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