury Reservoir: 23rd October

Grimsbury Reservoir
Osprey: Flew over south c.9:17.

Gareth Blockley

Waterstock: River Thame: 22nd October

Waterstock
3 Goldcrest 09:00.
Firecrest: With Goldcrests in run of Yew. 09:00.
Coal Tit 09:00.
37 Redwing 09:00.
21 Meadow Pipit 09:00.
Reed Bunting 09:00.
28 Shoveler 09:00.
375 Black-headed Gull: Est. 09:00.
850 Lesser Black-backed Gull: Est. 09:00.
Sparrowhawk 09:00.

Waterstock: River Thame
4 Bullfinch 09:00.
Chiffchaff 09:00.
19 Lapwing 09:00.
90 Teal 09:00.
35 Wigeon 09:00.
2 Mandarin Duck 09:00.
3 Fieldfare 09:00.
5 Snipe 09:00.
7 Gadwall 09:00.
4 Siskin 09:00.
12 Linnet 09:00.
Cormorant 09:00.

Nick Marriner

Devil's Punchbowl: 22nd October

Devil's Punchbowl
Wheatear: SU351849. 23:23.

Guy Goldsmith

Farmoor Reservoir: 22nd October

Female Scaup still this eve

500+ Black headed Gull roosting 

Along with lots of Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls

Several Common Gull, 2 or more Yellow legged and a Great black-backed Gull.

1x Rock Pipit

Sarsgrove: 22nd October

Sarsgrove
6 Golden Plover: Over. 15:30.
9 Skylark 15:30.
25 Goldfinch 15:30.

Steve Akers

Fyfield Wick: 22nd October

22nd October

Fyfield Wick
Rock Pipit: Flew low South calling. 08:33.
5 Brambling: Flew South 3 & 2. 10:25.
10 Lesser Redpoll: Flew South in small numbers between 08:00-11.00. 10:25.
33 Siskin: Flew SW in small numbers between 08:00-11:00. 10:25.
47 Skylark: Flew South in small numbers between 08:00-11:00. 10:25.
29 Meadow Pipit: Flew South in small numbers between 08:00-11:00. 10:25.
77 Chaffinch: Flew West in mainly small numbers between 08:00-11:00 1 flock of 24. 10:25.
224 Starling: Mainly NE between 08:00-11:00. 10:25.
7 Song Thrush: Flew W or SW between 08:00 & 11:00. 10:25.
3 Reed Bunting: Singles flew W between 08:00-11:00. 10:25.

Jed Cleeter

Lambourn: Red Barn: 22nd October

Lambourn: Red Barn
2 Merlin: Male & Fem. 16:50.

Jed Cleeter

Scary Hill: 21st October

Scary Hill
2 Stonechat: Feeding near roadside. 15:30.
2 Raven 15:30.

Jed Cleeter

Childrey: Childrey Field: 21st October

21st October

Childrey: Childrey Field
Wheatear: On bend opposite dung heap. 14:00.
2 Merlin: fem. Both fem types seen at the same time. 14:00.
Peregrine: fem. Immature chasing pigeons. 14:17.

Jed Cleeter

Photo courtesy of Jed Cleeter.

Cote: 22nd October

Cote
11 Dunlin: I returned pm. Didn't see any dunlin in am. 18:31.

Brighthampton
3 Cattle Egret: In flooded field. 18:31.

Mick Cunningham

Farmoor Reservoir: 22nd October

Farmoor Reservoir
84 Snow Goose: Flew around F2 and then landed in east corner. 15:29.

Yacky Morris

Chipping Norton: 22nd October

Chipping Norton
Stonechat: On Addlestrop Hill near Chastleton Woods. 10:30.
11 Skylark 10:30.
7 Meadow Pipit 10:30.
20 Linnet 10:30.

Steve Akers

Cote: 22nd October

Cote
Caspian Gull: ad. Possibly has damaged leg. 12:23.
Med Gull 1, 1CY

Mick Cunningham

Port Meadow 22nd October

Caspian Gull 1w N/W corner of the flood 09:38

Stonechat 3

(S.L).

Otmoor rspb 22nd October

Hen Harrier m again at the 1st screen 07:42 (per Rob Cadd).

Farmoor: 21st October

 Caspian Gull 1st w

Common Gull 20

Aynho 21st October

Marsh Harrier f just below Aynho Station flying south towards Somerton 14:51
Crossbill 3 over
Siskin 
Kingfisher along the canal

(S.B) 

Port Meadow 21st October

Caspian Gull 1w on flood late morning
Also, 1 Stonechat

(Steve Lavington, Thomas Miller, Phil Barnett)

Caspian Gull courtesy of Steve Lavington

 

 

Otmoor rspb 21st October

Some superb video courtesy of Rob Cadd.

Hen Harrier m on Otmoor again 16:45 from the 1st screen, first seen midmorning.

(per Bark, Oz, Luke O'Byrne, et al).

Cote: 21st October

Cote
Caspian Gull: 1st cyc. Briefly. Possibly a female. 16:23.
12 Ringed Plover: In wet field with 7 dunlin. Feeding. Until flushed by dog. 13:50.
7 Dunlin: Feeding in wet field with 12 ring plover, until flushed by dog. 13:50.

Mick Cunningham

Shifford: 21st October

Shifford
15 Yellowhammer: Feeding in mixed flock with c30 meadow pipits, 2 Reed buntings, 3 fieldfare and small numbers of chaffinch, greenfinch and goldfinch. 13:53.

Mick Cunningham

Farmoor: 21st October

Little Gull 1, 1st winter
Scaup 1f

Radley GP: 21st October

Radley GP
8 Little Egret: At Thrupp Lake. 11:00.
Egyptian Goose 11:00.
5 Siskin 11:00.
30 Lesser Redpoll: Lots of birds on the move - mostly Skylarks, Redwings, Fieldfares, Meadow Pipits, Siskins and Redpolls. 11:00.

Ian Elkins

Sarsgrove: 21st October

Sarsgrove
Stonechat: fem. SP304250. 09:30.
200 Starling: SP304250. 09:30.
14 Yellowhammer: Several stunning males. SP304250. 09:30.
Pied Wagtail: SP304250. 09:30.
7 Meadow Pipit: SP304250. 09:30.

Steve Akers

Fyfield Wick: 21st October

Fyfield Wick
Swallow: Juv flew high South. Lots of Visual Migration this morning- Continental Starling, Chaffinch etc going west. 07:44.

Jed Cleeter

Chipping Norton: 20th October

Chipping Norton
Possible Short-eared Owl: On Addlestrop Hill - very pale - mobbed by Covid's. 12:00.
2 Stonechat: ad pair. 12:00.
50 Linnet 12:00.
15 Skylark 12:00.
10 Meadow Pipit 12:00.

Steve Akers

Fyfield Wick: 20th October

Fyfield Wick
35 Little Gull: Approx flew medium height South to the east of the village in a fairly spread out flock. 16:35.

Jed Cleeter

Linky Down: 20th October

Linky Down
Ring Ouzel: Last seen in bushes right of the gate half way down the hill. Very elusive. 15:45.

Pete Roby

Farmoor: 19th October

 Scaup 1 female

Rock Pipit 1 (probably 2)

Common Tern 1 juv

Swallow 3

Cholsey 19th October

Cattle Egret in field with cattle adjacent to Green Lane midmorning (A.D).

Port Meadow: 19th October

Port Meadow
Cattle Egret
Stonechat: m.
80 Barnacle Goose
130 Wigeon
10 Teal
10 Shoveler
10 Lapwing
Snipe

Adam Hartley

RSPB Otmoor Thursday 19 October 2023

Golden Plover 300 (overhead over Greenaways)

Fieldfare 200 (Noke Sides)

Kingfisher 2 (2nd screen)

Playhatch - Thursday 19th October 2023

 Stonechat (f), Siskin x 2 (m & f), Chaffinch x6 (4m 2f ), Kestrel.

Chipping Norton: 19th October

Chipping Norton
2 Stonechat: ad pair. On Addlestrop Hill near Chastleton W of CN. SP253287. 12:00.
10 Skylark: SP253287. 12:00.
12 Meadow Pipit: SP253287. 12:00.
Pied Wagtail: SP253287. 12:00.
50 Linnet: At least fifty feeding on tilled field with Skylark, Mippets and Wagtail - lots of activity here this morning. SP253287. 12:00.
Red Kite: SP253287. 12:00.

Steve Akers

Chipping Norton: 18th October

Chipping Norton
100 Fieldfare: In two separate flocks over The Leys. 10:30.

Steve Akers

Farmoor Reservoir: 18th October

Farmoor Reservoir
3 Dunlin 10:30.
15 Meadow Pipit: Minimum. 10:30.
2 Rock Pipit 10:30.
2 Great Black-backed Gull 10:30.
2 Herring Gull 10:30.
2 Lesser Black-backed Gull 10:30.
2 Yellow-legged Gull 10:30.

J Blunt

Grimsbury Reservoir: 18th October

Grimsbury Reservoir
Merlin: flew over west, fairly high. 8:20.
Snipe: flushed up from cattle field, flew north-east.
6 Siskin: min.

Gareth Blockley

Woodstock 18th October

Blenheim

Pochard - c12

Yellow-legged gull - 1 adult with c50 LBBGs and c100 BHGs. In the past few weeks gull numbers have built with varying numbers loafing during the day so far including the odd common gull and yellow-legged gull. Hopefully others to come.

Raven - 2+

North Woodstock near Field Barn Farm

Stonechat - 2

Lye Valley, Oxford: 18th October

 

Two Great White Egrets and a Little Egret flew east, the first multi-species egret flock for the site! Also 6 Ravens plus Siskins and Lesser Redpoll over. https://ebird.org/checklist/S152522611

Fyfield Wick: 18th October

Fyfield Wick
Brambling: High South calling in flight. 07:40.
10 Siskin: At least calling in flight SW. 07:40.

Jed Cleeter

Chipping Norton: 17th October

Chipping Norton
2 Raven: Pair flying over Bliss Mill Common. 16:30.
70 Golden Plover: Flock circling over fields W of CN - a traditional location - first flock of the Autumn. 16:30.

Steve Akers

Farmoor Reservoir - Tuesday 17th October 2023

 Rock Pipit x2, Meadow Pipit x 6, Barnacle Geese x10+, Snow Geese x 20 +, 

Great Crested Grebes x 12+,

Grey Wagtail x2, Pied Wagtail x6+, Little Grebe x 4.

Meadow Pipit on causeway.

Barnacle Goose.

Wootton nr Woodstock: 17th October

Wootton nr Woodstock
Brambling: Under my bird feeders all day. 21:03.

Trevor Young

Moreton nr Thame: Moreton Golf Course: 17th October

Moreton nr Thame: Moreton Golf Course
Stonechat: male. 17:00.

Liam Russell

Blenheim: Blenheim Lake: 17th October

Blenheim: Blenheim Lake
Great White Egret
6 Grey Heron
36 Cormorant
23 Great Crested Grebe
24 Pochard
116 Tufted Duck
4 Shoveler
Yellow-legged Gull
Kingfisher 

Bob Pomfret

Port Meadow: 17th October

Port Meadow
3 Stonechat: 2m & f.
80 Barnacle Goose
35 Wigeon
3 Teal
3 Shoveler

Adam Hartley

Balscote Quarry Reserve 17th October

 

Brambling courtesy of Edwin Barson.

Oxford: Boundary Brook Road: 17th October

Oxford: Boundary Brook Road
Brambling: Flying west, calling. 07:45.

Nicholas Boyd

Otmoor: RSPB reserve: 16th October

Otmoor: RSPB reserve
Great White Egret 15:30.
2 Grey Heron 15:30.
3 Teal 15:30.
6 Snipe: Group in flight. 15:30.
Water Rail: Heard only. 15:30.
Cetti's Warbler 15:30.
70 Fieldfare: Flying over. 15:30.
4 Kestrel 15:30.

Steve Akers

Devil’s Punchbowl/Ridgeway: 16th October

1615-1830

Short-eared Owl x 2 (1830 approx)

Kestrel x 4

Buzzard x 2

Red Kite x 8

Stonechat x 2

Wheatear x 1

Chipping Norton: 14th October

Chipping Norton
3 Stonechat: 2m, 1f. On the marsh at small lake near Cornwell. 16:30.
Snipe 16:30.
Grey Heron 16:30.
Green Woodpecker 16:30.
2 Chiffchaff 16:30.
9 Long-tailed Tit 16:30.

Steve Akers

Bicester Wetland Reserve 16th October

2 Stonechat
3 Chiffchaff
132 Teal
6 Gadwall
3 Jay
1 Green Sandpiper

A Peters C Oram
Key Holder Reserve

Moreton nr Thame: Moreton Golf Course: 15th October

Moreton nr Thame: Moreton Golf Course
3 Stonechat 11:00.
3 Egyptian Goose 11:00.

Nick Marriner

Oakley Wood, Crowmarsh : 15th October

 Following a plough:

2nd w Caspian Gull

c600 LBbgulls

70+ Red Kites

Linky Down: 15th October

Linky Down
2 Raven: SU715961. 09:00.

Jez March

Port Meadow: 15th October

Port Meadow
27 Cattle Egret: Near the southern flood pool.
3 Stonechat: per Steve Lavington.
80 Barnacle Goose

Also, yesterday
Marsh Harrier: Over Wytham Hill per Steve Lavington.

Adam Hartley

Aston Upthorpe 15th October

Hen Harrier Aston Upthorpe Downs this morning (per RBA).

Fyfield Wick: 15th October

Fyfield Wick
2 Rock Pipit: 1st one flew low over garden and called 3 times dropping towards 1st Lake at 09:02, 2nd bird at 09:17 flew in same direction a bit higher calling several times. 09:02.
Lesser Redpoll: At least one Called in flight going south. 09:02.
2 Siskin: Called in flight going North. 09:02.
2 Skylark: Called in flight going South. 09:02.
2 Meadow Pipit: Called in flight going South. 09:02.

Jed Cleeter

Devil's Punchbowl: 14th October

Devil's Punchbowl
30 Skylark: Minimum count around Hackpen Hill and the Devil's Punchbowl. SU354851. 16:46.

Geoff Dymott

Sparrowhawk courtesy of Paul Wyeth.

 

Sonning Eye GPs: 14th October

Sonning Eye GPs
2 Raven 15:30.
2 Egyptian Goose: Near boat house. 15:30.

Ralph Watts

Ardley ERF Lagoon: 14th October

Ardley ERF Lagoon
3 Stonechat: 2 males, 1 female. 14:00.

Gareth Casburn

Grimsbury Reservoir: 14 October

Stonechat

Swallow

Farmoor: 14 October

 Rock Pipit: 2 along causeway

Wheatear: 1

Sand Martin: 1

Northbrook: 14th October

Northbrook
10 Grey Partridge 09:20.

David Watkinson

Chipping Norton: 13th October

Chipping Norton
Siskin: ad fem. On feeder in garden. SP308267. 15:00.

Steve Akers

Chipping Norton: 13th October

Chipping Norton
2 Stonechat: ad pair. Still present on Addlestrop Down near Chastleton. 10:00.
Brambling: ad fem. One female Brambling feeding on beech mast on footpath through Chastleton Woods - possibly more present. 10:00.

Steve Akers

Ducklington GPs 13th October

Merlin f seen today at 15.15 Ducklington Gravel pits west of Rushy Common chasing passerine.

(per Graham Lenton).

South Leigh: 12th October

South Leigh
Merlin: juv ... prob a fem on size. Great view. Flew N low over rough field next to footpath. 15:32.
2 Stonechat 15:32.

Mick Cunningham

Standlake Pit 60: 12th October

Standlake Pit 60
3 Pintail 14:34.
5 Wigeon 14:34.
Great White Egret 14:34.

Mick Cunningham

Chipping Norton: 12th October

Chipping Norton
2 Stonechat: ad pair. On Addlestrop Down near Chastleton W of CN. 10:00.
5 Meadow Pipit 10:00.
7 Skylark 10:00.
Kestrel 10:00.

Steve Akers

Farmoor roost - 11th October

Caspian Gull one probably two 1st w

Common Gull 12 

Bicester Wetland Reserve 12th October

 1 Black-tailed Godwit
30 Lapwing
50 Teal
2 Grey Wagtail

A Peters
Key Holder Reserve

Port Meadow 11th October

Cattle Egret 19 showing well on the dried up floods, plus a female stonechat in the nettles/thistles at the southern end.

(Per Phil Barnett).

Appleford GPs 11th October

Garganey reported (per RBA).

Otmoor rspb 11th October

Short-eared Owl 12:02 (per RBA).

Lye Valley, Oxford: 11th October

 

Great White Egret, circling over the Lye Valley, then drifted east towards Shotover Hill. The second site record here. https://ebird.org/checklist/S151930946

Cumnor: 11th October

Cumnor
4 Redwing: 4 flying over village hall. 08:08.

Yacky Morris

Churn 10th October

Hen Harrier rt S/W of Blewbury at Churn nr old railway bridge 18:15 (A.L).

Chinnor: Cement Works: 10th October

Chinnor: Cement Works
Common Sandpiper: Lake 2b. 11:00.
Possible 3 Scaup: Party of 3 Lake 2b. 11:00.

David Stracey

Chilswell valley: 10th October

Chilswell valley
Siskin 08:40.
2 Lesser Redpoll 08:40.

D Moden

Bicester Wetlands Reserve 10th October

Black-tailed Godwit this afternoon (per J.T).

Key holder reserve.

Courtesy of Sean Varney

Otmoor rspb 10th October

 

Great white Egret courtesy of Barry Neale.

Balscote: Balscote Quarry: 9th October

Balscote: Balscote Quarry
2 Golden Plover: Over. 16:00.
Green Woodpecker 16:00.
15 Linnet 16:00.
Little Grebe 16:00.

Steve Akers

Chipping Norton: 9th October

Chipping Norton
Stonechat: W of CN near Chastleton. 10:00.
Kestrel 10:00.

Steve Akers

Warburg Reserve: 9th October

Warburg Reserve
2 Raven 16:31.
3 Redwing 16:31.

William Lester

Ring-necked Parakeet Lydalls Road Didcot
Courtesy of Bill Lester.

 

Farmoor Reservoir: 9th October

Farmoor Reservoir
Rock Pipit: Flew over F2 calling. 10:25.
2 Golden Plover: At least two birds calling over F2, probably more likely a flock moving through. 10:25.
75 Skylark: Approx count of birds moving over SW. Probably many more. 10:25.
Common Sandpiper 10:25.

Conor MacKenzie

Port Meadow: 9th October

Port Meadow
4 Stonechat
15 Cattle Egret

per Steve Lavington

Cothill: Hitchcopse Pit: 9th October

Cothill: Hitchcopse Pit
80 Redwing
Fieldfare
40 Lesser Redpoll
2 Marsh Tit

Parsonage Moor
50 Siskin
Water Rail

Mark Merritt

Waterstock: River Thame: 8th October

Waterstock: River Thame
12 Skylark 09:00.
6 Snipe 09:00.
4 Chiffchaff 09:00.
4 Siskin 09:00.
5 Goldcrest 09:00.
55 Linnet 09:00.
Stonechat 09:00.
17 Meadow Pipit 09:00.
Coal Tit 09:00.

Nick Marriner

White Horse Hill: Dragon Hill: 8th October

White Horse Hill: Dragon Hill
4 Stonechat: SU296870. 19:47.

Guy Goldsmith

Chilton Downs: 8th October

Short-Eared Owl active again from 1800 this eve primarily on Berks side although seeming to originate from Oxon. Being constantly harried by Crows - Ridgeway area East Hendred to Bury Down.

Carterton/Alvescot: 8th October

Carterton/Alvescot
7 Corn Bunting: Devoid of bird migrants/ moving. Though I was out late. In contrast I've had a constant procession of red admirals flying between S and SE. This was also evident at other sites eg pit 60 and its still happening 17 35 . 17:27.

Mick Cunningham

Chipping Norton: 8th October

Chipping Norton
4 Stonechat: 2m, 2f. On the marsh scrub at the small lake near Cornwell - two pairs. SP283268. 16:00.
3 Chiffchaff: SP283268. 16:00.
9 Swallow: Migrating through. SP283268. 16:00.
Meadow Pipit: SP283268. 16:00.
7 Teal: SP283268. 16:00.
37 Mallard: SP283268. 16:00.
2 Herring Gull: Over. SP283268. 16:00.
3 Black-headed Gull: SP283268. 16:00.

Steve Akers

Kings Lock: 8th October

Kings Lock
4 Stonechat: Two pairs along the river.
4 Cetti's Warbler: Four singing males on territory along the river.

Adam Hartley

Devil's Punchbowl: 8th October

Devil's Punchbowl
3 Wheatear
10 Stonechat
14 Grey Partridge
2 Raven
8 Cormorant: Over, south.

Mark Merritt

Abingdon: Peep-o-Day Lane: 8th October

Abingdon: Peep-o-Day Lane
Green Sandpiper: Stonehill pit - which seems to be in the process of being filled in. 09:00.
3 Ring-necked Parakeet: Flyover calling. 09:00.

J Blunt

Chipping Norton: 7th October

Chipping Norton
4 Grey Heron: SP283268. 16:30.
Snipe: SP283268. 16:30.
Tufted Duck: fem. SP283268. 16:30.
2 Moorhen: SP283268. 16:30.
2 Stonechat: ad pair. Perched on newly installed posts close to footpath between CN and Cornwell close to the small lake. SP283268. 16:30.

Steve Akers

Chilton: Chilton Downs: 7th October

Chilton: Chilton Downs
Sparrowhawk: m. 18:00.
Kestrel 18:00.
25 Red-legged Partridge 18:00.
100 Lesser Black-backed Gull: Minimum. 18:00.
15 Herring Gull: Minimum. 18:00.
5 Meadow Pipit: Heard only. 18:00.
10 Linnet 18:00.
Yellowhammer: Heard only. 18:00.
Skylark: Heard only. 18:00.
Short-eared Owl: Ridgeway between Bury and East Hendred Down. 18:00.

J Blunt

Bittern Otmoor rspb courtesy of Malcolm Bowey.

 

Standlake: Standlake Common: 7th October

Standlake: Standlake Common
24 Cattle Egret: Flock with cattle in field close to Pit 60. Presumably same birds seen at Farmoor earlier. 10:30.

Dave Murphy

Farmoor Reservoir 7th October

Few things moving south.

24 Cattle Egret 

15 Stock Dove

1 Redwing 

15 Siskin

1 Linnet 

20 Meadow Pip

(D.L)

Otmoor rspb 6th October

Merlin from hide

Cattle Egret 5

Stonechat 2

(et al).

Blackcap Appleford GPs courtesy of John Workman.

 

Chipping Norton: 6th October

Chipping Norton
Stonechat: ad male. On Addlestrop Down near Chastleton. SP255280. 10:00.
Raven: Over. SP255280. 10:00.
11 Skylark: SP255280. 10:00.

Steve Akers

Farmoor Reservoir: Pinkhill: 6th October

Farmoor Reservoir: Pinkhill
Great White Egret: From the hide. SP439067. 09:00.

Brian Walker

Sarsgrove: 5th October

Sarsgrove
Stonechat: ad male. 16:30.
33 Skylark 16:30.
280 Starling: First large flock of the Autumn perched on electricity wires. 16:30.
Kestrel: juv fem. Very interested in the Starling flock. 16:30.
2 Yellowhammer: ad male. 16:30.

Steve Akers

Wootton nr Woodstock: Wootton/Glympton: 5th October

Wootton nr Woodstock: Wootton/Glympton
5 Raven: looked to be enjoying themselves in the windy conditions.
3 Little Grebe: on the two lakes alongside the River Glyme.
2 Marsh Tit: Close to Woodleys House.

Bob Pomfret

Kings Lock: 5th October

Kings Lock
5 Whinchat: Half mile upstream from lock amongst riverside reeds and shrubs. 16:03.

Andrew Siantonas

Sonning Eye GPs: 5th October

Sonning Eye GPs
Yellow-legged Gull: ad. 12:57.

Marek Walford

Bicester Wetland Reserve: 5th October

Bicester Wetland Reserve
10 Green Sandpiper 11:00.
20 Snipe: Minimum count. 11:00.
24 Lapwing 11:00.
Cormorant 11:00.
5 Shoveler 11:00.
Cetti's Warbler 11:00.
Green Woodpecker 11:00.
2 Little Egret 11:00.
2 Grey Heron 11:00.

Colin Oram

Chipping Norton: 5th October

Chipping Norton
Stonechat: ad male. Still present Addlestrop Down near Chastleton. SP255285. 10:30.
7 Skylark: ....and Roe Deer hind.... SP255285. 10:30.

Steve Akers

Chipping Norton: 4th October

Chipping Norton
Stonechat: ad male. On Addlestrop Down near Chastleton Oxon/Glocs border. SP255285. 15:30.
6 Meadow Pipit: SP255285. 15:30.

Steve Akers

Port Meadow: 4th October

Port Meadow
5 Cattle Egret: At North end by Godstow Road railway bridge amongst cattle. 11:12.
Goosander: fem. 11:12.

Andrew Siantonas

NB Up to 15 Cattle Egrets have been in the fields along the access road to Wytham Farm / Field Station since Thursday (per Will Langdon). These are presumably part of that flock.

 

Blenheim: 4th October

Blenheim
19 Mandarin Duck: 16 drakes. On the far side of the Great Lake. The most I've seen here. 07:30.

Gareth Casburn

Chipping Norton: 3rd October

Chipping Norton
17 House Martin: Feeding over the marsh and small lake near Cornwell. SP283268. 16:00.
7 Meadow Pipit: SP283268. 16:00.

Steve Akers

Whinchat Otmoor rspb 3/10 courtesy of Paul Wyeth.

 

September review

Highlights

A very busy month in September produced some very good birding and a decent spread of county rarities to boot. After adding no species to the county wide list in August, September added 7 more species included some very good county rarities although not all were gettable unfortunately. The county list now stands at 205, which has surpassed the low total of last year. With some of the Autumn and the whole of the Winter period yet to come we are hopefully on course to see a much more typical total of the last 20 or so years, although the trend as it stands does show a gradual decrease in species recorded since the turn of the century.

Pallid Harrier

The much anticipated change of pace of the Autumn kicked off with a bang early in the month when a 2^nd record for the county was located at Otmoor, with a young male Pallid Harrier snapped flying over Greenaways on the 9^th. An atypical looking bird that produced some discussion around its parentage and the possibility of hybrid, luckily though features for Pallid Harrier were quickly nailed down thanks to some cracking photos from onsite observers. Unfortunately for those of us unable to get over to site right away, or in my case heading in the opposite direction up north, the bird did not stick around very long after doing a few circuits of Otmoor. This bird constitutes the 2^nd county record and the 1^st since a similarly aged bird was seen by a single observer over the Downs in 2011. Unbelievably this means the county, and indeed Otmoor, has recorded all four regularly occurring harrier species in 2023, quite something given the fortunes of Montagu’s Harrier. Northern Harrier next anyone?

Pallid Harrier, above and below courtesy of John Reynolds

 

 

Grey Phalarope

The 23^rd of the month then went on to produce a stunning Grey Phalarope on the causeway at Farmoor. This diminutive and hardy wader species is always a much welcome addition to the county list and always proves to be popular with county birders and national birders alike. With last years brief flyover record, also at Farmoor, a bird showing well on the causeway was also going to be very sought after individual. Quite amazingly this bird was ringed, although it turns out a bird was ringed two days earlier on the Wilts/Oxon border on a duck pond of all places! Presumably the ring number will indeed show these birds are one and the same. The Phalarope thankfully stayed until the 25^th allowing many folk to see it before departure. 

Grey Phalarope courtesy of Nick Truby

Grey Phalarope video & photo courtesy of Anna Marlow.

Honourable Mentions

Dartford Warbler

A once county mega this species is starting to become an almost expected annual, with birds recorded in 3 of the last 4 years equal to number of records in the previous 20 years.  Always a skulky species this bird was no exception with an induvial heard calling near Frilford Heath Golf Course on the 17^th September and not seen or heard again. Like several of the last few records its quite possible this bird will go to ground for a while before reappearing elsewhere or even at the same site later in the Autumn. 

 

Manx Shearwater

Typically this species would make the highlights section in its own right. Unfortunately these records relate to windblown individual that were subsequently taken into care in Didcot having been picked up in Witney. Unbelievably 2 birds were actually picked up within the county within a couple of days and both were taken to Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue Unfortunately, as this the case with many pelagic birds, both perished over the course of their care.

Courtesy of Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue

Waders

As discussed in the previous edition of the monthly review both Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper made their appearance at Farmoor this month, interestingly both came within a day of each other. Little Stint came first with a lone individual on the causeway on the evening of the 8^th, although unfortunately didn’t remain long enough for those not already present on site that evening. 

Farmoor Little Stint, courtesy of Lew

A record group of Curlew Sandpiper also made a brief appearance the following morning with 7 birds along the causeway, unfortunately the news did not filter out before they had long departed although I suspect the distraction of a 2^nd county record over at Otmoor may have proved the more popular draw in this case. Luckily, another Curlew Sandpiper appeared, again at Farmoor, on the 12^th with the news of this one getting out quickly many a happy birder was able to connect before it departed that evening. 

Farmoor Curlew Sandpiper courtesy of Ben Sheldon

In what has been a very decent year for Knot in the county, another two appeared this month on the 18^th. Initially a single bird on the causeway was eventually joined by a 2^nd, although in the drabber winter plumage to which us inland birders are much more accustomed to. Continuing the theme of good showings, Turnstone continued to reach the county in decent numbers. Single birds were present on Farmoor on the 3^rd and 14^th with two birds then present on the 22^nd. A large count of 6 then flew into the reservoir whilst observers were delighting in the Grey Phalarope also present. A single one day Wood Sandpiper was also present this month in what has felt a much poorer autumn for this species, a lone bird was present down Peep-o-day Lane on the 10^th the 2^nd record for the site this year.

One of the Farmoor Knot courtesy of Peter Law

Ruff records came from four locations this month with most birds been single day stopovers whilst passing through. The exception to this was a pair of juveniles at Pit 60 which turned up on the 2^nd of the month and remained on the site until at least the 11^th. Single birds were at Venn Mill and Days Lock on the 3^rd and 13^th respectively, whilst a pair of birds were on Farmoor on the 9^th and 17^th. We only had a single Greenshank record this month with a pair at Venn Mill on the 2^nd, a relatively poor showing from this species during this part of autumn. Ringed Plover and Dunlin continued to be logged frequently throughout September with all but one record of these species coming from Farmoor, with a near ever presence this month. Ringed Plover were recorded on and off between the 3^rd and 18^th this month with a maximum count of 5 logged on two occasions, the only non-Farmoor record came from Cutteslowe Park with a flyover bird on the 1^st. Dunlin were typically more common with 13 days of the month logging birds from the 3^rd until the 26^th and a maximum count of 6 came from the 7^th. 

Ringed Plover at Farmoor courtesy of John Workman

Green Sandpiper records started to dissipate somewhat this month with only 5 sites recording birds. Bicester Wetlands continued its form as the place for large gatherings of the species during the migration period with a high count 6 logged on 4^th, 8^th and 16^th. Common Sandpiper were still spread far and wide across the county with 10 sites logging birds throughout September. Most records related to single birds but high counts of 4 were recorded across two sites – Grimsbury on the 1^st and Farmoor on the 2^nd. 

Bicester Wetland Green Sandpiper, courtesy of Patricia Clissold

Wildfowl, Game and Crakes

A possible Quail flushed at Water Eaton was the only record of this magnificent diminutive and migratory gamebird this month, although presumably some of the possible breeders remained for part of it. A flock of 5 Whooper Swan on Farmoor on the 27^th was remarkably early for the county and as far as I can tell from searching the various data bases the first September record of this species for at least the last 20 years. The flock after some indecisiveness, first leaving and then returning, eventually left later that afternoon.

Whooper Swans courtesy of Dave Murphy.

Also this month a corking drake Common Scoter delighted folk at Farmoor for a few days after arriving on the 20^th, coming close enough at times for some very decent photos to be had before departing on the 23^rd.

Common Scoter courtesy of Bryan Manston

 

A reported double of Black-necked Grebe and Scaup seemingly observed during a twitch for the Phalarope unfortunately remained as ‘reported’ with no sightings the following day. A juv or female Garganey however was very much confirmed having been seen again at Days Lock in Dorchester-on-Thames although remaining incredibly elusive it would seem. Goosander only had 3 records this month from two sites – Port Meadow on the 22^nd and Farmoor also on the 22^nd and again on the 25^th. On the feral/plastic front Mandarin were reported several times in the Blenheim and Woodstock area and a large count of 8 came from Waterstock on the 10^th. 

 

Herons, Egrets Etc.

The usual species make up the records this month with very little change to last months series of sightings. Cattle Egret numbers grew to at least 26 individuals consisting of many ‘home grown’ individuals although not quite beating last years big totals. The birds remained pretty loyal to the Blenheim area for much of the month with the odd sighting elsewhere of single birds (Farmoor and Pit 60) although some clearly had itchy feet with big flocks Cassington (17 on the 4^th) Otmoor (9 on the 5^th) and Day’s Lock (13 on the 12^th and 9 on the 13^th). No birds remained at Blenheim by the 25^th, though, presumably joining the mega flocks now down on the levels. 

Woodstock Cattle Egrets courtesy of Gareth Cashburn

Great White Egret followed much the same pattern and numbers of the previous month with Blenheim and Pit 60 frequently hosting between 1 and 3 birds. Grimsbury scored one this month with a flyover bird on the 2^nd, a nice bird for the locals. Farmoor also managed two records this month of flyover birds on the 8^th and 22^nd, whilst the colour-ringed bird from down on the levels remained at Day’s Lock on the 13^th. 

Great White Egret at Shrike Meadow, Farmoor, courtesy of Brian Walker

Crane remained on Otmoor in September in what has been a disappointing year after 2022’s big success. Up to 3 birds were seen from the 14^th until the 25^th with at least two birds un-ringed, we can only hope that 2024 brings some better fortunes for this iconic species. 

Crane bugling on Otmoor courtesy of Steve Liptrot.

Otmoor Cranes courtesy of Richard Stevens

 

Gulls and Terns

Unfortunately not loads to recount this month, much more about quality than quantity for September. A stunning juvenile Little Gull was expertly picked out over F1 at Farmoor on the 14^th where it remained for the rest of the day.  

 

Farmoor Little Gull, courtesy of Ewan Urquhart

Black Tern had a decent showing this month with all records coming from Farmoor. Four were here on the 2^nd consisting of at least two juveniles and one remaining until the 4^th. A flock of 8 then flew through the reservoir on the 8^th and another single present here on the 18^th. 

Above & below Black Tern courtesy of Mark Chivers.

Sandwich Tern also came through the county in small numbers. Grimsbury continued its good form, especially given the size of the site, with 2 birds flying through on the 2^nd. Clearly a movement of the species was occurring across the county/country because an unusual record of 2+ came from Aston Rowant of all places the same day, a fine vis-mig record! Another single bird also came later in the month with one over Farmoor on the 10^th. Caspian Gull season hasn’t quite kicked off yet in the county with only a couple records to mention, relating to two birds. One was at Grimsbury on the 2^nd whilst a 1cy bird was present in the gull roost at Farmoor from the 14^th until at least the 19^th. Also present frequently in the roost was a 1cy Mediterranean Gull from the 5^th until at least the 25^th, with the only other record of the species also coming from Grimsbury on the 2^nd. 

Caspian Gull at Farmoor courtesy of Lew

 

First Winter Mediterranean Gull at Farmoor courtesy of Ewan Urquhart

 

Passerines

Typically a bird that would make the highlight reel for the month if not demoted for rarer species, a Wryneck was gladly added to the county year list. A bird flushed from a footpath around Baulking Pit on the 3^rd allowed the observer brief views in the adjacent sallow but unfortunately wasn’t seen again. A lone Pied Flycatcher record this month was made somewhat more special due its location in urban Oxford with the Lye Valley continuing its very decent run of form on the 8^th, only the 2^nd record for the site and one of only three records for the county this year. Three Flava type Yellow-wagtails were present on Farmoor on the 24^th and were the first record of the nominate subspecies in the county this year with no Channel Wagtails logged at all either this year. 

Lye Vallye Pied Flycatcher courtes of Tom Bedford

Whinchat continued to march their way through the county with 9 sites recording birds this month. The highest count came from Kings Lock with a group of 6 here on the 8^th, whilst a count of 4 came from Aston Upthorpe on the 26^th. Wheatear followed on in larger numbers and spread further around the county with 10 sites still logging birds. Although mostly of singles or pairs a nice count of 6 up by the Devils Punchbowl came on the 9^th whilst another group of 5 were up on Lark Hill on the 3^rd. The only Tree Pipit record came from Pit 60 this month, typically a single flyover bird calling. Redstart records were much more diminished having largely made their way through the county last month. Four sites recorded birds with singles at most sites with only Childrey Field recording 2 birds on the 2^nd. Port Meadow, Lark Hill and Stonesfield Common were the other sites to log birds.

Ring-necked Parakeet clearly had another good breeding year in 2023 when a flock of 32 flew over Cowley Road in Oxford on the 6^th. Not quite the 40+ birds of previous years but clearly the species is doing well in the city, it would be interesting to know how many breeding pairs Oxford hosts? 

 

Raptors

Aside from the absolute mega that was recorded early in the month in the form of a certain Pallid Harrier this group has otherwise been fairly quite in September. Not a single returning passage Osprey was logged in either September or August, the first blank autumn for a number of years (although October may yet produce a bird).

A Short-eared Owl was flushed from Greenaways on Otmoor by an enthusiastic Marsh Harrier on the 8^th. The early Merlin on the downs presumably continued on from August with a female type bird present at Letcombe Basset on the 3^rd.

 

Patchwork challenge

Patch	Birder	Points	Species	Highlight	Target	Percentage of target
Aston eyot	Ben Sheldon	58	56		90	64.44
Blenheim	Gareth Casburn	127	113		100	127.00
Dix pit	Simon Bradfield	114	91		75	152.00
Grimsbury reservoir	Gareth Blockley	118	107		130	90.77
Lye valley	Tom Bedford	90	83		80	112.50
River Thames	Geoff Wyatt	154	131		122	126.23
Sutton courtenay	Conor MacKenzie	152	127		140	108.57
East challow	Mark Merritt	84	80		83	101.20
Freeland	Glen Pascoe	86	78		80	107.50

Great white Egret Otmoor rspb courtesy of Mark Chivers.