It's been an interesting first half year for this diary. There's not been much to compare it against but there have been some good birds on the Meadow. Here's a brief summary of the hightlights:
In January we had a flyover by a whooper swan and 1st winter Iceland Gull for several days.
There was not much to report in February apart from the usual but always welcome, ruff, redshank, dunlin, lapwings, snipe, golden plover and hoards of widgeon and teal.
March had a pair of ruddy shelduck of unknown provenance but a nice sight on the Meadow. There was also the little stint which spent several days consorting with a flock of dunlin. There was an adult Mediterranean Gull present for one day though it may have been missed on other occasions. We had a spell of heavy rain which turned the floods back into a lake for a few days, during which "Barry" the dodgy barnacle goose was seen. Another dodgy water fowl was the female ring-necked duck which was seen on the river. As well as the usual waders, oystercatchers and curlews were being seen and the ringed and little ringed plovers started to come through. The barn owls were being seen in Burgess Field and on the 30th March the first willow warbler appeared. Sand martins were being seen from the middle of the month.
April saw more ringed and little ringed plovers coming through and a grey plover was present for a few days. Swallows and house martins were appearing. There were a drake garganey and a black-tailed godwit also seen. The ubiquitous pied wagtails were joined by whites and yellows and a male common redstart was seen one evening. Some arctic terns graced the Meadow for a few days and the odd whimbrel was seen north of the floods as was a common sandpiper. There was also a little gull on one occasion. The Burgess Field warblers were by now well ensconced.
May started off with some greenshank and common terns. Ringerd and Little Ringed Plovers were still coming through. The Burgess Field barn owl was still being seen. Mid month a wood sandpiper appeared for a couple of days only to be joined by a Temminck's stint for a couple of days as well as a drake garganey and two sanderling. This was probably the highlight of the half year with so many interesting birds present at the same time on the Meadow. Gradually they dispersed though there was a turnstone for the odd day, some oystercatchers and a second wood sandpiper appeared for a few days before some more heavy rain raised the water levels back to "lake" proportions.
June started off with a drake garganey and some common terns before going rather quiet. There was the interest of the report of a calling spotted crake to the east of Burgess Field. It has been heard for several nights but when some local birders went to investigate it was no longer doing so. Over on Wolvercote Common a little egret and a pair of egyptian geese were seen on the small pond there. Towards the end of the month things started to pick up a bit on the Meadow with a pair of black-tailed godwits spending several days, some oystercatchers and redshanks being seen as well as several little egret sightings. Up to six common terns were around and "Barry" was back on the floods. A hobby was seen over the Meadow on one occasion.
So an intersting mix of birds with the highlight being the Temminck's stint. Let's hope the autumn passage throws up more unusual sightings.
This morning once again a nice start to the day weather-wise.
Still plenty of bird activity on the floods with an increasing number of
black-headed gulls now present. We seem to be down to 2
COMMON TERNS this morning and no sign of any godwits. There was a single
REDSHANK on the floods opposite the Burgess Field Gate. A large number of
lapwings also around. "Barry" the dodgy
BARNACLE GOOSE is still present.
"Barry" on the Meadow again this morning © Adam Hartley
(All from OXB:)
This morning:
1 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT,
1 COMMON TERN,
1 LITTLE EGRET,
1 REDSHANK,
1 HOBBY
So it seems that one of the godwits has moved on as well as most of the common terns. The hobby is an interesting sighting as to my knowledge one has not been seen so far this year. Perhaps it was chasing the many swifts and martins that are around.
The weather again pleasant to start with though clouding over later.
Today was pretty much a repeat of the last few days: the 2
BLACK-TAILED GODWITS now present for their fourth day. The
BARNACLE GOOSE still grazing on the grass and the 6
COMMON TERNS still happily alternating between feeding elegantly and loafing with the
black-headed gulls. There were no egrets or redshanks this morning though still plenty of
lapwings.
The two
moorhen broods seem to be doing ok though they are down to 4 and 2 chicks from their initial 5 and 3.
At lunch time a
RED KITE flew over at quite low altitude.
Black-tailed Godwit © Adam Hartley
Another reasonable start to the day, weather-wise with sunny intervals and a moderate breeze.
There are still plenty of birds on the floods at present. The two
BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were there for the third day with just the one
LITTLE EGRET this morning. The
COMMON TERNS were still flying about though I didn't count them to see if all 6 were still there. Two
REDSHANK were feeding along the northern shoreline and there were plenty of the usual
black-headed gulls,
mute swans, ducks, including about 20
gadwall. There was a hunting
great-crested grebe and a
cormorant on the flood water pool as well so there must be plenty of fish fry present. The
BARNACLE GOOSE was still present, feeding on the flooded grass.
Up at Wolvercote Common this morning the two
EGYPTIAN GEESE were once more present (WoM).
The Egyptian Geese at Wolvercote Common ©
Adrian Gray
The weather again starting off sunny and warm though clouding over later.
This morning on the floods the two
BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were still present. The
LITTLE EGRET was today joined by a second bird. Last autumn there were up to 13 present at their peak so with any luck more will arrive over time. The 6
COMMON TERNS were still present though the tufted ducks appeared to have moved on. There were still a large number of
lapwings though perhaps not as many as yesterday.
With the large feral geese flock by the river bank was the (presumably "dodgy")
BARNACLE GOOSE which has been around the area on and off for some time now.
The Barnacle Goose © Adam Hartley
Another good day with a gentle breeze and sunshine
Again there was plenty of bird activity with a few extra species around as well. The highlight in the morning was a single
LITTLE EGRET at the north end of the floods. The two
tufted ducks were still present as were the 6
COMMON TERNS which spent some of the time sitting on the ground with the loafing
black-headed gulls at "stint corner" at the river end of the north end of the floods. There were 5
grey herons and the usual
coots,
mute swans and eclipsed ducks. There were also at least 100
lapwings hanging out in the long grass beyond the north end of the floods. Hidden amongst them was a lone
REDSHANK, which gave its presence away with its mournful piping call.
In the evening 4
OYSTERCATCHERS flew over calling loudly. There were also a couple of
BLACK-TAILED GODWITS feeding on the grass by the floods.
Black-tailed godwit on the floods © Adam Hartley
After an incredibly windy day yesterday just a gentle breeze today and pleasant sun shine.
There seems to be more bird activity on the floods recently though the species remain more or less the same. The main point of interest this morning was the presence of 6
COMMON TERNS hunting over the floods. The two
tufted duck are still present so there must be sufficent fish fry in the floods to keep them happy. Apart from that: a few
grey herons, a smaller number of
mute swans than of late, plenty
of coots and the usual ducks,
black-headed gulls and
lapwings on the fringes.
A few green sandpipers are starting to be seen on their return journey about the country so it is hoped that some might put in an appearance on the Meadow in due course.
A grey heron on the floods © Adam Hartley
17th: LITTLE EGRET seen flying over wolvercote common (OXB).
18th: 3 tufted duck on the floods (2m,1f), 1 common tern, 50,+ sand martins amongst the large number of swifts, swallows and house martins, 6 lapwings lurking at the north-west end of the floods. A few juvenile black-headed gulls around
19th: 2 tufted duck remain (1m,1f)
20th: 2 tufted duck still, 2 common terns, 3 great-crested grebes, 100+ swifts, two families of moorhen with 5 and 3 chicks respectively. 2 EGYPTIAN GEESE reported on Wolvercote Common pond again this morning (WoM)
21st: 2 EGYPTIAN GEESE still present on Wolvercote Common pond, also family of mute swans and cygnets
A lovely start to the day weather-wise.
With the summer doldrums well and truly in place it was very much a case of business as usual: a large number of
mute swans and
coots still present, a few
grey herons and plenty of eclipsed
mallards and
gadwall.
Swifts,
swallows and
house martins with the occasional
sand martin are hawking over the floods and surrounding fields. A few juvenile
black-headed gulls around and the
COMMON TERN still present (also seen along the canal this morning) A family of
swallow fledglings sat in a branch waiting to be fed and at least one juvenile
pied wagtail was hanging around. This morning a
cuckoo was heard calling distantly.
In Burgess Field the usual residents are busy bringing up their families: recent encounters have included a family of
whitethroats and
reed buntings with plenty of tits about as well. With the long days the
grasshopper warblers are still reeling away until 10pm - one was showing very well last night. The
reed warblers still warbling from the Trap Ground reed beds.
In the evening, there was a
GOOSANDER at the north end of the Meadow on the Mill stream by the car park at the west end of wolvercote.
Just over the railway to the east of Burgess Field (near Cox's Ground off Elizabeth Jennings Way) a
SPOTTED CRAKE was reported to have been calling for a few nights though it was not doing so on Saturday (WoM).
Recently at the north (Wolvercote) end of the Meadow a
LITTLE EGRET and a pair of
EGPYTIAN GEESE have been reported (OXB).
A song thrush feeding it's young, ©
Peter Styles.
This morning the weather still good but more overcast.
Still lots of mute swans and even more coots (26+) than yesterday, presumably (like the grebes a few days earlier), having lost their nests or chicks to the flood waters. The tufted ducks had gone as expected but there was a lone male TEALpresent, starting to go into eclipse. There was also a family of 5 grey herons.
In Burgess Field several flocks of newly fledged youngsters made a pleasant sight including whitethroats and reed buntings
With good weather for the last few days the floods are receding and one can at least see a channel of land again between the floods and the river though it is still all rather lake-like.
At least 30
mute swans still and unsually 20+
coots around for some reason, only the one
great crested grebe so perhaps the others have gone back to try again at raising a family. A pair of
tufted duck was an unusual sight for the Meadow. The two
COMMON TERNS still flying around. There were at least 3 juvenile
pied wagtails along the path to Burgess Field and large numbers of newly fledged tits feeding in the hedges.
Down by the Aristotle Lane field at least a dozen
house martins were congregating by one of the flood pools collecting mud for nests.
House Martins in Aristotle Lane ©
Peter Styles
Good weather, with no rain.
The delayed effect of the rain has meant that the river was even higher today. A large (100+) mixed flock of
swifts,
house and
sand martins and
swallows flying low over the "lake". Still the large number of
mute swans and
great crested grebes.
The
COMMON TERN was joined by a second bird. They spent some time sitting on a part-submerged log by the river.
At the Trap Grounds, the
reed warblers still singing from within the centre of the reed beds. In the Trap Ground allotments a
jay, a
greater spotted woodpecker and a delightful
song thrush family with fledged youngsters.
One of the two terns on the log ©
Peter Styles
Good weather with no rain. However the combined effect of all the recent rain has meant that the river has burst its banks on the Meadow and the floods are once again a lake as large as at any time over the winter.
The COMMON TERN still around, hunting successfully as it was seen flying around with a fish in its mouth.
Elsewhere on the lake: nearly 40 mute swans, a few gadwall, a couple of shelduck and a dozen or so great crested grebes. There was no sign of any young grebes and I wonder if the flood waters have meant that lots of chicks and nests have had to be abandoned, hence the large gathering of birds.
On Burgess Field the usual warblers showing themselves occasionally.
The barn owl seen in Burgess Field NR again (OOS).
Miserably wet for much of the day, only stopping late afternoon.
There were the usual suspects on the Meadow: nearly 40
mute swans, plenty of
gadwall and a few
shoveler. There were also plenty of
black-headed gulls and a few
grey herons. There was also a mixed flock of at least 50
swallows,
house martins and
swifts all hawking low over the water.
One of many black-headed gulls present © Adam Hartley
This morning started quite pleasant with no overnight rain and pleasingly warm.
The flood waters had receded somewhat though with more rain forecast it may be a while before they get back to what they were. A single drake
GARGANEY was gracing the floods along with the
COMMON TERN still. There was no sign of the barnacle goose. Apart from that the usual suspects:
gadwall,
mute swans etc.
Burgess Field NR held the usual warblers including a still reeling
grasshopper warbler,
skylark,
gold finches and
linnets. Three
stock doves flew over.
The drake garganey back on the floods © Adam Hartley
The weather this morning was rather warm with sunny intervals though clouding over later.
The Meadow was still extensively flooded. Down by the boat moorings there were some rather large carp which appeared to be attempting to spawn in the Meadow flood water.
There was a
BARNACLE GOOSE close to the Burgess Field NR gate, perhaps the same one that has been frequenting Otmoor of late. It is most likely an escapee, and speculation has it that it may have come from Richard Branson's collection.
Elsewhere there was a
COMMON TERN still hunting over the floods which was briefly joined by another couple of birds which then flew off. There were a couple of
grey herons and a single
shoveler still as well as the large number of
black-headed gulls and
mute swans still. There was no sign of any passage waders of any sort.
On the river a pair of
great crested grebes were busy catching small fish that were sheltering from the fast flow close to the bank in order to feed their two smart youngsters.
Common Tern ©
Pete Styles
This morning was overcast but dry with relatively little wind
The Meadow is looking like a lake again with the water as far spread as in the depths of winter. There were the usual suspects: mute swans, gadwall, a lone shoveler and a couple of great crested grebes. There were also plenty of black-headed gulls and some lesser black backed gulls as well. The highlight was a couple of COMMON TERNS hunting over the "lake".
There may have been some passage waders about but they would have been on the distant shore line and would not have been easy to spot without a scope.
Overnight yet more rain. This morning a fine drizzle, heavy cloud and mist made it look more like autumn than spring though it was quite warm.
This morning the
WOOD SANDPIPER was still in the same place in the flooded grass close to the Burgess Field NR gate. Over at the other end of the north channel there was a mixed flock of 4
RINGED PLOVER and 4
DUNLIN though they took flight quite soon. A pair of
OYSTERCATCHERS flew in and landed briefly on the grass before taking off again. They may be the same pair from yesterday though this time without their companion.
The
COMMON TERN still hunting over the floods and a distant
CUCKOO was heard in the Burgess Field direction.
Still the large number of
mute swans and
gadwalls. Also plenty of
lapwings,
black-headed gulls,
starlings,
wood pidgeons,
jackdaws and
carrion crows.
Late in the evening (8:30pm) the drake
GARGANEY was back on the floods.
The wood sandpiper still in the flooded grass © Adam Hartley
Overnight, heavy rain which had stopped by morning leaving things overcast, cool but dry.
The recent heavy rain has left the Meadow floods freshly topped-up with some re-flooded grass areas. At the north end of the floods, close (~30m) to the Burgess Field NR gate a
WOOD SANDPIPER was happily wading through the newly flooded grass. Whether it's the same one as two days ago which has returned (or which was missed in yesterday's atrocious weather) is unknown but it was great to have it there.
Also grazing on the flooded grass was a drake
GARGANEY. There have been a number of garganey seen in the Abingdon area yesterday so there are plenty around.
At the usual river end of the north floods channel, this morning were 13
RINGED PLOVER accompanied by 3
DUNLIN.
The wood sandpiper spent the day skulking in the flooded grass (© Adam Hartley)
At 5pm the sandpiper was still present in the same place though there was no sign of the garganey. 3
OYSTERCATCHERS flew over, circled a couple of times and then headed off south. There was also a
COMMON TERN hunting over the floods. It dived repeatedly and once caught a small fish.
This morning the weather was atrocious: heavy persistent rain and a strong easterly wind.
There was a large flock of 24
RINGED PLOVER at the north end of the floods closest to the river accompanied by 8
DUNLIN.
Elsewhere, still the large numbers of
gadwall and
mute swans.
Ringed Plover (taken in better weather) © Adam Hartley
The weather today was pretty dreary with heavy rain in the morning, easing off during the day but windy and overcast all day.
Late afternoon on the flood there was a plethora of waders for a change, no doubt brought in by the inclement weather: 13
RINGED PLOVER accompanied by 5
DUNLIN in summer plumage. There were also 2
REDSHANKS in summer plumage.
The star of the show however was a
WOOD SANDPIPER at the same spot as the last one at the north end of the floods by the river. It was present until about 18:30 when a noisy goose disturbed it and it flew off in an easterly direction. It was lost from sight and so may have possibly doubled back and settled elsewhere on the Meadow rather than leaving for good.
There was also a probable
ARCTIC TERN hunting along the river again. There were plenty of
house martins and
swallows around as well.
The wood sandpiper (© Adam Hartley).
.
This morning the weather was overcast, much cooler and fresher.
This morning at about 8am a drake
GARGANEY was on the floods about half way down where the Aristotle Lane entrance meets the track. However it had either moved to another part of the floods or had departed altogether 20 minutes later. Apart from that there were just the usual suspects on the floods.
In Burgess Field there was more activity that of late: the various resident warblers were singing actively and several nice
garden warblers were seen. There were a number of feeding tit flocks, presumably fledglings being fed. There was a very vocal
sedge warbler which was unusually performing some kind of song flight.
Reed buntings and
skylarks were also seen as well as a number of rabbits.
The garganey this evening © Adam Hartley
This evening the
GARGANEY was still present. In addition 5
RINGED PLOVER were resting at the north end of the floods at the Burgess Field NR end of the channel.
Another good start to the day weather-wise, sunny with a gentle breeze. Later clouding over and becoming rather muggy.
There was very little about on the Meadow this morning: 18 gadwall, a similar number of mute swans and a few grey herons. The lapwings calling vociferously.
Late afternoon/early evening there was a brief visit by a COMMON TERN and then subsequently by a rather late ARCTIC TERN which stayed for some time hunting mainly on the river. There were a couple of straggler arctics at Farmoor over the weekend as well.
There was also the pleasant sighting of a lapwing chick by the flood shoreline.
The weather again good in the morning with a gentle breeze making things cooler though.
No passage waders on the Meadow this morning so it looks like the ringed plover movement has finished and the turnstone has moved on. This just leaves the usual collection of
mute swans (22),
grey herons (3),
gadwall,
shoveler and the ubiquitous
mallards. There were a few
lapwings on the shoreline again.
Grey Heron © Adam Hartley
There was a rather nice
treecreeper by the Aristotle Lane entrance to the Meadow.
It may well be that the summer doldrums are starting now so things may start to get rather quiet from now on.
Elsewhere in the county there was great excitement at the appearance of a great white egret at
Farmoor Reservoir.
This morning the weather again started off sunny but breezy before once again clouding over.
This morning on the Meadow there was a single TURNSTONE happily feeding away at the north end of the floods half way along. To my knowledge this is the first of the year at this site and coincides the the odd few birds that have been appearing at Farmoor. It was still there at 5pm (BG).
There was only a single RINGED PLOVER, asleep in the usual place at the north end of the floods nearest the river. A flock of 15 or so gadwall were around but flew off, a single shoveler and the usual mute swans and grey herons. There were quite a few lapwings on the flood shoreline today - usually they are further away on the fields.
This evening in Burgess Field there was a barn owl hunting at around 9pm.
A sunny start to the day with just a gentle breeze.
This morning on the Meadow: 5 RINGED PLOVER and 5 DUNLIN in their usual place at the north end of the floods. No sign of the garganey this morning but there were 10 gadwall on the floods plus and handful of shoveler. 14 mute swans still hanging around and a couple of grey herons.
On the river by the house boat a pair of GOOSANDER were hunting and then later sunning themselves on the bank. There was also a lone cormorant on the river.
Plenty of house martins still around.
This morning on the Meadow: breezy south-east wind, sunny intervals.
There were two drake
GARGANEY on the floods this morning. The influx of
RINGED PLOVER continues with 18 on the Meadow, accompanied by 8
DUNLIN. The two sanderling appeared to have moved on though.
The current wave of
house martin arrivals hit Port Meadow with at least 40 around.
One of the many Ringed Plover present today © Adam Hartley
This morning the Temminck's stint had moved on (OXB).
Present today were: the drake
GARGANEY still, 3
TUFTED DUCK (unusual for the Meadow), 15
gadwall, 15
RINGED PLOVER (the large passage of these continuing), the 2
SANDERLING still and 5
DUNLIN (All OOS).
Garganey © Adam Hartley
This morning the weather was overcast, scattered showeres but calm calm so it had rather a nice fresh feel.
This morning at the north end of the floods the
TEMMINCK'S STINT was still present still hanging out with 10
RINGED PLOVER and 2 summer plumage
DUNLIN. There was no sign of the wood sandpiper nor the drake garganey from yesterday.
The Temminck's Stint ©
Stephen Burch
There were quite a few
gadwall around, a few
grey herons and the usual large number of
mute swans.
At around lunch-time 2
SANDERLING turned up, one in winter plumage and one in summer.
Overcast and rainy but little wind.
At the north end of the floods closest to the river this morning a
TEMMINCK'S STINT, consorting with 3
RINGED PLOVER and 1
DUNLIN. Further towards the middle the
WOOD SANDPIPER still present for the third day.
The Temminck's Stint ©
Nic Hallam
At around lunch time: the stint, plovers and sandpiper were still present and a drake
GARGANEY had also turned up (OXB & BG). There was also a "commic" tern which looked a bit more arctic from a distance.
This evening: the stint and the garganey still present, 11 ringed plover and 2
GOOSANDER on the river though the wood sandpiper appeared to have moved on.(WoM).
On Burgess Field the
barn owl had been seen at around 9pm recently (WoM).
It's a real purple patch on the Meadow at the moment with lots of passage waders being seen, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers moving through on a daily basis and some really good passage birds turning up as well.
This morning on the Meadow, starting off cloudy and windy though the cloud gradually being burnt off.
The
WOOD SANDPIPER is still at the northern end of the floods closest to the river. Also this morning there were 3
RINGED PLOVER. There were at least 10
gadwall and several
grey herons and the large contingent of
mute swans.
3 Ringed Plover © Adam Hartley
Record shot of Wood Sandpiper © Adam Hartley
Record shot of Wood Sandpiper © Adam Hartley
Still good weather but much windier today.
Late afternoon on the Meadow: the recent run of passage waders continues with a very nice WOOD SANDPIPER at the north end nearest the river and 3 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER along the north bank. There was also 1 COMMON TERN briefly over the floods.
The sandpiper was still there early evening and was joined by a RINGED PLOVER (WoM).
Another fabulous day: warm, dry and sunny.
This morning on the Meadow very little of note: 13 mute swans, 1 grey heron, a number of black-headed gulls and a few miscellaneous ducks.
On Burgess Field: the warblers were rather quiet but did see a few whitethroat, a sedge warbler and a pair of blackcap. There were also several linnets and green finches and a calling reed bunting.
At around lunch-time on the Meadow: 1 GREENSHANK, 1 COMMON TERN. It does appear that lunch-time is a good time for greenshank at present with 3 separate sightings in the last four days at around this time.
The glorious weather continues: warm, sunny and cloudless.
At around 1pm on the Meadow: 2 GREENSHANK feeding on the flooded grass by the floods, 2 COMMON TERNS still around hunting. They seem to be picking insects up off the surface as well as diving for fish and one was seen to catch quite a decent sized fish. 22 mute swans and about 40 black-headed gulls.
Raining first thing this morning, though quickly brightening up.
Meadow this morning: 3
COMMON TERNS hunting over the water, 4
grey herons, 14
mute swans and a smattering of miscellaneous ducks.
Burgess Field this morning: the usual warblers. In the evening the
barn owl again.
Meadow at around lunch time: 3
GREENSHANKS (OOS).
The Burgess Field barn owl ©
Peter Styles
Another beautiful day: warm, sunny and calm.
Very little on the floods this morning: 9
mute swans and 1
grey heron and a few miscellaneous ducks. We're just waiting for the next passage wader to drop in.
In Burgess Field: the usual warblers present:
whitethroat,
garden warbler, sedge warbler,
blackcap,
willow warbler were either seen or heard this morning. Also lots of
green finches and
linnets around. It's interesting how even at 7:30am the warbler song has quietened down. I imagine that all the singing is going on at dawn now.
Grey Heron ©
Steve Bell
This morning: bright, sunny and warm. Two
COMMON TERNS hawking over the floods, 3
shelduck, quite a few
mute swans, a couple of
grey herons, about 6
shoveler, a few
gadwall. Also a female
RUFF on the floods briefly.
The
barn owl reported to have been seen again recently in Burgess Field at around 8pm (WoM).
Grey Heron © Adam Hartley
This morning - bright and sunny.
On the floods: 2 GREENSHANK, 1 COMMON TERN briefly, several grey herons.
Also 1 OYSTERCATCHER briefly (WoM).
In Burgess Field NR: lots of warblers, including several garden warblers, also a female sparrowhawk.
In the morning: sunny intervals and moderate temperature. A WHIMBREL just north of the floods this morning though it didn't stay around for long. There was also a single redshank.
In Burgess Field: loads of whitethroats.
In the morning: 4 grey herons but still no waders on the floods. With even the ruff having left it looks like things are winding down now. Passage-wise, at Farmoor there are still whimbrel moving through, together with sanderling, little gulls, artic and black terns. There's always the chance that something could stop in on the floods of course though it is starting to look and feel rather quiet.
In Burgess Field NR: the usual whitethroats, willow warblers, chiffchaffs, blackcaps, garden warblers, grasshopper warblers and sedge warblers.
In the evening: a WHIMBREL just north of the floods (OOS). After my earlier comments on things getting quiet we get a passage wader!
In the morning: no waders on the floods at all.
In Burgess Field, 4,+
whitethroat, 2
sedge warblers, 1+
grasshopper warbler.
Pied Wagtail ©
Steve Bell
In the morning: 2 ruff & 1 redshank. At the Trap Ground reed beds at least 2 reed warblers singing.
In the evening: 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 2 dunlin still, 2 ruff, 5 gadwall, 14 mute swans, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL,1 WHITE WAGTAIL, plenty of swifts, swallows and house martins
OXB: 3,+ grasshopper warblers in Burgess Field NR.
The weather surprisingly pleasant this morning though getting cooler and clouder towards the evening. There are a lot of passage migrants around at the moment, especially at Farmoor which is seeing Black Terns, Arctic Terns, Sandwich Terns, Little Gulls, Whimbrel and Sanderling passing through. Let's hope some of them stop in at Port Meadow.
3
ARCTIC TERNS late afternoon/early evening. Also 3
dunlin, 2
ruff and at least 20
SWIFTS.
From OXB: "One male
Wheatear just N of the floods, also 1
Yellow Wagtail, 2
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. At least 4
Grasshopper Warblers in Burgess Field".
Dunlin ©
Steve Bell
OOS: One LITTLE GULLl.
Also possibly 3 GREENSHANKS (WoM).
Rather chilly NW wind tonight
From OXB: "Quieter evening than of late: 3 ARCTIC TERNS, 4 summer plumage Dunlin, 4 Ruff, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 10 Mute Swans, Large mixed flock of hirundines with good number of House Martins".
warm, sunny spells, light breeze. Lots of migrant interest at present, it's a real purple patch.
On the floods: 2 ARCTIC TERNS still present, 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER early evening, 2 dunlin in summer plumage, 6 ruff with some males now starting to grow their ruffs, 1 grey heron, a few teal and the odd widgeon and shoveler.
OXB: 1 COMMON TERN chased off by the two arctics.
In corridor between river and floods: 1 WHITE WAGTAIL, no sign of the blue-headed wagtail from yesterday evening, 1 PEREGRINE over briefly at lunch-time, 3 YELLOW WAGTAILS
In Burgess Field: 2 COMMON WHITETHROAT (OXB), 2 GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS reeling late evening.
Dry, calm and increasingly sunny.
In the morning a walk through the Trap Grounds produced: several chiffchaff, willow warbler and blackcap, a greater spotted woodpecker. Pretty quiet in the morning on the Meadow itself: 2 ruff, 1 redshank, quite a few teal and mallard and some distant gulls.
In Burgess Field NR in the morning near the entrance gate: a grasshopper warbler and a whitethroat.
In the evening there were a pair of ARCTIC TERNS hunting on the floods and preening for a while.
From OXB: "One singing Grasshopper Warbler at the N end of Burgess Field this evening (~6.30). Between the floods and the Thames: 4 WHITE WAGTAILS, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 5 Linnets, 3 Meadow Pipits and 11 YELLOW WAGTAILS, one group of three at the N end of the floods and a party of 8 about 100m N of the end of the boardwalk. This latter group contained a male 'flava' form 'Blue headed Wagtail'. The head was very dark, really a slate blue making the supercilium extremely obvious."
2 grasshopper warblers in Burgess Field NR (OOS)
The weather was still overcast and chilly though there was no rain at least.
There were at least 25 swallows and 25 sand martins hawking across the waters this evening plus at least 3 house martins. 6 ruff still present and about 75 golden plover but no sign of the yellow wagtails nor the little ringed plovers.
This evening it was mild, overcast and rainy. The Meadow was looking very luscious and the waters retreating to their central channel leaving attractive grassy shallows at the edges.
There were 6
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER at the far side along the shore line together with 2
dunlin in summer plumage. 3
YELLOW WAGTAILS on the grassy shallows stood out nicely in the gloom. There were plenty (8,+)
ruff present, and starting to moult. About 20
swallows were hawking over the waters. There were at least 10
gadwall amongst the ducks and about 50
golden plover in full summer plumage hanging out at the north end of the floods. 2
shelduck still present in the main channel.
Yellow Wagtail ©
Steve Bell
1 COMMON TERN passed northwards over the floods
1 YELLOW WAGTAIL
1 WHITE WAGTAIL
2 Dunlin
2 Wigeon
7 Ruff
~800 Golden Plover - almost all summer plumage - quite a sight on a
rainy evening!
(OXB)
Male COMMON REDSTART in Burgess Field, Also Garden Warbler
2 Dunlin at floods, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL
(OXB)
1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 1 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT, 3 Golden Plover, 2 Wigeon, At least 6 House Martin but no sign of the Garganey (OXB).
1 Grey Heron, 16 Shoveler, 4 Ruff, 3 Redshank, 3 Lapwing, 1 Swallow (OOS)
drake
GARGANEY on southern end of floods late afternoon; also 7
Ruff (BG)
Garganey on the Meadow . ©
Steve Bell
Loverly morning: bright, calm & sunny.
In the morning: 7 ruff, 1 redshank on the floods. About 50 shoveler and about 75 teal and a handful of widgeon are all that remain of the ducks. A handful of swallows hawking over the floods and skylarks singing in Burgess Field.
Several willow warblers and chiff chaffs and 1 blackcap around Burgess Field and the Meadow.
Bright and sunny, with a touch of frost in the morning.
In the morning there is currently very little about on the Meadow: 3 shelduck, a few dozen shoveler, a few teal and widgeon still lingering. No sign of any waders.
A willow warbler singing in Burgess Field NR, a chiffchaff by the Aristotle Lane footpath.
In the evening: 6 ruff, 2 redshank, ~50 golden plover. No sign of the grey plover though.
A current working theory is that the best time to view is late afternoon/early evening. At that time any passage migrants will have dropped in for the night before leaving first thing in the morning.
Overcast and cold. Nearly all yesterday's heavy snow has now melted.
In the morning: about 100 golden plover on the floods. A few redshank heard calling. 3 shelduck.
In the evening (OXB): 1 GREY PLOVER, 27 Golden Plover, 2 Ruff, 7+ Redshank, 20+ Swallow, 3 Sand Martin
Bright, windy and much colder.
First thing in the morning there was no sign of any of last night's plovers. However there was a single BLACK-TAILED GODWIT in summer plumage wading in the floods.
The day started with thick fog and no visibility over the floods. Once it had burnt off though it was a warm, calm and sunny day.
Most of the wildfowl have now left. There are still some
shoveler and a few
teal and
widgeon around and tonight quite a few
gadwall and just 2
Shelduck.
There was also a
grey heron hunting on the floods. Still no sign of any garganey though.
This evening there was some good wader action: 2
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 2
RINGED PLOVERS (OXB), 1
GREY PLOVER, c. 250
golden plover and a few
lapwings nearly makes the entire plover set! There were also 4
Ruff, 6+
Redshank.
Also 4
sand martins, 5+
Swallows.
1
Willow Warbler singing in Burgess Field (OXB).
Black-headed Gulls & Golden Plover ©
Steve Bell
Calm, mild but cloudy.
There are now 7 shelduck on the floods but no sign of any waders this morning. There were some black-tailed godwits reported at Otmoor so perhaps some will find their way to the Meadow presently.
At about 5pm: 6 shelduck now on the floods, 3 redshank, 1 ruff. Also a swallow flying over and about 150 golden plover at the north end. They may be roosting on the Meadow each evening.
Bright and clear but with a bit of a westerly wind.
An extra pair of
shelduck were on the floods this morning, bringing the total to 4. There were only 2
ruff and 3
redshank present, again at the north end of the floods.
On Burgess Field NR, a
reed bunting and the
green woodpecker. A
singing
willow warbler now in the centre of the NR near the snipe pools.
In the evening 7
swallows + the
barn own in Burgess Field again (OXB).
Great photos of the barn owl were also posted on OXB.
A ruff on the Meadow ©
Steve Walton
Starting off bright and warm though clouding over later.
The 2 shelduck still present and the usual ducks. A few redshank and ruff were feeding on the extended pools to the north of the floods though they then moved to the main pool.
The willow warbler had moved to the willows between The Trap Ground allotments and Burgess Field NR.
In the evening in Burgess Field NR the pair of barn owls were showing at around 7:30 pm. One of the owls is unusually pale. There were also several roe deer present.
After a couple of days of bad weather, at last a decent day: sunny, bright and calm.
In the morning on the Meadow there was not too much about: 2 shelducks, a drake pintail, a few gadwall, the usual widgeon, shoveler and teal and 3 ruff. A few common buzzards circling over Wytham Wood in the distance. One subsequently flew over the Meadow itself.
In the willows by the Aristotle Lane gate, a willow warbler showing well and in full song.
Later on 4 redshank and 6 dunlin were also reported as well as 3 snipe in Burgess Field. (OOS)
Calm, sunny morning.
Burgess Field NR: 2 snipe by the small pools; 1 green woodpecker, 1 reed bunting, 1 singing chiffchaff; a flock of at least 20 meadow pipits.
In the evening (~6:45pm) 1 barn owl and 7 roe deer.
Port Meadow: 4 ruff; ~6 redshank, ~20 golden plover
1 RINGED PLOVER (OOS).
9 redshank, 5 dunlin, 4 ruff first thing this morning.
5 dunlin, 4 ruff, a few redshank.
1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (OOS).
Grey, cold, some rain/sleet, moderate northerly wind.
4
CURLEWS on the northern shore. 4
redshank and 4
ruff. A drake
pintail and a few
gadwall amongst the many
widgeon,
teal and
shoveler.
A possible
garganey was mentioned as having been seen a day or two ago (WoM).
Teal ©
Steve Bell
A single barn owl on Burgess Field NR (WoM) - again early evening. They seem to be a regular evening sighting at present.
very windy, sleet and snow with sunny intervals.
1 cormorant, 2 shelduck, 7 redshank (OOS)
A pair of barn owls in Burgess Field NR at around 6pm (OOS & WoM).
sunny intervals but very strong north wind.
The floods are receding rapidly, moving back towards their more usual size though the birds are still currently best viewed from Burgess Field. The usual duck and gulls are there and 10
dunlin, 2
shelduck and 3
ruff. Very little showing on Burgess Field due to the windy conditions.
Two
pintails also reported (WoM).
6
gadwall and 9
redshank (OOS).
Two
sand martins at 10am and a (presumed escapee) female
RING-NECKED DUCK (OXB).
The female ring-necked duck (taken last year) ©
Pete Styles
The Meadow is still a lake but the waters are noticeably receding. A couple of ruff spotted flying around the flooded shoreline. There are probably other waders present as well though they were not looked for.
In Burgess Field NR this morning: 3 reed buntings, 1 green woodpecker, 1 chiffchaff.
A grey wagtail by the Meadow car park.
Reports of the barn owl seen earlier this week in Burgess at around 5:30pm (WoM).
The Meadow "lake" even more full with no discernible boundary between the river and the flood waters now.
A chiffchaff (presumed as it didn't sing) by the gate to Burgess Field NR. A few sand martins over the lake. A couple of mute swans paddling around and a pair of great crested grebe diving on the "lake". Two distant cormorants by the river. Large numbers of widgeon, teal, shoveler and gadwall still at the north end of the floods.
The waders were still present on the hillocks "islands" that are above the water. A few redshank, ruff and a couple of dunlin were seen. A green woodpecker in Burgess Field NR.
Although there was not much additional rain the river was bursting its banks in places and the lake was now extending up to the north end of Burgess Field NR.
There was a BARNACLE GOOSE on the main river roughly in line with the north end of the floods hanging out with a couple of canada geese.
The widgeon, teal and shoveler were all up at the north flood shoreline as well.
What a difference a day makes! Heavy and persistent over-night rain had turned the Meadow back into a lake.
There were a good number (~15) of newly arrived sand martins hawking over the water, a pleasant reminder that spring is just around the corner. A single calling CURLEW flew in to land at around mid-day.
2 ruff also seen (OOS).
The Meadow floods were looking good with plenty of mud for the waders. Overcast but good light for viewing and little wind.
The waders were all conveniently close affording an excellent view of the LITTLE STINT which was still hanging out with 12 dunlin. There were also 8 redshank and 3 ruff around as well as plenty of golden plover and lapwings. There were also 10 gadwall amongst the usual widgeon, teal and shoveler, though the pintails seem all to have departed. There was also a solitary OYSTERCATCHER having a rest on the mud flats.
A smart adult MEDITERRANEAN GULL (OXB) in full summer plumage was also seen in the morning though it appeared to have gone by mid-day.
1 LITTLE STINT present with 10 dunlin on the floods. Also ruff and redshank.
2 RUDDY SHELDUCK of unknown provenance on the floods late afternoon.
There are no specific diary entries for February. There were however the usual birds present during this period:
Ducks:
widgeon and
teal in large numbers,
shoveler,
gadwall, a few
pintail and
shelduck.
Gulls:
black-headed,
lesser black backed plus a few
herring gulls and the occasional
common gull.
Waders:
ruff,
dunlin, redshank, lapwings, large flocks of
golden plover, some
snipe.
A lapwing and a pied wagtail. ©
Pete Styles
1st winter ICELAND GULL still + ruff and dunlin.
The 1st winter ICELAND GULL still present, together with the ruff and dunlin.
A first winter ICELAND GULL on the floods this morning. Also several ruff and dunlin.
One WHOOPER SWAN flew over at mid-day (BG).
