If you e-mail records to me at Mike@surfbirder.com please also copy the County Recorder, Richard Baatsen at Baatsen@surfbirder.com
Sightings 2006
Sun 31st Dec 2006
Quedgeley At Clearwater Drive today a Jack Snipe. (Andy Chapman/Mark Hobson).
Forest of Dean At Speculation, 14 Lesser Redpolls and two Ravens. At Woorgreens a mixed flock of 25 Lesser Redpolls, 25 Siskins, 20 Blue Tits, ten Chaffinches and ten Great Tits, a male Goosander and a female Sparrowhawk. (Tony Eveleigh).
WWT Slimbridge The Bittern showing well again occasionally from the Zeiss hide at 9:40-11:15am at least in reeds in front of the hide. On the Tack Piece a Knot, three Spotted Redshanks and nine Ruff. (Phil Pope/Kev Lewis). Pics below of the Bittern taken by Kev and a pic of the Tundra Bean Goose take 11/11 by Mike Smith.
Sat 30th Dec 2006
Coombe Hill Meadows From Grundon Hide (water still quite deep, calf deep along the boardwalk) 1500 Wigeon, the two Whooper Swans grazing on the Leigh Meadows, up to 30 Bewick's Swans in the general area, six Lesser Redpolls and a Little Egret. (Les Brown,).
Birdwood Seven Bewick's Swans flew over the A40 this morning. (Tony Eveleigh).
Bonds Mill, Stonehouse A Dipper on the River Frome today. (Simon Cormack).
WWT Slimbridge The Bittern again from the Zeiss hide in reeds in front of the hide today.
Berkeley shore Two adult Bewick's Swans flew south down river at 3:45pm. (Paul Taylor).
Wotton-Under-Edge A Water Rail at Nind Fish Farm (disused) this lunch time (ST756916). (Vic Polley).
Robinswood Hill Two Marsh Tits above first hole of the golf course near the pond. Also four Bullfinches and a Sparrowhawk. (Greg Anderson).
Ashleworth Ham From the hide this morning 1400+ Wigeon, good numbers of Pintail, Teal, Shovelers, also smaller numbers of Mallard, Gadwall and a single Tufted Duck. Seven distant Bewick's Swans ,also two possible Whooper Swans but no firm ID. Also from the hide two male Blackcaps together, two flocks of Lapwing (120+ and 200+), a Buzzard, a female Kestrel, 20+ Fieldfares with smaller numbers of Redwing ,a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Goldcrest in with a flock of Long-tailed Tits, a Raven over, a Cormorant went down river, a male Stonechat, a Chiffchaff feeding in front of the hide, a Grey Heron, a Common Gull over and 20 Black-headed Gulls on flood water. (Mark Grieve/Colin Butters).
Tirley 40 Redwings with 30+ Fieldfares. (Mark Grieve).
Fri 29th Dec 2006
Haresfield 40 Lapwings on pasture. (Mark Grieve).
Slimbridge A Merlin flushed from the fence alongside Longaston Lane. (Steve Brown).
Frampton
Five Snipe
in flight from the WWT 100-Acre viewing platform in Green Lane this afternoon.
(Steve Brown).
WWT
Slimbridge The Bittern showing
well again from the Zeiss hide at 1:30pm and again at 2:30pm in reeds in front of the hide.
Also from Zeiss hide five Little
Gulls on the estuary, a Cetti's
Warbler and two Continental
Greylags.
Also on site three Spotted
Redshanks and ten Ruff.
(Martin
McGill/Paul Masters).
Thu 28th Dec 2006
Gloucester At Oxleaze/Castle Meads this morning a pair of Ravens, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, three Meadow Pipits, three Mistle Thrushes, seven Redwings, 18 Magpies together, a male and two female Reed Buntings and six Stonechats. (Andrew Bluett).
Forest of Dean At New Fancy View three Common Crossbills, three Hawfinches, a Brambling and six Ravens today. At Serridge Inclosure 120 Chaffinches and two Bramblings. At Brierley two Willow Tits, six Lesser Redpolls, a Brambling and a Sparrowhawk. At Moseley Green by the Rising Sun Inn a Grey Wagtail, a Sparrowhawk and 30 Redwings. At Woorgreens Lake ten Goosanders (a male and nine redheads). (Tony Eveleigh/Andy Jayne).
Sharpness A Black Redstart on the roof of the last house (Severnbank) beyond the Post Office this morning. (Shane Long).
Walmore Common This afternoon ten Mute Swans, a minimum of 1600 Wigeon, 300 Teal, 120 Pintail, 120 Mallard, 60 Shovelers, six Gadwall and three Shelducks. Also 280+ Lapwings. (Mike Smart).
WWT Slimbridge The Bittern showing well occasionally from the Zeiss hide from 9:45am in reeds in front of the hide until 2:30pm at least. From Robbie Garnett hide three Spotted Redshanks, four Ruff, three Little Stints, eight Black-tailed Godwits and a Raven. Also a Cetti's Warbler showing well at Zeiss hide. The Tundra Bean Goose still from the Holden Tower at 12:40pm.(Andy Lodge/Angus Moir/Martin McGill/MK/Ben Macdonald). A male Merlin along the road to the reserve and a Parakeet sp. in the rookery beside Zeiss Hide. (Andy Chapman/Colin & Sandra Hipwell). Bittern pics below by Graham Watson.
Further pic by Mike Smith (first) and two by Ian Elphick.
Wed 27th Dec 2006
Coombe Hill Meadows Two Whooper Swans and 550 Canada Geese today. (Les Brown). The canal bank is now easily passable from the Wharf at Coombe Hill, it may now be just possible with care to wade across the standing water to the hide.
WWT Slimbridge A Bittern showing well from the Zeiss hide at 4:15pm in reeds to the left of the hide, also a Cetti's Warbler calling. (Ben Macdonald).
Hardwicke 24 Wigeon flew south over the Pilot Inn at 2:54pm. Also along the canal south of the pub, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a female Bullfinch, nine Long-tailed Tits, two Goldcrests and a Weasel. (Mike & Bridgette King).
Tue 26th Dec 2006
WWT Slimbridge The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 310 White-fronted Geese today. Also six Little Stints, three Ruff and a Spotted Redshank.
Frampton A Short-eared Owl in the hedge which surrounds the reedbed south of Splatt Bridge at 4:30pm. From Green Lane a Mink, a female Stonechat still on the WWT 100-Acre and plenty of Lapwings flying in to roost. (Mark Hobson).
Cheltenham A Gannet west over J10 of the M5 this morning.
Ashleworth Ham At 10am at least six Bewick's Swans at the back of the reserve. (Mark Hobson).
Mon 25th Dec 2006
Walmore Common 11 Bewick's Swans (+12 more flew off north at 10am), 37 Canada Geese, nine Shelducks, 600 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 450 Teal, 135 Pintail, 30 Shovelers, four Water Rails (heard), 20 Golden Plovers, 1000 Lapwings, three Dunlin, two Stonechats and a presumed escape Speckled Teal. (Andy Jayne).
Gloucester A Barn Owl at Over near Gloucester at 8:58pm. (Andy Jayne).
Sun 24th Dec 2006
Cirencester In a stream by the outdoor swimming pool a Kingfisher and nearby in the River Churn a Wood Duck. (Felicity Cobb).
Gloucester At Sudmeadow this morning a pair of Stonechats feeding around the marsh. Also a Blackbird in full song in Hemmingsdale Road this morning at 7:15am for 20+ minutes. (Gordon Avery).
Ashleworth Ham 200+ Lapwings, a large number of duck on flood waters but too spread out to count, c400 Wigeon, 20+ Gadwall, 40+ Mallard, also Pintail, Shovelers and Teal. At 9:30am five Bewick's Swans arrived at the back of the reserve. Also a male Peregrine, a Raven over, 30+ Fieldfares, 10+ Redwings, a Pied Wagtail and over 500 Black-headed Gulls on the floods. At Wainlodes a Sparrowhawk buzzing Fieldfares. (Mark Grieve).
Frampton At 11am a large flock of Fieldfares by the canal near Splatt Bridge with a few Redwings in. 50+ Wigeon on the pool by the viewing platform in the WWT 100-Acre, 70+ Lapwings, a Peregrine on the sea wall and a Kingfisher diving in the pond to the right of platform. Also a female Stonechat close by, another Kingfisher visible from Splatt Bridge out towards the Severn and a Kestrel in a tree by the canal. (Bill Church).
Cheltenham A Great Crested Grebe is sitting on a nest at Pittville Park in Cheltenham, and apparently incubating eggs. (John Sanders). Pic by John.
Quedgeley At Clearwater Drive today a Jack Snipe, two Kingfishers and a female Blackcap. (Andy Chapman).
Stonebench Two Little Owls and six Red-legged Partridges today (SO800153). (Andy Chapman).
Sat 23rd Dec 2006
Woodchester A male Smew on Middle Pond, Woodchester Park today. (Lynda Fleming).
Hardwicke 40 Fieldfares and 30 Redwings along the canal south of The Pilot this afternoon, also two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Green Woodpeckers and a Buzzard. (Paul Masters).
Ashleworth Ham A Bewick's Swan on the floodwater in the distance from the hide and 11 Coot. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).
Walmore Common Seven Bewick's Swans and probably 1000 ducks on the floodwater, mostly Wigeon, fair numbers of Pintail, 11 Shelducks, 26 Canada Geese, two Stonechats and 95 Lapwings. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).
Rodley Two Little Egrets, 45 Shelducks and 40 Lapwings. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).
Fri 22nd Dec 2006
Forest of Dean 12 Lesser Redpolls feeding in a Silver Birch in the garden in Yorkley. (Barrie Mills). A Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming vigorously and 40 Lesser Redpolls at Dark Hill near Ellwood. (Ivan Proctor).
WWT Slimbridge
Over the past seven days, 60 Bewick's Swans have arrived at Slimbridge and at last, the families have started to arrive with 11 new cygnets following parents to the reserve, after a 3,000km journey from the arctic Russian tundra. A total of 209 individuals have now visited the reserve so far this winter. This is still lower than usual (as has been the story for this winter so far) and compares with 222 swans at the same time last year and 239 on 22nd Dec 2004. (Julia Newth).
Thu 21st Dec 2006
Sharpness A Barn Owl at the Co-op corner, flying out from over the allotments. (Roy & Margaret Jellings).
Stancombe, Bisley 200 Golden Plovers, 150 Lapwings, a mixed flock of 300 Redwings and Fieldfares, a female Stonechat and a female Kestrel today. (Hugh Manistre).
Quedgeley At Clearwater Drive today a Kingfisher, a male Blackcap, 27 Fieldfares, 16 Redwings and a Water Rail. (Andy Chapman).
Stonebench Two Little Owls and six Red-legged Partridges today (SO800153). (Andy Chapman).
Cotswold Water Park A Swallow seen flying over Pit 12 at 2:05pm, heading west south-west towards Pit 16. (Chris Walker).
Wed 20th Dec 2006
Ashleworth Ham A Barn Owl flying over the Ham Road at first light. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).
Coombe Hill Meadows From the Apperley side two Bewick's Swans, one on the floodwater and one flew over and disappeared to the north. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).
Walmore Common 12 Bewick's Swans (ten adults and two yearlings) which all flew off in the Slimbridge direction at about 11am. Also three Shelducks and plenty of other ducks mainly Wigeon, with good numbers of Teal and some Pintail. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).
Rodley (near Walmore) Six Little Egrets, 28 Shelducks, 25 Lapwings and a Green Sandpiper in a partly flooded field. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).
Tue 19th Dec 2006
Leckhampton At dusk at Leckhampton Hill in Daisybank car park, a Tawny Owl flying from tree to tree and hooting, another responding nearby and a third bird hooting further up the hill. (Steve Brown).
Dowdeswell Reservoir 16 Siskins at lunchtime. (Andy Lodge).
Quedgeley At Clearwater Drive this afternoon a Jack Snipe, a male Blackcap, three Song Thrushes, seven Robins (unusually high number here) and 12 Blackbirds (9m, 3f/juv) again an unusually high number for the location. (Andy Chapman).
Stonebench Two Little Owls this afternoon. (Andy Chapman).
Forest of Dean At Brierley two Willow Tits, six Siskins and four Lesser Redpolls and at Serridge Inclosure 100+ Chaffinches and a Raven today. (Tony Eveleigh). At Gorsty Knoll, Coalway 28 Meadow Pipits on telephone wires at their pre-roost gathering and a flock of 22 Linnets flying around nearby. (Ivan Proctor).
WWT Slimbridge The adult Tundra Bean Goose still from Holden Tower with 260 White-fronted Geese. Also three Little Stints today.
Mon 18th Dec 2006
Walmore Common 34 Bewick's Swans, 40 Canada Geese, ten Shelducks (plus a hybrid), 310 Wigeon, 220 Teal, 250 Pintails, 26 Shovelers, a female Goldeneye, a Peregrine, a Water Rail, a male Stonechat and two Blackcaps today. (Andy Jayne).
Gloucester This afternoon two adult Bewick's Swans flew over Sudmeadow at 1:40pm then flew north towards Minsterworth. A Stonechat still on Port Ham by the Power Station. (Gordon Avery).
Sun 17th Dec 2006
WWT Slimbridge Bewick's Swans have increased to around 80 on site and over 130 individuals recorded so far. White-fronted Geese numbered 214 with the Tundra Bean Goose still among them. A belated record received of six Greenland White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles on 15th. A Little Owl, a Kingfisher and 60 Fieldfares were noted on a walk out to the estuary this afternoon with 20,000+ gulls roosting on the sands. Large numbers of waders were on the mudflats and sandbanks. The freshwater waders remain on site with 15 Ruff, six Black-tailed Godwits, three Spotted Redshanks, three Little Stints, 25 Redshanks and 350 Curlew showing on the Tack Piece daily. The Starling roost is increasing and becoming a spectacular display at dusk, the grounds are the best place to watch it unfold. A couple of Woodcock flew over the car park at dusk. (Anser Birding). Pic by Phil Jefferies.
Walmore Common 25 Bewick's Swan (one cygnet) all looking to roost on the floods, two Shelducks, 60 Fieldfares and two Ravens early afternoon. (Mark Hobson).
Cotswold Water
Park At Pit 44 three drake Goosanders
and two Red Crested Pochards. A first winter Yellow-legged
Gull in the Pit 16 roost. 34 Pintails and a
drake Goosander at Pit 41 and a Raven
over. Two Green Sandpipers at Pit 79. (Steve
Brown/Brian Stretch). 800+ Fieldfares and 600+
Redwings, many hundreds of birds arriving to roost
in trees around Pit 41 with flocks arriving from all directions. On Pit 58 a male
Goosander and a Grey Heron.
(Gareth Harris). At Pit 104, 74 Coot, 22 Mute
Swans, 59 Tufted Ducks, 13 Pochards
and three Goldeneye. (Pete Evans). Three Goldeneye
(two males) on Pit 43. (Keith Perkins). Eight Goldeneye
on Pit 57, display noted. (Mike Fox). WeBS counts for the Bowmoor complex (Pits
112,113,114,115,116,123,124,125) highlights include a Great
Northern Diver on Pit 125 (this is in addition to
the bird on Pit 74 (Wilts) present until 20/12 at least. Please note:
Ashleworth Ham From the hide were five adult Bewick's Swans, two adult Whooper Swans on the flood water at the rear of the reserve, from the hide were estimates of the following duck, 500 Wigeon, 40 Pintails, 40 Teal, 50 Shovelers, two Gadwall and a Shelduck. Also a Buzzard, three flocks of 10,40 and 80 Lapwings over and 20 Fieldfares. (Mark Grieve).
Bourton-on-the-Water This morning in fields c4 miles from Bourton three Buzzards hunting together and also two Kestrels nearby. (Felicity Cobb).
Moreton-in-the-Marsh c150 Lapwings coming to land very near the Esso filling station. Two Ladybirds also found in a town garden. (Felicity Cobb).
Cheltenham A garden Blackcap at Naunton Park today. (Steve Brown).
Sat 16th Dec 2006
Forest of Dean At the feeder at Beechenhurst, at least two Willow Tits showing well. In hornbeam around the paddocks at Speech House, a calling Hawfinch and calling Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. At Nagshead, a pair of Willow Tits excavating a tree trunk in trees just beyond the field. (Ben Macdonald). At Woorgreens today a Willow Tit and a mixed flock of 50-75 Lesser Redpolls and Siskins, mostly Redpolls. (Tony Eveleigh).
Ashleworth Ham Two Whooper Swans and 12 Bewick's Swans early morning, all had clearly roosted. The Bewick’s Swans left for Coombe Hill floods early morning but returned to Ashleworth in mid–morning; a minimum of 800 ducks, 400 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 50 Pintail, six Snipe, 60 Lapwings, hundreds of Fieldfares and rather less Redwings. (Mike Smart/Les Brown/David Anderson).
Coombe Hill Meadows A minimum of 1,000 ducks, 700 Wigeon, 125 Teal, 130 Pintail and five Tufted Ducks. (Mike Smart/Les Brown/David Anderson).
Leigh Meadows Totally inundated just 25 Mute Swans and small numbers of ducks. (Mike Smart/Les Brown/David Anderson).
Note: WeBS (Waterbird Survey) counts at Ashleworth Ham, Coombe Hill and Leigh Meadows. Whole area under a sheet of water, birds very widespread and difficult to count. Hides at Coombe Hill more inaccessible than ever, birds best seen from Apperley side; Ashleworth hides still accessible, though water on the Ham Road between Tirley and Ashleworth, passable with care.
Cirencester A flock of c20 Golden Plovers east of the A419, 1m south of Cirencester this morning, also a Buzzard over Cirencester town centre. (Jon Mercer).
Fri 15th Dec 2006
Brimscombe This morning a Dipper and a Kingfisher on the Frome at Brimscombe Port at 11:30am. (David Owen).
Cotswold Water Park Seven Goosanders and ten Red Crested Pochards at Pit 44. 14 Snipe, 13 Ruddy Ducks, ten Goldeneye (three males), 89 Shovelers, 45 Tufted Ducks, 20+ Goldfinches, 25+ Greenfinches, 10+ Chaffinches, 4+ Bullfinches, 10+ Lesser Redpolls, 3+ Siskins and a Reed Bunting at Pit 57. A Green Woodpecker at Pit 42. 315 Coot, 378 Wigeon, 65 Gadwall, 54 Mallards, 42 Teal, 41 Tufted Ducks and 19 Pintail at Pit 41. At Pits 46/48 a Black Swan, a Water Rail, a male Goosander and 3+ Bullfinches. (Gareth Harris).
Thu 14th Dec 2006
Walmore Common 33 Bewick's Swans (three cygnets), two Shelducks, 650 Wigeon, four Gadwall, 255 Pintails, two Water Rails, a Stonechat and 44 Ravens flying in to roost. The Bewick's Swans remained to roost on the floodwater. (Andy Jayne).
Wed 13th Dec 2006
WWT Slimbridge The adult Tundra Bean Goose still at lunchtime today. (David Owen).
Cotswold
Water Park On Pit 84
today 50+ Wigeon, ten Teal
and eight Pochards.
(Bob Shiret).
Tue 12th Dec 2006
Sharpness A Great Northern Diver flew in from the north mid morning, fished for half an hour adjacent to the lifeboat station, then flew off south. Two Common Scoters flew past to the south. (Dave Pearce).
Coombe Hill Meadows Still at least a thousand ducks, probably more but they are very widespread, mainly Wigeon but good numbers of Pintail, at least 300 between Ashleworth and Coombe Hill, six Bewick's Swans, ten Cormorants flew over and many hundreds of Fieldfares. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).
Ashleworth Ham c500 ducks, again mainly Wigeon with good numbers of Teal and Pintail. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).
Walmore Common 16 Bewick's Swans, several hundred Wigeon and at least 50 Pintails, 60 Lapwings and a Sparrowhawk. (Mervyn Greening/David Anderson/ Mike Smart).
WWT Slimbridge The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 16 White-fronted Geese today. Also 78 Bewick's Swans, 12 Ruff and three Spotted Redshanks.
Mon 11th Dec 2006
WWT Slimbridge Three Dark-bellied Brent Geese, an adult Tundra Bean Goose and 120 White-fronted Geese today. (James Lees).
Sun 10th Dec 2006
Cotswold Water Park An aberrant Coot at Pit 57 today. (Barrie Mills). Pic by Gavin Black.
Cheltenham A Tawny Owl hooting from 6:15-6:45am Naunton Park/Cheltenham Junior College. (Steve Brown).
Sat 9th Dec 2006
Berkeley At 9:30am ten Bewick's Swans including a family of two adults and three young and 35 Canada Geese, a Greylag and a Black-tailed Godwit on flooded fields by the Berkeley/Sharpness by-pass. (Roy & Margaret Jellings).
Bourton-on-the-Water A female Goosander on the pit that backs onto the houses. A Water Rail heard on the River Eye at Salmonsbury Meadows. (Andy Lewis).
Coombe Hill Meadows Six Bewick’s Swans, 800 Wigeon, 220 Pintail, 200 Teal, 30 Shovelers, 19 Tufted Ducks and three Pochards. Water levels very high and the hides still completely inaccessible. (Mike Smart/ Les Brown).
Walmore Common 41 Bewick's Swans today, highest count of the season so far. (Mike Smart).
Ashleworth Ham About 400 ducks, mainly Wigeon, only a few Pintail, five Snipe and 30+ Meadow Pipits. (Mike Smart/ Les Brown).
Sharpness A male Black Redstart on the roof of the last house (Severnbank) beyond the Post Office at 11:15am. (Dave Pearce/Paul Masters). At the lifeboat station this morning a Shag on the old dock pool until 10am at least, moving onto the river later. (Steve Owen). Pics by Paul.
Purton shore A Peregrine on a sandbank at 8:45am. (Paul Taylor/MK).
Dursley A garden Red Admiral today. (Geoff Moyser).
Fri 8th Dec 2006
Cotswold Water Park 11 Red Crested Pochards on Pit 44 today. (Stephen Edwards).
Lower Apperley A Tawny Owl at 5:40pm hunting along the hedgerow. (Mark Grieve).
Sharpness At the lifeboat station this morning a Guillemot went north, also four Leach's Petrels, a Great Skua and an adult Gannet. (Paul Taylor/Steve Owen/Dave Pearce/Terry Fenton). Pics of Bonxie and Gannet by Terry. Also a Storm Petrel flew north. (Jake King).
WWT Slimbridge Four Leach's Petrels, a Great Skua and an adult Gannet (probably same birds). (James Lees).
Thu 7th Dec 2006
Awre Today between 2:15pm and 3:45 pm today. 20-25 Leach's Petrels over the Noose, including 12 together at one point. Also three Great Skuas, five Kittiwakes, an adult Mediterranean Gull, a Ruff with the Dunlins and a Rock Pipit. (John Phillips).
Sharpness At the lifeboat station from 8am a Great Northern Diver, two Great Skuas, nine Leach's Petrels, at least eight Kittiwakes and a Common Scoter. (Shane Long/Steve Owen). Also a probable Storm Petrel flew north. (Terry Fenton).
WWT Slimbridge A Leach's Petrel north past the Holden Tower at 11:45am with a Great Skua, also a Kittiwake earlier. (Jon Mercer). Five Leach's Petrels earlier and a Great Northern Diver. (James Lees).
Frampton-on-Severn A Leach's Petrel over at Cadbury Bridge this afternoon (House tick). (Gordon Hodgson). Later at 3pm a Petrel sp. (possibly this bird) north over Longford. (Andy Jayne).
Wed 6th Dec 2006
Cotswold Water Park Two Red Crested Pochards on Pit 44 today. (Stephen Edwards).
Berkeley At 7:15am ten Bewick's Swans including a family of two adults and three young (possibly the same family as last week) and 13 Canada Geese on flooded fields by the Berkeley/Sharpness by-pass. (Roy & Margaret Jellings).
WWT Slimbridge A Storm Petrel flew south at 9:40am. (James Lees). At least 29 Leach's Petrels on the river this morning heading south and still 3+ at midday. The Yellow-browed Warbler still at the Barclays hide today and also Long-tailed Tits. Pics below by Andrew. (Andrew Carey/James Lees/David Owen).
Brimscombe A Dipper on the Frome this afternoon. Also a Grey Wagtail. (David Owen).
Haw Bridge to Hasfield Ham Two Buzzards, a Pied Wagtail, 600+ Fieldfares, 30+ Redwings, 30+ Starlings, a Sparrowhawk, 3/4 Kestrels, 38 Lapwings over, two Ravens and ten Meadow Pipits. At 12:30pm three Whooper Swans feeding on the floodwater at the end of Stank Lane (viewed from the river bank). Also a Jay, a Grey Heron and a Bullfinch. (Mark Grieve).
Coombe Hill Meadows This afternoon 480 Canada Geese, two Barnacle Geese, 1100 Wigeon, four Gadwall, 410 Teal, 230 Pintail, 30 Shovelers, five Tufted Ducks, two Little Grebes and also four Blackcaps along the canal. Please note that the hide in only accessible with waders (boots that is!) at the moment. (Andy Jayne).
Robinswood Hill A Marsh Tit this afternoon at SO839144. (Ian Elphick).
Tue 5th Dec 2006
Moreton-in-the-Marsh Five Snipe and three Meadow Pipits. Also a Barn Owl at Evenlode. (Barrie Mills).
Frampton Pools 24 Little Egrets and four Kingfishers late afternoon. (Andy Jayne).
Cotswold Water Park A Great Northern Diver flew into Pit 114 at 3pm. (Andy Lodge).
WWT Slimbridge c12 Leach's Petrels this morning, also a Great Northern Diver, four Kittiwakes and two Great Skuas. The Yellow-browed Warbler still at the Barclays hide at 11:35am. (James Lees/Terry Fenton). Also a Ruff, two Ringed Plovers and two Little Stints from Holden Tower. (Graham Watson). Seven Common Scoters flew north at 11am. (Bruce Pendlebury/Geoff Moyser/Mark Hobson). Also seen at Lydney (Tony Eveleigh) and Sharpness. (Andy Jayne/Steve Owen).
Fretherne 6+ Leach's Petrels this morning from 7:30-9am showing well off the sluice. (MK/Mark Hobson/Gordon Hodgson/Graham Watson). Pics below by Gordon.
Sharpness At least four Leach's Petrels, 43 Kittiwakes and two Great Skuas. Two Great Northern Divers went south by 9:30am (one probably the WWT bird). Also an adult Mediterranean Gull. (Andy Jayne/Steve Owen/Terry Fenton/Shane Long).
Berkeley shore Four Leach's Petrels from 9:15-10:30am and two Stonechats by the pill mouth. (Geoff Moyser).
Mon 4th Dec 2006
Severn Estuary Unprecedented movements of seabirds today, in particular Leach's Petrels, mainly north up the estuary. A maximum count of 36 Leach's Petrels past Sharpness this afternoon. An adult Great Northern Diver flew south, and a Great Skua and four Kittiwakes went through. (Paul Taylor/Tony Eveleigh/Rob Phillips). Leach's Petrels also seen from Beachley Point (2), Awre (4) and WWT (25+). (Steve Owen/Paul Marshall/James Lees). Pic below by James.
WWT Slimbridge The Yellow-browed Warbler still at the Barclays hide today. Also the Siberian Chiffchaff still. (James Lees/Roy Shilham/Ben Macdonald). Pic below by Roy.
Cotswold Water Park On Dudgrove Sailing lake Pit 114 a first winter Shag until 2:15pm at least. Also four Goldeneye and eight Red Crested Pochards. 12 Ruddy Ducks and 100 Lapwings on Pit 57. (Steve Owen).
Ashleworth Ham 150 Wigeon, a Green Sandpiper, a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, 50+ Lapwings going downriver and at 10:45am two Whoopers Swans flew over, calling and went on southwards. (Mike Smart).
Walmore Common 12:15-1:30pm 230 Wigeon, three Shelducks, six Gadwall, 500 Teal, 180 Mallards, 120 Pintails, 20 Shovelers and 35 Bewick’s Swans, all adults except for about three yearlings. Also two Water Rails and a Yellow-legged Gull. (Mike Smart/Andy Jayne).
Sun 3rd Dec 2006
Forest of Dean A Snipe at Woorgreens. (Barrie Mills).
Fretherne A Leach's Petrel on the river off the sluice at 3pm. (Andy Lodge).
Awre Two Great Skuas seen from Awre and also from WWT. (John Phillips/Martin McGill).
WWT Slimbridge A Great Skua seen from the Holden Tower at 4pm. (Tony Eveleigh/Mark Hobson/James Lees/Martin McGill).
A Yellow-browed Warbler at the Barclays hide at midday and present until 3:30pm at least. (John Martin). Pics 1 and 2 below by James Lees, pic 3 by Graham Watson and pic 4 by Paul Masters. The Siberian Chiffchaff showing well still at Barclays Hide until 3:30pm at least. Also two Peregrines. (Steve Owen/Steve Brown). A Little Stint, a Ruff, two Spotted Redshanks and a Ringed Plover this morning. (Andy Lodge). A Great Skua and a Leach's Petrel past Severn Beach at 2pm and heading north upriver into Glos. (Paul Bowerman).
Guiting Power A Little Owl sat in a tree this afternoon. (Roger Wasley). Pic by Roger.
Sat 2nd Dec 2006
WWT Slimbridge The Siberian Chiffchaff showing well and calling frequently at Barclays Hide, also at least four other Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest here, another Goldcrest along the South Finger walkway, and the Tundra Bean Goose on the Top New Piece with 70 White-fronted Geese this morning. Also a Red Admiral at Barclay Hide. (Paul Masters).
Coombe Hill Meadows
Four Little Grebes, 360 Canada
Geese, two Barnacle Geese, 63 Greylags,
nearly 400 surface feeding ducks, mainly Wigeon,
but still at least 50 Pintail, 50+ Lapwings,
a Tawny Owl calling at first light, big flocks of Fieldfares
(over 200) in the tops of the willows. (
Ashleworth/Hasfield
Ham An adult Bewick's Swan on
the floodwater, at least 300 surface-feeding ducks, again mainly Wigeon,
but at least 30 Shoveler and a few Pintail,
160+ Lapwings, two Stonechats
and many hundreds of Fieldfares. (
Leigh Meadows
The two Whooper Swans still today. (Mike Smart/Les
Brown/
Tirley 40+ Fieldfares and 20 Redwings today. (Mark Grieve).
Fri 1st Dec 2006
Ashleworth Ham Early this morning a Peregrine calling from a pylon then stooping at ducks viewed from Stank Lane. Also 100+ Fieldfares and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers. (Steve Brown).
Stroud At dusk a Dipper under the canal bridge near Marling School playing fields. Also a Roe Deer near the canal west of Stroud. (Steve Brown).
Forest of Dean Today at Cannop Ponds ten Siskins, at least 100 Mandarins, a male Goosander and four Little Grebes. The feeders at the Stone Works attracting large numbers of Coal Tits and Blue Tits with visits by Marsh Tits, Nuthatches, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Chaffinch. (Nick Hopkinson).
WWT Slimbridge The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 80 White-fronted Geese also 24 Bewick's Swans and a Spotted Redshank today.
Thu 30th Nov 2006
Walmore Common At 10:45am three adult Bewick’s Swans on the floodwater, also 15 Mute Swans, 250 Wigeon, 100 Teal and 25 Pintails. (Mike Smart).
Forest of Dean At New Fancy View male and female Crossbill today. (pic of the male below by Allan). At Speech house a flock of Redwings, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a few Bramblings. At Nagshead a pair of Bullfinches, a Goldcrest and a Marsh Tit. (Allan Chard).
WWT Slimbridge The Siberian Chiffchaff still near Barclays hide and showing well and calling. Also the adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 84 White-fronted Geese and 60 Bewick's Swans today.
Wed 29th Nov 2006
Gloucester This morning a Raven calling from the tower of the Cathedral. (Steve Brown).
Winchcombe A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Sudeley Castle grounds. (Steve Owen).
WWT Slimbridge The Siberian Chiffchaff still near Barclays hide and showing well and calling. Pics below by Graham. (Graham Watson). Also the adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 84 White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles today.
Tue 28th Nov 2006
Forest
of Dean
At Bearse Common/Slade Bottom north of St
Briavels there were two Goshawks,
a Buzzard,
eight Meadow Pipits,
four Skylarks
and two Red Admirals.
(Ivan Proctor).
Coombe Hill Meadow Three Little Grebes, two Whooper Swans, 11 Bewick’s Swans (first recorded here this winter), 380 Canada Geese, two Barnacle Geese, 14 Greylags, 800 Wigeon, 150 Teal, 80 Pintails, 20 Shovelers, six Tufted Ducks, a Water Rail squealing, two Lapwings and two Dunlin. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).
Ashleworth Ham 220 Wigeon, 40 Teal, 30 Shovelers, five Gadwall, a Peregrine and ten Snipe. Total ducks between the two sites (much movement to and fro) about 1,500. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).
WWT Slimbridge The Siberian Chiffchaff still near Barclays hide and showing well. Also 77 White-fronted Geese and a drake Scaup today.
Mon 27th Nov 2006
Cotswold Water Park A male Cetti's Warbler at Pit 16 today. (Chris Walker). At Pit 43 four male Goosanders, three Goldeneyes (2m, 1f), 21 Goldfinches, a male Blackcap, 11 Meadow Pipits, three Reed Buntings, 16 Redwings and 14 Long-tailed Tits today. (Keith Perkins).
Slimbridge The adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose was on the canal early morning. (Graham Watson).
Ashleworth Ham At first light c100 Greylags roosting which left early, at least 80 Shovelers and 60 Pintails. (David Anderson/Mike Smart).
Coombe Hill Meadows Two adult Whooper Swans at the Wainlodes end of the canal, 380 Canada Geese, two Barnacle Geese, 500 Wigeon, 62 Pintails, eight Shovelers, four Tufted Ducks, a Water Rail calling, two Black–tailed Godwits, a Dunlin, hundreds of Black–headed Gulls feeding on the water and damp grass together with lots of Carrion Crows, Jackdaws and Starlings round the edges, 100 Fieldfares and 40+ Redwings. (David Anderson/Mike Smart).
WWT Slimbridge The Siberian Chiffchaff still at Barclays hide and showing well. The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 70 White-fronted Geese and two continental Greylags today. Also a Merlin on the Dumbles, two Peregrines and a Spotted Redshank still. (James Lees/Anser Birding). Pic taken 26/11 below by James.
Sun 26th Nov 2006
Frampton A Goshawk over at Nebrow Hill Oakwood this morning. (Nick Goatman).
Tewkesbury A garden male and female Blackcap for the last few days and a late Hummingbird Hawk Moth today. (Les Ditchburn).
Cotswold Water Park 209 Pochards, 33 Tufted Ducks and 89 Coot at Pit 104 today. (Pete Evans).
Leigh Meadows Two adult Whooper Swans on flood water late this afternoon. (Mike Smart).
Walmore Common Two Bewick’s Swans, 14 Shelducks, 250 Mallards, 100 Wigeon, 15 Shovelers, 15 Teal, ten Pintails, a Snipe and 1+ Raven at 1:15pm. (Mike Smart).
Berkeley 15 Bewick's Swans (ten adults and a family party of two adults and three young) on flooded meadows beside the Berkeley by-pass early afternoon. (Paul Taylor).
WWT Slimbridge A male Green-winged Teal from Van de Bovenkamp hide at 9am this morning. (James Lees). Relocated at Zeiss hide at 12:45pm. Pic 1 by James Lees, pic 2 by Paul Masters.
The Siberian Chiffchaff still at Barclays hide and showing well. (James Lees). The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 70 White-fronted Geese and an adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose today. Also a Ruff, a Snipe, a Peregrine and a Sparrowhawk from Lathbury hide.
Hardwicke A late garden Red Admiral this afternoon. (Steve Dark).
Sat 25th Nov 2006
Coombe Hill Meadows 12 Greylags, 35 Canada Geese, 350 Wigeon, 15 Teal, a Water Rail calling, a Stonechat and 40 Fieldfares this morning. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).
Ashleworth Ham 175 Canada Geese, 700 Wigeon, 200 Teal, ten Gadwall, 60 Pintails, 50 Shovelers, two Coot, 32 Snipe and 25 Meadow Pipits this morning. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).
Berkeley 13 Bewick's Swans (eight adults and a family party of two adults and three young) on flooded meadows beside the Berkeley by-pass. (Roy & Margaret Jellings).
WWT Slimbridge The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 70 White-fronted Geese today. Also eight Ruff and a Spotted Redshank. The Siberian Chiffchaff with up to five other Chiffchaffs and a Cetti's Warbler at Barclays hide. (Andy Lodge).
Fri 24th Nov 2006
Walmore Common Six Bewick’s Swans (five adults and a ringed yearling, probably 670), 11 Mute Swans, 125 Mallards, 115 Teal and 40 Fieldfares today. (Mike Smart).
Cherington Lake Today lunchtime at a Kingfisher, two Little Grebes, a Marsh Tit and a Sparrowhawk. (David Owen).
WWT Slimbridge The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 70 White-fronted Geese today. Also four Ruff and 12 Bewick's Swans.
Thu 23rd Nov 2006
Berkeley 11 Bewick's Swans (six adults and a family party of two adults and three young) on flooded meadows beside the Berkeley by-pass. (Roy & Margaret Jellings).
WWT Slimbridge The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 70 White-fronted Geese today. Also a Siberian Chiffchaff with up to five other Chiffchaffs at Barclays hide.
Wed 22nd Nov 2006
Gretton
A male and female Tawny Owl seen and heard calling in garden in
Working Lane at 4:30pm today. (Roger Wasley).
Tue 21st Nov 2006
WWT Slimbridge The adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 58 White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles today.
Cotswold Water Park At Pit 104 today two Chiffchaffs and 34 Fieldfares. (Gareth Harris).
Leigh Meadows
Two adult Whooper Swans today, the first of the
winter here. (Les Brown).
Roel Hill Farm The plover which has been here since early October is now 1300 Golden Plovers and 400 Lapwings. Also a Merlin was seen near here on 19th Nov and 6th Nov. (Dave Pearce).
Mon 20th Nov 2006
Walmore Common This morning a first-winter female Goshawk was present for at least 90 minutes. Also 70 Teal, a Shoveler, a Sparrowhawk, ten Snipe, five Stonechats, three Blackcaps and a Water Rail calling. (Andy Jayne).
Sun 19th Nov 2006
Cotswold Water Park At Pit 104 today 44 Coots, six Great Crested Grebes, 13 Mute Swans, 27 Tufted Ducks, 28 Mallards, 17 Pochards and 24 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. (Pete Evans).
At Pit 56 a Buzzard and 1+ Goldcrest and at Pit 57 six Ruddy Ducks and three Blackcaps. At Pit 44, 60+ Red Crested Pochards and 11 Wigeon and three Goldcrests at Pit 41. (Malcolm Royal).
Southam This morning a Woodcock flushed from the footpath in Queens Wood, also two Jays, a Green Woodpecker and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. (Steve Brown).
Cleeve Hill Five Bullfinches and 12 Redwings at West Down. 30+ Red-legged Partridges alongside the road between Charlton Abbots and Roel Gate. (Steve Brown).
Little Witcombe The first Woodcock of the winter today. (Terry Fenton).
Hardwicke A Green Sandpiper on a flooded ploughed field at 2pm this afternoon on the left hand side of the A38, 0.7mls south of the BP Garage at Hardwicke roundabout just south of the raised layby. (MK).
Forest of Dean At dusk 19 Fieldfares and 21 Skylarks between Stowe Green and Clearwell. (Ivan Proctor).
Sat 18th Nov 2006
Frampton A Tawny Owl calling at dusk at Nebrow Hill Oakwood. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman).
WWT Slimbridge The adult Tundra Bean Goose with 68 White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles late afternoon (earlier at South Finger), also two Ruff on the Tack Piece. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman).
Dursley A Dipper at Water Street today. (Phil Pope).
Ashleworth Ham This morning a Little Grebe, two Grey Herons, 375 Canada Geese, 48 Greylags, 700 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 70 Mallards, ten Gadwall, 45 Pintails, 50 Shovelers, four Buzzards, 25 Snipe, a Barn Owl hunting actively at first light and on show for at least 15 minutes, a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming persistently, two Stonechats, 200 Fieldfares, five Bullfinches and five Reed Buntings. (Mike Smart/David Anderson).
Tuffley A garden Kingfisher this afternoon perched for a while before flying down Daniel's Brook. (Mark Hobson).
Fri 17th Nov 2006
Cotswold Water Park At Pit 44 today 40 Red Crested Pochards and 50 Coots. (Felicity Cobb).
Berkeley Shore Eight Turnstones and 15 Redshanks south of Severn House Farm this morning, two Rock Pipits, 20 Skylarks, two Snipe, 70 Lapwings and six Tree Sparrows north of the farm. (Paul Masters).
Thu 16th Nov 2006
Cotswold Water Park At Pit 44 today 118 Red Crested Pochards. (Alan Patterson).
Coombe Hill Meadows Early morning a Little Grebe, 17 Greylags, 35 Wigeon, four Gadwall, 20 Teal, nine Shovelers, 3+ Water Rails calling, ten Snipe, a Jack Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, 70 Fieldfares and a Lesser Redpoll flying over. (Mike Smart).
Leckhampton Hill This evening two Tawny Owls heard interacting at the top end of Daisybank Road. (Steve Brown).
Wed 15th Nov 2006
Cotswold Water Park At Pits 46/48 a Goosander, 50 Teal, 75 Mallards, a Shoveler, 35 Coot, six Great Crested Grebes and a Kingfisher today. (Gareth Harris).
Gloucester A Cormorant flew over Abbeymead School at 8:25am and a Sparrowhawk went over at 2:50pm. (Ken Hurcombe).
Ashleworth Ham Male and female Kestrel, a Buzzard, 250+ Wigeon, 25+ Pintail, 37 Shovelers, 50+ Teal, 12 Gadwall, 25+ Mallards, 140 Fieldfares, two Redwings, 17 Lapwings and a Reed Bunting. At Hasworth Farm on the stubble field a flock of 40+ Chaffinches, 30 Pied Wagtails, ten Linnets, 20+ Meadow Pipits, two Bullfinches in the hedge and a flock of 49 Collared Doves on the wires at the farm. (Mark Grieve).
Longlevens A male Sparrowhawk in the garden at Park Avenue today. (Frank Bryant). Pic below by Frank.
Mon 13th Nov 2006
Berkeley Shore Twelve Turnstones and three Rock Pipits at Severn House Farm plus 100 Turnstones roosting on the green buoy near the county border. 21 Snipe along Berkeley Pill, together with 20 Redshanks, eight Rock Pipits and one Stonechat. (Dave Pearce).
Frampton 1400 Golden Plovers on Frampton Sands today. (Geoff Moyser). At least 14 Little Egrets on two trees adjacent to the Sailing Lake at noon. (Howard Lloyd, with U3A Group).
Longlevens 12 garden Long-tailed Tits today. (Frank, Pam & Paul Bryant).
Sun 12th Nov 2006
Severn Way between Hock Cliff and Arlingham Two male Stonechats, 30 Curlews on a winter cereal field, a Raven and a Great Black-backed Gull harassing a Grey Heron. At Arlingham Warth a pair of Stonechats, ten Redwings, ten Fieldfares and 20 Linnets. At 11am 750 Golden Plovers and 300 Lapwings flew from the NE and settled on sandbanks just downstream from Priding. (Steve Brown).
Gloucester At Port Ham a Jack Snipe flushed from the scrape nearest Llantony Lock, a Green Sandpiper on Port Ham pond, a Peregrine over towards the landfill site and a pair of Stonechats. (Ian Elphick).
A Peregrine flew from Gloucestershire Royal Hospital towards the railway station at 4:20pm. (MK).
Roel Gate A Yellow-legged Gull with Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 100 Lapwings in fields near Roel Gate above Winchcombe. (Steve Owen).
Forest of Dean A Dipper at Cannop Wharf today. (Mark Hobson). .
40 Siskins and 60 Lesser Redpolls feeding on Larch, 18 Redwings, two Ravens and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers to the east and south-east of Speech House this afternoon, 20 Mandarins on Speech House Lake. (Paul Masters).
Frampton 11 Little Egrets and a Kingfisher on the Sailing Lake at 9:30am. (Mark Hobson).
WWT Slimbridge The adult Tundra Bean Goose still present this morning. Also three Ruff, two Spotted Redshanks, five Black-tailed Godwits and a Garganey. (Martin McGill).
Quedgeley At Clearwater Drive two Jack Snipes, a Grey Wagtail and seven Meadow Pipits this morning. (Andy Chapman).
Sat 11th Nov 2006
WWT Slimbridge A Goshawk flew in front of the Holden Tower this morning and went down somewhere in the direction of the collection. On the Dumbles at high tide, the adult Tundra Bean Goose still present, 66 White-fronted Geese, one or two Little Stints, 500 Golden Plovers, five Ruff, Dunlin and a male and female Peregrine. A Water Rail was swimming at Robbie Garnett hide before flying into cover and ten Bewick's Swans and the two continental Greylag Geese were on the Tack Piece. (Paul Masters). Pics below of Greylag and Peregrines by Paul.
Fri 10th Nov 2006
Forest of Dean Four Hawfinches, five Bullfinches and 150 Redwings at Speech House today. (Mark Hobson).
Fretherne/Saul Warth Three Grey Plovers, 12 Redshanks, six Dunlins, a Chiffchaff, three Grey Wagtails, 20 Meadow Pipits and a Little Egret. (Mark Hobson).
Cotswold Water Park 36 Red Crested Pochards on Pit 44 today. (Graham Cox).