LOG BOOK: June - December 2009.
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 2009
31st
A good end to the year with the gull roost looking pretty impressive. Two different first winter Caspian Gulls, one on 28th on F.1. and another showed well in the roost on F.2. this evening. Four Little Gulls were something of a surprise in the roost on 30th. This record recalls the midwinter appearance of 16 birds on 24th December 2000 and 2 on 31st December 2006. Rather inexplicable for a species that winters predominately along the coast and offshore. On each occasion they appeared in relatively calm conditions.
First winter Caspian Gull, F.2. 31st December. A classic text book bird!
First winter Caspian Gull, F.1. 28th December. Rather a large bird with heavily patterned scapulars and quite barred inner greater coverts.
1st
Cold and frosty start, sunshine later
A nice start to December with an excellent selection of birds. A Shag was found first thing this morning and also 5 Shelducks. Later a Black-throated Diver was reported and a few of the regulars managed to see it distantly on F. 2, at dusk. A Common Scoter also this afternoon and a Kittiwake in the roost. The juvenile Common Sandpiper still.
NOVEMBER 2009
19th
Mostly cloudy and windy.
A Great Northern Diver on F.1. this morning also a first winter Little Gull. A Jack Snipe and 6 Snipe on Shrike Meadow.
13th
Rain.
Still 1 Snow Bunting on the causeway and the 2 Black Redstarts in the waterworks compound.
11th
Dull and misty to start with some weak sunshine later. Virtually no wind.
A Common Crane has been in the neighbourhood today. Seen flying from Eynsham to Cassington late afternoon and also reportedly seen heading NE from the reservoir. Still 1 Snow Bunting along the causeway. The 2 Black Restarts in the waterworks compound. The Red Breasted Merganser on F.2 still plus the Aythya Hybrid and 25+ Goldeneye.
10th
Dull, wet, misty & gloomy all day
Vile weather, but as is so often the case, good for birds. Early November is historically an excellent period at Farmoor with past records at this time including: Velvet Scoter, Eider, WHITE-HEADED DUCK, FRANKLIN'S GULL, Great Grey Shrike, Purple Sandpiper & Hawfinch, all occurring within the first two weeks of the month. This year again proves the point. The 2 Snow Buntings present all day, mostly along the causeway and giving excellent views. The 2 Black Redstarts still in the water works compound, generally favouring the northern section. The 'duo' theme was continued with local birder Wayne Bull finding 2 Slavonian Grebes on F.2. A Red-breasted Merganser in the middle of F.2. was another excellent local bird. 9 Oystercatchers flew through early morning. Also lots more Meadow Pipits in evidence with at least 60 around the reservoir perimeter.
Snow Bunting on the causeway, 10th November. The species is difficult to age and sex in winter, this looks like a female.....
9th
Mostly dull and rather murky.
Two Snow Buntings were on the causeway this evening, and had presumably been present most of the day. The 2 Black Redstarts still in the water works compound.
8th November
Dull and murky first thing, a bit brighter later. Wind NE 3
Two first winter Black Redstarts were first seen yesterday and happily both still present today. Typically for the species at Farmoor, they were frequenting the water works compound although could be elusive at times. However the fact that there were two birds made them easier to locate since they spent a good deal of the time chasing each other around.
A first winter Caspian Gull seen pretty well in the F.2. roost together with 2 Mediterranean Gulls (second winter & first winter). c 25 Meadow Pipits, the aythya hybrid in with the Tufted Ducks. A Little Egret and Peregrine also seen today.
Black Redstart, 8th November. One of two present and the first records at Farmoor for seven years.
2nd
Mainly sunny, a bit chilly.
There were 2 Mediterranean Gulls, (adult & first winter) in the roost this evening, plus a Little Egret over.
The last week or so has seen little of note. One or 2 Rock Pipits around a Common Sandpiper, the Aythya Hybrid and Tufted Duck numbers increasing slowly. A few small flocks of Redpolls and Skylarks passing through.
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OCTOBER 2009
25th
A few sunny spells and light showers. Wind SW 3-4
A different Caspian Gull in the roost tonight. As far as I know this one hasn't been seen at Didcot.... yet. Also the regular first winter Caspian Gull and an adult Mediterranean Gull.
Caspian Gull, F.1. October 25th. This bird never opened it's wings, but appears to be a third winter. I'm sure there will be better photographs of it eventually.....
19th
Cloudy with some drizzle, a bit brighter later. Wind SSE. 3
The Azorean Gull again in the F.1. roost this evening plus the first winter and 'near adult' Caspian Gulls. A single Common Sandpiper and Dunlin the only waders. The Aythya Hybrid has reappeared and also 2 Goldeneye and 8 Teal on Shrike Meadow. Little Grebes increasing with at least 7 today.
Azorean Gull, F.1 19th October. Arriving at 18.00 it gave rather better views today. This is currently the rarest bird in the country!
17th
Mainly rather cloudy with a light NW wind.
The 'near adult' Caspian Gull showed reasonably well in the roost on F.2. this evening, also an adult Mediterranean Gull on F.1. A Grey Plover flew through this morning plus a Ruddy Shelduck on F.1.
15th
Murky with some light drizzle
A flock of 19 Common Scoter spent the day on F.2. Last nights 'new' Caspian Gull was again in the roost on F.2. Having remarked yesterday that it would almost certainly been seen at Didcot it had actually already been found there mid afternoon by a visiting birder from Merseyside! (see pic below). An adult Mediterranean Gull roosted on F.1. Also today 5 Dunlin and a single Ringed Plover.
Nineteen Common Scoter, F 2. 15th October. Found by Dai John first thing this morning, he did well to get such a good photograph given that they remained pretty much out in the middle of F.2. throughout the day. They were all Female/juvenile types. (Photo © Dai John).
Caspian Gull, Didcot, 14th October. With a better view this bird appears to be in 4th winter or the rather unsatisfactory described 'near adult' plumage. (Photo © Pete Kinsella).
14th
Sunny and again quite warm after a misty start. Virtually no wind.
A new bird for the Farmoor list with the Azorean Gull finally picked out in the roost this evening. It was on F.1. but not found until 18.30.... when it was practically dark! Luckily the trusty camcorder recorded the moment. As can be
seen in the 'grab' below it looks a very bizarre bird at night, with the dense head markings making it look even more like a 'hooded' gull, in fact almost bringing to mind a Great Black-headed Gull! It is obviously roosting nightly and with any luck will eventually provide better views. The first winter Caspian Gull was present from 17.00 onwards, giving superb views around the closest of the remnants of the barley bales. As if all that wasn't enough a new Caspian Gull was seen, a third winter, unfortunately it was miles away, but again hopefully will give itself up either here, or at Didcot..... To round off a superb roost a first winter Mediterranean Gull was given just a cursory look, it would have received a bit more attention if there hadn't been so much else to look at.
Azorean Gull, F1 roost, 14th October. Yet another top drawer rarity to add to the Oxon list.
First winter Caspian Gull, F1 roost, 14th October. It's hard to imagine a more elegantly proportioned and handsomely plumaged gull than this.
Third winter Caspian Gull, F1 roost, 14th October. Another bird filmed at distance and virtually in the dark. The 'low light' setting on the camcorder comes into it's own in situations like this.
12th
Bright and still a bit of warmth in the sunshine. Wind: Variable 0-1
Little of note apart from 2 +Rock Pipits along the causeway and a few Skylarks going over.
Interestingly last Friday mornings Caspian Gull was located later in the day at Didcot by Ian Lewington. With the demise of Dix Pit, a good percentage of the Farmoor gulls are now heading directly to the Sutton Courtenay landfill site and surrounding area to spend the daytime. So the Azorean Gull is without doubt roosting at the reservoir. However many of the gulls arrive when it's virtually dark so the chances of adding it to the Farmoor list are pretty slim......
First winter Caspian Gull, Didcot, 9th October. (Photo © Ian Lewington)
11th
Drizzle then rain, brighter, later. Wind: NW3
Very much a typical Sunday roost, ie: not many birds but there was an adult Mediterranean Gull. Otherwise 3 Rock Pipits and a Common Sandpiper was about it.
10th
Sunny and quite warm at times. Wind: NW2
Virtually birdless during the day apart from 2 Rock Pipits. As usual the place starts to come to life at about 16.30. A massive roost and another Caspian Gull. A different, darker bird than yesterdays. It came in quite late but obliging perched on what's left of the barley bales. Also the peculiar second year Mediterranean Gull.
First winter Caspian Gull and second year Mediterranean Gull, F.1 roost, 10th October.
9th
Mostly cloudy. Wind NE1
At last... a Caspian Gull, seen well....... in daylight! rather than a mile away in the roost at dusk! A beautiful first winter was on the boat launch in front of the sailing club at 8.30 a.m. in company with a first winter Yellow-legged Gull and 3 Lesser-black-backed Gulls. It showed incredibly well, but briefly as it was accidently flushed by a Thames Water worker. Also this morning a Brent Goose on F.2. Plenty of Meadow Pipits along the causeway and still at least one Rock Pipit.
First winter Caspian Gull, F.2. 9th October. A textbook bird, happily preening and bathing at the waters edge. Unfortunately this thrilling encounter was cruelly cut short when Richard arrived in his van!
5th
Mostly cloudy with some drizzle. Wind: light, variable.
Late news from yesterday was of a Great White Egret seen briefly, however there was no sign of it today. Still the first winter Little Gull on F.2. a single Dunlin, 3+ Rock Pipits and 14 Siskins.
4th
Sunny, warmish. Wind: SW1-2
2 adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost. A Little Gull on F.2. this afternoon. 5 Rock Pipits on the causeway. 2 Little Egrets flew over. 2 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin.
1st
Cloudy first thing, then sunny periods, warm. Wind: NW1
Meadow Pipits have been arriving over the last few days with c 30 along the waterworks embankment. Also Skylarks passing over during the afternoon. An adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost was the days highlight.
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SEPTEMBER 2009
30th
Cloudy with some drizzle first thing, sunny and quite warm p.m. Wind: variable 0-1
Another day virtually devoid of any interesting birds... until dusk when a flock 27 Common Scoter arrived and completed several circuits of the reservoir before flying west.
24th
The 'Indian Summer' continues.....
A Black-necked Grebe on F.2 today and an adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
23rd
Cloudy, warmish. Wind: SW 0-1
The 2 juvenile Sanderling again and also 2 juvenile Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Dunlin.
There were loads of phylloscs again today but disappointingly they were all Chiffchaffs. Most were very vocal, giving an autumn call that seems quite distinct from the spring one. Mind you Chiffchaff calls and songs are notoriously variable, BWP has eight pages devoted to them!
22nd
Mostly cloudy with a few bright spells. Wind: SW4
The 2 Sanderling and 3 Common Sandpipers. A second winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost plus the first couple of Great Black-backed Gulls of the autumn.
21st
Sunny and warm. Wind: SW 0-1
The 2 juvenile Sanderling still along the western shore of F.2. Also 2 Common Sandpipers. 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult and 2ndw) in roost.
19th
Sunny and quite warm, some thin high cloud. Wind: 0
The 2 juvenile Sanderling still plus 2 Dunlin and 3 Common Sandpipers. A Peregrine was seen perched on the wave wall this afternoon. 1 Wheatear and a few Meadow Pipits and Skylarks passing over this morning.
Juvenile Sanderling, 19th September.
18th
Quite warm and sunny. Wind: variable 0-1
2 juvenile Sanderling, 5 Common Sandpiper and 2 Dunlin. An Osprey flew through around midday. 3 Mediterranean Gulls (Adult, 1st winter and 1st summer) in the roost plus c150 Common Gulls. 1 Wheatear on the causeway.
Mediterranean Gull, 18th September. An interesting bird that at first glimpse looks like a first winter. However it has replaced an inner terial on both sides as well as most of it's wing coverts so must be a retarded moulting first summer.
Juvenile Common Gull, 18th September. Two weeks ago there were no Common Gulls, they suddenly started to arrive with the NE winds which is usually the case. There are now lots, including many juveniles from further north as well as first winters and several adults.
14th
Mostly cloudy, warmish. Wind: still NE 2.
A magnificent juvenile male Caspian Gull roosted on F.2. this evening. Otherwise pretty dull, a single Turnstone, 2 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpiper. A Redstart again near Pinkhill.
Juvenile male Caspian Gull, F.2. roost, 14th September. It's a constant source of frustration that these fabulous birds are only ever on offer at Farmoor out in the middle of the reservoir at dusk. That one might perhaps eventually spend a morning loafing around on the barley bales is unfortunately the stuff of dreams. This is a real classic. A male on size, it's huge. Even in these, possibly the worst video-grabs ever posted on Farmoor Birding, all the juv' ID features are there: nice white head, dusky markings around the eye, dark centred scapulars, pale fringed median coverts and greater coverts, isolating nice solidly dark centres to the greater coverts, black tertials with white thumbnail tips. The flight shot is a dead ringer for plate 43, fig 1 page 313 "Gulls of Europe, Asia & North America. Olsen and Larsson!!
12th
Very warm and sunny. Wind: NE1
A typically confiding Little Stint on the causeway all day in company with a single Dunlin. Also 2 Redshank and 4 Common Sandpipers. A first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost together with the first significant arrival of Common Gulls with 8+ juveniles and several adults.
Juvenile Little Stint on the causeway, 12th September. One or two birds per autumn is the norm, but there have been significant influxes of this species with 13 in 1998 and 17 in 1993. However the extraordinary sight of 84 birds on 24th September 1996 is etched firmly in the memories all who witnessed this incredible event.
10th
Mostly sunny and quite warm.
The adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost. A male Redstart near Buckthorn Meadow. The juvenile Shelduck appeared again. 6 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Wheatears. Just 2 Common Sandpipers.
The juvenile Shelduck photographed last week.
9th
Chilly start, then warm and sunny. Wind: NE2
The adult Mediterranean Gull again this morning to at least 10am. 1 Greenshank, 2 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover and 5 Common Sandpipers. A Raven over. 1 Swift
8th
Mainly sunny and quite warm. Wind: SW2
An adult Mediterranean Gull on F.1 this morning. 2 Redstarts near Buckthorn Meadow. The Greenshank still plus 1 Ringed Plover and 3 Common Sandpipers.
7th
Cloudy, some sunshine later. Wind SSW 2
Not surprisingly there was no sign of the Manx Shearwater today. The juvenile Arctic Tern still. 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank and 5 Common Sandpipers. 6 Yellow Wagtails
Reed Warbler, Pinkhill, 6th September.
6th
Sunny spells. Wind: SW2-3
A Manx Shearwater was on F.1 today. It was first seen at around 8am but only reported at lunchtime. It was keeping pretty much to the centre of the reservoir so the views were not great and it was hardly surprising that it had been overlooked earlier. Unlike some inland birds this one looked fairly perky and it was no great surprise when it flew high west at 15.20. However it returned about an hour later and settled back on F.1. By this stage the roost was developing but the gulls seemed more curious than hostile and the Shearwater was allowed to settle into a large group of Black-headed Gulls and was still present at dusk in the SE corner of F.1.
The juvenile Arctic Tern on F.2. all day. A single Ringed Plover and 5 Common Sandpipers. Lots of warblers in the bushes including 6 Reed Warblers near Pinkhill and c30 Chiffchaffs around the whole reservoir. A Spotted Flycatcher in the scrub near the NE corner of F.1. and a single Wheatear.
Manx Shearwater, F.1. 6th September. The eighth at Farmoor since 1971, but almost as many have been found in the county in such unlikely locations as back gardens and on the downs. They can live to a great age, a five year old adult was ringed on Bardsey Island, North Wales in 1957 and was re-trapped there in 2008 making it an incredible 56 years old.
5th
Mainly sunny. Wind: SW3
The juvenile Arctic Tern still all day plus a 1st summer Common Tern. The first winter Mediterranean Gull again this morning and in the F.1. roost. 2 Whinchats and a single Wheatear. 6 Common Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin and a single Ringed Plover. 2 Ravens flew over this morning. Just 4 Yellow Wagtails
4th
Mostly sunny, rather chilly first thing. Wind WNW4
A first winter Kittiwake flew through F.1. this afternoon. There were 3 juvenile Arctic Terns, yesterdays bird being joined by two others for a short while late p.m. A first winter Mediterranean Gull on F.1. first thing, returning to the roost this evening. Just 2 Common Gulls roosted: adult and juvenile. A late Swift and 8 Common Sandpipers.
Juvenile Arctic Tern. This bird regularly alighted in the middle of the causeway throughout the day and was very approachable.
3rd
Mainly bright and sunny. Wind WSW 5-6
The AMERICAN BLACK TERN, White-winged Black Tern and Black Tern spending most of the day feeding over F.2. As the gull roost built up the ABT was once again singled out and harried relentlessly by Black-headed Gulls and Lesser Black Backed Gulls. At precisely 19.50, after repeated attacks, all the terns began calling loudly and spiralled high into the sky, setting a course to the SE, they climbed higher and higher and were eventually lost to view.
Also today keeping company with the above was a very smart juvenile Arctic Tern. 2 juvenile Common Terns also this evening. An Osprey flew SW at 15.50. Vast numbers of hirundines first thing with c2000 birds covering both reservoirs, attracting 2 Hobbies. An adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost. 8 Common Sandpipers and 2 Dunlin. 10 Yellow Wagtails.
Another picture of the AMERICAN BLACK TERN. Taken in dull rainy weather on Monday. in fact this is not a great photograph but this dull flat light accentuates some of the main diagnostic features: the dusky underwing coverts, greyish flank smudging and the pale greyish crown and well defined blackish 'headphones'.
2nd
Mainly overcast with a few brighter spells, rain late pm. Wind SSE 2-3.
The AMERICAN BLACK TERN, White-winged Black Tern and Black Tern again present all day. The 1st summer Caspian Gull and adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost. 54 Arctic Terns passed quickly through mid afternoon, an amazing autumn count for a species that is generally restricted to just the odd juvenile at this time of year. 12 Common Sandpipers and 2 Dunlin the only waders of note. A huge passage of hirundines during the day with c800 Swallows, c200 House Martins and just a handful of Sand Martins. 2 late Swifts, Hobby and Peregrine and a juvenile Shelduck.
Watching the AMERICAN BLACK TERN, 29th August. (photo © Barry Hudson). With the 'ABT' available throughout the Bank Holiday weekend and the added attraction of a juvenile White-winged Black Tern, this was a '2 for the price of 1' offer never likely to be repeated. Birders took full advantage and consequently this turned into the biggest twitch in the reservoirs history with at least 1000 visitors making the pilgrimage.
1st
Bright sunshine some thundery showers. Wind: SW3
Juvenile AMERICAN BLACK TERN, Farmoor 2, 1st September.
Juvenile White-winged Black Tern, Farmoor 2, 1st September.
The juvenile AMERICAN BLACK TERN still present all day. It is keeping company with the juvenile White-winged Black Tern and a juvenile Black Tern. The birds are showing continuously and alternating between the 2 reservoirs, generally favouring F.2. in the mornings before moving to F.1. later in the day and presumably roosting on the barely bales. The AMERICAN BLACK TERN was a splendid find by Ian Lewington late on Friday evening. A very subtle bird that could easily have been overlooked. Happily it's prolonged stay has enabled many birders to witness this unique trio of marsh terns and enjoy yet another American vagrant at Farmoor. In fact this is the rarest bird ever to be recorded at the reservoir and is only the fifth to be seen in the UK. Currently it is regarded as the New World form of Black Tern (Chlidonias niger surinamensis) although it is a likely candidate to be awarded full specific species status. Interestingly it is regularly singled out and harassed by Black-headed Gulls.
The White-winged Black Tern was found by Dai John and is an absolutely classic bird, very distinctive and beautifully marked and is the tenth individual to be recorded at Farmoor, following hot on the heels of the second summer bird of July 2007.
Also today a first summer Caspian Gull and 3 Mediterranean Gulls (2 ads, 1 1st w) in the roost.
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