December 31st 2003

Cotswold Water Park    The Yellow-browed Warbler still between Pit 31 and Pit 32 at Keynes Country Park this afternoon in willows but elusive.

December 30th 2003

Frampton     The female Hen Harrier was hunting at Nebrow Hill again today at 2:30pm. (Craig Lewis).

Cotswold Water Park    The Yellow-browed Warbler still at Pit 31 at Keynes Country Park this morning on the north side in sallows. This afternoon it was on the east side of Pit 32 working it's way south (towards Wiltshire).

Hartley Bottom, Leckhampton Hill    Four Bramblings, three males and a female, feeding in Pheasant cover with 150+ Chaffinches today. (Steve Brown).

December 29th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A Yellow-browed Warbler at Pit 31 at Keynes Country Park early afternoon for five minutes. (Jeremy Squire). Relocated at 3:25pm from when it showed well until just before dusk. Also six Chiffchaffs and a Greenshank and Green Sandpiper over. 

Three Smew on Pit 75 this morning, a drake and two redheads. (Duncan Dine/Steve Owen). 

Frampton Flashes/Canal/Green Lane    A ringtail Hen Harrier flew through at about 8:45am, heading towards the 100 Acre reedbed. A male Merlin flew over the canal and headed towards Frampton Church. Also a female Sparrowhawk, a Water Rail in the reedbed north of Splatt Bridge, 127 Lapwings on the fields between the Canal and Green Lane and two Stonechats on the flashes at Green Lane. On the Sailing Lake a female Goldeneye and two adult winter Yellow-legged Gulls. (Martin Wightman).

December 28th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Seven Snow Buntings again this morning from the Holden Tower. Also a few Little Stints. (Martin McGill/Neil Smart). Later a Peregrine from the Holden Tower and a Kingfisher by the entrance pool. (Tony Eveleigh).

Frampton     The Bittern showed well again at 8:40am today and was seen to take a 2lb Pike on the area in front of the reed bed on the opposite side of the lake from Frampton Court, view from the Public footpath across the grounds. It showed again at 9:40am. Also a Raven over, a Little Egret and a pair of Grey Wagtails and eight Red-legged Partridges by the car park at Splatt Bridge. (Andrew Bluett/Mark Hobson/Richard Cawsey). At Nebrow Hill this afternoon the adult female Hen Harrier was hunting at midday and a Little Egret flew over. (Mark Hobson). 

A Barn Owl flew through Nebrow Hill car park at dusk. (Tony Eveleigh/Richard Baatsen). 

Aylburton Warth    A female Merlin and c.5 Tree Sparrows this morning. (Tony Eveleigh).

Abbeymead, Gloucester    A female Blackcap coming to garden feeders several times daily. (Andrew Bluett). Another feeding on nuts at Hardwicke. (Mark Hobson).

December 27th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Razorbill came in on the tide at 10am but was sadly drowned immediately by gulls. (Martin McGill).

December 26th 2003

Forest of Dean      Five Goosanders, four males and a female, on Cannop Ponds today. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton     The Bittern showed well again today on the area in front of the reed bed on the opposite side of the lake from Frampton Court, view from the Public footpath across the grounds. Also a Little Egret, redhead Goosander and two adult Yellow-legged Gulls. The female Hen Harrier was hunting at Nebrow Hill near the River Cam. (Andy Jayne/Mo Croose).

December 23rd 2003

Frampton     The Bittern showed well again today on the area in front of the reed bed on the opposite side of the lake from Frampton Court, view from the Public footpath across the grounds. (David Owen).

December 22nd 2003

Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury (The Courtyard)    A Water Rail, nine Snipe, a pair of Stonechats today. (David Owen).

December 21st 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A Red-throated Diver on Pit 31 at Keynes Country Park again today until 3:30pm at least. Also a Water Rail. (Jon Mercer/Nigel Bayliss).

Frampton     A female Hen Harrier hunting at Nebrow Hill again today. Also a Peregrine and two Buzzards. (Gary Cox/Mark Hobson). 

The Bittern showed well again on the area in front of the reed bed on the opposite side of the lake from Frampton Court, view from the Public footpath across the grounds. (Gary Cox). Pic below taken today by Gary.

WWT Slimbridge    30 White-fronted Geese, 80 Dunlin, three Golden Plovers, three Buzzards and 50 Linnets today. (Mark Hobson).

December 20th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A Red-throated Diver on Pit 31 at Keynes Country Park again to day. (Rob Emery).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    Two male Goosanders at 9:30am. (Steve Brown).

December 19th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A Red-throated Diver on Pit 31 at Keynes Country Park again to day. (Phil Pope).

Robinswood Hill     A Raven sat on the trig point.  Also two pairs Bullfinches and c.50 Goldfinches near the golf course. A Buzzard on a hawthorn near Ski slope, next to Matson Lane. (Steve Brown).

December 18th 2003
Cheltenham    A male Black Redstart today at 1pm in Hester's Way Park next to GCHQ. (Keith White per Duncan Dine).

Cotswold Water Park    A Red-throated Diver on Pit 31 at Keynes Country Park again today. Also around CWP today two Little Egrets, five drake Goosanders, 74 Ruddy Ducks, a female Merlin, two Barn Owls, two Stonechats, 8 Chiffchaffs and an Aythya hybrid on Pit 44 (reported as a Scaup yesterday on the pagers). (Andy Jayne/Dave Pearce/Mike Sutcliffe). Pic of the diver below taken by Dave on the 15th.

December 17th 2003
Cotswold Water Park    A Red-throated Diver on Pit 31 at Keynes Country Park again today.

December 16th 2003
Cotswold Water Park    A Red-throated Diver on Pit 31 at Keynes Country Park at 1pm for its third day. Also a pair of Goosander on Pit 34. (Jon Mercer).

December 15th 2003
Cotswold Water Park    A Red-throated Diver on Pit 31 at Keynes Country Park at 12:30pm. (Roy Shilham).

Sudmeadow, Gloucester    A male Firecrest trapped this morning. A first for the patch. (Gordon Avery).

December 14th 2003
Forest of Dean    A female Blackcap eating holly berries at May Hill today. (Rob Guest).

Uley/Dursley    A Snow Bunting flew over fields between Uley and Dursley today. (Robin Ward per Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park    A Red-throated Diver on Pit 31 at Keynes Country Park this afternoon. Still present at dusk.

WWT Slimbridge    Seven Snow Buntings on the Dumbles distantly from the Holden Tower early afternoon. Also two Peregrines, c200 Linnets, a pair of Ravens and the wild Greylags still. (Richard Baatsen).

Frocester Hill    A pair of Ravens this morning. (MK).

Forest of Dean    A small flock of Siskin and two Lesser Redpolls at Woorgreens today. (Mark Hobson).

December 13th 2003
Frampton     A female Hen Harrier at Nebrow Hill late afternoon. The Bittern showed well again on the area in front of the reed bed on the opposite side of the lake from Frampton Court, view from the Public footpath across the grounds. (Gary Cox). 

December 9th 2003
Sharpness Docks    15 Rock Pipits roosted this evening. (Paul Taylor).

December 8th 2003
Frampton     A Hen Harrier and two or three Short-eared Owls at Nebrow Hill late afternoon. (Les Ditchburn). 

A drake Smew on the Court Lake this afternoon, view only from the Public footpaths. (Tony Eveleigh).

Ashchurch, Tewkesbury    A Peregrine over the Moog factory at 3pm. (Les Ditchburn).

Wotton-Dursley-Ozleworth crossroads    100 Golden Plovers and two Lapwings in an adjacent field at 11am. (Andrew Beasley).

December 7th 2003
Frampton     An immature male (possibly first-winter) Hen Harrier quartering the reedbed north of Splatt Bridge between 8:15-8:30am and then headed towards Saul/Fretherne. Also in this area a Pintail on the pools at Green Lane, two Sparrowhawks, a Peregrine, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher, a Stonechat and two Ravens. On the Sailing Lake a female Goldeneye and three Ruddy Ducks. (Martin Wightman). 

The Bittern showed well again on and off throughout the day at Court Lake on the area in front of the reed bed on the opposite side of the lake from Frampton Court, view from the Public footpath across the grounds. It or another flew off in the direction of Frampton church at 4:30pm. Also a Little Egret and a Red Crested Pochard. (Andy Chapman).

At Nebrow Hill this afternoon the adult female Hen Harrier flew through at 2:20pm. (MK). Also two Short-eared Owls, two Sparrowhawks and a Brambling. (Andy Chapman).

WWT Slimbridge    The seven wild Greylags still present today from the Holden Tower. (Martin McGill). Also a female Ferruginous x Pochard hybrid amongst the diving ducks in the Rushy Pen. (John Martin).

December 6th 2003
Frampton     The Bittern showed well again between 7:45-8:30am at Court Lake on the area in front of the reed bed on the opposite side of the lake from Frampton Court, view from the Public footpath across the grounds. Also two Little Egrets and a Grey Wagtail. (Paul Taylor/MK). 

December 5th 2003
Brierley, Forest of Dean    12+ Hawfinches this morning, also two Ravens and 20+ Crossbills. (Keith Colcombe).

Frampton    At Nebrow Hill this afternoon the adult female Hen Harrier and three Short-eared Owls were hunting the fields. Also ten Red-legged Partridges and three Buzzards. (Paul Taylor/MK). 

The Bittern was showing well again earlier at Court Lake on the area in front of the reed bed on the opposite side of the lake from Frampton Court, view from the Public footpath across the grounds. (Roy Shilham). Pic below taken today by Roy. No sign late afternoon but two Water Rails and a Green Sandpiper. (MK).

December 4th 2003
WWT Slimbridge    A Dark-bellied Brent Goose was at the Trust today from Holden Tower.

December 2nd 2003
Frampton    At Nebrow Hill this afternoon the adult female Hen Harrier and a Short-eared Owl hunting the fields from 2pm to 3:30pm. (Dave Pearce). The Bittern was showing well at 11am today again at Court Lake on the area in front of the reed bed on the opposite side of the lake from Frampton Court, view from the Public footpath across the grounds. (Roy Shilham). 

Gloucester    A male Blackcap at Robinswood Hill Farm feeding on Cornus berries today. (Ian Elphick).

December 1st 2003
Tewkesbury   A Barn Owl hunting along the Tewkesbury ring road bank adjacent to the cycle path opposite Safeway's fairly regularly for the last week. (Les Ditchburn).

November 30th 2003

Awre    Seven Greylags on the estuary near Frampton breakwater were the probably wild birds that have been around. Also a pair of adult Peregrines. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    At Nebrow Hill this morning an adult female Hen Harrier hunting the fields, still present at 12:30pm. Also three Short-eared Owls, two Long-eared Owls flushed, and not relocated, three Buzzards, a Kingfisher and a few Snipe. Also good numbers of finches, buntings and winter thrushes. (Andy Chapman, MK, Neil Smart and Paul Taylor).

A Bittern showing very well on one of the small pools behind the Court Lake until 11:45am at least.  Access from the footpath that runs alongside the main road into the village. On the Sailing Lake a Little Egret, an adult winter Yellow-legged Gull, two Kingfishers and two Chiffchaffs. On the flashes north of Splatt Bridge viewed from the towpath two Little Egrets, two Bewick's Swans, a Peregrine, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher, a Cetti's Warbler, two Ravens and two Yellowhammers distantly on the river a Grey Plover, c300 Golden Plovers (beyond Frampton Breakwater - looked to be over Mid Point), . (Martin Wightman).

November 29th 2003
Sharpness Docks    A first-winter Iceland Gull flew through the docks today but did not linger. (Martin McGill).

November 26th 2003
Cotswold Water Park    Pit 84/85 11am-12noon today 200+ Golden Plovers, a pair of Stonechats, a Little Egret and 20+ Shovelers. (David Owen).

A Bittern in flight at Pits 43/65 CWP (W) today at 11:12am. Also around CWP (W) were a Little Egret (Pit 41), two Shelducks, 60 Red Crested Pochards, 25 Goldeneye, a male Goosander, 46 Ruddy Ducks, 250+ Golden Plovers, a Dunlin, 23 Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, a pair of Stonechats, six Chiffchaffs and two Ravens. (Andy Jayne).

November 25th 2003
WWT Slimbridge    A drake Green-winged Teal this morning from Zeiss hide. 

Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury (The Courtyard)    Five Snipe, a pair of Stonechats today and a roost of several thousand Starlings. (David Owen).

November 23rd 2003
Frampton    A Bittern flew in from over the top of Frampton Church, over the canal and landed in the reedbed at 100 Acre at 8:30am. Probably this bird that was later at WWT. On the flashes viewed from Green Lane two Little Egrets, a drake Pintail, a Sparrowhawk, two Water Rails, c300 Lapwings, c180 Dunlins, a Cetti's Warbler, two Ravens and lots of Fieldfares and Redwings. On the Sailing Lake an adult winter Yellow-legged Gull. (Martin Wightman).
WWT Slimbridge    A Bittern this morning last seen flying towards South Finger. Also seven wild Greylags still present. (Martin McGill).

November 22nd 2003
Longney    A Barn Owl on the road between Longney
and Elmore this evening. (Andy Chapman).

November 21st 2003
Gloucester    An "abietinus" Chiffchaff this morning feeding in riverside willows by the first stile about 250m below Llantony Weir. (Gordon Avery).

November 18th 2003
Stoke Orchard    A Peregrine this morning over the M5 about halfway between Junctions 9 and 10. (Andrew Bluett).

November 17th 2003
Thornbury    A Gannet flew SW over the M5 near J14 on the County border at 10am today. (Gordon Avery).

November 16th 2003
WWT Slimbridge    Seven wild Greylags on site at the moment. (Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park    A Black-necked Grebe on Pit 57 today and two Common Sandpipers still.

Frampton    A drake Goldeneye on the Sailing Lake and three Little Egrets in the area. (Gordon Hodgson).

November 15th 2003
Frampton    Up to four Kingfishers around both lakes, a Little Egret, a female Blackcap, a female Goldeneye on the Sailing Lake and a Peregrine over. (Gordon Hodgson).

November 12th 2003

Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury (The Courtyard)    A pair of Stonechats today. (David Owen).

WWT Slimbridge    400+ Golden Plovers and two Peregrines from Holden Tower today. (Roy Shilham).

Pics of White-fronted Geese and Buzzard taken today by Roy.

November 10th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Three Spotted Redshanks on South Lake.

November 9th 2003

Spoonbed Hill    30+ Red-legged Partridges this morning. (MK).

Fretherne    A party of eight Ravens flew south down the river and another four flew west over the church. (MK).

Forest of Dean    Ravens flocking over May Hill all weekend - a maximum 23 seen together. (Rob Guest). 

November 7th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Five Dark-bellied Brent Geese on the estuary today. Also on the reserve 84 White-fronted Geese, two Spotted Redshanks and a Ruff.

Forest of Dean    At Speech House a Raven and a couple of Crossbills overhead. Siskins at New Fancy View, two Crossbills over the Rising Sun, Moseley Green and a Kingfisher at Cannop Stoneworks. (Andrew Bluett).

November 6th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Bearded Tit flew north over the reserve this morning in the direction of Frampton. (Dave Paynter).

November 5th 2003

Frampton    A Brambling in the hedge by the Sailing Club today and 36 Great Crested Grebes on the Sailing Lake. (Gordon Hodgson).

November 3rd 2003

Lydney    A first winter Little Auk was picked up and taken into care this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Awre    A Leach's Petrel was seen off Hock Cliff opposite the Awre peninsula at 5pm. (John Phillips per RB).

November 2nd 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Sabine's Gull was seen distantly from Mid Point at 12:50pm. It flew off north shortly afterwards and was not relocated despite extensive searching. (Martin McGill, Neil Smart).

Frampton    Belated news of a female/juvenile Black-throated Thrush reported at the south end of the village green in Horse Chestnut trees on Saturday 25th October.

Fretherne    A Rock Pipit and a Little Owl today. (Gordon Hodgson).

Sharpness Docks    Nine Rock Pipits this afternoon. (Ian Ralphs).

October 30th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Chiffchaff of the "abietinus" race at South Finger today. Present since the 26th. (Martin McGill).

Seven Springs    A Little Owl sat in roadside Ash Tree at 9am. (Andrew Bluett).

Naunton    15 Grey Partridges at SP 08 22 at 9:15 am. Also groups of 10+ and 25+ Grey Partridges at Spoonbed Hill, along the very minor road to Edge a couple of times in the past week. (Andrew Bluett).

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike still in the same area near Cotswold Way Marker Post 25. Pic below taken today by Dave.

October 29th 2003

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike still in the same area near Cotswold Way Marker Post 20. (Richard Cawsey).

WWT Slimbridge    A Dark-bellied Brent Goose over the tide today. (Martin McGill).

October 28th 2003

Sharpness Docks    A Black Redstart and two Peregrines today. Pics below taken today by Dave.

October 27th 2003

Cleeve Hill    A Great Grey Shrike has returned to the same area as the bird from the first winter period on Cleeve today. It is at SP000252. (Richard Cawsey).

Cheltenham    A Kingfisher seen flying along the Chelt at Waitrose. (Chris Britton).

Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury (The Courtyard)    A Stonechat, a female Peregrine low over, a Sparrowhawk, two Kestrels and two Buzzards today. (David Owen).

Harnhill    Two Tree Sparrows and 10+ Yellowhammers this morning. (MK).

Eastington (Cotswolds)    50+ Skylarks, a Buzzard and 14 Red-legged Partridges. (MK).

Colesbourne    15 Red-legged Partridges this morning. (MK).

October 26th 2003

Forest of Dean    Ravens flocking over May Hill at midday - a maximum 47 seen together. Also a Woodcock flushed at Newent Woods. (Rob Guest). A Tree Sparrow was at New Fancy View. (Richard Cawsey).

Fretherne    Two Bramblings over this morning and a Tree Sparrow (scarce here) in the hedge by the sewage plant. (Gordon Hodgson).

Berkeley Power Station    Four Tree Sparrows, a Snipe, four Turnstones and a Rock Pipit this morning. Also at Sharpness Docks two Peregrines. (Andy Chapman).

Frampton    A female Merlin and a male Sparrowhawk from Green Lane at lunchtime. Also many Fieldfares and Redwings and several dragonflies still around. (MK). Also three Stonechats. (Mark Hobson).

October 25th 2003

Robinswood Hill    A Woodcock at 12:30pm feeding on woodland path near GWT visitor centre. (Ian Elphick).

October 24th 2003

Forest of Dean    A Jack Snipe at Woorgreens today. Pic below taken by Ian. At Guscar two Tree Sparrows, a female Peregrine, a pale juvenile Common Buzzard, 90 Dunlins, 30 Redshanks and flocks of 40 and 32 Fieldfares. Redwings and Reed Buntings common and widespread. (Ian Ralphs).

Tibberton    A Barn Owl this morning at 4am sat on a road sign along the Highnam to Newent road by the Tibberton turning. (Andy Lodge).

October 19th 2003

Forest of Dean    A Hawfinch at Speech House today. (Richard Cawsey). Ravens flocking over May Hill during the weekend, very vocal - at least 26 seen. (Rob Guest).

WWT Slimbridge    From Robbie Garnett hide the Jack Snipe still today.  Pic below by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net

Newington    24 Red-legged Partridges here this afternoon and another at Bagpath. (MK).

Frampton    Ten Fieldfares, a Redwing and a Chiffchaff at Green Lane this afternoon. (MK).

Hawling    35 Fieldfare at the Hawling triangle this morning along with 81 Golden Plovers nearby. (Ian Ralphs).
Cleeve Hill    Four Stonechats, 12 Redwings, two Ravens and 15 Golden Plovers over north at 9:10am. (Ian Ralphs).

Cheltenham    Ten Fieldfares over Naunton Park at 8am. (Steve Brown).

October 18th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    From Holden Tower this morning 31 White-fronted Geese (two with neck collars numbers 37 and 53), Grey Plover, two Peregrines and five Fieldfares. From Zeiss hide two Bewick's Swans and a Cetti's Warbler. From Robbie Garnett hide a Jack Snipe and 16 Black-tailed Godwits. (Mark Hobson). Pics below of Jack Snipe and Fieldfares taken today by Mark).

Stonehouse    A Dipper and a Kingfisher at Bond's Mill this morning. (MK).

Charlton Kings    A Red-legged Partridge running about on the road at Sandy Lane, near the junction with Bafford Approach. (Steve Brown).

October 17th 2003

Robinswood Hill    A Raven flying towards Tuffley.  Last week Ravens  seen almost daily on the hill along with a small flock of Redwings. (Steve Brown).

October 16th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    An immature Marsh Harrier flew NW over the Rushy Pen just before midday. (Martin McGill).

No sign this evening at Frampton, but a pair of Stonechats and c10000 Starlings with Sparrowhawk and Kestrel in attendance. Also three Redwings. (MK). 

October 15th 2003

Berkeley Shore    25 Turnstones today. (Dave Pearce). Pic below taken today by Dave.

Hardwicke    Pic below taken by Mark Hobson of a garden regular! 

October 14th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    First two returning White-fronted Geese of the autumn. Six Knot with many Black-tailed Godwits from Robbie Garnett hide still. Good numbers of Golden Plovers from Holden Tower. Also a Peregrine. (David Owen). Pic below taken today by Dave Pearce.

October 13th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Belated news of a Razorbill seen on the river off Mid Point on the 9th by Pete Alder and Mike Clark. (per Martin McGill).

Lechlade    A Green Sandpiper, four Gadwall, two Green Woodpeckers and a large mixed flock of 40-50 Redwings and Fieldfares at Lake 119b at 11am. (Chris and Jean Morse).

October 12th 2003

Cleeve Hill    A Black Redstart this afternoon on Cleeve Hill, in the quarry just east of the Washpool. (Steve Owen).

WWT Slimbridge    160 Black-tailed Godwits, six Knot and a Snipe from Robbie Garnett hide. Good numbers of Golden and Grey Plover from Holden Tower. Also six Little Egrets, a pale-phase Buzzard and a singing Chiffchaff. (Mark Hobson/Mike Jefferies).  Pics of godwits and Knot below by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net

Robinswood Hill    Thirty Redwings this afternoon. (Mark Hobson).

October 11th 2003

Selsley    A Raven over at midday at Bownhill Farm. (Bridgette King).

Nebrow Hill, Frampton    A male Stonechat and c50 Goldfinches. (Mark Hobson).

October 10th 2003

Gloucester    A Swallow over Simms Lane in the morning. (Mark Hobson).

October 9th 2003

Brookthorpe    A probable male Hen Harrier seen from the M5 southbound at 10:20am. (Frank Bryant).

October 7th 2003

Berkeley shore    A male Merlin, 17 Turnstones and four Dunlins today. (Paul Taylor).

October 6th 2003

Sharpness    A Rock Pipit at the Lifeboat station today. Also a Common Sandpiper and two Ravens. (Paul Taylor).

October 5th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Three immature Red-breasted Mergansers off Mid Point this morning. Also seven Grey Plovers. 

Fretherne    A Peregrine and ten Ringed Plovers. (Mark Hobson). 

Frampton    Three Fieldfares over the fields by the church this morning. (Andy Chapman). 

At the Sailing Lake a Snipe over, three Swallows and a Kingfisher. A Merlin over the 100-Acre viewed from Splatt Bridge. At the flashes north of Splatt Bridge two Swallows, a Wheatear, three Fieldfares, two Ravens and two Siskins over. (Martin Wightman).

Quedgeley    A pair of Ravens over Clearwater Drive. (Andy Chapman).

October 4th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    Pit 84/85  Three Stonechats, a Green Sandpiper and 30 Golden Plovers flew north. Pit 87 Six Green Sandpipers. Pit 16  A Common Sandpiper. Pit 57 65 Red Crested Pochards and a Red Crested Pochard x mystery duck sp but the result superficially resembles an oversized female Ring-necked Duck minus a few details such as an eye ring or any bill pattern. A very odd looking bird ! (Brian Stretch).

WWT Slimbridge    Seven Greenshanks, a Spotted Redshank, ten Redshanks and a Snipe on South Lake. A Peregrine, five Ringed Plovers, two Grey Plovers and fifty Shovelers from Mid Point. (Mark Hobson).

October 3rd 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Two Spotted Redshanks feeding on the river viewed from Mid Point. (Mark Hobson).

October 1st 2003

Berkeley shore    A Rock Pipit today. (Paul Taylor).

Abbeymead, Gloucester    A Redwing over at 5pm. (Andrew Bluett).

Stinchcombe Hill    A Wheatear on the golf course and a singing Chiffchaff. (Terry Fenton).

Cam    A Goshawk over being mobbed by crows. (Terry Fenton).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Ruff and four Greenshank on South Lake. (Terry Fenton).

September 30th 2003

Haresfield Beacon    A Ring Ouzel briefly at 7:30am. (Andy Jayne).

September 29th 2003

Cleeve Hill    A female Merlin at 1pm today being harassed by three Magpies (SO988248). Close by were four Kestrels, a Raven, and a Wheatear near the golf clubhouse. (Richard Cawsey).

September 28th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Two Ruddy Shelducks, five Little Stints, seven Curlew Sandpipers, a Spotted Redshank, a Peregrine and six Wheatears today. 

Fretherne    Four Black-tailed Godwits, four Ruff, 16 House Martins, a Wheatear, three Chiffchaffs and two Ravens. (Martin Wightman).
Frampton     The juvenile Black Tern still on the Sailing Lake. Also a Kingfisher and nine Swallows. (Martin Wightman).

September 27th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Greenshank and Snipe on South Lake. (Andy Chapman).
Frampton    A juvenile Black Tern, Little Egret, two House Martins and three Swallows on the Sailing Lake. Also at Arlingham a Whinchat on the fence by the pillbox along the riverbank. (Andy Chapman).

Selsley    Ten Swallows over and 60 Linnets at Bownhill Farm. (MK).

September 26th 2003

Cleeve Hill    A female Merlin flew through at lunchtime and also eight Kestrels there. (David  Owen).

September 25th 2003

Purton    Two adult Mediterranean Gulls, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Kingfisher and two Rock Pipits at Tite's Point this evening. (Andy Jayne).

September 24th 2003

Ashleworth Ham    A juvenile Honey Buzzard with five Common Buzzards over the Ham at 11am this morning, then drifted off SW. Also c60 Meadow Pipits and 200+ House Martins over. (Colin Butters/Les Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    Today 10 Ruff, two Spotted Redshanks, four Greenshanks, 45 Black-tailed Godwits and 11 Knot today.

September 23rd 2003

Cleeve Hill    A male Black Redstart was in the quarry to the SW of the washpool at lunchtime today and four Ravens feeding on a sheep carcass. (Neil Pryce-Jones).

WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake today three Spotted Redshanks, 14 Greenshanks, 35 Black-tailed Godwits and two Ruff. 

September 22nd 2003

WWT Slimbridge    From Robbie Garnett hide today 11 Ruff and three Green Sandpipers. Also 16 Ravens. On South Lake three Spotted Redshanks, five Greenshanks, 20 Black-tailed Godwits and two Ruff.

September 21st 2003

Purton shore    Four Curlew Sandpipers, a Little Stint, six Sanderlings, two Yellow-legged Gulls and a Kingfisher today. At Berkeley shore another Yellow-legged Gull. (Paul Taylor).

Cotswold Water Park    The Black-necked Grebe on still on Fairford Pit 104 CWP (E) (found on 18th). Take the A417 through Fairford, turn right into Cinder Lane, park by the football club, walk to the T-Junction, turn left, pit 104 is approx a two minute walk. (Duncan Dine). 

Also in CWP (W) a Garganey (on Pit 84), 18 Red-crested Pochards, a Hobby, a Ruff, eight Snipe, a Greenshank, three Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers and a Sedge Warbler. (Andy Jayne).

September 20th 2003

Fretherne    A Whinchat today and also a Clouded Yellow. Also a few Yellow Wagtails still around. (Gordon Hodgson). See pics below taken today by Gordon.

Frampton    A Black Tern on the Sailing Lake at 7pm. Also a Kingfisher. (Steve Dark).

Purton shore    Twelve Curlew Sandpipers, a Little Stint, 281 Dunlin, 37 Ringed Plovers, six Greenshanks, three Common Sandpipers, eight Little Egrets and a Kingfisher this morning. At Berkeley shore a single Common Sandpiper. (Paul Taylor).

WWT Slimbridge    From Robbie Garnett hide today six Ruff, two Green Sandpipers, a Snipe and Raven and Sparrowhawk over. (MK). 

On South Lake four Greenshanks, three Spotted Redshanks, twelve Redshanks and two Ruff. (Andy Oliver).

September 19th 2003

Berkeley shore    23 Turnstones, seven Ringed Plovers, 14 Dunlins and two Common Sandpipers today. (Paul Taylor).

September 18th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A Black-necked Grebe on Fairford Pit 104 and two Black-tailed Godwits and a Greenshank at Edward Richardson reserve. (per Richard Baatsen).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Ruff from Holden Tower and two Ruff on South Lake . Three Yellow Wagtails in the Rushy Pen.

September 16th 2003

Frampton    Two Black Terns on the Sailing Lake still today. Also a couple of Sand Martins. (David Owen).

September 15th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    From Robbie Garnett hide today a Spotted Redshank, five Ruff, a Green Sandpiper. A Wheatear halfway to Mid Point. On South Lake five Knot, a Curlew Sandpiper, Redshanks, four Greenshanks, 65 Black-tailed Godwits and a Spotted Redshank. (Roy Shilham). Pics below by of Ruff and Spotted Redshank taken by Roy today.

September 14th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A report of a Purple Heron being seen again yesterday on Pit 45 (known as Clear Lake adjacent to Pit 57). (last seen on July 23rd, probably same bird) (per Richard Baatsen). 

Ashleworth Ham    An Aquatic Warbler was caught, ringed and released this morning. It was not seen after release. It is on an inaccessible area of the reserve. (SVRG).

WWT Slimbridge    From Robbie Garnett hide four Ruff, a Snipe, three Green Sandpipers and two Black-tailed Godwits. At Mid Point two Little Egrets, 50 Wigeon, 35 Dunlin, two Ringed Plovers, a Snipe, two Ravens and a Wheatear. At 10:25am a Snow Goose flew in from the north and dropped into the grounds. Also many Chiffchaffs (one singing) and a Garden Warbler in sub-song). (MK/Mark Hobson/Frank Bryant).

From Lathbury hide 17 Greenshanks this morning. Pics below by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net

September 13th 2003

Dixton Hill, near Prescott    A Red Kite circled Dixton Hill at 5pm and then glided off towards Alstone. (Mark Watkins).

Frampton    Nine Black Terns on the Sailing Lake still this morning. Also two Kingfishers and a singing Chiffchaff. (MK/Andy Lodge). Please note there is a Game Fair here tomorrow. It will be very busy and the Perryway (the road between the village and the A38) will be closed between 8am-6pm eastbound (out of the village). More pics below by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper still on South Lake at 3:30pm. (Ian Ralphs/Richard Price). Also on South Lake two Spotted Redshanks (adult and juvenile), a Knot and three Ruff. From Robbie Garnett nine Ruff and two Green Sandpipers. From Lathbury 29 Greenshanks and eight Ruff. On the Dumbles a  juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, nine Little Egrets and two Peregrines. (Paul Taylor).

September 12th 2003

Frampton    Eight Black Terns on the Sailing Lake still this morning. (Dave Pearce). Pics taken by Dave today below. Nine were there this evening. (Jeremy Voaden).

WWT Slimbridge    A Curlew Sandpiper still, but now relocated to South Lake at 2pm. Also a Spotted Redshank, a Snipe and masses of Redshanks, Lapwings and Black Tailed Godwits here. Four Ruff, a Green Sandpiper and three Black Tailed Godwits from Robbie Garnett hide. (MK). 

September 11th 2003

Hock Cliff, Fretherne    Two Wheatears and 16 Swallows this evening. (Mark Hobson).

Badminton    Belated reports of a Wryneck in a non-birders garden for three weeks until the 4th, not seen by any birders (although Phil's seen the photos!!). (per Phil Pope).

Frampton    Seven Black Terns and four Common Terns on the Sailing Lake still this morning. Still five Black Terns at 3pm and 25 Great Crested Grebes. (Steve Dark). Also a Hobby, flying across a field and then sitting in tree for c.10 mins and a Curlew over. (Ian Elphick).

WWT Slimbridge    A Curlew Sandpiper, a Knot, five Ruff, a Green Sandpiper and 100+ Black Tailed Godwits from Robbie Garnett hide today. (Roy Shilham). Pic of the Curlew Sandpiper below taken by Roy today. Also a Swift was with hirundines over Mid Point. (Pete Alder).

September 10th 2003

Frampton    Seven Black Terns and four Common Terns on the Sailing Lake today.

WWT Slimbridge    A Curlew Sandpiper from Robbie Garnett hide and a Spotted Redshank on South Lake. Also around the grounds a Greenshank, three Ruff and two Yellow Wagtails. On the estuary four Curlew Sandpipers, two Sanderlings, two Little Stints and 11 Little Egrets.

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Spotted Flycatcher at lunchtime today. (David Owen).

September 9th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Spotted Redshank on South Lake and a Curlew Sandpiper from Robbie Garnett hide.

September 8th 2003

Cheltenham    Three Tawny Owls and two Little Owls in the allotments between Kidnappers Lane and Shurdington Road at 8pm. (Steve Brown).

September 7th 2003

Coombe Hill Meadows    Five Whinchats today. (Andy Jayne/Mo Croose).

Fretherne    This morning a Wheatear, a Whinchat, a Tree Pipit, three Yellow Wagtails over, 4+ Blackcaps, four Reed Warblers, a Redstart and 80 Black Tailed Godwits. (See pics taken by Gordon today below- Whinchat, Tree Pipit and Redstart). (Gordon Hodgson).

This evening the Redstart and Wheatear still present. Also 30 Pied Wagtails, 100+ Swallows and 100 Curlews. (MK).
WWT Slimbridge    From Robbie Garnett hide two Ruff, (pic below taken by Mark today) a few Green Sandpipers and c64 Black-tailed Godwits. At Mid Point three Little Egrets, a few Dunlin, a single Sanderling and a Greenshank. 

Hock Cliff today two Greenshanks, two Common Sandpipers and many Curlews. (Mark Hobson).

September 6th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Four Ruff, 65 Black-tailed Godwits, a Spotted
Redshank, 25 Redshanks, four Greenshanks and a Golden Plover on South Lake. From Robbie Garnett hide two Green Sandpipers, 35 Black-tailed Godwits and a Yellow Wagtail. (Steve Dark).
Frampton Sailing Lake    Six Common Terns (two adults, four juvs) and two Little Egrets, 20+ Swallows, five House Martins, several Chiffchaffs and a Buzzard. At Splatt Bridge a Little Egret and 30+ mixed hirundine flock. Two Hobbies and two Common Terns (over 100-Acre, viewed from the towpath). (Steve Dark).

September 4th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Hen Harrier was over the Dumbles this afternoon, and a Ruddy Shelduck in the Rushy Pen. (Richard Cawsey).
Frampton    Seen over the flashes from Green Lane were five Hobbies chasing after dragonflies. (Richard Cawsey).
Fretherne    102 Black-tailed Godwits, two Oystercatchers, two Ruff, two Whinchats and a big wagtail flock with around 30 alba wags and at least ten flava wags. (Gordon Hodgson). (See pics taken by Gordon today below). Also two Tree Pipits south over Frampton Village.

August 31st 2003

Dowdeswell Reservoir    First winter Mediterranean Gull this evening. (Duncan Dine).

Fretherne    A Knot, six Ringed Plovers, nine Dunlins, 35 Grey Plovers, a Curlew Sandpiper, two Whinchats, a Blackcap, a male Redstart, a Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail and a Spotted Flycatcher today. (Gordon Hodgson). Some pics taken by Gordon today are below - juvenile Ringed Plover, a Knot and a Pied Wagtail.

WWT Slimbridge    A Short-eared Owl (first seen by Martin McGill on Friday), two Peregrines, a Hobby, three Sparrowhawks, two Buzzards and two Kestrels from Mid Point. Also six Sanderlings, 100+ Dunlins, a Ringed Plover, two Greenshanks, 100+ Curlews, a Grey Plover and four Ravens. A Ruff in the Rushy Pen, two Green Sandpipers, two Black-tailed Godwits (another four over the car park) and a Greenshank from Halfway hide. (MK).

Frampton    A female Red Crested Pochard on the canal at Splatt Bridge (later relocated on the Sailing Lake). Also seen in fields and scrapes from the towpath a Short-eared Owl (WWT bird?), two Peregrines, two Little Egrets, two Greenshanks, a Ruff, two Wheatears, a Whinchat, a Spotted Flycatcher, 5+ Common Terns, two Kingfishers and lots of common warblers. (Martin Wightman/MK).

August 30th 2003

Fretherne    A Peregrine, 45 Black Tailed Godwits, two Redshanks, eight Ringed Plovers, two Whinchats, three Wheatears, a Tree Pipit, a Yellow Wagtail, 20+ Pied Wagtails and two Lesser Whitethroats today. (Gordon Hodgson).
Cinderford    An Osprey over Steam Mills this morning at 8:40am heading NE. (Rob Husbands).

WWT Slimbridge    The female/juvenile Hen Harrier seen hunting along the sea wall at 10am from Mid Point. Also two Whinchats, 1+ Redstart and Wheatears here. (Phil Pope/ Pete Alder/Geoff Moyser).

Cotswold Water Park    A Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, three Ruff and a Yellow-legged Gull at Shorncote Pits. (Ian Ralphs/Duncan Dine).

August 29th 2003

Frampton    A female/juvenile Hen Harrier seen hunting fields from Splatt Bridge at 6pm. (Do not enter fields, view from towpath). (Phil Pope).

West Down, Cleeve Common     A Turtle Dove, five Whinchats, 14 Stonechats and nine Wheatears in the evening. (Andy Jayne).

August 26th 2003

Berkeley Shore    A Whimbrel, 55 Ringed Plovers, 35 Dunlins, a Common Sandpiper, three Wheatears, a Yellow Wagtail and a Lesser Whitethroat this morning. (Paul Taylor). 

August 25th 2003

Fretherne/Saul    At high tide this evening 100 Curlews, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, 35 Knot, c300 Dunlins, 20+ Ringed Plovers, 10+ Sanderlings, four Grey Plovers and a Turnstone. Also around the Water Treatment plant two Wheatears, 10+ Pied Wagtails, 20 Goldfinches and 6+ Chiffchaffs. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge      Three Ruddy Shelducks in the Rushy Pen also a Wood Sandpiper today. A Turnstone and six Knot from Mid Point. (Paul Taylor).

No sign of the White-headed Duck today, but a Hobby over. (Terry Fenton).

Wontley Farm    Five Whinchats today. (Duncan Dine).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    Two Green Sandpipers today. (Duncan Dine).

August 24th  2003

WWT Slimbridge     An immature male/female White-headed Duck, a first for the County, today from the Landrover Safari. This bird is only viewable from the Safari as it is outside of the public areas. Access has been arranged by Landrover for 9:30am tomorrow, meet the Warden in the car park. Free to members. (Martin McGill/Neil Smart). Also five Knot and a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Ruff on South Lake. (Steve Brown).

Two Wood Sandpipers, two Green Sandpipers and nine Black-tailed Godwits today from Robbie Garnett hide. From Mid Point 300 small distant waders mostly Dunlins, four Ringed Plovers, two Sanderlings, 100 Curlews, 30 Black-tailed Godwits, a Greenshank, a Little Egret and an adult Yellow-legged Gull. (MK). Two Ruddy Shelducks and two Spotted Redshanks on South Lake. Picture below by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net

Berkeley Shore    A Yellow Wagtail, a Whimbrel, two Common Sandpipers and two Wheatears this morning. (Paul Taylor). 

Fretherne    Several Common Sandpipers, a Greenshank, a flock of Dunlins, Ringed Plovers and at least four Sanderlings this afternoon at Hock Cliff. Pictures below by Mark. (Mark Hobson). 

August 23rd 2003

Fretherne    A Peregrine and a Wheatear. (Gordon Hodgson).

Pic below by Gordon.

Guscar rocks    A Black-tailed Godwit, six Ringed Plovers, a Whinchat and Wheatear today. (Andy Jayne).

Berkeley Shore    A Hobby today. (Paul Taylor).

WWT Slimbridge     Three Wood Sandpipers and three Green Sandpipers today from Robbie Garnett hide. Three Ruddy Shelducks and a Spotted Redshank on South Lake. (Terry Fenton). 

Also a juvenile Mediterranean Gull here. (Alan Jose). 

From Mid Point ten Sanderlings, nine Knot, 16 Ringed Plovers and 158 Dunlins. (Paul Taylor). A male and female Whinchat here in the morning. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton    From Splatt Bridge at 6:30pm three Common Terns and a Hobby hawking over the distant pool/marsh to the left. (Terry Fenton).

August 22nd 2003

WWT Slimbridge     Two Wood Sandpipers, five Green Sandpipers and three Black-tailed Godwits today from Robbie Garnett hide. Three Ruddy Shelducks, 53 Black-tailed Godwits (including a colour-ringed bird), and a Ruff on South Lake. From Mid Point 80 Dunlins, 20 Ringed Plovers, eight Sanderlings, 100 Curlews, a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Little Egret and a Raven north. (MK). 

Also Knot, Turnstone and a Little Stint seen earlier. (Pete Alder).

August 21st 2003

WWT Slimbridge     Two Wood Sandpipers today from Robbie Garnett hide. Three Ruddy Shelducks and four Ruff on South Lake. (Richard Baatsen). 

August 20th 2003

WWT Slimbridge     A Curlew Sandpiper from Mid Point today. (Richard Baatsen). 

August 19th 2003

Berkeley Power Station    A Wryneck here today. It is in the area just over the road from the visitor's car park, at the start of the footpath around the power station. Best viewed from road-side grass just over road from visitors' car park entrance. (Pete Hazelwood).

August 17th 2003

Haresfield Beacon    Good numbers of Redstarts and Spotted Flycatchers today still. (Mark Hobson). 

WWT Slimbridge     The Wood Sandpiper still present today from Robbie Garnett hide. Picture below by Mark. (Mark Hobson).

August 16th 2003

Huntsman's Quarry    A Hoopoe seen only by a gamekeeper and watched at close range for half an hour on private land east of the quarry. (per Richard Baatsen).

WWT Slimbridge     The Wood Sandpiper still present today from Robbie Garnett hide. Three Ruddy Shelducks out on the estuary south of Mid Point. (Ian Ralphs).

August 14th 2003

May Hill/Newent Woods    Four Turtle Doves still singing morning and evening. (Rob Guest).

WWT Slimbridge     The Wood Sandpiper still present today from Robbie Garnett hide. Picture below by Colin. (Colin Butters).

August 13th 2003

WWT Slimbridge     The Wood Sandpiper still present today from Robbie Garnett hide. 

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Snipe on the scrape, seven Stock Doves, a Sparrowhawk and a Buzzard. A Yellow Wagtail over Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury. (Pete Long).

Newent Woods    A small flock of seven Crossbills today. (Rob Guest).

August 12th 2003

WWT Slimbridge     From Robbie Garnett hide a Wood Sandpiper, five Green Sandpipers, three Oystercatchers,  a Greenshank, a Ruff, a Snipe and 35 Black-tailed Godwits. At Mid Point this morning 50 Ringed Plovers, 150 Dunlins, an Oystercatcher, a Redshank, two Greenshanks, two Common Sandpipers and a Raven flew south. (MK). 

Berkeley shore    35 Tree Sparrows including many juveniles by the dried out pond south of the Power Station.  Also a Wheatear and a Yellow Wagtail.  (Dave Pearce). 

August 11th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Wood Sandpiper,  four Greenshanks, two Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, a Snipe and c50 Black-tailed Godwits around the grounds today. Also a Lesser Whitethroat  viewed from Holden Tower. (Mark Hobson). 

Haresfield Beacon    Two Redstarts and two Spotted Flycatchers today. (Mark Hobson). 

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A Greenshank here today, very unusual at this site. (Dave Pearce). Photo below taken by Dave.

August 10th 2003

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake seven Common Terns (five adults and two juveniles),  two Sand Martins and good numbers of hirundines and around half a dozen Chiffchaffs in the area. Around the flashes north of Splatt Bridge two Wheatears, a Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat and two Whitethroats. On the canal a Kingfisher and a Common Sandpiper. On the small pool south of Splatt Bridge visible from towpath at least nine Little Egrets, three Teal, a Common Sandpiper, a Gr