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 Greenshank and two Ruff. In the hedge beside the public footpath approaching Green Lane a Redstart, a Lesser Whitethroat and three Willow Warblers. (Martin Wightman). 

WWT Slimbridge    The Wood Sandpiper still present today and also seven Green Sandpipers and 50 Black-tailed Godwits. 

August 9th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Wood Sandpiper and a Whinchat today. (Richard Baatsen). Also six Green Sandpipers and two Common Sandpipers. (Gemma Davis).

August 6th 2003

Purton    Three adult Mediterranean Gulls, two Black-tailed Godwits, four Common Sandpipers, three Ringed Plovers and a Peregrine in the evening. (Paul Taylor).

WWT Slimbridge    Three Arctic Skuas flew downriver at 11:20am. Also six Whimbrel and three Common Terns downriver past Mid-Point. c.300 distant small waders on the estuary, but definitely c5 Sanderling. Also Spotted Redshank, two Ruff and 14 Green Sandpipers around the scrapes. (Andy Jayne).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Little Egret and two juvenile Little Ringed Plover this morning. Pictures below taken by Dave. (Dave Pearce).

August 5th 2003

Frampton/WWT    A very mobile female Marsh Harrier this afternoon in the WWT/Frampton/Nebrow Hill area. (Richard Baatsen per Martin McGill). No sign in a two hour search this evening, but three Black-tailed Godwits, two Greenshank, a Snipe, a Common Sandpiper, two Common Terns, a Peregrine and a singing Willow Warbler. (Jake King/MK).

Twigworth    Two Little Egrets by Hatherley Brook this afternoon. (Andy Jayne),

August 4th 2003

Quedgeley    100+ Swifts over south at 8pm. (MK).

Cotswold Water Park    Three Black Terns moulting out of summer plumage on Pit 57 this morning.  An adult and juvenile Barn Owl sunning themselves near Shorncote. (Dave Pearce). 

August 3rd 2003

Nebrow Hill    14 Common Whitethroats, two Lesser Whitethroats, ten Chiffchaffs, three Reed Warblers, two Sedge Warblers and a Willow Warbler here today. Also a Hobby, two Green Woodpeckers and four Great Spotted Woodpeckers. (Nick Goatman).

Cam Long Down    Spotted Flycatchers, Marsh Tits and lots of warblers at the peak today. (Neil Smart).
WWT Slimbridge    Five Greenshanks, four Ruff, three Snipe, a Spotted Redshank and two Whimbrel around the grounds. An unconfirmed report of a Marsh Harrier at South Finger late yesterday afternoon. (Martin McGill).

Tetbury area    A Corn Bunting at Nesley Farm near Westonbirt and a Yellow Wagtail at Star Farm near Avening this morning. Many Yellowhammers and Linnets in this area. (MK).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake seven Common Terns (five adults and two juveniles), a Hobby over, a Kingfisher and a single Sand Martin. Around the flashes north of Splatt Bridge a Peregrine, a Kingfisher, two Lesser Whitethroats and a Whitethroat. On the small pool south of Splatt Bridge visible from towpath two Little Egrets, two Teal, a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper and three Greenshanks. In the hedge beside the public footpath approaching Green Lane a Lesser Whitethroat and a Redstart plus about eight Chiffchaffs and five Willow Warblers (still singing) in the area. (Martin Wightman).

August 2nd 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Little Egret, an Oystercatcher and two Common Sandpipers off Mid Point this morning. Five Green Sandpipers from the Holden Tower walkway. (MK/Phil Pope). A Spotted Redshank, 27 Black-tailed Godwits and 56 Redshanks on South Lake this morning. (MK/Paul Taylor/Tony Eveleigh).

August 1st 2003

WWT Slimbridge    An Egyptian Goose on South Lake today. (Pete Alder).

July 30th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Curlew Sandpiper off Mid Point today. (Martin McGill).

July 29th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Two Sanderlings in summer plumage with 12 Dunlins off Mid Point today at 10am. (Charles Martell).

July 28th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Spotted Redshank today. (Martin McGill).

July 27th 2003

Berkeley    A single adult Little Stint at the shore today and a Clouded Yellow on the 24th. (Paul Taylor).

Cotswold Water Park (W)   A Hobby, a Peregrine, six Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and eight Common Terns. Also the very pale Buzzard at pit 84 still. Cotswold Water Park (E)  A brood of Shelduck, a Peregrine, four Little Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin, three Redshanks, a Green Sandpiper, two Common Sandpipers and six Common Terns. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton Sailing Lake    Two Common Terns. On the flashes north of Splatt Bridge viewed from the towpath a Raven, a Lesser Whitethroat, two Snipe, c100 Dunlin on the river, five Sand Martins and a Little Egret. (Martin Wightman).
WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake 16 Black-tailed Godwits and two Ruff. From Knott Hide eight Green Sandpipers. (Martin Wightman). Also an adult Curlew Sandpiper and a Barn Owl with young showing in daylight on South Lake. (Martin McGill).

Cleeve Cloud    At 9am today a party of eight Ravens arrived from the south, performed aerobatics and were joined by two more off Castle Rock and flew NE across golf course.  By the radio masts a mixed flock of c40 finches, mostly Greenfinches with Goldfinches and Linnets. (Steve Brown).

July 26th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Little Gull today. (Martin McGill).

Jul 25th 2003

Purton    Five Mediterranean Gulls on the river this evening, three adults, a first-summer and a second summer. Two summer-plumaged Knot at Mid Point. (Richard Baatsen).

July 24th 2003

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Green Sandpipers, an adult Little Ringed Plover and two Redshanks early this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Purton    Five Mediterranean Gulls on the river this evening, four adults and a first-summer. Also a Whimbrel and four Common Sandpipers. (Andy Jayne).  

July 23rd 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A Purple Heron flew over Pit 45 (known as Clear Lake adjacent to Pit 57) and landed in reeds at the back at 11am this morning. (Joanne Bloye). Click here for maps http://www.waterpark.org/downloads.html - select Western Lakes map.

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Green Sandpipers, a Little Ringed Plover, a Redshank and a Sparrowhawk at lunchtime today. Along the canal three Bullfinches, five Reed Buntings and a flock of Swallows gathered in a dead tree. (David Owen).

July 22nd 2003

WWT Slimbridge    16 Green Sandpipers, 26 Black-tailed Godwits and three Ruff today. 

July 20th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    At Mid Point this morning three Turnstones and two Ravens flew south. Also a pair of Oystercatchers and 50 Linnets. From Robbie Garnett hide six Green Sandpipers and from Knott hide six Green Sandpipers. On South Lake six Black-tailed Godwits, two Ruff and a Little Ringed Plover. (MK). 

A Peregrine was at Mid Point skirting the estuary. (Mark Hobson).

Cotswold Water Park    Pits 84/85 Two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper and three Hobbies in the early evening. (David Owen).

Berkeley shore    This morning two adult Yellow-legged Gulls, a Whimbrel, two juvenile Yellow Wagtails, a male Grey Wagtail, five Common Sandpipers including at least two juveniles, at least eight Tree Sparrows including juveniles and a juvenile Grey Heron with yellow wing tags on both wings. (Paul Taylor).

July 19th 2003

Frampton Canal    A Kingfisher, a Common Sandpiper and two Common Terns. On the flashes (now dry) north of Splatt Bridge a Peregrine, which flew inland over the village, a Wheatear and a few Sand Martins. A  Little Egret and eight Teal on the small pool visible from the towpath just south of Splatt Bridge all prior to 8am. 
Frampton Sailing Lake    Four Pochards, three males and a female a female Mandarin and two Common Terns. (Martin Wightman/MK).
WWT Slimbridge    At Mid Point a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 27 Curlews, two Dunlins, two Little Egrets and c30 Sand Martins this morning. From Robbie Garnett hide a Little Ringed Plover, a Greenshank, a Black-tailed Godwit, four Green Sandpipers and 11 Teal. From Knott hide seven Green Sandpipers, a Black-tailed Godwit and an adult Turtle Dove. (Martin Wightman).

Jul 18th 2003

Berkeley    A single moulting adult Sanderling at the shore this afternoon. (Paul Taylor).

Purton    Two adult Mediterranean Gulls on the river this evening. One had a white Polish ring, which was here on exactly the same day last year. (John Sanders).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Ruff, 19 Green Sandpipers and 18 Black-tailed Godwits today.

Jul 15th 2003

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Little Ringed Plover, 50+ Lapwings  and two Ravens over at lunchtime today. (David Owen).

Jul 13th 2003

Saul Warth    37 Dunlin this morning. 
Frampton Sailing Lake    A Common Sandpiper and three Common Terns.
Frampton Canal    A  Greenshank, three Little Egrets and two  Teal on the small pool visible from the towpath just south of Splatt Bridge. (Martin Wightman).

Forest of Dean    Two Ravens over woodland below Beechenhurst and the Kingfishers in the Cannop Valley appear to have hatched young. (Andrew Bluett).

Jul 12th 2003

Ashleworth Ham    Four juvenile Redstarts at the end of Stank Lane at 6:30am. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    No sign of the Bittern from Zeiss Hide between 8am-10:30am but two Little Egrets, four Oystercatchers, a Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, two Little Ringed Plovers, two Buzzards (one took a Rabbit) and four Ravens flew south. (MK/Paul Taylor).

Jul 11th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern was in front of the Zeiss Hide on and off again this afternoon . Members only will be able to go to the Zeiss hide at 8am tomorrow with the Warden to look for it. (Martin McGill). At South Lake there were two Greenshanks, a Ruff, Black-tailed Godwits, Common Terns and many Redshank. (Phil Pope). Eight Green Sandpipers on Knott Pool, then later in the morning, six on Knott and four in front of Robbie Garnett. A Whimbrel and 30 Curlews from Mid Point. (Andrew Bluett).

Forest of Dean    Two Grey Wagtail families, a Dipper and a Kingfisher along Blackpool Brook at Wench Ford. A Little Grebe and several Mandarins on Soudley Top Pond A female Goshawk being closely followed and mobbed by three Carrion Crows over Green Bottom. (Andrew Bluett).

Jul 10th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern was in front of the Zeiss Hide again this afternoon from 2:30pm to 4pm at least . It was motionless in the small reedbed and seems to favour this spot. (Colin Butters/Martin McGill).

Jul 9th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Bittern in front of the Zeiss hide today, seen at 6am and again at 9am. (Martin McGill).

Elmore    Three Little Owls near Stonebench Junction this evening. (Mark Hobson).

Jul 8th 2003

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Little Ringed Plover, a Turtle Dove, a Redshank, a pair of Lapwings with 2-3 quite large young, a Curlew, six Stock Doves, two Linnets and two Bullfinches. (Pete Long).

St Mary's Churchyard - Central Cheltenham    Two Grey Wagtails. (Pete Long).

Jul 7th 2003

Quedgeley    A Kingfisher seen today at the canal basin area near KFC's, Cole Avenue. A very regular bird, sometimes seen in front of KFC's, or even dodging the traffic across the Bristol Road. (Mark Hobson).

Jul 6th 2003

Frampton Sailing Lake    A Whinchat in the bushes in the 'boat park' at the Sailing Club, three Common Terns and a Lesser Whitethroat at Vicarage Lane. Along the canal lots of hirundines and Swifts here early morning including eight Sand Martins, also another Lesser Whitethroat. A Little Egret on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge. (Martin Wightman).

WWT Slimbridge    Eleven Green Sandpipers from Robbie Garnett hide. On South Lake 55 Redshanks, eight Black-tailed Godwits and four Oystercatchers. (Martin Wightman).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A juvenile Grey Wagtail by the dam and an adult Buzzard tending a juvenile. A Grey Partridge between Lineover and Upper Dowdeswell. A Lesser Whitethroat singing persistently at Wistley Hill. A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling on Leckhampton Hill several times last week (Steve Brown).

Hardwicke    22 Shelducks seen taking off from a field near Sellars Road. (Mark Hobson).

Jul 5th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Five Green Sandpipers and a Black-tailed Godwit from Robbie Garnett hide this morning. Also five Green Sandpipers from Knott hide. Seven Black-tailed Godwits, 50+ Redshanks, an Oystercatcher and a Common Tern on South Lake. A Little Egret, three Oystercatchers and 58 Curlews from Mid-Point and two pairs of Shelducks with ten and seven ducklings. (MK).

Jul 3rd 2003

Cotswold Water Park    Two Hobbies at 9am at Pit 84b and at Pit 85 five Teal and about 50 Lapwings. (David Owen).    

Jul 2nd 2003

Witcombe Wood    At least four Crossbills in Norway Spruce here today. (Terry Fenton).

WWT Slimbridge    A Wood Sandpiper still and five Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper from Halfway hide. Also a first summer Mediterranean Gull on site today. 

Jul 1st 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Wood Sandpiper still and seven Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper from Halfway hide. Also a Little Gull on site today. (Martin McGill).

Frampton    A Kingfisher at Green Lane footpath perched over the drainage ditch. (Mark Hobson).

Jun 30th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Wood Sandpiper at 2pm and five Green Sandpipers from Halfway hide. 

(Martin McGill).

Berkeley shore    Two Black-tailed Godwits, seven Common Sandpipers and two Peregrines. (Paul Taylor).

Colesbourne    A Barn Owl at 9:30pm. (Terry Fenton).

Jun 29th 2003

Cleeve area    A Red Kite (white wing tag on its right wing) over this afternoon between Charlton Abotts and Cleeve Hill. (Steve Owen).

Henley Bank, Brockworth    A Grasshopper Warbler sighted and heard reeling at 3:30pm and again at 6:30pm at the north end of plantation NGR at S0901175 access from A&A Fruit Farm. (Terry Fenton).

Jun 28th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Eight Green Sandpipers from Halfway hide, a Whimbrel with many Curlews and a Bar-tailed Godwit on the river from Mid-Point. A female Redstart in the hedge between the pill box and Holden Tower. Two Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake with at least 54 Redshanks also a pair of Great Crested Grebes with at least one chick A Hobby from South Finger. (John Budd).

Leighterton    Two singing Corn Buntings on the wires just outside Leighterton on the lane to Westonbirt at 11:30am. (David Owen).

Jun 27th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    Ten Red Crested Pochards on Pit 31 today, mostly eclipse males. (Steve Brown).

Jun 26th 2003

Robinswood Hill C.P.    A Nuthatch at 5:30pm unusual for the site. (Ian Elphick).

WWT Slimbridge    Five Green Sandpipers from Robbie Garnett hide and ten Black-tailed Godwits and six Redshanks on South Lake. (Roy Shilham). Green Sandpiper pic below by Roy.

Jun 25th 2003

Frampton    A Grasshopper Warbler heard reeling from the public footpath at Green Lane this evening. Also a Little Egret and a Common Tern flew over. (Mark Hobson).

Jun 24th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Five Green Sandpipers from Robbie Garnett hide and twelve Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake.

Jun 23rd 2003

WWT Slimbridge    The first Mediterranean Gull this "Autumn" on the Top New Piece today. Redshanks have also done well within the grounds this year. (Martin McGill). 

Forest of Dean    Two Woodcock roding at Woorgreens at 10pm. (Mark Hobson).

Jun 22nd 2003

Newent Woods     A Sparrowhawk, a Woodcock (walked out on the path in front of us), a Turtle Dove heard, three Firecrests (a pair and a male) and a Spotted Flycatcher in the early evening. (Andy Jayne and Mo Croose).

Chepstow    A pair of Kestrels with fledged young on the cliffs above Chepstow old bridge (on the Glos/English side of the river). (Andrew Bluett).

Wye Valley    A pair of Peregrines with three juveniles. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge   A pair of Garganey on the Top New Piece. (Martin McGill). 

Five Green Sandpipers at Halfway hide. (Mark Hobson). 

Jun 21st 2003

Forest of Dean    A Tawny Owl being mobbed just below the Visitor Centre at Nagshead this am. Many young birds around but Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts appear to have gone. The only other bird of note a Spotted Flycatcher. (MK).

A Mandarin with two young on Cannop lower pond, a Crossbill and a Carrion Crow mobbing a Buzzard near Wench Ford, three Ravens, two Buzzards and at least six singing Tree Pipits in the Edge Hill/Heywood area and two Tree Pipits singing at Great Berry near Brierley. (Andrew Bluett).

The photo of a Redstart at the nest was taken last week at Nagshead by Colin Butters.

Jun 20th 2003

Shab Hill    A Hobby over near the boarding kennels at 4:30pm. (Andrew Bluett).

Jun 15th 2003

Frampton    Three Common Terns on the Sailing Lake and a female Mandarin with young. (Martin Wightman).

WWT Slimbridge    Five Green Sandpipers (three from Robbie Garnett and two from Knott hides). (Martin Wightman).    

Huntsman's Quarry    Three Corn Buntings, a pair of Lesser Whitethroats feeding juveniles and a pair of Little Grebes with three young this morning. Also another Corn Bunting near Cocklebarrow Farm between Eastington and Aldsworth. (MK).

Forest of Dean    A male Golden Oriole flew over the B4228 at Sling this morning. Nightjars are being reported in good numbers from all suitable/traditional areas of habitat this year with up to five in some locations and Woodcock are also abundant.

Henley Bank, Brockworth     Grey Partridge here today. (Terry Fenton).

Jun 14th 2003

Roel Gate    A Quail calling from the large grass field at midnight. (Steve Owen).

Chedworth    A Quail calling audible from the village. (K Bowers).

Frampton    A female Goldeneye is summering on the Sailing Lake. It appears to be unwell as it spends most of its time sat on the pontoons. (Gordon Hodgson).

Forest of Dean    Two pairs of Mandarins at Cannop ponds today. (Gemma Davis). Wenchford/Blackpool Brook    A female Mandarin with ten young, a single Crossbill, a couple of Spotted Flycatchers and a Dipper. (Andrew Bluett).

Jun 13th 2003

Lancaut GWT    A Grey Seal in the River Wye off the St. James' Church ruins at 5pm. (Ian Ralphs).

Jun 12th 2003

Hardwicke    An Eyed Hawk Moth this evening in Steve Dark's garden.

Jun 9th 2003

Forest of Dean    A belated report of a male Golden Oriole along the minor road towards Kensley Lodge near Woorgreens. It was seen well apparently on Saturday night (7th).

Jun 5th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Peregrine and eight Ringed Plovers from Mid-Point. Nine Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake.

Jun 3rd 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A summer-plumaged Grey Plover, four Bar-tailed Godwits, 30 Ringed Plovers, 38 Dunlin from Mid-Point at high tide. Eight Black-tailed Godwits and two Little Ringed Plovers on South Lake.

Jun 1st 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Eleven Sanderlings, a summer-plumaged Grey Plover, four Bar-tailed Godwits, ten Oystercatchers, six Dunlin, five Curlew and a Little Egret from Mid-Point at high tide. (MK/Martin McGill/Neil Smart).

Forest of Dean    Two Spotted Flycatchers at Cannop brook today. (Mark Hobson).

May 29th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Three Wood Sandpipers on the 50-Acre today. (Richard Baatsen).

May 28th 2003

Frampton canal    A Quail calling in the marsh next to the canal south of Splatt bridge at 4pm. Also presumed Lanner/Saker escape flushed from a tree on Green Lane. (Keith Bell).

May 26th 2003

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Marsh Harrier was present today. (per Richard Baatsen).

May 23rd 2003

Upton St Leonards    A Hobby this afternoon at 3pm over Commelines Mill Farm heading towards Bowden Hall at a leisurely pace. (Andrew Bluett).

May 21st 2003

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Gannet was off Mid-Point today on the river. Also 16 Black-tailed Godwits and a Wheatear.  

May 20th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Grey Plover from Holden Tower and eight Dunlins, three Bar-tailed Godwits and 17 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake today. 

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A Hobby seen taking a Swift just above the water at  lunch time today. (Andy Lodge).

May 19th 2003

Frampton    Two Short-eared Owls quartering fields south of Splatt Bridge this morning, also a Peregrine. In Green Lane a Tawny Owl and five Ringed Plovers on the nearby flashes. A pair of Mandarins were on the canal. Five Common Terns over the Sailing Lake at 9:30am and a couple of Nightingales there as well. (David Owen).
WWT Slimbridge    An adult Gannet flew north yesterday and an adult Curlew Sandpiper was with Dunlin.  (Martin McGill).
An Oystercatcher and two Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake at 11:45am, a Garganey from the Lathbury Hide and a Kingfisher at the end of the South Finger. (David Owen).

May 18th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Pectoral Sandpiper was found this morning briefly on the Lathbury scrape but flew off north. It was relocated again at Frampton but only briefly before it flew off again. Also on the river a Curlew Sandpiper, seven Sanderling and a Turnstone. (Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park    Four Temminck's Stints on Pit 79 today until midday at least. Also a pair of Little Ringed Plovers. Six Common Terns on Pit 34. (Richard Cawsey/Martin Wightman). 

Saul Warth    Eight Whimbrel and two Bar-tailed Godwits. 
Frampton Sailing Lake    Three Common Terns and a Nightingale at Vicarage Lane. (Martin Wightman). 

May 17th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Good numbers of waders from Mid-Point today including Turnstone and Sanderling. (Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park    Four Temminck's Stints on the Pit 84/85 complex today from 1pm. They have been showing from both hides. (Brian Stretch). A Honey Buzzard low over Pit 85d at 2:10pm today. (Brian Stretch, Jon Mercer and Chris Walker). Also a Little Ringed Plover. 

Saul Warth    20 Dunlins and four Ringed Plovers, a Bar-tailed Godwit and three Whimbrels this morning. (Phil Pope).

Frampton     Two Common Terns and a Common Sandpiper plus huge numbers of House Martins over the Sailing Lake and surrounding fields this morning. (Phil Pope).

May 16th 2003

Aylburton Warth     A Goshawk seen here today. (Martin McGill).

WWT Slimbridge    A Little Egret off Mid-Point this morning. Also a Golden Plover, 80 Ringed Plovers and 250 Dunlins and  16 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake.

May 15th 2003

Barrow Wake, Birdlip    A Tree Pipit  at 7:30am. (David Owen).

Ashleworth    A male Redstart at the top of Stank Lane at 1:00pm. (David Owen).

WWT Slimbridge    The Kingfishers were showing well at South Finger today. Pictures below by Roy Shilham.

May 14th 2003

Forest of Dean    New Fancy/Moseley Green area today two Goshawks, a Sparrowhawk, 6+ Buzzards, a Cuckoo, four Tree Pipits, two Redstarts, two Wood Warblers, a Raven, two Siskins and c25 Crossbills. (Andy Jayne). 

Longford    A Goshawk flew north over Andy Jayne's house at 7pm. A cracking garden tick!

WWT Slimbridge    An Arctic Skua from Mid-Point at high tide this morning. (Geoff Moyser/Tony Eveleigh).

May 12th 2003

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A Raven, a Grey Wagtail, two Buzzards and 20+ House Martins this morning. (Steve Brown).

May 11th 2003

Forest of Dean    Nagshead - Four Mandarins, a Redstart, two Wood Warblers and five Pied Flycatchers. 
Woorgreens - Seven Mandarins, two Turtle Doves, two Tree Pipits, a Siskin and 12 Crossbills. (Martin Wightman).

May 10th 2003

Westonbirt Arboretum    Three Crossbills this morning. (Phil Pope).

May 8th 2003

Frampton     A Short-eared Owl, two Hobbies, a Buzzard, a Kestrel, a Peregrine and a Little Egret from Splatt Bridge this afternoon.  Further south along the tow path, a Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat and a Cuckoo.
Two Common Terns, a Little Gull and a Common Sandpiper at the Sailing Lake and a Nightingale at the top of Vicarage Lane. (Steve Dark).
Coombe Hill Meadows    Four Lesser Whitethroats today. (David Owen).

Woorgreens    A Turtle Dove and four Crossbills. (Tony Eveleigh).

Cotswold Water Park    Seven Hobbies, 12 Common Terns and 16 Great Crested Grebes at Pit 57 today. Eleven Hobbies at Pit 41. (Tony Eveleigh).

May 6th 2003

Frampton    A Greenshank, two Hobbies, a Little Egret and a Lesser Whitethroat on the flashes viewed from the public footpath at Green Lane. (Richard Baatsen).

WWT Slimbridge    A Knot, a Grey Plover, 16 Ringed Plovers, 80 Dunlins and a Little Egret from Mid-Point. (Richard Baatsen).

Frampton    Two first-summer Little Gulls were at the Sailing Lake again today. (Richard Baatsen).

May 5th 2003

Forest of Dean    The Waxwing was again at Nagshead this morning from 6:30am to 8:45am at least. It was perched in the top of a Norway Spruce to the left of where the old visitor centre used to be and also in trees to the left of here. Also a Goshawk, a Hawfinch, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming but unseen. (MK). The Waxwing was again present this evening from 7pm to 7:30pm when it appeared to roost in the Norway Spruce to the left of where the old visitor centre was. (Tony Eveleigh).

Cotswold Water Park    Three Hobbies and two Nightingales this evening. (David Owen).

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl was showing well from Splatt Bridge and a Whimbrel was on the Top Flashes this evening and another two flew through. Also two Little Egrets and three White Wagtails. (Jake King/MK).

May 4th 2003

Forest of Dean    The summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe was still on Woorgreens lake this morning. Also on the lake a female Ruddy Duck. In the scrub area north of the lake a Whinchat, two Turtle Doves, a Tree Pipit and several Garden Warblers. In the woods at the top of the ridge three Wood Warblers and a Spotted Flycatcher. Near Kensley Lodge five Crossbills (one male) and two Hawfinches in the car park. (MK).

A Waxwing was at Nagshead this morning around about 10am. It was perched in the top of a Norway Spruce to the left of where the old visitor centre used to be. (Mark Hobson). 

Guscar Rocks    Four Oystercatchers, ten Ringed Plovers, two Sanderlings, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, two Yellow Wagtails, three female Wheatears and two Tree Sparrows this morning. (Andy Jayne). 

Cotswold Water Park    25 Hobbies and 28 Common Terns at Pit 57 today. (Richard Baatsen).

Frampton    A first-summer Mediterranean Gull at 10am on the flashes viewed from the public footpath at Green Lane. Also here a Lesser Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 112 Shelducks and three Redshanks. A Little Egret on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge. A Kingfisher on the canal. Two first-summer Little Gulls at the Sailing Lake at 11:10am. Also three Nightingales, the WillowChiff at Vicarage Lane, a Common Sandpiper, two Yellow Wagtails and a Lesser Whitethroat. (Martin Wightman).

May 3rd 2003

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Whooper Swan was still on the Big Pen today at 7:20am. (MK). At Mid-Point Two Grey Plover with a flock of Dunlin. Also on the Dumbles a flock of Dunlin and Ringed Plover and a single Sanderling also Peregrine over. (Phil Pope).

Between The Glasshouse and Cliffords Mesne    Two Turtle Doves singing, a pair and a family party of five Crossbills, three Ravens and a Cuckoo calling. (Andrew Bluett).

Frampton    Two first-summer Little Gulls were at the Sailing Lake at 8am. Also Nightingale, Garden Warbler and that WillowChiff. (MK). Two Short-eared Owls still this evening in the field before Green Lane and two Cuckoos. (Mark Hobson).

Leckhampton Hill    Two Garden Warblers below Daiseybank Road and a Grasshopper Warbler between the Quarry and the burnt patch. (Steve Brown).

Saul Warth    Six Bar-tailed Godwits and several Whimbrel heard and a few seen. Two Lesser Whitethroats on the canal. (Phil Pope).

May 2nd 2003

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Whooper Swan on the Big Pen today and 17 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. A Sedge Warbler inside Halfway Hide (see below) it did vacate the hide in the end, it didn't seem too stressed, he managed to have a sing while he was in there and a few mosquitoes.

c 10 Whimbrel at Mid-Point on the estuary and fields. Many Ringed Plover plus Dunlin in summer plumage mixed in with them. Also a Little Egret, a female Wheatear and three Oystercatchers. (Mark Hobson).

Green Bottom, near Littledean    Two male Wood Warblers singing and a male Crossbill in Scots Pines at Serridge. (Andrew Bluett).

May 1st 2003

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Lesser Whitethroat just past the bridge at lunchtime today and a Little Ringed Plover on the scrape. (David Owen).

Newent    An Osprey was over Newent woods today. Also a Spotted Flycatcher and a singing Turtle Dove. Another Turtle Dove was at May Hill. (Tony Eveleigh).

Apr 30th 2003

Wormington Brake    A Nightingale and five Whitethroats here at SP052362 today. (Neil Pryce-Jones).

Cotswold Water Park    An Alpine Swift reported mid-afternoon in the Pit 48 area on the Glos-Wilts border. No sign this evening in a thorough search. Six Hobbies hunting together on Pit 57 from 7:45pm till dusk. (MK/Neil Smart). Also a pair of Red Crested Pochards, two Common Terns, a Cuckoo, a Nightingale and large numbers of hirundines and 50+ Swifts. 16 Hobbies were seen at midday here. (Richard Cawsey).

Frampton    Immature Little Gull on the Sailing Lake this morning and a Spotted Flycatcher in an orchard in the village. (Gordon Hodgson).

Apr 29th 2003

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Black-tailed Godwit at lunchtime today. (David Owen).

Apr 27th 2003

Cleeve Hill    Several Tree Pipits, a pair of Stonechats and two female Wheatears.  Also a Cuckoo flying across road next to the Kings Head pub at Norton. (Pete Long).

WWT Slimbridge    A Wood Sandpiper in front of Robbie Garnet Hide. A Sanderling, 10 Ringed Plovers and 130+ Dunlin on the mudflats. Also 15 Swifts, ten Black tailed-Godwits, a Redshank, a few Lapwing and an Oystercatcher on South Lake. (Andrew Bluett).

Cotswold Water Park    Eleven Hobbies at Pit 57 at 2pm. (Richard Cawsey). Three Arctic Terns on Pit 12 this evening, also Common Sandpiper and Yellow Wagtail reported Pits 84/85 Shorncote. (Jon Mercer).

Saul    22 Whimbrel north at 6am. (MK).

Frampton    A Hobby through at first light. (Martin Wightman).  A Little Egret and a Peregrine were on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge.  A Turtle Dove flew in at the Sailing Lake at 9:20am. Also five Swifts, large numbers of hirundines and a Common Sandpiper there this morning. A Nightingale is still at the end of Vicarage Lane and two male and one female Yellow Wagtail in the field behind the Sailing Club. (Martin Wightman/MK).

Forest of Dean    The summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe was still on Woorgreens lake today. (Andy Chapman).

Apr 26th 2003

Cleeve Hill    A Grasshopper Warbler reeling briefly at 7:20am. Also Cuckoo and several Whitethroats. (MK).

Cotswold Water Park    Eight Hobbies over at Pit 57 at 1pm. Also four Nightingales. Earlier Swifts and House Martins with the hirundines, four Blackcaps and a Garden Warbler. (David Owen). A Lesser Whitethroat between Pits 46-48. The summer-plumaged Spotted Redshank reported at Pit 57 may have been a very dark Ruff - Simon Mackie photographed the only wader present today - see below.

Simon also photographed this Willow Warbler at Frampton today - see below.

Forest of Dean    The summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe was still on Woorgreens lake today. Also a Crossbill. A Tree Pipit at Cannop ponds and a fly-over Goshawk. (Tony Eveleigh).

Painswick Beacon    A Grasshopper Warbler reeling in scrub left of the main track. Also six Tree Pipits.

Apr 25th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    30 Ringed Plovers with a similar number of
Dunlin and a single Turnstone seen from Middle Point. (Richard Cawsey).
Forest of Dean    The summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe was still on Woorgreens lake at 1:30pm, also seven Greylags, a male Mandarin, a Great Crested Grebe and a Lapwing. (Andrew Bluett/Ian Ralphs). A Wood Warbler singing at Little Moseley and Blakeney Walk, a pair of Buzzards and a pair of Bullfinches at Flaxley. Three Garden Warblers singing in different places in the forest. (Andrew Bluett). 

Frampton    A Swift, two Common Sandpipers, a Reed Warbler still singing and a Lesser Whitethroat singing by the Sailing Club. (Gordon Hodgson).

Apr 24th 2003

Saul    Lesser Whitethroat singing weakly and 70+ Swallows moving through north west at 7:00pm. (Andrew Bluett).

Cleeve Hill     The Great Grey Shrike was still present in its favoured area tonight. Also two Grasshopper Warblers. (Tony Eveleigh/Paul Taylor). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    Three Little Ringed Plovers seen this evening. (Richard Cawsey).

Frampton    A Sedge Warbler, a Nightingale (at the end of Vicarage Lane) and seven Yellow Wagtails (in the field behind the Sailing Club). Also two Kingfishers and a Swift over. Two Short-eared Owls showing from Splatt Bridge this evening. Also a Raven, a Little Egret, a Reed Warbler and a pair of Mandarins on the canal. Also at Stonebench a Little Owl in the large willow tree along the road. (Andy Chapman). 

A Hobby through the village at dusk. (Gordon Hodgson).

Cotswold Water Park    A Black Tern, three Hobbies, 30 Swifts, two Garden Warblers, two Nightingales and two Little Ringed Plovers this evening at Pit 57. (Tony Eveleigh/Paul Taylor). A Lesser Whitethroat singing at Grid Ref  SU039972 crossroads close to Pit 84. (Paul Taylor).

Forest of Dean    The summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe was still on Woorgreens lake at 2:30pm. Also three Swifts there with Swallows and House Martins and five Mandarins. A Pied Flycatcher was singing at Nagshead. (Jon Mercer).

Apr 23rd 2003

Cleeve Hill     The Great Grey Shrike was still present in its favoured area tonight. Also the Grasshopper Warbler was reeling nearby and two Wheatears. (Keith Bell).

Frampton    Three Common Sandpipers on the Sailing Lake. Also a Sedge Warbler, a Nightingale (at the end of Vicarage Lane) and six Yellow Wagtails (in the field behind the Sailing Club). A Merlin and two Short-eared Owls showing very well from Splatt Bridge. Also two Water Rails and a Common Tern over the canal. (Martin Wightman/ Mark Hobson).

Cotswold Water Park    A Hobby and three Nightingales this evening at Pit 57. (Richard Baatsen).

Apr 22nd 2003

Forest of Dean    The summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe was still on Woorgreens lake this evening. 

Witcombe Reservoir    15 Common Sandpipers and a Yellow Wagtail this evening. (Duncan Dine).

WWT Slimbridge    A Common Crane flew NE over the Trust at 3:15pm and circled over the 100-Acre before being lost from sight. Possibly still in the area. Also Whinchat and Lesser Whitethroat today. (Martin McGill).  

Cleeve Hill     The Great Grey Shrike was still present in its favoured area. The Grasshopper Warbler was reeling nearby. Picture below taken by David Pearce tonight. Also a Ring Ouzel. (Richard Baatsen). A Short-eared Owl was also seen. (David Pearce).

Frampton    Two Common Terns were on the Sailing Lake.  Also two Yellow Wagtails and three Common Sandpipers. A Short-eared Owl was showing well from Green Lane. (Tony Eveleigh).

Apr 21st 2003

WWT Slimbridge    Two Whitethroats and a Grasshopper Warbler today. (Martin McGill).  Also three Oystercatcher (one pair) and a Green Sandpiper at Mid-Point. A Reed Warbler and male Blackcap at South Finger. (Mark Hobson).

South of Passage Inn, Arlingham    A female Wheatear. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton    An adult and a first summer Little Gull at 11:20am
on the Sailing Lake.  Also six Yellow Wagtails, three flyovers but two of the three birds remaining in the paddock next to the sailing club were Blue-headed Wagtails (male and female sp. flava with a male sp. flavissima). (John Overfield). The Little Gulls were still present between 4pm-6pm and had been joined by three Common Terns. The wagtail flock still included the Blue-headed Wagtails, a pristine White Wagtail, three Yellow Wagtails and 15+ Pied Wagtails. Three Nightingales were singing around the lake. A Swift arrived at 5:45pm and joined the large hirundine flock. Two Common Sandpipers were also present. (MK).

Sherborne    An Osprey was fishing the river here between c3pm and 4:30pm. (Duncan Dine).

Forest of Dean    The summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe was still on Woorgreens lake this morning. Also a Goshawk over. The picture below was taken today by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net  

Forest of Dean    Two Pied Flycatchers heard at Nagshead and a Wood Warbler heard at Cannop ponds. (Phil Pope).

Saul Warth    14 Bar-tailed Godwits, 23 Dunlins and two Knot this morning. (Phil Pope).

Apr 20th 2003

Frampton    A Swift and an Arctic Tern were present on the Sailing Lake from 4:15pm-6:50pm at least. Also 20-30 House Martins, a flyover Yellow Wagtail and eight adult Little Gulls until 5:30pm. (John Overfield). Also two Sedge Warblers down Green Lane and a pair of Oystercatchers at Hock Cliff still. (Mark Hobson).

Forest of Dean    The summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe was still on Woorgreens lake at 5pm. (David Pearce).

Cotswold Water Park     A Hobby was over Pit 57 at midday.

Saul    Four Knot, 13 Bar-tailed Godwits and two Oystercatchers. (Richard Baatsen).

Apr 19th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    Pit 84/5 Four Green Sandpipers and a Greenshank. Pit 57 Two Common Terns, a Sedge Warbler and lots of Swallows and Sand Martins. (David Owen). Also a Yellow Wagtail. (Jon Mercer).

Ashleworth Ham    A female Marsh Harrier hunting 4-6pm.

Saul    16 Whimbrel, 18 Dunlins, 13 Bar-tailed Godwits, four Grey Plovers (1 in summer plumage) and a pair of Oystercatchers. (MK).

Frampton    Three Common Terns and a drake Wigeon was on the Sailing Lake this morning. A Little Egret was on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge. Three Nightingales are in around the pools. Please keep to public footpaths. (Phil Pope/MK). A Black Tern was on the Sailing Lake later.

Forest of Dean    Parkend Church four Hawfinches. Nagshead/Cannop ponds    Two male Pied Flycatchers and two Grey Wagtails. (Mark Hobson).

Little Witcombe    A Cuckoo here today. (Terry Fenton).

Apr 18th 2003

Wistley Hill    Two or three singing Tree Pipits and a Raven over.  Also a Cuckoo in dispute with both Jay and Kestrel. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling out of sight in the highest part of Lineover Wood. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    A summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe on Woorgreens lake at 12:45pm. (Tony Eveleigh). Parkend this morning a Wood Warbler, two Hawfinches, two Pied Flycatchers and an unseen Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming. (Paul Taylor).

Saul    A Harbour Porpoise was off Hock Cliff at 8:35am. This was also seen off Newnham in the week. Also 30 Dunlins, a Bar-tailed Godwit and a pair of Oystercatchers. (David Pearce/John Overfield/MK).

Frampton    Three Common Terns were on the Sailing Lake this morning. A Little Ringed Plover was on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge and a Little Egret flew south over Splatt Bridge. Two Reed Warblers were in the reedbed south of Splatt Bridge and one in the north reedbed. A Sedge Warbler was opposite the south reedbed. (MK/John Overfield).

At 10am John found a singing Wood Warbler in the copse next to the Sailing Lake, a mega bird here, present till 11:15am at least.

WWT Slimbridge    A dark-phase Arctic Skua north with the tide and a Turnstone through. (Martin McGill).

Cleeve Hill    Five Ring Ouzels in a field above the wash pool at SO998260, and a Grasshopper Warbler heard and briefly seen in a gorse patch between Cotswold Way marker posts 22 and 23. Nearby the Great Grey Shrike remains in its favoured area. Also a Cuckoo and a few Whitethroats. (Richard Cawsey). A Short-eared Owl flushed by golfers just off the fairway of the 11th hole around 9am. (Andy Oliver).

Apr 17th 2003

Shab Hill, Birdlip    Two adult Dotterels in ploughed field near Cuckoopen Barn Farm at 9:30 am but no sign later. (David Pearce).

Frampton    Ten adult Little Gulls were on the Sailing Lake this evening. (Gordon Hodgson). This morning there were four Common Terns and 12 Commic Terns (Common or Arctic) over the Sailing Lake. A Ruff was on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge and three Little Egrets from Splatt Bridge. A Reed Warbler was in the reedbed south of Splatt Bridge. Three Whimbrel were in the field behind. A Peregrine was sat on the fence in 100 Acre viewed from Green Lane. (Andy Lodge).

Cleeve Hill    Four Ring Ouzels (two males and two females) by the wash pool this evening. The Great Grey Shrike was still present in its favoured area. A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling between Posts 22 and 23. (Paul Taylor). 

Apr 16th 2003

Cleeve Hill    Five Ring Ouzels by the wash pool early morning. The Great Grey Shrike was still present in its favoured area. A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling intermittently at 9:30 am. (David Pearce). Also Stonechats and Wheatear. Two pics below of Yellowhammers taken today by Roy. (Roy Shilham).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Whitethroats at lunchtime. (David Owen).

Shab Hill, Birdlip    A female Wheatear on the wall at 7:20am. (David Owen).

Apr 15th 2003

Cleeve Hill    Seven Ring Ouzels feeding together by the wash pool at 9.30 a.m. until flushed by the dog walkers. The Great Grey Shrike was still present in its favoured area. (David Pearce). Later a pair of Stonechats there, a Willow Warbler singing, and a pair of Wheatears on the wall across the field from the radio masts. (David Owen). A Cuckoo heard near Post 23. (Mark Hobson).

Berkeley/Saul    Groups of 80, 40 and 40 Kittiwakes flew north upriver this evening. The second two groups were seen later at Saul. Also Little Tern, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern and Common Tern flew upriver. (Paul Taylor). Two Little Terns were seen later at Saul. Also five Bar-tailed Godwits and five Whimbrels and a distant Short-eared Owl still.

Fretherne    Three Avocets throughout the day best viewed from Hock Cliff. (Public footpath just before Fretherne church). (Gordon Hodgson). Frampton    Three Black Terns and eight Common Terns were on the Sailing Lake this evening. (Gordon Hodgson). Also five Little Gulls (two adults) were there earlier. (David Pearce).

Cotswold Water Park    Three Black Terns and six Common Terns on Pit 104 Dudgrove this evening. (Richard Baatsen).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Whitethroats, a Cuckoo and a Greenshank today. (Mark Grieve).

Apr 14th 2003

Cleeve Hill   The Great Grey Shrike was still present in its favoured area at 10am.  Three Ring Ouzels were reported near the wash pool at 9:30am. Wheatear and Stock Dove by quarry above wash pool. Nearby a Redstart at Whitehall Farm and a Raven over Ham Hill and Dowdeswell Wood at 11am. (Steve Brown).

Berkeley    A pale phase Arctic Skua flew past Severn House Farm this evening. (Paul Taylor).

Fretherne    13 Avocets here this morning best viewed from Hock Cliff. Also three Sandwich Terns, four Arctic Terns, seven Common Terns and 9+ Commic Terns (Common or Arctic) flew upriver. (Public footpath just before Fretherne church). (Martin McGill). 14 Arctic Terns upriver at 6:15pm. (Richard Baatsen).

Picture below by David Pearce.

Purton    A Grey Seal upriver past Tite's Point at 6pm. Also a few Sandwich Terns and 14 Arctic Terns. (Tony Eveleigh/Andy Jayne/Mo Croose). 

Frampton    A Greenshank on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge this morning. Also a seven Whimbrel on the river behind. 54 Common Terns, a White Wagtail and a few Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins were at the Sailing Lake this afternoon. (Tony Eveleigh/Andy Jayne/Mo Croose). 

Apr 13th 2003

Saul    A Great White Egret flew over north at 8am keeping east of the church. It was not relocated at Epney or Longney. Also here the sub-adult Kittiwake, four Ringed Plover with 52 Dunlins and 50 Fieldfares in the fields. (Public footpath just before Fretherne church). (MK). This afternoon a Dark-bellied Brent Goose was found by Martin McGill. It was present until 5:30pm when it flew off in the direction of Purton. A Yellow Wagtail flew over. Later seven Common Terns were on the river and three male Wheatears were on rocks by the sluice. (MK).

Frampton    Four Ruff on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge this morning. A Spotted Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover on the flashes viewed from Green Lane. Also a small passage of Swallows and Sand Martins. Two Mandarins and a Kingfisher on the canal. A White Wagtail was at the Sailing Lake. (Gordon Hodgson/Martin Wightman). 

Berkeley    A male Redstart this morning and a female Redstart this afternoon. (Paul Taylor).

Cleeve Hill    Three male Ring Ouzels by the sheep wash this morning. The Great Grey Shrike was still present in its favoured area. (Duncan Dine).

Apr 12th 2003

Nagshead    A male Pied Flycatcher near the visitor centre. (Colin Butters).

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank, 31 Redshanks, six Ruff, a Water Rail and a Short-eared Owl on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge late afternoon. (Tony Eveleigh).

Saul    Four Ringed Plover, three Bar-tailed Godwits, four Black-tailed Godwits, three Grey Plovers, an Oystercatcher and an exhausted sub-adult Kittiwake at high tide. (Public footpath just before Fretherne church). (Richard Baatsen).

Apr 9th 2003

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike was still c500yds north of the radio masts near white Cotswold Way marker post 23 to 25 at 10 am. (David Pearce). A female Ring Ouzel was reported with the Fieldfare flock. New picture of the shrike below taken by David today.

Apr 8th 2003

Frampton    An adult Little Gull was on the Sailing Lake in the evening. (Gordon Hodgson).

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike was still c500yds north of the radio masts near white Cotswold Way marker post 25 at 3pm.

Tewkesbury    The adult Ring-billed Gull was again at Mitton Farm just NNE of Tewkesbury in SW Worcs and flew south into Glos to presumably roost on the Severn estuary. (Steve Whitehouse).

WWT Slimbridge    A Ruff from South Finger and 32 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. Also this stunning image of a Great Spotted Woodpecker was taken at South Finger today by Roy Shilham.

Apr 7th 2003

Saul Warth    Five Bar-tailed Godwits at high tide. (David Pearce).

Tewkesbury    An adult Ring-billed Gull found at Mitton Farm just NNE of Tewkesbury at 3:30pm just in SW Worcs remained in Worcs till 5:45pm when it got up and drifted high over Tewkesbury Sailing Club ( Glos)  before going very high to west towards The Mythe. (Steve Whitehouse).

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl was in the field next to Green Lane this evening. (Mark Hobson).

Apr 6th 2003

Frampton    A Water Rail and two Little Egrets on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge. A pair of Mandarins on the canal, other pairs down Green Lane and at the Sailing Lake. A Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, and three Oystercatchers on the flashes viewed from Green Lane. A female Goldeneye on the Sailing Lake still. (Martin Wightman/MK). A ringtail Hen Harrier was over the 100-Acre at 2:15pm but disappeared towards Slimbridge. This afternoon until dusk c35 Sand Martins and 5+ Swallows were on the Sailing Lake. A Bar-tailed Godwit and seven Grey Plovers were on the river. A Short-eared Owl was showing well from Splatt Bridge and 24 Gadwall (ten males) were on the Top Flashes. (Tony Eveleigh/MK).

Berkeley shore    Six Sand Martins, two Swallows and a House Martin north up the river. Also two Peregrines. (Paul Taylor).

WWT Slimbridge    Black-tailed Godwits from Holden Tower and
Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper also seen. (Andy Chapman).

Apr 5th 2003

Frampton-on-Severn    A Swallow flew through the village today. (Gordon Hodgson).

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike still in area of Cotswold Way Marker 23 at 7:15am and a male Ring Ouzel in the valley between the ploughed field and the next hill below Cotswold Way Marker 27. Also two pair of Stonechats, c50 Fieldfares, ten Redwings and a Snipe at the Dewpond. (MK). Also another male Ring Ouzel was in Gorse about 300 yards SE of the Wash pool. (Steve Owen).

Brownshill    A Raven flew over at 2:30pm. (David Owen).

Forest of Dean    Brierley - A Raven over at 12:30pm. New Fancy View - a Goshawk over the car park at 1pm. Nagshead - A Hawfinch at the drinking pool in front of the hide. (Steve Brown).

Apr 4th 2003

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike still in area of Cotswold Way Marker 23 this evening. (David Pearce).

Forest of Dean    Seven Hawfinches at Brierley opposite the garage and a Willow Tit there this morning. (Steve Dark).

Apr 3rd 2003

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike still in area of Cotswold Way Marker 25 at 5pm, also a Ring Ouzel at the southern end of the golf course. (SO987260). (Richard Cawsey).

WWT Slimbridge    40 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake, two Buzzards, two Wheatears, a Peregrine and a reported Swallow from Holden Tower. (Steve Dark).

Apr 2nd 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A Little Ringed Plover was at Pit 79 at 11:30am and a Little Gull flew over. (Richard Cawsey).

Forest of Dean    Ten Hawfinches at Brierley opposite the garage and a Willow Warbler there. Four Crossbills all females/immature birds at Park End Church. A Goshawk sat in a tree off the road between Brierley and Park End. (Steve Dark).

Frampton    A summer-plumaged Little Gull and scores of Sand Martins on the Sailing Lake. (Steve Dark).

Apr 1st 2003

Frampton    Two Wheatears from Splatt Bridge this evening. Also 100 Sand Martins over the Sailing Lake. (Steve Dark).

Berkeley    51 Kittiwakes north past Severn House Farm this evening returning south at 6:15pm.

Mar 31st 2003

Frampton    Two Short-eared Owls hunting from Splatt Bridge this evening. (Mark Hobson).

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike still in area of Cotswold Way Marker 25 at 11:30am, also a Ring Ouzel in with flock of Fieldfare, on the Postlip side of hill. (Roy Shilham).

Forest of Dean    14 Hawfinches at Brierley opposite the garage and a Goshawk at New Fancy View. (Tony Eveleigh).

Mar 30th 2003

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike this morning still c500yds north of the radio masts near white Cotswold Way marker post 25 but mobile.  A male Ring Ouzel in flight in the valley towards Postlip mid morning. (David Pearce). Also a Willow Warbler singing and 51 Fieldfares and 16 Redwings. (Tony Eveleigh).

Frampton    A Water Rail, 131 Shelducks, a Kingfisher, 12 Redshanks, a Ruff, four Dunlins and a Sparrowhawk on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge. Two Mandarins on the canal. Four Willow Warblers, three Blackcaps, two Ravens, two Little Egrets, two Snipe and a Little Ringed Plover on the flashes viewed from Green Lane. Four Goldeneye (a male and three females) on the Sailing Lake. (Martin Wightman). 

Nebrow Hill    c80 Redwings today. (Mark Hobson).

Mar 29th 2003

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike, still at 5pm. It has moved position slightly, now on bushes down the hill towards woods at marker post 24. (Roy Shilham). A Ring Ouzel here in the morning. (Gerry Shilham & Richard Price).

Aylburton Warth    Two Water Pipits including the smart summer-plumaged  bird were again near Cone Pill today. (Steve Owen).

Oxenhall    138 Fieldfares and six Redwings plus a flock of c 150 Linnets. (Tony Eveleigh).

Forest of Dean    Two Crossbills over the car park at Cannop ponds. (Mark Hobson).

Mar 28th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A drake Garganey in the Rushy Pen today. 52 Black-tailed Godwits and two Ruff on South Lake. Also Red Kite over mid-morning, a Wheatear and Willow Warbler.

Aylburton Warth    A summer-plumaged Water Pipit showing well and possibly two others in flight were again near Cone Pill this afternoon. Also 3+ Ravens. (MK).

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike this morning still c500yds north of the radio masts near white Cotswold Way marker post 25. Also a Wheatear. (Andy Jayne). Also Ring Ouzel and Wheatear. (Steve Dark).

Wainlodes Hill    A Willow Warbler from the Red Lion Car Park alongside the River Severn. (Steve Dark).

Mar 27th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    55 Black-tailed Godwits and two Ruff at South Lake this afternoon. Also Snipe and Redshank. Kingfishers performing well plus a very obliging Water Rail at South Finger. Small group of seven Sand Martins passed Holden Tower. (Steve Dark).

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank on the flashes north Splatt Bridge at lunchtime. Also a Wheatear on posts along the back of the flash. (Gordon Hodgson). 

This afternoon from Splatt Bridge three Short-eared Owls, seven Redshanks, two Mandarins in flight up the canal and a Little Egret. (Steve Dark).

Hawling    220+ Golden Plover in a field of Winter Wheat adjacent to the A436 / B4068 junction. Also three Red-legged Partridges. (Andrew Bluett).

Aylburton Warth    Three Water Pipits were again near Cone Pill this afternoon. (Richard Baatsen).

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike at midday still c500yds north of the radio masts near white Cotswold Way marker post 25. Also a Wheatear and a Raven. (Richard Cawsey). A Ring Ouzel was also present in the valley towards Postlip. (Richard Baatsen). Another picture of the shrike taken by David Pearce today is below.

Mar 26th 2003

Frampton    14 Sand Martins on the Sailing lake early morning.
A Black-tailed Godwit on the flashes north Splatt Bridge at lunchtime
A first-winter Little Gull on the sailing lake in the evening. A pair of Mandarins by the Sailing Lake. (Gordon Hodgson).

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike at midday still c500yds north of the radio masts near white Cotswold Way marker post 25. Also two Wheatears and a pair of Stonechats. (David Owen).

Aylburton Warth    Two probable Water Pipits seen briefly in flight only at 5:45pm near Cone Pill. Also a pair of Ravens and a Snipe. (MK).

Mar 25th 2003

Frampton    A drake Garganey and a Short-eared Owl this morning on the flashes north of Splatt bridge. A pair of Mandarins on the Sailing Lake. (per Martin Wightman).

Hawling area    A pair of Grey Partridge, a Red-legged Partridge, a singing Corn Bunting, and a Raven flying over calling this afternoon. (Andrew Bluett).

Northwick Park, Blockley    A pair of Black Swans this evening. (Jeremy Voaden).

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike at midday still c500yds north of the radio masts near white Cotswold Way marker post 25. Also a Wheatear. (Roy Shilham). It was still present this evening and also two Short-eared Owls. (David Pearce/Ian Ralphs). Apparently two Ring Ouzels were there with a Fieldfare flock yesterday. (per IR). Picture below taken by David today.

WWT Slimbridge    A drake Garganey from Zeiss hide today. Also a Mediterranean Gull, 58 Black-tailed Godwits, a Snipe and two Ruff on South Lake. (Steve Dark).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Little Ringed Plover, three Lapwings, two Redshanks, two Shelducks and a Curlew at lunchtime. (David Owen).

Mar 24th 2003

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike at 9am still c500yds north of the radio masts near white Cotswold Way marker post 25. Again at SP000250 at 4:30pm. (Richard Cawsey).

Forest of Dean    13 Mandarins at Cannop ponds and two Goshawks at New Fancy View. (Tony Eveleigh).

Frampton    A male Merlin, two Short-eared Owls and four Sand Martins from Splatt Bridge this evening. (Tony Eveleigh).

WWT Slimbridge    A drake Garganey from Zeiss hide today. Also a Ringed Plover, 55 Black-tailed Godwits and four Ruff on South Lake. Aylburton Warth    Three Water Pipits feeding together near Cone Pill.  One in summer plumage, one in near winter plumage and one intermediate.  Also a further bird in near summer plumage. (David Pearce). Two birds were found yesterday by Andy Jayne. Picture below taken by David today.

Mar 23rd 2003

Castle Reach    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker beside the Glos-Sharpness canal. (Mark Hobson). Picture below taken by Mark.

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank, two Oystercatchers, a Merlin, two Little Egrets, 12 Redshanks, two Ruff and a Blackcap were on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge this morning .  Two Mandarins and two Kingfishers on the canal. A Little Ringed Plover, two Sand Martins, a Raven, a Peregrine, 18 Dunlins and a Black-tailed Godwit on the flashes viewed from Green Lane. (Martin Wightman). 

A Red Kite over ENE at 5pm. Also two Short-eared Owls and a female Merlin from Splatt Bridge this evening. (Steve Dark & Tony & Yvonne Johnsson).

WWT Slimbridge    A drake Garganey from Zeiss hide today. Also a Ruff and four Bewick's Swans. (Martin McGill).

Mar 22nd 2003

Cleeve Hill    The Great Grey Shrike at 2:30pm still c500yds north from the radio masts at a 45º angle near an enclosed area of heather. (Duncan Dine).

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank, two pairs of Oystercatchers, 30 Dunlins and ten Redshanks were on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge this morning until all flushed by a dog-walker (Yet again!) Also a Sand Martin over and a pair of Mandarins on the canal.  (MK/Jake King). 

A male Merlin perched on a gate in the flashes viewed from Green Lane. Also Little Egret, a Kingfisher and a male Blackcap. (MK/Andy Lodge).

Two Short-eared Owls from Splatt Bridge this evening. (Steve Dark).

Forest of Dean    New Fancy View - Two Goshawks displaying briefly at 11 am. Also plenty of Crossbills and Siskins. Parkend Church - Five Hawfinches early morning. Dipper by stream to west of Parkend Village. Cannop Ponds - 2+ Mandarins. (Steve Burch).

Mar 21st 2003

Cleeve Hill    A Great Grey Shrike late afternoon c500yds straight out from the radio masts. (per Duncan Dine).

WWT Slimbridge    A drake Garganey from South Finger today. Also a Ruff and four Bewick's Swans.

Mar 20th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe from late afternoon onwards on Pit 57. (Andy Jayne). Also three Smew (one drake), a pair of Goosanders, six Ruddy Ducks and two male and four female Goldeneye.

A Little Gull in the roost at Pit 12. (Martin McGill).

Frampton   A female Merlin on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge this afternoon. (Ian Ralphs). Also two Short-eared Owls, Little Egret and Spotted Redshank. (Steve Dark).

Mar 19th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A drake Garganey, two White Wagtails and two Little Ringed Plovers. (Steve Dark).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Green Sandpiper, five Lapwings, a Redshank, two Curlews and two Shelducks at lunchtime. Also up to eight Chiffchaffs. (David Owen).

Mar 18th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    45 Black-tailed Godwits and a Ruff on South Lake today. A Little Ringed Plover from Robbie Garnett hide. Three Sand Martins from Holden Tower.  A male Siskin feeding on peanuts in the Garden of Reflection. (Steve Dark).

Benhall, Cheltenham    A Woodcock flushed from a small wooded stream in the evening. (Ian Ralphs).

Mar 17th 2003

Gwent    News from just outside the region which may be significant for us - A Great White Egret flew upriver from Uskmouth NR towards the Severn Bridge at 5:45pm. 

Frampton    The drake Green-winged Teal is still on the 100-Acre viewable only from the public footpath down Green Lane. Green Lane is found by walking south from Splatt Bridge for c600yds, go past the small reedbed (on your right) and turn right into the next field through a small gate. There is a map on the gate showing the public footpaths. Go across two fields in the direction of the river, when you reach the second five-bar gate, turn left and you can view the flashes from this public footpath. Also two Mandarins. A Short-eared Owl hunting from the gate at Splatt Bridge this evening. (Steve Dark).

WWT Slimbridge    45 Black-tailed Godwits, five Dunlins and ten Common Gulls on South Lake today. (Steve Dark).

Forest of Dean    A Goshawk from New Fancy View plus lots of Siskins, four Crossbills and two Ravens this afternoon. More Siskins at Speech House Arboretum . Five Hawfinches at Nagshead near the car park. (Steve Dark).

Mar 16th 2003

Berkeley    Little Ringed Plover and Wheatear in the morning. (Paul Taylor).

Cotswold Water Park    Pit 84/5 Two Green Sandpipers, two Little Egrets, a Snipe, two pairs of Shelduck and 3+ singing Chiffchaffs  in the morning. (David Owen).

WWT Slimbridge    A pair of Garganey from Lathbury Hide, found by Neil Smart.

Forest of Dean    Mallards Pike - 12 Mandarins, a Willow Tit, 13 Siskins, two Lesser Redpolls and 26 Crossbills. 
New Fancy View - At least three Goshawks and five Siskins.
Cannop Ponds - 15 Mandarins. (Martin Wightman).
Frampton   Two Little Egrets, a Spotted Redshank and a male Merlin on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge this morning.  Also two Chiffchaffs (picture below taken by Mark Hobson today), a Water Rail, four Snipe, a Blackcap and a Kingfisher. (MK).

The drake Green-winged Teal and three Avocets were on the 100-Acre viewable only from the public footpath down Green Lane this afternoon, also a Ruff. The Avocets have moved onto the estuary but may well come back onto the flashes at high tide. Also a Raven. Three Short-eared Owls hunting from the gate at Splatt Bridge this evening.  

Wainlodes Hill    A pair of Red-legged Partridges. (MK).

Brookthorpe    A Red-legged Partridge. (MK)

Mar 15th 2003

Frampton     A first-winter Mediterranean Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull on the Sailing Lake this morning. (MK).

A Little Egret, a Spotted Redshank and 111 Shelduck on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge. Also two Chiffchaffs and six Redwings. (MK).

Forest of Dean    35 Hawfinches at Parkend. (Richard Baatsen).

Mar 14th 2003

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl from the gate at Splatt Bridge this evening. A picture below taken today by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net  

Mar 13th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    52 Black-tailed Godwits and 22 Dunlins at South Lake and 100+ Curlews from Holden Tower. (Steve Dark).
Frampton    Ten Sand Martins over the Sailing Lake and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull this morning.

The Siberian Chiffchaff was seen again at 3pm, 50yds south of Splatt Bridge. Also two Little Egrets, a Spotted Redshank and two Chiffchaffs. This evening a drake Green-winged Teal on the flashes north of the bridge and a Short-eared Owl from the gate at Splatt Bridge. 

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper, 26 Lapwings, four Redshanks and four Dunlins. (David Owen).

Mar 12th 2003

Frampton    35+ Sand Martins over the Sailing Lake today. Also a drake Goldeneye. (Gordon Hodgson). 

Mar 11th 2003

Frampton    19 Sand Martins over the village this morning and around five over the Sailing Lake. (Gordon Hodgson). 

This evening three Short-eared Owls from the gate at Splatt Bridge. Also Little Egret, Curlew, Spotted Redshank and a Peregrine in flight over the river.  No Sand Martins this evening. (Steve Dark).

Mar 10th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Mediterranean Gull until 3:30pm at least on South Lake. Also 45 Black-tailed Godwits and 24 Dunlin. (Steve Dark).

Frampton    18+ Sand Martins over Splatt Bridge at 5pm. Also two Short-eared Owls and two Little Egrets. (MK/Andy Chapman).

Mar 9th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A Spoonbill viewable from Zeiss hide this afternoon. Also four Sand Martins through.

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank and two Oystercatchers on flashes north of Splatt Bridge and a Green Woodpecker. (Andy Chapman).

Berkeley    35 Turnstones at Severn House Farm today. (Ian Ralphs).

Aylburton Warth    A male Merlin today plucking prey - probably a Dunlin. (Andy Jayne).

Mar 8th 2003

North Cerney    A Dipper this afternoon on the River Churn just above the village. (Ian Ralphs).

Mar 7th 2003

Quedgeley    Two Jack Snipe and six Snipe today. Also two Green Woodpeckers, a Reed Bunting and a pair of Mandarins on the canal. (Andy Chapman).

Mar 6th 2003

Hardwicke    Seven Bewick's Swans flying over east at 9.05pm in clear skies. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank and Little Egret on flashes north of Splatt Bridge and a Short-eared Owl at Nebrow Hill around midday. (Dave Pearce).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Three Green Sandpipers, three Curlew and three Lapwings at lunchtime. (David Owen).

Forest of Dean    A Hawfinch at Brierley, lots of Goshawks showing well at New Fancy View from 10:15am-12:30pm at least and a Jack Snipe at Poor's Allotment. An Oystercatcher at Guscar Rocks and a Green Sandpiper at Aylburton Warth. A male Goshawk sat in a hedge at Cone Pill was very unusual. (Ian Ralphs).

Mar 5th 2003

Leigh Meadows    The family party of seven Whooper Swans were relocated today on the meadows viewable from Wainlode Hill. Also a Green Sandpiper here. (per GRA).

WWT Slimbridge    The sub-adult Common Crane was in front of the Zeiss hide until 7:30am. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls were in a field to the right of the approach road this morning.

Mar 4th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    A sub-adult Common Crane roosted in front of the Zeiss hide from 4:05pm. It was also here last night. (Martin McGill).

Also Little Egret, Peregrine, Buzzard and five Black-tailed Godwits. (Mike Fox).

Mar 3rd 2003

Forest of Dean    New Fancy View, 25 Crossbills and two Hawfinches flew by. A Goshawk perched at top of a tree for an hour but none flying by 1pm.  At least 20 Hawfinches at Brierley (opposite the garage) early afternoon. (Dave Pearce).

Mar 2nd 2003

Tortworth    The five Common Cranes left the Trust at 6:40am and were just south of the County border in fields around Tortworth again today until 11:30am when they flew off east. A picture of the Cranes is below taken today by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net and also one of a Buzzard on prey at WWT.

Brockworth    Henley Bank Plantation at SO900174. (access via A&A Fruit Farm) four Buzzards, a pair of Kestrels, a male Sparrowhawk, six Snipe and a Jack Snipe. (Terry Fenton).

Gloucester    A female Black Redstart in a north Gloucester garden for a short period before being flushed by a cat. (Dave Clawley).

Sharpness Docks    Black Redstart still by the old chapel.

WWT Slimbridge    Two Kingfishers were at South Finger and Chiffchaff. (Jeremy Voaden). Three male and a female Mandarin were on the canal this morning.

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank was on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge this morning. Also Kingfisher, Little Egret and the Siberian Chiffchaff briefly there. (MK/Martin Wightman). A Little Owl in the trees to the right of the towpath by the Cambridge Arms bridge, a
Short-eared Owl flushed from the left bank of the canal and a Raven over the flashes from Green Lane. At Nebrow Hill a dozen Red-legged Partridges and seven Yellowhammers. (Martin Wightman). A Bittern was seen in flight from Splatt Bridge at first light. (Richard Baatsen). This evening there were two Short-eared Owls, Peregrine, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel plus Little Egret and Kingfisher.  (MK/Richard Baatsen).

Mar 1st 2003

Tortworth    The five Common Cranes were just south of the County border in fields around Tortworth again today until 11:. They left the Trust before first light unfortunately. However they have roosted again tonight in fields between the Trust and the canal at cSO725045. Park in the car park and walk back.

Sharpness Docks    Black Redstart still on the row of houses along from the Post Office. (Richard Newton).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Kingfishers were at South Finger and seven White-fronted Geese from Zeiss hide. (MK/Richard Baatsen/Steve Dark).

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank was on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge this morning. Also Kingfisher and a Siberian Chiffchaff there, which was seen throughout the day. (MK/Richard Baatsen/Steve Dark). A Bittern was seen in flight from Splatt Bridge at lunchtime. (Paul Taylor).

Feb 28th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    The five adult Common Cranes roosted at the Trust tonight after spending most of the day around Tortworth again. Guided entrance tomorrow from 6:45am, meet the Warden in the car park. Free to WWT members.    

Ampney Crucis    The Great Grey Shrike was near Waterton House at SP065010 on hedgerows again early morning. 

Feb 27th 2003

Painswick Beacon    Three Woodcock at dusk just below the Beacon at SO867124. (Terry Fenton).

Tortworth    The five adult Common Cranes were just south of the County border in fields around Tortworth today. They flew into Glos at 5:30pm, presumably to roost.

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose was seen from Holden Tower today. 

Berkeley Pill    A male Merlin today. (Dave Pearce).

Sharpness Docks    Black Redstart still on last house along from the Post Office (river end). (Jeremy Voaden).

Ampney Crucis    Forty Golden Plover over this morning, no sign of the shrike though. (Jeremy Voaden).

Feb 26th 2003

Ampney Crucis    The Great Grey Shrike was by St Augustine Farm at 11:00 and then by Waterton House at 12:30 at SP065010 . (Dave Pearce).

Tortworth    The five adult Common Cranes were refound just south of the County border in fields by the church on the minor road to Damery ST704936. Although they have moved about between fields they are probably still in the area.

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose was seen from Zeiss Hide today. 

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank with 16 Redshanks on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge. Also Little Egret, Kingfisher and a drake Mandarin on the canal. At Nebrow Hill 17 Ruff with a Golden Plover and 500 Lapwings. Also 10+ Reed Buntings with 10+ Yellowhammers and four Red-legged Partridges. (MK).

Cotswold Water Park    Pit 44 - 14 Smew (six drakes) today.

Feb 25th 2003

Ampney Crucis    The Great Grey Shrike was near Waterton House at SP065010 on hedgerows again early morning before flying off west. Early mornings seem to pay dividends with this bird. (Richard Baatsen/Jon Mercer).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose was seen from Zeiss Hide today. 

Cotswold Water Park    Pit 44 Ten Smew (four drakes) today.

Feb 24th 2003

Ampney Crucis    The Great Grey Shrike was near Waterton House at SP065010 on hedgerows again early morning. (Richard Baatsen).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose was seen from Loke Hide today. Many of the geese departed overnight with only c80 left, if you haven't made the effort yet you'll need to be quick.

Feb 23rd 2003

Sharpness Docks    A female Black Redstart was still present at the docks today. (Andy Jayne/Mo Croose).

Cotswold Water Park    The Ring-necked Parakeet left it's roost on the north-west side of Pit 16 at 7:29am and showed well in gardens. (MK).

This evening an adult Iceland Gull was in the roost and the Ring-necked Parakeet was in a tree by the Fishing Club. (Colin Butters).

Ampney Crucis    The Great Grey Shrike was near the village at SP065010 on hedgerows at 7:50am before flying west. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    Five Common Cranes flew past the Holden Tower at 3pm today, but unfortunately kept going. The juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose was seen from South Finger and Holden Tower again today. Nine wild Greylags were on the river. (Martin McGill).

Also two Little Stints and six Ruff on the Tack Piece. (Martin Wightman).
The Kingfisher photo below was taken by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net today at South Finger. 

Frampton    The drake Green-winged Teal was seen from the public footpath down Green Lane today, the first sighting since the first week of January as far as I'm aware. Also Little Egret and male Stonechat. (Martin Wightman).

Forest of Dean    A male Crossbill was at Nagshead. (Mark Hobson).

Feb 22nd 2003

Frampton    Two Short-eared Owls from Splatt Bridge again this evening. (Andy Chapman).

Ampney Crucis    The Great Grey Shrike, last seen before Christmas, was relocated today near the village at SP065010 on hedgerows at 1pm. (Ian Ralphs).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose was seen from South Finger again today. A new pic below taken today by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net.

Another taken by Simon Mackie today below.

The first-winter drake Smew was on South Lake again today. 

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. Four Hawfinches at Parkend church and three Bramblings at the New Fancy T-junction. (Paul Taylor). Goshawks showed well at New Fancy View. (Jon Mercer).

Cotswold Water Park    Adult winter Caspian Gull, on the ice, at Pit 16 at 7am. (MK). Also a Ring-necked Parakeet which roosted in a tree on the north-west side again tonight.

19 Smew including six drakes on Pits 44 and 57. Also 12 Goosanders.

Feb 21st 2003

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose was again seen from South Finger throughout the day. A Little Stint was on Tack Piece from Holden Tower.  The first-winter drake Smew was on South Lake again today. 

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. Seven Hawfinches at Parkend church also.

Cotswold Water Park    An adult Caspian Gull was in the roost at Pit 16 tonight. Also a Ring-necked Parakeet which roosted in a tree on the west side.

Frampton    Three Short-eared Owls from Splatt Bridge again this evening and a Merlin. Also a Little Egret and this morning three Water Rails, two heard one seen.  A Little Owl flew across the road in the village at 6pm.(Paul Taylor/MK).

Feb 20th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose was again seen from South Finger throughout the day. Two Little Stints were on Tack Piece from Holden Tower. (Jonathan Mercer).

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again this morning. Also a Jack Snipe.

A Hawfinch flying across the road from the gardens in front of The Barracks. 60+ Bramblings in the wood opposite the New Fancy T-junction and 15 Redwings on Speech House Cricket field. (Andrew Bluett).

Cotswold Water Park    An adult Iceland Gull was in the roost at Pit 16 again tonight. Also an adult Caspian Gull and eight adult Yellow-legged Gulls. (Jonathan Mercer).

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl from Splatt Bridge again this evening and a Bittern, which flew south at 5:20pm. Also two Little Egrets. (Ian Ralphs).

Feb 19th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose was again seen from South Finger throughout the day. 

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again this morning. 

Cotswold Water Park    An adult Iceland Gull was in the roost at Pit 16 again tonight. 

Feb 18th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose was seen from South Finger throughout the day. 

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. 

Cotswold Water Park    A first-winter Iceland Gull was in the roost at Pit 16 again tonight. 

Feb 17th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose was seen from Holden Tower throughout the day. The first-winter drake Smew was on South Lake still.

Frampton    Three Short-eared Owls from Splatt Bridge again this evening and a male Merlin, which flew towards Nebrow hill. (Paul Taylor).

Cotswold Water Park    A first-winter Iceland Gull was in the roost at Pit 16 tonight. Also a third-year Caspian Gull. (Richard Baatsen).

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. 

Feb 16th 2003

WWT Slimbridge    An juvenile Lesser White-fronted Goose, found by Martin McGill, from Holden Tower from 10:30am onwards. Pictures taken today by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net below.

Cotswold Water Park    17 Goldeneye on Pit 16, Little Egret over Pit 85 and a pair of Goosanders, two Green Sandpipers on Pit 87. (MK). This evening the adult Iceland Gull flew into the roost very late at 5:45pm. (Steve Preddy/MK). Also two adult Mediterranean Gulls and an adult Yellow-legged Gull here.

Frampton    Three Short-eared Owls from Splatt Bridge this evening.

Feb 15th 2003

Frampton    Two Short-eared Owls from Splatt Bridge, a Little Egret on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge. 121 Curlews from Green Lane, and masses of Wigeon, Teal and Lapwings. A pair of Siskins at the Sailing Lake. (MK).

Hawling    60 Corn Buntings going to roost. Also a Barn Owl nearby. (Ian Ralphs).

Cotswold Water Park    An adult Iceland Gull in the roost at Pit 16. It came in at 4:25pm. Five Chiffchaff along the Thames at Pit 57. Four Little Egrets on Pit 84. A Green Sandpiper on Pit 84. 58 Shovelers on pit 84. 58 Ruddy Ducks on pit 57. At least 7 Smew on various pits. (Richard Baatsen/Paul Taylor).

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. 

Stinchcombe Hill Golf Course    A few Bramblings in with a large flock of Chaffinches about 0.5m from here at Little Hill. The flock is very mobile. (Phil Pope).

Feb 14th 2003

Coombe Hill Wharf    A female Blackcap at lunchtime.  Also three Shelducks on the meadows (no other ducks or waders) and a Sparrowhawk. (David Owen).

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge and four Ravens in the area today. (Andrew Bluett).

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter drake Smew was on South Lake again today. Also two Little Stints from Holden Tower.

Feb 13th 2003    

Cotswold Water Park    An Iceland Gull in the roost at Pit 16. It came in at 5:05pm. (John Grearson per Richard Baatsen).
Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. 

A Hawfinch was in paddocks opposite Speech House. (Jon Mercer). 

A Brambling was heard at Nagshead. Ravens - two at Nagshead , two at The Barracks near New Fancy View and one at Dean Hall School near Speech House. Crossbills - six at Nagshead, 28 at Parkend Church and four at Mallards Pike. 97 Redwings on Speech House Cricket ground. (Andrew Bluett).

Eastington    Mixed flock of finches feeding on alders on the River Frome 140 Siskins, four Lesser Redpolls and 35 Goldfinches.  (Richard Baatsen).

Severn House Farm    Eight Turnstones on the River Severn. (Richard Baatsen).

Feb 12th 2003    

Frampton    Three Short-eared Owls were mobbing a Buzzard at Nebrow Hill/Splatt Bridge area this evening. Also Little Egret, Peregrine and Little Owl. (Richard Baatsen).

Feb 11th 2003    

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today showing well early afternoon. Also 25 Crossbills here. At Parkend church another flock of 25 Crossbills and a Goshawk flew over mid-afternoon. (Roger Treeby).

Feb 10th 2003    

WWT Slimbridge    Two Little Stints with Dunlin on the Tack Piece today.

Feb 9th 2003    

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter drake Smew on South Lake again today. Also two Black-tailed Godwits, four Ruff, an Oystercatcher, 50+ Dunlin, c300 Lapwings and 15+ Snipe. (MK).

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today.

Quedgeley    A Jack Snipe and seven Snipe today. Also two Green Woodpeckers and four Bullfinches. (Andy Chapman).

Feb 8th 2003    

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter drake Smew on South Lake again today. Picture below taken by Mike Jefferies today. 

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. Also Goshawk and 20+ Crossbills at New Fancy View and 10+ Hawfinches at Parkend church.

Frampton    Two Little Egrets were in a field just south of Splatt Bridge this morning. (Andy Chapman).

Dursley    A Firecrest in the garden for five minutes only. Lucky devil! (Phil Pope).

Feb 7th 2003    

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. Also a Goshawk at Parkend church and Hawfinch about a quarter of a mile south of Cannop ponds. (Richard Newton).

Feb 6th 2003    

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter male Snow Bunting from Holden Tower today. (Pete Alder per Paul Taylor). A first-winter drake Smew on South Lake again today.

Frampton    A first-winter Mediterranean Gull and four Goldeneye on the Sailing Lake today. (Gordon Hodgson).

Feb 5th 2003   

Frampton    A Peregrine and a Little Egret on the flashes north from Splatt Bridge at lunchtime. (David Owen).

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter drake Smew on South Lake this afternoon.

Feb 3rd 2003

Forest of Dean    Between 150-200 Bramblings, two Goshawks, two Ravens, ten Crossbills, c100 Siskins, ten Coal Tits and many Chaffinches and Greenfinches this afternoon between 1pm and 4pm. (Keith Bell).

Cotswold Water Park    Pit 44 - Two male and two redhead Smew. Pit 34 - Red Crested Pochard, four Snipe, two Goosanders, female Yellowhammer and three male Bullfinches. (Jean & Chris Morse).

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge and two Short-eared Owls hunting in fields near the bridge. (Colin Butters).

Feb 2nd 2003

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge at midday. 700+ Wigeon, 200+ Teal, 58 Pintail, a Peregrine, a Grey Plover, five Golden Plovers, 150+ Dunlins, 36 Black-tailed Godwits and two Ravens viewable from the public footpath down Green Lane. (Martin Wightman).

Feb 1st 2003 

Kingscote    c100 Golden Plover in a field on right-hand side by the turning to Bagpath. (Phil Pope).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    Three drake Goosanders. (Neil Pryce-Jones).

West Wood, Charlton Abbots    12+ Crossbills in the larches. (Neil Pryce-Jones).

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. (Ian Ralphs).

Bishops Cleeve    A Ring-billed Gull on the playing fields in the morning. (Ken Heron per Tony Eveleigh).

Cleeve Hill  A Short-eared Owl at 4:30pm on the common east of the radio masts. Walk 500 metres from radio masts straight out north and view valley east of golf course. (Duncan Dine). 

Jan 31st 2003 

Forest of Dean    Parkend Church - A flock of around a dozen Hawfinches and lots of feeding finch flocks on the cones mainly Siskins and six Crossbills, New Fancy View - Two Crossbills, Woorgreens - Siskins and Redpolls and another two Crossbills. (Phil Pope).

Jan 30th 2003 

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. 

Jan 29th 2003 

Hawling    25+ Yellowhammers together with 15 Chaffinches. (Andrew Bluett).

Jan 26th 2003 

Quedgeley    Two Jack Snipe and ten Snipe this morning. (MK).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Masses of Wigeon and Pintail, but no sign of the Whoopers here or from Wainlode Hill, with a huge decrease in flood waters. (MK).

Wontley Farm, Cleeve Hill    Six Stonechats (3 males and 3 females) today. (Duncan Dine). Raven at Cleeve Cloud today at 8:30am. (Steve Brown). Cleeve Hill  A Short-eared Owl at 4:30pm on the common east of the radio masts. (Dave Pearce). 

Dowdeswell Woods    A feeding flock of 50+ Siskins on larches half way up at 10:45am. (Steve Brown).

Naunton Park    Male Blackcap at 14:15pm.  (Steve Brown).

Cotswold Water Park    Chiffchaff and Grey Wagtail at Pit 84/85. (David Owen). Six Chiffchaffs around CWP (W) including a bird showing characters of Siberian Chiffchaff P.c.tristis. at Lower Mill, unfortunately it did not call so ID not clinched. (Andy Jayne).

Eastington    A roost of c70 Pied Wagtails at the Shell garage on the A419 just off J13.(Richard Baatsen).

Jan 25th 2003 

Sharpness Docks    A Black Redstart on the penultimate house from the Post Office at mid-day. Also a Peregrine being mobbed by gulls. (MK).

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting showed well at Tidenham Chase again this morning at 10am. Also a Siskin. (MK).

Cotswold Water Park    176 Pintail on Pit 57, eight Goosanders on Pit 42 and five on Pit 58. (Tony Eveleigh).

Ashleworth    The Egyptian Goose was here again with the Canada Goose flock. (Andy Oliver).

Jan 24th 2003 

Sharpness    A Rock Pipit, c100 Wigeon, 50 Dunlins, two Redshanks and a Snipe this afternoon. (MK).

Soudley    Five Crossbills over Soudley Village, two drake Tufted Duck and a drake Mandarin on Soudley top pond. (Andrew Bluett).

Cotswold Water Park    A Bittern flew over Pit 57 again today.

Jan 23rd 2003 

Tewkesbury   A Short-eared Owl hunting on the bank of Tewkesbury ring road alongside the traffic lights at 7:30 to 8pm. (Les Ditchburn).

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting showed well at Tidenham Chase again this afternoon. (Dave Pearce).

Shab Hill    24 Golden Plovers on the sheep pasture here at 9:15am today. (Andrew Bluett).

Notgrove, near Bourton-on-the-Water    370+ Fieldfares feeding on sheep pasture at 3:00pm this afternoon. (Andrew Bluett).

Jan 21st 2003 

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. 

Frampton    A Peregrine on the fence just before the flashes north from Splatt Bridge today at 12 noon and a Stonechat in the bushes nearby. (David Owen).

WWT Slimbridge    The Great Skua was still on the Dumbles today. (Tony Eveleigh). Also six Little Stints and at least 1040 White-fronted Geese. (Richard Baatsen).

Sharpness Docks    A Black Redstart here again today. (Tony Eveleigh).

Cotswold Water Park    Pit 34 Two Snipe, Red Crested Pochards and Goosander. Three pairs of Reed Buntings on the bird table. Cerney Wick area 200+ Golden Plovers and the same number of Lapwings. (Jean & Chris Morse).

Jan 20th 2003 

WWT Slimbridge    A very dark Great Skua on the Dumbles mid-morning. (Paul Taylor).

Jan 19th 2003 

Cotswold Water Park    Pit 57 A Bittern near the new landing stage at 1pm, Pit 111 a Water Rail, a redhead Smew and Chiffchaffs, Pit 42 Goldeneye, Goosanders and Smew, Pit 84 Little Egrets, four Chiffchaffs and a Grey Wagtail, Pit 87 a Green Sandpiper and a Yellow-legged Gull. (Tony Eveleigh).

Pit 44 Eleven Smew (three drakes) and six Goosanders. Pit 44/57  three Chiffchaffs, Pit 43 six Goldeneye and three Goosanders. Pit 34 Ten Snipe, a Kingfisher and four Goosanders. Good numbers of Red Crested Pochards, Pintail, Wigeon and Ruddy Ducks on these pits. (Martin Wightman).

A single Ring-necked Parakeet flying around the Bridle path near Pit 75  at 11:05am. (Colin Treweke).
Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. 

Jan 18th 2003 

Cotswold Water Park    Pit 34  near Keynes Country Park a female Bearded Tit was immediately in front of the hide at 9:45am. (Steve Brown). (Note: it was joined by two other unidentified birds when it flew. Not sure if this is Glos or not but a great bird anyway).

Pit44 11 Smew including three drakes, Pit84 and 85 two Little Egrets, four Chiffchaffs and a male Stonechat and Pit87 three Green Sandpipers. (Duncan Dine). Pit 111 A Bittern viewed from the second hide, also a drake Smew.

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was at Tidenham Chase again today. 

Ashleworth Ham    Seven Whooper Swans were in a field just north of  the Ham (2nd field past Hasfield Lane) again today. (Ian Ralphs).

Jan 16th 2003 

Ashleworth Ham    Seven Whooper Swans were in a field just north of  the Ham (2nd field past Hasfield Lane). (Andy Jayne).

Coombe Hill Meadows    c.3000 Wigeon, 200+ Pintail, c.200 Teal, five Shoveler, three Gadwall, 13 Dunlins and a Peregrine. (Andy Jayne).

Cotswold Water Park    Twelve Smew on Pit 44/57 including four drakes and good numbers of Red Crested Pochards, Ruddy Ducks, Goosanders and Pintail.

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was reported at Tidenham Chase again today at lunchtime. 

Jan 15th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A Bittern was at Pit 57 at noon, also 11 Smew on Pit 44 and three Little Egrets on Pit 84.

Jan 14th 2003

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was reported at Tidenham Chase again today. 

Cotswold Water Park    A Bittern was at Pit 111 this afternoon, also a Water Rail.

Jan 13th 2003

Coombe Hill Canal    A Pink-footed Goose with the Canada Geese at lunchtime. Also two or three Dunlins. (David Owen).

Sharpness Docks    A Black Redstart near the Post Office at mid-day. (Dave Pearce).

Gloucester    Water Rail heard in marshy area behind Castlemeads car park, also 40 Teal. (Ian Elphick).
Ashleworth Ham    Many Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler, c300 Pintail, two Buzzards, three Peregrines. Water Rail flushed from a ditch in Stank Lane. Also 530 Lapwings with five Shelducks. (Terry Fenton).

Jan 12th 2003

Huntley    A Waxwing in the garden for five minutes at 10am, flew off NE and no further sign later. (Richard Smart). (Just as I predicted last night - See Diary).

Quedgeley    Female Blackcap in the garden this afternoon. (MK).

Twyning   Male Blackcap in the garden this morning. (Mike Jones).

Tuffley    A first-winter/female Blackcap feeding on bacon fat (& 11th). (Ian Elphick).

Frampton    A Little Egret in flight briefly in field south of Splatt Bridge on opposite bank from canal towpath. A male Merlin seen from Green Lane giving superb views while perched on fence post in the 100-Acre. Also a Peregrine. (Keith Bell & Tony Howell).

WWT Slimbridge    A Little Egret and a Spotted Redshank.

Forest of Dean    Brierley - Four Goshawks over at dawn, 29 Crossbills (in small parties), a Willow Tit, two Ravens and 20+ Siskins, a Lesser Redpoll and a single Hawfinch. Soudley Ponds - A male Brambling, a pair of Mandarins, a drake Teal and ten Crossbills and a Willow Tit. Dean Heritage Centre - 12 Mandarins (7 males and 5 females). (MK).

Forest of Dean    Parkend Church - 12 Hawfinches, a Raven, four Crossbills, three Siskins and a Willow Tit. Woorgreens - Two Lesser Redpolls, 13 Siskins and two Crossbills. (Martin Wightman).

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was reported at Tidenham Chase again today. 

Rea Bridge    A Kingfisher canal side at dusk 4.45pm,regular. (Mark Hobson).

Cotswold Water Park    26 Smew in the Water Park - Pit 57 - 18, Pit 44 - 5 and Pit 65 - 1 and Pit 75 - 2. (Richard Baatsen). 

Five redhead Smew on pit 114 Dudgrove. (Duncan Dine). 

Pits 84/85 Little Egret, three Chiffchaffs and two Stonechats. (Philip Pope). A Bewick's Swan on Pit 57. (David Owen).

Pictures of Smew and Goosander and Goldeneye taken today by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net below.

Jan 11th 2003

Forest of Dean    The Little Bunting was refound at Tidenham Chase today. The site is 3.5 miles north of Chepstow  at The Park. Park in the Forestry Commission car park on the west side of the B4228 (signed with a brown sign for Offa's Dyke). Follow the obvious footpath east and turn left after a couple of hundred yards just before the white trig point to view scrubby area by the pool to the south at ST554992.

Cleeve Hill    A Short-eared Owl on the common just below the radio masts at 3.30 pm. (Steve Owen).

Highnam Wood    Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Lesser Redpoll today. Pictures of Marsh Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker taken today by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net below.

Cotswold Water Park    Twelve Smew, four males and eight redheads on Pit 44, also ten Goosanders there and good numbers of Red Crested Pochards. 

Jan 10th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    Seven Smew, three males and four redheads on Pit 44, also seven male and seven female Goosanders there and c50 Red Crested Pochards. Also 10+ Tree Sparrows near Cirencester. (MK). A Goshawk was reported over Pit 48 earlier. 

Jan 9th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A Bittern at Pit 48 Swillbrook Lake flew north up the lake at midday and landed in the small fringe reedbed on east bank. (Dave Pearce).

WWT Slimbridge    Six Ruff and two Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. A Pink-footed Goose is still with the White-fronted Geese. Also two Ravens and 150 Dunlin.

Hucclecote    The 'resident' female Blackcap was joined by another female plus two males (4!!). (Terry Fenton).

Jan 8th 2003

Cotswold Water Park    A Bittern in flight at Pit 46/47 CWP (W) and a total of nine Smew, with three redheads on Pit 42, and six (including three males) Pit 44, also seven Goosander there. (Ian Ralphs).

Jan 7th 2003    

Quedgeley/Bristol Road Junction    A Jack Snipe flushed from cover beside the brook in front of KFC's. (Mark Hobson).

Jan 6th 2003

Forest of Dean    Brierley - Eight Crossbills and a single Hawfinch. Mallards Pike - A few more Crossbills, Willow Tit heard. Blaize Bailey - A Brambling seen and another calling.  (Tony Eveleigh).

Sharpness Docks    A female/juvenile Black Redstart today. (Ian Ralphs). 

Forest of Dean    A Goshawk between Soudley and Wenchford and a flock of around 20 Crossbills in Staple Edge woods. (Jane Fry).