Port Meadow Birding

Today overcast and very cold with little wind.

The floods were frozen over all day so a late afternoon visit found just a 100 odd teal standing forlornly on the ice with a few wigeon mixed in amongst them. There were also about half a dozen of the BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, a single DUNLIN and a couple of RUFF. About 75 or so golden plover also arrived to join the huddle but were rather flighty (see the video below) and ended up scaring some of the other waders away.

There were a few gulls around for the roost, including a couple of COMMON GULLS, though most of them didn't stay long and headed off west, presumably to roost at Farmoor.


A video of the birds standing on the frozen floods. To watch in high quality mode click here and select "Watch in High Quality"

Today continuing rather cold with a light breeze.

A late afternoon visit to the Meadow found wader numbers somewhat reduced in numbers, possibly because of the large number of Sunday walkers around. There were about 10 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS and a similar number of RUFF, with about 6 DUNLIN and 4 REDSHANKS also present. There was a modest flock of about 75 golden plover. There were much more PINTAIL around with at least a dozen birds on the water.

In the gull roost there were at least 7 COMMON GULL including one first winter bird. In addition there was a rather smart adult YELLOW-LEGGED GULL.

Elsewhere in Oxon: a slavonian grebe was present yesterday at Farmoor but not today. The red-head smew is still around at Dix Pit after spending one day at Farmoor recently. The great northern diver(s) and the scaup are also still at Farmoor.

The yellow-legged gull: the clean white head and clean dark mantle still stand out in the crowd though herring gulls will soon be starting to lose their streaked heads making it much harder to pick the yellow-legged out. © Adam Hartley

Today sunny, bright but a bit cold.

A good number of birds still on the Meadow though whilst I was there an errant dog was leading it's owner a merry dance as it ran around after the birds. 24 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS today, c 25 DUNLIN, 4 REDSHANK and c 20 RUFF. There were more PINTAIL around today with at least 10 present. There were good numbers of gulls about with several hundred present with at least two COMMON GULLS in amongst them. A red-head GOOSANDER was back on the flood water.


Some of the large gull flock on the Meadow today. You can see a couple of common gulls along the front row © Adam Hartley

A Happy Christmas to all readers of this blog! This morning somewhat colder but with sunny intervals and only a moderate breeze.

Plenty of birds on the Meadow at late morning today. 22 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, c 20 RUFF, c 19 DUNLIN and 2 REDSHANK were present on the wader front. Only moderate numbers of golden plover but lots of lapwings. On the duck front there were several gadwall and at least 5 PINTAIL in amongst the usual wigeon, teal and shoveler. A single COMMON SHELDUCK was on the north shore. A SPARROWHAWK flew over.

A Christmas wigeon @ Adam Hartley

This morning overcast and with a bit of a north-westerly breeze but mild.

Many of the waders were down at the south end asleep this morning: c. 26 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS with 8 or so RUFF and the SPOTTED REDSHANK still though with its head and bill tucked in and its legs hidden there was not much beyond smaller size and slightly different coloured back to distinguish it from the the godwits. Another 10 RUFF were along the west shore together with 15+ DUNLIN. Only a few golden plover were around. There were at least 100 lesser black-backed gulls, a few herring and a couple of greater-black backed around. There were still 3 or 4 PINTAIL around amongst the usual ducks. A single red-head GOOSANDER was in the north end of the floods along with a great-crested grebe so perhaps some fish have been trapped by the recent floods.

Not much more than a record shot of the goosander on the floods today © Adam Hartley

From OXB:

1 SPOTTED REDSHANK, 22 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT, 35 RUFF, 19 DUNLIN, c600 lapwing, 65 golden plover, 4prs PINTAIL, countless wigeon, teal and shoveler, 2 great black-backed gull, 1 YELLOW-LEGGED GULL, kingfisher, nuthatch.

A video grab of a yellow legged gull taken a few evenings earlier © Adam Hartley

This morning calm, with sunny intervals.

The floods have once more receded back towards their more normal winter levels. Most of the waders were down at the souther west corner with usual numbers of the usual birds: BLACK-TAILED GODWIT, RUFF and DUNLIN were all seen. I couldn't see the spotted redshank but as I only had my bins with me it is possible that I may have missed it. Plenty of the usual ducks, lapwings and some golden plover and a few lesser black-backed gulls in amongst the black-headed.

Further to the number of gulls at the evening roost, I was out all day yesterday but was driving back into Oxford at about 4pm when I could see large numbers of gulls coming in heading towards Port Meadow (though they could be going on to Farmoor of course). This adds weight to my theory that there are lots of late-arriving gulls roosting at the Meadow leading to much larger roost numbers than one thinks.

This morning a gorgeous start to the day with sunshine and blue sky.

A run along the west bank of the river found the flood waters receding once more and a fair bit of grass now exposed by the river. The SPOTTED REDSHANK was still working its way along the shore and there were a few of the BLACK-TAILED GODWITS down at that end. The GOLDEN PLOVER flock were flying about with a flock of 16 DUNLIN in attendance. Along the river bank past the Perch were 4 REDSHANK. At least 11 RUFF were flying around as well. I also spotted the comparatively unusual sighting of a GREEN SANDPIPER resting on the west shore.

Misty first thing this morning; later overcast but calm and comparatively mild.

This afternoon on the meadow the SPOTTED REDSHANK was sitll present on the narrow strip of grass at the west end of the floods, best viewed from the west bank of the river, near the Perch. There were also 29 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, 10 RUFF and 2 COMMON REDSHANK in the same area. The GOLDEN PLOVER roost contained at least 1200 birds this evening. There was a reasonable gull roost with at least 2 YELLOW-LEGGED GULLS.  Unfortunately there was no sign of yesterday's two Bewick's swans.

After it was too dark to see I did some digiscoped videoing, using the light-compensated image on the camera screen to watch the gulls. I was amazed at how many more seemed to arrive as it got dark and there must have been several thousand birds present in total. Unfortunately the image wasn't really good enough to do much identification but it was a great revelation.

The spotted redshank with a ruff and two godwits © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast but calm and comparatively mild.

The floods were even more lake-like this morning with hardly any grass visible and the waters now extending up towards the north end of Burgess Field NR. I only had my bins with me and so couldn't make out much but three red-head GOOSANDER were on the water at the south end, not doubt fooled by the size of the water into thinking that there might be more fishing opportunities than there actually will be. The usual ducks were around at the north end.

In Burgess Field NR I went looking for jack snipe but only managed 4 common SNIPE. There was also a rather nice goldcrest at the north end.

Late afternoon Update: viewing from the west bank of the river close to the Perch, across to the floods, a great session was had. Despite very poor light, close views of a cracking SPOTTED REDSHANK on the one remaining section of grass. This by no means common wader is another year tick for the Meadow. It was accompanied by 26 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS and 5 RUFF. In the distance 1 REDSHANK was seen; there were probably more of these and also more ruff along the north shore which couldn't easily be seen from my viewing point. A few distant DUNLIN were also seen in flight. In the distance in the middle of the flood were two BEWICKS SWANS. To round of a great selection of birds, in the gull roost were two probable YELLOW LEGGED GULLS.

The spotted redshank, taken in abysmal light with ISO 800. © Adam Hartley

Below is some video footage of the spotted redshank feeding. To view in high quality mode, click here and select "Watch in High Quality Mode".



The spotted redshank feeding on the floods

I also took some video of the two Bewick's Swans but the birds are very distant and the light is very poor so I recommend viewing it only in high quality mode. Go to here and select "Watch in High Quality". My apologies for the poor focusing at the start but the light was so bad that it was not easy to see when it was in focus.

No rain today and feeling comparatively mild.

The Meadow was back to "lake mode" today with the waters on the west side actually over the river bank in places and in other areas just leaving a narrow strip of grass. An evening visit to view from the west bank of the river found a most impressive sight with large numbers of birds of all types present and feeding well. There were the BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, RUFF and DUNLIN still around (WoM estimates: 16+,8+ and 6+ respectively) and a few REDSHANK also around still. A huge 1000+ GOLDEN PLOVER flock took to the air at one point and I was told that there were the same number again still on the the ground so a vast number about. All the usual ducks were around including some gadwall as well. The gull roost was huge and most impressive, perhaps 1500+ birds and contained at least two YELLOW LEGGED GULLS in amongst them.

There are always black-headed gulls around on the Meadow and there was a large number in the roost this evening. At present there is so little light and the birds are so far away that it is hard to take any decent photos so here's one taken back in August in sunnier conditions © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast with heavy rain, though warmer.

The warmer damper conditions meant that there was no problem with ice this morning and the usual waders were present and feeding well in the rain though the conditions meant that it was not easy to make accurate counts: 22+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, 10+ RUFF, 8+ DUNLIN, and 3 REDSHANK were all feeding along the southern end of the west shore. There was a modest flock of about 100 GOLDEN PLOVER around, as flighty as ever. All the usual ducks around including 4+ PINTAIL.

This morning overcast and drizzly but still rather cold.

Despite the floods being mostly frozen over this morning there was lots of bird life around: at least 26 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS present still together with 12 RUFF and 4 DUNLIN. The birds were rather flighty and the ruff and dunlin ended up on the grass between the track (from Walton Well Rd to Aristotle Lane) and the railway. This area is not usually frequented by birds so was rather unusual though I suspect that it's merely until the floods thaw out enough for them to resume feeding. There were at least 100 GOLDEN PLOVER some of which were calling rather plaintively in a manner befitting of the dark and gloomy conditions. All the usual ducks were present and a single SNIPE flew over. There was a COMMON GULL standing around on the ice with the black-headeds.

Late afternoon update: In addition to this morning's birds, at least 4 REDSHANKS around, a few feeding SNIPE, now 7 DUNLIN but only a few RUFF left. A good gull roost tonight (perhaps 1000 birds) though nothing of particular note.

No news from the Meadow today.

Elsewhere in Oxon: the CATTLE EGRET and LONG-TAILED DUCK still at Dorchester (OOS). At Farmoor the 2 GREAT NORTHERN DIVERS and the 2 SCAUP still present.

The first winter drake scaup still at Farmoor © Adam Hartley

This morning the floods were once more frozen over.

There was a huddle of ducks near the allotment gate consisting mostly of wigeon and teal though with a pair of PINTAIL in amongst them. There were a few other groups dotted around including a flock of lapwings with some of the BLACK-TAILED GODWITS. Close to the Burgess Field NR gate there was some clear water with some more wigeon, teal and some shovelers together with the odd godwit. One greater black-backed gull and a few lessers in amongst the black-headed gulls.

Late afternoon update:  2 RUFF were with the godwits and 2 DUNLIN with the evening GOLDEN PLOVER roost. There was no gull roost to speak of with the early nucleus of the roost spooked off by something.


Wigeon feeding on the shore as the light fades at dusk. To watch this in high quality mode click here and select "Watch in High Quality".

This morning sunny but cold.

The floods were not frozen this morning and the Meadow birds were back in their usual numbers: 29 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still around, accompanied by two RUFF. The wigeon were back in large number, together with teal, shoveler, a few gadwall and at least 1 PINTAIL. There were just 20 or so GOLDEN PLOVER around this morning with plenty of lapwings as usual. 2 cormorants were hanging around near stint corner along with about 20 or so coots. There were a handful of lesser black-backed and herring gulls still around this morning along with the usual black-headed gulls. Along the allotment hedge with the usual finches were a few reed buntings.

Late afternoon update: a REDSHANK feeding in the flooded grass to the north of Burgess Field gate. In the gull roost 2 COMMON GULLS, at least 2 greater black-backed gulls and one adult YELLOW LEGGED GULL.

A WOODCOCK was reported to have been flushed from the Trap Grounds on the 3rd December. This is another year tick for the area.

Elsewhere in Oxon: no sign of the glaucous gull today; the CATTLE EGRET reported once again at Day's Lock (BG).

This morning cold and frosty.

The Meadow was looking wonderfully wintery this morning with an extensive frost over all the grass. The flood waters themselves were completely frozen over and there were only two groups of birds: a flock of 47 lapwings and 30 odd black-headed gulls standing forlornly on the middle of the ice; up by Burgess Field NR gate there was a patch of open water where there were 100 or so teal, with a few wigeon and a couple of BLACK-TAILED GODWITS.

Late afternoon update:  the floods were still largely frozen over. 70 odd shoveler had returned and were standing around on the ice. There were now 17 odd BLACK-TAILED GODWITS to the north along the ditch next to Burgess Field NR. A flock of a few hundred GOLDEN PLOVER were near the boat moorings for the evening roost. There were comparatively more gulls around for the roost this evening than of late with at least one "white-headed" first winter in amongst them.

Elsewhere in Oxon: The Dorchester CATTLE EGRET still present at Day's Lock; a 1st winter GLAUCOUS GULL found at Appleford in a crop field.

Teal were the only ducks present in number this morning though this photo was taken about a month ago. © Adam Hartley

No news from the Meadow today.

Elsewhere in Oxon: The CATTLE EGRET is back at Day's Lock in Dorchester (BG). The LONG-TAILED DUCK is still present on the Drayton Road pit at Dorchester. A WHOOPER SWAN by the river Cherwell at Clifton (OXB & BG)



The Dorchester Long-Tailed Duck has been there for at least a week now. © Adam Hartley

Today sunny and calm but rather cold.

A late afternoon visit found the same birds present as have been around for a while now. 20+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still about which I hope are set to stay with us for the winter. About 15 DUNLIN still around and a good flock of GOLDEN PLOVER at the evening roost. The usual winter ducks included the PINTAILS still. The gull roost was once more small in size though there was once more a probable YELLOW LEGGED GULL in amongst them.

A late afternoon visit to the Meadow today found the floods topped up by the recent rain and therefore more extensive than of late. There were 15 or so BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still around and a similar number of DUNLIN. Just one RUFF was seen on the floods today. At the evening roost there was a flock of around 700-800 GOLDEN PLOVER. Still plenty of the usual ducks with some PINTAIL still in amongst them.

The gull roost was once more relatively modest in size with one possible YELLOW LEGGED GULL in amongst them but it was difficult to make out in the fading light and windy conditions.

Off-county news: the CATTLE EGRET still present at Haversham, Bucks; the SLAVONIAN GREBE still at Brogborough Lake, Beds.

This morning starting cold but bright though later clouding over and raining.

With the flood margins frozen once again first thing the birds were thin on the ground. The 30+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were still around amongst the wigeon near the Aristotle Lane entrance. Some DUNLIN and RUFF were still about as were the GOLDEN PLOVER. It's possible that more birds will venture back once it warms up and the margins are thawed out. The PINTAILS still present amongst the large number of duck.

Late afternoon update: counts of 19 DUNLIN and 17 RUFF were made late afternoon. There was a rather modest gull roost but it did include a rather smart adult YELLOW-LEGGED GULL and a COMMON GULL.

Elsewhere in Oxon: a LONG-TAILED DUCK has turned up at Dorchester.

Off-county news: the Bucks CATTLE EGRET still present at Haversham this morning though it was not seen early afternoon and only seen in flight later on. There has been a SLAVONIAN GREBE in Beds. at Brogborough Lake for the last few days.

This morning bright, calm but cold with the margins of the floods frozen over.

The usual birds present this morning though the fact that the margins were partly frozen meant that things weren't so easy for the waders and many of them were sleeping and there was a fair amount of movement with birds coming and going. The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, RUFF and DUNLIN were still present though there were no sign of the redshanks this morning. There was a flock of around 150 GOLDEN PLOVER though they took flight and headed off somewhere. Plenty of ducks around looking very smart in their full winter plumage with the 12+ PINTAILS still present. On the gull front, not many around though the COMMON GULL was still present and there was a very distant gull on the ancient mound to the north which had a huge parallel-sided bill and could possibly have been the caspian gull though it was too far to make out any details on its primaries. Plenty of redwings and fieldfares flying around.

Off-county news: yesterday the first twitchable CATTLE EGRET for Bucks was found at Haversham. It was still present this morning. According to the locals it had been around for a couple of weeks!

A feeding wigeon © Adam Hartley

This morning's fog delayed my visit to the Meadow until late morning when it had cleared.

The usual birds in their usual good numbers at present: the 32 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still, about 28 DUNLIN, 25 RUFF and 3 REDSHANKS. There were lots of SNIPE mainly along the north shore hidden in the longer grass but an estimate would be at least 100 birds.  A flock of at least 800 GOLDEN PLOVER along the north shore. Good numbers of ducks: wigeon in largest numbers followed by teal and shoveler with a few gadwall and the PINTAILS still present. On the gull front there were a few lesser black-backed gulls and a single COMMON GULL. Still plenty of redwings, fieldfares and black birds in the hedges.

There are plenty of redwings in the hedges by the allotments © Pete Styles

No visits to or news from the Meadow in the last couple of days.

Elsewhere in Oxon: at Farmoor the two first winter SCAUP were still present, spending their time in amongst the tufted ducks at the north-west end of Farmoor I. The two GREAT NORTHERN DIVERS also still there.

Off-county news: the AMERICAN WIGEON is still at Lower Farm GP near Newbury in Berks.

The first winter drake American Wigeon was showing well today at Lower Farm GP near Newbury in Berkshire © Adam Hartley

This morning milder but overcast and grey.

With the milder weather there were more birds on the floods. There were 32 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS,  roughly 32 RUFF, about a dozen or so DUNLIN and a hundred or so GOLDEN PLOVER, scattered in a number of small flocks about the place with some of them a fair distance towards Wolvercote in the long grass. The ducks were still present in good numbers with getting on for 20 PINTAILS still around. There were about a dozen SNIPE along the north end of the floods. Plenty of redwings and fieldfares still about.

No visits to or news from the Meadow today.

Else where in Oxon: Farmoor: 2 SCAUP, 1 COMMON SCOTER and 2 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER still present. An AVOCET was found on Otmoor.

Off-county news: the AMERICAN WIGEON still present at Lower Farm GP near Newbury in Berks today.


Avocets are always nice birds to see. This photo was taken at Brownsea Island rather than Otmoor. © Adam Hartley

This morning bright but cold.

Once more a good variety of birds in good numbers: 32 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were present down at the south end so the numbers are back up close to their "normal" values. 45 RUFF and 25 DUNLIN were counted this morning (WoM), a single SNIPE, and there were 4 REDSHANK present along the north end of the west shore. There was a good flock of 700 - 800 GOLDEN PLOVER this morning showing well along the north shore, once more vagrant-free. There were good numbers of ducks about as well with about 50 shoveler, getting on for 20 PINTAILS and the usual large numbers of wigeon and teal interspersed with some gadwall. A lot of the shovelers were out in the middle doing an interesting twirling dance with their heads below the surface as they stirred up the mud on the bottom. There were a few lesser black-backed and herring gulls about amongst the black-headed gulls but no "white-headed" ones.

Elsewhere in Oxon: two SCAUP reported on Farmoor I this morning.

Off-county news: The drake AMERICAN WIGEON showing once more at Lower Farm GP's near Newbury in Berks.

There are good numbers of shoveler about at present © Adam Hartley

This morning comparatively bright with a moderate breeze.

Similar birds to recent days in similar numbers: 27 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS counted today, 30 odd DUNLIN, 4 REDSHANK, lots (not counted today) of RUFF, 200 odd GOLDEN PLOVER. The PINTAILS are still about in the same numbers as recently. A SPARROW HAWK flew over scattering all the birds. A fieldfare in the hedge along with the redwings and blackbirds this morning.

Off-county news: A first winter American Wigeon was found at Lower Farm GP's near Newbury in Berks. Apparently present for the second day though there was no sign of it the following day.

A distant ruff © Adam Hartley.  This photo was chosen not for its photographic merit (clearly!) but it rather nicely illustrates the current excellent state of the floods at present from a birding point of view with lots of just-covered grass that the ducks and waders are relishing.

This morning bright and clear with some actual sunshine though a bit on the cold side.

The same birds present as for the last few days. There were still 49 RUFF present and now 24 DUNLIN and still 3 REDSHANKS. The BLACK-TAILED GODWIT numbers seemed to have increased with about 20 now present. A modest flock of about 100 GOLDEN PLOVER were there. The usual ducks still with some gadwall and PINTAIL also about. A COMMON GULL in amongst the few lesser black-backed and the odd herring gull. Quite a few redwings and black birds feeding in the hedge row bordering the allotments.



Video showing some of the 49 ruff that were present on the floods today. To watch this in high quality mode click here and select "Watch in High Quality".

This morning overcast and cool though dry.

A brief visit this morning to the Meadow found 36 RUFF (WoM), around about 15 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS and about 10 DUNLIN. The PINTAIL were still there in similar numbers to yesterday. There was a modest flock of GOLDEN PLOVER. Quite a few gulls were lingering after the roost including plenty of lesser black-backed and several greater black-backed gulls.

The highlight was a report (WoM) of a JACK SNIPE that was flushed close to the path in Burgess Field NR last week. Jack snipe are know to overwinter in Burgess Field but it was good for one to have been seen.

Lunch-time update: a lunch-time visit in brighter conditions gave me more of a chance to count some of the birds. There was a total of 49 (!!) RUFF, 3 REDSHANK and 23 DUNLIN and still 15+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS and a few SNIPE showing. These are excellent numbers of waders for an inland county such as Oxon.


A goldfinch © Pete Styles

This morning overcast, drizzly and cold.

Still plenty of birds around this morning with about a dozen BLACK-TAILED GODWITS present right down at the south end of the floods. Still the large 30+ number of RUFF and about 8 or so DUNLIN and several REDSHANKS. There are now 12 male and 5 female PINTAILS present. A good number of GOLDEN PLOVER present this morning, still regrettably vagrant-free.

Two of the many ruff currently present © Pete Styles

A late afternoon visit to the Meadow today found conditions overcast but mild with hardly a breeze. The lake continues to get smaller surprisingly quickly and the boundaries are now not too far off "normal" size.

Despite plenty of people on Sunday afternoon walks there were good numbers of birds. There were at least 26 RUFF and now 4 REDSHANK as well as 7 or 8 DUNLIN and quite a few SNIPE showing quite well. though no sign of the godwits. There were similar numbers of PINTAIL to previously as well as the other usual ducks. There was a really good flock of GOLDEN PLOVER this evening with more coming in all the time the numbers must have been getting close to the 1000 mark by the time I left. The birds were a bit flighty and twice went up only to settle again. The third time unfortunately they settled behind the gull flock so I was only able to see a portion of them. Despite careful looking each time the flock was "resuffled" there was once again no sign of the elusive American Golden Plover.  A single KINGFISHER flew low across the "lake".

The gull roost was even smaller than yesterday but at there were at least 4 white-headed gulls which were probably YELLOW LEGGED GULLS.

This morning comparatively sunny but with a bit of a breeze.

As predicted, quite a few birders assembled on the Meadow this morning. However there were comparatively few GOLDEN PLOVER around with no hidden vagrants though there were 14 DUNLIN in amongst them and 5 RUFF. The juvenile PEREGRINE was back again and managed to flush all the ducks to the middle of the "lake". There were today at least 8 male PINTAILS and 3 females. The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were still around and the REDSHANK was at least heard.

The gull roost had all but gone by dawn though leaving behind a few greater black-backed gulls and a very nice adult male CASPIAN GULL (*) that hung around for a while before taking off. Below is a record shot.

On Bird Guides: 3 WAXWING flew west at 10am. It is not known who saw these.

Also reports (WoM of WoM) of a WHEATEAR being seen! As was pointed out, if genuine this could be an interesting sighting because at this time of year it is more likely to be something really rare like a desert wheatear than a standard northern one.

Evening Update:  There was once again a good number of birders out on the Meadow still looking for the American GP of which once again no sign. However there were 31 RUFF which is a record for the Meadow for this year at least and also 3 REDSHANKS now present. Also a fly-over SISKIN. The gull roost was much smaller than last night but there were at least 4 YELLOW-LEGGED GULLS (*) in amongst them.  There was a relatively small plover roost and it was thought that the bulk of the them were roosting further north towards Wolvercote.

Despite no sign of the American Golden Plover some good birds today in the form of the Caspian Gull, Yellow Legged Gulls and the Waxwings, with the first and last being year ticks for the Meadow. In addition lesser redpoll can go from heard only to seen as I was told of some definite sightings on the Meadow.

Unfortunately little more than a record shot of the adult male Caspian gull. © Adam Hartley. Even on this poor quality shot you can see its enormous parallel-sided bill. Closer inspection at the time revealed the correct markings on its P10 primary.


(*) ID confirmed by Ian Lewington.

A late afternoon visit to the Meadow today on the back of a phone call saying that someone had seen the AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER on the Meadow again. I got there at dusk and scanned three separate flocks of roosting plovers but could not find the bird though it was very difficult to see by this point. No doubt there will be a few birders down there at dawn tomorrow to have a thorough look. The flood waters seem to be receding somewhat but there is still a relatively narrow strip of grass between the river and the "lake" and the plovers were roosting there. The best place to view this area is from the west bank of the river (the Perch pub side) where one can obtain reasonably close views. Please do not walk along the east bank of the river or you will put all the birds up.

I did also get an e-mail from a second person saying they'd seen the bird between 2:30 and 3:30 this afternoon and that it flew over to the Burgess Field NR side of the "lake".

Apart from perhaps two or three hundred GOLDEN PLOVER with some DUNLIN interspersed, the REDSHANK was heard calling but not seen. The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were reported (WoM) as still being present as were now 10 PINTAILS (7 males, 3 females - WoM).

The most amazing sight was the gull roost which must have been at least 5 thousand birds, mostly lesser black-backed and black-headed though with some herring gulls, and greater black-backed amongst them. There was at least one pale headed first winter which could have been a yellow legged gull but I did not get a good enough look at it to be certain.

Off-county news: At Hillesden in Bucks, 4 TUNDRA BEAN GEESE were found: two adults and two juveniles. These are thought to be the Bedfordshire birds which have moved on. It was later reported that they flew off so perhaps they might make their way into Oxon.




The tundra bean geese at Hillesden in Bucks © Adam Hartley

This morning a clear start to the day but quickly turning overcast with rain.

This morning in order to get closer to the birds I viewed from the towpath on the west side of the river which meant that the birds along the narrow strip of grass between the river and the "lake" were much closer. Here were found the REDSHANK, 8 DUNLIN, some of the BLACK-TAILED GODWITDS, a flock of about 80 GOLDEN PLOVER and plenty of lapwings and meadow pipits. A lone cormorant was seen flying off from here also. The rest of the birds were along the north shore mostly at the eastern end. The rest of the godwits were down this end as were 9 RUFF. There was a group of 6 PINTAIL (4 drakes and 2 ducks) in a group together performing what looked like some sort of courtship ritual. A further lone drake was a little way away from this group.

Along the river in the trees and hedges were loads of redwings and blackbirds and a few fieldfares as well.

A kestrel, taken yesterday © Pete Styles

This morning started off bright, crisp and clear though a bit nippy.

Despite the extended flood waters the good visibility meant that it was possible to make out the various birds present on the shores of the "lake". Along the west side between the river and the lake there are some islands of higher grass that are still above the water level and quite a few birds were present here. For example most of the BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were feeding along the edges as were 12 DUNLIN and 3 RUFF. The REDSHANK was also seen here (WoM - PS).  Further along on the north west shore there was a COMMON GULL and a rather pale headed 1st winter lesser black-backed gull. The 4 PINTAIL drakes were there together with at least one (and possibly more) females. "Barry" the BARNACLE GOOSE was back along the north shore line and some of the godwits were at the north east end of the lake. The GOLDEN PLOVER flock could just be made out to the north of the floods. Plenty of lapwings, black-headed gulls, wigeon, teal, shoveler and also a few gadwall this morning.A few skylarks and meadow pipits flying across the lake and redwings and black birds in the hedge by the Trap Ground allotments.

A stonechat in Burgess Field NR © Pete Styles

A lunch-time visit to the Meadow today found the floods much extended so that it's back in lake mode. The birds were consequently very distant and hard to make out. From what could be seen the 5 DUNLIN are still present together with 50 odd GOLDEN PLOVER. There were also 3 RUFF present. There was no sign of the godwits. There were at least 30 lesser black-backed gulls along the north west shore line.

This morning cloudy and rainy.

On a very wet and therefore brief visit to the Meadow this morning it was noticeable that the floods have increased in size. The recent rain is taking its toll and much of the North Reach area for example is now flooded. The birds are still around as before though adapting to new feeding areas. With poor visibility and bins only it was possible to make out: the BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, at least one DUNLIN and probably several more, only a few GOLDEN PLOVER this morning, the REDSHANK still at the north Reach.

Lunch time update: a lovely first winter LITTLE GULL was hawking over the flood waters picking insects off the surface. The waders were disturbed at one point and flew up allowing me to see that there were 5 dunlin present with the golden plover. In Burgess Field NR the birds were rather active after the rain and there were plenty of reed buntings, a green and a greater spotted woodpecker, also plenty of finches and thrushes of all types.

Elsewhere in Oxon: the second GREAT NORTHERN DIVER was seen to leave Farmoor yesterday late morning leaving just the one still present. The CATTLE EGRET is still present at Day's Lock in the morning but appeared to have gone by the afternoon.

A Burgess Field NR reed bunting © Pete Styles

This morning not too cold, sunny intervals and a moderate southerly breeze.

There was a nice collection of winter waders on the Meadow this morning: the BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still present, this morning near the north Reach, 6 DUNLIN in their usual place mid way along the west shore together with 80 odd GOLDEN PLOVER. Over in stint corner a single male RUFF was around and the REDSHANK was still about, near the north Reach this morning. Plenty of the usual ducks around, today joined by 4 smart drake PINTAILS. On the gull front, 10 graellsii lesser-black backed gulls this morning, about 200 odd black-headed gulls and a single COMMON GULL.

Flyovers: the usual skylarks were seen flying over but not much else this morning.

WoM: In Burgess Field: the juvenile PEREGRINE.

Elsewhere in Oxon: At Days Lock a wonderful CATTLE EGRET in the field with cattle. At Farmoor reservoir there's now a second GREAT NORTHERN DIVER  though no further sightings of the great grey shrike.



The Day's Lock Cattle Egret © Adam Hartley

A video of the feeding cattle egret:


To watch this in high quality click here and select "Watch in high quality".

This morning much clearer skies with even some blue sky showing, though consequently a bit colder.

The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were still present down at the south end of the floods. There were only a few GOLDEN PLOVER present so presumably the majority of the flock had been scared off and there were no dunlin about either. The lone REDSHANK was still picking its way around stint corner and a few SNIPE were about just north of Burgess creek. Again a few flyover skylarks and the odd finch.

There are quite a few over-wintering shovelers © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast and misty but with little wind.

The highlight this morning was a distant view of a PEREGRINE FALCON (probably a juvenile) which could just be made out in the mist walking around on the boggy ground on the Meadow near the north cove some 300m away. It was watched for some 10 minutes before it flew off.  Apart from that the usual birds in their usual places: the BLACK-TAILED GODWITS down near the boat moorings, a much smaller flock of GOLDEN PLOVER at the south end of the west shore together with 7 accompanying DUNLIN. Just a few SNIPE in their usual place close to the gate. No sign of the redshank this morning and there were only 2 lesser black-backed gulls present. A greater spotted woodpecker was in the trees bordering Burgess Field NR close to the gate.

Flyovers: A couple of skylarks but little else of note.

Elsewhere in Oxon: the grey phalarope has left Farmoor but the great northern diver was still present yesterday. A great grey shrike was reported yesterday by the slurry pools to the north of Farmoor I but there was no sign of it this morning. A juvenile long-tailed duck is still present today on Appleford GP.



The dunlin feeding along the west shore. To view this video in high quality click here and select "Watch in High Quality".

This morning overcast and misty though mild with little wind.

The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were all down at the southern end of the west shore this morning which meant that I could count them, totalling 36 in number. At least 600 GOLDEN PLOVER were present, also along the west shore with more arriving whilst I was there. The 8 DUNLIN were still in amongst them. Over in stint corner the REDSHANK was seen once more (perhaps it was also there yesterday but I missed it). There were 20+ SNIPE around just north of Burgess Creek in their usual place. On the gull front only 6 lesser black-backed but 2 greater black-backed gulls were there this morning at the north cove.

Flyovers: quite a few finches, mainly chaffinches and goldfinches and also a LESSER REDPOLL which was heard but not seen. This can now go down on the Meadow year list as at least heard only though I hope to get an actual sighting before too long. Also a couple of skylarks and the usual winter thrushes.

One of the ever-present pied wagtails on the Meadow © Adam Hartley

This morning starting out more sunny but quickly clouding over to leave things grey once more but with only a moderate breeze.

The Bewick's swan had moved on as expected - I'm still waiting to hear from Slimbridge as to whether it's one of theirs. A RING-NECKED PARAKEET flew over the Meadow close to the railway line, calling loudly, presumably the "Jericho" RNP which has been reported as being back in Walton Crescent in its usual tree a while ago. There was a large GOLDEN PLOVER flock again along the west shore of about 1000 birds with now 8 DUNLIN feeding in amongst them. The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were still around, mostly on the west shore close to the boats. There were 3 COMMON GULLS present and again about 10 lesser black-backed. There was no sign of the redshank this morning. Also a cormorant over by stint corner. A grey wagtail by Burgess Field NR gate.

A pair of gadwall were seen amongst the usual ducks (WOM: J-PD) and 3 blackcaps were seen presumably by the hedge row (OOS: SHG).

At Farmoor: the grey phalarope was present for the third day along the south shore and a juvenile great northern diver was present for the second day, but only reported today. It was still present at around 11:30 when I went to see.

The Farmoor juvenile great northern diver this morning © Adam Hartley

Today, overcast all day with a moderate north-easterly breeze still, but not too cold.

A post-lunch visit to the Meadow today proved rewarding with an adult BEWICK'S SWAN present on the floods mid-way along the west shore. The north-easterly wind is clearly in the right direction for the migrating bewick's which have been unseasonably late in coming this year. The bird was resting with its head tucked in for a fair amount of time but a bit of patience yielded some reasonable photos given the distance and the appalling light conditions (which required ISO 800). It's possible that this bird may be on its way to Slimbridge in Gloucester where they over-winter and I have sent them a shot to see if they can identify it as one of theirs.

Apart from this lovely bird it was pretty much the same birds as yesterday. There were at least 1000 GOLDEN PLOVER on the west shore with more arriving as I was leaving. The 5 DUNLIN were still around as was the REDSHANK in stint corner. The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were also still present. In amongst the black-headed gulls were 11 graellsii lesser black-backed.

Elsewhere in Oxon: no sign of the juvenile rough-legged buzzard at Otmoor today despite extenive searching. A possible lesser scaup is present for the second day on the Henley Road pit at Sonning Eye.

The bewick's swan © Adam Hartley. Digiscoped at a distance in appalling light.

This morning overcast with a light north-easterly breeze but not too cold.

My first visit to the Meadow in over a week found it in good form with plenty of birds to look at. There were over 500 GOLDEN PLOVER,  which were initially a bit restless before settling down in two flocks along the west shore and at stint corner. A careful scan through them found no rare American vagrants though there were 5 winter plumage DUNLIN in amongst them which were nice to see. The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were still around though rather mobile, feeding at various places around the Meadow. There were no ruff at all that I could see. The first REDSHANK in quite a while was present feeding near stint corner. There were good numbers of lapwings, wigeon, teal and shoveler though only a few snipe were seen. Plenty of black-headed and lesser black-backed gulls including one very pale immature one that would have had me thinking of white winged gulls were it not for its black primaries. There was a single COMMON GULL in amongst them, which is in fact not at all common on the Meadow. A mistle thrush by the Aristotle Lane entrance was also seen.

Flyovers: not a great deal to report - a few redwing and finches and a couple of skylarks. I'm still waiting for the first redpoll for the Meadow for this autumn.

Elsewhere in Oxon: yesterday on Otmoor a juvenile rough-legged buzzard was seen, photographed and today had it's ID confirmed. It will be looked for tomorrow - more updates when I get them.


A redshank - a welcome return for this species which hasn't been seen on the Meadow for some months. This photo was taken at Brownsea Island but given the distance and the lighting conditions today I wasn't going to get anything on the Meadow © Adam Hartley

From OxonBirds (SB)
The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were much in evidence at Port Meadow this morning - in the superb early morning light they made an impressive sight. Some were reasonably approachable, including one remarkably tame bird in the ditch right by the path leading from Aristotle Lane. This even tolerated a few casual walkers going right past it!

Elsewhere in Oxon: the third grey phalarope of the autumn present for the second day at Farmoor Reservoir. See Farmoor Birding for details.



The godwits this morning © Steve Burch

From blog comment (PS)
On Burgess Field NR, a chiffchaff still here, a stonechat, flock of meadow pipits and for me, the first redwing of the year.

From blog comment (J-PD)
At a brief visit to Port Meadow early p.m. today:
GOLDEN PLOVER 65
BLACK-TAILED GODWITS 35
SNIPE 3+
DUNLIN 1 first-year
also Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Lapwings, Black-headed Gulls.
.. also at least two RUFF;

From blog comment (J-PD)
Estimates from late afternoon on Port Meadow today:
GOLDEN PLOVER 640
lapwing 35
SNIPE 5
RUFF 3
shoveler 32
wigeon 250
teal 170

From blog comment (J-PD)
Late afternoon (5.45 p.m.) on Port Meadow today:
GOLDEN PLOVER 340
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT 30
RUFF 4
also lapwings, teal, wigeon, mallard, black-headed gull, pied wagtail

This morning overcast with a south-westerly breeze though warmer than yesterday.

The usual birds around this morning. There are currently 35 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, at least 3 RUFF, fewer SNIPE this morning than yesterday (perhaps 30+), up to 300 GOLDEN PLOVER though the numbers fluctuate as birds come and go. A GREY WAGTAIL was being chased away by one of the many pied wagtails that are always present. The wigeon, teal and shoveler were around as ever, as were the lapwings.

A few more flyovers today almost all heading west: redwings, chaffinches, greenfinches, goldfinches, meadow pipits, linnets all in moderate numbers.

A flock of golden plover © Pete Styles

This morning clear and bright but with a nippy westerly breeze.

A mid morning visit to the Meadow found the birds a bit thin on the ground and those that were present were hunkered down against the rather chilly breeze. There were at least 20 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still present, about 30 GOLDEN PLOVER and plenty of SNIPE (perhaps about 100). There were no ruff about which was unusual. Apart from that the usual ducks, lapwings and gulls. A flyover skylark and a few finches.

Some comments on where the Golden Plover Go (private e-mail ILR):
A few years ago, when I was watching the Meadow daily, I was also regularly visiting, often in same trips, the meadows between Godstow and Kings Lock on the south side of the river. These were then the regular refuge for Golden Plover disturbed from Port Meadow. Similarly duck flocks (mainly Wigeon) disturbed from the Meadow regularly retreated to the Cassington/Yarnton gravel pits alongside the A40 (at that time another regular haunt of mine).  In both cases commuting between the two sites could be observed from suitable vantage points. Golden Plover sometimes gather in the Wolvercote Common area of Port Meadow which could explain their apparant arrival from the north-east over Burgess Field.


Off-county news: The ferruginous duck still at Calvert, Bucks and the ring-necked duck back at Foxcote Reservoir, Bucks.

A teal © Adam Hartley

From private e-mail (PS):
A flock of 9 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS right in front of the Aristotle Lane path, later by the BF gate

From private e-mail (J-PD):
today on Port Meadow at 2.15 pm
a first-year PEREGRINE attacked (unsuccessfully) a group of Lapwings and disappeared south.
Some rough numbers:
Lapwing 35
GOLDEN PLOVER 1
Shoveler 28
Teal 110
RUFF 1
Wigeon 350
Black-headed Gull 80
Lesser Black-backed Gull 8
Common Gull 1 adult.

Elsewhere in Oxon: 2 whooper swans on Farmoor Reservoir

Two godwits on the Meadow today © Pete Styles

This morning a strong south westerly wind blowing. Let's hope it brings in some American vagrants in due course.

The same birds were still around though many of them were congregating at the eastern side of the floods where perhaps it is marginally less exposed. There were only a few GOLDEN PLOVER when I arrived though numbers swelled up to around 100 whilst I was there. The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were back and feeding happily, about 30 in number. The SNIPE were in their usual place just to the north of Burgess Creek. A few RUFF were dotted about the place as usual. Flyovers: a few goldfinch and linnets.

Off-county news: a lapland bunting has turned up at Dorney Lake in Bucks.

The ruff have been present for a while and may well over-winter on the Meadow © Adam Hartley

A lunch-time visit today found the Meadow in rather a bleak mood with grey clouds and a stiff westerly breeze making it feel rather cold.

Once again the birds were rather thin on the ground with just 8 GOLDEN PLOVER down at the south tail, 4 or 5 RUFF dotted about and a couple of dozen SNIPE trying to sleep in windy conditions by the north reach. No sign of the godwits. A SPARROW HAWK flew low over the north channel, before it was hassled away by a couple of crows.

As I was leaving more golden plover started arriving with a flock of several hundred circling before moving on and the number down at the south tail now up at about 80. This did lead me to wonder where the plover go when they're not on the floods themselves. Do they land further north on the Meadow where they wait before returning when any danger has passed?

From private e-mail (PS):
"you ask were the GPs go when they are not on the meadow. Consistent with what was reported on oxonbirds recently (Ed. c2,500 birds) , I was in Burgess Field yesterday morning and they arrived from the east/north east, overflying the NR in skeins of around 50 birds at a time. They kept arriving over a period of about 10 minutes and, by the time I got back to the meadow, they were all at the edge of the floods in the vicinity of the boat station."

This direction would be consistent with Otmoor so perhaps the birds commute between the two sites.

Evening update from private e-mail (J-PD) : "a flock of 15 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS  came in in fading light at 6.15 p.m.".

Off-county news: the ferruginous duck is still present on and off at Calvert in Bucks and the great grey shrike still at Wishmoor Bottom in Berks.

A moulting drake teal © Adam Hartley

From private e-mail (PR):
The BLACK-TAILED GODWIT were all there early on but a distant hot air balloon spooked all the birds and only a few came back before I left at lunchtime, I think it was 5 that came back. 50 SNIPE, 5 RUFF, 3 SWALLOWS flew over the flood, Regular parties of redwing going over and about 150 fieldfare. 1 DUNLIN About 1000 GOLDEN PLOVER -  No sign of the AGP, Couple of white wagtails and a more meadow pipits than last week out in the middle of the meadow.

A lunch-time visit today in glorious sunshine and little wind found everything unusually quiet on the floods.  I don't know whether the birds had been scared away by something (there was someone taking holiday snaps along the north channel shoreline which could account for it) but there was little around. There were only a handful of BLACK-TAILED GODWITS present and about a dozen GOLDEN PLOVER though there were still 5 RUFF about and plenty of SNIPE and the ducks were still around but again in reduced numbers.

One of the ever-present wigeon © Steve Burch

This morning bright, clear but distinctly nippy.

Despite the efforts of several birders present first thing this morning there was no sign of yesterday's American Golden Plover. There were again 1000+ GOLDEN PLOVER with 3 DUNLIN in amongst them feeding along the west shore line. The BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, RUFF and SNIPE still present in similar numbers to previously. Flyovers: a few goldfinches, greenfinches, sky larks and meadow pipits,one stock dove and three cormorants.

No apologies for some more record shots of yesterday's wonderful plover which apparently was a first for Oxfordshire.
Clearly showing the dark grey underwing in this picture...



Three video grab shots of yesterday's bird © Ian Lewington

This morning grey, overcast and drizzly but rather mild.

A juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER was found by Ian Lewington amongst a large (c1050) flock of GOLDEN PLOVER late morning. The plover flock was very mobile and kept getting spooked but the bird was seen until about 13:35 when a SPARROW HAWK put them all up. When the flock resettled the bird could not be found and to my knowledge wasn't seen again. Ian was there because this morning I spotted a "different" plover amongst the flock and called him so he decided to take a look. It turned out that my bird was just a regular golden plover but whilst checking it out Ian did manage to find the American Golden Plover so a bit of luck was involved there! There are some record shots below.

Apart from this wonderful rarity, the usual birds in good numbers this morning: the BLACK-TAILED GODWITS and RUFF still present in about the same numbers (30+ & 5+ respectively). Increased number of SNIPE (125+ at a rough count).  Unusually, a male pheasant was feeding to the north of the floods in the grass. There were noticably more shoveler around and the usual large numbers of wigeon and teal. A few meadow pipits hopping around the shore lines but little fly-over activity this morning.


Two record shots of the American Golden Plover © Nic Hallam


And another record shot © Justin Taylor

Yet another video of a feeding ruff and godwit but they were both very close so the quality is pretty good. Once again to view in high quality mode click here and select "watch in high quality".

This morning starting over somewhat cloudy but calm and brightening up later.

The 30+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS are still around and very much at home. I don't know whether there's a possibility that they might over-winter which would be fantastic as they are wonderful addition to the Meadow's bird life. Lots of SNIPE again though they weren't counted this morning. Still 5 or 6 RUFF about. A good flock of 300+ GOLDEN PLOVER still present - they would periodically get twitchy and then take to the sky in spectacular fashion.

Plenty of finch action this morning with the 15+ goldfinches still feeding in the hedge; a flock of about 20 linnets flew over and about 10 greenfinches were flying around. A few sky larks and meadow pipits were also flying over.

There are always plenty of pied wagtails on the Meadow © Adam Hartley

This morning starting calm but overcast and a bit misty though brightening up later.

The Meadow had a wonderfully autumnal feel this morning and there were plenty of birds to look at too: the 30+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still in residence and widely dispersed over the floods. A flock of 350+ GOLDEN PLOVER was murmuring away on the west shore. The 5 or 6 RUFF were still present and there were at least 70 SNIPE this morning. A charm of at least 10 goldfinches flew in and fed in the hedge for a time. A few meadow pipits about the place. A good number of black-headed and lesser black-backed gulls along the north channel.

Late afternoon update: a STONECHAT in Burgess Field NR and even more golden plover around on the Meadow.

One of the ruff © Steve Burch

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

It was rather a sociable session down on the Meadow this morning with up to seven birders present at various times apart from myself. Collectively we were able to enjoy the same recent birds as have been around for a while now: 30+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still seeming very much at home, 6 RUFF now with two pale adult males now present, a count of 70 SNIPE this morning and varying numbers of GOLDEN PLOVER up to at least 60. There was a goldcrest and a chiffchaff in the willows at the bottom of Walton Well road and a few flyover meadow pipits with plenty more seen by some birders on a specific pipit hunt north of the floods but nothing more unusual turned up. At one point a giant kite of the non bird variety seemed to spook almost all the birds which was an impressive sight as they all took to the air at once.

Intriguingly, one of the birders mentioned that he saw a honey buzzard flying around the University Parks yesterday

A digiscoped shot of some of the golden plover this morning © Adam Hartley

This morning somewhat overcast and with a chilly south-west breeze.

The same birds still on the floods: 30+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, 5 RUFF, 30+ SNIPE. GOLDEN PLOVER started arriving whilst I was there with numbers soon above 100. Quite a few lesser black-backed gulls around. A couple of REDWINGS flew over with 6 more reported (WoM). At least 6 skylarks on the move overhead and a few meadow pipits around. 5 or 6 goldcrests reported (WoM) in Burgess Field.

There are plenty of wigeon still about © Adam Hartley

This morning an extremely misty start lead to a delayed trip down to the Meadow but once the sun burnt it off it was another glorious day with sunny blue skies and no wind.

It was pretty much a case of business as usual: 30+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still present, c50 GOLDEN PLOVER, the 4 or 5 RUFF still around and plenty of SNIPE showing well. In fact I decided actually to count the snipe and was amazed to come up with a total of 92 just in the flooded patch north of the Burgess Field gate. A few meadow pipits in the grass to the north of the foods, a flyover skylark and plenty of finches around.

Lunch time update: the golden plover flock has now grown to c. 300 birds. 8 further skylarks flew over. A STONECHAT in Burgess Field NR and lots of mipits around.


Yet another godwit photo but they are very photogenic and often come obligingly close © Adam Hartley

Here's another video of a godwit and 2 ruff feeding at very close range so it is of reasonable quality. To view in high quality mode click here and select "watch in high quality".

This morning absolutely gorgeous autumn weather with clear skies, bright sunshine and hardly a breath of wind.

The birds were plentiful on the Meadow this morning with the 30+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still gracing us with their presence; 4 or 5 RUFF still around; 40+ GOLDEN PLOVER; at least 20 SNIPE showing themselves reasonably well. In addition there were 3 DUNLIN at the North Cove which was nice to see after an absence for a while. Embarrassingly, I did initially think they were something rarer and even called out someone else to take a look before realising what they actually were.

Plenty of ducks, lapwings and gulls also around. A couple of skylarks and a single meadow pipit flew over

Off-county news: Bucks - great grey shrike near Ivinghoe and ferruginous duck back at Calvert, Berks - lesser scaup at Queen Mother reservoir.


One of the ruff this morning © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast, showery and windy though rather mild.

The Meadow floods are looking a bit fuller after the recent rain though the basic shape hasn't changed much. It's very much a case of the usual birds at present: c30 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still feeding happily and widely dispersed over the floods; 4 RUFF dotted about the place and this morning about 220 GOLDEN PLOVER in a large flock on the west shore though they took flight and headed off whilst I was there.

A grey wagtail, taken yesterday close to the Perch @ Pete Styles

Another video taken this morning of some godwits feeding at close range next to Burgess Field NR gate. As the quality is reasonably good you may wish to view this in high quality mode by clicking here and selecting "watch in high quality".

A brief late afternoon visit to the Meadow in calmer conditions after a rather wet morning.

30+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were still present on the west shore, along with 25 GOLDEN PLOVER and 4 RUFF. There were quite a few SNIPE about as well. A reasonably sized gull roost was gathering as I left, mostly black-headed gulls with some lesser black-backed as well.

A ruff in flight © Pete Styles

This morning, quite chilly still though no sign of the forecast rain so far.

There were quite a few birders down by Burgess Field gate this morning. We were entertained by the continuing presence of 30+ BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, many of which were feeding right by the ditch surrounding Burgess Field NR. The RUFF were still around with at least 4 birds spotted though as they were rather mobile and widely dispersed it wasn't easy to keep track of exact numbers. A few GOLDEN PLOVER were seen by one birder as he arrived and a lone bird was flying around and calling. Several SNIPE were dotted around Burgess Reach. A GREY WAGTAIL flew into the ditch area. A couple of buzzards were seen over Wytham wood in the distance and a kestrel flew over a couple of times. An unidentified wader flew over which gave us something to puzzle over.

Vis. mig: a few swallows and house martins around this morning and a couple of meadow pipits flying over.

Off-county news: the ferruginous duck is back at the Calvert BBOWT reserve in Bucks this morning.

A ruff on the shoreline © Pete Styles

A video of a godwit feeding at close quarters in rather windy conditions. For a high quality version click here and select "watch in high quality".

This morning a sunny but very cold with a chilly north-westerly wind whipping across the Meadow.

Most of the waders were down at the south end again near the boat moorings though a few were dotted about elsewhere. A total of about 30 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still present, 5 mobile RUFF and 3 GOLDEN PLOVER flew in as I was leaving. By Burgess creek about half a dozen or so SNIPE in amongst the wigeon and teal.

In Burgess Field a STONECHAT was seen (WoM).

A Ruff on the floods © Adam Hartley

This morning sunny but cold.

The birds were divided into two camps this morning with about a dozen or so BLACK-TAILED GODWITS down on the west shore close to the boat moorings and the same number again up by Burgess Creek. There were at least 3 RUFF still present this morning and a few SNIPE but no sign of any golden plover nor yesterday's dunlin. Apart from that the usual birds present.

Off-county news: the Bucks ferruginous duck has this afternoon been relocated at Foxcote reservoir. Lots of Leach's storm petrels on the move today.

The light was excellent this morning and the birds were close so I was pleased with this digiscoped shot of a godwit © Adam Hartley

Preening Ruff Video. To view this in high quality click here and click on "watch in high quality".

This morning sunny but very windy with a strong north-westerly breeze.

In difficult viewing conditions this morning due to the wind: most of the waders were down at the southern end of the west shore close to the boat moorings. There were 30 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS with another one on its own close to Burgess Creeek; about 75 GOLDEN PLOVER and 5 RUFF. There was a single juvenile DUNLIN along the north shore. The number of lesser black-backed gulls increased to 16 this morning. Apart from that the usual ducks, lapwings and black-headed gulls.

Two digiscoped gloden plover © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast, windy and rainy.

As if to mark the sudden deterioration in the weather there were typical winter scenes with about 150 GOLDEN PLOVER on the Meadow this morning, mid way along the west shore. The large godwit numbers continue with 29 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS also along the west shore. 5 RUFF were also dotted about the place as were a few SNIPE. Apart from that the usual ducks and lapwings and black-headed gulls with 5 lesser black-backed also present.

Vis. mig.: a single willow/chaff briefly glimpsed along the hedge row.

A couple of wigeon (taken in sunnier conditions) © Adam Hartley

This morning much colder, initially overcast but with sunny intervals.

There was plenty of bird activity on the Meadow this morning with a flock of 50+ GOLDEN PLOVER flying around though later less than a dozen could be seen so they didn't all stay. At least 20 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS on the Meadow, mostly on the west shore though some close to Burgess Creek. 5 RUFF this morning, 4 along the north shore and one large pale male along the south shore. Plenty of SNIPE showing and the usual ducks.

Vis.mig: nothing of note this morning.

A godwit on the floods this morning © Adam Hartley

Below is a video recording of a feeding godwit. To view the high quality version click here and select "Watch In High Quality" at the bottom right of the videa screen.
 

This morning a thick mist first thing across the Meadow which burnt off later to reveal a hot and sunny day.

First thing in the mist a flock of about 30 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS (WoM) though these soon departed. Up to 8 GOLDEN PLOVER were seen and 4 RUFF. Masses of wigeon and plenty of teal with a few shoveler and gadwall interspersed.  A single LITTLE EGRET down by the boat moorings once more. There were unusually large numbers of canada geese at the north end of the floods so outsiders have obviously come to join the locals. Quite a few SNIPE around.

Vis. mig.: a few swallows and house martins over, with the usual meadow pipits flying over.

At Otmoor RSPB: a Richard's Pipit was seen near the Pill Ground today. It was mobile but vocal.

A digiscoped ruff in the morning mist © Adam Hartley

This morning first thing a thick mist over the Meadow. Once that had cleared it was a gloriously sunny morning.

A flock of a few BLACK-TAILED GODWITS was seen departing as I arrived with just one remained on the floods after that. The 4 RUFF still present and joined on the North Reach by 4 GOLDEN PLOVER. A LITTLE EGRET down by the boat moorings. Lots (30+) of SNIPE visible this morning.

Vis. mig.: a smart male blackcap by the Burgess Field gate and a couple of meadow pipits over.


The golden plover this morning © Adam Hartley

This morning calm but rather overcast though brightening up later.

This morning: a large contingent of yesterday's godwit flock was seen to fly off this morning (WoM) but there were still 8 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS down near Stint Corner and 2 other birds (persumably the original ones) down by the North Reach along with the 4 RUFF still. 2 SNIPE flew up from the grass. A RED KITE flew over putting up a large flock of wigeon. Increasing numbers of ducks now present. About 100 house martins flew over and fed for a while before moving on. More MEADOW PIPITS seen on the ground down by the south tail. A single willow/chaff calling in the hedges.

lunch-time update: the number of godwits has increased up to about 20. A few swallows briefly over the floods. A common buzzard flying low over Burgess Field.

late afternoon update: the number of godwits is now at 37 as more keep dropping in.

Off-county news: an amazing fall of mega rarities along the east coast yesterday and today.

Part of the godwit flock in flight © Pete Styles

This morning overcast but calm.

The receding of the flood waters was confirmed this morning with the first small wader for some time in the form of a juvenile DUNLIN near the north cove. There were also now 4 RUFF between Burgess Creek and the north cove and at least 3 SNIPE. The two juvenile BLACK-TAILED GODWITS still present on the spit at the junction of the west and south shores. A single sleeping LITTLE EGRET down by the south tail. Plenty of ducks about. On the vis. mig. front a couple of MEADOW PIPITS over and a singing chiffchaff.

Lunch-time update: a lovely flock of 40 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS feeding on the north shore close to stint corner this lunch-time. Also quite a few meadow pipits on the ground to the north of the floods.

Off county news: no sign of  the Calvert Ferruginous duck this morning.

This morning overcast but with only a gentle wind.

The floods look to have receded a bit from yesterday. Whether this is actually true or not is debatable but certainly the birds were a lot nearer than they have been of late. The two juvenile BLACK-TAILED GODWITS were still near the junction between the north shore and the west shore. The three RUFF were between Burgess Creek and the north cove. Plenty of lapwings with a few hidden SNIPE but no golden plover. Copious numbers of ducks, some of which are just starting to get their winter plumage though no sign of the pintail this morning. A few MEADOW PIPITS still going over but no warblers in the hedges this morning. a couple of kestrels also flew over.

Off-county news
A rather nice adult drake ferruginous duck turned up at Calvert Jubillee BBOWT reserve in Bucks this lunch-time.





A few digiscoped record shots of the Calvert ferruginous duck © Adam Hartley

This morning still calm but overcast and rather cool.

A classic autumn scene on the Meadow this morning with lots of ducks scattered across the floods with a bit of a mist. As well as the usual ducks there was a PINTAIL along the north shore. Around the south shore there were 2 juvenile BLACK-TAILED GODWITS and in amongst the lapwings were 3 RUFF along the north shore. A few SNIPE heard and one seen. The MEADOW PIPIT passage continuing with a few more over.

This morning, another beautiful day with sunshine and no wind.

There were plenty of birds on the Meadow this morning and the waters seem to be receding enough now for the larger waders at least to be able to feed. The BLACK-TAILED GODWIT was still present along the north/west shore and was joined by a RUFF. Two more RUFF were along the north shore amongst the lapwings. There were also at least 8 SNIPE hidden amongst the grass. Plenty of the usual ducks though the tufted duck and pochard seem to have moved on.

There seemed to be a passage of MEADOW PIPITS over this morning with at least 6 birds going over in one's or two's.

Elsewhere: finally a honey buzzard for Oxon with one over Farmoor Reservoir just the other side of the hill from the Meadow this morning.

 A distant (200m) digiscoped record shot of the godwit and one of the ruff © Adam Hartley

This morning still calm, rather overcast to start with but brightening up later.

A brief visit to the Meadow this morning with bins only revealed a great increase in bird numbers with much of the water covered in ducks and geese. On the far west/south shore the BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (a juvenile I think) was still present. Along the north shore amongst the lapwings were about 20 GOLDEN PLOVER.  10 SNIPE flew up from the grass and zig-zagged away. A MEADOW PIPIT flew overhead in Burgess Field NR.

Early afternoon update: 6 lovely YELLOW WAGTAILS were along the east shore amongst the cattle. The godwit was still present though the golden plover had gone as had many of the ducks.

An obliging moorhen in the ditch by the Trap Grounds allotment gate © Adam Hartley

This morning still calm but rather overcast and slightly misty.

Just the "default" birds this morning though the TUFTED DUCK was still present. The SPARROWHAWK flew over putting up some of the duck. Still plenty of warblers in the hedges including a very tatty-looking blackcap and a singing chiffchaff.

Late afternoon update: at least 8 SNIPE on the north shore and a BLACK-TAILED GODWIT feeding on south shore. Based on the last two days it seems that currently late afternoon is a good time to see some waders which are presumably stopping off after a hard day's travel.

Autumn Mallards © Adam Hartley

This morning still calm and still but overcast once more.

Little has changed with the birds: still large numbers of wigeon, accompanied by teal, gadwall and shoveler. The female TUFTED DUCK still present and joined this morning by a male POCHARD. Once more no sign of the golden plover this morning though they may reappear at lunch time again. A MEADOW PIPIT was heard to fly over. A single SNIPE showed itself briefly in the flooded long grass before disappearing again.

Late afternoon update: at about 5:30 a male and a female RUFF were on the floods. They were rather flighty and at 6pm they flew off to the south east. Also a LITTLE EGRET down at the south end of the floods.

Digiscoped record shot of the two ruff, taken from about 200m in poor light. © Adam Hartley

This morning, the period of high pressure continues with once more not a breath of wind though rather overcast.

The dearth of waders continues with none seen at all. Plenty of wigeon with about 300 birds now present. Increasing numbers of gadwall, teal and shoveler also. The female TUFTED DUCK still present so she must be finding something to feed on. A couple of YELLOW WAGTAILS down with the cattle to the south end of the Meadow. A few warblers around in the hedges and just a few house martins around.

Elsewhere, on Farmoor a rather nice spotted redshank spent much of the day there yesterday.

Lunch-time update: the GOLDEN PLOVER (about 10) back on the floods. Also a kingfisher along the ditch outside Burgess Field NR.

Another good morning with the weather: perhaps we are going to get an Indian summer.

Once more a marked absence of waders with only a few SNIPE visible and no golden plover. Even more wigeon around than yesterday and reasonable numbers of gadwall, shoveler and teal as well. There was a single female TUFTED DUCK diving away in the middle. I'm not sure what fish are left there so it probably won't stay long. The birds were all put up as a female SPARROWHAWK flew low over towards Burgess Field NR, passing back again some five minutes later.

A nuthatch was calling from the hedgerow and there were a few willow/chaffs calling as well. A couple of MEADOW PIPITS flew overhead.
Two wigeon and a preening swan on the flooded grass © Adam Hartley

Misty first thing but brightening up to be another wonderful day.

Not much change in the birds. About a dozen or so GOLDEN PLOVER, 17 SNIPE, and lots of lapwings. At least 100 wigeon, together with plenty of teal, gadwall and shoveler. Quite a few mute swans about. At least 10 MEADOW PIPITS flew over and more were heard but not seen. The greenshank wasn't seen so perhaps has finally departed.

WoM: in the afternoon a female TUFTED DUCK was present.

A digiscoped distant teal in the grass © Adam Hartley

For once a good start to the day: no wind, warm with blue skies!

There's not been much change in the bird life on the Meadow for several days now: to the north of the floods in the flooded grass the single GREENSHANK still, 14 or 15 GOLDEN PLOVER, plenty of lapwings and the usual ducks. A single SNIPE was also spotted though there could be many more hidden away. A cormorant flew in, landed on the water and had a couple of dives before deciding that the Meadow wasn't really a good spot for fishing and flying off again.  Two GREEN SANDPIPERS were reported (WoM) as having flown over earlier. A LITTLE EGRET on the west shore briefly.

Quite a few warblers in the surrounding hedges with a rather shabby blackcap being seen and a singing chiffchaff heard as well as plenty of "hueeting" willow/chaffs.

Still waiting for something really interesting to turn up on the Meadow this autumn. Elsewhere today another grey phalarope at Farmoor, a bar-tailed godwit at Wilstone reservoir in Herts, a huge movement of honey buzzards mainly down the east coast, and wrynecks still turning up everywhere except Oxon!

A digiscoped couple of distant wigeon © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast, calm and a bit nippy which lead to rather misty conditions on the Meadow.

Peering through the mist this morning revealed just the one GREENSHANK present along the north shore together with a dozen GOLDEN PLOVER. Apart from that it was the usual "background" autumn birds with plenty of lapwings, starlings, pied wagtails , wood pigeons and crows feeding in the grass. There are increasing numbers of wigeon, teal, gadwall and shoveler now present. The gulls consisting of black-headed gulls plus a few lesser black-backed.

No sign of any snipe, dunlin or ringed plover for the last few days: they are either too well hidden or the changed conditions with the lack of mud has lead them to go elsewhere.

Three herons © Peter Styles

This morning overcast with persistent drizzle though brightening up for brief periods.

Due to the weather, I didn't get out to the Meadow until late morning. The birds were very flighty for some reason and kept on being spooked, flying around for a while before settling once more. This did mean that I was able to get a better idea of what was around and it's pretty much the same birds as usual: the single GREENSHANK, just a pair of GOLDEN PLOVER and lots of lapwings and the usual ducks. No sign of any of yesterday's interesting birds so it may be that as there is no decent mud the waders are not lingering at present.

The cattle were down by the south tail this morning and a single YELLOW WAGTAIL was spotted flying amongst them.

There were at least 100 lapwings on the Meadow today © Adam Hartley

Evening update: a second greenshank was also present.


An amazing sunset on the Meadow this evening.

This morning starting sunny with blue skies though clouding over later.

The floods have once more extended and the river is right at the top of the bank. The waders were again  hard to see but a walk along the west shore by the river and scanning north revealed a KNOT on the north shore, well hidden and sleeping in the grass, in the company of 11 GOLDEN PLOVER and a single DULIN. The GREENSHANK was still present between Burgess creek and the north cove and the usual ducks were around.

Also in Burgess Field another great WHEATEAR (WoM - see yesterday's photo).

Private e-mail: today late afternoon on Port Meadow floods: 10 REDSHANK, 1 LITTLE EGRET

Reported on OOS: 1 RUFF

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a shot of the knot but here is a distant view of some of the accompanying golden plover © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast with persistent rain.

A later update than usual due to having to wait for the rain to ease a bit. The floods have once more increased in size and the river is closer to bursting its banks. The flood waters have now reached some comparatively long grass to the north and the birds are very difficult to see. 3 DUNLIN were spotted flying around but when they landed they were completely hidden from view so who knows what else might be lurking in there. The single GREENSHANK was tall enough still to be visible and there was a flock of 11 GOLDEN PLOVER just beyond the floods. The usual ducks still present. A lovely WHEATEAR was along the bank down by the south channel near the south tail.

A wheatear (though in Burgess Field taken the next day) © Pete Styles

This morning a comparatively pleasant start to the day with little wind and patches of blue sky.

The floods have increased in size once more to the point where it is more reminiscent of winter than early autumn. To add to this there were plenty of "winter" birds around, though not yet in their full winter numbers: good numbers of teal, gadwall, shoveler and wigeon swimming around on the water or grazing on the flooded grass. In addition there was the first proper flock of GOLDEN PLOVER with 9 birds along the north shore line. 4 DUNLIN were glimpsed creeping around in the flooded grass and a single RINGED PLOVER was seen flying. There were plenty of SNIPE around a just a single GREENSHANK was seen wading through the grass.  In the current conditions there is no mud for waders at all but birds can easily be missed in the long flooded grass.

There are plenty of lapwings on the Meadow at present © Adam Hartley

Once more overcast, with scattered showers and a bit breezy.

The continuing rain has now completely covered the mud and is even flooding the grass areas again so the birds are having to adapt to the changing situation. There is also an ominous finger of water from the river pushing its way on to the Meadow so we could have a fresh flooding soon. From a birding perspective we don't want it to flood too much as when it is in lake mode it far less attractive to passing waders.

There was more of a sense of movement with lots of birds flying around including some unidentified distant waders. On the floods at least 2 of the GREENSHANKS were still present, with 3 RINGED PLOVER and 5 DUNLIN along the north channel. Several SNIPE relishing the flooded grass and a large number of teal, gadwall and wigeon.

The black-headed gulls very much at home on the floods at present © Adam Hartley

This morning grey and overcast still.

The recent rain has topped up the floods nicely with all the dried mud being resubmerged. On the bird front it was another case of business as usual: the 3 GREENSHANKS still present, 9 RINGED PLOVER and 5 DUNLIN down in the south channel. At least 7 SNIPE hidden in the flooded grass though there were almost certainly a lot more about.  In amongst the usual black-headed gulls were a flock of 15 COMMON TERNS. No sign of the garganey though plenty of teal, gadwall and wigeon. The LITTLE EGRET back in the Burgess Field ditch.

A ringed plover this morning © Adam Hartley

This morning once more grey and drizzly.

The Meadow continues its quiet patch at present with the same birds as the last few days: the 3 GREENSHANKS, 10 RINGED PLOVER and 4 DUNLIN and a few SNIPE. The usual winter ducks now present: teal, shoveler, gadwall and wigeon though still in small numbers.

There were large numbers of swallows and a few house and sand martins hawking low over the fields and floods this morning, especially following the cattle as they moved about displacing flies.

Farmoor Phalarope
Somewhat off-topic but nearby at Farmoor reservoir a juvenile grey phalarope was found this morning and showed extremely well all day at the north west corner of F2.

The Farmoor grey phalarope, photographed (poorly) in very difficult conditions at lunch time when it was bobbing up and down in the waves © Adam Hartley



Come the evening, the bird was on the causeway shoreline and much more confiding © Pete Styles

This morning starting grey and rainy though brightening up later.

The continued rain has meant that the birds are feeding with renewed vigour on the recently flooded grass. There were lots of teal (c 30) and SNIPE (20+ ) feeding between Burgess creek and the north cove. The GREENSHANKS were still present, 2 DUNLIN and 3 RINGED PLOVER.


Preening snipe (taken in sunnier conditions) © Adam Hartley

This morning overcast and cool.

The same birds as recently still present: the 2 GARGANEY still by the mouth of Burgess creek, at least 3 GREENSHANKS present (perhaps yesterday's incomers have scared off our resident bird), 8 RINGED PLOVER and several SNIPE. There were about a dozen wigeon feeding on the grass on the south shore.

Two of the ringed plovers © Adam Hartley

This morning, first thing grey and drizzly though brightening up later.

The recent rain has somewhat rejuvenated the floods with the birds seemingly feeding more actively than of late. In terms of the birds present, very similar to yesterday: the two GARGANEY near the mouth of Burgess creek once more with lots of teal and shoveler about, and a few gadwall and wigeon. There were 8 RINGED PLOVER and the single DUNLIN still along the west shore of the Burgess channel. Quite a few (8+) SNIPE about this morning, no doubt attracted to the recently flooded grass. The long-staying GREENSHANK was still present. Then a flock of three more greenshanks flew in to the southern end of the floods and a fascinating calling dialogue ensued between the newcomers and our "resident" one. Eventually the two groups got together in the north channel. It will be interesting to see whether these new birds stay or if they continue on their journey, possibly taking "our" bird with them.

One of the two garganey, still present this morning © Adam Hartley

This morning a beautiful early autumn day with bright sunshine and little wind, a very pleasant contrast from yesterday.

On the floods this morning, the GREENSHANK still present and as mobile as ever. 10 RINGED PLOVER in the Burgess channel accompanied by 1 DUNLIN. 3 SNIPE flew off from near the north cove. 2 GARGANEY were in the upper Burgess channel. Apart from that the usual ducks and black-headed gulls.

In Burgess Field this morning a beautiful SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (WoM).

The two garganey on the floods this morning © Adam Hartley

The spotted flycatcher in Burgess Field © Peter Styles