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).

Tuffley    300 Woodpigeons in four flocks moving SE across Robinswood Hill 10-11am. Also two Ravens being harassed by c30 Carrion Crows. (Ian Elphick).

Cam    A Honey Buzzard low over Cam Long Down today, thought to be dropping but no further sign in a two hour search. (Neil Smart).

Cleeve Hill    Early afternoon around the Wash Pool and a little further up the Postlip valley six Ring Ouzels, a Wheatear, a Brambling, 12+ Redwings, 30-40 Fieldfares. (Lee Rogers).

Forest of Dean    A Great Grey Shrike this morning at New Fancy View in the clearing below the viewpoint at 9:30am.

Purton    3+ Bramblings, 2+ Cetti's Warblers heard, a female Blackcap, a female Grey Wagtail, a Water Rail heard, three Mandarins (2m, 1f) and a passage of 800 Woodpigeons east between 8-10am. (MK).

Epney    c900 Woodpigeons heading in S at 10am. Also two Ravens and a Grey Wagtail. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton    Four Ravens over together at Nebrow Hill Oakwood. Also 100 Redwings and a Fieldfare. (Mark Hobson).

Tuffley    A male Blackcap this morning.  (Mark Hobson).

Sat Oct 22nd 2005

Cotswold Water Park    A Ring Ouzel, a Brambling, two Siskins, two Lesser Redpolls and a Yellowhammer  at Pits 46/48 today. (Nick Adams).

Cleeve Hill    15+ Ring Ouzels still today around the Wash Pool and in the adjacent valley to the north. Also a Fieldfare, a Wheatear, four Siskins flew over and a pair of Stonechats. (Andy Chapman/Tony Eveleigh/Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope again today from Robbie Garnett hide. Also from Martin Smith Hide a Water Rail, a male Stonechat and two Snipe and from Holden Tower 57 White-fronted Geese and a Little Egret. (Tony Eveleigh).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake four Yellow-legged Gulls (three Adults and a first-winter), 381 Coot, 103 Mute Swans, 19 Pochards, two Kingfishers, a Little Grebe and 14 Great Crested Grebes. (Tony Eveleigh).

Robinswood Hill    Two Ravens over quarry area at 9:30am. (Ian Elphick).

Dursley    A Wheatear on Cam Peak, a juvenile Stonechat and a Brambling in a flock of around 80 Chaffinches and Goldfinches in fields at Breakheart Hill. (Phil Pope).

Tirley    A Little Owl in flight at Town Street farm, also two Tawny Owls calling to each other at Haw Bridge. (Mark Grieve).

Fri Oct 21st 2005

Frampton    A possible adult atlantis Yellow-legged Gull on the Sailing Lake. (Martin McGill).

Cleeve Hill    About 18 Ring Ouzels still this morning around the Wash Pool and in the adjacent valley to the north. (Dave Pearce).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope again today from Robbie Garnett hide.

Robinswood Hill    Three Meadow Pipits on the ground near the Beacon this afternoon, the first seen on the ground in six years (usually just flyovers). (Ian Elphick).

Thu Oct 20th 2005

Woodmancote    A Water Rail flew across Stockwell Lane late afternoon. (Angus Moir).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope again today on the Tack Piece (where's that been hiding? or is it a different bird?) a Mediterranean Gull from Holden Tower and an Yellow-legged Gull at high tide. (Martin McGill/Mike Smith). Pic below taken by Mike.

Cleeve Hill    By late afternoon 39 Ring Ouzels, around the Wash Pool and valley just to the north. Mostly males but a few females and first winters (see pics below, first two taken by Dave, last by Roy). Best viewed from above the valleys. Also two Stonechats, 35 Redwings, 15 Fieldfares and a Green Woodpecker. (Angus Moir/Dave Pearce/Roy Shilham/Paul Masters).

Wed Oct 19th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A Dark-bellied Brent Goose feeding out on the river today with Wigeon. (Pete Alder).

Sezincote    80 Redwings today. At Huntsman's Quarry six Grey Partridges were flushed from near the roadside and one was nearly taken by a Peregrine as they flew away. Also 85 Lapwings here. (Terry Fenton).

Cleeve Hill    An exceptional eighteen Ring Ouzels, late afternoon, around the Wash Pool and valley just to the north. Mostly males but a few females and first winters (see pic below taken by Dave). Best viewed from above the valleys. (Dave Pearce).

Tue Oct 18th 2005

Cleeve Hill    Two male Ring Ouzels north of the Wash Pool this morning. (Iain Main).

Mon Oct 17th 2005

Cheltenham    A Tawny Owl calling at 8pm in The Avenue in the Sandy Lane area of Cheltenham today. (Steve Brown).

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 84 this afternoon there were two Green Sandpipers, ten Teal, 69 Lapwings. On Pit 79 there were 80+ Lapwings, 13 Golden Plovers, ten Wigeon, ten Meadow Pipits and 12 Goldfinches. (Bob Shiret).

Cleeve Hill    Four Ring Ouzels, north of the common at SO 998 272 today. Park in the quarry car park on the common just beyond the Golf Club. Walk down edge of the common with the first fairway on the right. Go through the first small gate and proceed to the second gate and look back and wait. The Ring Ouzels are mostly between the two gates although flushed into high trees lower down by walkers. (Dave Pearce). Pics taken today by Dave.

Sun Oct 16th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    This morning 40+ White-fronted Geese, 80+ feral Barnacle Geese, a Peregrine, a Buzzard and a Kestrel, 50+ Golden Plovers, 30+ Siskins, a Fieldfare and a constant stream of Redwings, Goldfinches and Linnets north. On South Lake 30+ Wigeon 20+ Gadwall 90+ Teal and 10+ Pochard. (David Anwyll/MK). Later a Merlin in the 100-Acre, two Reed Warblers from Zeiss hide and a Wheatear. Visible migration included the following minimum counts 3+ Bramblings, 5+ Fieldfares, 1000+ Redwings, 400+ Siskins, 50+ Lesser Redpolls, 200+ Chaffinches and 100+ Skylarks all heading N/NW today. (Martin McGill/James Lees).

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens many Redwings over, c50 Siskins feeding on Alder, two Lesser Redpolls and a Brambling. At Speech House c30 Redwings feeding on the ground and many more over. At Mallards Pike Redwings over in good numbers and c30 Siskins. (Mark Hobson).

Tuffley    A male Blackcap, six Redwings over and a garden Coal Tit this morning.  (Mark Hobson).

Cleeve Hill    25 Redwings over at 1pm, six Stonechats and 30 Fieldfares and ten Redwings just south of the Radio masts at 3pm. (Ian Ralphs).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A female Peregrine sat in front of the Grundon Hide at 2pm before being mobbed by a dozen corvids. Also three Stonechats, a Treecreeper, two Green Woodpeckers, two Grey Wagtails and 30 Fieldfares. (Paul Bryant).

Sharpness    Seven Pink-footed Geese flew east this morning and 8+ Bramblings. (Neil Smart). Also an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Stonechat and a Peregrine on the tower. (MK).

Tirley    80 Redwings in an orchard and 30 over NW. (Mark Grieve).

Cambridge    A Green Sandpiper, two Water Rails, two Goldcrests, a female Blackcap, a Kingfisher and c30 Redwings today at Ryall's Cottage. (Ennis Jones).

Sat Oct 15th 2005

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 6:45am, a Sparrowhawk being mobbed by four Pied Wagtails and a Barn Owl hunting near the Farmers Arms at 8:30pm. (Mark Grieve).

Stroud    22 Lapwings and a female Kestrel near The Camp near Bisley. (Mark Grieve).

WWT Slimbridge    This morning a Cetti's Warbler, a Water Rail and a Snipe seen at Martin Smith hide. A Black-tailed Godwit at the Robbie Garnett and a pair of Bullfinches outside the hide. A female/juvenile Marsh Harrier flew over the fields towards the north end of WWT mobbed all the way by assorted corvids seen from the road leading to the canal bridge. Also 27 Redwings flying north over the centre at 9:30am. From Holden Tower two Peregrines, three Little Egrets, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, four Bullfinches (including three males) and two Ravens being mobbed by Jackdaws. Five Snipe from Hogarth Hide. (Steve & Megan Brown/Paul Masters).

Purton    Two Bramblings, 30 Chaffinches, 25 Siskins, two Rock Pipits, 91 Redwings, a Cetti's Warbler and a Water Rail today. (James Lees).

North Nibley    A garden Brambling today. (James Lees).

Fretherne    Today the Red-legged Partridge still, 80+ Dunlin, five Ringed Plovers, two Golden Plovers,  60 Black-tailed Godwits, ten Lapwings, ten Redshanks, a Greenshank heard, an Oystercatcher, three Little Egrets, six Grey Herons, a pair of Grey Wagtails, six Pied Wagtails, a Rock Pipit, four Redwings, a Raven and two Lesser Redpolls over. (Mark Hobson/Gordon Hodgson/MK).

Tuffley    25 Redwings put up by a Sparrowhawk this afternoon. (Mark Hobson).

Cheltenham    Three Redwings west over Benhall this afternoon. (Ian Ralphs).

Cambridge    A Green Sandpiper and two Water Rails today at Ryall's Cottage. (Ennis Jones).

Fri Oct 14th 2005

Gloucester    35 Skylarks over Castlemeads/Gloucester Docks heading SE at 10:15am. (Ian Elphick).

Cirencester    25 Redwings today high NW over Barnsley at 12:45pm. (Ian Ralphs).

Thu Oct 13th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope still from Lathbury hide today. Also a Cetti's Warbler, Greenshank and 18 White-fronted Geese. Below are some recent pics of Black-tailed Godwits and Snipe at WWT by Doug Whitlock.

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the wharf to Grundon hide ten Bullfinches including a flock of seven, 11 Pied Wagtails over south, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 17 Skylarks over S to SW, a Grey Heron, a female Kestrel hunting the reserve, up to three Jays, c10 Meadow Pipits over most heading SW, on the scrape two Green Sandpipers, two Reed Buntings ,ten Lapwings over NW. From the Long pool hide a Chiffchaff in song and 25 Long-tailed Tits. (Mark Grieve).

Wed Oct 12th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope was still at Robbie Garnett hide today. 

Tirley    Seven Redwings over today. (Mark Grieve).

Courtyard Marsh (Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    A Jack Snipe, four Snipe and a pair of Stonechats today. (David Owen).

Tue Oct 11th 2005

Fretherne    A Snow Bunting at the river's edge between Fretherne and Saul Warth at high tide this afternoon showed well between 2:30-3pm. It then flew over the mud bank down to the river and remained out of sight. Also 300+ Dunlins, a juvenile Wheatear and three Buzzards. (MK). No sign this evening but a Rock Pipit there. (Paul Masters/Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 84 today four Snipe, two Common Sandpipers, four Green Sandpipers, 30+ Lapwings, six Gadwall, 20+ Teal and 20+ Shovelers. On Pit 31 there were two Red Crested Pochards (male and female). (Bob Shiret).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope was still at Robbie Garnett hide today. Also today ten White-fronted Geese, a Jack Snipe, seven Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, two Cetti's Warblers, six Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps, a Coal Tit, four Redwings and a passage of Siskins and Lesser Redpolls throughout the day. (James Lees).

Gloucester    At Port Ham this afternoon a  Whinchat on wire around the new pond and a female Stonechat on weeds in the field. (Ian Elphick).

Mon Oct 10th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope was still at Robbie Garnett hide today. Also a Redstart in hedge alongside summer walkway, a Snipe from Stephen Kirk hide, a Peregrine on the Dumbles and two Little Egrets on Mid Point. (Ian Elphick).

Cotswold Water Park    A male Cetti's Warbler at Pit 6, a different bird to one here yesterday and 6+ Reed Buntings. On Pit 57 115 Red Crested Pochards (70 males and 45 females), two female Goldeneyes, 519 Coot, 21 Mallards, six Moorhens, seven Great Crested Grebes, six Pochards, 47 Wigeon, nine Gadwall, 23 Teal, 36 Tufted Ducks, 38 Mute Swans, three Bullfinches, two Chiffchaffs, three passage Skylarks and a Green Woodpecker. 44 Great Crested Grebes and two Reed Buntings at Pit 41. A Kestrel, two Chiffchaffs and a Reed Bunting at Pit 42.  A Grey Wagtail at Pit 44/ River Thames. (Gareth Harris).

Ashleworth Ham    Three Bullfinches, up to four Buzzards, nine Goldfinches, two Treecreepers, a Kestrel, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Peregrine on the pylons, a Jay, a flock of eight Lapwings very high heading south and a flock of 21 Pied Wagtails feeding in a recently ploughed field. (Mark Grieve).

Sun Oct 9th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    Six White-fronted Geese (two adults and four juveniles) on the Top New Piece this morning, the first returning birds of the autumn. (Martin McGill). The juvenile Baird's Sandpiper was seen after high tide today on the wader walk. The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope was still at Robbie Garnett hide until 11am at least, a pair of Ruff, two Black-tailed Godwits, a Water Rail and a Cetti's Warbler. MK) Also a Jack Snipe from Martin Smith hide.

Fretherne    40 Meadow Pipits feeding around the cattle, 19 Pied Wagtails south and two Lesser Redpolls east this morning. (MK).

Coombe Hill Meadows    On Warren Way to Grundon hide three flocks of Long-tailed Tits with the odd Goldcrest in amongst them. Ten Bullfinches, three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Ravens over NW, three Buzzards, a male Reed Bunting, a Grey Heron, male and female Kestrel, male and female Sparrowhawk and a Jay. From the hide one flock of 18 Swallows SW, a Peregrine, 24 Lapwings over SW followed by another flock of 55 Lapwings heading SE, also a Snipe. A heavy passage of Meadow Pipits passing over in constant stream, best flock 20, Skylarks also passed over in good numbers, flocks of 10, 25 and 45 being seen, total number of birds being 250+ ,also 20+ Pied Wagtails over all passing in a S to SW direction. (Mark Grieve).

Gloucester    A Swallow over the Beacon, Robinswood Hill at 4:15pm. (Ian Elphick).

Cambridge    Eight Swallows late afternoon, six Jays flying over, four Mistle Thrushes, a daily Grey Wagtail, a Kingfisher present all week and a Water Rail present daily in the back reed bed since 04/10/05 at Ryall's Cottage. (Ennis Jones).

Sat Oct 8th 2005

Frampton    Seven Yellow-legged Gulls on the Sailing Lake today. (Martin McGill). 

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Baird's Sandpiper was seen after high tide today and showed very well down to about 25ft at 1pm. The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope again today from Robbie Garnett hide until 1pm at least and two Black-tailed Godwits. Also today on the wader walk a Little Stint, two Ruff, 19 Little Egrets, 80 Golden Plovers, 200+ Dunlin, 200+ Curlew, 40 Lapwings, ten Grey Plovers, ten Redshanks and eight Lesser Redpolls over. A Sandwich Tern at high tide from Mid Pont and a Peregrine, a Green Sandpiper from Knott hide, a Jack Snipe and Snipe from Martin Smith hide and a Curlew Sandpiper on South Lake. (Dave Paynter et al).

Fri Oct 7th 2005

Frampton    A Little Egret, an adult Mediterranean Gull and a female Pintail at lunchtime. (Gordon Hodgson).

WWT Slimbridge    A Great White Egret was seen briefly at Martin Smith hide at 9:20am. (Nigel Warren). It was seen briefly at Frampton Court Lake later. (Brian Bailey per MMcG). The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope again today from Robbie Garnett hide until late afternoon at least. The juvenile Baird's Sandpiper was seen at high tide today, and was off of Mid Point at 1pm. Also here two Ruff and two Little Egrets. A walk will go out from Holden Tower at 11:30am tomorrow to look for it. Also two Sandwich Terns, a Short-eared Owl and a Badger on the wader walk. (James Lees).

Fretherne    A Little Egret and a male Grey Wagtail this afternoon. (MK).

Thu Oct 6th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope again today from Robbie Garnett hide until late afternoon at least. (Jon Mercer). A juvenile Baird's Sandpiper was seen at high tide today, but again was not seen to settle anywhere accessible. A walk will go out from Holden Tower at 10am tomorrow to look for it. (James Lees). 

Fretherne    A juvenile Artic Tern on the river, a Grey Wagtail, 70+ Black-tailed Godwits and a Red-legged Partridge (very unusual here). (Gordon Hodgson).

Innsworth    At least 100 Swallows at 8:50am flying north east over fields north of Innsworth. (Frank Bryant).

Gloucester    Two Ravens over Town Ham at 2pm. (Ian Elphick).

Sudmeadow    Five Teal, 1+ Golden Plover moving south calling, six Redwings and several new Blackbirds and Robins in the area and at least four Chiffchaffs, a female Blackcap and some 'crests'. The Linnet flock is now up to 70 strong. (Gordon Avery).

Longlevens    A Tawny Owl calling in Park Avenue at 9:20pm. (Frank, Pam & Paul Bryant).

Wed Oct 5th 2005

Sudmeadow    Six Redwings this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pits 84/85 this afternoon two Little Egrets, two Ringed Plovers, six Snipe, two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, 12 Lapwings, six Gadwall, 20+ Teal, 30+ Shovelers, six pairs of Little Grebes, ten Goldfinches and a Grey Heron. (Bob Shiret).

Eastington    A Fieldfare with ten Redwings flying west at Millend today. (Jake King).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope again today from Robbie Garnett hide until late afternoon at least. 

Tue Oct 4th 2005

Sudmeadow    Today on the pond was a Jack Snipe, a Snipe, a juvenile Little Grebe and a Grey Wagtail. (Gordon Avery/John Sanders).

Gloucester    c12 Redwings seen on Robinswood Hill at 4pm and a Raven over earlier. Two Ravens over Castlemeads at 10am. (Ian Elphick).

Cambridge    A Jack Snipe (first record here) feeding on the scrape at first light at Ryall's Cottage and also a Water Rail. Also a Goldcrest, a Grey Wagtail, two juvenile Blackcaps and a Redwing and a Lesser Redpoll heard flying over. (Ennis Jones/Robin Ward).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Red-necked Phalarope again today from Stephen Kirk hide and Robbie Garnett hide. A pair of Common Scoters went upriver at high tide at 9:10am and returned south later. There was an unconfirmed report of the Little Crake again at lunchtime. A Jack Snipe and a singing Cetti's Warbler from Martin Smith hide. 30 Redwings, eight Song Thrushes and 14 Jays flew north. Also seven Snipe, four Curlew Sandpipers, a Greenshank, 147 Black-tailed Godwits and a Ruff. (Martin McGill/James Lees/Paul Masters/David Owen/Roy Shilham). Pics below by Roy.

Mon Oct 3rd 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Red-necked Phalarope found at Stephen Kirk hide today by Mrs. Weston. Still present at 4:45pm at least although it had moved up the channel to the right of Robbie Garnett hide. Note: Stephen Kirk hide is the  hide on the right between Robbie Garnett hide and the Holden Tower. No sign of the Little Crake all day. First pic below by Dave Pearce next two by Richard Cawsey.

Sun Oct 2nd 2005

Dursley    Two Redwings over Kingshill this  morning. (Steve Chappell).

Cambridge    A Barn Owl seen at 7:45pm flying in front of hide overlooking scrape at Ryall's Cottage. Also a Goldcrest. (Ennis Jones).

Eastington    Three Grey Wagtails, 13 Pied Wagtails, three Siskins, 30 Skylarks, a Yellowhammer and 20 Meadow Pipits today in the east meadows and on the Frome south arm a female Teal. (Jake King).

Five Acre Grove    A male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and two Nuthatches today. (Jake King).

Cleeve Hill    At least 20 Stonechats on the southern side of the Common (probably some passing through).  Nine Crossbills and two Golden Plovers flew over West Down. (Dave Pearce).

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake still showing from Zeiss hide today. Also a Snipe from Martin Smith hide, ten Black-tailed Godwits and a Ruff from Robbie Garnett hide. A Water Rail, a singing Cetti's Warbler, a male Blackcap and three Chiffchaffs from Knott Hide. Two Curlew Sandpipers, four Greenshanks, three Spotted Redshanks, c135 Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Lapwings, six Redshanks, four Ruff, four Snipe and eight Cormorants on South Lake, also nearby a Long-tailed Tit flock with two Goldcrests. From Holden tower a Peregrine, a Kestrel, three Buzzards, two Little Egrets, a Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, a Willow Warbler and a House Martin. Also a Sparrowhawk near the entrance.  (David Anwyll/Mark Hobson). 

Shab Hill    A Whinchat here this morning. (Dave Pearce). 

Sharpness    A small flock of six Jays flew across the river to the Forest at 8:30am. Also a male Grey Wagtail. (MK).

Ashleworth Ham    From Stank Lane two Buzzards, a Kestrel, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2+ Jays, a Bullfinch, flocks of eight and 20  Skylarks, eight Swallows and 22 House Martins flew south west. Seven Red-legged Partridges, three Grey Herons, three Reed Buntings, a Whinchat, a Raven, 60+ Meadow Pipits in the field at the rear of the reserve also at least 40+ heading south westerly without stopping. Also eight Goldcrests, a Treecreeper, three Chiffchaffs and a flock of at least 25 Long-tailed Tits and a  Sparrowhawk. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    A garden Chiffchaff today. (Mark Grieve).

Sat Oct 1st 2005

Cleeve Hill    A female Hen Harrier quartering a stubble field at West Down at 9am SP 008 235. (Gary Cox).

Cambridge    A Woodcock flying across the scrape at dusk at Ryall's Cottage. Also a Chiffchaff. (Ennis Jones).

Gloucester    A Whinchat by Gloucester Football Club in Sudmeadow Road today. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake still showing occasionally from Zeiss hide again today. Also today 80 Dunlin and 35 Great Black-backed Gulls from Holden Tower. Two Bar-tailed Godwits, c100 Black-tailed Godwits (in flight) and two Little Egrets from Mid Point. A Chiffchaff was still singing at Martin Smith hide. (MK/Paul Masters).

Sharpness    Two Peregrines on the tower this morning also a Common Sandpiper in the basin and another on the other side of the river at the base of the cliff at Cliff Farm. (MK).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Whinchat, four Stonechats, 32 Greylags flew over SW early this morning and c6 Snipe. (Mike Smart/Les Brown/Colin Butters).

Leigh Meadows    A Merlin over and a Wheatear. (Mike Smart/Les Brown/Colin Butters).

Frampton    408 Coot and 93 Mute Swans on the Sailing Lake today. (Martin McGill).

Fri Sep 30th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    A Merlin at Sisters Farm, South Cerney and 74 Red Crested Pochards at Pit 57. (Gareth Harris).

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake still showing occasionally from Zeiss hide again today. (Jeremy Squire).

Tirley    A Raven over the calling and two House Martins still at a nest site. (Mark Grieve).

Thu Sep 29th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake still showing occasionally from Zeiss hide again today. Also from Mid Point seven Grey Plovers, four Knot, three Curlew Sandpipers, two Whimbrel, two Bar-tailed Godwits, three Little Egrets and two Wheatears. From Robbie Garnett hide two Green Sandpipers, a Ruff and a Common Sandpiper. A Cetti's Warbler was calling unseen. (Steve Brown/Pete Alder).

Haresfield Beacon    A Willow Tit and two Chiffchaffs with a small tit flock and also eight Buzzards up together today. (Gordon Avery).
Courtyard Marsh (Cowfield Farm), Tewkesbury    A Snipe, a female Stonechat and a Meadow Pipit today. (David Owen).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 8:30pm. (Mark Grieve).

Wed Sep 28th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake still showing occasionally from Zeiss hide again today.

Cotswold Water Park    A Black-tailed Godwit, two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper and 25 Shovelers at Pit 84 today. A Kingfisher, two Dunlin, an adult Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper and 300+ Black-headed Gulls at Pit 32 today. (Gareth Harris).

Brockworth    70+ Swallows and House Martins feeding over Coopers Hill woods today. (Rob Wilkinson).

Cleeve Hill    17 Swallows moving S to SE, 24 House Martins in the same direction, two flocks of Linnets (45 and 12), a Fieldfare with four Mistle Thrushes by the Wash Pool. Also a male Kestrel, a flock of 14 Chaffinches and 17 Meadow Pipits around hill today. (Mark Grieve).

Berkeley shore    At Severn House Farm two Rock Pipits and a first-winter Greenland Wheatear today. (Gordon Avery).

Twigworth    Just in front of Nature in Art the farmer has cut down a field of corn and sunflowers where a flock of 400+ Greenfinches, five Chaffinches and two Great Tits were feeding. Also a female Sparrowhawk and a Raven. (Frank Bryant).

Tue Sep 27th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake still showing occasionally from Zeiss hide again today.  

Cotswold Water Park    Around western CWP today 80 Red Crested Pochards, a Hobby, three Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover, two Dunlin, a Ruff, nine Snipe, a Black-tailed Godwit, four Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers and a Reed Warbler. (Andy Jayne).

Coombe Hill Meadows   A Whinchat and two Stonechats on the same bush, a Wheatear, a few Swallows, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Yellowhammers going over (visual migrants), song from Chiffchaffs and Blackcap. The excavation and scrape construction work now finished for this year: work on extension of the scrape in front of the Grundon Hide couldn't be completed because of the problems of disposing of spoil in the floodplain; will be completed next year. (Mike Smart).

Mon Sep 26th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake still showing occasionally from Zeiss hide this morning. The adult Spoonbill was still off of Mid Point today.

Gloucester    A Raven flying SW between Innsworth and Longlevens over the northern bypass at 8:20am today. (Paul Bryant).

Sun Sep 25th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Spoonbill off of Mid Point at 12:15pm, moved steadily south and still present at 3pm. Also from here four Bar-tailed Godwits, 20+ Dunlin, two Ringed Plovers, a Little Stint, three Grey Plovers, a Golden Plover, two female Pintails and three Little Egrets. The first-winter male Little Crake showing well from Lathbury hide this morning. Also three Snipe from  Martin Smith hide, one Snipe from Knott hide and 60 Curlew from Holden Tower. On South Lake 152 Black-tailed Godwits, three Curlew Sandpipers, six Ruff, eight Snipe, a Jack Snipe, three Spotted Redshanks, 42 Redshanks and a Sparrowhawk over. Also around the grounds a female Ruddy Duck, three Hobbies, two Buzzards, three Whinchats, two Stonechats, 3+ Wheatears, a Sedge Warbler, a female Blackcap, several Chiffchaffs still singing, a Cetti's Warbler, a Kingfisher and a Raven. (James Lees/Nick Goatman/MK/Andy Chapman). Curlew Sandpiper pics below by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net. 

Frampton    Three Chiffchaffs singing, a Whitethroat in the reedbed south of Splatt Bridge, three Reed Buntings, three male Blackcaps, a Willow Warbler and a Kingfisher at Splatt Bridge. (Andy Chapman).

Sharpness    A Peregrine on the tower this morning. (Andy Chapman).

Cambridge    A Snipe at Ryall's Cottage on the scrape today. (Richard Chappell).

Sat Sep 24th 2005

Hawling    Eight Golden Plovers flew over Larkhill Farm early this morning, the first of the autumn here. (Sue Smith). A Whinchat near Larkhill Farm, three Wheatears a in field by the signpost for Hawling, three Swallows over, three Buzzards, a male and female Kestrel, a Red-legged Partridge, a flock of 15 Linnets and good numbers of Meadow Pipits. (Mark Grieve).

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake showing well from Lathbury hide this morning. Also a Water Rail from Martin Smith Hide and three Snipe from Martin Smith hide and two Snipe from Robbie Garnett hide. (Cottia Howard). Two Curlew Sandpipers and three Snipe on South Lake. On the safari four Wheatears, a Whinchat, three Stonechats, five Hobbies, a female Sparrowhawk, a Grey Heron yellow-tagged 'DS' Red on right leg, 16 Golden Plovers in flight, four Bar-tailed Godwits and a Cetti's Warbler. (Mark Hobson).

Sudmeadow    This morning seven Buzzards up together, an adult male Peregrine, three Grey Wagtails, a male Stonechat and 40 Linnets. (Gordon Avery).

Guiting Power    35 Lapwings in stubble field today. (Graham Watson).

Frampton    Four Jays feeding on fallen berries near the reed bed south of Splatt Bridge along with a Song Thrush and Blackbirds. A Kingfisher in the 100-Acre and a Green Woodpecker at Splatt Bridge. (Mark Hobson).

Cambridge    A pair of Kingfishers, ten juvenile Blackcaps, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Siskin, several Lesser Redpolls heard, three Bullfinches, two juvenile Chiffchaffs, two juvenile Song Thrushes, c20 Teal and a Hobby at Ryall's Cottage today. (Richard Chappell/Ennis Jones/Robin Ward).

Fri Sep 23rd 2005

Sudmeadow    Today on the pond was a juvenile Little Grebe, a Common Sandpiper and a Grey Wagtail. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake again today showing on and off from Lathbury/Zeiss hides. Also today four Hobbies, five Little Stints, five Knot, two Curlew Sandpipers, a Sanderling, four Bar-tailed Godwits, 400 Curlew, 15 Snipe, 200 Dunlin. eight Little Egrets, five Wheatears, two Whinchats, 161 Linnets, three Yellow-legged Gulls and two Weasels. Additionally a Wryneck was present in an area with no public access. (James Lees). 

Thu Sep 22nd 2005

Bourton-on-the-Water    At south (Santhill) lake, at dusk a Hobby landed in the trees by the Diamond Way, a Barn Owl was doing the rounds of the lake, and a Tawny Owl heard close to the rookery. (Andy Lewis).

Sudmeadow    Today on the pond was a juvenile Spotted Redshank, two Snipe, three Green Sandpipers and 1+ Grey Wagtails. (Gordon Avery/Mike Smart).

WWT Slimbridge   The first-winter male Little Crake again today showing on and off from 1:30pm from Zeiss hide (the area may be disturbed due to maintenance). Also four Grey Plovers, a mixed flock of about 100 Dunlin and Ringed Plovers, a Sanderling, two Wheatears and a Stonechat. From Holden a Peregrine and a Sparrowhawk and a Goshawk reported from Zeiss hide. (Steve Brown/Pete Alder).

Leckhampton Hill    A Tawny Owl calling at dusk in the woods below Devils Chimney. (Steve Brown).

Frampton    A Kingfisher at Splatt Bridge this evening. (MK).

Wed Sep 21st 2005

Cambridge    Two Peregrines together today over Ryall's Cottage. (Ennis Jones).

Witcombe    15 Buzzards together over on the Brockworth bypass. (Steve Brown).

Upper Coberley    Three Red-legged Partridges near Needlehole. (Steve Brown).

Gloucester    At Port ham a Little Egret at the pond by the osier beds and at Telford's Bridge Gloucester a Clouded Yellow butterfly. (Ian Elphick).

Cotswold Water Park    67 Red Crested Pochards (31 males and 36 females) on Pit 58. A juvenile Knot, two Dunlins, two juvenile Ringed Plovers, a Little Ringed Plover, two Common Sandpipers, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 350+ Black-headed Gulls, a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail on Pit 32 today. (Gareth Harris).

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake again today showing on and off from Zeiss hide (the area may be disturbed due to maintenance). 

Sudmeadow    Today on the pond was a juvenile Spotted Redshank, a Snipe, a Common Sandpiper and two Green Sandpipers. (Gordon Avery).

Tirley    A Wheatear, 20 Meadow Pipits, four Skylarks on pasture, also 40 Swallows and 15 House Martins over south. (Mark Grieve).

Tue Sep 20th 2005

Eastington    Early evening at Millend a single Fieldfare flew up from the apple orchard on south side of the mill-race and flew low over the cottage heading north (Jake King).

Cotswold Water Park    A juvenile Knot, a Yellow-legged Gull, 450+ Black-headed Gulls and a juvenile Ringed Plover at Pit 32 today. (Gareth Harris).

Forest of Dean    Eight Crossbills throughout the day at Laymore Quag GWT reserve behind the Dezac building at the north end of Cinderford Linear Park. (Barry Embling).

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake again today showing on and off from Lathbury hide and later the Zeiss hide (now reopened). The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was seen on the top of the tide on the edge of the Dumbles again this morning viewable distantly from Holden Tower. (Martin McGill).

Mon Sep 19th 2005

Forest of Dean    A juvenile male Goshawk mobbing a female Goshawk at Symonds Yat rock. She was actually displaying in response to this which was out of season. A drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker in the pines at the top of May Hill was unusual, also a male Wheatear here. (Barry Embling).

Sudmeadow    Today on the pond was a juvenile Spotted Redshank (only the second record here), a juvenile Little Grebe, a Dunlin, a Snipe, a Common Sandpiper and two Green Sandpipers. Also a Wheatear nearby. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake again today showing on and off from Lathbury hide until 6pm at least (Note: the Zeiss hide is closed for repairs). The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was seen on the top of the tide with Curlew on the edge of the Dumbles again this morning but not again after. (Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park    Two Greenshanks on Pit 32 this morning. (Gareth Harris).

Sun Sep 18th 2005

Forest of Dean    A very late Cuckoo in Ruspidge today also a Hawfinch at The Park, Tidenham, which is unusual here. (Barry Embling).

Cotswold Water Park    A juvenile Ringed Plover, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, 39 Lapwings, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, two Dunlin, six Snipe, 93 Teal, 42 Shovelers, ten Gadwall, two Grey Herons and two Cormorants at dusk on Pit 84. A Green Sandpiper at dusk on Pit 79 and another on Pit 90. A Snipe, a Common Sandpiper, 5+ Little Grebes, an adult Ruddy Duck and two ducklings, 300+ Mallards, 50 Teal, 12 Wigeon, 20+ Gadwall, 5+ Tufted Ducks, 15 Shovelers, a Reed Warbler, two Grey Wagtails and a Reed Bunting on Pit 85/Thameswater Field. 400+ Black-headed Gulls, five Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Herring Gull and 20 Lapwings at Pit 32. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams).

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake again today showing on and off at the Zeiss hide until 6pm at least. 

A juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper on the river at 9:30am but not again after. (James Lees/Martin McGill). Also four Little Stints, a Little Ringed Plover, four Golden Plovers, two Sanderlings, two Green Sandpipers, 30 Dunlin, 400 Curlew, three Bar-tailed Godwits, a Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, five Siskin and two Wheatears.

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the Warren Way to the Grundon hide a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, several Chiffchaffs around the reserve with mixed tit flocks, a Jay and a flock of ten Bullfinches. A Hobby flew over at 8:30am towards Tewkesbury and two Buzzards. From the Grundon hide male and female Blackcap, a Grey Heron, and an obvious increase in the number of Meadow Pipits around. A small but steady passage of 20+ House Martins and 40+ Swallows. At 10:17am a full summer plumage Golden Plover flew over calling in a south westerly direction and also a Raven. (Mark Grieve). Also two Spotted Flycatchers and a Lesser Whitethroat on the canal path. A Grey Heron, a Snipe, two Whinchats and two Kestrels from the Grundon hide. (Graham Watson).

Sat Sep 17th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake again today showing on and off at the Zeiss hide. Pic below by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net. 

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 84 this afternoon was a Black-tailed Godwit, two Dunlins, two Green Sandpipers, 20 Tufted Ducks, 100+ Mallards, 20 Shovelers, 50 Teal and 50+ Lapwings. The Swallows have now fledged from the hide. (Bob Shiret).

Fri Sep 16th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake again today showing on and off at the Zeiss hide. Pic below by Richard Cawsey. On South Lake a Curlew Sandpiper, a Ruff, a Spotted Redshank and five Snipe. (Steve & Christopher Brown).

Cotswold Water Park    A Curlew Sandpiper, two Little Ringed Plovers and two Dunlins at Pit 32 today.  (Gareth Harris/Ali Swainston/Chris Walker/MM). A Black-tailed Godwit, 3+ Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, 50+ Lapwings, a Dunlin, 50+ Teal, a Sparrowhawk and a Buzzard at the Pit 84/85 complex. (Gareth Harris). 

Sudmeadow    Today on the pond was a juvenile Little Grebe, a Common Sandpiper and two Green Sandpipers. (Gordon Avery).

Witcombe Reservoir    A juvenile Little Grebe, six Teal, a Shoveler and a Common Sandpiper today.  (Gordon Avery).

Frampton    A first-winter Shag on the Sailing Lake around the shed raft between 9-10am today. Also two Green Sandpipers, a pair of Pochard, six Wigeon, a Hobby and three Common Terns. (Martin McGill). 

Thu Sep 15th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    The first-winter male Little Crake again this morning on and off at the Zeiss hide, then missing for much of the afternoon before reappearing at 4:35pm and present until 7pm at least. A guided walk will be meeting at the car park at 6:15pm again. Pic below by Mike Smith.

On South Lake three Curlew Sandpipers, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, 143 Black-tailed Godwits, two Lapwings, 21 Redshanks, a Ruff and five Snipe. From Robbie Garnet hide four Green Sandpipers. From Mid Point Meadow Pipits and a Wheatear along the walkway. From the point itself 30 Wigeon, three Black-tailed Godwits, two Little Egrets, four Bar-tailed Godwits, five Ringed Plovers, 54 Shelduck, 20+ Curlew, a Buzzard and a passage of Swallows down the river with smaller numbers of House Martins. Around the reserve itself large numbers of Black-headed Gulls, good numbers of Teal with smaller numbers of Shoveler and Mallard. (Mark Grieve/Steve Brown/Pete Alder). 

Wed Sep 14th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    Two Curlew Sandpipers on Pit 84 this afternoon. (Gareth Harris).

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter male Little Crake found at Lathbury hide at 11:50am, later moving to the Zeiss hide and still present at 7pm at least. Also three Curlew Sandpipers still on South Lake and seven Yellow Wagtails. (James Lees). A guided walk will be meeting at the car park at 6:15pm. Pics below by  Paul Bowerman (first four) and Martin McGill (Pic 5).

Tue Sep 13th 2005

Sudmeadow    A first-winter Caspian Gull roosting and preening with other gulls on the pond at GLS at 4:30pm. (Gordon Avery).

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 84 this afternoon there were two juvenile Curlew Sandpipers briefly, eight Snipe, four Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, four Dunlin, four Gadwall, 50+ Shovelers, 50+ Teal, a Buzzard and 100+ Lapwings. On Pit 85b there were at least six pairs of Little Grebes and also Gadwall, four Snipe, two Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper. (Bob Shiret).

Ashleworth Ham    From Stank Lane a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Jay, a Treecreeper and several Chiffchaffs scattered around the reserve. Groups of 5-20 Swallows moving south all morning also a small but steady passage of Meadow Pipits also south. Also seen at back of reserve a Grey Heron, male and female Reed Bunting, two Snipe, 14 Goldfinches and a Buzzard. At the end of Dirty Lane a Spotted Flycatcher and House Martins still active around Stonebow Farm. (Mark Grieve).

Mon Sep 12th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    Four Green Sandpipers, 15+ Teal, a Kingfisher and two Grey Wagtails on Pit 87 today. On Pit 79 45+ Teal, 35+ Lapwings, two Little Grebes and two Yellow Wagtails. On Pit 85 five Little Grebes (4 adults and a juvenile), two Snipe, a Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper. On Pit 84 117 Canada Geese, a Barnacle Goose, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper, 160 Lapwings, 25+ Shovelers, 55+ Teal, two Dunlin, two Grey Herons, a Kestrel, five Cormorants and 95 Black-headed Gulls. A Greenshank was on Pit 32.  (Gareth Harris).

Cambridge    Two Hobbies, six Buzzards and two Ravens over at Ryall's Cottage today and a Kingfisher. (Ennis Jones).

Sun Sep 11th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    A Black-necked Grebe late afternoon on Pit 31. Also a Water Rail and Kingfisher at Pit 31. (Andy Jayne). A Black Tern briefly at Pit 57. The Pits 79/84/85 area had a female Ruddy Duck with two small ducklings, a Hobby, a Kingfisher, two Little Ringed Plovers, two Ringed Plovers, two Curlew Sandpipers, four Dunlin, six Snipe, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, four Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper. Also nine Common Terns scattered around the Water Park. (Andy Jayne/David Owen). A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was on Pit 32. (Gareth Harris).

Fretherne    Six Common Sandpipers, two Bar-tailed Godwits, three Wheatears, a Peregrine and a pair of Ravens this evening. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Common Scoters off of Mid Point at high tide late morning. (Martin McGill). Six Curlew Sandpipers on South Lake this afternoon (seven in the morning), also four Ruff, three Spotted Redshanks, eight Greenshanks, 176 Black-tailed Godwits and 23 Redshanks. A Green Sandpiper on the Knott pool, a Sparrowhawk at Robbie Garnett and a Yellow Wagtail by the main visitor entrance. (Paul Masters/Phil Pope).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    Three Great Crested Grebes, 12 Little Grebes, a Greenshank, four Snipe, two Common Sandpipers, two Grey Herons, two Grey Wagtails, 100+ Coot and 30+ Moorhens. (Graham Watson).

Sharpness    An Osprey flew south at 8:30am. (Neil Smart). 50 Knot flying through this afternoon and four Wheatears. (Mark Hobson/Neil Smart).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Around the wharf an assorted tit flock including a Chiffchaff, a very heavy passage of Swallows and House Martins in a almost constant stream south also a Swift over at 8:05am. Along the canal a Whitethroat, four male Blackcaps together and three Bullfinches. From the Grundon Hide a Green Sandpiper, three Grey Herons, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Meadow Pipits over, a Jay, a Wheatear, three Yellow Wagtails along with Pied Wagtails. At 9:30am a female or immature Merlin flew through towards the Red Lion public house. Also a female Kestrel hunting over the reserve. (Mark Grieve).

Sat Sep 10th 2005

Frampton    On the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane five Whinchats, two Stonechats, a Snipe and a Hobby. Also a Whitethroat in Green Lane and a Lesser Whitethroat at Splatt Bridge. (John Overfield).

Gloucester    A ringtail Hen Harrier being mobbed by gulls over the Household Waste site at 12:20pm. No sign later. (Andy Chapman).

WWT Slimbridge    A Ruff, four Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, two Snipe, five Ringed Plovers, six Dunlin, four Bar-tailed Godwits, a Peregrine, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, five Little Egrets, two Ravens, a Wheatear and 60+ Linnets this morning. (MK).

Cambridge    A Green Sandpiper and a Snipe at Ryall's Cottage on the pond today (both present all week). Also a hunting Hobby, a Treecreeper and two Chiffchaffs. (Richard Chappell/Ennis Jones).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling. (Mark Grieve).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 84 two Curlew Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, three Green Sandpipers, a Ringed Plover, three Little Ringed Plovers, two Dunlin and five Snipe today. (James Lees/Jeremy Squire).

Fri Sep 9th 2005

Frampton    Seen from Green Lane today four Hobbies, five Whinchats, a Stonechat, and a Lesser Whitethroat. (Richard Cawsey).
WWT Slimbridge    Two Greenshanks, five Spotted Redshanks, a Ruff, and four Pintail today. 

Berkeley shore    Seven Common Sandpipers near the mouth of the pill and three Wheatears today. (Paul Masters).

Cotswold Water Park    A Barnacle Goose, a Bar-headed Goose, a Teal, an adult Yellow legged Gull, an adult Common Gull, a Greenshank, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover and five Common Terns at Pit 32 roost this evening. Also two Little Grebes and a Green Sandpiper on Pit 84. 

Note: The Swallow nest in the hide at Shorncote Reed bed overlooking Pit 85b disintegrated last night/this morning, resulting in one young falling to the floor and the remainder of the nest with two young, barely hanging on. It has been replaced by the warden with a small wicker basket and the young replaced.  (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams).

Cambridge    Seven Blackcaps at Ryall's Cottage (two males) today. (Richard Chappell).

Thu Sep 8th 2005

Sudmeadow    Today on the pond was an adult Little Grebe and three Green Sandpipers. (Gordon Avery).

Cambridge    A Garganey at Ryall's Cottage associating with collection Garganey on the pond today and a Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat. (Richard Chappell/Chris Goatman).

Wed Sep 7th 2005

Coombe Hill Canal    A Spotted Flycatcher and a Blackcap at the Wharf at lunchtime. (David Owen). In the evening 20+ Chiffchaffs with a few mixed tits in the flock, a Tree Pipit, a continual southward flow of Swallows (50+) and a Lesser Whitethroat. Also a 100+ Starling roost in Twigworth. (Paul Bryant).

Cambridge    A female Teal at Ryall's Cottage today and a Willow Warbler. (Richard Chappell/Ennis Jones).

Tue Sep 6th 2005

Frampton    A female/juvenile Marsh Harrier on the 100-Acre again this morning viewed from Green Lane. 

Tirley    A Little Owl calling at 7pm ,also a heavy passage of Swallows, at least 60 birds over in around 45 minutes. (Mark Grieve).

Mon Sep 5th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    15 Curlew Sandpipers, three Little Stints, three Sanderlings, 250 Dunlin, 120 Ringed Plovers, five Greenshanks, five Spotted Redshanks, five Ruff, eight Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, three Whinchats, a Stonechat, six Wheatears, 13 Pintail, two Garganeys, 22 Yellow Wagtails and a Hobby today. (James Lees/David Owen).

Berkeley shore    A male White Wagtail with 20 Pied Wagtails, a Turnstone, a Whinchat and a juvenile Peregrine today. (Dave Pearce).

Cotswold Water Park    An adult Sandwich Tern on Pit 32 on the gravel bars with 6+ Common Terns this afternoon. Also on Pit 32 in the roost this evening a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 550+ Black-headed Gulls, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 5+ Common Terns and two Yellow Wagtails. (Gareth Harris/Chris Walker). Four Black Terns and a Hobby on Pit 57. (Nigel Pleass/Gareth Harris/Kate Gamez).

Forest of Dean    A Woodcock flushed from beside the lake at 6:15am and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling on Crabtree Hill. (MK).

Hardwicke    Two Common Sandpipers by the canal towpath north of the Pilot. (Paul Masters).

Sun Sep 4th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    From Robbie Garnett hide a Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper and a Greenshank. On Knott Pool three Ruff, two Greenshanks, two Green Sandpiper and four Lesser Whitethroats. On safari a Wheatear, four Hobbies, two Garganey and four Kestrels. On South Lake two Ruff, a Dunlin and a Spotted Redshank. Also a Grass Snake in South Lake hide. Pic below by Paul. (Paul Masters/James Lees/Martin McGill).

Fretherne    This morning nine Common Sandpipers at the sluice; also there juvenile male Sparrowhawk chasing Goldfinches, a Yellow-legged Gull, a Raven, three Curlews, nine Pied Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, a Yellow Wagtail, a Wheatear, two Whitethroats, singing Willow Warbler and 50+ mixed hirundines went through. (Jake King/Martin Wightman/Mike Jefferies).

Robinswood Hill    A late Swift over the beacon at 11:30am with 50 House Martins. (Ian Elphick).

Sat Sep 3rd 2005

Sudmeadow    This morning at on the pond were two adult Little Grebes, a juvenile Shelduck, a Teal, three Shovelers, two Snipe and two Green Sandpipers. (Gordon Avery).

Frampton    A female/juvenile Marsh Harrier on the 100-Acre late morning viewed from Green Lane. Also five Hobbies hawking over the 100-Acre, a Wheatear and nine Wigeon and eight Gadwall. (John Overfield/Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    A  Bar-tailed Godwit from Mid Point and a Mink ran north on the mud and unsuccessfully trying to attack a Shelduck on the way. (Steve Brown).

Fri Sep 2nd 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A Red-breasted Merganser at high tide, five Little Stints, three Curlew Sandpipers, three Sanderlings, 201 Dunlin, two Bar-tailed Godwits, 127 Black-tailed Godwits, four Spotted Redshanks, a Little Ringed Plover, two Greenshanks, nine Green Sandpipers, four Garganey, nine Hobbies and three Wheatears. (James Lees).

Cotswold Water Park    A Black Tern on Pit 57. On Pits 84/85/79, two Greenshanks, three Dunlins, two Ringed Plovers, ten Green Sandpipers, four Snipe, a Common Sandpiper, three Black-tailed Godwits, two Hobbies, five Little Egrets, a Little Owl and a Swallow chick still in the hide. (Dave Pearce).

Cheltenham    Two Ravens over Ullenwood. A juvenile Wheatear between Salterly Grange and Leckhampton Hill. (Steve Brown).

Thu Sep 1st 2005

Fretherne    A juvenile Kittiwake up river on the rising tide at 7pm. 61 Curlew, a Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank, a Whimbrel and three Snipe in from the north. Also Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, two Buzzards and a male Peregrine which took a Black-headed Gull, two Grey Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail south. (Gordon Hodgson).

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Arctic Tern on the river and an Osprey flew over heading south at 9:25am. (Martin McGill). Eight Green Sandpipers (13 on site), two Spotted Redshanks, a Common Sandpiper, a Ruff and a Greenshank from Robbie Garnett hide. On Knott Pool three Ruff, two Snipe, a Greenshank and a Water Rail. From Holden Tower two Spotted Flycatchers and a Little Ringed Plover. From Mid Point c300 flighty small waders, mostly Dunlin and Ringed Plovers, 11 Sanderlings, four Curlew Sandpipers and two Little Stints, a juvenile Hobby hunting. Also three Little Egrets and a Grey Heron with a yellow wing tag lettered 'DS' on left wing and red band on right leg. On South Lake five Spotted Redshanks and a Garganey. Also three Garganey, 180 Black-tailed Godwits, two Yellow Wagtails and two Grey Wagtails today. (James Lees/Steve Brown/Pete Alder/Paul Bowerman). Pic below by Paul Bowerman. 

Wed Aug 31st 2005

Wotton-Under-Edge    A late Swift over at 5pm just ahead of the thunder storm. (John Overfield).

Lydbrook    A Hobby over Hangerberry this morning took a House Martin and was then mobbed by a flock of 60 martins. (Gavin Black). 

Cheltenham    A Tawny Owl heard begging at 12:30am in the gardens between Naunton Crescent and Naunton Way but very mobile. Also at 8:30am a Green Woodpecker heard in the same area, the first Steve has recorded here. (Steve Brown).

Tue Aug 30th 2005

Hardwicke    Five sightings of at least two Kingfishers south along the towpath from The Pilot Inn and a Great Crested Grebe with a chick this evening. (Steve Dark).

Innsworth    Three Tawny Owls calling tonight at 9pm off Frogfurlong Lane. (Frank and Paul Bryant).

Cleeve Hill    Eleven Whinchats, fifteen Stonechats, three Wheatears and two Redstarts distributed across the common between West Down car park, the masts, the heather enclosures and Wontley Farm. (Dave Pearce). Pics of Whinchats below by Dave.

Cotswold Water Park    A juvenile Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, 450+ Black-headed Gulls, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls and three Dunlins in the roost at Pit 32. (Gareth Harris).

Stinchcombe Hill    A male Redstart this afternoon on the sloping limestone field round the corner from the car park at ST742983. (Vic Polley).

Sudmeadow    A superb Barn Owl hunting around the marsh at 6am this morning and a passage Curlew heard. Also three Jays were the first in the area this year. At the pond this afternoon, five Green Sandpipers, 11 Tufted Ducks including brood also at least one adult Little Grebe. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    Four Spotted Redshanks, nine Ruff, a Little Ringed Plover, eight Green Sandpipers, a Greenshank, 13 Buzzards, three Hobbies, a Yellow Wagtail, three Grey Wagtails and a Wheatear around the grounds today. (James Lees).

Mon Aug 29th 2005

Eastleach    A probable juvenile, Red Kite seen near here. Also an adult male Redstart calling from a bush, and a small colony of Ruddy Darters nearby. (Keith White).

Hasfield Ham    Five Whinchats in the corner of a riverside maize field south of Haw Bridge. Three Redstarts at Ashleworth Ham. (Paul Masters).

Guscar Rocks to Pill House Warth    A Peregrine, eight Knot, c450 Curlew, two Common Sandpipers, two adult Mediterranean Gulls, four Yellow Wagtails, a Whinchat, two Wheatears and two Ravens. Also a Clouded Yellow butterfly today. (Andy Jayne).

Forest of Dean    23 Crossbills over New Fancy View at 5pm and 2+ Willow Tits by the lower car park. (MK).

Gloucester    A Raven soaring over Tuffley at 11am and one over GLS at 12:45pm. (Ian Elphick).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Curlew Sandpipers from Mid-Point this morning. (Neil Smart). From the Holden Tower arm hides four Green Sandpipers, a Ruff, two Greenshanks and a Snipe. A Little Egret on the river and a Wheatear on the fence near to Mid-Point. (MK).

Sun Aug 28th 2005

Frampton    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker along Green Lane, it was loosely associating with a small tit flock moving through. Four Whinchats, Hobbies and a Wheatear from the viewing platform. A Common Tern over and four at the Sailing Lake.  (Rob & Jackie Phillips).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Curlew Sandpipers from the afternoon Safari and a Short-eared Owl distantly over Hock Cliff late afternoon. (Martin McGill). Five Spotted Redshanks, three Ruff, 197 Black-tailed Godwits, a juvenile Dunlin, 10+ Green Sandpipers, two Snipe and two Greenshanks around the grounds. From Martin Smith hide and Holden Tower good numbers of warblers and tits including Lesser Whitethroats and Garden Warbler. From Mid-Point c600 small waders to distant to i/d and only a small tide due today. However in close 19 Knot, three juvenile Sanderlings, 120 Curlew, 20 Ringed Plovers and 20 Dunlin. Also three Buzzards, a Yellow Wagtail, a Wheatear, a young Brown Hare and several Migrant Hawker dragonflies. (Martin McGill/MK).

Sat Aug 27th 2005

Gloucester    A late Swift over Oxleaze at 6pm today. (Ian Elphick).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Three late Swifts through today. (Rob & Jackie Phillips).

Wye Valley    A Dipper, a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail on the Wye at Redbrook, at Valley Brook near Newland, a Yellow Wagtail with a small flock of c10 Pied Wagtails. Pic below by Paul (Paul Masters).

WWT Slimbridge    Four Spotted Redshanks, 130 Black-tailed Godwits, three Greenshanks and five Ruff today. 

Fri Aug 26th 2005

Frampton    A juvenile Arctic Tern with Common Terns at 3pm on the Sailing Lake. (Martin McGill).

WWT Slimbridge    Six Spotted Redshanks, 213 Black-tailed Godwits, three Greenshanks, four Ruff, 21 Mandarins, 609 Teal and 78 Shovelers today. (James Lees).

Tuffley    A garden Hummingbird Hawk Moth today. (Mark Hobson).

Thu Aug 25th 2005

Guscar Rocks    Thirty five Dunlin on foreshore and at least two Yellow-legged Gulls at Lydney. (Dave Pearce). Pic below taken by Dave.

Wed Aug 24th 2005

Frampton    Three Whinchats and a Hobby on the 100-Acre this evening seen from the viewing platform at Green Lane. (Paul Masters).

Mon Aug 22nd 2005

Cotswold Water Park    Two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, four Common Gulls (adult and three juveniles) and 400+ Black-headed Gulls in the roost this evening. (Gareth Harris).

Frampton    Three Green Sandpipers and two Little Egrets on Court Lake today.  (Gordon Hodgson).

Fretherne    Two Wheatears and a Hobby this evening. Pics below by Gordon. (Gordon Hodgson).

WWT Slimbridge    No sign of the Baird's Sandpiper this morning after a thorough search. However a Little Stint, two Sanderlings, a Turnstone, 2+ Oystercatchers, two Ruff, four Greenshanks, three Green Sandpipers, mixed flock of c400 Dunlin and Ringed Plovers, 50+ Curlew, a Little Egret and 10+ Great Black-backed Gulls. (MK).

Sudmeadow    On the pond near GLS three Green Sandpipers still present late morning. (Gordon Avery).

Sun Aug 21st 2005

Cotswold Water Park    A Honey Buzzard flew over Pits 74/75 yesterday at 11am with three Common Buzzards it crossed the county boundary into Glos. (Gareth Harris/Jackie Hay).

Forest of Dean    A flock of thirty Mistle Thrushes today at Ruardean Hill. (Robin Husbands per GRA).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Baird's Sandpiper on the Dumbles at 10am this morning during a wader walk. Not seen again later. (Martin McGill).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Along the canal a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Lesser Whitethroat at the wharf along with a small number of House Martins overhead. Towards the Grundon hide a female Kestrel, at least seven Bullfinches including a juvenile, three Blackcaps, four Whitethroats, several Chiffchaffs and at least two Willow Warblers, a Jay, a Treecreeper and three Buzzards. At the hide two Sedge Warblers, two Grey Herons and a very strong Swallow passage including a flock 70+ birds between 7.30-9.30am. Also a Fox, a Brown Hare and a Mink came wandering into the hide. (Mark Grieve).

Fri Aug 19th 2005

Cambridge    A Green Sandpiper and a Snipe on the scrape at Ryall's Cottage today and a Kingfisher daily. (Ennis Jones).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 32 an adult Kingfisher feeding a juvenile, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and c300 Black-headed Gulls today. (Gareth Harris).

Sharpness    A Wheatear this evening. (Paul Masters).

WWT Slimbridge    Three Wheatears, a Yellow Wagtail, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Kingfisher, a juvenile Peregrine, 250 Teal, 52 Shovelers, 135 Black-tailed Godwits, 500 Curlew, a Spotted Redshank, five Greenshanks, nine Green Sandpipers, two Snipe, two Ruff, 25 Redshanks, a Common Sandpiper, two Turnstones, two Sanderlings, 260 Dunlin, 280 Ringed Plovers, 22 Oystercatchers and nine Yellow-legged Gulls today. (James Lees).

Gloucester    On the Gloucester-Sharpness canal by Permali's this morning a Common Tern flying up and down several times. Also a Greylag and Grey Wagtail there. (Gordon Avery).

Thu Aug 18th 2005

Painswick    A late Swift flew over at midday. (Les Warriner).

Eastington    In the east water meadows at Millend, two Kingfishers on the Frome north arm. In the hedgerows and south arm river margins at the outfall, good numbers of warblers with three Willow Warblers and five Chiffchaffs noted. Also there two Lesser Whitethroats, a female Blackcap and a Grey Wagtail. (Jake King).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    Two Greenshanks and a Common Sandpiper this afternoon. (Duncan Dine).

Gloucester    An adult (probably) female Peregrine flew over Hempsted this morning with a kill. (Gordon Avery).

Wed Aug 17th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    An immature Little Gull on Pit 32 among the gull roost this evening. Not believed to have stayed. (Gareth Harris).

WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake two Spotted Redshanks, 150+ Black-tailed Godwits, 30+ Redshanks, 20+ Lapwings, a male and female Ruff and a Green Sandpiper. From Robbie Garnett hide two Greenshanks, two Green Sandpipers and a few Teal. Also a Southern Hawker dragonfly. A Common Darter dragonfly on the pool at the main entrance. (Keith White).

Painswick Beacon    Two Spotted Flycatchers, 6+ Tree Pipits, 10+ Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcap and tits in trees and bushes on SE facing slope of beacon. (Frank Steuck).

Tue Aug 16th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Goshawk  perched on the wall at the Holden Tower this morning. Also three Spotted Redshanks, 190 Ringed Plovers, 200 Dunlin, two Greenshanks and four Sanderling at Mid Point and a Hobby over the Rushy Pen.  (Martin McGill).

Frampton    Five Hobbies over the 100-Acre today. View from the public footpath at Green Lane. (James Lees).

Sudmeadow    On the pond near GLS two Green Sandpipers still present and 34 Linnets. Three Garden Warblers were trapped today. Also a Kingfisher by Llantony Weir. (Gordon Avery).

Quedgeley    70 Swallows on wires around Rea Canal Bridge. (Mark Hobson).

Maisemore    Two Kingfishers, a Common Sandpiper, ten Willow Warblers, two Grey Herons and a Sparrowhawk around the pool and on the river.  (Mark Hobson).

Mon Aug 15th 2005

Frampton    Two Common Terns, five Green Sandpipers, five Mistle Thrushes, a Little Egret, four Grey Herons and ten Sand Martins on Court Lake this evening. (Mark Hobson).

Sun Aug 14th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    An adult Yellow-legged Gull, 250 Black-headed Gulls, four adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls, two Redshanks, a Green Sandpiper and eight Common Terns at Pit 32. (Gareth Harris/Nigel Pleass). At Pit 87 two Greenshanks, seven Green Sandpipers and two Common Sandpipers today. (Gareth Harris).

Hempsted    A Raven calling and being mobbed by Jackdaws whilst trying to land in an old tree behind the rectory at 9am. (Doug Whitlock).

Cambridge    Three Kingfishers seen together at Cambridge Pumping station today. (Ennis Jones).

Haw bridge to Old Ferry Inn    At least three Sand Martins around the small colony north of Haw Bridge, two Buzzards feeding a juvenile, two female Kestrels and a female Grey Wagtail opposite the Old Ferry Inn. Also a steady passage of Swallows and House Martins down river. (Mark Grieve).

WWT Slimbridge    Around the grounds this morning two Spotted Redshanks, a male Ruff, 29 Redshanks, 170 Black-tailed Godwits including a juvenile, 20 Lapwings, a Common Sandpiper, three Snipe, 13 Green Sandpipers and 100 Teal. In the car park 20+ Goldfinches and a Kingfisher through, From Mid Point a Sanderling, a Grey Plover, c200 Ringed Plovers, c300 Dunlin, two Oystercatchers, 50+ Curlew, a Little Egret, a Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail over and a continuous southerly passage of Swallows. (Martin McGill/MK). Pics of Common and Green Sandpiper below are by Paul Bowerman. 

Frampton    A Cetti's Warbler calling and 30 feral Barnacle Geese at the Court Lake and ten Common Terns on the Sailing Lake this morning. (Martin McGill).

Sat Aug 13th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    At the Pits 87 to 84 area of this evening a Hobby, three Snipe, two Greenshanks, ten Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, two Barn Owls and five Swifts. Also 250 Mallards at Pit 84. (Andy Jayne).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A Little Egret present this afternoon, a scarce bird at this site. (Duncan Dine).

Frampton    Ten Common Terns, 285 Coot and 21 Great Crested Grebes  at 5pm.  (Martin McGill).

Haw Bridge to Red Lion pub    A Grey Heron, a Kingfisher, a Common Sandpiper, a Buzzard, a tit flock including Chiffchaffs, a female Kestrel, three Cormorants, a male Redstart in riverside willows, a Willow Warbler, an adult Spotted Flycatcher with two juveniles and a further adult Spotted Flycatcher along the river. (Mark Grieve).

Fri Aug 12th 2005

Huntley golf course    50+ House Martins with similar numbers of Swallows on wires and over the golf course ,briefly buzzed by a female Kestrel and a Grey Heron. (Mark Grieve).

Frampton    An adult Spotted Flycatcher feeding a juvenile at the Court Lake this evening. (Martin McGill).

Thu Aug 11th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Baird's Sandpiper on the river in a private area between 12:30-1:30pm. Not seen again from any organised walks. (Martin McGill/James Lees). Pics below taken by Martin.

Sharpness shore    Two Great Black-backed Gulls, a Common Sandpiper, two Wheatears and 25 Linnets. (Gordon Avery).

Berkeley Pill    Two Redshanks and c80 Mallard. (Gordon Avery).

Gloucester    A male Peregrine at Hempsted this evening. (Gordon Avery).

Tue Aug 9th 2005

Daneway Banks GWT reserve    At the top end two Redstarts with two Spotted Flycatchers, a female Blackcap and a Yellowhammer carrying food. (SO938038). (Vic Polley).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling. (Mark Grieve).

Sun Aug 7th 2005

Purton    A Mediterranean Gull on the river this evening, and two Common Terns (an adult and juvenile) on the canal. (Paul Masters).

Longney    Adult and juvenile Mediterranean Gulls on the river. (John Sanders).

WWT Slimbridge    From Robbie Garnett hide three Little Ringed Plovers and ten Green Sandpipers. At Mid Point a Turnstone, three Common Sandpipers and a Wheatear. On the Safari seven Whinchats, a Hobby, three Common Terns, a mixed Dunlin/Ringed Plover flock, two Greenshanks and a Falcon sp. chasing a pigeon. On South Lake a Ruff, two Spotted Redshanks, 160+ Black-tailed Godwits and three Common Terns (1 juvenile). (Martin McGill/Neil Smart/Mark Hobson).

Sat Aug 6th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake three Little Ringed Plovers, two Spotted Redshanks and a male Ruff. At Robbie Garnett 14 Green Sandpipers, two Greenshanks, a Dunlin and a Little Egret. (Paul Masters). LRP pic below taken by Paul.

Miserden Park    Two Tawny Owls calling mid afternoon in Winstone Hill wood, three Sparrowhawks (1 m, 2 juvs), two Ravens, three Buzzards, and a Little Grebe on the lake. (Paul Masters).

Fri Aug 5th 2005

Sudmeadow    On the pond near GLS three Green Sandpipers still present, a female Pochard and two Reed Warblers today, the first since May 2002. (Gordon Avery/John Sanders).

Wed Aug 3rd 2005

WWT Slimbridge    25 Yellow-legged Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, three Greenshanks, two Spotted Redshanks, 17 Green Sandpipers, 180 Black-tailed Godwits, a Little Ringed Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Hobby today. (James Lees).

Cotswold Water Park    A probable Honey Buzzard seen distantly high above Pit 84 viewed from Pit 87 it flew west and out of view at 11:45am. At Pit 87 two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper and an adult Little Ringed Plover with a young juvenile. At Pit 85A two Green Sandpipers and two Hobbies. At Pit 84 a juvenile Wood Sandpiper, three juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, a Common Sandpiper, two Green Sandpipers and a juvenile Whinchat. At Pit 85B three Green Sandpipers and two Common Sandpipers. At Pit 57 three Dunlin, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper and 14 Common Terns including four juveniles. (Tony Eveleigh/Andy Jayne). A juvenile Mediterranean Gull on Pit 32 today. (Gareth Harris).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A pair of Redstarts at GWT Greystones Farm, the female has been there since last weekend.  Also a Hobby hawking dragonflies at the South (Santhill) Lake. (Andy Lewis).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Along the canal a Whitethroat feeding three fledged young and three Bullfinches (2f, 1m). From Grundon hide five Little Egrets, a male Whinchat, a Buzzard, a small flock of Long-tailed Tits, a female Kestrel and good numbers of Swallows and House Martins including one flock of 45 Swallows and eight House Martins heading south. (Mark Grieve/Roy Shilham). In the evening at the hide four Little Egrets, a Greenshank (just audible from car park on a still evening), six Mallards, two Grey Herons and a Stock Dove. A Kestrel spooked and chased the Greenshank over the hide but the Greenshank quickly returned to the scrapes, apparently unscathed. Significant movement of Swifts, Swallows and House Martins west along the canal. A family of Bullfinches near the boardwalk. An adult Spotted Flycatcher and a juvenile Sedge Warbler along the canal. (Keith White).

Tue Aug 2nd 2005

Hardwicke    Six sightings of Kingfishers south along the towpath from The Pilot Inn, including three birds together this evening. (Steve Dark).

Purton    Two Mediterranean Gulls this evening. (Dave Pearce). Pics by Dave.

Little Witcombe    Three Hobbies over this evening. (Terry Fenton).

Berkeley Pill    A Whinchat, three Whimbrel, 26 Common Sandpipers and a Southern Hawker this evening. (Paul Taylor).

Mon Aug 1st 2005

Cotswold Water Park    A Wood Sandpiper this evening at Shorncote reed bed at Pit 85. (Chris Walker per Gareth Harris).

Sudmeadow    On the pond near GLS three Green Sandpipers, three Little Grebes (two adults and a juvenile) almost certainly bred here for the first time, a female Tufted Duck and six young, two adult Shelduck and five young and a Greenshank over. (Gordon Avery). Also a Dunlin early morning only. (John Sanders).

Sun Jul 31st 2005

Cotswold Water Park    At Pits 84/85 this evening, 8+ Green Sandpipers, three Little Ringed Plovers, a Grey Wagtail and two Barn Owls. (David Owen). A Common Sandpiper and 700+ Black-headed Gulls at Pit 32. (Gareth Harris/Robin Ward). A Wood Sandpiper, nine Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, a Little Egret, a Peregrine and a Hobby at Pit 84 this morning. (Nigel Pleass).

Purton    An adult Mediterranean Gull with a Dutch colour ring this evening. (John Sanders).

Fretherne    Seven Black-tailed Godwits, four Knot, a Greenshank, a juvenile Ringed Plover, a Peregrine and a large dark unidentified falcon sp. at high tide. (Terry Fenton).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    10+ Little Grebes, 100+ Coot, 20+ Moorhen - all of these with good numbers of juveniles. Two Common Sandpipers, Great Crested Grebe, eight Tufted Ducks and two Grey Herons today. (Graham Watson).

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Water Rail at the sensory garden hide this evening. (David Slater www.djsphotography.co.uk).

A summer-plumaged Knot and a Wood Sandpiper on South Lake early morning only. (Neil Smart/Steve Dark). Also on site a Little Stint, three Sanderlings, 11+ Green Sandpipers, two Spotted Redshanks, 20+ Redshanks, 150 Dunlin, 20+ Ringed Plovers, four Ruff, 178 Black-tailed Godwits, three Snipe, two adult and two juvenile Common Terns, four Little Egrets and two Ravens. (Jeremy Squire/Paul Walkden/Dave Paynter/Nick Goatman/Paul Masters/MK).

Coombe Hill Meadows    At the wharf 15 House Martins feeding, along the canal a Green Woodpecker, two Buzzards feeding juveniles, plenty of Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats and five Bullfinches. At Grundon hide a flock of 8 Long-tailed Tits, six Little Egrets, a Tawny Owl calling at 9:45am, three Grey Herons, a Curlew, Kestrel, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. A steady passage of Swallows, House Martins and 25+ Swifts all moving south westerly. Six Buzzards in air together over Tirley. (Mark Grieve).

Sat Jul 30th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A summer-plumaged Knot, a Dunlin, 11 Green Sandpipers, two Spotted Redshanks, five Greenshanks, 9+ Ruff, 138 Black-tailed Godwits, 50+ Redshanks, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover and Common Terns with 3+ juveniles flying on South Lake. (Richard Baatsen/John Martin).

Cotswold Water Park    A juvenile Mediterranean Gull and 600+ Black-headed Gulls on Pit 32. 84 Canada Geese and a Greenshank on Pit 79. Five Green Sandpipers and Little Ringed Plovers with young on Pit 87. Seven broods of Tufted Ducks on Pit 57. (Gareth Harris/Ali Swainston).

Fri Jul 29th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    A summer-plumaged Knot on Pit 32 still present this morning. 774 Black-headed Gulls, a Ringed Plover, a Little Ringed Plover, a Greenshank and a Dunlin on Pit 32.

WWT Slimbridge    Three Wood Sandpipers on South Lake still with two Green Sandpipers and a Spotted Redshank. Six more Green Sandpipers from Robbie Garnett this morning. (Ben Macdonald).

Thu Jul 28th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    A summer-plumaged Knot on Pit 32 still present this evening. Also a Little Stint (found by Kim Milsom, but early evening only), five Dunlin, two Ringed Plovers, four Little Ringed Plovers (three adults and a juvenile), a Common Sandpiper, an Oystercatcher, 15 Common Terns (four adults and 11 juveniles), a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and 55+ Black-headed Gulls all on Pit 32. (Gareth Harris/Jon Mercer). Three Little Stints, a Common Sandpiper and four Dunlin on Pit 79 this evening. An adult and three juvenile Tawny Owls along the canal towpath by Pit 4. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams).

WWT Slimbridge    Three Wood Sandpipers still but mobile, 15 Green Sandpipers, 80 Black-tailed Godwits, two Greenshanks, a Spotted Redshank, a Little Ringed Plover and 26 Ruff. (James Lees). Also a Snipe, 90 Dunlin in small groups, a Sanderling, a Turnstone, seven Knot, two Little Egrets, six Redshanks and three Common Sandpipers. (Steve Brown/Pete Alder).

Leckhampton    At 8:30pm a Little Owl in the old orchard between Leckhampton playing fields and Shurdington Road. (Steve & Megan Brown).

Wed Jul 27th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    Four Wood Sandpipers on South Lake, three Common Sandpipers, 23 Green Sandpipers, three Greenshanks, 67 Redshanks, two Spotted Redshanks, 140 Black-tailed Godwits, two Snipe, 500 Curlews, 20 Knot in breeding plumage, eight Sanderlings, three Ringed Plovers, 39 Ruff including 22 males in a variety of colours and three Little Egrets today. (James Lees).

Sudmeadow    On the pond near GLS two Green Sandpipers and an Oystercatcher (very unusual here) today. (Gordon Avery).

Tue Jul 26th 2005

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A Tufted Duck with four ducklings, two Little Grebes and juvenile Buzzard begging from a mast in the old filter beds. (Steve Brown).

Whitminster    An adult Hobby over today panicking the local House Martins. (Martin McGill).

WWT Slimbridge    Ten Knot, a Whimbrel, a Sanderling, four Ringed Plovers, 563 Curlew, 90 Dunlin, 17 Green Sandpipers, two Ruff, three Spotted Redshanks, eight Common Sandpipers, two Greenshanks, 54 Redshanks, 152 Black-tailed Godwits, 181 Lapwings 38 Oystercatchers on the Dumbles, five Yellow-legged Gulls and a Grey Wagtail today. (James Lees/Tony Eveleigh/Dave Pearce).

Cambridge    At Ryall's Cottage a juvenile Grey Heron with a red ring on its right leg and wing tags on both wings, letters EH. A Reed Warbler singing off and on all day (and 25th) in the garden reedbed, a Kingfisher daily from the 22nd and a Green Woodpecker. (Richard Chappell).

Mon Jul 25th 2005

Leckhampton Hill    A Tawny Owl calling out of sight in the
woods above Daisybank car Park mobbed by several Blackbirds. (Steve Brown).
WWT Slimbridge    A Grey Plover, eight Dunlin, 15 Green Sandpipers, two Ruff, two Spotted Redshanks, five Common Sandpipers, two Greenshanks, 54 Redshanks, 50 Black-tailed Godwits, 90 Lapwings and a juvenile Reed Warbler today. Pic below by James. (James Lees).

Sun Jul 24th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    Three adult Mediterranean Gulls, three Yellow-legged Gulls, a Garganey, a Snipe, ten Green Sandpipers, three Ruff, 447 Curlew, a Spotted Redshank, two Turnstones, two Common Sandpipers, four Greenshanks, 58 Redshanks, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, 92 Lapwings, a Red Crested Pochard, six Sand Martins and four Little Egrets. (James Lees).

Sat Jul 23rd 2005

Over    A Grey Seal on a rapid incoming tide in the River Severn at Over Bridge at 12:20pm. Also a couple of Black-tailed Skimmers on the Port Ham pond. (Ian Elphick).

Aldsworth    110 Lapwings feeding in a ploughed field by Conygree Farm. The flock included 20 or 30 juveniles. (Andy Lewis).

Guscar Rocks to Lydney Harbour    A Sparrowhawk, a Hobby, four Oystercatchers, a Ringed Plover, two Dunlins, a Whimbrel, c330 Curlew, a Redshank, four Common Sandpipers, four Yellow-legged Gulls, 14 Yellow Wagtails, a juvenile Grasshopper Warbler and two Ravens today. (Andy Jayne).

Thu Jul 21st 2005

Temple Guiting    25 Crossbills at Lower Slatepits Woods near Hornsleasow Farm two miles north of the B4077 at Temple Guiting today. (Dave Pearce).

WWT Slimbridge    Three Ruff, five Greenshanks, two Snipe and 3+ Yellow-legged Gulls today.  (Martin McGill). Also from Mid Point 40 Black-tailed Godwits, 450 Dunlin with four Sanderlings, two Little Egrets and two Common Sandpipers. A female Sparrowhawk spooked the Dunlin then was mobbed by Black-tailed Godwits. Around scrapes ten Green Sandpipers and two Spotted Redshanks. (Steve Brown/Pete Alder). 

Cheltenham    At 6pm a Sparrowhawk over Naunton Park mobbed by a Herring Gull. (Steve Brown).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 3am,later on a small flock of six Skylarks, a Raven over, a Kestrel and two garden Green Woodpeckers. (Mark Grieve).

Haw Bridge    30+ Swallows with smaller numbers of House Martins feeding over pasture also Whitethroat, Blackcap and Chiffchaff. (Mark Grieve).

Wed Jul 20th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    Four Greenshanks, two Ruff, 13 Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, four Spotted Redshanks and 61 Redshanks. Also a Yellow Wagtail and a Whinchat on South Lake. 14 Sanderlings, 350 Dunlin and a Turnstone at Mid Point today. (James Lees/Martin McGill). Four adult summer Mediterranean Gulls and 15+ Yellow-legged Gulls on the gull walk last night. (Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park    Three Black-tailed Godwits at Pit 84 today. (Chris Walker). Also seven Curlew at Pit 32. (per Gareth Harris).

Tue Jul 19th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    An adult and four juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, a summer-plumaged Dunlin, two Whimbrel, two Oystercatchers, 11 Common Terns (6 adults, 5 juveniles), two adult Common Gulls and 250+ Black-headed Gulls all at Pit 32 today. (per Gareth Harris).

Cambridge    A party of six Crossbills flew over this morning at Ryall's Cottage . Also Green Sandpiper still today, a Kingfisher and adult and juvenile Chiffchaff ringed. (Robin Ward).

Sudmeadow    On the pond near GLS six young Shelducks, six young Tufted Ducks and three females and a Green Sandpiper still today. (Gordon Avery).

Mon Jul 18th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    An adult Mediterranean Gull on the gravel bars at roost on Pit 32. (Kim Milsom). 17 adult Great Crested Grebes and 22 Common Terns on Pit 57. A Kestrel at Pit 58. A Kingfisher at Pit 41. A Moorhen with a brood of three young, a Tufted Duck with a brood of five fully grown young and a Tufted Duck with a brood of five 1 week old ducklings, a Green Sandpiper and a Gadwall with a brood of four fully grown young on Pit 85.  (per Gareth Harris).

South Cerney    A Kingfisher next to the A417 yesterday. (Vince Jones). First pic below by Vince, second pic of a juvenile also at South Cerney today by Kev Lewis.

WWT Slimbridge    A Sanderling, three Ruff, three Knot, 100+ Black-tailed Godwits, 250 Dunlin, adult summer and juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, a juvenile Garganey, a Greenshank, two Spotted Redshanks, four Yellow-legged Gulls, eight Green Sandpipers and 3-5 Common Sandpipers on site today. (Martin McGill/James Lees). Pics of Med Gull and Green Sandpiper below taken by James today.

Sun Jul 17th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    15+ Crossbills flew over Pits 75/74 today. (Nick Adams/ Graham Deacon). On Pit 32 a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, two adult Oystercatchers, a summer-plumaged Dunlin and three juvenile Little Ringed Plovers. (Gareth Harris).

WWT Slimbridge    A Little Tern south past Mid Point at 4:10pm, but no sign from Sharpness between 4:45pm and 6pm. (Martin McGill). From Mid Point today two adult summer Sanderlings, 300 Dunlins, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, 100 Curlew, 20+ Lapwings, two Common Sandpipers, six Little Egret, six Yellow-legged Gulls and two Ravens flew south. Also four Oystercatchers and three Green Sandpipers from Holden Tower and two Green Sandpipers in the Rushy Pen. On South Lake three Spotted Redshanks and two Ruff. (Martin McGill/MK).

Sat Jul 16th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    7+ Green Sandpipers, a Little Ringed Plover and six Lapwings on Pit 87. 11 Common Terns five adults and six juveniles and three juvenile Little Ringed Plovers on Pit 57. A Tufted Duck with a brood of ten ducklings on Pit 32. (Gareth Harris). Two Hobbies and a Gadwall with a brood of four on Pits 84/85. (Ali Swainston).

Charlton Abbots    At 10pm three Little Owls including one juvenile being fed in the road. (Graham Watson).

Frampton    On the scrape viewable from south of Splatt Bridge two Little Ringed Plovers, three Green Sandpipers and four juvenile Redshanks. A Common Sandpiper was on the canal. From the public footpath at Green Lane three Common Terns and three Ravens. (Andy Chapman).

Fri Jul 15th 2005

Cotswold Water Park   An adult Sandwich Tern roosting on Pit 32 on an island in front of the visitor centre till 9:40pm at least. Also two adult Oystercatchers, an adult Ringed Plover, two adult and two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, a Common Sandpiper, two Green Sandpipers and 390+ Black Headed Gulls, three Common Gulls and a Lesser Black-backed Gull. (Gareth Harris). Note: Fairford Air Show this weekend may cause long delays.

Thurs Jul 14th 2005 

Cotswold Water Park    Tufted Ducks with broods of five and three and 17 Pochards on Pit 6. Tufted Ducks with four broods of 6, 3, 1, and 2, a female Pochard and a brood of four, approx two weeks old, four Little Grebes and three male Reed Buntings all on Pit 71. (per Gareth Harris).

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens 30 Crossbills mostly adult males and juveniles and a Turtle Dove, and a Woodcock nearby later in evening. (Dave Pearce).

Lower Lode, Tewkesbury     20-30 pairs of Sand Martins nesting in the river bank, three Common Sandpipers on the "beach" at the base of the bank, and two adult Dunlin, feeding very actively. Also a Little Owl. (Mike Smart/Mervyn Greening).

WWT Slimbridge    Two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, three Spotted Redshanks and two adult Ruff amongst the Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks this morning. (Martin McGill). From Mid Point an adult Mediterranean Gull with six adult Common Gulls, three Little Egrets, 40 Knot downstream, 100+ small waders distant mostly Dunlin, three Ringed Plover and a Sanderling. A Common Sandpiper and 60 Black-tailed Godwits and many Curlew distributed over the estuary. (Steve Brown/Pete Alder).

Wed Jul 13th 2005

Cambridge    A Green Sandpiper at Ryall's Cottage today. (Ennis Jones).

Frampton    At least six male Red-eyed Damselflies holding territory on Lily pads at Splatt Bridge. (Martin McGill). Pic by Martin.

WWT Slimbridge    Two Sanderlings, 119 Black-tailed Godwits, three Knot, two Bar-tailed Godwits, 35 Dunlin and three Yellow-legged Gulls all from Mid Point with a Redstart in the hedge behind (present since Fri). Adult male and female Ruff (pic by Martin), three Spotted Redshanks, 70+ Redshanks, a Greenshank, 10+ Green Sandpipers and a Garganey from the hides. Two Hobbies over the 100-Acre viewable from the platform accessed from Green Lane. Two Yellow Wagtails, four Snipe, four Little Ringed Plovers and a Common Sandpiper not viewable from the hides. Also an influx of Teal and Shovelers. Also in the past week or so Ruddy Darter, Brown Hawker and Emperor have all become obvious alongside the commoner Southern Hawkers, Black-tailed Skimmers and Four-spotted Chasers. (Martin McGill).

Stonehouse    A large unidentified tern sp. over Oldends Lane going NW at 9:15pm. (MK). Additionally a large tern sp. over Hardwicke heading SW with gulls to presumably roost on the river last night. (Steve Dark). No sign of any terns between 12MD-1pm today though. (James Lees/Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 57 four Common Sandpipers, two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, five Lapwings, 39 Common Terns (26 adults and 13 juveniles), two Green Sandpipers, a juvenile Cuckoo, Tufted Ducks with broods of five and eight ducklings and 35 Great Crested Grebes. Five Pochards on Pit  58 and two adult Little Egrets on Pit 41.  (per Gareth Harris).

Tue Jul 12th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 57 a Curlew, 33 Common Terns including 12 juveniles, five Lapwings, three Green Sandpipers, two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers today. On Pit 32 two adult Oystercatchers and 550+ Black-headed Gulls. (per Gareth Harris).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Three Little Egrets, a Tufted Duck, two Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper, the last remaining pair of breeding Lapwings still have their chick which is almost full grown but not yet flying, in addition there is a flock of about 100 non-breeding Lapwings. (Mike Smart).

 Newent    A Turtle Dove singing in a road-side sycamore tree at Little Cugley Farm on the Newent/Huntley road today at 3:45pm. (Charles Martell).

Daneway Banks    Two Redstarts (one juvenile) at the top of the GWT  reserve early this afternoon. Also a Yellowhammer (SO940041). (John Ryman/ Vic Polley).

Mon Jul 11th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    4+ Common Terns and 120 Black-headed Gulls on Pit 32 today. (per Gareth Harris).

Hardwicke/Elmore    Three Little Owls in the area this evening, one perched in a tree at Hardwicke Farm, the other two on telegraph poles along the lane to Stonebench. (Paul Masters).

WWT Slimbridge    15 species of wader today including three Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover, three Greenshanks, 70 Redshanks, three Spotted Redshanks, 100 Black-tailed Godwits, a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Whimbrel, 400 Curlew, 29 Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, 13 Green Sandpipers, two Snipe (first of the autumn), Oystercatchers and Lapwings. Also a Yellow Wagtail around the cattle, ten Little Egrets and 14 Grey Herons including the dark one, which gets reported as Purple Heron, it was on South Lake today and has been seen at Oldbury too (See Martin's pics below). (Martin McGill/James Lees).

Sun Jul 10th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    Pits 84/85 three Green Sandpipers, three Little Ringed Plovers, five Common Terns, a Hobby and two Barn Owls quartering the fields from 7:45pm.  (David Owen).

Frampton Mansell    A Little Owl on the barn roof of the farm near the White Horse Inn this evening. (David Owen).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult summer Mediterranean Gull over the Visitor Centre at 11am and another adult later. Three Spotted Redshanks, six Green Sandpipers and an Oystercatcher from Robbie Garnett hide and six Little Egrets, seven Oystercatchers, a Common Sandpiper and a Yellow-legged Gull from Mid Point today. On South Lake an eclipse drake Red Crested Pochard (not a WWT bird) still. Also two Common Terns over the car park and three Little Ringed Plovers on site. (Martin McGill/James Lees/MK). The female Ruff (pic below taken by Martin) was at WWT on Sunday 3rd. It was hiding from a Hobby.

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens early this morning two Willow Tits, a Tree Pipit, a Crossbill and a Spotted Flycatcher. (MK).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Little Egret, 60 Lapwings, five Grey Herons, three Teal (a male and two females) and a Sedge Warbler in song in front of the hide. Along the canal plenty of singing Whitethroats, Reed Buntings, Sedge Warblers and Blackcaps. Also Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, a Garden Warbler, a Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Bullfinch, Stock Dove and a separate flock of seven Lapwings. (Mark Grieve). This afternoon there was a juvenile Water Rail in front of the Long Pool hide at 4:50pm. Also in the area were six Teal, a male Sparrowhawk, 40 Lapwings, two Curlew, adult and juvenile Tawny Owl and three Lesser Whitethroats. (Andy Jayne).

Sat Jul 9th 2005

Chipping Camden    Three Ravens along a short stretch of the Cotswold Way between Chipping Camden and Broadway today. (Gerry Hooper).

Fri Jul 8th 2005

Leckhampton    Two juvenile Green Woodpeckers on the ground on the lower slopes of Leckhampton Hill. A juvenile Green Woodpecker at Sandy Lane playing fields in the afternoon and a singing Tree Pipit on Wistley Hill. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Spotted Redshanks, four Little Egrets and a Yellow-legged Gull today. 

Tuffley    Two juvenile Bullfinches today. (Mark Hobson).

Thu Jul 7th 2005

Leckhampton    Two Little Owls (an adult and a begging juvenile) at 8pm in the meadow next to the playing fields in the two isolated trees on the west side. (Steve Brown).
Longlevens    A Hobby hunting low over the roof tops early this evening. (Andy Lodge).

Gloucester    A Sparrowhawk flew over the Zoons Court roundabout on the Brockworth bypass at 7pm carrying prey. (Steve Brown).

Wed Jul 6th 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows    Four Little Egrets, the first Green Sandpiper of the season, still one pair of Lapwings with one chick not flying yet, and another 40 Lapwings and a single Redshank. In the evening, at the Wainlodes end of Coombe Hill, a Barn Owl, hunting quite early at about 8pm. (Mike Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    A group of Crossbills, not seen, only heard calling from the top of a large tree before they disappeared, had probably been drinking in puddles in the lane at the base of the tree; most unusual here (probably a first for the reserve), but very interesting in the light of the recent record at Coombe Hill.  (Mike Smart).

Forest of Dean    A juvenile Dipper behind Cannop Stoneworks today. (Gavin Black).

WWT Slimbridge    A Common Sandpiper, 77 Redshanks, two Spotted Redshanks and 107 Black-tailed Godwits today. Also four Yellow-legged Gulls. (Martin McGill). 

Sun Jul 3rd 2005

Robinswood Hill C.P.    Two adult and two juvenile Ravens around the quarry area at 4:30pm. (Ian Elphick).

Cotswold Water Park    A possible Gull-billed Tern reported at 11am flying around Pit 57 and landing briefly. Was still present at 11:15am and looked settled on far side ranging alongside the development and up past the gravel beaches. Crows harassed it when it landed. No further sign later though. Also Little Ringed Plover, Red Crested Pochard and 8+ Common Terns. (Graham Watson). 

Forest of Dean    A Hobby catching dragonflies at Woorgreens and a couple of Willow Tits nearby. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    An eclipse drake Garganey, a Cuckoo and two Buzzards at South Finger this morning. At Robbie Garnett hide five Green Sandpipers, a Spotted Redshank and two Black-tailed Godwits. On South Lake two eclipse drake Red Crested Pochards (not WWT birds), a Spotted Redshank, 37 Redshanks, 16 Black-tailed Godwits, three Oystercatchers and a pair of Common Terns feeding three chicks. From Holden Tower two Yellow-legged Gulls, an adult and a second-summer, a Little Egret on the Top New Piece and from Mid Point 35+ Black-tailed Godwits and a Raven. (Martin McGill/James Lees/Jeremy Squire/MK). Later five Little Egrets from Mid Point. (Mark Hobson). A Hobby, adult female Ruff, four Little Ringed Plovers including two juveniles and 90 Black-tailed Godwits all seen on Landrover safari. (Martin McGill).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the Long Pool hide a Jay, a Treecreeper, a pair of Bullfinches, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warblers, Reed Buntings, a pair of Blackcaps, a flock of at least 35 Long-tailed Tits including many young birds, a Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, juvenile Whitethroat and a Buzzard. (Mark Grieve).

Sat Jul 2nd 2005

Staverton    A Tawny Owl sat on a branch by the bridge over the brook, halfway along the stopped off section of Pheasant Lane (between Swanbrook coaches and GCHQ) at 4pm. (SO905224). (Andrew Sweetman).

Fretherne    A Little Egret and three Oystercatchers today. (Tony Eveleigh).

Thu Jun 30th 2005

Forest of Dean    A Woodcock at Mallards Pike, three Tawny Owls at Speech House and a Tree Pipit at New Fancy View. (Tony Eveleigh).

WWT Slimbridge    Two adult Spotted Redshanks, 71 Black-tailed Godwits, two Common Sandpipers and three Green Sandpipers still today.

Wed Jun 29th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A Wood Sandpiper on South Lake this afternoon. Also two Spotted Redshanks and ten Green Sandpipers still today. (Martin McGill).

Tue Jun 28th 2005

Ashleworth    A Spotted Flycatcher at the Boat Inn today. (Mike Smart).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Spotted Redshanks, seven Green Sandpipers and a Greenshank at Mid Point today. (Martin McGill).

Tewkesbury    Belated news of a Spotted Crake heard calling for about two weeks from Severn Ham until the 24th. Only identified today when Richard B received a tape of the call. Not heard since the 24th when strong storms caused the water levels to rise. (Rosemary Wherrett).

Mon Jun 27th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A Nightjar today - first record for the reserve - seen flying into the 100-Acre. (Nick Goatman).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    Six Crossbills in the large pine trees today. (Andy Lodge).

Cambridge    A Red Kite drifted over at 12:15pm, quite low, heading for the Severn/WWT. (Ennis Jones).

Sun Jun 26th 2005

Deerhurst    A flock of 80-100 Lapwings flew west across the river just upstream of the church at 9:30am. (Les Warriner).

Windrush Village     Two Kestrels mobbing two Buzzards and eventually seeing them off late afternoon. A family of five Grey Wagtails in the yard at Pinchpool Farm, and a Little Owl perched close by. (Andy Lewis).

Sherborne Water Meadows    A Reed Warbler singing near where Sherborne Brook meets the Windrush at 7pm. (Andy Lewis).

Cotswold Water Park (W)    This afternoon/evening a male Sparrowhawk, three Hobbies, three Little Ringed Plovers, two Green Sandpipers, 15+ Common Terns, a Barn Owl (near Pit 84 from 7:45pm), a Little Owl, two Nightingales and c10 Garden Warblers. (Andy Jayne).

Hawling    Two Quail calling close to the road at the Hawling triangle mid-afternoon. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    73 Black-tailed Godwits, six Green Sandpipers, two of which are last years colour ringed birds, two Spotted Redshanks, four Little Egrets and 51 Redshanks today. (Martin McGill). Also a Yellow-legged Gull from Mid Point this morning. (Mark Hobson).

Ullenwood    This morning three Tree Pipits, a Redstart and a male
Bullfinch in the Woodland Trust plantation. (Steve Brown).
Newent Woods    Two Spotted Flycatchers, a singing Tree Pipit and 20+ Goldcrests, including a family party of four this morning. (Tony Eveleigh/MK).

Ashleworth Ham    This morning at Stank Lane male and female Redstart, singing Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Blackcap, two Buzzards, two Bullfinches, a family party of Treecreepers, at least three singing Sedge Warblers at the end of the lane and plenty of singing Reed Buntings. At least 40 Swifts feeding over the Ham. ( Mark Grieve).

Forthampton, Tewkesbury    A Hobby at the Sand Martin colony along the Severn (at least thirty birds present and juveniles already on the wing) and a lot of large fish jumping, presumably Salmon.  The other Sand Martin colony north of Haw Bridge is much smaller with only half a dozen pairs. (Mike Smart).

Sat Jun 25th 2005

Forest of Dean    At Wigpool Common two singing Turtle Doves, a flock of about 15 Crossbills, a singing Tree Pipit and a singing Garden Warbler. (Mike Smart).

Walmore Common    Redshanks and Lapwings both have flying young . (Mike Smart).

Fri Jun 24th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    At South Lake two Spotted Redshanks and another from Robbie Garnett hide today.

Thu Jun 23rd 2005

Hempsted    A green Parrot sp. seen flying through a field along a line of poplars this morning. Also a Great Spotted Woodpecker seen entering a nest to feed 2+ young then outside the nest alarm calling. (Doug Whitlock).

WWT Slimbridge    Adult Yellow-legged Gull and second-summer Yellow-legged Gull and a first-summer Mediterranean Gull this morning. (Martin McGill). At Mid Point this morning a Little Egret, 130+ Curlew, two Small Skippers, a Peacock, two Red Admirals and a Small Tortoiseshell. On Knott Pool three Green Sandpipers and pair of Ruddy Ducks with three ducklings. At South Lake a Spotted Redshank, 50+ Black-tailed Godwits and 30+ Redshanks. (Steve Brown).

Cirencester    A Green Woodpecker in the garden this evening. (Gary Cox). Pic taken by Gary.

Wed Jun 22nd 2005

Leigh Meadows    A Little Owl calling loudly from an oak today. (Mike Smart).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Little Egrets still at Coombe Hill, they seem to be roosting in a clump of trees a little way from the scrapes. (Mike Smart).

May Hill    A pair of Spotted Flycatchers seen nest-building and mating in the village. (Rob Guest).

Snowshill Manor N.T.    By the main house a Grey Wagtail singing, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a pair of Bullfinches near the entrance. (Steve Brown).

Hawling    At least five singing Corn Buntings around the Hawling junction on the A436 at SP075220 at 3pm but no sign/sound of Quail. (Andrew Bluett).

Tue Jun 21st 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Hobby chasing dragonflies over the scrapes, then perched on a dead tree. (Mike Smart).

 Down Hatherley    A Barn Owl hunting near Hatherley brook at 8pm. Also two Sparrowhawks. (Jim Northcott).

North Nibley    A Cattle Egret reported this morning by a non-birder. No further details. (per Martin McGill).

Mon Jun 20th 2005

Twyning    Corn Buntings singing strongly on the Great Hay Meadow today and on the 16th. (Mike Smart).

Symonds Yat    A family of Barn Owls are nesting in a crevice in the cliffs at Symonds Yat. There are still three young Peregrines viewable. (Gavin Black).

Sun Jun 19th 2005

Upper Lydbrook    A female Goshawk caught a Jackdaw from a flock of 40 and flew towards Worrall Hill with the rest of the flock in pursuit. (Gavin Black).

Condicote    A Corn Bunting singing 100m S of the B4077 at the Condicote crossroads, and another just leaving Condicote towards Donnington Brewery. (Andrew Sweetman).

Longlevens    Two Hobbies together over late afternoon today. (Andy Lodge).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the hide a Redshank, 12 Lapwings and three Mute Swans, also a Curlew seen on the reserve. A Peregrine in the screen of trees leading to the boardwalk of the Grundon hide. Along the canal Broad-bodied Chaser and Banded Demoiselle. Also a Black-tailed Skimmer seen near the hide. A Lesser Whitethroat along the canal. (Keith White).

Sat Jun 18th 2005

Tidenham Chase    A pair of Nightjars at churring and displaying well from 10pm until 10:40pm. (Mark Moore).

Hawling    On the Salperton minor road, a Red Kite circled once then continued west. From both sides of the Hawling crossroads, two Quail calling very close to the road and at least three Corn Buntings, also three singing Yellowhammers and a Red-legged Partridge in the village. (Jake King).

Fri Jun 17th 2005

Hawling    A Quail was seen crossing the road from the western edge of the triangle just west of the Naunton turn off (B4068) going west into the next field at 8pm. No calling heard. A pair of Yellow Wagtails along the B4068 road to Naunton very close to the junction with the A436. (Keith White).

Forest of Dean    A Willow Tit at Hangerberry, Lydbrook late morning. (Gavin Black).

Hardwicke    Two Reed Warblers from the tow path south from the Pilot at Hardwicke still. (Steve Dark).

Sherborne Estate    A Corn Bunting singing near the entrance to Lodge Park. Two singing Corn Buntings near Hawling and a Quail calling from the triangular field. (Steve & Christopher Brown). Also a singing Tree Pipit on Wistley Hill in the morning and one this morning on Leckhampton Hill. (Steve Brown).

Bourton-on-the-Water    Two, possibly three young Tawny Owls heard at Bury Barn Farm at 10 pm. (Andy Lewis).

Thu Jun 16th 2005

Tewkesbury    A pair of Yellow Wagtails on the Severn Ham today. (Mike Smart).

WWT Slimbridge    At Mid Point this morning very quiet except 37
Curlew and two Little Egrets and a Linnet singing by the pillbox. From Stephen Kirk hide two Green Sandpipers. (Steve Brown).
Leckhampton    At 8pm a Little Owl in the meadow next to the recreation ground and an immature heard begging from one of the large trees. (Steve Brown).
Forest of Dean    Today six Crossbills (females and juveniles) in conifers behind Woorgreens Lake. A Turtle Dove heard but not seen and two Tree Pipits in tree on a clearing on Crabtree Hill. (Nick Hopkinson).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Four Little Egrets, three Ringed Plovers, a Black-tailed Godwit and 20 Crossbills, mostly juveniles, stopped to drink in a ditch then flew off over the osiers . (Keith Colcombe).

Gloucester    Two singing male Reed Buntings, one at Castlemeads and one at Port Ham. (Ian Elphick).

Tue Jun 14th 2005

Leadon    A Barn Owl this evening in the Leadon riverside meadow on the Lassington Wood side at 9:30pm. (Martin McGill/Neil Smart/MK). First reported on the Maisemore side of the River Leadon on the 7th. (Janet Hawkins per Richard Baatsen).

Hawling    One, possibly two, Quail calling this morning in set a side near to the dip in the road just south of the village at SP069225. (Dave Pearce).

Highnam    Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers today in a suburban road on the Highnam estate, one juvenile one adult. (Lee Rogers).

Mon Jun 13th 2005

Forest of Dean    A Turtle Dove singing at 9:30 pm tonight at Lightmoor. Also about 12 overflights by roding Woodcock with a maximum of two at any one time. (Ivan Proctor).

Naunton Downs    This morning at 10:30am on a farm track off B4068 close to junction with A436 a pair of Yellow Wagtails flycatching off the drystone wall. (Steve Brown).
Hawling    Two Quail on the ground in the corner of the fallow field south-west of the junction of A436/B4068 at SP072220 then flew towards A436, another calling at the same time in the field diagonally opposite at 11:30am.  Good numbers of Corn Buntings singing on both sides of the A436. Later a Stock Dove flew from a cavity in a willow near Salperton Park. (Steve Brown).
Prestbury    A Sparrowhawk on prey this morning. (Roy Shilham). Pic below by Roy.

Sun Jun 12th 2005

Hawling    A Quail calling this morning at 10:30am in the set-aside field on the left as you approach Hawling village SP068228. There was also a good number of Corn Buntings in the area generally. (Mike Teesdale).

Cotswold Water Park    Four first-summer Black Headed Gulls, one bird colour ringed, a pair of Common Terns at Pit 77. Two male Red Crested Pochards, three pairs of Common Terns and 52 Canada Geese (38 adults and 14 juveniles) on Pit 57. A male Sparrowhawk at Pit 44. An adult female Grey Wagtail and four young breeding in the weir at Pit 77. (Gareth Harris).

WWT Slimbridge    At Mid Point on slightly less than high tide, a Little Tern flying down-river, close in with three Common Terns. Also there 29 Curlew, 11 Oystercatchers, four Ringed Plovers, 20 Dunlin, three Teal and two Little Egrets. (Jake King). Two Green Sandpipers, a Little Ringed Plover, 47 Black-tailed Godwits and a Redshank on South Lake this morning. Also a pair of Little Ringed Plovers from Zeiss hide. (Paul Masters). 

Forest of Dean    Two Turtle Doves still present in the village. (Rob Guest).

Sat Jun 11th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    An unconfirmed record of a White Stork flying over heading towards Down Ampney at South Cerney today. (J Harris per Gareth Harris). An immature Greenshank, an adult Redshank, an adult Little Ringed Plover, two Shelduck flying over, an adult female Wheatear, six Common Terns and three Oystercatchers all at Pit 57. A pair of House Martins at Mill Village, the first breeding pair for the site A Cetti's Warbler at Pit 42. (Gareth Harris).

Forest of Dean    From New Fancy View a Goshawk, a Sparrowhawk, ten Buzzards, two Siskins and 12 Crossbills. At Woorgreens there were two Willow Tits and near Blakeney a pair of Wood Warblers feeding young, three Spotted Flycatchers and a Hawfinch. (Andy Jayne).

Fri Jun 10th 2005

Rodway    At Rodway hill golf course a Peregrine being mobbed by female Kestrel over the 9th green. (Mark Grieve).

Hawling    Two Quail calling from 5:15-5:45pm near the junction of A436/B4068, one either side the minor road on the western edge of the triangular field, at SP072220. Also three Corn Buntings. (Paul Masters).

Thurs Jun 9th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    A female Red Crested Pochard with a brood of three ducklings at Pit 9. (John Wells).

WWT Slimbridge    At Mid Point this morning 22 Curlew downstream at rising tide, seven Oystercatchers upstream at falling tide. Single Ringed Plover. From Knott hide a male Ruddy Duck and a Lesser Whitethroat heard singing. This afternoon at the De'ath hide a Kingfisher sitting in bush and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker on the feeder. At South Lake a Little Ringed Plover, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, one Teal, two Pintail, two Redshanks, Common Tern and Black-headed Gull still incubating. (Steve Brown).

Hawling    A Quail calling at 8:30am near junction of A436/B4068 in triangular field bounded by A436 and minor roads SP073219. Easily audible from car despite noise from traffic and several singing Corn Buntings. (Dave Pearce).

Weds Jun 8th 2005

Cambridge    On BBS transect SO7503 (Cambridge, Glos) a male Bullfinch near Beechmeadow farm, a flock of 150 Starlings feeding in grazed field near the M5, a Kingfisher and a juvenile Grey Wagtail by the River Cam, eight Mistle Thrushes (two adults + juveniles) in a newly tilled field by the River Cam. (Ian Elphick).

Coombe Hill    Two Black-tailed Godwits, two Little Egrets and two Shelducks today. (Mike Smart).

Apperley    A Little Owl seen at dusk today near Apperley. (Mike Smart).

Hawling    A Barn Owl hunting over weedy field at 8:30am SP059218. (Dave Pearce).

Tidenham Chase    Two churring Nightjars and a female at 10pm but no Woodcocks. (Dave Pearce).

Fretherne    On the river, a male Great Crested Grebe drifting up on the tide towards Hock Cliff, two Common Terns, two Oystercatchers, ten Curlews and three Ringed Plovers. On the flooded meadows, 50+ Lapwings, nine Dunlin, a fly-over Hobby and a Yellow Wagtail.  

Millend (Severn vale Eastington)    A pair of Dippers by the mill, but no sign of young (they bred here last year but one fledged young was taken by a cat) and a pair of Grey Wagtails. Only one pair of Spotted Flycatchers this year (at the church) after having three pairs in this area last year. (Jake King).

May Hill    Two Redstarts on crest of hill plus two Tree Pipits and Spotted Flycatcher on the lower slopes. (Tony Eveleigh).

Tues Jun 7th 2005

Chaceley    A Little Owl seen on a road casualty today. (Mike Smart).

Walmore Common    A Barn Owl hunting at dusk. (Mike Smart). 

Forest of Dean    At Cannop Ponds three Mandarins and Dipper in stream viewed from wooden bridge. At Nagshead two pairs Pied Flycatchers, a Treecreeper and Blackcap. (Roy Shilham). Pics below by Roy.

Quenington    One Quail calling at 11am just south of Donkeywell Farm in field of long grass beyond house on the right (Dave Pearce)

Mon Jun 6th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A family party of six Crossbills flying north and a female Marsh Harrier today. (Martin McGill).

Berkeley Shore    The Corn Bunting continues to sing north of the Power Station and also two Turnstones present today. (Dave Pearce).

Sun Jun 5th 2005

Symonds Yat    A Red Kite over Symonds Yat Rock at 1pm. (Gavin Black).

Quenington    Belated news of three Quail on Wednesday 1st of June at SP136032 in fields on the footpath south from Donkeywell Farm to Simpson's Barn. (Nick Jones per Duncan Dine). One Quail heard and seen twice this afternoon here between 4:40-5pm. (MK).

Quedgeley    A pair of Mandarins on the canal by the Elmore Lane bridge this morning. (Andy Chapman).

Berkeley shore    A Corn Bunting again today north of the power station. (Paul Taylor).

Sat Jun 4th 2005

Newent Woods    At the May Hill end two small parties of Crossbills heard passing over above the canopy this morning. (MK).

Cambridge    A juvenile Kingfisher fishing at Ryall's Cottage today. Also a Kingfisher yesterday. (Ennis Jones & Richard Chappell).

Lowesmoor    Near Sapperton a pair of Grey Partridges at 2pm today. (David Owen). 

Leighterton    Three Corn Buntings just east of here at 3pm. (David Owen). 

Berkeley shore    A Corn Bunting again today north of the power station. (Paul Taylor).

Fri Jun 3rd 2005

Symonds Yat    Three Peregrine chicks at Symonds Yat Rock today from the Viewpoint. (Gavin Black). Pic by Gavin.

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens/Crabtree Hill area at least eight Turtle Doves this evening, and from 9pm two roding Woodcocks. (Paul Masters).

Coombe Hill Canal    A Redstart in willows along road just north of the  western end of the canal. (David Owen). WARNING David parked up in the gateway at the end of the canal for 15 minutes and his car was broken into and his scope and tripod stolen from the boot.

Berkeley shore    A Corn Bunting this afternoon north of the power station. An excellent record for this part of the Vale, the first for many years. (Paul Taylor).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the Grundon Hide eight Mute Swans, an Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, displaying Lapwing, two Redshanks, three Little Egrets, two Grey Herons and a Reed Bunting this morning. Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting and Long-tailed Tits along the canal. Also Cuckoo and Skylark heard. (Cottia Howard).

Eastington (Severn Vale)   A Hobby over the A419 near New Town at 1:05pm flying towards Church End. (MK).

Thu Jun 2nd 2005

WWT Slimbridge    At Mid Point 40 Dunlin, five Ringed Plovers, eight Curlew, group of ten Shelduck ducklings. Also a Reed Bunting and a Reed Warbler singing and showing well. A Lesser Whitethroat singing near the Decoy feeders and another showing in the bushes at the same time, presumably the female. At South Lake a male Garganey flew in at 1:45pm, 38 Black-tailed Godwits, two Shovelers, Common Tern and Black-headed Gull both on nests. (Steve Brown).

Gloucester    Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Jay, Buzzard and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Richard's Wood (North)/Town Ham this afternoon. (Ian Elphick).

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens today a Hawfinch, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Wood Warbler, a Redstart, a Garden Warbler, four Little Grebes and a female Mandarin with nine young until a Lesser Black-backed Gull snatched one from the water and swallowed it whole. (Tony Eveleigh). At Nagshead a female Mandarin in the top of a dead tree opposite Lower Hide. (Roy Shilham). Pic below by Roy.

Tue May 31st 2005

Coleford    A Red Kite circling high over Lords Hill/Bells Place being mobbed by a gull before drifting off to the NE at 12:30pm. (Frank Williams).

Eastington (Severn Vale)   A White Stork (with ragged plumage) over at 10am which disappeared high up in the direction of Stroud. (Nick Goatman).

Gloucester    A barely fledged juvenile Reed Bunting at Port Ham at 7pm and a Black Swan at Lower Parting. (Ian Elphick).

Ashleworth Ham    Five Redstart territories noted, three adult Lapwings, two singing Cuckoos, a Raven, a Sedge Warbler and a singing Reed Bunting this evening. Other warblers noted were Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Whitethroat with Willow Warbler easily the commonest. Also recently fledged Dunnock and slightly older fledged Blue Tit. (Keith White).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Little Egrets, no sign of the Egyptian Geese. It doesn't appear that Lapwings have brought off any chicks at all this year (yet), but still hope for Curlew and Redshank, at least three Redstarts singing. The hide overlooking the Long Pool is now operational, hay meadows at the back of the Long Pool looking very good with lots of Ragged Robin. (Mike Smart).

Mon May 30th 2005

Purton    A possible Great White Egret flew over the old railway bridge on the canal south of Purton at 4:45 pm and then towards Sharpness. Also a Cetti's Warbler heard south of the Patch. (Malcolm Jackson).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pits 84/85 this evening a Little Owl, a Hobby and at 9:25pm a Barn Owl. (David Owen).

Tidenham Chase    A Nightjar heard briefly at 9:50pm but not seen or heard again later. Also at least two Woodcock and a male Sparrowhawk. (Rich Ford).

River Severn, Haw Bridge to Lower Lode    A male Mandarin on the river, Sand Martins nesting in the river bank in two places and a Cetti's Warbler singing strongly from the river bank near Apperley.  (Mike Smart).

Sun May 29th 2005

Ashleworth Ham    A Peregrine back, first since 23rd April. Otters have been sighted from the hide in the evening recently. (Mike Smart).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A pair of Kingfishers chasing around the first pit north of Rissington Road and then perching on the island at 8pm. Also three part-fledged Blue Tits being fed waterside despite a Sparrowhawk overhead. (Andy Lewis).

Barton/Guiting Power    At least two Corn Buntings seen singing from the tops of bushes at SP112257 today. (Vic Polley).

Newent Woods    A Goshawk seen being chased by corvids over the lake and later hunting a thrush through the pine stand this afternoon. Also a Spotted Flycatcher beside the dividing road. (MK).

Twyning    A Nightingale heard singing at 8:50am this morning from a bush on a bend at the side of the lane from Strensham to Showborough at SO 907386. This is just inside the Gloucestershire county boundary. (Mike Jones).

Stowfield Quarry, Coleford    A Marsh Tit here this morning along the road to the quarry. Very quiet otherwise, as was Brierley. (MK).

Sat May 28th 2005

Great Hay Meadow, Twyning (Upham Meadow)    An Oystercatcher on the Avon and Curlews and Redshanks as usual. (Mike Smart).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pits 46 and 48 at 12:30pm a pair of Nightingales showing very well, along with a Garden Warbler and two Hobbies. (Rich Ford).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    Nine Oystercatchers, a Peregrine and a Common Tern on the river. (MK/Jake King).

Fri May 27th 2005

Tidenham Chase    Three Nightjars (1m, 2f) showing from 9:45-10:05pm from near the trig point. A Tree Pipit singing and displaying earlier. (Paul Masters).

Westbury-on-Severn    A Barn Owl at 8:30pm over the A48 near Chaxhill, carrying prey, flying in the direction of Walmore Common. (Paul Masters).

Guscar Rocks    An immature Peregrine, two Oystercatchers, 21 Ringed Plovers, 14 Dunlin, four Bar-tailed Godwits and 35 Curlew today. (Andy Jayne).

Somerford Keynes    A Spotted Flycatcher by the Thames this morning. (Tony Hawkins).

Fretherne    The Curlew Sandpiper still present amongst 40 Dunlin on the flash viewed from the Severn Way this morning. Eight Dunlin and seven Ringed Plovers on the mud. A Lesser Whitethroat continues to sing almost continuously. (Dave Pearce).

Thu May 26th 2005

Tidenham Chase    A Nightjar perched churring at 9:45pm (ST555992) near the Trig Point, then flew towards the car park. Also three Cuckoos, a Tree Pipit singing and two Stonechats earlier. (Mark Hobson).

Saul    A Barn Owl hunting along the edge of the canal between Cadbury and Sandfield Bridges at 10pm. (MK).

Cotswold Water Park    The adult Whiskered Tern on Pit 16 on and off again today and also visiting Pit 95 (Wilts). Also five Common Terns.

Fretherne/Saul Warth    The Glaucous Gull flew north at 9am. A male Garganey and a Curlew Sandpiper in winter plumage amongst Dunlin on the flash viewed from the Severn Way this morning. (Dave Pearce). The Curlew Sandpiper still present at 8pm. Also nine Oystercatchers, a Bar-tailed Godwit, five Curlew and a Common Tern on the river. A Peregrine and two Hobbies over together at 9:25pm and a Lesser Whitethroat singing. (MK).

Wed May 25th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    The adult Whiskered Tern on Pit 16 on and off until mid-afternoon at least and also visiting Pit 95 (Wilts). Also three Common Terns and a Red Crested Pochard. Earlier a pair of Reed Buntings, a Reed Warbler, two Goldfinches and a close Great Crested Grebe from the window of the Gateway Centre. (Steve Brown).

Fretherne    Two Sandwich Terns and a Glaucous Gull at 8:15am. A male Garganey on the flashes together with two Black-tailed Godwits and 100 Dunlin. (Dave Pearce).

Prescott    A Spotted Flycatcher today. (Terry Fenton). 

Frampton    One or two Spotted Flycatchers and a Lesser Whitethroat from the public footpath at Green Lane this evening. (Mark Hobson). Coombe Hill    Two Little Egrets, two Egyptian Geese, a non-breeding flock of 27 Mute Swans, seven Greylags, 11 Canada Geese, two Shelducks, Coot with young on the canal and on the scrapes, only two Lapwings left (not nesting, looks as though Lapwings have failed to bring off any young at all this year here), at least two Redshanks, several Curlew and lots of song from Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroats, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. (Mike Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    Three Shelducks, three Lapwings behaving as though they had young and lots of Redstarts. (Mike Smart).

Handkerchief Pool, Apperley    Two Redstarts singing well from the tops of tall oak trees.  (Mike Smart).

Leigh Meadows    A female Mallard with ducklings on the Chelt, about a dozen Lapwings some with young, several Redshanks and a few Curlews.   (Mike Smart).

Tue May 24th 2005

Cotswold Water Park    An adult Whiskered Tern on Pit 16 this afternoon until 8:30pm at least. (Kim Milsom per RB). Four singing Nightingales tonight at Pits 46/48 Swillbrook Lakes and a Cuckoo calling. Three Hobbies flying low over Pit 57 until nearly dark and one Common Tern. (Ken Cservenka).

Mon May 23rd 2005

Gloucester    A Hobby watched for 20 minutes hawking for insects over Hucclecote Meadows from 1pm. (Gordon Avery).

Sun May 22nd 2005

Fretherne/Saul Warth    65 Dunlin on the flashes. At high tide around 7pm six Common Terns, a Turnstone, three Bar-tailed Godwits, two Knot and six Oystercatchers. (MK). In the morning a Little Egret, seven Oystercatchers and 23 Dunlin here. (Martin Wightman).

WWT Slimbridge    Four Sanderlings and a Little Egret from Mid Point late morning. (Paul Masters/Paul Taylor).

Ashleworth Ham    Two male Redstarts singing, two male Cuckoos, very active seen chasing each other over reserve, up to 50 Swifts, 40+ House Martins, small numbers of Swallows and eight Sand Martins. Also Blackcap, Sedge Warblers, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Curlew calling. (Mark Grieve).

Frampton    The Glaucous Gull was on the Dumbles at 6:30am then flew up the river past Frampton church then turned inland towards Saul. (Neil Smart/Martin Wightman/MK). On the flashes north of Splatt Bridge a Little Egret, three Ringed Plovers and a Water Rail heard in the reed bed. (Martin Wightman). Also from the public footpath at Green Lane two Common Terns in the 100-Acre, three Lesser Whitethroats and a Raven and a pair of Red-legged Partridges at the Cambridge end. (MK). Also a Little Ringed Plover still in the 100-Acre.  (Martin Wightman). 

Sat May 21st 2005

Collin Park Wood, Newent    At least two singing Wood Warblers and a Spotted Flycatcher today. (Mike Smart).

Tidenham Chase    A Nightjar flying at 8:55pm, then briefly churring, then as the rain set in at 9:05pm two Nightjars came out and started to display and churr in the rain. Also a very odd  "white marked" Common Buzzard, overall very pale with very white "frosty" looking head and very obvious white rump. (Ian Ralphs/Steve Owen/Duncan Dine).

Highnam Woods    Three male Nightingales singing and a pair of Nightingales seen on the path today. (Lee Rogers).

Forest of Dean    At Wenchford, a Dipper on the Blackpool Brook this morning. At Nagshead, eight Pied Flycatchers, all singing males, two Spotted Flycatchers, a Wood Warbler, two Garden Warblers and three Mandarins (2m, 1f). (Paul Masters).

Frampton    A Hobby at the Sailing Lake and c500 House Martins and two Common Terns this evening. (Mark Hobson). The Glaucous Gull was on the river this morning viewable from the canal towpath opposite the church at 8:25am. (Nick Goatman).

Lowesmoor    Near Sapperton a Corn Bunting, a pair of Grey Partridges and a pair of Red-legged Partridges early this morning. (MK).

Hawling    A Corn Bunting and an almost white Buzzard (very like pale-phase Booted Eagle) this morning. A Cuckoo at Roel Gate. No Quail calling at any of these sites. (MK).

Thu May 19th 2005

Bourton-on-the-Water    At Greystones Farm GWT reserve a Cuckoo calling late evening and also a Tawny Owl. Later a Barn Owl hunting along the bridleway at dusk. (Andy Lewis).

Frampton    A Black Tern flew in to the Sailing Lake this evening and a Hobby flew in low over the lake. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    A Glaucous Gull was reported flying north at 7am, first seen on Monday. A Lesser Whitethroat singing at the start of the summer walk and later near the Decoy feeders. From Mid Point three Grey Plovers, two Ringed Plovers, 39 Dunlin, seven Curlew, two Common Terns, a Little Egret, a male Reed Bunting and a Peregrine. (Steve Brown).

Cambridge    A Spotted Flycatcher from the public footpath at Green Lane this evening. (Nick Goatman).

Wed May 18th 2005

Fretherne    A fly-through Mediterranean Gull this evening.  (Nick Goatman).

WWT Slimbridge    A Glaucous Gull on the river again this morning. 

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Quail singing from a field outside the reserve today. A Little Egret (from the 16th), still two Egyptian Geese, the Mute Swans on the canal have six cygnets, and a non-breeding flock of at least 27 immature Mute Swans. Coot and Moorhen also have young, only three pairs of Lapwings are left and two pairs of Redshanks. A few Curlews are still present. Sedge Warblers and Whitethroat are particularly common along the canal, also Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. Only one Redstart singing regularly on the Apperley side of the reserve. (Mike Smart).

Leigh Meadows    Four pairs of Lapwings and Curlews bubbling. (Mike Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    Hobbies continue to appear around midday, hawking high flying insects. Redstarts are showing particularly well, with at least four singing males round the reserve and more along Stank Lane. A couple of pairs of Lapwings and Curlews and lots of singing Reed Buntings. (Mike Smart). Also Whitethroats, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers, a Cuckoo calling, 30+ Swallows over the pasture and four Swifts, a Buzzard and a Bullfinch. (Mark Grieve).

Tue May 17th 2005

Fretherne/Saul Warth    A Hobby this evening over the flashes. (Paul Masters).

Lydbrook    Two Hobbies seen at 3pm today over the River Wye. (Richard Cawsey).

Ashleworth Ham    Two Redstarts and a Lesser Whitethroat in Stank Lane at lunchtime. (David Owen). From the hide on road two singing Redstarts, a Whitethroat, a Bullfinch, a Cuckoo calling, a Spotted Flycatcher hawking from the oak tree right of the hide, 40+ House Martins, a Sedge Warbler and a Blackcap singing and also good numbers of Swallows. (Mark Grieve).

Cotswold Water Park     Three fledgling Pied Wagtails being fed by parents, a female Reed Bunting and three Reed Warblers this afternoon from the window of the Gateway Centre.  On bank of the canal nearby a pair of Bullfinches, two singing Sedge Warblers and a Blackcap. On Pit 16 two Common Terns, two Reed Warblers, two Blackcaps and a pair of Great Crested Grebes displaying. (Steve Brown).

Mon May 16th 2005

Haresfield    A Barn Owl flying near Blooms Garden Centre at 5pm. (Carol Mein).

Ashleworth Ham    A Hobby and two Cuckoos today. (Mark Grieve).

WWT Slimbridge    A first-summer Glaucous Gull on the river between 8:50-9:10am when it flew north. (Martin McGill).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    No sign of the pair of Black-winged Stilts today. Four Little Egrets and three Black-tailed Godwits this morning at 6:30am. (David Owen). Also a Greenshank and a Whimbrel over. (Ian Elphick). A Yellow Wagtail on the flashes. (Ken Cservenka).

Frampton    Three Common Terns on the Sailing Lake at 3:30pm.  (Ken Cservenka).

Gloucester    A Lesser Whitethroat singing at Lobley's Drive at 1:30pm. (Ian Elphick). 

Sun May 15th 2005

Hardwicke     Singing Nightingale, Blackcap and Willow Warblers north along the canal from The Pilot, and two Common Terns fishing near the bridge. (Steve Dark).
Frampton    From the public footpath at Green Lane  6+ Hobbies, a Little Egret, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Cuckoo. On the Sailing Lake three Black Terns and two Common Terns. (Graham Watson/Keith Bell/Tony Howell). A Cuckoo seen and heard along canal and another seen at Green Lane with a Lesser Whitethroat calling in the hedgerow. (Ben Macdonald).

Cotswolds    Quail have been heard during the day in the last week at Park Corner SO965045,  Hargrove Barn SO938005 and along the Monarchs Way at SO999009. (per Dave Pearce).

Wotton-Under-Edge    A probable Purple Heron flew over high up at 6:10pm heading due west. (John Overfield). 

WWT Slimbridge    Four Avocets just north of Mid Point on the river this afternoon. Four Sanderlings and two Grey Plovers this morning. 31 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. (Martin McGill). The male Long-tailed Duck still on the Rushy Pen today.

Forest of Dean    A Turtle Dove seen and at least four others heard at Woorgreens at 7am and two male Mandarins on Woorgreens Lake. A female Mandarin with nine ducklings on Canopy Ponds at 9:30am. Two male Pied Flycatchers at Nagshead and a male Hawfinch seen at the Campbell hide at 11:20am. (Mike Fox).

Cotswold Water Park    A Black Tern this morning but no sign of the White-winged Black Tern. (Ian Ralphs).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    A pair of Black-winged Stilts still on the flashes all day until 9pm at least. Please do not enter the fields. Also please keep off of the sea wall, the waders have been flushed by birders getting too close. Also a Green Sandpiper this morning. A Hobby put up 20+ Dunlin and a Cuckoo seen in flight. (Graham Watson). A Peregrine flew south over the flashes. (Keith White). A Black Tern and a Kingfisher were on the canal late afternoon. This evening there were five Little Egrets and a Hobby.

Sat May 14th 2005

Blaisdon    Two Spotted Flycatchers at Ley Park today. (Andy Jayne).

Cotswold Water Park    An adult summer White-winged Black Tern this evening on Pit 16 present to 8pm at least.  (Kim Milsom per RB). Also two Black Terns, an Arctic Tern and up to 12 Common Terns. A single Common Tern was on Pit 57. 

WWT Slimbridge    The male Long-tailed Duck still on the Rushy Pen until 4pm at least. (Tony Hawkins).

Frampton    An Arctic Tern flew straight through the Sailing Lake towards the river at 8:30am.  (Martin Wightman). Also two Common Terns there.

Fretherne/Saul Warth    A pair of Black-winged Stilts still on the flashes this morning. Please do not enter the fields. Also please keep off of the sea wall, the waders have been flushed by birders getting too close. The birds are now on the right-hand flash. For directions see May 12th. Also a Spotted Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, five Greenshanks and 20 Dunlin. (Martin Wightman/John Overfield/MK). Later ten Ringed Plovers and a Whimbrel at high tide. On the flashes a male Garganey, seven Black-tailed Godwits and a Ruff. (Paul Masters/Mark Hobson/Steve Brown).

Pics below by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net. 

Fri May 13th 2005

Highnam Woods    Two Nightingales singing this evening, and only eight in total present this year. Also two Swifts over. (Lee Rogers).

Newnham    A first-summer Mediterranean Gull today. (John Phillips).

Slimbridge    A Red Kite over Slimbridge crossroads at 2:25pm drifted towards Dursley. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    A male Long-tailed Duck on the Rushy Pen at 2pm until 3:30pm at least. (per Martin McGill). Pics by MK. Also a Garganey here.

Fretherne/Saul Warth    A pair of Black-winged Stilts still on the flashes from 6am until 5pm at least. Please do not enter the fields. Also please keep off of the sea wall, the waders have been flushed today by birders getting too close. The birds are now on the right-hand flash. For directions see May 12th. Also a Spotted Redshank, a Whimbrel, four Greenshanks and 20 Dunlin. (MK). Also a Black Tern this afternoon. (Ian Ralphs). Pic below taken by Dave Pearce.

Thu May 12th 2005

Fretherne/Saul Warth    Two Black-winged Stilts (a County first) on the flashes from 10:30am until 8pm at least. It is best to park at Cadbury Bridge and walk south down the canal past Saul Lodge and past the opening into the fields. On your right just after this is a track up the bank through bushes and from the top of the bank you will be able to see the flashes SO744081. Please do not enter the fields. The birds are on the main left-hand flash. They were first seen at Slimbridge by Dave Paynter then they flew over the Sailing Lake at 8:30am (Gordon Hodgson) then again at Slimbridge on South Lake for c30 mins (Dave Paynter) then finally settled down at Fretherne (MK/Paul Taylor). Also a Spotted Redshank, a Knot, three Greenshank, 40 Dunlin, up to seven Black Terns and three Common Terns. (Tony Eveleigh/Gordon Avery). An Osprey flew over at 4pm. (Andy Bendall per Andy Jayne).

Frampton    11 Black Terns and four Common Terns on the Sailing Lake this afternoon. (Andy Jayne/Tony Eveleigh). Just three Common Terns at 5:30pm. (Paul Masters).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the hide two Egyptian Geese still, two Redshanks, a pair of Sedge Warblers regularly bringing food to the reeds near to the hide this morning. Whitethroats, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Sedge Warblers singing along the canal. A pair of Bullfinches and a Garden Warbler by the car park, two Lesser Whitethroats (one about 200m from car park particularly bold) and a Curlew calling from the South meadows. (Steve Brown).

Wed May 11th 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows    The two Egyptian Geese still present, two Shelducks, at least three female Mallards with parties of ducklings, two Teal and two Gadwall, six Lapwings, a Whimbrel, a Reed Warbler singing along the canal; good numbers of other warblers singing - Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. (Mike Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    At least three Hobbies hunting between 12 midday and 2pm.  (Mike Smart).

Leckhampton    At Hartley Farm this evening three Wheatears. a male Whinchat and a Tree Pipit. (Duncan Dine).

Aylburton Warth    Three Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, two pairs of Oystercatchers, a pair of Yellow Wagtails, five Tufted Ducks in Cone Pill and a female Wheatear today. (Gordon Avery).

Tue May 10th 2005

Fretherne    A male Mandarin just south of Cadbury Bridge, on the flashes four Little Egrets, four Redshanks and two Gadwall. At Saul Junction a female Grey Wagtail carrying food. (Steve Brown).
Walmore Common    This afternoon/evening there were four Shelduck, two Shovelers, at least four pairs of Lapwings, three Whimbrel, three Redshanks and a Greenshank. At 6pm the odd Raven was flying into roost in the oaks to the West of the common. By 7:30pm there was an amazing total of 140 Ravens counted. All arrived from a ENE direction and all were in varying stages of wing-moult (non-breeders). (Andy Jayne).

Mon May 9th 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows    This evening now two Egyptian Geese, Curlew, Lapwing and Redshank. One of the Lapwings was dive-bombing a Fox as it ran across the fields. (Mike Smart).

Sun May 8th 2005

Gloucester    At Port Ham at 5pm a Sedge Warbler near the substation, a pair of Shelduck on a new pool (unusual here at this time of year), a Reed Bunting heard on the Sudmeadow side of the river and a Lesser Whitethroat in Richard's Wood. (Ian Elphick).

Quenington    A pair of Grey Partridges in spring Barley south of Quenington today. (Ian Ralphs).

Forest of Dean    At Nagshead Pied Flycatchers and Wood Warblers showing well as were Garden Warblers and Blackcaps. (Graham Watson). Pic below by Graham. Also a male Mandarin at Lower hide and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling nearby. (Paul Masters). At Woorgreens two Turtle Doves and two Tree Pipits and two Wood Warblers at Crabtree Hill today. (Tony Eveleigh). A Turtle Dove at Pope's Hill today. (John Phillips).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    The drake Scaup was still present this afternoon at 4:30pm at least. Also the drake Garganey still. High tide produced 14+ Whimbrel, three Ringed Plovers, 12+ Oystercatchers and 45+ Dunlin. Also a Little Egret, a Peregrine and a male Wheatear. Also this afternoon three Yellow Wagtails and heavy passage of Swifts, Swallows, Sand and House Martins. (MK/Richard Baatsen/Steve Owen/Mike Jefferies/Dave Evans). Pics below by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net. 

Frampton    On the 100-Acre viewed from the public footpath at Green Lane a Greenshank, a Little Ringed Plover and 20 Dunlin this morning. Also a Garden Warbler and two Lesser Whitethroats singing in Green Lane. (MK/Martin McGill).

WWT Slimbridge    Seven Sanderlings from Mid Point this morning. (Neil Smart).

Sat May 7th 2005

Fretherne/Saul Warth    The drake Scaup was still present this evening at 7pm at least and seemed very settled. High tide produced 36+ Whimbrel, a Knot, a Ringed Plover, 15+ Oystercatchers and 25 Dunlin. Also a White Wagtail and a male Wheatear. (MK/Nick Goatman).

A drake Scaup on the flashes at 8:30am until 12:30pm at least. It is best to park at Cadbury Bridge and walk south down the canal past Saul Lodge and past the opening into the fields. On your right just after this is a track up the bank through bushes and from the top of the bank you will be able to see the flashes. The bird is on the main left-hand flash. A drake Garganey was here as well. (Martin McGill/Richard Baatsen/Jake King). Also a Common Sandpiper on the canal south of the bridge. (MK/Michael King).

Forest of Dean     Three Turtle Doves purring (one seen) and three Garden Warblers at Woorgreens this morning. Also a Cuckoo (calling) and two Redstarts, a female near the lodge and a male around the small car park.  (Paul Masters).

Cleeve Hill    A Grasshopper Warbler at West Down this morning. (Gerry Shilham).

Cotswold Water Park    Five Hobbies at Pit 57 this morning. (Gerry Shilham). A Nightingale and a Hobby at Pit 41, a Ringed Plover and two Oystercatchers at Pit 79, four Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, six Common Terns, six Hobbies, a pair of Red Crested Pochards and 268 Sand Martin nest holes at Pits 125/126, five Common Terns, 19 Hobbies and a male Red Crested PochardxMallard hybrid at Pit 57. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams/Robin Ward). 

Fri May 6th 2005

Frampton    A Lesser Whitethroat in the hedgerow between the canal and Green Lane, with a Hobby hunting overhead this afternoon. 2-3 Nightingales were at the pools still. (Richard Cawsey). A female Pied Flycatcher was in the same area and a probable Turtle Dove flew over the Bell Inn. (Paul Marshall). A Common Sandpiper on the Sailing Lake near Vicarage Lane this evening. At Green Lane, a Little Ringed Plover on the 100-Acre, 15-20 Swifts and a Lesser Whitethroat. (Paul Masters). Pic below by Paul. 

Thu May 5th 2005

Forest of Dean    An early Nightjar at Tidenham this evening. No song, just a bird flying up from the heath past the trig point at 9:05pm with a single flight call as it disappeared towards the plantation. Also a couple of roding Woodcocks. A Hawfinch at Nagshead today across the road from the Stoneworks and a Redstart was singing near there too. A maximum of eight Nightingales at Highnam so far.  (Ivan Proctor). 

At Nagshead three Pied Flycatchers and a Mandarin.  Two Tree Pipits at Woorgreens.  (David Owen). A Nightingale in Newent Woods since May 1st and a number of roding Woodcock. A Turtle Dove on May Hill near the village hall since April 28th. (Rob Guest).

Hardwicke    3-4 Nightingales, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Reed Warbler along the canal south of the Pilot this morning. (Paul Masters).

Ashleworth Ham    A Redstart, a Reed Bunting, six Sedge Warblers, eight Willow Warblers and a Whimbrel this evening. (Paul Masters).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    40+ Whimbrel, five Black-tailed Godwits, a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Ringed Plover, ten Oystercatchers, a Sedge Warbler, Swallows, a female Whinchat and a Yellow Wagtail this morning. (Gordon Hodgson). Pics below taken by Gordon. 

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Raven, a Hobby, the Egyptian Goose still, Redshank, Curlew, four Lesser Whitethroats, six Bullfinches and a Gadwall this morning. (David Owen). 

Wed May 4th 2005

Longford    A male Whinchat at SO835215 this evening. (Andy Jayne).

Hawling    A male Whinchat this afternoon at Hawling Triangle, close to the junction of the A436 and B4068. (Mike Teesdale).

Tue May 3rd 2005

Forest of Dean    A Red Kite flying SE over Flaxley at 5:30pm. (John Phillips). There was a family party of five Crossbills at Heywood today. (Ivan Proctor). 

Mon May 2nd 2005

Ashleworth Ham    Four Redstarts this morning, also two Curlew, three Cuckoos, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler. (Jon Mercer).

Fretherne    30 Whimbrel on the rising tide at midday.  (Jon Mercer).

Cleeve Hill    Three Tree Pipits displaying around Warden's Wood, West Down. (Ben Macdonald). A Whinchat at Wontley Farm today. (Tony Eveleigh/Paul Taylor). 

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens/Crabtree Hill area 2+ Turtle Doves, a pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, two Goshawks, eight Crossbills, a female Whinchat, three Tree Pipits and two Garden Warblers. Between the small car park and the lake a male Redstart and a male Pied Flycatcher and on the other side of the road a singing Wood Warbler. From the Lower Hide at Nagshead two male Mandarins and a male Pied Flycatcher. (MK).

Cotswold Water Park    Two Garden Warblers and several Nightingales, one pair showing very well, around Pits 46/48. Also at least six Hobbies, two male Red Crested Pochards and two Common Terns over Pit 57. A male Red Crested Pochard was on Pit 42. A Cuckoo at Pits 46/48. 25 Sand Martin holes at Pit 91. A Common Sandpiper at Pit 9, two Common Terns at Pit 11 and four at Pits 5/7. (Ben Macdonald/Gareth Harris/John Wells).

Sun May 1st 2005

WWT Slimbridge    Very quiet, but this Whimbrel from Mid Point. (Paul Masters). Pic by Paul.

Forest of Dean    Three Wood Warblers on the Long Trail at Nagshead this morning. (Steve Owen).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    At high tide this lunchtime an adult Black Tern, a summer-plumaged Grey Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit, six Oystercatchers, four Ringed Plovers, 35 Dunlin and 50 Whimbrel. (MK/Jake King/Steve Owen).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Little Tern at 8:30am from the hide, but only stayed for ten minutes. Also a Little Ringed Plover and two Shelducks on the pools. In the hedges along the canal were lots of Whitethroats, three Lesser Whitethroats, a Cuckoo and a fly over Whimbrel. (Ian Ralphs).

Frampton    Dawn chorus 4:30am three Nightingales singing along with Blackcap, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler. At least three Cuckoos. From Green Lane a Spotted Redshank, Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroat. A Turtle Dove heard but not seen in a group of ash trees. (Roy Jellings).

Cotswold Water Park    This morning at Pit 46/48 at ten Nightingales and three Garden Warblers. At Pit 57 ten Hobbies, six Common Terns, two pairs of Red Crested Pochards and a Little Ringed Plover. At Pits 43/65 two Nightingales and a Cuckoo today. A pair of Little Ringed Plovers at Pit 79, but the nest was predated by Jackdaws, and three at Pit 87. (David Owen/Simon Pickering/Gareth Harris). 

Sat April 30th 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Redstart singing from the hide, two calling Cuckoos, at least eight Whitethroats and 17 Sedge Warblers along the canal, a Ringed Plover, three Curlews, five Blackcaps, three Redshanks, two Jays, a Raven over, six Lapwings, an Egyptian Goose still with six Greylags, three Wigeon, two males and a female, male and female Bullfinch and a Swift. (Mark Grieve).

Cleeve Hill    At Warden's Wood a Tree Pipit, several singing Whitethroats, a Buzzard over and distant Cuckoos singing to the north and the south. At Wontley Farm a male Whinchat, a pair of Redstarts, two Ravens flew noisily down the valley and two Buzzards in a small tree nearby. A Stonechat near to the Dewpond and another singing on gorse near the pylons. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    At Nagshead two Pied Flycatchers and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard on the Short Trail. Around Speech House four Redstarts. One across the road from the 'Woorgreens' lane, two in the woods north of the main car park and one in the cleared area south of the arboretum. There were also some Tree Pipits here. Also a Garden Warbler near the entrance to the arboretum. (Phil Pope).

WWT Slimbridge    30 Whimbrel, six Dunlin, three Ringed Plovers and six Wheatears together from Mid Point. Also four Hobbies seen from Slimbridge, seemed to be over 100-Acre. (Mark Hobson).

Bibury area    A Nightingale singing at midday by the overflow car park (on the minor road) to the trout farm and Swifts already nesting in the church roof. At Coln Rogers three Tree Sparrows and at Winson a male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. (Dave Pearce).

Cotswold Water Park    A Cetti's Warbler at Pit 6 today. (Gareth Harris). Ten Hobbies, four Dunlin and ten Common Terns at Pit 57. (Nigel Pleass). At Pit 57 this afternoon three Hobbies, two Cuckoos calling, a Garden Warbler singing, six Common Terns and two Common Sandpipers. (Jon Mercer).

Frampton    A Common Sandpiper and a pair of Shelduck on the Sailing Lake. From Green Lane the large Saker-like falcon sp. and five Swifts north. At Fretherne/Saul Warth this morning 11 Whimbrel, seven Oystercatchers, seven Dunlin and a male Wheatear. (Andy Chapman/MK). Also a Garden Warbler singing briefly. (Malcolm Jackson).

Tuffley    Eight Swifts screaming high over this afternoon. (Ian Elphick).

Fri April 29th 2005

Nailsworth     In Norton Wood this morning a singing Wood Warbler (a good record here). A Hobby high north, with a light passage of 20+ Swifts  between 9- 10am at Windsoredge. (Roy Bircher).

Cotswold Water Park    Four Hobbies at Pit 57 1pm also a male Cuckoo and a Reed Warbler. (Ken Cservenka).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    At high tide this morning three Avocets still, two Bar-tailed Godwits, three Knot, a Ringed Plover, a Wheatear and 70 Whimbrel. (Terry Fenton/Ian Ralphs/Martin McGill).

Cleeve Hill    West Down, Warden's Wood two Grasshopper Warblers including one very showy bird, two Tree Pipits and a Cuckoo this afternoon. At Wontley Farm a pair of Stonechats and two more Tree Pipits. (MK). A Short-eared Owl flushed from the path about a ¼ mile north of Wontley Farm, it then sat in a field about 20 yards away. A Redstart was singing at this spot and another one singing by the farm. (Phil & Anne Pope).

Hardwicke    Six Nightingales, four seen, south along the canal towpath past The Pilot this evening. (Andy & Mhairi Chapman). Two Red-legged Partridges on the road at Pound Lane this morning. (Steve Dark). 

Thu April 28th 2005

Tewkesbury    A male Whinchat on Severn Ham this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Wed April 27th 2005

Hardwicke    Three Nightingales singing south of the Pilot this morning, one giving good views in the open. (Paul Masters).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Lesser Whitethroats along the canal, a Cuckoo calling and the Egyptian Goose and two Redshanks from the hide.  (Paul Masters).

Brimscombe    A Dipper on the River Frome at the Bourne at 6:15pm this evening. (David Owen).

Forest of Dean    At Nagshead today a male Pied Flycatcher and a singing Wood Warbler. (Richard Cawsey).

Ashleworth Ham    A summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe flew in and almost immediately flew out again today. (Les Brown).

Fretherne    Three Avocets, two Bar-tailed Godwits, six Black-tailed Godwits, 19 Whimbrel, three Knot, ten Oystercatchers and six Ringed Plovers this morning. (Dave Pearce). Pic below by Dave. This evening 30 Black-tailed Godwits, five Knot, a small flock of Whimbrel and three Avocets still. (Phil Pope). 

Stone    A Hobby over at 8:20am. (Paul Taylor).

Cotswold Water Park    Six Hobbies at Pit 57 today. (Kate Gamez). 200+ House Martins, 50+ Sand Martins and 30+ Swifts here. Nine Nightingales at Pits 46/48 at 8:30am.  (per Gareth Harris).

Tue April 26th 2005

Newent Woods    28 Waxwings, two Tree Pipits, a Marsh Tit and a Raven this evening. (Tony Eveleigh).

Cleeve Hill    Three Ring Ouzels (two males and a female) between 5-5:45pm today watched from the western slope of the valley approaching the Wash Pool. The birds were very relaxed, feeding for long periods on the grassy area just up from the path linking the pools and the main common, directly below the bench on the eastern flank of the valley. When not feeding on worms the birds were flying up into the largest of the three hawthorn bushes below the bench. (Murray Robbins).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Three Whimbrel bathing and preening in front of hide, also two Curlew and the Egyptian Goose at 11am. Eight Sedge Warblers along the canal between the wharf and the second bridge. (Terry Fenton). Also a Lesser Whitethroat singing from the Wharf, plenty of Whitethroats and a Cuckoo or two. From the hide 25 Mute Swans, a few Lapwings and a Greenshank, a Redstart was singing over the back. The most unusual bird was a drake Goosander flying straight over towards the Severn. (Mike Smart).

Hardwicke    A Lesser Whitethroat singing this morning along the lane to Elmore. (Paul Masters).

Fretherne    18 Whimbrel, three Avocets and 15 Oystercatchers this evening. (Paul Masters).

Ashleworth Ham    Two Redstarts and a Whitethroat this lunchtime at Stank Lane. (David Owen).

Cleeve Hill    West Down, Warden's Wood four Grasshopper Warblers, two Tree Pipits and a Cuckoo at 7am. At Wontley Farm one Redstart singing and another below the farm plus a further five Tree Pipits in the area. A Grasshopper Warbler reeling from the top of gorse on Cleeve Hill plus another from scrub along the Gallops. (Dave Pearce).

Mon April 25th 2005

WWT Slimbridge    A Wheatear, six Whimbrel north, 20 Meadow Pipits north, 300 Swallows and small numbers of House Martins passing, 350+ Herring Gulls still going north,  eight Swifts all from Holden Tower, a Greenshank, three Yellow Wagtails and three White Wagtails from Zeiss Hide today. (Martin McGill).

Fretherne    23 Whimbrel, 43 Bar-tailed Godwits, 39 Black-tailed Godwits, two male Garganeys, a pair of Pintail, ten Knot, two Avocets, five Grey Plovers, 500 Swallows, 40 Sand Martins and a Swift this evening. (Martin McGill).

Frampton    A pair of Yellow Wagtails, eight Swifts and ten House Martins on the Sailing Lake this evening.  (Martin McGill).

Whitminster    A Short-eared Owl on dead elms next to the lane to Frampton at 8:40pm.  (Martin McGill).

Quedgeley    A Swift over The Causeway at 7:15pm. (Andy Chapman).

Sudmeadow    A Swift over this evening. (Gordon Avery).

Witcombe    Two Swifts, a Hobby and a few 'grounded' hirundines, 35 Swallows, 20 House Martins and two Sand Martins today. One of the Swallows showed characteristics of the eastern race 'transitiva' a very nice reddish breast and underparts with a much darker looking throat patch. (Gordon Avery).

Gloucester    A Grey Wagtail at 3pm around new pond near the substation at Port Ham. (Ian Elphick).

Sun April 24th 2005

Robinswood Hill    Two Whitethroats today and a Peregrine across Robinswood Hill Farm, over Podsmead, towards Hempsted at 7:45pm. (Ian Elphick).

Cotswold Water Park    Two Hobbies and ten Common Terns on Pit 57 and at Pit 87 a female Marsh Harrier flew over. It then seemed to head in direction of Keynes Country Park. (Steve Owen). Also eight Swifts, Sedge Warbler and Cuckoo at Pit 57. (David Owen). A Nightingale seen and heard around Pits 46/48. (Ben Macdonald).

Epney    37 Whimbrel landed on the sand bank just south and on the opposite side of the Anchor Inn at 4pm. 30 then took off and went into the field behind. (Harry Old).

WWT Slimbridge    A Greenshank, 18 Whimbrel and 25 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake and 31 on the 100-Acre (two were colour ringed). A Little Ringed Plover on the Top New Piece and one on the 100-Acre. Also three Swifts, a Wheatear, six Reed Warblers, four Sedge Warblers, a Yellow Wagtail, heavy northbound Herring Gull passage, heavy Swallow/Sand Martin passage, a new Falcon sp., two Avocets on the river, two Little Stints, 50 Dunlin and 3-6 Ringed Plovers. (Martin McGill).

Elmore    A Lesser Whitethroat at 11:15am. (MK).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    An unringed White Stork flew in from the south at 10:10am putting up all the waders and duck. It flew towards Hock Cliff and landed in a tree for five minutes before flying north following the line of the river. (Dave Pearce/MK). No further sign at Longney, Elmore or Sudmeadow. Sunday morning tide a dark phase Arctic Skua flew through at 8:20am  two Avocets, five Bar-tailed Godwits, two Black-tailed Godwits, 29 Dunlin, 18 Oystercatchers, three Ringed Plovers, eight Whimbrel, two male Garganey, male and female Wheatear, 2+ House Martins and two Yellow Wagtails. (Richard Baatsen/Paul Masters/John Overfield/Jake King/Steve Owen/MK). The skua was also seen from Holden Tower, WWT. (Martin McGill).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A male Garganey at 6am only. (Chris Stott). The Egyptian Goose again from the hide early morning. Also 3+ Whitethroats, a Reed Warbler, 2+ Sedge Warblers, four Wigeon (three males still) and a Cuckoo heard calling. (MK). Also six Swifts heading north, two Redshanks, three Curlew, eight Lapwings and a Ringed Plover. (Mark Grieve).

Frampton    Two Nightingales singing near Court Lake, five Commic Terns seen over the Sailing Lake early on in the distance, probably Common. A female Yellow Wagtail following the horses around in the field opposite the Sailing Club and a Reed Warbler singing in the reeds at the back of the Sailing Lake. From Green Lane a Cuckoo flew across, a Swift flying north, a Whimbrel flew over calling and 26 Black-tailed Godwits on the flashes, a Lesser Whitethroat heard in bushes from the field approaching Green Lane and both Reed and Sedge Warblers singing in reed bed south of Splatt Bridge. Also a male Wheatear from the gate. (Phil Pope). A Cuckoo settled in canal scrub south of Splatt Bridge, also a Lesser Whitethroat seen near Green Lane. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming in trees just south of Splatt Bridge. Many Sand Martins over the Sailing Lake.  (Ben Macdonald). A Red Crested Pochard in flight from Green Lane and a Common Sandpiper on the canal. (Graham Watson).

Tuffley    Two Swifts over at 7:50am. (Mark Hobson).

Cleeve Hill    A Cuckoo at West Down heard and seen flying between Wontley Farm and Westwood House and four Nuthatches including a nesting pair. (Howard and Geoffrey Taylor).

Sat April 23rd 2005

Cleeve Hill    At 7pm a female Ring Ouzel near the Cotswold Way NE of the aerials on the common. (Keith White).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    Saturday morning tide 23 Avocets, four Bar-tailed Godwits, a Grey Plover, 51 Black-tailed Godwits, 52 Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, five Whimbrel, two Shoveler, a male Garganey and a Wheatear. (Richard Baatsen/Martin McGill/Ian Ralphs/Andy Chapman). 

Frampton    On the 100-Acre from Green Lane two Swifts and 95 Swallows flew north, three Black-tailed Godwit and a pair of Wigeon still. (Richard Baatsen). Two Cuckoos south of Splatt Bridge. A male Garganey on the Canal and three Black-tailed Godwits from Green Lane this morning. (Andy Chapman).

WWT Slimbridge    A Spotted Redshank on the New Top Piece, the large Falcon sp. from Holden Tower still, 14 Black-tailed Godwits and a Common Sandpiper on South Lake. (Andy Chapman).

Fri April 22nd 2005

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Water Rails and a Tawny Owl at dusk but no sight or sound of the probable Spotted Crake. (Andy Jayne).

Bentham Landfill Site    A Little Ringed Plover and a male Wheatear today. (Terry Fenton).

Little Witcombe    A Cuckoo today. (Terry Fenton).

Cheltenham    A male Black Redstart in a garden in Badgeworth Road near M5/Junction 11 for an hour and a half today. 
Coombe Hill Meadows    A probable Spotted Crake from the hide at 6am today. No further details. (Andy Jayne).
Fretherne/Saul Warth    Friday night evening tide 20+ Avocets, 45 Black-tailed Godwits, nine Bar-tailed Godwits, two Dunlin, eight Whimbrel ,12 Redshanks, 26 Curlew, 12 Oystercatchers and a male Wheatear. (Richard Baatsen/Paul Masters).

Cleeve Hill    At the Wash Pool a male Ring Ouzel, nine Wheatears near the radio masts and four Cuckoos at the turn to Drypool farm this evening. (Duncan Dine).

Cotswold Water Park    Three Nightingales singing at Pits 46/48 this morning, one showed well. Also a female Marsh Harrier hunting Pit 68 from the hide at 11am, but just in Wiltshire. (Jon Mercer).

Frampton    From Splatt Bridge the male Marsh Harrier from the gate opposite the canal bridge at 10:15am. Also Cuckoo, Reed Bunting, Little Egret and Sedge Warbler along the canal. (Keith White/Mike and Sheila Fox).

Forest of Dean    At least 15 Waxwings being very vocal around the bottom pond at Cannop and seen again over the cycle track leading up to towards the Three Brothers. (Frank Williams). At Woorgreens Lake six Mandarins and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls still present. (Tony Eveleigh).

Thu April 21st 2005

Ashleworth Ham    A House Martin, 16 Swallows over, a Grey Heron, a Curlew, three Blackcaps singing, a male Wigeon, two Shelducks, a male Shoveler, three Yellowhammers and a Redstart singing. (Mark Grieve).

Forest of Dean    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard in trees left standing in the clear fell area south of the cycle track close to the Three Brothers at 5pm. (Frank Williams). 

Cleeve Hill    At Wardens Wood (West Down car park North of Whittington) a reeling Grasshopper Warbler showing well and also a singing male Cuckoo and many Willow Warblers. (Keith White).

Leigh Meadows    A Lesser Whitethroat singing, a Redstart singing and a Whimbrel call heard. (Mike Smart).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Cuckoo, a Sedge Warbler, a Redstart singing, a few Lapwings, a Yellow Wagtail flew over NE this morning. At 11:40am a male Marsh Harrier flew over going strongly to the NE without stopping. (Mike Smart).

Cotswold Water Park    A Garden Warbler was calling over the Shire Ditch, which is the county boundary at Pit 95. A pair of Red Crested Pochards at Pit 32 and a Common Tern at Pit 57. (Gareth Harris).

Longford    A Yellow Wagtail, a Lapwing and a Snipe on the brook. (Jim Northcott).

Wed April 20th 2005

Frampton    A Sedge Warbler, a Cuckoo heard, a Raven and a male Lesser Redpoll, unusual here, along the canal south of Splatt Bridge at 7am. On the 100-Acre viewed from the public footpath at Green Lane two summer-plumaged Spotted Redshanks and 20 Black-tailed Godwits, some in summer plumage, and another four which flew south. At Frampton pools a Nightingale, seen and heard, a Kingfisher and a Common Sandpiper by the Sailing Club. (MK). At 8:30am a Reed Warbler in the north reedbed. (Pete Zaltowski). The male Marsh Harrier seen again today between 9-10am from Splatt Bridge gate. (Richard Cawsey/Malcolm Jackson). It was seen again at 3:30pm today from Splatt Bridge gate, also two male and two female Yellow Wagtails at Court Lake this evening. (Tony Eveleigh). A Short-eared Owl here at 6:50pm. (Paul Taylor).

Highnam Woods    Three singing Nightingales today. (Tony Eveleigh). Also 20 Waxwings this afternoon.

Minsterworth Ham    Four Shelducks, ten Sand Martins, five House Martins, a Redstart in willow/ash hedges, 1+ Whitethroat and 2+Ravens. (Mike Smart). Minsterworth Ham is a little watched site on the west bank of the Severn near Gloucester, opposite the Gloucester Landfill Site (GLS).

Symonds Yat    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in front of the log cabin today.

Tue April 19th 2005

Crickley Hill    A Wheatear and a Cuckoo on the scarp slope. (Steve Brown).

Fretherne    Six Whimbrel, 16 Oystercatchers and a Little Egret this evening. (MK).

Frampton  The male Marsh Harrier still, very close to the gates at Splatt Bridge at 10am this morning. (David Owen). Still present this evening until 6:50pm at least. (Paul Masters).

Ashleworth Ham    Four male Redstarts at Stank Lane, a Peregrine on the pylons, seven Swallows in a flock heading rapidly north, a male Bullfinch, a Cuckoo calling, a Lapwing on the flooded field at end of the lane, male and female Shelduck on the same field, a Sedge Warbler singing nearby and a female Sparrowhawk today. Also plenty of singing of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs. (Mark Grieve).

Mon April 18th 2005

Frampton    A male Marsh Harrier showing well just north of Splatt Bridge this evening until7pm at least. Pic below by Mike Jefferies www.mikejefferies.net. Also 28 Black-tailed Godwits all in summer plumage and two Little Egrets from the public footpath at Green Lane. (Keith Bell/Tony Howell).

Hardwicke    Two Sedge Warblers in reeds by the canal near Southfield farm this evening. (Paul Masters).

Eastington    Belated news of a Hobby over Staite's last Thursday 14th. (Nick Goatman).

Cleeve Hill    Four Bramblings in woodland on the approach road to the radio masts car park at lunchtime. (David Owen).

Forest of Dean    A male Pied Flycatcher at Nagshead, a pair of Mandarins 30ft up a beech tree and a Tawny Owl seen being mobbed by two Jays this morning. A Tree Pipit at Woorgreens and a male Mandarin on the lake. Also a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls displaying.  (MK).

Sun April 17th 2005

Barber Wood    Four male Wheatears sheltering in the lee of a drystone wall at the south end. (Terry Fenton).

Frampton    A Whitethroat at Nebrow Hill Oakwood singing at midday, and possibly another nearby. 15 Swallows, 18 House Martins and two Sand Martins at the Sailing Lake. (Mark Hobson). On the 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane five Little Egrets, a Little Ringed Plover, three Black-tailed Godwits, a  summer plumage Spotted Redshank, a  Cuckoo, ten House Martins, 25 Sand Martins and ten Swallows. (Martin Wightman).
Cleeve Hill    At Wardens Wood at least eight Willow Warblers, three Whitethroats, a Chiffchaff, a Cuckoo, a Jay over, a Tree Pipit, a male Bullfinch, a Grasshopper Warbler heard to reel very briefly from gorse and a Lapwing over towards Winchcombe. Also on Cleeve Hill male and female Stonechat, a Swallow, a Buzzard and a female Wheatear near the radio masts. At Brockhampton two Red-legged Partridges and a Meadow Pipit. At Tirley three Swallows on wires in the village and also a singing Blackcap. (Mark Grieve).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Whimbrels from Mid Point with 17 Curlew this morning and a Spotted Redshank on South Lake moulting into summer plumage. (Paul Masters).

Forest of Dean    A Dipper at Wench Ford picnic site this morning.  25 Lesser Redpolls flew over at Woorgreens and a male Mandarin on the lake. A male Pied Flycatcher at Nagshead and a Tawny Owl calling. (Tony Eveleigh/Tim and Rose Smith).

Fretherne    A Goshawk flew NE over Saul Lodge at 7:40am. Also a male Yellow Wagtail flew N over the water treatment works and a male Grey Wagtail here, 1+ Whimbrel with 50+ Curlew and 12 Oystercatchers on the sands. Also a Kingfisher flew along the road at Saul. (MK)

Sat April 16th 2005

Little Witcombe    A Tree Pipit singing today. (Terry Fenton).

Forest of Dean    A male Pied Flycatcher by tree 176 during the afternoon. (Mark Hobson).