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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
Tuesday 31 October 2023
Chinnor: Cement Works: 31st October
Mediterranean Gull: With Black-headed Gull flock Lake 2b. 19:59.
David Stracey
Standlake Pit 60: 31st October
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
3 Pintail: eclipse/ juv. All asleep. Modest increase in teal to c180 and wigeon c75. 17:49.
Mick Cunningham
Cote: 31st October
Marsh Harrier: cc. feeding on carrion. 17:45.
11 Dunlin 17:45.
300 Golden Plover: Approximate. Includes leucistic bird. 17:45.
Mick Cunningham
Cutteslowe: Cutteslowe Park: 31st October
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
Monday 30 October 2023
Cote: 30th October
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
Port Meadow: 29th October
Goosander: fem. On Thames well north of floods. 13:00.
William Lester
Blenheim: 30th October
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
Sunday 29 October 2023
Waterstock: River Thame: 29th October
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
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
Radley GP: 29th October
Great White Egret: Present again this afternoon. 15:11.
Ian Elkins
Cote: 29th October
Dunlin 10
Shelduck 1
Pintail 1
Redpoll 1
Tubney: Tubney Wood: 29th October
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
Saturday 28 October 2023
Port Meadow: 28th October
Port Meadow
Dunlin
6 Cattle Egret
2 Stonechat
250 Wigeon
120 Teal
56 Shoveler
2 Gadwall
Steve Lavington
Grimsbury Reservoir: 28th October
Barnacle Goose
Cattle Egret: briefly and flew north (relocated near Chacombe, Northants, by JFT).
Gareth Blockley
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
Friday 27 October 2023
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.
Thursday 26 October 2023
Scary Hill: 26th October
2 Stonechat: A pair close to the road on the west side of it. SU326842. 12:00.
Stephen Burch
Chipping Norton: 26th October
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
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
Raven 1
Stonechat 2
Cote: 26th October
4 Dunlin 14:25.
Redshank: With the four remaining dunlin. 14:23.
Mick Cunningham
Port Meadow: 26th October
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
Wednesday 25 October 2023
Chipping Norton: 25th October
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
Barnacle Goose: Flew over north with canada geese, per Clive Payne.
2 Brambling: over west.
Gareth Blockley
Tuesday 24 October 2023
Brighthampton: 24th October
15 Cattle Egret: In flooded field with little egrets and small flock of wigeon. 18:00.
Mick Cunningham
Standlake Pit 60: 24th October
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
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
Tar Lakes, Rushy Common: 22nd October
60 Red-crested Pochard 16:15.
Richard Catling
Monday 23 October 2023
Blenheim: Queen Pool: 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
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
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
Grimsbury Reservoir: 23rd October
Osprey: Flew over south c.9:17.
Gareth Blockley
Sunday 22 October 2023
Waterstock: River Thame: 22nd October
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.
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
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
6 Golden Plover: Over. 15:30.
9 Skylark 15:30.
25 Goldfinch 15:30.
Steve Akers
Fyfield Wick: 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
Scary Hill: 21st October
2 Stonechat: Feeding near roadside. 15:30.
2 Raven 15:30.
Jed Cleeter
Childrey: Childrey Field: 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
Cote: 22nd October
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
84 Snow Goose: Flew around F2 and then landed in east corner. 15:29.
Yacky Morris
Chipping Norton: 22nd October
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
Caspian Gull: ad. Possibly has damaged leg. 12:23.
Med Gull 1, 1CY
Mick Cunningham
Saturday 21 October 2023
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
Otmoor rspb 21st October
Cote: 21st October
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
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
Radley GP: 21st October
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
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
Swallow: Juv flew high South. Lots of Visual Migration this morning- Continental Starling, Chaffinch etc going west. 07:44.
Jed Cleeter
Friday 20 October 2023
Chipping Norton: 20th October
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
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
Ring Ouzel: Last seen in bushes right of the gate half way down the hill. Very elusive. 15:45.
Pete Roby
Thursday 19 October 2023
Port Meadow: 19th October
Cattle Egret
Stonechat: m.
80 Barnacle Goose
130 Wigeon
10 Teal
10 Shoveler
10 Lapwing
Snipe
Adam Hartley
RSPB Otmoor Thursday 19 October 2023
Playhatch - Thursday 19th October 2023
Stonechat (f), Siskin x 2 (m & f), Chaffinch x6 (4m 2f ), Kestrel.
Chipping Norton: 19th October
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
Wednesday 18 October 2023
Chipping Norton: 18th October
100 Fieldfare: In two separate flocks over The Leys. 10:30.
Steve Akers
Farmoor Reservoir: 18th October
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
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
Brambling: High South calling in flight. 07:40.
10 Siskin: At least calling in flight SW. 07:40.
Jed Cleeter
Tuesday 17 October 2023
Chipping Norton: 17th October
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
Brambling: Under my bird feeders all day. 21:03.
Trevor Young
Moreton nr Thame: Moreton Golf Course: 17th October
Stonechat: male. 17:00.
Liam Russell
Blenheim: Blenheim Lake: 17th October
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
3 Stonechat: 2m & f.
80 Barnacle Goose
35 Wigeon
3 Teal
3 Shoveler
Adam Hartley
Oxford: Boundary Brook Road: 17th October
Brambling: Flying west, calling. 07:45.
Nicholas Boyd
Monday 16 October 2023
Otmoor: RSPB reserve: 16th October
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
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
3 Stonechat 11:00.
3 Egyptian Goose 11:00.
Nick Marriner
Sunday 15 October 2023
Port Meadow: 15th October
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
Fyfield Wick: 15th October
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
Saturday 14 October 2023
Devil's Punchbowl: 14th October
30 Skylark: Minimum count around Hackpen Hill and the Devil's Punchbowl. SU354851. 16:46.
Geoff Dymott
Sonning Eye GPs: 14th October
2 Raven 15:30.
2 Egyptian Goose: Near boat house. 15:30.
Ralph Watts
Ardley ERF Lagoon: 14th October
3 Stonechat: 2 males, 1 female. 14:00.
Gareth Casburn
Friday 13 October 2023
Chipping Norton: 13th October
Siskin: ad fem. On feeder in garden. SP308267. 15:00.
Steve Akers
Chipping Norton: 13th October
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
Thursday 12 October 2023
South Leigh: 12th October
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
3 Pintail 14:34.
5 Wigeon 14:34.
Great White Egret 14:34.
Mick Cunningham
Chipping Norton: 12th October
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
Bicester Wetland Reserve 12th October
1 Black-tailed Godwit
30 Lapwing
50 Teal
2 Grey Wagtail
A Peters
Key Holder Reserve
Wednesday 11 October 2023
Port Meadow 11th October
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
Tuesday 10 October 2023
Chinnor: Cement Works: 10th October
Common Sandpiper: Lake 2b. 11:00.
Possible 3 Scaup: Party of 3 Lake 2b. 11:00.
David Stracey
Monday 9 October 2023
Balscote: Balscote Quarry: 9th October
2 Golden Plover: Over. 16:00.
Green Woodpecker 16:00.
15 Linnet 16:00.
Little Grebe 16:00.
Steve Akers
Chipping Norton: 9th October
Stonechat: W of CN near Chastleton. 10:00.
Kestrel 10:00.
Steve Akers
Farmoor Reservoir: 9th October
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
Cothill: Hitchcopse Pit: 9th October
80 Redwing
Fieldfare
40 Lesser Redpoll
2 Marsh Tit
Parsonage Moor
50 Siskin
Water Rail
Mark Merritt
Sunday 8 October 2023
Waterstock: River Thame: 8th October
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
4 Stonechat: SU296870. 19:47.
Guy Goldsmith
Chilton Downs: 8th October
Carterton/Alvescot: 8th October
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
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
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
3 Wheatear
10 Stonechat
14 Grey Partridge
2 Raven
8 Cormorant: Over, south.
Mark Merritt
Abingdon: Peep-o-Day Lane: 8th October
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
Saturday 7 October 2023
Chipping Norton: 7th October
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
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
Standlake: Standlake Common: 7th October
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
Friday 6 October 2023
Chipping Norton: 6th October
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
Great White Egret: From the hide. SP439067. 09:00.
Brian Walker
Thursday 5 October 2023
Sarsgrove: 5th October
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
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
5 Whinchat: Half mile upstream from lock amongst riverside reeds and shrubs. 16:03.
Andrew Siantonas
Bicester Wetland Reserve: 5th October
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
Stonechat: ad male. Still present Addlestrop Down near Chastleton. SP255285. 10:30.
7 Skylark: ....and Roe Deer hind.... SP255285. 10:30.
Steve Akers
Wednesday 4 October 2023
Chipping Norton: 4th October
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
19 Mandarin Duck: 16 drakes. On the far side of the Great Lake. The most I've seen here. 07:30.
Gareth Casburn
Tuesday 3 October 2023
Chipping Norton: 3rd October
17 House Martin: Feeding over the marsh and small lake near Cornwell. SP283268. 16:00.
7 Meadow Pipit: SP283268. 16:00.
Steve Akers
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 2nd record for the county was located at Otmoor, with a young male Pallid Harrier snapped flying over Greenaways on the 9th. 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 2nd county record and the 1st 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 23rd 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 25th 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 17th 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 RescueWaders
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 8th, 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 2nd 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 12th 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 18th. Initially a single bird on the causeway was eventually joined by a 2nd, 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 3rd and 14th with two birds then present on the 22nd. 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 10th the 2nd 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 2nd of the month and remained on the site until at least the 11th. Single birds were at Venn Mill and Days Lock on the 3rd and 13th respectively, whilst a pair of birds were on Farmoor on the 9th and 17th. We only had a single Greenshank record this month with a pair at Venn Mill on the 2nd, 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 3rd and 18th 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 1st. Dunlin were typically more common with 13 days of the month logging birds from the 3rd until the 26th and a maximum count of 6 came from the 7th.
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 4th, 8th and 16th. 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 1st and Farmoor on the 2nd.
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 27th 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 20th, coming close enough at times for some very decent photos to be had before departing on the 23rd.
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 22nd and Farmoor also on the 22nd and again on the 25th. 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 10th.
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 4th) Otmoor (9 on the 5th) and Day’s Lock (13 on the 12th and 9 on the 13th). No birds remained at Blenheim by the 25th, 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 2nd, a nice bird for the locals. Farmoor also managed two records this month of flyover birds on the 8th and 22nd, whilst the colour-ringed bird from down on the levels remained at Day’s Lock on the 13th.
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 14th until the 25th 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.
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 14th 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 2nd consisting of at least two juveniles and one remaining until the 4th. A flock of 8 then flew through the reservoir on the 8th and another single present here on the 18th.
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 2nd. 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 10th. 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 2nd whilst a 1cy bird was present in the gull roost at Farmoor from the 14th until at least the 19th. Also present frequently in the roost was a 1cy Mediterranean Gull from the 5th until at least the 25th, with the only other record of the species also coming from Grimsbury on the 2nd.
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 3rd 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 8th, only the 2nd 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 24th 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 8th, whilst a count of 4 came
from Aston Upthorpe on the 26th. 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 9th whilst another group of 5 were up on Lark
Hill on the 3rd. 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 2nd. 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 6th. 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 8th. The early Merlin on the downs presumably continued on from August with a female type bird present at Letcombe Basset on the 3rd.
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. |