December 31st 2004

Longford    A Green Sandpiper in Wotton Brook this morning. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Tundra Bean Geese from Robbie Garnett Hide and a Chiffchaff near South Lake today.

Moreton-in-the-Marsh    A Waxwing still present today. Directions as for 29th. SP204319.

Hawling    26 Corn Buntings in winter flock, some in song. (Dave Pearce).

Cheltenham    A Waxwing briefly at 9:30am Apple Orchard, Prestbury (at the back of Cheltenham racecourse). (Roy Shilham). Pic below taken by Roy.

Additionally 31 Waxwings were in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire yesterday evening but no sign this morning. They must turn up in the County somewhere soon, I hope.

December 30th 2004

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 4:50pm. (Mark Grieve).

Forest of Dean    A pair of Crossbills at New Fancy View. (Tony Eveleigh).

Moreton-in-the-Marsh    Two Waxwings today seen at first light in flight. Only one came in to feed and is constantly being harassed by Jackdaws. One still present at 11am. Directions as for 29th. (Neil Smart).

December 29th 2004

Moreton-in-the-Marsh    Two Waxwings today seen at dusk just before they flew off to roost. Take the road from Stow to Moreton Esso petrol station, just as you enter Moreton turn immediately right into Fosseway Drive then immediately left into Bowes Lyon Close the birds are about 50metres in. (Dave Pearce/Duncan Dine). Pic below by Dave.

Cheltenham    A male Goosander and a Wigeon on Pittville Park lake this afternoon. (Duncan Dine).

Forest of Dean    Belated news received today of 11 Waxwings in Cinderford feeding on Rowans, but no sign today in a thorough search. (per Richard Baatsen). 26 Bramblings at Speech house. (Jake King). 

A male Goosander on Woorgreens lake today at 11.45am. (Richard Ford).

Berkeley Pill    A Common Sandpiper, 25 Snipe and eight Rock Pipits today. (Dave Pearce).

December 28th 2004

Quedgeley    A Kingfisher flying along Severnvale Drive this morning. (Andy Chapman).

December 27th 2004

Shab Hill    606 Golden Plovers today. (Terry Fenton).

Syde    10+ Grey Partridges feeding in a field beside the A419 just before the turning to Syde. (MK).

Forest of Dean    A female Crossbill at New Fancy View at 9am. Also five Bramblings. A Kingfisher at Mallards Pike seen hunting around the lake this morning. Two Ravens and four Crossbills at Awres Glow (north of Mallards Pike). 20 Bramblings at Speech House feeding on Beech mast near the donkey field and two Stock Doves courting. (Mark Hobson).

Cotswold Water Park    65 Red Crested Pochards (CWP E Pit 114=6, CWP W Pit 44=52, Pit ?=6, Pit 65=1). Three Smew (adult male, 1w male and female) on Pit 65. 24 Goosanders (6m,1f on Pit 41, 14m, 2f on P 65, in the east fem on Pit ?). A Little Egret on Pit 41. Pintail, one male on P57 and a female in the east on Horcott Pit along with 150 Wigeon and a Bar-headed Goose with 15 Greylags. (Martin McGill).

December 26th 2004

Westbury-on-Severn    A female/immature Merlin at The Strand late afternoon. (Andy Jayne).

Cotswold Water Park    An adult Tundra Bean Goose on the east side of Pit 116 with Greylags today. Please keep to public footpaths.

WWT Slimbridge    A female Red Crested Pochard on South Lake today.

Hardwicke    Two female Blackcaps in a garden feeding on ivy berries. (Mark Hobson).

Tirley    198 Lapwings including a very pale leucistic bird and 200 Starlings.  (Mark Grieve).

Ashleworth Ham    1500+ Wigeon, 50+ Pintail, smaller numbers of Teal, Shoveler and Mallard also a Stonechat, five Buzzards including three soaring together. Also Long-tailed Tit and Nuthatch. (Mark Grieve).

Nailsworth    A female and three male Blackcaps feeding on bird feeders, on sunflower hearts, in a garden in Forest Green at 10:30am. (Jim Jarvis).

December 25th 2004

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl at Nebrow Hill showed well on a post at 4:30pm around the duck pond. (Mark Hobson).

Gloucester    A female Blackcap in a garden at Abbeymead and a pair in a garden at Tuffley. (Andrew Bluett/Mark Hobson).

December 24th 2004

Cotswold Water Park   A drake Smew on Pit 75. 3+ Bullfinches at Neighbridge Car Park. Ten Red Crested Pochards on Pit 44. A Little Egret over Pit 42. Two more Red Crested Pochards, a pair of Goldeneye and 20+ Ruddy Ducks on Pit 57. (Ben Macdonald).

Quedgeley    A female Blackcap in the garden this morning. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter Mediterranean Gull at 3pm, with a green ring. (Mark Hobson).

Little Witcombe    A Woodcock today. (Terry Fenton).

December 23rd 2004

 the Rushy Pen, seven Ruff on South Lake and a Little Stint amongst 1500 Dunlin from Holden Tower today.

Gloucester    A Woodcock freshly killed by a car in the road on Abbeymead Avenue at 10:45am. (Andrew Bluett). 

December 22nd 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The male Green-winged Teal on the Tack Piece today and the Dark-bellied Brent Goose still.  

Dowdeswell Reservoir    13 Little Grebes, Great Crested Grebe, 29 Tufted Ducks, 10 Pochard (8 males), 50+ Coot and Bullfinch. Buzzard and Raven over. (Graham Watson).

December 21st 2004

WWT Slimbridge  The male Green-winged Teal from Robbie Garnett Hide this morning and a Little Stint and six Ruff. (Dave Pearce).

Lydney New Grounds/Harbour    12 Little Grebes, 195 Golden Plover, 500 Lapwing, a Ruff, 110 Snipe, 300 Fieldfares, two Ravens and three Chiffchaffs this afternoon. Earlier 17 Bewick's Swans at Walmore Common. (Andy Jayne).

December 20th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker behind Zeiss Hide and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose and three Tundra Bean Geese from Holden Tower, the male Green-winged Teal from Robbie Garnett Hide and a Peregrine this morning. A large increase in Bewick’s Swans to 200 and White-fronted Geese to 500.(Andy Chapman/Martin McGill). 

Cheltenham    A Tawny Owl on the roof of Safeways Petrol Station at 8:30am at Warden Hill. (Steve Brown). 

Prestbury, Cheltenham    Three Woodcock below Wickfields Farm. (Terry Fenton).

December 19th 2004

Berkeley    Two Bewick's Swans, 43 Turnstones, three Black-tailed Godwits, 21 Snipe, two Ravens and seven Rock Pipits at the shore today. (Paul Taylor).
Frampton     A Short-eared Owl on the ground near the river from Splatt Bridge late afternoon. (Steve Brown).

Quedgeley    A Jack Snipe at Clearwater Drive at 11am. (Andy Chapman).

WWT Slimbridge    A  male Green-winged Teal, the female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker , three Tundra Bean Geese, an Egyptian Goose, two Little Stints and two Ruff today. (Martin McGill). Pics of the Green-winged Teal and a male Bullfinch below taken by Simon Mackie today. www.sjmackie.com  

Cotswold Water Park    A drake Smew on Pit 75 at CWP today, also 10+ Ruddy Ducks and two drake Goosanders on Pit 34. (Jon Mercer). 

15 Red Crested Pochards on Pit 44, 13 Goosanders on Pit 65 and five Goldeneyes on Pit 43. Another Goldeneye and 50+ Ruddy Ducks on Pit 57. At Harnhill at least two Tree Sparrows. (Paul Masters). 

A Goshawk at Pit 84, records also for Pits 74 and 95 (both Wilts) where it has been seen hunting throughout December. (Mike Smith per Gareth Harris).

Cheltenham    Garden Blackcaps at Naunton Park today and yesterday. (Steve Brown).

December 18th 2004

Dursley    The Ring-necked Parakeet was in The Knapp area of Dursley today. Also a Dipper on the Ewelme by Ewelme  Close. (per Phil Pope).

WWT Slimbridge   The female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker showed well still in front of the Zeiss Hide at 2:30pm. Three Tundra Bean Geese still from the Holden Tower as well as a single Greylag ,which is associating with the wild geese. (Ben Macdonald).

December 17th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was again in the oaks behind Zeiss hide. 

Witcombe Reservoir    A female Blackcap in apple trees by the church, a Pochard, five Tufted Ducks, four Great Crested Grebes, two Gadwall and a Teal. (Martin McGill).

Bourton Pits    Eight Little Grebes, 30 Pochards, 30 Tufted Ducks and a hybrid male Tufted x Scaup, posing as a very convincing Lesser Scaup but not quite there. Mantle a little too dark and the head crest too long. Probably a first winter. (Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park East    300+ Wigeon at Pit 116, 15 Goldeneye and a Green Sandpiper on Edward Richardson Reserve, Lechlade Pit 119. 200 Fieldfare and Redwing at Pit 101. (Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park West    17 Goosanders, seven on Pit 41, two on Pit 16, two on Pit 17 and six on Pit 65. 70 Ruddy Ducks on  Pit 57, two on Pit 16, one on Pit 65. 35+ Shoveler on Pit 57. 30+ Goldeneye around all pits, a Kingfisher on Pit 16 also 53 Linnet, 11 Red Crested Pochards on Pit 44. (Martin McGill).

December 16th 2004

Tewkesbury    A Short-eared Owl, hunting on the grass bank along the Tewkesbury ring road opposite to Safeways at 8pm, viewed for about 10 minutes. A Barn Owl hunting the same area but more widespread at 11pm. (Les Ditchburn).

Sharpness   A female/immature Black Redstart again at Severnbank House at midday. (Dave Pearce) (pic taken by Dave below).

WWT Slimbridge    The female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was again in the oaks behind Zeiss hide. Also three Little Stints. (Richard Cawsey/Dave Pearce).

Gloucester    A Snipe flushed from Port Ham at 11:30am. (Ian Elphick). 

December 15th 2004

Cleeve Hill    A covey of 15 Grey Partridges on the approach road to West Down car park today. (Dave Pearce).

WWT Slimbridge    The female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was again in the oaks behind Zeiss hide. Also three Tundra Bean Geese, a Little Stint and two Peregrines today. 65 Bewick's Swans, 73 Barnacle Geese (feral), 1800 Golden Plovers and 82 Curlew. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton    A Chiffchaff at the Court Lake. (Mark Hobson).

December 14th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was showing well again in oaks behind Zeiss hide. Also a female/1st winter Red-breasted Merganser from 8:10-8:30 this morning.

Hardwicke    A Barn Owl tonight at 4:30pm 500m north of J12 
on the M5 in the field on the west side of the motorway. (Andy Chapman).

Gloucester    Two pairs of Stonechats still wintering on Port Ham seen again today. (Gordon Avery).

December 13th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    Two adult Tundra Bean Geese showing in fields from Martin Smith hide. The female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen again in oaks behind Zeiss hide. 

December 12th 2004

Forest of Dean    A male and two redhead Goosanders at Woorgreens. A mixed flock of 50 Goldfinches and Siskins at Brierley and a Marsh Tit. A flock mostly of Goldfinches and Siskins at Cannop Ponds c60 in total with over 100 Mallards there. 100 Redwings on the playing field near Speech House with c12 Mistle Thrushes. A Raven was calling in the trees nearby. A Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker were showing well at the Highnam feeders earlier. (Keith White).
Walmore Common    Eight Tundra Bean Geese in a stubble field near the Common until 1:45pm when they flew off ESE. Also 50 Wigeon, 36 Teal, two Shoveler, a Water Rail, ten Snipe and a Kingfisher. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    Two adult Tundra Bean Geese showing in fields along the path to Holden Tower. The female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen again in oaks behind Zeiss hide. Pic below by Simon Mackie. www.sjmackie.com  

Cambridge    A Snipe and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers at Ryall's Cottage today. (Ennis Jones).

December 11th 2004

Leigh Meadows    A Green Sandpiper, a Lapwing, two Grey Herons, a Grey Wagtail, two Buzzards, a Little Owl, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 500+ Fieldfares, smaller numbers of Redwings and two Meadow Pipits. Also a flock of mixed tits including a Goldcrest, a Long-tailed Tit, a Treecreeper and 50+ Starlings. (Mark Grieve).

Gloucester    A juvenile Peregrine with kill (pigeon) on one of the pylons along the Longford bypass this afternoon. (Andy Lodge).

Berkeley    A Common Sandpiper at Berkeley Pill this morning and a Short-eared Owl, which flushed and flew towards Sharpness where it landed again. (Paul Taylor/Jake King). Also three Rock Pipits. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    Two adult Tundra Bean Geese in the last field before the car park on the approach road this morning. This afternoon both were seen from Zeiss hide. The female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen again in oaks behind Zeiss hide. A Ruddy Shelduck was near South Lake.

Ashchurch    A Merlin and two Peregrines at the Starlings pre-roost just before dusk today. (Les Ditchburn).

December 10th 2004

Cambridge    A female Blackcap and three Siskins (a male and two females) at Ryall's Cottage today. (Ennis Jones).

December 9th 2004

Ashchurch    A Merlin up amongst circling Starlings, diving into the flock trying to catch Starlings at the huge pre-roost fly-around at 4pm-4:15pm. Also two Sparrowhawks hunting around the roost at roof top height. (Les Ditchburn).

Dursley    A Ring-necked Parakeet for about five days, still coming to feeders in gardens today, in the Woodmancote area near to the playground. It is not ringed. (per Richard Baatsen).

December 8th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    Still two adult Tundra Bean Geese from South Finger today. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker again today from Loke hide. (Martin McGill). Also today two Ruff, a Black-tailed Godwit, eight Dunlin and six Snipe from South Finger hides. (Mark Hobson).

Naunton Park, Cheltenham    Two Tawny Owls calling at 4:30am today. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean     Ten Bramblings at Speech House with a large Chaffinch flock feeding on beech mast this afternoon. Also 1+ Hawfinch  in a holly tree at 3pm. At least 1000 Redwings, a Raven over and 40 Mistle Thrushes on the cricket grounds. Still no Crossbills. (Mark Hobson).

December 7th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Tundra Bean Goose in fields by the approach road early this morning. Also a Spotted Redshank on South Lake still.

December 6th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    Still two Tundra Bean Geese from Holden Tower today. Also 100's of Lapwings and Golden Plovers from Holden Tower and ten Curlew from Martin Smith hide. (Roy Shilham). (Pic below taken by Roy).

Sudmeadow    A pair of Stonechats and a Chiffchaff today. (Gordon Avery).

December 5th 2004

Fretherne    Six Little Egrets in the horse paddocks on the right of the road just after Cadburys Bridge on the road to Arlingham. (Richard Baatsen). 

Rodley/Bollow    Two Jack Snipe, 32 Snipe, 120 Stock Doves, four Stonechats, three Chiffchaffs and 22 Ravens this afternoon. (Andy Jayne)

Frampton    A Little Owl perched in the willows by the canal at Nebrow Hill and a Tawny Owl calling at 5pm. (Andy Chapman).

Hawling    c200 Fieldfares with Redwings and Starlings, 18 Yellowhammers, two Kestrels, a Buzzard, lots of Red-legged Partridges and a Goldcrest. (Graham Watson).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Tundra Bean Geese still today but mobile about the grounds. Also 150+ White-fronted Geese, a few flyover Bewick's Swans, a Ruff from Holden Tower, also 100's of Golden Plovers and Lapwings. 11 Bar-tailed Godwits from South Hide. (Tim Hall).

Cambridge    A female Blackcap at Ryall's Cottage today and two Water Rails present all week. (Ennis Jones).

December 4th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    Two Tundra Bean Geese from Holden Tower this afternoon, also a Peregrine over at 3:30pm and 500+ Golden Plovers on the estuary. (Jon Mercer).

Ashleworth Ham    A male Peregrine on the pylons. Small numbers of Gadwall, at least 10 Pintail, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, 150+ Wigeon also a Water Rail heard calling. 30+ Redwings, ten Fieldfares, a male Bullfinch, three Stonechats and a Buzzard. A Tawny Owl seen at Tirley at 1am. (Mark Grieve).

Fretherne    A Firecrest at 8:30am this morning, in the hedge by the water treatment works with a Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff. (Andy Chapman/Paul Masters/MK).

Frampton    Two Little Egrets, two Goldeneyes, a Grey Wagtail and a Little Grebe at the Sailing Lake at 9am. (Andy Chapman).

Cambridge    A male and female Blackcap and a Chiffchaff at Ryall's Cottage today. (Ennis Jones).

December 3rd 2004

Cotswold Water Park    An adult male Smew at Pit 84 this morning, the first of the winter. (Nick Handley per Gareth Harris).

Fretherne    A Firecrest at 8:30am this morning, in the hedge by the water treatment works and a couple of Chiffchaffs. (Gordon Hodgson). Still present at 3pm with a Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff. (Dave Pearce).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Bean Geese (race to be confirmed) from Holden Tower this morning with 340 White-fronted Geese.

December 1st 2004

Sharpness   A Black Redstart at Severnbank House at midday and a Stonechat nearby. (Dave Pearce) (pics taken by Dave below).

Courtyard Marsh (formerly Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    The female or immature male Black Redstart still present today. (David Owen).

November 29th 2004

Courtyard Marsh (formerly Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    The female or immature male Black Redstart again today chasing midges around the roofs of the buildings and perching in the fruit trees. (David Owen).

Frampton    A Long-eared Owl seen twice in flight at dusk at Nebrow Hill along the main track. Also a Tawny Owl perched in the willows by the canal, a Little Owl calling and two Snipe calling after dark. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    A female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker feeding at South Finger. Also seen on Saturday. (Martin McGill).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Five Bullfinches (three males and two females) and a Treecreeper today. (Ennis Jones).

Longford    Eight Stonechats near Longford today. No sign of the Firecrest at the water works. (Andy Jayne).

November 28th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Bittern found this morning at Martin Smith Hide, showed well on and off until 4pm. Also a male Green-winged Teal at the Barclays hide. (Martin McGill). 

Also on the Dumbles c100 White-fronted Geese and 10+ Bewick's Swans. At least two Little Stints were amongst the Dunlin. A Peregrine was on the Dumbles. (Ben Macdonald).

Forest of Dean    A Little Grebe, a Goshawk flying at tree top height, 60 Siskins and 20 Lesser Redpolls at Mallards Pike today. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton    Three female Ruddy Ducks on the Sailing Lake this morning and a Little Egret perched in a tree. (Richard Ford).

Cambridge    A female Blackcap ringed at Ryall's Cottage today.  (Ennis Jones).

Quedgeley    A Kingfisher, a Chiffchaff, a Snipe and a Green Woodpecker at Clearwater Drive. (Andy Chapman).

November 27th 2004

Forest of Dean    36+ Mandarins at Cannop Ponds and six Little Grebes still present. At Speech House (around Donkey/Pig enclosure) 50+ Redwings, a large flock of Chaffinches and a Goldcrest. (Bob Broughton).
Courtyard Marsh (formerly Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    A male and female Stonechat still in the marsh today and three Water Rails heard. (Steve Whitehouse).

November 26th 2004

Courtyard Marsh (formerly Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    A Black Redstart from the office window! Perched on a ladder, on a builder's van and a fence around the orchard here. There is a public footpath through the orchard to the marsh. Also at least 70 Snipe, a Water Rail, many Reed Buntings and 3+ Stonechats (two males). (David Owen).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Grey Plovers, a Spotted Redshank, Golden Plover, a Ruff, a Peregrine, four Chiffchaffs and a female Blackcap from Holden Tower. At Martin Smith Hide three Snipe and a Water Rail. (Andy Chapman).

Cambridge    A Snipe flew up out of the ditch alongside Ryall's Lane at 7:20am. (Richard Chappell).

November 25th 2004

Cambridge    A Peregrine flew east from the canal over Ryall's Cottage at 10:30am. (Richard Chappell).

Forest of Dean    Two Willow Tits at Woorgreens, a Willow Tit at New Fancy View, two Bramblings at Speech House, six Little Grebes at Cannop Pond. Also many Redwing around Moseley Green area. (Tony Eveleigh).

Frampton    Six Goldeneye and a Little Egret at the Sailing Lake. Two Ravens and a Peregrine at Splatt Bridge. (Andy Chapman).
Cotswold Water Park    A Little Egret and four Red Crested Pochards at Pit 45. (Andy Chapman).

November 24th 2004
Courtyard Marsh (formerly Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    This lunchtime, 12:30-1:30pm a Jack Snipe, 55 Snipe, two Water Rails (heard only), two male Stonechats, 40+ Reed Buntings, 30+ Goldfinches and a female Sparrowhawk. (David Owen).

Gloucester    A Barn Owl hunting along Broadboard Brook near Sandhurst lane at 4:30pm. (Steve Brown).

Cheltenham    A Tawny Owl calling at Naunton Park at 3am. (Garden tick for Steve). Four Jays at 8:30am in front of Thirlestaine House, Bath Road and a female Pheasant nearly in the Town centre. (Steve Brown). 

November 23rd 2004

Shab Hill    A pair of Stonechats by the bridge today. (Terry Fenton). Newnham-on-Severn    An adult Ring-billed Gull at 4pm. (John Phillips). 

Tewkesbury    A Barn Owl early this morning at 0:40am flying over the M5 a mile or so south of Tewkesbury Junction 9. (Andy Jayne).

Westbury-on-Severn    A Waxwing feeding on rowan berries in a garden. It stayed feeding for about half an hour until two RAF fighter planes flew over. (Susan Stroud per Gordon Avery).

November 22nd 2004

Little Witcombe    A Peregrine drifted towards Crickley Hill today. (Terry Fenton).

Ashleworth Ham    A Goshawk over and 30 Snipe today. (Hereford Bird Club per TE).

Longford    A Firecrest, a Chiffchaff and a Blackcap and Longford Water Works today (SO847212). (Andy Jayne).

November 21st 2004

Cambridge    A possible Spotted Crake at Ryall's Cottage. It flew low over the pond, landing in the orchard at 1:30pm. Seen in flight twice, the nearest view was 15-20 metres. (Richard Chappell). Birders are welcome if they want to look, contact me first and I will pass on Richard's contact details. Also four Goldcrests at Cambridge Arms bridge.

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two separate flocks of c30+ Long-tailed Tits, also good numbers of Goldcrests, 1000+ Fieldfares and 500+ Redwings,  three Bullfinches (a male and two females), small numbers of Teal, Mallard, 20+ Wigeon, a male Shoveler, 18 Pintail, a Shelduck over, 21 Snipe, a Water Rail seen and heard from the boardwalk near the hide. Also a Black-tailed Godwit for around ten minutes only, two Kingfishers seen together along the tow path and a Chiffchaff feeding in the hedgerow today. (Mark Grieve).

November 20th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    Seven Bullfinches and female Blackcap along Minety Road, five Bullfinches and a male Blackcap along the Thames Path. A male and female Peregrine chasing a Jack Snipe over Pit 57 and a Chiffchaff on the island. On the approach to Pit 84 a Little Egret, a pair of Stonechats and 21 Snipe flushed by a Sparrowhawk in front of the hide. Only small numbers of duck present with four Goldeneye on Pit 41 being the best! (Paul Taylor/Tony Eveleigh).
Coombe Hill Meadows    150 Fieldfare, a Blackcap, a Water Rail, 17 Pintail, 12 Shoveler, four Gadwall, 50 Teal, 30 Snipe and a single Dunlin this afternoon. (Ian Ralphs).

Cambridge    Two Water Rails showing in the reedbed at Ryall's Cottage. (Richard Chappell/Ennis Jones).

November 19th 2004

Frampton    A female Goldeneye (two later) on the Sailing Lake and a Little Egret flew over. (Richard Ford). Also four adult Yellow-legged Gulls, a female Ruddy Duck and a Kingfisher. At Nebrow Hill 200+ Greenfinches (feeding on sunflowers on easternmost side), 60+ Linnets, ten Reed Buntings, six Yellowhammers, two Ravens and two Snipe flushed. (Paul Taylor). 

Sharpness    A Peregrine on the tower at the docks today. (Richard Ford).

November 17th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    A Cetti's Warbler and a Raven at Pit 6 today. (Gareth Harris).

November 16th 2004

Chaceley (near Tewkesbury)     Three Swallows feeding around the church spire from 2pm to 3:40pm. (Robert Homan).

Sudmeadow    Five Chiffchaffs, a female Reed Bunting ringed at Ashleworth Ham in July this year and the first ever Jay for the site. Also a male Peregrine in the area. (Gordon Avery).

November 15th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    A very late adult female or juvenile Redstart at Pit 23b. (Gareth Harris).

November 14th 2004

Forest of Dean    Three Willow Tits, four Ravens, 100 Chaffinches, a Brambling and ten Lesser Redpolls at Oakenhill Wood. 150 Siskins at Nagshead Lodge and a single Tree Sparrow at Noxon Pond. Earlier a Jack Snipe and 45 Snipe at Walmore Common. (Andy Jayne).

Quedgeley   A Snipe, two Green Woodpeckers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and two Grey Herons at Clearwater Drive scrub this morning. (Andy Chapman). 

WWT Slimbridge    From the Holden Tower a male Peregrine and two Little Stints feeding on the Tack Piece. About twelve Bewick's Swans from the Rushy Pen. (Ben Macdonald). 

Cambridge    A Water Rail showing well on the lawn of Ryall's Cottage. Also Green Sandpiper on the 12th and Kingfisher on the 11th. (Richard Chappell/Ennis Jones).

Cotswold Water Park    A high flying Short-eared Owl being mobbed by Crows just off the Spine Road near Clayhill Car Park heading north. (Graham Watson).

Leckhampton Hill    A Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Jay at Daisybank Road just below the hill this morning. (Keith White).

November 13th 2004

Forest of Dean    At New Fancy View today two Goshawks, one showing well for nearly ten minutes at around 12:30pm. Also 3+ Siskins and a Bullfinch at the Cyril Hart Arboretum. (Ben Macdonald). 

Two Bramblings at Speech House with a Chaffinch flock. (Mark Hobson).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Water Rail heard just behind the hide near the boardwalk, a Raven and three Buzzards, a Green Sandpiper flushed from small pool on the right of footpath and a pair of Bullfinches along the canal. Pintail, Wigeon and Gadwall from hide as well as 13 Mute Swans (4 adults) this morning. (Keith White).

Shab Hill    A male Merlin hunting Linnets, two Ravens, five Stonechats, 75 Fieldfares, 40 Lapwings and a pair of Reed Buntings this morning. (Duncan Dine).

Frampton    Six Goldeneye (4f/2m) on the Sailing Lake this morning. (Andy Chapman).

Sharpness    Two Black Redstarts still on and near Severnbank House (the last house past the Post Office) at 9:30am. Also a Peregrine on the tower, a Sparrowhawk, 40 Dunlin on the river, a Grey Wagtail and 330 Woodpigeons flew west. (MK). Late morning definitely three and possibly four Black Redstarts present. (Paul Taylor).

WWT Slimbridge    A Water Rail from Martin Smith hide at 10:30am. Also 100 White-fronted Geese, seven Bewick's Swans, a pale phase Buzzard and 16 Golden Plovers from Holden Tower and a Snipe at South Lake. (MK).

November 12th 2004

Sharpness    Two Black Redstarts squabbling over flies from the chickens at Severnbank House (the last house past the Post Office) at midday. (Dave Pearce). Pic below taken by Dave.

Cotswold Water Park    6000+ Starlings at Pit 6. (Gareth Harris).

November 11th 2004

Gloucester    Four Stonechats (two males in very bright plumage) near Lower Parting, Port Ham at 11am. A Little Grebe on the River Severn by Telford's Bridge today at 1pm. (Ian Elphick).

Leigh Meadows    Three adult Whooper Swans, a Green Sandpiper and two Stonechats today. (Dave Pearce). Also a Snipe, a male Sparrowhawk scattered 40 Chaffinches from maize stubble and a Buzzard sitting on the stile towards Priors Norton Church. (Steve Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    A Peregrine sat on a pylon at lunchtime. (David Owen).

Frampton    Three Goldeneye (one male) on the Sailing Lake present since Wednesday. (Gordon Hodgson).

November 10th 2004

Frampton    A Barn Owl over the Perryway/A38 junction this evening. (Gordon Hodgson).

WWT Slimbridge    Three Whooper Swans (one cygnet) feeding on grain from Martin Smith hide at 3:50pm. (Colin Butters). Also three Ruddy Shelducks and an Egyptian Goose today. Also two Little Stints, nine Bewick's Swans, 127 White-fronted Geese and a Chiffchaff. (Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park    42 Red Crested Pochards (26 males and 16 females) at Pit 44 today. These can be seen from the footpath, please do not enter the wildfowl refuge area. At Pit 57 688 Coot, 30 Great Crested Grebes, 21 Tufted Ducks, 46 Ruddy Ducks, 76 Wigeon, 73 Shovelers, 33 Teal, seven Goldeneye and ten Gadwall. (Gareth Harris).

Leigh Meadows    40 Snipe and a male Stonechat today. (Steve Whitehouse).

November 9th 2004

Cheltenham    A Tawny Owl calling from Oakley Road, Battledown, answered by a bird further up the hill this evening. Tawny Owls have also been present in gardens along Denmark Road, Gloucester for about ten days. (Steve Brown).

Courtyard Marsh (formerly Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    A Short-eared Owl flushed at 1:30pm today, which in turn flushed 32 Snipe. It flew off quite high (into Worcestershire), chased by crows. At 2pm it came back and settled behind the reedbed (closely followed by the Snipe returning to the Marsh). Also a pair of Stonechats. (David Owen/Chris Ballard) 

Leigh Meadows    The Purple Sandpiper for it's sixth day today at SO858253. The best place to park is in the layby on the A38 just in view of Prior's Norton Church then walk NW along one of the two footpaths there  - both get you to stream. Caution should be  heeded as to not step on the bird ! (Mike Smart). (Mike co-incidentally had the last County inland record at Coombe Hill Long Pool on 7th December 1986). Four Jack Snipe on the set-aside. (John Sanders).

Gloucester    Four Stonechats on Port Ham by the River Severn (East Channel) this afternoon. (Gordon Avery).

November 8th 2004

Cotswold Water Park        Four Pintail (two males and two females), 30+ Red Crested Pochards, three Goldeneye (a male and two females), 55+ Shovelers, 35+ Ruddy Ducks, 10+ Teal, 35+ Gadwall and five Snipe at Pit 57 today. Also three Pintail at Pit 58 and a Dunlin, two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, six Teal and 150 Black-headed Gulls at Pit 87. (Gareth Harris).

November 7th 2004

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two female Blackcaps, a female Peregrine, large number of Fieldfares, a Shelduck and 40+ Mute Swans. Nearby shooting put up hundreds of Wigeon, Teal, Lapwing, Snipe and Canada Geese. (Graham Watson). A Jack Snipe flushed along the far end of the canal. (Steve Brown).

Leigh Meadows    The Purple Sandpiper for it's fourth day today at SO858253. The best place to park is in the layby on the A38 just in view of Prior's Norton Church then walk NW along one of the two footpaths there  - both get you to stream. Caution should be  heeded as to not step on the bird ! 

November 6th 2004

Leigh Meadows    The adult Purple Sandpiper for it's third day today at SO858253. The best place to park is in the layby on the A38 just in view of Prior's Norton Church then walk NW along one of the two footpaths there  - both get you to stream. Caution should be  heeded as to not step on the bird ! 

(Steve Whitehouse).

Bourton-on-the-Water    Three Red Crested Pochards and four Gadwall on the most northerly pit. (Andy Lewis).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Late afternoon (Hide still inaccessible unless you like water). Dog walkers coming in from the north put up 700 Wigeon with some Pintail and Teal, 600 Lapwings, 200 Canada Geese, 100 Snipe, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff and three Dunlin. Also a female Goldeneye, a Kingfisher and a Chiffchaff on the Canal and two Water Rails by the boardwalk. (Terry Fenton).

November 5th 2004

Leigh Meadows    The Purple Sandpiper still today at SO858253. Access best from the A38 near the Kings Head pub or from the public footpath near the Red Lion at Wainlode. 

Forest of Dean     Two Goshawks, five Bramblings, three elusive Willow Tits, two Siskins and several Lesser Redpolls over at New Fancy View today. Also Crossbills heard distantly. (Tony Eveleigh). 

November 4th 2004

Leigh Meadows    A Purple Sandpiper this afternoon at close range at 4:50pm until dusk. SO858253. Access best from the A38 near the Kings Head pub or from the public footpath near the Red Lion at Wainlode. (Andy Jayne). 

Fretherne    A Stonechat, two Little Egrets, 80 Black-tailed Godwits, 1500 Dunlin and two Chiffchaffs. (Gordon Hodgson). Pic of Stonechat below taken by Gordon today.

Frampton pools    Two female Ruddy Ducks on the Sailing Lake first thing this morning. (Gordon Hodgson). 

November 3rd 2004

Cotswold Water Park    85 Red Crested Pochards on Pit 75 today. (Dave Pearce).

November 1st 2004

Courtyard Marsh (formerly Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    A Woodcock, six Snipe, three Stonechats (two males) and 100+ Goldfinches at lunchtime today. (David Owen).

Rodmarton    A flock of 20-30 Fieldfares between Hazleton and Rodmarton at 11:50am today. (Jennifer Rogers).

October 31st 2004

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 6pm. (Mark Grieve).

Cleeve Hill    Three Stonechats, two Green Woodpeckers and a Curlew this morning. (Andy Chapman).

Fretherne    Two Little Egrets, a Kestrel and a Rock Pipit today. (Gordon Hodgson). Pics taken today below by Gordon. 

WWT Slimbridge    A Black-tailed Godwit in the Rushy Pen, a Spotted Redshank, a Ruff and a Snipe on South Lake. A leucistic female Wigeon from Martin Smith hide but no sign of the recent American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal or Ring-billed Gull. (Martin McGill, Neil Smart, Nick Goatman, MK). Pic below of the Spotshank taken by Simon Mackie. www.sjmackie.com A larger image is in the County Gallery.

Coombe Hill Meadows    40 Greylags, 200+ Fieldfares, 21 Golden Plovers, 80+ Lapwings, ten Pintail (a male and 9 females) also flock of 35+ Long-tailed Tits. At Ashleworth Ham a Peregrine on the pylons. (Mark Grieve). Also at CHM a couple of Snipe, a female Sparrowhawk and a couple of Buzzards. (Ian Ralphs).

October 30th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Ring-billed Gull in the North American pen today. (Dave Paynter).

Berkeley shore    A Common Sandpiper still and three Stonechats today. (Paul Taylor).

October 29th 2004

Cam    26 Lesser Redpolls over Upthorpe. (Neil Smart).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Little Egret, 12 Pintail, a Goldeneye, two Goosanders, a Water Rail heard and a Lesser Redpoll today. (Andy Jayne).

Forest of Dean    Three different female Goshawks, two Crossbills, 22+ Siskins and 1-2 Bramblings all at New Fancy View in half an hour. Also six Bullfinches at Beachley. (Martin McGill).

October 28th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    32 Shovelers, 20 Ruddy Ducks, 280 Golden Plovers, a juvenile Little Stint on Pit 87 and three Green Sandpipers today. (Andy Jayne).

October 27th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A female-type American Wigeon from Martin Smith hide at 9:40am today. (Martin McGill). Still present at 5pm. (Terry Fenton).

October 26th 2004

Stinchcombe Hill    Two Oystercatchers over calling and heading for estuary. (Terry Fenton).

Forest of Dean     A Goshawk, two Stonechats, five Crossbills and two Hawfinches in the Speech House Walk area, two Hawfinches at Moseley Green, 50 Lesser Redpolls at Woorgreens plus small numbers of Brambling and Siskin this morning. (Andy Jayne). 

Fretherne    25 Grey Plovers, 250 Dunlin, 11 Black-tailed Godwits, four  Knot, four Lapwings, Redshank and a Rock Pipit today. (Gordon Hodgson).

October 25th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The drake Green-winged Teal from Robbie Garnett hide still today. (Martin McGill). Also a Wigeon with American Wigeon head pattern distantly from Robbie Garnett Hide but needs closer scrutiny to eliminate a hybrid. (This may have been a Chiloe Wigeon which is on site). (Dave Pearce). A female-type American Wigeon was seen last week by three observers.

October 24th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A drake Green-winged Teal from Robbie Garnett hide this afternoon. (Martin McGill).

Cleeve Hill    An immature Ring Ouzel by the Wash Pool this morning but elusive. (Dave Pearce).

Forest of Dean    At Brierley, a flock of c12 Lesser Redpolls up the road from the parking place. Also a Raven over, a Siskin calling, and a Goshawk glimpsed bombing by for about three seconds! Also a Brambling flew past at New Fancy View. (Ben Macdonald).

October 23rd 2004

Frampton pools    An adult Little Gull on the Sailing Lake at 10:30am. (Phil Pope).

October 19th 2004

Innsworth sewage plant    6+ Yellowhammers, three Meadow Pipits, four Grey Wagtails, a male and three juveniles/females today. (Nick Boast).

October 18th 2004

St Briavel's Common   A female Goshawk was showing well mid-morning in a hedgerow near the edge of woodland at the Common. Three Bullfinches and a Great Spotted Woodpecker also in the woodland. Two Grey Wagtails and a Yellowhammer in nearby fields. (Tom McCarthy).
Tidenham Chase  to Devil's Pulpit    A Buzzard, two Ravens, a Stonechat and a Red-legged Partridge. (Tom McCarthy).

Shab Hill    52 Golden Plovers, 17 Lapwings, c30 Goldfinches, c25 Meadow Pipits, c100 Starlings and a pair of Stonechats this afternoon. (Steve Brown)..

Fretherne    Two Wheatears and 16 Grey Plovers today. (Dave Pearce). Pic below taken by Dave.

October 17th 2004

Westbury-on-Severn    Six Golden Plovers today. (Andy Chapman). 

Forest of Dean    A Dipper and two Ravens at Cannop Warth. (Andy Chapman). 

October 16th 2004

Walmore Common    A female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker today. (Andy Jayne).

October 15th 2004

October 14th 2004

Cheltenham    Three very noisy Tawny Owls in a conifer at the top of Stanley Road, Battledown at 8pm. Answering calls from two birds, one towards Whaddon and another towards Aggs Hill. (Steve Brown).

October 13th 2004

Birdlip    Four Golden Plovers on the field next to Birdlip cricket ground in the afternoon. Red-legged Partridges all over the place around Brimpsfield (Releases?). (Steve Brown).

Cleeve Hill    Two Red-legged Partridges, six Yellowhammers and 100+ Chaffinches today. (Nick Boast).

October 11th 2004

Frampton Landfill Site    Twenty Yellow-legged Gulls today, including two with colour rings from southern France . (John Sanders).

October 10th 2004

Nebrow Hill    500+ Redwings and Fieldfares, five Yellowhammers and three Reed Buntings this morning. (Andy Chapman). 

Robinswood Hill Farm A Swallow at 5pm and a Raven low over (harassed by a crow). (Ian Elphick).

October 9th 2004

Tuffley    A number of small flocks (20 - 30 birds in each) of thrushes, mainly Redwing, high south west this morning. (Ian Elphick).

October 8th 2004

Gloucester    A Redwing flying over Town Ham at 9am, SO8219 and a Chiffchaff singing at Sudmeadow (SO8118) at 9:30am. (Ian Elphick).

WWT Slimbridge    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker with a mixed tit flock along the summer walkway, near the pill-box, this morning. (Paul Masters).

October 6th 2004

Witcombe Roman Villa    Four Red-legged Partridges on plough, two Buzzards and two Roe Deer just inside the wood at 4pm. (Steve Brown).

October 5th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was found at high tide this morning, whilst yesterday's White-rumped Sandpiper was being unsuccessfully searched for. The adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose is still present today as is the drake Ruddy Shelduck. Also five Curlew Sandpipers. (Martin McGill).

Fretherne    17 Grey Plovers, a female Pintail, a Little Egret, lots of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Linnets moving SW along with three Swallows this morning. (Gordon Hodgson). Pics below by Gordon.

October 4th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile White-rumped Sandpiper seen briefly at high tide before being flushed by cows. Also today a Jack Snipe on South Lake and a Wheatear. Of interest, the white Canada Goose has returned and is in company with a blue phase Canada Goose. The white had paired to a normal and produced the blue. Unsure if this has ever been recorded before. (Martin McGill). The adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose is still present today also. (Tony Eveleigh). 

Beachley    A first-winter Black Tern this morning. (John Sanders). 

Newnham-on-Severn    Five Golden Plovers this morning. (John Sanders). 

Frampton    A Black Tern, a Kingfisher and a Chiffchaff at the Sailing Lake this evening. (Mark Hobson).

October 3rd 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Dark-bellied Brent Goose on the Dumbles this morning. Also two Garganey, three Stonechats and a Hobby. (Martin McGill).

Sharpness    A Peregrine and three Golden Plovers today. (Ian Ralphs/Dave Pearce).

October 2nd 2004

Hasfield Ham    A pair of Stonechats today. (Terry Fenton).

September 30th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The Ruddy Shelduck still today from Holden Tower. A Spotted Redshank and Ruff on South Lake.

Cotswold Water Park    Fifty Golden Plovers flying over Pit 32 today. (Gareth Harris/Ali Swainston). A Peregrine hunting Snipe and duck, two Greenshanks, 14 Snipe, 55 Lapwings and 45 Shovelers at the Pit 84/85 complex. (Gareth Harris/Meg Davies).

September 29th 2004

Innsworth    Two noisy Peregrines over heading north today. (Terry Fenton).

Cotswold Water Park    An adult female Peregrine at Pit 87 feeding on a kill in a quarry today. (Gareth Harris/Ali Swainston).

September 27th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    Ten Fieldfares flying over Pit 31 today. (Gareth Harris).

Lydney New Grounds     Late afternoon today a Merlin (probably immature female), two Golden Plovers, 50 Skylarks and two Ravens. (Andy Jayne).

September 25th 2004

Fretherne    The Ruddy Shelduck still this morning. 23 Meadow Pipits and 24 Pied Wagtails flew south, ten Linnets, two Chiffchaffs, one still singing, a Wheatear, 5+ Knot, two Grey Plovers, 179 Curlew, 50+ Dunlin, two Bar-tailed Godwit, a Little Egret, four Ravens and seven Swallows flew south. (MK).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    The Black-necked Grebe still present today.

September 24th 2004

Dowdeswell Reservoir    The Black-necked Grebe still present today at 3:30pm. (David Owen).

Cotswold Water Park    A Hobby on Pit 84 and a Little Egret on Pit 41. (Ian Ralphs).

Fretherne    50+ Meadow Pipits, 20+ Skylarks, 10+ Robins, 20+ Greenfinches, ten Linnets, three Grey Wagtails, three Stonechats, at least 20 Chiffchaffs, four Wheatears, ten Dunlins, a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Little Egret, four Ravens and many Swallows and Sand Martins  charging through. (Gordon Hodgson).

September 23rd 2004

Fretherne    A Wheatear and a Whinchat today. (Gordon Hodgson). 

Dowdeswell Reservoir    The Black-necked Grebe still present today. (Arthur Ball).

September 22nd 2004

Dowdeswell Reservoir    The Black-necked Grebe still present at 2:30pm today and ten Little Grebes. (Terry Fenton).

Shab Hill    A Whinchat at 12:30pm. (Terry Fenton).

Frampton    A juvenile Arctic Tern on the Sailing Lake this morning, three Green Sandpipers and two Wigeon on the Court Lake. (Gordon Hodgson).

Fretherne    The Ruddy Shelduck still this morning. (Pic below by Gordon). Also a Little Egret, a Whinchat and three Wheatears. (Gordon Hodgson).

September 21st 2004

Dowdeswell Reservoir    The Black-necked Grebe still present at 4:15pm today viewed from the A40 near the dam, fishing close to the bank on the far side.  Also five Little Grebes, two Buzzards and a female Sparrowhawk in Upper Dowdeswell. (Steve Brown).

Witcombe Reservoir    An eclipse drake Wigeon today. (Terry Fenton).

Fretherne    The Ruddy Shelduck still at lunchtime today (Pic below by Gordon). Also a Little Egret, a Whinchat and two Wheatears. (Gordon Hodgson).

September 20th 2004

Awre    A Manx Shearwater going upriver at 11:10am and a Leach's Petrel just afterwards.  Both seemed to land on the water just downriver of Hock Cliff area, but not relocated. (John Phillips).

Beachley    Two Manx Shearwaters this morning and two first-winter Arctic Terns going down stream. (John Sanders). Also a Turnstone, a Common Sandpiper, four Wigeon and a Grey Wagtail on the island and two Painted Ladies. (Tony Eveleigh).

September 19th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    Three Black Terns on Pit 16 during the WeBS count. (Simon Pickering). Numbers of Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Ruddy Duck, Wigeon, Shoveler and Teal are now building, especially on Pits 84/85 (Shorncote Reed bed). (Gareth Harris).

Cleeve Hill    A Raven and a Hobby flying through at speed below Castle Rock. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    A Black Tern briefly on South Lake. Also on South Lake a Ruff, a Garganey, 15 Greenshanks, two Snipe, 100 Black-tailed Godwits and a Buzzard. At Robbie Garnett hide a Green Sandpiper and four Sand Martins. On the scrape in front of Holden Tower 100 Knot, a Ruff, 50 Ringed Plovers, 50 Dunlins, two Little Stints and four Curlew Sandpipers. A Snipe on Knott Pool. Three Wheatears, three Whinchats, three Little Egrets, a Common Tern and a Raven at Mid Point. (Terry Fenton/Mark Hobson).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A Black-necked Grebe found early this morning still present this afternoon. (Arthur Ball). Also a report of two juvenile Shags. 

A Hobby at 1:15pm.  It flew towards the dam along the roadside bank, circled and then flew back up, it looked like it caught a dragonfly or two before heading off. (Nigel and Helen Bayliss).

Aylburton Warth/Lydney New Grounds    A Little Egret, a Ringed Plover, 250 Curlew, a Green Sandpiper, an adult Mediterranean Gull, a Kingfisher, ten Sand Martins, five Yellow Wagtails, three Grey Wagtails, two White Wagtails, two Stonechats, 15 Wheatears and two Ravens this morning. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    A juvenile and two second year Hobbies very mobile between Green Lane/Splatt Bridge/Nebrow Hill and the Sailing Lake. A Wheatear from Splatt Bridge and the Ruddy Shelduck flew upriver in view from here. A Whinchat on the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane and two Ravens flew past here. (John Overfield).

Sudmeadow    A couple of Wheatears this afternoon over the tip, by the offices, one of which was a classic Greenland type. Also a Stonechat. (Gordon Avery).

September 18th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    From the wader walk this morning many Knot, several Curlew Sandpipers, several Little Stints, many Black-tailed Godwits, six Bar-tailed Godwits, a Spotted Redshank, two Sanderling and a Greenshank. Also the Ruddy Shelduck still, a Yellow Wagtail and a couple of Wheatears. (David Owen).
Forest of Dean    A Dipper on the Blackpool Brook at Wenchford today (below the bottom car park entrance). (Paul Masters).

Frampton    A Black Tern and an Arctic Tern on the Sailing Lake first thing this morning, but the Arctic appeared to leave. Also a female Ruddy Duck, a Kingfisher, three Grey Wagtails and Chiffchaffs still singing. (MK/Jake King/Andy Chapman/David Owen).

Sharpness    Four Common Sandpipers, a Ringed Plover and two Wheatears this morning. (MK/Jake King/Richard Baatsen). 

Beachley    A single Commic Tern, probably Common, and a single Yellow Wagtail. A small downriver passage of Meadow Pipits and Swallows this morning. There were also a large number of Chiffchaffs in the bushes. (Ian Ralphs).

Walmore Common    Five Whinchats, a Stonechat and a Wheatear this morning. (Andy Jayne).

September 16th 2004

Gloucester    A Swift south over Longford today.

Witcombe Reservoir    Six Cormorants including a first winter bird with a green Darvic ring that was ringed on Denny Island, Severn estuary on 05/07/03. (Terry Fenton).

September 15th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    Two Garganeys, a Spotted Redshank, several Black-tailed Godwits, two Greenshanks and two Ruff on South Lake today. Also a Curlew Sandpiper and a Ruff from Robbie Garnett hide and another Curlew Sandpiper on the Dumbles. 

2+ Lesser Whitethroats and a Goldcrest in bushes in front of the Holden Tower. 100+ Linnets out on the Dumbles, also 70 Curlew. Four Snipe from the Holden Tower on the left pool, also three Green Sandpipers. (Ben Macdonald).

September 14th 2004

Beachley    Three Manx Shearwaters, ten Gannets and a Fulmar this morning. (John Sanders).

Saul Warth/Hock Cliff    Five Gannets (four adults and an immature) and a distant adult down towards Sharpness, a Manx Shearwater, a juvenile Arctic Tern and two juvenile Common Terns late morning. Four of the Gannets appeared to go NE inland and one of these probably accounts for the Longlevens sighting. Also the Ruddy Shelduck and two Wheatears here. (Andy Jayne, Mo Croose and Gordon Avery).

Frampton    Two Hobbies at the Sailing Lake. (Andy Jayne, Mo Croose and Gordon Avery).

Lydney Harbour    A Gannet drifting downstream at 12:10pm and a Manx Shearwater flying down at 12:55pm. (Tony Eveleigh).

Frampton    An adult Mediterranean Gull this morning. (John Sanders).

WWT Slimbridge    A Manx Shearwater, a Gannet and a Fulmar from Holden Tower this morning. Also a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, a Knot, a Little Stint, three Curlew Sandpipers, three Spotted Redshanks, a Common Sandpiper and nine Sanderling. (Martin McGill).

Longlevens    A Gannet at 12:50pm over the allotments behind Park Avenue. It circled a few times then flew towards R.A.F. Innsworth it then travelled north east and out of sight. (Frank, Pam, and Paul Bryant). 

September 13th 2004

Sharpness    A Black Tern north this evening. (Paul Taylor).

September 12th 2004 

Brockweir    A pair of Ravens over most of the day, at least five Buzzards, a Peregrine and a Sparrowhawk. Up to seven Willow Warblers, a Wood Warbler, two Chiffchaffs, a Garden Warbler, three Blackcaps, two Goldcrests and Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker. (Tom McCarthy).
Walmore Common    Three Hobbies, a Snipe, seven Curlew, four Whinchats, two Spotted Flycatchers and 4+ Ravens this afternoon. At Newnham there was an adult winter Mediterranean Gull from 4:15pm-4:40pm with metal ring on left leg and large white ring on right. Also a Little Egret here. (Andy Jayne). 

Frampton    At high tide late this evening two Black Terns and a Common Tern. (Nick Goatman).

Guscar Rocks    350 Curlew, 25 Tree Sparrows, two Whitethroats, a Yellow Wagtail, a female Sparrowhawk and a Common Sandpiper this morning. (Tony Eveleigh).

WWT Slimbridge    A Fulmar flew across the Dumbles and inland early afternoon. (Martin McGill).

Two Curlew Sandpipers at Robbie Garnett hide this morning. Pic below by Mike Jefferies. www.mikejefferies.net

Sharpness    A Rock Pipit, a Wheatear and two Common Sandpipers this morning. (Paul Taylor).

September 11th 2004 

Berkeley shore    A Little Egret, ten Turnstones, a Knot, four Ringed Plovers, two Common Sandpipers, nine Wheatears and four Yellow Wagtails today. (Paul Taylor). Also three Ravens. (Andy Chapman).
Sharpness Docks    Two Wheatears and three Common Sandpipers today. (Andy Chapman).

September 10th 2004 

Purton    Five Mediterranean Gulls, four adults and a first-winter this evening. (John Sanders).

WWT Slimbridge    An Aquatic Warbler found by Martin McGill on private land this morning. Tours out from the car park at 2pm and 5pm. It showed very well this afternoon from 3:05-3:30pm at least, and was a life tick for many of the birders present. No sign on the 5pm tour but Marsh Harrier and Black Tern. Also this morning 70 Wigeon, a Short-eared Owl, 35 Sedge Warblers, four Reed Warblers, four Lesser Whitethroats, ten Chiffchaffs, a Whitethroat and two Cetti's Warblers. This afternoon four Hobbies, 60+ Swallows, a Little Egret and two Common Terns.

Cotswold Water Park    66 Great Crested Grebes and 180 Wigeon on Pit 57. Six Common Terns on Pit 16. Four juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, four Green Sandpipers and 20 Teal on Pit 86. (Martin McGill).

September 9th 2004 

WWT Slimbridge    Three Spotted Redshanks, 100 Black-tailed Godwits, five Knot and two Ruff on South Lake and a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and two Ruff from Robbie Garnett hide today. 

Frampton    A Hobby and five Yellow Wagtails at the Sailing Lake. (Gordon Hodgson).
Fretherne    34 Black-tailed Godwits and three Ruff today. (Gordon Hodgson).

September 8th 2004 

WWT Slimbridge    Three Spotted Redshanks, 180 Black-tailed Godwits, 12 Knot, five Ruff, three juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, six Green Sandpipers and a juvenile Garganey today. 

A Hobby at the Sailing Lake and five Wigeon, a female Pintail and five Green Sandpipers at Court Lake. (Gordon Hodgson).
Fretherne    14 Wigeon over north today. (Gordon Hodgson). 

September 7th 2004 

Cotswold Water Park    Two Sandwich Terns and a Black Tern on Pit 16 this afternoon. (per Richard Baatsen).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Spotted Redshanks, three Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, six Green Sandpipers and the Ruddy Shelduck seen from Mid Point. (Richard Cawsey). Pics below of Spotted Redshank, Green Sandpiper and Snipe. Also a Pied Flycatcher seen from Holden Tower.

September 6th 2004 

WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake the Curlew Sandpiper still and four Spotted Redshanks (two adults and two juveniles) today. (Martin McGill).

Stoke Orchard    The White Stork still at Stoke Orchard tip this morning. It spent the night on top of a telegraph pole by the entry road just as it bends right away from the railway line. Present from 5:30am until 9:08am when it flew off high SSE. It is an unringed juvenile. (Neil Smart/Roy Shilham/MK). Also Green Sandpiper, Snipe and Yellow Wagtail. (Richard Baatsen). Record shots in poor light by MK below.

Better images below from 1) Roy Shilham and 2) Dave Pearce. More in the County Gallery.

1)   

2)   

September 5th 2004 

Stoke Orchard    A White Stork at Stoke Orchard tip this evening. It looked like it was settling down to spend the night on top of a telegraph pole by the entry road just as it bends right away from the railway line. (Andy Oliver).

Frampton    Seven Buzzards, two Hobbies and two Sparrowhawks all SW in three hours. (Gordon Hodgson).

WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake the Curlew Sandpiper and the juvenile Arctic Tern still today. (Ian Ralphs).

Huntsman's Quarry    30 Yellowhammers and 60 Linnets today. Six Tree Sparrows at Harnhill. (Mark Hobson).

Purton    Four adult Mediterranean Gulls including one wearing a Polish colour ring this evening. (John Sanders).

Fretherne    A Wheatear, a Kingfisher, ten Chiffchaffs, male and female Blackcap, two Yellow Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail, two Peregrines, four Knot and at least four Ravens. Also a Comma butterfly. (MK).

Cashes Green    A pair of Hobbies insect-catching with Black-headed Gull at 4pm at Westrip Turning. (MK).

September 4th 2004 

Tidenham Chase    A Honey Buzzard at 1pm flew off south towards Chepstow. (John & Viv Phillips).

WWT Slimbridge    A Redstart, two Chiffchaffs and a Willow 
Warbler along the summer walkway. Four Little Egrets and two Wheatears at Mid Point. On South Lake many Black-tailed Godwits,  a Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, 26 Knot, three Spotted Redshanks (one juvenile) juvenile Arctic Tern and two Common Terns. Also an unconfirmed report of a Wood Sandpiper here. Also on the reserve a juvenile Peregrine, four Green Sandpipers and two Common Sandpipers. (Andy & Mhairi Chapman/John Overfield). Pics of the Arctic Tern by Simon Mackie below. www.sjmackie.com

Walmore Common    Three Hobbies and three Whinchats this morning. (Andy Jayne, 40 today Sssssh!).

Fretherne    The male Ruddy Shelduck and a Little Egret this morning. A Lesser Whitethroat, a Reed Warbler, seven Chiffchaffs and a male Blackcap. A Peregrine out on the estuary with a kill. Two Ravens and a Yellow Wagtail over. (MK/Jake King). Two drake Goldeneye flew inland. (Jake King). 

Berkeley shore    Eight Turnstones, three Common Sandpipers, a Kingfisher and two Wheatears this morning. (Paul Taylor). 

Guscar Rocks    15+ Tree Sparrows, a Peregrine, a Sedge Warbler and a Chiffchaff this morning. (Martin McGill).

September 3rd 2004 

WWT Slimbridge    A female Merlin flew just in front of the hide at Mid Point this morning. Also the Ruddy Shelduck still, a Common Sandpiper, four Turnstones and two Wheatears from Mid Point and a Redstart along the walkway. South Lake held juvenile Arctic Tern, 30+ Knot, a Curlew Sandpiper, three Ruff, three Spotted Redshanks and a Greenshank. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake a Hobby, three Common Terns and a Kingfisher. (Andy Jayne).

September 2nd 2004 

Leckhampton    Two Little Owls near to Leckhampton Church, a Tawny Owl calling behind Leckhampton Court and two Pipistrelles flying at dusk. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter Arctic Tern, 156 Black-tailed Godwits, 37 Knot (one in summer plumage), five Ruff, three Green Sandpipers, three Spotted Redshanks (one juvenile), a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and a juvenile Garganey on South Lake today. From Robbie Garnett hides eight Green Sandpipers. (Terry Fenton/Jon Mercer).

September 1st 2004 

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter Arctic Tern on South Lake today (originally reported as a Black Tern on the 29th). Also two Curlew Sandpipers here and up to 60 Knot roosting here over the tide. 600 waders on the lake daily at the moment! (Martin McGill). 

August 30th 2004

Severn House Farm    Two Ravens, 26 Turnstones which flew out to roost on "Hills Flat buoy" in Avon, 12 Ringed Plovers, three Dunlin, an Oystercatcher, a Common Sandpiper, 12 Curlew and three Chiffchaffs. (Richard Baatsen).

Fretherne    A Little Egret, a Peregrine, a summer-plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit, a male Wheatear and a juvenile Bullfinch this evening. (MK).

August 29th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    At South Lake two Spotted Redshanks ,150 Black-tailed Godwits, a Knot and 5+ Ruff. At Lathbury Hide three Green Sandpipers and a Greenshank. A juvenile Peregrine flew over the summer walkway. At Mid Point, another Greenshank and three Common Sandpipers. Also the male Ruddy Shelduck still from Mid Point today. Early morning at high tide seven Little Egrets, a juvenile Little Stint and 70 Knot,  (Martin McGill and Neil Smart/Ben Macdonald). 

Saul Warth    Two juvenile Wheatears, a Garden Warbler, six Chiffchaffs, ten Skylarks, two Ravens and two juvenile Kestrels. (Richard Baatsen).

Slimbridge roundabout/Wisloe Farm    A Yellow Wagtail, ten Pied Wagtails and two juvenile Wheatears. (Richard Baatsen).

Frampton    A Little Egret south past Splatt Bridge at 7:20am and a pair of Ravens west over Nebrow Hill. Also two Common Terns over the 100-Acre and two more on the Sailing Lake. (MK). 

August 28th 2004

Berkeley Shore    17 Knot, three Turnstones, ten Dunlin, an adult winter Mediterranean Gull flying north up river and five Chiffchaffs at Severn House Farm. (Richard Baatsen).

WWT Slimbridge    The male Ruddy Shelduck still from Mid Point today. (Tony Eveleigh).

Fretherne    A Whinchat and three Wheatears along the Severn Way footpath. Also two Common Sandpipers on the river at Epney. (Mark Hobson).

Sudmeadow    Two Green Sandpipers and a Greenshank this morning also a family party of five Ravens. A few warblers moving through including seven Whitethroats, two Lesser Whitethroats, four Blackcaps and a Garden Warbler. (Gordon Avery).

August 27th 2004

Frampton    A Marsh Harrier seen briefly at Nebrow Hill at 7:30pm before flying west towards the 100-Acre. (Mark Hobson).

August 26th 2004

Coombe Hill Canal    A Spotted Flycatcher at 1pm today.  (David Owen).

August 25th 2004

Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury (The Courtyard)    Two Whinchats today at lunchtime. (David Owen).

WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake Black-tailed Godwits, two Spotted Redshanks, five Ruff and Greenshank. From Holden Tower two Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper. At Mid Point a Peregrine, two Little Egrets, two Sanderlings, two Common Sandpipers, a Whinchat, a Wheatear and Ringed Plovers. (Andy Chapman).

August 24th 2004

Walmore Common    Four Snipe, three Curlews, a male Redstart, eight Whinchats and a Wheatear this evening. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    A juvenile Black Tern, a Common Tern, three Reed Warblers and a Hobby at the Sailing Lake this morning and a Common Tern at Splatt Bridge. (Andy Chapman).

August 23rd 2004

Moreton Valence    A Hobby seen flying across the A38 5:15pm. (Ian Elphick).

August 22nd 2004

Berkeley shore    10+ Tree Sparrows, three Wheatears, a Yellow Wagtail, five Common Sandpipers, 15 Reed Warblers in the ditch by the car park, c.150 Linnets and a Peregrine. At the Pill 19 Yellow Wagtails, a Sedge Warbler, 13 Common Sandpipers, 13 Ringed Plovers and three Dunlin. (Paul Taylor).
Barrow Wake    c.12 Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, a Marsh Tit and a female Wheatear at 10am. (Keith White).
Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 85 three Little Egrets, three Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper and female Ruff. (David Owen).

Shab Hill    Two Hobbies drifting south today. (Terry Fenton).

WWT Slimbridge    A Honey Buzzard went through NE at 2:30pm. (John Phillips). A Sandwich Tern following the tide town this afternoon and the Ruddy Shelduck still from Mid Point and 30 Knot. Also a Snipe from Knott hide. (Mark Hobson). From Mid Point this morning two Little Egrets, three adult Yellow-legged Gulls, a Peregrine, four Sanderlings, three Knot, 100 Ringed Plovers, 100 Dunlin, three Greenshanks, an Oystercatchers and a Clouded Yellow butterfly. Along the summer walkway a Hobby chasing hirundines, a Whinchat, three Wheatears and two Yellow Wagtails. Two Green Sandpipers from Knott hide and one from Robbie Garnett and four Black-tailed Godwits here. (MK/Martin McGill/Neil Smart). Two Spotted Redshanks, three Ruff and c.130 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. (Martin McGill).

August 21st 2004

Cleeve Hill    Two Wood Warblers, two juvenile Yellow Wagtails, two Wheatears and a flock of at least 120 Linnets with a large proportion of juveniles east of the trig point and just before the gates leading back to West Down car park and a Clouded Yellow butterfly. (Keith White).

Stone    A Hobby over the garden. (Paul Taylor).
WWT Slimbridge    From Mid Point this morning the Ruddy Shelduck still near the breakwater. Three Sanderlings, 40 Ringed Plovers, two Greenshanks, three Oystercatchers and nine Black-tailed Godwits. Along the summer walkway a juvenile Redstart, a Lesser Whitethroat and two Yellow Wagtails and three Green Sandpipers from Knott hide and one from Robbie Garnett. (MK). The Marsh Harrier seen on and off all day, but is wide ranging and has been seen at Nebrow Hill. (Neil Smart). A Water Rail from Holden Tower, three Whinchats, three Wheatears, Willow and Garden Warbler from the summer walkway and a Spotted Redshank on South Lake. (Terry Fenton).

From Guscar Rocks to Lydney Marsh    A Sparrowhawk, 22 Buzzards (13 soaring together), two Kestrels, a Hobby, two Peregrines, four Oystercatchers, 26 Ringed Plovers, ten Dunlin, a Ruff, 400 Curlew, four Common Sandpipers, an adult Mediterranean Gull, two Kingfishers, a Tree Pipit, 50 Yellow Wagtails (flocks of 20 and 30), a Whinchat, a Stonechat, 20 Wheatears, a Raven, c.20 Tree Sparrows and 100 Greenfinches. Also five Clouded Yellow butterflies. (Andy Jayne).

August 20th 2004

Frampton    Two juvenile Black Terns on the Sailing Lake. Also a Yellow-legged Gull and 180 Coot. (Martin McGill).

WWT Slimbridge    The Marsh Harrier seen hunting on the reserve again to day and the Ruddy Shelduck still on the estuary. (Paul Taylor). Also a Spotted Redshank, three Ruff, 116 Black-tailed Godwits, two Little Egrets and four Green Sandpipers.

August 19th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The Marsh Harrier seen hunting all over the reserve throughout the day. Also the Ruddy Shelduck, 598 Ringed Plovers, 396 Curlew, 15 Knot, seven Sanderlings, eight Curlew Sandpipers, three Little Stints, two Golden Plovers, six Common Sandpipers,16 Greenshanks, a Grey Plover, 11 Whinchats, a Stonechat and four Wheatears. (Martin McGill/Richard Cawsey). 

August 18th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The Marsh Harrier seen hunting on the reserve again this morning. (Martin McGill). 

August 17th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Stint and 17 Greenshanks today. Also a Spotted Redshank still on South Lake.

August 16th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Marsh Harrier at the Trust seen flying between Purton and Mid Point, but no sign of the White-rumped Sandpiper. (Tony Eveleigh).

August 15th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A moulting adult White-rumped Sandpiper on the Dumbles this morning from 9am. Guided walks have been arranged for 11:30am, 2pm and 7pm. Meet in the car park, members free, a charge for non-members. Also 17 Little Egrets, a Curlew Sandpiper, two Little Stints, a Grey Plover, three Sanderling, a Greenshank, an Oystercatcher, 150+ Ringed Plovers, many Curlew and Dunlin, a Yellow Wagtail and two Wheatears. (Martin McGill, Neil Smart, Paul Taylor, MK). A Wood Sandpiper seen on South Lake this afternoon and Spotted Flycatcher by the Goose House. (Paul Masters).

Frampton    A Black Tern still on the Sailing Lake at 5:20pm at least. (Tony Eveleigh).

Sudmeadow    Three Green Sandpipers this evening. (Gordon Avery).

August 14th 2004

Fretherne    This evening 29 Black-tailed Godwits, six Knot, 13 Ringed Plovers, 11 Dunlin, a Turnstone, a Common Sandpiper, two Oystercatchers and 120+ Curlew. A Black Tern was on the river briefly (possibly the Sailing Lake bird), three Common Terns, the Ruddy Shelduck on the mud between Fretherne and Frampton Breakwater and two Wheatears by the Pill. (Gordon Hodgson).

Frampton    A Black Tern on the Sailing Lake from 11:30am to 1:10pm at least. Also a Common Tern and three Common Sandpipers.

Blockley    A belated report of a Hoopoe in non-birders gardens and the churchyard here just north of Moreton-in-the-Marsh. It was seen on Sat 7th, Sun 8th and Tue 10th August. It has subsequently been searched for but not relocated. (per Richard Baatsen).

Robinswood Hill    A Blue and Yellow Macaw at the larch plantation this evening at about 8pm. (Ian Elphick). Pic by Ian below.

August 13th 2004

August 10th 2004

Cheltenham    A Little Egret by the fishing lake in Pittville Park at 1pm today. (Peter Cadogan).

August 10th 2004

August 9th 2004

August 8th 2004

Coombe Hill Canal    A Golden Plover here at 9am today. (Peter Cadogan).

Purton    A Polish white colour ringed adult Mediterranean Gull was back at Purton this evening for the third autumn running. (John Sanders).  

Witcombe Reservoir    A Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank and a Great Crested Grebe on the nest. (Terry Fenton). (Pic below taken by Terry).

August 7th 2004

Wistley Hill    Seven Ravens soaring, a Hobby flew through the group and continued towards Seven Springs. A mixed flock of about 40 Linnets/Goldfinches. Six Red-legged Partridges near Vineyards farm, two Buzzards soaring. Two Sparrowhawks above Cheltenham Park hotel. (Steve Brown).

Frampton    Two Common Terns on the Sailing Lake and 80+ Coot. Also a Common Tern at Splatt Bridge. A Little Owl at Parkend Bridge, in the large oak tree just over the canal bridge and large flocks of tits and finches feeding on the sunflowers. (Andy Chapman).

August 4th 2004

Coombe Hill Meadows    At least six Little Egrets, four Greenshanks and a Ruff today (Dave Pearce). Pic below taken by Dave.

Witcombe Reservoirs    Four Common Sandpipers feeding along the sandy edges at 8am this morning. (Keith White).

August 2nd 2004

Wainlode    An immature Marsh Harrier at 7pm flew towards Coombe Hill canal, maybe the Frampton bird. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    An immature Marsh Harrier over the 100-Acre at lunchtime today. View from the public footpath at Green Lane or from the gate at Splatt Bridge. (Martin McGill). This bird was almost certainly seen last night (1st) over Nebrow Hill by Nick Goatman.

WWT Slimbridge    A Curlew Sandpiper was on the edge of the Dumbles at high tide today. (Martin McGill). 

Hasfield    A Quail still calling today from within the very weedy field right at the very end of Stank Lane near Hasfield. (Paul Masters).

August 1st 2004

Hasfield    No sign of the Quail this evening but a Kingfisher on the river and a good sized Salmon taking a leap. (Gerry Shilham).

July 31st 2004

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 57 29 Common Terns and three Little Egrets, at Pits 85/86/87 a Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, a Yellow Wagtail and two Little Egrets (note a Wood Sandpiper was reported in the book being seen from both hides and the flooded field nearby on 27-28th July).  (Paul Taylor).

July 30th 2004

Berkeley shore    At least ten Tree Sparrows today. (Paul Taylor).

July 29th 2004

Hasfield    A Quail still calling this afternoon from within the very weedy field right at the very end of Stank Lane near Hasfield. Still calling at 9pm when seen in flight. (Tony Eveleigh/Paul Taylor/Richard Baatsen/MK).

Forest of Dean    Three Ravens at Speech House. A Tawny Owl calling mid-afternoon at Woorgreens. Also a few Silver-washed Fritillaries and some very impressive Giant Wood Wasps. (MK).

July 30th 2004

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A Great Crested Grebe pair with two well grown young, six Little Grebes, a Common Sandpiper, 12 Tufted Ducks, a Grey Wagtail and three Grey Herons (one with yellow wing tags and leg ring). (Graham Watson)

July 29th 2004

Hasfield    A Quail heard calling briefly this afternoon from within the very weedy field right at the very end of Stank Lane near Hasfield. Also Willow Warbler, Stock Dove and Bullfinch. (Jim Northcott).

WWT Slimbridge    The moulting summer plumaged Spotted Redshank still on South Lake and a Greenshank on the Tack Piece today. 

July 28th 2004

Sudmeadow, Gloucester    A Green Sandpiper and seven Tufted Ducks plus a female with seven well grown young. (Gordon Avery).

July 27th 2004

Witcombe Reservoir    40 Tufted Ducks (a large total for here at any time!) (WEBs) and five Common Sandpipers. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    From Mid Point the Ruddy Shelduck still, a Little Egret, three Ringed Plovers and c400 Dunlin. From Robbie Garnett hide six Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper. On South Lake an adult Common Tern and two juveniles. (Roy Shilham).

July 26th 2004

Purton    An adult Mediterranean Gull, three Yellow-legged Gulls, three Sanderlings and four Little Egrets this evening. (Paul Taylor).

July 25th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The moulting summer plumaged Spotted Redshank still this morning on South Lake (but only viewable from Hogarth hide). Also 105 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Redshanks and adult and juvenile Common Terns. Also on site 18 Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, two Greenshanks, six Oystercatchers. Three Knot on the river viewable from Holden Tower. (MK/Martin McGill). 

July 24th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The summer plumaged Spotted Redshank from the Holden Tower today. Also nine Little Egrets and 12 Yellow-legged Gulls. 

Forest of Dean    A Willow Tit, a Raven over and 18 Greylags at Woorgreens today. (Tony Eveleigh).

Gloucester    Two Hobbies soaring over Longford this morning. (Andy Jayne).

July 23rd 2004

Frampton    Two Common Terns, two Kestrels and a Lesser Whitethroat in Green Lane. (Graham Watson).

July 22nd 2004

WWT Slimbridge    Today at the Trust 14 Whimbrel, two Turnstones, a Common Sandpiper, a Sanderling, 250 Dunlin, five Greenshanks, 15 Green Sandpipers, two Little Ringed Plovers and 16+ Yellow-legged Gulls. (Martin McGill).

July 21st 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The summer plumaged Spotted Redshank still on South Lake today and has also been at Robbie Garnett hide together with Greenshank and Redshanks. (Martin McGill).

July 20th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The summer plumaged Spotted Redshank still on South Lake today.

Cotswold Water Park    On the Pit 84/85 complex at 7:15am a Common Sandpiper, three Yellow Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail. (David Owen).

July 19th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    106 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. Also a Greenshank. A young male Cetti's Warbler and two Garden Warblers trapped today on the Slimbridge CES. (Gordon Avery). 

July 18th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The drake Ruddy Shelduck off Mid Point again today. The summer plumaged Spotted Redshank and 117 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. Also today two Knot, two Bar-tailed Godwits, 17 Green Sandpipers, six Greenshanks, three Little Ringed Plovers, two Common Sandpipers and eight Little Egrets, 410 Curlew, 70 Dunlins and a Hobby over the 100 Acre. (Andy Chapman/Martin McGill). 

July 17th 2004

Forest of Dean    A pair of Willow Tits with three plus fledged young at Drybrook Road Station, Birch wood (between Brierley and Woorgreens). Also masses of warblers including Garden Warblers and tit flocks. (Martin McGill). 

Purton    Two Sandwich Terns flew south this evening at 7pm. Also in the Tites Point/Royal Drift area, six Little Egrets, a Peregrine, four Oystercatchers, nine Common Sandpipers, three Yellow-legged Gulls, two Common Terns, a juvenile Cuckoo, 100 Swifts and four Little Owls (a family) in a nearby orchard. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    The drake Ruddy Shelduck off Mid Point again today and a Yellow-legged Gull. On South Lake 93 Black-tailed Godwits and 56 Redshanks. 19 Green Sandpipers and two Greenshanks from Robbie Garnett hide today. (Paul Taylor). In addition this afternoon a summer plumaged Knot and two Bar-tailed Godwits from Mid Point; from Robbie Garnett hide the juvenile Little Ringed Plover and on South Lake the summer plumaged Spotted Redshank and two Common Terns. (Paul Masters/John Martin).

Three adult Mediterranean Gulls in the evening roost and six Common Sandpipers. (Neil Smart).

Berkeley Pill    11 Common Sandpipers and a Kingfisher today. (Paul Taylor).

July 16th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake a summer plumaged Spotted Redshank and 50 Black-tailed Godwits and 14 Green Sandpipers and two Greenshanks from Robbie Garnett hide today. Four Little Egrets at Mid Point.

July 15th 2004

Berkeley Shore  A Whimbrel and three juvenile Yellow Wagtails. (Dave Pearce).

July 14th 2004

Charlton Abbots    Two Barn Owls between Roel Gate and here at 10pm. (Keith White).

WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake a summer plumaged Spotted Redshank and 50+ Black-tailed Godwits and 14 Green Sandpipers from Robbie Garnett hide today.

July 12th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    15 Green Sandpipers, a Ruff (Reeve), a juvenile Little Ringed Plover and a pair of Oystercatchers from Robbie Garnett hide this morning. On South Lake a summer plumaged Spotted Redshank. The Ruddy Shelduck on the river again today. It is an unringed male and not the known escape that has been on Severnside. Also 5+ Yellow-legged Gulls. (Martin McGill/Roy Shilham). Pics below by Roy taken today.

July 11th 2004

Wistley Hill    Three Ravens soaring then left towards Dowdeswell reservoir in the morning. Five Red-Legged Partridges and one at Upper Coberly.  Two Buzzards over Seven Springs. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    Eight Green Sandpipers, a Ruff, a pair of Oystercatchers and a pair of Shelducks with five ducklings from Robbie Garnett hide this morning. Nearby two juvenile Little Grebes. On South Lake 78 Black-tailed Godwits, including a colour-ringed bird (red over white right leg) and two juvenile Common Terns. From Mid Point a Sanderling with 70 Dunlin, a Little Egret, the leucistic Herring Gull and a Yellow Wagtail. (MK/Martin McGill). The Ruddy Shelduck relocated off Mid Point at 1pm (Martin McGill) and showing well from Fretherne at 5pm but distant. Record shot only below and one of six Oystercatchers there this evening. (MK).

Cambridge    A Kingfisher and a Common Tern at Ryall's Lane early morning. (MK).

Frampton    Three Whinchats and a Greenshank in the 100-Acre this morning viewed from the public footpath at Green Lane. (Martin McGill).

July 10th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Spotted Redshank, two Greenshanks and 10+ Green Sandpipers from Robbie Garnett hide this morning. (Andy Chapman).

Walmore Common    A Redstart, two Whinchats, a Garden Warbler and 16 Ravens this morning. (Andy Jayne).

Cambridge to Fretherne    A Barn Owl hunting along fields by the towpath at Ryall's Farm at 10am for twenty minutes. Three Little Egrets over Splatt Bridge. A Hobby flying through at Fretherne Bridge. A Turtle Dove purring in the scrub area between Fretherne Bridge and Sandfield Bridge. (Andy Lodge).

July 7th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    Three Little Egrets, a Peregrine, two Little Ringed Plovers, 74 Black-tailed Godwits, 90 Redshanks, two Greenshanks, 15 Green Sandpipers and an adult Yellow-legged Gull today. (Andy Jayne/Mo Croose).

July 6th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    15 Common Scoters from Mid-Point today. (Pete Alder per AJ).

Forest of Dean    Three Crossbills at Woorgreens today. Also a family party of at least four Wood Warblers near the sluice. (Andy Jayne).

Cheltenham    Two Little Owls near Vineyards Farm, Wistley Hill.  About 50 Swifts over Naunton Park at 8:30pm. Also a pair of Bullfinches at the London Road end of Horton Road, Gloucester for about the last week. (Steve Brown).

July 5th 2004

Fretherne    A Ruddy Shelduck feeding with 300 Shelducks on the river this morning, but was very wary and flew off. (Dave Pearce). Seen earlier at Saul Warth on Friday 2nd July by Andy Jayne.

July 4th 2004

Forest of Dean    A Turtle Dove seen at Crabtree Hill today, and heard purring still at 2pm. At least two Tree Pipits in clearings nearby, and a Willow Tit  from the cycle track. At New Fancy View several Garden Warblers calling and a Raven. (Ben Macdonald).

Berkeley Shore    Seven Common Sandpipers, five male Reed Warblers still singing between the Power Station and Severn House Farm, also juveniles present. At least three Tree Sparrows, adults and young and three juvenile Sand Martins feeding low over south pond. (Paul Taylor).

July 3rd 2004
Sharpness    Two Common Terns south past the Docks, two juvenile Grey Wagtails, a Common Sandpiper and two Oystercatchers. (Paul Taylor).

Upton St Leonard's    From the grounds of Bowden Hall Hotel a Hobby over, a Sparrowhawk calling from the trees with a fledged youngster close by, a Raven over Nut Hill and at least two Green Woodpeckers. (Andrew Bluett).

July 2nd 2004

Berkeley Shore    Two Common Sandpipers today.  (Paul Taylor).

June 27th 2004

Forest of Dean    A female Hawfinch and a Marsh Tit at Brierley, a Hobby and six Little Grebes at Woorgreens and a Goshawk at New Fancy View. An Oystercatcher at Beachley Point. (Tony Eveleigh/Andy Jayne). 

WWT Slimbridge    A summer plumaged Spotted Redshank today.

June 25th 2004

Tewkesbury    At Severn Ham this afternoon a Sparrowhawk, a Hobby, three Curlew , two Common Terns, a pair of Yellow Wagtails, six male Reed Buntings and a single Corn Bunting. (Andy Jayne).

Huntsman's Quarry    11 Corn Buntings in song and also five Tree Sparrows.  (Andy Jayne).

June 23rd 2004

Gloucester    A Grey Wagtail feeding in the grounds of Blackfriars Priory in the City centre. (Les Warriner).

June 20th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    Three Green Sandpipers from Knott hide and 40 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. Also a Kingfisher and a Peregrine. (Mark Hobson).

Ashleworth Ham    Redstarts feeding young today. Pic below by Graham. (Graham Watson).

June 19th 2004

Forest of Dean    Three Woodcocks, two Tree Pipits, a Goshawk, a Wood Warbler still singing and three Tawny Owls heard. (Andy Chapman).

June 18th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    Five Little Egrets from Mid-Point, a Green Sandpiper from Holden Tower and 14 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake.

June 17th 2004

Shurdington    A Red Kite over Burley Lakes today.  It was being harried by a gull and went east towards the escarpment. (Les Warriner).

Forest of Dean    At Brockweir a Spotted Flycatcher, a female Pied Flycatcher, a Hobby, three Buzzards, a Goshawk, two Ravens and a fledgling Green Woodpecker. A Tawny Owl at St Briavels Common in evening. (Tom McCarthy).

June 16th 2004

Quedgeley    A Lime Hawk Moth in the garden this evening. (MK).

June 15th 2004

Witcombe Reservoir    Two Ravens flew low over the water, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Grey Wagtail feeding a youngster in the overflow channel, a sub adult Great Black-backed Gull with Herring Gulls and a single Lapwing. (Steve Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    Two Redstart pairs, a Cuckoo singing, a Lapwing displaying in wet meadow, a Whitethroat holding territory and families of Willow Warblers and Blue Tits. (Keith White).

June 14th 2004

Cleeve Hill    A Red Kite with a red wing tag moving east over the radio masts at 10:30am. (David Owen).

June 13th 2004

Dowdeswell Reservoir    Two Kingfishers and five Buzzards soaring over. (Graham Watson).

Highnam Wood    Nightingales still present today, with several calling and two or more showing beautifully including juvenile birds. Also a Spotted Flycatcher, a family of Marsh Tits and many Garden Warblers around the reserve. (Ben Macdonald).

June 12th 2004

Puckrup    A Turtle Dove flew over the road at 7am. (MK).

Frampton    A Barn Owl hunting at 6am between Nebrow Hill and the River Cam, a Little Egret perched in a tree by the reed bed north of Splatt Bridge and a Water Rail calling here. Two juvenile Tawny Owls near the canal at Cambridge. (Andy Lodge).

June 11th 2004

Forest of Dean    A Dipper on Cannop Brook below the Stoneworks at 8am. (Richard Cawsey).

June 9th 2004

Leighterton    Two Corn Buntings just outside Leighterton on the Westonbirt road, between Hillside Farm and Bennett's Farm at 8 am today. (David Owen).

WWT Slimbridge    A Green Sandpiper from the Robbie Garnett hide and 26 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. Also two Little Egrets. (David Owen).

June 8th 2004

Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury (The Courtyard)    A Little Ringed Plover today at 5:30pm on an area that has been levelled for future building with gravel, pools, puddles and low weedy vegetation. (David Owen).

June 7th 2004

Edge Common    Six Tree Pipits seen and more heard singing today. Also a Green Woodpecker, a Buzzard and a Jay. (Greg Anderson).

June 6th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    Four male Red Crested Pochards, a pair of Pochards, four Ruddy Ducks and three Teal at Pit 84 and two pairs of Little Ringed Plovers at Pit 87 today. (Tony Eveleigh). 

Stroud    A Tree Pipit today at Swift's Hill. (Tony Eveleigh). 

Forest of Dean    A pair of Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers feeding young at Nagshead RSPB.  (David Slater). Pics below taken by David. David's website is at http://www.djsphotography.co.uk/

June 5th 2004

Robinswood Hill    Three  Peach-faced Lovebirds near Campion Close at 6pm. Mass breakout or the start of a breeding colony?? (Ian Elphick).

Forest of Dean    Nightjars are now being reported to me from several sites throughout the Forest. I am not reporting anymore on here because Tidenham Chase, the published site in "Where to watch birds...", is very good this year.

Huntsman's Quarry    Three Corn Buntings this morning. (MK).

Frampton    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at the Sailing Lake by the Sailing Club at lunchtime today. (Gordon Hodgson).

June 4th 2004

Tidenham Chase    Six Nightjars, three Woodcocks and three Tawny Owls this evening. (Andy Chapman).

Hempsted    Four Little Egrets on the flash at Church Farm Hams today. (Richard Lawrence & Tom Suffolk, Gloucester C.C. Countryside Rangers).

June 2nd 2004

Frampton    On the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane a 

Birdlip    Three or four Tree Pipits at Barrow Wake this morning at 7:30am. (David Owen).

June 1st 2004

Tidenham Chase    Two or three Nightjars, two Tawny Owls, a pair of Stonechats and a Cuckoo. (Gordon Avery/Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    Two male Ruddy Ducks from Kingfisher Hide. Two Common Terns on South Lake and one later flying north along the canal.  Also a Raven, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. (Steve Brown).

May 30th 2004

Frampton    A first-summer Spoonbill landed on the 100-Acre at 8:05am but took off again heading towards WWT at 8:11am. Also two Little Egrets, a breeding pair of Mute Swans with five cygnets, two Teal, a Gadwall, two Oystercatchers, 25 Black-tailed Godwits, a Common Tern, a Cuckoo and two Cetti's Warblers. View from the public footpath at Green Lane. On the Sailing Lake two Common Terns. (Martin Wightman). 

May 29th 2004

Cheltenham    A Lesser Whitethroat singing alongside cycle path next to the Prince of Wales Stadium. (Steve Brown).

May 28th 2004

Forest of Dean    Two Turtle Doves and a Nightingale at Woorgreens. At Cyril Hart Arboretum a Wood Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher and Siskin on the feeders. (Andy Chapman).
Brockweir    A Raven, five Yellow Wagtails, two Grey Wagtails, seven Buzzards, a Cuckoo and a Tawny Owl mobbed in bushes by various tits viewed on the Brockweir side of River Wye. (Tom McCarthy).

Guscar Rocks and northwards towards Aylburton Wharf     Nine adult Shelducks including one pair with five young, four Curlews, a pair of Whitethroats feeding young and numerous Meadow Pipits feeding fledged young. (Bob Broughton).

May 26th 2004

Saul Warth    Fifteen Sanderlings, a Knot, seven Grey Plovers, two Bar-tailed Godwits and four Common Terns. (Paul Taylor).

Frampton    On the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane a Wood Sandpiper still, a Ruff and a Hobby. (Paul Taylor).

Highnam Woods    A Nightingale singing behind the information board, then in the small Oak in front of the right hand window of the hide and took a drink from the pond.  Also a Treecreeper. (Steve Brown).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 79 this afternoon two Greenshanks and a pair of Grey Partridges. (Duncan Dine).

Tidenham Chase    A Nightjar called on and off from 9:45pm but was only sighted briefly. At least three Tawny Owls also calling. (Ben Macdonald).

May 25th 2004

Newent Wood    A Turtle Dove and a Spotted Flycatcher this morning. At Brierley at least 12 singing Willow Warblers. (Paul Taylor).
Saul Warth    33 Sanderlings, three Knot, four Grey Plovers and eight Bar-tailed Godwits. (Paul Taylor).

Frampton    On the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane a Wood Sandpiper, a Ruff, c30 Black-tailed Godwits and two Little Egrets. (Paul Taylor/John Overfield).

May 24th 2004

Tidenham Chase    Nightjar and Woodcock showing well at 9:30pm. Also two Stonechats. (Paul Taylor).

Cotswold Water Park    Several Nightingales between Neigh Bridge Country Park and Swill Brook singing but unseen. A pair of Common Tern on Pits 46/8, Sedge and Reed Warbler singing. Also a Garden Warbler in bushes there. (Ben Macdonald). Pit 57 Two Common Terns and a Hobby. (Paul Taylor).

May 23rd 2004

Frampton    A Ruff, ten Black-tailed Godwits and ten Dunlins on the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane. Also an Oystercatcher and a Raven over. (MK). 

May 22nd 2004

Frampton    A Red Kite over the 100-Acre early morning (Andy Chapman) and a Temminck's Stint still. Also a Greenshank, 22 Black-tailed Godwits,  a Raven over and a Little Ringed Plover on the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane. The stint can be very elusive amongst the juncus. (John Overfield/Ian Ralphs/MK). Additionally in the evening a drake Garganey, two Greenshanks and a Ruff. At dusk, a pair of Mandarin on the canal by the bridge south of Splatt, and a Tawny Owl flew over there at 9:30pm. (Ben Macdonald).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Bar-tailed Godwits, three Knot and ten Sanderlings from Mid Point at high tide. (Ian Ralphs).

Highnam Wood    At least two Nightingales one of which was seen quite clearly in the thicket behind the notice board in the car park, and heard but not seen a Wood Warbler in the same thicket and a Cuckoo. (Lee Rogers).

May 21st 2004

Coombe Hill Canal    A pair of Curlews, a pair of Redshanks, at least eight pairs of Lapwings, two pairs of Shelducks, four pairs of Mallards, two Grey Herons and two pair of Skylarks and a Cuckoo all on or around the Long Pool. (Lee Rogers).

May 20th 2004

Frampton    A Temminck's Stint still this evening. Also a Greenshank, 25 Black-tailed Godwits and a Yellow Wagtail on the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane. The stint can be very elusive amongst the juncus. (Paul Masters).

A report from a non-birder of a Red Kite over the Sailing Lake at 8pm being mobbed by a crow. (per Mark Hobson). Also two Common Terns and Nightingale.

Highnam Wood    A Nightingale singing in tree immediately behind the information board at 5pm. A Hobby over the river at 6pm at Sandhurst and a Cuckoo singing towards Ashleworth at 9pm. (Steve Brown).

May 19th 2004

Frampton    A Pectoral Sandpiper, a Temminck's Stint, a Greenshank, c20 Black-tailed Godwits, a Little Egret and a Yellow Wagtail on the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane at 6am. The birds are very elusive amongst the juncus. (MK/Richard Baatsen). The Temminck's Stints were reported at 6pm but no sign just after, despite a three hour search. A Black Tern over the 100-Acre for fifteen minutes and another right overhead later. A Cuckoo seen well down Green Lane with a Little Owl in trees along the canal. A Sparrowhawk crossed the canal at 9pm. (Ben Macdonald/Phil Pope). 

A Marsh Harrier flew from the 100-Acre towards Nebrow Hill. (Martin McGill).

A Black Tern was on the Sailing Lake this morning but had gone by 12:15pm. (Dave Pearce). Pic below by Dave.

Berkeley shore    Two Turnstones with Dunlin and Ringed Plover. (Dave Pearce). 

May 18th 2004

Frampton    A Pectoral Sandpiper found this evening on the 100-Acre. Two Temminck's Stints on the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane still this evening but elusive. (Martin McGill). Also this evening a Greenshank, c20 Black-tailed Godwits, five Ringed Plovers, two Dunlins and a summer-plumaged Knot.

Berkeley    A Fulmar off of Severn House Farm at 7:30pm. (Richard Baatsen).

Forest of Dean    A Nightjar at Crabtree Hill was probably first of the spring. Also two Woodcocks roding. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    Seven Eiders on the river this morning. (Martin McGill).

Elkstone    A Quail calling in a field by Highgate Farm today. (SO960127). Also a Cuckoo at Cowley Wood and a Grasshopper Warbler reeling along Hatherley Brook at Brickhampton golf course. (Andy Lodge). 

Hardwicke    A Little Owl this evening near Hardwicke Farm. Also a Nightingale singing just north of the Pilot Inn. (Paul Masters).

May 17th 2004

Coombe Hill Canal    A White Stork flew in low from the north west (over the red brick farm on the hill) at 9:30am. It passed over the western end then doubled back and then soared high to the east, maybe heading towards the scrapes or beyond. (David Owen/John Towers).

Cleeve Hill    Two Stonechats near the Golf Clubhouse today. Pics below by Roy Shilham.

Forest of Dean    This morning a Redstart opposite Woorgreens car park. At Woorgreens Lake 13 Greylag young present with 12 adults, a female Mandarin with six young and a Reed Bunting. At the Cyril Hart Arboretum a Siskin and a Wood Warbler singing nearby. At Nagshead RSPB Reserve six Pied Flycatchers singing and four Wood Warblers singing. A Spotted Flycatcher, a female Mandarin with four young, a Wood Warbler singing and a Grey Wagtail singing from roof of Stoneworks at Cannop Ponds. (Tony Eveleigh).

May 16th 2004

Frampton    A Wood Sandpiper (apparently first seen Friday) at 6:40am on the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane this morning. It can be very elusive amongst the juncus. Also in the area over the top of the tide 23 Black-tailed Godwits, two Bar-tailed Godwits, four Ruff, a Knot, a Turnstone, a Snipe, five Oystercatchers, five Dunlin, a Greenshank, two Little Egrets and three Common Terns. (MK/Martin McGill).

Fretherne    A Little Egret this morning and a Whimbrel at Epney by the Anchor Inn. (Andy Chapman).

Cotswold Water Park    3+ Hobbies in the Pit 57/58 area, 2+ Pits 74/75 area on the Wilts border. (Jon Mercer).

May 15th 2004

Forest of Dean    Between Woorgreens to Crabtree Hill and down to Drybrook Road station, five Turtle Doves including two displaying on Crabtree Hill, four Wood Warblers, two Tree Pipits, two Redstarts and three Spotted Flycatchers, two on the left hand side of the track leading down to the station and one in the car park at Woorgreens. A Raptor watch from 10:30am till midday at New Fancy View produced three Goshawks, a Sparrowhawk, a Peregrine and lots of Buzzards. (Ian Ralphs).

Longney    A Grasshopper Warbler still reeling at Longney Crib today. (Richard Baatsen).

Tarlton    A Hobby just west of here at 1:15pm. (David Owen).

Newent Woods  Three Turtle Doves singing, a Cuckoo and three Ravens this morning. (Tony Eveleigh).

Cotswold Water Park    A Hobby over the Pit 84/85 complex at 7am. Also a Cuckoo and a male Ruddy Duck. Three Garden Warblers and a Cuckoo at Pit 57. 6+ Tree Sparrows at Harnhill. (MK). Later in the day two Nightingales, ten Garden Warblers and two Cuckoos at Pits 46/48. Ten Hobbies and  seven Common Terns over Pit 57. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    From Mid Point three Little Egrets, two Oystercatchers, three Ringed Plovers and two Buzzards. (Mark Hobson).

Cleeve Hill    At West Down Tree Pipits, a Cuckoo, Red-legged Partridge and nearby a Little Owl carrying a very long worm. (Graham Watson).

May 13th 2004

Frampton    At Nebrow Hill at 8am today a Cuckoo in a tree next to the car park. A Cetti’s Warbler on the canal bank south of Splatt Bridge. (Steve Brown).

May 12th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Dark-bellied Brent Goose on the Tack Piece all day. Also a Knot, a Sanderling, five Whimbrel, 60 Dunlins and 25 Ringed Plovers. (Martin McGill).

Frampton    A Spotted Redshank and two Garganeys on the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane. (Martin McGill). 

Cotswold Water Park    Between Swillbrook Lakes (Pits 46/48) and Pit 57 there were five Garden Warblers, two Blackcaps and three Nightingales. Also two Cuckoos calling in the area, and on Pit 58 eight Red-crested Pochards. (Paul Masters).

Gloucester    Two Ravens over Horton Road at 3pm towards the City Centre. (Steve Brown).

Cheltenham    Two Lesser Whitethroats singing about 100m apart at 5pm near Southfield Manor, Sandy Lane. (Steve Brown).

May 10th 2004

Cleeve Hill    A Grasshopper Warbler reeling near post 21 (pic below taken by Dave). Also Redstarts, Tree Pipits and a Cuckoo around the Common.

Gloucester    A Common Gull resting in Gloucester Docks main basin at lunchtime.  On the Severn Way around Sudmeadow a Lesser Whitethroat near the first stile after the weir, a Buzzard and in the Landfill area a Raven, two Shelducks and a Kestrel. Seven Cormorants in a riverside tree.  At 6:30pm c.30 Sand Martins high over the docks attacked twice by a Hobby but without success. (Steve Brown).

May 9th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    This afternoon from the Lathbury Hide, two Greenshanks, a Ruff, two Oystercatchers and a Little Egret. A

Sedge Warbler singing and a Nightingale sung briefly near the decoy. (Steve Brown).

Cleeve Hill    At 9:45am a Grasshopper Warbler reeling between posts 22 and 23. Redstarts singing in beech wood near the entrance to Piccadilly Farm and in the wood above Northfield Farm. (Steve Brown).

Gloucester    A Hobby flying from Bowden Hall over the M5 this afternoon where it was worrying a couple of pairs of Swallows, last seen over Abbeymead heading for the city centre. Two Whitethroats and a Lesser Whitethroat singing in the waste ground behind Curry's (Eastern Avenue), opposite KFC. (Andrew Bluett).

Forest of Dean    A Redstart and at least four Wood Warblers in song near Blackpool Bridge (Wench Ford), a couple of Garden Warblers, a Dipper and a Kingfisher on Blackpool Brook, nesting Marsh Tits in an Alder Tree, a very brief sighting of a Goshawk on Bradley Hill. (Andrew Bluett).

At Nagshead from 10am-12:30pm, two Garden Warblers on the path down from the car park, with a total of four Pied Flycatchers and three Wood Warblers further down by the younger plantations. A Redstart also reported in this area today. (Ben Macdonald). 

Fretherne    Six Arctic Terns and two Common Terns at high tide late morning. (Jake King). Also nine Whimbrel and two Oystercatchers.  (Richard Baatsen/Jake King/MK). Also two Turnstones reported.

Around the back of Frampton Sailing Lake three Nightingales singing. (Richard Baatsen/MK). This afternoon at the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane a Pink-footed Goose, which flew off south, a pair of Cuckoos displaying, two Hobbies and 11 Black-tailed Godwits.  (Richard Baatsen). 

May 8th 2004

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens two Turtle Doves, four Wood Warblers and a male Redstart this morning. (Paul Taylor). Also a Spotted Flycatcher in the wood on the left hand side of the road from the ridge down to Drybrook Station. Two drake Mandarins on the lake and a Tree Pipit nearby. (MK/Andy Lodge). Two more Redstarts below Speech House car park.  (Paul Taylor). Two Hawfinches on the drive-way into Nagshead. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    A Turnstone, two Bar-tailed Godwits, a Ruff, two Greenshanks and a summer-plumage Little Stint this morning (stint from Lathbury Hide). (Duncan Dine/Tony Hurcombe/Ian Ralphs/Steve Owen).

Frampton    This morning at Green Lane at least four Black-tailed Godwits, one in immaculate plumage. On the river from Saul Warth at least two Sanderlings with a flock of Dunlin and a single Whimbrel at high tide. (Phil Pope).

May 7th 2004

Elmstone Hardwicke    A Lesser Whitethroat seen early this morning in a lane just west of the village. (Keith White).

Longney    A Grasshopper Warbler reeling at Longney Crib this evening. (Andy Jayne).

Guscar Rocks    At high tide 80 Dunlin, 40 Ringed Plovers, ten Whimbrel, two Oystercatchers, five Yellow Wagtails, five Wheatears and two Grey Partridges and also Red-legged Partridges. (Dave Pearce).

Frampton   Two Cuckoos,  four Hobbies over the reserve putting on an excellent display, a Raven, a Peregrine, a Cetti's Warbler, Sedge Warblers, Reed Warblers and Reed Buntings viewed from Splatt Bridge this afternoon. (Andy Chapman).

May 6th 2004

Ashleworth Ham    Three Redstarts, four Sedge Warblers, a pair of Bullfinches and a Cuckoo in Stank Lane this evening. (Paul Masters).

Aylburton Warth    A Purple Heron this afternoon in a ditch on the edge of the 'brown' field north of Cone Pill. (John Sanders).

Forest of Dean    Nagshead Reserve today several pairs of Pied Flycatchers investigating nest sites. (David Slater). Pics below taken by David. David's website is at http://www.djsphotography.co.uk/

May 5th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    Belated news that on Sunday (2nd) the Glossy Ibis now at Otmoor in Oxfordshire touched down briefly at Shorncote Pits. Let's hope it comes back that way! (per Richard Baatsen).

Lydney    A Red-rumped Swallow still present on pools and the marsh near the railway station at 7:30pm. (Frank Bryant).

Frampton    Early this morning between Splatt Bridge and Green Lane Cuckoo, Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat. On the 100-Acre viewable from Green Lane six Black-tailed Godwits. On the Sailing Lake two Common Terns. (David Owen).

Sharpness    Six Common Terns this morning. (Paul Taylor).

May 4th 2004

Lydney    A Red-rumped Swallow still present on pools and the marsh near the railway station at 5pm.

Leckhampton Hill    At 8pm two Tawny Owls mobbed by two Jays and a Carrion Crow opposite the small car park on Daisybank Road. Also a Marsh Tit (regular here). (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    Nagshead Reserve today a female Redstart, three pairs of Pied Flycatchers and four Lesser Redpolls flew in briefly. At Woorgreens two pairs of Greylags with young and five Mandarins. (Tony Eveleigh).

May 3rd 2004

Lydney    A Red-rumped Swallow still present until 8.15pm perched on wires next to the left hand lake preening with other Swallows and Martins then flew off over the lake and up and over the road away from the lake (but may still be around). (John Wells/Tony Hurcombe).

Haresfield    At midday at the Beacon Inn a distant hooting Tawny Owl answered by a call from trees nearby. (Steve Brown).   

WWT Slimbridge    No sign of Dusky Warbler or Purple Heron early this morning. An Arctic Skua flew upriver at 9:30am and out over Fretherne at the top of the estuary. Also three Sanderlings, a Turnstone, four Bar-tailed Godwits and three Whimbrel. (Nick Goatman/Martin McGill/Neil Smart). Later two Cetti's Warblers in reeds from the Robbie Garnett hide and a Greenshank and five Black-tailed Godwits on scrapes right of the Zeiss hide. (Ben Macdonald).

Fretherne    Six Whimbrel and five Oystercatchers at high tide this morning. (Richard Baatsen/MK). A pale-phase Arctic Skua beating up the gulls at 8pm and five Great Crested Grebes on the river. (Richard Baatsen). 

Berkeley shore    Three Grey Plovers flew south early this morning. (Paul Taylor).

Ashleworth Ham    Two Redstarts and a Cuckoo in Stank Lane this afternoon. (Gerry Shilham).

Forest of Dean    At Nagshead RSPB this afternoon two Wood Warblers. (Gerry Shilham).

May 2nd 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Dusky Warbler (County 1st) found late morning today. This bird is only viewable from the Landrover as it is outside of the public areas. Next trip at 4pm. Also three Knot on the river, a Wood Sandpiper and four Black-tailed Godwits (viewable from Green Lane) and five male Whinchats. A Purple Heron circled the Trust at 1pm before landing in the grounds. (Martin McGill). 

Lydney    A Red-rumped Swallow showed at 7:30am and then at 3pm on pools and the marsh near the railway station. Also a Yellow Wagtail. (Graham Watson/Andy Chapman). Pic below of the two birds by Nic Hallam.

Sharpness    Two Arctic Terns and a Turnstone this morning. (MK/Nick Goatman/Neil Smart/Paul Taylor).
At least 18 Wheatears, a male Whinchat, a male Redstart, a female
Black Redstart around the walls of the basin, a female Peregrine, three Common Sandpipers on the shore. Large numbers of Swallows flying upriver, several Swifts with them. (Roy and Margaret Jellings). This evening two Arctic Terns, a Whinchat, six Wheatears and a Lesser Whitethroat. (Andy Chapman).

Saul    A Wood Warbler singing in the copse behind Saul Lodge about 70yds along the public footpath. (Ian Ralphs).       

Fretherne    Three Sandwich Terns south at 8am, four Knot, six Bar-tailed Godwits, 85 Ringed Plovers, 200 Dunlins, 14 Whimbrel, seven Oystercatchers, Common Sandpipers and six Grey Plovers this morning.  (Ian Ralphs). A female Wheatear in the meadow. (Mark Hobson). In the evening two Sanderlings, seven Oystercatchers and two Common Sandpipers. (Tony Eveleigh).

Cleeve Hill    At West Down at 11am four Grasshopper Warblers still. Also three Whinchats walking up the Cotswold Way, as well as many Whitethroats, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs. A Red-legged Partridge and a Wheatear on the approach road. (Ben Macdonald). 

Forest of Dean    At Nagshead RSPB this afternoon two Pied Flycatchers, two Wood Warblers and a Garden Warbler. (Andy Chapman).

Epney    Two Bar-tailed Godwits viewed from near The Anchor Inn. (Mark Hobson).

Robinswood Hill    A Wheatear on a field south of the beacon and a Wood Warbler singing near the boundary with the Golf Course, south of the Beacon at 5:30pm.

May 1st 2004

Lydney    A Red-rumped Swallow showing well again on pools and the marsh near the railway station throughout the day.

Forest of Dean    A Turtle Dove singing in May Hill village at 3pm. (Rob Guest).

Sharpness    348 Arctic Terns, 17 Yellow Wagtails and a Little Ringed Plover this morning. Also an Otter seen. (Martin McGill/Paul Taylor/Neil Smart).

Cotswold Water    Nightingale and Garden Warbler at Pit 46 today. (David Owen).

Barber Wood    A Tree Pipit singing here today, on South Hill, 4 miles south of Cheltenham. (Terry Fenton). 

Forest of Dean    At Nagshead RSPB this morning six Pied Flycatchers (3m/3f), two Tree Pipits, a Raven and a Goshawk flying along a path. (Andy Chapman).

Newent Woods    A Tree Pipit singing, 15 Lesser Redpolls flew over calling and two Ravens flew over this evening. (Tony Eveleigh).

Frampton    A male Common Scoter flying north along the canal by Fretherne Bridge. A Hobby flying low over hedges at the Cambridge Arms Bridge and a Turtle Dove 'purring' in scrubby area between Fretherne Bridge and Sandfield Bridge. (Andy Lodge).
Saul Warth    Five Arctic Terns, two Grey Plovers, five Whimbrel, four Common Sandpipers, 35 Dunlin and two Yellow Wagtails early morning. (Richard Baatsen).

Coombe Hill    A large number of Swifts, House Martins and Swallows with one Sand Martin came through this morning.  Also 85 'Commic' Terns (probably Arctic's) flew over in a 'V' formation, heading to the north east. (Colin Butters/Les Brown).

Berkeley shore    On the afternoon high tide 32 Bar-tailed Godwits went upriver, twelve Turnstones, three Common Sandpipers and 30 Dunlin.  (Richard Baatsen).

Fretherne    This afternoon two Whimbrel on the river and seven in the field, two Grey Plovers, 30 Dunlin, a Yellow Wagtail, a male Whinchat (see pics below taken by Gordon), a male and two female Wheatears, two Whitethroat and two Lesser Whitethroats. (Gordon Hodgson).

Fretherne    13 Arctic Terns, 50 Bar-tailed Godwits, four Whimbrel, 10 Grey Plovers and one Ruff this evening. (Dave Pearce/Steve Owen).

Walmore Common    This afternoon there was a summer plumage Bar-tailed Godwit (2nd site record), 20 Whimbrel, two Wheatears, two Whinchats and 32 Ravens. (Andy Jayne/Tony Eveleigh).

April 30th 2004

Lydney    The two Red-rumped Swallows have shown well and down to just a few feet behind Cookson Terrace. One of the birds has only one tail streamer and the bird with two streamers spent long periods perched this afternoon and seemed unwell. 

WWT Slimbridge    Five skuas travelling upriver along edge of the Dumbles at 12:30pm, believed by Pete Alder to be Arctic Skuas. 260+ Rooks feeding on Dumbles. (Pete Alder/Charles Martell).

Cheltenham    A seemingly genuine report from a member of the public of a Hoopoe being chased by a Crow in the grounds of Cheltenham Hospital this morning. A search of the surrounding area failed to turn it up though. (Dave Pearce).

Sharpness    100 Arctic Terns past at 5pm. (Paul Taylor).

Epney    Nine Bar-tailed Godwits, 35 Whimbrel and a Raven viewed from near The Anchor Inn. (Mark Hobson).

April 29th 2004

Lydney    The two Red-rumped Swallows have shown well throughout the day on pools and the marsh near the railway station and both sides of the level crossing. 

Fretherne    250-300 Arctic Terns on the river off of Hock Cliff this evening at 5:30pm. Still 100+ present at 6:45pm. Also ten Bar-tailed Godwits. (Richard Baatsen).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Curlew Sandpipers in breeding plumage on the river off Holden Tower, two Greenshanks reported at Lathbury hide and 100's of Swifts through. (Martin McGill).

April 28th 2004

Lydney    Two Red-rumped Swallows this evening on pools and the marsh near the railway station. (2nd and 3rd County records). (John Phillips/Andy Jayne/Mo Croose).

Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury (The Courtyard)    A Greenshank today at lunchtime. (David Owen).

April 27th 2004

Sudmeadow/GLS    11 Swifts tonight flying over in small parties. (Gordon Avery).

Coombe Hill Canal    Small number of Whitethroats, Sedge and Reed Warblers heard between the car park and the footbridge. (Keith White).

 Gloucester    Two Swifts flying over the A38 by the Longford Inn. (Frank Bryant).

Cotswold Water Park    40 Swifts and three Hobbies over Pit 114 Dudgrove. (Richard Baatsen).
Frampton    50 Swifts over the Sailing Lake. Also a Hobby chasing Sand Martins (500+). South from Splatt Bridge  3+ Sedge Warblers and a Cetti's Warbler. (Ben MacDonald/Richard Baatsen).

April 26th 2004

Wistley Hill    A Cuckoo and a Tree Pipit today. A Red-legged Partridge near Old Dole farm and two Ravens. (Steve Brown).

Fretherne    A male Wheatear today. (Terry Fenton).

Hardwicke    By the canal early this morning  a Nightingale singing just south of The Pilot and two singing north of there this evening. (Paul Masters). 

Longford    A Wood Warbler singing this morning and located in tall trees adjacent to the northern bypass. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    Two Cetti's Warblers at the canal and Green Lane. A Cuckoo and a Lesser Whitethroat in Green Lane. 13 Black-tailed Godwits, a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Ruff were on the scrapes visible from Green Lane. Sedge Warblers and Blackcaps were plentiful. A male Merlin flew through at 4:15pm. At the Sailing Lake two Reed Warblers in the small reedbed by the clubhouse. (Bob Beale/Terry Fenton).

April 25th 2004

Cheltenham    Cuckoos near the Crematorium and at Nottingham Hill. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Cannop Brook drumming and seen from the footpath parallel and east of the cycle path south of the ponds today (SO6210). (Keith White).
Saul Warth    On the top of the tide today 17 Bar-tailed Godwits, two summer-plumaged Grey Plovers, 12 Whimbrels, four Ringed Plovers, 30 Dunlins and four Oystercatchers. Also two Yellow Wagtails. (Richard Baatsen).

Cleeve Hill    At West Down at 6:30am  four Grasshopper Warblers and a Cuckoo. (MK).

Frampton    Two Common Terns and a first-summer Little Gull on the Sailing Lake this morning still. (MK). Also a Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, a Common Sandpiper and four Nightingales in the area. (Martin Wightman/Andy Chapman/Phil Pope). Pic of Sailing Lake terns by Gordon below.

On the Canal a drake Mandarin and a Common Sandpiper. On the flashes north of Splatt Bridge three Buzzards and two Whitethroats. On the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane four Wigeon, a Little Ringed Plover, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff, two Cuckoos, two Cetti's Warblers, two Lesser Whitethroats and a Raven. (Martin Wightman/Andy Chapman/Phil Pope).

A female/immature Marsh Harrier north over the village at midday. (Gordon Hodgson). 

Saul Warth    Two Bar-tailed Godwits this morning. (Phil Pope). 
WWT Slimbridge    A drake Common Scoter was on the river here today, later seen at Etloe as it drifted downstream. (Andy Jayne).

Plusterwine    An immature Marsh Harrier flew NE at  11:30am this morning. Nearby at Guscar Rocks three Oystercatchers, three Ringed Plovers, five Dunlin, three Whimbrels, two Yellow Wagtails and a Wheatear. (Andy Jayne).

Cotswold Water Park    A Little Ringed Plover and a Swift at Pit 79. Two Whitethroats, five Sedge Warblers and a Little Grebe at Pits 84/85. Two Common Terns and three Blackcaps at Pit 57. A Little Owl at Frampton Mansell at 6:55am. (David Owen).

Fretherne    A female Wheatear on the breakwater at the outflow, a White Wagtail and four Oystercatchers 4pm. (Terry Fenton).

April 24th 2004

Cleeve Hill    At West Down at 6:30am four Grasshopper Warblers, Tree Pipits, many Whitethroats, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Bullfinch and three Cuckoos.  The Cleeve Warden reports an injured Honey Buzzard in area. (Graham Watson). 

Belated news of a Honey Buzzard seen from the Fosse Way near Bourton-on-the-Water being attacked by six crows on April 16th. (Jeremy Voaden).

Cotswold Water Park    A male Pied Flycatcher along the path by pits 46/48 at 6:30am. Also several Nightingales and Garden Warblers here. (Steve Walton).

Ashleworth Ham    A Lesser Whitethroat today. (Ian Ralphs).

Berkeley shore    A male Whinchat this morning. (Paul Taylor).

Frampton    A Grasshopper Warbler in the hedge alongside the reed bed north of Splatt Bridge this morning at 11:15am. (Paul Taylor/Tony Eveleigh). 

Fretherne    63 Bar-tailed Godwits and 25 Whimbrels went straight through north. Also two male Wheatears, a male Yellow Wagtail, a Peregrine and the female Hen Harrier seen high above the 100-Acre. (Richard Baatsen/Jake King/MK). 

Frampton    Two Common Terns on the Sailing Lake this morning still. (Richard Baatsen/Jake King/MK). Still two Common Terns on the Sailing Lake this evening and a first-summer Little Gull and a Raven over the 100-Acre. (Richard Baatsen/MK). 

Hardwicke    By the canal this morning at 8:15am a Nightingale singing just north of The Pilot. Also two Whitethroats and a Lesser Whitethroat. (Paul Masters). Up to three Nightingales singing south of The Pilot at 11:30pm. (Mark Hobson).

Bredon's Hardwick (Worcs)    The drake Green-winged Teal still this morning on the pits just a couple of hundred yards over the Glos border into Worcs at 6:20am. View from the gates. (MK).

April 23rd 2004

Bredon's Hardwick (Worcs)    A drake Green-winged Teal found this evening on the pits just a couple of hundred yards over the Glos border into Worcs. View from the gates. (Richard Price).

Witcombe    A Cuckoo singing today at Little Witcombe and Whitethroats singing at Henley Bank. (Terry Fenton).

Forest of Dean    Two male Pied Flycatchers are still at the lower hide at Nagshead although they are much more elusive now.  Only a ringed male seems to show with any regularity. Also  a male Blackcap singing near the pond by the car park. (David Slater). David's website is at http://www.djsphotography.co.uk/ . Pic by David below.

Hardwicke    By the canal this morning at 7:30am a Nightingale singing just north of The Pilot and also two Whitethroats. (Paul Masters).

Cotswold Water Park    Three Little Ringed Plovers on Pit 79, two Common Terns over Pit 34, lots of assorted warblers, including a Garden Warbler, in a scrub area across the main road south of Pit 34 and two Hobbies over Pit 57. (Richard Cawsey).
Frampton    Three Common Terns (one this afternoon) on the Sailing Lake this evening and a Common Sandpiper still. (Gordon Hodgson/Andy Chapman). Pics below by Gordon. 

April 22nd 2004

Witcombe Reservoir    Eleven Common Sandpipers and a Swift this evening. (Duncan Dine).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake eight Common Sandpipers in front the Sailing Club this morning and lots of Sand Martins still. (Gordon Hodgson). Pic below by Gordon.

Fretherne    Three male Wheatears this evening. (Gordon Hodgson). Pic below by Gordon.

Wontley Farm    Between 6:30am and 8am today a Raven mobbed by crows near West Down car park, a Redstart singing near the farm, two Whitethroats, male and female Wheatear, a Tree Pipit display flighting in the bushes and trees next to the car park and a Cuckoo seen singing from prominent perch near car park mobbed by Blue Tits. (Keith White).

Hardwicke    Two Whitethroats singing along the canal path north of The Pilot at 6:15 pm and four Swallows. (Mark Hobson).

April 21st 2004

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake a Common Sandpiper and an adult summer Little Gull.  In the sheep field adjacent to the Sailing Club three Yellow Wagtails with twenty Pied Wagtails. Also 100 Sand Martins and 15 Swallows still. On the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane six Black-tailed Godwits (two in summer plumage), twenty Redshanks, a Ruff and a Wigeon. (Mark Hobson).

April 20th 2004

Coombe Hill Canal    A Treecreeper (unusual here), a Reed Bunting, two Redshanks also several displaying Lapwings, bubbling Curlew and Shelduck. Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff territories established but no Reed or Sedge Warbler heard as yet. (Keith White). 

Saul Warth    Two Bar-tailed Godwits this morning. (Andy Jayne). Frampton    The female Hen Harrier was still at Nebrow Hill and a Swift was just south of Splatt Bridge this morning. (Andy Jayne). 

In the sheep field adjacent to the Sailing Club three Yellow Wagtails with 18 Pied Wagtails. Also c300 Sand Martins, a House Martin and twenty Swallows still and two Whimbrel and a Curlew flew over. (John Overfield). Also today a Common Sandpiper and a Nightingale singing. (Gordon Hodgson). Pic below taken by Gordon today.

April 19th 2004

Saul Warth    An adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose on the evening tide. (Richard Baatsen).

Cleeve Hill    Four Tree Pipits, two Cuckoos and a Redstart at Wontley Farm this morning. (Richard Cawsey). A Grasshopper Warbler reeling loudly in bushes close to Post 23 Cotswold Way at 8pm SO9925. Also a Cuckoo heard calling from direction of Wontley Farm. (Keith White).

Frampton    This evening at 7pm in the sheep field adjacent to the Sailing Club now seven Yellow Wagtails with 31 Pied Wagtails. Also c500 Sand Martins still. (John Overfield). Also this evening a Common Sandpiper, a Lesser Redpoll and the WillowChiff. (Paul Masters).

April 18th 2004

Berkeley shore    Eight Whimbrel this morning. (Paul Taylor).

Saul Warth    Eight Wheatears (a male and seven females). (Richard Baatsen).

WWT Slimbridge    A Pomarine Skua, a Sandwich Tern and three Arctic Terns seen from the Holden Tower early morning.

Frampton    Two Arctic Skuas flew upriver, seen from the canal towpath, at 7am and then flew inland over Saul. On the canal a 
Common Sandpiper and a drake Mandarin. On the flashes north of Splatt Bridge two Little Egrets, a Peregrine, two Wheatears and the leucistic/albino Herring Gull that has been in the area for a while. On the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane four Wigeon, two Oystercatchers, a Ruff, three Snipe, a summer plumage Dunlin, a Whimbrel, 18 Black-tailed Godwits, two White Wagtails, a male Redstart, a Reed Warbler, a Sedge Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat. (Martin Wightman/Richard Baatsen). A Swift was over the 100-Acre this morning. (Richard Baatsen). At the Sailing Lake at 8:30am a male Redstart along the edge of the allotments behind the lake. Also a Common Sandpiper and a Reed Warbler by the Sailing Club, 500+ Sand Martins at dawn and the WillowChiff still. (MK). A Lesser Whitethroat at the top of Vicarage Lane mid morning. (Martin Wightman/Jake King). This evening at 6:15pm a Whitethroat in the oilseed rape field adjacent to the Sailing Lake. (MK). In the fields adjacent to the Sailing Club four Yellow Wagtails (two males, two females) with 15 Pied Wagtails. (Richard Baatsen/Phil Pope/MK).

Quedgeley    A Wheatear at Clearwater Drive this morning. A patch first. (Andy Chapman).

Highnam Wood    Three Nightingales, two Willow Tits and twelve Blackcaps. (Mark Hobson).

Forest of Dean    A male Redstart, two Pied Flycatchers, a Woodcock, two Willow Warblers and six Mandarins (five males and a female) at Nagshead. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Cannop Brook and still five Bramblings (three males and two females) at the Cyril Hart Arboretum feeders. (Mark Hobson).

April 17th 2004

Tewkesbury    Seven Buzzards gliding on the thermals on edge of Walton Cardiff estate/surrounding farmland yesterday. (Pete Long).

Highnam Wood    A Nightingale heard singing today near to the hide at midday. (Lee Rogers).

Frampton    From Green Lane a Hobby over the sea wall, fifteen Black-tailed Godwits,  three Bar-tailed Godwits this morning. A Reed Warbler in the small reed bed south of Splatt Bridge. A Cuckoo by Splatt Bridge. (Andy Chapman). A Cetti's Warbler singing between the canal and Green Lane. A Little Egret on the 100-Acre with displaying Redshank and Lapwings viewed from Green Lane. (Phil Pope). At the Sailing Lake a male Pied Flycatcher at the Vicarage Lane end. A very rare bird here. The bird was very active and difficult to pin down feeding in the hedge and also higher up in the ash trees that border the footpath. Seen at 2pm and heard singing at 2:30pm. (Seen again at 5:30pm by Mark Hobson). A male and female Yellow Wagtail with 10+ Pied Wagtails in the field opposite the Sailing Club. Also 150+ Sand Martins. (John Overfield). Two Wheatears in the paddock by the Sailing Lake. (Phil Pope).

Fretherne    Two Oystercatchers and two Ravens this morning. (Andy Chapman). Saul Warth had fifteen Black-tailed Godwits, two Bar-tailed Godwits, an Oystercatcher and a Sanderling with a mixed flock of Ringed Plovers and Dunlin. (some overlap with the Frampton reports) (Phil Pope).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 79 at 11am a Green Sandpiper, a Dunlin and a male Redstart in the bushes on the corner of Pits 79 and 31. (David Owen).

Slimbridge    Two Wheatears and a Willow Warbler at the football ground. (Richard Baatsen). 

Cleeve Hill    A Grasshopper Warbler between the area frequented by last year's bird and the path between masts and Wash pool. Reeled briefly twice. A Raven soaring over The Rising Sun this morning, lots of Willow Warblers between the Golf Club and the Wash pool. A pair of Wheatears near the Whitehall entrance. (Steve Brown).

Cheltenham    A Whitethroat at the old railway line near Pittville Park. (Steve Brown).

Tuffley    A fledged juvenile Robin here today. (Ian Elphick).

April 16th 2004

Berkeley shore    The Dark-bellied Brent Goose was here this afternoon. (Paul Taylor).

Shab Hill    Three Wheatears today. (Duncan Dine).

Forest of Dean    A Cuckoo calling at 8:10am near Glasshouse. (Rob Guest).

April 15th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Dark-bellied Brent Goose on the Dumbles all afternoon. (Martin McGill).

Frampton    Still two Little Gulls at the Sailing Lake this morning. 200 Sand Martins, 30 House Martins and 20 Swallows at 6:15pm. At the 100-Acre a Hen Harrier still, viewable through the padlocked metal gate on the canal towpath. At Green Lane a Cetti's Warbler singing at 8pm. At Splatt Bridge at 8:15pm a Common Sandpiper flushed from the strip of grass by the Lockkeeper's house. (Terry Fenton).

April 14th 2004

Coombe Hill Canal    Five Redshanks, three Shelducks and 120 Fieldfares today. (Graham Watson).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake three Little Gulls this morning. (Dave Pearce). Pics below taken by Dave, obviously a tiring day. Both of the birds pictured were still present this evening. Also this evening c100 Sand Martins, ten Swallows, ten House Martins, a Willow Warbler, a Yellow Wagtail with 38 Pied Wagtails in the field by Townfield Farm. Also a Whimbrel north over the village with 40+ Curlews at 6:30pm. (Gordon Hodgson/John Overfield).

Blockley    A report of a Honey Buzzard with two Buzzards at 11:45am for five minutes before flying off NW. Also a Raven over.

April 13th 2004

Gloucester    A Barn Owl hunting along the road between Over roundabout and Maisemore village last night at 11:15pm. (Margaret Avery).

Sherborne Water Meadows    A female Redstart today. (Mrs. C Bower per Gordon Avery).

Cotswold Water Park     No sign of the Scoters at Pit 57 at 1pm but a Little Ringed Plover, a male White Wagtail, an Oystercatcher and a Redshank. At Pit 46 a male and two female Goldeneyes still. (Terry Fenton). Six Red Crested Pochards on Pits 104/105 near Fairford. (Paul Masters). 

Horcott Gravel Washings    Three White Wagtails and two Yellow Wagtails with Pied Wagtails in an adjacent field. (Dave Pearce).

Harnhill    Six Tree Sparrows today. (Paul Masters).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake four Little Gulls this morning. (Brian Bailey per Gordon Avery).

April 12th 2004

Berkeley    A Cuckoo today. (Sheri Taylor).

Frampton    On the flashes north of Splatt Bridge a Little Egret, three Swallows, a male Wheatear and a Raven. On the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane a Peregrine, a Spotted Redshank, three Dunlins, two Ruff, 17 Snipe, a Cetti's Warbler and a Sedge Warbler. At the Sailing Lake two Little Gulls (both adults, one almost in full summer plumage), a Swallow, two Blackcaps and that WillowChiff. (Martin Wightman/John Overfield/MK).

Cotswold Water Park    Two drake Common Scoters on Pit 57 at midday. Also a Little Ringed Plover and a Sedge Warbler here. Five Little Ringed Plovers on Pit 95.

Elmore    A Little Owl at 9am today. (Mark Hobson). Pic below by Mark.

April 11th 2004

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake ten Swallows, 25 Sand Martins, 15 House Martins and three male Blackcaps. At Frampton 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane a Sedge Warbler singing in the reedbed in the 100-Acre at the two gates "entrance" to Green Lane. Also a Little Ringed Plover, a Spotted Redshank (looked to be well moulted into summer plumage), a Little Egret and two Dunlins. (John Overfield). This evening a Short-eared Owl hunting the field between the canal and Green Lane. Also five Snipe over. (MK).

Berkeley shore    A female Wheatear this morning. (Phil Pope).

April 10th 2004

Forest of Dean    Two male Pied Flycatchers back at Nagshead today.  (David Slater). Pics below taken by David. David's website is at http://www.djsphotography.co.uk/

A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was between Speech House and the Verderer's Oak. Also two Ravens. At Cyril Hart Arboretum c25 Bramblings still. From New Fancy View two male and two female Goshawks. At Cannop Ponds two pairs of Willow Tits. (John Overfield).

Ashleworth Ham    Two Ruddy Shelducks until 12:30pm when they flew off east.

Windrush Camp    A Barn Owl hunting here at 6:20am. (Gordon Avery).

Frampton    A female Merlin flew over north at 9am. Also three House Martins, 20+ each of Swallows and Sand Martins, two Ravens and the WillowChiff again this morning. (Gordon Hodgson/Ron Jennings/MK). In the evening a Cetti's Warbler was singing near Green Lane. A Short-eared Owl was quartering the field between the canal and Green Lane. Also two Ravens. (John Overfield).

April 9th 2004

Mitton    Two second- summer Mediterranean Gulls today. (Steve Whitehouse).

Frampton    A first summer Little Gull, two male Reed Buntings and the WillowChiff (hybrid?) again late morning. (Ian Elphick).
Cleeve Hill    At the Masts at midday 90 Golden Plovers and 101 Meadow Pipits, two Swallows drinking from the sheep wash pool at Postlip Warren and at 2:30pm a pair of Ring Ouzels. (Terry Fenton). Also four Willow Warblers, two Stonechats and a Raven. (John & Anne McLellan).

Nettleton Bottom    A male Stonechat today. (Gary Cox). Pic below taken by Gary.

April 8th 2004

Cleeve Hill    Five male Ring Ouzels between the Radio Masts and the Sheep Wash this afternoon. (four adults and a first year bird). (Duncan Dine). Later six birds seen. Also a female Black Redstart at West Down this evening. (Andy Jayne). Please note the Radio Masts car park is prone to car break-ins. Take your valuables with you.

Fretherne    A Sanderling in winter plumage and a Grey Plover brought in by the Bore, and a Wheatear. (Dave Pearce).

WWT Slimbridge    At South Finger a Kingfisher showing well, pic taken by Roy below, also two Reed Buntings and from Holden Tower 120 Curlews and six Oystercatchers. (Roy Shilham).

April 7th 2004

Westonbirt    A male Pied Flycatcher in Cherry Glade at 4:15pm. Also a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming but unseen. (John & Anne McLellan).

Longlevens    A Red-legged Partridge at 7:50am in a back garden on Park Avenue! A garden first after 34 years here. Not surprised really. (Frank Bryant).

Frampton    Four Little Gulls (an adult summer, a second summer and two first summers) still today. (Gordon Hodgson). Pics below by Gordon. Five present during the evening including two adults. (Martin McGill).

A Swallow over Cambridge Arms bridge and two Ravens over Splatt Bridge. (Andy Chapman).

April 6th 2004

Robinswood Hill    A Willow Warbler in song around the Quarry at 10:30am. (Ian Elphick).

Cleeve Hill    Five Ring Ouzels (three males and two females) near to the radio masts at 6:45pm at least. Please note the Radio Masts car park is prone to car break-ins. Take your valuables with you. (Martin McGill).

Cheltenham    A female Peregrine over Bence Builders Merchants followed by male today. Unusual in the town centre. (Angus Moir).
Frampton    Four Little Gulls (two adults and two first winters), two Swallows and two House Martins today and lots of Sand Martins. (Gordon Hodgson). The WillowChiff again singing it's two bird song. (Colin Butters). 

April 5th 2004

Frampton    Three Little Gulls (an adult and two first winters), a Common Tern, twenty Swallows and two House Martins today and the WillowChiff again. (Gordon Hodgson/Dave Pearce/Steve & Chris Brown).

Forest of Dean    A male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker feeding in the oak trees on the opposite side of the road from Woorgreens car park then it flew over road and out of view. Grid Ref  SO  628 126. At  Cyril Hart Arboretum feeding station still twenty Siskins and twenty Bramblings and a male Sparrowhawk disturbing birds on regular basis. At Woorgreens Lake three Little Grebes, a  redhead Goosander, a Mandarin and a Willow Warbler singing. (Tony Eveleigh). 

WWT Slimbridge    A Ruddy Duck from Zeiss hide, a Kingfisher and Reed Bunting at South Finger. Eight Swallows at South Lake. (Steve & Chris Brown). 

Bonds Mill, Stonehouse    A Dipper at 2pm. (Steve & Chris Brown).

April 4th 2004

Frampton    A first winter Little Gull, a Swallow, two House Martins and lots of Sand Martins this morning. Also a Kingfisher and the WillowChiff again. (Andy Chapman/Andy Lodge/MK). A Cetti's Warbler heard from the canal towpath. (Andy Chapman) and five Black-tailed Godwits flew south downriver. (Martin Wightman/MK). On the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane a Sparrowhawk, a Peregrine, a Ruff, a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Willow Warbler, two Ravens and a Siskin. (Martin Wightman). This evening at the Sailing Lake a Sandwich Tern flew straight through, a first-winter and a second-winter Mediterranean Gull and three Little Gulls (a pink-flushed adult and two first winters). (Jeremy Squire/Nick Goatman/Neil Smart). Also 34 (27 and 7) Curlews flew over, a Little Owl was calling from near the Sailing Club and an early Pipistrelle at dusk. (Jake King/MK).
Fretherne    Three Little Egrets in a ploughed field on the right of the road just after Cadburys Bridge on the road to Arlingham this morning. (Andy Chapman). 

WWT Slimbridge    A Willow Warbler singing on the path to the Holden Tower. (Mark Hobson). Three Sandwich Terns flew downriver at dusk. (Nick Goatman/Neil Smart).

Cotswold Water Park    Six Red Crested Pochards on Pit 42 this afternoon. 200 Fieldfares at Tarlton at 4:30pm, and between Rodmarton and Cherington at 4:45pm, three Lapwings and 35 Golden Plovers ( half of them in summer plumage ) in a ploughed field. (David Owen). 

Hawling    A flock of 320 Golden Plovers, most of them in breeding plumage at midday. Also 120 Fieldfares going north. (Duncan Dine).

Forest of Dean    An early male Redstart at Speech House, a male Firecrest (in conflict with a male Goldcrest), c20 Bramblings at the feeder in the Cyril Hart Arboretum and two Hawfinches. Two Willow Warblers nearby at Woorgreens. 68 Kittiwakes in two flocks off Lydney Harbour this evening. (Andy Jayne). 70 Kittiwakes off Sharpness (same birds?). (Richard Baatsen). 

Male Blackcap at Nagshead Reserve near centre on the path to the lower hide. (Rod Goodman).

April 3rd 2004

Bourton-on-the-Water    Twenty Sand Martins at the South (Santhill) Lake during the afternoon and at least one Swallow. (Andy Lewis).
Cleeve Hill    Two male Ring Ouzels at Postlip in the sheep wash area at 8am. Also a Willow Warbler. (Martin McGill/Gerry Shilham).

Frampton    A Barn Owl hunting the rough grass area between Nebrow hill and the River Cam this morning at 6.30am. (Andy Lodge).

Parkend Bridge    A Little Owl here this morning at 7:40am. (MK).

Frampton    Two pairs of Garganey at 8am on the Sailing Lake. Also 50 Sand Martins and a WillowChiff (returning bird from last year? Song half and half again). (MK). Two House Martins were seen later. (John Overfield). This afternoon two new Little Gulls (a different adult, almost full summer and a first winter) and 10+ Swallows and lots of Sand Martins. (Gordon Hodgson/Richard Price/Richard Baatsen).

From Green Lane two Black-tailed Godwits on the 100-Acre, lots of Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler. Two Swallows over Splatt Bridge. (MK). Also a pair of Black Swans were reported flying over the 100-Acre. 

Fretherne    Two Chiffchaffs, a female Blackcap and three Oystercatchers. (Gordon Hodgson).

Forest of Dean    A Firecrest at Speech House today in a Holly bush. Twenty Hawfinches nearby and twenty Bramblings and twenty Siskins in the Cyril Hart Arboretum. Also two Ravens over and two singing Chiffchaffs. (Mark Hobson).

Cheltenham    A male Sparrowhawk perched on rooftop aerial of a house in Naunton Crescent at 9:30am. (Steve Brown).

Leckhampton    200 Golden Plovers over Leckhampton Hill, several Yellowhammers between Leckhampton Hill and Seven Springs, a couple of Red-legged Partridges, a pair of Buzzards, eight Lapwings seeming settled on farmland, several Chiffchaffs singing and three Meadow Pipits over - all late morning. A pair of Buzzards over Larch wood at Birdlip Village, Chiffchaffs singing well around Upton St Leonard's and a couple of Yellowhammers on the outskirts of the village (Portway Hill). (Andrew Bluett).

April 2nd 2004

Frampton    A Ring-billed Gull was on the Sailing Lake with Common Gulls this evening. Also a pair of Garganey still present and a Willow Warbler. Also a pair of Mandarin on Court Lake. (Paul Masters).

Adult Little Gull, a Swallow and two House Martins at the Sailing
Lake. (Gordon Hodgson).

Leckhampton Hill    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling persistently immediately above Daisybank car park at 4:30pm. Also two Sparrowhawks near to Sandy Lane. (Steve Brown).

Robinswood Hill    A Water Rail today and also on Tu 31st March. (Ian Elphick/Richard Lawrence).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Raven appeared briefly at 7pm at Greystones Farm Glos Wildlife Trust reserve. (Andy Lewis).

April 1st 2004

Frampton    A pair of Garganey on the Sailing Lake today still. (Paul Masters).

Witcombe Reservoir    Three Swallows this evening. (Duncan Dine).

March 31st 2004

Berkeley shore    A Willow Warbler here this evening. (Paul Taylor).

Frampton    Two pairs of Garganey, a drake and three female Goldeneyes and three Sand Martins on the Sailing Lake. Nine Sand Martins at Splatt Bridge. A Raven and a Merlin (flew across the site at 7:50pm probably to roost on the river side of the canal) at Nebrow Hill. (John Overfield).

Aylburton Warth    A Water Pipit at Cone Pill still this morning, flushed by a Merlin but not taken, it flew off high north with two unidentified birds (possibly the other two pipits). Also two Grey Partridges nearby, three Redshanks and 150 Curlews on the estuary. (Tony Eveleigh).

March 30th 2004

Frampton    A pair of Garganey still on the Sailing Lake this evening. (Gerry Shilham).

March 29th 2004

Berkeley shore    Two Little Ringed Plovers south of the Power Station this afternoon. (Dave Pearce). Pic below taken by Dave.

March 28th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    An Osprey flew over Pit 44 today.

Cleeve Hill    No sign of any Ring Ouzels but one Wheatear and 200 Fieldfares. (Tony Eveleigh). 

Severn House Farm, Berkeley    13 Turnstones, a singing Willow Tit in the wood south of the farm (please note this wood is private and there is strictly No Entry) and three Sand Martins over. (Terry Fenton).

Frampton    Three Garganey (two males and a female) on the Sailing Lake still this morning. (Andy Chapman). Later four Garganey (two pairs). (Tony Eveleigh). Also four Goldeneyes (a male and three females) here and two Mandarins and a Fieldfare at Splatt Bridge. (Graham Watson). Also a Water Rail heard calling. (Phil Pope).

Aylburton Warth    Two Water Pipits in near summer plumage in Cone Pill still this morning. Also a Peregrine, a pair of Oystercatchers and four Fieldfares. (MK).

March 27th 2004

Longlevens    Two Peregrines over this afternoon, splitting up after being mobbed by gulls. One flew east, the other landed on a pylon along Longford Bypass where it ate a Starling kill. (Andy Lodge).   

Frampton    A Swallow at 10:30am today. (Phil Pope). A pair of Garganey on the Sailing Lake at 1pm still present at 4:15pm. (Martin McGill). A pair of Goldeneyes, two Chiffchaffs and many Sand Martins on the Sailing Lake. (Andy & Mhairi Chapman). 

Later four Goldeneyes (a male and three females). (MK). Also a Short-eared Owl at Nebrow Hill at 3:45pm (David Owen).

Aylburton Warth    Three Water Pipits in near summer plumage in Cone Pill still this morning. (Paul Taylor).

Fretherne    200+ Fieldfares by treatment works and two Chiffchaffs.
Also six Little Egrets in a ploughed field on the right of the road just after Cadburys Bridge on the road to Arlingham again. (Andy & Mhairi Chapman). 

Berkeley shore    A summer plumaged Water Pipit this morning south of the Power Station. (Paul Taylor). No sign at 5pm but a pair of Wheatears and a Rock Pipit. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    Three Garganey (two drakes) on South Lake at 12:30pm. Also three Black-tailed Godwits. (David Owen).

Forest of Dean    Seven Hawfinches at the Cyril Hart Arboretum today. 

March 26th 2004

Mitton    Two summer plumaged Mediterranean Gulls strayed from Bredon's Hardwick (Worcs) across the border to Mitton sheep fields this afternoon at 3:55pm. (Steve Whitehouse).

Salperton    100 Bramblings and five Corn Buntings at SP080 218 just off the B4068 on the road to Salperton. (Tony Eveleigh).

Robinswood Hill    Two Fieldfares still, a Raven over and a Green Woodpecker and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Plenty of Chiffchaffs singing now. (Greg Anderson).

Aylburton Warth    Three Water Pipits in near summer plumage in Cone Pill, a Short-eared Owl and two Wheatears. Pics below taken today by Dave.

March 25th 2004

Fretherne    An Avocet seen earlier off the Trust (Martin McGill) was just off the sluice from 5:30pm until dusk. (MK/Paul Taylor). Also 

five Little Egrets in a ploughed field on the right of the road just after Cadburys Bridge on the road to Arlingham at 5pm. (MK). 

Quedgeley    A pair of Mandarins on the canal by the Pilot Inn this evening. (Andy Chapman).

March 24th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The Purple Sandpiper again today at high tide from Holden Tower. Seven Bewick's Swans still.

Coombe Hill Canal    A Chiffchaff by the Wharf and Redshank, two Shelducks and six Lapwings on the Meadows with several Teal on the scrape. (David Owen).

March 23rd 2004

Leckhampton Hill    Three Wheatears this afternoon at Hartley Farm. (Duncan Dine).

Frampton    A first-winter Kittiwake on the Sailing Lake this morning at 7am still. Also a male and two female Goldeneyes and 100 Sand Martins. (MK). An adult Ring-billed Gull late morning here also. (Terry Fenton). Pics below by Dave Pearce.

March 22nd 2004

Frampton    A first-winter Kittiwake on the Sailing Lake this evening. (Dave Pearce).

Witcombe Reservoir    Twelve Sand Martins this morning. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    The Purple Sandpiper reappeared again today on the Tack Piece. (Martin McGill).

Cheltenham    A Green Woodpecker on the public footpath around the Racecourse today. (Roy Shilham). Pic below taken by Roy.

March 21st 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Razorbill lingered viewed from Holden Tower this morning (found by Neil Smart). Also four Goosanders (also found by Neil and a good WWT record), two Wheatears, 11 Sand Martins over, a female Merlin, a Knot, a Grey Plover and eight Black-tailed Godwits including a ringed bird.    

Awre    A pale phase Arctic Skua flew upriver at 4:50pm. Earlier an adult Kittiwake lingered around The Noose area. Also four Oystercatchers. (Andy Jayne/Tony Eveleigh).

Quedgeley    Six House Martins over this afternoon. (Andy Chapman).

Forest of Dean    Up to twenty Bramblings at the Cyril Hart Arboretum at midday. Also ten Siskins. A pair of Goshawks seen earlier at New Fancy View. (Ben Macdonald).

Frampton    An adult Little Gull at 1pm on the Sailing Lake still and eight Sand Martins. (Terry Fenton/Ian Ralphs). 

A female Hen Harrier hunting over the marshy field between Splatt Bridge and Ryall's Farm and a male Wheatear in the same field at 6:50am. Nine Sand Martins over Splatt Bridge and 17 singing Chiffchaffs between Cambridge Arms Bridge and Junction Bridge. (Andy Lodge). 

50+ Sand Martins this morning and two Chiffchaffs at the Sailing Lake. Also eight Yellowhammers at Nebrow Hill. (Graham Watson).

Fretherne    A male Wheatear this morning. (Gordon Hodgson). Pic below taken by Gordon.

March 20th 2004

Berkeley shore    A Rock Pipit and six Wheatears at 8am. Also a large (100+) mixed finch flock in the field next to the footpath beside the power station mainly Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Linnets. (Andy Chapman).

Frampton    An adult Little Gull on the Sailing Lake during the evening  and ten Sand Martins with six on Court Lake. (Gordon Hodgson).

Witcombe Reservoir    Eight Sand Martins this afternoon. (Duncan Dine).

March 19th 2004

Frampton    A male and two female Goldeneyes and a Chiffchaff singing at the Sailing Lake at 1:30pm , with another singing Chiffchaff at Splatt Bridge. (MK). 70 Sand Martins over Court Lake at 3pm. Also 35 Fieldfares by the Sailing Lake still and 30 Yellowhammers at Nebrow Hill. (Mark Hobson). Three Sand Martins at 5pm. (Terry Fenton). 

Cotswold Water Park    Two Little Egrets at Pit 84 at 3pm.  (Terry Fenton). 

Bourton-on-the-Water    Four Red Crested Pochards (two males and two females) and a Chiffchaff today. (Andy Lewis).

Robinswood Hill    Two Chiffchaffs singing, a pair of Buzzards displaying and two pairs of Bullfinches. (Greg Anderson/Ian Elphick).

Highnam    A Barn Owl hunting along the grass verges at Highnam roundabout at 9:15pm. (Andrew Bluett).

March 18th 2004

Forest of Dean    A Raven at Chaxhill, a pair of Ravens over Flaxley Valley and a single female Brambling at the feeder in Cyril Hart Arboretum. (Andrew Bluett).

Frampton    A ringtail Hen Harrier at Splatt Bridge today at 1:15pm. (Tony Eveleigh).

A Sand Martin this morning over the Sailing Lake and a Chiffchaff singing by the Sailing Club. (Gordon Hodgson).

Staverton Airport    Four Sand Martins over at midday. (Gordon Avery).

Cheltenham    Tawny Owls calling from Charlton Park Gate and Oakley Road, Battledown this evening. (Steve Brown).

March 17th 2004

Cheltenham    A Tawny Owl at the end of Charlton Park Gate this evening. (Steve Brown).

Frampton    An adult Little Gull this afternoon on the Sailing Lake still and a Chiffchaff singing in the trees. A Merlin and a Short-eared Owl from Splatt Bridge at 5:50pm. (Andy Chapman).

Berkeley shore    Five Wheatears and three Chiffchaffs, two singing, this afternoon. (Paul Taylor).

Cleeve Hill    Six Wheatears and twelve Stonechats today. (Dave Pearce). Pic below taken today by Dave.

March 14th 2004

Forest of Dean    A Sandwich Tern flew low over the viewpoint at New Fancy View heading SW. Also a Goshawk displaying. (Colin Butters).

WWT Slimbridge    A dark morph Arctic Skua flew north upriver at 1pm seen from the Holden Tower. (Steve Owen/Jake King).

The Purple Sandpiper still with Dunlins from Zeiss Hide this morning until  about 10:30am when most of the waders flew off. Also 62 Bewick's Swans, fifty Golden Plovers, five Black-tailed Godwits (two in summer plumage), three Oystercatchers, eight Ruff and a female Merlin. (Mark Hobson/Mike Jefferies/MK).

Frampton     An adult Little Gull this afternoon on the Sailing Lake. (Jeremy Squire/Neil Smart). Two Sand Martins over the Sailing Lake at midday. (Mark Hobson). Early this morning a pair of Goldeneye and 50 Fieldfares and 50 Redwings. (MK).

Sharpness    Three Kittiwakes at 10:30am and thirty at midday flew upriver. (Paul Taylor).

Arlingham Passage    An adult Ring-billed Gull on the sands still early this morning at Newnham-on-Severn but viewed from the Arlingham side. (Andy Chapman). 

Saul    Six Little Egrets in a field on the right of the road just after Cadburys Bridge on the road to Arlingham. (Andy Chapman). 

March 13th 2004

Forest of Dean    Six Goshawks from New Fancy View. (Gerry Shilham).

Arlingham Passage    An adult Ring-billed Gull on the sands at 6pm at Newnham-on-Severn but viewed from the Arlingham side. (Richard Baatsen). 

WWT Slimbridge    The Purple Sandpiper still with Dunlins from Zeiss Hide late morning. Also two Little Stints, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff and a Peregrine. Also an adult summer Mediterranean Gull today. (Richard Baatsen).

Quedgeley    A Jack Snipe, two Lesser Redpolls and two Reed Buntings at the flooded area near The Causeway today. A Siskin in a garden here. (Andy Chapman). 

Cotswold Water Park    Two male and three redhead Smew Pit 42 again today. 

Ashleworth Ham    Six Tree Sparrows today. (Graham Watson).

Cheltenham    Three female and one male Blackcap and a Brambling in the garden. (Graham Watson). Pics below by Graham.

March 12th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The Purple Sandpiper still with 600 Dunlins from Zeiss Hide late morning. Pic below by Richard Newton.

March 11th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The Purple Sandpiper still with 650 Dunlins from Zeiss Hide at lunchtime. Nine Ruff, two Little Stints, a Black-tailed Godwit and a Peregrine. 

Berkeley shore    A Water Pipit, three Rock Pipits and the Common Sandpiper still today. (Paul Taylor).

Sharpness Docks  Male Black Redstart feeding on west face of the large concrete building viewed from outside Gates 8 at mid day.  Also two Peregrines present. (Dave Pearce).

Quedgeley    Two Lesser Redpolls feeding on fallen silver birch seeds near Severnvale Drive. (Paul Masters).

Cotswold Water Park    Two male and three redhead Smew Pit 42 today. (Roy Shilham).

March 10th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The Purple Sandpiper still with 400 Dunlins from Zeiss Hide at lunchtime. Also a Peregrine, three Little Stints and a Black-tailed Godwit. (Ian Ralphs/Terry Fenton).

March 9th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The Purple Sandpiper still with Dunlins from Zeiss Hide at midday. (Dave Pearce).

Quedgeley    A pair of Bramblings coming to black sunflower seeds at Goss Wood Corner. (Paul Masters). 

March 8th 2004

Arlingham Passage    An adult Ring-billed Gull on the sands at 5:30pm, also viewable from Newnham-on-Severn. (MK/Paul Taylor). An adult was also here between 3:15-3:30pm when it flew upstream. (Terry Fenton). 

WWT Slimbridge    A Purple Sandpiper with Dunlins from Zeiss Hide this afternoon. First seen yesterday by a visitor and may be the same bird first seen on 18/02/04.

Frampton    At Nebrow Hill three Short-eared Owls and a Little Egret flying towards the pools at 6pm. (Terry Fenton). 

March 7th 2004

Brimscombe    A Dipper on the brook here today. (David Owen).

Berkeley shore    38 Turnstones, seven Redshanks, five Oystercatchers, two Dunlins and 28 Wigeon. (Richard Baatsen).

Sharpness Docks    Male Black Redstart again today. (Richard Baatsen).

Ashleworth Ham    An Oystercatcher, eight Curlew, still plenty of Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Pintail and Gadwall, a Peregrine and a female Sparrowhawk working the hedgerow. Also a flock of Starlings thousands strong over Tewkesbury Park. (Terry Fenton).

Newnham on Severn    Two adult Ring-billed Gulls, an adult and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull this afternoon. (Andy Jayne, John Phillips, Tony Eveleigh and Mo Croose). 

Forest of Dean    Ten Crossbills and two Siskins at Mallards Pike this afternoon. Also on the lake five Mandarins and a Little Grebe. (Paul Masters).

Cotswold Water Park    An adult winter Mediterranean Gull in the roost at Pit 16 from 6:05pm today. The Black-necked Grebe remains in Wiltshire on Pit 86 (Saturday pm at least). (Jon Mercer).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    Eight Buzzards soaring over the reservoir this morning. (Graham Watson).

Gloucester    An adult Mediterranean Gull today at Gloucester Market car boot sale. (John Sanders). 

March 6th 2004

Gloucester    An adult Ring-billed Gull briefly at Castlemeads at 11:25am. (Andy Jayne).

Hill    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Roundhouse Wood (on the southern county boundary). (Terry Fenton).

Quedgeley    A male Brambling coming to black sunflower seeds at Goss Wood Corner. (Paul Masters). Pic below by Paul.

Tewkesbury    A Ring-necked Parakeet reported just north of the Marina at 11:15am. 

Cotswold Water Park    Five Smew on Pit 42 and two on Pit 41 and two Goosanders on Pit 43 today.

March 5th 2004

Sharpness Docks    Male Black Redstart at the top of the large concrete building, the one with windows along the top. Best viewed from outside Gates 4 and 8. (Dave Pearce).

Cheltenham    A Tawny Owl heard regularly, but not seen, and being replied to, in trees in the Granleys/Knole area of Griffiths Avenue, St Marks. (Bill Attwood).

March 4th 2004

Gloucester    A Kingfisher perched on Sims Bridge today. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    A Water Rail seen from Knott Hide and a Ruff on South Lake. 
Frampton     The Hen Harrier was sitting in a tree by the small pond near the pylons at Nebrow Hill today. (Andy Chapman). Also two Little Egrets and two Ravens. (Steve Brown). 

Cheltenham    Three Buzzards soaring over Cheltenham College cricket ground for 15 minutes, gradually moving North at 12:45pm. Blackcaps singing at Naunton Park and Kidnappers Lane, Leckhampton. (Steve Brown). 

Sudmeadow    Two Great Crested Grebes on the river, first since March 1999. Also adult Mediterranean Gull and Green Sandpiper in the area. (Gordon Avery).

March 3rd 2004

Cotswold Water Park    Five Smew (two males and three redheads) on Pit 42 and a Red-Crested Pochard on Pit 61. The Black-necked Grebe still on Pit 86 in Wiltshire. Six Tree Sparrows and six Yellowhammers at Manor Farm, Harnhill. (Andy Chapman).
Frampton    A Kingfisher and a Raven at Splatt Bridge. (Andy Chapman).    

March 2nd 2004

Sharpness    A Rock Pipit today. (Andy Chapman).

Forest of Dean    A pair of Little Grebes at Mallards Pike. (David Slater). David's website is at http://www.djsphotography.co.uk/

March 1st 2004

Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury (The Courtyard)    A Jack Snipe, 11 Snipe, 11 Teal and a pair of Stonechats today. (David Owen).

Forest of Dean    Four Bramblings and Siskin at Cyril Hart Arboretum on the large feeder. Three Goshawks displaying seen looking towards the towers from New Fancy View. (Andy and Mhairi Chapman).
Newnham on Severn    A Mediterranean Gull in the riverside car park this afternoon. (Andy and Mhairi Chapman).

Sharpness Docks    A male Black Redstart and two Peregrines, one with prey, this afternoon. (Dave Pearce).

February 29th 2004

Robinswood Hill    A Woodcock today and a pair of Ravens over, seen most days. (Ian Elphick).
Longhope    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the derelict orchard at Barrel Lane. (Rob Guest).

Frampton    An adult Yellow-legged Gull and a male and three female Goldeneye on Court Lake this morning. Also a male Grey Wagtail. A female Goldeneye on the Sailing Lake. Also a Lesser Redpoll. (MK/Andy Chapman). At Nebrow Hill four Short-eared Owls, a Little Owl and the female Hen Harrier again. (Mark Coller). Also three Little Egrets (two found in ditches near hill itself and another in flight), 30+ Yellowhammers, 10+ Reed Buntings, 2-3 Buzzards and 40 Redwings. (Len Clark).

Twigworth    Four Blackcaps (two males, one in song and two females). (Mark Coller). 

Cam    A male Blackcap at Woodend Lane on a fat ball. (Richard Baatsen). Blackcaps are still regular at Quedgeley and Tuffley. (MK/Andy Chapman/Ian Elphick).

Forest of Dean    Eleven Hawfinches adjacent to Speech House (opposite the Arboretum, between the Verderer's Oak and the donkey field) early afternoon. (Dave Pearce).

Witcombe Reservoir    The adult Mediterranean Gull was in the arable field with Black-headed Gulls below Sophie Hope plantation this morning. The plantation had a Woodcock, five Lesser Redpolls and a pair of Marsh Tits. (Terry Fenton).

Quedgeley    Three Lesser Redpolls feeding on fallen silver birch seeds near Severnvale Drive. (Paul Masters).

Guscar Rocks    Six Ringed Plovers today. Also two Tree Sparrows nearby at Woolaston Grange. (Andy Jayne).

Newnham    A first-winter Mediterranean Gull and a female Goosander here today. (Andy Jayne).

Leckhampton    A Black Swan was on the fishing lake at the Crippetts.  Also four Ravens over the top end of the Crippetts and a Buzzard over Leckhampton Hill. (Steve Brown).

February 28th 2004

Forest of Dean    Three Hawfinches at Brierley this morning. Also a Willow Tit and two Bramblings. Two Hawfinches flew north over Woorgreens at 2:30pm and a mixed flock of Lesser Redpolls and Siskins were in the small Alders round the back of the pool. A Willow Tit was along Cannop Brook in Vallet Wood (just north of Cannop Ponds). (Ian Ralphs). 

Witcombe Reservoir    An adult Mediterranean Gull still this morning at 8am. (Jeremy Squire). 

Cotswold Water Park    A Bittern flew south from Pit 41 this afternoon. Also six Smew (four drakes) on Pit 42. The Black-necked Grebe remains in Wiltshire on Pit 86.

February 27th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Ruff from Zeiss hide and four Greylags still with just 37 White-fronted Geese from Holden Tower today.

February 26th 2004

Forest of Dean    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker just below Beechenhurst Picnic Site (by the road just above the pony paddock). Little Grebe and Kingfisher on Soudley top pond. Four Bramblings, two Stock Doves and twelve Siskins together with the usual tits, finches and Nuthatches on the feeder in the Cyril Hart Arboretum by Speech House.  (Andrew Bluett).

WWT Slimbridge    A Jack Snipe from Martin Smith hide today.

February 25th 2004

Cheltenham    A pair of Lesser Redpolls feeding in the Birch nearest the Pilford Avenue junction with Old Bath Road.  Also a singing male Bullfinch on the footpath south of Highland Road. (Steve Brown).

Slad    Two Marsh Tits at Snows Farm GWT. (Ian Elphick).

Forest of Dean    Two Hawfinches at Brierley this morning. (David Slater). David's website is at http://www.djsphotography.co.uk/

February 23rd 2004

Notgrove    12 Golden Plovers and 80 Fieldfares feeding on sheep pasture by main road and six Red-legged Partridges on arable land. Also a Buzzard feeding on a dead Badger by Westfield Farm. (Andrew Bluett).

Berkeley shore    A Jack Snipe, two Stonechats and forty Turnstones this morning. (David Pearce).

Frampton    A Hen Harrier and three Short-eared Owls at Nebrow Hill this evening. (Richard Cawsey).

Robinswood Hill    A Woodcock today. (Ian Elphick).

February 22nd 2004

Abbeymead, Gloucester    Six Blackcaps (four males and two females) in the morning. All four males at the same time in a garden only 30 feet square. (Andrew Bluett). 

Cotswold Water Park    Three redheads and a drake Smew on Pit 42 and a Little Egret on Pit 85a today. (David Owen).

Forest of Dean    Three Hawfinches, a Brambling and a Willow Tit at Brierley this morning. A Goshawk and a fly-over Hawfinch at New Fancy View. (Richard Baatsen). 

Frampton    Five Goldeneye (one drake) on the Sailing Lake this morning. At Nebrow Hill a Raven, 25 Stock Doves, flocks of 250 and 200 Lapwings, 50+ Golden Plovers including one in near summer plumage (Cambridge end), 100 Redwings, 15 Yellowhammers and 14 Reed Buntings. A Peregrine hunting the river seen from Splatt Bridge. (MK). On the flashes north of Splatt Bridge a Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank and a Stonechat. (Martin Wightman). 

February 21st 2004

Great Rissington    A wing-tagged Red Kite at 4:20pm being mobbed by eight Rooks. (Andy Lewis).

Selsley    Six Waxwings reported in flight at Bownhill Farm this morning at 11:30am seen at a range of 10ft and heard calling by non-birders (but well-trained ones). (Bridgette and Michael King). No sign between 12:30pm and 1:30pm but 21 Golden Plovers and a Green Woodpecker. (MK).

Forest of Dean    Nine Hawfinches at Brierley this morning. (Paul Taylor). 

Witcombe Reservoir    An adult Mediterranean Gull this morning. (Dave Pearce). Pic below taken by Dave today.

February 20th 2004

Frampton    A winter-plumaged Shag briefly this afternoon on a floating pontoon on the Sailing Lake. Also three adult Yellow-legged Gulls, a male and three female Goldeneye, 200 Fieldfares and 100 Redwings. (MK).

Berkeley    A Common Sandpiper still and three Greylags, possibly wild birds, this afternoon. (Paul Taylor).

Cheltenham    Three Goosanders (two drakes) on Pittville Park boating lake. Also two Bramblings nearby at Witcombe Reservoir.

Forest of Dean    Nine Bramblings and a few Siskins on the feeder in the Cyril Hart Arboretum by Speech House. Also a Chaffinch taken by a Sparrowhawk. (Roy Shilham). Pic below by Roy Shilham. 

February 19th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    Four Ruff and a male Stonechat today.

February 18th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Purple Sandpiper seen very briefly on the Tack Piece from Holden Tower this morning with Dunlins but not since. Also two Little Stints on the Dumbles. The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today.

Forest of Dean    Four Hawfinches, two Willow Tits and two Ravens at Brierley. Two Goshawks at New Fancy View. Nine Bramblings, six Siskins, a Nuthatch, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Marsh Tit on the feeder in the Cyril Hart Arboretum by Speech House and a Raven over. 16 Mandarins at Cannop Ponds. Two Ravens at Nagshead Reserve. Four Goosanders on Woorgreens Lake. Male and female Mandarin at Mallards Pike. (Tony Eveleigh/Roy Shilham).

February 17th 2004

Hardwicke    Two garden Siskins visiting peanuts today. (Steve Dark).

February 16th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Spoonbill on South Lake again today, but fairly flighty around the Trust. (Martin McGill). Pic below by Roy Shilham. 

Walmore Common    A male Merlin this afternoon 'scoped preening and tail-fanning for 30 minutes. Also 88 Bewick's Swans, seven Shelducks, 24 Teal, a Peregrine, 15 Snipe, two Stonechats and 30 Ravens. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl at Nebrow Hill at 4:30pm. (Roy Shilham).

February 15th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Spoonbill on South Lake from midday today, first seen at Northwick Warth this morning. (Martin McGill).

Forest of Dean    Three male Bramblings and ten Siskins on the feeder in the Cyril Hart Arboretum by Speech House. A pair of Ravens nest-building nearby. A perched Goshawk distantly from New Fancy View in poor conditions. A Dipper on the roadside stream below Mallards Pike. (MK).

Frampton    The female Hen Harrier was seen at today at Nebrow Hill and five Short-eared Owls and a Barn Owl.

Frampton    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker again today. (Neil Smart).

February 14th 2004

Forest of Dean    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Nagshead today. (Martin McGill).

Frampton    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker with group of Blue Tits at the Sailing Lake in the trees at the top of Vicarage Lane. Six Ravens seen from north of Splatt Bridge and a Short-eared Owl at Nebrow Hill. (Andy Chapman).
WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock distant from the Holden Tower today. (Andy Chapman).

Cotswold Water Park    A drake and two redhead Smew on Pit 44. At least six Green Sandpipers around Keynes Country Park and Chiffchaffs everywhere. (Jeremy Squire).   

Cheltenham    Five garden Siskins, two males and three females. (Chris Britton).

February 13th 2004

Ashleworth Ham    Four Bewick's Swans, two adults with two first-winter birds, on the partly flooded stubble field approx 1/2 km north of the Ham at lunch time today. Also 100 Lapwings and two Dunlins south at 1:10pm. (Ian Ralphs).

Sudmeadow    A Chiffchaff in song again for the second day. Also a Barn Owl showing at dawn in the area today. (Gordon Avery).

February 12th 2004

Forest of Dean    Twenty Crossbills (ten males and ten females) in the Scots Pines close to the Rising Sun at Moseley Green.

A pair of Ravens at Burnt Log, opposite New Fancy View, 16 Siskins and a Brambling amongst the Greenfinches and tits on the feeder in the Cyril Hart Arboretum by Speech House. A pair of Ravens over Spruce Ride behind the Arboretum. A single Raven over Chaxhill flying towards Walmore Common. (Andrew Bluett).

February 11th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    A Water Rail at Pit 84, a Little Egret on Pit 84 and another on Pit 79. A Green Sandpiper on Pit 87. A drake Smew on Pit 43 and five (including two drakes) on Pit 65. Four Goosanders on Pit 43. Three Chiffchaffs by Pit 44. (Richard Cawsey). 

Aylburton Wharf/Guscar Rocks    300 Curlews, 40 Redshanks, 20 Dunlin, seven Snipe, two Oystercatchers, two Ravens, 50 Linnets and 50 Wigeon. (Tony Eveleigh).

Forest of Dean    Four Bramblings at the feeding station at Cyril Hart Arboretum by Speech House. Also a Raven over and four Siskins amongst the Greenfinches. A Hawfinch on the opposite side of the road near Dean Hall. (Andrew Bluett).

February 10th 2004

Dursley    A Red Kite flew over Woodmancote Road yesterday afternoon. (per Gordon Avery).

Forest of Dean    Two Goshawks today from New Fancy View car park.  Six Bramblings at the feeding station at Cyril Hart Arboretum by Speech House. (Roger Treeby/Andrew Bluett).

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today.

Cleeve Hill    A Short-eared Owl on the north slope hunting over the cut gorse near the sheep field today. (Jeremy Squire).

February 9th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today. Also four Ruff, a female Merlin and a Water Rail showing well from Zeiss hide. Pics below by Roy Shilham.

February 8th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today. The Lapland Bunting is still present today until 3:40pm at least. This bird is only viewable from guided tours as it is outside of the public areas. Also 12 Ravens, a Hen Harrier and a Short-eared Owl. The Barn Owl was also around the car-park towards dusk. 

Forest of Dean     Five Bramblings, three Siskins, a Nuthatch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker on feeder at the feeding station, in the Cyril Hart Arboretum at Speech House in the SW corner at SO622118. At Woorgreens Lake 11 Goosanders and two Ravens. Two Ravens over Staple Edge wood. (Tony Eveleigh).

Witcombe    13 Lesser Redpolls in the Sophie Hope Plantation feeding in planted birches. (Terry Fenton).    

Walmore Common    An albino Lesser Black-backed Gull this morning. Also 92 Bewick's Swans, two Canada Geese, a Shelduck, 60 Wigeon, two Gadwall, 90 Teal, 75 Pintail, a Shoveler, 130 Lapwing and a Dunlin. (Andy Jayne).

February 7th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today. The Lapland Bunting is still present today. Also 25 Bramblings, two Tree Sparrows, a Hen Harrier and a Barn Owl. This bird is only viewable from guided tours as it is outside of the public areas. No sign of the Long-eared Owl this evening but a Barn Owl in the Dutch barn by the canal.

Frampton    Seven Little Egrets on the flashes north of Splatt Bridge this morning.

February 6th 2004

Leckhampton    A male Golden Pheasant (of unknown origin) in the grounds of Delancey Hospital today. (Duncan Dine).

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today. The Lapland Bunting is still present today. This bird is only viewable from guided tours as it is outside of the public areas. Tours tomorrow at 11am and 1:30pm. Also 14 Ruff, three Little Stints and a Spotted Redshank. A Long-eared Owl again sat on the hedgerow between the Trust and the canal bridge after dusk. (Paul Taylor). 

Forest of Dean     Two Bramblings and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at the feeding station, in the Cyril Hart Arboretum at Speech House in the SW corner at SO622118. 

February 5th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    A Black-necked Grebe this morning on Pit 114 in the Dudgrove complex . (Jeremy Squire).

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today. The Lapland Bunting is still present today. This bird is only viewable from guided tours as it is outside of the public areas. Also 500+ Golden Plovers from Holden Tower, 14 Ruff, three Ravens, a Jack Snipe from Martin Smith hide and a Peregrine on the Dumbles. (Jon Mercer). 

February 4th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    A Long-eared Owl sat on the hedgerow between the Trust and the canal bridge at dusk. (Martin McGill). The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today. The Lapland Bunting is still present today. This bird is only viewable from guided tours as it is outside of the public areas. 

February 3rd 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today. The Lapland Bunting is still present today. This bird is only viewable from guided tours as it is outside of the public areas. Also three Ruff and 11 Ravens.

February 2nd 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today. The Lapland Bunting is still present today. This bird is only viewable from guided tours as it is outside of the public areas.

February 1st 2004

Seven Springs    Two flocks of 100 Bramblings in hedgerows near Hartley Farm SO956172 at midday today. (Bob Beale).
Witcombe Reservoir    An adult Mediterranean Gull this morning. (Jeremy Squire). 

Sharpness Docks    A pair of Peregrines seen on the large tower this morning. Also 31 Linnets. (MK). 

Berkeley Pill    A Common Sandpiper this morning. (Paul Taylor).

WWT Slimbridge    The Lapland Bunting still present today. This bird is only viewable from guided tours as it is outside of the public areas. The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock today. Also a Spotted Redshank, a Little Stint, three Ruff and a Peregrine. 

January 31st 2004

Sharpness Docks    A Red-necked Grebe seen very briefly in the main basin this afternoon. No further sign when searched for later. (Jeremy Squire). Also here twenty Kittiwakes flew north seen from both sides of the river. (Ian Ralphs/Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    The Lapland Bunting is still present today. This bird is only viewable from guided tours as it is outside of the public areas. There will be a morning and afternoon walk if the bird is still present. The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock today. Also a Spotted Redshank, a Little Stint, three Ruff and two Ravens. 

January 30th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from Loke Hide, South Finger at 3:45pm. Also five Ruff on South Lake and a Little Egret from the Gulf Hide, by the Decoy. (MK)

January 29th 2004

Berkeley Pill    A Jack Snipe, a Common Sandpiper and two Ravens today. (Paul Taylor).

Ashleworth Ham  Three Tree Sparrows at Colways Farm. (David Owen). 

Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury (The Courtyard)    A pair of Stonechats and 120 Golden Plover over today. (David Owen).

Chaxhill    Two flocks of 15 and 21 Lapwings over the A48 at Chaxhill  (heading towards Walmore Common) also a single Golden Plover there and a pair of Ravens heading towards the River Severn. Two Lapwings over A48 at Elton. (Andrew Bluett).

Sudmeadow    A Woodcock here this morning and two Stonechats on Port Ham. Also a Barn Owl showing at dawn and dusk in the area. (Gordon Avery).

January 28th 2004

Forest of Dean     Three Bramblings with the finch flock at the feeding station, in the Cyril Hart Arboretum at Speech House in the SW corner at SO622118. Also six Coal Tits on the large bird table viewable from the car park. Also two Ravens and two Green Woodpeckers at Woorgreens. (Tony Eveleigh).

Lydbrook    A pair of Goosanders flying upriver at Lower Lydbrook, later one bird seen flying downriver. (Charles Martell).

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today, but no sign of the Lapland Bunting. It was seen yesterday and may well still be present. Further access may be arranged if it is. Also Little Stint still.

January 27th 2004

Cotswold Water Park    A drake Smew on Pit 75 today. Also on Pit 44 45 Red Crested Pochards and three male Goosanders. (Richard Cawsey).

January 26th 2004

Gloucester    Female Peregrine perched on Gloucester Hospital tower this morning. (John Wells).

Hucclecote    A male Brambling coming to a garden feeding station. (Terry Fenton). Pic by Terry below.

January 25th 2004

Berkeley shore    A pair of Stonechats, seven Turnstones, six Golden Plovers with c200 Lapwings, four Rock Pipits,  a Little Owl and a Redpoll flew over. (Paul Taylor).
Quedgeley    A female Blackcap and two Snipe at Clearwater Drive. (Andy Chapman).
Sharpness Docks    A Peregrine on the large tower. (Andy Chapman).
WWT Slimbridge    A Lapland Bunting found at midday today. This bird is only viewable from the Landrover as it is outside of the public areas. (Martin McGill). Also two Little Stints and six Ravens. Pics below by David Pearce.

Frampton    The female Hen Harrier and three Short-eared Owls showed this morning and again late afternoon together with the Barn Owl. (Richard Price/Martin Wightman/Andy Jayne). On the Sailing Lake five Goldeneyes (two males and three females). (Martin Wightman).

Forest of Dean    A Goshawk from New Fancy View this morning. A few small parties of Crossbills and a Willow Tit at Brierley. (Ian Ralphs).

January 24th 2004

Newnham    90 Mallards on the right bank of the Severn between Newnham and Broadoak. (Charles Martell).

Sharpness Docks    A Black Redstart and a Common Sandpiper today. (Martin McGill).

Stonehouse    A Dipper at Bonds Mill at 8am. (Gerry Shilham).

Frampton    The female Hen Harrier and a Short-eared Owl showed at 9am. (Gerry Shilham). The Hen Harrier showed again at 2:30pm and two Short-eared Owls and a Barn Owl late afternoon. (Mark Hobson/Andy Chapman). A redhead Goosander on the Court Lake and four Goldeneyes (2m/2f) on the Sailing Lake this morning. (Andy Chapman).

January 23rd 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today. 

Brockworth    A Jack Snipe today at Henley Bank Plantation at SO900174. (access via A&A Fruit Farm). (Terry Fenton).

Cotswold Water Park    A drake Smew on Pit 75 today. (Mark Watkins).

January 22nd 2004

Ashleworth Ham    Three Whooper Swans on the floods opposite Colways Farm at 1:30pm, but no sign at 1:50pm. (David Owen).

Frampton    The female Hen Harrier was at Nebrow Hill again today.

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today. 

January 21st 2004

Sharpness Docks    A male Black Redstart on Severnbank House today (adjacent to the 'corrugated' building Greencare). (Dave Pearce).

Forest of Dean    A Crossbill (in short supply so far) at Speech House. (Barrie Mills).

January 20th 2004

Frampton    The female Hen Harrier gave brief but good views at 2pm at Nebrow Hill, a Little Egret by the car park and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker by the canal. Two Short-eared Owls and a Barn Owl showed between 4:30-5pm. (Keith Bell/Tony Howell).

Coombe Hill Meadows    275 Pintail today. (Andy Jayne). 

Ashleworth Ham  An adult Peregrine and five Tree Sparrows nearby at Colways Farm. (Andy Jayne). 

Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury (The Courtyard)    A Raven, 13 Snipe, a Little Owl and a Water Rail heard today. (David Owen).

January 19th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock from the Holden Tower today. (Dave Pearce).

January 18th 2004

Lydney    30 Siskins, two Lesser Redpolls and a female Reed Bunting at Lydney Canal. c300-400 Lapwings, 40 Golden Plovers, 60 Red-legged Partridges and c4000 Starlings at Lydney New Grounds. (Barrie Mills).

Hawling    At New House Farm at SP067232 a flock of 80 Chaffinches, 20 Yellowhammers and three Tree Sparrows.  (Duncan Dine). 

Crippits, Leckhampton    Six Red-legged Partridges and a Buzzard near to the fishing lake. Also a Raven over Wistley Hill. (Steve Brown).

Fretherne    A Chiffchaff this morning.  (Gordon Hodgson).

Frampton    One or two Short-eared Owls and a Barn Owl this evening at Nebrow Hill at 4:30pm today. (Gordon Hodgson/Steve Brown).

This week three Goldeneyes (1m,2f) and up to three Little Egrets on the Sailing Lake and three Blackcaps (2m,1f) opposite the Three Horseshoes in the large Sycamores with Mistletoe. (Gordon Hodgson).

Walmore Common    40 Bewick's Swans at 1pm. (MK).

Guscar Rocks    Three Rock Pipits this morning. (Ian Ralphs).

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with the goose flock at midday.

Forest of Dean    Brierley - A Hawfinch, two Willow Tits, a Marsh Tit, a Raven, two Lesser Redpolls and 50 Siskins. Cannop ponds - Six Mandarins, four males and two females. See my pics below. (MK/Tony Eveleigh). At Woorgreens 12 Goosanders (4m,8f), 50 Siskins, four Lesser Redpoll and eight Common Crossbills. At Parkend Church a Raven, a Brambling and 23 Siskins. (Mark Hobson/Martin Wightman). 

January 17th 2004

Withington    150 Bramblings east of the village at SP027154 east of the road feeding on sunflower seed. Also a Dipper at Colesbourne on the river Churn. (Duncan Dine). 

Frampton    The female Hen Harrier showing well at Nebrow Hill at 10am today. Also a Stonechat at Splatt Bridge and a female Goosander on Court Lake. (Andy Chapman).

Two Short-eared Owls and a Barn Owl this evening at Nebrow Hill at 4:30pm. Also a fly-over Little Egret. (Richard Cawsey/Nigel Bayliss). Two Tree Sparrows with the Chaffinch flock near the picnic table. (Gordon Hodgson).

WWT Slimbridge    A Spotted Redshank here today. (Richard Cawsey). Witcombe    25 Lesser Redpolls in the Sophie Hope Plantation feeding in planted birches including one male in spring pink plumage. (Terry Fenton).

January 16th 2004

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl and a Barn Owl both hunting at Nebrow Hill at 4:45pm today. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    The adult Tundra Bean Goose still on the Dumbles with the goose flock today. Pics below by Richard Newton.

January 15th 2004

Condicote    A Barn Owl near here at SP182279. (Barrie Mills).

Birdlip    A Raven displaying over the A417 by the Air Balloon at 10:30am today. (Jon Mercer).

Quedgeley    A Jack Snipe and three Snipe on the flooded area near The Causeway again today. Two Blackcaps in a garden here. (Andy Chapman). 
Forest of Dean    Two Crossbills at New Fancy View, eight Mandarins (5m/3f), a Willow Tit and c.60 Siskins and 5-10 Lesser Redpolls at
Cannop Ponds, two Hawfinches in the CSMA campsite at Parkend and two Ravens over Parkend Church. (Andy Chapman). 

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl and a Little Egret at Nebrow Hill at 7:45am today. (Steve Brown).

January 14th 2004

Frampton     Four Short-eared Owls and a Snipe at Nebrow Hill. (Andy Chapman).

Moreton-in-the-Marsh    Ten Snipe in a marshy field parallel to the railway line, present since late October 2003 at SP212316. (Barrie Mills).

January 13th 2004

Ashleworth Ham    Two Pink-footed Geese with the Canada Goose flock this afternoon, viewed from the lower hide. (Colin Butters).

January 12th 2004

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Tundra Bean Goose found at midday today by Martin McGill on the Dumbles with the goose flock. Also Spotted Redshank, a Little Stint and 12 Ruff on the Tack Piece.

Gloucester    A Barn Owl hunting within the Gloucester City boundary at lunch time. (Richard Lawrence/Ian Elphick). 

January 11th 2004

Aylburton Warth    A Water Pipit, two Tree Sparrows and a Green Sandpiper today. (Andy Jayne).

Cheltenham    An adult Ring-billed Gull was on Bournside School playing fields, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham at 10:30am this morning. All the gulls flew up at 11am and it did not return. (John Sanders).

Forest of Dean    At Parkend (CSMA caravan park) a Hawfinch and two Ravens over. Four Mandarins (two males and two females) at Cannop Ponds. Seven Goosanders (three males and four females) at Woorgreens. Also a mixed flock of finches including Siskin and Lesser Redpoll. At Highnam RSPB a Marsh Tit on the feeders and three Great Spotted Woodpeckers (two males and a female). (Andy Chapman).

Frampton    The female Hen Harrier seen from Nebrow Hill from 4:15pm quartering the fields adjacent to Splatt Bridge. Also a Little Egret flew over and a Peregrine. (Terry Fenton). Belated news of a male Marsh Harrier flying low in a southerly direction at a range of 250yds at midday on the 7th at Nebrow Hill, and an unconfirmed report of it again today. (Bob Beale).

January 10th 2004

Bishops Cleeve    A Barn Owl over Gotherington crossroads at 6:30pm. (Gerry Shilham).

Frampton    The Bittern showed again today at 3pm 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 on Court Lake three Little Egrets and three redhead Goosanders. 

Forest of Dean    Five Goosanders and five Snipe at Woorgreens. Two Willow Tits at Brierley and nine Mandarins at Cannop ponds. No sign of any Hawfinches or Crossbills, very small numbers of Lesser Redpolls (just ones and twos) and only quite scattered small flocks of Siskins, best flock 20 at Parkend Church. (Ian Ralphs). 

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A male Goosander this morning.  Also eight Pochards (seven males and a female) and two Little Grebes. (Steve Brown).

January 9th 2004

Quedgeley    Two Jack Snipe and nine Snipe today on a flooded area near The Causeway. These birds have returned for their fourth winter. Also two Green Woodpeckers. (Andy Chapman/MK).

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl at Nebrow Hill from 4pm, first seen in fields south of Splatt Bridge between the canal and the river. Also Red-legged Partridge, a small flock of Yellowhammers and Reed Buntings and an albino Pheasant. (Mark Warren/MK). 

January 8th 2004

Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury (The Courtyard)    Three Snipe, a Stonechat and a Water Rail heard today. (David Owen).

January 7th 2004

Frampton    The Bittern showed well again today from 3:50-4:00pm, after an elusive spell, 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. (Tony Eveleigh). Also on Court Lake a Little Egret and three redhead Goosanders. 

Two Short-eared Owls at Splatt Bridge between the 100-Acre and the canal late afternoon.

Cotswold Water Park    23 Red Crested Pochards on Pit 44 today. (Tony Eveleigh).

January 5th 2004

Lydney New Grounds    A Black Redstart at SO637006 today. (Barrie Mills).

January 4th 2004

Cotswolds    NCOS short day count  300+ Bramblings east of Withington at SP027154 east of the road feeding on sunflower seed. (Duncan Dine). Six Snipe and a Stonechat at Hawling. (Steve Owen). A drake Smew and 37 Red Crested Pochards at Fairford Pit 104. Also a Water Rail and two Chiffchaffs. At Homeleaze Farm a Green Sandpiper and at Oldwalls Farm 200 Golden Plovers and a Peregrine. (Ian Ralphs). A Barn Owl at Longborough and a Willow Tit at Bourton (N) pits. (Rob Brooks). 

Frampton    The female Hen Harrier was seen at midday and again between 2:30-3:30pm at Nebrow Hill and two Short-eared Owls here from 4pm. (Richard Cawsey/Jon Mercer). 

Cotswold Water Park    A Little Egret, eight Goosanders and a redhead Smew at Pit 65, four Water Rails, 80 Golden Plovers, an adult Yellow-legged Gull at Pit 32, also a pair of Stonechats and three Chiffchaffs seen. (Andy Jayne). 

Five Smew (two drakes) at Pit 75. (Jon Mercer).

Tuffley    Male and female Blackcaps coming to feeders, another pair very local , all four have been seen together. (Fred Hobson). See pics below taken by Fred.

January 3rd 2004

Frampton     The Bittern showed well again today at 8:45am 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 on Court Lake a Little Egret and a Kingfisher. Three Goldeneyes, a male and two females, were on the Sailing Lake. (Andy Lodge). On the flashes (north of Splatt Bridge) a Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk and a Water Rail. On the 100 Acre (viewed from the public footpath at Green Lane) a Snipe and a Stonechat.

The female Hen Harrier was seen over the flashes reedbed (north of Splatt Bridge) and then flew onto the 100 Acre reedbed at 8:30am. (Martin Wightman). It was seen again at 2:30pm at Nebrow Hill. (Ian Ralphs). 

Cotswold Water Park    Pit 32 male and female Goosander but no sign of the Yellow-browed Warbler between 8:30am-2:30pm. Pit 79 three Green Sandpipers, Pits 84/85 two Little Egrets and at Pit 75 two male Smew. (Terry Fenton).

Garden Blackcaps continue to be well reported with recent records from Naunton Park, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Quedgeley and Westrip.

January 2nd 2004

Cotswold Water Park    The Yellow-browed Warbler still between Pit 31 and Pit 32 at Keynes Country Park today near the play area showing well on and off but could be elusive. 

Frampton    The Bittern showed well again today at 1:30pm 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. The female Hen Harrier was seen at 3pm at Nebrow Hill and two Short-eared Owls here at 4pm. (Dave Pearce).

Cambridge    Two Little Egrets at Ryall's Lane this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Gloucester    Two Peregrines (a male and a female) perched on the Tower Block at Gloucester Hospital. (John Wells).

Stonehouse    A Dipper and a pair of Grey Wagtails at Bonds Mill at 1pm. (MK).

January 1st 2004

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 here. A female Goldeneye was on the Sailing Lake. The female Hen Harrier was seen briefly twice at 10am at Nebrow Hill and also earlier at 8:30am. (Gerry Shilham/Richard Price/MK). 

Cotswold Water Park    The Yellow-browed Warbler still between Pit 31 and Pit 32 at Keynes Country Park today near the play area showing well on and off but could be elusive. (Gerry Shilham/Richard Price/Paul Taylor/MK). Also here three Goosanders. (Jon Mercer). At Pit 75 three Smew, two drakes and a redhead and a pair of Red Crested Pochards, at Pit 57 nine Ruddy Ducks and a female Goldeneye, at Pit 44 an Aythya hybrid looking very like a female Scaup, nine male and four female Red Crested Pochards and a male Goosander. (Gerry Shilham/Richard Price/Paul Taylor/MK). 

Kidnappers Lane, Leckhampton    A Blackcap in sub-song at midday. (Steve Brown).