LOG BOOK. January-June 2007
The Log Book features records of any interesting sightings, scarce & rare visitors, migrant arrivals and high counts etc. It does not attempt to include every species present.
June 2007
14th
Muggy, mostly cloudy with some sunshine.
There are good numbers of recently fledged Sand Martins on the causeway at the moment, presumably from nearby Cassington and Dix Pit. Also one or two juvenile Black-headed Gulls about over the last week. 2 Dunlin on the causeway and just 3 Common Terns.
Juvenile Sand Martin, 14th June.
11th
Warm and overcast, humid.
2 Ringed Plovers and a Sanderling today on the causeway plus a couple of Common Terns. Extremely quiet over the last week and a half, to be expected for the beginning of June. A few Dunlin passed through and a Little Egret seen fairly regularly on Pinkhill. The Water Rails very elusive with only two chicks seen recently. There are no breeding Common Terns or Black-headed Gulls and even the Shag has finally departed!
Adult Ringed Plover, 11th June.
Little Egret, Pinkhill, 10th June (photo: David Hastings).
1st
Warm and sunny.
A Black Tern on F.2 all day with 4 Common Terns. 2 Shelduck briefly and an Oystercatcher flew over. A single Common Sandpiper and 1 Dunlin. The Shag still.
Black Tern, F.2. 1st June. Black Terns are usually a feature of May but there were none at all last month.
May 2007
30th
Cloudy, cool, light NW.
Nothing of note over the last couple of days but very many thanks to Ken Brown for supplying this wonderful photo of one of the brood of Water Rail chicks at Pinkhill, taken last week.
28th
Lots more rain, Wind NNE.
The Arctic Tern still on F.2. all day. 5 Sanderling and 2 Dunlin on the causeway. The Nightingale and Shag.
27th
More or less continuous rain, heavy at times, and a freshening NNE wind, chilly.
An adult Kittiwake on F.2 this afternoon plus a late Arctic Tern amongst the few Common Terns. 1 Sanderling , 2 Turnstones, 3 Ringed Plover & 2 Dunlin. Plenty of hirundines and Swifts over both reservoirs. The Nightingale still singing despite the awful weather. A Raven flew over early a.m. and the Shag still on F.2.
Arctic Tern flying over a gloomy F.2. 27th May.
26th
Sunny spells, becoming cloudy then wet in evening.
3 more Sanderling on the causeway plus single Dunlin. A Curlew over. The Nightingale singing very infrequently now.
Wader passage this month has included quite a few Sanderling, with another 3 birds this evening.
25th
Misty and cloud, then sunny spells.
The 2 adult Water Rails plus chicks still at Pinkhill but only seen late evening. Also 2 Little Egrets there. Just a Common Sandpiper on the causeway. A late Wheatear at Shrike Meadow and the Shag becoming increasingly confiding perching on the boom beneath the observation tower above the car park ramp.
Male Kingfisher, Pinkhill Reserve, 25th May.
24th
Warm & sunny.
1 Sanderling, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper. 2 adult Water Rails feeding young at Pinkhill plus the Nightingale still there. A first summer Great Black-backed Gull on F.2 and the Shag.
Water Rail chick, with adult retreating behind. Both parents busy feeding the 7 young, but for the most part heavily obscured by vegetation. Hopefully they will become easier to see over the next week or so.......
23rd
Warm & sunny.
A pair of Water Rail have successfully hatched 7 young on Pinkhill. This is the second known example of breeding by this species on the reserve. Also today: 1 Curlew, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 10 Common Tern. The Nightingale still singing at Pinkhill and the Shag on F.2.
22nd
Warm & sunny, with cloud by early evening.
6 Sanderling this morning plus 2 Oystercatcher and 1 Common Sandpiper. 10 Common Terns. The Shag and Nightingale remain.
The Nightingale showed quite well briefly early morning in the calm bright conditions.
21st
Mostly cloudy with some light rain.
A Little Tern flew through at 8am. The Nightingale and Shag plus 2 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper.
20th
Calm, warm & sunny.
Quite a good selection of birds for the OOS Open Day including: The singing Nightingale at Pinkhill. 1 Little Egret, 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 2 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Hobbies and a female Wheatear.
The Nightingale was the main attraction today. It is very difficult to see most of the time but apparently sang out in the open at one point this afternoon.
19th
Fresh W wind, plenty of sunshine.
2 Arctic Terns early morning only. 3 Sanderling, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Turnstone, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher and 10 Dunlin. The Nightingale singing and showing now and then at Pinkhill. The Shag and masses of Swifts.
Swifts, 19th May.
18th
Cloudy and cool, then freshening NW wind and sunshine.
7 Dunlin and a single Common Sandpiper. 10 Common Terns. C400 Sand Martins and just a few Swallows & House Martins. 1 Hobby.
There has been a good passage of Dunlin over the last week or so. They have been very variable, particularly bill shape and size, but this individual is clearly unique!
17th
Overcast with drizzle first thing, clearing to a fine sunny evening.
Pretty quiet. 1 Turnstone, 1 Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin. The Nightingale still singing at Pinkhill and the Shag on F.1. 8 Common Terns.
Hobby. Up to three birds have been seen hawking around Shrike Meadow & Pinkhill this week.
16th
Calm and sunny first thing, then rain in p.m.
A pristine adult Kittiwake was on F.2. this morning. The Nightingale singing again at Pinkhill. 9 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper.
Adult Kittiwake, 16th May.
15th
Heavy showers for much of the day.
Massive numbers of Swifts and hirundines swarming all over both reservoirs. Impossible to count but certainly c2000 Swifts and probably 500 each of House Martins and Swallows. Without doubt the largest concentration of these species for many years and a fantastic sight. Still 12 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper plus the Nightingale. 10+ Common Terns. and 5 Yellow Wagtails.
Swifts over the causeway, 15th May.
Swallows, 15th May. These two individuals exhibit the variability in underparts colour shown by this species, but the left hand bird is so richly marked it could almost be taken for the Eastern Mediterranean race: H.r.transitiva, although this is apparently a partial resident or very short range migrant.
14th
Light NW wind and cool with rain early a.m. Calm and sunny in evening.
A Whinchat along the fence near the F.2. hide was easily the bird of the day. Otherwise an impressive arrival of House Martins with at least 600 in the rain this morning. The Nightingale continues to sing at Pinkhill. Still 28 Dunlin, 3 Sanderling, 2 Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper. Only 4 Common Terns.
Whinchat, 14th May.
13th
Heavy showers, SSE wind.
A Little Tern for much of the day also 2 Arctic Terns. Still 28 Dunlin, 1 Sanderling, 2 Turnstone, 2 Oystercatcher and 1 Whimbrel. and 1 Common Sandpiper. The Nightingale still at Pinkhill. 1000+ Swifts and up to 400 House Martins.
12th
Moderate SW wind, showers.
Lots of disturbance today with a major fishing competition and more than enough sailors. There were still 29 Dunlin early morning on the boat launch with a single Sanderling amongst them also 2 Oystercatcher and 3 Common Sandpiper. A Wheatear the Nightingale and Shag still and huge numbers of Swifts and hirundines.
NB The Bonaparte’s Gull was relocated today approximately 180 miles to the NE at Rush Hill, Hickling, Norfolk.
11th
Light SW wind, showers and more prolonged rain by evening.
Still up to 50 Dunlin with 4 Sanderling amongst them. Other waders today were; 1 Whimbrel, 1 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank and 2 Common Sandpiper. 2 Arctic Terns in the morning and masses of hirundines feeding over both reservoirs. The Nightingale continues to sing at Pinkhill and the Shag still present.
Dunlin, 11th May. One of todays group of birds. All were adults in summer plumage. They were were very vocal and feeding frantically around the boat launch and causeway throughout the day.
10th
Dull & overcast with a light SW wind and persistent rain late pm.
No sign of the Bonaparte’s Gull today. 2 Arctic Terns on F.2. and 25 Common Terns at dusk. There were 10+ Dunlin this morning but by early evening up 70 were at the top of the causeway. Other waders were 2 Sanderling, 1 Turnstone, 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper. Loads of Swifts and hirundines with the largest House Martin count of the spring with c250+ by early evening. The Nightingale continues to sing at Pinkhill. 6 Yellow Wagtails and the Shag.
Dunlin on the causeway, 10th May. There are 65 birds in this picture, possibly a record flock for Farmoor.
9th
The BONAPARTE’S GULL still this morning. It was perched on the barley bales on F.1. and also alighted on the causeway briefly. Again in company with just 3 or 4 Black-headed Gulls, it was present up to 8am at least but not seen early evening. An Arctic Tern still with c8 Common Terns feeding over F.2. 15 Whimbrel flew NW at 20.10. plus 2 Hobbies. A Ringed Plover over this morning plus 2 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpiper. The Nightingale remains at Pinkhill and the Shag on F.2.
8th
The BONAPARTE’S GULL still the centre of attention. Present for it’s seventh day, it showed very well along the wave wall at the eastern edge of F.2 first thing this morning but again became more elusive throughout the day. An Arctic Tern on F.2. and the Nightingale still singing at Pinkhill. A Little Ringed Plover seen briefly this evening and 2 Common Sandpipers. A single Wheatear and up to 6 Yellow Wagtails. The ever present Shag and masses of Sand Martins feeding over both reservoirs early evening. Still no sign of Common Terns settling to breed and the Black-headed Gulls, having initially begun nest building now seem to have deserted the ‘Tern’ raft.
The BONAPARTE'S GULL remaims a compelling photographic subject. 8th May 2007.
7th
The BONAPARTE’S GULL was still on F.2. this morning. It began the day feeding along the eastern shoreline before moving onto the reservoir. It was however not seen after about 11.30. Also today: 3 Arctic Terns feeding over F.2. during the afternoon with another 5 flying through at 19.30. A total of 20 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Sanderling, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Egret, 1 Hobby. The Nightingale still singing intermittently near Pinkhill Reserve. The Shag still on F.2. There were 300+ Swallows in the rain this morning and many Sand Martins but only c10 House Martins. 5 Yellow Wagtails on the causeway in evening.
6th
The BONAPARTE’S GULL still present. It adjusted it’s feeding technique to suit the weather and spent most of the day in the NE section of F.2. Repeatedly flying into the strong westerly wind and dipping to the surface to take hatching flies, periodically settling on the water. It was in company with a few Common Terns, 1 Arctic Tern and a few Black-headed Gulls and moved over to F.1 at 19.30 to roost. The Nightingale singing at Pinkhill on and off throughout the day. A Sanderling on the causeway plus Turnstone, Curlew, 4 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 4 Whimbrel, 10 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Hobbies.
A different view of the BONAPARTE'S GULL. The two moulted tail feathers are evident as well as the distinctive upperwing pattern.
5th
The first summer BONAPARTE’S GULL continues to attract a steady stream of admirers with up to 80 birders visiting today. It showed well again at the south end of F.2. for much of the day before moving over to F.1. in the evening. A Little Tern flew through early morning with 2 Arctic Terns feeding over F.2. during the afternoon. A Nightingale, first heard yesterday afternoon, was again singing this morning near Pinkhill Reserve. This species once bred in woodland near Lower Whitley Farm but is now a very scarce bird at Farmoor and this is the first record for several years. Also today a Little Egret, Hobby, Turnstone, 3 Common Sandpipers. c60 Swallows first thing but just a handful of House Martins. The Shag is still on F.2. and can regularly be seen on it’s favourite perch: the large blue buoy with the letter ‘Y’ on it.
BONAPARTE’S GULL, F.2. 5th May. No excuses for posting another picture of the star attraction.
Turnstone, 5th May.
4th
The first summer BONAPARTE’S GULL again present today and giving very good views along the western shore of F.2. although it could go missing at times. Other birds today were a Sandwich Tern passing through this morning, 2 Arctic Terns feeding over F.2. in the early evening, a Hobby, single Common Sandpiper and 4 Dunlin on the causeway briefly. Up to 8 Yellow Wagtails, c300 Swifts and of course…the Shag.
Common Swift, 4th May. (photo: Terry Dabner)
3rd
After being absent yesterday the BONAPARTE’S GULL re-appeared today. Again feeding along the western shoreline of F.2. in the morning and as the weather warmed up flycatching over the water with a few Black-headed Gulls it was present throughout the day. Also this evening 2 Sanderling on the causeway. A Shelduck on F.1. and c10 Yellow Wagtails. The Shag still around.
First summer BONAPARTE'S GULL, 3rd May.
Sanderling on the causeway, 3rd May.
2nd
No sign of the Bonaparte's Gull all day. A Black-tailed Godwit on the causeway briefly early morning. 2 Common Sandpipers and c10 Yellow Wagtails.
1st
A great start to May with a first summer BONAPARTE’S GULL discovered this morning feeding along the S.W shoreline of F.2. in company with a handful of Black-headed Gulls. It remained faithful to this area for the whole day, entertaining many visiting birders. This is the third record of this species for Farmoor (and Oxon), the others being on 17th-18th May 2000 and 17th-20th April 2006. Both these and todays bird were associated with the regular spring passage of first summer Black-headed Gulls through the reservoir at this time.
First summer BONAPARTE'S GULL, 1st May.
First summer BONAPARTE'S GULL, with 1st summer Black-headed Gull, 1st May.
April 2007
30th
A very unremarkable month finished with the only birds of note being single Black Tern and a fly through Bar-tailed Godwit.
29th
8 Bar-tailed Godwits passed through this morning, plus 5 Whimbrel and a single Common Sandpiper. An adult Little Gull briefly on F.2. A male Wheatear and 8 Yellow Wagtails. Still up to 25 Common Terns with several birds courtship feeding and displaying.
Male Bullfinch, Pinkhill Reserve. (photo: Dai John)
28th
Loads of disturbance today from fishermen, sailors, walkers, etc, etc. Not surprisingly the obvious movement of Bar-tailed Godwits through the country decided to bypass Farmoor in favour of Port Meadow. There were single: Turnstone, Whimbrel, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper & Dunlin. 11 Yellow Wagtails a Little Egret and 20+ Common Terns.
Yellow Wagtail, 27th April.
27th
Good numbers of hirundines this morning with many birds resting on the sailing club roofs in the chilly damp conditions: c150 Swallows, c60 House Martins c200 Sand Martins and also large numbers of Swifts feeding above both reservoirs. 18 Yellow Wagtails on the causeway in the evening. Generally very quiet otherwise with just a single Common Sandpiper and 20+ Common Terns.
Swallow, Sand Martin & House Martin, 27th April.
26th
2 Little Egrets again briefly on Pinkhill. 5 Common Sandpipers, 1 Wheatear, 10 Yellow Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail. A Shelduck on F.1. About 300 Sand Martins feeding over F.2. this evening, but only about 5 House Martins, c20 Swallows and c50 Swifts. The Shag and 25 Common Terns.
Wheatear, 26th April.
25th
A Little Egret and Greenshank on Shrike Meadow. 2 singing Cetti's Warblers. 2 female Wheatears, 1 White Wagtail, 12 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Common Sandpiper and the Shag.
This first summer Black-headed Gull has been in the roost for the last few days. It is sporting an impressively aberrant bill. Despite the curvature of the upper mandible it appears to be able to feed normally and in fact seemed to be taking many hatching flies very effortlessly. Black-headed Gulls with deformed bills similar to this have been seen at Farmoor on several occasions, interestingly all have been first year birds and all in April.
24th
A first summer Little Gull on F.2. 3 Whimbrel this evening plus 4 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpipers and a single Oystercatcher. 28 Common Terns, 10 Yellow Wagtails and the Shag. A few Hirundines this morning and c50 Swifts.
Whimbrel, 24th April.
23rd
The first cloudy and damp day for some time. Consequently plenty of hirundines feeding over both reservoirs with c400 Sand Martins, c30 House Martins and 60+ Swallows. Also 200+ Swifts. 10 Yellow Wagtails on the causeway. There were 3 Arctic Terns in the evening together with 2 first summer Little Gulls and up to 15 Common Terns. The only waders were 3 Common Sandpipers.
22nd
A single Black Tern over F.2. all day. A first summer Mediterranean Gull on F.1 in the evening. 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper and up to 15 Yellow Wagtails. The first Reed Warbler and Garden Warbler of the year.
Female Yellow Wagtail, 22nd April. This bird shows an obvious bluish grey tone to the head. Possibly a hybrid flava x flavissima or just a well marked female flavissima.
21st
9 Little Gulls early a.m.only. 10+ Common Terns, with many already paired. 1 Whimbrel flew through at 14.30, 3 Common Sandpipers and 2 Dunlin. 30 Swifts first thing, 11 Yellow Wagtails, and 1 White Wagtail. On Pinkhill a Cetti’s Warbler singing again plus 8+ Sedge Warblers and 3 Lesser Whitethroats.
Common Terns, 21st April.
20th
3 Black Terns passed through at 13.30. 1 first summer Little Gull, 10+ Common Terns, c20+ Yellow Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Swifts, an Oystercatcher and the Shag.
19th
Hot & sunny again all day! Little Gulls still passing through with 6 today (5 adults and a first summer). Common Terns increased to 17 this evening. 5 White Wagtails on the causeway first thing but not seen later. Up to 10 Yellow Wagtails. 3 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpiper. A Cuckoo and up to 10 Buzzards.
Male White Wagtail on the causeway, 19th April.
18th
Just 3 Little Gulls today, plus a single male Wheatear, 6+ Yellow Wagtails, 1 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher and 6+ Common Terns.
Thanks to Ian Lewington for this pic of the first summer Caspian Gull. It was at Dix Pit today but was not seen in the roost tonight.
17th
A first year Caspian Gull was a surprise in the roost this evening, the latest ever date for this gull in the county. There were 6 Little Gulls on F.2 and 8 Common Terns. Up to 12 Yellow Wagtails favouring the grassy bank at the east side of F.1.
First year Caspian Gull in the roost on F.1. 17th April.
16th
The impressive Little Gull passage continues with 7 present first thing. By early evening there were another 12, nearly all pink flushed full summer plumaged adults, and certainly different to last nights group. Up to 6 Common Terns . There are several pairs of Black-headed Gulls attempting to breed on the tern rafts. Still only very small numbers of Yellow Wagtails with c5 on the causeway this evening. The Shag still on F.2.
Adult summer Little Gull.
15th
Plenty of birds today. The juvenile Iceland Gull was still on F.1. first thing before moving back to Dix Pit. At 14.00 Two Mediterranean Gulls flew in high from the south west calling loudly. An adult and second summer, they were obviously paired and alighted briefly on F.2. For about five minutes they indulged in courtship behaviour and fed up on a few hatching flies before heading off to the north. Also today: 2 Little Gulls on F.1 in the morning with 14 present by dusk. Common Terns increased to 7.There were up to 6 Yellow Wagtail and a single Dunlin. A Little Ringed Plover flew over in the evening together with 2 Curlew and 2 White-fronted Geese. Willow Warblers now more in evidence with at least 8 singing birds around the countryside walk. Also Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat all recorded today.
The 2 Mediterranean Gulls flying into F.2. 15th April.
Little Gulls, 15th April.
14th
Another Iceland Gull in the roost this evening, also a juvenile but a different bird from the one seen on Tuesday. It was also present nearby at Dix Pit during the day and is the latest ever winter/spring date for the species in Oxon. Also today 8 Little Gulls: 6 adults and 2 first winter. 4 Common Terns and the albino Black-headed Gull in the roost again. An Osprey flew through at 09.30, a Raven seen again and 3 Yellow Wagtails.
Juvenile Iceland Gull, 14th April. Photographed at Dix Pit, this bird stood out in the roost tonight being a very bleached and worn individual and looking totally white at distance.
13th
4 Common Terns, 6 Yellow Wagtails, c150 Sand Martins, C10 Swallows, 1 Common Sandpiper and the Shag
Yellow Wagtail, 13th April.
12th
A good passage of Little Gulls today with 7 first thing over F.2. before flying off high to the east at 08.17. In the evening a further 30 were present feeding over the eastern side of F.1. What was more surprising, were 4 Arctic Terns, about a week earlier than their normal arrival date. Also 4 Common Terns. There were 5 Yellow Wagtails on the causeway also this evening.
Arctic Tern flying over the causeway, 12th April.
11th
A Green Sandpiper on Shrike Meadow plus Common Sandpiper on F.2. 2 Redshank, and single Ringed Plover and Dunlin. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the causeway and a male Wheatear. 2 Shelduck and the Shag.
10th
Another quiet day was enlivened by a juvenile Iceland Gull in the roost on F.1. One of just a handful of large gulls present and enjoyed at fairly close range in the late evening sunshine. Also an adult Little Gull and yesterdays Common Tern. The ever present Shag, but little else of note.
Juvenile Iceland Gull, F.1. 10th April. The fourth Iceland Gull in the county this year.
9th
The first Common Tern today plus 6 Little Gulls (5 ads,1 1stw). 2+ Willow Warblers a Common Sandpiper on F.1 Cetti's Warbler singing on Pinkhill and a Water Rail there with a Raven over mid morning. The Shag still on the tern raft.
7th
Extremely quiet for the end of the last week in April with not even a Willow Warbler recorded yet. A smart summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe on F.2 saved the day. Otherwise just a solitary Yellow Wagtail, 2 Swallows and an adult Little Gull
Black-necked Grebe, F.2. 7th April.
6th
2 Egyptian Geese this morning. A single White Wagtail and 2 Wheatears. The Shag still and an adult Little Gull in the roost.
The resident Shag now beginning to acquire some adult feathers.
5th
10 presumed feral Barnacle Geese on F.2 this morning. The Shag still. First winter Mediterranean Gull and adult Little Gull in the roost.
4th
The still sizeable gull roost remains the main focus of interest with a classic first winter Caspian Gull this evening on F.2. together with the second summer Mediterranean Gull. During the day the first House Martin of the year plus 6 Swallows and c60 Sand Martins, an Oystercatcher flew over. Good numbers of Blackcaps now but migration pretty slow in the continuing cold north easterly airflow.
3rd
Very quiet. Just a handful of Swallows, c100 Sand Martins, the Shag still, 2 Shelduck on F.1 this morning. The 'white' Black-headed Gull in the roost.
2nd
A Jack Snipe was seen at Pinkhill this evening and the second summer Mediterranean Gull again on F.2.
Six volunteers made short work of clearing the vegetation from the main island at Pinkhill this evening.
1st
Plenty of Chiffchaffs singing, 3 Curlew, a Water Rail on Pinkhill. 4 Swallows and c100 Sand Martins. Still 26 Goldeneye on F.1. In the roost the second summer & first winter Mediterranean Gulls, 2 adult Little Gulls and the albino Black-headed Gull.
March 2007
31st
The Water Pipit on the causeway still. A Willow Tit and Cetti's Warbler on Pinkhill. 2 adult Little Gulls and the second summer Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
30th
2 Swallows, c50 Sand Martins, the Shag & Water Pipit plus 4 Oystercatchers. In the roost adult Little Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gulls: First winter & second summer.
Thames Water have installed several lines of barley straw bales across F.1. It is thought that the barley, as it decomposes, produces a chemical which helps to prevent the growth of algae. It seems that these bales are also proving attractive to birds and certainly large gulls have been loafing around them during the daytime throughout the past week.
29th
Some migrants today with 2 Swallows, a single Yellow Wagtail, male Wheatear, c300 Sand Martins. The Water Pipit & Shag remaining. Plus 2 Redshank and a single Dunlin. In the roost a second summer Mediterranean Gull and 2 Little Gulls: first winter & adult.
28th
A first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost plus an albino Black-headed Gull, The Water Pipit on the causeway and Shag still on F.2.
27th
A first winter Caspian Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gulls (Adult & First winter) in the roost this evening. The Water Pipit still plus single Redshank and Dunlin.
25th
A different Iceland Gull in the roost this evening, this time an adult, also adult Little Gull and first winter Mediterranean Gull. The Shag and Water Pipit still plus a Willow Tit again near Pinkhill, c200 Sand Martins and 2 Redshank.
24th
An excellent roost tonight with a second winter Iceland Gull, 2 Caspian Gulls, (the first winter being joined by a second winter) and a first winter Mediterranean Gull. Very quiet during the day with the Shag and Water Pipit, c30 Meadow Pipits and c80+ Sand Martins
Second winter Iceland Gull, 24th March.
23rd
The first winter Caspian Gull was again in the roost this evening on F.2. having spent the day nearby around Dix Pit. Up to 70 Sand Martins and a Raven flew over mid morning. The Water Pipit again on the causeway and c25 Meadow Pipits.
First winter Caspian Gull photographed nearby at Stanton Harcourt, 23rd March. This highly distinctive & attractive gull is easily picked out in the Farmoor roost.
22nd
A Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper this morning, along with c25 Sand Martins. The Shag and Water Pipit still present.
Common Sandpiper, 22nd March
21st
A first winter Caspian Gull roosted on F.2. The Water Pipit on the causeway still and 30 Sand Martins this morning.
The Water Pipit still present and beginning to look more colourful.
18th
Just the ever present Shag and Water Pipit plus a first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
17th
An adult Kittiwake this morning. 1 Sand Martin and up to 8 Chiffchaffs. The Shag and Water Pipit remain and a Willow Tit near Pinkhill. 2 Mediterranean Gulls, a first winter and second summer in the roost.
6th
The spring passage of Mediterranean Gulls well under way with at least 4 birds this evening and an adult present at lunchtime near the tern rafts (also adults seen nearby at Dix Pit and Cassington today). The Water Pipit and Shag still about.
Mediterranean Gull, 6th March. This bird has some very small black markings in the wing-tip and is probably a third summer or 'near' adult.
5th
There were 2 Egyptian Geese again on F.1. this morning. Also the Water Pipit on the causeway and Shag on F.2. A first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
2nd
The Water Pipit again on the causeway today. Also 3 Dunlin and the Shag still.
Water Pipit, 2nd March.
February 2007
27th
Three adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost. A Water Pipit on the causeway in the morning.
26th.
The highlight of the last few days is this summer plumage Mediterranean Gull. It arrives at about 16.30 and is consorting with the Black-headed Gulls on F.1. Otherwise a single Dunlin the only other bird of note. Thankfully the bird scarers have finally left. Their antics not only disturbed the gulls but undoubtedly unsettled the rest of the birds at the reservoir. Hopefully things will return to normality in time for the spring migration.
Adult Mediterranean Gull, F.1. 26th February.
23rd
Four Egyptian Geese in fields adjacent to F.2. Also an adult summer Mediterranean Gull near the tern rafts this evening. In the past week a brief Water Pipit on the causeway on 18th with 12 Bewick's Swans flying over on 20th.
11th
An adult Caspian Gull was in the roost along with an adult Little Gull. The Shag still in residence.
*******************************************
January 2007.
29th
3 Twite on the causeway briefly this morning, plus the Shag still.
27th
The juvenile Glaucous Gull again in the roost. The Black-necked Grebe & Shag plus Barn Owl.
26th
A juvenile Glaucous Gull roosted on F.2. presumably the bird seen earlier in the month. A Common Sandpiper and the Black-necked Grebe and Shag still on F.1.
25th
The Black-necked Grebe still on F.1. along the eastern shore and the Shag again on the tern raft. 23 Pintail flew over early a.m.
Black-necked Grebe, 25th January.
24th
Large numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares feeding along the western side of the reservoir in the snowy conditions. 18 Wigeon on F.2. and the Shag still on the tern raft.
Fieldfare, 24th January.
23rd
Three Egyptian Geese today, intially on the reservoir they eventually moved to the fields alongside the Thames adjacent to F.2. Also the Shag still and a Redshank on F.1.
Two of the three Egyptian Geese, 23rd January.
22nd
The Kittiwake still present all day, although looking rather unwell. The Shag and Black-necked Grebe also still around. 12 Goldeneye and 20 Gadwall.
21st
The Kittiwake on F.2. The Shag on the tern raft and Black-necked Grebe still in the NE corner of F.1. 12 Golden Plover flew over. A Cetti's Warbler singing briefly at Pinkhill with 3 Stonechats there and another on the overgrown filter beds. c10 Meadow Pipits.
Juv/1st winter Shag, 21st January.
20th
The Kittiwake still around and favouring the SE corner of F.2. Also the Black-necked Grebe and Shag on F.1.
19th
The adult Kittiwake was still present all day. Also the 1st winter Shag and 1st winter Mediterranean Gull again in the roost. 2 Pintail, up to 30 Goldeneye, 25 Gadwall and a Peregrine flew over.
Adult Kittiwake, 19th January.
18th
The gale force winds produced an adult Kittiwake on F.2. this afternoon.
16th
The Black-necked Grebe and Shag still present and the first Mediterranean Gull of the year, a first winter, in the roost.
15th
Very quiet at the moment. The Black-necked Grebe still on F.1., usually around the eastern shore. The Shag also still this morning. At least 2 Stonechats near Pinkhill.
7th
The juvenile Glaucous Gull again in the roost this evening. The Shag still present and a Black-neceked Grebe in the NE corner of F.1. 23 Goosander at dusk.
Juvenile Glaucous Gull photographed at nearby Dix Pit.This bird has roosted at Farmoor over the weekend and is spending the daytime at Dix. It is most likely the bird seen near Didcot on 4th January.
|
