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.

2009 Sightings
Interesting sightings for 2009 so far include (presumed escapees in square brackets):
Waders: ruff, dunlin, redshank, greenshank, common sandpiper, snipe, jack snipe, lapwing, golden plover, ringed plover, little ringed plover, black-tailed godwit, bar-tailed godwit, little egret, oystercatcher, avocet, curlew, whimbrel, SPOONBILL
Water Fowl: pintail, [ring-necked duck], shelduck, ruddy shelduck, red-crested pochard
Gulls/Terns: yellow-legged gull,common tern, Iceland gull, mediterranean gull, little tern
Misc. Others: stonechat, whinchat, raven, white wagtail, grey wagtail, ring-necked parakeet, wheatear, red-legged partridge, cuckoo
Birds of Prey: sparrowhawk, kestrel, tanwy owl, short-eared owl, osprey, barn owl, red kite, peregrine, buzzard, hobby
Warblers: willow, chiffchaff, blackcap, garden, grasshopper, cetti's, sedge, reed, lesser whitethroat, whitethroat

2009 Year List Current Total 124:
Tawny Owl is the latest addition to the Port Meadow 2009 year list .

YouTube Channel
Some simple video clips of birds on Port Meadow can be seen at the Port Meadow Birding YouTube Channel.

NEW Twitter Channel
Want to keep abreast of the latest updates on Port Meadow Birding? Then why not subscribe to our Twitter feed

Adam Hartley

A run around the patch on a glorious morning with bright sunshine and a bit of a nip in the air found lots of interesting bird life. The small pools of water on the flood area are still there and along the South Channel there was a resting flock of 70 odd lapwing with a sleeping male RUFF in amongst them. Later a couple of dog walkers went through the flock and the birds re-located to the North Channel. There were the usual linnets buzzing around and a flock of 30 odd black-headed gulls in the North Channel. In amongst the pied wagtails was a single GREY WAGTAIL near Burgess Field NR gate. A flock of 60 odd sky larks flew over to the west which was highly unusual. There were also quite a few around the flood area. A single snipe was flushed from the Hinterland.

In Burgess Field NR there was plenty of bird activity along the hedgerows with a noticable increase in greenfinches in amongst the goldfinches and chaffinches. There were several bullfinches along the north end as well as quite a few meadow pipits. A single snipe was flushed from one of the north fields.

This ruff photo was taken earlier in the year when there was proper flood water but the plumage is identical to today's bird so I thought that I would include it again.

Today there were some very large numbers (e.g. 25,000+) of wood pigeons recorded in vis. mig. sessions in neighbouring counties from elevated view points. Whilst the Meadow is anything but elevated, this morning I happened to look out of my window and in 5 minutes I saw three flocks, totally about 150 birds flying rapidly south, following the line of the canal (and therefore in Port Meadow patch air space!).

A brief late afternoon visit found the same birds as usual and the modest flood water still in place. It was interesting to watch a golden plover flock come in to roost: the flock made a number of rapid passes over the area, initially from a reasonable height and then gradually getting lower and lower with each pass until they are only a dozen feet or so of the ground before eventually decide to land. They made an impressive sight in the evening sunlight flashing alternately gold and white as they twisted and turned.

A later afternoon visit to the Meadow found that all the recent rain had resulted in some flood water: actually just a small pool but technically floods none the less. A couple of snipe by the pool were the most exciting bird to find and one hopes a taste of further wader delights to come. Apart from the snipe there were the same birds around as usual: the linnet flock seems well in excess of 100 birds now and they are quite an impressive sight to see as they fly around. There were a reasonable number of golden plover with more coming in to roost as I was leaving. Meadow pipits, lapwings and pied wagtails were about as usual.

A digiscoped videograb of the golden plover in the last of the day's sunlight.


The video footage from which the videograb was taken

An afternoon family walk over along the west side of the river found the female escapee RING-NECKED DUCK still present in the company of a number of mallards. It was happy to take some offered bread as were the increasing numbers of black-headed gulls that are now on the Meadow. In the distance on the still-dry flood area were a flock of around 200 golden plover. There was also a flock of at least 100 linnets so their numbers are continuing to increase also. A few skylarks, lapwings and meadow pipits were also seen distantly.

Golden Plover in flight © Nigel Forrow

A Saturday morning run around the Meadow found the same birds as usual but in good numbers. Notably there was a really good flock in excess of 300 starlings on the Meadow. Plenty of meadow pipits, linnets, pied wagtails and lapwings all frequenting the former flood area. To the north in the hinterland it was pretty quiet though I did flush a flock of 6 skylarks with at least 4 others seen including one in full song. In Burgess Field a red kite flew low over the NR giving excellent views.

At the north end on Wolvercote common there were a couple of wigeon and four or five teal on the small pool by the road near the railway. A small fraction of the numbers of wintering duck that we should get once the floods return but still nice to see them nevertheless. Lots of duck were also reported as flying over the Meadow that evening (JG private e-mail).

A feeding wigeon. It's nice to know that they are at least somewhere on the Meadow.© Adam Hartley

A morning run was early enough to catch what will probably turn out to be the sunniest part of the day. There was plenty of bird life in Burgess Field NR though it was the usual common residents. On the Meadow itself the recent rain had refreshed the flood area though there was still no standing water. Nevertheless the plants that have grown there and which had been looking decidedly limp have perked up. This seems to have done the insect population a lot of good also because the flood area was teeming with birds. There seems to have been another influx of pied wagtails passing through and there were also the usual meadow pipits and linnets around. There were also ten snipe in total, most of which were unusually along the flood line. There are twenty or thirty black-headed gulls around, many of which are often to be found sitting in the dead tree in the river by the poplar trees.

A morning run around the patch found conditions rather overcast and this probably contributed to the fact that there were a lot of snipe around on the hinterland. In fact 13 were counted in total which is a good count for the conditions. Apart from that there was just a single golden plover and the usual mipits and wagtails.

A pied wagtail on the Meadow (taken last year) © Adam Hartley

From private e-mail (James Grundy):

"this evening heard Lapwing and Wigeon over the meadow, and a Tawny Owl in Burgess Field."

The tawny owl is another year tick for the patch: the year list has really ground to a halt over the last few months so any new tick is most welcome. It's also nice to have a wigeon at least fly over the meadow though until we get some floods back we can't really expect any to stay.

A later afternoon run around the patch found very little: there were just 6 golden plover which flew in whilst I was there so it's possible that more might come in to roost later. A single snipe was flushed from the hinterland. There was a small party of perhaps a dozen black-headed gulls loafing on the Meadow though they soon flew off. The usual meadow pipits, pied wagtails, lapwings, linnets and goldfinches still around on the Meadow itself but otherwise very quiet at present.

It's nice to see some gulls back on the Meadow albeit in small numbers. This black-headed gull shot was actually taken last year © Adam Hartley

A morning run around the patch found the birds within Burgess Field more active: there were goldfinches and chaffinches about and singing robins and wrens. The highlight was the first three redwings of the season, one already getting stuck into the plentiful berries there.

The Meadow itself was rather quiet with one snipe flushed from the hinterland and just a few meadow pipits and skylarks around. The large wagtail contingent had moved on leaving just the usual number of birds present. No golden plover this morning and just a handful of lapwings.

One or two nights ago I did listen out of my window and heard a very distant owl calling from across the Meadow. I couldn't quite make out whether it was tawny or little owl which is a shame as otherwise I could have counted it on the year list!

A robin © Nigel Forrow

An evening run around the patch found conditions rather pleasant with lots of autumn sunshine and little wind. The main thing of note was the large number of pied wagtails around. I counted at least 75 and there were probably a lot more. There are not normally anything like this many so they must be on the move. They were rather aggressive and kept chasing meadow pipits, goldfinches and even starlings. Just half a dozen or so golden plover this evening and fewer meadow pipits around than usual. There was a flock of 25 or so goldfinches feeding on the thistles in the hinterland and a similar sized flock near the car park on Walton Well road. Linnet numbers seemed to have increased slightly as well with getting on for 40 or so birds. About half a dozen sky larks were also seen.

A juvenile goldfinch © Nigel Forrow

Today I went for an early evening run around the Meadow and it was interesting to note the differences in the birds at that time. At least 6 snipe were flushed from the hinterland (I need to add this area to the map but it's basically the large swathe of grassland to the north of the floods). During the day these birds are not present so perhaps they are coming in to roost on the Meadow. Another birder is reporting flushing snipe from the same area on evening walks so it must be a time of the day thing. There was a large flock of around 180 golden plover present. In fact they were so well camouflaged that I nearly ran right into the entire flock, spotting them and veering off just in time. Around 30 meadow pipits were also around though in a slightly different place to usual. Also around 30 linnets still buzzing about the place and a similar number of goldfinches in the trees in the mini "park" just by the junction between Rutherway and Walton Well Road. I wondered whether they too were roosting there. But the prize for top bird of the day (and indeed for several months now) goes to four RUFF which were circling the Meadow a number of times before flying off to the west. They were probably wondering where all the water was that they usual enjoy.

Given the lack of flood water I'm usually visiting the Meadow whilst on a run so I've not taken any photos from Port Meadow recently. Therefore, continuing the theme of recent wild geese visiting the county, here's a photo of a dark-bellied brent goose that was on Farmoor Reservoir today.

From OOS (MBG)
25 Goldfinch
2 snipe in Burgess Field

All quiet on the western front, well at least the west side of Oxford that is the Meadow. Whilst we've had some proper rain at last, we're going to need a lot more of that before we've got any kind of floods on the Meadow. In the mean time its the same birds as previously with meadow pipits, golden plover, lapwings, skylarks and linnets making up the main interest on the Meadow itself though on a visit today recorded numbers were lower than last week for all four species. There was no sign of any winter thrushes yet and Burgess Field was extremely quiet. A few black-headed gulls along the bank and a couple of great crested grebes about on the river as well.

With recent interest at Blenheim where the large population of fairly plastic geese are occasionally attracting some good vagrants (five Greenland white-fronted geese yesterday), I scoured the Meadow feral geese carefully but there was nothing of note in amongst them apart from one canada goose.

One of the five Blenheim Greenland white-fronted geese. Let's hope that we get some vagrant geese on the Meadow this winter.

Addendum - Mary Gregory (private e-mail)
In the rain this pm, around 4.30, there was a large and restive flock of golden plover in the usual place, where the north channel used to be. I guesstimated at least 300, but it was a very rough count. A flock of at least twenty Canada geese were nearby; some days there has just been the one, in among the greylags but flocks are appearing more frequently. I put up a single snipe again - same place, north of the channel and towards the mound. There was a flock of goldfinches around the thistle heads towards the Aristotle Lane entrance. Water was beginning to collect in the indentations in the channels so maybe things will start to pick up. Nothing at all in BF except a green woodpecker yesterday, and a pair of deer on three consecutive days a couple of weeks ago.

It's been a while since my last update and this mainly reflects that not much has changed on the bird front on the Meadow. Numbers of GOLDEN PLOVER have been building up steadily with a count of over 150 birds this morning. There are still good numbers of meadow pipits dotted around the Meadow, particularly in the "hinterland" to the north of the former flood area and roughly opposite the poplar trees and the north end of Burgess Field. This morning an estimate of at least 60 birds was made. There was a noticable passage of skylarks this morning, most of whom seemed to be travelling in a westerly direction for some reason. Plenty of linnets are feeding on the Meadow with counts varying between 20 and 30. Still plenty of pied wagtails about though the yellows all seemed to have moved on now. A couple of kestrels were seen hunting earlier in the week. Recently a LITTLE EGRET and a cormorant have been reported (OOS MBG).

Some of the golden plover. They tend to congregate in what was the north channel of the floods where the ground is rather pitted and they can hunker down out of the wind. This photo demonstrates their rather good camouflage on this terrain and they can often be rather hard to spot.

A lunch-time run around the "patch" today found some signs of change. Burgess Field was very quiet with not much around at all. However on the Meadow itself there were large numbers of meadow pipits newly arrived. I estimated at least 60 birds, many of which were feeding in amongst the cattle  à là  YELLOW WAGTAIL (of which there were only three). In amongst the many pied wagtails were at least 2 WHITE WAGTAILS. Five GOLDEN PLOVER were flushed from roughly opposite the poplar trees  and they flew over to the former flood area. There were at least 40 lapwings about and the flock of 30 odd linnets were still buzzing around the grassland. Two buzzards were soaring at quite low altitudes, at times being harassed by crows.

A late afternoon walk through Burgess Field and back across the Meadow in gorgeous golden autumn sunshine found a few birds of interest. There was a noticable passage of swallows and martins overhead with perhaps 100+ birds in total. There were about 30 lapwings on the Meadow which took flight along with 3 GOLDEN PLOVER. It's nice to know that the plover are happy to congregate on the Meadow still in the absence of any water. A "winter" flock of 30 odd linnet were buzzing around the Meadow. In amongst the cattle there were at least 25 YELLOW WAGTAIL feeding away at the feet of the animals. There was not much of note in Burgess Field itself apart from a juvenile pheasant skulking in the undergrowth.

Three SNIPE were reported as being flushed from just north of the former flood area (MBG).

A linnet

A late afternoon visit to the Meadow found the cattle up near the poplar trees and a good number (20+) of YELLOW WAGTAILS in amongst them. They are very difficult to digiscope due to their habit of feeding in amongst the feet of the cattle and moving on from cow to cow very quickly. Nevertheless after a bit of patience I managed a few record shots. There are plenty of pied wagtails around as well though they don't tend particularly to favour the feeding cattle.

Mary Gregory reports: "The hybrid goose with the white eye-ring has beenin the flock at Godstow picnic area in the last few days. Still quite a few swallows and martins at the river, esp between Medley and the Perch."



Yellow Wagtails in amongst the cattle.

A run round the patch today in very windy conditions found a WHEATEAR in Burgess Field along the main path. It flew into the base of a bush where it stayed hidden from view, sheltering from the wind presumably. On the Meadow itself there were plenty of birds feeding in amongst the cattle and horses including at least 12 YELLOW WAGTAILS.

Still very little to report on the Meadow. Lapwing numbers are building up with perhaps 30 or 40 now hanging out on the former flood areas. I noticed a flock of 30 odd linnet as well so their post breeding flocks are now forming. Last week there were a few juvenile warblers about in the hedges including garden warbler, a very pale leucistic whitethroat, willow warblers and a wheeling buzzard mewing overhead. The black-headed gull numbers are now much reduced though last week there were in excess of 150. The main bird of interest at present is the YELLOW WAGTAIL with at least 4 seen on an outing last week and at least 8 on a visit this week. They give their presence away by their distinctive flight call and either land on the northern former flood area (which seems very rich in insects) or they head for the cattle which of course are continually disturbing the insects.

As a point of interest, the mass of tiny red flowers that are now growing where the flood waters were are called "redshank". It's quite remarkable how they mark out where the flood waters were.

There is very little butterfly action on Burgess Field any more, mostly speckled woods and large whites.

As I've not been out to the Meadow for a while I thought that I would show a photo of a humming bird hawk month taken from my garden close to the Meadow. It's been part of a buttterfly bonanza in the garden in the last month with peak counts of 11 painted ladies, large numbers of large and small whites and also red admirals, small tortoiseshells and comma's all visiting one small buddhlia bush.

As some of you may know, Port Meadow is one of the few sites in the world (until recently the only site) where the rare plant Creeping Marshwort grows. With the Meadow having been flooded for the whole two previous years it's been having a tough time of it but is still to be found on the Meadow. Some of the Oxford Rare Plant Group will be on the Meadow doing survey work this Saturday and if asked politely they may well point out this inconspicuous plant to you.

Creeping Marshwort © from the the Oxford Rate Plant Group web-site.

There also be opportunities to help out as well if anyone is interested: if you would like to help out this Saturday 29th August then meet at 10 am at Walton Well Rd car park, or walk out and find them on the Meadow near the Aristotle lane entrance. Bring a packed lunch if coming at lunch time. The session will probably end at 3 or 4'ish. It would be helpful (but not essential) if you are coming along to contact Camilla Lambrick to let her know.

Still not much to report but without any flood water this is hardly surprising. A COMMON SANDPIPER was seen by the river on the 21st, feeding quietly along the bank. Despite a few black-headed gulls being on the Meadow albeit in much smaller numbers, there's been no sign of the Med. Gull since the first sighting. A LITTLE EGRET was seen on the 18th (MBG) and the adult and two juvenile COMMON TERNS have been seen on and off. A juvenile HOBBY has been seen on a couple of occasions flying quite high from Kingston Road though it was certainly in the Port Meadow patch air space when first sighted (and can therefore go on the year list!). One was reported at Wolvercote on the 19th as well which was probably the same bird. On the 23rd an OSPREY was seen flying south rather low at Wytham Mill. It headed across the A34 and may well have gone over the Meadow: it might have been following the river. Apart from that there are the usual suspects on the Meadow itself: lapwings numbers are building up and there are loads of corvids and wood pigeons together with plenty of young pied wagtails still. Burgess Field is rather quiet with reduced butterfly numbers though speckled woods are still plentiful.


The adult and one of the two juvenile common terns © Adam Hartley

After an absense of about two weeks a lunch-time return visit to the Meadow found it looking rather colourful: a small red flower seems to be flourishing where the mud once was creating a wonderful carpet of delicate red across large sections of the Meadow. There were a huge number (I estimated 1000) of black-headed gulls present feeding on the abundant insect life and in amongst them was a single juvenile MEDITERRANEAN GULL, distinguishable by its black legs, smaller size and more strongly scalloped back markings from juvenile common gulls which are also about at this time of year. In amongst the gulls were also two adults and a juvenile COMMON TERN. This morning a juvenile HOBBY was also seen flying east over Kingston Road and probably came from the Meadow. There were also about 20 lapwings arond and at least 50 canada geese.

Apart from the excellent Med. Gull there has not been much to report over the intervening weeks. The main highlights have been a COMMON SANDPIPER (Roly Pitts private e-mail) down on the Thames by Willow Walk and a REDSHANK and LITTLE EGRET (OOS MGB). The COMMON TERNS have been seen on and off over the weeks and the female escapee RING-NECKED DUCK was around for a while but has not been seen recently.

On Burgess Field NR the grasses are passed their best and the abundance of grassland butterflies have gone as well. There were just a few very tattered gatekeepers left and a couple of common blues. Down at the far end by the buddlia there were the usual large and small whites, a comma a peacock and several painted ladies. Various speckled woods were to be found along the pathways by the trees. A few "hueeting" willow warblers could be heard as well as some overhead linnets but it was rather quiet on the bird front.

Another week with little of great note leaves us following the subtle changes in the wildlife in and around Port Meadow. The first thing to report is the successful fledging of the two remaining lapwing chicks. A couple of evening walks across the Meadow earlier in the week had found the chicks still to be present with the parent birds as attentive as ever at protecting them. However by the end of the week the two youngsters were flying around with the main lapwing flock which is now numbering over 40. The two birds can be picked out by small white markings in their wings and some missing tail feathers. It's great that there has been this successful raising of a couple of chicks in what I think is a rather difficult environment, given the numbers of people and dogs that frequent the Meadow.

Apart from the lapwings, the Meadow itself is home to the usual wood pigeons, rooks, jackdaws and  pied wagtails with plenty of youngsters about. There has been a single canada goose on the field this week. A common tern or two is seen occasionally along the river or flying along the canal.

A comma butterfly © Adam Hartley

Burgess Field NR is full of fledged youngsters: greenfinches, great tits and a lovely chiffchaff family have all been encountered. I also saw a young warbler, fresh out of the nest which still had down on its head making it a little difficult to identify though I think that it was a young garden warbler.

On the butterfly front gatekeepers have taken over as the predominant butterfly in amongst the grasses with the ringlets and marbled whites very faded now and much reduced in numbers. There are quite a few commas around and still plenty of speckled woods with singles of a peacock, a red admiral and a male common blue also seen. Large, small and essex skippers are all still about as well as the usual large and small whites.

A male common blue, not that common in Burgess Field © Adam Hartley

We've been lucky to have Roly Pitts patrolling along the river in the evening and he has been reporting back to me. One bird of note is that the female escapee RING-NECKED DUCK is still around along the Thames. I thought that I would include a report from him as it rather nicely sums up the birds that can be encountered along the river at this time of year

"On Thursday evening two Common Terns were on the separate posts at Godstow lock. One of them was cleaner and whiter than the other, which had a greyish tinge to its breast. The latter was chattering away rapidly like a nagging wife or a demanding child. When a boat approached they both took off and flew away along the river together. later I saw them along the river towards the perch and I saw them again this evening.
 
This morning I saw 2 goldfinches fluttering against and pecking at the wall of the lock-keeper's cottage at Godstow lock. About half way along the towpath there is a small copse adjacent to the towpath and separating two fields, with various small trees and bushes in the field on the Perch side of the copse. The trees and bushes can sometimes be quite lively and this morning they contained another 4 or 5 Goldfinches, a small gang of Long Tailed Tits, several Chiffchaffs, a Whitethroat, Dunnock, Wren and Great Tits. A couple of hundred metres before the Perch there were 2 more Goldfinches and right at the gate was yet another. Given the distance between all of these I suspect they were all different birds.
 
This evening a Green Woodpecker flew from Port Meadow over the Thames and across into a tree on the far hedge of the field on the Perch side of the small copse. I have seen and heard one here several times recently.
 
I've looked for the Ring-Necked Duck several times since youir last mail, but without success until this evening. It was down near the pointy-end of a wooden boat called October that has been moored for several weeks next to the towpath about 100 metres before the gate to the Perch coming from Godstow. It is indeed very tame, as I approached the water's edge bank it swam towards me and although it stayed in the water I suspect it is used to being fed and hoped that I might oblige.
 
There was a heron fishing on the Port Meadow side of the Thames this evening close to where I spotted the Ring-Necked Duck." - Roly Pitts

Gatekeepers are numberous at present © Adam Hartley

Another week of butterflies and juvenile birds on the Meadow with not much that's radically different but still enough variation to keep it interesting.

On the Meadow itself it's business as usual with the usual Meadow birds: wood pigeons, corvids, lapwings, starlings, skylarks, linnets and pied wagtails can all be found feeding on the Meadow. Swallows, swifts, house martins and sand martins by the river are all to be seen as well. There is at least one lapwing chick which I've seen and is now relatively mature though I don't think it is flying yet. Whenever one walks onto the part of the Meadow where the young are situated the parent birds get agitated and start flying around and calling as a distraction technique. Despite knowing that the young are there it's remarkably difficult to find them: I suspect that once the alarm has been raised they hunker down and freeze and are then very well camouflaged.

My suspicions about the OYSTERCATCHER feeding along the river shore have been confirmed with a sighting a single bird there and on another occasion four birds flying along the river (Roly Pitts private e-mails). Roly has also seen a pair of COMMON TERNS on a couple of occasions: apparently they often hang out by Godstow lock, sitting on the posts there. Roly also reports some mute swan cygnets down by Fiddler's Island and some grey herons along the river.

Within Burgess Field there are still plenty of butterflies about including Ringlets, Marbled Whites, Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns though the first two are starting to look rather faded now and may not be around for much longer. Last week I raised the identification issue of small versus essex skippers. After further research I am pleased to report that both species have been found. The only way to tell them apart is to view them from head on and to examine the underside of the bulbous tip to the antennae: small skippers have orange tips whereas they are black for the essex. Other species that have been seen include: a very worn Painted Lady, a Peacock and a Small Tortoiseshell as well as Small and Large Whites and Speckled Woods.

Addendum:
Late afternoon on Saturday a LITTLE EGRET was seen down by the river (Roly Pitts private e-mail)

A marbled white, now starting to look rather faded

A small skipper from the side...
..and from head on. If you look at the underside of the tip of the antenna on the left of this rather fuzzy picture you may just be able to see that it is orange, identifying it as a small rather than an essex skipper.
A young carrion crow pestering its parent for food.

All photos © Adam Hartley

Another week goes by and we're now into July. One or two return waders are starting to be seen within the country and Port Meadow even managed one of these in the form of an OYSTERCATCHER which was reported on Tuesday (OOS PB) and which was still present on Friday morning at the north end of the mud (former flood) area. I suspect that it may be spending some of its time along the shore of the river.

The oystercatcher on the mud © Adam Hartley

There was also a LITTLE EGRET  reported last week up at Wolvercote Common (OXB Adrian Gray) and seen this week (OOS MBG). Friday also found a COMMON TERN hunting along the river and a RED KITE flying over in the distance. A SPARROWHAWK was also reported up at Wolvercote by Adrian Gray.

The Little Egret © Norman Gregory

I'm pleased to be able to report that the three lapwing chicks are all still about and growing well. Lapwing numbers have been increasing and on Friday there were 28 adults together with the three youngsters. The two parent birds are still zealously chasing off any corvid that gets too close.

On the butterfly front in Burgess Field the ringlets, marbled whites and meadow browns are all still about and there are two new species to report: gatekeepers and either essex or small skippers are now flying. These last two are very hard to tell apart differing only in the essex having black underside to the tips of its antenna. I'll see if I can work out which they are next time I'm up there.

The last full week in June has just elapsed and one might normally start to contemplate returning migrant waders and indeed a few are starting to be seen around Oxfordshire. However the fact that there is no flood water makes this rather unlikely on the Meadow so we have to be content with what we have.

Good news is that all three lapwing chicks are still alive and thriving. Tuesday lunchtime the two lapwing parents and the three chicks were easily seen on the dried up floods by Trap Ground allotment gate. A crow which got too close was quickly seen off in no uncertain terms by the two parent birds. There's been a general increase in lapwing numbers with another 14 birds at the north end of the flood area. I took a walk across the flood mud and surrounding grass and was amazed at the amount of insect life about. This explains the good number of birds present: a young skylark was seen, lots of juvenile and adult pied wagtail and huge numbers of wood pigeons. This abundance of insects is of course also good news for the lapwings. The three chicks were last seen on Saturday evening back at the north channel (MBG).

One of the three lapwing chicks © Adam Hartley
One of the parent birds looking on © Adam Hartley

I am only just starting to appreciate what a great place Burgess Field is for butterflies. There have been some new species flying this week: Ringlet, Marbled White and Meadow Browns all flitting about in the tall grasses. The ringlets look stunning when they first emerge, having a beautiful purple sheen to their brown colouring though this soon fades.

Ringlet: showing off the rings from which it is named © Adam Hartley
Ringlet with open wings © Adam Hartley
A resting Marbled White: these proved very difficult to photograph as they don't seem to settle very often.
© Adam Hartley
A Meadow Brown, unfortunately with closed wings © Adam Hartley

With summer nearly officially upon us it's been another week of June doldrums on the birding front. The flood waters had had a reprieve with some heavy rain topping them up but they've evaporated again to leave just a large area of mud.

On Monday evening there was a forlorn grey heron on the "floods" and a party of four herons was seen flying north presumably to roost somewhere. There are a few skylarks in the fields to the north of the flood area.

Tuesday lunch-time: a painted lady butterfly was seen in Burgess Field NR and there was a flock of about 20 sand martins hunting over the river near the Perch.

Thursday evening there were about 10 lapwings to the north of the floods, the largest number I've seen there for some time. There was also a distant view of a large number of birds coming in to roost over at the west end of Wolvercote. I couldn't make out what they were but I expect that they were either rooks or wood pigeons.

Saturday afternoon provided some good news when MBG found three lapwing chicks on the north channel area on the mud. I had assumed that all lapwing breeding attempts had failed so it's excellent news to hear of them being around though with the numbers of crows, magpies and dogs around it's not going to be easy for them. Saturday evening found a few sand martins about and a couple of lapwings down by the river. On the moth and butterfly front there are still plenty of the five spot burnets around, the common heath's are still present as are the large skippers. I also managed to identify a snout moth.

Addendum (Roly Pitts):
[I] can report that I also saw Lapwing chicks on 15th June at 8:20 in morning. I was walking on other side of the river, coming from direction of Trout and approaching the gate where one sees the sign to the Perch. From a distance I spotted adults flying and then could see chicks close to the path. I took my eyes off them while I momentarily studied something else. As I approached closer the parents became agitated but I could not see any sign of the chicks. Eventually I spotted 2 completely flattened against the grass. I thought that from a distance I had seen 3 but maybe I was mistaken. It occurred to me that they were in a vulnerable position, close to the path where many people  walk and jog, often accompanied by dogs.


One of the three lapwing chicks © Mary Gregory

A painted lady that has decided to stay © Adam Hartley

A common heath moth © Adam Hartley

A rather poor photo of a snout moth © Adam Hartley

Another week with little of interest bird-wise. The recent rain has meant that the floods at least exist again and there seems to be quite a bit of insect life on the surface. However I do wonder how attractive it is to waders as the margins consist of churned up mud and it doesn't look that appealing to me at least. On the Meadow there are still plenty of wood pigeons, starlings, corvids and recently quite a few juvenile pied wagtails so there has been some breeding success with that species. House martins and swallows continue to hawk over the Meadow in good numbers and linnets can often be heard and seen flying about the place. To the north skylarks are still singing and there are still a few black-headed gulls dotted about the place. It shows how bad things are when a lone lesser black-backed gull one day was a point of interest!

In Burgess Field the usual summer breeders are still going about their business of raising their families so there is not so much bird song though on Friday in the south east corner a singing male blackcap spurred a nearby male to start singing which then got a nearby garden warbler going as well. A kestrel was seen hunting over the north end one day. One can always rely on whitethroats and reed buntings to be singing on any visit and the green woodpecker has been seen a few times recently.

On the butterfly front in the grasses the main species are still large skipper and small heath whilst around the margins there are the odd tortoiseshell, speckled wood about. I know even less about moths than I do about butterflies but there seemed to be a hatch of five-spot burnets with loads of them feeding on the clover on Friday. There are also lots of common heath moths to be found in amongst the grasses.

The first returning green sandpipers are now starting to be seen in the county so with any luck things will start to pick up soon though whether the Meadow will attract much in its present state remains to be seen.

Addendum:
A late addition to the week was a LITTLE EGRET on the Meadow (OOS - MBG). It shows how quiet things are when this bird easily gets the "Bird of the Week" award!


One of the many Five-Spot Burnets that were out and about today © Adam Hartley

A Large Skipper © Adam Hartley

It was another quiet week on Port Meadow with the floods becoming completely dried up though the recent rain has now topped them up again. The grass is starting to reclaim much of the exposed mud again. There are still lots of buttercups in full blood and the Meadow is looking very pretty.

An evening walk around Burgess Field at the start of the week found a few bats flying around and a GRASSHOPPER WARBLER reeling quietly. I've not heard these delightful birds during the day for some time now so it seems that dusk is now the only time to hear them. I also disturbed a badger in one of the hedgerows and got a brief glimpse of it before it scurried off. There was also a family of animals of some kind, perhaps foxes, making little yelping noises near the railway bridge.

There are plenty of house martins hawking over the dried up mud. I was wondering whether there were more insects over the mud than over the rest of the grass. Occasionally SAND MARTINS are also seen in amongst them. The swallows tend to stay closer to the river and I presume that they are nesting around there somewhere. The resident and summer breeders were all about and busy feeding their young: green finches, linnets, gold finches, chaffinches, reed buntings, all the warblers including the CETTI'S WARBLER still, magpies, crows and pied wagtails are all about. A COMMON TERN was seen flying over the Meadow on one occasion, presumably going from the canal to the river. There are lots of wood pigeons feeding on the Meadow and on one day I counted over a hundred of them. The black-headed gulls seem largely to have left now as well though there are usually one or two still about. There was a very cute family of young magpies about at the bottom of Walton Well road one morning and a fledgling robin was seen in the Trap Grounds.

There are quite a few butterflies about in Burgess Field at present. There were lots of speckled woods along the eastern end near the railway and the grasses are full of small butterflies and months. I managed to identify some small heaths and large skippers. A small tortoiseshell was also seen as well as one or two straggler painted ladies.

There are lots of rabbits around within Burgess Field including plenty of young ones © Adam Hartley

An absolutely gorgeous start to Saturday morning with bright sunshine and clear blue sky. An early morning visit to the Meadow found a couple of OYSTERCATCHERS flying around and calling. They later landed briefly on the floods where I was able to take a record shot. Apart from that there were two skylarks fighting and a few linnets and green finches on the Meadow itself as well as a RED KITE which was sitting on the ground near the mound to the north of the floods before flapping off. The odd painted lady was still passing through. There were a couple of lapwings present first thing though they soon departed.

Within Burgess Field the CETTI'S WARBLER was still singing occasionally so it's good to know that it is still around. Apart from that the usual warblers, finches, reed buntings and green woodpeckers were all seen or heard.
One of the two oystercatchers briefly on the floods © Adam Hartley

The Meadow, especially to the north of what remains of the floods is currently covered in a wonderful carpet of buttercups and is looking especially pretty right now. There are also little pink flowers which I think are lady's smock (though I am no expert). The main point of interest this week has been the amazing migration of painted lady butterflies which has continued all week.  Dozens of these insects can be seen flying purposefully over the Meadow and also within Burgess Field. Within the latter there have also been various other butterflies around including orange tips and common blues.

On the bird front there has been little to report. The floods now consist of just two largish puddles and the only birds there are black-headed gulls which are picking over the exposed mud and the occasional moorhen or mallard. A grey heron drops in occasionally for a look though it is now more likely to be seen along the river bank instead. A single lapwing has sometimes been seen though there has obviously been no success at breeding on the Meadow this year. With the number of dogs and crows about I am not in the least surprised. Down on the river there was a single young great crested grebe out with its two parents. Swallows and house martins are usually hawking over the river near the red bridge and there are always one or two pied wagtails about.

At this time of year the breeding birds are busy brooding or feeding hungry fledglings so there is not so much bird song around though the various warblers are still occasionally warbling (though I've not heard the cetti's warbler for several days now) and the other day there were two singing male skylarks. However if one goes around Burgess Field with eyes and ears open then one can find some of the various nest sites. I have seen fledgling starlings, blackcaps and great tits out and about and found nests for reed buntings, blackbirds and long-tailed tits. It's a very busy time of year for the breeding birds albeit rather quiet for finding more exotic species.

A painted lady butterfly (actually photographed on Otmoor) © Steve Burch

There's been precious little to report recently. The only birds left on the floods have been a few black-headed gulls, corvids, mallards, the odd gadwall, pied wagtails, a grey heron or two and a few mute swans. There are plenty of hirundines around and I suspect that some swallows are nesting somewhere near the river. I've also seen pied wagtails with beaks full of insects who must have a nest nearby. The odd COMMON TERN has been seen flying along the river, perhaps having nipped over the hill from Farmoor.

Within Burgess Field the warblers are noticably quieter there days, getting on with the job of raising their young. There was a very vocal sedge warbler that used to sing almost constantly close to the gate and I presumed that he'd not yet managed to attract a mate. However recently he too has become noticably quieter and I wondered whether he'd given up and moved on. However I did hear him singing briefly a few days ago so I hope that this means that he was finally able to get down to the job of raising a family. The CETTI'S WARBLER is still around and the last couple of days I have heard and once even briefly saw him out of his usual terrain a bit further north and on the other side of the path. I wonder whether he's been successful in attracting a mate.  There's been a kestrel about hunting in the Nature Reserve recently and on Friday I saw a female SPARROWHAWK with a starling in her talons.

A whitethroat in a hawthorn bush © Kevin Henshaw

Another day of blustery south west wind but with sunny intervals which made it more pleasant when in a sheltered spot.

The recent rain has topped the floods up a bit but there are still large areas of barren looking mud. There was a single RINGED PLOVER on the main pool around Burgess Channel. Given how scarce anything is we have to be thankful for anything that turns up! Nothing of note within Burgess Field but I expect that the birds had their heads down given the wind.

Sunnier conditions meant that I was able to get a better digiscoped shot of today's ringed plover © Adam Hartley

This morning the weather was still unsettled, with the wind still present and showers soon arriving.

There was nothing of note on the floods yesterday, despite a morning and evening visit. Today a morning visit looked like going the same way when a couple of OYSTERCATCHERS arrived in Stint Corner.

In Burgess Field the usual warblers still about, including the CETTI'S WARBLER which was still singing away in its usual place. Let's hope it has managed to attract a female to its territory. There was evidence of nest building with a greenfinch gathering feathers in Burgess Field and a linnet doing the same on the Meadow.

Very much a record shot only of the two oystercatchers. They were about as far away as they could be from my viewing point in grim light and windy conditions so the fact that you can even tell what they are is something of a triumph © Adam Hartley

After heavy overnight showers what's left of the floods were looking a bit better this morning. The RINGED PLOVER were still present and had in fact been joined by a fourth bird. There was also a COMMON SANDPIPER opposite the Burgess Field gate. Also a lesser black-backed gull was a rather unusual sighting for this time of year.

I was just making a quick scan of the fields to the north of the floods when I spotted a distant white bird. Thinking that it was a little egret I got my scope on to it whereupon I immediately realised that it was a SPOONBILL. It was located close to the large mound due north of the Burgess Field gate and it's large flat spoon-shaped bill was clearly visible with yellow markings on the end. I also noted some ragged feathers around the head which could have been it's crest feathers. I immediately put the camera on the scope and was zooming in in order to take a photo when the bird took off. It flew to my right (i.e. to the east) where it was at once lost to sight behind the trees that run along the Burgess Field ditch. Spoonbills are a rarity in the county with the last one apparently having been seen about ten years ago and apparently only about four seen in total since 1970. Despite an extensive run all over the Meadow this lunch-time and searching the ditch that runs along Burgess Field NR, there was no sign of it.

I did get an e-mail from Roy Grant saying that whilst he was out on the Meadow last night he did see a bird on the floods which he had taken to be a little egret though he'd not checked it closely so it could have been there since yesterday evening. However, I subsequently got an e-mail from Steve Clark saying that there was a LITTLE EGRET on the floods yesterday afternoon so that is a more likely candidate for Roy's bird.

From private e-mail (JG):
Went down to the meadow later (about 3-5)and everything had cleared off, including the waders. However I did have a herring gull for a few minutes, and a female WHEATEAR on the west side of the floods which perhaps showed characteristics of Greenland-type though could not be certain.

Not as much of a coup as a record shot of the spoonbill would have been but this digiscoped common sandpiper taken in the rather gloomy light came out comparatively well © Adam Hartley

A better photo of the ringed plovers this morning © Adam Hartley

This morning a very pleasantly calm, though rather overcast start to the day.

The REDSHANK and the RINGED PLOVER were both still on the Meadow this morning so there must be something of value for them still on the floods. I originally reported them as little ringed plover when I saw them through my bins in the evening half-light yesterday but with better light and my scope I was able to make the correct identification. A grey heron still about mopping up whatever's left in the one remaining pool.

Late afternoon update:
This morning's waders were still present late afternoon so they are obviously finding some food there. At Fiddler's Island a CUCKOO was heard calling in the distance from the other side of the river.

From private e-mail (SCl):
LITTLE EGRET and YELLOW WAGTAIL seen in the afternoon on the Meadow.

The redshank finding something to eat in the mud
one of the three ringed plovers looking on.

Just gloomy record shots I'm afraid, but in the light conditions that was the best that was on offer © Adam Hartley

A day of showers (but thankfully much less wind) which brought a number of interesting passage migrants to nearby Farmoor reservoir. Unfortunately the floods are now in such a sorry state that the best that the Meadow was able to offer was 3 RINGED PLOVER (not little ringed as I previously reported) and a REDSHANK, presumably resting after a hard day's travel, which were noted on an evening run around the patch. There were also a few gadwall and a grey heron on what remains of the flood water.

Interestingly enough, in Burgess Field there were a surprising number of corvids, some of them with a Hitchcockian menace about them as they perched on tree tops in the evening twilight.

There were a few warblers still singing on my evening visit, including a male blackcap close to the Burgess Field gate © Pete Styles

Quite a strong wind this morning though it has shifted around to the north east now. The recent spell of sunny and windy weather has meant that the floods have been drying out even more rapidly and there is depressingly little water left in them. For the record, the birds that are currently frequenting the Meadow are: black-headed gull in good numbers, mute swans, various corvids, the odd lapwing, pied wagtails, a few linnets, grey heron and mallards. Apart from these "default" birds there was nothing of interest.

A good day weather-wise with little wind and mostly sunny.

A visit to the Meadow this morning turned up nothing unusual at all. An evening visit was better with a distant COMMON TERN flying along the river and a single LITTLE RINGED PLOVER on the west shore of the floods. It seems that recently any birds of interest are turning up at the end of the day. Perhaps the floods, in their nearly dried out condition, are not really good enough to hold birds for any length of time but tired migrants will stop to rest there at the end of the day before pressing on at first light the next day.

To add weight to this theory, 3 COMMON SANDPIPERS were reported along the east shore this evening as well (WoM - JG).

Little more than a record shot unfortunately of the little ringed plover, shot into the light in windy conditions and at a distance © Adam Hartley

A miserable start to the day with the strong westerly wind still and squally rain, nor were there any grounded waders or indeed anything of interest on the Meadow to show for my efforts in braving the weather. Burgess Field was similarly quiet with the warblers keeping their heads down. There were a couple of sedge warblers singing from their usual spots and one was displaying a remarkable degree of mimicry with song thrush and what sounded like a whimbrel included in its repertoire!

Late afternoon update:
A late afternoon run around the Meadow proved much more rewarding: there were three RED-CRESTED POCHARDS resting on what remains of the flood water in Burgess Channel. This is something of a rarity for the Meadow and certainly hasn't been seen here since I started covering the patch in the autumn of 2007. Also at last some passage waders in the form of an OYSTERCATCHER and two DUNLIN both located along the north shore.

Sedge warblers can be great mimics © Pete Styles

All quiet still on the Meadow front with just a single COMMON TERN of note. The usual warblers still in Burgess Field. Plenty of swifts about today and there are quite a few linnets around, both on the Meadow and in Burgess Field as well. A decent mixed flock of turnstone, sanderling and dunline were at Farmoor today and there was a large influx of birds at Christchurch Harbour yesterday so let's hope that there is finally some decent wader movement about to start before the floods dry up altogether!

A linnet in Burgess Field © Kevin Henshaw

A later afternoon visit to the Meadow found the westerly wind as strong as ever and little of note on the floods except for a pair of COMMON TERNS. Periodically one would fly off towards the canal and then return with a good sized fish in its bill.

The two terns on the floods this evening © Adam Hartley

A morning visit to the Meadow found it rather wind-swept with a stiff northerly breeze still. There was nothing of note on the floods which are now fast receding. Unless we get a sudden deluge we shall be losing them altogether fairly soon. The only birds frequenting them at present are lots of (presumably non-breeding) black-headed gulls, plenty of mallards (including some fluffy ducklings), lots of pied wagtails and corvids plus a few lapwings. It's just a question of hoping that some passage waders drop in while the floods are still with us.

Just the usual warblers (including the CETTI'S still) within Burgess Field.

Lunch-time update:
The wind seems to be veering more to the west as the day progresses. There were two COMMON TERN sitting around on the Meadow, perhaps waiting for the wind to subside. On Burgess Field these seems to have been an influx of GARDEN WARBLERS with at lest four males singing loudly in the south east corner.as they establish their territories. One of them was comparatively easy to see as it vied with a neighbour for space.

There are always whitethroats around to be seen within Burgess Field © Pete Styles

An evening visit to the Meadow with the sky overcast and a stiff northerly breeze found a few birds of interest. A WHIMBREL was seen briefly though it flew off almost as soon as it was discovered. There was a REDSHANK along the North Reach and a couple of COMMON TERNS did a few circuits this evening though I suspect that the wind was not conducive to their usual insect feeding. There were plenty of swallows, house and sand martins and swifts about though.

During a brief walk around Burgess Field the CETTI'S WARBLER was still heard to be singing along with a couple of the GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS.

An evening visit to the Meadow found the weather to be sunny but with a stiffening breeze.

There were actually some waders on the floods this evening which made a pleasant change: a LITTLE RINGED PLOVER right down at the south end of the west shore and a DUNLIN and RINGED PLOVER mid way along the west shore. There were also 3 COMMON TERNS actively picking insects off the water's surface.

The ringed plover and the dunlin on the flood shore line © Adam Hartley

First thing this morning a bit of a mist which soon cleared to leave it dry with sunny intervals.

These spring doldrums continue with nothing of note on the floods once more. It's a real shame as the floods look excellent for passing waders at present. The black-headed gulls are still about and a few house martins and swallows were hawking over the fields.

It was left therefore up to Burgess Field once more to provide the interest and the usual warblers were present in their usual locations. The CETTI'S WARBLER is still about and singing loudly. A CUCKOO was heard calling in the distance and a couple of jays flew over. GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS were reeling away from the depths of the bushes. In all, the 8 resident warblers were about: I have now given up on the lesser whitethroat and the reed warblers are only to be found within the Trap Ground reedbeds.

A willow warbler this morning © Adam Hartley

May Day morning was dry with sunny intervals.

Still very quiet on the Meadow though there was a different WHEATEAR present this morning on the grass between the floods and the river, opposite the house boat. It was an adult female. The only other bird of note on the floods was a WHITE WAGTAIL.

Within Burgess Field NR the usual warblers about including the CETTI'S WARBLER still.
A digiscoped videograb of this morning's rather distant wheatear © Adam Hartley


The video of the wheatear from which the videograb was taken. Best viewed in high quality mode by clicking here and selecting HQ at the bottom right hand corner of the video screen.

This morning overcast and breezy but no sign so far of the promised rain.

The more unsettled weather brought with it a some more interesting birds: an OYSTERCATCHER was piping away and flying around the floods. It would never settle for very long before moving on again so it remains to be seen how long it might stay. The four COMMON TERNS from last night were back again and were flying around and calling actively.

In Burgess Field the earth mounds came up trumps again in the form of a WHEATEAR. It was rather plainly coloured and so was probably in first winter plumage still. It would do the typical thing of hopping off the mound and then back on it again. Also on the mounds was the usual singing skylark and a couple of linnets. There are at least two pairs of skylark in Burgess Field which is great. Apart from that the usual warblers including CETTI'S though I've not heard the lesser whitethroat for several days now so it may have moved on.

The oystercatcher was rather flighty this morning © Adam Hartley
The wheatear on the mounds © Adam Hartley

Another day of good weather and poor birds!

This morning on the floods there was nothing of note apart from the drake teal still and two lesser black-backed gulls (which were also present yesterday as well).

From private e-mail (JG):
Grasshopper, Cett's and Garden Warbler in Burgess Field this afternoon, 4 Common Tern and a White Wagtail on Port Meadow, and a Buzzard and several groups of Swifts over.

Another nice start to the day though clouding over later.

There was nothing of note on the floods this morning apart from one drake teal which was new in. Just the default birds present: mute swan, black-headed gull, pied wagtail, lapwing, mallards and a few straggler ducks. A grey heron was standing in the grass to the north of the flood.

In Burgess Field I am starting to map out all the warbler territories. There are at least 4 SEDGE WARBLERS present and the  CETTI'S WARBLER is still singing away in its usual place. There are at least 4 GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS there and I found a definite GARDEN WARBLER. It was rather interesting to watch this as it was singing very close to a blackcap territory and as I mentioned yesterday, the songs are similar enough that apparently even the two species can get confused. The male blackcap came over to investigate and to check out this other bird out though it eventually realised that it wasn't a threat and left it in peace. For those who are interested, the garden warbler song is more scratchy and hurried than the blackcap.

Lunch-time update:
A run around the patch today found several singing REED WARBLERS in the Trap Grounds. Also a cracking male WHINCHAT in Burgess Field NR. It was sitting on the earth mounds in the second "field" on your right as you take the left path from the southern gate. These mounds are a fairly recent addition but there is a male skylark who often sings whilst sitting on them (see photo for 21st April entry) and they are just the sort of thing that wheatears and whinchats like to sit on. There was also the possibility of a second cetti's warbler: I heard a call on what sounded like the opposite side of Burgess Field to where our "resident" bird is. I only heard it once so I could have mistaken the direction or the first bird might have suddenly decided to move but I will keep an ear out for it.

Addendum:
Whinchat still present at 2:30pm (WoM JCo) though it had moved one field further north from the mound field.

A grey heron on the floods © Adam Hartley

A mobile phone digiscoped photo of a green woodpeck and a linnet having a bath in Burgess Field © Jason Coppock

A rather rainy day but with sunny intervals.

A late afternoon visit to the Meadow found it somewhat refreshed after the rain: it was starting to go a little "stale" with the flood waters looking a bit stagnant so it's been good to get some more rain in them. We're due for a rather showery week so that should help.

On the bird front the DUNLIN was still present, over in Stint Corner this afternoon. There were quite a few peid wagtails about with one YELLOW WAGTAIL and one WHITE WAGTAIL in amongst them. Plenty of swallows and house martins hawking low over the water and some more ducklings out and about.

A very brief visit to Burgess Field found the LESSER WHITETHROAT singing away and being remarkably showy - this species can often skulk within the scrub so it was good to see it out in the open.

The dunlin - taken yesterday in rather gloomy conditions © Adam Hartley

Another glorious day with bright sunshine and clear skies once more.

There was no sign of any terns on the Meadow this morning with just a single DUNLIN along the North Reach as the only bird of interest.

Within Burgess Field the various warblers were warbling away. Of particular note was what I think is a third GRASSHOPPER WARBLER, what sounded like a GARDEN WARBLER (though it's song is similar to a blackcap and I didn't see it) and the LESSER WHITETHROAT still singing away. I'm very pleased that the latter has stuck around. A jay was seen which is a rather belated year tick for the patch and a CUCKOO was hear to the north and then over to the north west so I presume that it was flying around that area.

Late afternoon update:
The DUNLIN still present but now down in the South Channel. One COMMON TERN hawking over the South Channel

A roe deer in Burgess Field NR this morning © Adam Hartley

Scattered heavy showers this morning.

A brief very early visit to Port Meadow this morning found the OYSTERCATCHER down at the south end of the floods and a COMMON TERN flying around but little else of note.

Evening update:
A LITTLE TERN was posted on Bird Guides and OOS (TT) as having been on the Meadow this afternoon until 4:30pm when it flew off. Later it was back in the company of up to five COMMON TERNS and was enjoyed by a number of observers. All the terns were actively feeding on insects and were present until at least 8:10pm when I left. Let's hope that it sticks around until tomorrow. Also some SWIFTS reported (WoM SHG) over Burgess Field NR this evening.

A digiscoped videograb of the little tern. I was amazed that my digiscoping attempts of the bird as it was flying about came out. © Adam Hartley



Some brief video footage of the little tern. To watch in high quality (recommended) click here and select the HQ icon at the bottom right-hand corner of the video screen.

This morning sunny but with a stiff south/sout-easterly wind.

It was once more all quiet on the Meadow front with just yesterday evening's OYSTERCATCHER present to represent something of interest. It flew around a bit calling before settling on the west shore of Burgess Channel for a sleep.

The usual warblers could be heard from within Burgess Field

Late afternoon update:
A late afternoon walk on the Meadow found the oystercatcher had gone but there were now two LITTLE RINGED PLOVER along the south shore of the north channel.

From private e-mail (JG):
CETTI'S singing in Burgess Field, 2 LITTLE EGRET and 4 COMMON TERN dropped in later. Also sand martin

From OxonBirds (JT):
There was a CETTI'S WARBLERsinging on the west side of Burgess Field, near the split in the path. Also present were two reeling GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS and a BARN OWL being harassed by magpies.

The oystercatcher along the flood shore line this morning © Adam Hartley

Another glorious morning weather-wise with just a touch of mist first thing.

A great improvement on the bird front this morning when a GREENSHANK flew in and landed on the Spit at around 6:45am and started feeding along the west shore of Burgess Channel. A LITTLE RINGED PLOVER was also briefly seen along the channel though it was rather flighty. The two COMMON TERNS turned up again and landed on a small island in the middle of the water. I rushed round to try to photograph them but they flew off before I was able to get set up. There was a single SHELDUCK present at the north end.

Whilst I didn't venture into Burgess Field this morning I thought I heard a LESSER WHITETHROAT singing in the distance. I will endeavour to check this out as last year there were none actually within BF with our only sighting being one passing through in the autumn.

Lunch-time update:
The greenshank was still present and a little ringed plover (presumably a different one) flew in and landed on the floods. The two terns were still about with one standing on the tiny island and the other hunting insects off the surface of the water. The lesser whitethroat was calling and working its way along the hedge that bounds the Trap Ground allotments. Had excellent views of a grasshopper warbler in Burgess Field down to about 5 yards.

From private e-mail (MBG)
Thursday 6pm the greenshank was still present, now in the area favoured by the waders, towards the west shore of the flood. One OYSTERCATCHER was paddling in the river opposite the sailing club.

Please note:
Entry for 16th April has been updated to reflect additions news regarding the bar-tailed godwit sighting.

The greenshank on the floods this morning © Adam Hartley
The Little Ringed Plover © Adam Hartley

Yet another glorious day with early mist soon burnt off.

All quiet on the floods again today with just a pair of COMMON TERNS doing a couple of circuits as the highlight. There were also a couple of grey herons hunting in the flood waters and the first brood of mallard ducklings was out and about.

In Burgess Field all the warblers were warbling with a WHITETHROAT singing near to the gate. The CETTI'S was still about and all the other warblers could be heard as well. We're now just waiting for garden warbler to complete the "set".

Finally the whitethroats have arrived at Burgess Field © Adam Hartley

Another glorious morning with clear skies and bright sunshine though there was a bit of a mist first thing.

The continuing good weather means that passage migrants are once again non-existent. The only birds of interest on the floods were the two SHELDUCK. In Burgess Field the CETTI'S WARBLER was still singing away and I managed a reasonable sighting of a singing GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. Still no whitethroats nor garden warblers though.

A skylark singing from the earth mounds within Burgess Field © Adam Hartley

Misty first thing, then burning off to reveal a beautiful sunny day.

The good weather did mean that passage migrants were no where to be seen today and it was once more very quiet on the Meadow this morning. Apart from the straggler ducks a single COMMON TERN did one circuit around the floods and the river before moving on. There were two SHELDUCK at the north end of the floods. The sedge warbler was singing away in the hedge by the Burgess Field gate.

Lunch-time update:
All pretty quiet in Burgess Field and still no whitethroats that I could hear or see but there was a singing REED WARBLER in the Trap Grounds reed bed.

A bullfinch on Burgess Field NR (taken recently). A pair where seen in Burgess Field yesterday © Pete Styles

An overcast start to the day but with the sun starting to break through as the day progresses.

It was very quiet on the Meadow first thing this morning. 2 DUNLIN and 2 YELLOW WAGTAILS were reported by a fellow birder (WoM) though they'd moved on by the time I'd arrived. 2 WHITE WAGTAILS were still around though. Apart from that the usual straggler ducks: a few wigeon, shoveler, gadwall and mallards. Still quite a few mute swans around, presumably non-breeders who will probably hang around for a while. A grey heron by the ditch still.

In Burgess Field it was also rather quiet though the CETTI'S WARBLER was singing away from it's now usual place and I even managed some great views of it at close range albeit only for a few seconds. A GRASSHOPPER WARBLER was singing from a different place so it's either the first one trying out a new location or a second one has arrived. Last year there were up to 4 reported in Burgess Field. There was a sedge warbler by the Burgess Field NR gate again so perhaps that's its chosen territory. Still no whitethroats yet though and I've not checked the Trap Grounds yet for reed warblers.

A singing willow warbler. I was most pleased with this as it's not easy to digiscope a warbler at the best of times though this one did keep still for long enough for me to take two shots one of which fortunately came ok out. © Adam Hartley

First thing this morning overcast but brighter than yesterday with little wind.

An early morning visit to the Meadow found 4 SHELDUCKS down at the south end of the floods. They would periodically fly off and do a circuit or two before returning to the same spot. The four BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were still in Burgess Channel though they soon left. They obviously have somewhere else that they go to, though I don't know where this might be. There was no sign of their rarer barwit cousin this morning. There was a brown "blob" sleeping in the grass to the west of the floods that looked the right size and shape for the sleeping WHIMBREL and one could just make out it's crown stripe on its head though it was a classic case of "sleeping wader syndrome" which renders them very hard to identify. Unfortunately I couldn't stay until it woke up as I would have liked to get a decent whimbrel photo. There were 11 DUNLIN and 3 RINGED PLOVER this morning, initially in Stint Corner though they flew around a bit before settling on the North Reach as a feeding spot.

I could hear neither the cetti's nor the lesser whitethroat singing this morning though there were some willow warblers, blackcaps and sedge warblers to be heard.

From private e-mail (DF):
Was on port meadow this morning (roughly 10-12), and was lucky enough to see and hear a group of about 8 or 10 WHIMBREL flying overhead northeast.  Also heard CETTI'S WARBLER from both the field and inside burgess field (probably the same single bird), calling from  the deep brambles about five mins walk from the south entrance. 

From OOS (SCl):
willow warbler        7
grasshopper warbler        1
sparrowhawk        1   
sedge warbler        2
wigeon        7   
COMMON TERN       1
bullfinch        1 pair 

You'll have to take my word for it that this is in fact a sleeping whimbrel in the mist. Actually you an just seen the crown stripe on this videograb © Adam Hartley


The dunlin and ringed plover feeding along the North Reach. Best viewed in High Quality by clicking here and selecting the HQ icon at the bottom right of the video window

overnight rain left the Meadow overcast and gloomy though the grass is currently looking very green and healthy.

There was no sign of any of the godwits this morning though the RINGED PLOVER and DUNLIN were still present along the North Reach with numbers now swelled to 6 and 11 respectively. Two REDSHANKS touched down briefly on the floods, fed for a few minutes before flying off. This does make one wonder what else comes and goes during the day when no one is watching.

In Burgess Field NR the CETTI'S WARBLER was still singing away which is encouraging and the first two SEDGE WARBLERS were noted: one heard along hedgerow within Burgess Field and one heard and seen between the Trap Ground allotment gate and the Burgess Field gate.

Late afternoon update:
A run around the patch late afternoon was most productive: the RINGED PLOVER and DUNLIN counts had gone up to 8 and 14 respectively though they were now at Stint Corner. The godwits had returned with the BAR-TAILED GODWIT and the four BLACK-TAILED GODWITS once more feeding in Burgess Channel. To round off an excellent session a WHIMBREL was resting on the floods. It was rather skittish and flew down to the south tail before returning, whilst calling, to the middle of the floods. With any luck it might roost overnight.

From private e-mail (MBG):
One YELLOW WAGTAIL to the south of the channel.

Addendum:
On my run I heard a bird singing that I couldn't quite place but then got distracted by the whimbrel and I thought no more about it. Later when I was thinking about it again I realised that it probably was a LESSER WHITETHROAT. It was singing by the river on the Binsey side - I'll have another look for it over the weekend.

A redshank (taken a few weeks ago) © Adam Hartley

Today murky and overcast with rainy intervals.

A post-lunch visit out to the Meadow today paid dividends in the form of a female BAR-TAILED GODWIT which was accompanying the still-present four BLACK-TAILED GODWITS. Whilst the bird was clearly smaller than the black-taileds the identification initially proved inconclusive until all five birds took off when the lack of white wing bars, the white rump extending up as a wedge into the mantle and the lack of the strong black terminal tail band all proved decisive. Barwits are much rarer birds in the county than blackwits so this was a nice bird to have on the Meadow.

Apart from that there was a single golden plover along the north shore and plenty of swallows, house and sand martins hawking low over the floods.

From Private e-mail (MBG):
She [the barwit] was still there this evening; at one point they all took up, then she came back alone and settled on the flood at the west shore, calling for a bit. Also 3 DUNLIN, two with black tummies; 3 RINGED PLOVER. Lots of house martins; more swallows further up the Meadow, over the grass.

The bar-tailed godwit (central bird) with two black-tailed godwits
Here it's the bird at the back - you can just make out the barring on the tail
A close-up of the previous photo where you can better see the barring of the tail under the wing. In flight the differences are obvious. All photos © Adam Hartley

Addendum (From Steve Clark OxonBirds posting)
I have been in correspondence with Barwit expert, Jim Baldwin, via the Hampshire equivalent of Oxonbirds regarding the identity of the Bar-tailed Godwit. Jim's view is that the bird is of the sub-species Taymyrensis or Siberian Bar-tailed Godwit. He says "The photos are very useful and from what I can see it is a female of the taymyrensis sub-species. From our previous research it appears that you get an annual passage through Oxfordshire which appears to come from the birds moving through the Severn - it would be interesting to know the date ranges and whether the birds are males or females so I will always welcome any records in our continuing research, especially of any ringed individuals. "

I have put his paper he refers to in the Files section of Oxonbirds (see "Barwit migration"). Always interesting to know where our migrants have come from and are going to. If you do see Barwits during this migration period (or future years) I am happy to send records through to Jim privately or via
Oxonbirds/Hoslist.

Steve Clark

This morning a damp and overcast start to the day.

The four remaining BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were till present in Burgess Channel. In this area a few mud islands have now appeared which seem to be popular with the birds. There was a summer plumaged GOLDEN PLOVER on one though it didn't stay long. On another island were three LITTLE RINGED PLOVER and a DUNLIN. Apart from that just a few gadwall, a pair of shoveler and a tardy male wigeon and a few black-headed gulls. About half a dozen swallows were hunting over the water. A grey heron was in the ditch by Burgess Field and there were 5 or 6 mute swans on the floods. There was a WHITE WAGTAIL on the floods and a YELLOW WAGTAIL flew over the Meadow calling.

Mid-morning update - Egret species sighting:
Whilst walking down Walton Street I saw a distant egret species flying east, perhaps from the Meadow. I only saw it for a few seconds but its legs seemed to be protruding rather a lot for a little egret. I didn't get a proper sighting of the bill at all but from the leg length there is the outside possibility that it might have been a great white egret.

Late morning update:
A run around the Meadow late morning found the little ringed plover and dulin had departed. There was a reeling GRASSHOPPER WARBLER in Burgess Field as well as the now usual chiffies, willow warblers and blackcaps. Heading back towards the floods on the Meadow I heard the call of a CETTI'S WARBLER calling from Burgess Field though it only called the once. Last year Cetti's weren't seen at all on the Meadow to my knowledge so it would be great if they take up residence.


A singing wren - there is of course a lot of bird song about at the moment.© Pete Styles

A nice start to the day with not a breath of wind though somewhat overcast.

The "Jericho" RING-NECKED PARAKEET flew over my head on Walton Well Road this morning on the way to the Meadow. I also saw it yesterday flying around the same general area. On the Meadow itself it was still very quiet with just a few of ducks, though some of the gadwall were doing a head bobbing routine which I assume is a courtship display. There were just 4 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS present this morning, looking rather splendid in their summer plumage. A surprise bird in the form of a RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE was seen briefly on the spit, perhaps looking for a drink, before flying off.

A brief visit to Burgess Field found plenty of linnets flying around though no new warblers in.

A RED KITE was flying around over the canal a short while later and at lunch-time a female SPARROWHAWK was seen over the same area.

The four black-tailed godwits on the floods this morning © Adam Hartley

8 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS reported on OOS (MBG)

This morning was rather gloomy and drizzly in sharp contrast to the lush greenery that the trees and shrubs are now sporting. It's interesting to come back after a week away and see what changes there have been. One thing I noticed was how much the flood waters had gone done, exposing large areas of mud that is fast drying out. On the floods themselves there were the 7 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still this morning accompanied by a couple of REDSHANK. There were now 5 SHELDUCK along the north edge of the floods. As reported earlier this week there are now very few ducks left with just a handful of teal and a few gadwall around as well as the usual mallards. There were several swallows and house martins flying over the floods and calling noisily. The cormorant was by the river near the house boat.

Despite the miserable conditions on Burgess Field there was plenty of warbler action. There were at least 5 singing male WILLOW WARBLERS to be heard as well as one reeling GRASSHOPPER WARBLER and a few chiffchaffs. A pair of blackcaps were seen at the north end and a few other males could be heard singing.

Late afternoon update (private e-mail MBG):

From private e-mail (MBG):
mid afternoon seven black-tailed godwits at the west side of the flood. They had arrived while I was crossing BF; then they took off in a group and headed north.

Otherwise much as usual on the Meadow- still 2 male shovellers, five lapwings, eight redshank; one heron, four mute swans. Almost as many mallards now as wigeon. Lots of birdsong in BF - several skylarks, flock of meadow pipits, song thrush, green woodpecker, tits etc.

One of the godwits on the floods © Adam Hartley

From private e-mails (MBG):
Fri - late pm; three swallows, one sand martin, three house martins; some wigeon, a very few teal and one pair of shovellers; eight redshank on the west side, with just one lapwing; a single shelduck on the north shore. A green woodpecker yaffling in BF and a kestrel hunting but no sign of barn owl (on my first sighting of the barn owl last year it was mobbed by the kestrel at the top of BF). When I got to the BF bridge 80 golden plover had arrived on the west shore, beside the redshanks, as if preparing to roost there. The cormorant seems to have moved on.

Friday 7pm a late dash to BF with the dog, forgetting the binocs. In Port Meadow a small flock of 20-30 plover were wheeling and landed beside a larger group on the west shore. In the poor light and without binocs I have no chance of a count but it could easily have been 80, as on Thurs. Unless anyone saw them earlier there is no way of knowing whether they had spent the day on the flood or just arrived to roost.

From private e-mail ( MBG):
Thurs - very quiet as I went along the west side; a scattering of wigeon, small group of teal, no shovellers, no shelduck; 5 lapwings but no other waders; one sleepy heron on the north shore; only a handful of gulls. A great crested grebe is nesting on the river, near the fallen tree - almost the same spot as last year and close to many previous years' nest sites. Then as I came out of BF I could see a group of 15 waders on the west side; it was hard to see against the light but the shapes suggested redshanks, probably returned from their alternative spot on the river bank.

From BirdGuides and OOS (WPB)
1 RUFF,
1 YELLOW WAGTAIL
1 COMMON SANDPIPER
2 SHELDUCK
13 REDSHANK

From private e-mail (MBG):
Monday - a quick visit pm showed eight REDSHANK and the RUFF

12 REDSHANK and a RUFF (private e-mail PR)

From private e-mail (PR):

Had a look early Saturday in the gloom and could only pick up 7 REDSHANK for the day along with the usual ducks and a handful of  gulls.

A TUFTED DUCK was reported (WoM MBG) as being on the Meadow today. Whilst this is a common sighting in many locations, the Meadow floods are not really typical terrain for a diving duck which consequently usually don't stay very long. Apart from that apparently the usual birds about.

Another glorious spring day with bright sunshine and the gentlest of breezes.

Noticably fewer of the over-wintering ducks left with a lot of the wigeon now departed. The PINTAIL is still present together with a few gadwall. On the wader front the RUFF and 10 or so REDSHANK still about. Plover counts today were: 2 RINGED PLOVER and 5 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. There was the added bonus of a SNIPE today. A few WHITE WAGTAILS still present.

A surprise bonus in the form of a snipe today: digiscoped at a distance and into the sun © Adam Hartley

Another wonderfully sunny start on the Meadow first thing but soon clouding over somewhat.

An increasing sense of calmness on the Meadow due to ever decreasing duck numbers though there are still reasonable numbers of wigeon, teal and shoveler with some of the latter doing a head bobbing display this morning. The single drake PINTAIL and a few gadwall are still about. On the wader front there were 10 REDSHANK though the ruff appears to have departed (see later though). There were 4 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER and one RINGED PLOVER this morning. About 25 SAND MARTINS went over, the largest flock we've had so far this year, accompanied by a couple of SWALLOWS. A flock of about 25 linnets flew over and there were singing chiffchaff and skylarks to be heard this morning.

From OXB (SHG):
"But the highlight was a big bird of prey which passed over with a crow in attendance, heading quite rapidly north at around 9.10, and which scared the living daylights out of all the ducks: an OSPREY, my first on the Meadow, and I think a juvenile. It didn't seem interested in stopping, although I thought it banked as though changing direction as it headed out of sight; possibly just following the line of the river. Might be worth keeping an eye open for it later, but I suspect it was just passing through"

Lunch-time update:
At least one HOUSE MARTIN in quite a large martin passage and the RUFF seems to be back.

A little ringed plover - always a delight to see on the Meadow © Steve Burch

This morning finally the wind had abated, leaving the Meadow sunny and calm.

Not much difference on the birds present since yesterday: 11 REDSHANK and the RUFF still, with the 2 RINGED PLOVER still present though the little's had moved on. The single drake PINTAIL still around together with a few gadwall. Still no garganey though there were a pair at Otmoor yesterday. A pair of buzzards circling and calling overhead. A couple of WHITE WAGTAILS still around and a few pied wagtails and meadow pipits about.

From OOS (JT):
A BARN OWL and a swallow over by the Perch.

The wigeon are still around though in much reduced numbers now. © Adam Hartley

Another overcast and very windy start to the day.

On the wind-blasted floods today there was a surprise in the form of a single male RUDDY SHELDUCK of unknown provenance. A male has been seen in Bucks recently so it might be the same bird. There have also been a few sightings throughout the county in the last few weeks so it could be a genuine wild bird.
It soon moved to about 100m north of the floods where it remained when I left at around 08:30a.m.  though apparently it was gone by 9:15am (JCo).

The RUFF was still present together with just 2 REDSHANK this morning. On the plover front the two RINGED PLOVER were still there and there were now 4 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. A single drake PINTAIL was still hanging around. There were a couple of WHITE WAGTAILS still present. A SWALLOW was reported (WoM - JCo).

From OOS (JT):
A PEREGRINE over Aristotle Lane.

The male ruddy shelduck on the floods © Adam Hartley

This morning once more overcast with a westerly wind though not feeling as cold as yesterday.

A nice mixture of birds on the Meadow this morning with 11 REDSHANKS and the RUFF still around and joined today by 3 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER and 2 RINGED PLOVER. There were still a few WHITE WAGTAILS around though not as many as in recent days. The first SWALLOW of the year was hawking low over the fields. No sign of the shelduck but one or two PINTAIL still around and a few gadwall still.

One of the three little ringed plovers... © Adam Hartley

One of the two ringed plovers. Note that it is not yet in summer plumage so the bill doesn't yet have the distinctive orange base to it © Adam Hartley

..and a nice comparison between the two plover types. You can see the more delicate build of the LRP as well as the different leg colours and the diagnostic yellow orbital eye-ring for the LRP © Adam Hartley

Another overcast and very blustery day which made viewing conditions on the Meadow this morning tricky.

The RUFF was still there along with about 7 REDSHANKS. Teal, shoveler and wigeon still about with the odd gadwall still present. Some WHITE WAGTAILS spotted in the distance on the far side of the floods. A few chiffchaffs reported as singing in Burgess Field (WoM).


Some (rather noisy) video footage of a white wagtail on the floods, taken yesterday. Best viewing in high quality by clicking here and then clicking on the HQ icon at the bottom right of the footage.

Very windy today with a strong north-westerly wind. Overcast with scattered showers.

An early afternoon visit to the Meadow found the REDSHANKS still about about though in reduced numbers, and the RUFF still present. A single SAND MARTIN flew over the floods battling against the wind. There were large numbers of wagtails around Stint Corner with plenty of WHITE WAGTAILS in amongst them. The two SHELDUCK still present and a single drake PINTAIL still about. The cormorant was fishing in the river near the house boat.

A colour-ringed redshank. If I can get any information on it I will report back. © Adam Hartley

This morning sunny but with a rather cold wind once more.

This morning on the floods the 2 DUNLIN still present along with the RUFF and 6 REDSHANK still. The two SHELDUCK still about. Apart from that rather quiet.

Late afternoon update:
The two LITTLE RINGED PLOVER were back in Stint Corner this evening. Also a KITE reported on OOS (MBG).

From private e-mail and OOS (EUr):
There were 11 White Wagtail and 8 Pied Wagtail all in a loose flock out on the Port Meadow floods this afternoon.The Red Kite also sailed over putting up all the duck.

There are quite a few passage meadow pipits on the Meadow at present © Adam Hartley

Unfortunately it looks like the lovely spring weather has gone for now at least with a much cooler and more overcast start to the day and a chilly north-westerly breeze.

There were not as many birds around today: the 9 REDSHANK and the RUFF still as well as the two SHELDUCK and one or two PINTAIL still about. Still reasonable numbers of wigeon, teal and shoveler though numbers continue to decrease.

Lunch-time update:
There was a nice collection of waders at "stint corner" this lunch-time with 2 LITTLE-RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN, 2 golden plover moulting into summer plumage alongside the REDSHANK and RUFF.

Spring on the Meadow © Barry Hudson

From WoM (PR):
9 REDSHANK
1 RUFF
2 DUNLIN
1 OYSTERCATCHER
1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

From private e-mail (MBG):
no plover to be seen this morning (Sunday) although five lapwings, the redshank and ruff were still around. A heron was beside the BF ditch close to the top gate. A fresh deposit in the badger latrine.

This morning once more bright and sunny though with a bit of a westerly breeze which made it somewhat chilly first thing.

The usual waders were still there: 8 REDSHANK and 1 RUFF and were joined by a pair of LITTLE RINGED PLOVERS along the north shore. A third SHELDUCK was present to join the long-staying pair. About 6 PINTAIL were still about as were a few gadwall. There were 5 lapwing present: now that the majority of them have departed these were the few remaining birds. A cormorant was seen flying over the river and a grey heron was in the grass to the north of the floods.

From private e-mail (BHu):
No sign of the little-ringed plover later on though 4 DUNLIN were present.

From private e-mail (MBG):


A very distant record shot of the two little ringed plover taken at a good 150 yards. You can just make out the yellow eye ring of the right-hand bird © Adam Hartley

Yet another glorious morning with clear blue skies and just a gentle breeze. A touch of mist over the floods first thing.

The floods are getting rather quiet: the ducks are continuing to depart though, contrary to a posting of mine a few days ago, there are still a few PINTAIL and gadwall around. The two loyal SHELDUCK still around but no sign of any garganey yet. On the wader front the 8 REDSHANK still about as it the single RUFF. Singing skylarks and chiffchaffs were heard in Burgess Field NR.

From private e-mail (IR):
3 DUNLIN present at 11am on the floods

From private e-mail (MBG):


The ruff was on the far side of the floods this morning but the excellent light meant that an acceptable record shot was possible even from that distance. © Adam Hartley

This morning another glorious start to the day with clear blue skies and sunshine.

The over-wintering duck numbers were once more noticably down as more birds head off for the spring. The two SHELDUCK were along the north shore, a few gadwall were still around but I didn't notice any pintail this morning. On the wader front the RUFF, 8 REDSHANK and 2 DUNLIN still present. A grey heron was feeding along the north reach, toying with a dead frog, perhaps wondering whether it was still edible. There was a welcome bonus in the form of a RING-NECKED PARAKEET which flew eastwards over my head. I presume that this is the so-called Jericho Parakeet which has been known to loiter near the OUP buildings in Jericho.

The male shelduck along the north shore this morning © Adam Hartley

Another glorious day with bright sunshine and just a gentle breeze.

A lunch-time visit found the RUFF still present, along with 8 REDSHANK and 2 DUNLIN still. There was unfortunately no sign of any ringed or little ringed plover. A noticable decrease in duck numbers though the PINTAIL and gadwall were still present in similar numbers to recent days. A chiffchaff could be heard singing close to the gate.

From private e-mail (PS):
Three chiffchaffs along the western path of BF, then a pair of relatively confiding song thrushes, a redwing and 3 SISKINS all within about 20 yard of each other in the Aristotle Lane playground / canal area.

A chiffchaff on Burgess Field NR © Kevin Henshaw

This morning another glorious start to the day with sunshine, clear blue skies and hardly a breath of wind.

The passage wader du jour was a RUFF over in the north-west corner of the floods. There were also 8 REDSHANK and two DUNLIN making up the wader numbers. On the duck front, the two SHELDUCK still present along with the PINTAIL and gadwall. Over in the Burgess Field ditch there was a little grebe in amongst the teal. A grey wagtail flew off from the gate as I approached. Two cormorants were seen flying along the river in the distance.

In Burgess Field NR itself a chiffchaff was heard in full song.

Lunch-time update: a very productive lunch-time run around the patch produced a JACK SNIPE in Burgess Field NR flushed from the last remaining pool there. Some of you may know that I've been trying for one on BF (and indeed elsewhere in the county) all season and have been pestering various other birders to go tramping around various bogs so they can all rest easy now that I've seen one! There was also a chiffchaff skulking in the trees at the north end of Burgess Field. On the Meadow itself the first LITTLE RINGED PLOVER of the year for the Meadow (though the county first was last Wednesday at Day's Lock apparently) was sitting in the usual place at the north west end of the floods (a.k.a. Stint Corner): it's funny how they prefer this section. It later flew a few a short distance towards the centre of the floods. There was also a WHITE WAGTAIL in amongst the many pieds and a couple of meadow pipits along the shore line.

A pair of pintail © Adam Hartley

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

There was no sign of any of yesterday's star birds but 3 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were new in on the floods though they flew off at around 8:45am. There were 6 REDSHANK and a single DUNLIN along the north shore. At least 9 PINTAIL were still present and a good handful of gadwall. The two SHELDUCK still in their usual place.

Along by Fiddler's Island a kingfisher in flight (WoM - WP).

One of the six redshanks on the floods this morning © Adam Hartley

Our First Birthday!
As a matter of interest it is a year ago today that I started this blog. It has become a most enjoyable part of my life and I would like to thank all those people who have said such kind and encouraging things about it. Also of course an invaluable part of this has been the sightings and photographs that have been sent in by other observers so many thanks for those - please keep them coming in!

This morning sunny intervals but a stiff north-westerly wind which made viewing conditions difficult.

The spring passage bird list got a great bonus this morning in the shape of a wonderful AVOCET which was on the floods at the north west corner. At one stage it was hassled by a black-headed gull and I thought that it would fly off but it stayed and appeared to be feeding actively. Apart from that there were 2 REDSHANK, 5 DUNLIN, a few lapwings and the two SHELDUCK and several PINTAILS and gadwall still.

Three and later 4 SAND MARTINS were also reported (WoM: JCo & BG) - a welcome return and a further sign that things are definitely kicking off now.

Also, to round off an excellent day of spring passage: 2 CURLEW and a stonechat reported on OOS (TWi). Also a MEDITERRANEAN GULL reported on Bird Guides; apparently the avocet had gone by late afternoon. Also 6 SISKIN by Aristotle Lane play ground.

From Web-Comment:
"the Med Gull was an adult in summer plumage that was with the BH Gull flock around 1645h, the flock was very mobile due to dog walkers etc. Some compensation for the lack of Avocet! Also 4 Sand Martins feeding over the floods. Jon Mercer"

What a fabulous day for the Meadow!


Two record shots of the avocet, taken at very long range into the teeth of a strong wind, though the light was reasonable © Adam Hartley

A flight shot of what was a rather wary bird © Steve Burch

Today overcast but mild with little wind.

An early afternoon visit to the Meadow found similar birds to yesterday. The OYSTERCATCHER was still around though rather mobile, spending some time in the fields to the south and east of the floods. There were 5 DUNLIN present today as well as the single REDSHANK still. The two SHELDUCK are also still around on the north shore. There were quite a few gulls though noting out of the ordinary. Still the usual ducks including the PINTAIL and gadwall.

The oystercatcher in the field to the south of the floods © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast and with a stiff westerly wind making viewing conditions rather difficult on the Meadow.

Similar birds around as yesterday: the 2 SHELDUCK back in their usual place, a single REDSHANK amongst the ducks before flying off towards the river, the number of DUNLIN now gone up to 6. No sign of yesterday's ringed plover but an OYSTERCATCHER was on the west shore huddled up against the wind. The duck were mostly hunkered down and sleeping but the 12 or so PINTAIL were still about and there were still quite a few gadwall about. A cormorant was seen flying along the river near Fiddler's Island.

Late afternoon update (WoM - MBG): about 180 golden plover present.

Teal sheltering from the wind © Adam Hartley

An overcast but calm start to the day found conditions a bit misty on the Meadow first thing.

Most of the birds seemed to be asleep and that coupled with the lack of wind gave a very quiet appearance to the floods this morning. However, scanning carefully amongst the ducks reveals 5 REDSHANK and 5 DUNLIN though there was no sign of yesterday's oystercatcher nor the two shelduck. PINTAIL and gadwall were still present amongst the ducks. A RINGED PLOVER (the first of the year, even for the county apparently) flew in and settled mid way along the north shore. There was a single golden plover and just a handful of lapwings to add to the plover set. A grey heron flew in briefly before moving off again.

By Burgess Field NR gate a goldcrest was singing as was a skylark high over the Railway Field.

This afternoon the two SHELDUCK back on the floods (WoM MBG).

The first ringed plover of the year. This was digiscoped in misty conditions at x60 scope mag at a distance of at least 150 yards so I'm very pleased that it came out as well as it did © Adam Hartley

Today overcast, breezy but mild.

Similar birds to previous days on the floods this lunch-time: the two SHELDUCK still at the north end, a few PINTAIL and  gadwall stil about and a flock of 5 DUNLIN on the west shore. A single REDSHANK was at the south west corner by the boats and an OYSTERCATCHER flew in and landed south of the South Bank (the raised bank at the south end of the floods). Two mistle thrush were also on the South Bank. Plenty of pied wagtails about as usual.

In Burgess Field a single snipe was flushed. Down by Fiddlers Island a kingfisher again and a buzzard overhead.

Common Buzzard © Pete Styles

This morning sunny but with a cold north-westerly wind still.

The birds on the floods were all hunkered down against the wind. The two SHELDUCKS were still around and a lone REDSHANK was feeding close to Burgess Field gate before flying off towards the river. There were a couple of DUNLIN on the west shore with a flock of black-headed gulls. A few PINTAIL still around.

A few redwing around presumably gathering for the push north shortly. No sign of the jack snipe this morning though a common snipe was in Burgess Field NR.

A wigeon sheltering against the wind © Adam Hartley

This morning sunny but with a stiff breeze.

Similar birds to yesterday around on the floods: the OYSTERCATCHER was still present at the north west end;  the SHELDUCK pair still about. The PINTAILS were still present and a grey heron was at the north end of the floods. A cormorant flew towards it's poplar roosting perch.

In Burgess Field a singing goldcrest was in amongst a feeding tit flock at the north end. Finally a JACK SNIPE to report (WoM - IR) from Burgess Field as well.

Down by Fiddler's Island a kingfisher.


Oystercatchers, not on the Meadow but at Christchurch harbour, taken last year © Adam Hartley