Port Meadow Birding

Today I went for an early evening run around the Meadow and it was interesting to note the differences in the birds at that time. At least 6 snipe were flushed from the hinterland (I need to add this area to the map but it's basically the large swathe of grassland to the north of the floods). During the day these birds are not present so perhaps they are coming in to roost on the Meadow. Another birder is reporting flushing snipe from the same area on evening walks so it must be a time of the day thing. There was a large flock of around 180 golden plover present. In fact they were so well camouflaged that I nearly ran right into the entire flock, spotting them and veering off just in time. Around 30 meadow pipits were also around though in a slightly different place to usual. Also around 30 linnets still buzzing about the place and a similar number of goldfinches in the trees in the mini "park" just by the junction between Rutherway and Walton Well Road. I wondered whether they too were roosting there. But the prize for top bird of the day (and indeed for several months now) goes to four RUFF which were circling the Meadow a number of times before flying off to the west. They were probably wondering where all the water was that they usual enjoy.

Given the lack of flood water I'm usually visiting the Meadow whilst on a run so I've not taken any photos from Port Meadow recently. Therefore, continuing the theme of recent wild geese visiting the county, here's a photo of a dark-bellied brent goose that was on Farmoor Reservoir today.