BirdForum

A fine, bright and mild day. I went to Ashleworth Ham Nature Reserve to see if I could find the two Great Grey Shrikes which had been reported yesterday as being in the same location. It seems that another had joined the individual that I had found just over two weeks ago.

I spent an hour or so searching but could not find any. However, a Water Pipit had been found on view from the hide which was a pleasant surprise when I returned from my search.

The Little...

Colin

Ashleworth Ham Nature Reserve.

A glorious, warm, sunny and calm morning with stunning autumnal colours lit up by the bright sunshine. I made a short visit to the Ham and found few birds there partly because of a working party burning brash. However, there were still many Fieldfares and Redwings in the hedgerows away from the work. 5 Wigeon were moving around the reserve where there were 8 Mute Swans and the 2 Canada Geese. A female Stonechat was near Colways Farm as usual and...

Colin

Saturday morning.
Ashleworth Ham Nature Reserve on a cool, overcast day, temp 13 deg C., wind SSW 7 mph, 82% humidity.

The Great Grey Shrike was present for its 11th day and, with the lack of aerial insects, was noted dropping down from its various perches into the vegetation before returning to its branch. Presumably the bird was foraging on the ground instead of taking aerial prey.

Peregrine, Buzzard and Kestrel were the raptors noted and yet again there was...

Colin

Ashleworth Ham Nature Reserve on a cloudy, calm and overcast day.

There was a big passage of Fieldfare this morning with a few Redwings mixed in with the flocks. A smaller number of Chaffinchs were also passing through. After a bit of a search, I found the Great Grey Shrike again, present for its 10th day. Once again there seemed to be Long-tailed Tit flocks roaming everywhere. One such group was in excess of 20 individuals. On a general note, this autumn appears to have been...

Colin

Thursday.
A short visit to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge on a cold, overcast day with occasional light drizzle.

There were at least 34 European White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles and one was sporting a black neck collar with the letters 'ZPC' in white on it. I also noted 21 Bewick's Swans which is an increase on recent days. A Cetti's Warbler continues to call along the route to the Holden Tower and the resident pair of Peregrines put in an appearance.

Colin