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

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: Pit 125 will be hard to observe so care should be taken observing this pit to not block roads or driveways), six Little Grebes, 49 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Cormorants, 581 Wigeon, ten Pintails, 179 Pochards, 191 Tufted Ducks, 25 Goldeneye, a Ruddy Duck, two Water Rails and 835 Coot. Also good number of Siskins and some Lesser Redpolls around the lakes and a Ringed Teal on Pit 116. (Graham & Phil Deacon per GH).

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. ( Mike Smart /Les Brown/ Mervyn Greening).

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. ( Mike Smart /Les Brown/ Mervyn Greening).

Leigh Meadows    The two Whooper Swans still today. (Mike Smart/Les Brown/ Mervyn Greening). 600+ Fieldfares, 1200 Starlings feeding around the flood waters ,also a small number of Redwings, 42 Lapwings on a flooded stubble field, also two Buzzards, seven Meadow Pipits, 10+ Skylarks, a Grey Heron, three Stock Doves and four Pied Wagtails. (Mark Grieve ).

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).

Ashleworth Ham    Today 50+ Canada Geese, two Barnacle Geese, 300+ Wigeon, six Gadwall doing courtship flights, 50+ Teal, 15 Shovelers, ten Pintails, only three Snipe, 3+ Stonechats, 150+ Fieldfares, 30 Redwings, a Raven, a Kestrel, a Buzzard and 5+ Reed Buntings. (Mike Smart/Mark Hobson).

Walmore Common    35 Teal, five Snipe and 4+ Stonechats between 9-10am. (Mike Smart).

WWT Slimbridge    The  adult Tundra Bean Goose still present with 40 White-fronted Geese today. Also the Bewick’s Swan pair Turmeric and Tarragon flew into Slimbridge today just in time for the 60^th Anniversary. (Julia Newth).

Thu 9th Nov 2006

Frampton    At Nebrow Hill Oak Wood today three Curlews, a Peregrine, a Kingfisher, a Grey Heron and a Little Egret. (Bob Shiret).

Wed 8th Nov 2006

Coombe Hill Meadows    A female Merlin washing in the scrape just in front of the hide, two Little Grebes, a Little Egret, 40 Wigeon, 40 Teal, seven Gadwall, 12 Shovelers, two Water Rails calling and a Snipe. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    At least 200 Canada Geese roosting at first light, 500 Wigeon, 150 Teal, 20 Shovelers, ten Pintail, a Water Rail calling, 15 Snipe, 100 Fieldfares, four Stonechats and five Reed Buntings. Most of the geese and ducks in the Severn Hams have clearly moved from Coombe Hill (even though conditions there still look right for grazing Wigeon) to Ashleworth where water levels are higher. ( Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Tue 7th Nov 2006

Cotswold Water Park    A Snow Bunting feeding well on the beach at Pit 32 near the Lifeguard bench at 3:10pm. (Gareth Harris).

WWT Slimbridge    The  adult Tundra Bean Goose still present with the White-fronted Geese today. Also the Scaup still on South Lake. (Tony Eveleigh).

Cherington Lake    Two Marsh Tits this lunchtime with a party of 12 Long-tailed Tits. (David Owen).
Tuffley    A garden Treecreeper, a Goldcrest and 20 Goldfinches today. (Fred & Heather Hobson).

Walmore Common    Nine Bewick's Swans, six adults and three cygnets, 16 Mute Swans, 48 Teal, 15 Mallards, 15 Snipe (mostly on the edges of ditches), three Stonechats and ten Meadow Pipits. (Mike Smart).

Coberly    Late afternoon today near a Sparrowhawk made an attempt at 13 Meadow Pipits without success, a Tawny Owl calling and three Fallow Deer again south of Ullenwood. (Steve Brown).

Mon 6th Nov 2006

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Willow Tit at Salmonsbury Meadows and two Kingfishers today. (Dave Pearce). Pic below by Dave.

Roel Gate    A Merlin perched on a post for a few minutes today. (Dave Pearce). Pic below by Dave. 

Gloucester    At Castlemeads West at 9:20am two Stonechats. At Port Ham two Snipe, a Stonechat and a female Sparrowhawk. (Ian Elphick).

Sun 5th Nov 2006

Forest of Dean    A female Goshawk at Symonds Yat today. (Gavin Black). Pic below by Gavin.

Hardwicke    Two Kingfishers ½ mile south of The Pilot Inn this afternoon. (Michael King/Claire Silburn).  

WWT Slimbridge    At Holden Tower, early morning a mixed flock in the bushes in front including a Blackcap, six Long-tailed Tits, two Treecreepers and a Nuthatch. The  adult Tundra Bean Goose still present with the White-fronted Geese and a Peregrine. A juvenile Water Rail from Robbie Garnett hide. Also two Red Admirals near Purton. (Steve Brown).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake today early afternoon ten Little Egrets, three Cormorants, a pair of Kingfishers, three Grey Herons and c15 Great Crested Grebes. (Les Warriner).

Roel Gate    At Roel Hill Farm today 700 Golden Plovers, 150 Lapwings and 1500 Fieldfares on the big fields of autumn sown cereal. (Duncan Dine).

Quedgeley    At Clearwater Drive the first Jack Snipe of the winter early morning. (Andy Chapman).

Sat 4th Nov 2006

Ashleworth Ham    A Red-throated Pipit was seen late morning in flight and calling only, by two birders doing survey work in a private area of the reserve. It was subsequently not relocated during an extensive four hour search. Also at least 300 Wigeon, 100+ Teal, 20 Shovelers, 20 Pintails, 20 Snipe, 200 Black-headed Gulls on open water, 40 Fieldfares and one or two Reed Buntings. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    A Pale-bellied Brent Goose was on the Dumbles this morning from Holden Tower. The adult Tundra Bean Goose was still present. Also a Peregrine and two Continental race Greylag Geese. (John Overfield/Andy Lodge/Paul Masters). Pics of Brent and Bean below by Paul.

Coombe Hill Meadows    The meadows were largely frozen over, but there was some open water, on the Long Pool a Little Grebe, 50 Wigeon, 30 Shovelers, two Sparrowhawks, 10+ Coot, at least three Water Rails heard, 40 Fieldfares, a Stonechat and a Raven. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

River Severn, Wainlodes    A Great Crested Grebe and a Kingfisher still. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Gloucester    At Castlemeads East two Stonechats, five Meadow Pipits and a Kestrel. (Ian Elphick).

Fri 3rd Nov 2006

Shab Hill    A Stonechat, two Ravens over and 50 Fieldfares flying west late afternoon. Three Fallow Deer on stubble south of Ullenwood (four at the same place on Thursday). (Steve Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    Over 100 Canada Geese, c100 Greylags, two Barnacle Geese, c1000 ducks in all, mainly Wigeon, but at least 20 Pintails, a Water Rail squealing, c40 Fieldfares and a Stonechat. The last ringing session of the year produced 68 birds including 28 Long-tailed Tits (many retraps) and 12 Reed Buntings (two retrap adults ringed earlier in the season, plus ten new juveniles, probably birds born outside the area). (Mervyn Greening/Mike Smart/David Anderson). 

Walmore Common    This evening 30 Teal, 30 Snipe, 40 Fieldfares and two Ravens. (Mervyn Greening/Mike Smart/David Anderson). 

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens ten Lesser Redpolls with Siskin in Alders. At Edge End "Worcester Walk" FP, a Brambling, c20 Lesser Redpolls with c90 Siskins and a Treecreeper at 2:45pm. 14 Mandarins (10m,4f/0 at Cannop Ponds and a Marsh Tit on feeders by the Stone Works. (Derek Hale). Lesser Redpoll pic below by Derek.

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Tundra Bean Goose still with 28 European White-fronted Geese from Holden Tower today. Also 21 Bewick's Swans on the reserve. (Steve Owen). This Bewick's Swan news received from Julia Newth. "Northerly winds sweeping through over the past couple of days have brought much colder weather, and with clear skies, there were two new arrivals yesterday and 14 today bringing the reserve total to 21! This compares with 17 at the same time last year. Our oldest known swan here at the moment is Danuta (ringed YLL) who is ten (see pic 2 below). She first arrived here as a cygnet with parents Dan and Dane in 1996 and arrived yesterday with her mate Danut (look out for his striking penny-face bill pattern – see pic 1 below). It was also lovely to see the return of Artenay and Juppe (TXD) who have been a pair since 2002. Artenay is the offspring of one of our most consistent visitors Lille who we are hoping will return soon for her eighteenth winter at Slimbridge". Pic 3 below is of new yearling Wylfa (offspring of Widemouth and Winney)

Thu 2nd Nov 2006

Forest of Dean    Two Hawfinches opposite Speech House today. (Steve Owen). At Parkend Church two Lesser Redpolls in Birches on the ridge NE of the Church. At New Fancy View  c45 Fieldfares N at 11:30am. (Derek Hale).

WWT Slimbridge    An  adult Tundra Bean Goose with 39 European White-fronted Geese from Holden Tower today. Also 100+ feral Barnacle Geese still.  (Graham Watson). (Pic by Graham).

Charlton Kings    Male and female Blackcap in the garden today. (Graham Watson).

Wed 1st Nov 2006

Witcombe Roman Villa    26 Fieldfares and 10 Long-tailed Tits late afternoon. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    In the Speech House area a Hawfinch, (c200m SW of Speech House at 8:30am), a Raven (see pic below by Derek) and many Redwings and Siskins around the Forest. Hundreds of Woodpigeons moving though today. At New Fancy View a Goshawk (W side) at 11:05am and a Raven. (Derek Hale).

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 85b this afternoon a Snipe, 50+ Gadwall, eight Little Grebes, a Buzzard, 30+ Teal, three Wigeon and ten Long-tailed Tits. On Pit 84, 30 Gadwall, 20 Shovelers, four Grey Herons, 30 Teal, four Cormorants and a Wigeon. (Bob Shiret). Snipe pic below by Bob.

WWT Slimbridge    Now four Greenland White-fronted Geese with 39 European White-fronted Geese from Holden Tower today. Additionally eight Barnacle Geese arrived with the Greenland Whitefronts and are associating with the Whitefront flock and not with the 124 feral Barnacle Geese on site. They are considered to be likely to be wild migrants. (James Lees).

Tue 31st Oct 2006

WWT Slimbridge    Two adult Greenland White-fronted Geese with 39 European White-fronted Geese and four Bewick's Swans from Holden Tower this morning. Also 300 Golden Plovers, 177 Dunlin, a Scaup, seven Black-tailed Godwits, a Little Stint, a Chiffchaff and two Lesser Redpolls. (Martin McGill).

Forest of Dean    At Cannop Ponds at 4pm 27 Mandarins (16m,11f) and seven Tufted Ducks (3m,4f). (Derek Hale).

Coombe Hill Meadows    230 Wigeon, 42 Shovelers, four Pintails, two Sparrowhawks and 15 Snipe (many of these birds probably moved on to Ashleworth). (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

River Severn, Wainlodes    A Great Crested Grebe and a Kingfisher. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Leigh Meadows    Two Sparrowhawks, a Buzzard and a Stonechat. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    50 Canada Geese, 700 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 30 Shovelers, 80 Mallard, ten Pintails, 40 Snipe and three Stonechats. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Mon 30th Oct 2006

Eastington    At Millend 13 Redwings, two Grey Wagtails and a Kingfisher. On the Frome south arm above Millend a Green Sandpiper and two Snipe flushed from field drain. At Five Acre Grove four Yellowhammers, 20+ Chaffinches and a Linnet. At Stanley Downton 60+ Pied Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail. On the Frome north arm two Dippers and a Grey Wagtail. (Jake King).

Sun 29th Oct 2006

Walmore Common    Two adult Whooper Swans and four Bewick's Swans, three adults and a yearling, present until midday at least. Also 54 Wigeon, 75 Teal, three Pintails, a Shoveler, an adult Peregrine and a female Stonechat. (Andy Jayne).

Ashleworth Ham    4+ Stonechats again today. (Mike Smart).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake six Little Egrets, three Grey Herons and three Cormorants on the Blue Pool. Ten Meadow Pipits in the field near Vicarage Lane. (Les Warriner).

Fretherne    A Wheatear, 30 Meadow Pipits, 20 Skylarks, two Grey Wagtails, five Pied Wagtails, 300 Golden Plovers, a Redshank, a Reed Bunting, a male Bullfinch, a Kingfisher, a Buzzard and two Chiffchaffs at the Water Treatment works. (Mark Hobson).

Cleeve Hill    5+ Ring Ouzels still in the valley near the Wash Pool today. 

Sat 28th Oct 2006

WWT Slimbridge    A second-winter Caspian Gull on the Dumbles from Holden Tower at high tide. Also four Little Stints, four Bewick's Swans and 33 White-fronted Geese. (James Lees).

Walmore Common    Four Bewick's Swans today, three adults and a yearling. Also 250 Mallards, a good count for the site. (Andy Jayne).

Coombe Hill Meadows     350 Canada Geese, 100 Greylags, 600 Wigeon, 150 Mallards, ten Shovelers and a Tufted Duck. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    A Peregrine, six Pintail, 150 Wigeon, ten Shovelers, three Gadwall and five Stonechats. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Prescott    Two Woodcocks, four Lesser Redpolls and 60 Redwings today. (Terry Fenton).

Hardwicke    Green Woodpecker and Great Spotted Woodpecker today in the garden. (Steve Dark).

Cheltenham    At Naunton Park today a female Sparrowhawk perched on an aerial and 20 Goldfinches. (Steve Brown).

Fri 27th Oct 2006

Robinswood Hill    Four Redwings over Robinswood Hill Farm at midday. (Ian Elphick).

WWT Slimbridge    Five Little Stints on the edge of the scrape in front of the Holden Tower over high tide this morning, also on the Dumbles 400 Dunlin, 900 Golden Plovers, 400 Wigeon, two Yellow-legged Gulls and a male and female Peregrine. Four Bewick's Swans in the Rushy Pen and 60 Redwings over the centre. (Paul Masters).

Cotswold Water Park    16 Red Crested Pochards (9m,7f) on Pit 44. 80 Tufted Ducks, 19 Great Crested Grebes, three female Goldeneyes, two female Ruddy Ducks, a Snipe, 1+ Skylark, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and two Reed Buntings at Pit 57. On Pit 41, 67 Mute Swans and a Black Swan still, also a Kingfisher, two Reed Buntings and three Goldcrests. A male Cetti's Warbler at Pits 46/48 and a Water Rail at Pit 77. (Gareth Harris).

Coombe Hill Meadows    440 Wigeon, 250 Canada Geese and 1+ Stonechats today. (Mike Smart/Andy Jayne).

Ashleworth Ham    Six Fieldfares and c30 Redwings today. (Mike Smart/Andy Jayne).

Frampton    At WWT 100-Acre from the viewing platform in Green Lane at 11:30am a pair of Ravens in the dead tree near sea wall, a pair of Stonechats in a bramble bush by the pond, two Kestrels and eight Lapwings in two groups of four flying south. (Bill Church).

Thu 26th Oct 2006

Cleeve Hill/West Down    3050 Redwings all passing over and flying west in groups of 50-200 between 8:15-12:30pm, a juvenile Ring Ouzel, 19 Fieldfares, four Siskins, 80 Chaffinches, 44 Stock Doves, five Stonechats, a Little Owl and an adult Peregrine. (Tony Eveleigh/Andy Jayne).

Roel Gate    434 Lapwings and seven Golden Plovers at Roel Farm. (Tony Eveleigh/Andy Jayne).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 44, 13 Red Crested Pochards, at Pit 57 three female Goldeneyes and at Pit 17 a Cetti's Warbler, 38 Cormorants and a Kingfisher. (Tony Eveleigh/Andy Jayne). Two Kingfishers at Pit 32 today. (Gareth Harris).

WWT Slimbridge    Three Bewick’s Swans were seen on the Slimbridge reserve on the Rushy Pen this morning a few days later than the usual arrival date. They are adult pair Dario and Dorcus who have been together since 2002 (Dario first wintered here in 1999!). (Julia Newth per Mike Smart). Also 1000+ Golden Plovers. (David Slater www.djsphotography.co.uk). Pic below by David. 

Wed 25th Oct 2006

Cotswold Water Park    A Black Swan on Pit 41 today. (Felicity Cobb).

Tirley    Three Redwings today. (Mark Grieve).

Tue 24th Oct 2006

Gloucester    Three Grey Wagtails at Port Ham pond and a Stonechat in bushes near substation this afternoon. (Ian Elphick).

WWT Slimbridge    On the Dumbles three Knot, three Little Stints, 1000+ Golden Plovers, two Peregrines, a Buzzard, 30+ White-fronted Geese, two Yellow legged Gulls and a Red-breasted Merganser up river early. (Graham Watson).

Cleeve Hill    Five male Ring Ouzels this afternoon, in the valley near
the Wash Pool. (Richard Cawsey).

Forest of Dean    A group of nine Stonechats in a hedge down Rookery Lane between Stowe Green and Clearwell this morning. (Ivan Proctor).

Gloucester    An adult female Peregrine at 12:45pm over Sudmeadow. (Gordon Avery).

Mon 23rd Oct 2006

Walmore Common    Five Snipe, a Kingfisher, a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, a Whinchat and three Stonechats today. (Andy Jayne).

St Briavels    In fields between Slade Bottom and Bearse Common north of St Briavels this morning  21 Stock Doves, 16 Skylarks, six Meadow
Pipits, two Yellowhammers and a Buzzard. (Ivan Proctor).

Sun 22nd Oct 2006

Cotswold Water Park    This morning at Pits 84/85 six Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, four Redwings and two Wheatears. (David Owen).

Berkeley shore    A Tree Sparrow, a Redwing, four Rock Pipits, a Wheatear, a Peregrine, a Turnstone, two Redshanks, three Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Meadow Pipits and five Skylarks this morning. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    A first-year Ring-billed Gull showing distantly from the Holden Tower at 10am. Also two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, a Pink-footed Goose and 30 White-fronted Geese. (Martin McGill).

Fretherne    A Merlin flew towards Hock Cliff this morning. Also six Grey Plovers, five Dunlin and seven Redshanks. (Andy Lodge).

Sat 21st Oct 2006

Cotswold Water Park    28 Red Crested Pochards, 733 Pochards, 219 Tufted Ducks, 26 Shovelers, three Ruddy Ducks, 54+ Great Crested Grebes, a Little Grebe, a Kingfisher, a Chiffchaff and 20+ Cormorants at Pit 114. 11 Gadwall and 5+ Goldcrests at Pit 111. 82 Coot and 142 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Pit 125. At Pit 126 2+ Reed Buntings, 2+ Skylarks, 15+ Goldfinches, 55+ Linnets and 10+ Meadow Pipits. (Gareth Harris).

"A male Pochard, still in partial eclipse, found on Pit 114 amongst several hundred Pochard bearing a bright green, or possibly sky blue nasal saddle. Saddle bears a two digit code, repeated three times; once on each side and once on the “bridge of the nose”. Bird was too distant to confirm code.

Please look out for this bird whilst birding in the CWP. Whilst on Pit 114 it was favouring the area around the middle island. Please send details to me. Gareth Harris, Biodiversity Officer, Cotswold Water Park Society on 01285 861459 or email Gareth.harris@waterpark.org. Thank you. GH.”  

Frampton    A Swallow roosted with Starlings in the reedbed north of Splatt Bridge and Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler heard. A Kingfisher was by the bridge. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    This afternoon 100 Golden Plovers, ten Dunlin, two Peregrines, two Dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Sparrowhawk on the Dumbles. A Little Grebe and three Gadwall on the Knott Pool. (Steve Brown).

Cheltenham    Early this morning a small flock <10 Fieldfares and Redwings in thick cover near the Clock Tower, Charlton Kings and a Mistle Thrush in full song. Also a probable Muntjac glimpsed. At Ravensgate Hill a Roe Buck on the lower path. Naunton Park a male garden Sparrowhawk. (Steve Brown).

Fri 20th Oct 2006

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 7:15 pm. (Mark Grieve).

Berkeley shore    Two adult Mediterranean Gulls, five Black-tailed Godwits, two Rock Pipits and a Wheatear this afternoon. (Paul Taylor).

Cleeve Hill    Two adult, fairly wary, Ring Ouzels in the hawthorn bushes around the Wash Pool this morning. (Dave Pearce).

Thu 19th Oct 2006

Leckhampton    A Little Owl near Kidnappers Lane. (Steve Brown).

Cheltenham    A Redwing south over Benhall at 9am. (Ian Ralphs).

WWT Slimbridge    Two adult Dark-bellied Brent Geese still today from Holden Tower.

Mon 16th Oct 2006

WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake 39 Black-tailed Godwits, a juvenile Ruff, a Scaup, 58 Pochards, 120 Tufted Ducks and 13 Redwings over north. The Long Ground Pool had a Spotted Redshank and 18 White-fronted Geese from the Zeiss Hide, first arrived on the 11th. A Chiffchaff was in the Decoy. Two adult Dark-bellied Brent Geese were on the Tack Piece and 550 Wigeon. A Cetti's Warbler was in the pool in front of the Martin Smith hide. Two Ruff, 80 Golden Plovers and ten Dunlin were seen in flight from the Holden Tower. (Anser Birding). 

Gloucester    An Osprey at 1:30pm flew SW seen from a garden in Tewkesbury Road. It was harried by a gull and continued to fly SW gaining height and eventually flew into cloud. (David Spicer). A pair of Stonechats this evening just before dusk set in at the lower end of Sudmeadow Road, Hempsted about 50ft from the end gate. (Vince Jones). Pics below by Vince.

Coombe Hill Meadows    Roosting geese left by 7:20am, only 30 Canada Geese left, and they soon departed. 120 Wigeon, seven Shovelers, two Sparrowhawks perched, a light Meadow Pipit passage and a Stonechat heard. (Mike Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    Three Snipe, a Little Owl, four Stonechats, ten Meadow Pipits and two Ravens. (Mike Smart). 

Walmore Common    Two Teal, five Snipe, a Stonechat and two Ravens. (Mike Smart).

Sun 15th Oct 2006

Robinswood Hill    A Grey Wagtail at Robinswood Hill Farm in a pig pen at 5pm. (Ian Elphick).

WWT Slimbridge    Three Dark-bellied Brent Geese on the Tack Piece at 11am with feral Barnacle Geese. (Mark Hobson). Earlier seen flying north past Sharpness. (Dave Paynter).

Sherborne Water Meadows    This morning a Peregrine overhead, an adult and a first-year Grey Heron flying around, two Snipe flushed and 100 Lapwings in flight over the main meadows. By the Windrush bridge a pair of Stonechats, two Kestrels and a Willow Tit (heard only). Later a Grey Wagtail and a Raven near the car-park. (Andy Lewis/NCOS meeting).

Purton    A Mediterranean Gull amongst a flock of Black-headed Gulls, five juvenile Common Gulls, six Great Black-backed Gulls, five Gadwall on the Severn and six Shelducks in flight heading upriver. (Lee Rogers/Alan Baxter).

Sat 14th Oct 2006

Fretherne    Three Grey Plovers, 14 Redshanks and two Bar-tailed Godwits today. (Andy Lodge).

Coombe Hill Meadows    This morning a female or immature Goldeneye on the Long Pool. Also c195 Wigeon, c10 Shovelers, ten Teal, four Gadwall and three Little Grebes. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Robinswood Hill    A Ring-necked Parakeet at Robinswood Hill Farm today. (Ian Elphick). Possibly same as Quedgeley bird 17th Sep.

Fri 13th Oct 2006

Frampton    A Merlin trying to chase a Peregrine off patch on the WWT 100-acre this evening, also a Snipe over and two Buzzards, seen from the viewing platform in Green Lane. (Paul Masters).

Gloucester    A Cockatiel at Barton Street today. (Ian Elphick). Possibly same as Horton Road bird 28th Sep.

Thu 12th Oct 2006

Gloucester    A pair of Sparrowhawks over Barton Street, Tredworth and four Buzzards over Matson. (Ian Elphick).

Tue 10th Oct 2006

Ashleworth Ham    A Snipe, a Stonechat, a Barn Owl, a Treecreeper and a retrap of a Blue Tit first ringed in 2002. (David Anderson).

Mon 9th Oct 2006

Bentham landfill    Flocks of 35 Goldfinches and ten Meadow Pipits. (Terry Fenton).

Brockworth    Flocks of 100 Linnets and 13 Skylarks at Henley Bank plantation.  (Terry Fenton).

Cotswold Water Park    A Swallow at Pit 32. (Chris Walker).

Sun 8th Oct 2006

WWT Slimbridge    Two Ruddy Shelducks on the Dumbles from the Holden Tower at high tide this morning, also two Bar-tailed Godwits, two Ruff, 250 Lapwings, 120 Golden Plovers, 20 Dunlin, two adult Yellow-legged Gulls, nine Little Egrets and a Peregrine. A Snipe and a Green Sandpiper at Robbie Garnett hide. (Paul Masters). Pic by Paul.

Gloucester    At Lower Parting, Port Ham at 9:50am a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker flew from Sudmeadow towards Maisemore. Two Stonechats on Port Ham. Good Severn Bore - especially for a 3 star! (Ian Elphick).

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 104, 37 Coot, five Great Crested Grebes, 60 Tufted Ducks, 16 Mallards, a Red Crested Pochard, 16 Pochards and a Stonechat. (Pete Evans). At Pit 32 in the roost 1350 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 150 Herring Gulls and 1060 Black-headed Gulls. (Gareth Harris). At Pit 84 a Kingfisher, 50+ Black headed Gulls, 15+ Gadwall, 10+ Reed Buntings leaving their roost at first light, a Green Sandpiper and a Cockatiel. (Eric Palmer/Gareth Harris).

Sat 7th Oct 2006

WWT Slimbridge    A Razorbill this morning at Slimbridge, first seen by Geoff Moyser from the Holden Tower flying up and past Mid Point. Found again from Mid Point when it flew down from Saul Warth before settling on the river and floating back downriver. (Andy Lodge).

Tirley    A Swallow over at 10am. (Mark Grieve).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A steady south passage noted today 32 Meadow Pipits south (one flock of 16 ,rest in numbers under 5 ), nine Pied Wagtails, flocks of 31, 22 and 25 Linnets, 13 Stock Doves, five Lapwings and six Golden Plovers (8:50am) and six Skylarks all south. Along the canal three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, three Bullfinches, a Chiffchaff and two Goldcrests. From the hide a male Sparrowhawk, a Jay, a Snipe over, two Little Grebes, 16 Wigeon, 15 Shovelers and a Raven also a Grey Heron. (Mark Grieve).

Cotswold Water Park    A Kingfisher on Pit 32. On Pits 84/85 a Green Sandpiper, 5+ Skylarks, 3+ Meadow Pipits, two Reed Buntings, 15+ Lapwings, 5+ Gadwall, 20+ Wigeon, two Little Grebes, 25+ Black-headed Gulls and a Kestrel. (Gareth Harris). 

Fri 6th Oct 2006

Andoversford    A Red Kite east of Andoversford viewed from the A40. (Andy Chapman).

Berkeley shore    A Wheatear along the sea wall towards the power station, and 14 House Martins and ten Swallows going south downriver this morning. Also 16 Collared Doves by Severn House Farm. (Paul Masters). A White Wagtail feeding with Pied Wagtails. From Severn House Copse 38 Turnstones and 40 Dunlins. (Andy Lodge). 

Fretherne to Framilode    Eight Stonechats along the river bank, two Peregrines, flocks of 60 Goldfinches, 25 Linnets and 20 Meadow Pipits. (Terry Fenton).

WWT Slimbridge    A Peregrine and four Golden Plovers in flight from the Holden Tower, on South Lake two Spotted Redshanks, three Greenshanks, 34 Redshanks and c70 Black-tailed Godwits. (Paul Masters).

Frampton    A Ferruginous x Pochard hybrid male at the Sailing Lake this morning. (Martin McGill).

Thu 5th Oct 2006

Cheltenham    This morning at 6:30am a Tawny Owl hooting in Charlton Park and another distantly towards Leckhampton Hill. (Steve Brown).    

Tue 3rd Oct 2006

Huntsman's Quarry    Three White Wagtails (two males and a presumed female) and two Wheatears in a field, with a Peregrine in a nearby field. (Dave Pearce).

Forest of Dean    A female Goshawk flying alongside the car at 10:30am on the road from Ruardean towards Goodrich. (Steve Brown).
Gloucester    At Plock Court a Raven over and 12 Goldfinches this morning. (Steve Brown).

Corse Lawn    A House Martin over south today. (Mark Grieve).

Mon 2nd Oct 2006

WWT Slimbridge    30 Golden Plovers, 32 Dunlins, a Sanderling, three Grey Plovers, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 85 Black-tailed Godwits (min count), three Spotted Redshanks (South Lake), a Scaup, three White Wagtails, a Stonechat, two Whinchats, a Hobby, a Sedge Warbler, a Whitethroat, three Wheatears, 21 Swallows (3, 4, 13 and 1) south through the day. A pair of Peregrines were on the Dumbles edge. (Martin McGill).

Whitminster    100+ Meadow Pipits heading SE at 6pm. (Martin McGill).

Charlton Kings    A Tawny Owl hooting at 6:30am in the Bafford area. (Steve Brown).

Tirley    Up to 600 Starlings on pasture, 50+ Meadow Pipits on stubble with 70+ Linnets and 10+ Skylarks and 24 Swallows over (one flock of 19) S to SW. (Mark Grieve).

Staunton    72 Lapwings on a ploughed field. (Mark Grieve).

Sun 1st Oct 2006

Ampney Crucis    A Red Kite being mobbed by Crows and Rooks whilst gliding over 'The Crown' at Ampney Crucis today. (Rob Wilkinson).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the wharf to the Grundon hide a Treecreeper, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a flock of Long-tailed tits including three Chiffchaffs and a Bullfinch. From the hide six Snipe, 12 Wigeon, a Grey Heron, a Little Egret, two Little Grebes, a female Teal, six Greylags, a Jay and a Kestrel. 13 Swallows and 12+ Meadow Pipits through south. (Mark Grieve).

Frampton     A Black Tern still on the Sailing Lake at 1:30pm. 

WWT Slimbridge    Two juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpipers were still on the Dumbles this morning only. Also an adult Mediterranean Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull. 

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 6:50am. (Mark Grieve).

Sat 30th Sep 2006

Tirley    Two Ravens today and a Swallow flew south. (Mark Grieve).

WWT Slimbridge    Two juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpipers were still on the Dumbles today. Wardened access only. Two first-winter Scaup on the reserve today. (Dave Paynter).

Charlton Kings    At Ravensgate Hill a foraging flock including two Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrests, a female Blackcap, six Long-tailed Tits and three Blue Tits. (Steve Brown).

Frampton     A Black Tern still on the Sailing Lake at 5:15pm. A Raven flew up Vicarage lane being harried by a crow. (John Overfield/Paul Masters/Bill Church/Terry Fenton). Pic by Paul.

Fri 29th Sep 2006

Corse    A Barn Owl quartering the wide grass verge opposite Corse Lawn Hotel at 9:35pm. (T & E Butler).

Frampton    On the Sailing Lake this evening a Black Tern still. Also 24 Great Crested Grebes, a Little Grebe, three Pochards and two Grey Herons. (Mark Hobson).

Longlevens    A garden female Sparrowhawk at 4:15pm today. Pic by Frank. (Frank Bryant). 

Thu 28th Sep 2006

WWT Slimbridge    Two juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpipers were still on the Dumbles this morning. Access until midday only. A Spotted Redshank, a Ruff and a Bar-tailed Godwit on South Lake. Three Bar-tailed Godwits on the Dumbles and three Little Egrets. Two Little Stints, 94 Black-tailed Godwits and three Dunlins from Mid Point. Also a Snipe and a Water Rail today. (Derek Hale/Mark Hobson).

Ashleworth Ham    Two Chiffchaffs in Stank Lane, six Skylarks south, two Reed Buntings, three Stonechats, a Grey Heron, a Jay, four House Martins and four Swallows south, a Buzzard, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and 10+ Meadow Pipits south. (Mark Grieve).

Gloucester    A Cockatiel flying around the Horton Road/London Road junction today. (Steve Brown).

Wed 27th Sep 2006

Forest of Dean    A Dipper on the stream behind the stone works at Cannop Ponds. Also 13 Tufted Ducks (10m, 3f). (Derek Hale).

Guiting    250+ Lapwings and 100+ Starlings in a recently sown field with 15 House Martins and three Swallows over. (Graham Watson).

WWT Slimbridge    Two juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpipers were still on the Dumbles at high tide. Access until 5pm only.

Cleeve Hill    36+ Chaffinches and seven Pied Wagtails by the Golf Club. A Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk and four Goldcrests in a large assorted tit flock near the Wash Pool. On the top of the hill three Stonechats and a Raven and on the 17th fairway a flock of 40+ Meadow Pipits and three Wheatears. Also 10+ Meadow Pipits flew S to SW and eight Swallows flew S. (Mark Grieve).

Gloucester    A Barn Owl at Sudmeadow at 7am this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Tue 26th Sep 2006

Gloucester    Two Ravens over Horton Road this afternoon. (Steve Brown).

Frampton    Two Black Terns still on the Sailing Lake this evening. Also two Green Woodpeckers. At least three Little Owls around the grounds at Court Lake this evening and also a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail. (Mark Hobson).

Forest of Dean    50+ Mandarins at Cannop Ponds today. (Graham Watson). Three Goshawks from New Fancy View Point, one to the E in a tree, one at the E end of Staple Edge and one to the N. (Derek Hale). Pics below by Graham. 

WWT Slimbridge    Two juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpipers were still on the Dumbles this morning. A juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper on South Lake still. Also 4+ Spotted Redshanks.

Tirley    At 2:30 am a Tawny Owl calling. Also three Skylarks south at 8:30am. (Mark Grieve).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the wharf to the Grundon hide a steady but small southward passage of 35+ Meadow Pipits and 35+ Skylarks. Along the canal two Jays, three Chiffchaffs, a male Blackcap, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Treecreeper and a male Bullfinch. From the hide a Little Egret, three Grey Herons, a Little Grebe, 1/2 Sparrowhawks and two Buzzards. 30+ Swallows and eight House Martins flew south. (Mark Grieve).

Mon 25th Sep 2006

Forest of Dean    A Goshawk and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker from New Fancy View Point. (Derek Hale).

WWT Slimbridge    Two juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpipers were still on the Dumbles this morning but not later. Two juvenile Pectoral Sandpipers on South Lake still.

Frampton    Two Black Terns on the Sailing Lake at 6:15pm. Also 15+ Great Crested Grebes. (Bill Church). 

Eastington    At Millend today the third day of continuing southward passage with 30+ Meadow Pipits, 40+ mix of Swallows and House Martins and a group of 11 Mistle Thrushes. Also five Buzzards circling with a female Sparrowhawk and a Raven sat on a pylon (Jake King).

Tidenham Chase    At the Park at this morning a Goshawk pursuing a Green Woodpecker. (Ivan Proctor).

Sun 24th Sep 2006

WWT Slimbridge    The Semi-palmated Sandpiper still and the two Buff-breasted Sandpipers were still on the Dumbles this morning and four Pectoral Sandpipers on South Lake. Walks out to the birds from 10:30am until 1pm tomorrow if the birds are present. Pectoral Sandpiper pics below by Ben Macdonald.

Also a Mediterranean Gull on South Lake. (Mark Hobson). Six Common Terns flew fast downriver past Mid Point at 4pm. (Terry Fenton).

Frampton    Two Black Terns on the Sailing Lake at 8am. (David Owen). At Court Lake two Green Sandpipers, a Kingfisher and a Cetti's Warbler. (Terry Fenton).

Fretherne    A Pectoral Sandpiper briefly this morning before it flew off towards Frampton. Also a Black Tern on the river. (Andy Lodge).

Cotswold Water Park    At Dudgrove Sailing Lake today a Black Tern, two Hobbies, five Ruddy Ducks and 50+ Great Crested Grebes. (Steve Owen).

Cleeve Hill    Four Redwings over the Butterfly reserve. Also two Marsh Tits in the Butterfly reserve and a pair of Bullfinches at Woodlands Farm. (Steve Brown).

Sat 23rd Sep 2006

Cotswold Water Park    An adult Black Tern on Pit 32 again today. (Gareth Harris).

Slimbridge Village    A grounded Manx Shearwater, in healthy condition, picked up today by a dog walker. It is being released tonight at Severn Beach. (James Lees). Pic below by Paul Bowerman.

WWT Slimbridge    The two Buff-breasted Sandpipers were still on the Dumbles this morning and the Semi-palmated Sandpiper was still present although for the most part difficult to view. No access to the Dumbles after 2pm. Walks out to the birds will start from 10am tomorrow if the birds are present. Four Pectoral Sandpipers were on South Lake early morning. (Dave Paynter). Also 250+ Lapwings, 35 Redshanks, nine Ruff, 46 Black-tailed Godwits. (Mark Grieve). Also 20 Little Egrets, two Greenshanks, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 20 Grey Plovers, 37 Dunlin, 16 Ringed Plovers, a Little Stint, 70 Lapwings, two Golden Plovers, a Peregrine and a Raven. (MK/Andy Lodge). From Mid Point 69 Wigeon, 85 Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff and two Wheatears. In the grounds a Chiffchaff calling and a Sparrowhawk buzzing House Martins over the car park. (Mark Grieve). Little Stint pic below by Graham Watson.

Purton    Four adult Mediterranean Gulls this evening, including one with colour ring, white 3N93, which was probably ringed in Belgium. (John Sanders). Pic below by John.

Fri 22nd Sep 2006

WWT Slimbridge    The two Buff-breasted Sandpipers were still on the Dumbles at 5pm. (Pic by Ian Ralphs).

Tomorrow a guided walk will take place mid-morning if the birds are present, not 8am as previously stated. Wait at the Holden Tower for a Warden. Donations appreciated.

Pic below by Terry Fenton

A Semi-palmated Sandpiper found on the Dumbles at 9:30am. It remained in close-view until 12:15pm when it flew out onto the river. This is a first for the County found by James Lees. At 11am two Buff-breasted Sandpipers flew in to the Dumbles (7th and 8th records for the County and the first multiple record) also found by James. Congratulations yet again! 

Also 12 Black Terns, nine Little Stints, a Curlew Sandpiper, two Sanderlings, 80 Dunlin, 30 Ringed Plovers, 11 Grey Plovers, a Golden Plover, five Greenshanks, two Bar-tailed Godwits, a Green Sandpiper, 14 Little Egrets, five Yellow-legged Gulls and two Wheatears. Two juvenile Pectoral Sandpipers on South Lake this morning. Also on South Lake two Spotted Redshanks and c100 Black-tailed Godwits. (James Lees). Pics below by James. 

Pics below by Paul Masters.

Saul Warth    At high tide at 9am this morning two very confiding Pectoral Sandpipers waiting for the water to recede. Also two Wheatears and two Grey Wagtails. (Dave Evans).

Cotswold Water Park    An adult Black Tern on Pit 32 this morning. (Rob Strachan).

Gloucester    Two garden Chiffchaffs in Horton Road, Gloucester and a mixed flock of 15 Long-tailed Tits, three Blue Tits, a Great Tit and a Goldcrest. (Steve Brown).

Thu 21st Sep 2006

Purton    Four Mediterranean Gulls this evening, three adults and an unringed first-winter. A picture of the 25-year old Common Gull from Estonia, white PU93, seen at Purton this evening is below.  (John Sanders).

Cotswold Water Park    Today on Pit 84 two Green Sandpipers, 20+ Teal, a Wigeon, 10+ Gadwall, 6+ Shovelers and a Hobby. On Pits 85a/85b 100+ Teal, 20+ Gadwall, 10+ Wigeon and four Little Grebes. (Bob Shiret). A Black Tern on Pit 32 this afternoon. (Rob Strachan).

WWT Slimbridge    1+ juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper on South Lake this morning still. Also on site today nine Little Stints, a Curlew Sandpiper, seven Grey Plovers, 48 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plovers, a Little Ringed Plover, four Snipe, eight Greenshanks, three Bar-tailed Godwits, 97 Black-tailed Godwits, three Ruff and ten Little Egrets. (James Lees). 

Wed 20th Sep 2006

WWT Slimbridge    Three juvenile Pectoral Sandpipers on South Lake this morning. Also on South Lake four Spotted Redshanks, 54 Redshanks, a Greenshank, 114 Black-tailed Godwits, two Ruff and the Scaup with 70 Tufted Ducks. (James Lees). Pic below by James. Also an Osprey flying off mid point towards Chepstow. (Gareth Rees).

Gloucester    A Greenshank on the Lower Parting at 3:15pm when it flew off downstream. (Gordon Avery).

Tue 19th Sep 2006

Gloucester    At Port Ham this evening a Little Egret, a Greenshank, two Green Sandpipers, five Whinchats and at least two Stonechats. (Andy Jayne).

Purton    Six Mediterranean Gulls at roost this evening, three adults, a second-winter and two first-winters, including one with a German colour ring, green AASR, the same bird seen three evenings ago. Also five Common Gulls with colour rings, four from Norway, and one from Estonia, that was first ringed as a nestling over 25 years ago! (John Sanders).

Eastington    At Millend late afternoon, at least three singing Chiffchaffs, two Kingfishers, a Grey Wagtail and a Hobby flying downriver low over the cottage. (Jake King).

Forest of Dean    A pair of Stonechats on the restocked site at Boy's Grave near Speech House this morning. Also a Raven at the same site. (Ivan Proctor).

WWT Slimbridge    1+ Pectoral Sandpiper on South Lake again this morning. Also a drake Red Crested Pochard and a drake Scaup still. 

Mon 18th Sep 2006

WWT Slimbridge    Two juvenile Pectoral Sandpipers on South Lake again this afternoon. Also three Ruff, seven Spotted Redshanks, a Green Sandpiper and a Yellow Wagtail. 

Cleeve Hill    A Hen Harrier (ringtail) quartering fields along approach road to West Down car park this morning. (Dave Pearce). Also seen yesterday (17th) by Ian Boyd, the farmer at Whittington Lodge Farm, when he obtained the pics below.

Sun 17th Sep 2006

Purton    Four Mediterranean Gulls this evening, three adults and a first-winter with no ring, so a different bird from yesterday. (John Sanders).

Quedgeley    A Ring-necked Parakeet flew from the bottom of The Holly Grove towards Hardwicke at 6:35pm. (MK).

Twyning    The Osprey flew over Twyning and into Bredons Hardwick (Worcs) at 4:45pm. Earlier it was seen to fly out of Bredons Hardwick over Puckrup. Also a probable Honey Buzzard (jizz looked just right, but stayed distant). (Andy Lodge/Steve Owen/Francis Peplow/MK).

Whitminster    Two Hobbies near the A38 late morning. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman).

Walmore Common    This morning a Hobby, three Snipe, four Yellow Wagtails, a Reed Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher with a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker nearby at Ley Lane. 

Guscar Rocks    This afternoon two Wigeon, 19 Ringed Plovers, a Sanderling, two Curlew Sandpipers, 60 Dunlin, two Snipe, seven Redshanks and a Wheatear. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    Two juvenile Pectoral Sandpipers on South Lake again this morning. Also c90 Black-tailed Godwits, two Ruff and a Spotted Redshank. On the Long Ground three Spotted Redshanks, from Holden Tower a Green Sandpiper, a male Redstart, a Willow Warbler, a Reed Warbler and two Peregrines. A Snipe from Robbie Garnett hide. From Mid Point three Grey Plovers, a Little Stint, six Ringed Plovers, 15 Dunlin, two Wheatears, a Sedge Warbler, 20 Goldfinches and two Ravens. (James Lees/Andy Lodge/Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/MK). Additionally this afternoon from Mid Point a Curlew Sandpiper briefly and a Knot. (Ian Ralphs).

Sat 16th Sep 2006

Gloucester    At Port Ham a Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper on the pond/scrape. Three Whinchats in the field. A Hornet near Lower Parting stealing insects from spider's webs. (Pic below by Ian). At Richard's Wood balancing pond (junction of southwest bypass with Westgate Bridge) a  Kingfisher today. (Ian Elphick).

Bredons Hardwick (Worcs)    The Osprey which has been favouring Bredon's Hardwick for the last few days flew in to Glos today at 5pm with a fish heading towards Shuthonger when it was lost from view. (Brian Stretch).

Purton    Three Mediterranean Gulls this evening, two adults and a first-winter. (John Sanders). The first-winter had a green ring on the left leg, AA plus 2 further digits that could not be read. If anyone does read it please let me know.

WWT Slimbridge    Two juvenile Pectoral Sandpipers flew into South Lake at lunchtime. Also a Garganey here. Two Ruddy Shelducks, 15 Dunlin, seven Ringed Plovers, two Sanderlings, a Yellow-legged Gull and a Little Egret at Mid Point. (James Lees/Andy Lodge/Ian Ralphs/Steve Owen). 

A Wheatear, a Little Egret, a female Sparrowhawk and a small Grass Snake on the morning safari. (Steve & Christopher Brown).

Fretherne    A Wheatear, 15 Dunlin, 50+ Curlews, 21 Goldfinches, a Kingfisher and a Great Spotted Woodpecker early this morning. (Andy Lodge/MK).

Fri 15th Sep 2006

WWT Slimbridge    The Pectoral Sandpiper still present on South Lake from 2:30-4:30pm at least with at least two Spotted Redshanks, two Ruff and ten Greenshanks. From Mid Point a distant Ruddy Shelduck, good numbers of Wigeon, a Peregrine and small numbers of Dunlin and Ringed Plovers. (Graham Watson/Ben Macdonald).

Gloucester    This morning a Lesser Whitethroat in the park behind St Peter's Primary School and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth in Horton Road. (Steve Brown).

Frampton    Four adult and four juvenile Common Terns still being fed and two juvenile Arctic Terns today. Arctic Tern pic below by Graham and also Black-headed Gulls. An Arctic Tern and three Common Terns still on the Sailing Lake this evening. (Paul Masters).

Thu 14th Sep 2006

Cheltenham    A Tawny Owl hooting in Charlton Park at 8:30pm. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    The Pectoral Sandpiper again on South Lake from 3:45pm to 4:45pm at least. (Dave Pearce). Pic below by Dave.

Gloucester    A garden Chiffchaff at Horton Road today. (Steve Brown).

Wed 13th Sep 2006

Painswick    This morning three Ravens on Painswick Beacon golf course. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    The Pectoral Sandpiper again on South Lake from 2:45pm to 3:45pm at least. (James Lees).

Witcombe Reservoir     Eight Teal (good total for site), a Common Sandpiper and a Kingfisher. Tufted Duck numbers up to 56 on the WeBS count today. (Gordon Avery).

Frampton    A Little Tern on the Sailing Lake at midday. (Nick Goatman).

Cleeve Hill    Five Wheatears, four Stonechats and three Kestrels hunting the scarp together near the radio masts. At Wontley Barn another Kestrel, two Buzzards, five Meadow Pipits and a flock of 300+ House Martins passing south with a few Swallows also at 1:30pm. (Mark Grieve).

Tue 12th Sep 2006

Gloucester    A Corncrake seen in flight twice this afternoon at Port Ham between the sub-station and the large pylon to the south. (Paulo Zaltowski per Gordon Avery). No sign during a good search this evening but two Whinchats, a Reed Bunting, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Buzzard.

Gloucester    Migrant moths trapped at Hempsted this evening Diamond-backed Moth (Plutella xylostella), Rush Veneer (Nomophila noctuella), Silver Y Moth and a first for the site Scarce Bordered Straw (Helicoverpa armigera). (Gordon Avery). 

Cotswold Water Park    An unconfirmed report of an Osprey over Pits 46/48. (per Gareth Harris). A Snipe and five Great Crested Grebes today at Pit 104 today. (Pete Evans).

Charlton Kings     A female Sparrowhawk flushed on Ravensgate Hill, above Charlton Kings at 7:33pm. (Steve Brown).

Mon 11th Sep 2006

WWT Slimbridge    From the Holden Tower an Avocet, a Bar-tailed Godwit, two Greenshanks, six Black-tailed Godwits, distant Ringed Plover and Dunlin on the Dumbles, a Wheatear along the fence at Mid Point. From Robbie Garnett hide four Snipe, a Ruff and two Green Sandpipers. (Mark Hobson). A possible female American Wigeon this morning but not relocated. Also three juvenile Garganeys on South Lake this evening. (James Lees). Two Sanderlings on the mudflats. (Gordon Avery). A Chiffchaff below photographed at the Holden Tower by Graham Watson.

Frampton    An Arctic Tern still early morning and later two Black Terns (pic below by Graham) and eight Common Terns on the Sailing Lake.  No sign of the Wryneck this morning between 6-11am. (Gordon Avery/Mark Hobson/Graham Watson). Two Black Terns and the Arctic Tern were still still present between 4:15-5pm along with five Common Terns. (Steve & Christopher Brown).

Sun 10th Sep 2006

Frampton    A Wryneck at the Sailing Lake this afternoon near the Sailing Club. It showed again late afternoon but until 6:25pm only when it flew and was not seen again. (Geoff Hudson per AJ). (Note: it or another was ringed this afternoon after being found in a nearby fruit cage. (SVRG Brian Bailey/Maurice Durham per Gordon Avery). Also this evening a Black Tern, an Arctic Tern, four Common Terns and a Raven. (Andy Jayne/Tony Eveleigh).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Bonaparte's Gull on the Dumbles from Holden Tower from 8:15am to 9:25am at least. Then again on South Lake between 12:35-12:45pm only. It was back in front of the Holden Tower again this evening and may well be present first thing tomorrow. (James Lees). This is a County first. Congratulations to James for finding it. Pic below by James. 

Five Avocets flew in to the Dumbles at 10am. (Richard Baatsen). The Pectoral Sandpiper again today on the Dumbles until 1pm at least. Also a Little Stint. (Ian Ralphs). Five Spotted Redshanks on South Lake. (Andy Jayne). A Black Tern on the 100-Acre late morning. (James Lees). A Garganey at South Lake (pic below by John). Also three Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper and a Ruff from Robbie Garnett hide and a Hobby over the collection. (John Martin).

Cleeve Hill    Two Wheatears, a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Redstart, a Stonechat and six Whinchats in the Wontley Farm area this morning. (Ian Ralphs/Duncan Dine).

Cotswold Water Park    A Kingfisher, seven Willow Warblers, three Reed Buntings, two Jays, two Green Woodpeckers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and five Long-tailed Tits at Pit 43. (Keith Perkins).

Forest of Dean    150 to 200 passage House Martins feeding around the tall chimneys of Speech House Hotel early morning. Still some resident birds feeding young at nests at the same site. (Mike Teesdale).

Sat 9th Sep 2006

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake this morning 25 Great Crested Grebes, a Hobby, three Common Terns, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and many hirundines including two Sand Martins. (Martin Wightman/Jon Mercer). Also a female Ruddy Duck reported. (Martin Wightman).

Cotswold Water Park    31+ Black Terns on Pit 57 at 4:15pm. (Simon Pickering).

WWT Slimbridge    A Pectoral Sandpiper on South Lake this morning present until 11:45am at least. (Graham Maples). Pics by Paul Masters. Later no sign between 5-6pm but juvenile Mediterranean Gull and now four Spotted Redshanks. (James Lees).

Also on South Lake three Spotted Redshanks (two adults and a juvenile), c100 Black-tailed Godwits, five Greenshanks, two Ruff and a Grey Wagtail. Earlier from Mid Point at high tide an adult Yellow-legged Gull, five Sanderlings, 48 Curlew, 27 Dunlin, two Ringed Plovers, five Little Egrets and a Raven. (MK/Andy Lodge/Ian Ralphs/Jon Mercer).

Fretherne    Three Curlew Sandpipers early morning on the estuary. (Andy Lodge). Also a Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, eight Yellow Wagtails, four Grey Wagtails and three Wheatears. (Martin Wightman/Richard Baatsen).

Fri 8th Sep 2006

North Nibley    A Nightjar hawking insects at the edge of Westridge Woods on the public footpath above Pitt Court (just east of North Nibley) ST748958 at 8:30pm. (John Overfield).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Between 7:45-9:30am a Green Sandpiper, a Snipe and a Ringed Plover, a mixed flock of 24 tits - ten Blue Tits, six Great Tits and eight Long-tailed Tits, a Bullfinch, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Reed Bunting, a Chiffchaff, a Kestrel and a Song Thrush. Also four Linnets and six Swallows flying south. (Frank Bryant).

Thu 7th Sep 2006

Coombe Hill Meadows    A female Garganey, three Green Sandpipers, two Snipe, a Grey Heron, a Little Egret, seven Teal, a Sedge Warbler and a Brown Hare today. (David Anderson).

Berkeley    The Osprey was seen again today flying past Berkeley this morning. (per Paul Taylor).

Fretherne    A Little Egret, five Curlews, eight Shelducks, a Buzzard and a Kestrel today. (Bob Shiret).

Wed 6th Sep 2006

Gloucester    At Alney Island a Clouded Yellow butterfly at Telford's Bridge, one at Castlemeads and another at Oxleaze between 9am-1pm. A Small Copper was at Port Ham. (Ian Elphick). 

Fretherne    Three Arctic Terns flew south downriver from inland, a Common Tern carrying food, 25 Curlews, a Dunlin,  a Common Sandpiper, a distant Little Egret and a Mute Swan on the river (unusual) at high tide this evening. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    The Osprey flew up river early at Mid Point. Two Ruddy Shelducks still on the far side near the sluice, a Little Stint, three Curlew Sandpipers, 31 Sanderlings, three Greenshanks, two Turnstones, 240 Ringed Plovers, seven Knot, 200 Dunlin, six Little Egrets, three Grey Herons, 4+ Yellow-legged Gulls, a Yellow Wagtail and two Wheatears. From Robbie Garnett hide three Green Sandpipers. (Graham Watson/Anser Birding). This evening 15 Knot, 22 Sanderlings and a Bar-tailed Godwit. (James Lees).

Tue 5th Sep 2006

Tuffley    A male Tawny Owl calling over Daniels Brook at 10pm. (Mark Hobson).
Fretherne    Two Common Sandpipers and five Commic Terns at high tide at 7:30pm. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge     An Osprey sat atop a dead tree in the middle of the estuary for at least 1½ hours this morning. (Neil Smart). Also 270 Ringed Plovers, 180 Dunlin, two Curlew Sandpipers, two Little Stints, two Turnstones and four Greenshanks. At lunchtime two Ruddy Shelducks were flighty about the estuary with 250 Shelducks. South Lake had an adult and juvenile Spotted Redshank, 126 Black-tailed Godwits, 26 Redshanks and 200 Teal. (Anser Birding).

Dudbridge    A Dipper sitting on a dumped Sainsbury's trolley on the River Frome at lunchtime. (Steve Brown).

Sun 3rd Sep 2006

Corse    A Tawny Owl calling at 12:15am. (Mark Grieve).

Sat 2nd Sep 2006

WWT Slimbridge    A dark-phase Arctic Skua past Mid Point this afternoon. (Dave Paynter). Then seen off Awre at 2:20pm. (John Phillips). Also an adult Shag flying downriver close inshore off Awre soon after. (John Phillips). Seen earlier flying over the second Severn Crossing. (per Paul Bowerman). Also 84 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake and 12 at Robbie Garnett hide, two Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, four Green Sandpipers, 40 Sand Martins and three Whinchats. (Mark Hobson).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the Grundon hide three Green Sandpipers, a Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper, a first winter Dunlin, a Yellow Wagtail, four Teal and a Wheatear. A large number of House Martins and Sand Martins feeding and passing south throughout the afternoon. (Mark Grieve).

Gloucester    At Lower Parting at 2:45pm a Common Sandpiper. At Port Ham pond at 3pm two Little Egrets, a juvenile Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper. (Ian Elphick).

Frampton    Five Common Terns (two juveniles), two Little Egrets and a Kingfisher at the Sailing Lake early morning. (Mark Hobson/Andy Lodge/MK).

Tirley    50+ Swallows over Tirley Knowle at 8pm. (Mark Grieve).

Fri 1st Sep 2006

Frampton    A Little Tern busy around the two jetties diving frequently and five Common Terns (two juveniles) on the jetty of Sailing Lake at 4:30pm. (Bill Church).

Longlevens    A Swift at 4pm  today. (Andy Lodge).

Stroud    A Swift over Farmhill today. (Shane Long).

Thu 31st Aug 2006

WWT Slimbridge    This morning at Mid Point a sub-adult Yellow-legged Gull showing characteristics of Caspian Gull (see Anser Birding Diary for August 22nd for a pic and discussion), a Greenshank, a Whinchat, a Hobby, 25 Ringed Plovers and three Turnstones. A Peregrine on the Dumbles. (Steve Brown/Pete Alder).

Charlton Kings    At 8-8:30pm a Tawny Owl hooting at each end of the ridge on Ravensgate Hill and two others interacting near the Clock Tower Restaurant. Also a Little Owl calling and a Pipistrelle in flight near Vineyards farm. (Steve Brown).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 79 two Little Egrets and a Kestrel. Two Snipe, two Ringed Plovers, three Green Sandpipers, two Ruff and eight Gadwall on Pit 84 this afternoon. (Bob Shiret). Also in the evening  at Pits 84/85 a Little Ringed Plover, two Yellow Wagtails and a female Mandarin. (David Owen).

Wed 30th Aug 2006

Snowshill    Two Hobbies flying south, a Little Owl, a Buzzard and a male Kestrel sighted from Snowshill Manor gardens. (David Anderson).

Painswick Beacon    This morning a male Redstart, a male Wheatear, a fly-through Peregrine, seven Spotted Flycatchers, eight Chiffchaffs, three Blackcaps and a Willow Warbler. (Frank Steuck).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the wharf 12+ Chiffchaffs, two Willow Warblers, two Blackcaps, 3/4 Whitethroats, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Treecreeper, three Bullfinches and a Swift south at 3pm. From the hide 25 Lapwings, a Snipe, a Common Sandpiper, two Green Sandpipers, a Curlew, a Spotted Flycatcher and three Buzzards soaring together. At the Long Pool a female Redstart and a female Garganey. (Mark Grieve).

Tue 29th Aug 2006

Gloucester    Two Ravens over Westgate Street at 8:45am today. (Martin Drew).

Mon 28th Aug 2006

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 57 a Common Sandpiper today. (Gareth Harris).

Sun 27th Aug 2006

Bourton-on-the-Water    At Greystones Farm GWT reserve late broods of Reed Buntings (two adults feeding two begging young) and Greenfinches (three begging young in a group of about ten). Also a Spotted Flycatcher near the River Eye footbridge. (Andy Lewis).

Frampton    A female Peregrine over the Sailing Lake at 7:20am. Also two adult and two juvenile Common Terns. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    From Mid-Point a Little Egret, a Greenshank and three Yellow Wagtails. (Andy Lodge/Mark Hobson/MK). Also a Migrant Hawker. Four Green Sandpipers from Robbie Garnett hide early morning. (Martin McGill). On South Lake a Spotted Redshank, four Greenshanks and a Ruff. (Mark Hobson).  Three juvenile Shags (4:10-4:30pm) roosting on the estuary, they eventually flew off downriver before stopping for a few minutes in the main channel and then continuing. (Martin McGill/Bob Radford).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the wharf to the Grundon hide, 20 Swallows south at 6:45am, 20+ Chiffchaffs, four Whitethroats, two Sedge Warblers, a Blackcap, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, two Jays, two Bullfinches, a Treecreeper and a flock of 21 Long-tailed Tits. From the hide three Little Egrets, three Green Sandpipers, a full summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwit, three Teal, three Tufted Ducks and a Curlew calling from the Leigh river meadows. Also at 8am 45+ Swallows with a few House Martins went south down river. (Mark Grieve).

Sat 26th Aug 2006

Cotswold Water Park    On Pit 32 a Yellow-legged Gull at dusk with 489 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 18 Herring Gulls, 820+ Black-headed Gulls and nine Common Terns (2 ads, 7 juvs). At Pit 79 a Common Sandpiper, two Green Sandpipers, three Little Egrets, a wing-tagged Grey Heron, 220+ Lapwings, 190+ Canada Geese, a Hobby and 20+ Stock Doves. At Pit 84 three Green Sandpipers, two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, a Snipe, an adult summer-plumaged Dunlin and 52 Gadwall. At Pit 85a a Green Sandpiper, on Pit 85b, 210+ Mallards, a Green Sandpiper and two Curlews. (Gareth Harris).

Berkeley    Three Yellow Wagtails amongst the cattle, a Garden Warbler in the hedge and a Little Owl calling from the Severn Way alongside the Berkeley Power Station. Also Speckled Wood and Comma butterflies. (Howard & Mary Lloyd).

Frampton    At Court Lake this evening four Swifts, seven Green Sandpipers and a family of four Spotted Flycatchers. (Nick Goatman).

WWT Slimbridge    Three Spotted Redshanks, a Whimbrel, 140 Black-tailed Godwits, six Little Ringed Plovers, eight Greenshanks, 200 Dunlin, a  Bar-tailed Godwit, four Yellow Wagtails and eight Wheatears. (James Lees).

Tirley    Up to 300 Starlings in a garden roost in Tirley. Also 50 Swallows and House Martins on wires in the village. (Mark Grieve).

Thu 24th Aug 2006

WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake a male Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 23 Redshanks and 123 Black-tailed Godwits, 150 Teal, 30 Shovelers and the Scaup. The Top New Piece had up to seven juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, four Green Sandpipers, two Ruff, at least four Greenshanks, 36 Redshanks and a Garganey with 30 Teal. On the river/edge of the Dumbles a flock of 274 Ringed Plovers, 180+ Dunlin, four Sanderlings, a Little Stint, two Knot, a juvenile Bar-tailed Godwit, an Oystercatcher, 124 Shelducks and 300 Curlews were roosting over high tide. Two Yellow Wagtails were among the cattle. The 100-Acre had two Whinchats and 2-3 adult Hobbies at lunchtime. (Anser Birding).

Frampton    At the WWT 100-Acre from the viewing platform at 4pm a male Hobby in a dead tree near the sea wall. Two Buzzards (one immature) on the grassy bank and two Kestrels hovering close to the platform. (Bill Church).

Wed 23rd Aug 2006

Cheltenham    Two garden Jays and six Goldfinches (two juveniles). A juvenile Sparrowhawk has been visiting on and off for several days. (Steve Brown/David Anderson).

Tue 22nd Aug 2006

Berkeley shore    A female Marsh Harrier flew east across the River Severn and then south today. Also five Greenshanks flew south. (Paul Taylor).

WWT Slimbridge     An adult Spotted Redshank and a Ruff on South Lake still.

Sun 20th Aug 2006

Guscar Rocks    67 Ringed Plovers, a Knot, 32 Dunlin, c200 Curlews and a Turnstone at high tide this evening. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    Nine Swifts over Court Lake this evening. (Nick Goatman).

Gloucester    A Little Egret, a Greenshank and four Green Sandpipers at Port Ham today. (Andy Jayne).

Walmore Common    A Hobby and a Whinchat today. (Andy Jayne). 

Northleach    Two Redstarts and three Wheatears in a field above Crickley Barrow Farm. A family party of 4-5 Yellow Wagtails near Winterwell Farm. (Andy Lewis).

WWT Slimbridge     An adult and an immature Gannet off Mid Point at 2pm on the river. Also two Knot in front of hide. (Nick Hopkinson).

The juvenile Aquatic Warbler still present this morning. The only access today will be on guided walks from 11am to 4pm meeting in WWT Slimbridge car park. Admission £2. Ask at the Trust for further details. Strictly no access to this private area at other times. It is unlikely there will be any access after today due to on-site work commitments. Pic below by James Lees.

A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew north through the reserve at 9:30am. (Martin McGill/James Lees).

Frampton    An Osprey over Nebrow Hill Oak Wood at 8am when it flew south before turning east inland. (Nick Goatman). 

Sat 19th Aug 2006

Gloucester    A Clouded Yellow on Town Ham at 2pm (SO821195). (Ian Elphick).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake 394 Coot and 80 Sand Martins. (Tony Eveleigh). A Hobby over Nebrow Hill Oak Wood. (Lee Rogers/Alan Baxter).

Coombe Hill Meadows    This morning two Garganey, three Little Egrets, two Snipe, four Green Sandpipers, a Swift, a Tree Pipit flew SW, a Yellow Wagtail flew N, a Redstart, four Reed Warblers, three Lesser Whitethroats and a Spotted Flycatcher. (Andy Jayne/Mike Smart/Les Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Aquatic Warbler still present this morning on the guided walk. It showed well at midday but has become more elusive in a strengthening wind. It showed well at 4:40pm. Strictly no access to this private area until 11am when the first guided walk will start from the viewing platform in Green Lane. Admission £2. Please park sensibly at Splatt Bridge or in the village. There may be access again tomorrow if the bird is still present. It is unlikely there will be any access after Sunday due to on-site work commitments. Also this morning two Hobbies, two Whinchats, a Green Sandpiper, four Common Terns, a female Reed Bunting carrying food a Clouded Yellow and several Migrant Hawkers. (MK). At 4pm an adult Curlew Sandpiper in summer plumage flew in at Mid Point. Also four Little Egrets and 20+ Dunlins and 20+ Ringed Plovers. (Steve Owen/Lee Rogers/Alan Baxter). A Greenshank over the 100-Acre at 5pm. (Ben Macdonald). Elsewhere around the Trust at South Lake Hide  a Common Tern, a drake Scaup, a Spotted Redshank, 14 Redshanks, 40+ Black-tailed Godwits and two Ruddy Ducks. From Zeiss Hide a Ruff, 20+ Teal, and a Buzzard over. From Holden Tower 40+ Curlew, 60+ Lapwings and a family party of four Ravens. From Stephen Kirk Hide a juvenile Shoveler. At Robbie Garnett Hide a Green Sandpiper and around the visitor centre c30 Goldfinches. (Lee Rogers/Alan Baxter).

Fri 18th Aug 2006

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Aquatic Warbler until 8:15pm at least seen on the guided walk this evening. Also this evening 4+ Common Terns, two Swifts and a Yellow Wagtail. From Zeiss hide a Curlew Sandpipers and 20 Greenshanks today. (Martin McGill/James Lees).

Whitminster    A Cuckoo flew over the lane by the Old Forge at 7:45am and continued south parallel with the A38. (MK).

Thu 17th Aug 2006

WWT Slimbridge    From Mid-Point 17 Curlew Sandpipers, all adults, a Knot, a Sanderling, a Ruff, seven Black-tailed Godwits, 90 Ringed Plovers, three Little Egrets and a Migrant Hawker. Along the Summer Walkway to Mid-Point two Lesser Whitethroats and a Whitethroat. From Robbie Garnett Hide two Green Sandpipers and a Water Rail at Knott Hide. From Zeiss Hide three Greenshanks, six Green Sandpipers and a Snipe. At South Lake two Spotted Redshanks, 139 Black-tailed Godwits, two Green Sandpipers, two Ruff and a male Scaup still. A Kingfisher was in the Big Pen. (Tony Eveleigh). Also reported a  juvenile Garganey at Knott Hide and a male Redstart in the car park.

Wed 16th Aug 2006

Gloucester    Migrant moths trapped at Hempsted this evening Rush Veneer (Nomophila noctuella), Rusty Dot Pearl (Udea ferrugalis) and Small Mottled Willow. (Gordon Avery). 

Cotswold Water Park    This evening at Pits 84/85 eight Green Sandpipers, five Snipe, five Common Terns, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk and a Swift. (David Owen).
Brimscombe    A female Mandarin on the River Frome at Brimscombe Port still consorting with the local Mallards. (David Owen). 

Tue 15th Aug 2006

Painswick Beacon    12+ Chiffchaffs, 10+ Willow Warblers, six Blackcaps, five Spotted Flycatchers (2 ads,3 juvs), four Tree Pipits, three Garden Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat. Also 27 House Martins flew south. (Frank Steuck).

Symonds Yat    A Whimbrel flew south over Yat Rock this afternoon. (Ivan Proctor).

WWT Slimbridge    A Manx Shearwater was in the main channel off of Mid Point from 9:15am until it was carried upriver by the incoming tide. Also 25 Ringed Plovers, 5+ Dunlins, a Common Sandpiper, a Little Egret and a Kestrel. The Scaup was still on South Lake. Also Black-tailed Godwit and Mute Swans. Pics below by Graham. (Graham Watson).

Mon 14th Aug 2006

Cotswold Water Park    Three juvenile Spotted Redshanks flew into Pit 95 (Wiltshire) from the east this evening at 7:45pm, landed for three minutes only then flew north into Glos. (Jon Mercer).

WWT Slimbridge    A flock of 25 Dunlins and 25 Ringed Plovers were off Mid Point at low tide. Up to 13 Little Egrets, a Common Sandpiper, 150 Curlews, the Black-tailed Godwit flock and a Knot were on the estuary also. The Top New Piece attracted eight Greenshanks, a Little Stint, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, a Snipe and five Green Sandpipers. Around the 100-Acre 32 Shovelers, five Wigeon, five Snipe, two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and a Ringed Plover. On the safari a Clouded Yellow, 20+ Migrant Hawkers (some copulating), Common and Ruddy Darter. A male Ruff was on the Tack Piece with two Snipe at the Holden Tower. South Lake had the Scaup still, 138 Black-tailed Godwits and 20 Redshanks. (from Anser Birding).

Sun 13th Aug 2006

Cotswold Water Park    Five Arctic Skuas low over Pit 38 (Wiltshire) flying west into Glos over Pit 57 late morning. They all appeared to be juveniles. Shortly after three Whimbrels flew over again heading into Glos airspace. (Nigel Pleass). 

Sat 12th Aug 2006

WWT Slimbridge    A Scaup on South Lake and a Spotted Redshank today.

Fri 11th Aug 2006

WWT Slimbridge    A Scaup on South Lake, 13 Little Egrets, 18 Yellow-legged Gulls, 450 Curlews, a Grey Plover and a Whinchat.

Thu 10th Aug 2006

WWT Slimbridge    Eight Yellow-legged Gulls, two Common Sandpipers, 400 Curlews, six Greenshank, 113 Dunlin, a Sanderling, two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, three Ringed Plovers, eight Green Sandpipers, 130 Black-tailed Godwits, a Spotted Redshank, 26 Redshanks, a Scaup, two Ruff, six Common Terns, a juvenile Wheatear and a Little Egret on site today. (from Anser Birding).

Gloucester    A garden Garden Warbler at Tuffley for a third day. Pic by Mark. (Mark Hobson).

Wed 9th Aug 2006

Gloucester    A garden Garden Warbler at Tuffley still and a Lesser Whitethroat. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton    From the viewing platform in Green Lane overlooking the 100-Acre a Lesser Whitethroat, three Willow Warblers, a Garganey over, a Greenshank and a Buzzard. (Graham Watson).

WWT Slimbridge    From Mid Point three Common Sandpipers and a Wheatear. From Robbie Garnett hide three Green Sandpipers, four Greenshanks, three Black-tailed Godwits and a Redshank. (Graham Watson).

Tue 8th Aug 2006

Guscar Rocks    At 5pm on a flooding tide, 400+ Curlews, two juvenile Shelducks, 12 Grey Herons and a Lapwing. (Bob Broughton/Frances Thomson).

WWT Slimbridge    Along the walkway to Mid Point, two Spotted Flycatchers and two Lesser Whitethroats. From Mid Point, five Little Egrets. From Robbie Garnet hide four Green Sandpipers and two Black-tailed Godwits. (Roy Shilham). On an evening gull walk eight Yellow-legged Gulls, a Sandwich Tern, five Sanderlings, five juvenile Greenshanks, 40 Dunlins, ten Ringed Plovers, up to five juvenile Common Gulls, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, an adult Grey Plover, a Common Sandpiper, 150 Curlews and about five thousand gulls in the roost (six species). (Martin McGill/David Owen).
Brockworth    A Peregrine carrying prey at M5/J11a this morning, heading towards Brockworth. (Neil Pryce-Jones).

Longlevens    A garden Common Darter today. Pic by Frank. (Frank Bryant). 

Mon 7th Aug 2006

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Kingfishers on the canal and Lesser Whitethroats. At the scrapes three Green Sandpipers, a Black-tailed Godwit, two Snipe, 40+ Lapwings, two Grey Herons, adult and juvenile Coots and Moorhens, 20+ Mallards, a female Tufted Duck and a Sparrowhawk over. (Graham Watson).

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew south to Mid Point before flying across the river and was lost to view. Seen between 7:24-7:30am. The juvenile Avocet was still present off of Mid Point. A Small Red-eyed Damselfly was seen on the Top New Piece at 4:15pm. 

A first for WWT and believed to be only the second County record (two at Coombe Hill canal on 1st August 2006 per GNS. (Martin McGill). (For more details and possible access tomorrow see the Diary at Anser Birding).

Sun 6th Aug 2006

Cambridge    A Spotted Flycatcher at Ryall's Cottage today. (Ennis Jones).  

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 32 a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 300+ Black-headed Gulls (nine colour-ringed birds including a Dutch bird), a Yellow-legged Gull and three Common Terns. (Gareth Harris). 330 Lapwings, a Hobby and a Little Egret at Pit 79. Two Snipe, three Green Sandpipers and a Little Egret at Pit 84. Three Green Sandpipers at Pits 85a & b. A Green Sandpiper and a Hobby at Pit 87. (Eric Palmer).

Hawling    A Hobby hunting amongst 200+ House Martins and Swallows over the farm (many juveniles). (Graham Watson).

WWT Slimbridge    On the morning Landrover safari the juvenile Avocet again and a Mediterranean Gull from Mid Point. (Mark Moore). Also two Greenshanks, a Spotted Redshank, two Ruff and a Hobby. (Ian Ralphs). Four Black-tailed Godwits and two Green Sandpipers from Robbie Garnett hide this morning. Another Green Sandpiper at Knott hide and a Willow Warbler singing along the walkway. From Mid Point a Little Egret, a Common Sandpiper, six Redshanks, 11 Ringed Plovers and 18 Dunlin also c100 distant small waders mostly Dunlin. On South Lake adult and juvenile Common Tern, c100 Black-tailed Godwits, c100 Lapwings and 30 Redshanks. A flock of 50 Goldfinches were in the car park. (MK). Green Sandpiper pics below by Graham Cox.

Sat 5th Aug 2006

Cotswold Water Park    A Little Egret and a Green Sandpiper at Pit 79. Two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and a Green Sandpiper at Pit 84. Six Green Sandpipers and a Hobby at Pit 87. (Eric Palmer).

WWT Slimbridge    On the afternoon safari a Wheatear, 14 Sanderlings, two Common Sandpipers, two Yellow-legged Gulls, two Hobbies and three Clouded Yellow butterflies. (Paul Masters).

Cheltenham    The Quail still calling this morning at 10:30am from the middle of the wheat field by the crossroads south of Charlton Abbots. (Jan Datchens).

Newent    Three Turtle Doves at Malswick near Newent today. (Robin Husbands).   

Kilkenny    A male Redstart at Kilkenny viewpoint, with six Red-legged Partridges in fields just west of here. Also in Pinchley Wood a Tawny Owl being mobbed by a variety of species, including Marsh Tit. (Chris Stott).

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens Lake a Greylag, three Little Grebes, a Grey Heron and two female Mandarins. At New Fancy View a family of five Spotted Flycatchers and a Willow Warbler. Plenty of Silver-washed Fritillaries at lower levels. At Cannop Ponds a Greylag present here, eight female Mandarins and four Little Grebes. At Mallards Pike eight female Mandarins. (Bob Broughton).

Woodchester    A Spotted Flycatcher at Woodchester Mansion. Around Woodchester Park two Mandarins, four pairs of Tufted Ducks and a female with five small ducklings,  Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kingfisher heard calling, a female Sparrowhawk, a Nuthatch calling and a Jay. Also Silver-washed Fritillary, Common Blues, Red Admirals (see pic below), Peacocks, Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers, Southern Hawker dragonfly, Ruddy Darter and lots of Common Blue Damselflies. (MK).

Gloucester    A garden Garden Warbler at Tuffley feeding on Elder this morning. (Mark Hobson).

Fri 4th Aug 2006

Purton    A first-summer and two adult Mediterranean Gulls in the gull roost viewed from the footpath through the pub. (Dave Pearce). 

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Avocet still at Mid Point today. Also a summer-plumaged Knot, three Ringed Plovers, three Yellow-legged Gulls, 12 Black-tailed Godwits and about 120 Curlew. (Steve Brown).
Cheltenham    Four garden Jays and a flyover Sparrowhawk this morning at Naunton Park. (Steve Brown).

Cheltenham    The Quail continues to call this afternoon near the edge of the wheat field by the crossroads south of Charlton Abbots. (Paul Masters).

Gloucester    A Greenshank over Sudmeadow this morning at 7:30am. (Gordon Avery).

Prestbury Hill    This morning three Buzzards over, two Kestrels hunting and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth. (Kev Lewis). Pics below by Kev.

Thu 3rd Aug 2006

Cheltenham    The Quail continues to call (10-10:30am and 12:45-2pm) near the edge of the wheat field by the crossroads south of Charlton Abbots. (Dave Pearce).

Guscar Rocks    This morning six Curlews, five Grey Herons, four Shelducks, two Redshanks and a Peregrine. There were also six Painted Ladies and four Clouded Yellow butterflies along the shore. (Ivan Proctor).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Avocet still at Mid Point today.

Cotswold Water Park    A juvenile Mediterranean Gull amongst c400 gulls on Pit 32 today. (Gareth Harris).

Wed 2nd Aug 2006

Cheltenham    A Quail heard calling briefly this morning still from Charlton Abbots crossroads. (Steve Owen).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Avocet still at Mid Point this afternoon.

Cotswold Water Park    Two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, a Little Egret, 200+ Sand Martins, 230 Canada Geese and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull on Pit 79. Also a Common Sandpiper on Pit 84. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams/Robin Ward).

Tue 1st Aug 2006

Cheltenham    A Little Owl at Wontley Farm, and a Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the rough grass behind. A juvenile Redstart near Belas Knap, and a family of Marsh Tits. A Quail calling in a large corn field just south of Charlton Abbots. A Grey Wagtail and several Silver-washed Fritillaries in West Wood. (Chris Stott).

Gloucester    60 Ravens seen together on the sheep downs at Gloucester Landfill Site at Hempsted at 1pm. (Gordon Avery).

Frampton    On the Sailing Lake 250+ Coot, two Common Sandpipers, two juvenile Great Crested Grebes and a Kestrel. (Graham Watson). Pic below by Graham.

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Avocet still at Mid Point with Ringed Plovers and five Common Sandpipers. Nearby a Grey Plover in breeding plumage, a Spotted Redshank still on South Lake with Snipe and Greenshank. Also 25 Green Sandpipers and 152 Black-tailed Godwits. (Graham Watson/Alan Baxter). Pic of Reed Warbler and Common Sandpiper below by Graham.

Mon 31st Jul 2006

Gloucester    Nine Little Egrets and a Common Sandpiper at Port Ham scrape today. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Avocet from Mid Point at high tide this morning. Also a Sanderling and 29 Green Sandpipers on site. (James Lees).

Sun 30th Jul 2006

Gloucester    Trapped at Hempsted this evening the Ni Moth (migrant and first record since 1996 in Glos. ref: "Gloucestershire Moths, A Second Account" by R G Gaunt), a Twin-spotted Wainscot and a Small Mottled Willow (migrant). (Gordon Avery). Also this Peacock taken at Quedgeley today, not scarce just pleased with the photo. (MK).

Cotswold Water Park    150+ Lapwings and a Green Sandpiper on silt ponds at Pit 79. Two Green Sandpipers, a Little Ringed Plover, an Oystercatcher, 5+ Stock Doves, 5+ Skylarks, 200+ Sand Martins, four Swifts and three Shelducks (2ads, 1 juv) at Pit 79a. (Gareth Harris/Nick Adams/Robin Ward).

Brockworth    At the Barn Owl Centre over the past two days and at 6pm this evening a male Merlin hunting. Also this morning male and female Peregrine over together. They have dive-bombed the resident Eagle Owl during flying displays. (Vince Jones).

Sat 29th Jul 2006

Cotswold Water Park    At Shorncote Pits 84/85 late morning three Green Sandpipers, a juvenile Snipe, four Cormorants including a juvenile and a pair of Little Grebes with five juveniles. (Keith White). 

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Spotted Redshank on South Lake this morning still. (Phil Pope).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the Wharf to the Grundon hide three Whitethroats ( including a juvenile), three Sedge Warblers, 50+ Starlings, a male Bullfinch and two Reed Buntings. On the scrape four Green Sandpipers, a Snipe, a Grey Heron, a Herring Gull and a female Tufted Duck with seven juveniles. Also a small but steady passage of Swallows south. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 2:45am. (Mark Grieve).

Fri 28th Jul 2006

Brimscombe    A female Mandarin on the River Frome at Brimscombe Port today. (David Owen). 

Thu 27th Jul 2006

Witcombe    A Hobby was circling above Coopers Hill Nature Reserve this afternoon. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Osprey over Mid Point for ten minutes this morning at 7:55am before flying south. Also two Spotted Redshanks and 130 Black-tailed Godwits today. (Martin McGill/Steve Dark/James Lees).

Bisley    A Tawny Owl calling at 9:20pm. (Mark Grieve).

Wed 26th Jul 2006

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Spotted Redshank on South Lake still. 

Tue 25th Jul 2006

Cotswold Water Park    A juvenile Mediterranean Gull and a Little Ringed Plover on Pit 32 today. (Gareth Harris).

Frampton    A juvenile Marsh Harrier was found quartering the Bull Ground and 100-Acre areas this afternoon (Dave Paynter). This is best viewed from the WWT platform in Green Lane. This can be accessed from the Gloucester to Sharpness canal towpath from Slimbridge, Cambridge Arms or Splatt Bridge. (from Anser Birding).

Daneway     Three Redstarts (a male, a female and a juvenile) today at 3pm at the far end of GWT reserve, Daneway Banks (SO941039) near Sapperton. Also a Sparrowhawk flew low overhead (Vic Polley & John Ryman).

Mon 24th Jul 2006

Naunton    A pair of Little Grebes with two young at Huntsman's Quarry today. (Jim Milton).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Spotted Redshank on South Lake. Also a Ruff, 134 Black-tailed Godwits, two Greenshanks, a Yellow-legged Gull and a Whimbrel today.

Gloucester    An adult Mediterranean Gull on Plock Court at 8:20pm. (Andy Jayne).

Gloucester    Four very vocal Common Sandpipers at Llantony Weir this evening. (Gordon Avery).

Forest of Dean    At Crabtree Hill a Turtle Dove heard and seen in flight, several Linnets, Reed Buntings, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Jays and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. (Graham Watson). 

Newnham-on-Severn    A Common Sandpiper, 90+ Lapwings on the opposite shore and four Grey Herons. (Graham Watson). 

Sun 23rd Jul 2006

Turkdean    Six Corn Buntings along the bridleway between Turkdean and Cold Aston, including one begging. Also a flock of about 20 Mistle Thrushes. (Andy Lewis).

Gloucester    At Port Ham this afternoon there was a Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Hobby, a Peregrine, a Common Sandpiper, a Kingfisher and two Whinchats (adult and juvenile). Dragonflies included Emperor, Black-tailed Skimmer, Broad-bodied Chaser and Ruddy Darter. Also one Clouded Yellow. (Andy Jayne).

Sat 22nd Jul 2006

Purton shore    This afternoon/evening six Little Egrets, one Peregrine, eight Oystercatchers, ten Dunlins, a Whimbrel, a Greenshank (heard), seven Common Sandpipers, a Turnstone, 8+ Yellow-legged Gulls, a Kingfisher, two Yellow Wagtails, a juvenile Wheatear and three Ravens. (Andy Jayne).

Dursley    At Breakheart Hill and Quarry today 19 species of butterfly seen. Two Chalkhill Blues, the first of the season and nine sightings of Silver-washed Fritillaries. A single Buddleia bush in the quarry had four Silver-washed Fritillaries, a Comma, ten Peacocks, two Painted Ladies and two Red Admirals. (Phil Pope).

Tewkesbury    Two Hobbies diving and turning amongst House Martins around the front of Tewkesbury school for 15 minutes this morning at 9am. (Les Ditchburn).

Hucclecote    A Hobby over flying towards Churchdown Hill (a garden tick). (Terry Fenton).

Tewkesbury    40+ Swift over the town. (Mark Grieve).

Bisley    20 Swallows on wires today. (Mark Grieve).

Fri 21st Jul 2006

Stonehouse    A Mediterranean Gull on the College playing field at 5pm. View from the footpath west of the playing field. Access off of the A419 opposite Stonehouse Court Hotel.

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the Wharf to the Grundon hide, two Blackcaps, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, five Whitethroats, two Chiffchaffs, a male Bullfinch, a calling Yellowhammer, a Willow Warbler, a male Kestrel, several Sedge Warblers and a Reed Bunting. On the scrape eight Little Egrets, eight Grey Herons, a Curlew, a female Tufted Duck with young and a flock of 100+ Lapwings. (Mark Grieve).

Cotswold Water Park    Lesser Emperor dragonflies attempting to breed in the Water Park. Read more here. (Gareth Harris).

Thu 20th Jul 2006

Robinswood Hill    A Raven low over Robinswood Hill Farm today. (Ian Elphick).

Wed 19th Jul 2006

Wainlodes    A Tawny Owl on a kill in the road at 2:30am. (Mark Grieve).

Robinswood Hill    A Hobby over Robinswood Hill/White City today. (Ian Elphick).

Witcombe Reservoir    An adult Hobby beating up the local dragonfly population and an adult Little Grebe with a stripy headed juvenile. (Gordon Avery).

Forest of Dean    Three Turtle Doves this afternoon around the heath restoration area towards Crabtree Hill, a Willow Tit heard calling nearby and a Hobby over the lake at Woorgreens. (Paul Masters).

Tue 18th Jul 2006

Cotswold Water Park    A Hobby over Pits 46/48 this evening. Also Cetti's Warbler heard, dragonflies included male Lesser Emperor, also Emperor and Brown and Southern Hawkers. (Jon Mercer).

Mon Jul 17th 2006

Cotswold Water Park    A Green Sandpiper at Pit 85a today. (Roy Dennis per GH).

Sun Jul 16th 2006

WWT Slimbridge    This morning out towards Holden Tower a Greenshank and eight Green Sandpipers. On South Lake a Scaup still, Common Terns (two chicks), c20 Black-tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper and a Spotted Redshank (reported here earlier). (Mark Hobson).

Cirencester    A Little Owl in fields near Stratton. (Ken Cservenka).

Dursley    At Breakheart Hill and Quarry today 17 species of butterfly seen. Large numbers of Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Ringlets, Marbled Whites, small numbers of Large and Small Skippers, all the usual Whites, three Commas and three Silver-washed Fritillaries. At least a dozen Red Admirals with a few Painted Ladies, Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks Also a female Purple Hairstreak where the path from the meadow opens into the quarry. (Phil Pope).

Sat Jul 15th 2006

Cotswold Water Park    An Oystercatcher, 15+ Common Terns, an adult Ringed Plover, two juvenile  Little Ringed Plovers, a Green Sandpiper, a female Ruddy Duck and a Kingfisher on Pit 57 and another on Pit 41. (Gareth Harris).

Fri Jul 14th 2006

Berkeley shore    Three Tree Sparrows south of the Power Station including one carrying food. (Dave Pearce).

Gloucester    An adult Common Tern flew south over Sudmeadow at 10:08am. Unusual here. (Gordon Avery).

Cotswold Water Park    Two Oystercatchers, two adult and two juvenile Common Terns and 107 Coot on Pit 32. (Gareth Harris).

Thu Jul 13th 2006

Uley    An Osprey seen and heard calling briefly over Hetty Pegler's Tump at 8am. (Susan Jones).

Cotswold Water Park    Four Oystercatchers circling over Somerford Keynes at dusk. (Gareth Harris).

Wed Jul 12th 2006

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens Lake at 2:30pm a Hobby spent 30 minutes eating dragonflies. (Bob Broughton).
Cotswold Water Park    Two Little Egrets, two Little Ringed Plovers (one juvenile), a Green Sandpiper, a Redshank, four Lapwings and 26 Common Terns at Pit 57 today. (Gareth Harris).

Tue Jul 11th 2006

Cotswold Water Park    A Kingfisher at Pit 46/48 today. (Gareth Harris).

Mon Jul 10th 2006

Cotswold Water Park    A Common Sandpiper on Pit 91 today. (Gareth Harris).

Sun Jul 9th 2006

Cotswold Water Park    An immature Hobby and a Little Egret on Pit 79 and two adult and 2+ juvenile Common Terns on Pit 32. (Gareth Harris/GNS Field Trip). 

Fri Jul 8th 2006

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A Tufted Duck with a duckling, a Little Grebe with a juvenile and a Great Crested Grebe with a juvenile. Also a Jay in the woods and three Reed Warblers singing at the east end. (Steve Brown).

Wed Jul 5th 2006

Cirencester    A pair of Spotted Flycatchers at Stratton Church, near Cirencester. (Ken Cservenka).

Mon Jul 3rd 2006

Cotswold Water Park    Two Kingfishers and three juvenile Bullfinches at Pit 56 today. (Gareth Harris).

Sun Jul 2nd 2006

Newnham-on-Severn    A pager report of a White Stork on the tidal sandbank at 8pm. No further details. Finder please contact Richard, address above.

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 57 today 25 adult Common Terns at dusk, loafing on gravel bars, four Little Ringed Plovers, three Redshanks, a Hobby, five Bullfinches and two Kingfishers. (Gareth Harris).

Cleeve Hill    This morning at Bill Smyllie reserve a singing Lesser Whitethroat, a Tree Pipit and a Dark Green Fritillary butterfly. Just north of the reserve another Tree Pipit, a Stock Dove, also three Small Blues and a Small Skipper butterfly. (Steve Brown).

Hawling    Two Corn Buntings, two Yellowhammers, two Whitethroats and a Skylark. (Lee Rogers/Alan Baxter).

WWT Slimbridge    The Wood Sandpiper still from Zeiss hide at 9:35am. Also around the grounds nine Green Sandpipers, four Greenshanks, eight Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Redshanks, two Snipe, two Little Ringed Plovers, seven Oystercatchers including an adult with a juvenile on South Lake  a female Wigeon, (James Lees/Andy Lodge/Mark Hobson/Jake King/MK). Also four Little Egrets today. (Lee Rogers/Alan Baxter/Graham Watson). Pics below by Graham.

Sat Jul 1st 2006

Charlton Kings    At midday two Tree Pipits singing on Ravensgate Hill and another later on Charlton Kings Common. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    A Wood Sandpiper from Zeiss hide at 10:15am. (Andy Lodge). Earlier it was at Robbie Garnett hide until flushed by a Buzzard. (Andy Chapman).

Fri Jun 30th 2006

Frampton    A Red Kite at 11am flying over the old Cadbury factory near Cadbury Bridge. (Shane & Julian Long).

Bourton-on-the-Water    At South Pits at 7pm a young Kestrel watching the haymaking from a telephone wire, a Sedge Warbler singing and four young Grey Herons with an adult. By the small pool a Kingfisher, a female Reed Bunting, two Willow Tits and a Marsh Tit further along. (Andy Lewis).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 31 three Pochards (two males and a female), at Pit 32 a female Red Crested Pochard and a Green Sandpiper at Pit 79. (Gareth Harris).

Thu Jun 29th 2006

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 57 a Little Ringed Plover, two Common Terns and 100+ Coot. At Pit 34 three pairs of Common Terns with young and a male Red Crested Pochard. Also a Common Tern at Pit 32. (Gareth Harris).

Longlevens    Ten garden Long-tailed Tits today. (Frank, Pam & Paul Bryant).

Tue Jun 27th 2006

WWT Slimbridge    Five Green Sandpipers from Robbie Garnett Hide and a Wood Sandpiper still from Zeiss Hide at 6pm. Also a first-summer Mediterranean Gull today. (Steve Owen/Paul Masters/Ben Macdonald).

Quedgeley    A Broad-bodied Chaser and a Ringlet at the garden pond today. (MK).

Mon Jun 26th 2006

WWT Slimbridge    A Wood Sandpiper on the Top New Piece early afternoon today. (Martin McGill).

Sun Jun 25th 2006

Cotswold Water Park    Two Red Kites circling over South Cerney. (Mark Brooks per GH). 250+ Sand Martins, a Hobby and a Kestrel at Pit 79a. Four Oystercatchers at Pit 32. (Gareth Harris).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From Grundon Hide six Little Egrets, 24 Lapwings and three Grey Herons (two juveniles). Along canal from the Wharf  Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler nearer to hide. Also Yellowhammer, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker and several singing Reed Buntings. Large numbers of Meadow Browns, also Ringlet, Comma, Brimstone, Large Skipper and Six-Spot Burnet moth. Emperor Dragonfly, Broad-bodied Chaser, Common Darter, Ruddy Darter, Common Blue Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Emerald Damselfly near the start of the boardwalk. (Keith White).

Fromebridge Mill    Banded Demoiselle damselfly at 12:45pm. (MK).

Edge    At Rudge Common four Tree Pipits and a Hobby this evening. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton    At the 100-Acre two Hobbies, a Cuckoo singing and a Marbled White butterfly. (Tony Eveleigh/Mo Croose).

Highnam Woods    Three Spotted Flycatchers, a juvenile Nuthatch and a Buzzard over. Nearby a Sparrowhawk nest with male and female present and at least one chick calling today. (Lee Rogers).

Hawling    At least three singing Corn Buntings at 7:30am. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Green Sandpipers from Robbie Garnett hide and one Green Sandpiper from the Holden Tower. Singing Chiffchaff and Blackcap along the walkway. 15 Redshanks and Common Tern at South Lake. Five Black-tailed Godwits from Zeiss Hide. (Darren Pearce).

Ebley    A Dipper on the River Frome this morning (SO8204). Also a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Whitethroats and five Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies and a Comma butterfly. (Mark Hobson).   

Longford    A Peregrine and a Hobby over Longford together at 12:35pm. (Andy Jayne).

Sat Jun 24th 2006

Tidenham Chase    Two Nightjars and 3+ Tawny Owls this evening. (Martin Wightman).

Charlton Kings    At 10am today a Little Owl near the footpath south of Timbercombe Wood. (Steve Brown).

Alderley/Ozleworth    No sign of the Osprey in a good search today. (Vic Polley/John Overfield). A Red Kite gliding over Coombe Hill, Wotton-Under-Edge (ST7694) at 2pm (it had gaps in the secondaries on both sides of wing). Also Hummingbird Hawkmoth today. (Vic Polley).

Fri Jun 23rd 2006

Bourton-on-the-Water    At the northernmost Pit three young Grey Wagtails with no adults around. A Hobby picking off dragonflies. 12 Red Crested Pochards, two males, five females and five juveniles from two families. (Andy Lewis).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 32 four Oystercatchers and at Pit 34 five male Red Crested Pochards, two pairs of Common Terns and a Nightingale. (Gareth Harris).

Alderley/Ozleworth    An Osprey seen 1:15pm today at Park Farm, Alderley (ST766912) perched in dead tree overlooking a pond. Also a Grey Wagtail, a Spotted Flycatcher and Sparrowhawk close by. The Osprey flew off at 2:15pm. (Vic Polley). Relocated at 5:15pm perched in another dead tree (ST778919) in Ozleworth Bottom (Wortley to Ozleworth road), 200m from a new lake. (Vic Polley/Dave Pearce). Pic by Dave. No sign this evening between 7:15-8:30pm.

Thu Jun 22nd 2006

Forest of Dean    At Speech House near the Donkey Paddocks, male and female Redstart, and two Ravens feeding on dead Sheep. At Parkend a male Turtle Dove calling near the summit of Oaken Hill and several Whitethroats around the hill. (Derek Hale).

Cleeve Hill    A Barn Owl at Wardens Wood at 7pm. (Ken Buckle per Steve Brown).

Wed Jun 21st 2006

Forest of Dean    At Wenchford (Picnic area) a Dipper, in the culvert under the entrance road. (Derek Hale).

Cotswold Water Park    At Swillbrook reserve a Nightingale still singing, lots of Garden Warblers, two Ringlets, 2-3 Red-eyed Damselflies, an Emerald Damselfly, 2+ Azure Damselflies, c20 Blue-tailed Damselflies and hundreds of Common Blue Damselflies. (Robin Griffiths).

Haw Bridge towards The Red Lion at Wainlode    A Kingfisher, up to 40 Swifts moving S to SW, three Sedge Warblers, four Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, two Whitethroats, four Blackcaps, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Grey Heron, two Buzzards, a pair of Bullfinches, 30+ House Martins and two Sand Martins. (Mark Grieve).

Tue Jun 20th 2006

Symonds Yat    A Peregrine flying and three chicks at the nest hole at 7:30pm. (Derek Hale).

Cotswold Water Park    A Hobby at Pit 58, two Green Sandpipers and two male Reed Buntings at Pit 84, a Buzzard at Pit 85 and a pair of Shelducks at Pit 79 with one duckling. (Gareth Harris).

Mon Jun 19th 2006

Forest of Dean    At Crabtree Hill, a Turtle Dove, two male Tree Pipits and two male Wood Warblers today. (Derek Hale).

Elmore    A Tawny Owl in a tree along the lane to Stonebench this evening. (Paul Masters).

Cotswold Water Park    A Green Sandpiper, a Little Grebe, a female Tufted Duck and five Mallards, one with 4+ ducklings at Pit 85. 12+ Gadwall, 15 Mallards and 5+ Shovelers at Pit 84 and a Shelduck at Pit 79. (Simon Pickering).

Berkeley shore    At midday today, a Tree Sparrow in the small copse adjoining the pond on the Severn Way near the Berkeley P.S. at ST652988. Also a male Reed Bunting, several Reed Warblers and a Whitethroat around pond. (Vic Polley).

Chaceley to Lower Lode    A Cuckoo calling, a singing Blackcap, a Reed Bunting, flocks of 18, six and three Swifts flying down river, two Curlews calling flew over and a small flock of seven Lapwings on pasture. At Lower Lode at least 12-15 Sand Martins around the nesting colony, also a Herring Gull past. A singing male Redstart near the Ferry Inn and also a female Redstart. (Mark Grieve).

Sun Jun 18th 2006

Broadway    An escaped Diamond Dove on the Glos side of Broadway today. (Graham Watson). Pic by Graham.

Apperley    Two Curlews in a riverside meadow. Also 40+ Swifts feeding by the motorway junction on the Tewkesbury road near Cheltenham. (Mark Grieve).

Frampton    A possible Marsh Harrier flew from Nebrow Hill Oak Wood towards the 100-Acre at 10am. (Mark Hobson).

Tuffley    A garden Hummingbird Hawkmoth at Forest View Road. Also a Magpie Moth, Pyrausta Aurata and a Scarlet Tiger Moth. (Greg Anderson).

Sat Jun 17th 2006

Frampton    At 8:45am a Hobby heading south along the canal south of Splatt Bridge, Also Red-eyed Damselflies on lily pads by Splatt Bridge. (Ian Elphick).

Cambridge    A Hobby at 6:15am today. (Ian Elphick).

Northleach    A pair of Yellow Wagtails collecting food and chasing off a Kestrel. (Graham Watson). Pic below by Graham.

Cotswold Water Park    A small group of ten Reed Warblers darting through the reeds at the rear of the new Information Centre at South Cerney just off the South Cerney turning by the bypass. (Vince Jones). Pics below by Vince.

Leckhampton    A Stock Dove calling today on Leckhampton Hill below Devil's Chimney and three Pygmy Shrews foraging alongside the path. (Steve Brown).

Tidenham Chase    No sign of the male Red-backed Shrike at The Park in the heathland restoration area between 4:30-8am or across the road on Poor's Allotment. Please keep to footpaths and do not enter the enclosure. Three Tree Pipits, 12 Mistle Thrushes, a pair of Stonechats, a Cuckoo, a Painted Lady and a Large Skipper. (Richard Baatsen, Tony Eveleigh, Jake King, Andy Lodge, Martin McGill, Paul Taylor, Neil Smart, MK).

Dursley    At Breakheart Hill and quarry today were four Painted Ladies, three Large Skippers and a Small Blue. (Phil Pope).

Fri Jun 16th 2006

Tidenham Chase    A male Red-backed Shrike found at The Park in the heathland restoration area at 9:15pm and was watched until 9:50pm when it was last seen. Please keep to footpaths and do not enter the enclosure. Also three Nightjars, a Tawny Owl calling, a Tree Pipit, a Badger and a Fox. (John Moody/Andy & Mhairi Chapman). John please contact Richard, address above.

Northleach    A Tree Sparrow bringing in a caterpillar at Winterwell Barn and a pair of Yellow Wagtails in a field of beans there. At Helen's Ditch a Turtle Dove purring and several Whitethroats singing. (Andy Lewis).

Cotswold Water Park    This evening between 9-10pm at Pit 79 a Green Sandpiper and over Pits 84 and 85 five Hobbies hawking insects. (David Owen).

Frampton    Two Cuckoos in the reedbed S of Splatt Bridge, a Mediterranean Gull (almost a full black head) on the scrape with Black-headed Gulls seen from Splatt Bridge, two Common Terns and a Hobby over the 100-Acre. (Andy Chapman).

Hawling    A pair of Curlews in fields just outside Hawling village on the left heading out towards the Bourton road. (Nigel Bayliss).

Thu Jun 15th 2006

Charlton Kings    At 7.15am a Red Kite circling then heading NE. (Graham Watson).

Cotswold Water Park    Four pairs of Common Terns, two pairs of Little Ringed Plovers, a male Ruddy Duck, a Green Sandpiper and a Kingfisher at Pit 57 and 24 Mute Swans, 23 Tufted Ducks and a  pair of Gadwall at Pit 41. (Gareth Harris).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the wharf to the Grundon hide eight Whitethroats, five Chiffchaffs, a Cuckoo feeding by the wharf, it or another heard from the hide, two Willow Warblers, four Blackcaps, five Sedge Warblers, 6+ Reed Buntings, a Treecreeper, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Bullfinch. From the hide on the scrape 3 or 4 Redshanks, two Curlews over calling, five Lapwings, two Little Egrets, male and female Tufted Duck, three Grey Herons, two Buzzards, a female Kestrel and two Swifts over. (Mark Grieve).

Wed Jun 14th 2006

Symonds Yat    A Red Kite over today. (Gavin Black). Pic below by Gavin.

Tue Jun 13th 2006

Tidenham Chase    This evening male and female Nightjar at 10pm. (Andy Lodge).

Cheltenham    This afternoon a pair of Lime Hawkmoths seen mating at Naunton Park. The male is smaller with obvious antennae. (Steve Brown). Pic by Steve.

Cotswolds    From Roel Gate/Hawling to the Huntsman's Quarry area today a Hobby, two Redstarts, six Tree Sparrows and 15 singing Corn Buntings. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    A Spoonbill flew in to the Top New Piece at 12:50pm but remained only until 1pm. (Martin McGill). No sign this evening in the 100-Acre or on the Top Flashes. Also at the Trust a drake Garganey, a Green Sandpiper, a Red Crested Pochard and two Little Egrets.

Brockworth    A pair of Bullfinches passing through The Hawthorns today at Castle Hill. (Rob Wilkinson).

Mon Jun 12th 2006

Longlevens    15 Canada Geese flew over at 8pm including a small race bird, half the size of the others, going SW. (Paul Bryant).

Sun Jun 11th 2006

Tuffley    A Hummingbird Hawkmoth on honeysuckle this evening. (Mark Hobson).

Forest of Dean    Today a Hobby at Woorgreens Lake and two Tree Pipits and two Bullfinches at Crabtree Hill. (Nick Hopkinson).

Tewkesbury    Four Corn Buntings and two Curlews on Tewkesbury Ham at 8:30am today. (Gerry Shilham).

Sat Jun 10th 2006

Robinswood Hill    On Fox and Elms side at 7:45pm a Hobby amongst 30-40 Swifts. (Ian Elphick).

Stone    A Red Kite flew south over Stone 1:30pm and two Little Owls in the evening. Also a Spotted Flycatcher at Berkeley Hunt Kennels. (Derek Edmondson).

Tidenham Chase    This evening male and female Nightjar and a Tawny Owl calling. (Mark Hobson).

Forest of Dean    This evening two Tree Pipits at Crabtree Hill and an Adder on the pathway. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    Kingfishers feeding young at South finger between 10-11am today. (Frank Bryant). Pics below by Frank.

Hardwicke     A Hobby flying towards The Pilot Inn from the direction of Hardwicke farm at 8.05am this morning. (Paul Masters).

Frampton    A Cuckoo was showing well at the pool by the entrance to Green Lane. At the 100-Acre a Little Egret, two Common Terns and at least two Kingfishers in the channel by the viewing platform. Also a Lesser Whitethroat a little further on. (Chris Stott).

Tirley    A Spotted Flycatcher seen entering a nest. (Mark Grieve).

Fri Jun 9th 2006

Fretherne    A Red-legged Partridge, two Yellow Wagtails, two Rock Pipits, an Oystercatcher, a Buzzard, 100+ Shelducks and ten Lapwings today. (Bob Shiret).

Longlevens    A Red-belted Clearwing moth this evening. (Pam Bryant).

Thu Jun 8th 2006

Chedworth    At Chedworth Woods a Green Woodpecker, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two pairs of Marsh Tits, two pairs of Coal Tits, three male Goldcrests, a male Song Thrush, two male Blackcaps, a Buzzard, a pair of Mandarins on the River Coln, the male in eclipse, two male Yellowhammers and two Spotted Flycatchers at Tuns Hill. (Gareth Harris).    

Wed Jun 7th 2006

Ashleworth Ham    A Cuckoo, four Sedge Warblers, numerous Willow Warblers, three Blackcaps, four Chiffchaffs, numerous Reed Buntings, three Buzzards, 15 House Martins at Stonebow Farm, a male Redstart in Dirty Lane, five Redstarts (4m,1f) in Stank Lane, two Lesser Whitethroats, five Whitethroats, nine Shelducks, two Curlews, two Lapwings, three Stock Doves, a Treecreeper and a female Kestrel today. (Mark Grieve).

Tue Jun 6th 2006

WWT Slimbridge    At 1pm a Red Kite flew very low over the main WWT Centre/car park. It then circled up higher for five minutes, and was eating insects on the wing before heading off high towards the river. (James Lees).

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens five Greylags and four Little Grebes today. (Bob Broughton).

Mon Jun 5th 2006

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens/Crabtree Hill a Turtle Dove and ten sightings of Woodcock roding (max two together). (Gerry Shilham).

Shurdington    This afternoon two Ravens and a Roe Deer where the footpaths meet Greenway Lane on Shurdington Hill and a Lesser Whitethroat to the SW. (Steve Brown).

Oakridge    At Strawberry Banks GWT reserve near Oakridge (Stroud District) Green Woodpecker and Great Spotted Woodpecker, singing Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and a Jay. Main butterflies (in rough order of density): Common Blue, Small Heath, Marsh Fritillary, Small Blue, Dingy Skipper, Brown Argus, Peacock and Orange Tip. Also Silver-Y Moth. (Keith White). 

Fretherne    A Peregrine sat on the sandbanks at 8:30pm. (Bill Church).

Cotswold Water Park    A Red Crested Pochard, four Oystercatchers, a Gadwall and eight Lapwings on Pit 79. Two Little Grebes on Pit 85b. (Bob Shiret). 

Robinswood Hill    Two Lesser Whitethroats singing today, one at either end of the field before entering the golf course from Forest View Road. Also eight Whitethroats, two Song Thrushes, two Blackcaps, two Chiffchaffs, a Bullfinch calling and a Great Spotted Woodpecker going to a hole in a tree to feed very noisy young. (Greg Anderson).

Tirley    A singing ringed Blackcap, a party of five Ravens over heading NW, also a pair of Whitethroats. At Wigmoor/Townstreet Farm male and female (carrying food ) Redstart, another singing Redstart on the Chaceley road ,also singing Blackcap and a Buzzard. (Mark Grieve).

Sun Jun 4th 2006

Kilkenny    A Barn Owl over the road at 0:09am. (Norman Mansell/MK).

Down Ampney    This morning a Lesser Whitethroat and a Roe Deer west of Down Ampney and a Beautiful Demoiselle damselfly on the bridle path north of the village. (Steve Brown).

Harnhill    Two Tree Sparrows near the phone box. (Steve Brown).

Cotswold Water Park    Lunchtime, between Pit 6 and the canal three Garden Warblers and a Cetti's Warbler. Also two Common Terns feasting on clouds of emerging insects over the lake. (Steve Brown).

Sherborne    At Haycroft Farm five newly-fledged Treecreepers clinging to a fork in a poplar and being fed by two adults. Also a pair of Grey Wagtails with one young on the brook there. (Andy Lewis).

Gloucester    A Cuckoo calling from the top of a riverside willow before moving off upstream at 12:40pm immediately across the river (SO814193) from Port Ham pond. (Ian Elphick).

Forest of Dean    At New Beechenhurst Enclosure today, three Wood Warblers and a Pied Flycatcher in song, three Blue Tits nests with audible young, a Great Spotted Woodpecker with audible young, three Treecreepers, six Blackcaps and two Garden Warblers. (Andrew Bluett).

A pair of Wood Warblers in Bigsweir Wood. (Ivan Proctor). At Nagshead Chiffchaff and Wood Warblers on the Long Trail, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Redstart on the Short Trail. (Darren Pearce). Redstart pics below by Allan Chard.

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the Wharf to the Grundon hide 3/4 Blackcaps, numerous Whitethroats, two Chiffchaffs, three Willow Warblers, up to three calling Cuckoos, three singing male Reed Buntings and two females, a Bullfinch and small numbers of House Martins over the Wharf. On the scrape a Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, two calling Curlews, two Redshanks, 15 Lapwings, a Shelduck over, male and female Shoveler, a male Garganey, three Black tailed Godwits, a female Mandarin, a Grey Heron, and four Buzzards together. (Mark Grieve).

Sat Jun 3rd 2006

Prestbury    At Bill Smyllie Butterfly reserve four singing Redstarts, two Tree Pipits - one in display. Also several Duke of Burgundy butterflies, a worn Painted Lady and a Vapourer Moth. (Keith White).

Toddington    A Red Kite flying west to east through Toddington at 7pm. (Nick West/Brian Merritt).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pits 46/48 5 to 6 singing Nightingales, also Reed Buntings, Reed Warblers, a Cuckoo, a Great Spotted Woodpecker at the nest and a couple of Hobbies. (Nick Holland). Nightingale pic below by Nick.

Forest of Dean    Two singing Redstarts near Ruddles Marsh in Sallowvallets enclosure. (Ivan Proctor). Two Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries (distant flight views) near the road junction at SO628092 near New Fancy View and seven Wood Whites following the main track NE from Speculation car park for 0.5m. (Phil Pope). 

Charlton Kings Common    At midday very quiet but a Tree Pipit singing on the Scarp also several Wall butterflies and a Dingy Skipper. (Steve Brown).

Highnam Woods    Three Great Spotted Woodpeckers (two juveniles), a Jay, a Spotted Flycatcher and six male Nightingales singing. (Lee Rogers).

Fri Jun 2nd 2006 

Winchcombe    A pair of Red Kites at Langley Hill, soaring with 5 Buzzards and later feeding in a cut hayfield this afternoon. (Terry Fenton).

Haw Bridge    A calling Cuckoo today. (Mark Grieve).