Port Meadow Birding

Another week with little of interest bird-wise. The recent rain has meant that the floods at least exist again and there seems to be quite a bit of insect life on the surface. However I do wonder how attractive it is to waders as the margins consist of churned up mud and it doesn't look that appealing to me at least. On the Meadow there are still plenty of wood pigeons, starlings, corvids and recently quite a few juvenile pied wagtails so there has been some breeding success with that species. House martins and swallows continue to hawk over the Meadow in good numbers and linnets can often be heard and seen flying about the place. To the north skylarks are still singing and there are still a few black-headed gulls dotted about the place. It shows how bad things are when a lone lesser black-backed gull one day was a point of interest!

In Burgess Field the usual summer breeders are still going about their business of raising their families so there is not so much bird song though on Friday in the south east corner a singing male blackcap spurred a nearby male to start singing which then got a nearby garden warbler going as well. A kestrel was seen hunting over the north end one day. One can always rely on whitethroats and reed buntings to be singing on any visit and the green woodpecker has been seen a few times recently.

On the butterfly front in the grasses the main species are still large skipper and small heath whilst around the margins there are the odd tortoiseshell, speckled wood about. I know even less about moths than I do about butterflies but there seemed to be a hatch of five-spot burnets with loads of them feeding on the clover on Friday. There are also lots of common heath moths to be found in amongst the grasses.

The first returning green sandpipers are now starting to be seen in the county so with any luck things will start to pick up soon though whether the Meadow will attract much in its present state remains to be seen.

Addendum:
A late addition to the week was a LITTLE EGRET on the Meadow (OOS - MBG). It shows how quiet things are when this bird easily gets the "Bird of the Week" award!


One of the many Five-Spot Burnets that were out and about today © Adam Hartley

A Large Skipper © Adam Hartley

It was another quiet week on Port Meadow with the floods becoming completely dried up though the recent rain has now topped them up again. The grass is starting to reclaim much of the exposed mud again. There are still lots of buttercups in full blood and the Meadow is looking very pretty.

An evening walk around Burgess Field at the start of the week found a few bats flying around and a GRASSHOPPER WARBLER reeling quietly. I've not heard these delightful birds during the day for some time now so it seems that dusk is now the only time to hear them. I also disturbed a badger in one of the hedgerows and got a brief glimpse of it before it scurried off. There was also a family of animals of some kind, perhaps foxes, making little yelping noises near the railway bridge.

There are plenty of house martins hawking over the dried up mud. I was wondering whether there were more insects over the mud than over the rest of the grass. Occasionally SAND MARTINS are also seen in amongst them. The swallows tend to stay closer to the river and I presume that they are nesting around there somewhere. The resident and summer breeders were all about and busy feeding their young: green finches, linnets, gold finches, chaffinches, reed buntings, all the warblers including the CETTI'S WARBLER still, magpies, crows and pied wagtails are all about. A COMMON TERN was seen flying over the Meadow on one occasion, presumably going from the canal to the river. There are lots of wood pigeons feeding on the Meadow and on one day I counted over a hundred of them. The black-headed gulls seem largely to have left now as well though there are usually one or two still about. There was a very cute family of young magpies about at the bottom of Walton Well road one morning and a fledgling robin was seen in the Trap Grounds.

There are quite a few butterflies about in Burgess Field at present. There were lots of speckled woods along the eastern end near the railway and the grasses are full of small butterflies and months. I managed to identify some small heaths and large skippers. A small tortoiseshell was also seen as well as one or two straggler painted ladies.

There are lots of rabbits around within Burgess Field including plenty of young ones © Adam Hartley

An absolutely gorgeous start to Saturday morning with bright sunshine and clear blue sky. An early morning visit to the Meadow found a couple of OYSTERCATCHERS flying around and calling. They later landed briefly on the floods where I was able to take a record shot. Apart from that there were two skylarks fighting and a few linnets and green finches on the Meadow itself as well as a RED KITE which was sitting on the ground near the mound to the north of the floods before flapping off. The odd painted lady was still passing through. There were a couple of lapwings present first thing though they soon departed.

Within Burgess Field the CETTI'S WARBLER was still singing occasionally so it's good to know that it is still around. Apart from that the usual warblers, finches, reed buntings and green woodpeckers were all seen or heard.
One of the two oystercatchers briefly on the floods © Adam Hartley

The Meadow, especially to the north of what remains of the floods is currently covered in a wonderful carpet of buttercups and is looking especially pretty right now. There are also little pink flowers which I think are lady's smock (though I am no expert). The main point of interest this week has been the amazing migration of painted lady butterflies which has continued all week.  Dozens of these insects can be seen flying purposefully over the Meadow and also within Burgess Field. Within the latter there have also been various other butterflies around including orange tips and common blues.

On the bird front there has been little to report. The floods now consist of just two largish puddles and the only birds there are black-headed gulls which are picking over the exposed mud and the occasional moorhen or mallard. A grey heron drops in occasionally for a look though it is now more likely to be seen along the river bank instead. A single lapwing has sometimes been seen though there has obviously been no success at breeding on the Meadow this year. With the number of dogs and crows about I am not in the least surprised. Down on the river there was a single young great crested grebe out with its two parents. Swallows and house martins are usually hawking over the river near the red bridge and there are always one or two pied wagtails about.

At this time of year the breeding birds are busy brooding or feeding hungry fledglings so there is not so much bird song around though the various warblers are still occasionally warbling (though I've not heard the cetti's warbler for several days now) and the other day there were two singing male skylarks. However if one goes around Burgess Field with eyes and ears open then one can find some of the various nest sites. I have seen fledgling starlings, blackcaps and great tits out and about and found nests for reed buntings, blackbirds and long-tailed tits. It's a very busy time of year for the breeding birds albeit rather quiet for finding more exotic species.

A painted lady butterfly (actually photographed on Otmoor) © Steve Burch

There's been precious little to report recently. The only birds left on the floods have been a few black-headed gulls, corvids, mallards, the odd gadwall, pied wagtails, a grey heron or two and a few mute swans. There are plenty of hirundines around and I suspect that some swallows are nesting somewhere near the river. I've also seen pied wagtails with beaks full of insects who must have a nest nearby. The odd COMMON TERN has been seen flying along the river, perhaps having nipped over the hill from Farmoor.

Within Burgess Field the warblers are noticably quieter there days, getting on with the job of raising their young. There was a very vocal sedge warbler that used to sing almost constantly close to the gate and I presumed that he'd not yet managed to attract a mate. However recently he too has become noticably quieter and I wondered whether he'd given up and moved on. However I did hear him singing briefly a few days ago so I hope that this means that he was finally able to get down to the job of raising a family. The CETTI'S WARBLER is still around and the last couple of days I have heard and once even briefly saw him out of his usual terrain a bit further north and on the other side of the path. I wonder whether he's been successful in attracting a mate.  There's been a kestrel about hunting in the Nature Reserve recently and on Friday I saw a female SPARROWHAWK with a starling in her talons.

A whitethroat in a hawthorn bush © Kevin Henshaw

Another day of blustery south west wind but with sunny intervals which made it more pleasant when in a sheltered spot.

The recent rain has topped the floods up a bit but there are still large areas of barren looking mud. There was a single RINGED PLOVER on the main pool around Burgess Channel. Given how scarce anything is we have to be thankful for anything that turns up! Nothing of note within Burgess Field but I expect that the birds had their heads down given the wind.

Sunnier conditions meant that I was able to get a better digiscoped shot of today's ringed plover © Adam Hartley

This morning the weather was still unsettled, with the wind still present and showers soon arriving.

There was nothing of note on the floods yesterday, despite a morning and evening visit. Today a morning visit looked like going the same way when a couple of OYSTERCATCHERS arrived in Stint Corner.

In Burgess Field the usual warblers still about, including the CETTI'S WARBLER which was still singing away in its usual place. Let's hope it has managed to attract a female to its territory. There was evidence of nest building with a greenfinch gathering feathers in Burgess Field and a linnet doing the same on the Meadow.

Very much a record shot only of the two oystercatchers. They were about as far away as they could be from my viewing point in grim light and windy conditions so the fact that you can even tell what they are is something of a triumph © Adam Hartley

This morning a very pleasantly calm, though rather overcast start to the day.

The REDSHANK and the RINGED PLOVER were both still on the Meadow this morning so there must be something of value for them still on the floods. I originally reported them as little ringed plover when I saw them through my bins in the evening half-light yesterday but with better light and my scope I was able to make the correct identification. A grey heron still about mopping up whatever's left in the one remaining pool.

Late afternoon update:
This morning's waders were still present late afternoon so they are obviously finding some food there. At Fiddler's Island a CUCKOO was heard calling in the distance from the other side of the river.

From private e-mail (SCl):
LITTLE EGRET and YELLOW WAGTAIL seen in the afternoon on the Meadow.

The redshank finding something to eat in the mud
one of the three ringed plovers looking on.

Just gloomy record shots I'm afraid, but in the light conditions that was the best that was on offer © Adam Hartley

A day of showers (but thankfully much less wind) which brought a number of interesting passage migrants to nearby Farmoor reservoir. Unfortunately the floods are now in such a sorry state that the best that the Meadow was able to offer was 3 RINGED PLOVER (not little ringed as I previously reported) and a REDSHANK, presumably resting after a hard day's travel, which were noted on an evening run around the patch. There were also a few gadwall and a grey heron on what remains of the flood water.

Interestingly enough, in Burgess Field there were a surprising number of corvids, some of them with a Hitchcockian menace about them as they perched on tree tops in the evening twilight.

There were a few warblers still singing on my evening visit, including a male blackcap close to the Burgess Field gate © Pete Styles

Quite a strong wind this morning though it has shifted around to the north east now. The recent spell of sunny and windy weather has meant that the floods have been drying out even more rapidly and there is depressingly little water left in them. For the record, the birds that are currently frequenting the Meadow are: black-headed gull in good numbers, mute swans, various corvids, the odd lapwing, pied wagtails, a few linnets, grey heron and mallards. Apart from these "default" birds there was nothing of interest.

A good day weather-wise with little wind and mostly sunny.

A visit to the Meadow this morning turned up nothing unusual at all. An evening visit was better with a distant COMMON TERN flying along the river and a single LITTLE RINGED PLOVER on the west shore of the floods. It seems that recently any birds of interest are turning up at the end of the day. Perhaps the floods, in their nearly dried out condition, are not really good enough to hold birds for any length of time but tired migrants will stop to rest there at the end of the day before pressing on at first light the next day.

To add weight to this theory, 3 COMMON SANDPIPERS were reported along the east shore this evening as well (WoM - JG).

Little more than a record shot unfortunately of the little ringed plover, shot into the light in windy conditions and at a distance © Adam Hartley

A miserable start to the day with the strong westerly wind still and squally rain, nor were there any grounded waders or indeed anything of interest on the Meadow to show for my efforts in braving the weather. Burgess Field was similarly quiet with the warblers keeping their heads down. There were a couple of sedge warblers singing from their usual spots and one was displaying a remarkable degree of mimicry with song thrush and what sounded like a whimbrel included in its repertoire!

Late afternoon update:
A late afternoon run around the Meadow proved much more rewarding: there were three RED-CRESTED POCHARDS resting on what remains of the flood water in Burgess Channel. This is something of a rarity for the Meadow and certainly hasn't been seen here since I started covering the patch in the autumn of 2007. Also at last some passage waders in the form of an OYSTERCATCHER and two DUNLIN both located along the north shore.

Sedge warblers can be great mimics © Pete Styles

All quiet still on the Meadow front with just a single COMMON TERN of note. The usual warblers still in Burgess Field. Plenty of swifts about today and there are quite a few linnets around, both on the Meadow and in Burgess Field as well. A decent mixed flock of turnstone, sanderling and dunline were at Farmoor today and there was a large influx of birds at Christchurch Harbour yesterday so let's hope that there is finally some decent wader movement about to start before the floods dry up altogether!

A linnet in Burgess Field © Kevin Henshaw

A later afternoon visit to the Meadow found the westerly wind as strong as ever and little of note on the floods except for a pair of COMMON TERNS. Periodically one would fly off towards the canal and then return with a good sized fish in its bill.

The two terns on the floods this evening © Adam Hartley

A morning visit to the Meadow found it rather wind-swept with a stiff northerly breeze still. There was nothing of note on the floods which are now fast receding. Unless we get a sudden deluge we shall be losing them altogether fairly soon. The only birds frequenting them at present are lots of (presumably non-breeding) black-headed gulls, plenty of mallards (including some fluffy ducklings), lots of pied wagtails and corvids plus a few lapwings. It's just a question of hoping that some passage waders drop in while the floods are still with us.

Just the usual warblers (including the CETTI'S still) within Burgess Field.

Lunch-time update:
The wind seems to be veering more to the west as the day progresses. There were two COMMON TERN sitting around on the Meadow, perhaps waiting for the wind to subside. On Burgess Field these seems to have been an influx of GARDEN WARBLERS with at lest four males singing loudly in the south east corner.as they establish their territories. One of them was comparatively easy to see as it vied with a neighbour for space.

There are always whitethroats around to be seen within Burgess Field © Pete Styles

An evening visit to the Meadow with the sky overcast and a stiff northerly breeze found a few birds of interest. A WHIMBREL was seen briefly though it flew off almost as soon as it was discovered. There was a REDSHANK along the North Reach and a couple of COMMON TERNS did a few circuits this evening though I suspect that the wind was not conducive to their usual insect feeding. There were plenty of swallows, house and sand martins and swifts about though.

During a brief walk around Burgess Field the CETTI'S WARBLER was still heard to be singing along with a couple of the GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS.

An evening visit to the Meadow found the weather to be sunny but with a stiffening breeze.

There were actually some waders on the floods this evening which made a pleasant change: a LITTLE RINGED PLOVER right down at the south end of the west shore and a DUNLIN and RINGED PLOVER mid way along the west shore. There were also 3 COMMON TERNS actively picking insects off the water's surface.

The ringed plover and the dunlin on the flood shore line © Adam Hartley

First thing this morning a bit of a mist which soon cleared to leave it dry with sunny intervals.

These spring doldrums continue with nothing of note on the floods once more. It's a real shame as the floods look excellent for passing waders at present. The black-headed gulls are still about and a few house martins and swallows were hawking over the fields.

It was left therefore up to Burgess Field once more to provide the interest and the usual warblers were present in their usual locations. The CETTI'S WARBLER is still about and singing loudly. A CUCKOO was heard calling in the distance and a couple of jays flew over. GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS were reeling away from the depths of the bushes. In all, the 8 resident warblers were about: I have now given up on the lesser whitethroat and the reed warblers are only to be found within the Trap Ground reedbeds.

A willow warbler this morning © Adam Hartley

May Day morning was dry with sunny intervals.

Still very quiet on the Meadow though there was a different WHEATEAR present this morning on the grass between the floods and the river, opposite the house boat. It was an adult female. The only other bird of note on the floods was a WHITE WAGTAIL.

Within Burgess Field NR the usual warblers about including the CETTI'S WARBLER still.
A digiscoped videograb of this morning's rather distant wheatear © Adam Hartley


The video of the wheatear from which the videograb was taken. Best viewed in high quality mode by clicking here and selecting HQ at the bottom right hand corner of the video screen.

This morning overcast and breezy but no sign so far of the promised rain.

The more unsettled weather brought with it a some more interesting birds: an OYSTERCATCHER was piping away and flying around the floods. It would never settle for very long before moving on again so it remains to be seen how long it might stay. The four COMMON TERNS from last night were back again and were flying around and calling actively.

In Burgess Field the earth mounds came up trumps again in the form of a WHEATEAR. It was rather plainly coloured and so was probably in first winter plumage still. It would do the typical thing of hopping off the mound and then back on it again. Also on the mounds was the usual singing skylark and a couple of linnets. There are at least two pairs of skylark in Burgess Field which is great. Apart from that the usual warblers including CETTI'S though I've not heard the lesser whitethroat for several days now so it may have moved on.

The oystercatcher was rather flighty this morning © Adam Hartley
The wheatear on the mounds © Adam Hartley

Another day of good weather and poor birds!

This morning on the floods there was nothing of note apart from the drake teal still and two lesser black-backed gulls (which were also present yesterday as well).

From private e-mail (JG):
Grasshopper, Cett's and Garden Warbler in Burgess Field this afternoon, 4 Common Tern and a White Wagtail on Port Meadow, and a Buzzard and several groups of Swifts over.

Another nice start to the day though clouding over later.

There was nothing of note on the floods this morning apart from one drake teal which was new in. Just the default birds present: mute swan, black-headed gull, pied wagtail, lapwing, mallards and a few straggler ducks. A grey heron was standing in the grass to the north of the flood.

In Burgess Field I am starting to map out all the warbler territories. There are at least 4 SEDGE WARBLERS present and the  CETTI'S WARBLER is still singing away in its usual place. There are at least 4 GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS there and I found a definite GARDEN WARBLER. It was rather interesting to watch this as it was singing very close to a blackcap territory and as I mentioned yesterday, the songs are similar enough that apparently even the two species can get confused. The male blackcap came over to investigate and to check out this other bird out though it eventually realised that it wasn't a threat and left it in peace. For those who are interested, the garden warbler song is more scratchy and hurried than the blackcap.

Lunch-time update:
A run around the patch today found several singing REED WARBLERS in the Trap Grounds. Also a cracking male WHINCHAT in Burgess Field NR. It was sitting on the earth mounds in the second "field" on your right as you take the left path from the southern gate. These mounds are a fairly recent addition but there is a male skylark who often sings whilst sitting on them (see photo for 21st April entry) and they are just the sort of thing that wheatears and whinchats like to sit on. There was also the possibility of a second cetti's warbler: I heard a call on what sounded like the opposite side of Burgess Field to where our "resident" bird is. I only heard it once so I could have mistaken the direction or the first bird might have suddenly decided to move but I will keep an ear out for it.

Addendum:
Whinchat still present at 2:30pm (WoM JCo) though it had moved one field further north from the mound field.

A grey heron on the floods © Adam Hartley

A mobile phone digiscoped photo of a green woodpeck and a linnet having a bath in Burgess Field © Jason Coppock

A rather rainy day but with sunny intervals.

A late afternoon visit to the Meadow found it somewhat refreshed after the rain: it was starting to go a little "stale" with the flood waters looking a bit stagnant so it's been good to get some more rain in them. We're due for a rather showery week so that should help.

On the bird front the DUNLIN was still present, over in Stint Corner this afternoon. There were quite a few peid wagtails about with one YELLOW WAGTAIL and one WHITE WAGTAIL in amongst them. Plenty of swallows and house martins hawking low over the water and some more ducklings out and about.

A very brief visit to Burgess Field found the LESSER WHITETHROAT singing away and being remarkably showy - this species can often skulk within the scrub so it was good to see it out in the open.

The dunlin - taken yesterday in rather gloomy conditions © Adam Hartley

Another glorious day with bright sunshine and clear skies once more.

There was no sign of any terns on the Meadow this morning with just a single DUNLIN along the North Reach as the only bird of interest.

Within Burgess Field the various warblers were warbling away. Of particular note was what I think is a third GRASSHOPPER WARBLER, what sounded like a GARDEN WARBLER (though it's song is similar to a blackcap and I didn't see it) and the LESSER WHITETHROAT still singing away. I'm very pleased that the latter has stuck around. A jay was seen which is a rather belated year tick for the patch and a CUCKOO was hear to the north and then over to the north west so I presume that it was flying around that area.

Late afternoon update:
The DUNLIN still present but now down in the South Channel. One COMMON TERN hawking over the South Channel

A roe deer in Burgess Field NR this morning © Adam Hartley

Scattered heavy showers this morning.

A brief very early visit to Port Meadow this morning found the OYSTERCATCHER down at the south end of the floods and a COMMON TERN flying around but little else of note.

Evening update:
A LITTLE TERN was posted on Bird Guides and OOS (TT) as having been on the Meadow this afternoon until 4:30pm when it flew off. Later it was back in the company of up to five COMMON TERNS and was enjoyed by a number of observers. All the terns were actively feeding on insects and were present until at least 8:10pm when I left. Let's hope that it sticks around until tomorrow. Also some SWIFTS reported (WoM SHG) over Burgess Field NR this evening.

A digiscoped videograb of the little tern. I was amazed that my digiscoping attempts of the bird as it was flying about came out. © Adam Hartley



Some brief video footage of the little tern. To watch in high quality (recommended) click here and select the HQ icon at the bottom right-hand corner of the video screen.

This morning sunny but with a stiff south/sout-easterly wind.

It was once more all quiet on the Meadow front with just yesterday evening's OYSTERCATCHER present to represent something of interest. It flew around a bit calling before settling on the west shore of Burgess Channel for a sleep.

The usual warblers could be heard from within Burgess Field

Late afternoon update:
A late afternoon walk on the Meadow found the oystercatcher had gone but there were now two LITTLE RINGED PLOVER along the south shore of the north channel.

From private e-mail (JG):
CETTI'S singing in Burgess Field, 2 LITTLE EGRET and 4 COMMON TERN dropped in later. Also sand martin

From OxonBirds (JT):
There was a CETTI'S WARBLERsinging on the west side of Burgess Field, near the split in the path. Also present were two reeling GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS and a BARN OWL being harassed by magpies.

The oystercatcher along the flood shore line this morning © Adam Hartley

Another glorious morning weather-wise with just a touch of mist first thing.

A great improvement on the bird front this morning when a GREENSHANK flew in and landed on the Spit at around 6:45am and started feeding along the west shore of Burgess Channel. A LITTLE RINGED PLOVER was also briefly seen along the channel though it was rather flighty. The two COMMON TERNS turned up again and landed on a small island in the middle of the water. I rushed round to try to photograph them but they flew off before I was able to get set up. There was a single SHELDUCK present at the north end.

Whilst I didn't venture into Burgess Field this morning I thought I heard a LESSER WHITETHROAT singing in the distance. I will endeavour to check this out as last year there were none actually within BF with our only sighting being one passing through in the autumn.

Lunch-time update:
The greenshank was still present and a little ringed plover (presumably a different one) flew in and landed on the floods. The two terns were still about with one standing on the tiny island and the other hunting insects off the surface of the water. The lesser whitethroat was calling and working its way along the hedge that bounds the Trap Ground allotments. Had excellent views of a grasshopper warbler in Burgess Field down to about 5 yards.

From private e-mail (MBG)
Thursday 6pm the greenshank was still present, now in the area favoured by the waders, towards the west shore of the flood. One OYSTERCATCHER was paddling in the river opposite the sailing club.

Please note:
Entry for 16th April has been updated to reflect additions news regarding the bar-tailed godwit sighting.

The greenshank on the floods this morning © Adam Hartley
The Little Ringed Plover © Adam Hartley

Yet another glorious day with early mist soon burnt off.

All quiet on the floods again today with just a pair of COMMON TERNS doing a couple of circuits as the highlight. There were also a couple of grey herons hunting in the flood waters and the first brood of mallard ducklings was out and about.

In Burgess Field all the warblers were warbling with a WHITETHROAT singing near to the gate. The CETTI'S was still about and all the other warblers could be heard as well. We're now just waiting for garden warbler to complete the "set".

Finally the whitethroats have arrived at Burgess Field © Adam Hartley

Another glorious morning with clear skies and bright sunshine though there was a bit of a mist first thing.

The continuing good weather means that passage migrants are once again non-existent. The only birds of interest on the floods were the two SHELDUCK. In Burgess Field the CETTI'S WARBLER was still singing away and I managed a reasonable sighting of a singing GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. Still no whitethroats nor garden warblers though.

A skylark singing from the earth mounds within Burgess Field © Adam Hartley

Misty first thing, then burning off to reveal a beautiful sunny day.

The good weather did mean that passage migrants were no where to be seen today and it was once more very quiet on the Meadow this morning. Apart from the straggler ducks a single COMMON TERN did one circuit around the floods and the river before moving on. There were two SHELDUCK at the north end of the floods. The sedge warbler was singing away in the hedge by the Burgess Field gate.

Lunch-time update:
All pretty quiet in Burgess Field and still no whitethroats that I could hear or see but there was a singing REED WARBLER in the Trap Grounds reed bed.

A bullfinch on Burgess Field NR (taken recently). A pair where seen in Burgess Field yesterday © Pete Styles

An overcast start to the day but with the sun starting to break through as the day progresses.

It was very quiet on the Meadow first thing this morning. 2 DUNLIN and 2 YELLOW WAGTAILS were reported by a fellow birder (WoM) though they'd moved on by the time I'd arrived. 2 WHITE WAGTAILS were still around though. Apart from that the usual straggler ducks: a few wigeon, shoveler, gadwall and mallards. Still quite a few mute swans around, presumably non-breeders who will probably hang around for a while. A grey heron by the ditch still.

In Burgess Field it was also rather quiet though the CETTI'S WARBLER was singing away from it's now usual place and I even managed some great views of it at close range albeit only for a few seconds. A GRASSHOPPER WARBLER was singing from a different place so it's either the first one trying out a new location or a second one has arrived. Last year there were up to 4 reported in Burgess Field. There was a sedge warbler by the Burgess Field NR gate again so perhaps that's its chosen territory. Still no whitethroats yet though and I've not checked the Trap Grounds yet for reed warblers.

A singing willow warbler. I was most pleased with this as it's not easy to digiscope a warbler at the best of times though this one did keep still for long enough for me to take two shots one of which fortunately came ok out. © Adam Hartley

First thing this morning overcast but brighter than yesterday with little wind.

An early morning visit to the Meadow found 4 SHELDUCKS down at the south end of the floods. They would periodically fly off and do a circuit or two before returning to the same spot. The four BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were still in Burgess Channel though they soon left. They obviously have somewhere else that they go to, though I don't know where this might be. There was no sign of their rarer barwit cousin this morning. There was a brown "blob" sleeping in the grass to the west of the floods that looked the right size and shape for the sleeping WHIMBREL and one could just make out it's crown stripe on its head though it was a classic case of "sleeping wader syndrome" which renders them very hard to identify. Unfortunately I couldn't stay until it woke up as I would have liked to get a decent whimbrel photo. There were 11 DUNLIN and 3 RINGED PLOVER this morning, initially in Stint Corner though they flew around a bit before settling on the North Reach as a feeding spot.

I could hear neither the cetti's nor the lesser whitethroat singing this morning though there were some willow warblers, blackcaps and sedge warblers to be heard.

From private e-mail (DF):
Was on port meadow this morning (roughly 10-12), and was lucky enough to see and hear a group of about 8 or 10 WHIMBREL flying overhead northeast.  Also heard CETTI'S WARBLER from both the field and inside burgess field (probably the same single bird), calling from  the deep brambles about five mins walk from the south entrance. 

From OOS (SCl):
willow warbler        7
grasshopper warbler        1
sparrowhawk        1   
sedge warbler        2
wigeon        7   
COMMON TERN       1
bullfinch        1 pair 

You'll have to take my word for it that this is in fact a sleeping whimbrel in the mist. Actually you an just seen the crown stripe on this videograb © Adam Hartley


The dunlin and ringed plover feeding along the North Reach. Best viewed in High Quality by clicking here and selecting the HQ icon at the bottom right of the video window

overnight rain left the Meadow overcast and gloomy though the grass is currently looking very green and healthy.

There was no sign of any of the godwits this morning though the RINGED PLOVER and DUNLIN were still present along the North Reach with numbers now swelled to 6 and 11 respectively. Two REDSHANKS touched down briefly on the floods, fed for a few minutes before flying off. This does make one wonder what else comes and goes during the day when no one is watching.

In Burgess Field NR the CETTI'S WARBLER was still singing away which is encouraging and the first two SEDGE WARBLERS were noted: one heard along hedgerow within Burgess Field and one heard and seen between the Trap Ground allotment gate and the Burgess Field gate.

Late afternoon update:
A run around the patch late afternoon was most productive: the RINGED PLOVER and DUNLIN counts had gone up to 8 and 14 respectively though they were now at Stint Corner. The godwits had returned with the BAR-TAILED GODWIT and the four BLACK-TAILED GODWITS once more feeding in Burgess Channel. To round off an excellent session a WHIMBREL was resting on the floods. It was rather skittish and flew down to the south tail before returning, whilst calling, to the middle of the floods. With any luck it might roost overnight.

From private e-mail (MBG):
One YELLOW WAGTAIL to the south of the channel.

Addendum:
On my run I heard a bird singing that I couldn't quite place but then got distracted by the whimbrel and I thought no more about it. Later when I was thinking about it again I realised that it probably was a LESSER WHITETHROAT. It was singing by the river on the Binsey side - I'll have another look for it over the weekend.

A redshank (taken a few weeks ago) © Adam Hartley

Today murky and overcast with rainy intervals.

A post-lunch visit out to the Meadow today paid dividends in the form of a female BAR-TAILED GODWIT which was accompanying the still-present four BLACK-TAILED GODWITS. Whilst the bird was clearly smaller than the black-taileds the identification initially proved inconclusive until all five birds took off when the lack of white wing bars, the white rump extending up as a wedge into the mantle and the lack of the strong black terminal tail band all proved decisive. Barwits are much rarer birds in the county than blackwits so this was a nice bird to have on the Meadow.

Apart from that there was a single golden plover along the north shore and plenty of swallows, house and sand martins hawking low over the floods.

From Private e-mail (MBG):
She [the barwit] was still there this evening; at one point they all took up, then she came back alone and settled on the flood at the west shore, calling for a bit. Also 3 DUNLIN, two with black tummies; 3 RINGED PLOVER. Lots of house martins; more swallows further up the Meadow, over the grass.

The bar-tailed godwit (central bird) with two black-tailed godwits
Here it's the bird at the back - you can just make out the barring on the tail
A close-up of the previous photo where you can better see the barring of the tail under the wing. In flight the differences are obvious. All photos © Adam Hartley

Addendum (From Steve Clark OxonBirds posting)
I have been in correspondence with Barwit expert, Jim Baldwin, via the Hampshire equivalent of Oxonbirds regarding the identity of the Bar-tailed Godwit. Jim's view is that the bird is of the sub-species Taymyrensis or Siberian Bar-tailed Godwit. He says "The photos are very useful and from what I can see it is a female of the taymyrensis sub-species. From our previous research it appears that you get an annual passage through Oxfordshire which appears to come from the birds moving through the Severn - it would be interesting to know the date ranges and whether the birds are males or females so I will always welcome any records in our continuing research, especially of any ringed individuals. "

I have put his paper he refers to in the Files section of Oxonbirds (see "Barwit migration"). Always interesting to know where our migrants have come from and are going to. If you do see Barwits during this migration period (or future years) I am happy to send records through to Jim privately or via
Oxonbirds/Hoslist.

Steve Clark

This morning a damp and overcast start to the day.

The four remaining BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were till present in Burgess Channel. In this area a few mud islands have now appeared which seem to be popular with the birds. There was a summer plumaged GOLDEN PLOVER on one though it didn't stay long. On another island were three LITTLE RINGED PLOVER and a DUNLIN. Apart from that just a few gadwall, a pair of shoveler and a tardy male wigeon and a few black-headed gulls. About half a dozen swallows were hunting over the water. A grey heron was in the ditch by Burgess Field and there were 5 or 6 mute swans on the floods. There was a WHITE WAGTAIL on the floods and a YELLOW WAGTAIL flew over the Meadow calling.

Mid-morning update - Egret species sighting:
Whilst walking down Walton Street I saw a distant egret species flying east, perhaps from the Meadow. I only saw it for a few seconds but its legs seemed to be protruding rather a lot for a little egret. I didn't get a proper sighting of the bill at all but from the leg length there is the outside possibility that it might have been a great white egret.

Late morning update:
A run around the Meadow late morning found the little ringed plover and dulin had departed. There was a reeling GRASSHOPPER WARBLER in Burgess Field as well as the now usual chiffies, willow warblers and blackcaps. Heading back towards the floods on the Meadow I heard the call of a CETTI'S WARBLER calling from Burgess Field though it only called the once. Last year Cetti's weren't seen at all on the Meadow to my knowledge so it would be great if they take up residence.


A singing wren - there is of course a lot of bird song about at the moment.© Pete Styles

A nice start to the day with not a breath of wind though somewhat overcast.

The "Jericho" RING-NECKED PARAKEET flew over my head on Walton Well Road this morning on the way to the Meadow. I also saw it yesterday flying around the same general area. On the Meadow itself it was still very quiet with just a few of ducks, though some of the gadwall were doing a head bobbing routine which I assume is a courtship display. There were just 4 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS present this morning, looking rather splendid in their summer plumage. A surprise bird in the form of a RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE was seen briefly on the spit, perhaps looking for a drink, before flying off.

A brief visit to Burgess Field found plenty of linnets flying around though no new warblers in.

A RED KITE was flying around over the canal a short while later and at lunch-time a female SPARROWHAWK was seen over the same area.

The four black-tailed godwits on the floods this morning © Adam Hartley

8 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS reported on OOS (MBG)

This morning was rather gloomy and drizzly in sharp contrast to the lush greenery that the trees and shrubs are now sporting. It's interesting to come back after a week away and see what changes there have been. One thing I noticed was how much the flood waters had gone done, exposing large areas of mud that is fast drying out. On the floods themselves there were the 7 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still this morning accompanied by a couple of REDSHANK. There were now 5 SHELDUCK along the north edge of the floods. As reported earlier this week there are now very few ducks left with just a handful of teal and a few gadwall around as well as the usual mallards. There were several swallows and house martins flying over the floods and calling noisily. The cormorant was by the river near the house boat.

Despite the miserable conditions on Burgess Field there was plenty of warbler action. There were at least 5 singing male WILLOW WARBLERS to be heard as well as one reeling GRASSHOPPER WARBLER and a few chiffchaffs. A pair of blackcaps were seen at the north end and a few other males could be heard singing.

Late afternoon update (private e-mail MBG):

From private e-mail (MBG):
mid afternoon seven black-tailed godwits at the west side of the flood. They had arrived while I was crossing BF; then they took off in a group and headed north.

Otherwise much as usual on the Meadow- still 2 male shovellers, five lapwings, eight redshank; one heron, four mute swans. Almost as many mallards now as wigeon. Lots of birdsong in BF - several skylarks, flock of meadow pipits, song thrush, green woodpecker, tits etc.

One of the godwits on the floods © Adam Hartley

From private e-mails (MBG):
Fri - late pm; three swallows, one sand martin, three house martins; some wigeon, a very few teal and one pair of shovellers; eight redshank on the west side, with just one lapwing; a single shelduck on the north shore. A green woodpecker yaffling in BF and a kestrel hunting but no sign of barn owl (on my first sighting of the barn owl last year it was mobbed by the kestrel at the top of BF). When I got to the BF bridge 80 golden plover had arrived on the west shore, beside the redshanks, as if preparing to roost there. The cormorant seems to have moved on.

Friday 7pm a late dash to BF with the dog, forgetting the binocs. In Port Meadow a small flock of 20-30 plover were wheeling and landed beside a larger group on the west shore. In the poor light and without binocs I have no chance of a count but it could easily have been 80, as on Thurs. Unless anyone saw them earlier there is no way of knowing whether they had spent the day on the flood or just arrived to roost.

From private e-mail ( MBG):
Thurs - very quiet as I went along the west side; a scattering of wigeon, small group of teal, no shovellers, no shelduck; 5 lapwings but no other waders; one sleepy heron on the north shore; only a handful of gulls. A great crested grebe is nesting on the river, near the fallen tree - almost the same spot as last year and close to many previous years' nest sites. Then as I came out of BF I could see a group of 15 waders on the west side; it was hard to see against the light but the shapes suggested redshanks, probably returned from their alternative spot on the river bank.

From BirdGuides and OOS (WPB)
1 RUFF,
1 YELLOW WAGTAIL
1 COMMON SANDPIPER
2 SHELDUCK
13 REDSHANK

From private e-mail (MBG):
Monday - a quick visit pm showed eight REDSHANK and the RUFF

12 REDSHANK and a RUFF (private e-mail PR)

From private e-mail (PR):

Had a look early Saturday in the gloom and could only pick up 7 REDSHANK for the day along with the usual ducks and a handful of  gulls.

A TUFTED DUCK was reported (WoM MBG) as being on the Meadow today. Whilst this is a common sighting in many locations, the Meadow floods are not really typical terrain for a diving duck which consequently usually don't stay very long. Apart from that apparently the usual birds about.

Another glorious spring day with bright sunshine and the gentlest of breezes.

Noticably fewer of the over-wintering ducks left with a lot of the wigeon now departed. The PINTAIL is still present together with a few gadwall. On the wader front the RUFF and 10 or so REDSHANK still about. Plover counts today were: 2 RINGED PLOVER and 5 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. There was the added bonus of a SNIPE today. A few WHITE WAGTAILS still present.

A surprise bonus in the form of a snipe today: digiscoped at a distance and into the sun © Adam Hartley

Another wonderfully sunny start on the Meadow first thing but soon clouding over somewhat.

An increasing sense of calmness on the Meadow due to ever decreasing duck numbers though there are still reasonable numbers of wigeon, teal and shoveler with some of the latter doing a head bobbing display this morning. The single drake PINTAIL and a few gadwall are still about. On the wader front there were 10 REDSHANK though the ruff appears to have departed (see later though). There were 4 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER and one RINGED PLOVER this morning. About 25 SAND MARTINS went over, the largest flock we've had so far this year, accompanied by a couple of SWALLOWS. A flock of about 25 linnets flew over and there were singing chiffchaff and skylarks to be heard this morning.

From OXB (SHG):
"But the highlight was a big bird of prey which passed over with a crow in attendance, heading quite rapidly north at around 9.10, and which scared the living daylights out of all the ducks: an OSPREY, my first on the Meadow, and I think a juvenile. It didn't seem interested in stopping, although I thought it banked as though changing direction as it headed out of sight; possibly just following the line of the river. Might be worth keeping an eye open for it later, but I suspect it was just passing through"

Lunch-time update:
At least one HOUSE MARTIN in quite a large martin passage and the RUFF seems to be back.

A little ringed plover - always a delight to see on the Meadow © Steve Burch

This morning finally the wind had abated, leaving the Meadow sunny and calm.

Not much difference on the birds present since yesterday: 11 REDSHANK and the RUFF still, with the 2 RINGED PLOVER still present though the little's had moved on. The single drake PINTAIL still around together with a few gadwall. Still no garganey though there were a pair at Otmoor yesterday. A pair of buzzards circling and calling overhead. A couple of WHITE WAGTAILS still around and a few pied wagtails and meadow pipits about.

From OOS (JT):
A BARN OWL and a swallow over by the Perch.

The wigeon are still around though in much reduced numbers now. © Adam Hartley

Another overcast and very windy start to the day.

On the wind-blasted floods today there was a surprise in the form of a single male RUDDY SHELDUCK of unknown provenance. A male has been seen in Bucks recently so it might be the same bird. There have also been a few sightings throughout the county in the last few weeks so it could be a genuine wild bird.
It soon moved to about 100m north of the floods where it remained when I left at around 08:30a.m.  though apparently it was gone by 9:15am (JCo).

The RUFF was still present together with just 2 REDSHANK this morning. On the plover front the two RINGED PLOVER were still there and there were now 4 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. A single drake PINTAIL was still hanging around. There were a couple of WHITE WAGTAILS still present. A SWALLOW was reported (WoM - JCo).

From OOS (JT):
A PEREGRINE over Aristotle Lane.

The male ruddy shelduck on the floods © Adam Hartley

This morning once more overcast with a westerly wind though not feeling as cold as yesterday.

A nice mixture of birds on the Meadow this morning with 11 REDSHANKS and the RUFF still around and joined today by 3 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER and 2 RINGED PLOVER. There were still a few WHITE WAGTAILS around though not as many as in recent days. The first SWALLOW of the year was hawking low over the fields. No sign of the shelduck but one or two PINTAIL still around and a few gadwall still.

One of the three little ringed plovers... © Adam Hartley

One of the two ringed plovers. Note that it is not yet in summer plumage so the bill doesn't yet have the distinctive orange base to it © Adam Hartley

..and a nice comparison between the two plover types. You can see the more delicate build of the LRP as well as the different leg colours and the diagnostic yellow orbital eye-ring for the LRP © Adam Hartley

Another overcast and very blustery day which made viewing conditions on the Meadow this morning tricky.

The RUFF was still there along with about 7 REDSHANKS. Teal, shoveler and wigeon still about with the odd gadwall still present. Some WHITE WAGTAILS spotted in the distance on the far side of the floods. A few chiffchaffs reported as singing in Burgess Field (WoM).


Some (rather noisy) video footage of a white wagtail on the floods, taken yesterday. Best viewing in high quality by clicking here and then clicking on the HQ icon at the bottom right of the footage.

Very windy today with a strong north-westerly wind. Overcast with scattered showers.

An early afternoon visit to the Meadow found the REDSHANKS still about about though in reduced numbers, and the RUFF still present. A single SAND MARTIN flew over the floods battling against the wind. There were large numbers of wagtails around Stint Corner with plenty of WHITE WAGTAILS in amongst them. The two SHELDUCK still present and a single drake PINTAIL still about. The cormorant was fishing in the river near the house boat.

A colour-ringed redshank. If I can get any information on it I will report back. © Adam Hartley

This morning sunny but with a rather cold wind once more.

This morning on the floods the 2 DUNLIN still present along with the RUFF and 6 REDSHANK still. The two SHELDUCK still about. Apart from that rather quiet.

Late afternoon update:
The two LITTLE RINGED PLOVER were back in Stint Corner this evening. Also a KITE reported on OOS (MBG).

From private e-mail and OOS (EUr):
There were 11 White Wagtail and 8 Pied Wagtail all in a loose flock out on the Port Meadow floods this afternoon.The Red Kite also sailed over putting up all the duck.

There are quite a few passage meadow pipits on the Meadow at present © Adam Hartley

Unfortunately it looks like the lovely spring weather has gone for now at least with a much cooler and more overcast start to the day and a chilly north-westerly breeze.

There were not as many birds around today: the 9 REDSHANK and the RUFF still as well as the two SHELDUCK and one or two PINTAIL still about. Still reasonable numbers of wigeon, teal and shoveler though numbers continue to decrease.

Lunch-time update:
There was a nice collection of waders at "stint corner" this lunch-time with 2 LITTLE-RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN, 2 golden plover moulting into summer plumage alongside the REDSHANK and RUFF.

Spring on the Meadow © Barry Hudson

From WoM (PR):
9 REDSHANK
1 RUFF
2 DUNLIN
1 OYSTERCATCHER
1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

From private e-mail (MBG):
no plover to be seen this morning (Sunday) although five lapwings, the redshank and ruff were still around. A heron was beside the BF ditch close to the top gate. A fresh deposit in the badger latrine.

This morning once more bright and sunny though with a bit of a westerly breeze which made it somewhat chilly first thing.

The usual waders were still there: 8 REDSHANK and 1 RUFF and were joined by a pair of LITTLE RINGED PLOVERS along the north shore. A third SHELDUCK was present to join the long-staying pair. About 6 PINTAIL were still about as were a few gadwall. There were 5 lapwing present: now that the majority of them have departed these were the few remaining birds. A cormorant was seen flying over the river and a grey heron was in the grass to the north of the floods.

From private e-mail (BHu):
No sign of the little-ringed plover later on though 4 DUNLIN were present.

From private e-mail (MBG):


A very distant record shot of the two little ringed plover taken at a good 150 yards. You can just make out the yellow eye ring of the right-hand bird © Adam Hartley

Yet another glorious morning with clear blue skies and just a gentle breeze. A touch of mist over the floods first thing.

The floods are getting rather quiet: the ducks are continuing to depart though, contrary to a posting of mine a few days ago, there are still a few PINTAIL and gadwall around. The two loyal SHELDUCK still around but no sign of any garganey yet. On the wader front the 8 REDSHANK still about as it the single RUFF. Singing skylarks and chiffchaffs were heard in Burgess Field NR.

From private e-mail (IR):
3 DUNLIN present at 11am on the floods

From private e-mail (MBG):


The ruff was on the far side of the floods this morning but the excellent light meant that an acceptable record shot was possible even from that distance. © Adam Hartley

This morning another glorious start to the day with clear blue skies and sunshine.

The over-wintering duck numbers were once more noticably down as more birds head off for the spring. The two SHELDUCK were along the north shore, a few gadwall were still around but I didn't notice any pintail this morning. On the wader front the RUFF, 8 REDSHANK and 2 DUNLIN still present. A grey heron was feeding along the north reach, toying with a dead frog, perhaps wondering whether it was still edible. There was a welcome bonus in the form of a RING-NECKED PARAKEET which flew eastwards over my head. I presume that this is the so-called Jericho Parakeet which has been known to loiter near the OUP buildings in Jericho.

The male shelduck along the north shore this morning © Adam Hartley

This morning another glorious start to the day with sunshine, clear blue skies and hardly a breath of wind.

The passage wader du jour was a RUFF over in the north-west corner of the floods. There were also 8 REDSHANK and two DUNLIN making up the wader numbers. On the duck front, the two SHELDUCK still present along with the PINTAIL and gadwall. Over in the Burgess Field ditch there was a little grebe in amongst the teal. A grey wagtail flew off from the gate as I approached. Two cormorants were seen flying along the river in the distance.

In Burgess Field NR itself a chiffchaff was heard in full song.

Lunch-time update: a very productive lunch-time run around the patch produced a JACK SNIPE in Burgess Field NR flushed from the last remaining pool there. Some of you may know that I've been trying for one on BF (and indeed elsewhere in the county) all season and have been pestering various other birders to go tramping around various bogs so they can all rest easy now that I've seen one! There was also a chiffchaff skulking in the trees at the north end of Burgess Field. On the Meadow itself the first LITTLE RINGED PLOVER of the year for the Meadow (though the county first was last Wednesday at Day's Lock apparently) was sitting in the usual place at the north west end of the floods (a.k.a. Stint Corner): it's funny how they prefer this section. It later flew a few a short distance towards the centre of the floods. There was also a WHITE WAGTAIL in amongst the many pieds and a couple of meadow pipits along the shore line.

A pair of pintail © Adam Hartley

This morning a gorgeous sunny and calm start to the day.

There was no sign of any of yesterday's star birds but 3 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were new in on the floods though they flew off at around 8:45am. There were 6 REDSHANK and a single DUNLIN along the north shore. At least 9 PINTAIL were still present and a good handful of gadwall. The two SHELDUCK still in their usual place.

Along by Fiddler's Island a kingfisher in flight (WoM - WP).

One of the six redshanks on the floods this morning © Adam Hartley

Our First Birthday!
As a matter of interest it is a year ago today that I started this blog. It has become a most enjoyable part of my life and I would like to thank all those people who have said such kind and encouraging things about it. Also of course an invaluable part of this has been the sightings and photographs that have been sent in by other observers so many thanks for those - please keep them coming in!

This morning sunny intervals but a stiff north-westerly wind which made viewing conditions difficult.

The spring passage bird list got a great bonus this morning in the shape of a wonderful AVOCET which was on the floods at the north west corner. At one stage it was hassled by a black-headed gull and I thought that it would fly off but it stayed and appeared to be feeding actively. Apart from that there were 2 REDSHANK, 5 DUNLIN, a few lapwings and the two SHELDUCK and several PINTAILS and gadwall still.

Three and later 4 SAND MARTINS were also reported (WoM: JCo & BG) - a welcome return and a further sign that things are definitely kicking off now.

Also, to round off an excellent day of spring passage: 2 CURLEW and a stonechat reported on OOS (TWi). Also a MEDITERRANEAN GULL reported on Bird Guides; apparently the avocet had gone by late afternoon. Also 6 SISKIN by Aristotle Lane play ground.

From Web-Comment:
"the Med Gull was an adult in summer plumage that was with the BH Gull flock around 1645h, the flock was very mobile due to dog walkers etc. Some compensation for the lack of Avocet! Also 4 Sand Martins feeding over the floods. Jon Mercer"

What a fabulous day for the Meadow!


Two record shots of the avocet, taken at very long range into the teeth of a strong wind, though the light was reasonable © Adam Hartley

A flight shot of what was a rather wary bird © Steve Burch

Today overcast but mild with little wind.

An early afternoon visit to the Meadow found similar birds to yesterday. The OYSTERCATCHER was still around though rather mobile, spending some time in the fields to the south and east of the floods. There were 5 DUNLIN present today as well as the single REDSHANK still. The two SHELDUCK are also still around on the north shore. There were quite a few gulls though noting out of the ordinary. Still the usual ducks including the PINTAIL and gadwall.

The oystercatcher in the field to the south of the floods © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast and with a stiff westerly wind making viewing conditions rather difficult on the Meadow.

Similar birds around as yesterday: the 2 SHELDUCK back in their usual place, a single REDSHANK amongst the ducks before flying off towards the river, the number of DUNLIN now gone up to 6. No sign of yesterday's ringed plover but an OYSTERCATCHER was on the west shore huddled up against the wind. The duck were mostly hunkered down and sleeping but the 12 or so PINTAIL were still about and there were still quite a few gadwall about. A cormorant was seen flying along the river near Fiddler's Island.

Late afternoon update (WoM - MBG): about 180 golden plover present.

Teal sheltering from the wind © Adam Hartley

An overcast but calm start to the day found conditions a bit misty on the Meadow first thing.

Most of the birds seemed to be asleep and that coupled with the lack of wind gave a very quiet appearance to the floods this morning. However, scanning carefully amongst the ducks reveals 5 REDSHANK and 5 DUNLIN though there was no sign of yesterday's oystercatcher nor the two shelduck. PINTAIL and gadwall were still present amongst the ducks. A RINGED PLOVER (the first of the year, even for the county apparently) flew in and settled mid way along the north shore. There was a single golden plover and just a handful of lapwings to add to the plover set. A grey heron flew in briefly before moving off again.

By Burgess Field NR gate a goldcrest was singing as was a skylark high over the Railway Field.

This afternoon the two SHELDUCK back on the floods (WoM MBG).

The first ringed plover of the year. This was digiscoped in misty conditions at x60 scope mag at a distance of at least 150 yards so I'm very pleased that it came out as well as it did © Adam Hartley

This morning sunny but with a cold north-westerly wind still.

The birds on the floods were all hunkered down against the wind. The two SHELDUCKS were still around and a lone REDSHANK was feeding close to Burgess Field gate before flying off towards the river. There were a couple of DUNLIN on the west shore with a flock of black-headed gulls. A few PINTAIL still around.

A few redwing around presumably gathering for the push north shortly. No sign of the jack snipe this morning though a common snipe was in Burgess Field NR.

A wigeon sheltering against the wind © Adam Hartley

This morning sunny but with a stiff breeze.

Similar birds to yesterday around on the floods: the OYSTERCATCHER was still present at the north west end;  the SHELDUCK pair still about. The PINTAILS were still present and a grey heron was at the north end of the floods. A cormorant flew towards it's poplar roosting perch.

In Burgess Field a singing goldcrest was in amongst a feeding tit flock at the north end. Finally a JACK SNIPE to report (WoM - IR) from Burgess Field as well.

Down by Fiddler's Island a kingfisher.


Oystercatchers, not on the Meadow but at Christchurch harbour, taken last year © Adam Hartley

Today, overcast and cooler with a bit of a breeze.

A later afternoon visit to the Meadow found the first OYSTERCATCHER of the year on the Meadow near the spit though it was spooked by a dog and flew off north along the river. The two SHELDUCKS were still at the north end and there was a single REDSHANK in amongst the ducks close to the Burgess Field gate. At least a dozen PINTAILS still present and about 20 gadwall also around. There was a flock of about 50 golden plover which eventually settled by the edge of the floods. The gull roost held nothing of particular note.

There did seem to be less ducks around than previously so perhaps they are starting to move on.

No photographic opportunities today so here's the heron in the Burgess Field ditch from yesterday © Adam Hartley

A frosty but sunny start to the day found the floods partly frozen and the birds waiting it out until they thawed. The only waders present were 6 DUNLIN in amongst a black-headed gull flock. In amongst the ducks were still some PINTAIL and just a single SHELDUCK. Two cormorants were noted sitting high up in one of the tall poplar trees by the river. There was a grey heron by the ditch along Burgess Field.

The sleeping dunlin waiting for the ice to thaw © Adam Hartley

You can also watch a video of various birds waiting for the thaw here. It is suggested that you click on the HQ icon at the bottom right-hand corner in order to watch in high quality mode.

A RAVEN was reported on OxonBirds (SG) as having been seen flying over the canal the other week. These birds are getting increasingly common in Oxfordshire but it's good to hear of one being seen within the patch.

This morning a beautifully sunny start to the day. The overnight rain had topped up the floods a little bit.

Not much has changed since yesterday: there were now 10 DUNLIN along the west shore with some lapwings. There was no sign of the redshank though they could conceivably be along the river bank somewhere. The pair of SHELDUCK still present and seemingly quite content. Still good numbers of PINTAILS about. No sign of any decrease in duck numbers yet.

Nothing of interest in Burgess Field apart from the resident reed buntings and green woodpeckers and a few meadow pipits still present.

A marked deterioration in the weather with grey skies, a cold wind and drizzle.

Similar birds present as yesterday with 6 REDSHANK, 7 or 8 DUNLIN still and the two SHELDUCK still present. At least 15 PINTAILS still around and a few gadwall were also present. Quite a few gulls on the floods this afternoon including a few common and lesser black-backed in amongst the black-headed.


In adverse photographic conditions little more than a record shot of four of the six redshank present today © Adam Hartley

This morning a lovely sunny start with clear blue skies and a touch of frost on the ground.

Now that we're into March things should begin to get more interesting on the Meadow: curlew, oystercatchers and ringed plovers have already been seen elsewhere in the county so we should pick up some interesting passage waders in due course. As if to acknowledge this, there were increased numbers of waders present this morning with 3 REDSHANK, 6 DUNLIN and a golden plover along the north shore. There were still good numbers of PINTAILS around as well as the usual ducks.

Returning to the spring passage theme it will soon be time to keep a look-out for garganey on the Meadow and the sand martins should arrive in a couple of weeks or so. An exciting time of year approaches!

Late afternoon update: late this afternoon the DUNLIN numbers had increased to 8. There was also a pair of SHELDUCK on the floods and a flock of about 150 golden plover which was typically flighty. There were no gulls of particular note within the gull roost.

Video grab of a digiscoped redshank (taken last year) © Ian Lewington

This morning a wonderfully sunny start to the day with little wind and blue skies.

Lots of birds singing this morning, with greenfinches particularly noteworthy. In Burgess Field there were at least 15 meadow pipits, perhaps gathering for their move off to breeding grounds. Lots of reed buntings around as well as the usual green woodpeckers. A skylark or two was also present and the pair of bullfinches were at the north end once more.

On the floods there were still plenty of PINTAIL in amongst the usual ducks. A LITTLE EGRET (the first of the year) was spied skulking in the stream over by the boats though it had moved on when I went round there later. A single REDSHANK along the river just north of the boats. Quite a few gulls including several second winter greater black-backed gulls. A single cormorant flew over.

By Fiddler's Island there was a concentration of birds down by the corner with gold and green finches, about 8 redwings, long-tailed and blue tits and a wren all in one small spot - there must have been a good food source there.

In the absence of many photos at present I thought that I would dig out a little egret shot from last year © Adam Hartley

From private e-mail (MBG):

This morning overcast though remaining mild.

Gathering flocks of redwings were noted today: at least 20 near the entrance to Burgess Field NR gate and another party of about 10 at the north end of Burgess Field on the Meadow, accompanied by a couple of fieldfare. Quite a few skylarks flying over with at least 10 seen as well as one singing on the Meadow.

On the floods, still good numbers of PINTAIL and a single SHELDUCK was present for a while though it appeared soon to move on. A few gulls loafing on the shore line and large numbers of the usual ducks. No waders or golden plover were noted this morning.

From OOS (MBG): 35 golden plover

Golden Plover and lapwing @ Adam Hartley

A grey day with a bit of a northerly breeze but still relatively mild.

Plenty of the usual ducks around with the highlight being at least 15 PINTAILS. Still very few waders around with just 3 golden plover and a single DUNLIN in amongst the lapwings on the west shore and further down a lone REDSHANK close to the boats. Quite a few gulls around with a common gull in amongst the black-headed and lesser black-backed gulls.

In Burgess Field NR there was a pair of bullfinches at the north end.

Along by Fiddler's Island there was a large (20+) flock of redwings and also quite a lot of very noisy goldfinches feeding in the trees.

Black-headed gulls on the Meadow © Adam Hartley

A very pleasant, mild and often sunny day.

A late afternoon visit to the Meadow found plenty of birds though not much out of the ordinary. There were at least half a dozen PINTAIL and a few gadwall in amongst the large numbers of wigeon, teal and shoveler. About 50 golden plover and a single DUNLIN were present amongst the lapwings. A gull roost of several hundred birds held nothing of particular note.

The SHORT-EARED OWL gave excellent views for about 5 minutes at around 5:30pm as it hunted over the fields at the north end of Burgess Field NR before heading off to the north. A male STONECHAT was also seen in the NR.

Some of the many wigeon present on the Meadow © Adam Hartley

An early morning visit to the Meadow found conditions mild but rather misty so it was difficult to see the far shore. The flood waters have returned back to much more moderate proportions and there were loads of duck along the north and west shore lines. There were 4 PINTAIL (2 drakes) present and a single SHELDUCK. A lone cormorant was along the river shore still. The two BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were at the south end of the west shore. Apart from the ever-present lapwings no other waders were seen though they could have been missed in the misty viewing conditions.

There were quite a few gulls, almost all black-headed though there were a couple of common gulls in amongst them and a few lesser black-backed gulls dotted around.

Along the hedge row by the Trap Ground allotments there was lots of bird song first thing with a definite spring-like quality to it. A skylark was also singing in the distance.


From private e-mail (MBG):
"I had an excellent sighting of the SHORT-EARED OWL around 5pm today. I had come from the Meadow through the top gate into BF and as I got to the top of the slope it was quartering back and forth at the top end of the field, close to the trees. I saw it clearly for several minutes. It was mobbed a couple of times by a crow when it came over near the west corner. Then it went out of sight over the trees towards the railway."

A pleasantly mild morning on the Meadow. The floods are still one huge lake and the birds widely dispersed and difficult to view. There was no sign of last night's iceland gull this morning and indeed very few gulls at all. The usual wigeon, teal and shoveler were around with just a few lapwings representing the waders. A single cormorant was near the river.

There was a definite sense of spring being around the corner with the birds in Burgess Field singing actively and there were at least two pairs of courting dunnocks around. A skylark was actually heard to be singing overhead as well as a few passage birds still. A stock dove flew over Burgess Field.

A juvenile ICELAND GULL was seen in the roost on the Meadow late afternoon today (WoM JG).

A distant record shot of the iceland gull © James Grundy

A morning run down to the Meadow in glorious sunshine found the floods even more extended than before and most of the usual birds in unusual places along the north shore. As I only had bins it was hard to make out everything but as well as the usual ducks (though I didn't see any pintail), there was two sleeping BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, a few golden plover in amongst the lapwings and finally a single fieldfare (the first of the year for the Meadow) in amongst the meadow pipits and pied wagtails feeding along the shore line. Still a noticeable passage of skylarks over this morning. Other waders may have been around but without a scope they could easily have been missed.

A late afternoon visit to the Meadow found the floods even more extended, now going all the way up to the end of Burgess Field NR if not beyond. The best viewing point would have been from the Wolvercote side but I was situated on the west bank of the river near the Perch instead so distant views of most of the birds.

The BLACK-TAILED GODWIT was still present together with 3 REDSHANK. I couldn't see the dunlin but at that range I could well have missed it. There were reasonable numbers of golden plover in amongst the lapwings and still quite a few PINTAIL amongst the usual ducks.

There was only a modest gull roost this evening but I am reasonably confident in having picked out a YELLOW-LEGGED GULL: it's dark grey mantle and bright yellow bill standing out even at that distance.

No sign of the shelduck, the pochard nor the goosander, which is not really surprising: when in lake mode the large expanse of water often attracts diving ducks but when they discover how shallow the water is they don't generally hang around. There were at least two cormorants though.

In the field to the west of the river there were two grey herons hunting.

Some black-headed gulls at the evening roost © Adam Hartley

This morning sunny but cold.

A morning visit to the Meadow found the floods back in lake mode with just a narrow strip of land between the swollen river and the flood water and the waters extending a long way north. There were plenty of birds around with wigeon, teal and shoveler back to their usual numbers. There were also at least 8 PINTAIL, a female SHELDUCK and a male POCHARD as well as two cormorants on the river itself.

The waders were tending to favour the narrow strip near the Perch between the floods and the river. There were two REDSHANK, a single sleeping BLACK-TAILED GODWIT and a sleeping DUNLIN as well as good numbers of lapwings.

By Burgess Field NR gate there was a male bullfinch with several greenfinches and a mistle thrush was on the Meadow itself. There was also a noticable passage of skylarks on the move this morning with at least 20 over in one's or two's, almost all heading northwards. Perhaps they are returning from a sojourn down to the coast during the cold weather. The one bird which is still noticable by its absence is fieldfare which still hasn't been seen this year.

From OOS (MBG):
A pair of GOOSANDER on the "lake", 2 snipe and a KITE flying over in Burgess Field NR.

The sleeping dunlin ...

... and a sleeping godwit © Adam Hartley

From private e-mail (MBG):
Today in the Meadow a surprising amount of snow had survived yesterday's rain but the flood had thawed out completely and the river had overflowed its banks for several hundred yards making the west side impassable. The birds were gathered in the shallower water in the north-west section. The wigeon were back in force, with some teal and a few shovelers. Near the river there were two redshanks, a ruff and two lapwings. The cormorant was sitting in the tree, yet again.

Elsewhere in Oxon:
The two Abingdon WAXWINGS were seen first thing in the morning and one briefly later on though several people failed to connect during the day. They may be rather mobile in the area as there was no obvious source of berries down Boxhill Road that I saw.

From private e-mail (MBG):
I was in the Meadow today around midday, in the rain. There was some open water on the flood, in the centre towards the south, and towards the BF ditch. The birds are returning. Lots of teal again, a number of wigeon with a few shovelers and a single redshank; three meadow pipits together in BF, although there were probably more around; and three redwings in the trees at the side of the path from the railway bridge.

Elsewhere in Oxon:
A pair of WAXWINGS were discovered in Boxhill Road in Abingdon where they were viewable for several hours at least. It was great finally to have some of these lovely winter visitors in the county.



The Abingdon waxwings, photographed in terrible light in the pouring rain © Adam Hartley

From private e-mail (WoM JG):
No gull roost at Port Meadow today, with very few birds in general (and no sign of any waders). Plenty of Teal, only 2 Wigeon, 2 Common Gull, a single Skylark and a Buzzard over.

A walk up the canal this afternoon to look for the redpolls found just a few goldfinches, green finches and four bullfinches (3 males) near St. Edward's playing fields. A snipe was seen flying north out of the Trap Grounds and a group of 3 or 4 reed buntings were in the reeds in the Mill Stream in the Waterside development just north of the Trap Grounds.

Today finally a really decent amount of snow though not much wind and consequently not as cold.

The floods were of course still frozen today but there was a surprising amount of bird life. There was a group of black-headed gulls by one small clear patch in the middle of the ice, the usual teal by another clear patch near the gate and 7 PINTAIL in a third patch. About 20 golden plover and 6 snipe were along the north shore, the latter were actively feeding probing the soft ground by the edge of the ice. On the river a contingent of black-headed gulls and a single juvenile lesser black-backed gull were washing and preening. A kingfisher and the female RING-NECKED DUCK were hiding in amongst the boats. Along the Fiddler's Island backwater the three great crested grebes were still present as were a pair of teal. A greater spotted woodpecker flew over there as well.

From OOS and private e-mail (SDB): 22 lesser redpoll on the canal roughly opposite the St. Edward's playing fields.




Black-headed gulls in the snow by the river. To watch in high quality mode (recommended) click here and select "Watch in high Quality".

Snow! Not as heavy in Oxford as in other parts of the county but sufficient to transform the Meadow into an Arctic landscape. A late afternoon visit found the floods frozen over and almost no birds at all apart from 40 odd teal and a pair of wigeon in a small patch of unfrozen water by Burgess Field NR gate. The gull roost (or pre-roost as it almost certainly was today) consisted of 30 odd black-headed gulls and a single first winter common gull on the river. A great-crested grebe on the river just north of the sailing club and three more in the back water by Fiddler's Island. There was a single lapwing toughing it out along the west shore.

A lapwing in the snow © Adam Hartley

Sunny but turning increasingly cold as the day progressed.

A late afternoon visit to the Meadow found the BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, 5 DUNLIN and just a single RUFF. At least 6 PINTAIL and some gadwall in amongst the ducks. A fair-sized gull roost but with nothing notable apart from the odd COMMON GULL.

Overcast all day.

A lunch-time run around "the patch" found plenty of interesting birds today.

In Burgess Field a lovely close views of a kite flying quite low over the reserve, also a male bullfinch at the north end and a fly-over stock dove (both patch year ticks) as well as a fox and two roe deer. To the north of the reserve on the Meadow itself a pair of skylarks were seen. There was a lone REDSHANK working its way along the east river bank and a pair of great crested grebes by the poplar trees.

Along the floods 6 RUFF, 2 further REDSHANK, 2 DUNLIN and a golden plover in amongst the copious lapwings along the west shore. The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still present. Also at least 6 PINTAIL in amongst the usual ducks. Quite a few gulls today, mostly lesser black-backed. In amongst the boats the female RING-NECKED DUCK was still present.

Down by Fiddlers island three great crested grebes and one little grebe. Quite a few finches and redwings also about.

From private e-mail (WoM PR): a treecreeper (the first of the year) down by the Aristotle Lane bridge.

From private e-mail (WoM SM): A short stroll around the trap grounds this afternoon yielded goldcrest, coal tit, chiffchaff and bullfinch.

A ruffled ruff! © Pete Styles

From private e-mail (WoM PS):

a kingfisher on the west bank of the Thames and a cormorant near the top of one of the poplars

Brightening up to become sunny and mild by the lunch-time before clouding over again

By the floods the usual ducks, still including the PINTAIL, the four BLACK-TAILED GODWITS asleep standing in the flood water, 3 REDSHANK down near the boats and another on the north shore with 3 reported along the river today on a walk from Wolvercote. Several DUNLIN along the north shore. There were at least 50 carrion crows along the floods today. The RING-NECKED DUCK still lurking between the moored boats.

Down by Fiddler's Island the little grebe was present together with a pair of great crested grebes. There was also a cormorant loitering in the back water though it soon flew off. Apparently (WoM MBG) it has been around on the Meadow for several days now. There was a large flock of goldfinches in the trees on the island. There were a couple of mistle thrushes on the Meadow itself together with several redwing.

Burgess Field this lunch-time had at least 15 meadow pipits but unusually there were no snipe by the pools today.

WoM (IR):
Up near Wolvercote the GOOSANDER is back by Wolvercote bridge and a kingfisher was also seen (both patch year ticks). Port meadow between Burgess Field and Godstow car park: 2 skylarks put up (together with 6-8 meadow pipits). A third single skylark offering half-hearted snatches of song.

A cormorant on the Meadow floods (taken last year) © Pete Styles

This morning a very misty start on the Meadow with little chance of making much out on the far shore.

There were no interesting swans about. Apart from the usual ducks in good numbers, including at least half a dozen PINTAIL, the four BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were just visible. A few meadow pipits about though still no skylarks.


Wigeon in the morning mist. To watch in high quality mode, click here and select "Watch in high quality"

From private e-mail (WoM PR): a WHOOPER or a BEWICKS's SWAN on the west shore of the floods at 12:45pm today.

From private e-mail (WoM JG):
Ring-necked Duck
1 Ruff
2 Redshank
4 Blackwit
5 Dunlin
several Pintail
2 greater black-backed gulls in roost + a couple of candidate yellow-legged gulls

Today rather cold but sunny with little wind.

A late afternoon visit to the Meadow found the floods enlarged even more by the recent rain. The birds were mostly along the west shore or the north east shore. The usual ducks were present, including gadwall and several PINTAIL. As far as waders were concerned just the 4 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS and a single RUFF were seen though it's possible others were missed.

From OxonBirds (TWi):
CHIFFCHAFF (Aristotle Lane),  RUFF, BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, DUNLINS at port meadow
20+ SISKINS near the oxford canal.

This morning rainy, brightening up at lunch-time though with a strong northerly wind

A lunch-time visit to the Meadow (bins only) found a juvenile PEREGRINE making rather inept passes over the ducks and gulls that were on the floods. It soon gave up and landed beyond the north shore to think about things a little. The usual ducks were present including gadwall and some PINTAIL. The four BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were along the west shore together with a couple of DUNLIN. No other waders were seen but I could well have missed them in difficult viewing conditions. There were a couple of canada geese close to the river (the first of the year for the Meadow). The female RING-NECKED DUCK, a presumed escapee that has been around for some time, was lurking amongst the moored boats. It's good to know that it's still around.

In Burgess Field, a flock of about a dozen SISKINS flew over and a single snipe was flushed from the north-east corner. There were also a pair of foxes in the wood within the Trap Grounds.

A stock photo of the female ring-necked duck, taken a bit more than a year ago (though it still looks the same) © Pete Styles