Port Meadow Birding

                                                                www.PortMeadowBirding.com

A blog to record sightings on and around Port Meadow in Oxford. Feel free to make comments with additional sightings (click on the comments link at the top of each entry) or alternatively e-mail them to:
info"at"portmeadowbirding.com (replace the "at" with @). Also any Port Meadow bird photos are much appreciated and will be fully accredited.

Where appropriate in the blog, sighting sources are referenced (OOS = www.oos.org.uk, BG = www.birdguides.com, OXB = Oxon Birds yahoo news group WoM = word of mouth/private e-mail).



The Meadow floods on a rainy May afternoon. © Adam Hartley

Overview
For information on access instructions and species that one might expect go to Background Info section.

Photos
All photo's are copyrighted. Contact details for the photographer can be found by clicking on the photo album link on the right-hand side and then selecting the appropriate album where the contact details will appear at the top of the page. Apologies for the poor quality of the Adam Hartley ones: they are mostly digiscoped record shots only.

2008 Sightings
Interesting sightings for 2008 so far include:
Waders: ruff, dunlin, redshank, greenshank, sanderling, turnstone, little stint, temminck's stint, oystercatcher, curlew, whimbrel, snipe, lapwing, golden plover, grey plover, ringed plover, little ringed plover, common sandpiper, wood sandpiper, green sandpiper, black-tailed godwit, little egret
Ducks/geese: garganey, ruddy shelduck, barnacle goose, egyptian goose
Gulls/Terns: mediterranean, iceland, little gull, yellow-legged, arctic tern, common tern
Misc others: yellow wagtail, blue-headed wagtail, white wagtail, common redstart, wheatear
Birds of prey: peregrine, barn owl, sparrowhawk, red kite, hobby, kestrel, buzzard
Burgess Field/Trap Grounds warblers: willow warbler, chiffchaff, blackcap, garden warbler, whitethroat, sedge warbler, grasshopper warbler, reed warble, lesser whitethroat

For a summary of sightings in autumn/winter 2007 including some great photos of the pectoral sandpipers click here

Adam Hartley

This morning once more grey and overcast though with little wind.

The same birds as for the last few days: the long-staying GREENSHANK and RUFF still present. 8 RINGED PLOVER, 1 DUNLIN and 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER on the floods though very mobile. A COMMON SANDPIPER near the north cove and a single SNIPE down in the south channel. A LITTLE EGRET in the Burgess Field ditch and at least 10 grey herons.

Lunchtime update: a cracking WHINCHAT in Burgess Field NR. It was towards the north end of the NR sitting on a hawthorn bush, making occasional forays out to snatch passing flies. Also a YELLOW WAGTAIL by the boat moorings on the Meadow.

One of the many herons on the floods © Norman Gregory

This morning once more overcast, breezy and cool.

There was not much of interest on the floods which have receded a fair bit recently and perhaps could do with a top up. The GREENSHANK and RUFF were still present and there were 4 RINGED PLOVER and 2 DUNLIN down in stint corner. Plenty of ducks around again and the gadwall males are now looking rather smart in their full plumage. A possible garganey flew off as I arrived but I didn't get a good enough look at it.

Lunchtime update: a lovely WHEATEAR on the track between the southern end of the floods and the Walton Well road gate, also 2 ringed plover, 1 dunlin & a LITTLE RINGED PLOVER at stint corner.


The long-staying greenshank on the floods © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast but with little wind.

The long-staying GREENSHANK still present in the south channel and the RUFF in the Burgess channel, north of the creek. 3 RINGED PLOVER and 2 DUNLIN near stint corner, together with a YELLOW WAGTAIL. A LITTLE EGRET in the Burgess Field NR ditch before moving to the floods. Again a good selection of ducks including a GARGANEY, probably a male coming out of eclipse and starting to get its head markings again. A few SNIPE dotted about the place and the single COMMON SANDPIPER once more in the north cove.

Lunchtime update: a couple of kite flyers had scared all the birds away from the floods. However a rather nice WHEATEAR was right down by the southern tail.

This morning cloudy and cool.

The GREENSHANK and the RUFF were both still present this morning. 3 RINGED PLOVER and 2 DUNLIN tucked away down in stint corner. 8 or so SNIPE feeding on the mud near Burgess creek. 2 COMMON SANDPIPERS near the north cove, a LITTLE EGRET flew over and a kingfisher hunting in the Burgess Field NR ditch.

Lots of ducks this morning with at least 50 gadwall, perhaps around 15 shoveler, 6 or so widgeon and 20+ teal.

Lunchtime update: a BLACK-TAILED GODWIT was present in the Burgess channel and a WHIMBREL landed briefly in the south channel before a lapwing chased it off and it flew away to the south.

The greenshank still on the floods this morning © Adam Hartley

This morning, starting off drizzly but brightening up.

On a very brief visit to the Meadow this morning (bins only): the GREENSHANK and the RUFF still present and the COMMON SANDPIPER in the north cove. A few SNIPE were also seen though the godwits have moved on.

A brace of snipe  © Adam Hartley

This morning a perfect early autumn day with bright sunshine and no wind.

Bird-wise, things pretty similar to yesterday: 22 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS remained mostly hanging out near stint corner. The GREENSHANK was feeding initially in the south channel before moving close to the north cove. The RUFF was still present near the north cove as well. There were about a dozen or so SNIPE feeding close to Burgess creek. Also present were 4 RINGED PLOVER and a couple of DUNLIN in the north channel as well as a single COMMON SANDPIPER . One LITTLE EGRET present on the north shore.

One of the many snipe feeding by Burgess Creek © Adam Hartley


The greenshank, which has been present for some time now © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast but no wind.

Not surprisingly, the birds present this morning were similar to those of last night: the GREENSHANK still around, the 9 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still in the north channel, 10 or so RINGED PLOVER and 5 DUNLIN. There were 10 or so SNIPE dotted around the place. A single RUFF was feeding in the south end of the Burgess channel and a COMMON SANDPIPER was flitting from shore to shore. A LITTLE EGRET in the ditch bordering the Burgess Field NR, accompanied by several grey herons. A calling GOLDEN PLOVER flew overhead though did not land.


Digiscoped photo of the ruff this morning © Adam Hartley

In the late afternoon the flock of black-tailed godwits had grown to 26 feeding near the south tail. Also a GREEN SANDPIPER heard calling in flight.

An evening visit to the Meadow today in pleasant conditions.

3 GREEN SANDPIPERS flew overhead calling as I walked towards the north channel. A single GREENSHANK in the channel together with 9 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, 11 RINGED PLOVER and 6 DUNLIN. A single COMMON SANDPIPER along the north shore line.


Digiscoped shot of some of the dunlin & a ringed plover taken in rather poor evening light © Adam Hartley

This morning still overcast though much calmer.

There was a bit more of interest on the Meadow this morning. In the south channel there were now 5 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS. Between the Burgess creek and the north cove a single GREENSHANK was briefly present and in the north cove a COMMON SANDPIPER. There were a total of 7 RINGED PLOVER and 3 juvenile DUNLIN in the north channel and 10+ SNIPE dotted around the place. A single LITTLE EGRET was in the ditch that runs along the boundary with Burgess Field NR and there were quite a few grey herons around.

On the water fowl front, the usual ducks: teal, widgeon, shoveler, gadwall and a single GARGANEY feeding in the flooded grass on the west side of the Burgess channel.


A grey heron, taken in better lighting conditions © Adam Hartley

A grey, cool and windy start to the day though not initially raining.

Things have quietened down again with not much about this morning. No sign of the wood sandpiper (3 days seems to be their limit when they appear on the Meadow) nor the greenshank. The 3 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still present in the south channel. About 6 RINGED PLOVER and just 2 DUNLIN and a single COMMON SANDPIPER present around the north cove or opposite on the spit. Numerous lapwings and just 3 SNIPE spotted though of course there could be more. A few juvenile lesser black-backed gulls present amongst the numerous black-headed gulls with a few COMMON TERNS still about.. Several widgeon spotted amongst the usual shoveler, teal and gadwall this morning.



One of many lapwings, taken recently in sunnier conditions © Adam Hartley

This morning grey, overcast, misty and drizzly. Classic autumn in fact! Later on brightening up.

In poor viewing conditions first thing this morning: the WOOD SANDPIPER still present near the north cove together with a rather plump juvenile DUNLIN that gave me a while of puzzlement and a single GREENSHANK. 4 more greenshanks then flew in to the west shore opposite Burgess creek. 6 RINGED PLOVER on the west shore opposite Burgess creek. Plenty (15+) of SNIPE around in various places. 3 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS in the south channel.

Quite a few shoveler, gadwall and teal around though they weren't checked for hidden garganey. Lots of swallows, house and sand martins around hawking very low over the water.

Back late afternoon: now 14 ringed plover and 4+ dunlin, including the fat juvenile still, the wood sand still present, just the one greenshank, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER and the 3 blackwits still.

An adult and a juvenile dunlin, taken a few days ago © Pete Styles

This morning sunny intervals and a gentle breeze. A large number of waders of all types this morning:

All from private text:

the WOOD SANDPIPER still, 
1 GREEN SANDPIPER,
2 COMMON SANDPIPER
3 GREENSHANK
7+ DUNLIN
5+ RINGED PLOVER
3 GOLDEN PLOVER
2 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT
20+ SNIPE

 

Digiscoped shot of the wood sandpiper © Adam Hartley

The weather this morning cooler and cloudier.

Things were rather quiet on the Meadow: 6 RINGED PLOVER and 7 or so DUNLIN hanging out between the north cove and Burgess creek. 8+ SNIPE dotted around the place. A HOBBY was seen flying over the Walton Well road railway bridge. A single LITTLE EGRET was about.  A YELLOW WAGTAIL was seen down by the south tail (WoM).

Things were livened up when a WOOD SANDPIPER flew in (spotted by a fellow birder) and showed well on Burgess channel initially before moving over towards the north cove.



The wood sandpiper © Adam Hartley

First thing this morning a very autumnal feel with a deep mist covering the floods on the Meadow. However the sun soon burnt this off to leave a beautiful sunny, calm start to the day.

Bird wise things have quietened down over the last few days. There were 6 RINGED PLOVER along the north channel and 8 or so DUNLIN. A single bobbing COMMON SANDPIPER was exploring the shore line. The SNIPE were more visible this morning with at least 9 showing opposite the north cove. A couple of REDSHANK were also present.

On the duck front, a GARGANEY was the star of the show. There were about 8 gadwall, a similar number of teal and about a dozen shoveler also present. A single LITTLE EGRET turned up in Burgess channel before moving down to the south tail.

Digiscoped record shot of the garganey. You can see the white marks at the lores and under the chin and just make out the eye stripe. © Adam Hartley

One of my better digiscoping efforts! © Adam Hartley

After more overnight rain, this morning started off bright and sunny. The flood waters have increased in size over the last couple of days through all this rain.

The 5 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were still present this morning in the south channel. There were a total of about 14 RINGED PLOVER along the north channel and 7 DUNLIN. There were a couple of COMMON SANDPIPERS dotted about and at least 7 well-hidden SNIPE. A couple of ducks flew in briefly that looked suspiciously like a pair of GARGANEY though they soon flew off in the company of 5 TEAL. There were also at least 8 GADWALL about.

Apart from that, the usual COMMON TERNS still present and plenty of lapwings. No little egrets present.

This morning sunny but breezy with a bit of an autumnal feel to it.

Yesterday's rain meant that the floods had been topped up again and a lot of the mud has now been re-covered. Along the north shore between the north cove and Burgess creek were a GREENSHANK and a REDSHANK. At north cove were two COMMON SANDPIPERS with another along the north shore. Along the north or south shore lines were a total of 9 RINGED PLOVER and at least 5 DUNLIN. There were 5 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS (islandica) in Burgess channel. 5 SNIPE were seen hidden in the flooded grass though there could well have been more. There was a single juvenile LITTLE RINGED PLOVER down in the south tail.

From Blog Comment:
Lunchtime: 5 Black-tailed Godwits still, 7 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpiper, 4 TEAL and 1 GARGANEY.


Digiscoped record shot of greenshank © Adam Hartley

Raining heavily first thing, then brightening up though breezy.

The recent rain has topped up the floods nicely which were looking somewhat lack-lustre. Present this morning were: 10 RINGED PLOVER along the north channel, accompanied by 9 DUNLIN. Along the west shore a single REDSHANK and a LITTLE RINGED PLOVER with a second bird on the north channel. 4 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS flew in and landed close to Burgess Creek. There were 3 COMMON SANDPIPERS dotted about the place and just a single LITTLE EGRET. The COMMON TERNS still present with several juveniles amongst them.


juvenile islandica black-tailed godwit © Ian Lewington (digiscoped with a Nikon Coolpix)

From blog comments:

Good collection of waders at lunchtime: 1-2 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, just 2 Little Egret & 6 Teal.

From OOS:

Black-tailed Godwit          3 juv    
Dunlin                                  11   
Ringed Plover                     12  
Common Sandpiper         3   
Common Redshank         1 juv  
Yellow Wagtail                    1  


3 juvenile islandica black-tailed godwits © Ian Lewington (Canon DSLR)

From private e-mails:

Dunlin 10-11 (Ads & juv)
Ringed Plover 11 (Ads & juv)
Golden Plover (1 in summer pl – departed abruptly early on)
Redshank 1
Little Egret – only 2 seen
Yellow Wagtail – at least 2

Note - the lesser whitethroat is the first sighting for Port Meadow that I know of for this year; it's not a breeding warbler in Burgess Field NR.

Ringed Plover © Steve Burch

From OOS:

Common Snipe      5   
Garganey                  1

From private e-mail:

 

Digiscoped redshank © Ian Lewington (digiscoped video still)

From OXB:

Female Garganey, 8 Little Egrets, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Ringed Plover (7 ad/1juv), 9 Dunlin (8 ad/1 juv), 6 Common Snipe.

From OOS:

Little Egret          6   
Grey Heron         2   
Gadwall               5   
Teal(*)                      5   
Ringed Plover    2   
Dunlin                  2   
Green Sandpiper           4   
Common Snipe            20   
Common Sandpiper       7  

Grey Heron                       6   

(*) Note, the entry said "green-winged teal" but I am assuming that this should have been Eurasian Teal.


The black-tailed godwits from yesterday © Peter Styles

From OOS:

Black-tailed Godwit   19  
Green Sandpiper        3   
Dunlin                          10  
Ringed Plover             3


Part of the black-tailed godwit flock © Peter Styles

From OOS:

Dunlin                           11
Eurasian Teal              3   
Little Egret                    10
Common Shelduck      1   
Gadwall                          1   
Ringed Plover               2   
Common Snipe          11
Green Sandpiper         4   
Common Sandpiper   5  


Ringed Plover © Pete Styles

From OOS:

Dunlin                            3   
Common Snipe           2  
Common Sandpiper   5  
Green Sandpiper         2  

From OOS:

Common Snipe            4   
Dunlin                             6   
Common Sandpiper    2   
Eurasian Wigeon         2   
Black-tailed Godwit      2   
Greenshank                   1  
Green Sandpiper          4  
Ruff                                  4 

A black-tailed godwit © Peter Styles

This morning the weather was distinctly cooler with a breeze, though still some sunny intervals.

Bird-wise, pretty similar to yesterday: 24 LITTLE EGRETS dotted about the place, 3 RUFF and 7 SNIPE along the west shore. The 4 GREEN SANDPIPERS and around 10 COMMON SANDPIPERS in various places along the north channel. 4 DUNLIN along the south shore and a single OYSTERCATCHER and 3 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER in stint corner. The juvenile SHELDUCK still present.

In the Trap Grounds 3 SPARROWHAWKS present (WoM).


A green sandpiper this morning. © Pete Styles

This afternoon (WoM): two BLACK TAILED GODWITS near Burgess Creek; also a GREY PLOVER again on the west shore, well south, but took off over the river. A RINGED PLOVER around the north channel.

This morning, overcast and cool but little wind.

The good passage of waders continued this morning with 4 RUFF along the west shore(*) , at least 12 SNIPE along the west shore and at the north cove(*) , 4 DUNLIN along the south shore(*) , 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER at stint corner(*) , 4 GREEN SANDPIPER in the north channel(*) and 14 COMMON SANDPIPER dotted all over the place. There was also a new Meadow record for this year of 25 LITTLE EGRETS. The juvenile SHELDUCK still present in the north channel.

Green Sandpiper © Peter Styles

(*) See Map of floods with location names

This morning a pleasant temperature with sunny intervals.

Bird-wise things pretty similar to yesterday. Just the single male RUFF on the west shore. 3 DUNLIN along the north channel, 10 COMMON SANDPIPERS dotted about the place. The RINGED PLOVER opposite the north cove and the 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER down at stint corner. Along the south shore a single OYSTERCATCHER. LITTLE EGRET numbers were down this morning at less than 10. The juvenile SHELDUCK still present.

Some of the common sandpipers on the shore line © Peter Styles

After some long overdue overnight rain, a much fresher start to the day. The floods were nicely topped up and there was plenty of bird activity.

First thing (around 06:30) there was a large congregation of egrets, herons and gulls at the mouth of the Trap Grounds creek where it is assumed that the remaining fish are sheltering. There was a new Meadow record (for this year at least) of 23 LITTLE EGRETS; there were also and around 10 grey herons. There were 3 RUFF mid way along the west shore (a male and 2 reeves) and also 5 SNIPE. On the south shore more or less opposite the north cove there were 2 DUNLIN. Along the north shore there was a single RINGED PLOVER and at stint corner there were 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. There were a total of 9 COMMON SANDPIPERS mostly along the north and south shores. Still a large number of black-headed gulls with 3 lesser black-backed dotted amongst them. The COMMON TERNS still around and plenty of lapwings. There was what was presumbed to be a juvenile SHELDUCK swimming around in the middle of the north channel.

A juvenile little ringed plover © Peter Styles

Another glorious start to the day with the promise of hot day ahead.

This morning on the Meadow: 1 moulting male RUFF looking very strange. In the usual place at stint corner (*) 2 adult LITTLE RINGED PLOVER and along the north shore 6 COMMON SANDPIPER. At least 12 grey herons dotted about the place and about half a dozen LITTLE EGRETS. The COMMON TERNS still about and the usual vast hoard of black-headed gulls with the odd lesser black-backed gull amongst them. Plenty of lapwings around as well as the usual large number of adult and juvenile pied wagtails. The swallows and martins still congregating around the boats. Quite a few starlings around as well.


One of many lapwings on the floods © Pete Styles

This morning gloriously hot with hardly a breeze.

Despite the hot conditions there turned out to be quite a few waders present: 1 juvenile LITTLE RINGED PLOVER hanging out on its own by stint corner. 3 DUNLIN (2 s/p adults and a juvenile) along the north shore and also 2 COMMON SANDPIPERS and 2 OYSTERCATCHERS in the same area. Still plenty of LITTLE EGRETS and a large number of black-headed gulls. The COMMON TERNS still around and plenty of lapwings dotted about.

Some of the many black-headed gulls currently on the Meadow © Pete Styles

In the morning (WoM):

An oystercatcher © Pete Styles

In the evening near Godstow lock by the Thames (from OXB):
Near Godstow Lock a pair of great crested grebe had four chicks obviously fairly newly hatched and still riding shotgun on mum(?).

A little further round, between the lock weir and the Trout, there was a number of geese ("Barry" the barnacle goose amongst them) and several moorhen underneath the far bank, with the moorhen making a great deal of fuss and noise. It turned out to be a SPARROWHAWK wrestling and stamping on what we think must have been a pigeon, before it became moribund enough that it could start to pluck it.

Also some lapwings, a LITTLE EGRET and two OYSTERCATCHERS.

Another pleasant start to the day weather-wise: warm and sunny with little wind.

The Meadow is getting rather quiet again. There's not been much rain recently and the floods are starting to shrink. It needs another top up to be in optimal condition for the autumn passage.

There was a large flock of black-headed gulls milling around near the Trap Grounds creek (*) this morning, with quite a few LITTLE EGRETS amongst them (15 total on the floods today). Perhaps the fish are concentrating there as the waters recede. Plenty of grey herons about again and the usual lapwings and the COMMON TERNS are still around. Only a single wader in the form or a COMMON SANDPIPER which was only seen as it flew off towards the river. A single DUNLIN was also reported (WoM) at stint corner (*).

By the boats at the north end of the board walk there is a hawthorn tree which is becoming very popular with the swallows, house martins and sand martins. Large numbers sit within the tree chattering away.

A digiscoped shot of a little egret © Adam Hartley

(*) Map of location names

The weather this morning rather pleasant: sunny and warm with a gentle breeze.

The birds this morning pretty similar to the last couple of days: 11 LITTLE EGRETS this morning, the 3 DUNLIN on the north shore still and now only 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVERS remaining at stint corner. 2 COMMON SANDPIPERS along the north shore were a new addition. Apart from that, still lots of black-headed gulls and the odd lesser black-backed gull. Plenty of lapwings and the COMMON TERNS still. I saw a grey heron catch a rather large (about half a pound) tench in the flood waters, which it managed to swallow whole after a bit of difficulty.

On the Trap Grounds this morning: the reed warblers still singing in the reeds and a couple of bullfinches in the glade. In the allotments: a juvenile green woodpecker, a greater spotted woodpecker and several blackcaps.

In the evening:
4 SNIPE feeding on the floods just north of Burgess Creek till they were flushed by two boys trying to wheel their bikes across the creek!

One of the long-staying terns © Steve Burch

This morning overcast but no wind, rather muggy

Pretty similar bird-wise to yesterday: 19 LITTLE EGRETS, 3 LITTLE RINGED PLOVERS at stint corner and 3 DUNLIN along the north shore. Quite a few (~10) grey herons this morning and still loads of black-headed gulls.

lunchtime (Posted comment)
"First visit here as new job in area, am a Berks birder normally, wish we had a site as good as this!
Anyway 15 Little Egrets, 5 Common Tern, 2 Teal and 2 Snipe hiding amongst Lapwing.
Fraser Cottington "

This morning a beautiful sunny and calm start to the day.

There were 20 LITTLE EGRETS on the floods this morning. This is the largest number that I have known of on the Meadow. A single REDSHANK at the north cove and 4 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (a mix of juveniles and adults) and 3 DUNLIN were down at stint corner. Apart from that a large number of black-headed gulls with half a dozen lesser black-backed gulls amongst them. The COMMON TERNS still present and plenty of lapwings about.

By the boats, a grey wagtail flying around.

A summer plumage dunlin on the floods © Steve Burch

This morning sunny but with a stiff northerly breeze which made it feel distinctly cool.

There were lots of black-headed gulls on the Meadow this morning. They weren't counted but at least 200 would be a conservative estimate. There were 9 LITTLE EGRETS dotted about the place. Two REDSHANK on the south shore, 2 DUNLIN at stint corner together with a LITTLE RINGED PLOVER and a single DUNLIN on the north shore near the north cove. The COMMON TERNS still present and some grey herons.

There was something which might have been a spotted flycatcher by the Aristotle Lane railway bridge but a clear view wasn't obtained.

This morning, quite breezy northly wind with scattered showers.

There was a rather nice flock of 11 summer plumage DUNLIN near stint corner (*) this morning. Further along by the north cove (*) there were 3 REDSHANKS. There were also 4 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS (WoM) though they left mid morning. Apart from that 2 LITTLE EGRETS on the floods and the usual black-headed gulls and COMMON TERNS. A few nice linnets feeding on the grass field between the floods and the river.



Some of the dunlin © Steve Burch

(*) see map of location names

This morning overcast and cool though dry.

In the morning:
The three OYSTERCATCHERS were still present in the grass between the river and the floods more or less opposite the house boat. The godwit had gone but the single REDSHANK was still present. There was no sign of the dunlin but there was a LITTLE RINGED PLOVER mid way along the north shore. Just two LITTLE EGRETS were seen this morning. Still plenty of black-headed gulls, a few lesser black-backed gulls and herring gulls present. The COMMON TERNS still around. Also a pair of YELLOW-LEGGED GULLS.

In the evening:
2 REDSHANKS now and several DUNLIN (14 were reported on OOS today). Also 2 RUDDY SHELDUCK and a COMMON SHELDUCK though these flew off at around 9pm.


Some of the dunlin on the floods © Norman Gregory

This morning cooler and overcast though dry.

This morning on the Meadow there was a pick up in passage birds with 3 OYSTERCATCHERS on the grass close to the river to the west of the floods. There was also a single BLACK-TAILED GODWIT back in the usual place along the south shore (*). There was a single COMMON SANDPIPER near stint corner (*) together with 4 DUNLIN (3 adults and a juvenile). There was a single REDSHANK calling from the north cove (*). There were 6 LITTLE EGRETS on the floods and the COMMON TERNS were still about.

A dunlin on the floods © Steve Burch

(*) see map of place locations

This morning, overcast and a little cooler than previously.

Again there was a quiet feel to the Meadow. The number of noisy black-headed gulls has gone down which may have something to do with it. There were only two or three LITTLE EGRETS present this morning. There were two REDSHANKS and a single RUFF along the north shore. There was also a single small wader that was initially reported as a probable little stint though it has subsequently been identified as a juvenile DUNLIN.

In the evening the ruff and juvenile dunlin had gone but there were 5 adult DUNLIN present.

A heron and an egret on the floods © Peter Styles

This morning the weather starting out sunny and clear though with a bit of a breeze, clouding over later.

The Meadow has definitely quietened down now. Up to 11 LITTLE EGRETS reported (WoM) on the floods and 2 REDSHANK were the highlights. Apart from that, the COMMON TERNS still present and even larger numbers of gulls including serveral lesser black-backed gulls amongst the black-headed gulls. The med. gull wasn't seen but again wasn't meticulously looked for. There were also large numbers of lapwings this morning, perhaps getting on for 100.

A collection of little egrets © Peter Styles

A gorgeous start to the day with sunshine, clear blue skies and hardly a breeze.

The Meadow was looking great this morning on a very brief visit though there was definitely the sense of things quietening down. There were 3 REDSHANKS along the north shore, 4 LITTE EGRETS dotted about the place and the usual COMMON TERNS. There was a very large number of black-headed gulls around which weren't searched through for the med. gull so it's not known if it was still present. Having said that I did meet someone there who said that it had been around for the last couple of weeks!  A single lesser black-backed gull was in the grass to the north of the floods and there was a grey heron family loafing around as well.

A sand martin © Steve Burch

This morning, sunny intervals with a bit of a breeze.

There was still the feeling of things quietening down on the Meadow though this morning on the floods there was a MEDITERRANEAN GULL hanging out with the  black-headed's. It didn't quite have a full black hood so not quite a full adult. There were also a few lesser black-backed gulls and a single "herring gull" which might possibly have had yellow legs.

A single COMMON SANDPIPER still on the north shore and 2 REDSHANKS half way down on the west shore. 3 LITTLE EGRETS still present along with the COMMON TERNS.

The two BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were present earlier but had departed by mid morning (WoM). There was also a HOBBY and a SPARROWHAWK (WoM)

A great crested grebe feeding it's young on the river © Peter Styles

This morning overcast but dry.

The Meadow had a much quieter feel to it after the excitement of yesterday. The greenshank had moved on and there seemed to be fewer birds around in general. There was only one BLACK-TAILED GODWIT in the usual place this morning and only a single COMMON SANDPIPER along the north shore together with the lone DUNLIN still. There were 5 LITTLE EGRETS dotted about the floods and the usual COMMON TERNS.

common tern © Steven Burch

This morning, mercifully, no rain. Sunny intervals and moderate winds.

No sign of the grey plover this morning. However, there was a rather nice GREENSHANK half way along the west shore opposite the Trap Grounds allotment gate. The 2 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still in their usual place on the north channel (*). 4 COMMON SANDPIPERS were around: 3 along the north shore and one initially by "Burgess creek" which then flew down to the east shore near the "Trap Grounds creek" (*). There was also a juvenile plover species (probably LITTLE RINGED) that was initially on the north shore and then flew to the east shore. The single DUNLIN was still present along the north shore. The LITTLE EGRETS were still present as were the COMMON TERNS.

Record shot of the greenshank © Adam Hartley

The two black-tailed godwits © Peter Styles

(*) See Map of Meadow Locations for flood locations.

Today the weather was atrocious with persistent rain all day.

Early afternoon on a rain-soaked Meadow: the 2 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still present and on the north shore (*) the GREY PLOVER reported on OOS yesterday evening was still present and looking very smart in full summer plumage. The little ringed plover appear to have departed (though one was reported at lunch time - OXB) and there were now only 2 COMMON SANDPIPERS and the single DUNLIN present along the north channel (*) shore line. Elsewhere up to 5 LITTLE EGRETS reported (OOS). "Barry" the BARNACLE GOOSE was also still around on the floods.

Record shot of the grey plover © Adam Hartley



(*) See Map of Meadow Locations

The weather this morning better than yesterday but still scattered showers.

A great afternoon with a wide variety of waders around. At present birds seem to be coming and going quite quickly - one can arrive and do a scan of the Meadow and then notice that something new has arrived since one started the scan.

This afternoon on the Meadow: 6 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER at "stint corner" accompanied by one DUNLIN. 6 COMMON SANDPIPERS along the "north shore", 2 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS mid way along the "north channel" and a single REDSHANK flew in to feed on the "north shore".


The two black-tailed godwits in flight © Peter Styles

3 LITTLE EGRETS today, 2 at "stint corner" and one at the "south tail". 3 grey herons present, the COMMON TERNS still very much at home and still loads of black-headed gulls.

One of the little egrets, showing it's colour rings © Adam Hartley

Some feedback on the ringed bird: "This bird was ringed on 22.7.2007 near King's Lynn. Since then it has also been sighted on 30.9.2007 and 13.2.2008."

Also this evening 1 GREY PLOVER (OOS). This is another example of birds arriving suddenly - there's a lot of movement going on at present.

See our new Map of Floods with Location Names for explanation of the locations within quotes.

Overnight and this morning heavy rain though stopping at around 9am long enough to get out to the Meadow.

The LITTLE RINGED PLOVERS were still at "stint corner" though now the numbers have swelled to 9. There were also 4 COMMON SANDPIPERS along the north shore. After my earlier comments about the relative scarcity of this lovely sandpiper on the Meadow it's good to have had so many recent sightings. A single BLACK-TAILED GODWIT dropped in for a feed on the south shore. There were 3 LITTLE EGRETS this morning and the COMMON TERNS were still around as usual. A rough estimate of the number of black-headed gulls did indeed come out at around 200.


The godwit on the floods © Norman Gregory

This morning overcast, windy and rainy.

Still some interesting passage waders around to look at. The LITTLE RINGED PLOVERS were still at "stint" corner this morning. There were 4 adults and 1 juvenile.

Record shot of one of the Little-Ringed Plover © Adam Hartley

 Two LITTLE EGRETS were hunting down at the south end of the floods. 10 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS arrived mid morning and fed and preened about half way down the west shore of the floods.

Record shot of some of the 10 black-tailed godwits © Adam Hartley

Apart from there there were loads of black-headed gulls around. They weren't counted but could easily have topped 200.

Reported on OOS site: 1 WOOD SANDPIPER (OOS).

Overnight some rain, this morning more windy with sunny intervals.

There were three smart OYSTERCATCHERS on the north shoreline of the floods this morning though they did not stay long. There were also 5 or 6 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER at "stint corner" and also 2 COMMON SANDPIPERS (WoM). A HOBBY flew over briefly harrying the birds in the flooded grass though it didn't catch anything. There were the usual COMMON TERNS and 5 LITTLE EGRETS still.


One of the terns © Peter Styles

This morning the weather was gorgeous: bright sunshine, hardly any clouds or breeze but not too hot.

The purple patch with the birds continues with a COMMON SANDPIPER this morning, to my knowledge and surprisingly only the second  sighting on the Meadow this year and making a hat-trick of different sandpipers in three days! There was also  BLACK-TAILED GODWIT on the floods though it appeared to have gone (or moved to somewhere more hidden) shortly afterwards. There was also a REDSHANK though it was rather flighty and kept moving about. The LITTLE EGRET count has now gone up to 6 and they now seem much more at home on the floods than before.

Apart from that, plenty of the usual birds including the COMMON TERNS, loads of black-headed gulls, a single lesser black-backed gull, lapwings galore etc.


The common sandpiper this morning © Peter Styles

This morning overcast, little wind and the occasional shower.

There was no sign of the 3 wood sandpipers this morning but the good birding action on the Meadow continued with 2 GREEN SANDPIPERS. One only gave its presence away as it flew off, the other was feeding on the north shore for a while before flying. It was not seen whether this second bird landed elsewhere on the floods or departed altogether . There were also a couple of  ringed / little ringed plovers on the north shore. It is suspected that they were juvenile RINGED PLOVERS though they were not seen clearly enough to be certain. There were also 2 LITTLE EGRETS which were initially giving excellent views from only 30 years away at Burgess Field gate before flying off to the north shore.

Apart from that the COMMON TERNS were still very much at home and there were still the large number of lapwings and black-headed gulls including plenty of junveniles. "Barry" the BARNACLE GOOSE was back, feeding with the feral grey-lags.

A general shot of typical birds on the Meadow at present. If you look carefully you can see one of the common terns flying above the heron and also the two little egrets in the background. © Peter Styles

The weather cooler and more overcast this morning but no sign so far of the forecast rain.

This morning on the Meadow there were 3 WOOD SANDPIPERS on the west shoreline opposite the Burgess Field gate. Also 5 LITTLE EGRETS on the small pool to the north of the floods though often only one was visible. All 6 COMMON TERNS were present this morning again and a couple of early TEAL were about. At least 3 grey herons were loitering on the floods. Apart from that lots of black-headed gulls and lapwings.



Record shot of two of the wood sandpipers © Adam Hartley

Another nice start to the day with a moderate breeze.

There were yet more birds on the Meadow this morning. Much in evidence were at least 120 black-headed gulls. There were also at least 100 lapwings and a good smattering of carrion crows, mute swans, coots and eclipsed ducks of various varieties. There were at least 4 COMMON TERNS this morning hunting over the floods.

On the wader front there were 5 LITTLE EGRETS mostly initially on the floods before flying to a small pool 50m north of the floods. There were also 2 REDSHANKS on the north shore near "Stint Corner".


Little egret © Peter Styles

It's been an interesting first half year for this diary. There's not been much to compare it against but there have been some good birds on the Meadow. Here's a brief summary of the hightlights:

In January we had a flyover by a whooper swan and 1st winter Iceland Gull for several days.

There was not much to report in February apart from the usual but always welcome, ruff, redshank, dunlin, lapwings, snipe, golden plover and hoards of widgeon and teal.

March had a pair of ruddy shelduck of unknown provenance but a nice sight on the Meadow. There was also the little stint which spent several days consorting with a flock of dunlin. There was an adult Mediterranean Gull present for one day though it may have been missed on other occasions. We had a spell of heavy rain which turned the floods back into a lake for a few days, during which "Barry" the dodgy barnacle goose was seen. Another dodgy water fowl was the female ring-necked duck which was seen on the river. As well as the usual waders, oystercatchers and curlews were being seen and the ringed and little ringed plovers started to come through. The barn owls were being seen in Burgess Field and on the 30th March the first willow warbler appeared. Sand martins were being seen from the middle of the month.

April saw more ringed and little ringed plovers coming through and a grey plover was present for a few days. Swallows and house martins were appearing. There were a drake garganey and a black-tailed godwit also seen. The ubiquitous pied wagtails were joined by whites and yellows and a male common redstart was seen one evening. Some arctic terns graced the Meadow for a few days and the odd whimbrel was seen north of the floods as was a common sandpiper. There was also a little gull on one occasion. The Burgess Field warblers were by now well ensconced.

May started off with some greenshank and common terns. Ringerd and Little Ringed Plovers were still coming through. The Burgess Field barn owl was still being seen. Mid month a wood sandpiper appeared for a couple of days only to be joined by a Temminck's stint for a couple of days as well as a drake garganey and two sanderling. This was probably the highlight of the half year with so many interesting birds present at the same time on the Meadow. Gradually they dispersed though there was a turnstone for the odd day, some oystercatchers and a second wood sandpiper appeared for a few days before some more heavy rain raised the water levels back to "lake" proportions.

June started off with a drake garganey and some common terns before going rather quiet. There was the interest of the report of a calling spotted crake to the east of Burgess Field. It has been heard for several nights but when some local birders went to investigate it was no longer doing so. Over on Wolvercote Common a little egret and a pair of egyptian geese were seen on the small pond there. Towards the end of the month things started to pick up a bit on the Meadow with a pair of black-tailed godwits spending several days, some oystercatchers and redshanks being seen as well as several little egret sightings. Up to six common terns were around and "Barry" was back on the floods. A hobby was seen over the Meadow on one occasion.

So an intersting mix of birds with the highlight being the Temminck's stint. Let's hope the autumn passage throws up more unusual sightings.

This morning once again a nice start to the day weather-wise.

Still plenty of bird activity on the floods with an increasing number of black-headed gulls now present. We seem to be down to 2 COMMON TERNS this morning and no sign of any godwits. There was a single REDSHANK on the floods opposite the Burgess Field Gate. A large number of lapwings also around. "Barry" the dodgy BARNACLE GOOSE is still present.


"Barry" on the Meadow again this morning © Adam Hartley

(All from OXB:)

This morning:
1 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT,
1 COMMON TERN,
1 LITTLE EGRET,
1 REDSHANK,
1 HOBBY

So it seems that one of the godwits has moved on as well as most of the common terns. The hobby is an interesting sighting as to my knowledge one has not been seen so far this year. Perhaps it was chasing the many swifts and martins that are around.

The weather again pleasant to start with though clouding over later.

Today was p