Oxfordshire birding (1 Viewer)

[gareth_blockley]

I'm back home in Norfolk at the moment (it seems like I would be doing better watching Port Meadow!), and was very interested to see a report of Citrine Wagtail at Draycote. I know there's no chance of it staying 'til I get back to Oxford in a couple of weeks time, but all the same I'd be interested to know anything more about this bird if anybody has any info...?

Male reported this morning but flushed - Draycote is very exposed. A second messege went out early PM of no further sign. Seen by a Draycote regular with a good description i beleive.

Not such excitement for Oxon - though the first reported Reed warbler was at Farmoor.

I went to Aston rowant in search of a Rouzel but had no joy, prob a bit early - i did get Lesser pecker calling in Cowleaze wood, male Wheatear, plenty of Chiffchaffs and of course Red kites!

Gareth

 

[jimmyg]

Thanks Gareth, male or female? Did anybody check Port Meadow B ?

 

[RobinD]

I went to Aston rowant in search of a Rouzel but had no joy, prob a bit early - i did get Lesser pecker calling in Cowleaze wood, male Wheatear, plenty of Chiffchaffs and of course Red kites!

Gareth

You were a day early by the look of Birdguides!

Rouzel in Linkey Down!

ATB

Robin

 

[gareth_blockley]

You were a day early by the look of Birdguides!

Rouzel in Linkey Down!

ATB

Robin

Bugger!

 

[gareth_blockley]

2 Swifts, a Common tern and Water pipit at Farmoor this morning.
Cuckoo, Whitethroat, 2 Wheatears, 3 Sedge warblers and 2 Willow warblers at Otmoor.

Iceland gull Sutton coourteney GPs yesturday.

Gareth

 

[gareth_blockley]

Common tern, Sedge warbler, Yellow wag, white wag and hirundines galore including 7 House martins at my local reservoir in Banbury this morning.

BONEPARTE'S GULL adult in SE corner of F1! also Common scoter (m), 2 Little gulls and Water pipit at Farmoor and Med gull yesturday.
Grasshopper warbler, 2 Whitetroats and 4 Sedge warblers at Otmoor.
Iceland gull (1cy) Radley GPs.
Ring ouzel (report of two) still at Aston rowant.
Mealy redpoll in Goring yesturday going to garden feeders.


Gareth

 

[gareth_blockley]

Not much locally today. Red kite as probably the most notable bird, they are still quite scare in this area but are being seen more frequently.

The Boneparte's gull returned today after a days absence. It was present at midday before flying NW and returned later to roost.
A Ring ouzel still present at Aston rowant today. Gropper at Port meadow and firecrest at Withymead NR yesturday.

Gareth

 

[cwpbirder]

2 Grasshopper warblers and 3 Whitethroats singing in the car park field at Otmoor this morning. In fact, 7 species of warbler audible from the track!

 

[Stranger]

Whilst staying at Eaton over Easter I took a walk over to Farmoor on Saturday.
I noticed signs stating that permits were required, is this for the nature reserve or just the reservoir?
Little Egret at Shrike meadow,Yellowhammer in full breeding plumage and tree creeper only birds of note and I didn`t find out about that gull untill I read it on Bird Forum!
Nice place and one that warrants a full days exploration in the future.

 

[jimmyg]

Hard luck Stranger! It seems the Bonaparte's is roosting regularly on Farmoor from about 7pm onwards, but which way does it fly off during the day? It would be interesting to have a look around the surrounding area - perhaps Dix Pit?

 

[gareth_blockley]

After all the reports coming on pager services websites of Little gulls and Arctic terns I thought I'd give my local patch a crack. I thought I wa being optimistic as its a dull site but was pleasantly surprised with a nearly fully summer plumage Little gull! A great patch bird for me. Also 7 common terns (i tried stringing one for arctic, but didnt pull it off!). 2 White wags and 2 yellow wags aswell as the hirrundines and warblers.


The Bonaparte's gull still at Farmoor returning to roost each day. Also Arctic terns, Little gulls and Avocet and 6 Whimbrel on thurs.
Whimbrel at port meadow today and Black-tailed godwit.
Ring-necked duck again Wed at Otmoor. Also Groppers and cuckoo.
Gargeney at Radley GPs.


Gareth

 

[jimmyg]

The Bonaparte's gull still at Farmoor returning to roost each day. Also Arctic terns, Little gulls and Avocet and 6 Whimbrel on thurs.

Congratulations with the Little Gull, birds seem much more special when you see them on your patch B

Regarding Farmoor, are there any 'rules' about watching the gull roost, like when do the gates close and where do people usually stand for the roost please?

 

[gareth_blockley]

Cheers James - I went back for more today and got Little gull again though todays didn't stay long before heading further north.

Farmoor normally shuts at dusk (I think) but check the notice boards at the entrance gate. I haven't ever had any trouble getting out and have been there right up til dark before. If I have ever attempted the roost there I just do it from the causeway because you can see more. I suppose it depends on where the birds settle, the wind and the light.
Good luck if you go.

Bonepartes gulls againg tonight with 4 Little gulls.
Black necked grebe and 2 Scaup at Dix pit.
Whimbrel (plus 8 over), Cetti's warbler and Gropper at Port meadow.
Brambling male at Bampton.

Happy birding
Gareth

 

[RobinD]

Three Egyptian flew low over my car by Dorchester gravel pits this morning

 

[gareth_blockley]

Seems to have been a bit quiet over the last few days. Best news is of Little tern at Port meadow today.

Gareth

 

[jimmyg]

Had 3 Swifts arrive yesterday evening

 

[CactusD]

V good past couple of days for me:
Otmoor yesterday, highlights (full list on my year list page):
Two cuckoos, Saunders Field (no. 18 on Otmoor plan); hobbies (at least two seen by me, up to 7 noted by others); marsh harrier from second screen, late afternoon; garganey (one male and prob. two females), in wetlands in no. 13 field area on plan; one or possibly two little egrets; peregrine; lots of warblers.

Quick whizz round Grimsbury res. lunchtime today picked up another hobby, 1 common sandpiper, two common terns, more whitethroats, and single swift overhead.

Cheers,
D

 

[jimmyg]

3 Common Sandpipers together at Port Meadow this evening

 

[gareth_blockley]

Quick whizz round Grimsbury res. lunchtime today picked up another hobby, 1 common sandpiper, two common terns, more whitethroats, and single swift overhead.

Cheers,
D

Nice one! I've been away for two weeks and haven't been out yet - hopefully theres a hobby about still. About 20 Swifts were around town last night. There has been a Grsshopper warbler around the northern end of the reservoir - worth a look for if you go again.

Gareth

 

[CactusD]

Cool, cheers Gareth. Had Gropper (lifer!) at Otmoor yesterday. We only saw the hobby for a minute or two before it moved away East, but haven't been since so don't know whether it's still about.