If you e-mail records to me at Mike@surfbirder.com please also copy the County Recorder, Richard Baatsen at Baatsen@surfbirder.com

Sat Dec 31st 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows    Few birds visible from Grundon Hide, but a Merlin flew past. About 120 Lapwings, two or three Water Rails calling from Broad Mere. One Peregrine flying by. About 150 Wigeon and 350 Teal in the Long Pool but very few Snipe there.  (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    At least a thousand ducks mainly Wigeon, some Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall and Pintail. A male Peregrine on the pylons. At least one Stonechat and c50 Snipe and a Jack Snipe. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    500 White-fronted Geese, the juvenile Dark-bellied Brent Goose and two Pink-footed Geese still, 230 Bewick's Swans, 2200 Teal, 2700 Wigeon, 300 Pintail, two Peregrines, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Spotted Redshank, 1+ Little Stint, 1+ Ruff, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, two Jack Snipe, 20 Snipe and two Chiffchaffs today. (Martin McGill/Ben Macdonald).

Sudmeadow    Another Chiffchaff alongside the river at Sudmeadow (no ring). This makes it at least seven different birds now during December and possibly nine. A pair of Stonechats by the Plantation pool (The field behind the old Fielding's playing field) and a Green Sandpiper on waste ground pools by Presswelds. (Gordon Avery).
Newington Bagpath/Lasborough (ST816948)     This morning 42 Linnets, 16 Yellowhammers, 38 Chaffinches, 76 Bramblings and two Goldfinches. Also there 32 Red-legged Partridges, three Ravens, a male Sparrowhawk, a male Kestrel and a male Green Woodpecker. At Eastington/Millend feeders still two Blackcaps and at least three Siskins. (Jake King).

Leigh river meadows    Two Whooper Swans with nine Mute Swans, also five Meadow Pipits, three Fieldfares, two Redwings, a Cormorant, a Buzzard, a female Kestrel, 16 Linnets, three Stock Doves, 30+ Lapwings over, a female Reed Bunting, a Chiffchaff, a Jay, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and two Ravens. (Mark Grieve/Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Harnhill    Three Tree Sparrows today. (Gareth Harris).

Cotswold Water Park    500+ Black-headed Gulls, 111 Golden Plovers and 150 Lapwings in the roost at Pit 32. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams).

Fri Dec 30th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    908 White-fronted Geese, the juvenile Dark-bellied Brent Goose and two Pink-footed Geese still, 220 Bewick's Swans, a Jack Snipe, two Snipe and a Water Rail today. (James Lees).

Quedgeley    At Clearwater Drive today two Green Woodpeckers, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Jack Snipe, a female Reed Bunting, a Kingfisher and two Bullfinches (1m 1f). Also a male garden Blackcap nearby. (Andy Chapman).

Thu Dec 29th 2005

Minsterworth    A female Hen Harrier reported standing in the road verge grass feeding on prey at the Apple Tree this morning. (Colin Evers).

Ashleworth Ham    1200 Wigeon, 375 Teal, 90 Shovelers, 30 Gadwall, 50 Mallards and  20 Pintail.  (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Walmore Common    26 Bewick's Swans at 9:30am, 16 adults or yearlings and ten cygnets. Also a Kingfisher, a Water Rail in the pond in the middle, a Snipe, 250 Lapwings flew over and 3+ Stonechats around the pond in the middle. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Coombe Hill Meadows    29 Snipe flying in formation NE of Grundon hide late morning. c12 Lesser Redpolls between the hide and wharf along the canal. (Keith White).

Leigh Meadows    Two Whooper Swans grazing alongside 20 Mute Swans at 11am. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Newington Bagpath    A large flock of mixed finches and buntings in fading light including 30+ Bramblings and 30+Yellowhammers with Chaffinches. At Ozleworth Bottom two Willow Tits. (Jake King).

Quedgeley    Four Water Rails, three Bullfinches (2m 1f), two Buzzards, a Grey Wagtail and a Jay between Clearwater Drive and Dimore Brook. Also a female garden Blackcap. (Paul Masters).

Cotswold Water Park    A male Pintail, 251+ Wigeon, five Little Grebes, six Goldeneye (4m 2f), a Water Rail, 100+ Gadwall, 5500+ Starlings flying over en route to roost, three Great Black-backed Gulls, 150 Herring Gulls, 250+ Common Gulls, 2000+ Black-headed Gulls and 2500+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls, also a Kingfisher at Pit 16 today. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams). At Pit 44 ten Smew (4m 6 redheads). (Karen Leaver).

Wed Dec 28th 2005

Walmore Common    33 Bewick's Swans at 9:30am, 23 adults or yearlings and ten cygnets. Also a Jack Snipe on Thursday 22nd. (Colin Evers).

Frampton    At Nebrow Hill Oakwood this afternoon ten Lesser Redpolls, two Bramblings, 200 Chaffinches, 20 Reed Buntings, a Peregrine, a Buzzard, two Kestrels and a Sparrowhawk. (Mark Hobson).

Forest of Dean    Two male Goosanders on Woorgreens Lake this afternoon. Also two Mute Swans, unusual here. (Tony Eveleigh).

Hawling    Three Short-eared Owls quartering fields at Roel Gate SP050243 this afternoon at 3pm. Pics below by Gary. (Gary Cox).

Cotswold Water Park    Nine Smew (three drakes) still on Pit 44.

Quedgeley    At Clearwater Drive this morning two Jack Snipe, a Water Rail, five Bullfinches (2m 3f), at least two Siskins, a Meadow Pipit and a group of seven Great Spotted Woodpeckers. On the river five Canada Geese and six Mute Swans (3 ads 3 juvs). (Andy Chapman/Ben Macdonald).

Sudmeadow    A female Blackcap in Hemmingsdale Road still and three "new" Chiffchaffs trapped. (Gordon Avery).

Ashleworth Ham and Stank Lane    Nine Snipe, flocks of 60 and 52 Lapwings over in a SW direction, seven Redwings, seven Fieldfares, nine Bullfinches (5m 4f), two Treecreepers, a Kestrel, a Peregrine on the pylons and two Teal over. From the road and hide a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Goldcrest amongst a small tit flock, 400+ Wigeon, 300+ Teal, 18 Gadwall, 35+ Shovelers,40 Pintails, 20+ Mallards, two Buzzards and a flock of 60+ Redwing with 15 Starlings on pasture at the end of Dirty Lane. At Hasfield village 20 Lapwings on a stubble field and 15+ Fieldfares. (Mark Grieve).

Tue Dec 27th 2005

Tirley    Two Tawny Owls calling at 4:35pm. (Mark Grieve).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Pink-footed Geese, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 208 Bewick's Swans, 550 White-fronted Geese,95 Shovelers,  two Ferruginous x Pochard? hybrids, eight Ruff and 11 Black-tailed Godwits today. (Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park    The Red-necked Grebe was still at Dudgrove Pit 114 today but mobile. (Duncan Dine) Also here ten Great Crested Grebes, two Little Grebes, eight Cormorants, 50 Greylags, 150+ Tufted Ducks, 200+ Pochard, 40 Gadwall, 25+ Goldeneye, 20+ Shovelers, 70 Siskin, . 20 Cormorants, a Green Sandpiper and male and female Sparrowhawk at Pits 111/111b. At Pit 116 two Barnacle Geese, 52 Canada Geese, two Little Egrets and 283 Wigeon. At Pit 32, 650+ Black-headed Gulls, eight Golden Plovers and 100 Lapwings.  Two Chiffchaffs and two Water Rails at Pit 41. A Chiffchaff and a Great Spotted Woodpecker at Pit 42. The Aythya hybrid, three male and a redhead Goosander, seven Smew (three males) 70 Red Crested Pochards (46m 24f) and three Bullfinches at Pit 44. A Chiffchaff at Pit 45 and another at Pits 46/48. A Chiffchaff, male and female Goldeneye, 31 Ruddy Ducks, 65 Shovelers and a Snipe at Pit 57. 2+ Bullfinches and a Chiffchaff at Pit 58. Male and female Smew at Pit 65 and two Bullfinches at Pit 77. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams/Pete Adams).

Frampton    Six Little Egrets in a field on the right just after going over Cadbury's Bridge in Frampton down the Arlingham road at 9am. (Roy Jellings).

Sudmeadow    A female Blackcap in Hemmingsdale Road, three Snipe on Sudmeadow marsh, a Chiffchaff by the river and a male Stonechat at Port Ham (by the power station). (Gordon Avery).

Mon Dec 26th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    Three Whooper Swans at Pits 46/48. Five Smew (one drake) still on Pit 44. 5+ Siskins and a Yellow-legged Gull at Pit 32. Two male and two female Goldeneye and three male and one redhead Goosander at Pit 58. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams).

Sun Dec 25th 2005

Sudmeadow    An 'abietinus' Chiffchaff by Llantony Weir with a tit flock this morning. A nominate race Chiffchaff was by Lower Parting and a female Stonechat was nearby. (Gordon Avery).

Chedworth    At Chedworth Woods and Airfield today a large tit/crest flock holding 4+ Marsh Tits, 15+ Coal Tits, 40+ Goldcrests, four Treecreepers and a Nuthatch, also two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, three Jays, three Bullfinches, 250+ Fieldfares, 200+ Redwings, a Raven, 25+ Skylarks, 250+ Starlings and male and female Stonechat. (Gareth Harris).

Cotswold Water Park    Four male Goosanders, a redhead Smew, 17 Red Crested Pochards, a Kingfisher and a Siskin at Pit 44. A male and female Goosander and a Water Rail at Pits 46/48 and four male and two female Goosanders at Pit 65. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams).

Sat Dec 24th 2005

Lydney Docks (along the canal)    Two Water Rails and a Mink and the alder trees contained a mixed flock of Goldfinches, Siskins and Lesser Redpolls. (Helen Williams/Philip Mugridge).

Hawling    Three Short-eared Owls quartering fields at Roel Gate SP050244 this afternoon. Also a brief appearance by the Barn Owl and a Tawny Owl calling from the trees next to the crossroads. (Janet & John Datchens/Steve & Chris Brown).

Frampton    A male Blackcap beside Court Lake and at least five Chiffchaffs. (Mark Hobson).

Fri Dec 23rd 2005

Forest of Dean    12 Little Grebes at Cannop Ponds, two Willow Tits in Churchill Inclosure, two Crossbills at Oakenhill and four Hawfinches in Yew trees at Parkend. (Andy Jayne).

Walmore Common    Four Bewick's Swans, 100 Teal, a Little Egret, a Kingfisher and four Stonechats this afternoon. (Andy Jayne).

Hawling    Four Short-eared Owls quartering fields at Roel Gate SP050244 this afternoon. Also the Goshawk again and the Barn Owl hunting at 4:15pm. (Steve Brown).

Leckhampton    A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly at Hartley Bottom, Leckhampton Hill at 12:30pm. (Steve Brown).

Thu Dec 22nd 2005

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 79, 150+ Black-headed Gulls, 13 Skylarks, a female Sparrowhawk, a male Stonechat and 167 Wigeon. At Pit 84 four Chiffchaffs, a Green Woodpecker, 250 Teal, 14 Pochards, four Shovelers and 126 Teal. At Pit 85, 10+ Gadwall, 5+ Goldfinches, two Linnets, 20 Meadow Pipits and a Reed Bunting. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams).

Cirencester    15+ Pied Wagtails and three White Wagtails at Tesco's Supermarket, Kingsmeadow. (Gareth Harris).

Forest of Dean    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the Arboretum car park near Speech House at midday. Also a Hawfinch and two Bullfinches in the Arboretum and 45 Redwings in the hotel grounds. At Woorgreens 40 Siskins and 40 Lesser Redpolls feeding on Alders and 20 Redwings. At Cannop ponds a Marsh Tit and two Little Grebes and at Beechenhurst two Ravens, one displaying. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Dark-bellied Brent Goose and two Pink-footed Geese still today. (Ian Ralphs).

Wed Dec 21st 2005

Nind    A Water Rail, a Kingfisher, a pair of Grey Wagtails and a flock of 30-50 Siskins feeding on Alder viewed from the footpath overlooking the fish farm at Nind near Wotton-Under-Edge (ST756915) this lunch time. (Vic Polley).

Hawling    Four Short-eared Owls quartering fields at Roel Gate SP050244 early evening. A female/immature Merlin also flew through and nearby were seven Buzzards, 2-3 Kestrels and a female Stonechat. (Andy Jayne).

Longlevens    A Short-eared Owl at 9am flying east over the allotments between Longlevens and Innsworth, parallel with the Northern Bypass. ( Paul Bryant).  

Tue Dec 20th 2005

Hawling    Four Short-eared Owls quartering fields at Roel Gate SP050244 this evening and a Barn Owl along the road to Charlton Abbots. (Ian Ralphs).

Gloucester    25 White-fronted Geese south over Castle Meads at 10:20am then across the docks towards Tuffley. Three Chiffchaffs, one in the osier and two along the river below the Parting with a small tit flock. Two Snipe over GLS towards the Manor and a pair of Stonechats on Port Ham. (Gordon Avery).

Mon Dec 19th 2005

Hawling    Three Short-eared Owls quartering fields at Roel Gate SP050244 at 3pm today and a Barn Owl at 4pm. Also a Goshawk, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, a Tawny Owl calling and nearby a Stonechat and 20 Red-legged Partridges. The Goshawk suddenly appeared from an Oak tree ,to which it returned, and harassed a Short-eared Owl, which flew high towards Cleeve. (Dave Pearce/Duncan Dine/Graham Watson/Steve Brown). (SEO pic below by Graham).

Twigworth    At 8:30am a Raven on a pylon near to Twigworth School. (Steve Brown).

Sun Dec 18th 2005

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens today two Willow Tits, a mixed flock of 30+ Lesser Redpolls and 20+ Siskins, and a Snipe. (Paul Masters).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Dark-bellied Brent Goose and two Pink-footed Geese still with 340 White-fronted Geese. (Mark Hobson).

Cheltenham    Two garden Blackcaps and a flyover Sparrowhawk at Naunton Park. (Steve Brown).

Upper Coberley    A Raven over Needlehole at midday.  (Steve Brown).

Sat Dec 17th 2005

Hawling    At least four Short-eared Owls and a Barn Owl quartering fields at Roel Gate SP052243 3:30pm today. A probable male Goshawk attacked the Barn Owl at dusk over fields and in the conifer belt north of the road running west from the crossroads at Roel Gate. (Pic below by Gary) (Gary Cox/Duncan Dine/Angus Moir/Dave Morgan/Richard Tyler).

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl hunting the field between Cambridge Arms Bridge and the River Cam this afternoon at 4pm, a Water Rail in the reed bed south of Splatt Bridge, a male Stonechat, two Little Grebes and 100,000 Starlings wheeling over the reed bed north of Splatt Bridge at 4:20pm. (Mark Hobson). Also a Little Egret flying south over the canal and Water Rail squealing from the reeds of the north reed bed. (Pics below by Janet & John) (Janet & John Datchens).

Leigh Meadows    A pair of Whooper Swans were present this morning with Mute Swans (Pics below by Dave). (Dave Pearce). 

Ashleworth Ham    The adult pair of Whooper Swans were  present at first light, then flew out at 8:15am. Almost 1000 ducks present, mainly Wigeon, nearly 50 Shoveler and good numbers of Pintail and Gadwall and a few Teal. A Peregrine on the pylons, a Water Rail squealing early on, two Jack Snipe, at least 50 Snipe mainly in fields of uncut Canary Grass Phalaris with open patches, a Barn Owl hunting at first light, two Stonechats calling at first light and a Chiffchaff calling and seen in patches of ivy on old oak trees. Nearby a Green Sandpiper on the muddy bank of the Severn near Wainlodes. (Mike Smart/Les Brown/Ben Macdonald).

Quedgeley    A Jack Snipe, skating on the ice at Clearwater Drive this morning. Also two female Bullfinches, a female Blackcap and two Cormorants, sitting in the trees - unusual for here. Nearby two garden male Blackcaps. (Andy Chapman).

Cheltenham    A Water Vole in Sandford Park today (the first time Steve has noted one in over 10 years). (Steve Brown).

Fri Dec 16th 2005

Cambridge    A female Hen Harrier just off the Slimbridge roundabout flying towards Cam at 2pm today. (Ken Hurcombe). This bird or a Harrier sp was seen between Cambridge and the Slimbridge roundabout at 1:30pm on Wednesday 14th. (Keith White).

Cheltenham    250+ Pied Wagtails flew in to roost at dusk at the junction of Pittville Street and High Street today. (Steve Brown).

Cotswold Water Park    Four Goosanders (3m, 1f)  on Pit 44 at 3:30pm today. (Jennifer Rogers).
Walmore Common    13 Bewick's Swans from 12:30-2pm at least. One family of two adults with three cygnets; three yearlings and five additional adults. One was ringed and was seen here on Monday, yellow 541, which was ringed in the Petchora Delta, Russia, north of the Arctic Circle, in August 2005. Also c350 Teal, at least 20 Snipe, 15 Lapwings, at least six Ravens, a Sparrowhawk and a Buzzard. (Mike Smart).

North Nibley    A Brambling, three Blackcaps and seven Bullfinches visiting a garden bird table today. (James Lees).

Thu Dec 15th 2005

Ashleworth Ham    Two of yesterday's Whooper Swans roosted here, but flew off at 8:30am and were seen later grazing in the Leigh Meadows with a dozen Mute Swans. Also early on this morning two Little Owls calling at dawn, a Water Rail squealing, moderate numbers of Wigeon, Pintail and Shoveler, two Goldcrests and at least two Chiffchaffs calling. (Mike Smart).

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 44 seven Smew (three males) and at Pit 41, 35 Siskins and 15 Lesser Redpolls. (Kim Milsom). The Red-necked Grebe was still at Dudgrove Pit 114 this morning. Also two redhead Smew and three Goldeneye.

Forest of Dean    At Mallards Pike a Willow Tit, 50 Siskins, 25 Lesser Redpolls, a pair of Mandarins and a Kingfisher today. (Dave Pearce).

Sudmeadow    Two Chiffchaffs and a male Peregrine in the area today. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Dark-bellied Brent Goose still and 550 White-fronted Geese and nine Ruff today.

Wed Dec 14th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    150+ Wigeon at Pit 79 (Simon Pickering). On Pit 44, five Smew (three drakes), two Goosanders, 67 Red Crested Pochards (44m,23f), the Aythya hybrid, a Kestrel, a Chiffchaff, a Kingfisher and a Little Egret. On Pit 42 two Goosanders and a Chiffchaff. On Pit 57 five Goldeneye (2m, 3f), 32 Shovelers, 53 Wigeon, 28 Ruddy Ducks, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, six Bullfinches, a Chiffchaff and 210 Lapwings. At Pits 46/48 a Marsh Tit, two Green Woodpeckers, a Chiffchaff and a Jay. A Reed Bunting at Pit 45 and a Kestrel at Pit 77. On Pit 32, 118 Black-headed Gulls and 290 Lapwings. (Gareth Harris). The Red-necked Grebe was still at Dudgrove Pit 114 this afternoon but was elusive at times and fairly wary. (Dave Pearce).

Coombe Hill Meadows    This morning there were c700 Wigeon, c190 Canada Geese, three Greylag Geese, c10 Shovelers, three Pintail, a Tufted Duck, five Gadwall and an immature male Ruddy Duck (first record for the reserve?), 300 Lapwings, a Dunlin and six Lesser Redpolls along the canal bank. Mid-morning three adult Whooper Swans arrived, calling loudly as though they were making their first visit. One was ringed with a yellow ring, number LX5; it had been ringed as an adult at WWT Martin Mere in Lancashire on 29/01/03 and seen there again the following winter on 03/11/04 and 31/12/04. After a while, all three flew off, but two of them were later seen feeding among a flock of grazing Mute Swans on the nearby Leigh Meadows. The Grundon hide is now accessible reasonably easily (with wellingtons - beware the missing board on the boardwalk), and the new Long Pool hide is now also accessible, (again with wellingtons, but without too much difficulty).

Cheltenham    Two adult male Goosanders on Pittville Park lake (lower lake, by the island) this morning. (John Sanders).

Tue Dec 13th 2005

Frampton    Not less than 100,000 Starlings gathering over the church at 4pm. A very impressive spectacle that went on "wheeling" for 20 minutes. (Bob Shiret).

Cotswold Water Park    Today seven Smew (four drakes), eight Goosanders, 70 Red Crested Pochards, three Kingfishers and a Raven at Pit 44. A Grey Wagtail and a Green Sandpiper at Pit 32.(Richard Cawsey/Gareth Harris/Nigel Pleass/Roy Shilham). Smew pic by Roy. 

The Red-necked Grebe still at Dudgrove Pit 114 this evening. (Nigel Pleass).

Forest of Dean    This morning at Woorgreens 16 Lesser Redpolls and six Siskins. At Cannop Ponds two Marsh Tits.

Walmore Common    Three Bewick's Swans (one a yearling wearing Slimbridge yellow colour ring 541), 15 Mute Swans, 900+ Teal, ten Shovelers and only two Wigeon, 130 Lapwings, two Snipe and six Ravens today. (Mike Smart).

Westonbirt Arboretum    Three Hawfinches along the Main Drive in Yew trees near Pool Avenue today.

Longlevens    Four Ravens calling while flying west over Park Avenue at 1:55pm. (Pam & Frank Bryant).

Cheltenham    At 5:30am a Tawny Owl was calling in the gardens between Naunton Crescent and Naunton Way. Two Tawny Owls heard interacting at the top of Sandy Lane/on the golf course at 4:30pm. A Sparrowhawk soared over the Gents College for 10 minutes harried by a Black-headed Gull. (Steve Brown).

Seven Springs    12 Red-legged Partridges on the Cotswold Way near the  crossroads at 3:30pm. (Steve Brown).

Mon Dec 12th 2005

Hawling    2+ Short-eared Owls at Roel Gate this evening at 4:15pm, watched from the Roel Gate to Charlton Abbots road at SP052244. (Dave Pearce).

Sudmeadow    Three Chiffchaffs this morning, one in the old osier and two together by the Lower Parting. All were of the nominate race. (Gordon Avery).

Sun Dec 11th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    Three Smew (one drake), three drake Goosanders and 46 Red Crested Pochards (30 males, 16 females) at Pit 44.(Nick Adams). 

Hawling    5+ Short-eared Owls and a Barn Owl at Roel Gate this evening just before dusk, over a rough field at SP054238 along the Salt Way. Present since yesterday at least. (Angus & Jan Moir/Duncan Dine/Steve Owen).

Walmore Common    A Goshawk, a Little Egret, two Water Rails, 26 Snipe and a male Stonechat this afternoon. (Andy Jayne).

Charlton Kings    Six Blackcaps this morning on and around feeders (three males and three females) in garden. (Graham Watson).

Tuffley    Three Blackcaps (a male and two females) coming to garden feeders this morning. (Fred & Heather Hobson).

Sat Dec 10th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    This afternoon a pair of Smew on Pit 44. (Gareth Harris). An Aythya hybrid on Pit 44 still this morning, previously reported as a Scaup considered now to be an Aythya hybrid. Click on links for pics taken by Dave. (Dave Pearce). The Red-necked Grebe still at Dudgrove Pit 114 today. (Angus Moir/Nigel Pleass).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A minimum of 2100 ducks and 500 geese. Ducks included at least 1900 Wigeon, 20 Shovelers, 80 Pintail, a minimum of 100+ Teal, probably many more hidden in the Long Pool. 470 Canada Geese, 35 Greylags, an adult White-fronted Goose and a Canada x Greylag hybrid. Eight Lesser Redpolls, a Little Grebe, a Black-tailed Godwit, three Dunlin and 95 Lapwings. Also a Grey Squirrel seen swimming across the floods from the Long Pool to Broadmead. (Mike Smart/Les Brown/Ian Ralphs).

Ashleworth Ham    At least 1500 ducks, mainly Wigeon and 150 Canada Geese. At least 50 Snipe, two Jack Snipe, a Peregrine on the pylons, a Sparrowhawk, two or three Buzzards, at least two Chiffchaffs calling and two Stonechats. (Mike Smart/ Les Brown).

Cheltenham    A Tawny Owl was calling at 4pm where Sandy Lane becomes a bridle path and another/same bird above Daisybank car park half an hour later, mobbed by Blackbirds. (Steve Brown).

Fri Dec 9th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    A Red-necked Grebe at Dudgrove Pit 114 today. (Paul Cropper per Gareth Harris). An Aythya hybrid on Pit 44 today. (Bill Baines per Gareth Harris).

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

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Brent Goose still on the Tack Piece, also two Pink-footed Geese, 150 White-fronted Geese, 140 Bewick's Swans, 900 Wigeon, 53 Black-tailed Godwits and a Peregrine around the grounds this morning. (James Lees). Also a Little Stint and five Ruff. (Steve Brown).

Sudmeadow    A Chiffchaff trapped today and a Golden Plover flying over north. (Gordon Avery).

Naunton Park, Cheltenham   A garden female Blackcap today. (Steve Brown).

Thu Dec 8th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Brent Goose, two Pink-footed Geese, 199 White-fronted Geese, 92 feral Barnacle Geese, 130 Bewick's Swans and eight Ruff today. (James Lees).

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 84 today 50+ Teal, four Gadwall, two Shovelers, two Wigeon and a Buzzard. (Bob Shiret).

Wed Dec 7th 2005

Coombe Hill/Ashleworth    2000- 2500 ducks mostly Wigeon, 200+ Teal, c100 each Shoveler and Pintail, c12 Gadwall and c50 Mallard in the general area, moving back and forth between the two sites, more at Coombe Hill when water levels are high, more at Ashleworth when they drop. Two Peregrines on the pylons at Ashleworth, a Green Sandpiper on the banks of the Severn, three Lesser Redpolls in Stank Lane and two Stonechats at Ashleworth. (Mike Smart).

Cotswold Water Park   A Black-necked Grebe on Pit 32 today. (Gareth Harris/Simon Pickering). 

Tue Dec 6th 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows   620 Canada Geese, 67 Greylags, two Barnacle Geese (all probably feral) and a lone White-fronted Goose, as likely as not to be wild. Between 1500- 2000 ducks (some flying in from Ashleworth), with about 1600 Wigeon, 200 Teal and c60 Pintails. A Chiffchaff calling and a large flock of at least 400 Fieldfares at the Wainlodes end of the canal. The Grundon Hide is only just accessible (water within an inch of the top of your wellingtons). IMPORTANT NOTE: DO TAKE CARE ON THE BOARDWALK LEADING TO THE HIDE, ONE BOARD HAS BECOME DETACHED UNDERFOOT AND YOUR FOOT COULD SLIP THROUGH UNDER THE WATER - IT'S CLEARLY MARKED WITH A PLASTIC MARKER ON THE HANDRAIL. (Mike Smart).

Bourton-on-the-Water    The male Smew still on the western pit. A female Goldeneye on the southern (Santhill) pit. (Andy Lewis).

Sudmeadow    A Chiffchaff this afternoon feeding alongside the floodwater on Sudmeadow. (Gordon Avery).

Mon Dec 5th 2005

Cotswold Water Park   A Red-necked Grebe at Dudgrove Pit 114 this afternoon. (Paul Cropper per Gareth Harris). 

WWT Slimbridge    A Purple Sandpiper on the edge of the river and showing from the Holden Tower, eventually flew off with a single Dunlin at high tide this morning. From Holden Tower four Ruff, 54 Black-tailed Godwits, 900 Golden Plovers, 3000 Lapwings, 1800 Dunlin, 263 White-fronted Geese, two Pink-footed Geese, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, two Bar-tailed Godwits, three Little Stints, three Grey Plovers, an Oystercatcher (scarce from Sept-Jan) A female Merlin mobbing a Fox with five Magpies and two Peregrines. A Water Pipit flying over the 100-Acre which flew off high to the south, perhaps to the Tack Piece. 60 Snipe, three Stonechats and a Cetti's Warbler in the 50-Acre which is unusual here. A Spotted Redshank on South Lake. Also a Chiffchaff here. Four Blackcap showing from the restaurant in the Caribbean Flamingo Pen. Two Barn Owls seen at 6:15pm. (Martin McGill).

Sun Dec 4th 2005

Bourton-on-the-Water    A male Smew and a Kingfisher on Pit 2 (the western one with two islands), and also a Water Rail heard at Salmonsbury GWT Reserve (between the Oxfordshire Way and the Diamond Way). (Andy Lewis/NCOS Field Meeting).

Millend, Eastington    Three Grey Wagtails and three Pied Wagtails on the cottage roof taking insects from ivy blossom today. Also there a Red Admiral feeding on rotten apples. On the Frome, two male Dippers by the disused engine house at Sainsbury's. (Jake King).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake a party of eight Goldcrests and a Little Grebe. (Andy & Mhairi Chapman).

Fretherne    Seven Little Egrets in field beside road. (Andy & Mhairi Chapman).

Arlingham    Five Snipe in field south of the pub, along the footpath. (Andy & Mhairi Chapman).

WWT Slimbridge    Three Pink-footed Geese on the Dumbles, also two Little Stints and a Peregrine today. (Ben Macdonald). Pics below by Ben. No sign of the Bittern from the Van de Bovenkamp hide but two Reed Buntings, a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the feeder, a Sparrowhawk and a Water Rail heard. A Water Vole appeared several times in the small pool on the far right. (Steve Brown). 128 Bewick's Swans today. (Martin McGill).

Sat Dec 3rd 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A Bittern showing very well from Van de Bovenkamp hide along South Finger this morning until 1:40pm at least. (Dave Paynter). Also a Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler heard. (Tony Eveleigh).

Hawling    17 Grey Partridges (SO 065222), 45 Golden Plovers (SO 071219) and six Corn Buntings (SO 072224) in fields to the south of Hawling village around 2pm. Also in field 20 Pied Wagtails and Yellowhammers. (Lawrie Pierce).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Bittern flew from cover again this morning. (Les Brown per Andy Jayne).

Bisley    50+ Lapwings today. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 5:50pm also flights of Wigeon heard calling overhead. (Mark Grieve).

North Nibley    A Brambling, Blackcap and two Bullfinches visiting a garden bird table today and yesterday. (James Lees).

Naunton Park, Cheltenham    A garden Blackcap and ten Goldfinches. (Steve Brown).

Fri Dec 2nd 2005

Robinswood Hill    Five Ravens over Robinswood Hill Farm at 10am. (Ian Elphick).

Prescott    A Hawfinch today. Also a Mealy Redpoll again with 50 Lesser Redpolls on private ground. (Terry Fenton).

Thu Dec 1st 2005

Huntley    25 Lesser Redpolls in alders below GWT Huntley quarry. (Terry Fenton).

Stonehouse    A male White Wagtail in the cark park of a business park off Brunel Way at midday today. (Ken Hurcombe).

Ashleworth Ham    Over a thousand ducks in all today, c12 Gadwall, 50 Pintail, 70 Shovelers, 200 Teal, about 1000 Wigeon and 150 Canada Geese. Over 50 Snipe and at least one Jack Snipe, at least three Stonechats, a Peregrine, a Kestrel, a Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk. (Mike Smart).

Wed Nov 30th 2005

Cambridge    Two Little Egrets feeding in a ditch on Ryall's Lane today. (John Robinthwaite).

Cotswold Water Park    A probable Caspian Gull on Pit 16 in the roost today. (Bill Baines per Gareth Harris). 

Tue Nov 29th 2005

Gloucester    A Swallow flew over the Gloucester Landfill access road this morning at about 11:30am, flying over the landfill towards Castlemeads. (Les Warriner).

May Hill    Four female Crossbills, a Stonechat and a Raven today. (Chris Bartlett per Tony Eveleigh).

WWT Slimbridge    A Bittern in a private area today. Also 90 Bewick's Swans, two Pink-footed Geese, 261 White-fronted Geese, a Chiffchaff, two Lesser Redpolls, a Brambling and a Spotted Redshank. (James Lees). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    This morning a Bittern flew out of the osiers on the right of the boardwalk to the Grundon hide. It disappeared behind the treetops and probably landed somewhere else in the osiers but will be very difficult to find again. Up to 300 Canada Geese roosting, only about 600 ducks left, mainly Wigeon, still two Ruff, about 220 Lapwings, 20 Snipe, 28 Golden Plovers late morning and a male Blackcap. The water is dropping fast at Coombe Hill and a new hide on Apperley side is being refurbished by GW staff. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Ashleworth Ham     Nearly 2000 ducks, mainly Wigeon, c200 Teal, a few Shoveler, Pintail and Gadwall. The water levels here still high. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Frampton    Five Chiffchaffs around the lakes today along with two Little Grebes, 54 Tufted Ducks, 32 Gadwall, 250 Coot, a Ruddy Duck, 12 Pochards and three Kingfishers. (Martin McGill).

Mon Nov 28th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    A probable Caspian Gull on Pit 34 today. (Chris Walker per Gareth Harris). 91 Red Crested Pochards (61m, 30f) at Pit 44. A Chiffchaff and a Sparrowhawk at Pit 42. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 104 Common Gulls, 128 Black-headed Gulls, 70 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, six Herring Gulls, a pair of Goldeneye, a Shelduck, a Pintail and a Water Rail at Pit 57. Three female Goldeneyes and a Chiffchaff at Pit 41. Two female Red Crested Pochards and 11 Siskins at Pit 58. Two male Goosanders at Pits 46/48. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams).

Sun Nov 27th 2005

Awre    Two Little Stints, 800 Dunlin and two Rock Pipits this afternoon. (Andy Jayne).

Walmore Common    Two Little Egrets this afternoon. (Andy Jayne).

Berkeley shore    A Stonechat, 2-3 Rock Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, a Snipe, 30+ Dunlin and six Redshanks north of the pill this morning. (Paul Masters).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Lesser Redpolls feeding on willowherb seeds around the boardwalk. (Paul Masters).

Eastington/Stonehouse area    At Cress Green 42 Meadow Pipits. On the millet field at Five Acre Grove, 40+ Yellowhammers and 20+ Chaffinches, also a male Kestrel and two Buzzards. At Stanley Downton, 28 Meadow Pipits, 100+ Pied Wagtails, seven Grey Wagtails and 200+ Starlings. At French Gardens, 40+ Siskins on alder. On the Frome south arm, another Grey Wagtail, a singing Dipper and three Snipe. (Jake King).

Cud Hill, Edge    Five Grey Partridges together in field at midday, from B4073 from Gloucester turn right towards Edge, first pull in on left look over new stone wall. (Mark Hobson). 

Lower Rea    500 Fieldfares, many in flight heading north also in field adjacent to Severn. A Cormorant on the canal at Quedgeley. (Mark Hobson). 

Haresfield    A Treecreeper, four Goldcrests, two Nuthatches and a Bullfinch singing at Langet Covert. At Harescombe 20 Common Gulls in a field, 18 Fieldfares and a Mistle Thrush and a Red-legged Partridge calling. (Mark Hobson). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    From Warren Way to the Grundon hide a female Grey Wagtail, two Bullfinches, 20+ Redwings, 10+ Long-tailed Tits, a Treecreeper, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, eight Goldfinches and eight Greenfinches together. Along the canal four Snipe, 300+ Fieldfares, male and female Reed Bunting, a female Kestrel, five Meadow Pipits, 1000+ Wigeon, 500+ Teal, ten Mallards, 12+ Shovelers, ten Pintails, 200+ Lapwings, 18 Mute Swans including eight juveniles, a Grey Heron and at least one calling Water Rail and a flock of eight Skylarks over. At Corse Lawn 20 Lapwings feeding in field and at Tirley 235 Lapwings feeding in field with Black-headed Gulls.  (Mark Grieve).

Sat Nov 26th 2005

Longhope    A Tawny Owl over the A40 at Longhope at 4:59pm tonight. (Tony Eveleigh).

WWT Slimbridge    The drake Goosander now on South Lake today. Also 105 Bewick's Swans, 338 Mute Swans, two Pink-footed Geese, 200 White-fronted Geese, 1800 Wigeon and a Green Sandpiper. (James Lees). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    Three Dunlin, three Ruff (two males and a female), 25 Pintail, over 1000 Wigeon, 400 Teal, six Shoveler, a Water Rail, a Peregrine, a Kestrel, a Buzzard, a Grey Heron and a juvenile Great Black-Backed Gull this morning. (Ian Ralphs). NOTE: a hearing aid was found in the Grundon hide this lunchtime and was left in the leaflet dispenser on the right hand side of the hide.

Witcombe Reservoir    A male Goosander this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake this morning two Kingfishers, 250 Coot, a Little Grebe, two Goldeneyes (male and female) and ten Lapwings over. (Andy Chapman).

Fri Nov 25th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    18 Goosanders (7 males and 11 redheads) on Pit 34 today. (Chris Walker).

Coombe Hill Meadows    c.1300 Wigeon, 580 Teal, 65 Pintail, 22 Shovelers, a Sparrowhawk, six Water Rail (one seen, five more calling), two Dunlin, three Ruff (two males and a female), four Snipe, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a female Stonechat and a Cetti's Warbler calling at the south end of the Long Pool this afternoon. (Andy Jayne). 20+ Lesser Redpolls along the Canal at lunchtime. (David Owen).
Sudmeadow    The female/immature Goldeneye was on the river today and also a female Siskin, the first here since 21st Nov 2000. (Gordon Avery).

Cheltenham    A garden female Sparrowhawk with prey at 7:50 am. (Brian Edwards).

Thu Nov 24th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The drake Goosander still on the Rushy Pen today. Also 110 Bewick's Swans, 212 White-fronted Geese and 83 feral Barnacle Geese. (James Lees). 

Innsworth    Near Frog Furlong Lane and Hatherley brook at 11:40am this morning a Jack Snipe flew up from rough grass near to path at SO861221. (Frank Bryant).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 32 today a Peregrine, a Green Sandpiper, 80+ Golden Plovers and 60+ Lapwings. (Gareth Harris/Ali Swainston).

Prescott    A Mealy Redpoll with 60 Lesser Redpolls, a male Brambling, 200 Chaffinches, 10 Greenfinches, 20 Goldfinches and two Reed Buntings feeding on quinoa (game crop). Also a Barn Owl and two Woodcock chasing each other at dusk. Unfortunately this is all on private ground. The Redpoll flock is mobile and may be visible from the bridle path crossing the site. (Terry Fenton).

Wed Nov 23rd 2005

Cobney Meadows    A party of five Whooper Swans (three adults and two first-winter birds) possibly five of the party reported over Prescott on 22nd. They are on private land but might be viewable by looking south from Coombe Hill Canal. Also 400+ Fieldfares in the area. (John Martin).

Walmore Common    Ten Bewick's Swans, 400+ Wigeon, 20 Gadwall, 450 Teal, 220 Mallard, 60 Pintail, 40 Shovelers, a Little Egret and two Stonechats today. There were four Bewick's Swans, two adults and two cygnets, presumably a family and these were joined by six more adults for just 50 minutes from 1-1:50pm when they flew off south. (Andy Jayne).

Sudmeadow    A female/immature Goldeneye on the GLS pond again today and also a Water Rail. (Gordon Avery).

Tue Nov 22nd 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A drake Goosander on the Rushy Pen today. Also 84 Bewick's Swans and 174 White-fronted Geese. (James Lees). Also a Water Rail from Martin Smith hide, a Chiffchaff at Barclay hide, a Little Stint from Holden Tower and a pair of Blackcaps outside the restaurant. (Tony Eveleigh).

Prescott    Seven probable Whooper Swans (including two juveniles) flew over Nottingham Hill. They noisily flew N in formation into cloud but then veered NW (towards Bredons Hardwick) this afternoon. Also eight Lesser Redpolls and a Woodcock. (Terry Fenton).

Frampton Pools    12 Shovelers, a Goldeneye, a Ruddy Duck, two adult Yellow-legged Gulls, a Chiffchaff, 130 Linnets (by the tip) and four Lesser Redpolls today. (Andy Jayne). 

Longney    A Peregrine and three Stonechats by the Severn today. (Andy Jayne). 

Courtyard Marsh (Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    A Water Rail calling, a Chiffchaff and a male Stonechats at lunchtime today. (David Owen).

Sudmeadow    A female Goldeneye on the GLS pond this morning. (John Sanders per Gordon Avery).

Cheltenham    Four male Blackcaps together visiting a small town garden today. (Brian Edwards).

Mon Nov 21st 2005

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Jack Snipe, a Dipper and five Snipe along the river at Salmonsbury NR. (Dave Pearce).

Stroud    A Grey Wagtail and a male Mandarin today at Stratford Park. (Steve Brown).

Painswick    A Firecrest this morning on the west side of the bridle path at Salt Ridge Wood between Painswick and Cranham at SO886144.

Sun Nov 20th 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows    Six Bewick's Swans (3 juveniles), large numbers of Pintail, Teal, Wigeon and Canada Geese in the mist and a few Lapwings. (Graham Watson).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Water Rails from the Robbie Garnett Hide and a Cetti's Warbler showing close in. (Ben MacDonald).

Cheltenham    A Raven at Dowdeswell Wood at 2:15pm. (David Anderson).

Cheltenham    Two Red-legged Partridges visiting a small town garden today. (Brian Edwards).

Sat Nov 19th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 44 today 79 Red Crested Pochards and seven Goosanders (a male and six redheads). Three Chiffchaffs along the River Thames/Pit 42 and two Little Grebes on Pit 58. Also a huge Starling roost at Pit 6 with an estimated count of 7000-10000 birds. (Gareth Harris).

Fri Nov 18th 2005

Sharpness    A Black Redstart at midday on the roof of the last house (Severnbank) beyond the Post Office. Pic below by Dave. (Dave Pearce).

Innsworth    A Chiffchaff, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 13 Meadow Pipits and a Green Woodpecker between 1pm and 2:30pm at the rear of the sewage works. Pic below by Frank. (Frank Bryant).

Lydbrook    An unusual Blackbird visiting a garden for the last week is shown below. (Malcolm Collins).

Thu Nov 17th 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Grundon hide is still not accessible due to flooding, but good views can be had from the canal bank. 600 Wigeon, 80 Pintail, a few Teal and Shoveler, nearly 600 Canada Geese, 230 Lapwings, accompanied by five Little Stints, rarely seen here. Also a Chiffchaff calling and two very noisy Water Rails. Floods have gone down on the Leigh Meadows, but few birds about; no sign there (or anywhere else) of the Whooper Swans, and no Bewick's Swans arrived from Slimbridge. Flooding is still extensive at Ashleworth. A Peregrine on the pylons, some Shoveler and Coot. (Mike Smart).

WWT Slimbridge    Two female Common Scoters flew downriver and into the fog at 10:15am. (Martin McGill).

Wed Nov 16th 2005

Claypits, Eastington    A very late Swallow flew over today. (Nick Goatman).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Pink-footed Geese from the Holden Tower still and a Little Stint today. 

Tue Nov 15th 2005

Moreton Valence    A pair of Mandarins flew from the orchard next to Downton's lorry depot towards the river at 7:45am. (MK).

Alney Island, Gloucester    Two Chiffchaffs -one on GWT Over Ponds reserve (Port Ham side) and one on Port Ham opposite Sudmeadow early afternoon. Also a pair of Stonechats on Castlemeads West (near the substation). (Ian Elphick).

Mon Nov 14th 2005

Prescott    A Woodcock at Nottingham Hill today. (Terry Fenton).

Sun Nov 13th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    A possible record of four Slavonian Grebes on Pit 104 today. No further details yet available. (per Gareth Harris).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Dark-bellied Brent Geese and two Pink-footed Geese from the Holden Tower at 9:30am. (Martin McGill).

Ashleworth Ham    c1500 Wigeon, 15 Mallard, 16 Shoveler, only four Teal, two Snipe, 113 Lapwings, two female Kestrels, eight Buzzards including six in air together, two Cormorants flying down river and 17 Redwings over. At Colways Farm 350 Starlings along with 20 Chaffinches, also a Tree Sparrow on the roof of the cattle shed, a Pied Wagtail and 20 Linnets on stubble. (Mark Grieve).

Walmore Common    400 Wigeon, four Gadwall, 350 Teal, 150 Mallard, 104 Pintail, 54 Shoveler and a Tufted Duck. (Andy Jayne).

Wilmer, Rodley    Five adult Bewick's Swans and four Lesser Redpoll early afternoon today. (Andy Jayne).

Sat Nov 12th 2005

WWT Slimbridge   , 104 White-fronted Geese, a Little Egret, c500 Golden Plovers, 22 Black-tailed Godwits, male and female Peregrine, two Chiffchaffs (one still singing) and four Ravens from the Holden Tower today. Also two Bewick's Swans in the Rushy Pen. (MK). 

Gloucester    A Raven flew low over Park Avenue at 11:05 am. (Frank Bryant).

Quedgeley    An early Jack Snipe back at Clearwater Drive today. Also 26 Goldfinches and a Grey Wagtail. The water level is fairly high at the moment. The Jack Snipe was put up by dogs running through the water. (Andy Chapman).

Fri Nov 11th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    Seven Dark-bellied Brent Geese from the Holden Tower at 9:30am. (Dave Paynter).

Courtyard Marsh (Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    A Water Rail and a male Stonechat today. (David Owen).

Thu Nov 10th 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows    The first-winter Grey Phalarope flew in from the right of the Grundon Hide and landed briefly on the water at 7:10am. It then flew further to the left of the hide but was not seen to land. No further reports today but could still be present. Also two adult Bewick's Swans still. (MK).

Robinswood Hill    A male Blackcap on Ivy at Robinswood Hill Farm at 2pm. (Ian Elphick).

Wed Nov 9th 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows    A first-winter Grey Phalarope today from Grundon Hide and still present at 4:30pm. Also two adult Bewick's Swans (flew in from SW at 12:30pm), 1000 Wigeon, 37 Pintail, two Water Rails heard, a Green Sandpiper heard, 265 Lapwings, a pair of Stonechats and a female Blackcap along the Canal. (Andy Jayne). Pics below by Dave Pearce. 

Mon Nov 7th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    Five Bewick's Swans on the Tack Piece and on the Dumbles, a Pink-footed Goose, 80+ White-fronted Geese and a Peregrine this afternoon. (Paul Masters).

Courtyard Marsh (Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    A Water Rail, 16 Snipe, four Lesser Redpolls (first for site) and a pair of Stonechats today. (David Owen).

Sudmeadow    A pair of Stonechats just past the Lower Parting along the Severn Way and a first-winter Little Grebe still on the GLS pond. (Gordon Avery).

Sun Nov 6th 2005

Lydney New Grounds    c130 Golden Plovers, two Snipe, five Yellow-legged Gulls, a Kingfisher, a Rock Pipit, a male Stonechat, 14 Ravens, two Tree Sparrows, a Brambling and 25 Siskins late morning today. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    A Pink-footed Goose, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, two Little Stints and eight Grey Plovers over the tide today. The Tack Piece is now flooded and is packed with wildfowl and waders. (Martin McGill). Also 300 Greylags, 100 Golden Plovers, two Peregrines, a Raven, a Sparrowhawk and a Spotted Redshank on South Lake. (David Anwyll).

Coombe Hill Meadows     130 Mallards (including a number of call ducks and hybrids), 425 Teal feeding in the shallow water, 645 Wigeon, up to ten each of Gadwall, Shoveler and Pintail, 350+ Canada Geese, at least 20 Greylags and a Canada x Greylag cross. The only swans were Mute Swans, no sign of Bewick's or Whoopers, despite suitable conditions. Also a Green Sandpiper and a dozen Lapwings. The Grundon hide is still accessible with wellingtons, and conditions are perfect for surface feeding ducks. The hide overlooking the Long Pool can be reached via Wick Street (alongside the Farmer's Arms), but there are rather fewer birds to see on that side. (Mike Smart). 

Ashleworth Ham    Water levels are rising, and there is a fair amount of water on the Ham Road, especially at the Ashleworth end; best approached from Tirley; the hide is still easily accessible from Tirley. Less birds about, a few Wigeon and Teal, and a Peregrine on the pylons. (Mike Smart).

Forest of Dean    Two garden Bramblings this morning at Hangerberry, Lydbrook. At the Beechenhurst feeding station this afternoon two Marsh Tits, two Willow Tits, at least six Coal Tits, two Nuthatches, 30 Chaffinches, a Goldfinch and a few Great and Blue Tits. Two Jays were also below the feeder eating spillage. (Gavin Black).

Charlton Kings    A garden female Blackcap and a Lesser Redpoll. (Graham Watson).

Highnam    A male garden Blackcap today. (Lee Rogers).

Sat Nov 5th 2005

Highnam Woods    Four Marsh Tits, four Nuthatches, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, eight Greenfinches and 40-50 Goldfinches at the new feeding station today. (Lee Rogers).

Fri Nov 4th 2005

Frampton    A first-winter Caspian Gull on the Sailing Lake today. Also a Chiffchaff. (Martin McGill).

Fretherne    A first-winter Shag today. (Martin McGill). A Raven, ten Bar-tailed Godwits, a Turnstone, 50+ Lapwings, a Meadow Pipit, five Kestrels, a Buzzard and 20 Redwings this afternoon. (Bob Shiret).

Berkeley shore    An adult Shag on the shore briefly at 9:30am but then flew south, two Wheatears (1st winters), 38 Turnstones, 50 Dunlin, two Rock Pipits, two Little Egrets, five Snipe, a Common Sandpiper and three Stonechats. (Dave Pearce). Also 120 Black-tailed Godwits, two Wheatears at Severn House farm and one at Sharpness. (Paul Taylor).

Severn Beach    A juvenile Pomarine Skua this morning went under the second Severn crossing and headed NE into the County. (per Severnside Birds).

Thu Nov 3rd 2005

Beachley Point    A Rock Pipit and a dead Harbour Porpoise up on the high tide line. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Caspian Gull from Holden Tower this morning. Also an adult Yellow-legged Gull, three Spotted Redshanks and a Little Stint.

Wed Nov 2nd 2005

Frampton    The male Black Redstart still around The Three Horseshoes pub roof and garage this morning. (Gordon Hodgson).

Cleeve Hill    A Great Grey Shrike reported yesterday (1st) in the Postlip area at SO 995 265. (John Harvey).

Tue Nov 1st 2005

Frampton    A male Black Redstart around The Three Horseshoes pub roof and garage for most of the afternoon, still around at dusk. (Gordon Hodgson).

Cleeve Hill    A minimum of 16 Ring Ouzels remain around the Wash Pool along with Redwings, Fieldfares and Blackbirds. They have become more tolerant of people. Also two Grey Wagtails and a Stonechat. (Dave Pearce/David Owen). Pics of a male and a female first winter taken by Dave are below.

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 85a there were three pairs of Little Grebes, a Gadwall and ten Teal. On Pit 84 there were 50+ Lapwings, 20+ Shovelers, 30+ Teal and a Common Sandpiper. Pit 79 held ten Wigeon, 100+ Lapwings and a Green Woodpecker. (Bob Shiret).

Forest of Dean    At Moseley Green today a Goshawk and three Ravens and at Brierley three Crossbills flew over and five Bullfinches. (Tony Eveleigh). At New Fancy View, several views of 2-3 Goshawks flying and perched over the right-hand ridge if facing the masts. At Woorgreens Lake a male Goosander and a large mixed flock of 60+ Siskins and Lesser Redpolls. (Ben Macdonald).

Mon Oct 31st 2005

Gloucester    A Barn Owl at Sandhurst Lane this evening. (David Anwyll).

Witcombe Reservoir    On the WEBs count there were 56 Tufted Ducks and six Teal and also a female Stonechat along the one of the hedgerows there. (Gordon Avery).
Frampton    On the Sailing Lake this afternoon four Yellow-legged Gulls, 90+ Mute Swans, 220+ Coot and a Kingfisher. In the grounds of Frampton Court two Little Egrets and a Green Woodpecker. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    A Pink-footed Goose from Holden Tower still and five Spotted Redshanks and two Ruff on South Lake. (Martin McGill/James Lees).

Longlevens    A first-winter male Black Redstart at 10am on rooftops at Flower Way off of Oxstalls Way. First found by Sally Tennison on Saturday 29th. (Andy Jayne).

Sun Oct 30th 2005

Purton    On the sands 10+ Common Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull, three Great Black-backed Gulls, three Curlews, 18 Lapwings (many towards Slimbridge), seven Redshanks and 20+ Cormorants. Along the shore two Stonechats (1m,1f), 20+ Goldfinches and a Great Crested Grebe and a Little Grebe on the Canal. (Mark Hobson).

Cleeve Hill    11 Ring Ouzels (6m, 4f, 1 1st w), 450+ Redwings, 40+ Blackbirds, two Fieldfares, six Goldcrests, two Grey Wagtails, two Pied Wagtails and eight Goldfinches around the Wash Pool area. Between the pool and the radio masts c30 Meadow Pipits, four Yellowhammers and a Stonechat. (Mark Grieve).

Cotswold Water Park    268 Lapwings, 243 Black-headed Gulls, three Common Gulls, 35+ Teal, 5+ Gadwall, five Pied Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail at Pit 32. (Gareth Harris).     

Fretherne    Four Ravens, 70 Curlew, 190 Lapwings, a Sparrowhawk and a Buzzard this morning. (MK).

Sat Oct 29th 2005

Cleeve Hill    10-12 Ring Ouzels again this afternoon in the two valleys around the Wash Pool. Also Redwings and 6+ Fieldfares. (Janet & John Datchens).

Walmore Common    A juvenile Red-necked Phalarope late this morning. Park by the school at Chaxhill and take the footpath after the last cottage north of the school (Gloucester side) and follow down onto the common. The bird is on the NE flash but can be elusive amongst the grass. (Andy Jayne).

Fretherne    A Merlin, 250 Dunlin, 40 Fieldfares, a Wheatear, four Goldcrests, two Ravens and a Buzzard this morning.  (Mark Hobson). This evening the Wheatear still present, a male Grey Wagtail, a Peregrine and a Great Spotted Woodpecker foraging on shoreline driftwood. (Richard Baatsen/MK).

WWT Slimbridge    A Pink-footed Goose distant on Dumbles, seven White-fronted Geese, two Bewick's Swans, a Peregrine and a Little Egret this morning. (Mark Hobson).

Fairford    At Pit 104 this morning a Cetti's Warbler calling and seen in thickets by the River Coln. An unusual record here. (Duncan Dine).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 57 20 Red Crested Pochards, a male Goldeneye and a pair of Ruddy Ducks. At Pit 84 a Merlin, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, a Dunlin and 53 Shovelers flew over. At Pit 85B 14 Gadwalls. (Tony Eveleigh). 

Forest of Dean    At Speech house three Ravens and six Bramblings over. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    50 Redwings today. (Mark Grieve).

Innsworth    At Frog Furlong Lane this morning nine Blackbirds, five singing Robins, six Pied Wagtails, two Grey Herons, two Kestrels, a Raven, a Buzzard, two Green Woodpeckers, eight Yellowhammers, 30+ Fieldfares, 60+ Redwings and a singing Chiffchaff. (Frank Bryant).

Fri Oct 28th 2005

Fretherne    Between 4-5:30pm a Wheatear, a Rock Pipit, a Raven and three White-fronted Geese and two Little Egrets flew south. (MK).

Thu Oct 27th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    110 Red Crested Pochards on Pit 58 and 74 Red Crested Pochards on Pit 44. (Gareth Harris).    

Walmore Common    A very late first-winter Black Tern flew in at 1:20pm and remained over the floodwater for nearly 40 minutes. Also present were 50 Wigeon, two Gadwall, 80 Teal, 100 Mallard, five Pintails, five Shovelers, a Cormorant, a Kingfisher and a pair of Stonechats. Also a Brimstone butterfly. (Andy Jayne/Tony Eveleigh).

Cleeve Hill    A total of 12 Ring Ouzels remain in the two valleys near the Wash Pool and along the northern edge of the common this morning. (Dave Pearce/Richard Cawsey). Pic of a first-winter taken today by Dave.

Sudmeadow    A female Merlin tried to take a Pied Wagtail unsuccessfully. (Gordon Avery/John Sanders).

Ashleworth Ham    250 Wigeon, 80 Teal, ten Shovelers, seven Grey Herons, a Peregrine on the pylons, 15 Lapwings, three Snipe, hundreds of Redwings in the hedges and 50+ Fieldfares today. (Mike Smart).

WWT Slimbridge    This morning from Holden Tower a Sparrowhawk bathing in the Knott pool, male and female Peregrine, two Buzzards, a pair of Stonechats, 60 White-fronted Geese, a Pink-footed Goose with a damaged leg, three Bewick's Swans flew past and 600 Golden Plovers on the estuary. (Steve Brown/Pete Alder).

Wed Oct 26th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A Richard's Pipit seen briefly in flight from Martin Smith hide at lunchtime and heard to call three times, thought to have landed in the Top New Piece but not relocated due to poor weather conditions. (James Lees). Also 600 Fieldfares through and nine Bewick's Swans and 87 White-fronted Geese on site.

Gloucester    A male Stonechat at Port Ham, a male Stonechat at the GLS Pond and a male Stonechat on Fielding's playing field, Sudmeadow today. (Gordon Avery).

Lower Swell    5+ Bramblings briefly in the garden. (Jane Gardner).

Tue Oct 25th 2005

Fretherne    A grounded Fulmar 100 yards left of the sluice and close inshore on the mud from 1pm until 6:15pm at least. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter Little Gull, a Fulmar, a Wheatear, a Hobby, a female Merlin and three Bewick's Swans today. (Martin McGill/James Lees). A female Peregrine on the Dumbles with the small White-fronted Goose flock. Two Snipe from Martin Smith hide. (Ben Macdonald).

Mon Oct 24th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    Two Pink-footed Geese on the Dumbles for just 10-15 minutes around 1:15pm. Also a first-winter Arctic Tern feeding over the estuary with Black-headed Gulls for 10 minutes from 1:35pm. (Andy Jayne/Pete Alder).

Sun Oct 23rd 2005

Cotswold Water Park    Six Snipe, two Lesser Redpolls, a Siskin, a Marsh Tit, a Coal Tit, two Gadwall and 30+ Teal at Pits 46/48. (Nick Adams). At Pit 6 20+ Reed Buntings, 160+ Pied Wagtails and c20 White Wagtails, 600+ Starlings, two Cetti's Warblers, two female Red Crested Pochards and a Grey Heron. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams).

Westridge Woods    10,000 Woodpigeons over in an hour between 9-10am, a female Golden Pheasant walked across the road and into cover along the minor Cotswold Edge Golf Course to Waterley Bottom Road. 121 Golden Plovers and 215 Lapwings at the Ozleworth turning. (Martin McGill/Jeremy Squire).

Whitminster    200 Woodpigeons over at  10:15-10:20am. (Neil Smart).