Otmoor Oxfordshire

[oldbaldman]

Went to Otmoor Wednesday am. Saw a Merlin in flight and at rest in a tree, amazing bird and a 1st for me.

Mind you I am no expert, but the colouring on chest and underbelly were right, the shape and size of body were right and the colour of head and beak was right, the legs were right, according to my book. Could I be mistaken? Anyone else seen one there?

Was told by a local lady that starlings are there around 1615 and gathering in number as the days go on.

obm

[wolfbirder]

Merlin do occur at Otmoor with some regularity. Sparrowhawks favour trees more than Merlins, but if it had streaked as opposed to barred underparts it sounds like a merlin.

[oldbaldman]

cheers for that WB.

The featue I remember most vividly was the chest and belly, almost ermin like with grey background and brown flecks, like a thrush pattern.

will be back soon to have another look.

obm

[oldbaldman]

For those who do not visit the RSPB website Otmoor is closed until April.

dave

[gareth_blockley]

For those who do not visit the RSPB website Otmoor is closed until April.

dave

Well the reserve isn't shut, just the access road. See here: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=102034&highlight=otmoor

Cheers
Gareth

[oldbaldman]

Several, one person claimed 8 - I saw 6, Hobby today feeding on the wing and dropping inedible bits of whatever it had been, and on high. At one point Hobby, a Buzzard and a young Red Kite all within view in the sky through binoculars. Yellowhammer seen on feeders with GSW Pecker. Hot sunny afternoon. dave