Worton
Barn Owl 08:22.
Nick Suckling
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For questions you can contact Adam at: adamchartley "at" gmail "dot" com or Jason at: jasoncppk "at" yahoo "dot" co "dot" uk
Saturday 29 February 2020
Dix Pit: 29th February
Smew: juv. Redhead remains despite a mass clear out of ducks. 14:34.
3 Scaup: The long staying trio
Mick Cunningham
3 Scaup: The long staying trio
Mick Cunningham
Over Norton: Over Norton Park: 28th February
Over Norton: Over Norton Park
Barn Owl: Hunting at dusk. 17:35.
Steve Akers
Barn Owl: Hunting at dusk. 17:35.
Steve Akers
Otmoor: 29th February
Otmoor
3 Ruff: On Big Otmoor.
2 Redshank: On Big Otmoor.
3 Oystercatcher: On Big Otmoor.
2 Shelduck: On Ashgrave.
50 Pintail: On Big Otmoor.
Sparrowhawk: At first screen.
2 Common Gull: ad. Over Greenaways.
Kingfisher: On Greenaways.
Stonechat: male. On Greenaways.
Ian Elkins
3 Ruff: On Big Otmoor.
2 Redshank: On Big Otmoor.
3 Oystercatcher: On Big Otmoor.
2 Shelduck: On Ashgrave.
50 Pintail: On Big Otmoor.
Sparrowhawk: At first screen.
2 Common Gull: ad. Over Greenaways.
Kingfisher: On Greenaways.
Stonechat: male. On Greenaways.
Ian Elkins
New Marston: New Marston Meadows: 29th February
New Marston: New Marston Meadows
58 Snipe
Kingfisher
Marsh Tit
Reed Bunting: In song - first returning bird after winter absence.
44 Teal
16 Wigeon
4 Ring-necked Parakeet: 2m, 2f.
Tom Evans
58 Snipe
Kingfisher
Marsh Tit
Reed Bunting: In song - first returning bird after winter absence.
44 Teal
16 Wigeon
4 Ring-necked Parakeet: 2m, 2f.
Tom Evans
Ardley
1 Green Sandpiper on lake edge in front of re-cycling plant
On smaller gravel pit lake opposite:
1 Cormorant
11 Tufted Duck
Alan Peters
On smaller gravel pit lake opposite:
1 Cormorant
11 Tufted Duck
Alan Peters
Farmoor 29th February
0830-0915hrs
Barn Owl 2
Kingfisher 1m
Water Rail 1
Eurasian Sparrowhawk 1m
Green Woodpecker 2
Cetti's Warbler 1
Common Goldeneye 9
Gadwall 5
Barn Owl 2
Kingfisher 1m
Water Rail 1
Eurasian Sparrowhawk 1m
Green Woodpecker 2
Cetti's Warbler 1
Common Goldeneye 9
Gadwall 5
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake: 29th February
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake
Red-crested Pochard: male. South of the Grand Bridge with Tufties.
3 Great White Egret: 2 close to Rosamund's Well, 1 on the cleared marsh near the Seven Arches.
Bob Pomfret
Red-crested Pochard: male. South of the Grand Bridge with Tufties.
3 Great White Egret: 2 close to Rosamund's Well, 1 on the cleared marsh near the Seven Arches.
Bob Pomfret
Thursday 27 February 2020
Pinkhill: 27 February
Barnacle Goose - flock of c. 27 over the res. Any chance these could be non-feral birds?
Barn Owl - 1 showing on & off between about 14:00 and 15:00.
Part of the flock of Barnacle Geese (c) Stephen Burch
Barn Owl with prey (c) Stephen Burch
For another Barn Owl photo and other pics, why not take a look at my current Oxon web site page?
Shillingford 27th February
Whooper Swan 2 (ad) at Warborough Green in flooded field at 14:25 (per RBA).
Dix Pit 27th February
1340-1445hrs
Smew 1f
Greater Scaup 3 2m/1f
Common Goldeneye 13
Egyptian Goose 3
Common Gull 5
Smew 1f
Greater Scaup 3 2m/1f
Common Goldeneye 13
Egyptian Goose 3
Common Gull 5
Yarnton Mead: 27th February
Yarnton Mead
2 Curlew 11:53.
20 Barnacle Goose: Feral. 11:53.
2 Stonechat: pair. 11:53.
Derek Evans
2 Curlew 11:53.
20 Barnacle Goose: Feral. 11:53.
2 Stonechat: pair. 11:53.
Derek Evans
Wednesday 26 February 2020
Waterstock: 26th February
Waterstock
Curlew: A very vocal individual on the flooded water meadows next to the River Thame. 15:10.
David Brown
Curlew: A very vocal individual on the flooded water meadows next to the River Thame. 15:10.
David Brown
Otmoor. 26th. February.
4. Stonechat.
3.Marsh Harrier.
Peregrine.
2. Merlin. (seen flying together).
Hen Harrier.
Barn Owl.
Woodcock.
10. Redshank.
Chiffchaff
Per. R.L. J.D. P.R. L. O'B T.S.
Tuesday 25 February 2020
Old Shifford 25th February
Tuesday 25th 14.00 hrs
5 Whooper swans still in field just near outside Cote on way to Old Shifford. Sitting right at back amongst several Mute swans (circa 20-30)Monday 24 February 2020
Old Shifford 24th February
Whooper Swan 5 (all adults) still in field beside minor road between Old Shifford & Cote (per RBA).
Sunday 23 February 2020
Port Meadow: 23rd February
Port Meadow
6 Shelduck
4 Goosander
Pintail
7 Dunlin
2 Oystercatcher
Also, lots of Common Gulls in the roost
Adam Hartley & Thomas Miller
6 Shelduck
4 Goosander
Pintail
7 Dunlin
2 Oystercatcher
Also, lots of Common Gulls in the roost
Adam Hartley & Thomas Miller
Radley GP: 23rd February
Radley GP
Barn Owl: Hunting at dusk.
Little Egret: In evening roost.
57 Cormorant: In evening roost.
Ian Elkins
Barn Owl: Hunting at dusk.
Little Egret: In evening roost.
57 Cormorant: In evening roost.
Ian Elkins
Blenheim: Combe Gate: 23rd February
Blenheim: Combe Gate
2 Marsh Tit: Pair displaying? 17:43.
David Watkinson
2 Marsh Tit: Pair displaying? 17:43.
David Watkinson
Dix Pit: 23rd February
23rd February
Dix Pit
3 Scaup: 2 males, 1 fem.
59 Shoveler
2 Egyptian Goose
Cote
5 Whooper Swan: ad. Still in field by minor road from Cote to Old Shifford. 11:30.
Ian Elkins
Dix Pit
3 Scaup: 2 males, 1 fem.
59 Shoveler
2 Egyptian Goose
Cote
5 Whooper Swan: ad. Still in field by minor road from Cote to Old Shifford. 11:30.
Ian Elkins
Grove: Grove to Denchworth road: 23rd February
Grove: Grove to Denchworth road
Peregrine 10:14.
Mark Merritt
Peregrine 10:14.
Mark Merritt
Saturday 22 February 2020
Benson 22nd February
Whooper Swan 2 with single Mute Swan 2/3ml NE of Benson in kale field at 12:40 (per Alan Dawson).
Dix Pit: 22nd February
Dix Pit
Smew: Red head still by island. 15:15.
3 Scaup: Still distant with tuffty. 15:15.
Luke Marriner
Smew: Red head still by island. 15:15.
3 Scaup: Still distant with tuffty. 15:15.
Luke Marriner
Friday 21 February 2020
Thursday 20 February 2020
Pit 60 Standlake 20th February
No access to Langley Lane hide due to flooding (water levels are very high).
Letcombe Bassett 20th February
Parsonage Hill, Letcombe Bassett
Hen Harrier: ringtail. Flew across heading west at 9:00. SU375835. 12:32.
Brian Walker
Hen Harrier: ringtail. Flew across heading west at 9:00. SU375835. 12:32.
Brian Walker
Standlake Pit 10 20th February
Oystercatcher 2
Red-crested Pochard 30
Goldeneye 3
Egyptian Goose 2
Chiffchaff 4 (2 singing)
Wednesday 19 February 2020
Port Meadow: 19th February
Port Meadow
3 Caspian Gull: 1w. 22:04.
Yellow-legged Gull: 2w. 22:04.
Thomas Miller
3 Caspian Gull: 1w. 22:04.
Yellow-legged Gull: 2w. 22:04.
Thomas Miller
Oxford: 18th February
2 peregrines flying low over Magdalen school (the plain) in the late afternoon. Heading towards Magdalen college/city centre.
Tom Pizzari
Tom Pizzari
Tuesday 18 February 2020
: 18th February
Salford
2 Raven: pair. First bird flew through over the brook in tumbling flight, followed closely by second bird. SP285283. 11:00.
Salford
Sparrowhawk: ad fem. SP285283. 11:00.
Salford
Goldcrest: SP285283. 11:00.
Salford
Probable Grey Wagtail: Heard only. SP285283. 11:00.
Salford
30 Fieldfare: SP285283. 11:00.
Steve Akers
2 Raven: pair. First bird flew through over the brook in tumbling flight, followed closely by second bird. SP285283. 11:00.
Salford
Sparrowhawk: ad fem. SP285283. 11:00.
Salford
Goldcrest: SP285283. 11:00.
Salford
Probable Grey Wagtail: Heard only. SP285283. 11:00.
Salford
30 Fieldfare: SP285283. 11:00.
Steve Akers
Otmoor: 18th February
Hen Harrier: fem. 14:53.
4 Dunlin 14:53.
Redshank 14:53.
12 Pintail 14:53.
2 Stonechat 14:53.
William Lester
4 Dunlin 14:53.
Redshank 14:53.
12 Pintail 14:53.
2 Stonechat 14:53.
William Lester
Farmoor 17th February
3 Barn Owls out hunting near Pinkhill Lock.
First bird appeared at 1335 and one was markedly more orange than the other two
Monday 17 February 2020
Oxford 17th February
Magdalen bridge 9am: 2 Goosanders (1 m, 1 rh), 1 cormorant fishing in the river.
Tom Pizzari
Tom Pizzari
Sunday 16 February 2020
Benson 16th February
Whooper Swan 2 still in kale field 3/3ml NE of Benson 16:38 SU.629.927 (per RBA).
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake: 16th February
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake
2 Great White Egret: Near Bladon gate. 11:00.
Raven 11:00.
Simon Myers
2 Great White Egret: Near Bladon gate. 11:00.
Raven 11:00.
Simon Myers
Farmoor Reservoir (Shrike Meadow) 16th February
For anyone planning to visit the Shrike Meadow hide this month and to save a wasted journey there will be conservation work taking place there by The Friends of Farmoor on the following dates and times. This will inevitably cause some disturbance.
21st February 0900 -1300 hrs
22nd February 0930 -1230 hrs
28th February 0900 -1300 hrs
Dix Pit: 16th February
16th February
Dix Pit
3 Scaup: adult male, imm. male and adult female.
10 Goldeneye: including two displaying males.
Cote
5 Whooper Swan: ad. from minor road between Cote and Old Shifford. 12:00.
Ian Elkins
Dix Pit
3 Scaup: adult male, imm. male and adult female.
10 Goldeneye: including two displaying males.
Cote
5 Whooper Swan: ad. from minor road between Cote and Old Shifford. 12:00.
Ian Elkins
Saturday 15 February 2020
New Marston: New Marston Meadows: 15th February
New Marston: New Marston Meadows
Woodcock
Ring-necked Parakeet
58 Teal
8 Wigeon
Tom Evans
Woodcock
Ring-necked Parakeet
58 Teal
8 Wigeon
Tom Evans
Bicester Wetland Reserve 15th February
42 Gadwall very good count for BWR
170+ Teal
2 Shoveler
1 Little Egret
3 Heron
1 Grey Wagtail
Key Holder Reserve
Alan Peters
170+ Teal
2 Shoveler
1 Little Egret
3 Heron
1 Grey Wagtail
Key Holder Reserve
Alan Peters
Friday 14 February 2020
Otmoor: RSPB reserve: 14th February
Otmoor: RSPB reserve
45 Species recorded today
2 Marsh Harrier
1 Merlin
1 Curlew
1 Barn Owl
1000's of Lapwing & Golden Plover
4 Dunlin
12:32 (per Ian Sherriffs)
45 Species recorded today
2 Marsh Harrier
1 Merlin
1 Curlew
1 Barn Owl
1000's of Lapwing & Golden Plover
4 Dunlin
12:32 (per Ian Sherriffs)
Thursday 13 February 2020
Dix Pit, Old Shifford, Cote and Standlake Pit 60
Very quick visits to first three sites. Last 90 mins daylight Pit 60
Dix
Heron chicks in two nests. Two chicks repeatedly stabbing each other in head in turn. Unsure if sibling rivalry or each was expecting the other to regurgitate food! Also what looked like a cormorant chick in a Cormorant nest.
Looks like a lot of duck cleared out from here. Didn't see smew, garganey or scaup or even a pintail (could've missed them).
Old Shifford
The 5 Whooper Swans still with Mutes on minor road towards Cote.
Cote
Only 1 golden plover with 100s of Lapwings.
Pit 60
Duck numbers down here too, though still quite a few pintail. The two chiffchaffs remain, one near Shifford footbridge other around North Hide.
Dix
Heron chicks in two nests. Two chicks repeatedly stabbing each other in head in turn. Unsure if sibling rivalry or each was expecting the other to regurgitate food! Also what looked like a cormorant chick in a Cormorant nest.
Looks like a lot of duck cleared out from here. Didn't see smew, garganey or scaup or even a pintail (could've missed them).
Old Shifford
The 5 Whooper Swans still with Mutes on minor road towards Cote.
Cote
Only 1 golden plover with 100s of Lapwings.
Pit 60
Duck numbers down here too, though still quite a few pintail. The two chiffchaffs remain, one near Shifford footbridge other around North Hide.
Bicester Wetland Reserve 13th Febuary
1 Green Sandpiper at Cattle Bridge Pool, one has been around all winter but can be allusive.
1 Stonechat on fence posts on route to Cattle Bridge Pool
115 Teal
19 Gadwall
1 Shoveler
8 Moorhen
key Holder reserve
Alan Peters
1 Stonechat on fence posts on route to Cattle Bridge Pool
115 Teal
19 Gadwall
1 Shoveler
8 Moorhen
key Holder reserve
Alan Peters
Otmoor rspb 13th February
Hen Harrier ringtail over Greenaways a.m
Barn Owl 2
Raven
(per Dave Doherty)
Wednesday 12 February 2020
Port Meadow: 12th February
Old Shifford 12th February
Whooper Swans 5 all adults in field with 30 Mute Swans beside minor road between Old Shifford and Cote at 12:00 (per Jim Hutchins).
Tuesday 11 February 2020
Standlake Pit 60: 11th February
Standlake Pit 60
Great White Egret: Very brief visit from me. Still plenty of ducks including pintail goldeneye goosander pochard. 20:48.
Mick Cunningham
Great White Egret: Very brief visit from me. Still plenty of ducks including pintail goldeneye goosander pochard. 20:48.
Mick Cunningham
Old Shifford 11th February
Whooper Swans 5 all adults in field with 30 Mute Swans beside minor road between Old Shifford and Cote at 11:30 then flew West.
Monday 10 February 2020
Port Meadow: 10th February
1w Caspian gull. Marginal bird, probably with some herring genes from the western end of the range.
Mucky underwing
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake: 10th February
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake
2 Great White Egret
7 Little Egret
36 Grey Heron: At least six occupied nests on island, although at least one nesting tree downed by Storm Ciara.
142 Gadwall
104 Tufted Duck
Kingfisher
Bob Pomfret
2 Great White Egret
7 Little Egret
36 Grey Heron: At least six occupied nests on island, although at least one nesting tree downed by Storm Ciara.
142 Gadwall
104 Tufted Duck
Kingfisher
Bob Pomfret
Old Shifford 10th February
Whooper Swan 5 (all adults) in field between Old Shifford and Cote off minor road 15:00
Peregrine
Peregrine
Sunday 9 February 2020
New Marston: New Marston Meadows: 9th February
New Marston: New Marston Meadows
40 Pied Wagtail: Approx count. Unusually large feeding aggregation. On flooded field.
2 Goosander: 1 m 1f. Near Marston Ferry Road bridge. Also 2 otters nearby, showing well at around 11 am, my third encounter at the meadows in about a month.
Tom Evans
40 Pied Wagtail: Approx count. Unusually large feeding aggregation. On flooded field.
2 Goosander: 1 m 1f. Near Marston Ferry Road bridge. Also 2 otters nearby, showing well at around 11 am, my third encounter at the meadows in about a month.
Tom Evans
Dix Pit: 9th February
Dix Pit
3 Scaup: ad female, ad drk and imm. drk.
7 Red-crested Pochard: 4 drakes; 3 fem.
4 Little Egret
Ian Elkins
3 Scaup: ad female, ad drk and imm. drk.
7 Red-crested Pochard: 4 drakes; 3 fem.
4 Little Egret
Ian Elkins
Old Shifford 9th February
Whooper Swan 4+ all adults still present in field with Mute Swans off minor road between Old Shifford and Cote 13:21
Saturday 8 February 2020
Buckland: 8th February
Buckland
Marsh Harrier: fem. Spotted just above low tree tops. SU350996. 16:04.
Steve Malin
Marsh Harrier: fem. Spotted just above low tree tops. SU350996. 16:04.
Steve Malin
Old Shifford 8th February
Whooper Swan 5 (ad) in field with 45 Mute Swans from minor road between Old Shifford
Chislehampton: 8th February
Chislehampton
2 Egyptian Goose: 2 on River Thame. SP601003. 13:00.
David Stracey
2 Egyptian Goose: 2 on River Thame. SP601003. 13:00.
David Stracey
Radley GP: 8th February
Radley GP
Peregrine: over late afternoon.
3 Egyptian Goose: came in to roost late evening.
Ian Elkins
Peregrine: over late afternoon.
3 Egyptian Goose: came in to roost late evening.
Ian Elkins
Port Meadow 8th February
Caspian Gull 3w. Arrived at roost shortly before dark. SP493083. 17:20 (per Joe Tobias)
2 Yellow-legged Gull: 2 x 2w.
Oystercatcher: First for year on the Meadow.
Ruff 5
2 Yellow-legged Gull: 2 x 2w.
Oystercatcher: First for year on the Meadow.
Ruff 5
Redshank 2
Shelduck 7
Pintail 6
4 Goosander: 2m 2f.
(per Dave Doherty, Adam Hartley)
New Marston: New Marston Meadows: 8th February
New Marston: New Marston Meadows
2 Goosander: 1m, 1f. Mesopotamia section of Cherwell.
76 Teal
20 Wigeon
6 Red Kite: Wheeling together.
2 Buzzard
Raven
4 Ring-necked Parakeet
Tom Evans
2 Goosander: 1m, 1f. Mesopotamia section of Cherwell.
76 Teal
20 Wigeon
6 Red Kite: Wheeling together.
2 Buzzard
Raven
4 Ring-necked Parakeet
Tom Evans
Benson 8th February
Standlake Pit 60
Great White Egret 2
Marsh Harrier CC
Teal 795
Pintail 56
Wigeon 134
Duck number reducing as water level drops.
Marsh Harrier CC
Teal 795
Pintail 56
Wigeon 134
Duck number reducing as water level drops.
Bicester Wetland reserve 8th Febuary
1 Stonechat (originally found by Colin Oram)
1 Little Egret
90 Teal
18 Gadwall
Key Holder reserve
Alan Peters
1 Little Egret
90 Teal
18 Gadwall
Key Holder reserve
Alan Peters
Friday 7 February 2020
Dix Pit Stanton Harcourt 7th February
Smew redhead near the island 16:00
(per Jim Hutchins).
Garganey still near the Heronry island 12:33 (per Mark Pidgeon).
(per Jim Hutchins).
Garganey still near the Heronry island 12:33 (per Mark Pidgeon).
Weston-on-the-Green 7th February
Hen Harrier (ringtail) this afternoon over Weston Airfield (per Steve Goddard).
Banbury 7th February
Peregrine circling first church tower as you approach Barbary cross on the right 11 am today (per John Pritchard).
Thursday 6 February 2020
Balscote: Balscote Quarry: 6th February
Balscote: Balscote Quarry
Curlew: One on the wetland - the first of the year. 16:50.
Steve Holliday
Curlew: One on the wetland - the first of the year. 16:50.
Steve Holliday
Standlake Pit 60: 6th February
Standlake Pit 60
2 Great White Egret 13:45.
Marsh Harrier: Cream crown Still plenty of Teal, pintail etc. 13:45.
Chiffchaff: In trees next to north hide. 13:45.
Mick Cunningham
2 Great White Egret 13:45.
Marsh Harrier: Cream crown Still plenty of Teal, pintail etc. 13:45.
Chiffchaff: In trees next to north hide. 13:45.
Mick Cunningham
Port Meadow: 6th February
Port Meadow
5 Shelduck 11:14.
2 Pintail: a pair. 11:14.
3 Ruff 11:14.
4 Dunlin 11:14.
Derek Evans
5 Shelduck 11:14.
2 Pintail: a pair. 11:14.
3 Ruff 11:14.
4 Dunlin 11:14.
Derek Evans
Wednesday 5 February 2020
Chinnor February
This Egret has recently been residing in a Chinnor garden and has possibly been in the vicinity
for some time. Through some discussion and online reading, we have it down as a hybrid,
opinions as to the parentage are of course welcomed.
Thanks to Jez March for forwarding the photos and report.
Farmoor Reservoir 5th February
Common Scoter (drake) found by Dai on West Side of F1 14:58 (JT)
Mediterranean Gull (ad) F2. 14:20 (per Dai).
Benson 5th February
Whooper Swan 2 still present in kale field near Benson 11:28 (per Thomas Miller).
Tuesday 4 February 2020
Benson 4th February
2 Whooper Swans again in kale field
still just north of Benson n/w of the B4009 at the Rokemarsh junction, signed for Roke and Berrick Salome this afternoon (per RBA).
No sign this morning.
still just north of Benson n/w of the B4009 at the Rokemarsh junction, signed for Roke and Berrick Salome this afternoon (per RBA).
No sign this morning.
Port Meadow: 4th February
Port Meadow
Caspian Gull: ad. 18:23.
5 Yellow-legged Gull: 2 adults, 3w, 2w, 1w. 18:23.
Thomas Miller
Caspian Gull: ad. 18:23.
5 Yellow-legged Gull: 2 adults, 3w, 2w, 1w. 18:23.
Thomas Miller
Port Meadow: The Perch: 4th February
Port Meadow: The Perch
Redshank: Flew off from river bank opposite Perch but instead of landing further along bank, to my amazement it landed on the water and seemed happy swimming. It even disappeared for a few seconds as though it had dived down before reappearing. After a minute or so it was disturbed by rowers and flew off. Never seen redshank swim before. 15:00.
Port Meadow
3 Shelduck 15:00.
3 Pintail 15:00.
Andrew Siantonas
Redshank: Flew off from river bank opposite Perch but instead of landing further along bank, to my amazement it landed on the water and seemed happy swimming. It even disappeared for a few seconds as though it had dived down before reappearing. After a minute or so it was disturbed by rowers and flew off. Never seen redshank swim before. 15:00.
Port Meadow
3 Shelduck 15:00.
3 Pintail 15:00.
Andrew Siantonas
: 4th February
Chippinghurst
2 Egyptian Goose: Seems to be regular on fields alongside River Thame. SP601004. 11:00.
Stephen Lockey
2 Egyptian Goose: Seems to be regular on fields alongside River Thame. SP601004. 11:00.
Stephen Lockey
Monday 3 February 2020
Chipping Norton: 3rd February
Chipping Norton
Raven: Overflying Cornwell shooting estate. 15:00.
4 Grey Heron 15:00.
2 Mute Swan: pair. Grazing in field near small lake on Cornwell shooting estate. 15:00.
Steve Akers
Raven: Overflying Cornwell shooting estate. 15:00.
4 Grey Heron 15:00.
2 Mute Swan: pair. Grazing in field near small lake on Cornwell shooting estate. 15:00.
Steve Akers
Standlake Pit 60 PM Count Headlines 3rd Feb 2020
PM count highlights today.
The true numbers only become evident when the local Marsh Harrier flushes everything from the reeds/fields onto the open water.
Oystercatcher 1 - first spring migrant
Great White Egret 1
Teal 1921
Pintail 161
Wigeon 236
Shoveler 3
Water Rail - feeding to left of LL hide
Marsh Harrier CC
Peregrine
The true numbers only become evident when the local Marsh Harrier flushes everything from the reeds/fields onto the open water.
Oystercatcher 1 - first spring migrant
Great White Egret 1
Teal 1921
Pintail 161
Wigeon 236
Shoveler 3
Water Rail - feeding to left of LL hide
Marsh Harrier CC
Peregrine
Benson 3rd February
Whooper Swan 2 still just north of Benson n/w of the B4009 at the Rokemarsh junction, signed for Roke and Berrick Salome c16:04
: 3rd February
Salford
2 Raven: pair. In the valley near Greathouse Barn. SP285282. 11:15.
Steve Akers
2 Raven: pair. In the valley near Greathouse Barn. SP285282. 11:15.
Steve Akers
Standlake Common: am 3rd Feb
Pit 60
102 Pintail
13 little egret overhead in one flock
2 Chiffchaff
Peregrine
Pit 28
Raven
Pit 27
Goosander
102 Pintail
13 little egret overhead in one flock
2 Chiffchaff
Peregrine
Pit 28
Raven
Pit 27
Goosander
Dix Pit Stanton Harcourt 3rd February
Smew red head back to west side of the island close to the shore 10:31.
Garganey: 1w male still sticking to heron Island
Caspian Gull 1w.
Scaup: At least 1 seen (Male)
Conor MacKenzie
Garganey: 1w male still sticking to heron Island
Caspian Gull 1w.
Scaup: At least 1 seen (Male)
Conor MacKenzie
Sunday 2 February 2020
Port Meadow: 2nd February
Port Meadow
Caspian Gull: 1w. 18:10.
2 Yellow-legged Gull: ad and 2w. 18:10.
Thomas Miller
More info on the occurrence of Caspian Gulls this winter
on Port Meadow here
Caspian Gull: 1w. 18:10.
2 Yellow-legged Gull: ad and 2w. 18:10.
Thomas Miller
More info on the occurrence of Caspian Gulls this winter
on Port Meadow here
Dix Pit Stanton Harcourt 2nd February
Garganey still present around the
Heronry island 14:35 (per Ewan Urquhart)
Scaup 3
Benson 2nd February
Dix Pit, 2nd February
Garganey 1st winter male (at west end of island)
Greater Scaup 3 (2 1st winter male, female)
Egyptian Goose
Little Egret 2
Siskin c20
Kingfisher
Greater Scaup 3 (2 1st winter male, female)
Egyptian Goose
Little Egret 2
Siskin c20
Kingfisher
Saturday 1 February 2020
Port Meadow: 1st February
Shiplake: 1st February
Shiplake
6 Egyptian Goose: In same field adjacent to A4155. 13:35.
John Kearns
6 Egyptian Goose: In same field adjacent to A4155. 13:35.
John Kearns
Sonning: 1st February
Sonning
Brambling: In the Linnet/Chaffinch flock on Spring Lane, in the field where the conveyer belt crosses the road. 12:30.
Marek Walford
Brambling: In the Linnet/Chaffinch flock on Spring Lane, in the field where the conveyer belt crosses the road. 12:30.
Marek Walford
Dix Pit: 1st February
Garganey (imm m) still favouring the area around the Heronry island 12:40
Scaup 3 close to the 2nd island 13:47
Egyptian Goose
Little Egret 3
No sign of the redhead Smew by 13:48
(per SNT, Badger)
Scaup 3 close to the 2nd island 13:47
Egyptian Goose
Little Egret 3
No sign of the redhead Smew by 13:48
(per SNT, Badger)
January News & Review
January in Oxfordshire was for the most part a matter of "as you were" from the previous two months. Mild, wet winters such as we are presently experiencing are not known for producing too many headline local birds, and so things are proving. But for those who might seek spectacle over scarcity the other side of the coin is seasonal interest a plenty, and so this review period ultimately offered a somewhat subtle mix.
Slavonian Grebe, courtesy of Barry Neale click on any image to enlarge |
Starting with the county scarcities, December's long-staying Slavonian Grebe at Farmoor Reservoir lingered until 9th. This bird drew more admirers through that time who were rewarded with the opportunity to experience and photograph an obliging subject that remained faithful to one particular spot, the barley bales in the NW corner of F2. Our three wintering Scaup most likely commuted between the same site, Dix Pit and the private Cassington GPs during this month.
Whooper and Mute Swans at Dorchester, courtesy of Alan Dawson |
Elsewhere two juvenile Hen Harrier retained top billing at RSPB Otmoor, while three Russian White-fronted Geese put in further appearances in the Dorchester-on-Thames area of south-east Oxon. Things evolved a little more from 12th when two Whooper Swan came and went in the latter location, and to the west possibly our county's first over-wintering Garganey did not escape the attention of patch workers at LWV Pit 60, Standlake. Both these items remained throughout January.
Whooper Swans at Stadhampton, courtesy of David Stracey |
It seems reasonable to assume that the two larger wildfowl have been ranging widely, the Geese in particular being difficult to pinpoint. Two Whooper Swan were also cited on 5th at the Borrow Pit near Banbury, and the same record has now issued from a number of places around Oxfordshire this winter, so could all relate to the same roving birds. The likelihood of that strengthened when the two Swans visited Stadhampton on 18th. Quite separately nine Whoopers were viewed flying down the Cherwell Valley at Tackley on 21st.
Videos courtesy of Mick Cunningham
A further duck of note was a red-head Smew at Dix Pit from 21st, perhaps the earlier individual from Standlake GPs relocating. The unusual opportunity thus arose to observe both these scarcer ducks in Oxon in one day. After the Garganey too hopped across to the re-vitalised Dix from 28th that even became possible at one site and the pairing became a popular draw. A second Aythya hybrid Scaup was noted at Otmoor on 31st.
Smew ↑ and Garganey ↓ at Dix Pit, courtesy of Steve Burch |
Caspian Gulls at Blenheim Park (1w) ↑ and Didcot (adult) ↓ courtesy of Ian Lewington |
Caspian Gulls in Port Meadow (3w) ↑ and at Appleford (adult) ↓ courtesy of Thomas Miller |
The same medley of birds continued to make news through to month's end. But once again more notable passerine sightings were at a premium. The pick of the bunch were perhaps Black Redstart within the Harwell laboratory complex (10 & 17th) and on Magdalen College tower (21st), Siberian Chiffchaff at Abingdon sewage works, and what may be an over-wintering Firecrest in Standlake again on 24th. Seasonal Stonechat maintained their widespread county presence. A Great Grey Shrike was reported near Clanfield on 26th but not re-found subsequently.
Moving onto the mostly flood related spectacle, wintering waders and wildfowl continued to impress. RSPB Otmoor as in any wetter new year offered huge potential for the discerning Plover observer. Counts of Lapwing and Golden Plover in the wider Otmoor basin swelled to respective peaks in excess of 4500 and 2400 during January. In west Oxon the flooded area between Cote and Chimney drew in another 4000 Lapwing and up to 320 Golden Plover, while better "Goldie" counts elsewhere were 250 in Port Meadow on 18th and 330 at Balscote Quarry (23rd).
Black Redstart at Harwell laboratory, courtesy of D Ferret |
Moving onto the mostly flood related spectacle, wintering waders and wildfowl continued to impress. RSPB Otmoor as in any wetter new year offered huge potential for the discerning Plover observer. Counts of Lapwing and Golden Plover in the wider Otmoor basin swelled to respective peaks in excess of 4500 and 2400 during January. In west Oxon the flooded area between Cote and Chimney drew in another 4000 Lapwing and up to 320 Golden Plover, while better "Goldie" counts elsewhere were 250 in Port Meadow on 18th and 330 at Balscote Quarry (23rd).
Definitely NOT Starlings Lapwing and Golden Plover on Otmoor, courtesy of Tom Nicholson-Lailey |
Otmoor Wigeon, courtesy of Peter Barker |
Barely less impressive concentrations of dabbling duck were cited from a range of locations. Otmoor with 2400 + and Standlake Pit 60 with a peak of 2000 + were most prominent for reported Teal counts. Otmoor also held 3284 Wigeon in this month's WeBS count, while Bicester Wetland Reserve hosted another 400 Teal. In excess of 100 elegant Pintail graced Pit 60 over the weekend of 25/26th. Elsewhere Goldeneye, Goosander and Shelduck were more stand-out features amongst wintering wildfowl in various places. All of this amounted to turn of the year local birding par excellence.
Farmoor Goldeneye Ⓒ and courtesy of Bryan Manston |
Miscellaneous other bird sightings of note at non-regular sites around Oxfordshire were
- Bittern at Sonning Eye GPs and LWV Pit 60
- Great White Egret at Henley Road and Radley GPs, and Otmoor
- Marsh Harrier at Standlake GPs west to Cote
- Hen Harrier at downland sites in the south-west and elsewhere
- Peregrine in Banbury town centre
- Short-eared Owl in the Tetsworth area east of Oxford
- Mediterranean Gull at Sonning Eye
- Green Sandpiper at Appleford and Baulking Pit
- Up to 6 Ruff in Port Meadow and more on the Cote floods
Our novelty item this month is two Black Swan that visited Otmoor's northern lagoon early in January. Those exotics have also been observed between Port Meadow, Dix Pit and Standlake GPs through the current season. Lastly the northward spread through Oxfordshire of another exotic, Egyptian Goose was further evidenced by a first site record for Balscote Quarry on 30th. Now just one mild, wet winter month remains before everything, hopefully begins to take off again for a new spring passage period.
Peter Law
Peter Law
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