Saturday 4th October: Godwits still
This morning, quite chilly still though no sign of the forecast rain so far.
There were quite a few birders down by Burgess Field gate this morning. We were entertained by the continuing presence of 30+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, many of which were feeding right by the ditch surrounding Burgess Field NR. The RUFF were still around with at least 4 birds spotted though as they were rather mobile and widely dispersed it wasn't easy to keep track of exact numbers. A few GOLDEN PLOVER were seen by one birder as he arrived and a lone bird was flying around and calling. Several SNIPE were dotted around Burgess Reach. A GREY WAGTAIL flew into the ditch area. A couple of buzzards were seen over Wytham wood in the distance and a kestrel flew over a couple of times. An unidentified wader flew over which gave us something to puzzle over.
Vis. mig: a few swallows and house martins around this morning and a couple of meadow pipits flying over.
Off-county news: the ferruginous duck is back at the Calvert BBOWT reserve in Bucks this morning.
A ruff on the shoreline © Pete Styles
A video of a godwit feeding at close quarters in rather windy conditions. For a high quality version click here and select "watch in high quality".
There were quite a few birders down by Burgess Field gate this morning. We were entertained by the continuing presence of 30+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, many of which were feeding right by the ditch surrounding Burgess Field NR. The RUFF were still around with at least 4 birds spotted though as they were rather mobile and widely dispersed it wasn't easy to keep track of exact numbers. A few GOLDEN PLOVER were seen by one birder as he arrived and a lone bird was flying around and calling. Several SNIPE were dotted around Burgess Reach. A GREY WAGTAIL flew into the ditch area. A couple of buzzards were seen over Wytham wood in the distance and a kestrel flew over a couple of times. An unidentified wader flew over which gave us something to puzzle over.
Vis. mig: a few swallows and house martins around this morning and a couple of meadow pipits flying over.
Off-county news: the ferruginous duck is back at the Calvert BBOWT reserve in Bucks this morning.
A ruff on the shoreline © Pete Styles A video of a godwit feeding at close quarters in rather windy conditions. For a high quality version click here and select "watch in high quality".