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Mon Dec 31st 2007

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still this afternoon at 4pm with 12 Little Egrets in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO744087. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. (Chris & Theresa Stone).

Leigh Meadows    Two adult Whooper Swans, an adult Bewick's Swan and 20 Mute Swans today viewed from above The Red Lion. (Mike Smart/Richard Tyler). Pics by Rich.

WWT Slimbridge    The Tundra Bean Goose from Holden Tower still. (Chris & Theresa Stone).

Forest of Dean    A Dipper and a Grey Wagtail this afternoon behind the Stoneworks at Cannop Warth. (Mark Hobson).

Walmore Common    At 12:30pm 15 Mute Swans, 11 Bewick's Swans, two Shelducks, 200 Teal, six  Snipe and a Stonechat. (Mike Smart).

Sharpness    At 9:30am the Black Redstart still present. Also three Common Sandpipers, c200 Lapwings and a Sparrowhawk. (Barry R Catlin).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 46, Swillbrook, five Smew (a male and four redheads), five Goosanders (3m, 2f) and a Goldeneye still today. (Jennifer Rogers).

Hardwicke    The garden Water Rail again today and also Great Spotted Woodpecker, Fieldfare, Redwing and an assortment of Blackcaps. (Steve Dark).

Cheltenham    Two garden female Blackcaps today. (Ian Ralphs). Between 7:15 and 7:45am five different Tawny Owls heard one hooting near Crippets Farm answered from Shurdington Hill, two close together at Ullenwood Manor and the last calling near Daisybank car park, Leckhampton Hill. (Steve Brown).

Sun Dec 30th 2007

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still this morning in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO744087. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

Bentham landfill    A Water Rail and a Woodcock this evening (both new to site) SO916164. (Terry Fenton).

WWT Slimbridge    346 White-fronted Geese and the Tundra Bean Goose still, also two Spotted Redshanks, five Ruff, two Peregrines and a Cetti's Warbler. (Martin McGill/Steve Brown).  

Sharpness    The Black Redstart still today. (Steve Brown).

Eastington area    This morning's survey produced a singing Dipper, a Water Rail, nine Blackcaps, 65 Blackbirds, 17 Song Thrushes, two Chiffchaffs, two Grey Wagtails, three Bullfinches, five Linnets, and two Siskins. At Five Acre Grove a Woodcock and a male Reed Bunting flushed from set-a-side and five Great Spotted Woodpeckers all drumming. At Stanley Downton 110+ Pied Wagtails, one Grey Wagtail and seven Meadow Pipits. Also: 200+ Redwings and 70+ Fieldfares. (Jake King)

Quedgeley    A garden Black Redstart today, on Kingsway, the new estate in Quedgeley. A mega-garden tick for Ed. (Ed Talma). At Clearwater Drive this morning two Kingfishers, a Green Woodpecker and a Water Rail. (Andy Chapman).

Sat Dec 29th 2007 

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret with nine Little Egrets still this afternoon in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO744087. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. (Paul Masters). Pics by Paul.

Two more pics by Mike Smith.

Walmore Common    An adult male Merlin stooped unsuccessfully at a Meadow Pipit. Also nine Bewick's Swans, 180 Teal, six Shovelers, 14 Snipe, a Kingfisher and five Stonechats. (Andy Jayne).

Plusterwine/Aylburton Warth    A huge flock of up to 1000 Bramblings with 500+ Chaffinches in a field of Sunflower and an oiled adult Kittiwake resting in a stubble field. Also 45 Teal, an adult Peregrine, 500+ Lapwings, 50+ Dunlin, 205 Curlews, 21 Redshanks and a Common Sandpiper in Cone Pill. (Andy Jayne/Lewis Thomson). Pics below by Lewis.

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 46, Swillbrook, six Smew (a male and 5 redheads), three Goosanders (2m, 1f) and a female Goldeneye at 12:30-12:45pm today. (Ken Cservenka).

Leigh Meadows    On the same field as on Boxing Day at SO853260 a flock of 17 swans grazing, two adult Whooper Swans, an adult Bewick's Swan with a yellow ring, number 675 reading up, on its left leg and 14 Mute Swans. (Mike Smart/ Les Brown).

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Grundon Hide is still accessible with wellingtons, though the water is over the boardwalk; shallow flooding has submerged the scrapes. 240 Canada Geese and a Barnacle Goose roosting – the biggest group so far this winter - but all had left (mostly to the north going beyond Apperley) by 8:30am. A few Mutes Swans roosting, they too left early, two Shelducks, 340 Wigeon, 30 Shovelers, on the Long Pool 120 Teal. A female Sparrowhawk, also unusually three Great Black-backed Gulls with other gulls. At the Wainlodes end, a Little Owl and c60 Snipe on one flooded field. (Mike Smart/ Les Brown).

Hardwicke    A Peregrine over the A38 this afternoon, 0.7mls south of the BP Garage at Hardwicke roundabout. (Paul Masters).

Cheltenham    At Naunton Park two garden Lesser Redpolls, a male and a female/first winter, on and off during the day feeding on Lemon Balm seed heads and the seeds left after blackberries have rotted away on the bramble. (Steve & Megan Brown). Pic below by Steve.

Fri Dec 28th 2007 

Kingscote/Calcot area    This morning a flock of 42+ Bramblings, 20+ Golden Plovers, 150+ Lapwings, 100+ Fieldfares, three Buzzards, a Kestrel and two Grey Partridges. This is the worst count of Grey Partridges in the winter recorded for this area! (Neil Smart). Pics below by Neil.

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still this morning in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

Hardwicke    The garden Water Rail again this morning at 9:30am. (Steve Dark).

Thu Dec 27th 2007 

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still this morning in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

Withington    25 Siskins in trees over the stream by the Mill Inn. Also a grey, frosty Redpoll with white rump seen well but briefly along the edge of a weedy field at SP024152 but not again in the next 15 minutes, most probably Common (Mealy) Redpoll also a Brambling with a mixed finch flock including c35 Chaffinches. (Mark Dowie).

Cassey Compton    From 10:30am 4+ Buzzards, two Ravens over, a Kingfisher and four Hawfinches (including at least one female) flew in to the top of the hornbeams at 11:50am but only stayed 10 minutes before flying off, landing briefly in a roadside tree at the top of the hill to the NE before flying off in the direction of Compton Abdale. (Mark Dowie).

Leckhampton    At Hartley Farm, Leckhampton Hill 76 Lapwings, four Bramblings (2m 2f)  with c50 Chaffinches but mobile, three Yellowhammers and 18 Common Gulls this morning. (Mark Dowie).

Hilcot    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming and a Dipper on the Hilcot brook. (Terry Fenton).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 57 two Red Crested Pochards and a Chiffchaff. At Pit 46 a redhead Smew, three Goosanders (1 drake), two female Goldeneyes, a drake Gadwall and a Chiffchaff. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens 100 + Lesser Redpolls, 150 + Siskins and three Goosanders this morning. (Tony Eveleigh). At Lydbrook four Hawfinches landed at the top of an Oak tree at 2:20pm, staying a couple of minutes before flying eastwards over the forest. A major garden tick for Lewis. (Lewis Thomson).

Witcombe Reservoirs    Today a Little Grebe, five Great Crested Grebes, five Cormorants, c55 Coot, 13 Tufted Ducks, nine Pochards, c40 Greylags and c100 Carrion Crows in the field by Church Farm. (Harold Smith). 

Wed Dec 26th 2007 

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern was seen from the Zeiss hide before flying into the reed bed in front of the hide around 3pm and quickly disappearing from view. A Tundra Bean Goose was showing well on Tack Piece from the Holden Tower. (Peter Jones).

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still this morning in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

Cotswold Water Park    A drake and four redhead Smew on Pit 46 this morning, also a Water Rail calling and two Lesser Redpolls. Two drake Goosanders on Pit 48. No sign of the Red-necked Grebe on Pit 46 or 16. (Jon Mercer).

Coombe Hill Meadows    At first light today there were c170 Canada Geese and seven Mute Swans, most of which had left by 8:15am, presumably to graze elsewhere. Also only 25 Wigeon, lots of Teal calling from Long Pool and 15 Lapwings on floodwater. (Mike Smart).

Leigh Meadows    At 9:30am two adult Whooper Swans and an adult Bewick's Swan, with a yellow ring, number 675 reading up, on its left leg. Also a Green Sandpiper and a Grey Wagtail SO853260. (Mike Smart).

Charlton Kings    This morning at Pilley Bridge Nature Reserve a pair of Bullfinches, six Long-tailed Tits and three Goldfinches. (Steve Brown).

Tue Dec 25th 2007 

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still today in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087 until 3pm at least with seven Little Egrets. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

Robinswood Hill    A Woodcock at dusk today. (Mark Hobson).

Hardwicke    The garden Water Rail returned this morning at 11am, patrolling the lawn for 15 minutes. (Steve Dark).

Charlton Kings    A male Blackcap feeding in the garden. (Mark Dowie).

Quedgeley    A Blackcap heard calling in the garden but remaining hidden. (MK).

Westrip    Belated news of a male Blackcap feeding in the garden on Tuesday 18th Dec. (Ty & Sian Mein).

Mon Dec 24th 2007

Forest of Dean    At Parkend, at the crossroads just before the Barracks, in the Beech woods to the right of the road, a flock of 50+ Bramblings today. (Louise Watson/Andrew McDermid).

Cotswold Water Park    Five Smew on Pit 46 this morning, three males and two females. Also half a dozen Goosanders. (Richard Tyler). Pics below by Richard.

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still today in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087 at 8am with five Little Egrets. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

Longborough    A ringtail Hen Harrier was seen for several minutes from RB's garden as it flew steadily south at 12:15pm. The white rump was clearly seen. A brief search was made south of the village but it wasn't relocated. (Rob Brookes).

Sharpness    A Black Redstart on the high gabled building at the end of the road past the Post Office at 2:30pm. (Andy Chapman).

Ashleworth Ham    c180 Canada Geese roosting, c500 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 90 Pintail, 75 Shovelers, 50 Mallards, seven Gadwall and a single Tufted Duck. 300 Lapwings flew over, c20 Snipe and a Jack Snipe at the bottom of Stank Lane and a couple of Reed Buntings. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Brimscombe    A Dipper, a Kingfisher and two Marsh Tits at Brimscombe Port this morning. (David Owen).

Cassey Compton    No sign of the Hawfinches this afternoon, between 11am-12 noon seems to be the best time, but a redhead Smew flew over. Also two Ravens over and a Kingfisher on the stream. (Dave Morgan).

Cheltenham    Two Ravens over Naunton Park today. (David Anderson/Steve Brown).

Sun Dec 23rd 2007

Longney    An adult Mediterranean Gull at Longney Crib this afternoon. (Jeremy Squire).

Cassey Compton    Four Hawfinches late morning in the hornbeam trees between the yew trees and the stream along the orchard. Please stay on the road and don't walk into the orchard as it is Private Property. The birds are quite wary but as there is a reasonable amount of fruit left on the trees hopefully they will stay around for a while. Also a Goshawk flew over. (Duncan Dine/Richard Tyler). Pics by Richard.

Hardwicke    A garden Water Rail this afternoon at 2pm, unsurprisingly a mega-garden tick. (Steve Dark).

Cotswold Water Park    A redhead Smew, a drake Goosander and five Goldeneyes on Pit 46 in very foggy conditions this morning. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Mark Hobson). The Red-necked Grebe reported on Pit 46. No further details.

Driffield    Nine Grey Partridges in the field to the right of the road to the village coming from the A419 where it bends right. Also a female Stonechat here. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Mark Hobson). Pics below by Paul.

Harnhill    Two Tree Sparrows this morning. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Mark Hobson).

Bentham    At the landfill site two Jack Snipe, five Snipe and a pair of Stonechats today SO916164. (Terry Fenton).

Bencombe    A maximum of four elusive Bramblings in treetops at the roadside near Croomes Grove Farm at ST799969 on the road to Uley just off the B4068 road from Wotton to Nailsworth. (Geoff Moyser).

Robinswood Hill    Five Tawny Owls at dusk with three males calling on the North side and a female calling near the Quarry. Also two Ravens. (Mark Hobson).
Clanna    On Clanna Ponds eight Moorhens, eight Mallards, three Little Grebes, a Mute Swan, a Tufted Duck and a Dipper. A Goshawk on a woodland edge nearby and 25 Buzzards in an arable field. (Ivan Proctor).

Lower Slaughter    Garden Great Spotted Woodpecker and Long-tailed Tits pictured below by Richard. (Richard Tyler).

Sat Dec 22nd 2007

Bourton-on-the-Water   Four Snipe at Salmonsbury Meadows flushed by a nearby shoot. Also c10 Lesser Redpolls and ten Goldfinches feeding on alder cones. (Andy Lewis).

Forest of Dean    Two Dippers on Cannop Brook immediately behind the Stoneworks at 12:25pm. (Gavin Black).

Beachley Point    A Firecrest at 1:40pm by the large pylon and two Bullfinches. Park under the Severn Bridge and walk south for 400 yards. (Andy & Mhairi Chapman).

Lydney Harbour    c140 Golden Plovers and a Blackbird with a white head. (Andy & Mhairi Chapman).

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still today in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087 at 1pm with a Little Egret. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. Also here a Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker, Goldfinches, a Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tits and numerous Redwings. (Mark Moore). On the river here 800 Dunlin after the tide 10:30am, two Redshanks and at the Waterworks three Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest. (Mark Hobson).

Cotswold Water Park    A female Red-breasted Merganser with a flighty group of ten Goosanders, in SE corner of Pit 46, right on the County boundary, the flock flew towards Pits 58/41. Also there three redhead Smew flew in then flew off again also towards Pits 58/41, a Kingfisher, a Lesser Redpoll and a pair of Bullfinches. On Pit 44 a pair of Goosanders and on Pit 57 two drake Goosanders and ten Goldeneye. (Jon Mercer). The Red-necked Grebe was reported yesterday (21st) on Pit 16, presumably the bird that has been in Wilts, and an adult Yellow-legged Gull.

WWT Slimbridge    The Tundra Bean Goose still present today and the Dark-bellied Brent Goose flew upriver. Also two Little Stints, a Peregrine, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Redshank, 70 Golden Plovers, 50 Dunlin and a Buzzard on the Tack Piece and another Peregrine was on the Dumbles. A male and a female Blackcap were near the restaurant. (Paul Masters).

Severn Hams    After the recent flooding, water levels have dropped, and there is little floodwater left, just the usual waters in the scrapes and Long Pool. Still quite a bit of ice on the fields and the Long Pool, so rather few birds about. 16 Mute Swans and 80 Canada Geese had roosted, but no sign of the Whoopers, c200 Teal but few other ducks. The Whoopers were not on Leigh Meadows either. Birds at the Wainlodes end included a Green Sandpiper, 40 Snipe, a Little Owl and a Grey Wagtail. At Ashleworth water has returned to normal winter levels, a few hundred ducks including c20 Pintail. A Jack Snipe and a Snipe at Hasfield. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Frampton    A Water Rail calling and 12 Long-tailed Tits at the reed-bed south of Splatt bridge, at the WWT 100-Acre, from Green Lane, 220 Lapwings, 2-3 Stonechats, a Kingfisher, a Kestrel, a Mistle Thrush, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard and four Curlews. (Paul Masters). Also a second-winter Yellow-legged Gull at the Sailing Lake. (Jeremy Squire).

Leckhampton    At midday at Hartley Farm, Leckhampton Hill, 50 Lapwings, 100 Fieldfares, a male Bullfinch and three Roe Deer (a buck, a doe and a well grown youngster). (Steve Brown).

Fri Dec 21st 2007

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still today in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. (Jeremy Squire).

Bencombe    c40 Bramblings feeding on the roadside near Croomes Grove Farm on 17th December and again today at ST799969 on the road to Uley just off the B4068 road from Wotton to Nailsworth. (John Ryman/Vic Polley).

Tewkesbury    Four Shelducks, 34 Snipe, 50 Pied Wagtails and two male Stonechats on Severn Ham. A Little Grebe, two Water Rails heard and a Cetti's Warbler at The Mythe. (Andy Jayne).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pits 46/48 two redhead and an adult male Smew still today.

WWT Slimbridge    From Holden Tower the Tundra Bean Goose still and the Bittern from Zeiss hide. Early on the six Continental Greylags and a Peregrine from the Holden Tower and a Cetti's Warbler from the Knott Hide. (Steve Brown).

Frampton    A Merlin reported flying through the WWT 100-Acre. (per Steve Brown).  

Cambridge    A Kingfisher perched on a roadside post in Ryall's Lane near Longaston Lane. (Steve Brown).

Condicote    At least 80 Linnets feeding in a stubble field east of Condicote village. (Rob Brookes).

Longborough    A pair of garden Bramblings and also a pair of Siskins, 25 Chaffinches, at least 15 Goldfinches and at least 15 Greenfinches. Nearby, a Buzzard on a manure heap 'worming' and a Little Owl just east of Longborough. (Rob Brookes). Pics below by Rob.

Thu Dec 20th 2007

Cotswold Water Park    At lunchtime at Pit 65 four Snipe flushed, a Green Woodpecker, five Goldeneye, a Water Rail heard, c70 Goldfinches and a Chiffchaff. At Pit 57 a female Ruddy Duck, two Goldeneye, 40 Shovelers, 250 Wigeon and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. At Neigh Bridge 5+ Siskins with c15 Goldfinches in alders by the car park. Good numbers of Fieldfares generally also 5+ Song Thrushes seen. (Jon Mercer).

Cassey Compton    Two female Hawfinches still in the beech trees between the yew trees and the stream along the orchard. (Dave Pearce).

Wed Dec 19th 2007

Cotswold Water Park    At Pits 46/48 four redhead and an adult male Smew, two female/juvenile Goldeneyes, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers and at Pit 44 a pair of Red Crested Pochards. (Will Hayward per GH).

WWT Slimbridge    The Tundra Bean Goose and Dark-bellied Brent Goose from Robbie Garnett hide today. 

Tue Dec 18th 2007

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still this morning in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087 with five Little Egrets. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

WWT Slimbridge    The Tundra Bean Goose and Dark-bellied Brent Goose from the Holden Tower today. (Andy Chapman).

Hardwicke    A Green Sandpiper on a flooded ploughed field still today on the left hand side of the A38, 0.7mls south of the BP Garage at Hardwicke roundabout just south of the raised lay-by. (Andy Chapman).

Quedgeley    At Clearwater Drive a Jack Snipe, a Water Rail, two Reed Buntings and a Green Woodpecker today. (Andy Chapman).

Leckhampton Hill    Late afternoon 15 Lapwings at Hartley Farm and a pair of Stonechats on a dung heap at Hartley Bottom. (Steve Brown).

Cheltenham    At Naunton Park this afternoon a garden Redwing.  (Steve Brown).

Gloucester    A pic of the Starlings below, that have been roosting in conifers behind the Barton Street Police Station/Machine Mart, Tredworth. Good views may be had from the Metz Way railway bridge. (Ian Elphick). Pic by Ian.

Mon Dec 17th 2007

Ashleworth Ham    Two Whooper Swans with Mute Swans by the side of the road to the hide. (Dave Pearce).

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still this morning in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087 with five Little Egrets. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

WWT Slimbridge    The Tundra Bean Goose and Dark-bellied Brent Goose still today.

Longford    This afternoon a Jack Snipe flushed from the Hatherley Brook near Longford was then taken by a Sparrowhawk. (Andy Jayne).

Gloucester     A Water Rail and a Chiffchaff at Sudmeadow marsh and also 30 Meadow Pipits on Sudmeadow itself. (Gordon Avery).

Forest of Dean    At Cannop Ponds feeders a Grey Wagtail, a Jay, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker today. (Brian Davis). Pics below by Brian.

Sun Dec 16th 2007

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still this afternoon in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087 with five Little Egrets. Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

WWT Slimbridge    The Tundra Bean Goose and Dark-bellied Brent Goose still today. The Bittern still present today from Zeiss hide.

Cassey Compton    Two Hawfinches today in beech trees by the side of the orchard. Also Fieldfares and Redwings. (Richard Tyler). Pics by Richard.

Cheltenham    A drake Goosander on Pittville Park Lake this morning. (John Sanders). Pic by John.

Frampton    A Cetti's Warbler, a Chiffchaff, two Stonechats, a Reed Bunting, a Goldcrest, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, four Redshanks and a Little Egret between Cadbury and Splatt Bridges this morning. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman).

Forest of Dean    This morning at Brierley four Bullfinches (three males), two Ravens, two Siskins and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. (Steve Brown).

Gloucester    A large flock of c10000 Starlings has been roosting in some conifers behind the Barton Street Police Station/Machine Mart, Tredworth. Good views may be had from the Metz Way railway bridge this evening. (Ian Elphick/Richard Lawrence).

Sheep Bridge    A Little Egret on the River Leach, just east of Sheep Bridge SP10 late morning, also 100 Linnets, 100 Chaffinches and 12 Bramblings in game cover nearby. (Ian Ralphs).

Sat Dec 15th 2007

Awre    A first-winter Glaucous Gull on the river off Awre in with the thousands of roosting gulls. (John Phillips).

Cirencester    A female Goshawk in the trees between Cirencester Cricket Club and The Bathurst Estate around midday. (Mark Brooks per GH).

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still until 2pm at least today in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087 with five Little Egrets. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Ian Ralphs). Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

WWT Slimbridge    A wing-tagged female Great Bustard sat on the seawall viewable from Holden Tower this morning until 10am when it flew S and then again at 11:40am and the Tundra Bean Goose and Dark-bellied Brent Goose still. Also the Bittern still from Zeiss hide. (James Lees/Shirley and Tony Hawkins/Ian Ralphs).

Forest of Dean    At Cannop Ponds feeders at least 18 Blackbirds, three Marsh Tits, two Nuthatches, three Jays, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers and five Grey Squirrels. On the pond two Little Grebes and two Greylags. At Cannop Stoneworks a Dipper by the bridge. At Mallards Pike Lake just two Mandarins. (Mark Moore with Nathalie & Cam).

Frampton    A Kingfisher, a Sparrowhawk, a Reed Bunting, three Green Woodpeckers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Little Egret and three Curlews along the canal from Cadbury to Splatt Bridges and at the WWT 100-Acre, two Peregrines, two Buzzards, a Kestrel, a male Stonechat and six Snipe. A Water Rail was at the reedbed south of Splatt Bridge. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman). 

Fri Dec 14th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A Dark-bellied Brent Goose on the Tack Piece today and the Tundra Bean Goose still. (Paul Masters).

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still at 10:15am today in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087 with two Little Egrets. It occasionally changes fields but doesn't go far. (Andy Chapman). Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

Hardwicke    A Green Sandpiper on a flooded ploughed field still today on the left hand side of the A38, 0.7mls south of the BP Garage at Hardwicke roundabout just south of the raised layby. (Paul Masters). 

Thu Dec 13th 2007

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still at 3:30pm today in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO 744087 at first with Black-headed Gulls on the ploughed field, then moved to the grassy field and disappeared over the road. It occasionally changes fields but doesn't go far. (Steve Brown). Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

Ozleworth Park    A Tawny Owl today. (Mike Smith). Pic by Mike.

Charlton Kings    A garden Grey Wagtail this morning. (Graham Watson). Pics by Graham.

Hucclecote    At Barnwood Park Arboretum today a Green Woodpecker, 16+ Long-tailed Tits, c50 Mallards and c20 Moorhens. (Harold Smith).

Wed Dec 12th 2007

Bourton-on-the-Water    Four Pintails and five Little Grebes amongst the 200 Canada Geese at the south (Santhill) pit today. (Andy Lewis).

WWT Slimbridge    A Tundra Bean Goose, 234 White-fronted Geese, two Spotted Redshanks, two Peregrines and 102 Bewick's Swans today. An influx with the favourable conditions. (Martin McGill). The Bittern still from Zeiss hide today.  (Richard Tyler). Pic by Richard.

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still at lunchtime today in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham. SO 744087. It occasionally changes fields but doesn't go far. Look for the Little Egret flock. (Richard Tyler). Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. Pic by Richard, also Fieldfare at Frampton.

Condicote    A male Merlin just SE of Condicote (towards the trout farm) on a roadside hedge at 8:55am, the bird then flew off low south eastwards. Also here at least 80 Skylarks feeding in a root crop field, at least 30 Yellowhammers and ten Corn Buntings. (Rob Brookes).

Charlton Kings    A male Siskin, two male Blackcaps and a female at garden feeders today and a male Sparrowhawk took a Goldfinch. (Graham Watson).

Tue Dec 11th 2007

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still at lunchtime today in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham. SO 744087. It occasionally changes fields but doesn't go far. Look for the Little Egret flock. (David Owen). Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

Longborough    A Barn Owl on the garden fence again at 9pm. (Rob Brookes).

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern showed at Zeiss Hide again today.

Brimscombe     Two Marsh Tits and a Dipper along the River Frome at Brimscombe today. (David Owen). 

Gloucester    At Castlemeads late afternoon a Reed Bunting and a Mistle Thrush both singing near the footbridge from the docks, a Kingfisher flew up the East Channel near to Lower Parting and a Raven tumbling at passing Gulls. Also at Town Ham a Kingfisher across the pond and at Over Ponds (near Port Ham substation) a Woodcock. (Steve Brown/Ian Elphick). At Sudmeadow two Lesser Redpolls trapped for ringing, were the first ever at this site! A Woodcock in the marsh and also a Water Rail calling and a Kingfisher nearby. (Gordon Avery). 

Mon Dec 10th 2007

Fretherne    The Cattle Egret still at 10am until 3:30pm at least feeding with 10 Little Egrets in the third field to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham. SO 744087. It occasionally changes fields but doesn't go far. Look for the Little Egret flock. (Dave Evans/Gordon Kirk). Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk west from the canal. 

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern showed again at the Zeiss Hide today. (Graham Cox). Pic by Graham, also Gadwall, Rook and Blue Tit.

Sun Dec 9th 2007

Fretherne    A Cattle Egret until 3:45pm at least feeding with 16 Little Egrets in fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham. (Gordon Hodgson). Park only at Cadbury Bridge/Frampton village due to this site being on a dangerous narrow bend with no parking available. It is c5 minutes walk from the canal. Pics by Gordon.

More photos taken by Paul Masters.

Newent    This morning at 4am, a Barn Owl over the B4215 near the pub at Malswick. (Nick Hopkinson).

Cirencester    Still c100 Golden Plovers two fields north of the Harnhill turning off the A419 south of Cirencester, opposite South Cerney airfield today. (Jon Mercer).

Hardwicke    A Green Sandpiper on a flooded ploughed field at 12:15pm 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. (Mark Hobson). 

Wotton-Under-Edge    c70 Siskins feeding on Alders at the disused Nind fish farm (ST756916) at 1pm and also a Lesser Redpoll, a Bullfinch and a Marsh Tit. (Vic Polley).

Gloucester    At Port Ham a pair of Stonechats and several Reed Buntings. At Castlemeads West a number of Teal in the marsh and a Reed Bunting. At Town Ham a female Sparrowhawk. (Ian Elphick).

Cheltenham    Two Pheasants at 9:15am crossing College Road by Sandford Park in fairly busy traffic. (Laurie Pierce).

Sat Dec 8th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern from Zeiss hide still today and a Merlin and two Peregrines from Holden Tower.

Crown of Crucis (Ampney Crucis)    A Kingfisher flew upstream mid afternoon and again at dusk. Also seven Long tailed Tits, 20 Goldfinches, a Mistle Thrush and a Kestrel preening. (Steve Brown).

Robinswood Hill Farm    The annual Grey Wagtail is about again, three Ravens and a Sparrowhawk past the farm feeders. (Ian Elphick).

Ashleworth Ham    The reserve is now flooded to normal winter level. The increased water level has attracted additional Pintail and other surface-feeding ducks in the last couple of days, this morning 300 Wigeon, 250 Teal, 70 Pintail, 60 Shovelers, 55 Mallards, seven Gadwall and a Stonechat. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Whooper Swans, 190 Canada Geese, a Barnacle Goose, 290 Wigeon, 110 Teal, six Shovelers, 58 Pintail, a Redshank and a Green Sandpiper. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Longborough    A pair of garden Siskins and a female Brambling feeding with a mixed flock of finches and sparrows of at least 50 birds and a Barn Owl at 7am. 30 Yellowhammers feeding in a stubble field nearby still. (Rob Brookes).

Fri Dec 7th 2007

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl hunting on on the WWT 100-Acre at 1:30pm. View only from the viewing platform or the viewing gate in Green Lane. (James Lees).

Framilode/Priding    106 Golden Plovers on the sands this afternoon plus up to 1000 in flight overhead. Also 33 Curlews, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and four Chiffchaffs along the footpath just west of Priding House. (Andy Jayne).

Longborough    A male Merlin landed in a stubble field, watched for several minutes before it took off and flew at speed eastwards towards the village. Also a pair of garden Siskins feeding with Goldfinches, Chaffinches and Greenfinches and a Barn Owl at 6:45pm perched on a roadside fence. (Rob Brookes).

Thu Dec 6th 2007

Gloucester    Two Woodcocks in Sudmeadow osier bed. At least two Stonechats on Port Ham, a Green Sandpiper flew over to Sudmeadow after being flushed by a jogger on Port Ham. (Gordon Avery).

Walmore Common    This morning a family of Mute Swans (two adults and three grown cygnets, the male still extremely aggressive to a pair of Mutes that flew in), 100 Teal, two Snipe, a Stonechat and c40 Meadow Pipits. (Mike Smart).

Wed Dec 5th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    The American Golden Plover again with Golden Plovers on the Dumbles early afternoon from Holden Tower.

Ashleworth Ham    47 Pintails,  50 Shovelers, 250 Wigeon and 150 Teal today. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Tue Dec 4th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    The American Golden Plover again with Golden Plovers on the Dumbles this afternoon from Holden Tower but mobile.

Forest of Dean    At Cannop Ponds at 8:15am 12 Canada Geese flew south
down the Cannop Valley onto the lower pond, joining two male
Goosanders and a Tufted Duck which were already there. (Ivan Proctor).

Mon Dec 3rd 2007

WWT Slimbridge    The American Golden Plover again with Golden Plovers on the Dumbles early afternoon from Holden Tower 1:25-2:25pm at least. Also from Zeiss Hide the Bittern briefly this afternoon, it was showing well this morning reportedly, two Ruff, two Black-tailed Godwits and two Redshanks. (Tony Eveleigh/Steve Owen).

Epney    A female Merlin by the River Severn at Epney this morning. Also 65 Redwings and a few Fieldfares with them in a small pasture nearby. (Mike Teesdale).

Walmore Common    A pair of Stonechats this morning. (Mike Smart). 

Wilmer Common, Rodley    Five Shelducks lekking already, the Common/Paradise Shelduck cross that was there last winter, a Stonechat, 15 Pied Wagtails and eight Meadow Pipits foraging around the edge of the floodwater. (Mike Smart).

Gloucester    A pair of Stonechats by the Plantation Pool, Sudmeadow today (probably the Fielding's birds). (Gordon Avery).

Sun Dec 2nd 2007

WWT Slimbridge    The American Golden Plover again with Golden Plovers on the Dumbles mid-afternoon from Holden Tower. (Paul Masters/Mark Hobson).

Gloucester    Two Green Sandpipers on Sudmeadow Marsh this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Sat Dec 1st 2007

Hawling    At 10:30am a Red Kite flew south-west low overhead escorted by 20 Rooks. Later at Charlton Kings Mrs. Pearce reported a Red Kite flew over at 11am - very likely the same one! (Dave Pearce).

Fri Nov 30th 2007

Forest of Dean    A Willow Tit at Gorsty Knoll today. (Ivan Proctor).

Sharpness    A Red-breasted Merganser down river at 9:40 am, 30 Redshanks, a Greenshank, 35 Dunlin, 28 Lapwings, 12 Cormorants, a Shelduck, 40 Wigeon, 40+ Mallards, two Grey Herons, two Ravens, a Kestrel, a Kingfisher, three Linnets, two Meadow Pipits, a Pied Wagtail and a steady passage of the five common gull species. (Graham Watson). Pic by Graham.

Sharpness Docks    This morning the Black Redstart was again on the high gabled building at the end of the road past the Post Office. (Dave Pearce). Pic by Dave.

Kemble    A Barn Owl hunting along a disused railway line just north of the airfield. (Phil Pope).

Gloucester    Two Ravens over Castlemeads this morning. (Steve Brown).

Thu Nov 29th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    The Siberian Chiffchaff again today from the viewing platform by the car park reedbed occasionally. The Bittern again from Zeiss hide.

Longborough     A male Merlin between Longborough and Condicote, perched for several minutes at 8:20am this morning on a roadside bush before flying off south west in pursuit of small passerine. (Rob Brookes). Pic by Rob.

Cirencester    South of Cirencester a flock of 100 Golden Plovers circling over fields east of the A419 opposite the airfield just W of Driffield at 4:15pm and a Buzzard. (Mark Dowie).

Gloucester    A pair of Stonechats again today on Fielding's Playing field, Sudmeadow Road. (Gordon Avery).

Wed Nov 28th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    An American Golden Plover was found at 11am (Bruce Pendlebury) but then went missing until relocated at 2:30pm by GW and it remained with stragglers of the large Golden Plover flock until 3:15pm at least. Record shot by Martin below, more pics on the Anser site.

The Siberian Chiffchaff showed late afternoon to the left of the viewing platform by the car park reedbed. Also seen a Spotted Redshank, three Ruff, a Stonechat, a male Sparrowhawk, two Buzzards and two Peregrines. (Graham Watson/James Lees/Martin McGill). Pics below by Graham.

Forest of Dean    The Great Grey Shrike was still present at Farmers Green this morning along with one Hawfinch. (Colin Butters).

Longborough    At least 30 Bramblings feeding in beech wood by the A424 just west of Longborough. Just east of these, at least 40 Yellowhammers feeding in a stubble field. (Rob Brookes).

Cirencester    A male Brambling in a garden at Overhill Road with the finch flock visiting the feeding station at 10:30am. (Ken Cservenka).

Tue Nov 27th 2007

Ewen    Belated news of two Waxwings on Saturday 24th on a garden apple tree at the west end of the village. No sign since but it may be worth checking berry bushes in the vicinity. (Hannah Sarabjee per RB).

WWT Slimbridge    A Siberian Chiffchaff found in the willows on South Lake this afternoon. Although currently feeding in a private area it is hoped this bird will move into the grounds or in front of the hide . It was also seen feeding with a Scandinavian Chiffchaff. For pics and more news click on the link. (James Lees). Also the Bittern again from Zeiss hide today.

Mon Nov 26th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern was on the right hand side of the reed bed at the Zeiss Hide today and showing very well, before flying back into the left hand reed bed and disappearing, also a Buzzard at South Finger and a Long-tailed Tit at the Holden Tower. (Graham Cox). Pics below by Graham.

Sharpness shoreline to Berkeley Pill    This morning 65 Wigeon, 73 Dunlin, five Redshanks, two Rock Pipits, three Stonechats, a female by the coastguard cottages and a pair along the ditch past the water works. At Berkeley Pill six Redshanks, 24 Snipe, two Rock Pipits and a male Stonechat. (Gordon Avery).

Sharpness Docks    At midday an adult Peregrine on the Silo nest box and a first-winter male Black Redstart on the high gabled building (offices) at the end of the road past the Post Office. (Gordon Avery).

Cheltenham    At 6:30am three Tawny Owls hooting from Battledown, Ryeworth and Ham respectively. (Steve Brown).

Crickley Hill    40 Bramblings below the escarpment. (Terry Fenton).

Little Shurdington    Off Greenway Lane, a juvenile Peregrine defending a kill against Buzzards. (Terry Fenton). Pic by Terry.

Sun Nov 25th 2007

Turkdean    Ten Bramblings and 40 Chaffinches along the road north of Turkdean. They were in the woods by the side of the road close to the entrance to Pountwell. (Keith White).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A female Goldeneye on the northernmost pit. (Andy Lewis).

WWT Slimbridge    An Otter from Zeiss hide from 8:30am to 9:50am at least. (James Lees). Also the Bittern again and a Ruff from here. A Water Vole by the pool at the entrance to the Trust building. (Rich Ford). Pic by Rich.

Another pic by Allan Chard and also a Wren trapped inside a hide which hit a window trying to get out.

Also a Water Rail at South Finger, a Great Crested Grebe at South Lake and a Pintail on the Pen. Also five Buzzards, two Peregrines , a Sparrowhawk and three Ruff. (Graham Cox). Pics below by Graham.

Cassey Compton    A Hawfinch showed well again at midday near the walled orchard by the bridge over the stream, in the large evergreen trees. (Dave Pearce).

Forest of Dean    The Great Grey Shrike present between 11:15am and 12:45pm ranging over the clear felled area, favouring the area beyond the deer hide. At Brierley six Hawfinches, two Goldcrests and small numbers of Siskins. At Cannop Ponds two pairs of Mandarins, two Little Grebes, two Nuthatches and three Marsh Tits visiting the feeders and 30 Siskins. 15 Crossbills at Parkend Church at midday and 100 Siskins at Woorgreens this afternoon. (Steve Brown/Mark Hobson). Pic by Mark.

Eastington    At Millend a Hawfinch flew from, and returned to, the grounds of Eastington Park (patch tick), six Grey Wagtails, a Green Sandpiper and a Chiffchaff on the Frome south arm, ten Siskins over, a male Sparrowhawk stooping at a Starling flock and a Dipper flying down the Frome north arm. (Jake King).

Longborough    A female Brambling feeding on Rob's garden bird feeder all week, still present today along with 20 Goldfinches, 15 Chaffinches, 12 Greenfinches and at least 15 House Sparrows. Also a female Siskin and a Barn Owl at 6:30pm, sitting on fence post by 15ft from Rob's house. Also Field Mice and Bank Voles visit. (Rob Brookes).

Quedgeley    At Clearwater Drive this morning two Water Rails, two Snipe, two Green Woodpeckers, two Reed Buntings and two Kingfishers. (Andy Chapman).

Sat Nov 24th 2007

Cleeve Hill    At least two Bramblings associating with a small group of Chaffinches on beech mast on the approach road at lunchtime today. (Mark Dowie).

Brockworth    An immature Peregrine near the Owl Centre early afternoon unsuccessfully attacking a Feral Pigeon, also two Grey Wagtails along Horsbere Brook, two Green Woodpeckers, 28 Redwings, 19 Fieldfares and 11 Long-tailed Tits. (Paul & Dave Masters).

Leckhampton Hill    At Hartley Farm a Brambling with 100+ Chaffinches at the grain store. At Southfield Manor 50+ finches including three Siskins, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and a small flock of Long-tailed Tits. (Steve Brown).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Ruddy Duck on the northernmost pit today. (Andy Lewis).

Tewkesbury    A Sparrowhawk through the garden on the Mitton Estate at 9:15am. (A R Burr).

Fri Nov 23rd 2007

Westend    A Goshawk over Mole Grove seen from the M5. (Terry Fenton).

Forest of Dean    A Marsh Tit, a Coal Tit, a Nuthatch, a Chaffinch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Grey Wagtail at the feeders at Cannop Ponds today. Also on the ponds a Little Grebe. (Allan Chard). All pics below by Allan. 

Thu Nov 22nd 2007

Priding    1400 Golden Plovers this afternoon. (Andy Jayne).

Cirencester    Two Little Egrets in flight being mobbed by two Carrion Crows on the NW outskirts of Cirencester on the A419 at 2pm. A Dipper and a Tawny Owl at Colesbourne too. (Jenny Vickers).

Ashleworth Ham    Again no sign of the Whooper Swans but 150 Wigeon, 50 Teal, 20 Shovelers and five Gadwall. (Mike Smart).

Forest of Dean    A Great Grey Shrike still at Farmers Green, approx 1km SE of Cannop Stoneworks from 9:30-11:30am at least. Also two Hawfinches and two Buzzards and a Raven came over. SO615095. At Speech House at 8:30am a magnificent Fallow Buck was strutting his stuff on the field right out in the open. Also 56 Redwings were on the field today, with a Brambling in the Arboretum treetops. (Derek Hale). Pics by Derek.

Wed Nov 21st 2007

Forest of Dean    A Great Grey Shrike at Farmers Green, approx 1km SE of Cannop Stoneworks at 9am. Also five Hawfinches here SO615095. Later a Great Grey Shrike in the clearing north of New Fancy Viewpoint perched on top of pines. Seen from 9:55am to 10:15am at least SO628098 (same bird?). (Derek Hale). A Great Grey Shrike was back at Farmers Green at 10:30am together with four Hawfinches in the same tree. (Colin Butters). It was still present at Farmers Green from 12:40pm to 2:30pm at least. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis.

Another pic by Derek below.

WWT Slimbridge    Two Whooper Swans reported flying over the reserve towards the river at 9:30am today. (per Julia Newth).

Gloucester    A pair of Stonechats in the field just past the Lower Parting. (Gordon Avery).

Tue Nov 20th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A Bittern showing well from Zeiss hide at 3pm. Also 80 White-fronted Geese and 59 Bewick's Swans today.

Coombe Hill Meadows    c120 Wigeon, c20 Teal, 12 Shovelers, nearly 200 Lapwings flew down river, a Redshank (unusual at this time of year), a Peregrine, a Sparrowhawk and a Goshawk, 35 Meadow Pipits and 15 Pied Wagtails on damp fields but no sign of the Whoopers today. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    Still one Water Pipit right in front of the hide and c30 Wigeon today. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Forest of Dean    A Water Rail heard squealing in Cannop Bridge Marsh this morning. (Ivan Proctor). Today at Cannop #1 two Dippers on the pool at the bottom of the weir by the Stoneworks, c20 Siskins and a Marsh Tit on the feeders. At Parkend Churchyard a Hawfinch, briefly on a tree in the old graveyard. On the ridge above Parkend c30 Lesser Redpolls and two Bullfinches. At Woorgreens 100+ Siskins in Alders and Larches. (Derek Hale).

Gloucester    A male Stonechat on the dislope of GLS behind Presswelds and a Kingfisher on the pool by the plantation on Sudmeadow. (Gordon Avery).

Mon Nov 19th 2007

Cheltenham    At 3:30pm a male Peregrine was attacking Feral Pigeons around Eagle Tower and over Cheltenham Boys College. It made two or three shallow stoops and missed! (Chris Furley).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Water Pipits loosely associating with a flock of 35 Meadow Pipits on wet fields north of the Long Pool. Also two adult Whooper Swans, an immature Peregrine, a Water Rail, two Redshanks, a Green Sandpiper, a female Stonechat and four Blackcaps along the canal today. (Andy Jayne).

Forest of Dean    This afternoon two Ravens at Speech House Arboretum car park (pic below by Derek) and 61 Redwings in Speech House field. Also a Dipper at Cannop #1 at the bottom of weir behind the Stoneworks. (Derek Hale).

Sun Nov 18th 2007

Upper Slaughter    A Woodcock this morning. (Richard Tyler).

Gloucester    A Little Egret over Sudmeadow flying from Castle Meads towards the river at 9:34am this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Walmore Common    This winter's first pair of Bewick's Swans have arrived on sector J of the common land, grazing near and swimming on the old northern rhyne at 9:30am. (Colin Evers).

Sat Nov 17th 2007

Cirencester    100+ Golden Plovers still in the field opposite South Cerney Airfield, between the A419 and the Cirencester bypass, north of the Harnhill turning this morning. (Jon Mercer).

Stroud    A Ring-necked Parakeet flying over Stratford Park Leisure Centre this afternoon calling repeatedly as they do when going to roost. Also two Ravens low over there. (Pete Hazelwood).

Forest of Dean    Late afternoon a juvenile Goshawk flew across a ride at Russell's Inclosure SO619105 and perched in a tree for several minutes. (Steve Brown). At Parkend Church a Blackbird with a deformed bill, which was feeding with Redwings in the Holly tree in the churchyard. The Fallow Deer stag was in the field adjacent to Speech House Hotel. (Steve Wilce). Pics by Steve.

WWT Slimbridge    43 Bewick's Swans, including Gulfoss (ringed TXP) and Grindavik (ringed BCP) with their cygnet, and 73 White-fronted Geese (one with a neck ring NPC) on the roadside fields this morning. 200 Dunlin, 200 Lapwings, 300 Golden Plovers, five Redshanks, a Curlew, 2200 Wigeon, 60 Teal, 30 Pintails, seven Shovelers, two Shelducks and a male Sparrowhawk (which took a Dunlin, which it then released after being mobbed) were on the Tack Piece, a Peregrine was on the Dumbles and three more Bewick's Swans were in the Rushy Pen. (Paul Masters). Pintail and Wigeon pics below taken today by Richard Tyler.

Frampton    A male Blackcap at Splatt Bridge. (Paul Masters).

Wotton-Under-Edge    A Red Kite over at 3pm. (John Overfield).

Ablington    A Woodlark at 12:10pm along the minor road between Oldwalls Farm and Ablington on the west side of the road between two conifer plantations at SP109090. Also 150 Golden Plovers, a Stonechat and six Corn Buntings at Oldwalls Farm. (Ian Ralphs).

Coaley Peak    200 Bramblings and 250 Chaffinches this morning. (James Lees). 

Fri Nov 16th 2007

Cassey Compton    A Hawfinch showed well mid-morning in the walled orchard by the bridge over the stream, on the ground and in the large evergreen (yew?) trees. Last week two were seen fleetingly (and one on a different day) near Postcombe on the edge of Withington Woods. (Dave Pearce).

Forest of Dean    At Sallowvallets Inclosure this morning, 23 Siskins feeding on alder, three Lesser Redpolls, two Bramblings, three Redwings and a Hawfinch over. Also five Fallow Deer. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis.

Cirencester    In fields between Stratton and Daglingworth an unseasonal singing Skylark and eight Yellowhammers in the hedges and feeding on the field margin strips. (Ken Cservenka).

Fretherne    700+ Dunlin, five Redshanks, 30+ Shelducks, 150 + Starlings with Fieldfares and Redwings, a Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush, a Grey Wagtail, two Pied Wagtails and six Meadow Pipits. (Graham Watson). Pic by Graham.

Thu Nov 15th 2007

Witcombe    10+ Bramblings still at Witcombe woods with Chaffinches SO915134 but mobile and flighty. (Jon Mercer).

Awre    A Snow Bunting on the flood bank at Awre this evening at 4pm. It flew off strongly upriver and was lost to view towards Fretherne. (John Phillips).

Flaxley Pool    A Green Sandpiper today - the first one JP has seen there in 12 years of fairly regular watching! Also a good count of 12 Little Grebes. (John Phillips).

Forest of Dean    At Parkend Church an immature Black Redstart on the church tower and five Bramblings and 20 Redwings feeding on a well-laden Holly bush. At Crabtree Hill and Kensley Enclosure a Fox and 12 Siskins. At Woorgreens Lake a single male Pochard, two juvenile Mute Swans, a Ruddy Darter and a female Common Hawker. At Speech House field a Raven and 12 Redwings, one taken and carried off by a Sparrowhawk. At The Arboretum three Bramblings and six Nuthatches (Andrew Bluett). Pics by Andrew.

A morning Mandarin count turned up nine Mandarins on Cannop Ponds, five at Mallard's Pike, eight at Dean Heritage Museum, 14 at Brock-a-ditches Pond and none at Soudley Ponds or Sallowvallets council depot pond. A total of only 36. There should be many more than this in the Forest. Anyone seen them? (Frank Lander/Ivan Proctor).

WWT Slimbridge    The first family of Bewick's Swans arrived this morning. Parents Gulfoss (ringed TXP) and Grindavik (BCT) brought their ninth cygnet back to the reserve and all have been feeding on the Rushy Pen before moving to the South Middle Field (the first field on the right as you leave the centre) along with 33 other Bewick's Swans and a small flock of White-fronted Geese. (Julia Newth).

Wed Nov 14th 2007

Ashleworth Ham    Two, possibly three, Water Pipits this afternoon in the marshy areas in front of the hide. At least a dozen Snipe and several Bramblings flew over. (Dave Pearce). Also a Jack Snipe. (David Owen). The pipits were David O's 200th Glos life bird.
Witcombe    A flock of Bramblings for the past few days in leaf litter under Beech trees at Witcombe Wood, 60+ seen today at SO915134 (approx 1.5 miles south west of Birdlip). (Andrew Bluett).

Gloucester    At 9pm this evening six Bewick's Swans flying overhead in the dark (low enough to be lit by streetlights) over Abbeymead following the M5 down towards Slimbridge. (Andrew Bluett).

Brimscombe    By the River Frome at Brimscombe Port this afternoon, a Dipper, a Grey Wagtail and two Marsh Tits. (David Owen). 

Northleach    A Peregrine perched in a pylon near Trinder's Barn, Northleach, flew off to spar with a Crow. Also two Bramblings in a flock of mixed finches in the game-cover crops. (Andy Lewis).

Tue Nov 13th 2007

Ashleworth Ham    Three Water Pipits this afternoon in rough grass between the screen hide and the scrape. (Mick Woodward).

Forest of Dean    At Drybrook Road Station SO633145 100 Siskins and two Lesser Redpolls and at Serridge Inclosure three Common Crossbills. (John Pullen per TE). This afternoon a female Brambling at Beechenhurst and two Coal Tits and two Siskins on or around the feeder. A Grey Wagtail on the roof of the Speech House and a Fallow Deer with one antler near Woorgreens. (Steve Brown).

Cheltenham    At dawn a Tawny Owl calling from the golf course at Sandy Lane, Charlton Kings and at Naunton Park the first garden Blackcap of the winter. (Steve Brown).

Mon Nov 12th 2007

Ham    A Woodcock this evening along the lane between Ham and Whittington. (Richard Tyler).

Gloucester    This afternoon at 3:30pm at Barnwood Arboretum, SO861179, a Woodcock flushed and a Grey Wagtail heard. (Ian Elphick).

Sun Nov 11th 2007

Gloucester    At Port Ham a Snipe, 19 Chaffinches, two Stonechats, eight Meadow Pipits and at Castlemeads West another Snipe. (Ian Elphick).

WWT Slimbridge    A Bittern from Zeiss hide today, likely to be the same bird seen in the 100-Acre on Nov 5th. (Martin McGill).

Walmore Common    A Peregrine, two Water Rails, six Snipe, a Kingfisher and five Stonechats today. Also a Ruddy Darter dragonfly. (Andy Jayne).

Rodley    At Lower Dumball 410 Golden Plovers on the sands. (Andy Jayne).

Bigsweir Woods    A Raven, a Marsh Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker, and in the fields to the north a hunting Buzzard and two Yellowhammers singing. (Ivan Proctor).

Sat Nov 10th 2007

Broadway    Eight Bramblings feeding on beech mast this afternoon at SP115350 south of Broadway Tower and just within Glos. (Richard Tyler).

Frampton    At Splatt Bridge a male Blackcap, two Little Egrets, male and female Peregrine, a Little Grebe on the canal, a Starling roost of c2000 birds and a Merlin just before dusk. (Andy Chapman/Grahame Clark).

Sharpness    Two Peregrines and two Green Sandpipers today. (Andy Chapman/Grahame Clark).

Berkeley shore    A Tree Sparrow in a stubble field beside the Power Station car park and a further two at the far end of the Power Station, a Water Pipit and a Rock Pipit. (Andy Chapman/Grahame Clark).

Fri Nov 9th 2007

Cheltenham    A Woodcock in the road at Charlton Park tonight at 9pm. (Dave Pearce).

Quedgeley    A Woodcock flew through the car park at Tesco this afternoon at 4:10pm in the direction of St James church and could possibly have roosted in the churchyard. (MK).

Ashleworth Ham    Two Water Pipits in the marsh in front of the hide today SO828264 and at least two or possibly three more Water Pipits in the flooded meadow opposite Colways Farm. Also a Green Sandpiper. (Andy Jayne). 

Forest of Dean     The Great Grey Shrike was in the clear-felled area at Farmers Green at 8:15am today SO615095. Also three Hawfinches in the top of the oaks at the north end of the clearing. (Ivan Proctor).

Thu Nov 8th 2007

Ashleworth & Hasfield Hams    2+ Water Pipits in the marsh in front of the hide today SO828264. (Jake King). A Great Grey Shrike at the bottom of Stank Lane today at SO837263. 

Forest of Dean     The Great Grey Shrike was showing well at 1pm today in the clear-felled area at Farmers Green SO615095. 

Wed Nov 7th 2007

Gloucester    Up to two Chiffchaffs in the marsh at Sudmeadow this morning. One was trapped for ringing. (Gordon Avery). 

Tue Nov 6th 2007

Painswick Beacon    Overhead passage included 1875 Woodpigeons, 44 Redwings, 29 Chaffinches, 21 Fieldfares, 14 Siskins and 13 Bramblings. On the ground, 1700 Woodpigeons were roosting in Buckholt and Saltridge Woods and a flock of 80 Bramblings were feeding on Beech mast on the Beacon. (Francis Steuck).

Forest of Dean    The Great Grey Shrike in a cleared area at Blackpennywell Green (SO618115) at midday, photographed at 12:30pm at Farmers Green and seen there again two hours later, presumably the same bird (SO615095). Also a Hawfinch and at Beechenhurst visitor centre, 6+ Bramblings in a beech tree above the feeding station. (Richard Cawsey/Gavin Black/Tim Hall). First pic by Gavin, 2nd by Tim.

Mon Nov 5th 2007

Painswick Beacon    Overhead passage included 2407 Woodpigeons, 47 Chaffinches, 25 Redwings, 17 Fieldfares, 12 Bramblings, three Starlings, two Skylarks, a Yellowhammer and a Bullfinch. (Francis Steuck).

Gloucester    A female Stonechat still today on Fielding's old playing field (by Gloucester City F.C.) in Sudmeadow Road, Hempsted and also two Red-legged Partridges. (Gordon Avery). At Port Ham at 2pm a male Stonechat, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Reed Bunting and six Long-tailed Tits. At Sudmeadow on Severn Way a Green Woodpecker. (Ian Elphick).

Charlton Kings    At dawn today a Tawny Owl calling in Charlton Park. (Steve Brown).

Sun Nov 4th 2007

Sharpness    A Black Redstart at the end of the Post Office road today on the roof of the modern building. (Mo Croose).

Purton shore    Six Bar-tailed Godwits today. (Mo Croose).

Ashleworth Ham    A Water Pipit from the viewing screens this afternoon and another heard calling but fog hampering viewing. (Gavin Peplow).  Cheltenham    At Aggs Hill this morning a roving flock including two Marsh Tits, a Coal Tit, a Nuthatch and a Treecreeper. Also a Roe Deer. (Steve Brown).

Stonehouse    Along the Stroudwater Canal at Bridgend this morning four Little Grebes, six Siskins, a female Stonechat, 20 Redwings and six Fieldfares. (Dave Evans).

Sat Nov 3rd 2007

Beachley Point    At high tide today 80 Mallards, 15 Wigeon, an adult male Peregrine on a pylon, 80 Lapwings, 60 Dunlin, four Curlew, 12 Redshanks, a Jack Snipe, two Rock Pipits, a male Stonechat and a male Blackcap. (Jake King/Gordon Avery).

Forest of Dean    At Farmers Green (the same site as last winter) the Great Grey Shrike was showing well around midday today in the clear-felled area. (Phil Andrews). From New Fancy at 2.30pm, two Siskins, two Lesser Redpolls, 15+ Bramblings in birch trees to the left of Mallards Pike and four Hawfinches, two with the Bramblings. (Jake King/Gordon Avery). A garden watch at Yorkley (SO634071) included a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Raven, c150 Common Gulls over, 33 Redwings and six Fieldfares over, a Nuthatch, a Green Woodpecker and a Siskin. (Barrie Mills).

Ashleworth & Hasfield Hams    During the afternoon three Water Pipits and two Jack Snipe reported. (Mark Hobson). A Water Pipit in the marsh in front of the hide from 9:30am this morning but very elusive. (Jake King). Two Great Grey Shrikes at the bottom of Stank Lane at 10am only today, one only earlier at 8:45am. (Richard Tyler/Mark Grieve). Other birds seen include a Little Grebe, two Stonechats, a Grey Wagtail, a Water Rail heard, a Lesser Redpoll heard, a Peregrine, seven Snipe, a Little Owl calling, 500+ Fieldfares, 200+ Redwings, 50+ Blackbirds just after daybreak, a Tawny Owl at 7am, a Bullfinch, a Raven over, four Reed Buntings, 400+ Starlings, a Jay, two Buzzards and 12+ Skylarks over.

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 6:15am (has been calling for two weeks now). (Mark Grieve). 

Deerhurst    A flock of 120+ Linnets on a set-aside field. (Mark Grieve).

Fri Nov 2nd 2007

WWT Slimbridge    From Holden Tower 300+ Golden Plovers but always distant, 24 White-fronted Geese, a Bewick's Swan on the river all morning, a Peregrine, a Redwing and nearby three Chiffchaffs, one probably of the abietinus race. (Graham Watson/Tony Eveleigh). Pics below of Pintail, Bewick's Swan, Wren and Redwing by Graham.

Berkeley    A Water Pipit from Severn House Farm this afternoon. (Paul Taylor/Tony Eveleigh).

Ashleworth Ham    A Great Grey Shrike in front of the hide at 4pm. (Duncan Dine/Martin McGill). Two Water Pipits in the marsh in front of the hide on and off all morning. (Dave Pearce).

Whitminster    A Ring-necked Parakeet flying south at M5/J13 at 4:40pm. (Andy Chapman). At dusk there was a very noisy parrot species between the south end of Nebrow Hill Oakwood and the Ryall's Bridge seen in silhouette against the sunset. Very likely the same bird. (Steve Brown).

Gloucester    A pair of Stonechats still today on Fielding's old playing field (by Gloucester City F.C.) in Sudmeadow Road, Hempsted and nearby on the GLS dislope behind Presswelds is yet another pair. (Gordon Avery).

Thu Nov 1st 2007

Forest of Dean    At Farmers Green (the same site as last winter) the Great Grey Shrike showed only for about five minutes at c10:30am. It was distant and very mobile favouring taller tree tops. Also in the area several Buzzards circling high and a number of Ravens calling loudly. (Ian Gorton).

Cam Long Down    A first winter Ring Ouzel on the south slope at 3pm. (Terry Fenton).

WWT Slimbridge    A probable American Golden Plover on the Dumbles this afternoon. No sign of any Golden Plovers in a brief search though. (Steve Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    The Water Pipit from the hide again late morning onwards. Also a Peregrine, a Buzzard, a Kestrel, eight Snipe, a Shoveler, 11 Teal, a Little Grebe, a Fieldfare, two Stonechats, two Canada Geese and a Raven over. (Bruce & Jean Pendlebury/Graham Watson/Colin Butters/Les Brown/Laurence Skipp).

Wed Oct 31st 2007

Ashleworth Ham    A Water Pipit seen from the hide late afternoon. (Bruce & Jean Pendlebury/Gareth Rees).

Hasfield Ham    There are now TWO Great Grey Shrikes showing well at the bottom of Stank Lane today. Also a Peregrine today. (Gareth Rees/Steve Brown/Howard Taylor).

Forest of Dean    At Rudge Hill (SO634073) an extremely late juvenile Turtle Dove today. (Barrie Mills).

The Great Grey Shrike was at Farmers Green again today but flew over the oak wood, at 11:45am, towards the valley road, perhaps heading to the main area of Nagshead Reserve. Earlier it was showing well at Farmers Green from 9:30-10:45am when it flew off south and also on a clearing (restocked with larch) above Cannop Ponds, SO613107, reached by walking up into the woods on the red arrowed path from Cannop Ponds car park and it's the first clearing you come to. Also three Buzzards soaring. Fairly mobile at the moment but no doubt will settle down again. (Ivan Proctor/Andrew Carey/Gavin Black). Pic by Andrew.

Tue Oct 30th 2007

Forest of Dean    The Great Grey Shrike is back at Farmers Green enclosure in the Cannop Valley seen today at c11am. (Gavin Black).

Hasfield Ham    The Great Grey Shrike showing well at the bottom of Stank Lane still. (Les Brown/Mike Smart/David Anderson).

Ashleworth Ham    A Sparrowhawk, ten Snipe and a Jack Snipe on the main reserve field.  (Les Brown/Mike Smart/David Anderson).

Coombe Hill Meadows    This morning 40 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 50 Shovelers, a Pochard, a Sparrowhawk, five Snipe, still 40 Meadow Pipits, 75 Fieldfares and 40 Redwings. (Les Brown/Mike Smart/David Anderson).

Awre    Three Stonechats, four Redshanks, a Clouded Yellow and a Red Admiral. (Tony Eveleigh).

Gloucester    A pair of Stonechats found today on Fielding's old playing field (by Gloucester City F.C.) in Sudmeadow Road, Hempsted. (Gordon Avery).

Mon Oct 29th 2007

Hasfield Ham    The Great Grey Shrike still at the end of Stank Lane this morning, where the "road" turns into a track. Also a pair of Stonechats, two Peregrines and hundreds of Fieldfares and Redwings (Dave Pearce/John Wiltshire).

Fretherne    A Rock Pipit at the sluice today. (Mark Hobson). Pic by Mark.

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the Grundon hide a juvenile female Peregrine with a kill beaten off by corvids, a juvenile male Sparrowhawk, 17 Wigeon and six Teal. Also small numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares were in the canal side hawthorns. (Gordon Avery).

Sun Oct 28th 2007

Sharpness    An adult Kittiwake past the sea-lock then flew back downriver on the west shore early morning. (Jake King)

Charlton Kings    This morning a Buzzard low over Naunton Park mobbed by corvids and Black-headed Gulls.  20+ Redwings on Charlton Kings Common. (Steve Brown).

Sat Oct 27th 2007

Berkeley Shore    Two Red-breasted Mergansers flew across the river, 65 Canada Geese, 40 Lapwings, three Grey Plovers, 14 Redshanks, two Rock Pipits and four Ravens. (Andy Chapman/Paul Masters). Pic by Paul.

Frampton    From Splatt Bridge a Barn Owl, c2000 Starlings coming from roost in the reedbed N of the bridge, a Kingfisher, a Sparrowhawk and a Chiffchaff plus good numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings. (Andy Chapman/Paul Masters). 

Ashleworth Ham    800+ Fieldfares, 200+ Redwings, 400+ Starlings, three Cormorants, two Snipe, seven Reed Buntings, male and female Stonechat, a Stock Dove, a Bullfinch, 6+ Skylarks, a party of 20 Long-tailed Tits, three Ravens over together, a Buzzard ,a male Kestrel, 40+ Chaffinches, 15 Linnets, 20+ Meadow Pipits and 12 Pied Wagtails on a stubble field near Colways Farm. No sign of the Great Grey Shrike which was present for at least eight days according to the log book and a report in the log book of a Ring Ouzel in with the winter thrushes per Laurence Skipp. (Mark Grieve). 

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow a male and female Stonechat still and a new female in today. (Gordon Avery).

Cheltenham    At Bath Road a Buzzard in a dogfight with corvids above the Norwood Arms, Two of the crows peeled off to molest a passing Sparrowhawk. (Steve Brown).

Fri Oct 26th 2007

Cleeve Hill    A male and female Ring Ouzel along the Wash Pool valley this afternoon. (Dave Pearce).

Cotswold Water Park     At Pit 6 at 10am two male Cetti's Warblers, a Water Rail, a Chiffchaff, a Little Grebe, four Great Crested Grebes and a Grey Heron. (Gareth Harris).

Thu Oct 25th 2007

Cotswold Water Park    Fieldwork totals for today at Lower Mill Estate (Pits 44, 42, 57, 41, 58, 77) and Swillbrook Lakes Reserve (Pits 46/48). 715 Coot, seven Mallards, 17 Moorhens, 42 Great Crested Grebes, 53 Pochards, four Red Crested Pochards, 37 Wigeon, 138 Tufted Ducks, 13 Gadwall, 25 Teal, two Goldeneye, three Cormorants, 33 Mute Swans, three Grey Herons, 11 Canada Geese, four Black-headed Gulls, three Shovelers, two Little Grebes, 166 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Herring Gull, four Common Gulls, (total of 1284 waterbirds) also a Kingfisher, a male Cetti’s Warbler with noted passage of Redwings, Fieldfares, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. (Bob Philpott/Gareth Harris).

Wed Oct 24th 2007

Painswick Beacon   c150 Redwings grounded on the Beacon and a Woodcock in Catbrain Quarry. (Francis Steuck).

Longney   An adult Bewick's Swan flying down river at Longney Sands at 7:45am. (Sue Stevens).

Tidenham Chase    At Poor's Allotment and The Park this morning two Stonechats, 12 Crossbills, 22 Fieldfares, eight Siskins, two Lesser Redpolls, 20 Redwings, two Ravens, two Jack Snipe and six Snipe. (Ian Ralphs).

Quedgeley    At Clearwater Drive a Sparrowhawk and a singing Chiffchaff. At the Ancient Moat a female Blackcap and a Tawny Owl at Quedgeley Nature Reserve  (apparently calling for the past few weeks). (Andy Chapman).

Tue Oct 23rd 2007

Painswick Beacon    A late Yellow Wagtail and a White Wagtail through today. (Francis Steuck).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Peregrines in front of the Holden Tower repeatedly harassed a Buzzard and then one took a Wigeon. From Zeiss hide two Cetti's Warblers and a Great Spotted Woodpecker at South Finger. (Graham Watson). Pics by Graham.

Clearwell    Two Stonechats on the farmland plateau south of the village. (Ivan Proctor).

Temple Guiting    145 Golden Plovers at Trafalgar crossroads today. (Jim Milton).

Mon Oct 22nd 2007

Painswick Beacon    Another good day for visible migration with some scarcer migrants as well including a fly-by Ring Ouzel, shortly followed by a Peregrine and then just a few minutes later, a male Goshawk which glided down Painswick valley from the north. Other passage included 225 Fieldfares, 189 Woodpigeons, 172 Redwings, 117 Starlings, 88 Chaffinches, 28 Siskins, 11 Skylarks, ten Bramblings, eight Lesser Redpolls and a Reed Bunting. (Francis Steuck).

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow 270 Woodpigeons E (in small flocks), three Grey Wagtails, two to the NE and one by Llantony Weir, male and female Stonechat at Sudmeadow, a female Blackcap, an increase in Starling numbers from last Friday on GLS from 120 to at least 1450 birds this morning. A noticeable increase in Redwings too with c75 birds this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Sun Oct 21st 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A male Hen Harrier from the Holden Tower at 1:15pm quartering over the spartina island then flew upriver. Also 34 White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles and four Bewick's Swans in the Rushy Pen. (Paul Masters).

Forest of Dean    A male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling, showed very well for 10 mins in the oaks at the top, then seen again on the top path near the heath. Also 24 Lesser Redpolls, 18 Siskins, three Bullfinches, five House Martins over S at 9:30am, 15 Fieldfares and 22 Redwings. (Mark Hobson).

Tidenham Chase    Two pairs of Stonechats, a Green Woodpecker, a Raven and three Snipe today at Poor's Allotment. (Mark Hobson).

Berkeley shore    A Wheatear and 50+ Fieldfares today. (Shane Long).

Frampton    At the WWT 100-Acre 3 or 4 Stonechats, a Kestrel, a Raven, an immature male Sparrowhawk, a very pale/whitish Buzzard, a Kingfisher caught a fish at the pond by gate and 40+ Fieldfares busy on nearby berries. (Bill & Clare Church).

Corse Lawn    A Barn Owl this morning.  (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl at 6:45am, and 39 Fieldfares, four Buzzards, two Lapwings, six Common Gulls and four Lesser Black-backed Gulls all on a ploughed field. (Mark Grieve).

Sat Oct 20th 2007

Painswick Beacon    Excellent passage throughout the day with a peak around dawn and dusk. Highlight was two Woodlarks that came through together from the E at 9:15am. The days totals are as follows: 1000 Woodpigeons, 850 Fieldfares, 300 Redwings, 120 Chaffinches, 66 Siskins, 54 Starlings, 53 Bramblings, 41 Jackdaws, 33 Greenfinches, 27 Skylarks, 23 Meadow Pipits, 19 Goldfinches, 17 Linnets, 12 Lesser Redpolls, 12 Swallows, nine Bullfinches, nine alba Wagtails, five Lapwings, three Yellowhammers, two Woodlarks, a Grey Wagtail, a Song Thrush and a Reed Bunting. (Francis Steuck).

Forest of Dean    At Brierley, a Crossbill and four Siskins over, a Willow Tit calling and a pair of Bullfinches. At Woorgreens/Crabtree Hill 20+ Siskins, several Coal Tits, a tit flock including 14 Long-tailed Tits and several grunting Fallow Deer heard. At Cannop, a Dipper on the brook below the Stone Works, two Grey Wagtails and four Mandarins. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman). A female Adder and a small flock of Crossbills at Oakenhill Woods c1.5 miles along the main track through the woods from Parkend Church. Also from New Fancy View a Hawfinch in flight from viewpoint and a herd of Fallow Deer comprising of a couple of stags and hinds and up to six young. (Steve & Sue Wilce). Adder pics below.

Gloucester    At Port Ham three Snipe flushed. (Ian Elphick).

Fri Oct 19th 2007

South Cerney    A Red Kite over the village and Shorncote reedbed at midday. (Dave Pearce).

Beachley Point    This morning six Wigeon, three Curlews, two Redshanks, 18 Lapwings, three Rock Pipits, two Mistle Thrushes and a Green Woodpecker. Also a Red Admiral and a Harlequin Ladybird. (Ivan Proctor).

Gloucester    At Port Ham a Snipe flushed, five Reed Buntings, six Stonechats, two Ravens over and a Kingfisher heard. (Ian Elphick).

Thu Oct 18th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A pair of Whooper Swans today from Holden Tower. (Pete Alder/Colin Butters). Also six Bewick's Swans arrived this evening. This includes pair Dario and Dorcus who have been the first to arrive at the reserve for the past three years! This is the sixth year that they have been together as a pair with Dario first wintering at Slimbridge as a cygnet in 1999. Having learnt the migration route from parents Raptor and Goodall, Dario has returned nearly every year since, illustrating the great site fidelity shown by this species and the attraction of the reserve in providing plentiful food and a safe roost. Three yearlings and another adult have arrived with them. (Lady Philippa Scott per Julia Newth).

Painswick Beacon    A single male Ring Ouzel on the Beacon briefly. (Francis Steuck).

Cleeve Hill    Thirty Fieldfares, 15 Redwings, two Bramblings with Chaffinches along the approach road to the masts, five Stonechats, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel and a Little Owl. (Dave Pearce). Pic below by Dave.

Coombe Hill Meadows    This morning a juvenile Little Stint still present, found yesterday apparently. Also a pair of Stonechats. (Gordon Avery).

Hasfield Ham    A Great Grey Shrike again today. It was in the fields to the south of the 'bridge' at the end of the metalled road. It was in the obvious dead tree that is in the middle of the drainage ditch about 100m from the bridge. Also a pair of Stonechats on the set-a-side and a male Peregrine. (Gordon Avery).

Wed Oct 17th 2007

Hasfield Ham    A Great Grey Shrike today, viewable from the end of Stank Lane late morning. (Les Brown/Colin Butters).

Mon Oct 15th 2007

Ashleworth Ham    25+ Meadow Pipits , a few Skylarks and Pied Wagtails over to SW, a Barn Owl screeching before first light and a Little Owl, 20 Redwings and three Fieldfares, a Raven, a female Stonechat and five Wigeon. (Mervyn Greening/Mike Smart).

Sun Oct 14th 2007

Longborough    A juvenile Gannet, mobbed by a Carrion Crow, landed exhausted in a field of kale just NW of Longborough (near Moreton-in-the-Marsh) at 2:30pm. The bird was then captured and later taken to the Vale Wildlife Rescue Centre. (Rob Brookes/Duncan & Becky Dine/Andy Lewis). Pic below.

Cleeve Hill    At the Wash pool valley a male Ring Ouzel, 200+ Meadow Pipits over to the south, 12 Pied Wagtails over, a Grey Wagtail, two Ravens, 131 Fieldfares and 80+ Redwings over south, 10+ Mistle Thrushes, 70+ Skylarks (inc a flock of 30) flew south, a male Stonechat, 50+ Linnets, 50+ Chaffinches, 25+ Long-tailed Tits and a Chiffchaff. (Mark Grieve).

Fretherne    This evening 13 Ruff, 70 Dunlin, three Grey Plovers, three Little Stints, a Sanderling and a Grey Wagtail. (David Owen).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 6:15am. (Mark Grieve).

Sat Oct 13th 2007

Milkwall    A House Martin over this morning. (Ivan Proctor).

Woolaston    Between the railway track and the estuary this morning, 60+ Linnets, 20+ Reed Buntings, 20+ Skylarks, 16 Meadow Pipits, six Snipe, five Teal, three Redshanks, three Curlews, a Little Egret, a Reed Warbler, a Sparrowhawk and a Merlin. Overhead birds included 13 Swallows, seven Redwings and a Brambling. (Lewis Thomson). Merlin pic below by Lewis.

Fri Oct 12th 2007

Cleeve Hill    This afternoon in the Sheep Wash valley two female Ring Ouzels with fifty Redwings on Hawthorns but fairly mobile. On the road to the radio masts six Bramblings with Chaffinches on the Beech mast. (Duncan Dine).

Longlevens    A garden Great Spotted Woodpecker, three Wrens and a family of six Blackbirds this morning. (Frank Bryant).

Thu Oct 11th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    Eight Buzzards up together over the reserve including one very pale bellied bird with pale upper wing coverts and white looking rump. Two Kestrels, a Ruff from Grundon Hide, two Green Sandpipers in the Parish Drain on the canal, a Grey Wagtail, two Wheatears in the meadows 25 Redwings over, a Chiffchaff and three Blackcaps (2m, 1f) along the Canal, the male in sub-song and a Brambling over calling. (Gordon Avery/Andy Jayne).

Wed Oct 10th 2007

Forest of Dean    At Oakenhill Woods near Parkend (SO 628078) eight Crossbills, c30 Redwings, eight Carrion Crows, a Marsh Tit, two Coal Tits, three Long-tailed Tits, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Song Thrush. (Barrie Mills).

Cirencester    c80 Golden Plovers in fields by the A419, 1m south of Cirencester this morning, on the opposite side of the road to South Cerney airfield. (Jon Mercer). 

Driffield    c150 Golden Plovers in the field over the road from 29th Regiment base. (John Grearson).

Elkstone    At 9:30am today 35 Golden Plovers circling over the A417 at Elkstone heading towards Cirencester from Birdlip. (Andrew Bluett).

Tirley    10+ Fieldfares high to the west at midday. (Mark Grieve).

Tue Oct 9th 2007

Painswick Beacon    The rain brought down three Bramblings amongst Greenfinches and Chaffinches and a Wheatear on the golf course. (Francis Steuck).

Symonds Yat    A Red Kite over Coppet Hill today for over an hour. (Ken Eames).

Gloucester    At Port Ham c30 Meadow Pipits, a Reed Bunting and three Stonechats and a Kingfisher at Over Ponds. (Ian Elphick).

Mon Oct 8th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    At least six European White-fronted Geese have arrived today, they can be seen from the Holden Tower along with a Dark-bellied Brent Goose which is amongst the Barnacle Geese. A flock of seven Common Scoters were seen on the tide, with a Firecrest around the Holden Tower late morning. (Martin McGill/James Lees).

Brockhampton  A Wheatear along the road from the A436 to Brockhampton. (Laurie Pierce).

Frampton    A Hobby over Court Lake mid afternoon today. (Nick Goatman).

Ashleworth Ham    Visible migrants included a Skylark, 75 Meadow Pipits, 12 Pied Wagtails and ten Swallows. Small numbers of Reed Buntings about, a Barn Owl hunting at first light, a Little Owl calling and a Golden Plover flew downriver calling. In front of the hide 25 Mallards, two Wigeon and two Green Sandpipers on the pools and two Ravens flew over. (Mervyn Greening/Mike Smart).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Chiffchaff along the canal. A Grey Wagtail over the Grundon Hide. also three Snipe and a Ruff here. (Gordon Avery).

Sun Oct 7th 2007

Walmore Common    A Lapland Bunting flew over at 9:45am and appeared to land with Meadow Pipits but not relocated by 10:30am. (Andy Jayne).

Ozleworth     A male Ring Ouzel and a female Wheatear near to the Tower this morning. (Mike Smith). 

Sherborne Water Meadows    A Water Rail heard squealing several times from a drainage ditch at 5pm. (Andy Lewis).

Bourton-on-the-Water    At dusk at Lower Marsh Farm, a Little Owl on a telegraph pole, a Barn Owl screeching nearby and three Tawny Owls heard round about. (Andy Lewis).

Eastington    At Millend this evening, 15 Redwings, first this autumn, a Willow Warbler in sub-song; and on the Frome south arm, a Grey Wagtail, two Green Sandpipers and two Teal with 30+ Mallards. (Jake King).

Sat Oct 6th 2007

Cleeve Hill    A male Ring Ouzel at the Wash Pool this morning, three Yellow Wagtails over, two Wheatears and about ten Redwings on the Common. (Dave Pearce).

WWT Slimbridge    30 Knot on South Lake this morning, also four Spotted Redshanks, 56 Black-tailed Godwits, two Ruff and two Snipe. Another Spotted Redshank was feeding on the Knott Pool and a Wheatear at Mid Point. (Paul Masters). Pic by Paul. A Red Kite over the Rushy Pen at 11:45am and at least three Water Voles showing well on the grass in front of the restaurant. (James Lees).

Stinchcombe    A Red Kite for five minutes above Stinchcombe Hill at 2pm today. (Ray Sherman).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Willow Tit heard by the River Eye at Greystones Farm GWT reserve. (Andy Lewis).

Quedgeley    At Clearwater Drive a Water Rail, a singing Chiffchaff and a Jay, uncommon here. (Andy Chapman).

Fri Oct 5th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A Pink-footed Goose on the Dumbles in front of Holden Tower still today. (James Lees).

Cleeve Hill    A Barn Owl roosted in the large quarry above the Wash Pool and two Bramblings were with Chaffinches on the road to the masts. (Dave Pearce).

Painswick Beacon    Two Bramblings and two Fieldfares through first of the autumn. (Francis Steuck).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Ten Lapwings, a Greenshank, a Peregrine landed by the water then chased away by ten Carrion Crows, 50+ Teal and two Wigeon. (Peter Cadogan). 

Cheltenham    A Raven over Naunton Park going N towards Cheltenham College this afternoon, a garden tick. Also a small party of Long-tailed Tits. (Steve Brown).

Thu Oct 4th 2007

Painswick Beacon    A male Ring Ouzel, first of the autumn, a Stonechat and four Bramblings over, also first of the autumn. (Francis Steuck).

Symonds Yat    A Red Kite over Coppet Hill today. (Brian Woodroffe).

Ozleworth     A juvenile Redstart at Ozleworth between the Tower and the Barn this evening. Also a Whinchat, two Stonechat and a flock of Linnets. (Mike Smith). Pic by Mike.

Fretherne    Four Ruff, three Knot, seven Grey Plovers, six Ringed Plovers, a Little Egret, 30 Curlews and 30 Shelducks this evening. (Paul Masters). Pic by Paul.

Forest of Dean    At Nagshead today two Meadow Pipits, a Pied Wagtail, three Skylarks, a Redwing, a Marsh Tit, a Brambling, four Lesser Redpolls, three Siskins, a Goldfinch, two Bullfinches, a Hawfinch and three Ravens. (Barry Embling).

Wed Oct 3rd 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A Pink-footed Goose on the Dumbles in front of Holden Tower today and a first-winter Arctic Tern still. (James Lees).

Coombe Hill Meadows    27 Wigeon, six Redwings going over high to the east, seven Jack Snipe, 50 Teal, 30 Shovelers, a Pintail, a Peregrine, a Greenshank, a Ruff, a Little Stint and a Dunlin. Heavy Swallow passage all morning, many hundred birds and a few House Martins with them. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Colesbourne    10-12 Siskins flying over the north side of Colesbourne today. Also a Tawny Owl calling mid afternoon. (Jenny Vickers).

Newnham-on-Severn    Two Common Scoters came down on the outgoing tide from the direction of Westbury-on-Severn. They passed mid channel on the Newnham side. Also six Grey Herons, an Oystercatcher, 120 Lapwings (two flocks of 81 and 39), c20 House Martins and c40 Swallows. (SO 697120). (Barrie Mills).

Symonds Yat    Three Goshawks showing very well in flight at Symonds Yat today, an adult female and two juveniles. There was also an intruding Peregrine which was seen off by the resident male. (Gavin Black).

Fretherne    At high tide at midday 23 Knot, eight Little Stints, 12 Grey Plovers, five Ruff, 50 Golden Plovers, 150 Dunlins, 25 Ringed Plovers, two Snipe, 10 Redshanks, one Spotted Redshank and three first winter Arctic Terns feeding along water's edge and resting on the mud. (Dave Pearce).

Tue Oct 2nd 2007

Hawling    Near Hawling this evening a flock of 50+ Golden Plovers. (Sue Smith). At the junction of A436/B4068 near Hawling (SP 076221) 189 Golden Plovers, a Lapwing, a Raven and 12 Red-legged Partridges. (Barrie Mills).

Newnham-on-Severn    109 Lapwings, 24 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and c40 House Martins. (SO 697120). (Barrie Mills). 

Beachley Point    This morning six Ringed Plovers, three Oystercatchers, three Curlews, 12 Mallards, 70 Goldfinches, five Pied Wagtails, five Linnets, two Stonechats, two Meadow Pipits and a Wheatear. (Ivan Proctor).

Mon Oct 1st 2007

Longlevens    Six garden Long-tailed Tits this morning. (Frank Bryant).

Sun Sep 30th 2007

Painswick Beacon    Overhead migration in the first three hours after dawn, 270 Meadow Pipits, 200 Swallows, 120 Redwings, 90 Chaffinches, 60 House Martins, 50 alba Wagtails, 32 Linnets, 22 Greenfinches, 21 Skylarks (first passage of the autumn), 13 Siskins, ten Goldfinches, four Starlings, three Song Thrushes (first passage of the autumn) and three Lesser Redpolls (first passage of the autumn). (Francis Steuck).

Rodborough    At 1:10pm a Red Kite flying in a NW direction at Rodborough Common. (Shirley & Tony Hawkins).

Forest of Dean    At Hangerberry Inclosure this morning, a Brambling circled before landing at the top of a Larch tree, called several times, and then headed west with a Chaffinch at 11:20am, also two Chiffchaffs (one in song). Other overhead birds included 20+ Redwings, three Meadow Pipits, two Skylarks, two Lesser Redpolls and a Siskin. (Lewis Thomson).

Chedworth    c200 Pheasants in the fields and hedgerows, four Buzzards and a Kestrel. (Felicity Cobb).

Sat Sep 29th 2007

Awre    Hundreds of hirundines heading upriver including 6+ Sand Martins, a Curlew Sandpiper with Redshanks, and a stint sp in flight. (John Phillips).

Rodley    A second-winter Mediterranean Gull and an adult Little Gull at Longney Crib, also two Wheatears and a Stonechat. (John Phillips). 

Frampton    Two juvenile Arctic Terns on the Sailing Lake early afternoon. (Gavin Peplow).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Barn Owl hunting with at least one successful stoop at dusk around the southern Santhill pit. Also three Tawny Owls heard around the vicinity. (Andy Lewis).

WWT Slimbridge    A Temminck's Stint on the Dumbles in front of Holden Tower this morning (initially identified as White-rumped Sandpiper today). Also three Arctic Terns, a Little Egret, a Wheatear, 50+ Swallows heading north?, nine Snipe and 50 Dunlin. On South Lake two Curlew Sandpipers, a Knot, six Spotted Redshanks, two Black-tailed Godwits and another at Robbie Garnett hide. (Andy Lodge/James Lees/MK). Also six Grey Plovers on the Dumbles. (Geoff Moyser). Pics by Richard Tyler, Temminck's Stint first two, Spotted Redshanks next two, Curlew Sandpiper last.

Painswick Beacon    After the cloud and rain lifted at midday there was some good overhead passage for an hour 154 Swallows, 113 House Martins, 26 Redwings, five Chaffinches, five Meadow Pipits and an alba Wagtail. On the ground three Chiffchaffs, two Siskins and a Stonechat. (Francis Steuck).

Hasfield Ham    60+ Meadow Pipits on the Ham and another 40 over, three Chiffchaffs, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, four Stock Doves, a Treecreeper, a Jay, three Ravens, three Pied Wagtails south, a Grey Heron, six Snipe, a Cormorant, ten Long-tailed Tits, 7+ Reed Buntings, three flocks of Swallows went south , (31 ,80+ and 10), and 12 House Martins. (Mark Grieve).

Fri Sep 28th 2007

Forest of Dean    20 Crossbills this afternoon at Crabtree Hill. (David J Slater). Pics below by David. 

WWT Slimbridge    A Snow Bunting on the Dumbles at 9:10am. Also a Fieldfare, 60 Redwings, three Arctic Terns still and a Little Stint.  (David Creber/James Lees).

Cheltenham    Two Redwings this morning high over Cheltenham town centre heading NE at 9:30am. (Ian Ralphs).

Thu Sep 27th 2007

Hasfield Ham    A female Stonechat and a Wheatear early this morning. (Gordon Avery/Mike Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    A male Hen Harrier quartered the set-aside field opposite the minor road signposted to Tirley Hill (just off the major road on the way to the hide) for five minutes mid morning (but did not return by 1pm). (Dave Pearce).

Wed Sep 26th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A female Hen Harrier hunted around the Tack Piece before heading north at 11:30am. On South Lake two Curlew Sandpipers, a Dunlin, three Spotted Redshanks, six Redshanks and 150 Black-tailed Godwits. Two Snipe in the Rushy Pen. Four Arctic Terns still feeding in the estuary. Also seven Dunlin, 32 Golden Plovers and 90 Curlews. On the 100-Acre three Stonechats and a Wheatear.  (James Lees). 

Ashleworth Ham    A male Hen Harrier reported going to roost this evening. (Lawrence Skipp per MS).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Greenshank still present, a continuing steady passage of Swallows and House Martins (several hundred of each) all day, with a few Meadow Pipits. Please note: the Long Pool Hide is now open again, as the floor which had floated up during the floods is now back in place. (Mike Smart).

Brimscombe    This afternoon a Marsh Tit coming to a feeder in the office garden at Brimscombe Port. (David Owen).

Tue Sep 25th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    Eight Curlew Sandpipers still this morning. Also a first-winter Wood Duck in the 100-Acre.  (James Lees). 

Cleeve Hill    About 20 Stonechats and two Whinchats at Wontley Farm (also last Friday 21st) and at least six on Cleeve Common. (Dave Pearce).

Coombe Hill Meadows    130 Canada Geese flew off SW, 90 Greylags separately to NE, four Little Grebes, 50 Shovelers, 30 Teal, a Pochard, a male Peregrine, a Water Rail from Grundon Hide, 10 Snipe, a Greenshank, a constant SW passage all morning of Meadow Pipits and Swallows (probably couple of hundred of each), with much smaller numbers of Skylarks, three Chiffchaffs singing and a few Reed Buntings. (Les Brown/Mervyn Greening/Mike Smart). Also late afternoon two Wheatears, three Buzzards, a Dunlin, two Barnacle Geese and 100+ Canada Geese. (Peter Cadogan).

Mon Sep 24th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    Eight Curlew Sandpipers, four Little Stints, four Golden Plovers, a Turnstone, two Greenshanks, an adult Mediterranean Gull and two Arctic Terns at high tide this evening.  (James Lees). 

Forest of Dean    Two Dippers on the Cannop Brook behind the Stone Works this morning, and Siskins calling in the alders nearby. (Ivan Proctor).

Ashleworth Ham    For the last week Meadow Pipit passage has been very heavy, and good numbers have been ringed. On 17th September 60 were trapped (and at least 200 estimated present) and on 22nd September another 58 were trapped, out of several hundred passing through. Of the c200 pipits caught so far every one has been a juvenile, presumably on their way to wintering grounds in Iberia. On 22nd September, a male Merlin was chasing them. Also trapped on 22nd September a late juvenile Redstart and a late juvenile Sedge Warbler and c14 Reed Buntings. Also seen two Wheatears, a Green Sandpiper, 15 Snipe and two Hobbies. (Mervyn Greening/David Anderson/Mike Smart).

Sun Sep 23rd 2007

Forest of Dean    Around Kensley Inclosure this morning, 7+ Siskins, two Linnets, a Willow Warbler, a Hawfinch and three Meadow Pipits over, a party of at least six Wild Boar, four Fallow Deer and a Fox. (Lewis Thomson). Pics by Lewis.

WWT Slimbridge    Three first-winter Arctic Terns over the estuary, two Wheatears, 24 Knot and a Marsh Harrier this morning.  (James Lees). 

Sat Sep 22nd 2007

Butterow    An Osprey in flight above Butterow near Stroud, SO857036, at 9:30am. It gained height by soaring out of Frome Valley, then heading S with flapping flight across Rodborough Common. (Martin Wright).

Witcombe    370 Swallows through the reservoir in an hour. (Terry Fenton).

Frampton    A juvenile Arctic Tern flying towards Slimbridge and two Stonechats on the WWT 100-Acre, (Nick Goatman).

Painswick Beacon    Overhead passage a Redwing, 172 Meadow Pipits, 71 House Martins, 25 Swallows, 13 Chaffinches, four Goldfinches, two Siskins, a White Wagtail and a Tree Pipit. Grounded migrants 15 Meadow Pipits, six Chiffchaffs, three Wheatears ( including an individual showing characteristics of Greenland Wheatear) and a Stonechat. (Francis Steuck).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Along the canal 10+ Chiffchaffs, a Bullfinch, 20+ Meadow Pipits south, a juvenile Buzzard, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, a Blackcap. At the hide 40+ Teal, ten Shovelers, five Snipe, a Greenshank, five Grey Herons, a Pied Wagtail and a Little Grebe. (Mark Grieve).

Tutshill    On the Glos side of the Severn two pairs of Buzzards and a single Buzzard hunting. At Tintern, by the Abbey, on the Glos side, there were c70 House Martins feeding over the River Wye, also a Wheatear nearby. (Felicity Cobb).

Uley    A Weasel at Uley Barrow. (Shane Long).

Fri Sep 21st 2007

Gloucester    A Little Egret was on the marsh at Sudmeadow from 1:55-2pm then flew off towards the river in a westerly direction. (Gordon Avery).

Thu Sep 20th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    240 Canada Geese, a Barnacle Goose and 80 Greylags roosted but left before 7am also 50 Shovelers and 50 Teal. (Mervyn Greening/David Anderson/Mike Smart).

Sharpness    120+ Redshanks, three Lapwings, a Greenshank, seven Curlews, ten Cormorants, 30+ Common Gulls, a Buzzard and a Raven. (Graham Watson).

Beachley Point    A Manx Shearwater drifted up on the tide at 8:50am. (John Sanders).

Wed Sep 19th 2007

Cleeve Hill    A Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, two Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrests, 65+ Goldfinches feeding on thistles along with 60+ Meadow Pipits (also 40 flew over S), two Ravens, nine Stonechats and a flock of eight Mistle Thrushes. (Mark Grieve).

Tue Sep 18th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A Red Kite flew over Mid Point at midday, heading east. (Richard Cawsey).

 Coaley Peak    This afternoon a Hobby flew in, gained height in a strong thermal and headed west. (Richard Cawsey).

Gloucester    This evening two Little Egrets at Castlemeads West and at Castlemeads East four Snipe flushed near the bypass and flew off towards Westgate Bridge. (Ian Elphick).

Mon Sep 17th 2007

Frampton    At the WWT 100-Acre a juvenile Marsh Harrier again this evening. (Nick Goatman).

Saul Warth     Three Hobbies, five Greenshanks and 23 Lapwings at midday. (Vic Polley).

Stroud    Three Ravens over Uplands at 1:30pm, calling and 'tumbling', heading N. (Graham Bullivant).

WWT Slimbridge    A Manx Shearwater at 7:45am, possibly the Fretherne bird from yesterday, was killed by a Peregrine. (James Lees).

Sun Sep 16th 2007

Symonds Yat    An Osprey again today at 1:55pm and a Hobby at 2pm. Also, both Peregrines, Buzzards, a Kestrel and several sightings of a Sparrowhawk, c100 House Martins and a few Swallows, 12 Cormorants and a flock of c12 Siskins. (Gavin Black).

WWT Slimbridge    35+ Goldfinches and 30+ House Martins at the car park. 50+ Teal and five Wigeon from Robbie Garnet hide. From Mid Point at midday a juvenile Marsh Harrier, two Whinchats, two Ravens, five Curlew, eight Dunlin, three Redshanks, five Shelducks, three Cormorants, a Grey Heron and small numbers of Meadow Pipits, House Martins and Swallows flew south down river. (Mark Grieve/Richard Tyler).

Fretherne    A Manx Shearwater at 11:45am, which went back down over the receding tide later. (John Sanders).

Frampton    At the WWT 100-Acre a juvenile Marsh Harrier seen close to Green Lane at 11am. (Phil Pope).

Walmore Common    This morning 15 Teal, two juvenile Hobbies, a Golden Plover, 28 Snipe and a Green Sandpiper. (Andy Jayne).

Awre    Two Knot and two Curlew Sandpipers on the foreshore this morning and also a juvenile Arctic Tern flying upriver. (John Phillips).

Sat Sep 15th 2007

Forest of Dean    18 Ravens and five Buzzards soaring high over Oakenhill Woods near Parkend (SO 6207). (Barrie Mills).

Frampton    At the WWT 100-Acre between 5- 6pm  a juvenile Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, two Little  Egrets in flight, a Buzzard and a Kestrel in Green Lane. (Bill Church).

WWT Slimbridge    At Mid Point on the incoming tide this morning five Sanderlings, 20+ Dunlin, two Grey Plovers and a Little Egret. (Jake King)

Sharpness    Two Mediterranean Gulls (pic below), a Little Egret, c50 Redshanks, c30 Lapwings, c150 Common Gulls and four Cormorants. (Graham Bullivant). Pic by Graham.

Coombe Hill Meadows    Along the canal several Chiffchaffs, a Grey Heron, three Brown Hares, a male Blackcap, a male Bullfinch, a steady passage of Meadow Pipits over SW (under 15 birds) and 20+ Meadow Pipits at the scrape, a female Pintail, a female Pochard, 50+ Teal, two Tufted Ducks, seven Shovelers, four Gadwall, a Wigeon, 8+ Snipe, three Lapwings, 20+ Pied Wagtails, two Reed Buntings, two Sedge Warblers, 50+ Swallows and five House Martins over SW, a Jay heard, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Little Grebe. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    A mixed flock of 50+ Swallows and House Martins over at 8:45 am ,also five Buzzards soaring together. (Mark Grieve). 

Fri Sep 14th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    Yesterday between 12:45-1:30pm from Grundon hide two Pintail, 40 Teal, two Shovelers, a Wheatear, a Snipe, a Lapwing, a Little Grebe (pic below). Along the canal a Blackcap in subsong and a Willow Warbler. (Graham Bullivant). Pic by Graham.

Witcombe Reservoir    An Osprey caught a fish this afternoon and took it up into the woods to eat it. (per Duncan Dine).    

Wotton-Under-Edge    An Osprey at 12:30pm between Alderley and Wortley just south of W-U-E. (Mike Smith).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Whinchats and a Wheatear at Mid Point today. (Paul Masters). Pic by Paul.

Naunton    A Sparrowhawk this evening in a stable block near Naunton and had just taken a House Sparrow. (Richard Tyler). Pic by Richard.

Thu Sep 13th 2007

Cotswold Water Park    Three Hobbies circling at 1:30pm N of Keynes CP, between Pit 79 and Shorncote. At Pits 46/48 Swillbrook Southern Hawker, Migrant Hawker and Common Darters. (Jon Mercer).

Gloucester    This morning a Little Egret was pushed off the river by the tide and flew over Sudmeadow towards Castle Meads at 10:27am. (Gordon Avery).

Dursley    A Tawny Owl at 5:45am in Lister Petter car park. (Shane Long).

Wed Sep 12th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the Grundon hide this evening, a moulting adult Curlew Sandpiper with two Dunlin.  Also two Green Sandpipers and four Snipe. (Dave Pearce).

Symonds Yat    An Osprey again today showing well at Yat Rock between 9:50am-10:20am today. It made one unsuccessful plunge-dive before catching a fish which it ate before flying off upriver. It was also heard calling twice. (Martin Drew). It was seen again at 3pm, and stayed for just five minutes before following the river downstream past Huntsham Hill. (Phil Andrews).

Ashleworth & Hasfield Ham    A steady but small passage of 15 +Meadow Pipits to the SE, also 20+ Swallows and House Martins to the S, a Goldcrest amongst a mixed Tit flock, several Chiffchaffs, a Buzzard, two Jays, a male Redstart at the bottom of Stinky Lane, a Grey Heron, three Hobbies (2 ads, 1 juv), a Green Sandpiper flushed by the Hobbies, male and female Reed Bunting (Hasfield Ham), male and female Whinchat (Hasfield Ham), three Snipe, a Treecreeper, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Yellow Wagtail over to the SW. (Mark Grieve).

Forest of Dean    Re/ colour ringed Greylag reported 06/09. D6D is the youngest of this years goslings, ringed at Speech House lake on the 7th August, and departed in the company of an unringed bird at the end of the month. Colour ringing of the Greylags in the Dean has revealed a regular movement to Slimbridge (in Aug/Sept) and then to Scotland (at the turn of the year) before a return to Slimbridge/Dean (early spring). Colour rings on the right leg generally indicate the bird originally ringed here, colour rings on the left generally indicate ringed in Scotland. Info on any further sightings would be appreciated. (Jerry Lewis).

Tue Sep 11th 2007

Frampton    A juvenile Marsh Harrier in the WWT 100-Acre this evening. (Nick Goatman).

Gloucester    At Castlemeads (West) two Little Egrets were joined by another flying over from Port Ham, a Lapwing also on the island. Still plenty of Southern Hawkers, Common Darters, several Black-tailed Skimmers and a Migrant Hawker. (Ian Elphick).

A Whinchat still present this afternoon just past the Lower Parting in the field on the left. Also a Kingfisher at Llantony Weir. (Gordon Avery). 

Mon Sep 10th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the Grundon hide today two Little Stints, five Ringed Plovers, two Snipe, eight Lapwings, a Little Grebe, two Buzzards, up to eight Chiffchaffs and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. (Barrie Mills).

Gloucester    A Kingfisher heard between Oxleaze and Port Ham. (Ian Elphick).

Ashleworth Ham    Two Hobbies (ad & juv), a male Kestrel, a Raven and six Teal today. (Barrie Mills).

Sun Sep 9th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two juvenile Curlew Sandpipers in front of the Grundon hide at 7pm.

 Also a Great Crested Grebe. (Malcolm & Wendy Smith). Late afternoon seven Ringed Plovers, two Little Stints and two Dunlins. (Andy Jayne). Along the canal several Chiffchaffs, a Buzzard, a Willow Warbler and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Along the board walk and from Grundon hide, six Tufted Ducks, a female Pochard,  three Shovelers, 40+ Teal, two Ringed Plovers (ad & juv), five Little Ringed Plovers (1 ad, 4 juvs), a Little Stint, two Dunlins, 10+ Snipe, 19 Lapwings, a Sedge Warbler, two female Reed Buntings (first since the floods), 20+ Pied Wagtails, a female Yellow Wagtail briefly, a Jay, a Green Woodpecker, ten Meadow Pipits flew W and a Little Grebe. (Mark Grieve). 

Hasfield Ham    This evening two Hobbies, 80 Snipe, a Redstart, a Wheatear and Sedge Warbler. (Andy Jayne). 

WWT Slimbridge    A probable Baltic Gull (unringed) on the Dumbles from Holden Tower at 9:15am. Also a Yellow-legged Gull on the Dumbles and four Spotted Redshanks on site this morning.  (James Lees). Visit here for pics.

Also a Whinchat, two Hobbies, three Buzzards, a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk, two Little Egrets, three Little Grebes, an immature Great Crested Grebe, a Kingfisher, a singing Cetti's Warbler and a Clouded Yellow on the morning safari. (Paul & Linda Masters).

Longney Crib    This evening, a Lesser Black-backed Gull of the race L. f. intermedius. It is the bird on the left of the picture. (John Sanders).

Berkeley shore    This morning a Turnstone, a Wheatear and two Clouded Yellows. (Phil Pope).

Quedgeley    A singing male garden Chiffchaff this morning. (Paul Masters).

Sat Sep 8th 2007

Berkeley shore    A possible Pratincole sp flew S over the Power Station at 5:30pm. It called twice and was seen very briefly without bins before going out of sight. (Paul Taylor).

Swindon, WILTS    A report of a Pratincole sp seen flying low this morning at Blunsdon Hill and heading towards Cotswold Water Park East Section. (per Gareth Harris).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Little Egret at Salmonsbury Meadows GWT reserve flying north up the River Eye at 7pm. (Andy Lewis).

Coombe Hill Meadows    No sign of the Spotted Crake from Grundon hide today (6:30am-7:20pm) but two Little Stints, three Green Sandpipers, a Little Ringed Plover, a Ringed Plover,  two Water Rails, a Pintail, Teal, Shoveler, a Pochard, a Kingfisher, a Peregrine, a Hobby, a Buzzard, a Little Grebe, two Sedge Warblers, 13 Snipe, 27 Lapwings, a Chiffchaff, a Blue Tit, 40 House Martin, Meadow Pipit and Swallows. (Richard May). 

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow a Little Egret along the river, a Whinchat by the Parting and five Green Sandpipers on the marsh. A Kingfisher zipped through the garden at Hempsted this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Fri Sep 7th 2007

Symonds Yat    The Osprey still present at Yat Rock today at 5:05pm. It was also seen on Tuesday. (Ken Eames/Gavin Black).  

Wotton-Under-Edge    A juvenile Osprey between 4-5pm at least at Park Farm, between Alderley and Wortley just south of W-U-E, in a dead tree overlooking Park Farm pond, in same place as one was last year but earlier in the year. Seen flying and perched, twice eating fish. Parking is difficult in this location. Also a pair of Ravens, a Buzzard and a Grey Heron. (Vic Polley).

Eastington    At Millend a Green Sandpiper over early evening, a Tawny Owl close to the cottage every evening at dusk, Little Owls regularly calling from two locations in the grounds of Eastington House, a Hobby low over Millend Mill this morning, two Nuthatches regularly coming to feeders, a Blackcap calling and small numbers of Chiffchaffs still. (Jake King).

Frampton    At WWT 100-Acre two Hobbies, three Kestrels, two Buzzards and five Curlews. In the reed bed S of Splatt Bridge a Lesser Whitethroat, a Snipe, a Grey Heron and a Teal. Also pics of Mute Swan, Chiffchaff and Great Crested Grebe taken at the Sailing Lake. (Graham Watson).

Thu Sep 6th 2007

Forest of Dean    At Cannop ponds this morning a male Tufted Duck, a Kingfisher, a Marsh Tit, a Little Grebe, two Greylags (1 with a white ring "D6D", right leg reading upwards), five Mandarins (1m,4f) and a Grey Wagtail. At Parkend Church a Spotted Flycatcher and two Hawfinches. At New Fancy View two Bullfinches. (Derek Hale). Pic by Derek).

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Spotted Crake still showing well in front of Grundon hide today. Almost continuously in view directly in front of hide from 2:53-4:05pm. (Jackie Garner). This morning no sign of the crake between 6:30-7:20am. About a dozen Snipe present (attached), a couple of Dunlin and two Little Stints. (Richard Tyler). Pic by Richard.

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow today two Green Sandpipers again this morning in the marsh. A Lesser Whitethroat and a young male Reed Bunting trapped. (Gordon Avery).

Wed Sep 5th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Spotted Crake still showing well in front of Grundon hide at Coombe Hill reserve this evening. Also two juvenile Little Stints.

Berkeley shore    A Common Seal hauled out by the Pill this afternoon. It later re-entered the river and swam off. Also a Turnstone here. (Shane Long).

Newnham-on-Severn    Nine Grey Herons, two Curlews, two Common Sandpipers, 50 Lapwings, c300 Common Gulls, c100 Black-headed Gulls and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls at SO697120. (Barrie Mills).

Forest of Dean    At New Fancy View from 9:30-11:30am a Goshawk, flew N from Staple Edge at 10:35am. Also eight Buzzards and a male Blackcap. At Cinderford Co-op Car Park at 7pm 30+ Pied Wagtails, roosting on the rugby club roof and also c40 Swallows and c20 House Martins. (Derek Hale). At Yorkley 34 House Martins at SO634071 today.  (Barrie Mills).

WWT Slimbridge    From Robbie Garnett Hide a Spotted Redshank, a Green Sandpiper and 80 Teal. On South Lake three Spotted Redshanks, nine Redshanks, four Ruff, 60 Black-tailed Godwits, 230 Lapwings, 584 Teal, 116 Shovelers and a Wigeon. In the Rushy two Black-tailed Godwits, 80 Teal and 30 Shovelers. From Holden Tower 11 Ringed Plovers, three Dunlin, two Reed Warblers, five Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap. On the 100 Acre 26 Little Grebes. (James Lees). 

Ashleworth Ham    From the hide, three Snipe, six Buzzards soaring together, a Grey Heron, a Chiffchaff, a Jay, three Stock Doves and two Ravens over. (Mark Grieve).

Tue Sep 4th 2007

Symonds Yat    The Osprey still present at Yat Rock today. Also a Peregrine and 12 Cormorants. (Derek Hale).  

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Spotted Crake still showing well in front of Grundon hide at Coombe Hill reserve 6:15-7:15am today. (Roy Shilham). Pic by Roy.

Forest of Dean    At Plummer's Brook Pools, near Lydney Railway Station SO636017 a Peregrine, 51 Canada Geese, a Cormorant and 100+ Mallards. At Yorkley SO634071 a Sparrowhawk today. (Barrie Mills).

Mon Sep 3rd 2007

Symonds Yat    The Osprey still present this morning showing well between 10-11:30am at least when it was roosting in trees under the Peregrine nest site. It had executed about eight 360° barrel rolls and later was bathing off the small beach beneath Yat Rock. (Dave Pearce/Nick Hopkinson).  

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Spotted Crake from Grundon hide still today on and off through the day. Showing well at 7pm. (David J Slater). Pic below by David. 

Painswick Beacon    A Grasshopper Warbler in the same area as the one six days ago (possibly the same bird?). Also three Tree Pipits through. (Francis Steuck).

Forest of Dean    Coal Tit and Marsh Tits at Cannop Ponds feeding station today. (Allan Chard). Pics by Allan.

Sun Sep 2nd 2007

Symonds Yat    No Osprey sightings all day until 6:05pm when an Osprey came across from Symonds Yat West, perched in the hedge below Yat Rock again, caught a fish and after being harangued by a Buzzard, flew around with the fish until disappearing behind Coppet Hill at 6:55pm.  (Gavin Black). Pic below by Gavin.

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Spotted Crake from Grundon hide still this morning from 6-7:30am and showing well. (Graham Watson). Also this morning a Peregrine, a Sedge Warbler, a female Pintail and a Sparrowhawk chasing a Kingfisher. (Gordon Kirk). It continued to show on and off through the day and was still showing well from Grundon Hide at 7pm. Also two Golden Plovers flew SW at 6pm. (Terry Fenton/Brian Stretch).

Pics by Graham.

Walmore Common    Two Hobbies, 125 Snipe, three Greenshanks and two Redstarts this morning. (Andy Jayne).

Brockweir    A Hobby being mobbed by the local House Martins just before midday. (Ivan Proctor).

Sat Sep 1st 2007

Symonds Yat    Two Ospreys at Symonds Yat this morning until 10:30am, the second a juvenile remained until 6pm at least, this evening roosting on the Herefordshire side of the river. Also two Swifts, two Peregrines, four Buzzard, 16 Cormorants, a Raven, a Goshawk on Coppet Hill and a Painted Lady.  (Gavin Black/Paul Masters/Andy & Mhairi Chapman/Mark Hobson/Terry Fenton/MK). Pics below by Gavin (1st pic) and Paul (bottom three).

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Spotted Crake from Grundon hide still this morning and showing well early on. It showed on and off throughout the day and showed well again this evening. Along the canal, a Buzzard, a Grey Heron, a Bullfinch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker, along the boardwalk at least 10+ Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler and 15+ Long-tailed Tits. From the hide 20+ Pied Wagtails, 40+ Teal, a Buzzard, a female Pintail, two Jays, two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, a Stock Dove, three Tufted Ducks, 14 Shovelers, two Little Grebes, two Snipe, a Water Rail, a female Pochard, a Lapwing heard and a small but steady passage of Swallows and House Martins to the south. This evening a Yellow Wagtail over. (Gerry Shilham/Jon Mercer/Phil Pope/Mike Smart/ Les Brown/Mark Grieve). Pics by Gerry.

Ashleworth Ham    At least two and probably three Hobbies, still very noisy and very obvious around the pylon at the south end of reserve. (Mike Smart/ Les Brown).

Wormington    At least five Mandarins (3m, 2f) on the river Isbourne. A garden Chiffchaff, a garden first. Also a flock of c70 Starlings have been touring Wormington for the last three days. (Alistair Keen).

Tirley    A Yellow Wagtail over at 2pm. (Mark Grieve).

Fri Aug 31st 2007

Symonds Yat    The Osprey was still at Symonds Yat at 8pm today for its 7th day. Also a Hobby there at 8pm. (Gavin Black).

Frampton    An Osprey circled over Court Lake at 3pm for ten minutes. No sign later. Possibly the Yat bird which was back tonight. (Shane Long).

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Spotted Crake has shown a couple of times late afternoon today from Grundon hide. It gave views down to 5ft between 7-8:45pm. Also two Water Rails here. (Andy Jayne/Ben Macdonald).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult gull showing many characteristics of an Atlantic Yellow-legged Gull was seen among the main gull roost over high tide. Seen with several Yellow-legged Gulls this bird showed a well marked streaky hood, longer and thicker bill, a pale eye and an overall aggressive look to the birds head. It was present over the high tide and showed good comparison with several Yellow-legged Gulls. Also on the river three Yellow-legged Gulls, 21 Little Egrets, a Turnstone, a Knot, a Little Stint, 17 Ringed Plovers, 13 Dunlin, two Snipe, two Redshanks, 146 Curlews, seven Grey Herons, 44 Shelducks, a Wigeon, three Yellow Wagtails and 90 Swallows. At Mid Point five Whinchats. On South Lake three Spotted Redshanks, ten Redshanks, seven Ruff and 70 Black-tailed Godwits.  (James Lees). 

Painswick Beacon    Early morning overhead migrants 11 Swallows, four Grey Wagtails and a Tree Pipit. Grounded migrants, 12 Meadow Pipits. (Francis Steuck).

Thu Aug 30th 2007

Painswick Beacon    An adult Hobby through NE towards Witcombe this evening. (Francis Steuck).

Twigworth    A Hobby hunting over the A38 by the Up Hatherley road junction at Twigworth tonight at 6:45pm. (Gordon Avery).

Guscar Rocks    This morning a Peregrine, two Knot, four Snipe, 310 Curlews, a Common Sandpiper, a Redstart and a Wheatear. (Andy Jayne).

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Spotted Crake seen at 6:45am for just one minute from the Grundon hide. (David J Slater). Pic below by David. Reported as being seen again during the day by visiting birders and on and off during the evening. (per Les Brown).

Symonds Yat    The Osprey appeared to have roosted and gave good, if distant views from 10am until midday when it disappeared on the Glos side. Also a male Peregrine, a Kestrel, seven Buzzards and a nearby Hobby. (Graham Watson). Pics by Graham.

Gloucester    Three Green Sandpipers on the marsh at Sudmeadow this morning. A Yellow Wagtail over (Gordon's first record on the patch since May 2002) and 140 Mallard disturbed off the river by the tide. (Gordon Avery).

Longlevens    Five garden Long-tailed Tits this morning. (Frank & Pam Bryant).

Cotswold Water Park, WILTS    The Great White Egret continues to taunt Glos birders from across the boundary at Pit 95/Wheatley Barn Farm. (Jon Mercer/Shirley & Tony Hawkins). Pic by Jon.

Wed Aug 29th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Spotted Crake showed on and off briefly this evening until 8pm when it showed very well again in the open from the Grundon hide. (Paul Taylor/Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Mark Hobson/Tony Eveleigh/MK). Pics below by Paul M.

From the Grundon hide the Spotted Crake showing well from 6-8am immediately below viewing windows, feeding slowly along the near ditch margin; last seen moving in to the shrubby margin willows to the right of the hide. Also there 35+ wagtails (at least ten White Wagtails and four Yellow Wagtails), four Dunlins, 20 Snipe, two Sedge Warblers, 10+ Chiffchaffs, a male Peregrine, two Green Sandpipers, two Little Grebes, a juvenile Wheatear, a Reed Bunting and a Pochard and a Kingfisher on the canal. (Jake King/Andy Jayne). Also seen today a Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, a Ruff, a Little Grebe, a Water Rail, a Tufted Duck, 40+ Teal, six Shovelers, a Sedge Warbler, 40+ Pied Wagtails, 5+ Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest, a Buzzard and 50+ House Martins, 40+ Swallows and 1-2 Sand Martins feeding over the reserve. (Mark Grieve).

Gloucester    A Green Sandpiper at Sudmeadow this evening. (Gordon Avery).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 5:15am. (Mark Grieve).

Symonds Yat    The Osprey again at Symonds Yat Rock today at 11am. This is probably its fifth day although not reported yesterday. Also a Painted Lady. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis.

Painswick Beacon    Early morning grounded migrants included a Grasshopper Warbler, two Wheatears, 3-4 Willow Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Whitethroat. Overhead migrants were 52 House Martins, three Tree Pipits and a Meadow Pipit. (Francis Steuck).

Tue Aug 28th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Spotted Crake showed in thick vegetation right in front of the Grundon hide mid-morning. (Les Brown/John Wiltshire). It was not seen again until 7:20pm after a six hour wait, so is very elusive to say the least. It then showed really well in front of the hide down to a few feet at 8pm. (Graham Watson/Dave Pearce/Bruce & Jean Pendlebury/Mike Smart). Pics by Graham.

Also three Water Rails (one juvenile), a Common Sandpiper, two Ringed Plovers, six Dunlin, a Golden Plover, three Green Sandpipers, 6+ Snipe, 17 Lapwings, a Little Grebe, ten Pied Wagtails,  2+ Yellow Wagtails heard, two Grey Herons, 166 Canada Geese, a Greylag,  a Chiffchaff, two Sedge Warblers, two Willow Warblers, a Kingfisher, a Peregrine, four Buzzards, a Little Owl calling, 30+ Teal, two Shovelers, and three Tufted Ducks. (Paul Masters/Jake King/Graham Watson/Dave Pearce/Bruce & Jean Pendlebury/Mike Smart).

WWT Slimbridge    Three Green Sandpipers, a Snipe and ten Black-tailed Godwits at Robbie Garnett hide. (Paul Masters).

Ashleworth Ham    This morning, two Hobbies sitting on one of the pylons or in nearby trees; very vocal, constant calling, appeared to be recently fledged young birds waiting to be fed. Also a Peregrine, 15 Snipe, 90 Teal, two Reed Buntings, a Willow Warbler in song briefly, a few Chiffchaffs calling, very little else other than Robins. (Mike Smart/David Anderson).

Lower Lode    The Sand Martin colony been flooded out, and there has been quite a landslip along the bank, covering some of the beach below, a Common Sandpiper here. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Frampton    On the WWT 100-Acre tonight three Hobbies hunting and perching on posts, a Kestrel, a Grey Heron, two Little Egrets, three Cormorants in dead trees near sea wall, and two Buzzards in Green Lane. (Bill & Clare Church).

Mon Aug 27th 2007

Symonds Yat    An Osprey again at Symonds Yat Rock today at 10:30am. This is the third day it has been seen here and was showing well circling above Yat Rock at 11am and also showed well at about 4pm when it landed in a tree below Yat Rock several times and flew over the fields and river between rests. RSPB staff and volunteers were able to get a 'scope on it enabling a number of members of the public to view it clearly. (Gavin Black/John Overfield). Pic below by Gavin.

Walmore Common    Snipe numbers have decreased but still about 70, three Lapwings, 60 Teal, five flava Wagtails, a Whinchat and many Swallows and House Martins hawking for low flying insects. (Mike Smart).

Woolaston    20+ Goldfinches, 10+ Linnets, six Curlews, four Yellow Wagtails, three Whitethroats, three Willow Warblers, two Kestrels and a Whinchat. (Lewis Thomson). Pic below by Lewis.

Hawling    A Whinchat with two Wheatears on a wall just outside of the village this afternoon. (Roger Wasley).

Quedgeley    A Raven over mid-morning. (Bridgette King).

Sun Aug 26th 2007

Forest of Dean    At Crabtree Hill a Turtle Dove fledgling and two Redstarts this afternoon.

Fretherne    A juvenile Spotted Flycatcher, a Grey Wagtail, a Sanderling, two Ringed Plovers, three Dunlin, five Willow Warblers and two Chiffchaffs today. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    A Garden Warbler in sub-song, two Snipe, four Green Sandpipers, three Spotted Redshanks, six Ruff, 50 Black-tailed Godwits and a Common Sandpiper today. (Mark Hobson). Pics below taken yesterday of Spotted Redshank and Common Gull by Nathan Casburn.

Coombe Hill Meadows   Along the canal Great Spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, several Chiffchaffs and a Bullfinch. At 8:20am a Golden Plover over calling loudly heading SW. On the scrape two Greenshanks, 41+ Teal, a Wigeon, four Tufted Ducks, a Green Sandpiper, a Grey Heron, 11 Snipe, a Little Grebe, a Ruff, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover and two Buzzards. On a flooded field behind the Snipe pool, another Ruff and seven Pied Wagtails. (Mark Grieve). 

Tirley    20 House Martins over flying strongly south at 7:15am. (Mark Grieve). 

Berkeley shore    A Yellow Wagtail and three Reed Warblers today and from Severn House Farm 401 Mallards and six Teal and 150 Curlews on Lydney Sands on the other side of the river. (Terry Fenton).

Sat Aug 25th 2007

Symonds Yat    An Osprey flew past Symonds Yat Rock today at 1:50pm carrying a fish. (Gavin Black).

Coombe Hill Meadows    25 Snipe, two Ruff, a Greenshank, two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, c40 Teal, seven Shovelers, a Pochard and 12 Tufted Ducks.  Bursts of song from Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Fri Aug 24th 2007

Walmore Common    Extraordinary numbers of Snipe being recorded, on 19th August, Andy Jayne recorded 165, already unprecedented, with 80+ on 22nd August, but this evening there were at least 270 Snipe, flying up on all sides, then circling in little flocks like Dunlin at high tide. Also 150 Mallard and 25 Teal. (Mike Smart).

Thu Aug 23rd 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A Marsh Harrier at Mid Point today. (Pic by Graham). (Graham Watson).

Cricklade/Cotswold Water Park, WILTS    The Great White Egret that was on flooded fields downstream of Cricklade on August 10th, reappeared yesterday on the same site, this is a colour ringed bird. Another unringed Great White Egret appeared today at Pit 95, near Ashton Keynes, found by John Booth. Both sites are in Wilts but Pit 95 is adjacent to the county boundary and the egret was at one point within 30 YARDS of Gloucestershire. (Gareth Harris/Jon Mercer).

Beachley Point    A Wheatear, a Chiffchaff, a Redshank and an Oystercatcher, three Curlews and 18 Mallards. (Ivan Proctor).

Forest of Dean    A juvenile Dipper and two Grey Wagtails at Cannop Ponds today and a Marsh Tit at Brierley. (Derek Hale).

Gloucester    Three Lesser Whitethroats and two Whitethroats were ringed also 13 Long-tailed Tits, three Willow Warblers and three new young male Linnets. A Green Sandpiper was seen over Sudmeadow and a Painted Lady butterfly was about too. 13 Shelducks were seen in a loose flock heading north during the morning. (Gordon Avery).

Wed Aug 22nd 2007

Frampton    A male Redstart in Green Lane today. (Nick Goatman).

Gloucester    Two Common Sandpipers on the floodwater at Plock Court this afternoon. (Jim Northcott). A Kingfisher flew upriver over Llantony Weir and a Green Sandpiper was seen at Lower Parting. (Gordon Avery).

Cotswold Water Park    This morning at Pits 84, 85 and 79, four Green Sandpipers, a Greenshank, a Snipe and a juvenile Hobby. (David Owen).

Forest of Dean     1-2 Willow Tits at Brierley, SW of the village where the track turns left by power lines today. At New Fancy View a Goshawk to the E along the ridge, also five Buzzards and two Ravens. (Derek Hale).

Newnham-On-Severn (SO 696120) four Stock Doves and four Sand Martins today. (Barrie Mills).

Lydney    At Lydney Docks (SO 648013) two Common Terns and at Naas Lane, Lydney (SO 648016) a Sparrowhawk (pic by Barrie). (Barrie Mills).

Tue Aug 21st 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    c60 Teal, three Shovelers, a Ruff, a Greenshank, two Green Sandpipers, many Swallows and House Martins flying low in the cold north wind, and being chased by a Hobby, 15 Pied Wagtails, two Yellow Wagtails, a Redstart, lots of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs, with bursts of song from both. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Frampton    At the WWT 100-Acre between 6-7pm tonight two Marsh Harriers one possibly immature and one female. A Hobby buzzed one of the harriers. Also a Kestrel and a fairly light coloured Buzzard sitting on the gate and a Common Tern. (Bill Church).

Gloucester    Four Greenshanks over Plock Court today at 4pm heading SW. (Jim Northcott).

Forest of Dean    A Kingfisher and a male Bullfinch at Lightmoor Ponds today. (Derek Hale).

Mon Aug 20th 2007

Westbury-On-Severn    A juvenile Marsh Harrier over heading NW at 11:30am, it disappeared up over Flaxley Woods. (John Phillips).

Forest of Dean    A male Dipper at both ponds at Cannop Ponds today, possibly the same bird. (Derek Hale).

WWT Slimbridge    This afternoon 69 Black-tailed Godwits, four Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, a juvenile Dunlin also many distant small waders, four Little Egrets and a Common Tern. (Mark Hobson). Also five Ruff, two Spotted Redshanks and a summer plumaged Grey Plover at high tide. (Will Hayward).

Saul    A Common Tern flew up the canal near Saul. (Will Hayward).

Sun Aug 19th 2007

Sat Aug 18th 2007

Frampton    A juvenile Arctic Tern and three Common Terns today. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    A Common Sandpiper, three Green Sandpipers, 15 Ringed Plovers, two Greenshanks, three Sanderlings, two Spotted Redshanks, 40+ Black-tailed Godwits, a Hobby, a Peregrine and three Yellow-legged Gulls today. (Mark Hobson).

Tuffley    A garden Garden Warbler today feeding on elderberries. (Mark Hobson).

Fri Aug 17th 2007

Forest of Dean    A male Nightjar seen flying in broad daylight at 11:05am near Worrall Hill. (Gavin Black).

Sharpness    Two Rock Pipits, 100+ Redshanks, 40+ Lapwings, 40 Canada Geese, nine Cormorants, five Common Gulls, three Reed Warblers, a Kingfisher, a Raven, two Buzzards and two Kestrels. (Graham Watson). Pics below by Graham.

Thu Aug 16th 2007

Fretherne    Early evening 50+ Curlew, 20+ Ringed Plovers, a Turnstone, ten Knot, a male Peregrine and five Wigeon. (Jake King).

Sudmeadow    Seven Green Sandpipers this morning feeding in the marsh. Also ten Swifts over tonight.  (Gordon Avery).

Tuffley    A garden Lesser Whitethroat this morning feeding on elderberries. (Mark Hobson).

Forest of Dean    A Kestrel at Steam Mills today. (Brian Davis). Pic by Brian.

Wed Aug 15th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    Belated news of a Storm Petrel seen for several minutes close to the Mid Point Hide at 9:15am, the bird then flew south back down the river. (per James Lees). 

Frampton    A juvenile Arctic Tern (pic below by Paul), two Common Terns, a Common Sandpiper, four Great Crested Grebes, 200 Coot and two Green Woodpeckers at the Sailing Lake this afternoon. Nine Little Egrets behind the reedbed north of Splatt Bridge and a female Wood Duck at Splatt Bridge. (Paul Masters).

Tue Aug 14th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    Two adult Curlew Sandpipers, six Yellow-legged Gulls, two Spotted Redshanks, five Whimbrels and four Ruff today. (James Lees). 

Mon Aug 13th 2007

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 79 today a juvenile Black Tern and a Common Sandpiper. (Pete Adams/Paddie Adams).

Sun Aug 12th 2007

Frampton    This evening 23 Little Egrets on the flashes N of Splatt Bridge. Also a Wheatear, a Whinchat, a Hobby and a Mandarin. On the WWT 100-Acre two Whinchats and eight Little Egrets. (Mark Hobson/Tony Eveleigh/David Owen).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    This evening two Common Sandpipers, 50 Curlews, seven Dunlin, a singing Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, five Mistle Thrushes, six Pied Wagtails and a Common Tern. (Mark Hobson).

Hock Cliff    This afternoon a Reed Warbler, a Painted Lady and a Common Darter. (MK).

Quedgeley    A Hobby over the garden S at 7:30pm and an Emperor Dragonfly in the garden. (MK).

Sat Aug 11th 2007

Aldsworth    At least five calling Quail south of the old airfield and a Barn Owl at 9:10pm. (Mark Hobson/MK/Bridgette King). Also the International Space Station and Shuttle showed brilliantly on it's orbit at 9:40pm and again at 11:15pm. See NASA for details as it will be showing all week.

Walmore Common    This morning a Little Grebe, a Hobby, 60+ Snipe (maybe up to 80), a Kingfisher and a moulting adult Whinchat. (Andy Jayne).

Uley    A Redstart at Sheephouse Farm at  7pm ST775975. (Jennifer Rogers).

WWT Slimbridge    A Whinchat at Mid Point. (Richard Tyler). Pic by Richard.

Eastington    At Millend this morning a Willow Warbler in full song and two Chiffchaffs calling. Also nine Grey Herons high over the village going SW (highest number here) and a Curlew over early evening. (Jake King).

Frampton    A juvenile Arctic Tern the Sailing Lake from 4:10-4:40pm at least. (Alan Baxter/Trevor Maynard).

Crickley Hill    A juvenile Peregrine flew past south today. (Terry Fenton).

Dursley    At Breakheart Quarry above Dursley this morning at least a dozen Chalkhill Blues, a Silver-washed Fritillary and two Commas. Also a Spotted Flycatcher there. (Phil Pope).

Over     48 Canada Geese in a stubble field near to Over Farm on a BBS survey this morning. (Andy Chapman).

Fri Aug 10th 2007

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 125 today 35 Lapwings, a Little Egret and an adult Yellow-legged Gull. (Gareth Harris).

Aldsworth    An immature male Hen Harrier hunting over the barley field immediately the south of the aerodrome this evening, also nine calling Quail, a juvenile Grey Wagtail, two Barn Owls, two Buzzards and two Kestrels in the area. (Paul Masters/Andy & Thomas Chapman).

Cricklade, WILTS    A Great White Egret reported feeding with four Grey Herons on a private site on flooded farmland, downstream of Cricklade, adjacent to the Thames, but just in Wiltshire. (per Gareth Harris).

Forest of Dean    A Hobby circling over Lewis's garden in Lydbrook at 9:50am this morning, being mobbed by House Martins and Swallows. (Lewis Thomson).

Thu Aug 9th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A full-winged Black Duck, which appeared in the Rushy Pen today, was seen well this evening by James and seen to be wearing a WWT Slimbridge ring. Please be aware of this if it reappears locally. (James Lees). From Holden Tower a Common Sandpiper, a female Blackcap and several Yellow-legged Gulls on the river. On South Lake two Spotted Redshanks, three Ruff, 30+ Black-tailed Godwits, Redshanks and Lapwings. (Graham Watson).

Tidenham Chase    At The Park and Poor's Allotment this morning, 40+ Willow Warblers, 20+ Chiffchaffs, 20+ Linnets, five Whitethroats, four Stonechats, four Redstarts, three Ravens, two Yellowhammers, two Tree Pipits, two Green Woodpeckers, a Sparrowhawk and a female/juvenile Whinchat. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis.

Ullenwood    This afternoon near Green Lane, Ullenwood a Little Owl calling, two Buzzards over and a Roe Deer flushed. (Steve Brown).

Wed Aug 8th 2007

Snowshill    No sign of the Wryneck in a two hour search but 15 Ravens, a Hobby, two Buzzards, a Pied Wagtail and two Skylarks. (Graham Watson).

Longlevens    A Great Spotted Woodpecker at 7:45am this morning flew over Park Avenue flying north towards Innsworth. (Frank Bryant).

Tue Aug 7th 2007

Snowshill    A Wryneck reported ENE of Snowshill at Hill Barn Farm Lavender fields at 4pm by the track from the northern car park.

Frampton    Late afternoon two Hobbies, two Kestrels, ten Little Egrets, a Common Tern, a Brown Hare and a Fox. (Graham Watson). Pics by Graham.

On the WWT 100-Acre mid-morning the adult Spoonbill still but elusive, seven Little Egrets, a juvenile Hobby and two Green Sandpipers. The female/juvenile Marsh Harrier also still present. 

Mon Aug 6th 2007

Ryeford    A Tawny Owl flew over the A419 towards Stonehouse at c10pm. (MK/Bridgette King).

Frampton    A female/juvenile Marsh Harrier on the WWT 100-Acre this evening until 8:40pm at least, and the Spoonbill until 8:30pm when it flew south with eight Little Egrets. Also 1000+ Starlings going to roost in the reed-bed and eight Snipe over heading south. (Paul Masters/Dave Pearce).

WWT Slimbridge    On South Lake yesterday late afternoon 115 Black-tailed Godwits including a returning juvenile islandica, two adult Common Gulls, a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, a Dunlin and 2+ Common Terns. (John Martin).

Gloucester    A second-summer Mediterranean Gull at Plock Court today. (John Sanders).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Late this afternoon a few Mute Swans present and c120 Canada Geese towards the west end were all noticeably brown stained, two Gadwall, three Teal, 20+ Shovelers, a pair of Garganey (presumably the pair present during the spring), five Pochard, 10+ Tufted Ducks, three Great Crested Grebes, two Little Grebes, two Water Rails heard calling, also a Little Egret, at least eight Grey Herons, an adult Peregrine flew over and a male Sparrowhawk was bringing prey to two juveniles. Apart from 34 Lapwings there was no sign of any waders. (Andy Jayne).

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust asks that visitors to the reserve to take extreme care now that the water has gone down sufficiently for people to visit. The reserve is in a complete state and not a nice place to be, but due to the public footpaths the reserve cannot be closed. It would be extremely advisable if birders don't go to the hide in waders as this is very dangerous.

Sun Aug 5th 2007

Lightpill, Stroud    At 5:45am a Honey Buzzard reported flying from Selsley towards Rodborough. (Phil Williams).

Cleeve Hill    Along the Cotswold edge south of the Cleeve Common Quarry/Golf Club car park a female Kestrel, and a Nuthatch calling from Nutterswood also good numbers of House Martins and Swallows. Hundreds of Gatekeepers, also (in descending order of frequency) Meadow Brown, Large White, Peacock, Small Skipper, Small Heath, Marbled White, Small White, Grayling, Speckled Wood, a possible Essex Skipper and a Fritillary sp. (Keith White).

Sherborne    This morning a Red Kite soaring over Sherborne water meadows. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    Around the factories at Tumps Hill this afternoon, a family of six Spotted Flycatchers, four Goldfinches, three Stock Doves, two Grey Wagtails, a male Bullfinch, a Willow Warbler, a juvenile Buzzard, two Commas, a Brimstone and a Speckled Wood. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis.

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Spoonbill on the Rushy Pen at 12:05pm moving to South Lake by 12:15pm. Earlier at 9:05am a Marsh Harrier, two Whinchats, three Ruff and two Spotted Redshanks.

Sat Aug 4th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    17 Snipe over the car park, two Whinchats (adult and juvenile), 12 Dunlin, two Knot, two Oystercatchers and two Ravens at Mid Point, c150 Black-tailed Godwits, two Spotted Redshanks, 17 Redshanks, two male Ruff, seven Green Sandpipers, 12 Dunlin, 150 Lapwings, three Common Terns (adult and two juveniles) and 300 Black-headed Gulls on South Lake. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman).

Stonebench    The male Redstart still and five Stock Doves today. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman). Also a Tawny Owl and a Little Egret over. (Mark Hobson).

Fri Aug 3rd 2007

Doverow Hill    A Hobby this morning, at the bottom of Doverow Hill, on the Ebley side near Foxmoor Lane. It flew south at quite low altitude being mobbed by a small group of Swallows. (Steve Kear).

Thu Aug 2nd 2007

WWT Slimbridge    An unconfirmed visitor report of a Spotted Crake this afternoon from Kingfisher hide, but no sign in a brief watch. (per James Lees). Two Knot in summer plumage on South Lake this afternoon, also four Green Sandpipers, two Spotted Redshanks, 21 Redshanks, 18 Dunlin, 35 Lapwings, an Oystercatcher and 300 Black-headed Gulls. (Paul Masters). Pic by Paul. 

Wed Aug 1st 2007

Frampton    A Snipe over Green Lane and a female Wood Duck on the canal near Splatt Bridge. (Paul Masters). 

Cleeve Hill    At the Bill Smyllie Reserve a Redstart and two Tree Pipits today. (John Harris).

Stonebench    A male Redstart still today. (Paul Masters). 

Forest of Dean    Around the Cannop Cycle Centre this afternoon, two Willow Warblers, two juvenile Buzzards, a male Blackcap, a juvenile Redstart, a Green Woodpecker, two Speckled Woods, a Silver-washed Fritillary and a young Fox. (Lewis Thomson).

Tue Jul 31st 2007

Forest of Dean    In Lydbrook this afternoon, three Linnets, two Green Woodpeckers (1m, 1juv), a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Sparrowhawk, a pair of Bullfinches and several Five-spot and Six-spot Burnet Moths. (Lewis Thomson). Pic below by Lewis.

Mon Jul 30th 2007

Dursley    A Wood Warbler singing this afternoon at Westfield/Sheepath wood ST74659870. Very scarce this side of the river. (Terry Fenton).

Wotton-Under-Edge    A local birder had an Opticron Mighty Midget and Opticron hide clamp stolen from his car on Friday night. He asks if anybody is offered these for sale under suspicious circumstances could they phone Gloucester Police or drop me an email and I will contact him. Thanks.

Longford/Twigworth    This evening a Little Egret, 17 Grey Herons, a Hobby, three Common Sandpipers, a Curlew, a Little Owl, 2+ Yellow Wagtails and a flyover Great Crested Grebe. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    Two Whinchats in the WWT 100-Acre and a female Redstart along the hedgerow between Green Lane and the canal. (Nick Goatman). 

Haresfield    A Red Kite near Blooms Garden Centre mid-morning. (Nick Goatman).

Stonebench    A male Redstart still today at lunchtime. (Mark Hobson). Still present this evening and a second bird heard calling. Also a Kingfisher, a Buzzard, a Kestrel, a Yellowhammer, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Brown Hare. (Paul Masters).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Spotted Redshanks, one moulting adult and the other non-breeding plumage and an eclipse Garganey today. (Steve Brown/Bob Shiret). Pic by Bob.

Forest of Dean    At Cannop ponds feeders today, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, juvenile Robin, several Jays and Grey Squirrel and Brown Rat. (Allan Chard). Pics below by Allan.

Sun Jul 29th 2007

Aldsworth    A Quail heard in a barley field by the B4425, another by the bridleway to Windrush Aerodrome this afternoon, and a third in a set-aside field to the west. Also three Corn Buntings and five Yellowhammers around as well. (Andy Lewis).

WWT Slimbridge    A Hobby with a blue and white colour ring was one of at least three birds hawking around the reserve today. Also a juvenile Mediterranean Gull on the South Lake had a red colour ring. A Holden Tower/River guided 'breakfast with the birds' walk this morning produced a Turnstone, two Sanderlings, 67 Dunlin, 12 Oystercatchers, 80 Curlew, two Common Sandpipers, ten Little Egrets, five Yellow-legged Gulls and two Ravens. Also on South Lake a Ruff, 36 Black-tailed Godwits, two Spotted Redshanks, 50 Redshanks, 15 Dunlin, 90 Lapwings, four Common Terns, two Great Crested Grebes, five Shovelers, 15 Teal, a Grey Heron and two Kingfishers. Two Green Sandpipers were at Robbie Garnett hide. (James Lees).

Sat Jul 28th 2007

Frampton    On the WWT 100-Acre 2+ Hobbies near the viewing platform, nine Little Egrets, a Buzzard, two Kestrels and a Stock Dove. A Great Crested Grebe on the canal between Splatt Bridge and the next bridge south. (Steve Kear).

WWT Slimbridge    A male Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 30 Redshanks, 92 Black-tailed Godwits, 60 Dunlin, four Oystercatchers and 100 Black-headed Gulls on South Lake this morning. (Paul Masters). Pics of Ruff and Dunlin below by Paul.

Fri Jul 27th 2007

Forest of Dean    A Dipper at Cannop ponds today. (Brian Davis). Pic below by Brian.

Thu Jul 26th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A Green Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 13 Redshanks and 80+ Dunlins from Zeiss Hide, 70 Black-tailed Godwits and a Great Crested Grebe at South Lake. (Will Hayward).

Charlton Kings    This afternoon on the Bridle path from Sandy Lane, Charlton Kings a Tawny Owl dislodged from its perch into thick ivy by a mob of Blackbirds, a Robin and a Wren. (Steve Brown).

Wed Jul 25th 2007

Hawling    From the layby near the Hawling Triangle four Linnets including a singing male, two Corn Buntings in song, a Whitethroat and several Yellowhammers. (Steve Brown).

Whitminster    A Merlin flying fast low over the M5 one mile south of M5/J13 tonight at 7:40pm. (Mark Dowie).

Tue Jul 24th 2007

Frampton    A Hobby canal side of the WWT 100-Acre platform. Two Little Egrets on the 100-Acre, a Hobby and an immature Buzzard viewed from Splatt Bridge towards the river and a Common Tern on the canal this evening. (Bill Church).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Spotted Redshanks, 69 Black-tailed Godwits, a Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper and a Garganey today. 

Prestbury    A garden Lesser Whitethroat since Sunday morning. A garden tick. (Neil Pryce-Jones).

Mon Jul 23rd 2007

Cleeve Hill    Two juvenile/female Wheatears on the fairways above the golf course club house this afternoon and a Dipper on the stream feeding the Wash Pool. (Neil Pryce-Jones).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Spotted Redshanks and 82 Black-tailed Godwits today. 

Gloucester    A garden Kingfisher which landed for a few seconds on Gordon's washing line at Hempsted. (Gordon Avery).

Sun Jul 22nd 2007

Coopers Hill    A Spotted Flycatcher this afternoon. Coopers Hill is at SO893147 midway between Cheltenham and Stroud on the A46. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    A Curlew Sandpiper briefly from Robbie Garnett Hide at 12:20pm. Three Green Sandpipers from Holden Tower. (Ben Macdonald).

Lower Slaughter    A family of Green Woodpeckers visiting Richard's garden. (Richard Tyler). Pics by Richard.

Sat Jul 21st 2007

Apologies for the lack of service - a little bit of rain and you lose the Net for 36 hours.

Fretherne    A Little Owl at 3:30pm today. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton    Two Hobbies perched behind the reed bed north of Splatt Bridge and two more in flight over the WWT 100-Acre. Also four Little Egrets. (Mark Hobson).

Stonebench    A male Redstart today and a possible second bird calling. (Mark Hobson/Paul Masters). Pic below by Paul.

WWT Slimbridge    A summer-plumaged Curlew Sandpiper today on the Top New Piece from Zeiss hide today. Also a male Ruff on South Lake. (James Lees).

Site Withheld    A pair of Barn Owls raised a brood of three young in a Dovecote with doves also in residence. Just shows that a pair Barn Owls can breed in unexpected places other than barns, tree hollows or owl boxes. (Vince Jones). www.barnowl.co.uk

Fri Jul 20th 2007

Gloucester    Six Commic Terns over Bristol Street Motors this afternoon. (Mark Hobson).

Thu Jul 19th 2007

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 124 a Red Crested Pochard with a duckling, a Kingfisher, a Common Sandpiper, a Buzzard and a Garden Warbler. At Pit 125 three successful breeding pairs of Great Crested Grebes, 32 Mute Swans, five Common Terns, 15 Lapwings and a Little Egret. At Pit 126 90 Lapwings, 15 Common Terns (8 ads, 7 juvs), two Common Sandpipers and a Little Egret. (Gareth Harris).

Forest of Dean    At Oakenhill Wood (SO628077) two Turtle Doves purring in the afternoon and a surprisingly late Green Hairstreak. (Dave Pearce/Vic Polley).

Lydney    A Turtle Dove purring at Lydney Harbour at 8:45pm. (Dave Pearce/Vic Polley).

Gloucester    At Port Ham Pond a male Reed Bunting and a Reed Warbler singing briefly. At nearby Over ponds a Reed Warbler singing and a Kingfisher heard. (Ian Elphick).

Wed Jul 18th 2007

Purton    Three adult Mediterranean Gulls at Purton shore this evening. (John Sanders).

Sudmeadow    A juvenile Nightingale trapped for ringing this morning at Sudmeadow was only the second ever ringed at the site. The first being an adult female as long ago as 9th June 1994! (Gordon Avery).

Tue Jul 17th 2007

Ashleworth Ham    A Hobby over and an adult Mediterranean Gull flying over in the evening en route to the estuary. Also a Barn Owl calling from Meerend Thicket near Ashleworth late in the evening on Tuesday and again on Wednesday 18th. (Mike Smart).

Forest of Dean    At Viney Hill SO655066 at 6:30pm a Sparrowhawk flying with a Green Woodpecker, protesting loudly, in its talons was set upon by several Crows and Magpies. It dropped the woodpecker which promptly flew off! At Newnham Bottom, Yorkley SO629074 at 9pm a Turtle Dove calling. (Barrie Mills).

Newent    At Ford House fishing lake, near Newent mid morning two Ravens, two Green Woodpeckers, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk and a Pipistrelle. (Steve Brown).

Mon Jul 16th 2007

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Willow Tit beside the northernmost pit. Also seven pairs of Red Crested Pochards just going into eclipse plumage - no young this year.  (Andy Lewis).

Sun Jul 15th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    Six Teal, three Shovelers, c32 Tufted Ducks, two Little Grebes, two Great Crested Grebes, 13 Little Egrets, 19 Grey Herons, a Hobby, three Water Rails heard, 38 Lapwings, a Dunlin, two Ruff, two Curlews, two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper and two Redstarts this evening. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    A Spotted Flycatcher and two Treecreepers at Court Lake and three Common Sandpipers on the Sailing Lake today. (Nick Goatman).

WWT Slimbridge    An Arctic Skua flew over the centre at 12:40pm and flew towards the river.  Autumn passage has begun with up to 15 species of waders seen around the reserve this morning. See WWT Website for further details. (James Lees). 58 Black-tailed Godwits, 123 Redshanks, a Spotted Redshank and five Oystercatchers (three adults, two juveniles) on South Lake, two Common Sandpipers, three Green Sandpipers, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Greenshank, 39 Black-tailed Godwits and 90 Dunlin from Zeiss Hide,  also from Zeiss Hide, a Skua sp resting and preening mid-river before flying off down-river early afternoon - probably the Arctic Skua seen by John Budd flying low over the centre near the dipping-pools. (Paul Masters). 

Sat Jul 14th 2007

Sudmeadow    A Clouded Yellow today. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    A Little Egret at Robbie Garnett hide, a Common Sandpiper and two Oystercatchers at Mid Pont, two Common Sandpipers, three Little Ringed Plovers (two adults and a juvenile), a Green Sandpiper, two Greenshanks, two Black-tailed Godwits, 33 Lapwings and a Redshank at Zeiss Hide (also a pair of Swallows nesting in the hide) and 71 Black-tailed Godwits, c110 Redshanks, a Spotted Redshank and 240 Black-headed Gulls on South Lake. A Whinchat in the Rushy Pen. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Richard Ford). Common Sandpiper pics below by Paul and Richard (2nd).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From Warren Way to the Grundon hide (it is accessible if you have waders). Good numbers of Swallows and House Martins near Apperley Hall Farm, two Pied Wagtails, a Buzzard, a Chiffchaff, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, three Shelducks over from the Leigh meadows, up to six Sedge Warblers and five Reed Buntings singing along the canal, a Snipe heard, two Little Egrets, a Common Tern, 1600+ Black-headed Gulls and 100+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 10+ Lapwings over, a Whitethroat feeding a fledged young, a Reed Warbler singing near the Long Pool, two Little Grebes heard from the Long Pool, five Grey Herons, a juvenile Cuckoo and a Redshank flying towards the Leigh river meadows. At Tirley a small but steady passage of Swifts southwards this morning and at Apperley a Raven over. (Mark Grieve).

Thu Jul 12th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    c100 Black-tailed Godwits on reserve (South Lake and Zeiss hide), two Greenshanks, two Green Sandpipers, c20 Dunlin, a Peregrine made a kill, a distant plover probably LRP, and a Common Tern from Zeiss hide. An adult Mediterranean Gull (not the usual 2nd summer bird) on South Lake and a summer plumaged Spotted Redshank. (Richard Ford).

Leigh    Six Little Egrets tonight flying south over the A38 near Leigh at 9:10pm. (Gordon Avery).

Cotswold Water Park    Five Shovelers and a hybrid duck sp on Pit 32 today. (Felicity Cobb).

Wed Jul 11th 2007

Tidenham Chase    A Nightjar, churring from 9:55 pm and seen well in flight. Also two Tawny Owls calling. A Barn Owl by the A48 N of Tidenham at 10:20pm. (Jon Mercer).

Severn Hams    At Wainlodes near the cattle grid on flood water, 1200+ Black-headed Gulls, ten Grey Herons, 16 Little Egrets, a Willow Warbler, a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff, two Yellowhammers, a Reed Bunting, six Swallows, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Buzzard with prey (either a snake or an eel). (Mark Grieve).

Tue Jul 10th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    Three Avocets on the estuary still, a Greenshank, a moulting adult Spotted Redshank and 55 Black-tailed Godwits today. (Tony Eveleigh). 

Severn Hams    At Coombe Hill this morning, c28 Lapwings, a Redshank and a Green Sandpiper. An adult Curlew by floodwater at Wainlodes.

At Ashleworth Ham, three Shelducks, a Greenshank and ten Lapwings on floodwater. c300 Black-headed Gulls (all one year olds or adults, no juveniles) at Ashleworth. 

On the edges of the floodwater, c1000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1000 Black-headed Gulls at the Wainlodes end of Coombe Hill, also three Little Egrets. Some Whitethroats still singing and a Reed Warbler in a new place by The Red Lion.

The level of the Severn is dropping now, but the Ham road at Ashleworth and the road past the Red Lion at Wainlodes are still under water. Since the river overtopped its banks a week ago, a lot of water has got behind the riverbank and can only flow out slowly through the small number of outlets; it’s not supposed to do this in July! At Coombe Hill, the Grundon Hide is still inaccessible and likely to remain so for some days yet, as much of the canal bank is still under water. At Ashleworth, the hide is still inaccessible from the road, though will probably become accessible fairly soon. There is still quite a lot of shallowish floodwater about which is quite attractive to birds, but very difficult to get at! (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Mon Jul 9th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    Three Avocets on the estuary, a Goshawk, a Whinchat and three Yellow-legged Gulls today. (Martin McGill/James Lees). 

Sun Jul 8th 2007

Forest of Dean    At Yorkley SO634071 a male Bullfinch, a Turtle Dove flew over from the direction of Rudge Hill. At the same time another one was calling in Rudge Hill woods (SO634073), a Raven, a Stock Dove and a Grey Heron. (Barrie Mills).

Tirley    A Raven soaring with gulls over Tirley. (Mark Grieve).

WWT Slimbridge    A Mediterranean Gull on South Lake again today. (Richard Ford). Pic below by Richard.

Hawling    This morning at Larkhill Farm, at 7:45am a Barn Owl hunting, two Linnets, a Kestrel caught a dragonfly and consumed it on a drystone wall, two Corn Buntings plus two at the Triangle and another later at Cold Aston. Several Stock Doves west of Bourton-on-the Water. On Friday 250 Starlings at Stockwell, near Cowley. (Steve Brown).

Chaxhill    A male Redstart in the road between Chaxhill and the River Severn this morning. (Roger Wasley).

Hardwicke    A Raven, five Stock Doves, two Reed Buntings, 3+ Yellowhammers and three Brown Hares around Clarke's Farm this morning, also two Common Terns along the canal near The Pilot Inn. The bridge-keeper at Sellars Bridge reported that a Gannet was on the canal there earlier in the week, 3 or 4 days ago. The bird was looking exhausted, seemed to swim oddly and was quite approachable. Note: The canal towpath is temporarily closed for H & S reasons between Sellars and Parkend bridges. (Paul Masters). 

Sat Jul 7th 2007

Lydney New Grounds    An adult Peregrine with a fresh kill on the sands with a juvenile waiting to be fed, a male Kestrel, a Little Egret, two Ravens, a Meadow Pipit and 17 Skylarks. Along the Lydney Canal at least seven Reed Warblers, a Whitethroat, two Blackcaps and two Chiffchaffs. (Barrie Mills).

Forest of Dean    20 Crossbills at Haywood Plantation on the Wysis Way near Plump Hill today. (Andy Jayne). At least one Dipper still working the rapids on the outflow from Cannop Ponds. Also 21 Mandarins on Mallards Pike Lake. (Anthony Kaduck).

Beachley Point    Two Oystercatchers, Curlew, Grey Heron, two Shelducks with nine part-grown young, a Whitethroat, a Meadow Pipit and a Reed Warbler all singing. (Ivan Proctor).

Tidenham Chase    On Poor's Allotment this morning, at least ten Linnets, three Yellowhammers (2m, 1f), a pair of Tree Pipits feeding young, a pair of Willow Warblers feeding young and a pair of Stonechats with four fledglings. (Lewis Thomson). Stonechat pic by Lewis.

Fri Jul 6th 2007

Lydney    A Manx Shearwater seen in a Peregrine's talons was dropped and then it headed upriver where it was set upon by two Peregrines. It dived constantly to avoid them. It is not known if it escaped. A Storm Petrel flew N on the Berkeley side of the river at midday. Also three Common Sandpipers and a Turtle Dove at Lydney Harbour. (Andy Jayne).

Sharpness    A Storm Petrel at the docks at 12:20pm then it flew inland over the Coastguard Cottages. It may have been the same bird seen from Lydney. (Paul Taylor).

WWT Slimbridge    A first-summer Mediterranean Gull, 88 Black-headed Gulls, 20 Black-tailed Godwits, 38 Redshanks, three Green Sandpipers, five Oystercatchers including a juvenile and a Common Tern with two chicks on South Lake this afternoon. In fields by Slimbridge canal bridge eight Oystercatchers and a Cetti's Warbler. (Bob Shiret/Paul Masters). Med Gull pic below by Paul, Godwit pic by Bob. 

Thu Jul 5th 2007

Gretton    A female Green Woodpecker feeding two young in a garden at a house in Gretton this evening. (Roger Wasley). Pics by Roger.

WWT Slimbridge    A Greenshank, three Green Sandpipers, 205 Lapwings, 60+ Redshanks, 9+ Black-tailed Godwits, two Oystercatchers, ten Shovelers and 13 Teal were around the scrapes. The falcon sp was on the Dumbles once again. Also from Kingfisher hide a Kingfisher feeding young in a nest by the hide. (Martin McGill/Felicity Cobb).

Cotswold Water Park    Eight Pochards, five Tufted Ducks, a Grey Heron and a pair of Great Crested Grebes with three young at Pit 6. (Gareth Harris).

Wed Jul 4th 2007

Cotswold Water Park    20+ Common Terns, a Hobby and 25+ House Martins at Pit 57, two male Bullfinches at Pit 58, and an adult and two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers at Pit 77. (Gareth Harris).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Some of the effects of the deep flooding at Coombe Hill Meadows and Ashleworth Ham are demonstrated by the attached photo that Andy took today. A young Willow Warbler displaced from its nest by the floodwater, but luckily still being fed by the parents. It was along Coombe Hill Canal from The Wharf where the tow path is inundated by 2ft of water. (Andy Jayne).

Lydney    From Lydney Harbour at 3pm an immature Gannet flying/being blown fast up river on the Berkeley side. At 3:10pm a fourth-winter Gannet flying downriver low then landed off of Berkeley Power Station. (Charles Martell).

WWT Slimbridge    A dark phase Arctic Skua at 8:15am, seen again at 11am floating slowly past Mid Point for 40 minutes, then it took off and landed on the Awre side of the river. (Pete Alder/Geoff Moyser). At WWT the juvenile falcon sp still on the Dumbles, the first-summer Mediterranean Gull, 60 Black-headed Gulls, 19 Black-tailed Godwits, 60+ Redshanks and nine Shovelers on South Lake.  (Martin McGill). 

Haw Bridge   From Haw Bridge to opposite the Red Lion four Buzzards (1 juvenile), a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, 50+ Swifts, 20+ Swallows, 2/3 Sand Martins, three Grey Herons, a Green Woodpecker and a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Reed Bunting, a Kingfisher heard and a female Kestrel. (Mark Grieve).

Forest of Dean    Three Great Spotted Woodpeckers at Cannop ponds today, including the juvenile pictured below. Also many juvenile Jays at the feeding point near the small lake. (Brian Davis). Pic by Brian.

Tue Jul 3rd 2007

WWT Slimbridge    A Goshawk that was discovered by Dave Paynter was present around the Tack Piece and Decoy this morning. A juvenile falcon sp was on the Dumbles (pic at Anser).  (Martin McGill).

Cheltenham    A Gannet flew over Arle Court/Golden Valley at 9:10am. (Mark Grieve).

Naunton    At Nosehill Farm pool today a Common Sandpiper and a drake Pochard, present since February. (Jim Milton).

Mon Jul 2nd 2007

Lydney    A Fulmar from the harbour at 7:45pm, was harrassed by gulls and then flew inland towards the Forest of Dean. Relocated at 9pm on the larger lake by the station. (Andy Jayne).

Gloucester    A Common Sandpiper on Port Ham pond at 7:45pm. Also on Port Ham, a Sedge Warbler and a Reed Bunting, both singing. A pair of very territorial Whitethroats on Oxleaze. (Ian Elphick).

Sun Jul 1st 2007

Eastington    At Millend a Little Egret in the meadow next to the cottages, briefly today (a first patch record). (Jake King).

Forest of Dean    At Oakenhill Wood today three Turtle Doves purring (one seen) and a male Bullfinch on the track along the ridge, also two Buzzards in the area. (Will Hayward).

WWT Slimbridge   At the Holden Tower this morning 210 Curlews, six Oystercatchers, a Common Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, six Little Egrets, four Grey Herons, 150 Shelducks, 75 feral Barnacle Geese, four Ravens and 50 Sand Martins. Eight Brown Long-eared Bats were again roosting in the Holden Tower. On the Top New Piece nine summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Redshanks, 150 Lapwings, three Little Egrets, a Little Grebe, 300 Swifts, 30 Sand Martins and several hundred House Martins and Swallows. The South lake Oystercatchers continue to show well from the Observatory, this morning both adults were feeding the two juveniles only 15 feet from the Observatory. The two Common Tern chicks were also in full view this morning and 80+ Black-headed Gulls and 17 Redshanks were on the marsh. Late afternoon a second-summer Mediterranean Gull on the South Lake. Also today a female Mandarin. (James Lees/Paul Masters). Pic below by Paul.

Sat Jun 30th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    

A Mediterranean Gull (first-summer moulting to second-winter) on South Lake again today (pics below by John), though only briefly. Also six Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Redshanks, 140+ Black-headed Gulls, mostly adults and second year birds but also 7+ juveniles, also at least one downy young from the handful of breeding pairs. The Common Terns have two chicks. Also a female Chestnut Teal on South Lake and 55 Redshanks from Zeiss hide. (John Martin). Kingfisher, Redshanks and Common Tern pics below by Nathan Casburn.

Fri Jun 29th 2007

Frampton    Along the canal between Splatt Bridge and Cambridge, three Common Terns, a Kingfisher and a Fox at 7:15am. A Spotted Flycatcher at 6:30pm in Bill's garden in Vicarage Lane (first time for four years). (Bill Church).

Hawling    Near Larkhill Farm two Little Owls and another at Roel Gate, a Curlew and 3+ Corn Buntings between 8-10:30pm. No Quail calling though. (Paul Masters/Jake King/MK).

Thu Jun 28th 2007

Hawling    Near Larkhill Farm a Quail calling between 7-8am. (Bruce & Jean Pendlebury). Two Quail calling late evening and also a Barn Owl. (Mark Hobson).

Forest of Dean    At Cannop ponds a male and a juvenile Blackcap and an adult and a juvenile Dipper again. At Oakenhill Wood, Parkend SO628079 4-6 Turtle Doves, at least four calling, all along the ridge, and two flew out of a tree by the lane. (Derek Hale). Pics below by Derek.

Wed Jun 27th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Green Sandpipers today. At Ashleworth a male Shoveler and a female Wigeon. (Mike Smart).

Fretherne    This evening 50+ Curlews; five Whimbrels, six Bar-tailed Godwits, at least four Oystercatchers, a Common Tern and a Little Egret. (Jake King).

Forest of Dean    36 Mandarins (immatures) and a Shoveler at Mallards Pike. Also a Turtle Dove heard and two Buzzards. (Felicity Cobb). At Cannop Pond an adult and a juvenile Dipper on outflow rapids. The Mute Swans that were nesting on the pond have had the nest flooded out and abandoned it. (Derek Hale). Pic below by Derek.

Apperley    A Barn Owl over near the Farmers Arms at 9:10pm. (Mark Grieve).

Tue Jun 26th 2007

Coombe Hill Meadows    A flock of nine Black-tailed Godwits in full summer plumage by the floodwater, clearly failed breeders returning already. A flock of 19 Lapwings, including the only two fledged young produced by the ten pairs who attempted nesting, apart from a tiny non-flying chick, seen on 19 June apparently surviving on 26 June, but disappeared by 27 June, no doubt drowned by the rising water. Three adult Redshanks, which had produced one nearly fledged young but uncertain if the young one survived. A female Tufted Duck with seven ducklings, the second brood at Coombe Hill. Also a Green Sandpiper. (Mike Smart).

Sandhurst    Two pairs of Spotted Flycatchers nesting on the same house at Sandhurst. One pair has nested in the vine for several years, last year they only fledged one chick the others were taken by a squirrel. (Bev Minett-Smith).

Hawling    Near Larkhill Farm a Quail calling repeatedly, possibly two birds, between 9:30-10pm. Also a Barn Owl, a Tawny Owl, a Curlew, a Kestrel and a Buzzard. (Graham Watson).

Forest of Dean    At Crabtree Hill between 7am- 9am two Hawfinches, near the summit(1km NE of Woorgreens Lake), a Turtle Dove heard, two Tree Pipits and five Garden Warblers (3ad, 2juv). At Speech House at 9:30am a male Redstart SE of House. At Symonds Yat Rock between 7pm-8pm three Peregrines (2ad, 1juv), a Raven, a Marsh Tit and 17 Fallow Deer below. (Derek Hale).

Frampton    A female Tufted Duck on the canal near Splatt Bridge with six ducklings. Also along the canal a Hobby, two Common Terns, a Sparrowhawk catching a Chaffinch mid canal, six Whitethroats and two Blackcaps. (Bob Shiret). Pic below by Bob.

Mon Jun 25th 2007

Hawling    A Redshank on floodwater at Larkhill Farm near Hawling this morning. (Sue Smith).

Forest of Dean    22 juvenile Mandarins at Mallards Pike Lake today. (Bob Broughton).

Tidenham Chase    Two Spotted Flycatchers and 12 Linnets today. (Mike, Tim and Sam Beard).

Eastington    At Millend mid-morning a Whimbrel low over flooded meadows next to the cottages, calling and 'wing-fluttering' as if in display flight, then flew down-river (a first patch record). Also a Dipper over, two Grey Wagtails and mixed flock of 40+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Herring Gulls of all ages. (Jake King).

Wyck Rissington    A male Kingfisher flew into a window at Wyck Rissington on the River Dikler this morning. It was stunned and weak but with no obvious breakages and has had three trout from the local trout farm this afternoon. He is looking much brighter this evening it is hoped to release him tomorrow. (Richard Tyler). Pics by Richard.

Sun Jun 24th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    18 Black-tailed Godwits (all smart summer plumaged adult islandica), 30 Redshanks, a second-year Mediterranean Gull, a Common Gull and 150+ Black-headed Gulls this afternoon on South Lake. (John Martin).

Fri Jun 22nd 2007

Stratton    A pair of Corn Buntings 100 yards down the path opposite Stratton (Cirencester) cemetery SP007039. (David Owen).

Forest of Dean    A male Firecrest at Lydbrook this morning. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis.

Saul Warth/Canal    Two Redshanks heard, 11 Shelducks, three Grey Herons, nine Common Terns and a Cuckoo calling. (Felicity Cobb).

Frampton    From Green Lane four Great Black-backed Gulls, 12 Long-tailed Tits, a male Reed Bunting, a Kestrel and 100+ Meadow Brown butterflies. (Felicity Cobb).

Chaceley to Lower Lode    From The Ferry Inn ,Chaceley to Lower Lode, three Chiffchaffs, three Blackcaps, several Reed Buntings, a Cuckoo, five Stock Doves, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker, two Buzzards, a Kingfisher, two Shelducks flew south, two Great Crested Grebes, two or possibly four Curlews and 6 to 8 active Sand Martin nests at Lower Lode (river extremely high at the moment). (Mark Grieve).

Thu Jun 21st 2007

Saul    The drake Marbled Duck still at Saul Warth today. Please do not enter the fields. Please do not cross the barbed wire fence and enter the field. If you wish to view the right hand flash better, you should walk back to Cadbury Bridge turn left and then after c30 yards turn left onto the Severn Way footpath and follow this out to the flash. 

Eastington    At Millend a Barn Owl carrying prey at 10:10pm tonight flew past the gardens heading upriver on the south arm of the Frome. A first patch record. (Jake King).

Cotswold Water Park    A Little Tern on Pit 57 until 6:15pm at least. (Kim Milsom).

Wed Jun 20th 2007

Churcham    A Barn Owl flying over a roadside field by the A40 between Churcham and Birdwood. (Barry Embling/Ivan Proctor)

Forest of Dean    At Eastbach this morning, a pair of Redstarts with at least three fledglings. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis.

Gretton    A Green Woodpecker in a garden at a house in Gretton this afternoon. (Roger Wasley). Pic by Roger.

Tue Jun 19th 2007

Tidenham Chase    On Poor's Allotment this afternoon, eight Stonechats (two pairs, four juveniles), five Willow Warblers, three Tree Pipits, three Linnets, a pair of Whitethroats feeding young, a pair of Spotted Flycatchers feeding young, two Yellowhammers and a Peregrine over. (Lewis Thomson).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Along the canal two Willow Warblers, 15+ Whitethroats, two Chiffchaffs, a Green Woodpecker, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Sparrowhawk, 8+ Reed Buntings, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and at least eight Sedge Warblers. From the hide two Tufted Ducks (m,f), two Common Terns, three Redshanks, a Kingfisher, a Reed Warbler, a Jay, up to three Buzzards, a Blackcap, one Lapwing only over. At the Long Pool, a small number of Swallows and three Swifts over the pool, five Grey Herons and 50+ Jackdaws. A female Redstart at the bridge to the Long Pool and at 12:15pm a male Peregrine low over the reserve. (Mark Grieve). At 7:30am three Green Sandpipers at the snipe pool. (John Wiltshire). 

Mon Jun 18th 2007

Frampton    Two Barn Owls and two Cuckoos at Nebrow Hill Oak Wood at 9:20pm. (MK/Mark Hobson).

Forest of Dean    At Cannop ponds today a family of four Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Nuthatch and a Jay. (Allan Chard). Pics by Allan. Also 

Sun Jun 17th 2007

Tirley    At Town Street Farm a male Redstart near the outbuildings,  three Whitethroats (including one fledged bird), a Blackcap, a Curlew calling heading towards Chaceley, a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Buzzard, two Chiffchaffs and a singing Yellowhammer. Also a Stoat. (Mark Grieve).

Frampton    A Barn Owl and a Cuckoo at Nebrow Hill Oak Wood at 8:30pm. (Shane Long).

Forest of Dean    At Cannop Ponds, six Mandarins, including three juveniles, a family party of at least five Grey Wagtails below the Stoneworks, at Farmer's Green (the Shrike site) a female Pied Flycatcher and a singing Tree Pipit, and a Spotted Flycatcher and two Buzzards at Boys Grave. Also two Ringlets. (Paul Masters). 

WWT Slimbridge    A Grasshopper Warbler showed well on the 11am safari. Also four Yellow-legged Gulls today. (James Lees).

Hawling    Two Curlews in fields this morning by the Hawling triangle and three Corn Buntings singing in the vicinity. (Mike Teesdale).

Gretton    A juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker coming to a peanut feeder in a garden at Gretton this morning. (Roger Wasley). Pics by Roger.

Cotswold Water Park    At the Gateway Centre two Common Terns feasting on a big hatch of insects and another catching fish, a Cetti's Warbler singing, two Reed Buntings, several Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers singing. At Pit 12, Outdoor Education Centre, two Common Terns, two singing Reed Buntings and three singing Garden Warblers and two Mistle Thrushes feeding young.  Around the area huge numbers of Common Blue Damselflies and Blue-tailed Damselflies, two Banded Demoiselles, several Black-tailed Skimmers and a few Emperor Dragonflies. (Steve Brown). Pics below by Steve.

Sat Jun 16th 2007

Lydney Harbour    Two Turtle Doves this afternoon around the car park and a singing Sedge Warbler. (Paul Masters/Mark & Nathalie Moore). Pic below by Paul. At Nagshead a family of Pied Flycatchers (male, female and juvenile) actually on the path to the Lower Hide early afternoon. (Mark & Nathalie Moore).

Quedgeley    At Clearwater Drive three Water Rails (an adult feeding two juveniles), two Green Woodpeckers and c50 Starlings. At The Moat two Sparrowhawks, a Water Rail calling and a Lesser Whitethroat. (Andy Chapman).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Curlew, which has now been holding territory near the south pits for about a month  (Andy Lewis).

Tirley    Three Ravens over heading east. (Mark Grieve).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Along the canal two Chiffchaffs, two Willow Warblers, three Whitethroats, a Blackcap, a singing Yellowhammer and a Reed Bunting. From the hide a Sedge Warbler, two Reed Warblers, up to four Redshanks (also one almost fully fledged bird), two fledged Lapwings also four adult birds, a Curlew, a Cuckoo, two Common Terns, male and female Tufted Duck, male and female Teal and a Brown Hare. (Mark Grieve/Rob Large/Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Fri Jun 15th 2007

Tirley    A Cuckoo calling at 6pm. (Mark Grieve).

Thu Jun 14th 2007

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Spoonbill from Zeiss hide this morning. (James Lees).

Saul Warth    A Greenshank, a Yellow Wagtail and two Little Egrets this morning. (James Lees). 

Wed Jun 13th 2007

Lydney    A Turtle Dove purring at Lydney Harbour today. (Charles Martell).

Forest of Dean    A Turtle Dove today at Rudge Hill, Yorkley at SO634073. (Barrie Mills).

Tue Jun 12th 2007

Upper Slaughter    A Little Owl tonight beside the B4068 near Upper Slaughter at SP137237. (Barrie Mills).

Sat Jun 9th 2007

Windsoredge    An unusual record of a Reed Warbler singing all day in Roy's garden. No reeds or water etc just a thick patch of bush. (Roy Bircher).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Along the canal the two Chiffchaffs, three Blackcaps, many Whitethroats, a Sedge Warbler, a male Reed Bunting, a singing Yellowhammer near the canal bridge, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a male Bullfinch . From the hide a male Garganey, five Wigeon (4m, 1f), two male Tufted Ducks, a Little Ringed Plover, up to nine Lapwings ( two fledged young also), up to three Redshanks, two Curlews, two Common Terns, a male Sparrowhawk carrying prey, a Kingfisher, a Cormorant, four Grey Herons, a Reed Warbler, a male Redstart and two female Redstarts in the meadows near the fallen Black Poplar tree, a Cuckoo and Swifts and Swallows over the reserve. (Mark Grieve).

Bollow    This 10-day-old Little Owl chick was ringed this morning at Box Bush. (Roger Wasley). Pic by Roger.

Fri Jun 8th 2007

Elmore    A Little Owl at 8pm between Kenton Green and Barhouse farm.  (Paul Masters). Pic below by Paul.

Forest of Dean    A Goshawk through Lewis's garden in Lydbrook at 8pm this evening, being mobbed by 10+ Jackdaws. (Lewis Thomson).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 32 two Common Terns and two Garden Warblers. At Pit 31 four Blackcaps, two Garden Warblers, eight Reed Warblers, two Whitethroats, a Kestrel, a pair of Red Crested Pochards and c20 House Martins over Pit 24. At Pit 79 a Shelduck and 30 Canada Geese. (Felicity Cobb).

Wed Jun 6th 2007

Forest of Dean    At Cannop ponds a pair of Tawny Owls, a pair of Willow Warblers, a male Redstart and a pair of Pied Flycatchers today. Also a Cuckoo heard near the clearfell where shrike was. (Brian Davis).

Tue Jun 5th 2007

Forest of Dean    At Eastbach today a Tawny Owl being mobbed by Blackbirds. (Brian Davis). Pic by  Brian.

At Oakenhill Wood 3/4 Turtle Doves purring and displaying late afternoon. At Woorgreens a Wood Warbler, two Tree Pipits, a Redstart, a Hobby, a Wood White butterfly and a Common Lizard. (Graham Watson/Bruce & Jean Pendlebury). Pics by Graham.

Mon Jun 4th 2007

Dudbridge    At 7:50pm a Red Kite headed east over Dudbridge Hill, Stroud chased by a Herring Gull. Also a Dipper showing well at Frome Banks the same evening. (Colin Greenfield).

Tidenham Chase    Two male Nightjars at The Park churring, displaying and chasing around the area between the trig point and Miss Grace's Lane giving very good views from about 9:45 p.m. (Ivan Proctor).

Hawling    A Quail called briefly at 6:30 pm, just past Larkhill Farm (coming from Cheltenham) on the left where a stone is placed on an old iron gate post, at least eight Corn Buntings singing in the area and a Hobby flew over. (Dave Pearce).

Forest of Dean    At Nagshead today a male Pied Flycatcher, a Nuthatch feeding a juvenile and a Lesser Horseshoe bat in the Campbell hide (per Will Ponting). (Allan Chard). Pics below by Allan.

Sun Jun 3rd 2007

Frampton    A Barn Owl at Nebrow Hill Oak Wood at 9:30pm. (David Owen).

Eastington    This evening at 9:55pm a Little Owl on a road sign between Oldbury Services and the M5 again. (David Owen).

Brownshill    A Tawny Owl calling in the Frith at 10:15pm. (David Owen).

Saul    The Marbled Duck still present at Saul Warth this evening. Also a Garganey and a Little Ringed Plover. (Gordon Hodgson). 

Hawling    This afternoon four Corn Buntings singing around the area, a Redstart singing just E of the village and a Lapwing saw off two Carrion Crows in the set-aside in the triangle. (Steve Brown).  At the Pheasant Pens four Swallows, a pair of which have started building a nest in a shed, a pair of Grey Partridges, a pair of Curlews, two Barn Owls and seven Pied Wagtails. (Rupert Dennis).

Dymock    A Red Kite over the village sharing a thermal with a Buzzard at 4:15pm. (Charles Martell).

Forest of Dean   A pair of Redstarts right of the track leading to Kensley Lodge. A pair of Crossbills between the lake and Crabtree Hill. On the lake at Woorgreens a female Mandarin with five ducklings, Greylags with goslings and Canada Geese with goslings. (Nick Hopkinson). At Coleford a Little Owl sat on a house chimney close to the entrance of Bells Golf Club most days throughout the day and hunting around entrance to golf course for at least the last week. Please avoid looking directly at house as the resident although friendly requests privacy. (Frank Williams).

Quedgeley    A Hobby over being mobbed by a large gull at 11:40am. Garden tick. (MK).

Sat Jun 2nd 2007

Symonds Yat    An Osprey flew along the River Wye below the Peregrine eyrie at Yat Rock. The male Peregrine dived into a stoop and drove it away, it then flew further along the river and disappeared into trees on Huntsham Hill. (Phil Andrews).

Forest of Dean   At Cannop Cycle Centre, a pair of Wood Warblers in pines to the S on the slag heap. At Nagshead, two pairs of Pied Flycatchers.  Along the path between Cannop Stoneworks and the Shrike Site, two pairs of Redstarts collecting food and a pair of Spotted Flycatchers. (Ben Macdonald).

Wheatenhurst    A Tawny Owl in trees just north of Whitminster House and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler in the hay meadow hedgerow, park in gateway on the right immediately after the sharp left-hand bend SO763093. (Jake King).

Brockworth    A Cuckoo calling from the direction of Witcombe Reservoirs today. (Rob Wilkinson).

Fri Jun 1st 2007

Fretherne    The Great White Egret on the river at 2:30pm. (Andy Chapman).

Tidenham Chase    At least one Nightjar singing and seen reasonably well from 9:48pm. Also Tawny Owl heard calling. (Jan Datchens).

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens/Crabtree Hill two Turtle Doves, 20 Siskins and Lesser Redpolls, four Garden Warblers, a Tree Pipit and 13 Wild Boar (two adults and 11 young). At the car park, a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers feeding young, a Redstart calling and a Buzzard. At Nagshead a Firecrest, several Goldcrests, a pair of Pied Flycatchers feeding young, a pair of Nuthatches also feeding young, a pair of Bullfinches and a Treecreeper. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman). Pic below by Paul.

Thu May 31st 2007

Leckhampton    This afternoon on Leckhampton Hill a Tawny Owl was mobbed and chased by c6 Blackbirds just below the stile opposite the second car park in Daisybank Road. (Steve Brown).

Walmore Common    A huge count of 254 Ravens flying into roost this evening, all arriving from an E or NE direction with a few stragglers still coming in at dusk. There may well have been a higher total at a similar time last year when 208 were counted before 7:15pm on 27th May 2006. (Andy Jayne).

Huntley    A male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in a Huntley garden at 1:45pm today. (Martin Drew).

Sherborne Water Meadows    Two adult Willow Tits feeding two or three begging juveniles by the footpath across the bridge (Andy Lewis)

Wed May 30th 2007

Forest of Dean    Along the cycle path between the Cycle Centre and Cannop Ponds, three Garden Warblers, a pair of Blackcaps feeding young, a pair of Redstarts feeding young, a male Pied Flycatcher and a singing Wood Warbler. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis.

Tue May 29th 2007

Tidenham Chase    A pair of Nightjars this evening. Churring started at 9:35pm then seen flying round the clump of pines to right of trig point, seemed to favour the new clear fell area. Also a Woodcock, a pair (at least) of Stonechats, a Linnet, a Cuckoo heard and a Tawny Owl heard. (Nick Devereaux).

WWT Slimbridge    The Great White Egret again today at 2pm when it flew high towards Mid Point from the direction of Frampton, then it turned and dropped towards WWT. Also at Mid Point, two Oystercatchers, a Common Tern and a male Reed Bunting. A Mandarin with two ducklings near Patch Bridge. (Steve Brown).

Frampton    Three Common Terns fishing near Splatt Bridge. (Steve Brown).

Driffield    A Grey Partridge today. (Jake King).

Lydney    This evening at Lydney New Grounds SO629014, 37 Lapwings, 11 Stock Doves, a Sedge Warbler, three Reed Warblers, a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, three Linnets and a male Peregrine. Also this evening at Plummer's Brook Pools, Lydney SO 637018 a Reed Warbler and a Kingfisher. Also today a male Bullfinch at Viney Hill and a Grey Wagtail at Lydney. (Barrie Mills).