Ardley: Ardley Field Quarry: 9th April

Ardley: Ardley Field Quarry
2 Little Ringed Plover 20:50.

John Gough

Sarsgrove: 9th April

Sarsgrove
2 Swallow 16:00.
Marsh Tit: Very active - down in the wood by Sars Brook. 16:00.
Chiffchaff 16:00.

Steve Akers

Farmoor Reservoir 9th April

0730-1230hrs

Sedge Warbler 3

Common Whitethroat 3

Willow Warbler 4

Cetti's Warbler 4

Blackcaps/Chiffchaffs everywhere

Yellow Wagtail 1

White Wagtail 2

Swallow 3

Sand Martin 200+

Shelduck 1m  in with the gulls

Eurasian Wigeon 4

Black headed Gull 900+

Farmoor Reservoir: 9th April

9th April

Farmoor Reservoir
Cuckoo: Flew SSW over F2 and appeared to land near the Thames. 13:40.
Shelduck: On F1. 16:00.
7 Swallow: Flew N in small numbers. 16:00.
2 Sand Martin: Flew N. 16:00.
Common Tern: Reported flying N over F1. 14:10.
Yellow Wagtail: Reported at western end of causeway. 16:30.

Jed Cleeter

Port Meadow 9th April

2 Shelduck (per Ben Carpenter)

Tuesday 8th April

Male marsh harrier flew high east

Peregrine

1 oystercatcher

2 shelduck

4 House Martin

2 swallow

3 GWE

1 Yellow Wagtail 

(per Thomas Miller)

Farmoor Reservoir: 9th April

Farmoor Reservoir
4 House Martin 13:07.
Whitethroat 13:07.
Garden Warbler 13:07.
Sedge Warbler 13:07.
Reed Warbler 13:07.
5 Willow Warbler 13:07.
2 Cetti's Warbler 13:07.

Richard Parsons

Chipping Norton: 9th April

Chipping Norton
2 House Martin: FOY over Swailsford Bridge wetland Cornwell. 10:00.
2 Swallow 10:00.

Steve Akers

Standlake Pit 60: 9th April

Standlake Pit 60
Common Sandpiper: Also Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Marsh Harrier. 08:00.

Stephen Burch

Grimsbury Reservoir 9th April

Little-ringed Plover 2

Yellow Wagtail 2

Peregrine 

(per Kevin Heath)

Bicester Wetlands Reserve 9th April

Female type Black Redstart in hedge close to car park feeders / large willow c08:30 but no sign c10:30 (C.O)

(per John Friendship-Taylor)

Key holder reserve 

Seven Barrows: 8th April

Seven Barrows
Redstart: fem. Fly catching from fence line North of Seven Barrows. 16:29.

Jed Cleeter

Goosey: 8th April

Goosey
Swallow: On wires early am. 07:15.

Jed Cleeter

Yellow Wagtail 
Farmoor Reservoir 
Courtesy of Bryan Manston 

 

Chipping Norton: 8th April

Chipping Norton
Barn Owl: At Swailsford Bridge wetland, Cornwell. SP284265. 19:40.
Sparrowhawk: ad fem. Came through fast and low over the fast flowing section of the diverted Chipping Norton Brook. SP284265. 19:40.
Green Sandpiper: On the wetland. SP284265. 19:40.
13 Pied Wagtail: SP284265. 19:40.

Steve Akers

Devil's Punchbowl: 8th April

8th April

Devil's Punchbowl
Wheatear: Seen flitting around the boundary fence at the northern edge of the Punchbowl. 12:15.
Raven 11:30.

Oliver Hedley

Chipping Norton: 8th April

Chipping Norton
2 Raven: Flying over Cornwell Marsh. SP283268. 13:00.
4 Teal: SP283268. 13:00.
Snipe: Heard from marsh. SP283268. 13:00.
2 Reed Bunting: ad male. SP283268. 13:00.
Green Sandpiper: Single bird on Swailsford Bridge Wetland Cornwell. 12:20.
2 Blackcap 12:20.
2 Long-tailed Tit 12:20.

Steve Akers

Chipping Norton: 8th April

Chipping Norton
Green Sandpiper: Single bird on Swailsford Bridge Wetland Cornwell. 12:20.
2 Blackcap 12:20.
2 Long-tailed Tit 12:20.

Steve Akers

New Marston: New Marston Meadows: 8th April

New Marston: New Marston Meadows
Great White Egret: Marston Hamms. Flying NNE. 08:15.

Steve Jennings

Farmoor Reservoir: Farmoor II: 7th April

Farmoor Reservoir: Farmoor II
Osprey: Flying east over cafe. 14:00.

David Hughes

Otmoor: RSPB reserve: 7th April

7th April

Otmoor: RSPB reserve
Barn Owl: On Big Otmoor. 06:10.
Redwing 06:55.

Colin Teal

Chipping Norton: 7th April

Chipping Norton
2 Green Sandpiper: Still present on the Swailsford Bridge Wetland nr Cornwell. SP284265. 09:40.
Little Egret: SP284265. 09:40.
2 Blackcap: In full song in the hedgerows. SP284265. 09:40.
3 Chiffchaff: SP284265. 09:40.
Green Woodpecker: SP284265. 09:40.

Steve Akers

Blenheim 7th April

Little egret - c20. Most in stunning breeding plumage.

Cattle egret - c12

Oystercatcher - 2

Snipe - 3

Sand Martin - c50

Farmoor Reservoir: Causeway: 7th April

Farmoor Reservoir: Causeway
2 Yellow Wagtail 19:15.
Common Sandpiper 19:15.

Matthew Lloyd

Ardley: Ardley Field Quarry: 7th April

Ardley: Ardley Field Quarry
Probable 2 Oystercatcher 08:00.

John Gough

Balscote Quarry Reserve 7th April

Possible Water Pipit 17:25-17:57 then flew (per Steve Holliday)

Devils Punchbowl 6th April

Ring Ouzel 2 both males yesterday flew over the northern end at 18:35 (per Wayne Paes)

Above & below courtesy of Wayne Paes 

Abingdon: Peep-o-Day Lane: 7th April

Abingdon: Peep-o-Day Lane
Ruddy Shelduck: In eastern flooded field nearest to Sutton Courtney village. Probably the same bird that frequents the site. 17:40.
3 Shelduck 17:40.
10 Sand Martin: Around gravel works. 17:40.

Oliver Hedley

Farmoor Reservoir 7th April

 0730-1030hrs

Yellow Wagtail 1

Swallow 1

Common Whitethroat 1

Sedge Warbler 1

Willow Warbler 2

Cetti's Warbler 4+

Eurasian Wigeon 6

Gadwall 8

Water Rail 2

Kingfisher 1

Common Buzzard 7

Black headed Gull 160

Little Gull 2 adults - over F1 from at least 1315 and still present at 1600

Farmoor Reservoir 7th April

Little Gull 2 over F1 13:19

Whitethroat 

Sedge Warbler 

Yellow Wagtail eastern side F1 

(per Ewan Urquhart et al)

Yellow Wagtail: Seen along the causeway. 16:27.
Willow Warbler: Singing near to Pinkhill hide. 16:27.

(per Richard Parsons)

March Review

Highlights

Quite often birding can hang on the ones that got away. This is especially true of county birding, where gaps between records are often measured in years, possibly even decades! So a report of a probable Richard’s Pipit from Ardley ERF on the 4th certainly caught the attention of the local birding community. Unfortunately, though, the record came from an area with no general access and with masses of habitat available it became quite clear this was going to be untwitchable even in the event the record was confirmed. An incredibly frustrating situation, particularly for those that regularly watch the nearby pits - a dream patch bird anywhere in the country never mind in Oxon.

Presumably there is a birder working at Ardley ERF, with a report of the long-staying Green-winged Teal also coming from an area of no general access earlier in February. If that birder happens to read this blog, please do get in touch with the details of the record! With a returning bird at Awre over in neighbouring Glos and another within another neighbour's borders, Bucks, it is certainly a tantalising and believable record. The last record of Richard’s Pipit came in Nov 2018, a bird many of us remember fondly, which graced a pony paddock in Blewbury for a few days and only the county’s 2nd record.

Courtesy of Mark Chivers

So, it falls to Farmoor, as it often does, to provide us with the highlight rarity of the month. A pair of Slavonian Grebe found on the morning of the 28th, made even better that both were in full summer finery and looking bound for a remote loch in the highlands! This was our first record since 2023 of a species that occurs every few years and had become somewhat of a glaring omission from my own county list. It is almost poetic that after becoming a bit of a joke between myself and the finder, that he would be the one to call me whilst I was unavailable. Fortunately, for myself and all that went, both birds stayed until at least sunset before departing for some isolated corner of Scotland or Scandinavia!

Slavonian Grebes courtesy of Ewan Urquhart

The other major highlight of the month comes with the changing of the seasons. Following swiftly on the heels of our first Sand Martin, came the springs first Wheatear on the 8th beating Little Ringed Plover for the first time which arrived on the same day as last year on the 9th. With March marching on, the welcome arrival of more spring migrants came thick and fast. Below is a summary of species 2025 arrival dates compared with previous years: 

Port Meadow Little Ringed Plover courtesy of Thomas Miller

 

 

Species	Median (since 2000)	Earliest	2025
Garganey	16th March	6th March (excluding wintering birds)	2nd March
Black-tailed Godwit	27th February	1st January	12th February
Oystercatcher	3rd February	12th January	14th January
Sand Martin	12th March	23rd February	24th February
Little-ringed Plover	14th March	2nd March	9th March
Wheatear	14th March	19th February	8th March
White Wagtail	23rd March	4th March	13th March
Willow Warbler	23rd March	7th March	23rd March
Swallow	22nd March	17th February	13th March
Sedge Warbler	30th March	23rd February	26th March
Whitethroat	6th April	27th March	27th March
House Martin	29th March	8th March	22nd March
Yellow Wagtail	30th March	5th March	30th March
Tree Pipit	7th April	27th March	27th March

 

Waders

The months only scarce wader came in the form of brief flyover Grey Plover at Farmoor on the evening of the 16^th, following on from another record at the site in the same circumstances the previous month. Possibly the same bird going undetected in the wider landscape or just two birds moving through – who knows! With scarcer species thin on the ground in the early part of Spring, an early trio or ‘hill’ of Ruff over on the Oxon Downs at Lollingdon Hill on the 4^th, following on from birds at Banbury earlier in February. All three were present until at least the 8^th, although with an abundance of flooding between the Aston’s and Cholsey they ranged widely in that time. 

The Ruff at Cholsey courtesy of Alan Dawson

The 9^th saw the county’s first Little Ringed Plover arrive back on territory at Peep-o-Day Lane, the same site and date for 2024’s first arrival. The following few days saw Port Meadow, Day’s Lock, Lollingdon Hill and Chinnor Quarry all host new arrivals. Most of these sites saw most of the action with passing birds joining resident pairs across both Peep-o-Day Lane and Port Meadow. By far the highest count came from Peep-o-Day Lane where 10+ were present towards the end of the month, although Port Meadow also hosted five birds on the 21^st. Towards the back end of the month four more sites hosted birds – Ardley ERF, Grimsbury, Farmoor and Widford.

Black-tailed Godwit began their spring movement through the county, although in fairly muted fashion with two sites hosting three records. Port Meadow had a lone bird on the 6^th, which was followed by a another single or possibly the same bird on Otmoor on the 11^th. Port Meadow then saw a pair of stunningly plumaged birds present on the 28^th, although only staying for a short time before departing south. 

Black-tailed Godwits courtesy of Ben Sheldon

Port Meadow continued to be the epicentre of wader action for March with a single Ringed Plover on the 27^th, followed quickly by another four on the 28^th, reduced back down to one on the 29^th. Ardley ERF also hosted a single bird on the 27^th remaining until the 28^th. Dunlin were present on three sites, with Otmoor hosting the most where 12 were here on the 8^th. A far cry from last winter when the mega flock of nearly 600 at Cote had dispersed between Otmoor and Port Meadow by March 2024. Port Meadow also had a couple birds within up to three between the 10^th and 29^th, whilst Farmoor had a pair present on the 19^th. 

Port Meadow Dunlin courtesy of Thomas Miller

Green Sandpiper remained much the same this month, with five sites hosting between 1 – 3 birds. Bicester Wetlands, as it usually does, hosted the most birds with three here on the 22^nd. Chipping Norton, Peep-o-Day Lane and Appleford GPs continued to host birds this month whilst the only new site in March was Pit 60 with one here on the 23^rd.

Port Meadow Green Sandpiper courtesy of Thomas Miller

The wintering Common Sandpiper remained in place at Farmoor although was only recorded from a single day on the 28^th. Another record came from Northern Cross Valley on the 27^th. One of the earlier returning wader species, Redshank brightened up the patches of at least seven sites across the county. Port Meadow proved to be a popular staging ground for birds moving through with up to 15 present throughout the month, birds noisily flying into the site in the morning having roosted somewhere nearby presumably quieter and less disturbed. Peep-o-Day Lane and Lolllingdon Hill both hosted two birds in March, whilst a further four sites hosted lone birds for single day – Days Lock, Pit 60, Balscote Quarry and Bicester Wetlands. 

Port Meadow Redshank courtesy of Thomas Miller

Jack Snipe continued to linger in the county in small numbers before the inevitable departure for the far northern reaches of Europe. Waterstock continued to be a good site for the species with up to four birds here still by the latter part of March (23^rd). Rushy Common and Northmoor also hosted singles on the 4^th and 16^th respectively. Woodcock were still present at six sites this month, the most sites this winter. Most birds were observed leaving day roosts in the early evening, and birds were recorded up until a least the 18^th with Baulking Pit hosted the last reported bird.

Wildfowl etc

Aside from the stunning pair of Slavonian Grebe at Farmoor in the latter part of the month, March had a bunch of rarer Wildfowl to keep locals happy. One of the long-staying Green-winged Teal continued in the north of the county until at least the end of the first week of March. Both Ardley ERF and Clifton had a single record, on the 1^st and 8^th respectively and presumably was the same bird moving between sites, despite both having hosted birds at the same time in February. Evening visits to Farmoor can prove very fruitful at this time of year, not least because of reduction in disturbance. The evening of the 22^nd was no exception when a pair of Brent Goose dropped into roost just before sunset and were gone by sunrise the following day. 

Farmoor Brent Geese courtesy of Jed Cleeter

 

After a good run of Whooper Swan records in the early part of the winter period January – February saw no records and that looked that for another winter. However, a late bird on the 13^th graced the unusual setting of a pony paddock just outside of Charney Bassett, albeit briefly before it departed for somewhere further north overnight. 

 

The Whooper Swan courtesy of Ben Sheldon

The female Ring-necked Duck which has been doing the rounds in the west of the county, returned to pastures familiar at Appleford GP’s – presuming this is the returning female which has been wintering in the county over the last couple years. It was somewhat outshone though by the presence of 2025’s first dapper Garganey pair (not including the wintering bird at Otmoor). This was our earliest ever returning migrant birds, not counting wintering birds, with the median arrival being two weeks later. Possibly the same pair were then at Otmoor on the 8^th remaining here until the 15^th. Bicester Wetlands then hosted a pair from the 21^st until at least the 27^th.

Garganey and Ring-necked Duck courtesy of Jason Coppock

 

The two White-fronted Goose wintering at Otmoor and Pit 60 continued at both sites, although at the former records came until the 15^th and from the latter from the 15^th until the at least the 29^th. Shelduck records were much more widespread in March, as birds moved overland from wintering grounds such as the Severn Estuary where thousands spend the colder months. At least 13 sites hosted the species this month, with Venn Mill and Port Meadow hosting by far the most with six and five on the 1^st and 10^th respectively. Waterstock and Peep-o-Day Lane both hosted a trio of birds during the first two weeks of the month with the remaining nine sites hosting 1-2 birds. Goosander were limited to only five sites this month. Standlake hosted the most with a double-digit count of 11 on the 15^th, although this was across various pits within the complex of pits here. The remaining sites provided 1-2 birds through the latter half of the month, with records coming from expected sites such as Port Meadow, Days Lock and Farmoor. 

White-fronted Goose courtesy of John Workman

Goldeneye records began to dwindle this month as birds began to think about making a move, either to Scandinavia or a quiet loch somewhere in the far north of Scotland. That being said one of our largest counts of the winter came this month with 22 at Dix Pit on the 16^th. All additional records came from the west of the county with connectivity to the premier site of Dix Pit, such as Rushy Common or the LWV pit complex. Also, from the LWV Pit complex came a large count of 37 Red-crested Pochard on the 2^nd, before these birds depart of pastures still unknown to breed.   

Herons, egrets etc

The roving wintering Cattle Egret flock was pinned down to three main sites this month, with all three sites clocking birds on the same giving us a rough estimate of how many individuals are actually involved. Kingston Bagpuize had the most with a minimum of 32 on the 5^th. Just to southeast of here a group of 20 were present at at the favoured haunt of Wytham, also on the 5^th whilst Otmoor had a messily, by comparison that is, seven birds on the same day. With frequent records of single bird on Peep-o-Day Lane and four birds at Days Lock, it seems reasonable to assume that upwards of 60 birds have been present in the county this month. A pretty startling amount when you consider the species status only 10 years ago.

Another species that seemingly goes strength to strength year on year, Great White Egret were on a minimum of 14 sites this month, with a high count of ten birds present at the Otmoor roost on the 8^th. Although I’ve said this before and yet to be proved right, I’d not be surprised if Otmoor had the county’s first breeding record this year! Certainly, since it’s our most similar reserve to the natal site for most of these records – Ham Wall & Shapwick Heath. The 3^rd colour ringed bird of the last few months, AFT, present at Pink Hill through the early part of the month, provided more evidence to that effect – a female ringed in April 2024 on a nest at Ham Wall. Only Appleford (3), Rushy Common (3) and Port Meadow (2) were he only sites that had multiple birds present this month with all over sites hosting singles.

Crane records, away from Otmoor, came from two sites. A trio of birds over Farmoor on the 11^th presumably on route to the former. Whilst a pair were also noted over Wychwood forest on the 9^th and might be the pair that has spent time in the west of the county in recent years. 

Gulls and Terns

The overland migration of Little Gull got well underway this month, providing a cracking highlight for those that managed to get their local water body. The first of these came, inevitably, from Farmoor when an adult put in a brief appearance on the 20^th. This was followed by a group of seven dropping into the reservoir on the evening of the 22^nd, along with two Brent Goose providing the attendees a classic Farmoor spring evening. Dorchester-on-Thames also had two birds on the 22^nd, part of a wider movement of birds right across the country. Thankfully for those not in attendance at Farmoor on the 22^nd, two birds dropped in the following day and linger for most of the 23^rd later joined by a further three birds that evening. Northern Cross Valley got in on the action on the 27^th, followed by the Radley Lakes on the 29^th. Finally, a lone bird then dropped into Farmoor also on the 29^th, rounding off a brilliant moment of birds through the county, with more surely to come in early April. 

Farmoor Little Gull courtesy of Ben Sheldon

Otherwise, it was business as usual for gull species in the county this month. All three sites which have regularly hosted Caspian Gull over the winter period, continued to host birds this month with the usual adult at Ardley, 1^st winter at Port Meadow and 2^nd winter at Farmoor. Whilst the adult Mediterranean Gull continued to frequent the Port Meadow roost between 10^th and 19^th, even joined by a 2^nd on the 13^th. 

Port Meadow Mediterranean Gull courtesy of Thomas Miller

 

Passerines

A Water Pipit present on Farmoor on the 12^th would have proved to be a popular bird had the news been widely shared, but alas news filtered out too late. Interestingly a probable Water/Rock Pipit over Port Meadow on the 10^th provided some interesting context for this later sighting at Farmoor. Even more intriguing is the two probable records calling over Otmoor earlier in the year which were later added to a bunch of possible sightings over the winter from regular watchers here. More forthcoming, however, was the Rock Pipit on the Farmoor causeway on the 14^th and present all the way through to the 19^th and proved to be a remarkably popular bird. 

Farmoor Rock Pipit courtesy of Brian Walker

The 1^st winter male Black Redstart that has wintered at Christchurch Meadow continued to entertain the dwindling numbers of folk checking in from time to time. It remained here until at least the 9^th although given so few checking in, possibly still there later than that. The arrival of the spring equinox though saw more birds move through the county with no fewer than four records from the 21^st – 26^th. Farmoor hosted one between the 21^st -22^nd, whilst Otmoor had one briefly on the 22^nd. Oxfordshire Golf Course also had bird on the 23^rd, followed by a bird at Woodstock on the 26^th interestingly a female- type bird frequenting rooftops in similar circumstances to a record last year – possibly the same bird moving through?

Christchurch Black Redstart courtesy of Brian Walker

The long-staying Siberian Chiffchaff, the non-ringed individual, continued at Port Meadow throughout March. Having extended its stay until at least the very end of the month, it’s not surprising that it began singing and holding a temporary territory, performing extremely well for observers on occasion. 

Siberian Chiffchaff courtesy of Thomas Miller

Recording of Siberian Chiffchaff courtesy of Thomas Miller

Also continuing in their temporary winter home were the popular group of Hawfinch at Hensington Cemetery in Woodstock which, thanks to say some careful seed placement, providing some fantastic viewing opportunities of a typically shy species. Additional records came from other parts of Woodstock earlier in the month and a pair near Begbroke on the 3^rd. 

Woodstoch Hawfinch courtesy of Ewan Urquharty

Given the very poor early spring movement of Wheatear this year, you’d be forgiven for expecting a flood of records following the apparent false start on the 8^th from the Oxon Downs. A fairly early record, beating our first Little Ringed Plover for only the 2^nd time, and coming nearly a week earlier than the median arrival date. We then got no records until the 22^nd where two birds were present at Letcombe Bassett. A sprinkling of records came thereafter mostly from sites on Oxon Downs with only two sites recording birds away from there – Srasgrove on the 27^th and two at Days Lock on the 31^st. Our first White Wagtail records followed hot on the heels of the first Wheatear and thankfully were more widespread and numerous. Days Lock had our first record on the 12^th, with Port Meadow hosting the most with 10+ on the 19^th. A further six sites hosted birds through the month, all the way through until the 29^th.

The first returning Hirundines are always a cause for celebration and for some mark clearly the start of Spring, although with the first brave Sand Martin having already returned the previous month that might feel somewhat premature. A further four sites saw more Sand Martin in early part of March before we got our first Swallow of the year at Farmoor on the 13^th, looking particularly out of sorts battling the biting northeasterly that makes Farmoor unbearable at times even with the sun shining. With it being about 10 days ahead of the median arrival date, the next site to see a returning bird was Port Meadow on the 21^st, much more in line with typical arrival dates. The 21^st also saw our first House Martin record which was more like a week ahead of time, so still early, and came from Grimsbury Reservoir. All three species were recorded regularly thereafter across several sites, although Sand Martin was obviously the most numerous. That being said by the latter end of March sites across Oxon were serenaded once again by the sound of Swallow’s in song flight – an event surely to induce a smile even on the most hardened individual! 

Blenheim Sand Martin courtesy of Gareth Cashburn

The end of the month, saw the arrival of more passerine species with the 23^rd   hearing the first melancholic song of a Willow Warbler, right on cue and coming from Port Meadow, whilst the 29^th saw a fairly substantial fall of birds with singing birds heard all over the county. The 26^th herald the arrival of the first Sedge Warbler, pretty much bang on time and other at Chimney Meadows. The following day heard the first scratchy notes of a Whitethroat, over in Standlake and potentially our earliest ever records, discounting potential historical wintering records. Also bang on time was the county’s first Yellow Wagtail record, coming on the 30th from Farmoor.

And finally, after what has been a fairly poor winter for the species, Brambling records were surprisingly fairly numerous this month. Flocks upwards of 20 birds were present at Sydlings Copse and Swerford throughout March. Baslcote Quarry, which in recent years has become quite a traditional site for late summer plumaged birds continued its form with a nice sum plum male from the 19^th – 29^th. 

Brambling at Sydlings Copse courtesy of Nick Truby

Raptors

An expectedly quieter month for this group, with the highlight been the continuing female Hen Harrier at Otmoor on two dates – 2^nd and 10^th, although given is ability to remain unseen for days at a time it may have been present longer. Also, on the 2^nd was a single Short-eared Owl on Otmoor providing further excitement during the evening roost here. Additional records came from the Oxon Downs with at least one present at several sites and probably relating to multiple birds still wintering here. Appleford also had a single bird still lingering in rough ground nearby in the early part of the month. In what has been a relatively poor winter for Merlin or at least reliable records, two sites had birds this month. The Oxon Downs had at least one stunning male on the 8^th, whilst another male bird was present at Days lock between the 12^th and 22^nd and even observed catching pretty occasionally. 

Merlin courtesy of Jamie Mayall

 

 

Patchwork challenge

Patch	Birder	Points	Species	Highlight
Aston eyot	Ben Sheldon
Ardley ERF	Gareth Casburn	79	76
Dix pit	Simon Bradfield
Grimsbury reservoir	Gareth Blockley	73	71
Lye valley	Tom Bedford	60	59
River Thames	Geoff Wyatt	122	107	Little Gull, Merlin, Short-eared Owl
Sutton Courtenay	Conor MacKenzie	107	96	Ring-necked Duck, Garganey, White Wagtail
Radley GP’s	Ian Elkins	88	84	Little Gull
Freeland	Glen Pascoe	55	53	Barn Owl
South Hinksey	Alex Figueiredo	52	50
Cholsey	Alan Dawson	88	84	Ruff and LRP

Oxon Big Year 2025

With spring kicking off in earnest and birds moving around all over the county, the Oxon Big Year continues to be a source of mixed emotions. Sometimes for those not even directly participating – with previous Big Year attempts seared deep into the memories of those that have done them. March saw a flurry of records of scarcer species which most of us thankfully caught up with, with not too much trouble and good to bank a few species early such as Whooper Swan or Rock Pipit. A few of us even tried our luck at jamming in on the usually epic Common Scoter overland nocturnal migration. Despite several records of flocks over the county, none of us were able to pick any up having probably missed the peak by a day or two.

A couple untwitchable or possible records remain frustrating, particularly species that are unlikely to occur again such as Water Pipit or Spotted Redshank or the possible Richard’s Pipit. But with 9 months left to run these records need to not be dwelled on for too long, no matter how tantalising. A pair of Slavonian Grebe were a very nice consolation prize, particularly for myself with them being a bit of a bogey bird and glaring omission from my own county list. Unfortunately, not all of us were able to connect but that is going to happen from time to time! Having already got to 140+ for the year, and my best year been 174 I feel fairly confident I will beat that - as long as I maintain the same pace. How close any of us will get to 200 however is anyone’s guess, the next 6 weeks should give us a better idea although with such clear weather it seems some migrants are just powering on through without stopping. Fingers crossed for some inclement weather and some storm blown seabirds and waders!

 

Name	Total
Ben Sheldon	141
Thomas Miller	136
Neil Hayward	134
Conor MacKenzie	141

 

Project Peewit

Hi All, a small plea for help with a new initiative called “Project Peewit”. The project has been running for a few years in the North Wessex Downs AONB in Wilts but is extending to the Oxon and Berks areas of the AONB as well as the surrounding region in The Vale of the Whitehorse and West Oxfordshire Districts.

The project is mapping and monitoring any remaining breeding colonies of Lapwing and thus helping to identify key sites and habitats for the species. This will guide future efforts and funding to conserve the species.

If anyone knows of any breeding colonies or historic colonies that may have disappeared in the last five years (in the regions listed above) we would greatly appreciated any records or sightings. If you’re happy to share please get in touch via email or  over the phone 

(westoxfarmlandbirdproject@gmail.com, 07852 245957).

Courtesy of Malcolm Bowey

Book Review

The Radley Lakes Story

Celebrating 20 Years of Environmental Success

Celebrate 20 years since the Save Radley Lakes campaign began with The Radley Lakes Story. This beautifully illustrated 152-page book tells the remarkable tale of how local residents united to protect the Radley Lakes area, transforming it into a thriving hub for wildlife and a tranquil retreat for the community.                                                                                                   

• Foreword by Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England
• Expert insights into the history, wildlife and habitats of Radley Lakes
• Contributions from local historians, ecologists, and environmentalists
• Practical guides for visiting the lakes and understanding their ecological importance
• Includes over 230 beautiful colour illustrations

Priced at £16.99 + £3.00 p&p https://radleylakestrust.org/

Available from Radley village shop Abingdon County Museum The Book Store in Abingdon.