Oxfordshire birding

[gareth_blockley]

Living on the Warwickshire/Oxfordshire border I find myself birding in both counties, especially the hotspots. I have found there is high coverage for Warwickshire with various groups, reporting sites and even a thread on here. So I decided to get one going for Oxfordshire. There are some fantastic sights around Oxfordshire to go birding; with loads of good old English lowland agricultural land and specialist places like woods, the downs and the Chiltern hills.
There is a high concentration of well known sights in/around Oxford, which includes Farmoor reservoir, Otmoor RSPB and the wet meadows by the Thames. Oxfordshire is one of the best places, second to mid Wales, to see Red Kites. Other things of note include two of the best sites in the country to see Red-crested Pochard (Dix pit) and Hawfinch (Blenheim park) in the area.

So there we go, please feel free to add as much as you like especially on your local patch, under recorded sites and those unusual or rare sightings. I will try to keep this thread updated as much as possible so you can come and see what’s going on in the area.

[gareth_blockley]

County Recorder
Ian Lewington, 119 Brasenose Drive, Didcot, Oxon. OX11 7BP
01235 819792
ian@recorder.fsnet.co.uk

Oxford Ornithological Society
Ivor Rhymes (Secretary), 159 Rutten Lane, Yarnton, Oxon. OX5 1LT
01865 372620
secretary@oos.org.uk
http://www.oos.org.uk/

RSPB Oxford Local Group
http://www.rspb-oxford.org.uk/

Banbury Ornithological Society
Frances Buckel (Secretary), Witt's End, Radbone Hill, Over Norton, Chipping Norton, Oxon. OX7 5LF
01608 644425
fmarks@ukotcf.org
http://www.banburyornithologicalsociety.org.uk/

BBOWT (Wildlife Trust)
http://www.bbowt.org.uk/

Farmoor reservoir
http://farmoor-birding.com/

Yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/oxfordstudentbirders/

[gareth_blockley]

Here are some of the birding highlights of the last week or so:

Black-necked grebe - Farmoor reservoir - long stayer, has been around for a while

Shag - Farmoor - Long stayer, has been there all year so far

Kittiwake - Farmoor - 18th to present

Mediterranean gull - Farmoor - 16th

Glaucous gull - at least one bird seen at Farmoor, Dix pit and Port meadow (Oxford) - 7th to present.

Lesser scaup - Sonning eye Gps - Just inside Oxfordshire, just!. Present

Red-crested pochard - Dix pit - A count of 44 on the 22nd, fewer before but they’re about

Golden plovers - Various numbers, with good numbers being reported at Port meadow

Lesser black-backed gulls - 3000 - Port meadow - 20th

Pintail - Otmoor RSPB - 4 reported - 19th
Also with this record Willow tit, Peregrine and Stonechats



A Lesser spotted woodpecker was reported at Foxholes BBOWT reserve in December.

[gareth_blockley]

Egyption goose - Farmoor reservoir - 3 on water and in fields by thames today
Also Shag still present

Caspian gull - Dix pt - today

Lesser scaup - Sonning eye GPs - Still present today

Happy birding :hi:

[Duck_Pond]

I think I'll keep an eye on this thread. I love Oxford and the surrounding countryside, and do try to get down to the area as much as I can; admittedly mainly for the pubs!

Speaking of which, at Wolvercote, the Trout Inn - there was a kingfisher darting across the Thames, in November last year. Further upstream were greylag geese, and in the ruins of the nunery / convent, ducks were nesting in the walls.

[gareth_blockley]

Does anyone know of a good site for winter finches?
Are there any decent flocks around? Is there a well used feeding station some where? Any large areas of farmland with stubble left in the fields overwinter?


Gareth
(still havn't seen a Siskin or Brambling!!)

[gareth_blockley]

Seen around and about yesturday:

Shag - Farmoor
Lesser scaup - Sonning eye GPs
Merlin - Yelford



Is there anyone else from Oxfordshire in here....... ;)

[gareth_blockley]

Seen around and about today:

Shag and Black-necked grebe - Farmoor still

Ruff (female), 14 Dunlin and 124 Pintail - Port meadow

Flock of 40 Linnets - Preston Cowmarsh

GB

[gareth_blockley]

Seen at farmoor today:
Shag, Black-necked grebe and juv Glaucous gull in the roost.


Im off to Otmoor for dawn tomorrow to see whats about. I was also thinking of going down to Aston rowant to have a look around the woods for Brambling and Hawfinch. Has anyone been there recently? Are they likely to be about?

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Had a great day out today - 65 bird species seen, Read the report here:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=787745#post787745

I guess i was bieng a bit adventurous with the Brambling and Hawfinch.


Other birds spotted today by others:

Lesser scaup - Sonning Eye GPs

Shag, Black-necked Grebe and Glaucpus gull (in roost) - Farmoor


So the Glaucous was around then...

[gareth_blockley]

Seen around today:

Glaucous gull - Port meadow, also dunlin and pintail

Bittern and two Bewicks swan - Otmoor RSPB, also Red kite, Marsh tit, Merlin and Yellowhammer

Heres to another good week B (:

[scfmerlin]

You're not on your own Gareth,
keep it coming.
regards
Merlin
Seen around today:

Glaucous gull - Port meadow, also dunlin and pintail

Bittern and two Bewicks swan - Otmoor RSPB, also Red kite, Marsh tit, Merlin and Yellowhammer

Heres to another good week B (:

[gareth_blockley]

The now very long staying Lesser scaup at Sonning eye GPs - I will have to try and see this again soon as i dipped on my first attempt.

3 Twite breifly on the causeway at Farmoor.


On the 28th there were well over 1000 Wigeon at Port meadow by the Thames.

Anyone out near the Woodstock area keep your eyes peeled for Grey partridge - Wild cru have just released a load near there and are tracking their progress.

[gareth_blockley]

Lesser scaup yesturday at Sonning eye GPs.

Nothing reported today but i guess its the usual stuff and the long stayers.

[gareth_blockley]

Sorry, but theres not alot of news coming from oxfordshire at the moment.

Yesturday - Lesser scaup still at Sonning eye GPs (I really should go and see it).

Will be out in search of Finches and Owls and anything else this weekend around home, but technically thats in Warkwickshire..

[gareth_blockley]

A single male Hawfich in reports today from Blenheim palace gardens.

Lets hope it stays and attracts a few more to the site, i'll definately be looking for one soon!

[JohnZ]

Gareth, You have mentioned Port Meadow a few times. A bit of a daft question but is this the same Port Meadow that runs from Wolvercote to Oxford ? I have spent a lot of time in Wolvercote and probably even more in the Trout !
I believe the ruins that Duck Pond referred to are Godstow Priory. Just past the Trout on the way to Wytham.

[gareth_blockley]

Thats the one. I havn't actually been myself yet, but (as i'm sure you already know) its a good area epexcially when the thames floods.

I see your from Biggin hill, what birds have been around there recently? I remember something being reported but can't remember what exactly.

[JohnZ]

Gareth, Nothing too spectacular as far as I know but then again I usually travel farther afield.
The house where I stayed backed right on to the meadow but I cannot recall seeing anything spectacular there but then again I was probably not as aware of the birds at the time. There are allotments at the Wolvercote end where you may see a few birds but I suspect your best bet may be Pitsey Woods. This is on the right hand side as you cross the bridge between Wolvercote and the Trout.
If you are feeling truly energetic then I think you can walk straight across the meadow into Oxford. There are also woods there but I have never walked that far. It is a long way !

[gareth_blockley]

03/02/07

Lesser and Greater csaup - Sonning eye GPs
Smew (5) - Henley road GPs
Golden plover (200+), Pintail (19), Dunlin (3), Wigeon (100s) - Port meadow
Barn owl, Ruff (7) - Otmoor RSPB


04/02/07

Lesser scaup, Smew (4) - Sonning eye GPs
Dunlin (21), Ruff (11), Redshank (9), Oystercatcher (1) - Port meadow

[gareth_blockley]

I think i may have discovered a place to look for winter finches in Oxfordshire. Amazingly by chance; I was looking on birdguides at the pictures of the Lesser scaup in Farnborough 05 and followed a link to Stephen Burrch's photography site http://www.stephenburch.com/, found some pics of Reed bunting feeding at a bird table which turns out to be here http://www.bbowt.org.uk/content.asp?did=23593, and there you go just 4/5 miles south west of Oxford.

Worth a look to see if the birds still get fed there..

[gareth_blockley]

The last few days have been fairly quiet, nothing coming from the big sites.

Lesser scaup at Sonning eye GPs still and the usual suspects at Port meadow.


Just for info; a year ago on this day there was a Hen harrier at Otmoor RSPB.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Last couple of days have been very quiet, probably due to the snow.

Only report seen of the long staying Shag Farmoor.

Hope theres more to come soon, happy birding!

[gareth_blockley]

Caspian gull and Little gull in the roost at Farmoor today, as well as the long staying Shag.

Dunlin, Golden plover and Yellowhammers at Portmeadow over the last few days.

Keep it up folks

[gareth_blockley]

I have to say, its not been the most exciting week thus far, but here's a quick run down of some of the birds around:

The long staying Lesser scaup is still at Sonning eye GP's - this has been around for quite a while now.

A good number of waders at Port meadow including Ruff and Dunlin. Alos a large flock of Linnets at the Port meadow nature reserve.

Some nice flocks of Tree sparrow, Yellowhammer and Linnet around the Woodstock area.

Happy birding folks.

[Alauda26]

Hi Gareth,

Agree Oxon is terribly exciting at the moment. Aston Rowant had ridiculous numbers of kites displaying on Tuesday - they were literally everywhere.

And a very humble note - had my first singing blackcap in Banbury this morning behind the Banbury Cross B&B. Certainly an overwintering bird - my colleagues have seen it around a few times already, but it was lovely to hear it again!

Hope you're keeping well,
(km)

[Duck_Pond]

Is the barn owl frequently seen at Otmoor?

[gareth_blockley]

[QUOTE=Alauda26]
And a very humble note - had my first singing blackcap in Banbury this morning behind the Banbury Cross B&B. Certainly an overwintering bird - my colleagues have seen it around a few times already, but it was lovely to hear it again!
[QUOTE]


Hi, that's quite interesting as i work just up the road from there (south bar), will have to keep my eyes open for it.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Is the barn owl frequently seen at Otmoor?

If i stay till dusk i normally see one, I have only been on early morning visits recently though.

Its a very good site for them though.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Reported birds in the last few days:

Lesser scaup, Scaup and Smew at Sonning eye GPs, all first wither drakes.

A large flock of Yellowhammers at Chilton downs with Corn buntings (c.10).
A Curlew at Farmoor.
Tawny owls at Otmoor.
Barn owl at Sutton courtenay.

Gareth

[angletarn]

Dear Gareth

I live quite close to you at Greatworth and I have just become interested in birding. I have a free week-end comong up in March and I would like to use this time to practice my bird photographic skills. Can you recommend where I should visit to give me the best chance of taking some decent shots. I have a 500mm lens as well as a 1.4 and 2 teleconverters. I know you appear to be the only one on the Oxford forum but clearly others enjoy reading your notes, they are much appreciated.

John










Living on the Warwickshire/Oxfordshire border I find myself birding in both counties, especially the hotspots. I have found there is high coverage for Warwickshire with various groups, reporting sites and even a thread on here. So I decided to get one going for Oxfordshire. There are some fantastic sights around Oxfordshire to go birding; with loads of good old English lowland agricultural land and specialist places like woods, the downs and the Chiltern hills.
There is a high concentration of well known sights in/around Oxford, which includes Farmoor reservoir, Otmoor RSPB and the wet meadows by the Thames. Oxfordshire is one of the best places, second to mid Wales, to see Red Kites. Other things of note include two of the best sites in the country to see Red-crested Pochard (Dix pit) and Hawfinch (Blenheim park) in the area.

So there we go, please feel free to add as much as you like especially on your local patch, under recorded sites and those unusual or rare sightings. I will try to keep this thread updated as much as possible so you can come and see what’s going on in the area.

[gareth_blockley]

Dear Gareth

I live quite close to you at Greatworth and I have just become interested in birding. I have a free week-end comong up in March and I would like to use this time to practice my bird photographic skills. Can you recommend where I should visit to give me the best chance of taking some decent shots. I have a 500mm lens as well as a 1.4 and 2 teleconverters. I know you appear to be the only one on the Oxford forum but clearly others enjoy reading your notes, they are much appreciated.

John


Hi John

It depends on the type of birds you want to photograph really, and how far you are willing to travel. If it dosn't matter what species of bird and concentrate on the photography i would recommend a local woodland or park. One of the easyest ways is to go to a feeding station where many birds can visit and would sit still for a bit. There is one at Otmoor RSPB, i dont know of one locally that would be regularly topped up with food (though see post #21). If you want wildfowl then i can recommend a reservoir or similar or Otmoor again.

Let me know what sort of thing you were thinking and i'll offer you a bit more.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

19.02.07 - Port meadow
12 Dunlin, 8 Ruff, 3 Redshank, 1 Goosanger (M), 3 Stonechat (2M), 1 Snipe.

20.02.07 - Dix pit
18 Red-crested pochard

21.02.07 - Dix pit: Linch hill
13 Snow geese!! (presumably feral/escapees)


The three ducks that i still need to see are still at Sonning eye GPs!!
Lesser scaup, Scaup, and Smew - all three 1st winter drakes.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Farmoor reservoir:
Today - Four Egyptian Geese in fields adjacent to F.2. Also an adult summer Mediterranean Gull near the tern rafts this evening.
In the past week a brief Water Pipit on the causeway on 18th with 12 Bewick's Swans flying over on 20th.

Port meadow:
Ringed plover yesturday along with Golden plover, Ruff, Dunlin and Redshank.

Have a good weekend folks :hi:

[gareth_blockley]

A run down of the weekends birds:

Lesser scaup at Sonning eye GPs
Caspian gull at Henley road GPs
Waxwings in Botley
Ringed plover and two Black tailed godwit at Port meadow with Dunlin, Golden plover, Ruff and Redshank

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

An interesting couple of days have passed, most notable is the Waxwing (single bird) in Botlry around the park and church hall area.
The bird scareers have gone from Farmoor reservoir now resulting in up to three Med gulls in the roost. A dunlin yesturday and a Water pipit on the causeway this morning.

I had a walk around Port meadow today, very difficult due to it being very flooded. I got a chiffchaff in the nature reserve. Lots of Wigeon with several Shoveler, Shelduck and Pintail. Nine Golden plover flew over and a Curlew. No sign of the numbers of waders being reported recently.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Hey folks,

Some of the Oxfordshire sightings for the last few days:
Waxwing still being seen 28/02/07 in Botley, West way by the church hall.
A Water pipit has been on the causeway at Farmoor for the last couple of days, with the first winter Shag still.
Two smew reported at Sonning eye GPs on the 01/03/07.
Single Whooper swan at Dorchester GPs, Allen pit on 03/03/07.

Have a good weekend people.

[gareth_blockley]

Hey folks,

Its been a manic week and the days are just slipping away!

I have probably missed some bird reports, like the location of a Caspian gull, but here are the ones i havn't missed:

05/03/07 - Farmoor - Two Egyption geese at on F1 and the Water pipit on the causeway.
06/03/07 - Farmoor - Water pipit and Shag still around, with an adult Med gull on the tern raft and at least four in the roost.
07/03/07 - Port meadow - 21 x Ruff, 1x Dunlin, 100's Wigeon, 30+ Pintail, 1x Lapwing, 180+ Golden plover and a ferel Pink footed goose and a presumed escaped Ring necked duck.

Today - I heard a Chiffchaff singing his little heart out in Banbury at the Grimsbury woodland NR!

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Not muach to report from the last few days really, there has been a Med gull at wytham wood today though.

I had a trip to Bury down, berks yeaturday, follow the link to read more http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=829760#post829760. I have also been popping to a nature reserve nearby ran by BOS where i have seen Stonechat and up to three Green sandpiper.

Have a good week everyone

[hughlewiswright]

Have you been for the Crane in the last couple of days? It's in your area isn't it Gareth?
Views of it look pretty decent but I don't think I'm gonna get the chance to come and take a look.

Cheers
Hugh

[GD-ACM]

I live not far from Oxford and would like to see the Crane - where can I find it as you say views of it look pretty decent.

If you don't want to post where it is you can PM me.
Thanks
G

[hughlewiswright]

I live not far from Oxford and would like to see the Crane - where can I find it as you say views of it look pretty decent.

If you don't want to post where it is you can PM me.
Thanks
G

I think this bird is pretty well-known so there isn't a problem posting directions here. North of Banbury is a village called Cropredy, go through there and on the north side take the right hand turning that heads NE towards Aston Le Walls. You go over the river and the canal and then it should be on the field on the left.
I've managed to find a lift so I'm gonna take a look this afternoon.

Cheers
Hugh

[GD-ACM]

Thanks for that Hugh, will see if we can get there this weekend. Did you manage to get there today and was it there?

G

[gareth_blockley]

Hello folks,

The crane is only about ten minutes drive from where i live and i've been working in bucks dawn til dusk so haven't seen it yet?! Apparantly has been around for about a week, why hasn't it been announced sooner? Anyways, if it stays til sunday i will definately be going to see it. Grid reference for birds location: SP475482
There has also been a report of Rough-legged buzzard at the MOD base Kineton (Warks) which is even closer to my home?!

Also reported; Caspian gull at Dix pit.

Hope you guys see the crane

Gareth

[Barry Boswell]

Hello folks,

The crane is only about ten minutes drive from where i live and i've been working in bucks dawn til dusk so haven't seen it yet?! Apparantly has been around for about a week, why hasn't it been announced sooner? Anyways, if it stays til sunday i will definately be going to see it. Grid reference for birds location: SP475482
There has also been a report of Rough-legged buzzard at the MOD base Kineton (Warks) which is even closer to my home?!

Also reported; Caspian gull at Dix pit.

Hope you guys see the crane

Gareth

I saw the Crane this morning. It flew in around 10.30 am I believe and was certainly there until mid-day. Close enough to the road to give really good views.

Barry Boswell

[gareth_blockley]

I spent the morning at Otmoor RSPB 44 species seen. Birds of note were Little egret and Red kite, also Peregrines and flocks of Dunlin and Knot reported. No migrants present yet.

Went on to see the Common Crane in Cropredy. Great veiws from the road (grid reference above). It was fairly distant but out in the open.

Also Caspian gull still present at Dix pit.

Lets see what we can find tomorrow!

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

There was a single Sand martin reported from Farmoor reservoir on the 17th, as well as the longstaying Water pipit and even longer staying Shag.

The Common crane is still present at Cropredy but has apparently now changed its usual field and goes to the one next door.

Bit cold ain't it !

[hughlewiswright]

Thanks for that Hugh, will see if we can get there this weekend. Did you manage to get there today and was it there?

G

Yeah I got it in the end, nice adult bird! It also flew up while I was there and we followed it into Northants and back!
I'm back in Somerset for a month now and then when I come back to Oxon I'll have finals so not a great deal of Oxon birding for me in the next 3 months.

Cheers
Hugh

[gareth_blockley]

Common crane at Cropredy still
Shag, Water pipit and and c.80 Sand martins at Farmoor with Iceland Gull, 2 Caspian Gull and a Med gull in the Gull roost 24th
Caspian Gull in Farmoor roost 23rd
Little ringed plover at Farmoor 22nd
8 Red-crested pochard at Dix pit

A week off so there will some more personal reports from me, anyone else want to share there birding experiences?

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Hey folks

Last few days have seen the same birds returning on reports:
Croperdy - Crane.
Farmoor - Shag, Water pipit and Sand martin's (c.200), with Iceland, Caspian and Med gulls in the roost.
Otmoor - the usual with a Merlin on 21st (also being reported in Port meadow). There was a rarer bird yesturday but i'm sworn to secrecy.. for now! :-@

I went to both Farmoor and Otmoor today with 58 species seen in total. Highlights for Farmoor being the Shag on the tern raft, Water pipit on the causeway and several Chiffchaffs, distinct lack of Sand martins today though. Highlights for Otmoor were Marsh tit, Little owl (heard), Grey partridge (heard behing main bridleway), Shellduck, and Cetti's warblers calling.


More to come soon

[gareth_blockley]

I attended the RSPB volunteers meeting for Otmoor this evening and thought I would share the numbers presented for wintering birds 2006/76- (most were much higher counts than previous year and some were site records):

Lapwing - 3160
Golden plover - 4670
Shoveller - 274
Wigeon - 2620
Gadwall - 108
Pochard - 43
Teal - 2777
Pintail - 544
Tufted duck - 55
Ruff - 57
Dunlin - 60
Yellowhammer - 70
Grey partridge - 16
Reed bunting - 120
Bittern - 1
Bewick's swan - 2

[alan_rymer]

Whilst driving back to Reading from visiting the Churchill Hospital this morning I saw my first ever Lesser Spotted Woodpecker fly across the road from left to right and land in a dead tree. Looking at a map later today, its seemed to be in the area of "Burcot"?.

[Steve Seal]

Hi Gareth
The Crane showed well today, ive uploaded a couple off images for you.
Steve...... for more images visit
http://steveseal.fotopic.net

[nigeldphoto]

Hi Gareth
The Crane showed well today, ive uploaded a couple off images for you.
Steve...... for more images visit
http://steveseal.fotopic.net Nice pics of the crane steve, Is it still there and is it far from Coventry?
Nigel.

[Steve Seal]

Nice pics of the crane steve, Is it still there and is it far from Coventry?
Nigel.

Hi Nigel
Yes its still there today, and it takes about 20mins from Coventry Airport roundabout on A45 Daventry rd.
Take the turning A423 towards Banbury. Just keep on the A423 round Southam and keep heading towards Banbury. Just past a village called Farnborough look out for a turning on your left signposted Cropredy.
Take that left and continue down into the village, you then come to a T junction, turn left then after about 500yds take the first right signposted to Appletree, cross over the canal bridge go round a sharp lefthand bend and the bird is 500yds on your left in the field with 9 Mute Swans.
Good Look and thanks for the comments.
Regards Steve...........
http://steveseal.fotopic.net

[nigeldphoto]

Hi Nigel
Yes its still there today, and it takes about 20mins from Coventry Airport roundabout on A45 Daventry rd.
Take the turning A423 towards Banbury. Just keep on the A423 round Southam and keep heading towards Banbury. Just past a village called Farnborough look out for a turning on your left signposted Cropredy.
Take that left and continue down into the village, you then come to a T junction, turn left then after about 500yds take the first right signposted to Appletree, cross over the canal bridge go round a sharp lefthand bend and the bird is 500yds on your left in the field with 9 Mute Swans.
Good Look and thanks for the comments.
Regards Steve...........
http://steveseal.fotopic.net Hi Steve,
Thank you for the info and directions. If i can get a lift i hope to get there on sunday once again thanks.
Cheers,
Nigel.

[gareth_blockley]

Well the Common Crane is still present and is drawing plenty of Warwickshire's birders south ;) Top quality pictures turning up, Pixmania better give me my camera back soon! All i need then is some cammo gear, some worms and the poetry book Steve recites to lure the Crane in!!

Since my day around Farmoor and Otmoor there have been more birds present (typically!). The last few days at Farmoor have seen more Sandmartins, Swallows, a Male Wheatear, a Dunlin and Little gulls.

There are still half a dozen Red-crested pochard at Dix pit and the usual supects at Port meadow.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

I said that on Tuesday i heard of a rare bird present at Otmoor, i was sworn to secrecy at the time and i havn't heard any more about it so i will reveal now. Don't expect to get a new tick as you should have it by now. It was a Common Crane present in the afternoon of the 26th, definately a different bird to the Cropedy bird as they were present at the same time. Interesting eh?

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Well what a week we've had, the spring migration is well on its way now with several species being regularly seen now, this month is going to be amazing.
I still can't get over the fact i still hear flocks of Fieldfares and a Chiffchaff singing at the same time?!

Monday was the last day for our Crane which hasn't been reported since.

As for everwhere else Farmoor has seen most of the action. I've not heard much from other places, i may go to Otmoor to see whats about. Hopefully we'll get a few Ring ouzel at Aston rowant. Port meadow has had a single Wheatear last week (only heard about it this week though).

Farmoor birds seen this week (http://farmoor-birding.com/LOG-BOOK-):
1st - Plenty of Chiffchaffs singing, 3 Curlew, a Water Rail on Pinkhill. 4 Swallows and c100 Sand Martins. Still 26 Goldeneye on F.1. In the roost the second summer & first winter Mediterranean Gulls, 2 adult Little Gulls and the albino Black-headed Gull.
2nd - A Jack Snipe was seen at Pinkhill this evening and the second summer Mediterranean Gull again on F.2.
3rd - Very quiet. Just a handful of Swallows, c100 Sand Martins, the Shag still, 2 Shelduck on F.1 this morning. The 'white' Black-headed Gull in the roost.
4th - The still sizeable gull roost remains the main focus of interest with a classic first winter Caspian Gull this evening on F.2. together with the second summer Mediterranean Gull. During the day the first House Martin of the year plus 6 Swallows and c60 Sand Martins, an Oystercatcher flew over. Good numbers of Blackcaps now but migration pretty slow in the continuing cold north easterly airflow.
5th - 10 presumed feral Barnacle Geese on F.2 this morning. The Shag still. First winter Mediterranean Gull and adult Little Gull in the roost.

Happy birding folks :bounce:

[gareth_blockley]

Seems it has been a good weekend, but i didn't spend much time traveling about, i just couldn't bring myself to do the driving about. Around home i got some Sand martin, my first Swallows and Blackcaps of the year, and a flock of Linnets.

My wish for a Ring ouzel came in the form of a female at Aston Rowant.
There was a Black redstart at Cowlease woods. A summer plumaged Black-necked grebe at Farmoor along with the Shag, Wheatears, Yellow and White wagtail, Swallows, Little gull and Med gull. A Merlin at Churn. Little ringed plovers at Standlake, Port meadow and Abingdon. Also seen at these sites were Cetti's warblers, Willow warblers, Garden warbler, Jack snipe and Red-crested pochard.

So its been a very good weekend!

[gareth_blockley]

I had my first Little ringerd plovers of the year this afternoon! A pair at a small site just outside Banbury :bounce:
Got my first Swallow on Friday and have seen one everyday since too.

Does anyone else want to share their bird sightings? It would be nice to hear from you..

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Spring is definately here now and in the heat haze Swallows are a regular sight performing ariel dynamics to the background song of Chiffchaffs, Willow warblers, Blackcaps and Lesser whitethroats. Other (resident) birds are also in full song and are breeding, I actually saw a load of mallard chicks yesturday.
But the highlight for this spring so far for me has to be seeing an Osprey yesturday, I was just working some small sights close to home an d it was a totl surprise and a LIFER!! I went to Broughton park (castle) late morning and the bird was just going over as i arrived. I jumped back in the car to try to follow it but soon lost sight behind tall trees and couldn't relocate it. I tried the places near by but no joy. I also found some very local Tree sparrows and a pair of Little ringed plovers so i had a very good day!

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Seen elsewhere around Oxfordshire:
Farmoor: Iceland Gull (in roost - Dix pit in day), Little gulls, Osprey (early yesturday - smae bird i saw?), Raven, Common terns, Yellow wagtails, Sand martins, Swallows, Common sand, Shag, Artic terns (4 on 12th), Ringed plover, Dunlin, Wheatear and the warblers.
Otmoor: Grasshopper warbler + many more usual birds.
Aston Rowant: more Ring ouzels being seen.

Happy birding

[gareth_blockley]

I've not been on here for a bit and havn't had time to update this tread, will do asap.

If anyone else has any sightings to share though please do

Cheers
Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Unfortunatley i have lost track of the bird sightings since my last report and i only have records from Farmoor reservoir to post here.
Ring ouzel sightings from Aston rowant now appear to have stopped coming but does mean they are not there??

Seen at Farmoor:
Little gulls - up to 10 on various days
Caspian gull - on the 17th and 18th
Med gull - on the 22nd
Common terns - double figures
Artic terns - 3 on the 23rd
Black terns - singles on the 20th and 22nd
Swallows - 100's
Sand martin - 100's
House martin - first on the 23rd with double figures since
Swifts - first on the 20th with 200+ on the 23rd
Yellow wagtails - double figures
White wagtails - 1 or 2 seen
Wheatear - 1's and 2's
Cuckoo - first on the 19th
Dunlin - 1 to 4 seen on various days
Common sandpiper - 1 to 5 seen
Whimbrel - on the 21st, 3 on the 24th
Greenshank - on the 25th
Little egret - on the 25th, 2 on the 26th
Cetti's, Sedge and Lesser whitethroats - from the 21st
Reed and Garden warbler - from the 22nd
Shag - still present

Thats about it, hopefully i'll get to do some of my own birding soon!

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

There has been a 1st summer Bonaparte's gull at Farmoor all week. Thoughts are it has come in with migrating Black headed gulls of a similar age. Its giving great veiws, but is mobile so check latest reports of where to see it.

I went on Friday evening to view - Fantastic, and easy to distinguish from the other gulls. Also 100's of Swifts and House martins, Common terns and an Arctic tern. The Shag still around, when will it leave?!

Also reports of Sanderling, Dunlin, Hobby, Nightingale, Common sand, Little egret and Whimbrel from Farmoor. Garganey at Otmoor.

Not a lot else to report really.

Happy birding!

[gareth_blockley]

Just read that there is a Wood warbler at Wallingford: Castle Meadows.

[Steve Seal]

Hi Gareth:hi:
Had good views of the Bonapartes at Farmoor at the weekend, also Nightingale, Turnstone, 9 x Dunlin and a very confiding Sanderling.
Picture posted below.
Regards Steve............

[wolfbirder]

I glimpsed the nightingale at the adjacent pink hill meadow NR (adjacent to Farmoor) and it was singing superbly at the weekend. ALso the Bonaparte's Gull on the res. Plenty of warblers at pink hill, garden, reed, sedge, blackcap all showing well. lovely place !

[GD-ACM]

Hi Gareth, where did/do you find out about the RSPB volunteers meeting for Otmoor?

[gareth_blockley]

Hi Gareth, where did/do you find out about the RSPB volunteers meeting for Otmoor?

I was told directly by the staff as i do some voluntary surveys for them. I could give you some contact details if you were looking to volunteer some time, i only do a few hours a month. I don't think you could just turn up to the meeting though.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Thanks for the contributions guys, and Steve for the photo it really is a smart little bird well done, much appreciated.

The Bonaparte's gull was last seen on Wednesday the 9th at Farmoor.
Farmoor has also had huge flocks of Dunlin with up to 70 being seen at once, also amoungt them were a few Sanderling. A flock of 15 Whimbrel passed through, as have Hobbies, Yellow wagtails and various other waders. The Nightingale and Shag are still present.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Its been a while since i've been on the net long enough to post, moving house and work and stuff.
Seems the biggest news is of the Scops owl at Thrupp that has been around since the 14th. This Mega bird was in the same location last year causing lots of debate over its origin; is it wild revisiting, a wild bird that overwintered or an escaped bird??

Otmoor has its fair share of migrants with Hobbies, Groppers, Turtle doves, a little egret and a whole load of other more usual or commoner birds.
Farmoor has an almost constant flow of migrating waders through with plenty of Sanderling and Dunlin stopping of for a rest. The Nightingale is now going quite - has he bred or just getting bored? The Shag still present which must be fairly unusual and Water rails are busy feeding up their young.

Happy birding folks

[June Atkinson]

May I flag up this website with a webcam and video clips of a Chiltern Red Kite nest?
Chicks are expected to hatch any time soon!
The webcam is in a Garden Centre just outside Stokenchurch.

Helen Olive's excellent new website is worth a look www.redkites.net

[gareth_blockley]

May I flag up this website with a webcam and video clips of a Chiltern Red Kite nest?
Chicks are expected to hatch any time soon!
The webcam is in a Garden Centre just outside Stokenchurch.

Helen Olive's excellent new website is worth a look www.redkites.net

Of course! Please also tell everyone of any birds you see around oxfordshire.

thanks

[gareth_blockley]

Hey folks

I've had a great couple of days away in Anglesey this week, highlight being the Choughs, but it means i never get to do any local birding..

Reported this week:
Scops owl - Thrupp - last reported on Tuesday 29th
Black tern - Farmoor yesturday
Purple heron - ? - Anyone know anything about this?
Raven - Farmoor - 27th

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Not much going on in oxfordshire really, not like the northwest counties!
On the 14th two Common crane flew over the A43 near bicester and a Barheaded goose is present at Dix pit.

Good days everyone

[gareth_blockley]

Another Common crane in oxfordshire, only for a day this time, was at otmoor on the 28th.

Happy birding folks

[gareth_blockley]

Wood sandpiper today at Farmoor reservoir

[gareth_blockley]

Well its been a while since i submitted to this thread, i was going to give it up but its that time of year when things start turning up again!

The big news at the moment is a Grey phalarope at Farmoor. Being seen on the causeway and F1 its a showy little bird not bithered by people at all.
Port meadow is hotting up with two pectoral sanpipers being seen regularly and curlew sands, ruff and other waders turning up day to day.

Highlights o the last thre months have been:
White-winged black tern with two black terns at Farmoor during the floods on 20th and 21st July.
Marsh sandpiper in Abingdon on the 4th August and at Farmoor on the 5th August, presumably the same bird.
A purple heron at Farmoor, pinkhill from 11th to the 13th August, then at Otmoor from the 16th to the 22nd.
Single common crane visits to Otmoor through August that may have beeen the same bird.
a Honey buzzard at otmoor on the 25th.
Black-necked grebe at Farmoor on the 28th.
A great- white egret seen with little egrets on the 7th and 8th of September.
A juvenile Sabines gull and an Arctic skua at Otmoor on the 29th Sept.


There has also been lots of migrating birds seen around including Osprey, Marsh harrier, Terns, Passerines and Waders.

This month could bring some truly fantastic birding so keep your eyes peeled and happy birding!

Gareth

[moose1991]

I'm going to take the children to this event at Otmoor in half term week.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/o/otmoor/events.asp?id=tcm:9-167591

Not been to Otmoor before.
Bit of a lapsed birder at the moment and feeling rather rusty.
What's Otmoor like at the moment?

[gareth_blockley]

I'm going to take the children to this event at Otmoor in half term week.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/o/otmoor/events.asp?id=tcm:9-167591

Not been to Otmoor before.
Bit of a lapsed birder at the moment and feeling rather rusty.
What's Otmoor like at the moment?

Hi Owen

Otmoor should be good at the moment. It has a broad ranch of habitats but mostly water based. From the car park there is a scrubby area to the right where you can pick up finches, thrushes, kestrel and the like and to the left is an arable field where there is likely to be deer, partridges and finches. Further up the path there are bird feeders on the right before the big hedge, this attracts mainly common species but at the right time has willow tit and brambling. As you follow the path round you'll have an area of grassland intersepted with dithes which will get you wildfowl, pipts and wagtails, Keep your eyes peeled for Peregrine and merlin too. On the left is a thick hedgline with trees that will have tits, finches, warblers etc, listen out for cetti's warbler here. The path goes off to the right with hedges and wet grassland along the way and you will get to the first veiwing hide over the pools and reed bed and eventually the second veiwing hide and another bigger pool.

At this time of year migrants such as winchat are seen fairly regularly, and stonechats coming in for winter. Waders should be around on the many scrapes or on the pools, such as golden plovers and maybe things like dunlin. Water rails may be seen at the first pool amongst the reeds. Its such a big site it could throw anything up, its a time where marsh harriers get seen also.

Hopefully you'll have a good day, if there is a warden around they will let you know what is around. Let us know how you get on |:d|

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=98453&highlight=oxfordshire
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gareth_blockley]

More information on Oxforshires mega rare visitor can be read here http://farmoor-birding.com/THE-AMERICAN-BUFF-BELLIED-PIPIT the pipit was declared on monday 8th and left wednesday 10th.
It was relocated at nearby Port meadow on Friday 12th but hasn't been seen since. The extra attention that port meadow recieved though meant a Lapland bunting was heard flying over and two Water pipits were also found. There was also a Grey phalarope, perhaps the same bird that was at Farmoor, who knows?

The continued searching for the BB pipit also meant a shore lark was found early sunday 14th at Farmoor but it didnt stay long.

What will turn up next??

Also can i request any local reading this if they fing any winter finches could they let me know please? I need some good veiws of Hawfinch and Brambling, not just fly bys!

Cheers
Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Only a little gull to report. At Port meadow, present since Saturday.

That would be another one towards my 200 goal..

Gareth

[moose1991]

Hiya Gareth,
Had a good family day at the Feed The Birds event.
Kids loved it.
Lots of very noisey children having a good time discovering nature.
Meant the birds were few and far between.
Saw lots of Stonechat up close.
I enjoyed lettting other kids view Shoveler through my scope.
Didn't get too see much else at all.
Not too fussed, I can always go back when it's quieter.
Cheers for the advice, I'll use it on a proper birding trip.

[gareth_blockley]

Glad you had a good day Owen, unfortunatly i didn't realise when you planned your visit and most things would have moved on. Still, its good to see the Stonechats and to get the kids to see something different.

Reported in the last few days:
Med gulls, caspian gull, Water pipit, whinchat, wheatear and others at Farmoor
Black redstart at Woodcote
Short-eared owl at Kidlington

Gareth

[headington7]

Thank you for all the info.,Gareeth...very interesting !

Best Regards,

Mervyn.

[gareth_blockley]

Went in search of my 200th bird of the BOU list on Wednesday and wasn't disapointed. It didn't take me long to find the 1W Little gull flying effortlessly like a tern with its bold black wing markings. I watched it for a while but it was always too distant for photos. Also present was a juv Spotted redshank, c30 Snipe, Teal, Shovellers, c400 Wigeon, Lapwings, c600 Golden plover and a flock of geese which had Canadas, Greylag, Farmyard and everything in between!

Its worth a visit at the moment if your local or passing!

[gareth_blockley]

Also seen in our locality recently:

Farmoor - Rock pipits, merlin, wheatear, water pipit, jack snipe and wo Bearded tits on thurs (a cracking find!).
South moreton - Great white egret flew over on Tues.
Pot meadow - Little gull, Spot shank, Ruff and Little stint.
Dix pit - Caspian gull.

I also had a peregrine fly over Banbury as i left work on Tuesday.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

The same birds about yesturday wth the lack of Little gull at Port meadow.

Today 5 Bramblings were reported at and near to Otmoor RSPB and with that and the Bearded tit at Farmoor i set offfor an afternoons birding. I got o Otmoor for 12:30 and spent an hour by the feeders but the Bramblings had gone. A single Siskin flew over in that time with hundreds of thrushes moving around and a pair of Stonechats along the track.
At farmoor i spent a couple of hours at Shrike meadow and Buckthorn meadow but i didn't see the Bearded tit, but there were Kingfishers. On te way back along the causeway i spied the Water pipit.

I got back and found that a bearded tit and a hen harrier had been seen at Otmoor?! Sometimes thats the way it goes!

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

I just found this so though i'd link it in
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=100678

An udate to follow later

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Water pipit and Bearded tit still present at farmoor, with a common scoter and a kittiwake in the roost on wednesday.

Beared tit still at Otmoor RSPB in front of first screen.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Water pipit and White wagtail around Farmoor today.

Adult FRANKLIN'S GULL inthe roost this afternoon/evening. Hopefully it will stay around.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Franklin's gull again this evening along with an adult kittiwake and the Water pipit.

I went for a stroll around Grimbury reservoir, Banbury today and got Siskins, a pair of Stonechats and Bullfinchs, but not much more. Although never comparable to the BIG reservoirs the numbers of gulls are building with Black headed, Lesser black backed and Common gulls.


Gareth

[Storm-Petrel]

ah... this thread is perfect. im going to oxford next year for summer break and i need to get info on birding spots in the county.

[gareth_blockley]

ah... this thread is perfect. im going to oxford next year for summer break and i need to get info on birding spots in the county.

Glad someone's 'listening'!

If you want to give me a message closer to the time and i can compile a list of places to go and what your likely to see. Also anything a bit rarer about.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

No sign of Franklins gull at Farmoor since sunday but visabillity has been poor. 2 Kittiwakes around and 8+ yellow-legged gulls in roost. A juvenile scaup on monday. Bearded tit and water pipit still present with at least 2 Jack snipe.

Bar tailed godwits sighted at Port meadow; 5 yesturday and 3 today.

A juvenile Pomarine skua at Sonning eye GP this afternoon.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

A little auk in Burford was taken into care.
Kittiwake and Water pipit still at Farmoor.
Ruddy shellduck at Blenheim.

Good birding people

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

I went to Otmoor RSPB yesturday. Highlight was a Peregrine and several Stonechats, c15 Pintail drakes and 9 Snipe were the only othere birds of note.

Else where in the area:
The Kittiwake at Farmoor was found dead on the 16th. The Water pipit still on the cause way and Bearded tit still shrike meadow though elusive. Glaucous and yellow legged gulls in the roost.
Caspian gull yesturday and Dix pit.
Immature Scaup at Chimney corner pit yesturday.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

3 Jack snipe noted in Abingdon on 25th.
Glaucous gull and Iceland gull at both Dix pit today and at Farmoor in the roost, believed to be the same birds. Water pipit and Bearded tit still present at Farmoor.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

The lane will be closed from:


7 January 2008 - 14 April 2008

Monday to Friday between 08:30-16:30

Saturday 08:30-13:00


Thames Water is installing a sewage pipeline for the residents of Beckley. Pedestrian access is still permitted, however it is a mile walk to the reserve entrance from Beckley and parking in the village is limited.

If visitors are keen to access the reserve during the closure period, public footpaths and bridleways to the reserve will remain open. However, they do get very muddy, and parking will be difficult in some places.

We are sorry for the inconvenience this work is going to cause. Unfortunately, the RSPB is unable to influence when this work is undertaken or the timings of when the lane is closed.

If you have questions please feel free to contact the reserve office on 01865 351163 or email otmoor.admin@rspb.org.uk

[gareth_blockley]

The two white gulls still roosting at Farmoor and at Dix pit in the day.

Port meadow is seeing an increase of winter birds with Peregrine, Redpoll, Pintail, Ruff Godwit and Dunlin all being noted today.

Lesser redpolls reported at South stoke and Siskins at Warburg .

Gareth

[kingwolf]

Cheers for all the info - I'm looking forward to next time i'm in the area for a decent length of time (next visit to Banbury will be fleeting) as I now have a good list of sites to visit.

[gareth_blockley]

Peregrine over north of Banbury this afternoon.

Little egret at Ewelme cress beds.
Iceland gull and Yellow-legged gull at Dix pit. Glaucous gull in roost at Farmoor, also Water pipit on the cause way and 3 Jack snipe on the meadows.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Farmoor seems to be the only place turning up records at the moment.. or maybe it's just nobody reports birds in Oxfordshire!

Water pipit and Bearded tit still kicking around at Farmoor. A Caspian gull showing well in the roost on the 1st, in a smaller sub-roost if you like!
(http://www.farmoor-birding.com/LOG-BOOK)

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Well,well, well...
What i should have said in my last post was no where but Farmoor and Dix pit. Dix pit has turned up trumps with not only it's long stayind Iceland gull but another of Canadian origin. There is still debate as to whether it is a kumlien's or a thayer's but its certainly a good bird: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=102578&highlight=oxon&page=1.


I went today for a brief lunch time visit but typically wasn't on show. Was there before and there after but not while i was there! The Iceland however showed very well and there were Caspian gulls, 3 Red crested pochards, 2 Redpolls, and Ruff seen in the morning.

Of note else where a single Brambling was seen in Stanton st John on the 5th.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Kumlien's/Thayer's gull still present this morning at Dix pit, then seen flying in the direction of Farmoor reservoir (where it roosted last night).

2 Jack snipe reported at iffley meadows,and 7 at Abingdon (not sure where though) with a whopping 225 common snipe.


Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

There has been no further sign of the Canadian Iceland gull since gull scaring started on the tip.

Other sightings:
Dix pit - 10th - Caspian gull x2
Iceland gull
Yellow legged gull x10
Farmoor - 9th - Med gull
Yellow legged gull 8+
Water pipit
10th - Iceland gull
Caspian gull
Yellow legged gull 12+
Common scoter x2
Goosander x3
Water pipit
11th - Common sandpiper
Water pipit
Dorchester - 11th - High numbers of ducks
Coot x861
Egyptian goose x2
Blewbury - 11th - Merlin x2
Barn owl
Burford - 9th - Short eared owl
11th - Grey partridge x9
Otmoor - 11th - Brambling


Thats more like it!

Gareth

[kingwolf]

Got a couple of days down in Banbury this weekend - get there fri eve - just wondering where you reconmend for a couple of hours either sat or sun aft (cant be to far a drive as will be B (: on sat night!!).

Cheers for the advice.

[gareth_blockley]

Got a couple of days down in Banbury this weekend - get there fri eve - just wondering where you reconmend for a couple of hours either sat or sun aft (cant be to far a drive as will be B (: on sat night!!).

Cheers for the advice.


There's a small reservoir on the edge of town i go to regularly (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=banbury&ie=UTF8&ll=52.069746,-1.323595&spn=0.025219,0.05785&z=14&om=1). If you head out of town on the A361 (towards tescos), turn right at roundabout on hennef way (towards M40), at the next roundabout turn left (signed for the sailing club). There is a little car park for Spiceball park.
The reservoir itself dosn't hold anything too exciting (that ive found!). but it does have a mixed woodland to the north and the river has lots of alders along it. Normally have siskins (30+ today), bullfinchs, coal tits, golcrests. This morning i had two willow tits and seven snipe over.

Another couple of places a little way out of town are Balscote quarry (SP391425) and Edgehill woods. I go to these fairly often.
Try the BOS website - http://www.banburyornithologicalsociety.org.uk/page%206.htm
Or the BBOWT website (closest is foxholes which is quite good) - http://www.bbowt.org.uk/content.asp?did=23521
Theres lots of little places to go for a wonder, if you want anything specifically let me know and see if i know a place to go.

Hope you have a good time and let me know what you find.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Reported yesturday:

3 Brambling and 2 Lesser Redpoll at South stoke, Withymead NR.

80 Skylark at Bury down.

Iceland, Caspian, Med gulls all in the roost at Farmoor. 6 Gooseanders and the water pipit too.


Gareth

[RobinD]

2nd winter Caspian and adult Yelow-legged Gull at Dix this lunchtime. Iceland reported earlier but no sign. Best ducks were a pair of Pintail.

Any idea where the Jack Snipe reported in Abingdon are yet?

ATB

Robin

[kingwolf]

Many thanks Gareth! Will have a look at those cheers!!

[gareth_blockley]

Any idea where the Jack Snipe reported in Abingdon are yet?



Not sure to be honest. There's an area to the east with pools, but they could be along the river. I don't know the area that well.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Many thanks Gareth! Will have a look at those cheers!!

Sorry you couldn't make it out mate, hope you enjoyed sat night, too much B (: though ;)

[gareth_blockley]

Took a few guys down to see the Starling roost this afternoon. Sun was shining but it was a bit brass monkeys!

Started with 46+ Snipe in the closes. Sparrowhawk flew high over. Reserve was generally quiet because of the fozen water till we got to the first screen and found a female Hen harrier hunting over the reeds. Found out its been around sinse the 29/11!! Peregrine veiwed resting on post from the second screen. Back at the first screen waiting for the starlings the Hen harrier was showing on and off and a Merlin flew through under the first gathering of starlings. The roost grew to c25,000 birds and was spectacular!

Happy days :t:

[gareth_blockley]

Dix pit is has attracted back the unusual gull that no one seems to be able to clinch the ID (not that i can but some must be able to!) is back at Dix pit today, over the last few days Iceland and Caspian gulls around.
Six Ruff and seven Pintail at Port meadow yesturday, two Blackwits and a Dunlin today.
Blackcap at Benson.
Little egret still at ewelme cress beds.


Gareth

[kingwolf]

Hey Gareth!!

Yeah - poor show I'm afraid!! A student who cant handle free beer!! :t: Next time definatly up for it and wont B (: as much!!!! Especially after what you saw!!

Talking of which - Driving up from London today (well Monday) and had a flock of birds fly over me on the M40 - black on top white below was all I could see at the speed limit!! Looked to small for lapwings - any idea??? Just south of your stomping ground in Banbury!! Enjoy Rochester (you see it on TV on Sunday??)!!

[gareth_blockley]

Around and about recently:

A Barn owl at Little Whittenham on the 17th
20 Brambling and 200 Linnits at Oxford airfield on the 18th
5 Whooper swans and a Ruff at Port meadow on the 18th departed early today.
The Thayer's/Kumlien's type gull at Dix pit still.


Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Wednesday 19th there was a bewick's swan at Chimney meadows which meant we had all 3 Swan species in the county at the same time!
A Little egret still at Ewelme cress beds.
The Water pipit still at Farmoor with a Red-breasted merganser, 8 pintail, 30+ Goldeneye and a Common sandpiper.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Caspian gull around Dix pit, Water pipit still at farmoor and surprisingly the Bearded tit still (same one?), Winter finches from Withymead NR, Merlin from North stoke, Bewicks swan still at Chimney meadows.

Merry christmas everyone!

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Dix pit has had the Thayer's or Kumlien's gull, Iceland gull, Glaucous gull and Caspian gull today.
A flock of 20 Brambling still at Withymead NR and a Woodcock today and Red kite seen at Otmoor RSPB.
Yesturday a male Blackcap at Cowley and Water pipit still at Farmoor.

Gareth

[gnome]

Hi all, I've just joined up and thought that I would chip in for Gareth who's seems to be doing a splendid job on this thread.

Today there were the following reports from the OOS web-site (www.oos.org.uk):
Otmoor: 5 white-fronted and 1 pink-footed geese.
Port Meadow: 5 Dunlin, 3 ruff, 5 redshank and 1 black-tailed godwit
Shrivenham: 1 female goshawk
Farmoor: 1 common sandpiper, 7 siskin, 1 male pintail, 6+ Little Grebe.

My own comments: It's been rather quiet on Farmoor recently with no updates on the Farmoor web-site since the 21st. Port Meadow (which is my local patch) is great at the moment as a lot of the flood water is starting to dry out leaving almost mud flats for the waders. There's also quite a large gull roost there in the evening.

[gareth_blockley]

Hi all, I've just joined up and thought that I would chip in for Gareth who's seems to be doing a splendid job on this thread.

Today there were the following reports from the OOS web-site (www.oos.org.uk):
Otmoor: 5 white-fronted and 1 pink-footed geese.
Port Meadow: 5 Dunlin, 3 ruff, 5 redshank and 1 black-tailed godwit
Shrivenham: 1 female goshawk
Farmoor: 1 common sandpiper, 7 siskin, 1 male pintail, 6+ Little Grebe.

My own comments: It's been rather quiet on Farmoor recently with no updates on the Farmoor web-site since the 21st. Port Meadow (which is my local patch) is great at the moment as a lot of the flood water is starting to dry out leaving almost mud flats for the waders. There's also quite a large gull roost there in the evening.


Thanks, i don't suppose your Stephen off the Yahoo group are you?

I really should spend more time further south, i tend to stick to banbury more recently. Maybe a trip to Aston rowant to see if there are any brambling about.

A few more birds to ad to the list:
Chimney meadows: 2 Goosander, 2 Stonechat and a Marsh tit.
Ewelme cress beds: Little egret.

Gareth

[gnome]

Thanks, i don't suppose your Stephen off the Yahoo group are you?


No I'm not. Is the yahoo group worth joining?

[gnome]

Happy New Year to all!

I went up to Draycote Water today - I know it's Warkwickshire rather than Oxon but it's not too far away. I managed to see the Lesser Scaup which was a first for me but there was no sign of the Smew.

The Farmoor site has posted again: water pipit on the causeway, the bearded tit in Shrike Meadow and a Jack Snipe where the main interests.

On OOS: the Bewicks swan is still at Chimney today. Yesterday someone posted a very extensive list for Farmoor (probably kicking off their year list) including a Water Rail, the Bearded Tit and a Peregrine.

BirdGuides: The White-fronted geese still at Otmoor and 3 Caspian gulls at Dix pit.

[RobinD]

There is a ringtail Hen Harrier flitting between Berks and Oxon at Bury Down, just north of West Ilsley. I manage to get great views this morning, at the third attempt. There are SE Owls nearby as well.

ATB

Robin

[gareth_blockley]

Thanks for the input guys it makes a change!
The yahoo group hasn't had a lot going on recently but hopefully a recent spell of goodies will get some chatter going.

Bramblings and Lesser redpoll again today at Withymead NR.

Happy new year everyone

Gareth

[sbullivant]

Had a quick wander round the Uni Parks yesterday afternoon... plenty of Redwings and Long-tailed tits. Off to Farmoor tomorrow morning; will report back.

Stephen (from the yahoo group)

[sbullivant]

Spent morning at Farmoor... Many of the usual suspects - Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Pintail, Goldeneye, Meadow Pipit, Fieldfare , Grey Wagtail, Buzzard, Kestrel, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Treecreeper, Great Crested Grebe. Saw the famous Water Pipit also. Oh, and we spied at a distance 3 or 4 (suspected) Yellowhammers while waiting for the bus.

All in all, not a bad way to spend a few hours.

[gareth_blockley]

M40: Big flock of c.200 Golden plover and even more Lapwing near jnc9.

Farmoor: Started on the countryside walk south of F2 and got several Bullfinchs, Marsh tit, Goldcrests, Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Great spotted woodpecker and 4 Snipe over. Lots of Reed buntings the odd yellowhammer and winter thrushs around buckthorn meadow. Water pipit and grey wagtails along the causeway. Very few wildfowl around and disapointingly no sign of the Bearded tit though it had been heard early am.

Dix pit: Gulls aren't my thing but i'm determined to learn them and as it's such a good site it'd be rude not to go! I need to check through some photos but i'm confident i saw the putative Thayer's/Kumliens gull, at least one Caspian gull (adult), 3+ Yellow-legged gulls (ad), and all the commoner species. No Red-crested pochard seen.

Stanton harcourt: Female sparrowhawk gliding slowly over.

Port meadow: It had just started pelting down when i got here so just a quick look. None of the waders reported seen. c.500 Golden plover. Good numbers of wildfowl with mostly Wigeon and Shoveller with Gadwall, Teal and c.20 Pintail.

Otmoor: 5 Eurasion White-fronted geese and Pink-footed goose. These are easily veiwed from the bridle way from Noke towards the reserve.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

I went down to Bury down,berks today. The Ringtail was seen coming form Oxon border over the ridge, though not by me! Great veiws of SEO's and Cornbunting :t:

Seen elsewhere in Oxon today:
Otmoor - 5/6 WFGeese + PFooted, Ringtail and 2 Merlin
Port meadow - Iceland gull all day
Bladon a44 roundabout - Flock of 70+ Linnits with 2 Brambling
Chimney meadows - Bewick's swan

on the 5th c30 Brambling at Oxford airport of northern side near roundabout for Woodstock

on the 4th Whooper swan over Port meadow.


Gareth

[gnome]

Woke up early yesterday and the rest of the family were asleep so I nipped down to Port Meadow for a quick look. I caught the tail-end of the roost leaving so all the usual gulls: BHG, LBBG, GBBG, HG. Thought I saw a possible juv. Caspian though the subtleties of ID'ing this cf. a juv. Yellow-Legged is beyond me. There were the usual ducks (widgeon, shovler, teal and pintail) though I didn't see any Gadwall which I'd seen on New Year's Day. Plenty of lapwings and golden plover as well. There were also some probable ruff about though at the limit of my primitive scope's range. Fortunately at that point a more experienced and very helpful birder turned up with his super scope and quickly confirmed the ruff and added some Dunlin. He also then spotted an Iceland Gull amongst a flock of BHG which I'd missed which was a nice find.

Not bad for about half an hour!

[gareth_blockley]

Woke up early yesterday and the rest of the family were asleep so I nipped down to Port Meadow for a quick look. I caught the tail-end of the roost leaving so all the usual gulls: BHG, LBBG, GBBG, HG. Thought I saw a possible juv. Caspian though the subtleties of ID'ing this cf. a juv. Yellow-Legged is beyond me. There were the usual ducks (widgeon, shovler, teal and pintail) though I didn't see any Gadwall which I'd seen on New Year's Day. Plenty of lapwings and golden plover as well. There were also some probable ruff about though at the limit of my primitive scope's range. Fortunately at that point a more experienced and very helpful birder turned up with his super scope and quickly confirmed the ruff and added some Dunlin. He also then spotted an Iceland Gull amongst a flock of BHG which I'd missed which was a nice find.

Not bad for about half an hour!

nice one on the iceland, they are sometimes easily missed surprisingly!

i obviously missed the Ruff and Dunlin on Saturday... Nevermind there'll be another day

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=1096727#post1096727

Gareth

[RobinD]

Drake Lesser Scaup still between Sutton Courtnay and Appleford. Floods between SC and Drayton have a few Teal, WIgeon and Shoveller pus the usual Buzzard.

[RobinD]

Bewick's Swan still at Chimney

[gareth_blockley]

The Lesser scaup and Bewicks swan still showing well. The Iceland gull spent the day at Port meadow on tuesday and 2 Ruff. Caspian gulls regular at Dix pix and Glaucous on thursday and 11 Red-crested pochard today. The geese at Otmoor last reported on tuesday.

Had a Peregrine over banbury yesturday. I'm sure there's one roosting somewhere but i'm yet to see where.

Gareth

[gnome]

Went down to Dix Pit this afternoon: saw 11 Red-crested Pochards and also a first winter Caspian Gull. Also managed to see the Bewick's swan which is still showing well at Chimney.

[jason hodges]

went on first outing with oos today around village of thrupp a few siskins around thanks to everyone for letting me join you, had fun

[RobinD]

Adult Caspian and two adult Yellow-legged Gulls at Dix this lunchtime. No sign of the possible Thayers, Glauc or Iceland.
At least ten Red-crested Pochard as well.

[RobinD]

Barn Owl flew over my car near the Wittenhams yesterday evening - always fantastic!

[jason hodges]

3 goldcrests, various tits,green & greater spotted woodpecker ,siskins seen in stoke wood .little grebe at stratton audley lake

[gareth_blockley]

I went to Stoke wood today to do some invert survey training. Didn't have much time birding but looked good.

2 Meally redpolls with the lessers at Withymead NR today, also brmbling still.
Ring necked parakeet in Oxford.
Report of possible Lapland bunting near wantage yesturday.
12 Red crested pochard at Dix pit.
Lesser scaup last reported on Wednesday.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Hen harrier still at Otmoor RSPB, also peregrine.
Lesser scaup still Sutton Courtnay and a Glaucous gull still in the Appleford area.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

For a round up of whats at Farmoor se here: http://farmoor-birding.com/LOG-BOOK

Gareth

[RobinD]

Cracking view of the first winter Glaucus Gull at Appleford this morning on the way to work!

ATB

Robin

[gareth_blockley]

I think i'll be going to look for the Glaucous gull around Appleford tomorrow and it would be rude to not go and see the Lesser scaup!

The lesser scaup stil present...
Hen harrier still around Otmoor also 15 Ruff and chiffchaff today. Peregrine at Abingdon today and one in Wallingford yesturday.

Gareth

[jason hodges]

i was taking my kids to farmoor tomorrow but may go and see ruff at otmoor now thanks for info gareth

[gnome]

I think i'll be going to look for the Glaucous gull around Appleford tomorrow and it would be rude to not go and see the Lesser scaup!

Good luck on the Glaucous Gull there Gareth, I tried twice this week but missed it both times. The second time I later found out from Bird Guides it had still been there but not in it's usual place - instead it was East of the minor road from Appleford to Culham and south of the river so you may wish to look there as well.

In case people are interested in something "off-county", in Bucks today I saw the ring-necked duck at Foxcote reservoir, showing well to the left of the hide by the reeds. There were also the usual assortment of tufted, gadwall, widgeon and pochard, one goosander but not sign of the drake smew that has been reported recently.

At Hillesden I also caught a distant glimpse of at least one whooper swan still on the floods.

[gareth_blockley]

In case people are interested in something "off-county", in Bucks today I saw the ring-necked duck at Foxcote reservoir.

At Hillesden I also caught a distant glimpse of at least one whooper swan still on the floods.

I keep meaning to go to Foxcote again (i went last year - for the same bird?).

The whooper swan is tempting, where abouts could you veiw it from?

Cheers
Gareth

[gnome]

The whooper swan is tempting, where abouts could you veiw it from?

Park to the right of the church in Hillesden and then walk along the track to Church Hill Farm (roughly SP686282). You then want to look down into the valley at around the brook that flows there either just before the farm or just after it. I saw them at about SP683275 this last time though previously they may have been more at SP686276. It's at the extreme range of my (somewhat primitive) scope and they were hiding behind some hedges so were partially obscured. Not "showing well"

[gareth_blockley]

Thanks for the tips on the Whooper/s, I had a quick look today but couldn't see any birds though i'm not sure i looked in the right places!

Appleford: Flock of large gulls east of the village on flooded field. Approx 100 large gulls first growing to nearly 300 but no Glaucous gull. There was around a 60:40 ratio of LBBGulls to HeGulls, a few GBBGulls, around 50 BHGulls and a single Lapwing. Sparowhawk across the road a bit further on.

Sutton Courtenay: Lesser scaup showing well in the sun, too far to get photos though. A good easy bird to see if anyone hasn't been yet. Skylarks, Kestrel and Buzzard around too.

Appleford: A second visit produced... 2 BHGulls! Everything had gone. A flock of c.100 Lapwings up circling to the north.

Hillesdon (Bucks): Red deer, didn't expect that?! No sign of any swans but i didn't put much time in.

Foxcote res Bucks): Spent a while looking for the Ring-necked duck with no joy. 3 Goosander and many more usual species.

Farmland (Warks): Two Barn owls near to my parents home on my way to gat a warming coffee!


Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Park to the right of the church in Hillesden and then walk along the track to Church Hill Farm (roughly SP686282). You then want to look down into the valley at around the brook that flows there either just before the farm or just after it. I saw them at about SP683275 this last time though previously they may have been more at SP686276. It's at the extreme range of my (somewhat primitive) scope and they were hiding behind some hedges so were partially obscured. Not "showing well"

Thanks for the tips on the Whooper/s, I had a quick look today but couldn't see any birds though i'm not sure i looked in the right places!

Just checked your directions... I looked the wrong way!

[RobinD]

Gull flock completely gone from Appleford his morning!

Robin

[sideshow bob]

Thanks for the tips on the Whooper/s, I had a quick look today but couldn't see any birds though i'm not sure i looked in the right places!

Appleford: Flock of large gulls east of the village on flooded field. Approx 100 large gulls first growing to nearly 300 but no Glaucous gull. There was around a 60:40 ratio of LBBGulls to HeGulls, a few GBBGulls, around 50 BHGulls and a single Lapwing. Sparowhawk across the road a bit further on.

Sutton Courtenay: Lesser scaup showing well in the sun, too far to get photos though. A good easy bird to see if anyone hasn't been yet. Skylarks, Kestrel and Buzzard around too.

Appleford: A second visit produced... 2 BHGulls! Everything had gone. A flock of c.100 Lapwings up circling to the north.

Hillesdon (Bucks): Red deer, didn't expect that?! No sign of any swans but i didn't put much time in.

Foxcote res Bucks): Spent a while looking for the Ring-necked duck with no joy. 3 Goosander and many more usual species.

Farmland (Warks): Two Barn owls near to my parents home on my way to gat a warming coffee!


Gareth

After three winters of being easy to see, the Ring-necked Duck has been very elusive this winter, possibly because of the high water levels at Foxcote, which have flooded the edges, adding all sorts of vegetation to swim amongst. The bird favours the bankside willows to the left of the hide, in the corner of the reservoir; it normally keeps company with a small group of Tufties, and with patience will eventually show.

Panning right from these willows, the bank soon becomes bordered by mature trees which overhang the water. The RND also likes this area too.

The Whoopers at Hillesden are, if you can locate the swan flock, fairly straightforward to see. But, as has been said, the views tend to be distant and disappointing, especially if the swans are feeding behind a hedge. The best viewing point tends to be about 50yards beyond the farm, where the track veers slightly left. This is on a high point, and you can view the valley bottom to your right.

Keep an eye out for the Greylag/Canada flock at Hillesden too - it held 12 White-fronts just before Christmas.

Hillesden is a gem of a site, recently discovered, sympathetically managed by a private landowner, and guaranteed to turn up more goodies.

[gnome]

I went to check out Port Meadow this afternoon and now that the floods are receding the birds have come back. There were the usual widgeon and teal in good numbers as well as some shoveler and pintail. Plenty of lapwings but no golden plover as yet. There were also 10 ruff feeding in the shallows.

[gareth_blockley]

[QUOTE=sideshow bob;1114526]The Whoopers at Hillesden are, if you can locate the swan flock, fairly straightforward to see. But, as has been said, the views tend to be distant and disappointing, especially if the swans are feeding behind a hedge. The best viewing point tends to be about 50yards beyond the farm, where the track veers slightly left. This is on a high point, and you can view the valley bottom to your right.[QUOTE]

Thanks for all the information. Is this a regular occurance of Whoopers then? Ive never known of them untill they were mentioned the other day? How many of them are ther about?

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

I went to check out Port Meadow this afternoon and now that the floods are receding the birds have come back. There were the usual widgeon and teal in good numbers as well as some shoveler and pintail. Plenty of lapwings but no golden plover as yet. There were also 10 ruff feeding in the shallows.

Thats good. I could do with Ruff on the old (new) year list!

Gareth

[sideshow bob]

[QUOTE=sideshow bob;1114526]The Whoopers at Hillesden are, if you can locate the swan flock, fairly straightforward to see. But, as has been said, the views tend to be distant and disappointing, especially if the swans are feeding behind a hedge. The best viewing point tends to be about 50yards beyond the farm, where the track veers slightly left. This is on a high point, and you can view the valley bottom to your right.[QUOTE]

Thanks for all the information. Is this a regular occurance of Whoopers then? Ive never known of them untill they were mentioned the other day? How many of them are ther about?

Gareth

Tiny numbers of Whoopers (<5) have been wintering in north Bucks on and off for the last 20 years or so. They used to be found at Hyde Lane, which is over the road from Foxcote. Then a few years ago, some were discovered in the Hillesden/Calvert area. Problem is they tend to be just a touch elusive! They spend the day feeding on inaccessible farmland, and unless they're at Hillesden you've got no chance of seeing them. They previously came into roost at nearby Calvert reservoir, but recently seem to prefer Hillesden (which is a good thing |=)|)

[gareth_blockley]

Other birds around of note:

Blenhiem park 27th - 2 Hawfinch, Brambling, 2 Raven and 5 Mandarin.
Wantage 27th - 65+ Red kite.
Abingdon 27th - 2 Peregrine.

Port meadow 28th - Blackcap (male), Aristotle lane.


Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

On the 31st c30 Corn bunting were reported going to roost at Withymead NR, south stoke, as well as the usual Bramblings and Redpolls.

Fine day today so had a walk around Banbury reservoir (first for this month, thats bad). A willow warbler was in the tit flock along the river, loads of siskins in the wood with several males in full song, at least five goldcrests, a pair of stonechats and a kingfisher. Not bad ;-)

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Hawfinches again at Blenhiem today.
SEO reported at Otmoor also a peregrine and 27 Ruff today. Yesturday a merlin and Jack snipe.
Water pipit and Common sand still around at Farmoor.

Cheers
Gareth

[Dryocopus]

Ring-billed Duck - at Foxcote Reservoir yesterday about 12.
What a really lovely duck! Very smart - had to wait for 30 mins for him to show but well worth it for the 3 of us remaining in the hide! Tucked well round to the left of the hide out of sight !
Beautiful Bullfinch on the track to the hide.

Lesser Scaup was a breeze in comparison!
and Kingfishers around!

[CactusD]

This thread is awesome: went to Otmoor on Sat in hope of seeing my first Hen Harrier, following nod from this thread. Great thread, great place, great bird - some shots in the gallery.
Also saw peregrine, golden plover, snipe, wigeon, lapwing, teal, kestrel, red kite(?), buzzard, marsh tit... No SEO or Merlin for me, but there's always next time.
Thanks so much!
D

[jason hodges]

yeah otmoor is a great oxon site ,nice hen harrier pics too

[gnome]

Apparently (www.farmoor-birding.com) there have been some interesting gulls roosting at Farmoor recently: a Mediterranean for the last few nights and two kittiwakes and four yellow-legged gulls tonight as well.

[gareth_blockley]

Seems the colder weather is finally drwing more birds into the roost then at Farmoor, wander what else it will bring.

Glad everyone is getting their target birds with a little help from the thread! Otmoor is a very good site and so large there are probably more birds around than we know. Last year there was a pair of Bewick's hanging around but were seen very irregularly. Wait till spring comes when all the warblers are there the place is just awesome then!

Oh and great pics too, you did better than my efforts! B (:

Gareth

[jason hodges]

ther was at least two red crested pochard at college lake bucks at the weekend as wellas usual grebes and other waterfowl.my target birds for this year are lots of waders ,dipper and lots n lots of warblers some i hope around oxon. ne help most gratefully recieved

[gnome]

Went down to Port Meadow this lunch time in glorious sunshine and was rewarded with seeing 20 ruff, 3 dunlin, 10 golden plover and about 200 lapwings.

[gareth_blockley]

Went down to Port Meadow this lunch time in glorious sunshine and was rewarded with seeing 20 ruff, 3 dunlin, 10 golden plover and about 200 lapwings.

Nice one! I have to admit i've been neglecting Oxfordshire recently, i must change that soon.

Elsewhere recently:
Farmoor - Water pipit still. Gull roost has had Caspian gull, a few Kittiwakes and some med gulls.
Appleford - Caspian gull this am, same bird that went to roost at Farmoor??
Otmoor - Hen harrier, peregrine and a few ruff about. A staggering 2000+ lapwing and 3000+ golden plover!
Ewelme cressbeds - Little egret and water rail.
Sutton courtenay - Lesser scaup last reported on sunday.

Heres a goody - Burford - 3 SEO's between Taynton and Great barrington north of road SP222138.

Cheers
Gareth

[jason hodges]

took eldest daughter to otmoor today she listed 46 birds inc great views of hen harrier peregrine,water rail,snipe and ruff she said her best otmoor day ever .we also got merlin on way to islip and little and barn owl other side of ardley.

[gareth_blockley]

took eldest daughter to otmoor today she listed 46 birds inc great views of hen harrier peregrine,water rail,snipe and ruff she said her best otmoor day ever .we also got merlin on way to islip and little and barn owl other side of ardley.

Brilliant. I still haven't had a little owl or merlin yet this year.

The 3 SEO's at Burford grew to 6 and a Hen harrier yesturday!

Lesser scaup yesturday and other usuals about today

Cheers
Gareth

[gnome]

Had my first trip to Otmoor yesterday - amazing place. Saw a Hen Harrier, lots of snipe, some reed buntings and a flock of siskins. The water rails were apparently showing well at the first screen though they didn't oblige while I was there. There was also a peregrine there though I didn't see that either.

I also went in the late afternoon "off-county" up to the Berkshire downs to walk along the ridgeway for a time - again somewhere I've not been before. Saw at least four SE owls, a corn bunting, several stonechats and a yellowhammer.

[gnome]

Great Grey Shrike 1ml south of Compton Beauchamp,
at south end of Knighton Hill road,on Ridgeway footpath
just east of Wayland's Smithy crosspaths.SU 285.855.

[Copied from the OxonBirds Yahoo group]

[gareth_blockley]

Lesser scaup, SEO's, Hen harriers all still about.
Reports coming from Sonning of 4 Smew and a Scaup.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Hen harrier still at Otmoor, Water pipit at Farmoor, Ruff and Dunlin still at Port meadow, Caspian gull at Appleford at Dixpit and Finches still at Withtymead NR.

Seems some migrants have started arriving in the UK - keep 'em peeled!

Cheers
Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

2 Ruddy shellduck at Port meadow today, aswell as the usual waders.
Short-eared owls still near Burford.
Red crested Pochards at Dix pit - there haven't been the same numbers as before and reports are only occasional.

Good birding everyone, hopefully some of these spring migrants will turn up soon.

Gareth

[RobinD]

Still no migrants but managed to get out today and have a Goldcrest singing away about four feet from my head at Dry Sandford Pit. Got back to the office in Abingdon and another was singing in the car park!

ATB

Robin

[jason hodges]

havent seen ant migrants yet either.water rails and snipe showing really well at otmoor still, 3 or 4 rails together at times, lapwings and skylarks putting on lovely displays also.stoke wood today had a few goldcrests ,treecreeper, nuthatch and few bull finch,just wating for the warblers.

[gareth_blockley]

Up to 3 Blackcaps in Oxford along the canal. Redshanks, Ruff and Dunlin at Port meadow. 2 Jack snipe and an SEO at Otmoor (100 acre).

I have come across this local photographers site today: http://www.stephenburch.com/index.htm some really nice shots of local birds over the last few years.

Gareth

[jason hodges]

little stint and goosander at otmoor

[gareth_blockley]

Merlin at chimney meadows

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

SEO still near Burford
Merlin and 10 Dunlin at Otmoor on the 9th
Waders like Dunlin, Ruff and Redshank being seen at Port meadow, and Peregrine on the 11th and Barn owl hunting Burgess fields on the 10th.


Gareth

[CactusD]

Went to Otmoor early on Sat (8th); another good visit: highlights were flock of yellowhammers, red kite, curlew in good numbers, redshank, snipe, golden plover, and four water rails viewable from first screen (another first for me).
Missed Short-eared owl at there, but would like to see Barn owl at Burgess field: what time would give best opportunity of a sighting?
Best,
Dave

[gareth_blockley]

Missed Short-eared owl at there, but would like to see Barn owl at Burgess field: what time would give best opportunity of a sighting?
Best,
Dave

For both I'd say either very early morning (before dawn ideally) or late afternoon. I would recommend going on a calm and dry day. I've never heard of Barn owl at burgess fields before so i dont know if they are regular there?

HTH
Gareth

[jason hodges]

two cetti's warblers at otmoor

[sbradfield]

Common Sandpiper on a pool in field next to A415 just south of Standlake for last two days. A new tick for my "Drive to Work" list (and yes I do keep such a thing!)

[gnome]

For both I'd say either very early morning (before dawn ideally) or late afternoon. I would recommend going on a calm and dry day. I've never heard of Barn owl at burgess fields before so i dont know if they are regular there?

HTH
Gareth

As the poster of the barn owl sighting I can say that I saw it at 9:15 am on a rather overcast and very windy day! It was the first one I've seen there though. There was another sighting there on 1st March (source: OOS site) and someone saw one by the Thames to the north of Godstow bridge on 2nd March at 5pm (source: Oxon birds newsgroup). It therefore looks like one is hanging around the area.

A couple were also seen at Pinkhill NR at Farmoor on the morning of 11th March (source: Oxon birds newsgroup).

HTH

[gnome]

There's been Little Stint on Port Meadow today since mid morning. It's hanging around with a flock of 10 dunlin.

Also present: 4 ruff, 6 redshank and the usual ducks.

[gareth_blockley]

As the poster of the barn owl sighting I can say that I saw it at 9:15 am on a rather overcast and very windy day!

A couple were also seen at Pinkhill NR at Farmoor on the morning of 11th March (source: Oxon birds newsgroup).

HTH

Must be a hungry then! I think the ones at Farmoor are more regularly seen.

There's been Little Stint on Port Meadow today since mid morning. It's hanging around with a flock of 10 dunlin.


What age or plumage is the the Stint do you know? I saw some in the autumn but would like to see some in various stages if possible. One has been seen at Farmoor and Otmoor so i assume its the same bird?

Cheers
Gareth

[gnome]

What age or plumage is the the Stint do you know? I saw some in the autumn but would like to see some in various stages if possible. One has been seen at Farmoor and Otmoor so i assume its the same bird?

Cheers
Gareth

Difficult to say as it's at a bit of a distance and it was rather windy so my eyes were watering! I couldn't discern any back stripes so probably not a juvenile. If the weather's ok tomorrow then I'll see if I can get a better look if it's still around.

I didn't know about one being seen at Farmoor recently (not mentioned on the web-site anyway). I assumed that this bird was the same as the Otmoor one.

[gnome]

Gareth,

I've been meaning to ask you as, an Otmoor volunteer, about Willow Tits at Otmoor. Am I correct in thinking that one can see them there and if so where's the best time and place? I'm guessing that the bird feeders might be good but any inside information that you have would be most useful.

[gareth_blockley]

I've been meaning to ask you as, an Otmoor volunteer, about Willow Tits at Otmoor. Am I correct in thinking that one can see them there and if so where's the best time and place? I'm guessing that the bird feeders might be good but any inside information that you have would be most useful.

The only place i have seen them is at the feeders. I should think the near by woodlands would be more reliable, there is a BBOWT wood near by.

Gareth

[jason hodges]

another fairly good site for Willow tit is newbottle wood near banbury .

[gareth_blockley]

another fairly good site for Willow tit is newbottle wood near banbury .

Wheres that then? i have to admit ive never heard of it. I had a pair of willow tits around the reservoir in banbury earlier this winter but they were the only really local ones i knew of. they have to come from somewhere though...

Gareth

[jason hodges]

newbottle is between kings sutton and charlton. they take some finding but see them regular there .someone told me they had seen lsw there but they have not shown to me yet .have not even heard gsw there this year so far.

[gnome]

newbottle is between kings sutton and charlton. they take some finding but see them regular there .someone told me they had seen lsw there but they have not shown to me yet .have not even heard gsw there this year so far.

Hi Jason,
Thanks for that. I've found newbottle on the ordnance survey web-site. There appears to be a small wood next to the church ("nursery wood" - SP525369) and a larger one ("newbottle spinney" - SP516365) to the west. Which is the one that you are talking about? Are there any access details you could let me know about?

[gnome]

The Little Stint is still there (an adult in winter plumage) as well as an adult Med. Gull and a single oystercatcher. Also the usual dunlin, ruff and redshanks.

Also the barn owl has been sighted in Burgess Field NR again.

[jason hodges]

yes gareth its the spinney you want, theres a layby each side of the road, one side has a gate overlooking fields and farm,you want to go the other side of the road to this ,in centre of the spinney is a clearing scan around trees,normally far side of road and you should spot them.

[gareth_blockley]

Farmoor has had Sand martin, Swallow, Wheatear on the 15th and Garganey today (Shrike meadow).
Dorchester has has two Wheatear.

Anyone found anything on their patch over this last fall of birds? Ive been away and am going away again tomorrow, hopefully i'll get a quick visit in in the morning.

Gareth

[gnome]

Anyone found anything on their patch over this last fall of birds?

There's not been much on Port Meadow or Burgess (my local patch). There were at least 15 sand martins last Sunday and a single curlew. The barn owl has been sighted again this week at around 5:30pm. The Meadow is highly flooded though the waters are now receding. The waders and ducks are still there but more distant.

If you fancy going off-county then within striking distance are:

1. A couple of black-necked grebes in near summer plumage at Wilstone reservoir in Herts (I went yesterday). Also white and grey wagtail, chiffchaff, goldeneye, Little Owl, 1w Little Gull and adult Med. Gull. For more info: http://www.tringreservoirs.org.uk/

2. There's also been a summer plumage red-throated diver down in Swindon (Wilts) at Coate Water CP.

3. A great grey shrike at Half Moon Plantation (Gloc.).

[JohnZ]

Thank you very much Gareth. Much appreciated.

[gareth_blockley]

Most of the news has been coming from Farmoor with Little gulls, Kittiwakes, Wheatears, Sand martins, Swallow, Garganey, White wag, Water pipit and Rock pipit.
Otmoor has had Merlin, Bittern and Willow warbler.

Today - Water pipit and 2 Wheatears at Farmoor and Willow warbler at port meadow.

Happy birding!

Gareth

[jason hodges]

thanks gareth. does anyone know if otmoor lane is fully open yet .glad bitten has been there,hope it sticks around allways escapes me.

[jason hodges]

12 black tailed godwits and a single wheatear at otmoor

[gnome]

There have been two male Ring Ouzels all day at Aston Rowant NNR.

Current off-county twitches:

1. The great grey shrike is a good one to go for (I went today) as it is showing well and has been there for some time: Half Moon Plantation, Cutsdean Quarry at c.SP104314

2. The 100 acre field near Slimbridge has a green-winged teal and a cattle egret currently in residence: view from Green Lane SO734059

[jason hodges]

otmoor today had lots of swallows ,4 little egrets,1 pintail,feral barnacle goose and black swan

[jason hodges]

at stoke wood today 2 firecrests male showing crest really well.i dont know if they breed there?also chiffchaff and i think willow warbler ,marsh tits also seen.

[gareth_blockley]

at stoke wood today 2 firecrests male showing crest really well.i dont know if they breed there?also chiffchaff and i think willow warbler ,marsh tits also seen.

I took this from the RBA feature on where to find birds:
South-east England - Buckinghamshire
Wendover Woods: A population of up to 46 singing males (April-June 1975) survives in the extensive conifer plantations to the east of Wendover. They are present from late April until August and can be seen in small family parties in late summer in the tree canopies. Leave Wendover on a minor road signposted The Hale and after a mile, park on the left by the Forestry Commission Cottages. A footpath leads north from here into Halton Wood (Wendover Woods) and can be followed to the ridge to the north. This forms a triangular route and passes through several Firecrest (and Goldcrest) territories, particularly in the area around the tree hide and at the various crossroads in the wood. LGRE recorded eight territories in May-June 2002.


Its possible that you have found some birds from this population.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

I have had a surprising good day, after the snow i wasn't expecting much but really happy i chose to brave the cold!

I started at Banburys Grimsbury reservior. Here i found a yellow wagtail, possible white wagtail (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=111095), c7 Swallows, 4 House martins and a few chiffchaffs singing. Another guy saw a Willow warbler in the park across the road too.
A small quarry site has had a pair of Little plovers return where they normally breed and 2 Sand martin.

Gareth

[jason hodges]

thanks gareth i will keep a closer look up there over coming weeks .have to admit though i check this wood out a couple of times a month and have not come across firecrest before only goldies.

[jason hodges]

hi i dont know if anyone is interested but after correspondence with birdwatching magazine about lack of coverage for oxfordshire as we are never mentioned in ukbs.the reply was basically they have been looking for county recorders or societys to supply info on oxfordshires birds for sometime but have come up short,so if you know any one who could help contact birdwatching magazines kevin.wilmot@emap.com thanks jason

[jason hodges]

scops owl in oxfordshire i just read but cant find out where maybe thrupp again any news anyone?

[gareth_blockley]

scops owl in oxfordshire i just read but cant find out where maybe thrupp again any news anyone?

Probable Scop's owl singingOxford on Iffley road on University sports complex at midnight on Sunday - from RBA.

There is another thread about it on here. It's either a very confused returning bird or the rumoured escapee thats taken up residence somewhere else....

[gareth_blockley]

News from OOS:
Common crane yesturday Little wittenham woods
Hawfinch yesturday Blenhiem palace garden
6 Ruff yesturday Port meadow


Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Farmoor had 3 ruff, a dunlin, a common sand, a Common tern, a mix of wagtails and a lot of hirrundines today.

Off out early tomorrow to see what i can find!

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Swallow, Chiffchaffs, Willow warblers, blackcaps, yellow wag and LRPs all seen around banbury today.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Interesting wagtail at Farmoor today http://farmoor-birding.com/LOG-BOOK does anyone have any more info on this type of bird? Redstart, Brambling and 13 Common terns also.

4 Ruff at Port meadow also.

Gareth

[RobinD]

Interesting wagtail at Farmoor today http://farmoor-birding.com/LOG-BOOK does anyone have any more info on this type of bird? Redstart, Brambling and 13 Common terns also.

4 Ruff at Port meadow also.

Gareth

Hi Gareth,

The "Channel" Wagtail is a hybrid British 'Yellow' (flavissima) and Continental 'Blue-headed' (flava).

ATB

Robin

[jason hodges]

had a walk around otmoor with wife on her first proper birdwatch late today.quite quiet but had good view of a male merlin, and sedge and reed warbler seen well also. she quite enjoyed it as well.

[gareth_blockley]

Farmoor producing some good birds; http://farmoor-birding.com/.

A walk around my local reservoir this afternoon I saw 2 Common terns, 2+ House martin, c25 sand martin, c30 Swallow, Yellow wag (M), Sedge warbler (M) and other more frequent migrants now.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

I had a walk around Foxholes BBOWT wood today, its out between Burford and Chipping norton. I spotted a male Cuckoo near the entrance and he was heard at the end of my walk. Chiffchaffs galore, several Willow warblers, a couple a Blackcaps, several Marsh tits, 2 Raven over, and a flock of finches over approaching 50 in number which had some Siskins calling.

Around and about over the weekend:

Farmoor - http://farmoor-birding.com/LOG-BOOK.
Otmoor - Cuckoo, Gropper, Whitethroat, Spotshank (sat), Garganey (fri).
Port meadow - 6 to 8 Ruff, 6 Little plover (sat), 2 Dunlin (sat). Redstart and Garden warbler last monday in burgess field NR.
Abingdon - Warblers, 2 Little gull, Hobby, Greenshank, Whimbrel.
Wallingford - 5 Brambling.
Radley - Ring ouzel (village), 4 Little gulls (GPs).
Aston upthorpe - Ring ouzel (2 days).
Chimney - 7 Little gulls.

Happy birding folks B (:

Gareth

[CactusD]

Gadwall, ruff, dunlin, 6+ yellow wagtail (flavissima) at port meadow, Saturday 19th.
Did anyone see an Osprey flying north over Abingdon on Sunday am - in company of 2 red kites??? Maybe hallucinating... !

[jason hodges]

otmoor today cettis,reed and grasshopper warblers 2 whitethroats, cuckoo, 2 little egrets and a new one for me either a garden warbler or a nightingale both look similiar in my books it had a lovely song which im told they both have, quite sleek and a bit bigger than a dunnock any ideas which is more likely thanks jason

[gareth_blockley]

otmoor today cettis,reed and grasshopper warblers 2 whitethroats, cuckoo, 2 little egrets and a new one for me either a garden warbler or a nightingale both look similiar in my books it had a lovely song which im told they both have, quite sleek and a bit bigger than a dunnock any ideas which is more likely thanks jason

I'll be totally honest with you and say i'm not sure! Either is possible but i think Garden warbler is most likely, ive not heard of there being any nightingales at otmoor before. Try listening to some bird calls online. I always think a Garden warbler sounds quite fultey like a black bird and nightingales alway make lots of different calls and sound quite exotic.

HTH
Gareth

[jason hodges]

thanks ill get myself a cd i think.hoping someone else might have seen it at weekend

[gareth_blockley]

Well i did have quite a long post written up yesturday but somehow it didn't come, maybe the three or four beers made me forget to prees 'post reply'!

Cut short: I had a good trip to Farmoor in the morning seeing three black terns (a lifer for me), arctic tern, 2 little gulls, c50 swift and 3 red kite. A peregrine seen on the way home on a post by a34. Lots of commoner migrants around home including a common sand, and now 2 pairs of little plovers.

Lots of birds around, i had it all written out! Many migrants and a very intrigueing report of possible hoopoe near oxford but nothing came of it.

Lots of stuff around, happy birding!!

Gareth

[sbradfield]

Little Egret fishing along the Thames at Newbridge this morning just upstream of the Maybush.

Never seen one here before and a mega-tick for the "drive to work" list!

[gareth_blockley]

Good movement of birds through farmoor this weekend: http://farmoor-birding.com/LOG-BOOK

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Its been a good week for oxfordshire but ive been in hampshire so i haven't seen any of it! Farmoor as usual is drawing in birds as they move through the county http://farmoor-birding.com/LOG-BOOK. A female Marsh Harrier at Otmoor on the 8th also a black tern and 8 hobbies, a Wood sand at Radley small ash pit on the 7th and 8th and 3 Common cranes at Otmoor on the 6th.

Out to do some local sites tomorrow to see what i can find.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Not alot seen this morning :-( Will be out again over near my parents in warks so hopefully something nice will be about.

Does anyone have any of the county reports that the OOS produce? or know of any other reports that are or have been produced? I would like to get to know this county better as i think im only at the tip of the iceberg! anyone with more info please let me know. If you have any of the yearly reports could i borrow them or even have them?

Cheers
Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

A Temminck's stint, Wood sand and Garganey drake have all been at Port meadow today.

Gareth

[gnome]

Does anyone have any of the county reports that the OOS produce? or know of any other reports that are or have been produced? I would like to get to know this county better as i think im only at the tip of the iceberg! anyone with more info please let me know. If you have any of the yearly reports could i borrow them or even have them?

Cheers
Gareth

Hi Gareth,
I have a copy but I use it all the time as a reference so I'd rather not part with it. Why don't you join the OOS? It's only £12 and then you'll get your own copy as well as having access to sightings on the web-site going back several weeks.

By the way, on Port Meadow the Temminck's stint is still present this morning and has been joined by 2 sanderling. The wood sandpiper and the garganey have moved on though.

Adam

[gareth_blockley]

Thanks. I'm in the proccess of joining OOS but would quite like to find some archival records too.

No sign of T Stint at Port meadow this morning but there are two Sanderlng and the Garganey.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

GREAT WHITE EGRET present at farmoor this afternoon! In the Shrike meadow area.

I can't make it down unfortunately but should get some decent veiws of it down there.

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

GREAT WHITE EGRET present at farmoor this afternoon! In the Shrike meadow area.

I can't make it down unfortunately but should get some decent veiws of it down there.

Gareth


Eacellent report and images of the egret can be seen here: http://farmoor-birding.com/

Gareth

[draycotebirding]

Not alot seen this morning :-( Will be out again over near my parents in warks so hopefully something nice will be about.

Does anyone have any of the county reports that the OOS produce? or know of any other reports that are or have been produced? I would like to get to know this county better as i think im only at the tip of the iceberg! anyone with more info please let me know. If you have any of the yearly reports could i borrow them or even have them?

Cheers
Gareth

Hi Gareth

I have some old reports you can have, will dig them out for you and poss catch up at Draycote sometime.

Regards

John

[gareth_blockley]

Been an interesting week weather wise and anyone keeping a close eye on the bird reports will have seen its been a very good week to be on the east coast! Unfortunately inland birding is never that exciting but there has still been plenty of birds moving around and breeding birds to find.

Farmoor has had Common Scoters (1 female and a pair on different days), 2 Yellow legged gulls roosting (unusual for this time of year??), and plenty of waders moving through with flocks of 15 Ringed plovers and 17 sanderling. For more info see here: http://farmoor-birding.com/LOG-BOOK.
Otmoor has had the female Marsh harrier showing well, along with Hobbies, Turtle doves, many warblers and a Peregrine yesturday.
Port meadow has had visits by Garganey and Wood sandpipers and a Quail was heard near oxford on the 23rd.

Happy birding everyone

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Not much to report, unfortunately.

Farmoor had a late Arctic tern on the 3rd.
Otmoor's Marsh harrier was last reported on the 3rd also along with 4 Little egrets, Garganey, Taurtle dove and 4 Groppers.

A BLACK STORK was exteramly close to being in the county but was in bucks near Aylesbury. Bird has not been relocated so could be in a quiet patch near you - blinkers off!!

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Hoopoe at Otmoor RSPB this morning. Flew to oak tree behind first screen then flew north. Not seen since but may still be around?

Gareth

[gareth_blockley]

Female Marsh Harrier still at Otmoor today!

Gareth

[RobinD]

There was a large dead gamebird on the hard shoulder of the northbound M40 this morning about a mile south of junction 7. Only got a brief view but looked like a female Reeve's Pheasant rather than a common.

ATB

Robin

[jason hodges]

there are reeves pheasants for sure around west wycombe they do breed there on the estate

[jason hodges]

few waders around port meadow lately otherwise very quiet for now

[RobinD]

Heard a couple of Quail while looking for raptors on the Downs and lots of Skylarks and Corn Buntings!

Plenty of Kites and Buzzards and a couple of Kestrels were the only raptors found!

[gareth_blockley]

Heard a couple of Quail while looking for raptors on the Downs and lots of Skylarks and Corn Buntings!

Plenty of Kites and Buzzards and a couple of Kestrels were the only raptors found!

Thats cool, i still haven't heard a Quail, were you along the ridgeway/cow down/bury down area? I have read its very good for them around there but haven't had a chance to go and listen for them yet.

There's a White Stork being reported around the River Cole at Coleshill. If anyones goes for it could they nail it down please, cheers!
A little stint has been seen at port meadow along with a few other species such as Black tailed godwits. So it seems autumn migration is kicking off.

Gareth

[RobinD]

Thats cool, i still haven't heard a Quail, were you along the ridgeway/cow down/bury down area? I have read its very good for them around there but haven't had a chance to go and listen for them yet.

Gareth

I've sent you a PM

Robin

[gareth_blockley]

I was at the Didcot/Sutton courtenay Gravel pits/Landfill area yesturday in an area not accessable to the public. Not a huge amount around though there were a couple of little egrets and red kites.

Gareth