LOG BOOK January - June 2008.
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.
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30th
Warm & Sunny.
2 Crossbills flew NW over Pinkhill at 11.40 this morning. The first record for Farmoor and one of the species predicted to occur in the recently compiled list! The first summer Arctic Tern still on F.1.and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls again.
Oystercatchers have been seen with some regularity through the summer and this photograph by Roger Wyatt captures one of them feeding on freshwater muscles at Shrike Meadow.
June 2008.
27th
June has been typically very quiet apart from the very obvious successful breeding of Common Terns with two pairs hatching young on "Royston's Raft" and 1+ pair on the old raft. At least 6 pairs of Black-headed Gulls have also reared young and it's good to see such obvious breeding birds at the reservoir. There are plans to construct two more rafts along with some floating vegetation platforms to hopefully encourage breeding grebes and ducks, and these would also of course provide valuable resting places for migrant terns and waders.
A first summer Arctic Tern today plus several juvenile Black-headed Gulls loitering around the reservoir along with two regular Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Common Sandpipers and plenty of juvenile Sand Martins. There was a drake Common Scoter on F.2. yesterday.
First summer Arctic Tern, 27th June. Having got used to seeing just the usual adult Common Terns day after day, it was something of a shock to suddenly be confronted with this bird. A very unfamiliar plumage and an extremely striking tern.
3rd.
Heavy rain all day.
A rather lost looking Arctic tern on F.2. Masses of Swifts and Sand Martins. 3 Ringed Plover and a single Dunlin. At least two of the five pairs of Black-headed Gulls on the raft have hatched young.
May 2008.
29th
Misty, then calm and sunny. Rain and light ENE breeze in evening.
There were two Common Scoter on F.2. this morning, one of them a smart drake. A single Sanderling and Common Sandpiper. The second summer & adult Yellow-legged Gulls still. 1 Hobby and 2 Yellow Wagtails.
Common Scoter, F2. 29th May.
28th
Lots of heavy rain.
Sanderling is THE wader of the spring it seems with another 2 birds this evening. Otherwise very quiet with a single Common Sandpiper the only other wader noted. The pair of Shoveler again on Pinkhill and the second summer Yellow-legged Gull still around. A pair of Common Terns having been showing an interest in "Royston's Raft".........
Common Tern, 28th May.
27th
Cloudy, calm, muggy and warm.
A Common Scoter on F.2. late afternoon. What was almost certainly a record count of Sanderling today with 17 birds early morning. Also 3 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper and a Ringed Plover. The second summer Yellow-legged Gull again in the evening with a first summer Great Black-backed Gull.
Common Scoter, F.2. 27th May.
26th
Heavy rain, fresh NE wind, cold.
A really vile day and birding was most unpleasant, even from the relative comfort of an Astra van. Not surprisingly there were loads of hirundines feeding low over both reservoirs. More Common Terns than of late, with a maximum of 29 counted. There were 4 Sanderling present all day with another 4 joining them in the evening. Other waders were single Dunlin, Redshank, Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper. 1 Hobby early evening.
The wet & windy weather today meant difficult feeding conditions for aerial feeders such as this Sand Martin.
25th
Heavy rain in a.m moderate N.E.wind, chilly.
2 Yellow-legged Gulls, an adult and second summer were a bit of a surprise this evening as was the flock of 15 Ringed Plovers, along with 3 Sanderling, 17 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper. Also today 1 Curlew, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Hobbies and 1 Yellow Wagtail. Also good numbers of Swallows and House Martins.
Just five of the of 15 Ringed Plovers on the causeway this evening.
23rd
Overcast. warm, light E breeze.
Turtle Dove is a real Farmoor rarity these days, so the brief sighting of one at the southern side of F.2. this morning was noteworthy. Also today 1 Sanderling, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Sandpipers and 8 Common Terns. A pair of Shoveler on Pinkhill.
First summer Black-headed Gull, Pinkhill, 23rd May. A common old bird, but beautiful nevertheless!
22nd
Sunny and warm, light SE breeze
No sign of the Great White Egret today. And a very quiet day with just single Turnstone, Common Sandpiper & Dunlin. 6 Common Terns and 1 Red Kite.
21st
Warm and muggy, mostly cloudy with a light SE breeze.
Farmoor finally got it's bird of the spring today with the discovery of an adult Great White Egret. The bird was first seen by Jonothan Crouch on Shrike Meadow at around 10.45 a.m. It was rather flighty and moved over to rest in fields adjacent to the Thames, but flew west from there at around 11am. It was then seen by Steve Young in the early afternoon, again in the riverside fields. Once more it headed west but luckily quickly returned to Shrike Meadow. It then spent the remainder of the afternoon giving quite good views from the hide at the southern end of the reserve. The bird was in superb condition and in virtually full summer plumage sporting a fine set of elongated aigrettes to the scapulars, as well as bright yellow areas to the tarsus and a dark tipped yellow bill.
This is the first record of this species for Farmoor and only the fourth for Oxon following singles at Dix Pit on 7th August , Otmoor on 9th September and South Moreton on 30th October 2007.
Also today, 3 Turnstones, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Common Terns.
Adult Great White Egret, 21st May. (Top © Jonothan Crouch, bottom © Nic Hallam)
20th
Mostly cloudy, V. light E breeze.
2 Sanderling, 3 Turnstone, 7 Common Sandpipers, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Common Tern.
Common Sandpiper , 20th May.
19th
Cloudy/summy spells, light NE wind.
2 Turnstone, 1 Ringed Plover, a Raven flew over late p.m.
18th
Light NE wind, cloudy with sunny spells.
A single Black Tern and 2 late Arctic Terns on F.2. all day. 2 Turnstone, 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Dunlin. 5 Common Terns, 3 Yellow Wagtails and 1000+ Swifts, 1 Hobby.
Swift, 18th May.
17th
Mostly dull and damp with a light NE wind.
2 Little Terns spent much of the late afternoon and early evening feeding over F.2. and also resting on the barley bales from time to time. A Grey Plover briefly this morning with the Greenshank still present along with 4 Turnstones, 1 Sanderling and 8 Common Sandpipers. A significant arrival of House Martins in the evening with c300, the largest count by far this spring. There was a single Yellow Wagtail and 14 Common Terns.
One of the 2 Little Terns, 17th May.
House Martins, 17th May.
16th
Dull, damp & gloomy.
Waders again providing most of the interest with 3 Sanderling, 1 Ringed Plover 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 3 Turnstone, 12 Common Sandpiper, 1 Curlew and 1 Dunlin. c400 Swallows, c150 House Martins, loads of Swifts and 8 Common Terns.
Swallow, 16th May.
15th
Heavy rain in the morning, then overcast and cool. Light NE wind.
A few waders in the rain today: 7 Sanderling, 3 Turnstone, 1 Greenshank 5 Common Sandpiper. Just a single Common Tern. Despite a few pairs courtship feeding and displaying earlier in the spring, it seems that this species has again abandoned any attempt at breeding.
Greenshank, 15th May.
14th
Sunshine, cool, freshening NE wind.
2 Sanderling and a Turnstone on the causeway. 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Little Egrets on Pinkhill. 3 Common Terns.
House Martin, 14th May.
13th
Warm & sunny, fresh NE wind by evening.
2 Sanderling on the causeway all day. 3 Little Egrets on Pinkhill at lunchtime. 2 Common Sandpiper, just 5 Common Terns
Sanderling, 13th May.
10th
Very warm and humid, hazy sunshine, calm.
A Quail was heard this morning by one fortunate birder. It called briefly from the rough grassland behind the toilet block at the top of the causeway at around 9 a.m. Another first for the reservoir within the space of a week!
Otherwise a quiet and lacklustre day with just 2 Black Terns, 2 Turnstones and 2 Common Sandpipers.
Turnstone, 10th May. One of the more regularly occurring waders at Farmoor....this is a nice brightly plumaged male.
9th
Very warm & muggy, overcast, calm. Thundery showers in evening.
3 Little Terns today: 2 passed through early morning and a third bird arrived early afternoon, but typically just completed a few circuits of the reservoir before promptly disappearing. The Black Tern passage continues with 15 birds today. A Greenshank on the causeway first thing, later moving to Shrike Meadow. 3 Common Sandpipers and single Curlew, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher. 3 Red Kites. The aythea hybrid still on F.2.
Little Tern, 9th May.
......and more Black Terns, 9th May.
8th
Very warm & sunny. Light E wind.
5 Black Terns and the 1st summer Little Gull on F.2 all day. There were 6 Sanderling early morning only. 9 Common Sandpipers and 5 Ringed Plover.
Female Kestrel, 6th May.
7th
Sunny and hot!
More like high summer than spring, and this was reflected in the generally poor numbers of birds. Black Terns once again saved the day with 16 feeding over F.2. The first summer Little Gull also still present. A first summer Common Gull in the evening on the barley bales. 2 Common Sandpipers , 3 Yellow Wagtails.
The resident Barn Owl, regularly seen hunting between Buckthorn Meadow and Pinkhill Lock.
6th
Sunny, warm, virtually cloudless, moderate ESE wind.
Not surprisingly, given the conditions, there were few birds around today. With the exception of the continuing Black Tern passage, with 19 counted by late morning. Otherwise 2 first summer Little Gulls still, 1 Shelduck, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Dunlin and a Green Sandpipier briefly at Pinkhill early morning. A Little Egret flew over at lunchtime.
First summer Little Gull, 6th May. This striking individual has been around for a few days. It has rather advanced body plumage for it's age, with a well developed hood and a considerable pink flush to the underparts.
5th
Heavy rain in a.m. then warm and muggy. Light SE wind by evening.
An adult Kittiwake spent a few minutes on F.2. this morning. Also 4 Sanderling, 2 Ringed Plovers & 17 Dunlin touched down briefly. 4 Common Sandpipers on F.2. and a Whimbrel flew over early evening. Black Terns still very much in evidence with 5 first thing, increasing to 24 by evening. 10 Arctic Terns arrived around midday with a few remaining late p.m. The 3 first summer Little Gulls all day.
Arctic Tern, 5th May. The four lines of 'barely bales' installed across F.1. at the beginning of April have been a godsend for birds and birders alike. Although the primary purpose is to alleviate blue green algae growth, they have proved to be invaluable resting platforms for birds. Probably every tern that has passed through the reservoir this spring has made use of them!
4th
Light SE wind, mostly cloudy and humid with some light showers.
Classic Black Tern weather and there were birds present all day with numbers slowly building to a maximum of 26 by early evening. There were 4 Little Gulls ( 3 first summer and 1 second summer). A Ruff on the causeway mid afternoon in company with 3 Redshank. 5 Common Sandpiper and 3 Dunlin.
Ruff, 4th May 2008.
3rd
Light SE wind, sunny spells, warm.
A White Stork flew NW at 10.10 and was almost certainly the same bird seen flying north into Oxon over Bury Down earlier in the day. This is the first record for Farmoor. A Bar-tailed Godwit on the causeway this evening. Other waders today were 1 Turnstone, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Common Sandpipers and 2 Dunlin. 3 first summer Little Gulls. 3 Black Terns and c20 Common Terns. 2 singing Grasshopper Warblers near Pinkhill Lock and 12 Yellow Wagtails around the water works this evening.
Bar-tailed Godwit, 3rd May.
April 2008
30th
Light SE wind, calmer late p.m. then SW by evening. Heavy rain a.m. with showers later.
There were just 2 Arctic Terns at 8a.m. but by late morning the count was up to 23 and then at around 14.00, just as the rain eased slightly, birds started arriving in spectacular fashion and within a few minutes at least 150 were feeding over F.2. Several birds moved to F.1 during the afternoon, and quite a few had departed by early evening. The second summer and first summer Little Gulls again all day with 6 Black Terns. Masses of Swifts. 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpipier. The Shag still on F.1.
40 Arctic Terns, 30th April. Just part of todays impressive count. These birds were taking a well earned rest, they left high to the east not long after this photograph was taken.
29th
Sunshine & showers, then rain late pm. light SE wind.
3 Black Terns, the Arctic Tern still, with a second bird joining it early evening. c20 Common Terns Second summer & first summer Little Gulls present all day. A Whimbrel on the causeway first thing and 2 Redshank. c30 House Martins and 200+ Swallows. 8 Yellow Wagtails.
Second summer Little Gull, 29th April.
28th
Sunshine & showers, light SW wind.
The first real arrival of Swifts today with c350 wheeling above the reservoir first thing. 2 Sanderling on the causeway and 1 Whimbrel flew over at lunchtime. Common Sandpipers increased to 8 plus a single Redshank. A first summer Little Gull this evening and the Arctic Tern was on F.2 all day with 15 Common Terns. The Shag again perched on the orange buoys on F.1. Just 3 Yellow Wagtails.
One of the more vociferous waders, this Whimbrel was calling loudly as it flew over the causeway today.
27th
Overcast and muggy, then freshening WSW wind by evening.
3 Whimbrel at lunchtime with another 2 late pm. 1 Sanderling, 3 Black Terns, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Little Gulls, 3 Red Kites. 8 Yellow Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Common Sandpipers and 7 Dunlin.
Whimbrel, 27th April.
26th
Mostly sunny, moderate SSW wind.
There were 4 Black Terns this morning, with a fifth bird joining them in the afternoon. A Sandwich Tern and 1 Arctic Tern. The Shag was still around this morning. 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank and 1 Common Sandpiper. c30 Swifts, 3+ Yellow Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail and 2 Hobbies.
Black Tern, 26th April.
25th
Cloudy, fresh SSW wind.
A Shag on F.1 and later perched on the limb tower boom on F.2. late pm. Just 2 Arctic Terns present all day over F.2. A Whinchat on the perimeter fence on the west side of F.2. 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 5+ Yellow Wagtails.
Shag, 25th April.
Dunlin, 25th April. (photo: © Peter Styles).
24th
Sunshine & showers, moderate W wind.
Another 38 Arctic Terns counted at lunchtime plus 2 adult Little Gulls. A Sandwich Tern briefly late afternoon. Waders today were: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers. Also 2 male Wheatears and 5 Yellow Wagtails.
Sandwich Tern, 24th April.
Male Little Ringed Plover, 24th April.
23rd
Rain early a.m then warm and sunny by evening.
50 Arctic Terns this morning with many lingering throughout the day. Also 10 Little Gulls (7 adults,1 second summer and 2 first summer). 4 Sandwich Terns made a brief appearance this morning. Also 3 Whimbrel, 5 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper A Grasshopper Warbler was singing until at least mid morning from the overgrown filter beds at the north end of F.1. A Raven over early p.m.
Adult Little Gull, 23rd April.
2 of the four Sandwich Terns, F.1 23rd April.
22nd
Warm & sunny, V. light N E breeze.
23 Arctic Terns this morning. Some birds moved off north east around lunchtime but at least 8 still present early afternoon. A Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper. c10 Yellow Wagtails. An Aythya hybrid in the NE corner of F.1. A Green Sandpiper flew over in the evening.
Arctic Tern, 22nd April. One of the highlights of the spring at Farmoor is without doubt the Arctic Tern passage. In some years just one or two birds are seen, and in others, such as 2006, three figure counts can be made. They nearly always move through in a very narrow 'window' at the end of April and are most often associated with ENE winds.
21st
Moderate NE wind, mostly cloudy.
A Turnstone on the causeway. 1 Arctic Tern on F.2 late pm. 22 Common Terns, c20 Yellow Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails,1 Wheatear. Masses of Sand Martins and c200 Swallows only about 5 House Martins. 3 Swifts. 1 Red Kite.
Turnstone on the causeway, 21st April.
Male Green Woodpecker, 21st April (photo: © Royston Maxwell).
20th
Cloudy, light NE wind.
The Grey Plover still this morning. 1 Sanderling, 1 Common Sandpiper , 1 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. An adult Little Gull, 3 Arctic Terns, c25 Common Terns. 2 Wheatears, 20 Yellow Wagtails, 4 White Wagtails. Cuckoo, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Whitethroat noted around Pinkhill.
Sanderling, 20th April.
19th
Mostly cloudy, cold, rain later, fresh E wind.
The Grey Plover still commuting between the barley bales and causeway. 4 Dunlin, a few Swifts masses of hirundines feeding over F.2, mostly Sand Martins with c150 Swallows. c15Common Terns. 1 Hobby.
Grey Plover, 19th April
17th
Fresh E wind, sunny.
The Garganey still on Shrike Meadow and the Grey Plover again on the causeway with 4 Dunlin. c15 Common Terns, c20 Yellow Wagtail & 5+ White Wagtails.
This superb tern raft was launched today. It was designed and built by Farmoor ranger Royston Maxwell. It is hoped to tow it into position within the next couple of days and all being well it will attract some of the paired and displaying Common Terns already present.
Garganey, Shrike Meadow, 17th April.
16th
Sunny spells, light E wind.
A drake Garganey on Shrike Meadow. The first winter Caspian Gull again this evening. A Grey Plover late afternoon along the causeway and also resting on the newly installed 'barley bales' on F.1. 2 Arctic Terns and 10 Common Terns. A single Rock Pipit, 23 Yellow Wagtails and c10 White Wagtails. 2 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper,
Grey Plover, 16th April
The first winter Caspian Gull showed quite well on F.1. this evening.
15th
Sunny, chilly, light NW wind.
A first winter Caspian Gull roosted on F.2 this evening. Also 2 Arctic Terns arrived at about 18.00 to join the 8 Common Terns on F.2. Also today: 2 Shelduck, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2+ Yellow Wagtails, 5+ White Wagtails, c20 Swallows and c5 House Martins.
First winter Caspian Gull, F.2. roost, 15th April.
14th
Sunny, light N.W wind.
6 Common Terns, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, c10 White Wagtails, 1 Yellow Wagtail. The Redstart still in the Shrike Meadow hedge.
13th
Moderate W wind, sunshine & showers.
An Osprey flew through at 9am. A Redstart in the Shrike Meadow hedge and Brambling in the picnic copse on the south side of F.2. 13 Common Terns mid morning with 3 remaining for the rest of the day. Up to 8 Yellow Wagtails - including a male "Channel Wagtail" briefly near the sailing club - and c10 White Wagtails. 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers and a single Dunlin. A Raven flew over late a.m.
'Channel' Wagtail, 13th April.
12th
Plenty of sunshine, moderate W wind in a.m.
The Common Tern still this morning. Up to 20 White Wagtails and 3 Yellow Wagtails. A Common Sandpiper. 500+ Sand Martins and 2+ House Martins. Lots of Black-headed Gulls feeding over F.2. in the morning.
Yellow Wagtail, 12th April.
11th
Fresh W wind, hail & rain showers, cold.
3 Ruff this morning plus 1 Dunlin. A few White Wagtails & 1 Yellow Wagtail along the causeway. Plenty of Sand Martins and c10+ Swallows. A Common Tern on F.2.
White Wagtail, 11th April.
MARCH 2008
29th
Sun early am, then freshening SSW wind & showers.
Three adult Little Gulls on F.2 late morning. The Water Pipit still on the causeway with a single Rock Pipit. The Little Egret again on Shrike Meadow. c200 Sand Martins and 1+ Swallow.
Rock Pipit, 29th March (photo: © Steve Burch).
27th
Sunny, v. light breeze. Warmish.
The adult Little Gull still on F.2. The Little Egret on Shrike Meadow. The Water Pipit again on the causeway with a female Wheatear.
26th
Mild, light winds, showers and some sunsine.
2 adult Kittiwakes on F.2. this morning together with a single adult Little Gull. 3 Oystercatchers on the causeway. A Little Egret on Shrike Meadow. 2 Wheatears, the Water Pipit and up to 40 Meadow Pipits.
Oystercatchers, 26th March.
18th
Mostly cloudy, chilly wind.
A nice touch of spring with a drake Garganey on Shrike Meadow today.
15th
Cloudy, calm & mild, rain later.
The first winter Caspian Gull and juvenile Iceland Gull again in the roost on F.2. The first Wheatear of the spring along the western bank of F.2. A few groups of Sand Martins passing through during the afternoon. The Water Pipit on the causeway.
14th
Calm, mild.
A juvenile Iceland Gull and 1st winter Caspian Gull in the roost this evening. 1 Ringed Plover, c35 Meadow Pipits.
Nuthatch, Lower Whitley Wood. © Dave John.
12th
Strong W. wind.
A first winter Caspian Gull in the roost on F.1. this evening.
8th
Fresh SW wind, chilly.
4 adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost, with two birds displaying. The Water Pipit again on the causeway.
7th
Light SW wind, chilly.
Just 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls this evening.
6th
Light SW wind, mild.
There were at least 8 adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost this evening. Several birds were in stunning full summer plumage. Numbers have been building up over the last 2 weeks. This is the best spring count ever and given the difficulty of checking the roosts on both side of the reservoir, the real total was probably higher.
Otherwise 5 Goosander, 20+ Goldeneye, 1 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper.
This superb photograph of a Marsh Tit was taken by Steve Burch. Several of these birds are visiting the feeding station in Lower Whitley Wood adjacent to F.2. More of Steve's photographs can been seen on his website: http://www.stephenburch.com/
FEBRUARY 2008
15th
Overcast a.m then brighter later, light ENE wind, cold.
The adult Mediterranean Gull again in the roost. A Ringed Plover on the causeway this afternoon plus the Common Sandpiper still. The Water Pipit near the sailing club late afternoon. Still a few Goldeneye and c10 Gadwall
Adult Mediterranean Gull F.1 roost, 15th February.
14th
Gloomy, chilly, light NE wind.
2 adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost, one in virtually full summer plumage. A Common Sandpiper and the Water Pipit.
Common Sandpiper, 14th February.
13th
Foggy start, sunshine later.
The 2 Ruddy Shelduck were joined buy a Shelduck today. The Water Pipit still with a second bird seen early morning only. c20 Meadow Pipits.
Reed Bunting, Buckthorn Meadow. (photo © Roger Wyatt).
12th
Sunny & mild.
Rather predictably there was no sign of the Smew today. 2 Ruddy Shelduck flew into F.2 this morning, then moved onto Pinkhill. A single Redpoll near Shrike Meadow.
2 Ruddy Shelduck, Pinkhill, 12th February. Obviously feral and rather oddly plumaged, but a welcome splash of colour and a super portrait. (Photo © Dai John)
11th
Frosty start then plenty of sunshine and very mild, warm even!
A real surprise were the 2 Smew present all day on F.1. This delightful duck is a very scare visitor and is by no means annual. They spent most of the time out in the middle of the reservoir but came closer in to the northern shore at dusk. Also 7 Wigeon on F.1.
First winter drake Smew, F.1. 11th February.
10th
Sunny & Mild.
Most of the gulls roosted on F.1 this evening. The first winter Mediterranean Gull again plus c 6 Yellow-legged Gulls.
The Water Pipit on the causeway. 10 Meadow Pipits. Still c 15 Goldeneye and few Gadwall 8 Little Grebes.
First winter Mediterranean Gull, F.1, 10th February.
9th
Sunny, mild, spring-like
The roost was difficult this evening with the gulls very flighty and agitated. However 2 new birds: a second winter Caspian Gull, a highly distinctive bird with very heavy nape streaking, present at Dix Pit on Thursday. Also a first winter Mediterranean Gull.
The Water Pipit plus 5 Meadow Pipits. A single Redpoll on Pinkhill.
Second winter Caspian Gull, filmed at Dix Pit last Thursday.
8th
Sunny & mild.
The gull roost continues to be the main focus of interest with a first winter Caspian Gull on F.1 together with an adult Mediterranean Gull.
First winter Caspian Gull, F1. 8th February.
7th
Overcast. mild.
Another Kittiwake this evening. A summer plumaged bird, so different from the two seen on the 4th. It was around the fishing boats briefly before flying into the roost. A different adult Mediterranean Gull also in the roost. The Water Pipit still present.
Adult Kittiwake, F.2. 7th February.
4th
Bright with moderate S wind.
There were two adult Kittiwakes in the roost on F.2 this evening. Also the adult Mediterranean Gull again and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls. The Water Pipit near the sailing club.
One of the adult Kittiwakes, about a mile away!
2nd
Sunny & cold.
The Water Pipit still plus a couple of Meadow Pipits. A Peregrine flew over mid morning. 23 Goldeneye, 8 Gadwall and 30 Tufted Duck. 6+ Little Grebe. A Stonechat above Buckthorn Meadow and 6 Siskins near the car park. The adult Mediterranean Gull roosted again on F.2.
Grey Wagtail, F.2. 2nd February.
1st
Sunshine, light W wind. Chilly.
The Water Pipit still on the east shore of F2. The adult Mediterranean Gull again in the F.2. roost.
JANUARY 2008
31st
This very tedious month draws to a close. The Water Pipit continues to stick it out along the causeway with a couple of Meadow Pipits for company. c10 Goldeneye being the only other birds of note on the reservoir.
At least there is now a bit more of a gull roost and an adult Mediterranean Gull this evening was without doubt bird of the month!
Adult Mediterranean Gull, 31st January
21st
Wind & Rain
A desperately quiet start to 2008. The Water Pipit is still in residence. There is a small wintering flock of about 23 Goldeneye, just 15-20 Tufted Duck and c 15 Gadwall. Up to 12 Little Grebes but less than 10 Great Crested Grebes. Even Cormorant and Coot numbers are much reduced. There is a single wintering Common Sandpiper.
Pinkhill, Shrike Meadow & Buckthorn Meadow are now extensively flooded. There is a small group of Teal on the flood and the occasional party of Lapwing.
Most distressingly there is currently no gull roost. With much of the Oxfordshire countryside saturated there are huge bodies of open flood water and the gulls have moved out to these areas to feed and roost. The gull population at Dix Pit is much depleted with only a few hundred birds present at lunchtime today.
It needs to stop raining.
1st
Fog early morning, then cloudy. Mild.
The Water Pipit on the causeway still. The female Bearded Tit was calling and showing well in the reeds near the hide at Shrike Meadow late morning. A Jack Snipe also there. 25 Goldeneye on F.2. with many of the males displaying. Up to 40 Reed Buntings at the feeding station in the Buckthorn Meadow reedbed.
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