Tice's Meadow and Tongham GP, Surrey (1 Viewer)

[RJSeargent]

A massive 91 LBB Gulls this morning along with the 2 adult YL Gulls. Also seen BH Gull (50+), H Gull (2), Snipe (19),Teal (7), Wigeon (6), T Duck (12), Shoveler (10), L Grebe (3), R Bunting (1). A L Egret was flushed from the stream. An absolutely wet morning but one to be savored.

 

[RJSeargent]

Bumped into JonJ this morning and wandered around with Rich H. Much the same although the LBB Gulls had increased to 107 along with adult YL Gull (1), H Gull (12), C Gull (3) and BH Gull (50+). Wildfowl numbers remain pretty static with Shoveler (13), T Duck (9), Gadwall (1), Teal (10) and Wigeon (2). There are now 5 L Grebe in the workings together with Cormorant (10) and Snipe (19).

Passerines were well represented with a number of M Pipit along with Skylark and Linnet in the Meadow and there was a flock of Siskin/L Redpoll and Goldfinch numbering well over 30 in the scrubby area. A lone male Bulfinch provided a wonderful backdrop and I heard 1 Chiffchaff briefly. JonJ had a Peregrine which landed in the workings and the now frequent female Kestrel hawked along the margins.

The western fence-line is being replaced by Hansons which will hopefully deter incursions by dog owners and the all to often dumped piebald Horses. The meadow gate now has a significant lock on it which should stop the working dog trainer from trampling over the meadow. I won't hold my breath though as there are a number of convenient holes in the northern and eastern fencelines probably made by said individual.

 

[RJSeargent]

Another wander around with Rich H this morning. The reed bed Water Rail has been joined by another and both were happily responding to a taped call. There are now possibly three on site. Apart from that pretty much as yesterday; LBB Gull (20) BH Gull (71), C Gull (1), H Gull (1). Wildfowl were represented by Teal (32), Shoveler (11), T Duck (17) and only 8 Snipe were joined by 24 overflying Golden Plover. Plenty of Mipits around and again 1 calling Reed Bunting.

Water was absolutely pouring off the meadow in a number of locations into the workings which was great to see - a few more weeks of rain and we'll be back to what we were used to a year or two back. The place is looking a lot better and I am convinced that Hansons will leave us with a cracking reserve. Just need some cattle on the meadow.

Rich and I are planning a 24 hour watch of Tice's in early spring; watch this space for further details.

 

[RTHORTON]

A visit this morning with Rich S got us 2 Water Rail calling from the reed bed 24 Golden Plover , think they flew out of workings, only got 8 Snipe but lots more there with Meadow Pipit and Skylark 30 + Siskin with Long T Tit Goldfinch on the Beach Mast in the woods.
Water Levels now stand at 67.60 ,this means a rise of .200 over this week. 69. is where we want it.
Fencing going up to stop horses ect by Kiln.
At last Hansons are doing some thing , but cant see them done by the end of this year thats why they are asking for an extension.
Rich H.

 

[mattytheduke]

A filthy wet morning down Tice's today. Having not visited for a little while I was very impressed with the water levels, good to see the place filling up! As for the birds, the highlights was the adult Yellow-legged Gull in the workings with c.20 LBBGs, 50+ BHGs, 3 Commons and 2 Herrings. Also of note: c.40 Siskin, 1 Lesser Redpoll, c.10 Snipe, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, c.18 Lapwing, 1+ Reed Bunting, 2 Skylark, c.10 Meadow Pipit and the usual scattering of Teal, Shoveler and Wigeon. A Water Rail called in the reedbed but was not seen.

Nice to bump into Messrs Seargent and Horton at the 'Badshot Lea Waxwing Dip' this afternoon too!

Matt.

 

[RTHORTON]

200 mm of water in the workings since Friday 67.80 Habitat changing all the time.
Not much to report so far to day 1 Buzard 2 Kestel 36 Lapwing Snipe Meadow pipit Siskin Bullfinch Redpoll in the wood.
Rich H.

 

[RJSeargent]

A productive morning with perhaps a site first with a Raven flying towards the Poplar Trees adjacent to Aldershot Park. Gull numbers remain static with 1 adult YL Gull, C Gull (3), H Gull (3), LBB Gull (52) and BH Gull (153). Waterfowl numbers slightly up with a good selection including Teal (3), Gadwall (6), Wigeon (6), T Duck (15) and Shoveler (10) Lapwing and Snipe numbers slightly down with 12 and 19 respectively.

Other species of note were Bullfinch (3), Fieldfare (7), a flock of Stock Dove (15), Linnet (6), L Grebe (4) and two calling Water Rail. A number of Mipits in the Meadow along with a pair of Skylark.

The meadow is now well and truly flooded and provides a stream into the workings.

 

[Tri-Counties Birder]

Brief visit this afternoon.

No large Gulls, but notable counts were 71 Lapwing and 6 Green Woodpecker (five together flushed from around mound, presumably [still] a family party).

 

[RTHORTON]

Visit with Rich S this morning got us a Raven flying up and above The River Blackwater by Poplars then flew North at aprox 11am. I know we see them at Crooksbury but think its the first for Tices . Kev will put me right on that i m sure. 2 Water Rail calling in the reed bed ,Yellow Leg Gull with L B B Gulls Commom Gulls and 150 + B H Gulls.
Good to hear Sean back from N Z . Looking forward to hearing his Birding report from there.
Rich.

 

[Tri-Counties Birder]

. Looking forward to hearing his Birding report from there.
Rich.

Report here, Rich: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=244125

 

[RJSeargent]

An afternoon visit produced an increase in wildfowl with Wigeon (36); most landing as Rich H I veiwed. Other ducks included Tufted Duck (10), Shoveler (13), Gadwall (4) Teal (3), Mallard (2) and a lone drake Pochard. Other birds included L Grebe (2), Cormorant (16), Snipe (13) and a number of Redwing and Fieldfare.

 

[RJSeargent]

I had delayed inputting my notes fro this morning's 2 hour visit and glad I did. At 1515hrs I received a text from Rich H stating that there was a Waxwing at Tice's. I shot over to find both Sean and Rich on the mound and was quickly and proudly shown 6 Waxwings. These are possibly the birds seen at Badshot Lea on Saturday last. They flew towards the estate some 2 minutes later as I was putting the news out on Birdguides and Twitter. Sean also had an overflying Brambling.

Numbers of most species had reduced this morning due to an over flying hot air balloon. 12 Snipe flew up from the workings and I heard a rather late overflying Redshank but could not locate. Wildfowl was represented by Wigeon (9), Shoveler (11), T Duck (11), Gadwall (2) and Mallard (2). I couldn't locate any Teal. Other species included Cormorant (11), LBB Gull (12), BH Gull, (78), Water Rail (2), G Woodpecker (4) and a lone female Stonechat. All in all a good day

42 species on total was a reasonable count for the patch.

 

[RTHORTON]

Thank s to you Sean for putting us on to 6 Waxwing its such a buzz to get them + 1 Brambling flying over to Crooksbury. Aprox 15. 15 A good day at Tices with Rich S Redshank and Stone Chat am.
Rich.

 

[JonJ]

Visit this afternoon unfortunately didn't produce any Waxwings but managed a total of 42 species. Siskin and Redpoll were the best things picked up through the woods. Out on the workings gadwall (6) shoveler (10) Wigeon (7) Mallard (3) tufted (4) and the single drake Pochard together with 15 Cormorants. No sign of Teal or Little grebes today. Flock of around 20 Lapwing and a single Snipe were the only waders evident. Gulls were mainly B Headed (50) with only a couple of Herring, Common and LBB mixed in.

Good to see Rich H and Dave there towards the end of the afternoon.

Jon

 

[RTHORTON]

Little Egret in the stream am a few gulls including Common Great Creasted Greab 2 Little 30 Siskin Goldfinch Redpole through the trees but not much else to report . Fence up SW to stop horses ect.

 

[Tri-Counties Birder]

14 Waxwings flew over the mound this morning, towards the estate, but didn't stop. Had a quick look at North Camp afterwards but nother there.

Otherwise, normal numbers of wildfowl despite plenty of ice-free water.

I then found an immaculate dead Water Shrew. The first record for Tice's perhaps?

 

[RTHORTON]

14 Waxwings flew over the mound this morning, towards the estate, but didn't stop. Had a quick look at North Camp afterwards but nother there.

Otherwise, normal numbers of wildfowl despite plenty of ice-free water.

I then found an immaculate dead Water Shrew. The first record for Tice's perhaps?

Water Shrew is a good find Sean .
Looked around Tices for Waxwing after you told me but no luck. Not many berry s laden trees about. Has Redwing ect had them all this year!
Rich.

 

[RJSeargent]

Two visits today with no sign of any Waxwings. Wildfowl numbers down with 10 or so T Duck, Gadwall (3), Teal (2), Mallard (2) and singles of both Wigeon and Shoveler (both females). A combined total of 21 Snipe were seen.

The fence-line is up all around the site and already locals have cut the fence on the western side to access the land from their property. Hansons are aware.

 

[RTHORTON]

Dear all,
Rich S has had some Tices Meadow Bird Group car stickers made up they look great with Little Ring Plover . We will hand them around when we see you or give us a call.
Of note today Water Rail in stream this morning showing well , Snipe in the reeds . Kestrel and Sparrowhawk and 7 Common Gull and Pochard.
Rich H.

 

[RJSeargent]

Afternoon visit to the patch where I met up with Dave B. The Peregrine on a small island had probably scared off most of the wildfowl. That said there were a number of other species hanging around including: Cormorant (2O), Little Egret (1), Teal (7), GBB Gull (2), Common Gull (3), Stock Dove (1), Lesser Redpoll (2), Stonechat (a pair) and munitcorn tracks in the workings.