December Review

The Highlights

As is often the case, December started off as a quiet and mundane affair, with genuinely very little to discuss in the first two weeks of the month. Mostly led by the seemingly endless mild, occasionally damp weather with even Storm Bram not really kicking things across the county as can often be the case. The story changed however, when a cold blast of Arctic air pushed its way southwards across much of the UK in the latter part of December, changing the weather status quo significantly. With this cold weather came with it movements of large flocks of wildfowl inland from all around the coast. 

A flock of 15 Tundra Bean Goose on the 24^th turned out to be an excellent Christmas present for local birders as well as an excellent addition to the county year list. It was clear that a significant movement of winter geese was well underway across the country, producing unprecedented numbers of rarer wildfowl for inland counties like Oxfordshire. This fabulous fabilis flock was not alone however, it was in the company of a number of its compatriots - at least 10 or more Russian White-fronted Goose.  By Boxing Day, the number of both species had risen to 18 and 57 respectively. Also seen on Boxing Day, were several flocks of White-fronts elsewhere, a flock of 20 over Standlake, were probably the same 21 later seen at Port Meadow. 

Tundra Bean Goose courtesy of Jeremy Dexter

Goose fest had only just begun though, on the 27th things got really interesting with the discovery of more visitors from Russia, minus the obvious pun. With the 18 Bean Goose still present and correct at Otmoor, three more were found at Chimney Meadows, along with two at Waterstock. Both of these were also in the company of White-fronts with 29 at the latter and a whopping 110+ at the former! The mega flock of geese at Chimney also had two Pink-footed Goose in their number, a quite spectacular occurrence for the county given the status of two of these species on the county list. To add to the drama of what seemed to be a case of rare geese in all parts of the county, a flock of five Brent Goose were seen transiting over Adderbury, although not subsequently relocated in any of the flocks on show. This level of influx will surely enter Oxon birding lore, with 9 species of goose in a single day, if you included some of the slightly dodgier species - Ross’s Goose etc. 

White-fronted Geese (+Barnacle Goose) courtesy of Jeremy Dexter

 

In total, a minimum of 22 Tundra Bean Goose, c.280 or more White-fronted Goose were involved in this unprecedented influx. Interestingly, in the Otmoor flock, a few scattered Barnacle Geese were also found and begs the question if these were indeed legit birds from the far east or just feral birds mixing with wild birds. The county year list ends on 206 with a further five species that are non-BOU but almost certainly most of us would count or make the effort to go see – Ruddy Shelduck, White-tailed Eagle etc! Happy New Year to all the blogs readers and let’s hope 2026 is a bird filled year with plenty more rarities to come.

                                              Year by year comparison of year totals 

Waders

After a pretty poor autumn for waders and in particular species like Ruff, it was somewhat surprising to hear of a wintering bird at Otmoor on the 10^th. Although not unprecedented, with recent wintering records, it was at least an unexpected bonus for one birder on the RSPB site and certainly makes the mind wander as to what else could be lurking on the flood field and the expansive habitat that is unbirdable for most of us – although of course the answer is most likely to be not much, probably! Also present with the Ruff was a small party of Dunlin, three to be precise, the only record of the species this month and quite possibly the same trio that were at Port Meadow in November. Although the obvious highlight of the recent cold spell was the movement of rare Geese, waders were not completely unaffected. Three records of Black-tailed Godwit seem likely to relate to some wintry weather movement of the species inland. The first came from Waterstock on the 22^nd, whilst three birds were on Port Meadow on the 26^th, along with the aforementioned White-fronted Goose flock. Two were at Pit 60 on the 30^th, which may have been the earlier birds relocating, but in any case only one remained by the 31^st. 

Black-tailed Godwits on Port Meadow courtesy of Thomas Miller

Jack Snipe were recorded at two sites this month. The first, coming from Cornwell Marsh on the 7^th, whilst the other was from Waterstock on the 22^nd, with both sides being regular sites for the species recently. Green Sandpiper were on a minimum of six sites. Only Cornwell Marsh had more than one this month, with two on the 19^th. The other five sites all had singles – Ardley ERF, Otmoor, Eynsham, Bicester Wetlands and Hatford. The wintering Common Sandpiper continued to find Farmoor to its liking this month, despite most of its compatriots wintering in much warmer climes. Whilst Woodcock was reported at three sites, with Cornwell Marsh and Boars Hill recording birds in the traditional way – flushing or birds leaving roost at dusk. The other from Stanton Harcourt was a foraging bird thermalled in arable fields after dark on the 20^th. 

Common Sandpiper at Farmoor courtesy of David Hastings

 

 

Wildfowl, game etc

A very busy month for this group was not confined to only the highlights section of this review, with lots of movement and scarcer birds inside the county this month. Tundra Bean Goose were the big draw, with the three sites reporting birds already mentioned above, and even Farmoor getting in on the action with a flyover on the 31^st – the first record on the site since 1988. The Pink- footed Goose, also already featuring above, were present until at least the 29^th, although they proved to much tricker to pin down than the other two species in the flock. One would not bet against them or the others been present in the wider area, particularly with so much habitat available. 

The Chimney Meadows Tundra Bean and Pink-footed Geese courtesy of Ian Lewington

A drake Ring-necked Duck delighted local patch birders and others alike at Blenheim on the 8^th. Typically, in the company of Pochard, this smart male clearly stood out like a sore thumb compared to the usual female/first year birds we have become accustomed to within the county, now on an annual basis. Although occasionally missing, along with its Pochard companions, it was present on site until at least the 22^nd. Also, in the flock was the affectionately nicknamed “Luke” the leucistic Pochard, a familiar individual for county birders. He has been returning to the county for the last 10 years, assuming it is the same bird, and is much older than the average of this species usually only living to 3-4 years. Before the massive winter goose influx from Christmas Eve onwards, which included five Brent Goose on the 27^th, a flock of 15 of this species was seen at Farmoor on the 22^nd. Possibly heralds of what was to come in the following few days, unfortunately none stayed long before departing east later that day. 

The Blenheim Ring-necked Duck courtesy of Gareth Cashburn

In total at least ten sites recorded White-fronted Goose this month. Four were seen at Otmoor on the 16^th, whilst these may have been genuine wild vagrants arriving ahead of the major influx, it is also possible that these are part of the feral birds occasionally reported in the county. Christmas Eve saw a flock of 23 over Upper Arncott, which preceded the goose fest that kept everyone busy over the festive period. Another flock of eight was seen traversing the Upper Cherwell Valley heading north on the 27^th, whilst Days Lock and Clifton Hampden shared a flock of c.30 birds on the 30^th. The mega flock at Chimney Meadows apparently dispersed on the 31^st with 120 here, whilst slightly later in the day 185 were then counted at back at Chimney Meadows. How many birds were in the county in total is hard to ascertain but could easily involved 300+ birds.

The winter period usually means a wintering Great Northern Diver somewhere in the county. A juvenile at Farmoor on the 13^th was then a welcome addition to the site this winter, particularly as birds usually spend an extended period of time on the site. Unfortunately, though, although fairly showy for the day of its arrival, it had departed the site by the following day not leaving much time for folk to catch up with it. With all the wintering wildfowl arriving in the county, it is surprising that Whooper Swan were confined to the only the first two weeks of the month. Three were present in the wildfowl hotspot of the Upper Cherwell Valley on the 5^th, although unfortunately only briefly. An immature bird was later seen on the 14^th flying over East Oxford for one lucky birder who managed to get it on to his garden list! Although heading southeast it wasn’t subsequently seen anywhere else in the county. 

The Great Norther Diver, above courtesy of Ewan Urquhart and below Andy Last

 

With all the action in the flooded fields of the county, you would be forgiven for neglecting Farmoor at the end of the month particularly since the site is about 5 degrees colder than anywhere else at any given time. One intrepid birder did venture out though and was rewarded with not one but two decent birds on the 29^th. A Common Scoter, probably a 1^st winter male (with plenty of yellow on the bill), was seen out in the expanse of F1 making the best of what food it could find. Apparently, there were three recorded earlier in the week, although as is too often the case news was not put out. Also present was a female Scaup, a staple of this time of year at the great concrete bowl. Both birds were present until the end of 2025 and continued into 2026. 

The Common Scoter courtesy of Ben Sheldon

In the more usual fare for this time of year, Goosander were present on at least eight sites. The highest count came from Port Meadow where at least eight were present, whilst six were also at the 3T Pit in Standlake. Most over records related to singles or pairs and were recorded throughout the month. Goldeneye were present in disappointing numbers and across only three sites. Dix Pit and Pit 60, the last real stronghold for this declining species, could only manage three a piece on the 6^th and 20^th respectively. Days Lock was the other site, with a single on the 29^th, a decent patch bird for anyone away from the usual sites. 

Port Meadow Goosander courtesy of Thomas Miller

The assumed feral Ross’s Goose continued to be sporadically reported from Port Meadow this month. Although almost certainly of aviary provenance, it certainly looks the part amongst the throngs of wintering geese present in the county right now. Red-crested Pochard were present on three sites, with a large count of 61 present on LWV Pit 18 on the 21^st. Also, notable this month, was a very decent count of 218 Pintail at Pit 60 on the 30^th, although not quite the levels seen in January 2024 when a whopping 912 were counted! 

The Ross's Goose on Port Meadow courtesy of Thomas Miller

 

 

Herons, egrets etc

The Glossy Ibis trio continued to be recorded at Otmoor throughout December, although presumably contemplating their life choices given the weather where they were likely hatched. A single bird was also at Cassington GPs on the 2^nd, a site that has had sporadic reports previously and potentially relates to a different individual from those mentioned above. Cattle Egret records were much more subdued this month, with only four sites reported birds and the large foraging flock not reported at all in December. Pit 60 had the highest count with eight on the 14^th, with Newbridge next with five on the 26^th. Waterstock and Days Lock both had two birds a piece, on the 22^nd and 29^th respectively. 

Otmoor Glossy Ibis courtesy of Jeremy Dexter

Great White Egret continued as previously, however. At least 14 sites reported birds this month, with the highest count of five coming from Blenheim on the 18^th. One of these number was a red-ringed bird from the Ham Wall ringing project in Somerset, a now regular occurrence in the county. Almost all of the remaining records related to single birds, although both Long Hanborough and Days Lock had two birds on the 10^th and 29^th respectively. 

Great White Egret courtesy of Gareth Cashburn

 

 

Gulls and Terns

Caspian Gull were a bit thin on the ground this month. Port Meadow had three birds into the roost on the 26^th, whilst two adults were present on Days Lock on the 29^th. Mediterranean Gull were also present on two sites this month and also at both of the sites that hosted Caspian Gull. An adult was on Port Meadow on the 16^th, whilst a 2^nd winter was at Days Lock along with the Caspian’s on the 29^th. 

Port Meadow Caspian Gull courtesy of Thomas Miller

 

Passerines

The wintering Black Redstart continued to delight Oxford birders at Christchurch College. A beautiful bird in a stunning setting, making a change from the usual housing estates and sewage treatment works we typically expect to find this species.  

The Black Redstart courtesy of Luke O'Byrne

The only other notable species this month, was the ever-popular flock of Crossbill at Blenheim. The flock ranged in size and was at a maximum of 48 on the 11^th. A small party was also reported from Wytham Woods on the 26^th, and it seems that the major influx has dissipated over the last month or so. 

Blenheim Crossbills courtesy of Kyle Smith

 

 

Raptors

Not much to report on this month, with the most notable bird a ringtail Hen Harrier on the Oxon and Glos border on New Years Eve. A Short-eared Owl flew over the M40/A34 junction at Bicester on the 11^th, with no other records of this species in December.

Merlin were on four sites evenly spread throughout the month – Culham (4^th), East Hanney (13^th), Woolstone Down (20^th) and Waterstock (27^th). Marsh Harrier were also across a few more sites this month, outside of the usual places. Woodstock, Wytham and Chimney all reported birds, whilst Otmoor and Pit 60 hosted the usual 1-4 birds. Interestingly a leucistic individual was reported from Otmoor again this winter, possibly the progeny of the same individuals the produced last years birds? In any case, as before, it shouldn’t be too difficult to keep track of this one if it stays or moves cross country.

Patchwork challenge

Patch	Birder	Points	Species	Highlight
Aston eyot	Ben Sheldon
Ardley ERF	Gareth Casburn	118	107
Dix pit	Simon Bradfield
Grimsbury reservoir	Gareth Blockley	120	109	Little Gull
Lye valley	Tom Bedford	78	76
River Thames	Geoff Wyatt	146	126
Sutton Courtenay	Conor MacKenzie	134	117	Firecrest, Woodcock
Radley GP’s	Ian Elkins	111	103
Freeland	Glen Pascoe
South Hinksey	Alex Figueiredo	82	77

Oxon Big Year 2025

At the beginning of December, the Oxon Big Year participants had mused whether the frequently lean month would produce any further additions to our personal lists and indeed our collective totals. Although we had to wait until nearly the very end of the year, Tundra Bean Goose and subsequently Pink-footed both made it on to the collective total of 202 - we lost Green-winged Teal to lumping and the less said about Ross’s Goose probably the better. With the county total this year standing at 210 (including non-BOU species), I think between us we have missed only a handful of birds - a testament to the effort with which we have all thrown ourselves into this over the last 12 months. By the end of the month though, personally I was certainly breathing a sigh of relief. Despite the fact I have really enjoyed throwing myself into it, it will be great to get back to some old-fashioned stress-free birding which most of us do on a daily basis. It’s not all been chasing other’s birds however, inevitably, some rarities were found by the “team” including Temminck’s Stint, Red-footed Falcon and Manx Shearwater amongst a smattering of other scarcities which weren’t always easy to connect with.

There have also, however, been some other massive positives to this year. Not least, the camaraderie of the Oxon Big Year “team”, has been a perfect antidote to some of the more frustrating elements of twitching and birding in general. Keeping motivation oneself is not always straightforward, particularly when you’ve seen dozens if not hundreds of a certain species in a particular place previously. So having a group to help keep you going, even through some of the painful dips, of which there has been plenty, has been incredibly welcome. It has also felt like a particular great year for rarities, with several county-megas gracing the county for extended periods. This has led to some classic local twitches - dawn raids on the county’s premier birding sites with all or some of us in attendance sharing the joys of seeing a great bird that will live long in the memory. One of my big joys though has been sharing the experiences with my two youngest. Most of you that have seen me chasing one bird or another, will have likely seen me at some point with kids in tow, or maybe occasionally running to site with a pram. Although sometimes stressful, my middle boy, who now presumably discusses Osprey more frequently than any 5-year-old on earth, has quite clearly caught the excitement of birding and twitching as part of this. They have certainly had a good head start on their county list!

The record for an Oxon Big Year was 200, set by Jason Coppock in 2009, with his co-participants Adam Hartley and Tom Wickens achieving 198 and 196 respectively. Although using slightly different taxonomic rules it is interesting to compare between years to see where our efforts stand. Since 2009 we have lost at least three regular breeding species in the form of Turtle Dove, Lesser-spotted Woodpecker and Willow Tit, with none recorded this year whilst we’ve also lost the odd species to lumping – Mealy Redpoll and Green-winged Teal. That being said, species such as Cattle Egret and Glossy Ibis would have been bona fide rarities 15+ years ago. What has probably been most stark this year, however, is the lack of general migrants. Species like Ruff, Whimbrel and in my case Greenshank, have all been chaseable birds - whilst Whinchat or even Redstart were not a guaranteed sight on our travels, whereas 15 years ago this probably would have been the case. Of the 217 countable species in 2009, Jason saw approx. 92.2%, whilst Ben, who topped the group this year, saw approx. 92.4% of this year’s countable species. With a gap of 15+ years between these totals, it’s quite amazing that both years top efforts are basically identical, at least within their own context. That being said though, 200 was always the context with which we had set our sights at the beginning of the year. For now, then, this total will continue to remain mythical - at least for the 2025 cohort. 

List of notable rarities between 2009 and 2025 Oxon Big Years

Rarity	2009	2025
American Black Tern	✔
American Wigeon	✔
Bearded Tit	✔	✔
Bewick’s Swan		✔
Black-throated Diver	✔
Bluethroat		✔
Bonaparte’s Gull	✔
Gannet	✔
Glossy Ibis		✔
Great Grey Shrike	✔
Green-winged Teal		✔
Grey Phalarope	✔
Honey Buzzard	✔	✔
Hoopoe	✔	✔
Iceland Gull	✔
Kittiwake	✔	✔
Long-tailed Duck	✔
Manx Shearwater	✔	✔
Marsh Sandpiper		✔
Marsh Warbler	✔
Pectoral Sandpiper	✔	✔
Pink-footed Goose	✔	✔
Pratincole sp.	✔
Red-breasted Merganser	✔
Red-footed Falcon		✔
Ring-necked Duck	✔	✔
Rose-coloured Starling	✔
Sabine’s Gull	✔
Savi’s Warbler		✔
Slavonian Grebe	✔	✔
Snow Bunting	✔
Spoonbill	✔	✔
Temminck’s Stint	✔	✔
Tundra Bean Goose		✔
Twite		✔
Waxwing	✔
White-winged Tern	✔
Wryneck	✔	✔
Yellow-browed Warbler	✔	✔

I also just wanted to take a minute to thank all those that have supported the Oxon Big Year effort. To those who found the rarities, which inevitably meant I spent way too much time skiving work, avoiding social events or generally not being productive, the Oxon Big Year wouldn’t have been possible without your help and timely news output. Also, thanks to Jason, Adam and Dave for general support and motivation throughout the year! I suspect it will be a while before I consider doing a Big Year in the county again, for now I will look forward to some low-key birding and exploring a new patch in 2026.

Name	Total
Ben Sheldon	194
Thomas Miller	188
Neil Hayward	165
Conor MacKenzie	191
Simon Myers	188
Peerawat Chiaranunt	177

Gnome's 2025 Oxon Birding Video