31st
2 Little Gulls in the roost and the Shag still present. There were 3 White-fronted Geese in fields adjacent to the Thames below F.2. this morning and 6 Goosander on F.1. late p.m.
23rd
The fog finally lifted today. A first winter Shag on F.2. (probably the bird from earlier in the month.) A Common Sandpiper on the causeway. A Bewick's Swan flew over. The Aythya Hybrid still and 7 Goosander in the evening.
18th
The first winter Caspian Gull again in the roost. 4 Common Scoter and 5 Shelduck also on F.2. today.
17th
The first winter Caspian Gull was on F.1. from 3.15. and moved to F.2. to roost. 12 Goosander also arrived late p.m., the Aythya Hybrid still and a single Dunlin.
Image:
First winter Caspian Gull, 17th December.
16th
The long-staying 1st winter Caspian Gull from neighbouring Dix Pit was finally located in the roost this evening. A flock of 25 Dunlin flew over together with 15 Golden Plover these waders perhaps disturbed from Port Meadow. Also 6 Goosander, the Aythya Hybrid, 2 Blackcaps and 2 Stonechats.
Image:
1st winter Caspian Gull at Dix Pit (15th November). Present at Dix since early November it presumably roosts regularly at the reservoir.
13th
A Black-necked Grebe was a new arrival today along the western bank of F.1. Otherwise very quiet.
Image:
Black-necked Grebe, 13th December.
12th
A 1st winter Shag today, first seen on the pontoon outside the log room, and also spent some time roosting on the limb towers on F.2. Also 2 Goosander, the Aythya Hybrid c30 Goldeneye a single Dunlin and adult Mediterranean Gull.
Image:
1st winter Shag, 12th December.
7th
With more strong winds overnight 2 more Leach’s Petrels arrived today. The first was virtually a carbon copy of yesterday with the bird being found at around 8a.m.on F.2. It was in flight for most of the time and again was continually pestered by Black-headed Gulls. It eventually moved over to F.1. and tried to rest on the water. Unfortunately it also was predated by a Carrion Crow at 10.55. The second bird was found, again on F.2. close to the eastern shore around mid afternoon, but seen only briefly and it’s fate unknown. A third bird was at nearby Dix Pit and was surviving there until mid afternoon at least.
Image:
Leach's Petrel, 7th December.
Image:
At least 2 of the three birds have been adults. This is a detail of the wing of yesterdays bird and illustrates that the primary moult is well underway: the outer feathers worn and faded contrasted with the fresh inner feathers with p5 growing.
6th
A Leach’s Petrel on F.2 at first light this morning was almost expected given the large numbers of this species driven into the Severn estuary and south coast by the gale force winds. The bird looked reasonably healthy given what must have been a fairly traumatic journey. It was however constantly harried by Black-headed Gulls and unfortunately spotted by a Carrion Crow which eventually struck it several times in flight, finally knocking it into the water. Grasping the bird by the wing it flew to the bank and at this point the petrel was rescued but unfortunately died within a few minutes.
Image:
Image:
Leach's Petrel 6th December 2006.
3rd
The only birds of note today were the adult Caspian Gull together with 5 adult Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost.
2nd
The adult Caspian Gull was again in the roost this evening together with an adult Mediterranean Gull. 1 Goosander, 20+ Goldeneye, 12 Wigeon and the Aythya hybrid still present. A Peregrine also seen this morning.
Image:
Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost.
25th
A Brent Goose on F.2. this morning only. An adult Caspian Gull roosted on F.1. ( this bird was present in sheep fields at Stanton Harcourt during the morning). A Peregrine flew through and c60 Golden Plover over.
Image:
Adult Caspian Gull in roost.
23rd
A general lack of daylight.....and birds this month, but the following were seen today:
1 Goosander, 23 Goldeneye, 1+ Yellow-legged Gull, 19 Lapwing, 1 Marsh Tit, 2 Blackcaps, 5 Yellowhammer, 1 Barn Owl.
11th-12th
A very confiding Purple Sandpiper on the causeway this weekend. Also A Green Sandpiper on Pinkhill and a Common Sandpiper, single Redshank & Dunlin on the reservoir. Goldeneye up to 25 and the escaped Ruddy Shelduck still around. Still a pair of Stonechats and a few Meadow Pipits but the Water Pipit has not been seen this month. In the gull roost there was an adult Caspian Gull and second winter Mediterranean Gull as well as a couple of Black-headed Gulls in full summer plumage!
Image:
Purple Sandpiper on the causeway, 12th November.
22nd-29th
A few more Goldeneye arriving with 5+ by Sunday evening and the Aythya Hybrid also still on F.1. Quite good numbers of Meadow Pipits and a Wheatear present for the last four days along the western bank of F.2. Still 2 Stonechats around and a single Redpoll. A Peregrine was seen on Saturday. A first winter Mediterranean Gull was in the roost on two evenings being joined by a second winter on Friday.
Image:
Wheatear & Stonechat, 28th October.
Image:
Reed Bunting, (photo: Dave John). & Grey Wagtail, (photo: David Hastings).
21st
Moderate SSW wind, sunny periods and some heavy showers.
The Aythya hybrid still on F.1. The Water Pipit and a single Rock Pipit on the causeway. 3 Stonechats, a pair around the overgrown meadow north of Pinkhill and another along the fence bordering Shrike Meadow. A Raven over and a first winter Mediterranean Gull roosted along with a very interesting Lesser Black-backed Gull. See below:
Image:
This very eye-catching Lesser Black-backed Gull was in the roost this evening. A combination of features point towards the possibility of it being of the nominate form: L.f.fuscus: ‘Baltic Gull’. This form is generally regarded as not safely identifiable in the field and is certainly not being claimed here, but this gull was very interesting. A very striking bird, it stood out from the crowd being small and slender alongside the Lesser-Black-backed Gulls and very attenuated with an obviously long primary projection. The upperparts were very dark with little contrast apparent between the mantle and folded primaries, also very evident in the open wing. It was somewhat small headed and quite long billed, but most interestingly very white-headed. It was certainly a very different looking gull compared to all the intermedius/graellsii present.
18th
Grey & misty then sunshine by afternoon.
A Water Pipit on the causeway is perhaps a regularly returning bird. Also a single Rock Pipit and c30+ Meadow Pipits. 3 female Goldeneye on F.1.
16th
Lots of sunshine and quite warm.
A Jack Snipe on Shrike Meadow today. First seen from the hide along the top of the F.2. with slightly better views from the tarmac track to Lower Whitley Farm. It was characteristically 'bouncing' along the far shoreline and gave quite good views for such a secretive species. Otherwise very quiet. c10 Meadow Pipits and c30 Golden Plover flew over. A Water Rail on Pinkhill and 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost.
Image:
Jack Snipe, Shrike Meadow, 16th October.
14th
Fog eventually clearing to sunshine by afternoon.
Still 2 Rock Pipits on the causeway and 2 Yellow Wagtails. 3 Stonechats around Pinkhill/Shrike Meadow. A Raven over F.1. late afternoon and 2 Dunlin. 4 Mediterranean Gulls in the roost, three adults and a first winter.
Image:
First winter Mediterranean Gull, 14th October.
13th
Mist first thing soon clearing to warm sunshine.
The Aythya Hybrid still with the Tufted Ducks. 4 Rock Pipits on the causeway and the adult Mediterranean Gull again in the roost.
Image:
Rock Pipit, 13th October 2006.
12th
A light SW wind and sunshine for much of the day.
An Aythya Hybrid, probably TuftedxScaup was on F.1. with the Tufted Duck flock this evening. Also 5 Rock Pipits on the causeway and a single Yellow Wagtail. First winter and adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost.
Image:
Aythya hybrid, 12th October.
7th
Lots of sunshine, moderate W wind, cool.
The Arctic Tern was still present today and gave better views. It is clearly not a juvenile but perhaps an adult begining to moult to winter plumage, or perhaps a first/second year. At any rate a very interesting and unfamiliar plumaged bird. The Little Stint and 5 Dunlin again on the casuseway, with a single Common Sandpiper along the north bank of F.1. A good passage of hirundines early morning with c200 birds, mainly House Martins with just one or two Swallows, they moved through very quickly and had all departed by mid morning. A male Merlin briefly chasing the hirundines. Small groups of Skylarks moving through with a few Meadow Pipits also. A slight increase in Common Gulls in the roost along with the regular adult Mediterranean Gull.
Image:
Image:
Arctic Tern, 7th October.
6th
A fresh W wind and plenty of rain.
The Little Stint still with 5 Dunlin. A juvenile Arctic Tern this evening. c50 House Martins and 5 Swallows. Yellow-legged Gull and Shelduck still around.
5th
Fresh W wind and rain for most of the day.
The juvenile Little Stint and 4 Dunlin still on the causeway. A female Ruddy Duck on F.2. in company with what appeared to be a male Peruvian Ruddy Duck (O.j.ferruginea) !! c 50 House Martins and a single Swallow. c10 Meadow Pipits and an adult Mediterranean Gull was in the roost.
Image:
Male Peruvian Ruddy Duck & female Ruddy Duck, 5th October.
4th
Light W wind, plenty of sunshine but cooler.
A juvenile Little Stint was on the causeway together with 2 Dunlin the long staying Turnstone and a single Common Sandpiper. A Rock Pipit around the boat launch & a few Meadow Pipits & Skylarks passing over together with a couple of late Swallows. The Shelduck and first winter Yellow Legged Gull still in residence.
Image:
Juvenile Little Stint, 4th October.
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24th
Heavy rain first thing then cloudy with some sunshine. Light SE wind.
3 Sandwich Terns passed through this morning, also 3 Common Terns and 2 Black Terns on F.2. early evening. 2 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpipers and the Turnstone on the causeway still. Two Mediterranean Gulls in the roost: adult & second winter.
Image:
First winter Common Gull, 24th September.
22nd
Bright start, then rain for much of the day, clearing to sunshine again by evening.
The 2 Common Scoter remain on F.1. also the Shelduck. The Pintail still on Pinkhill along with 12 Teal. The juvenile Turnstone & 5 Common Sandpipers again the only waders noted. c150 House Martins arrived in the rain but had all moved on by evening. 1 Black Tern on F.2 in the afternoon. 2 Ravens flew over F.1 and over Farmoor village late morning. Still a single Yellow Wagtail and a few Meadow Pipits around the 'bus shelter'. The 2 Yellow-legged Gulls & the second winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
Image:
Meadow Pipit, 22nd September.
21st
Very warm with lots of sunshine. A fresh SE wind.
The 2 Common Scoter still on F.1. all day. Also the Scaup and Shelduck. 14 Teal on Pinkhill. The Turnstone and 5 Common Sandpipers the only waders. A single Yellow Wagtail and a few Meadow Pipits. An adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
Image:
The drake Scaup with Tufted Ducks, 21st September.
20th
Cloudy with a few birghter spells later. Fresh S wind. Still quite warm in the p.m.
The 2 Common Scoter still on F.1. this morning. Also the Scaup, the Pintail & the Shelduck. 5 Common Sandpipers, 1 Turnstone and a Curlew over. A mixed hirundine flock of c200 birds, mostly House Martins with a few Swallows. A single Yellow Wagtail and 5+ Meadow Pipits. A second winter Little Gull on F.1. mid p.m. and the usual 1st winter and adult Yellow-legged Gull. The second winter Mediterranean Gull was in the F.2. roost.
Image:
Common Scoter, 20th September.
19th
Sunny spells, moderate SW wind, warmish.
2 Common Scoter spent the day on F.1. The Scaup & Shelduck also still there. A Turnstone on the causeway, 3 Common Sandpipers plus fly-over Greenshank & Curlew in the evening. A Wheatear and c10 Meadow Pipits passed through in the morning. The Great Black-backed Gull still and 2 Mediterranean Gulls in the roost: the moulting juvenile & second winter.
Image:
Common Scoter, 19th September.
18th
Cloudy with some sunshine at times, light S breeze in evening.
The Scaup and Pintail, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Hobbies, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and 4 Mediterranean Gulls (2 1st winter, 1 second winter & adult) in roost.
Image:
Turnstone & Herring Gull, 17th September. (photos: Ian Lewington).
17th
Lots of warm sunshine, with a light W breeze in evening.
There were 4 Black Terns today also an adult Great Black-backed Gull, only the second to be seen this autumn and the adult Yellow-legged Gull also present. The Scaup remains as does the Pintail and Shelduck. Star waders were 2 Grey Plover that made a couple of circuits of F.1. at 18.30. also a fly over Green Sandpiper. A Turnstone and a Dunlin also seen today. There was an adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
Image:
Adult Great Black-backed Gull, 17th September.
16th
Overcast and muggy with a light NE breeze.
There were a few waders today: 3 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpiper and a Ruff arrived towards dusk but didn't appear to linger. 4 Wigeon on Shrike Meadow with the Pintail next door on Pinkhill and the Scaup still frequenting F.1. along with the Shelduck. The 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still, the adult on it's favourite No.7 bouy on F1 and the first winter in front of the sailing club. The moulting juvenile Mediterranean Gull was again in the F.1. roost.
Image:
Juvenile Willow Warbler.
15th
Moderate N wind, warm and sunny p.m.
Just 2 Black Terns flew through this morning, also 3 Common Terns, 5 Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpipers. The regular 2 Yellow-legged Gulls plus another 2 first winters. The Pintail still on Pinkhill. In the roost the moulting juvenile Mediterranean Gull again.
Image:
First winter Yellow-legged Gulls. The regular bird is on the left and is less well advanced in it's moult, probably because it appears to be unwell. (Right hand bird photographed by Ian Lewington).
14th
Heavy rain in the morning, then a cloudy p.m. but quite warm.
The impressive Black Tern passage continued today. Again numbers built steadily with a total of 61 by early evening. Also 64 Common Terns arrived in the heavy rain, just before noon. Most left quite quickly but a few remained through the afternoon when there was also a juvenile Arctic Tern. Also today 4 Shelduck, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Dunlin and c300 Swallows early morning. The moulting juvenile and first winter Mediterranean Gulls again in the roost.
Image:
One of the many Common Terns that arrived in the heavy rain this morning. This is perhaps a first summer bird, but could be an adult that has already moulted into winter type plumage.
Image:
......and more Black Terns. A lot of todays birds were juveniles.
13th
Warm & humid at times, with some light rain by evening.
A juvenile Black Tern all day and 2 Common Terns briefly late afternoon. The rather sickly juv/1stw Yellow-legged Gull remains around the boat launch area. Another 2 juvenile Shelduck with the resident bird. There were 12 Redshank reported and 3 Common Sandpipers. 3 Mediterranean Gulls in the roost, a late moulting juvenile, a first winter & and an adult.
Image:
Juvenile/first winter Yellow-legged Gull.
12th
Very warm and calm with some high cloud and sunshine. A few light showers late afternoon.
Still 9 Black Terns present all day, feeding over the eastern end of F.1. eight of them circled up very high and flew south at 19.35. Also 3 Common Terns, an adult in the early morning and 2 juveniles briefly late p.m. An eclipse drake Pintail on Pinkhill, with a Little Egret there and 9 Teal. The Scaup and Shelduck still around but the only waders were 2 Common Sandpipers. A first winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
Image:
Eclipse drake Pintail & Little Egret, Pinkhill, 12th September.
11th
Sunny & Hot. fresh S wind with increasing cloud and rain by evening.
A good passage of Black Terns today. There was just a single juvenile first thing, then small groups began arriving through the morning with a maximum of 56 by late afternoon, most were adults. Also a single second winter Little Gull. 2 Green Sandpipers on Pinkhill with a Little Egret also there and a Hobby hawking dragonflies late afternoon. The Scaup & Shelduck still plus 3 Common Sandpipers and a Dunlin.
Image:
Black Terns, 11th September.
10th
Early mist then very warm and sunny.
The Scaup present briefly before being flushed by sailing boats. A first winter Little Gull was also seen only for a short period after the fog cleared. 2 yellow-legged Gulls (adult & first winter). A juvenile Black Tern fed over both reservoirs throughout the day. 2 Common Sandpipers and 1 Dunlin. c10 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Mediterranean Gulls, second winter & adult in the roost.
9th
Moderate E wind, warm sunshine.
Quite a good day by recent standards. 2 Sandwich Terns passed through early morning, with another 2 around lunchtime. 4 Black Terns (3juvs & 1 adult) present all day. A Knot first thing and 3 Dunlin. The Scaup still on F.1 with the Tufted Duck flock. The juvenile Shelduck on F.2. and an adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
8th
Warm and sunny, light ENE wind.
A Garganey on Pinkhill and Little Egret on Shrike Meadow this morning. The Scaup still present on F.1. A couple of Common Sandpipers the only waders noted. 28 Yellow Wagtails, 13 Teal and the juvenile Shelduck still.
6th
Long sunny periods, light W wind,. Warm.
The Scaup still on F.1. 15 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Dunlin, 7 Common Sandpipers, juvenile Shelduck and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.
4th
Cloudy, with sunny periods later, warm.
15 Yellow Wagtails in the morning. 1 Dunlin on the causeway and 2 more flew through mid evening with 8 Ringed Plovers, 6 Common Sandpipers on F.1. 2 Hobbies and a adult Mediterranean Gull again in the roost.
3rd
Strong W wind, cloud clearing to long sunny spells and quite warm.
An eclipse drake Scaup present today in amongst the Tufted Ducks on F.1. An adult and two juvenile Ringed Plover, with one of the juveniles picked up on the causeway late morning. It was dazed and had perhaps been blown into the wave wall by the strong winds and was taken into care. Other waders were 7 Common Sandpipers and 2 Dunlin. Also today a Merlin, 2 Swifts, c200 Swallows and c500 Sand Martins and 10+ Yellow Wagtails. There were 2 Mediterranean Gulls in the roost: Adult and first winter.
Image:
Eclipse drake Scaup, 3rd September.
2nd
Strong SW wind, rain early a.m.
An Osprey flew south late morning. A Whinchat, c20 Yellow Wagtails and a late Swift. The juvenile Shelduck still plus good numbers of hirundines feeding low over both reservoirs in the strong wind. Waders thin on the ground with just 2 Common Sandpipers and 2 Dunlin. An adult Mediterranean Gull was in the roost.
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23rd
Cloudy with heavy rain in the afternoon.
An adult Black Tern on F.2. this evening. 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Greenshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Common Sandpipers. There were 12 late Swifts this morning and a Spotted Flycatcher was in the 'Picnic' copse on the south side of F.2. An adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost plus at least 25 Yellow-legged Gulls.
Image:
Spotted Flycatcher, 23rd August. (photo: Dave John).
Image:
Juvenile Herring Gull (left) and juvenile/1stw Yellow-legged Gull, 23rd August.
22nd
Plenty of sunshine and quite warm.
9 Black-tailed Godwits flew through this morning. 3 Common Sandpipers the only other waders today. Good numbers of warblers in the bushes around the countryside walk with plenty of Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers also 5+ Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, and 2 Reed Warblers. 6 Yellow Wagtails on the causeway early am and a Little Egret flew over. c150 Sand Martins with a few House Martins. A juvenile/1st winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
Image:
Juvenile House Martin & juvenile Willow Warbler. 22nd August.
21st
Cloudy and cool, sunny spells later, light S.W.wind.
Very quiet. Both Pinkhill and Shrike Meadow are full of water and are therefore not attracting any passage waders. Just 4 Common Sandpipers on the reservoir and the Shelduck remaining. The highlight of the day was a 'flock' of Mediterranean Gulls in the roost with three birds (2 adults and a second winter) together on F.2.
20th
Mainly cloudy, showery & cool, a few sunny periods. Light SW wind.
4 Sanderling, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpipers, 1 Greenshank, c300 Sand Martins. 1 juvenile Shelduck. Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost.
19th
Sunshine early am then increasing cloud and heavy showers by evening. Light S.W wind.
c400 Sand Martins, 1 Sanderling, 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Wheatear, 1 juvenile Shelduck. Several small groups of Chiifchaffs & Willow Warblers around the reservoir perimeter. Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost together with just 2 Common Gulls and 25+ Yellow-legged Gulls.
Image:
Wheatear, August 19th.
17th
Cloudy with thundery showers, warmer with sunshine by evening.
3 Turnstones, 4 Common Sandpipers, 20+ Common Terns, 1 Little Egret flew over. 10 late Swifts and few hirundines. A second summer Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
Image:
The 'resident' Yellow-legged Gull, now in active wing moult.
14th
Cloudy and cool with light NNW. Sunny spells and calm in evening.
1 juvenile Black Tern, 1 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1 Greenshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Peregrine. c30 Yellow-legged Gulls in roost.
Image:
Sanderling, 14th August.
13th
Cloudy & Cool with showers and moderate NNW wind.
Large numbers of hirundines today with c150 House Martins, c100 Swallows and c200 Sand Martins. A juvenile Shelduck and 4 Teal on Pinkhill. A Grey Plover flew through in the evening together with 3 Turnstone. A juvenile/first winter Mediterranean Gull was in the roost.
Image:
Juvenile Swallow, 13th August.
10th
Mainly cloudy, cool.
An adult Mediterranean Gull early am and again in the roost. 3 juvenile Common Gulls, a single Redshank, 3 Common Sandpipers and a single Dunlin. 2 late Swifts and c60 House Martins.
Image:
Adult Mediterranean Gull, 10th August. A rather petite and obviously small-billed bird, almost certainly a female.
9th
Sunny periods, moderate NW wind.
A Whinchat along the western side of F.2. this evening. 3+ Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin. c20 Common Terns and an adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost.
8th
Warm and sunny, light SW wind.
3 Shelduck, all juveniles, 2 Sanderling, 1 Oystercatcher,1 Ringed Plover, 5+ Dunlin, 3+ Commnon Sandpiper, 1 Hobby, C30 Common Terns and 1 juvenile Mediterranean Gull.
6th
Hot and humid.
There were 2 Wheatears along the west bank of F.1 this evening. Also 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 2 Greenshank flew over. In the roost there were 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 juveniles and a juvenile moulting to first winter.
Image:
Wheatear, 6th August. (photo: David Hastings).
5th
Warm & mainly cloudy with some brighter spells later.
An adult Caspian Gull was a surprise in the gull roost this evening, and still many Yellow-legged Gulls plus juvenile and second winter Mediterranean Gulls. 3 Greenshank flew over in the evening and a Green Sandpiper also made a brief visit. 2 adult Dunlin and 6 Common Sandpipers completed the days waders.
Image:
Adult Caspian Gull with detail of primary pattern (videograb). The first August record of this gull, normally seen from about mid October to late April.
4th
Warm and sunny with light NNE wind.
2 Greenshank, 4 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 2 Dunlin and 5 Common Sandpipers. Fewer Common Terns today. 2 Mediterranean Gulls in the roost: a second summer moulting to 3rd winter and a juvenile.
A Day Count was carried out yesterday by TW. The full species list can be accessed from the main menu.
Image:
Curlew, 4th August 2006.
3rd
Cloudy with fresh NW wind, clearing to warm sunny pm.
There were 2 adult Arctic Terns present all day, part of a rather surprising influx of the species into the midlands & south east. Still up to 40 Common Terns. A Knot flew through early morning, also 2 Sanderling, 1 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatcher and a Little Egret on Shrike Meadow briefly.
Image:
Adult Arctic Tern, 3rd August.
2nd
Cloudy with some sunny spells and a light SW wind.
Two or three feeding parties of Common Terns around the reservoir with a total of at least 45 birds counted early morning. 2 Sanderling and a single Turnstone and 3+ Common Sandpiper. A few Sand Martins and Swifts passing through. 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls in the roost.
Image:
Common Gull on the causeway, 2nd August.
1st
Cloudy with sunny spells with light SW wind.
6 Turnstones and 3 Sanderling this evening with a single Dunlin and 6 Common Sandpipers. Juvenile Mediterranean Gull again in roost with 3 juvenile Common Gulls.
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31st
Sunny a.m. with showers later and a fresh SW wind.
The Wood Sandpiper still present on Shrike Meadow at least in the morning, although not seen later in the day. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was on the new pontoon on F.2. A flock of 11 Black-tailed Godwits flew south at 20.15. 5 Common Sandpipers and c30 Common Terns.
Image:
Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 31st July. One or two juv Meds' have been roosting each evening this month with the birds often loitering into the early morning, usually on the western wave wall of F.1. or causeway.
30th
Warm & sunny with a moderate SW wind.
Highlight today was a juvenile Wood Sandpiper on Shrike Meadow. The bird was often very elusive and obscured for long periods in the grassy margins, but showed quite well at times. A single Common Sandpiper kept it company with another 5 on the reservoir. Also a single Turnstone. Fewer Common Terns noted today with c20 counted. In the roost there were 4 Mediterranean Gulls: Adult, first summer & 2 juveniles.
Image:
Juvenile Wood Sandpiper, Shrike Meadow, 30th July.
29th
Warm & Sunny early am with increasing cloud and light sw wind.
48 Common Terns with many juveniles. 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Dunlin The juvenile Shelduck still on F.1.
2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls in roost.
Image:
Juvenile Common Tern & juvenile Shelduck, 29th July.
27th
Very warm & humid.
The 2 Common Scoter still on F.2. 2 Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Turnstone, 30 Common Terns and the juvenile Mediterranean Gull again in the roost. There was also a Clouded Yellow butterfly along the west bank of F.1 this morning.
Image:
Common Scoters and Clouded Yellow, 27th July.
26th
Hot & humid with increasing cloud cover.
10 adult Black Terns were present briefly this morning before flying off west at about 07.30. The 2 Commnon Scoters still on F.2. A single juvenile Shelduck. 2 Whimbrel flew through at dusk and other waders today were: 8 Common Sandpiper, 1 Turnstone and an Oystercatcher. Still c15 juvenile Common Terns.
ROOST:
There were 3 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls. At least 45+ adult Yellow-legged Gulls. There are sub-adult birds also present but no attempt made to indentify and count them in the available time.
Image:
Adult Black Terns, 26th July.
25th
Very Hot & sunny, with a light southery breeze in evening.
A pair of Common Scoter present all day on F.2. The juvenile Mediterranean Gull still early morning on the western wave wall of F.1. with 2 birds in the roost this evening. 2 Dunlin on the causeway and 3 Oystercatchers flew over. There are two family parties of Tufted Ducks with groups of three and five ducklings. The juvenile Common Terns are increasing with 16 counted today. At least two groups of young Green Woodpeckers are feeding around the reservoir perimeter.
Image:
Juvenile female Green Woodpecker, 25th July.
24th
Hot & Sunny.
Cetti's Warblers have sucessfully bred on the Pinkhill Reserve this year with a family party observed today, including two juveniles. Also a Black tailed Godwit there in the morning. Still up to 8 juvenile Common Terns around the reservoir and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull again in the roost.
Image:
Cetti's Warblers, Pinkhill, 24th July. (videograb, Ian Lewington).
22nd
The most exciting aspect of the day was the almost tropical like storm that hit the reservoir in the early afternoon. Thunder, lightening, strong winds and torrential rain. It forced large numbers of gulls down onto the causeway and F2. (many had been previously hawking the massive hatch of flying ants above the surrounding countryside). In amongst them a moulting adult Mediterranean Gull which spent the remainder of the day in the vicinity of F1 and fields beside the Thames.
Otherwise 25 Common Terns, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper and a single Oystercatcher
Image:
The storm passing over F1 & Wytham Woods, 22nd July.
21st
Hot & humid.
3 Whimbrel rested briefly on the causeway this evening. Also today: 9 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 Oystercatcher and a Turnstone.
ROOST
The juvenile and adult Mediteranean Gull again, and Yellow-legged Gulls much in evidence but not counted.
20th
Hot & sunny, light S.W. breeze.
A single Turnstone, 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank on F1 and a Greenshank flew over in the evening. c20 Common Terns The female Wigeon still in residence.
ROOST: 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & juvenile), just 3 Common Gulls and 40+ Yellow-legged Gulls.
Image:
Female Wigeon, 20th July.
18th
VERY hot & sunny.
2 Mediterranean Gulls today, the juvenile still present on the causeway plus an adult in summer plumage in the roost, along with at least 40 Yellow-legged Gulls.
2 Black-tailed Godwits, an Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank and 2 Common Sandpiper. c30+ Common Terns early morning with at least half being juveniles.
Image:
Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 18th July.
17th
Very hot & sunny.
A juvenile Common Gull was on the causeway this evening with a further 20 in the roost plus the first juvenile Mediterranean Gull of the year, c40 Yellow-legged Gulls and 15 Common Terns. A Black-tailed Godwit early am plus adult Little Ringed Plover and 3 Common Sandpipers
Image:
Juvenile Common Gull, 17th July.
Image:
Black-tailed Godwit, 17th July.
16th
Very hot & sunny.
Up to 35 Yellow-legged Gulls roosted this evening, with c100 Common Gulls (a very high count for mid July). Three Oystercatchers on Shrike Meadow with a Little Egret flying over. 3 Common Sandpipers on F.1 together with a juvenile Ringed Plover and a fly over Curlew. A single Yellow-legged Gull during the a.m. on F.1.
Image:
Yellow-legged Gull, 16th July.
13th
Warm & sunny with freshening E. wind.
Yellow-legged Gulls are appearing on cue with three birds present late afternoon and at least 10 in the roost, along with c1500 Black-headed Gulls. A Little Egret on the Pinkhill Reserve this afternoon. Still 5 Common Sandpipers along with an Oystercatcher and single Dunlin and Greenshank.
12th
Warm and sunny.
5 Common Sandpipers, and a single Dunlin and Redshank. 12+ Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost plus one 1st summer Common Gull
11th
Warm & sunny.
An obvious passage of Common Sandpipers over the last week, with 8 present today. Also a single Redshank. 4 juvenile Common Terns are most likely local birds, perhaps from Yarnton/Cassington GP's. A female Wigeon still on F.1. Black-headed Gulls are increasing with many young birds and a sizeable gull roost begining to develop.
Image:
Juvenile Common Tern, 11th July.
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