March Review

The Highlights

After a period dominated by visitors from the East, March provided some much-needed variety with several rarities from the West. The standout of these, by orders of magnitude, was a fantastic 2^nd calendar Ring-billed Gull at Port Meadow on the 7^th. Expertly picked out, inevitably by one of the county’s top Larophiles, in amongst the throng of gulls loafing and coming into roost at Port Meadow in the early evening. A surprising record, not least given the decline in national records of this once fairly frequent neartic cousin of the Common Gull, and which are now essentially restricted to returning and familiar adults. New birds then carry some extra significance, particularly in counties like Oxfordshire which have not had a record since 2013. Thankfully, this one was not a one-day wonder restricted to those that could react in the short window between finding and sunset with it being present the following day, at least for a few hours. For the assembled crowd on the 8^th, it performed fairly well with most getting decent views, when on show, until the mid-morning at which point it flew north over the Trout Inn. Any hopes of a return at the evening roost later that day were soon dashed however and with heavy fog the following morning, it was clear that this bird had departed the site if not the county altogether. Despite it only being March, it seems likely that this bird will be a heavy contender for bird of the year for 2026, a proper birders bird and a real gem of a find for the committed patch birder that found it. Interestingly, a 1^st winter bird at Lower Farm GPs just over the border in Berkshire in December might very well relate to the same bird? Hopefully this young individual might have enjoyed its stay in some of the Home Counties enough to see a return in the winter of 26/27.

Above & below courtesy of Thomas Miller

The month was not done there though, with another visitor from across the pond in the form of an American Wigeon. Picked out from photographs just up the road at Otmoor in with its palearctic cousins, any disappointment at dipping the aforementioned Gull at Port Meadow was at least made up by this find also on the 8^th. Like the previous record in 2023, this drake favoured the flood field which is not exactly the most accessible part of the site, but thankfully with patience and timing good views could be attained. Again, as with the previous record, it remained in its favoured area throughout its stay with the last report coming on the 23^rd March. The yanks kept on coming when a Green-winged Teal was also found on the flood field at Otmoor on the 17^th. Despite its downgrading from full species status last year and the recent records, this was nonetheless an excellent find and a welcome addition to the county year list. Unfortunately, given the cryptic nature of these birds, the expanse of habitat availability and plenty of palearctic cousins to hide behind this individual remained a one-day wonder seen only by the finders. 

The American Wigeon courtesy of Gareth Cashburn

  

Waders

The standout of the early wader movements this month was a pair of Avocet found at Otmoor on the 23^rd. Despite looking well suited, these birds were clearly destined for a salt marsh somewhere else in the country, departing the county on the same day. 

 

Avocet coutesy of Pete Roby

The flood field at Otmoor continued to produce some good birds of the non-American kind, with a Grey Plover found here on the 24^th and its plausible this was a wintering individual, something that has become a more frequent occurrence in recent years. Black-tailed Godwit were present at three sites, with Otmoor still hosting a small flock of birds in the early part of the month. This flock peaked at nine on the 17^th and was reduced to just two by the 24^th. Port Meadow also had a couple of birds on the 7^th until the 8^th, possibly birds commuting to and from Otmoor, with a single bird on the 13^th and again on the 21^st. Days Lock also got in on the action with a pair of birds on the new scrapes by the Thames on the 9^th of the month. A Greenshank calling over Otmoor on the 3^rd was probably one of the more surprising records this month, given the early nature of the record. Classically a bird of early – mid April a bird in early March is fairly unusual to say the least. 

Grey Plover coutesy of Thomas Miller

Dunlin continued to be recorded at the three main wader hubs in the county. Up to four birds at Port Meadow until the 10^th and three at Otmoor on the 7^th seem likely to be wintering individuals that have been present on and off throughout the winter. Farmoor however probably saw the first migrating individuals from the 17^th, with singles here also on the 21^st and 26^th followed by three on the 28^th. One of the highlights of early March is the arrival of the year’s first Little Ringed Plover, usually one the first transcontinental migrants to arrive back within the county’s borders. Otmoor was the first site to see one this year, arriving on the 6^th March – the earliest arrival since 2009 and the joint earliest record since the turn of the century. Peep-o-Day Lane was not far behind however, having been the first site for the last few years, with one here on the 7^th. A trickle of birds followed from the 10^th, although the dam truly burst from the middle of the month with at least eight sites recorded birds. The highest count came from Ardley ERF on the 29^th, where five were present across the various lagoons and pits here.

Green Sandpiper were spread across four sites this month, with some clear movements of new birds obvious. Bicester Wetlands hosted a couple at the beginning of the month, rising to five by the 31^st. Sonning GPs and Balscote Quarry were also new sites to host birds on the 15^th and 20^th respectively. Cornwall Marsh continued to host its two wintering individuals, although reports of their presence only came from the latter part of the month. The lone wintering Common Sandpiper was again present at Farmoor although interestingly more sporadic in its appearances, with only four reports throughout the entirety of March. Jack Snipe were reported from two sites this month, with Northmoor recording a single bird on the 8^th and Cornwell Marsh hosting the other on the 26^th and 30^th. Migrating Redshank were confined to just one site, a single bird present at Farmoor on 24^th and 25^th. A single Woodcock was reported flying over Port Meadow on the 8^th, a tiny consolation morsel for those that were unfortunately dipping the main highlight of the month!

Wildfowl, game etc

Wildfowl continued to dominate the months highlight reel in March with plenty of top county birds to keep folk busy.  Last month’s Long-tailed Duck relegated to the lower leagues this month, albeit still an excellent record, continued to find Rushy Common to its liking. It remained here from the 1^st until at least the 28^th and received plenty attention from locals and out of county birders alike. With spring upon us and few half-hearted displays to the local Tufted Duck the pull of breeding instinct presumably got this handsome drake finally on the move again.

Courtesy of Debbie Cummins above and Ewan Urquhart below

A trio of Bewick’s Swan also in and around the Otmoor flood field on the 11^th proved the extreme value of this area and the potential it holds, hosting no fewer than three excellent county rarities this month. A species which continues to return to the UK in ever diminishing numbers, records in the county are especially important. These birds were likely heading from wintering grounds at Slimbridge to staging grounds on the East Coast and Oxfordshire is thankfully about halfway, making it the perfect stopover. Clearly the birds were in a hurry though and some quick refuelling and they were gone by the following day, probably overnight. 

courtesy of Roger Wyatt

A juvenile Great Northern Diver was a surprise visitor to Farmoor at the months close. It continued to enjoy the offerings of the concrete bowl, seemingly enjoying the abundance of Crayfish present, until the very end of the month and into April too. It even managed the occasional eerie call, a particularly memorable moment for one birder. The huge White-fronted Goose flock continued at Otmoor until at least the 5^th, with at least 250 present in what has been an unprecedented period for this species. Numbers dwindled as the month went on with as few as 16 present by the 11^th. Coleshill Park was the only other site to report the species this month where 14 were recorded on the 5^th. 

courtesy of Ewan Urquhart

 

The Ruddy Shelduck continued its tour of the county’s top birding sites this month, with Otmoor the next site to host the wandering male on the 3^rd. By the 4^th it had moved onto Blenheim with some excellent shots taken of this rather impressive looking bird. It seemingly returned to Otmoor later that day and was again reported here on the 11^th. The first Garganey of the year arrived on the 11^th, a fairly standard date over the last decade or so. A pair on Port Meadow remained on the site for a brief period before departing to somewhere with less foot traffic. Another drake was found at Days Lock on the 28^th and despite it being flighty it was still present on the 29^th. 

Ruddy Shelduck courtesy of Gareth Cashburn

The female Scaup continued its winter holiday at Farmoor, even as numbers of Tufted Duck began to dwindle. With the numbers reduced it was occasionally all on its tod but showing excellently near the causeway. It remained on site until the end of the month and into the early part of April. Some nocturnal flights calls of Common Scoter over Central Oxford on the 31^st was part of a larger movement of birds stretching from Oxon to Yorkshire hundreds of birds move between the west and east coasts.  

Greater Scaup courtesy of Nicky Truby

 

Shelduck were present on at least seven sites this month, with at least some of these records relating to birds appearing to be paired. The highest count came from Port Meadow with a maximum of 10 on the 8^th, with five birds still here by the 31^st. Hatford also had a decent count with a maximum of nine on the 15^th. The remaining five sites had mostly pairs, with only Days Lock hosting more, where three present in the latter half of the month. 

Shelduck courtesy of Russell Allen

Goldeneye were a little more widespread this month with four sites hosting birds. Dix Pit returned to its status as the premier site for the species, with 13 here on 1^st. Grimsbury Reservoir hosted a pair of birds for a few days early in the month, whilst Farmoor also had a pair for an extended period in the latter half of the month. Rushy Common was the final site with a minimum of five birds on the 26^th. Goosander were only on two sites in March, with most breeding birds moving further north. Blenheim had a single bird on the 4^th, whilst Port Meadow still had up to five birds up until the 14^th.

Red-crested Pochard were at two sites this month, with Henley Road GPs not one of the typical sites that host birds. Four were here on the 2^nd whilst Blenheim had a pair of birds from the 4^th until the 23^rd at least. Mandarin were on three sites, Cornwell Marsh, Bletchingdon and Henley Road GPs. 

Courtesy of Mark Chivers

 

 

Herons, egrets etc

The trio of Glossy Ibis continued to find Otmoor to their liking and with the onset of spring it will be interesting to see if they get caught up with any of the breeding behaviour of the various herons in and around the site. All three remained here until the end of the month. Cattle Egret remained diminished but were a little more widespread this month. Newbridge had five in the early part of the month, as did Days Lock albeit later in the month. Wytham, Farmoor and Blenheim were the remaining sites hosting birds. The colony at the latter site looks to be very active again with all three species of Egret present! 

Above Cattle & below Great White Egret, courtesy of Gareth Cashburn

Great White Egret were on a minimum of seven sites this month. Otmoor recorded the highest count with at least five here on the 7^th, including at least one bird from the Shapwick Heath cohort. Port Meadow was not far behind with four birds on the 10^th, with the remaining sites hosting mostly singles and pairs. The returning Crane continued to their usual early breeding habits for exploring the wider Otmoor basin and the surrounding landscape. Both were seen over the A40 on the 15^th and again over Marsh Baldon on the 20^th. It will be interesting to see if any birds return to Chimney Meadows again this year or if another pair will join the pair at Otmoor.

Otmoor Bitterns are booming! Courtesy of Di Stone

Gulls and Terns

After the seriously good gull at the beginning of the month, almost all other records seem irrelevant by comparison, but some interesting action happened nonetheless. A 2^nd calendar Little Gull frequented Port Meadow for much of the first half of the month been present from the 1^st until at least the 10^th. Presumably the same bird was then later found on Farmoor on the 23^rd, loafing on both F1 and F2 for much of the day. 

Little Gull courtesy of Gareth Cashburn

Caspian Gull were present on two of the usual sites this month, whilst a colour-ringed individual at another site provided some additional interest. Port Meadow had at least two different individuals from the 1^st to the 13^th, whilst Blenheim had its usual 2^nd winter bird on the 12^th. A colour ringed bird on Days Lock which was ringed as a nestling on De Kreupel island in the Netherlands in May 2025. Interestingly this individual was seen on the Ogmore Estuary in South Wales early in March. 

The ringed Caspian Gull courtesy of Geoff Wyatt

Mediterranean Gull were present on just two sites but involved a minimum of three individuals across them. Two adults were on Port Meadow on the 8^th, whilst a 2^nd winter was here the following day. Farmoor also had an adult on the 23^rd, presumably one of the Port Meadow birds, which was then joined by a 2CY bird.  

Mediterranean Gull courtesy of Dave Lowe

 

Passerines

Ring Ouzel are always very popular birds in the county, even though multiple annual records are expected, it’s one of those species folk tend to the make the effort for. So a pair of males on the 28^th need Lark Hill proved no exception, with many folk making the pilgrimage to downs in search of some northern bound migrants. Both remained here until at least the following day, whilst belated news came of another bird on the Downs earlier in the month. The first Rock Pipit of the year were at Farmoor on the 9^th, although unlike most other records these ones did not hang about much at all. 

Ring Ouzel courtesy of Jed Cleeter

The stunning male Black Redstart continued on at Christchurch Meadows throughout the month having now been present since early November. Presumably it will eventually depart the site other the next week or so having delighted so many birders during the bleak winter months. 

courtesy of Luke O'Byrne

Early March heralded the arrival of our first Hirundines with the first Sand Martin, a fairly sizeable flock of 11 on the 3^rd looking somewhat out of place in the gloom of Farmoor. A pretty early date compared with the last 20 years, although positively late in comparison with 2024 and 2025. Singles followed at Radley GPs and Cornwall Marsh the following day, whilst a party of four were at Blenheim on the 5^th. From the 7^th a trickle of small flocks continued to move through the county with at least five sites reporting birds. This is all culminated in at least a 100 strong flock at Farmoor on the 25^th. 

Sand Martin courtesy of Gareth Cashburn

Following not far behind was our joint 2^nd earliest Wheatear, arriving at Grimsbury on the 8^th, the same date as last year. So early was this individual that the next record was not recorded until a week later with a single at Ipsden on the 15^th, whilst Port Meadow was the next site with a bird on the 18^th. The Oxon Downs had a decent fall of birds at some point in the latter part of the month, with six at Devils Punchbowl at one end and at least seven on the Aston Upthorpe Downs. The first Willow Warbler of the year  was heard singing at Farmoor on the 15^th, another joint record, although this has arrival date has occurred several times in recent years. Further birds didn’t appear until nearly 2 weeks later with birds at a further four sites from the 26^th onwards. 

courtesy of Edwin Barson

White Wagtail were confined to Port Meadow, a classic site for this continental subspecies,  with the first bird back here on 16^th and still present the following day. The first Swallow arrived back within a few days of the median arrival date over the least decade, a single individual at Days Lock on the 20^th. Consecutive days of singles at Radley GPs and Grimsbury followed, with at least six sites reporting birds from the 24^th. Farmoor had the largest count, with small flock of five here on the 25^th. The seasons first Sedge Warbler was not far behind with a bird holding territory on Otmoor from the 24^th and was still here on the 29^th.

The latter part of the month saw further arrivals, our first House Martin joined a small contingent of other Hirundines at Grimsbury Reservoir on the 27^th. Small numbers followed at Farmoor with a minimum of scene here on the 29^th. A stunning male Redstart at Aston Upthorpe was our final migrant arrival of the month, present from at least the 29^th it was one our earliest arrivals for the species. It remained here until the end of the month with a steady trickle of admirers throughout its stay.

For those interested in migrant arrival dates the table below has some of the species that have already arrived this year and comparisons with previous years. Also of interest was a recent paper titled Changes in arrival dates and relative abundance of migratory warblers at a long-term ringing site in the BTO Ringing and Migration Journal. Some interesting results, particularly on such a granular site level, and poses some interesting questions on the reasons for these long-term local and national changes. A link to the Abstract can be found here for those not subscribed - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03078698.2025.2587895

Species	Median (since 2000)	Earliest	2025
Garganey	16th March	2nd March	11th March
Oystercatcher	15th February	12th January	12th January
Sand Martin	12th March	23rd February	3rd March
Wheatear	15th March	19th February	8th March
White Wagtail	24th March	4th March	16th March
Willow Warbler	23rd March	7th March	15th March
Osprey	31st March	10th March	10th March
Swallow	22nd March	17th February	20th March
Sedge Warbler	4th April	23rd February	24th March
House Martin	29th March	8th March	27th March
Redstart	6th April	19th March	29th March
Greenshank	6th April	28th January	3rd March
Ring Ouzel	31st March	15th March	28th March

 

Raptors

March was an excellent month for Osprey records, with at least four individuals noted and one bird lingering for an extended stay. The first of these came in its usual form, a flyover record, from Kirtlington on the 10^th. Indeed, this was our earliest record since 2000 and potentially ever, something that continues to observed in many of our sub-Saharan migratory species. The next bird flew over Otmoor on the 20^th, followed by another at Farmoor on the 24^th which was potentially seen later at Otmoor that same day. Farmoor had another record on the 25^th, potentially the previous days individual, which proceeded to catch a sizeable trout and attempt to eat it on the main footpath of all places! Mobbing ensued with the bird departing the site not long after. Lye Valley then got in the action with a bird circling this urban site on the 26^th. A cracking record for a small urban patch - shows whats possible with persistence and commitment to one small site. Finally Farmoor saw yet more action, with a bird seen multiple times on the 28^th. Seemingly this bird found the area and the site to its liking, seen again multiple times at Farmoor until the end of the month. Additional sightings came from further sites in early April. Whether this was young bird territory prospecting or just a lingering bird remains to be seen, but with breeding birds as close as Northampton breeding birds may very well be in the county’s future! One thing for certain before that happens though, they are going to need a better nesting platform than the one currently on offer! 

courtesy of Ewan Urquhart

 

Little Owl South Oxon courtesy of Pete King

After a quiet period for the species, a couple of Hen Harrier records were very welcome. A ringtail at Otmoor on the 9^th and 14^thwas a fairly typical location and sighting, and it’s possible the bird has been here much of the winter (?). Another ringtail, or even the same bird, was at Pit 60 on the 18^th, an excellent record for the site with it not subsequently seen or reported later in the month. Merlin were also on two sites, first at Otmoor on 16^th and then at Farmoor on 25^th, the latter record been particularly notable for that site!

Ring-tailed Hen Harrier courtesy of Debbie Cummins

 

Patchwork challenge

Patch	Birder	Points	Species	Highlight
Grimsbury reservoir	Gareth Blockley	87	83
Lye valley	Tom Bedford	74	70	Osprey & Sand Martin + Common Gull
River Thames	Geoff Wyatt	127	100	Merlin, Marsh Harrier, Caspian Gull, Shelduck, White-fronted Geese.
Blewbury Chalkpit	Conor MacKenzie	84	76	Hen Harrier
Radley GP’s	Ian Elkins	87	83	Cattle Egret
Port Meadow	Thomas Miller	125	100	Ring-billed Gull -  self-found

Great crested Grebe Otmoor RSPB courtesy of Paul Torevell

RSPB Otmoor Dawn Chorus Walks

Join us this May as the sun rises over Otmoor and immerse yourself in the full symphony of the dawn chorus. Our leisurely guided walk is perfect for the enthusiast wanting to learn more about native and migratory bird song and identification.

 

For more information and tickets see RSPB events:

 

Saturday 2 May: https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/159464 

 

Saturday 9 May: https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/159467