LOG BOOK: July-December 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.
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December 2007
21st
Cold, mainly cloudy with a few sunny spells late pm.
The female/immature Red-breasted Merganser again on F.2 late afternoon. Also 7 Goosander, (5 females & 2 males). The regular second winter Caspian Gull roosted on F.1. c12 Goldeneye and c10 Gadwall. A Little Egret flew over at dusk. The Bearded Tit still around Shrike/Meadow and Buckthorn Meadow and Water Pipit again on the causeway.
20th
Very cold with temperatures barely above freezing all day.
A bit of a wildfowl influx, perhaps due to the cold weather. A female/immature Red-breasted Merganser was on F.2. late pm. It was seen only briefly in the murk. Also 8 Pintail, 6 Wigeon and 30+ Goldeneye (significant counts for what is a wildfowl starved reservoir these days). The Water Pipit still on the causeway with about 15 Meadow Pipits. 2 Redshank and a Common Sandpiper.
Female/immature Red-breasted Merganser. This bird was preening and bathing frantically. It was also very flighty.
12th
Bright & sunny,. Cold.
The usual familiar faces in the roost with the juvenile Iceland Gull again on F.2 and the second winter Caspian Gull. The first winter Mediterranean Gull on F.1 late pm. 6 Goosander, the Water Pipit in it's usual spot along with a few Meadow Pipits.
Second winter Caspian Gull, 11th December. (photographed at Dix Pit). A very distinctive individual with gleaming white underwing coverts and a single tiny mirror in P10.
10th.
Bright & sunny, chilly NW wind.
The juvenile Iceland Gull again in the roost on F.2. Also a second winter Caspian Gull and 12+ Yellow-legged Gulls. The roost much reduced due to gull scaring being carried out today at both Dix Pit and Sutton Courtenay landfill sites.
There were 2 Common Scoter on F.2 late p.m. and 3 Goosander. The Water Pipit still on the causeway.
9th
Dull, wet & windy.
The first winter Mediterranean Gull roosted on F.2 along with c8 Yellow-legged Gulls. The Water Pipit on the causeway still.
7th
Bright & sunny with a chilly moderate W wind.
The juvenile Kumlien's Gull that has been frequenting Dix Pit since 4th was finally seen in the roost this evening. This is the second record for Farmoor & Oxon, with the first being an adult seen in the roost in March 2005 and returning in April the following year. A very distinctive bird. As can be seen in the photo below, the underwing is strikingly pale (at once suggesting Iceland Gull), contrasting with the darkly patterned upperwing, most notably the primaries. Kumlien's Gulls are highly variable in plumage and this bird is very much at the darkest end of the spectrum.
Also in the roost the juvenile Iceland Gull again and the first winter Caspian Gull (also present at Dix today along with a superb adult, a third winter and 2 second winters).
Juvenile Kumlien's Gull, 7th December. Photographed at nearby Dix Pit.
4th
Cloudy with a freshening SW wind. Mild.
The juvenile Iceland Gull roosted on F.2 along with a first winter Mediterranean Gull. The Water Pipit still in the middle of the causeway. 3 Redshank and 6 Goosander. Wildfowl numbers typically poor with c40 Tufted Duck a handful of Gadwall and c20 Goldeneye.
First winter Mediterranean Gull, 4th December. Mid winter is not a good time for Med Gulls. Probably only one or two birds are present each evening but finding them amongst the masses of BHG's is hard work.
3rd
Bright and sunny, moderate W wind.
The Bearded Tit is still around. It was very vocal and active in the Buckthorn Meadow reedbed early this morning. Up to 30 Reed Buntings also there. The Water Pipit again on the causeway along with a Dunlin and 3 Redshanks. Nothing of note in the gull roost for a change!
1st
Fresh SW wind, bright spells a.m. then heavy showers.
A good start to the month with a first winter Caspian Gull on F.1. this evening. It showed well in amongst a comparatively small roost of just a few hundred large gulls. An incredibly distinctive and beautiful gull made even more attractive given it's imminent full species status!
The Water Pipit again on the causeway, this evening at the eastern end. 2 Stonechats near Pinkhiill. 4 Redshank and c20 Goldeneye.
First winter Caspian Gull, F.1. 1st December.
November 2007
30th
Dull, moderate SW wind, rain in evening.
The juvenile Glaucous Gull again in the roost on F.2. this evening.
Otherwise little of note. The Water Pipit still plus 3 Redshank and 3 Goosander.
Some management work has been carried out on Buckthorn Meadow and Shrike Meadow this week and up to 3 Jack Snipe and 2 Water Rail have been seen.
27th
Murky, misty & mild.
A juvenile Iceland Gull roosted on F.2. together with the juvenile Glaucous Gull. Both birds spent the day at nearby Dix Pit. Both these species have enjoyed something of an early winter influx into the UK.
The Bearded Tit is still on Shrike Meadow and the Water Pipit as usual in the middle of the causeway.
Juvenile Glaucous Gull top, and juvenile Iceland Gull photographed at Dix Pit. 27th November.
26th
Calm and cloudy.
The juvenile Glaucous Gull arrived early today and was on F.2 from about 15.30 with just a handful of large gulls. Also 2 Common Scoter, 6 Goosander, c25 Goldeneye,4 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper and the Water Pipit.
Juvenile Glaucous Gull, 26th November. Quite nice views today with the bird arriving with at least an hours daylight left.
23rd
Sunny & chilly.
The juvenile Glaucous Gull again in the roost on F.2. from 16.05. 2 Goosander on F.1. The Water Pipit still on the causeway. 2 Redshank. Lots of Redwings and Fieldfares.
A quiet week. The Bearded Tit still on Shrike Meadow mid-week but often very elusive. A Brent Goose made a very brief visit on 21st.
Water Rail, Shrike Meadow. (photo: © Ian Lewington)
17th
Dull & cloudy.
A juvenile Glaucous Gull roosted on F.2. plus at least 8 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. The Water Pipit and Rock Pipit on the causeway. The Bearded Tit again on Shrike Meadow. 2 Redshanks and a Dunlin. 23 Goldeneye.
Juvenile Glaucous Gull, F.2. This bird arrived very late into the roost and was videod in the dark!
16th
Cold and foggy, then bright sunshine.
The adult Kittiwake was found dead on the causeway this morning. The Water Pipit still. 2 Stonechats. 2 Redshank and 1 Common Sandpiper.
15th
Cold & frosty early am then blindingly bright & sunny.
The adult Kittiwake on F.1 but looking rather unwell. The Water Pipit still and also a Rock Pipit today. The Bearded Tit on Shrike Meadow. A Shelduck, 15 Goldeneye, drake Pintail and 5 Teal. 2 Redshank and 1 Common Sandpiper.
The Water Pipit continues to show well along the causeway, it occasionally visits Pinkhill.
13th
Mostly cloudy with rain pm.
1 Kittiwake still this morning. The Water Pipit on the causeway and Bearded Tit again on Shrike Meadow. 1 drake Pintail & 13 Goldeneye .1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Redshank.
Redwing, 13th November.
12th
Bright & sunny, rather cold.
2 adult Kittiwakes this morning. A juvenile Scaup arrived on F.2 late afternoon. 9 Goldeneye on F.1. The Water Pipit again in the centre of the causeway. Single Dunlin, Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 2 Redpolls flew over mid morning. At least 2 Jack Snipe on the reserve.
There was no sign of the Franklin's Gull this evening. Viewing conditions were very difficult with harsh sunshine and haze over the water, not to mention masses of gulls to sift through, but least 8+adult Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost.
Adult Kittiwake. One of two birds seen today. This bird is near the end of it's moult to winter plumage and the outermost primary is still growing.
11th
Calm and mostly dull.
The adult FRANKLIN'S GULL again in the roost on F.2. It was first seen at about 16.30. It was right in the centre of the roost and quite difficult to see for much of the time.
Also today an adult Kittiwake and the Water Pipit.
About 50 birders turned up to watch the FRANKLIN'S GULL this evening.
10th
Moderate NW wind, cloudy with a few sunny spells.
An adult FRANKLIN'S GULL was in the F.2. roost this evening. Found at about 16.15 it was rather distant and at the back of the main body of gulls viewed from the western shore. However it was a very distinctive gull and even at around 250 metres the white eye crescents, blackish half hood, slate grey mantle and broad white primary tips were all clearly visible. The bird preened and flew a short distance but then quickly settled to roost. Since most of the gulls leave the reservoir before it's fully light in the mornings it is perhaps unlikely to be seen then, but may well return to roost..................
This is the second record of FRANKLIN'S GULL for Farmoor and Oxon, the first, a moulting adult roosted on F.1. each evening from 17th to 28th August 2002.
The Water Pipit remains plus single Redshank and Common Sandpiper. 3 Stonechats and 7 Goldeneye.
Adult FRANKLIN'S GULL, F.2. roost, 10th November.
9th
Sunny, light NW wind.
The Water Pipit on the causeway with another bird also seen today. The Bearded Tit still present. Single Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 7 Goldeneye. A first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
8th
Moderate W wind. Showers late pm.
The Water Pipit and Bearded Tit still around. Single Redshank, Dunlin & Curlew.
7th
Sunny, light W. wind.
A Common Scoter on F.2 this morning. An adult Kittiwake at 08.45 before flying west. The Water Pipit in the middle of the causeway on the north side. The Bearded Tit still in the Buckthorn Meadow reedbed. 6 Goldeneye and a drake Pintail.
Common Scoter on F.2. 7th November.
6th
Light W. wind, mostly sunny.
The Bearded Tit still this morning in the Buckthorn Meadow reedbed. The Water Pipit vigorously defending it's bit of the causeway. 5 Goldeneye. An adult Kittiwake was a bit of a surprise in the roost on F.2.
Common Buzzard, Buckthorn Meadow, 6th November.
4th
Misty and rather chilly in the morning, some sunshine later.
The female Bearded Tit still on Shrike Meadow today, sometimes moving over to Buckthorn Meadow. A Stonechat also there. The Water Pipit on the causeway and a single Golden Plover over. Up to 7 Goldeneye.
Stonechat, Shrike Meadow. ( Photo: © Barry Hudson).
2nd
Calm and sunny, quite warm
Still one Bearded Tit today on Shrike Meadow. Also the Water Pipit again favouring the middle of the causeway and up to 20 Meadow Pipits. A Jack Snipe and Water Rail on the reserve and a Common Sandpiper along the Thames bank. A Chiffchaff and a first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost. along with at least 20 Yellow-legged Gulls .
Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Adults are at their most handsome and distinctive at the moment. This bird was photographed at Dix Pit, but all the gulls there go over to Farmoor in the evening and these birds really stand out in the roost.
1st
Calm with some sunshine and quite warm.
There were 2 Bearded Tits on Shrike Meadow early morning with at least one still present by midday. These birds were heard very briefly yesterday, although weren't seen. Not quite a first, but certainly not recorded for at least thirty years and so these two very much appreciated by the Farmoor listers!
Lots of other birds moving with a few small parties of Redpolls flying over and the autumns first significant arrival of Redwings and Fieldfares. Plus a few Skylarks. At least 20 Snipe and a single Jack Snipe also on the reserve. The Water Pipit still on the causeway and up to 30 Meadow Pipits.
Female Bearded Tit, Shrike Meadow, 1st November.
October 2007
29th
Light NW wind, sunny and quite warm.
The Water Pipit still this morning and the long staying Wheatear on the casueway.
27th
Mostly cloudy & dull, light WSW wind.
A Water Pipit on the causeway this morning. Also a single Rock Pipit on F.2. The Wheatear still present. A Merlin on Shrike Meadow. c60+ Golden Plovers flew over late morning.
Water Pipit on the causeway. This bird provides a nice comparison with the other species of pipit seen this month!
24th
Cloudy and calm.
A second winter Caspian Gull in the roost this evening, it looked very like the bird present on 3rd October. Also a first winter Mediterranean Gull and large numbers of argentatus Herring Gulls.
A juvenile Peregrine chasing gulls this morning. 2 Rock Pipits, c 30 Meadow Pipits, a Redshank and Common Sandpiper
Juvenile Peregrine, 24th October.
22nd
Calm, cloudy.
The Whinchat still above Shrike Meadow. 2 Stonechats, 1 Wheatear, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Mediterranean Gulls in the roost: adult & first winter.
21st
Mist early a.m. then calm, sunny & quite warm.
A single Rock Pipit, several Meadow Pipits, 1 Whinchat, 2 Stonechats, 1 Wheatear, 5+ Siskins. A juvenile Common Sandpiper and adult Dunlin.
15th
Calm, then light SW, mostly cloudy.
The Knot still in the NE corner of F.1. 2 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper. A single Rock Pipit and c 40 Meadow Pipits early morning. A first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
14th
Cloudy and quite warm.
A Shorelark was on the causeway very briefly this morning. It was found at about 09.30, firstly feeding along the edge of the tarmac but then perched up on the wave wall in full view. It was seen well by just 2 birders: David Lowe & Brian Walker, but only for about 50 seconds. It then flew east and appeared to drop down in the vicinity of the waterworks buildings. It was looked for extensively for several hours by up to 20 birders but could not be re-found.
This record represents yet another first for Farmoor and Oxon in what is proving to be a remarkable year. However unlike last weeks pipit, Shorelark was very much predicted as an addition to the county list, with Farmoor being the most likely location. It's just a pity it didn't linger.
Also today a Brambling flew over mid morning and plenty of Skylarks again on the move. 2+ Siskins. A juvenile Knot on F.1. and a Little Stint briefly. An adult Little Gull this morning plus 3+ Rock Pipits and c20 Meadow Pipits.
13th
Calm and muggy, rather warm
2 Whinchats today, 1 in the usual field above Shrike Meadow and 1 near Pinkhill. Also 2 Stonechats, 8 Redpolls over, 1 Wheatear and c40 Meadow Pipits.
10th
Light W wind, then calm, some sunshine.
The AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT was reported briefly at 8 am but there was no further sign throughout the day. 3+ Rock Pipits, 3 Wheatears, a few Meadow Pipits. 1 Stonechat. A small group of Golden Plover flew through and a single Greenshank
9th
Heavy rain for much of the day eventually clearing to a sunny evening.
The AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT has been present all day and for the most part showing very well. Viewing first thing was far from ideal in the very wet conditions but improved through the afternoon. Thames Water provided parking at the western end of the reservoir thus saving the early morning visitors a miserable wet walk. The pipit was very confiding and watched down to a few yards at times. It was in company with about three Rock Pipits allowing direct comparison with this very similar species. Everyone enjoyed prolonged views with the photographers going away especially happy. At times the bird 'spooked' and flew high to the SW corner of F.2. with the Rock Pipits but always returned to the causeway were it was present until dusk.
An interesting development, It appears that this bird has been present at Farmoor since at least Saturday 6th October, when it had been photographed as a Rock Pipit or a 'funny' Rock Pipit'. It had apparently also been identified as a Water Pipit and it is chilling to consider that this Mega rarity might have slipped through the net.
All eye's on the pipit but a few Siskins over and a first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT, 9th October. This species is highly variable in appearance. Some have a less obvious buff wash to the underparts and much sparser streaking, especially along the flanks. The pale lores, small fine bill and very pronounced sub-moustachial stripe are three of the key ID features.
The really keen early morning birders watching the pipit in the rain (photo: Justin Taylor).
8th
Calm, overcast and mainly cloudy.
An AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT on the causeway this evening!
An unprecedented passage of Rock Pipits over the past ten days has meant that this species has become very familiar. However a cursory glance at one individual whilst watching the gull roost revealed a very interesting looking pipit with obvious buff toned underparts..... It looked a very 'different' bird indeed. It was feeding under the wave wall and gave good views in the fading light.
Having only ever seen one Buff-bellied Pipit, on the Scillies in 1988, I had some idea of the identification of this species and unbelievably this bird seemed to fit the bill! I managed a few photographs before it got dark.
Thankfully Ian Lewington was at home and so I was able to email several images to him and discuss the birds identification at length before feeling confident over the identification.
The bird was still present at dusk.
AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT on the causeway, 8th October. This photo was taken at iso1600 in failing light.
5th
Bright and sunny, v. light E breeze.
3 adult Little Gulls A juvenile Little Stint, 1 Wheatear, 6 Rock Pipits 1 Yellow Wagtail c10 Siskins over.
Juvenile Little Stint, 5th October.
3rd
Calm, murky & mild.
A second winter Caspian Gull in the roost on F.1 this evening, also first winter Little Gull. The Grey Phalarope still along the north side of the causeway. Other waders today were a Spotted Redshank, 3 Little Stints, 1 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin and 1 Ringed Plover. The Rock Pipits increased to 9 birds and a single Yellow Wagtail.
First winter Common Gull, 3rd October.
2nd
Calm first thing then light NNE wind, mostly cloudy.
The impressive Rock Pipit passage continues with 8 birds this evening. At one point they flew off high in a tight flock but returned to the centre of the causeway at dusk. The Grey Phalarope still feeding close to the top of the causeway on the north side. Also today 2 Little Gulls ( adult & first winter). The Little Stint, 2 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Ringed Plover. A Little Egret on Pinkhill and a Red Kite over. There were 2 first winter Mediterranean Gulls in the roost.
One of the eight Rock Pipits on the causeway today.
1st
Grey and wet with a light NNE wind.
The Grey Phalarope showed well all day and was still present at dusk off the middle of the causeway. Other waders today were a Little Stint, Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and a single Common Sandpiper. 6 Rock Pipits along the causeway today and c20 Meadow Pipits. A mixed flock of c450 Swallows & House Martins with just one or two Sand Martins. 2 Hobbies and a first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
A detail of the Grey Phalarope's very distinctive feet with their laterally lobed toes adapted for a wader that spends a good deal of it's time at sea.
September 2007
30th
Very light variable wind, mostly cloudy.
The Grey Phalarope present all day 'til dusk when it had moved to the western bank of F.1. 3 Rock Pipits around the causeway during the afternoon. Single Dunlin and Common Sandpiper and 3 Ringed Plover . A flock of c60 Golden Plover flew through.
Rock Pipit, 30th September. One of three birds present this afternoon. All were well marked with particularly colourful bare parts and almost certainly of the race 'A.p.littoralis'.
29th
Light NNE wind and gloomy early am, brighter, calm & warmish by late pm.
A real red letter day!
A juvenile Sabine's Gull was found early morning in the SE corner of F.2. This species was almost expected and being actively looked for given the record numbers present around the coast this month. With inland birds recently in Leicestershire & Northamptonshire it seemed a good bet that Farmoor would get one eventually. It is the fourth record for Oxon and Farmoor and the second juvenile. It was keeping company with a first winter Little Gull and both birds fed over F.2. before departing at around 11.30.
Whilst watching the gull a juvenile skua sp flew in from the west. It alighted on the water and was rather distant and almost immediately flew out over fields to the west chasing gulls, but luckily returned and settled very close to the shore enabling it to be identified as an Arctic Skua. This bird stayed 'til mid afternoon.
Amazingly a third star bird appeared late morning. With so many eyes trained on the reservoir visiting birders found a first winter Grey Phalarope. Intially it was very flighty but soon settled down onto the causeway and was then typically very confiding and remained until dusk.
A single juvenile Knot still plus 3 Ringed Plovers and 2 Dunlin.
A first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost completed a very memorable day!!
Juvenile Sabine's Gull, 29th September.
Juvenile Arctic Skua, 29th September.
First winter Grey Phalarope, 29th September.
28th
Moderate NE wind, showers, chilly.
9 Little Gulls (5 juv/1stw, 2 second winter & 2 adults) this afternoon on F.1. Also 5 juvenile Common Terns. A single Knot, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin and 1 Redshank. 1 Wheatear. c600+ hirundines feeding over both reservoirs.
Juvenile Common Sandpiper 28th September.
27th
Fresh NNE wind, chilly.
Another 3 Knot on the causeway today. A Grey Plover flew over in the evening. 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper. A Black-tailed Godwit on Pinkhill. An adult Common Tern late evening.
Knot on the causeway, 27th September.
25th
Sunshine/showers, moderate W veering N wind
2 Black terns both juveniles still today. A juvenile Common Tern. 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin,1 Redshank. Lots of hirundines early a.m.
24th
Rain early am, fresh W wind, sunny later.
A juvenile Knot all day on the boat launch. A Black-tailed Godwit flew over first thing. 3 Black terns (adult and 2 juveniles) 5 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 1 Redshank. The Rock Pipit still plus 5+ Yellow Wagtails, 1 Hobby. First winter Mediterraneran Gull in the roost.
Juvenile Knot, 24th September.
23rd
Fresh SSW wind, rain in evening.
5 Common Terns flew west. A Peregrine over F.2 mid morning. 5 Ringed Plover and a single Green Sandpiper on Shrike Meadow. A notable passage of hirundines moving south during the morning. 1 juvenile Wheatear, a Rock Pipit and 4+ Yellow Wagtails. 2 Hobbies and 2 first winter Mediterranean Gulls in the roost.
22nd
Sunny spells, warmish.
The Little Stint remains the centre of attention with still 8 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper and a single Redshank. A few Meadow Pipits passing over this morning plus a couple of Siskins. A large group of c 600 hirundines high over F.1. this evening and a 1st w Mediterranean Gull in the roost. There are still good numbers of Yellow-legged Gulls each evening but no attempts have been made at counting them for some time since the gull roost is now vast and very difficult to cover.
Another view of the juvenile Little Stint, 22nd September.
21st
Cloudy, light SW wind.
A Sandwich Tern this morning briefly. The Little Stint, 8 Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin,1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wheatear. 8 Siskins.
Second winter Yellow-legged Gull, 21st September.
19th
Mostly cloudy and cool, light NW wind.
The Little Stint still on the causeway plus 2 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover, 13 Golden Plover. 2 Hobbies. The Redstart again near Pinkhill.
Redstart, Pinkhill, photographed yesterday 18th Septemebr.
18th
Mostly sunny, light NW wind, cool.
A juvenile Little Stint all day on the causeway together with 9 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin. A Redstart near Pinkhill and first winter Mediterranean Gull in roost.
Juvenile Little Stint, 18th September.
17th
Sunny spells moderate NW wind, cool.
An Osprey caught a fish and flew west late afternoon. 1 Whinchat, 4 Shelduck, 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 first winter Mediterranean Gulls in the roost.
Shelduck, F.1. 17th September.
15th
Very warm & sunny.
There were 4 juvenile Ringed Plovers on the causeway today with 1 Dunlin and 3 Redshanks. The regular first winter Mediterranean Gull on F.1 this morning and again late pm. 5 Shelduck this evening. The returning adult Great Black-backed Gull reappeared at the start of the week. C 20 Yellow Wagtails.
Juvenile Ringed Plover, 15th September.
9th
Calm & cloudy, quite warm
A very quiet week was enlivened by a Purple Sandpiper on the causeway yesterday and still present today. 3 Knot also on the causeway briefly late pm before flying east. 4 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpiper. A first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost. 2 Hobbies at Pinkhill
Purple Sandpiper, 9th September.
1st
The Black-necked Grebe still present, now on F.1. A First winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost. 5 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpipers and a few Yellow Wagtails.
Black-necked Grebe, F.1. 1st September.
August 2007
29th
Warm, very light winds.
4 Ringed Plover, 7 Common Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 2 Mediterranean Guls in roost (1st w & 2nd w). 10+ Yellow Wagtails.
First winter Yellow Wagtail, 29th August.
28th
Light NNE breeze, mostly cloudy.
A Black-necked Grebe on F.2. this evening. A Grey Plover flew over late pm. 1 Turnstone, 5 Dunlin, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Egrets, c 20 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Hobby. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
Lesser Whitethroat (Top) & Whitethroat (Bottom). 28th August.
27th
Cloudy with sunny spells, light NNE breeze.
2 Black Tern, 1 Whinchat, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (2nd w & 1st w), 10 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 Redshank, 1 Little Egret.
Whinchat, 27th August.
26th
Warm & sunny, light NE breeze.
10 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Wheatear, c35 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Hobby.
25th
Hot & sunny.
An adult and juvenile Sandwich Tern on F.2 mid morning was easily the days highlight. Otherwise the second winter Mediterranean Gull again, 5 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Common Terns, and c 10 Yellow Wagtails
24th
Very warm, light variable wind, sunshine.
Very quiet. 1 second winter Mediterranean Gull, 4 Common Sandpipers, 4 Curlew, 1 Wheatear, c10 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Common Terns.
23rd
Light N wind, warmish.some sunshine.
An Osprey over late pm. 1 juvenile Black Tern, 1 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 10 Common Sandpipers, 2 Turnstone, 1 Wheatear, 10 Common Terns, 1st winter Mediterranean Gull in roost.
Juvenile Turnstone, 23rd August.
21st
Fresh NNE wind, cloudy & cool.
An adult Kittiwake flew through mid morning, c70 Common Terns on F.2. at 11.30 with 1 juvenile Arctic Tern & 2 Black Terns: adult & juvenile. 2 juvenile Turnstone, 1 Dunlin and 3 Common Sandpipers. 3 Mediterranean Gulls roosted: 2 juv/1stw and a second winter.
Juvenile Black Tern, 21st August.
20th
Light NNE breeze, cool.
1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtails.
19th
Mostly dull, moderate W wind, heavy rain pm.
A party of c25 Kittiwakes arrived at 19.45. They were very vocal and excitable and spent a few minutes circling F.2. A few joined the roost but all had seemingly moved on by 20.30
The 3 Black Terns ( 2 juveniles, 1 adult) still present for their seventh day, mostly feeding in the SW corner of F.2 but regularly flying over to perch on the barely bales on F.1. 11 Common Terns, 2 Turnstone, 1 Curlew and 2 Common Sandpipers.
Juvenile Black Terns flying over the causeway, 19th August.
18th
Light SSW wind, rain pm.
3 Black Terns (adult and 2 juveniles) still on F.2. c25 Common Terns together with a single juvenile Arctic Tern arrived late morning and spent the rest of the day feeding over F.2. 1 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpiper. An adult and juvenile Yellow-legged Gull first thing with up to 15 birds in the roost. c10 Yellow Wagtails.
Juvenile Arctic Tern (top) and juvenile Common Tern (bottom), F.2. 18th August.
16th
Cool, fresh W breeze.
3 Black Terns still on F.2. A juvenile Wheatear, 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls in the roost. 2 juvenile Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers, 8 juvenile Common Terns.
Of interest: the Purple Heron was first seen, and photographed by a visiting birder on Tuesday morning, 7th August.
First winter Wheatear, 16th August.
Juvenile Dunlin, 16th August (photo: J. Crouch).
15th
Heavy showers, fresh w.wind.
3 Black Terns, 3 juvenile Arctic Terns, 2 Sanderling, 1 Little Egret,1 juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 4 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper.
Juvenile Swallow, 15th August.
13th
Cool & cloudy with a freshening SW wind.
The Purple Heron was looked for extensively today but only apparently seen briefly at Pinkhill late pm
6 Little Egrets flew over Shrike Meadow, 2 juvenile Black Terns on F.2. with an adult Arctic Tern present around midday and c15 Common Terns (mostly juvs) in the evening. Single Black-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover and Dunlin and 3 Common Sandpipers. 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls in the roost.
Mediterranean Gull. The first couple of weeks in August is always a good time for Med' Gulls, particularly juveniles. This year has been especially productive with birds in the roost each evening. This one lingered around the edge of F.2. early yesterday morning.
12th
Showers early a.m. then sunny periods, light S.W. breeze.
A juvenile Purple Heron on Pinkhill today. It was rather mobile, often moving across to Shrike Meadow and further south in fields along the Thames but regularly returning to the reserve. Rather embarrassingly it seems that this bird has been present in the vicinity for at least six days! Various reports of a 'brown' heron where checked out and appeared to relate to a dark juvenile Grey Heron frequenting the same area. Eventually it was realised that two birds were involved!!
This is the first Purple Heron for Farmoor and the first to be truly 'twitchable' in the county.
Also today: 4 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, c15 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Black Terns, 20 Common Terns, 5 Green Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 5 Little Egrets, 1 Redshank, 70+ Lapwings, 4 Common Sandpipers, 15 Teal & 3 Shoveler.
Juvenile Purple Heron, Pinkhill Reserve, 12th August.
11th
Sunny & warm.
3 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls roosted along with several Yellow-legged Gulls and 10+ Common Terns. 2 Greenshanks flew over in the evening. Also 1 Common Sandpiper.
A Purple Heron was reported at Pinkhill this afternoon. It will be looked for in the morning.
9th
Warm & Sunny.
4 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls in the roost, also 2 juvenile Common Gulls and at least 20 Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Green Sandpipers flew over this evening and other waders today were: 1 Turnstone, 4 Snipe, 1 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper. Also 6 Yellow Wagtails on the causeway this morning.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 9th August.
7th
Warm & sunny, light NW breeze.
3 Mediterranean Gulls roosted: adult, juvenile and 1st summer>2nd winter. c15 Yellow-legged Gulls and 5 Common Gulls. 5 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpipers. 8 Common Terns.
6th
Warm & sunny, light SW breeze.
No sign of the Marsh Sandpiper today, but a Black-tailed Godwit and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull on the flood this morning. A second Redstart joined the long staying bird in bushes below the top of the causeway and several Willow Warblers noted today. 5 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Ringed Plover . In the roost there were 5 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls this evening and at least 20 Yellow-legged Gulls including 2 juveniles.
Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 6th August. One of 5 birds this evening. This bird is a pristine juvenile but all the others were well advanced into first winter plumage.
5th
Hot and Sunny.
A juvenile MARSH SANDPIPER was found on the causeway this afternoon at about 13.15. The bird showed incredibly well for about half an hour before flying over to the much more suitable habitat of flooded fields alongside the Thames opposite Pinkhill, it remained there until early evening at least. This is presumably the bird seen at Abingdon yesterday. It constitutes the first record for Farmoor and Oxfordshire. Also today a juvenile Mediterranean Gull commuting between the floods and F.1. There were 2 Green Sandpipers and a Greenshank briefly first thing near Shrike Meadow with the long staying Redstart still and 5 Common Sandpipers. 8+ Common Terns and c10 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost.
Juvenile Marsh Sandpiper, 5th August.
Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 5th August.
27th
Fresh W wind, warm.
An adult and juvenile Mediterranean Gull in the roost. 2 Green Sandpipers on F.1. late afternoon. 6 Common Terns.
23rd
Mostly cloudy, some light rain.
3 Mediterranean Gulls in the roost: 2 juveniles and an adult. 36+ Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Common Gull. 3 Shelduck, 6 Common Sandpipers, 1 Dunlin.
20th
Continuous, heavy rain virtually all day, fresh SSW wind.
A White-winged Black Tern on F.2 this afternoon. This is the eighth record of this species for the reservoir. Although initially considered to be an adult the presence of dark primary coverts and a contrast in the tail feathers may indicate second summer. It was in company with 3 Black Terns. Unfortunately the extreme weather conditions that were almost certainly responsible for it’s arrival also made observing the bird extremely difficult. During the late afternoon, the main access road flooded and the Farmoor wardens took the decision to close the reservoir. Hopefully the bird will still be present tomorrow.
Also today a single Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Dunlin, c 20 Common Terns.
White-winged Black Tern, 20th July 2007.
17th
Showers and sunny spells, fresh w wind.
1 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 8 Common Sandpiper, c20 Yellow Legged Gulls, 10+ Common Terns.
Juvenile Common Tern, 17th July.
15th
Light E wind, muggy & warm,
Waders again providing most variety with 7 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatcher, 7 Common Sandpiper and 2 Curlew. The Redstart again briefly this morning. 12 Common Terns and 15+ Yellow-legged Gulls and an adult Common Gull in the roost.
Seven Dunlin and 1 Sanderling, 15th July.
14th
Fresh SSW breeze, sunny periods, warm.
A Redstart spent the day feeding along the hedgerow adjacent to Shrike Meadow. Up to 7 Common Sandpipers, 1 Turnstone, 2 Redshank, 3 Dunlin. The adult Mediterranean Gull again in the roost.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 14th July 2007. The usual late summmer influx of this species. There are several birds roosting nightly and some are lingering during the daytime.
13th
Cloudy with showers, light SW wind, cool.
There were 8 Shelduck on the causeway this evening. Also today 10 Dunlin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 7 Common Sandpiper, 18 Common Terns, adult Mediterranean Gull up to 12 Yellow-legged Gulls and an adult Common Gull.
Juvenile Little Ringed Plover, 13th July.
11th
Cloudy with some sunshine, cool, light W. breeze.
2 adult Mediterranean Gulls and up to 20 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost, plus 2 first summer Common Gulls. 2 Redshank, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Common Sandpiper and 5 Dunlin. 15 Common Terns and 1 Hobby.
10th
Mostly cloudy & cool with very light W breeze.
It’s definitely autumn. A number of waders today: 13 Redshank flew through this evening (probably a record count for the reservoir), also: 3 Little Ringed Plover,1 Greenshank, 2 Ringed Plover, 5 Common Sandpiper, 1 Curlew and 1 Dunlin. A Peregrine was perched on one of the nearby electricity pylons mid evening. Also up to 25 Common Terns, the 2 Mediterranean Gulls: adult & juvenile again in the roost with a 1st summer Common Gull and c12 Yellow-legged Gulls.
July 2007.
9th
Sunny spells, cool light W breeze.
A good selection of birds at the reservoir this evening: 2 Mediterranean Gulls: a summer plumaged adult and the first juvenile of the year. 19 Yellow-legged Gulls, 23 Common Terns including 8 juveniles. A single adult Common Gull. Also today 2 Oystercatchers at Shrike Meadow.
In the past week or so Common Sandpipers have begun to pass through with up to 7 birds seen on one day. Also a juvenile Little Ringed Plover. A Redstart was near Shrike Meadow on Saturday.
Juvenile & adult Oystercatchers, Shrike Meadow, 9th July. (Photo: Barry Hudson). Up to four Oystercatchers have been seen regularly around Pinkhill and Shrike Meadow over the past month, presumably local breeding birds.
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