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Sightings 2009

 

July to December

 

Thu 26th November 2009

Severn Estuary    Maximum counts today:

1     POMARINE SKUA

2    Kittiwakes

2    Goosanders

2+   Great Skuas

3    Gannets

 

See below for details.

 

Beachley Point    A pale-phase POMARINE SKUA on North beach this morning accessible by the Loop Road. (John Sanders). Pic by John. 

Pomarine Skua

 

Lydney    A Great Skua landed on the Severn in front of the harbour at 1pm and then took off heading down river at 1:05pm pursued by gulls. Three adult Gannets floated upriver on the rising tide at 11:10am, also two female Goosanders and an immature Kittiwake flew downriver at 11:30am. (Lewis Thomson).

Saul Warth    A Great Skua at 1:50pm landed briefly on the flashes, then headed downriver. (Dave Evans).

Awre    Two adult Gannets, plus one fairly freshly dead on the beach, two Great Skuas and two first-winter Kittiwakes all off Awre between 12:30-2pm. (John Phillips).

Sharpness    Mid morning an immature Kittiwake flew S and an adult Gannet flew N. (Dave Pearce).

Frampton    A Great Skua on the Sailing Lake still early morning then flew around the top corner and lost to view. (Nick Goatman).   

 

Wed 25th November 2009

Severn Estuary    Maximum counts today:

5+   LEACH'S PETRELS

1     POMARINE SKUA

1     GREAT NORTHERN DIVER

4+   Kittiwakes

2+   Great Skuas

1     Auk sp

1     Storm Petrel (probable)

 

See below for details.

 

Beachley Point    An adult Kittiwake flew downstream at 9:30am and a first-winter at 12:25pm. Five LEACH'S PETRELS flew downstream between 9:40-10am.A Great Skua was about the river from 10-11am. A pale-phase adult POMARINE SKUA floated down on the falling tide at 2pm. (John Sanders).

Frampton    A Great Skua on the Sailing Lake this afternoon (different to the Saul bird). (Tom Mabbett). Still present at 4:20pm looking exhausted sat on the water, and too tired to take off despite being encircled by two noisy hovercrafts. (MK).    

Saul Warth    A Great Skua  killed and ate a Shelduck and three LEACH'S PETRELS one of which flew inland behind the Waterworks. (Tom Mabbett/Gordon Hodgson). Pics by Tom.

Great Skua

 

 

Sharpness    Today 4+ LEACH'S PETRELS, a GREAT NORTHERN DIVER flew upriver ahead of a squall at 12:40pm, 4+ Kittiwakes, a Great Skua, an Auk sp at 1:03pm flew N and a probable Storm Petrel. (Geoff Moyser/Gordon Kirk/Dave Evans).

WWT Slimbridge    A GREAT NORTHERN DIVER early afternoon. (James Lees, WWT/Martin McGill, WWT). Record shot by James.

Great Northern Diver

Tue 24th November 2009

Severn Estuary    Maximum counts today:

1+   LEACH'S PETREL

1     FULMAR

2    Common Scoters

1     Kittiwake

4    Gannets

1+   Great Skuas

 

See below for details.

 

Saul Warth    At 2pm a FULMAR over Hock Ditch before flying inland two adult Gannets including one sat on the seawall. (Richard Baatsen). At 12:30pm a Gannet and a LEACH'S PETREL. (Dave Evans).

Awre    From 10:30am to 12 midday off Awre a LEACH'S PETREL, two adult or near-adult Gannets and two female Common Scoters. (John Phillips).

Sharpness    From SARA Lifeboat Station four Gannets drifting slowly N between 9am and 11:50am. One or two Great Skuas between 11-11:25am flew rapidly N (the second was similar in colour but looked smaller), both flew over the railings close to the hut. The first one called. A LEACH'S PETREL feeding and foot paddling from 10:15 to 10:45am. An immature Kittiwake flew N at 11:25am. Two Common Scoters flew rapidly down river at 11:50am. Also 15 Turnstones. (Geoff Moyser/Steve Owen).

 

Mon 23rd November 2009

Severn Estuary    Maximum counts today:

6    LEACH'S PETRELS

3+  Shags

4    Kittiwakes

3    Gannets

2    Great Skuas

 

See below for details.

 

Saul Warth    Four LEACH'S PETRELS, occasionally blown into Saul Warth, three Shags early morning, an adult Gannet at 11am, two more Gannets pm (one remaining on a sandbank on the far side of the river) and two Great Skuas (one was on Saul Warth obviously exhausted and was picked up by WWT wardens later). Also four Kittiwakes. (Graham Watson/Dave Pearce/Tom Mabbett/Geoff Moyser/Neil Smart). Pics by Graham.

Leach's Petrel

 

 

Great Skua

Awre    An adult Kittiwake and two distant petrels, almost certainly Leach's. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    Six LEACH'S PETRELS seen late morning. (James Lees, WWT/Martin McGill, WWT).

Sharpness    At SARA Lifeboat Station, either side of high tide late morning three adult Gannets and two Leach's Petrels blown upstream. (Terry Fenton). A Shag there at 4:24pm. (Paul Taylor).

Lydney    At Lydney harbour, a Great Skua flew down river at 11am. A Leach's Petrel also headed down river at 11:30 am and two others lingered off the harbour for ten minutes at 12:05 pm constantly being harassed by gulls. (Lewis Thomson). Pics by Lewis. 

Great Skua

Leach's Petrel

Fretherne    NW of canal bridge, N of the 'bends' 14 Little Egrets late afternoon. (Terry Fenton).

 

Sun 22nd November 2009

Fretherne    The adult PACIFIC DIVER again on the river in poor conditions from Fretherne at 3:40pm, but no further sign by dusk. (Paul Masters/Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult POMARINE SKUA on the Dumbles for ten minutes at 2pm. It then flew downriver towards Sharpness old dock being harassed by large gulls. It appeared to pass Purton point, then go back upstream and disappeared to the right. Later seen going downstream past Sharpness. (Gareth Bradbury/James Lees, WWT/Neil Smart/Paul Taylor/Nick Goatman).

Sharpness    A Black Redstart still at the SARA Lifeboat Station early morning. It or another at the car parking area by Dockers club at 11:50am, at the Port Authority Office at midday and another at Sharpness picnic site at 1pm, possibly three birds. Also 30+ Redshanks, 50+ Golden Plovers over SW and a Grey Wagtail. (Graham Watson/Geoff Moyser/Paul Masters).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A pale morph Skua sp. circling over farmland to the N, almost certainly Arctic. (Barry Embling). 250 Canada Geese, 40 Greylags, a Pink-footed Goose, 300 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 14 Shovelers, 22 Pintails, 11 Gadwall, 28 Snipe and a Peregrine. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    550 Canada Geese,11 Greylags, six Mute Swans, 215 Wigeon, 105 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 200 Mallards, five Pintails, 21 Shovelers and four Snipe. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Ebworth    In blustery conditions near Overtown Farm at 9am, 260 Starlings, 26 Common Gulls and a Raven flew over W, two Buzzards and a Kestrel circled overhead, seven Pied Wagtails, 20 Chaffinches, 16 Jackdaws, four Carrion Crows, ten Stock Doves and a Redwing foraged on pasture near the cattle feeding area. (John Fleming).

Tirley    A Kingfisher in The Street by the drainage ditch at 10:40 am and a Raven over at 11:15 am. (Mark Grieve).

Bisley    Ten Lapwings near the petrol station. (Mark Grieve).

 

Sat 21st November 2009

Sharpness    A Black Redstart on the SARA Lifeboat Station at 8:45am. It or another on buildings around the No 1 Gate (picnic site side) at 10:45am. Four Shags flew N together at 9am. Also a Rock Pipit, two Grey Wagtails and 30 Dunlin but again no sign of the adult PACIFIC DIVER this morning. (Duncan Dine/Ian Ralphs/Richard Tyler/MK).

Ashleworth Ham    From the hide and down Stank Lane 200+ Wigeon, 150+ Mallards, 20+ Teal, 18 Shovelers, three Pintails, a female Kestrel, 74 Black-headed Gulls, three Redwings, three Bullfinches, 80+ Starlings, a Reed Bunting, 20 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Herring Gull, a Grey Heron, 25 Lapwings, six Meadow Pipits, a Treecreeper, seven Stock Doves and 45+ Fieldfares.  (Mark Grieve).

 

Fri 20th November 2009

Coombe Hill Meadows    The juvenile Pink-footed Goose present again this afternoon, 41 Greylags, 331 Canada Geese, 171 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 13 Pintails, six Shovelers and a Reed Bunting; along the canal 50 Redwings, 30 Fieldfares, six Bullfinches and a Grey Wagtail. Note: The Grundon hide is not accessible at the moment as water levels continue to rise. (Paul Masters).

Gloucester    At lunchtime 30 Redwings over Denmark Road/Hillfield Gardens and a Red Admiral butterfly. (Steve Brown).

Priding    75 Lapwings this afternoon. (MK).

Sharpness    No sign of the adult PACIFIC DIVER at high tide this morning on the river or in the docks or at Frampton Sailing Lake. Also no sign this afternoon at Berkeley shore, Longney, Epney or Priding. (RB/PT/MK).

 

Thu 19th November 2009

Sharpness    The adult PACIFIC DIVER again this morning on the River Severn floating up on the tide at 8:48am. (Paul Taylor). The bird was videoed yesterday and has been confirmed as an adult Pacific Diver. It wasn't seen to come back down later so it could still be in the area. Hopefully it will turn up again in the docks or at Frampton pools. A female or immature Black Redstart feeding on the north side of the Severn Ports derelict warehouse at midday and a pale phase Arctic Skua flew N disturbing the gulls. (Dave Pearce).

Beachley Point    Single LEACH'S PETRELS flew down-river at 9am and 9:30am this morning, apparently two different birds. (John Sanders).

Tirley    At Flat Farm a Tawny Owl calling at 8:30pm. (Mark Grieve).

 

Wed 18th November 2009

WWT Slimbridge    An adult PACIFIC DIVER this morning on the River Severn between 8:50-9:05am. (Dave Paynter/James Lees, WWT/Martin McGill, WWT). Also seen at Sharpness and Lydney whilst moving back S on the falling tide. (Paul Taylor/Richard Baatsen/Neil Smart/Tony Eveleigh).

Berkeley    At Severn House Farm, 30 Dunlins, 20 Turnstones and two Rock Pipits. (Terry Fenton).

Bisley    80 Lapwings with Golden Plovers near Stancombe Farm Shop, 82 Common Gulls, 32 Stock Doves, 120 Starlings, two Mistle Thrushes, 40 Jackdaws, 23 Carrion
Crows and 37 Rooks on weedy stubble near Sydenhams, The Scrubs. (John Fleming).

Tirley    A female Sparrowhawk hunting in the Old Pitch. (Mark Grieve).

 

Tue 17th November 2009

Rendcomb    A male Ring Ouzel in a garden today. (Robert Cook).

Coombe Hill Meadows    The presumably wild juvenile Pink-footed Goose still present, c300 Canada Geese, 30 Greylags,  at least 300 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 20 Shovelers, seven Snipe feeding on maize stubble, Fieldfares and Redwings everywhere and a few Song Thrushes. (Mike Smart).

Tirley    At Flat Farm a Tawny Owl calling at 9:30pm. (Mark Grieve).

Bisley    168 Golden Plovers on old potato field near Stancombe farm shop, 146 Starlings feeding amongst weedy stubble near Sydenhams, The Scrubs with 220 Chaffinches on ploughfield and in woodland nearby, 36 Fieldfares over S and a Jay and a Kestrel and a Mistle Thrush between Bisley and Camp village. (John Fleming).

 

Sun 15th November 2009

Frampton    Late afternoon at the Sailing Lake two CATTLE EGRETS with five Little Egrets and two Crossbills over Court Lake. (Nick Goatman).

Berkeley shore    A RICHARD'S PIPIT at 11:15am just S of the Power Station and showing well. Early afternoon it flew towards Severn House Farm and appeared to land. Park safely on the road by the Power Station and take the footpath S to the Severn Estuary. Also a very late Wheatear and a Clouded Yellow early afternoon. (Paul Taylor). A Rock Pipit at Severn House Farm this afternoon. (Jake King/John Overfield).

Aylburton Warth    Around the flooded warth this morning c1500 Black-headed Gulls, c1000 Starlings, c600 Lapwings, c400 Dunlin, 280 Curlews, 250 Golden Plovers, 16 Redshanks, four Ruff, three Snipe, five Shelducks, two Wigeon, c150 Meadow Pipits, 60 Skylarks, 35 Pied Wagtails, seven Reed Buntings, a Rock Pipit and a female Sparrowhawk. (Lewis Thomson). Pics by Lewis. 

Golden Plovers 

Rock Pipit 

Sat 14th November 2009

Saul Warth    At 4pm the LEACH'S PETREL was seen again still being chased by two gulls. Also a male Common Scoter and male and female Goosander. (Neil Smart).

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile SABINE'S GULL flew up the estuary at 3:25pm and then inland towards Stroud. At 3:50pm a LEACH'S PETREL was on the estuary being harassed by many gulls and constantly moving northwards towards Saul with the rising tide. Also a Water Pipit flew over calling. Two first-winter RICHARD'S PIPITS were still in a private area of the reserve this afternoon but due to extensive flooding after today's rains there can be no public access at the moment. (James Lees, WWT/MK).

Gloucester    A fly-by Snipe today at 1pm struggling against the wind in Abbots Road, Abbeymead. (Ken Hurcombe).

Ebworth    At 8am near Foston's Ash , in blustery conditions, 160 Woodpigeons, 32 Stock Doves, 48 Redwings, 12 Fieldfares, ten Starlings and three Lesser black backed Gulls all moving NE. A flyover Raven moved SW down the valley ,calling and 48 Jackdaws, 20 Rooks and 20 Skylarks were feeding on weedy stubble near Overtown Farm. (John Fleming).

Tirley    35+ Lapwings flew over to the south and 350+ Fieldfares here. (Mark Grieve).

 

Fri 13th November 2009

WWT Slimbridge    Two first-winter RICHARD'S PIPITS in a private area of the reserve this afternoon but no sign of the WILSON'S PHALAROPE all day. (James Lees, WWT). Click the WWT link for pictures and more info. If the observer of the Penduline Tits reads this please contact the County Recorder as it would be a County first.

Ebworth    At 8:15am near Foston's Ash 50 Rooks, 160 Redwings, 68 Fieldfares and 12 Chaffinches south, 155 Woodpigeons, 14 Stock Doves and 24 Starlings N also in scrub and trees a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 31 Redwings, three Song Thrushes, 38 Jackdaws, four Bullfinches, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Nuthatch, two Jays, six Great Tits, three Blue Tits, a Coal Tit and a male Tawny Owl calling from the edge of Workman's Wood NNR. (John Fleming).

Tirley    25+ Lapwings near the fishing pond today. (Mark Grieve).

 

Thu 12th November 2009   

WWT Slimbridge    The WILSON'S PHALAROPE from Zeiss hide again today until  early afternoon at least. Also c200 Golden Plovers, four Dunlins and two Black-tailed Godwits. (Derek Hale/Don Smith). Pics by Don.

Wilson's Phalarope

 

Ebworth    A Red Kite flying west, near Overtown farm at 7:30am. A lot of visible migration between 7:30-8:30am a total of 428 Woodpigeons, 46 Stock Doves and 43 Starlings moving NE, 78 Fieldfares, 25 Redwings, 15 Skylarks, 40 Chaffinches, four Yellowhammers and a Hawfinch flying S. Three Buzzards were also circling around the area. (John Fleming).

Wed 11th November 2009   

WWT Slimbridge    The WILSON'S PHALAROPE from Zeiss hide again today until mid-afternoon at least. (Frank Bryant). Two PENDULINE TITS reported by a visitor at South Finger this afternoon and heard yesterday morning by MM. (Martin McGill, WWT). Also a Merlin today at WWT on the Dumbles and a female Blackcap. (Geoff Moyser).

Forest of Dean    At Wenchford at 7:15am a male Dipper, under the bridge at the south entrance, singing. Also a Marsh Tit and a Grey Wagtail. (Derek Hale).

Tirley    1800+ Starlings, 200+ Fieldfares and 300+ Redwings, many arriving from the N at lunchtime, including a flock of 150. (Mark Grieve).

 

Tue 10th November 2009

WWT Slimbridge    The WILSON'S PHALAROPE from Zeiss hide again today until 4pm at least. Also a Water Rail at dusk. (Graham Watson). Pics by Graham.

Water Rail

 

Brockworth    The first Woodcock of the winter at Henley Bank plantation today. (Terry Fenton). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    Water levels are just beginning to rise in the scrapes and Long Pool after a dry autumn.  Goose roost included 235 Canada Geese, 45 Greylags and a juvenile Pink-footed Goose (presumably wild). Also 22 Wigeon, 155 Teal, 60 Mallards, a Pochard, four Green Sandpipers and five Redshanks (most unusual here at this time of year), a Kingfisher, seven Pied Wagtails, three Skylarks, two Reed Buntings and 100 each of Fieldfares and Redwings in the hedges. Along the canal three Bullfinches and a Mistle Thrush. At Ashleworth too, water beginning to flow into the reserve; five Wigeon and two Shovelers here. (Mike Smart/Les Brown/Derek Hale). Pic by Derek.

Pink-footed Goose

Cheltenham    A Peregrine has returned to central Cheltenham and was seen taking a Feral Pigeon over the High Street on the 9th and plucking another bird on the top of Eagle Tower this morning. Also a flock of 40 Goldfinches in Montpellier Gardens. (Chris Furley).

Cam    At 4:10pm a Peregrine landed on a TV aerial in Woodfield Road and sat there for about three minutes before flying of in westerly direction. (Ray Sherman).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 9:30pm. (Mark Grieve).

 

Mon 9th November 2009

WWT Slimbridge    The WILSON'S PHALAROPE from Zeiss hide again at 8:30am, but it flew off at 9:58am. Also a possible Siberian Chiffchaff at Holden Tower. (James Lees, WWT).

Forest of Dean    At Speech House a Raven, at Cannop Stoneworks a Marsh Tit at the feeders, also Siskins there. At Farmers Green three Hawfinches feeding in Holly trees and a female Bullfinch. At Boy's Grave three Crossbills and others heard around the area. (Derek Hale).

Ebworth    Near Overtown farm 75 Starlings and a Stonechat. In thorn scrub and trees near Foston's Ash, 12 Fieldfares, ten Blackbirds, two Song Thrushes, six Redwings, ten Great Tits, two Coal Tits, two Long-tailed Tits, four Blue Tits and 39 Jackdaws . (John Fleming).

Cheltenham    A Pied Wagtail roost in Pittville Street at dusk, numbering in the low hundreds. (Steve Brown).

 

Sun 8th November 2009

WWT Slimbridge    The WILSON'S PHALAROPE again from Zeiss hide briefly at 11am and then returning at 11:45am until 1:02pm when it flew off again. (Neil Smart/Richard Tyler/Dave Pearce/Martin McGill, WWT). A Hawfinch flew low over the Holden Walkway mid-afternoon. (Andy Jayne). Also a Golden Plover, a Peregrine, a Chiffchaff, four Black-tailed Godwits and a Cetti's Warbler today. (John Martin).

Slimbridge Village    A CATTLE EGRET flew over in a NE direction at 3pm. (John Martin).

Forest of Dean    At least 55 Crossbills around Boy's Grave this morning and 120 Siskins and two Ravens. (John Martin).

Ashleworth Ham    Four Teal, 15 Wigeon and 52 Mallards from the hide, a Kestrel, two Meadow Pipits, 119+ Fieldfares, 56+ Redwings, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, three Pied Wagtails, 12 Stock Doves, 17+ Blackbirds, a female Sparrowhawk, a Treecreeper and a Reed Bunting and 600+ Starlings at Colways Farm. (Mark Grieve).

Hasfield Ham    A Grey Heron, two Stonechats, 50 Fieldfares, a Redwing and 120+ Starlings. (Mark Grieve).

 

Sat 7th November 2009

WWT Slimbridge    A WILSON'S PHALAROPE from Zeiss hide but distant at 2pm, but flown off by c2:25pm. No further sign by dusk. (Gareth Bradbury/James Lees, WWT). Also today from Martin Smith hide a Snipe, a Buzzard on the fence and a Merlin flyby late morning. At Robbie Garnett hide a Kestrel, from Kingfisher hide 30 Fieldfares and ten Redwings and at Van De Bovenkamp hide two Stonechats (1m,1f). (Franz Klein).

North Cerney    Five Little Egrets in a tree by the River Churn just south of North Cerney today. (Jenny Vickers).

Corse Lawn    A Barn Owl at Mitre Farm at 7:30pm. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    150+ Redwings and 150+ Fieldfares with small numbers of Song Thrushes and Blackbirds feeding on Hawthorn berries and also 12+ Skylarks, five Meadow Pipits, a Bullfinch, a Buzzard and 200+ Starlings today. (Mark Grieve).

Hawling    Late afternoon two Kestrels, a Buzzard, a female Stonechat and two Ravens heard. At the triangle two flocks of Golden Plovers totalling 100+. Also around the area numerous Red-legged Partridges and Fieldfares. (Steve Brown).

Compton Abdale    A Little Owl being mobbed by finches today. (Richard Tyler). Pics by Richard. 

Little Owl

 

Fri 6th November 2009

Coombe Hill Meadows    A WATER PIPIT from the Grundon hide on the left-hand scrape from 10:35-11am today. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter female Black Redstart on the Sloane Tower this morning. Also four Goosanders (1m, 3f) on the river. (James Lees, WWT).

Frampton    Five Bewick's Swans on Court Lake flew towards WWT at 9:30am and nine Little Egrets were around the Sailing Lake this morning but again no sign of the Great White Egret. (Dave Pearce).

Tirley    100+ Redwings and 100+ Fieldfares and a female Sparrowhawk today. (Mark Grieve).

Bisley area    Down Southmead Lane north of Bisley, 24 Yellowhammers, 58 Chaffinches and four Bramblings and 24 Redwings. 100 Chaffinches on plough W of Holbrooke Garage near Bisley and 700 Woodpigeons W of Lypiatt Park. (John Fleming).

 

Thu 5th November 2009

Frampton    14 Little Egrets around the pools this afternoon but no sign of the Great White Egret. (Richard Baatsen). 

Bisley area    250 Redwings heading W over Stroud at 9:30am. A flock of 80 Linnets down Catswood Lane, Stancombe. 30 Common Gulls on pasture near Nympsfield wind turbine and 60 following the plough east of Sheepscombe. (John Fleming).

Wainlode Hill  A Kingfisher at lunchtime from the riverbank in front of the Red Lion at Wainlode Hill. (Rob Wilkinson).

 

Wed 4th November 2009

Frampton    A GREAT WHITE EGRET with 12 Little Egrets at the Sailing Lake at 2pm. (Bob Williams/Birding Today, Brian Stretch). Two CATTLE EGRETS in the WWT 100-Acre area still today. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. (James Lees, WWT). 

WWT Slimbridge    Two Tundra Bean Geese still today. (James Lees, WWT).

Symonds Yat    A Kingfisher fishing in the Wye, seen from Yat Rock this afternoon. (Martin Drew).

Bussage    Three Common Gulls today in Bussage along The Old Common. (Mike Youdale). 

 

Tue 3rd November 2009

WWT Slimbridge    Two Tundra Bean Geese still at the Trust today. (Chris Grady). Pic by Chris.

Tundra Bean Geese

Tirley    A flock of 1700+ Starlings feeding on pasture near Town Street Farm today. (Mark Grieve).

 

Mon 2nd November 2009

WWT Slimbridge    Two Tundra Bean Geese with 36 Eurasian White-fronted Geese from the Holden Tower at 4pm. A Whooper Swan and 13 Bewick's Swans on the Rushy Pen at 1pm. (James Lees, WWT/Martin McGill, WWT). Pic by Martin.

Bewick's Swans & Lapwing

Frampton    This morning at the WWT 100-Acre two CATTLE EGRETS, 100 Lapwings, 40 Golden Plovers, a Snipe, a Water Rail and a Cetti's Warbler. (Dave Evans/Martin McGill, WWT). Pic by Martin.

Cattle Egrets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forest of Dean    25-30 Crossbills at Boy's Grave this morning. (Rob James). Pic by Rob.

Crossbill

Coleford     Between 7:30-7:45am several large flocks of Woodpigeons totalling c750-1000 over the centre Coleford of heading in a south westerly direction. (Frank Williams).

Bisley    Opposite Stancombe farm shop eight Golden Plovers, 45 Stock Doves and 300 Woodpigeons and a Sparrowhawk circling overhead. (John Fleming).

Cam    A female Pheasant in a garden in Severn Road, Cam at 3pm. (Ray Sherman).

 

Sun 1st November 2009

WWT Slimbridge    Two Tundra Bean Geese from Zeiss hide this afternoon. (Darren Pearce). Pics by Darren. 14 Bewick's Swans today, the first of the winter, which arrived last night. (James Lees, WWT).

Bean Geese

 

Tirley    A garden Chiffchaff, a Raven over to the E, in the fields above Tirley, still 40+ Skylarks, eight Meadow Pipits and 15 Fieldfares. (Mark Grieve).

 

Sat 31st October 2009

Frampton    Two CATTLE EGRETS in the WWT 100-Acre area still today. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. (Rare Bird Alert). 

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Greenland White-fronted Goose with 31 Eurasian White-fronted Geese from Holden Tower and two Ruddy Shelducks on the river. (Rare Bird Alert). A Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk and a Snipe taken from Martin Smith Hide late afternoon today. (Richard Tyler). Pics by Richard.

Buzzard

Sparrowhawk

Snipe

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 6 three Great Crested Grebes, ten Pochards, 20 Tufted Ducks and 20 Coots. At Wickwater Lane ten Fieldfares in tree. At Pit 31, 43 Red Crested Pochards, 56 Tufted Ducks, 45 Pochards, two Mute Swans, a Cormorant, a Little Grebe,  three Great Crested Grebes, 150+ Black-headed Gulls and 100+ Coots. At Pit 79 two Little Egrets, six Mallards, a Kestrel and 500+ Starlings flying south. At Pit 84 a Shelduck, 35 Shovelers and a few Black-headed Gulls. At Pit 85B at dusk a Water Rail heard, a Green Woodpecker, two Pied Wagtails and a continual stream of Fieldfares flying overhead. (Trevor & Sue Clayson).   

Forest of Dean    12 Crossbills at Boys Grave in the larch trees to the right of the gate at 12:30pm. (Geoff Fawcett). At Bream c30 Fieldfares, c100 Redwings, a Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell. In the Speculation area several Crossbills heard calling in the conifers and between here and Beechenhurst c15 Long-tailed Tits, a Grey Wagtail and 6+ Jays and a Speckled Wood at Beechenhurst café. (Robin Griffiths).

Lydney    At Lydney Harbour c70 Golden Plovers, c50 Lapwings and c25 Dunlins at the turn of the tide at 4pm. (Robin Griffiths).

Tirley    40+ Fieldfares and six Bullfinches today. Late afternoon 45+ Skylarks, 20+ Meadow Pipits and a Little Owl calling at 5:30pm. (Mark Grieve).

 

Fri 30th October 2009

Hawling    A Short-eared Owl still this evening being mobbed by a Raven and a Carrion Crow SP055225. Also a Kestrel hunting. (Phil Davis).

WWT Slimbridge    A Jack Snipe at Martin Smith Hide  at 4pm. (Giles Diggle). Video by Giles here.

Symonds Yat    Three Goshawks today with some display flighting over Coppett Hill. (Phil Andrews).

Gloucester    Between Sims Bridge and Rea Bridge 26 Fieldfares, two Goldcrests and a Kingfisher today. (Mark Hobson).

 

Thu 29th October 2009

Hawling    A Short-eared Owl still present at 4:30pm being mobbed by corvids. Also 200+ Fieldfares, a Kestrel, 50+ Starlings, 25+ Red-legged Partridges and a Roe Deer. (Graham Watson).

Cleeve Hill    A Red Kite drifted low over Cleeve Hill at midday SO992268 last seen heading south. (Jim Northcott).

 

Wed 28th October 2009

Cheltenham    100+ Pied Wagtails at dusk in the trees along the pavement in Winchcombe Street this evening. (Rob Wilkinson).

Hawling    A Short-eared Owl and a Barn Owl hunting over fields at Hawling this evening, also many Fieldfares in the bushes. (Tom Mabbett).

Symonds Yat    A House Martin over today. (Phil Andrews).

Newent    200+ Fieldfares heading SW over Newent woods today at 8:30 am. Also 20+ Crossbills, 20+ Redwings and several Skylarks. (Robin Husbands).

Througham    25 Fieldfares flocking with Woodpigeons and a singing Skylark. (Howard Taylor).

Througham Slad    Over 120 Fieldfares, some taking hawthorn berries, two Yellowhammers and a Buzzard over. (Howard Taylor).

 

Tue 27th October 2009

Througham    64 Stock Doves on stubble near Througham and 12 Redwings on pasture. (John Fleming).

Ebworth    At Foston's Ash at 4:45pm 32 Fieldfares, 26 Redwings and eight Blackbirds going to roost in a young plantation. (John Fleming).

 

Mon 26th October 2009

Stancombe    On weedy stubble at Catswood Lane 126 Linnets and ten Pied Wagtails. (John Fleming).

WWT Slimbridge    17 Eurasian White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles and nine Continental Greylags from Martin Smith hide. (Mike Youdale/James Lees, WWT).

Frampton    The female Scaup again on Court Lake late afternoon, three Goldfinches and two Little Egrets. (Mike Youdale).

Wotton-Under-Edge    200 Golden Plovers and 60 Lapwings feeding in, and around, a ploughed field with 500 Starlings, corvids and gulls at Symonds Hall Farm this afternoon, ST794962. (Vic Polley).

Ozleworth    c500 Golden Plovers on fresh plough today near Ozleworth. (Roy Bircher).
Dursley    Two Willow Tits this morning at Stinchcombe Woods. (Jake King).

Forest of Dean    A male Brambling on a niger feeder this morning at 7:30am in the garden at Brierley. (Tim & Rose Smith).

Ullenwood    At Barber's Wood, a Little Owl, three Buzzards, a Jay, a Green Woodpecker, two Ravens, two Mistle Thrushes and a small party of Long-tailed Tits. (Steve Brown).

Eastington    25 Redwings over Millend. (Jake King).

 

Sun 25th October 2009

WWT Slimbridge    Three Knot from Zeiss hide and 15 Eurasian White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles today. (James Lees, WWT). Also nine Continental Greylags moved on to the Dumbles from South Lake and a Peregrine. (Steve Brown).

Frampton    The female Scaup again on Court Lake, two Ravens and a Green Woodpecker. (Steve Brown).

Gloucester    A flock of 35+ Goldfinches gathering to roost in trees in grounds of Gloucester Royal Hospital. (Hugh Manistre).

 

Sat 24th October 2009

Elkstone    50+ Golden Plovers flew over the A417 near Elkstone this afternoon and landed in the field to the west. (Jon Mercer).

 

Fri 23rd October 2009

Berkeley Shore    13 Turnstones, 3+ Rock Pipits, 25 Redshanks and a late Wheatear. Also a Clouded Yellow and a Painted Lady. (Dave Pearce).

Charlton Kings Common    At midday two female Fallow Deers crossed the face of the scarp slope from Daisybank Road to the top of Sandy Lane. Also nearby two small flocks of Long-tailed Tits and a Jay and a Raven at Daisybank car park. (Steve Brown).

Tirley    Two Jays today, unusual here. (Mark Grieve).

 

Thu 22nd October 2009

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 7:50pm. (Mark Grieve).

 

Wed 21st October 2009

Broadoak    Two Ruddy Shelducks again today. (John Phillips).

Frampton    A female Scaup around island at northern end of Court Lake this morning. (Dave Evans).

Upper Coberley    A Red Kite circled the area for one hour at least near midday. (Dave Pearce).

Tirley    20 Skylarks and three Meadow Pipits today. (Mark Grieve).

Witcombe Reservoir    Early afternoon 42 Greylags, eight Tufted Ducks, six Cormorants and a Sparrowhawk over. (Howard Taylor).

 

Tue 20th October 2009

Guiting Power    275 Golden Plovers S of Cotswold Farm Park today. (Jim Milton).

Ebworth    Passage this morning over Foston's Ash included 106 Redwings, ten Starlings, eight Stock Doves, ten Woodpigeons, 38 Common Gulls, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls, two Bramblings, three Siskins, six Chaffinches and two Skylarks all heading eastwards between 8-8:30am. (John Fleming).

 

Mon 19th October 2009

Broadoak    Two Ruddy Shelducks today. (John Phillips).

Winchcombe    Four Crossbills calling as they flew west over Hailes Abbey. (Rob Brookes).

WWT Slimbridge    A Jack Snipe still present at the Martin Smith Hide tonight at 5pm. Also here Snipe, Water Rail and Sparrowhawk and 11 White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles. (Mike Youdale/Graham Cox). Pics by Graham.

Jack Snipe

 

 

Water Rail

Sparrowhawk

Frampton    A CATTLE EGRET still in the WWT 100-Acre today. (Mike Youdale).

Ebworth    A steady passage S near Foston's Ash between 8-8:30am, 246 Woodpigeons, 44 Stock Doves, 256 Redwings, 30 Fieldfares, 32 Chaffinches, 21 Skylarks and 36 Starlings. On fields E of Overtown Farm at 10am, 49 Golden Plovers, 110 Meadow Pipits, 23 Pied Wagtails and a White Wagtail, four Goldfinches, three Blackbirds, a Buzzard and a Song Thrush. (John Fleming).

Ullenwood    This afternoon three Buzzards and three Ravens soaring together over the Woodland Trust land at Ullenwood. (Steve Brown).

 

Sun 18th October 2009

Bisley    A Tawny Owl calling at 7:40pm. (Mark Grieve). 

Little Witcombe    A Little Owl at 7:55pm. (Mark Grieve).

Hawling    At the pheasant pens, 19 Corn Buntings and a Snipe flushed from setaside nearest the A436. (Rupert Dennis).

Shab Hill    500 Golden Plovers, 20 Lapwings and 100 Redwings today. (Terry Fenton).

Frampton    A female Scaup on Court Lake today. (Nick Goatman). A CATTLE EGRET still in the WWT 100-Acre today. (Jeremy Squire). Pic by Jeremy.

Cattle Egret

Cleeve Hill    The pair of Little Owls were at their usual hole in the quarry above the Wash Pool. (Dave Pearce). Pic by Dave.

Little Owls

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens this afternoon a Kingfisher, a Grey Heron and two Cormorants on the lake and a dark Fallow Deer stag and at least six females. Also Goldcrests and Coal Tits in the top of the young Larches. (Ron Beddis). A Kingfisher at the Cannop North Pond. Also at the Dean Heritage Centre, Soudley, another Kingfisher and three Dippers. (Alan Richards). Pic by Alan. 

Kingfisher

Severn Hams    At the very top of Stank Lane at 9am two Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in willows. Plenty of visible migration this morning, birds seen arriving from the NE most flying directly SE, 50+ Redwings to the SE with another 73 around the Stank Lane area, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, at least six Bullfinches, flocks of 40, 30, 15, 25 and 10 Starlings to the SW, a Kestrel, two Skylarks over SE, a Buzzard, a Cormorant upriver, a Grey Heron, eight Long-tailed Tits and eight Goldfinches. On the Ham 4 /5 Stonechats, two Meadow Pipits, flocks of 7, 6 and 3 Skylarks over SE, nine Fieldfares arrived with ten Redwings from NE and 50 Fieldfares arrived from the N landing on the reserve, two Reed Buntings and 18 Goldfinches to the SE. (Mark Grieve).

Ebworth    On fields and near buildings around Overtown Farm between 10:30am and 12 noon, 182 Jackdaws, 136 Rooks, 14 Carrion Crows, 97 Common Gulls and a Black-headed Gull, 29 Stock Doves, ten Woodpigeons, 55 Skylarks, 128 Meadow Pipits, 14 Pied Wagtails, 11 House Sparrows, 46 Chaffinches, 15 Yellowhammers, two Goldfinches, eight Greenfinches, five Dunnocks, a Mistle Thrush, a Sparrowhawk and seven Blue Tits. Flyover birds totalled 316 Redwings and 102 Starlings heading S. At 12:30 pm on the northern edge of Workman's Wood NNR, two Green Woodpeckers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Nuthatch, a Song Thrush and two Coal Tits. (John Fleming).

 

Sat 17th October 2009

Painswick Beacon    Between 7:40-11:10am  533 Redwings, 259 Starlings, 208 Fieldfares, 180 Chaffinches, 104 Skylarks, 67 Song Thrushes, 36 Jackdaws, 34 Bramblings, 25 Linnets, 23 Bullfinches, 22 Goldfinches, 15 Greenfinches, 14 Crossbills, 12 Meadow Pipits, 12 Herring Gulls, 12 Lesser Black- backed Gulls, ten Alba Wagtails, ten Woodpigeons, ten Mistle Thrushes, nine Lesser Redpolls, six Siskins, five Stock Doves, five Reed Buntings, four Black-headed Gulls, two Grey Wagtails, two Yellowhammers, a Common Gull and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. (Francis Steuck).

WWT Slimbridge    11 Eurasian White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles. Also a Little Stint, a Spotted Redshank, a Ruff and two adult Yellow-legged Gulls. (Rare Bird Alert). 

Frampton    Two CATTLE EGRETS in the WWT 100-Acre area at 3pm. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. (Rare Bird Alert). 

Forest of Dean    A juvenile Goshawk with a ring on the left leg circled over LT's garden at Hangerberry, Lydbrook this afternoon, also a Fieldfare headed W with seven Redwings. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis. 

Goshawk

Epney    A Yellow-legged Gull opposite the Anchor Inn this evening. (Jeremy Squire).

Harescombe    Five Redwings at Harescombe church at midday today. (Andy Chapman). 

 

Fri 16th October 2009

Gloucester    A GLOSSY IBIS flew over Hempsted this afternoon. (Rare Bird Alert). 

Frampton    A GLOSSY IBIS around the WWT 100-Acre and Splatt Bridge area between 11-11:05am when it flew towards Saul Warth. Also three CATTLE EGRETS in the WWT 100-Acre area at 4pm. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. (Keith Colcombe/Martin McGill, WWT). 

WWT Slimbridge    Ten Eurasian White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles today still. Also a Little Stint from Holden Tower and two Spotted Redshanks from Zeiss hide. (Rare Bird Alert). 

 

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A Green Sandpiper, a Dunlin and a Snipe and also a Wigeon today. (Tom Mabbett).

Longborough    A Hobby this morning flying low over the Thomas Williams Arboretum in Longborough. (Stephen Martin).

Tirley    120+ Starlings on stubble and six Redwings over. (Mark Grieve).

 

Thu 15th October 2009

Lydney    A GLOSSY IBIS at Lydney lakes seen in flight at midday then again at 1:15pm when it flew off towards the estuary. (John Phillips).

 

Wed 14th October 2009

WWT Slimbridge    Five Eurasian White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles today still. Also a Jack Snipe. (Rare Bird Alert). 

 

Tue 13th October 2009

Cleeve Hill    A Black Redstart on the W side at midday today. (Rare Bird Alert).

WWT Slimbridge    Five Eurasian White-fronted Geese returned to WWT today. (Rare Bird Alert). 

Forest of Dean    A male Brambling at Speculation this evening with six Chaffinches, also four Redwings over. (Lewis Thomson).

 

Mon 12th October 2009

Forest of Dean    c25 Redwings and a Hawfinch at Speculation car park this morning. Also two very vocal Willow Tits near Brierley along the main track through The Delves Inclosure (SO628148). (Lewis Thomson).

Cleeve Hill    Three Swallows flying over and a family group of Stonechats in the gorse near to the radio masts. (Phil Andrews).

 

Sun 11th October 2009

Hartpury    Two Redwings over the chapel to the W at 11am, a further six Redwings in hedgerows with 20+ Blackbirds in Alfred's Wood, also 20+ Chaffinches, a Cormorant flew S, a Raven to the W, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Grey Wagtails on the stream, a Buzzard, a Snipe flushed from a pool, a Jay, 40+ Goldfinches, six Linnets, 11 Meadow Pipits over and 2/3 Skylarks. (Mark Grieve).

Ebworth    Amongst scrub, pasture and woodland edge at 11am near Foston's Ash a Song Thrush, two Buzzards, a Marsh Tit, three Coal Tits, two Nuthatches, three Blue Tits, four Great Tits, two Dunnocks, three Robins, three Blackbirds, 34 Jackdaws, three Carrion Crows, nine Stock Doves and a Redwing flying over S and 30 Lesser Black-backed Gulls heading SW. (John Fleming).

 

Sat 10th October 2009

Painswick Beacon    Between 7:40-9:10am a single LAPLAND BUNTING came through from the NE with a group of Chaffinches at 7:52AM and nearly was persuaded to land but kept going W towards the Severn. Also passing overhead 116 Chaffinches, ten Greenfinches, eight Goldfinches, eight Alba Wagtails, eight Linnets, six Mallards, six Redwings, five Lesser Black-backed Gulls, five Meadow Pipits, four Skylarks, three Song Thrushes and a Yellowhammer. (Francis Steuck).

Forest of Dean    At Boy's Grave six Crossbills in the trees by the entrance and at Cannop Ponds a Dipper on the marsh below the picnic area. (Mark Moore).

Roel Gate    This morning, Roel Gate to Charlton Abbots two Ravens, a male Stonechat and 32 Red-legged Partridges. (Steve Brown).

Longlevens    A Chiffchaff in the garden at Park Avenue this morning for 10 minutes. (Frank Bryant).

 

Fri 9th October 2009

Gloucester    A Green Sandpiper on the Plantation Pool and a male Stonechat just below the Lower Parting. (Gordon Avery).

Ebworth    A Hobby over JF's garden at 3:35pm heading SW, very fast into
the oncoming rain. (John Fleming).

Thu 8th October 2009

Frampton    On the WWT 100-Acre today three CATTLE EGRETS, two Grey Herons, a Cetti's Warbler, a Kestrel, three Buzzards and a Green Woodpecker. (Bob Shiret).

Tidenham    At The Park this morning two Hawfinches, 15 Crossbills, and singles of both Lesser Redpoll and Siskin, ten Ravens, nine Chiffchaffs, 25 Meadow Pipits, an easterly passage of 50 Skylarks mid morning, a Swallow and six Stonechats. (Ian Ralphs).

Pope's Hill    A Black Redstart in the yard briefly today, before being seen off by a Robin. A garden tick. (John Phillips).

Minchinhampton    A Tawny Owl and a Muntjac at 11:58pm at the top of Brimscombe Hill near Minchinhampton common. Also large flock of Starlings growing during the day to around 250. (Mike Youdale).

Tewkesbury    A Barn Owl at 8:30am near Waitrose. (Mark Grieve).

Ebworth    Two Grey Wagtails around the garden pond, Ebworth Park cottages, Foston's Ash, feeding and bathing at 4pm. (John Fleming).

Grey Wagtail

 

Oxenton    20+ Skylarks on stubble fields, three Yellowhammers, four Linnets and a Raven over today. (Howard Taylor).

Charlton Kings    At dawn a Tawny Owl calling in Charlton Park and a Raven over. (Steve Brown).

Gloucester    12 Common Gulls on Plock Court today. (Steve Brown).

 

Wed 7th October 2009

Cleeve Hill    Two Black Redstarts on the common by the Radio Masts today. (Graham Smith per RB).

WWT Slimbridge    Two CATTLE EGRETS from Zeiss hide today and another at South Lake. (WWT/Rare Bird Alert).

Gloucester    A Rock Pipit on one of the drainage pools by the tip. A first for the site. (Gordon Avery).

Thrupp    Six Jays heading S over Claypits Lane, Thrupp, near Stroud at 2pm. (John. Fleming).

Tirley    In the stubble fields above Tirley, 19 Swallows over to the NW, a flock of 60+ Linnets, 40+ Skylarks including a flock of 25 arriving from high northwards, 200+ Woodpigeons, a Raven over, a flock of 25 Goldfinches over to the SW, a Pied/Alba Wagtail over and 1/2 Meadow Pipits heard. (Mark Grieve).

Leckhampton    A flock of c60 House Martins flew over Burroughs Field today. (Peter Cadogan).

Ruardean    Four Swallows today. (Fiona Leathart).

 

Tue 6th October 2009

Guiting Power    18 Golden Plovers at Cotswold Farm Park this evening. (Jim Milton).

Bisley    In elder bushes on the edge of High Wood, N of Bisley at 11am, four Song Thrushes, six Chaffinches and eight Swallows and 48 House Martins heading S. On a ploughed field nearby, 14 Common Gulls, four Black headed Gulls, 18 Pied Wagtails and two White Wagtails. (John Fleming).

Lypiatt Park    At 1pm, four Jays, 14 Goldfinches, a Buzzard, five Bullfinches and a Kestrel. (John Fleming).

Tirley    In the stubble fields above Tirley, 40+ Skylarks, 35 Linnets, 10+ Pied Wagtails, six Meadow Pipits, 23+ Swallows overhead to the S and another flock of 35+ Swallows seen flying downriver at the same time. (Mark Grieve).

Stonehouse    22 Swallows flew S over Oldends Lane at 10am. (MK).

 

Mon 5th October 2009

Cleeve Hill    A distant male Ring Ouzel this morning. (Dave Pearce). Pic by Dave.

Ring Ouzel

Thistledown    A male and female Crossbill drinking, then five more flew overhead also a Siskin, 15 House Martins flying south and 50 Meadow Pipits at Thistledown near Nympsfield. (Philip Williams).

Cheltenham    A Little Egret flew over PC's garden at The Park this morning. A garden first. (Peter Cadogan).

Condicote    A male Wheatear today. (Stephen Martin).

Througham    Six Redwings feeding in a Hawthorn bush, middle of the village at 10:30am. (John Fleming).

Cambridge    Three Redwings over Longaston Lane this morning. (Nick Goatman).

Tidenham    At least 22 Ravens mid-afternoon at The Park. (Ivan Proctor).

 

Sun 4th October 2009

Tidenham    17 Sandwich Terns off of Pillhouse Rocks at high tide this morning. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    Mid-morning a Grey Plover and six Curlews on the Dumbles from the Holden Tower,  from Zeiss Hide, 35+ Redshanks, two Spotted Redshanks, 26 Black-tailed Godwits, three Ruff, three Snipe, a Dunlin and a Water Rail heard. (Jon Mercer).

Ashleworth Ham    Two Bullfinches, 18+ Meadow Pipits over to the south, a further flock of 20+ at Colways Farm, three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two female Kestrels, 23+ Skylarks south, two Jays, three Chiffchaffs, a Pied Wagtail south, 12+ Long-tailed Tits, five Swallows south, six House Martins over Stonebow Farm, three Mistle Thrushes in from high NW and a Buzzard. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    Five Skylarks over and a flock of 38 Collared Doves on wires. (Mark Grieve).

Hasfield Ham    A Snipe, 11 Reed Buntings, a female Wheatear and male and female Stonechat. (Mark Grieve). 

Highnam Woods    From the new hide a Grey Wagtail and Marsh Tit by the pond today. (Phil Andrews).

 

Sat 3rd October 2009

Cambridge    Four CATTLE EGRETS this afternoon in a field next to Green Lane and close to the canal at Cambridge. (Clive Mowforth).

WWT Slimbridge    A MANX SHEARWATER north past Mid Point at 9:15am but lost to view at Fretherne. (Pete Alder/Geoff Moyser).

Boddington    24 Red-legged Partridges this afternoon. (Howard Taylor).

Coombe Hill Meadows    At the wharf a Grey Wagtail, a Kestrel chased by two Jackdaws and a Magpie and four Ravens over. (Howard Taylor).

Berkeley    A Swallow S over the Berkeley-Sharpness by-pass at 5:30pm. (MK).

Tirley    A flock of 20+ Skylarks and 120+ Woodpigeons on stubble today and three Swallows S at 3pm. (Mark Grieve).

Ebworth    Mid-morning in fields around Overtown Farm 78 Meadow Pipits, 20 Goldfinches, six Chaffinches, three Yellowhammers, six Linnets, four Skylarks, 54 Rooks, two Magpies, 246 Jackdaws, eight Stock Doves, five Woodpigeons, seven Carrion Crows, two flyover Swallows and two Reed Buntings heading S. Near Foston's Ash at 10:15am, a male Bullfinch, a Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, a Nuthatch, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker , two Jays and two flyover Ravens heading S. (John Fleming).

 

Fri 2nd October 2009

Bentham Landfill    A Jack Snipe on the one remaining wet ditch this evening. (Terry Fenton).

Forest of Dean    Twelve Crossbills and a Goshawk at Boy's Grave between 1pm and 2pm today. (Martin Drew).

WWT Slimbridge    A Siskin  over Mid Point to the SW and a Grey Plover feeding with seven Knot just off the point. (Geoff Moyser).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Green Sandpiper and two Snipe calling at first light this morning, about 50 Canada Geese flew off downriver again. 30 Teal, a Shelduck and a light passage of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits, about ten of each. Also two or three Brown Hares and a Fox very close to the Grundon Hide. Along the Chelt near Prior's Norton, a female Mallard with two ducklings no more than a week old. (Mike Smart).

 

Thu 1st October 2009

Painswick Beacon    A single Ring Ouzel and two Redwings in FS's garden briefly first thing. (Francis Steuck).

Frampton    Now four CATTLE EGRETS and 26 Little Egrets in the WWT 100-Acre area at 5:30pm. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. (Martin McGill, WWT). Pic by Martin. 

Cattle Egrets

WWT Slimbridge    A Green Sandpiper, five Ruff, 30 Dunlin, five Ringed Plovers, five Golden Plovers, 26 Black-tailed Godwits, 300 Lapwings, 50 Curlews, 70 Shelducks, three Spotted Redshanks, a Greenshank, 27 Redshanks, 80 Snipe, 1000 Teal, ten Pintails, six Pochards, 220 Tufted Ducks, 50 Wigeon and six Swallows. Best birding from the Zeiss Hide and Middle Point. Three Harvest Mice at South Lake yesterday (30th Sep), a new site for this species on the reserve. Belated news of a Jack Snipe on South Lake 29th Sep. (Martin McGill, WWT).

Heathfield    23 Buzzards in one field today, including two birds that have almost completely white heads and underparts. They were eating worms. At ST704983 near Heathfield on the A38 near Berkeley. Distant views only from the  minor road at ST706979. (Gordon Kirk). (29 reported yesterday by John Workman). Pics by Gordon.

Buzzards

 

 

 

Hartpury    A Common Sandpiper around Hartpury College lake this morning. (Lewis Thomson).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Kingfisher along the canal and another in front of the Grundon hide, three Swallows from the hide and a Peregrine stooping on pigeons. (Phil Andrews).

Ebworth    33 Skylarks in stubble W of Overtown Farm, 26 Goldfinches, two Jays, two Song Thrushes, two Buzzards, a Great Spotted woodpecker and a Wheatear near Foston's Ash at 9:30am, with a flyover Raven heading E, calling at 11am. (John Fleming). Pics by John.

Wheatear

 

Wed 30th September 2009

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow a Green Sandpiper on the pylon pool again today. (Gordon Avery).

Staunton    A Tawny Owl on telegraph pole at 5:30 am. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 5:20am. (Mark Grieve). 

 

Tue 29th September 2009

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow a Green Sandpiper on the pylon pool and a Peregrine over the tip. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    Three CATTLE EGRETS and 18 Little Egrets today. (James Lees, WWT). 

Frampton    Three CATTLE EGRETS again this morning at the Court Lake roost with 17 Little Egrets. (Nick Goatman).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Marsh Harrier flew past the Grundon Hide at 7:20am and kept going to the west. Two Fieldfares along the canal. Water levels dropping, no waders left. (Les Brown).

Aylburton Warth    300 Curlews, 40 Meadow Pipits, seven Skylarks, four Chiffchaffs, four Stonechats, three Teal, three Reed Buntings, two Dunlins, two Wheatears, two Kestrels, a Snipe, a Little Egret, two Stoats and a Small Copper. (Lewis Thomson). Pics by Lewis.

Wheatear

Stoat

Ashleworth Ham    A Green Sandpiper and two Snipe today. (Les Brown).

Broad Campden    This morning a mixed flock of c100 finches comprising of Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Linnets and a few Corn Buntings feeding on stubble behind the village and very mobile. (Pete Grimmitt).

St Briavels     This afternoon, 20 Goldfinches feeding on thistle heads and five Meadow Pipits at Hart Hill. (Pete Grimmitt).

Cotswold Water Park (E)    At Pit 114 Tufted Ducks, Pochards, Shoveler, Teal, Red Crested Pochard, Cormorant, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Black-headed Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. A Buzzard over and a Green Woodpecker in the trees. Lapwing in the field the other side of the lane to Dudgrove Farm. 

At Pit 126 Little Grebe and Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Grey Heron, large numbers of Canada Geese and Greylags, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Coot, Black-headed Gulls and two Buzzards over. 

At Pit 130A, 200 Lapwings on islands and in the adjacent field, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mallard, Coot, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Canada Geese and a Jay. Yellowhammers and Goldfinches in the hedgerows and two Buzzards and a Kestrel over. (Trevor & Sue Clayson).

 

Mon 28th September 2009

Hardwicke    A Tawny Owl calling at dusk south of The Pilot Inn and two Little Owls calling at Hardwicke Farm. (Paul Masters).

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow this morning three Chiffchaffs and two Blackcaps trapped. A late Woodpigeon nest with two young in it still. Over the Oxleaze at 10:15am a flock of c70 Canada Geese flying E then they split up and half of them flew over Sudmeadow. (Gordon Avery).

 

Sun 27th September 2009

Eastleach Turville    A Red Kite, a Wheatear, a Grey Wagtail, 15 Meadow Pipits and a Stoat today. (Chris Furley).

Cheltenham    This morning at 9:15am nine Redwings flew SE over Naunton Park. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Stonechats, two Willow Warblers, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers and lots of Blue Tits and Goldfinches and a Water Vole from Kingfisher hide this afternoon. A Stoat crossed the South Finger path from the Van Bovenkamp hide to the reedbeds. (Ray Sherman).

Tirley Knowle    A flock of migrant wagtails with a Yellow Wagtail and 25+ Pied Wagtails also six Meadow Pipits. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    15+ House Martins over the village, also a Meadow Pipit flew N. (Mark Grieve).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    Very quiet at dawn, a Grey Wagtails, three Curlews, four Chiffchaffs and two Little Egrets. (MK). 

Ashleworth Ham    Ringing today 46 birds caught, 17 Meadow Pipits, 16 Reed Buntings, seven Chaffinches and three Chiffchaffs. 55 Canada Geese flew down the Severn from the roost at Coombe Hill, another 100 from the Tirley Court roost. (Mike Smart/Mervyn Greening).

 

Sat 26th September 2009

Naunton    A Dipper reported in the village today. (per Jim Milton).

Frampton    At 3:30pm one CATTLE EGRET perched on a post at the triangle pool at the top of the WWT 100-Acre. The other two flew in from the river at 4:45pm with one going into the pools and the other heading down Green Lane. Also in the WWT 100-Acre four Little Egrets, a Buzzard, four Kestrels, a Sparrowhawk, a Little Grebe heard, two Cormorants, 41 Meadow Pipits over, a Stonechat, 3+ Snipe, 15 Curlews flew towards the river, two Cetti's Warbler calling, a Sedge Warbler, a Reed Bunting, a Kingfisher, a Greenshank and a Redshank heard, two Ravens, 11 Swallows, eight Chiffchaffs and flocks of 20+ and 11 Long-tailed Tits and 10 and 15 Goldfinches. Also two Small Coppers. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane.  (Mark Grieve/MK). Pic by Mike. 

Kestrel

WWT Slimbridge    A Little Stint, seven Ruffs, 22 Snipe, a Water Rail, two Spotted Redshanks, 12 Redshanks and six Black-tailed Godwits on the Top New Piece from Zeiss Hide and another five Snipe from Martin Smith Hide, a Cetti's Warbler at Robbie Garnett Hide and another heard within the grounds, 21 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. (Paul Masters/Mark Hobson). Also from Zeiss hide two Cetti's Warblers showing on the fence, a Water Rail on the cut reeds and a Greenshank. At high tide a Sanderling and a Dunlin flew in. (Steve Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    Ringing today 148 birds caught, 29 Meadow Pipits caught (out of 50+ present), the majority first year birds, only seven adults, 36 Reed Buntings caught, clearly many migrants, finch passage too included 17 Chaffinches and 25 Greenfinches caught. Nine Chiffchaffs caught, but no other warblers. Water levels very low, few waterbirds about, 50 Canada Geese flew down the Severn from the roost at Coombe Hill, another 50 from the Tirley roost. (Mike Smart/Mervyn Greening).

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow a Green Sandpiper still present in the garden mulch area today. (Gordon Avery).

Staunton    Four Lapwings today. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    20+ House Martins over the village. (Mark Grieve).

 

Fri 25th September 2009

Netheridge Farm     A Red Kite circled low at c100ft over the buildings at the Barn Owl Centre today. It stayed over the farm for about 20 minutes before heading west over Netheridge Nature Reserve. Also Tawny Owls very active and vocal on a daily basis from about 4pm onwards. (Vince Jones). 

Frampton    At 5pm two CATTLE EGRETS in the dead roost trees along the edge of the WWT 50-Acre. In the WWT 100-Acre a Stonechat, a Snipe, six Curlews, a Cetti's Warbler calling and a Green Woodpecker in Green Lane. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. The best views of the egrets can be had from the WWT Safaris or at dawn or dusk when the birds commute to their roost at the pools. Earlier at Nebrow Hill Oak Wood three Snipe, a Raven and a male Sparrowhawk hedge-hopping. Also good numbers of Common Darters, Ruddy Darters and Migrant Hawkers. (MK).

Forest of Dean    At Boy's Grave c12 Crossbills feeding 50yds to the right of the gate into the enclosure. At Woorgreens lake a Kingfisher, a Grey Heron, a Cormorant, four Teal circled the lake before flying off, a mixed flock of Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Willow Warbler/Chiffchaff and eight Siskins including juveniles. (Nick Hopkinson).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From 8:15-10am a Shelduck, two Little Egrets briefly at 9am, three Grey Herons, six Skylarks, a Kestrel, three Meadow Pipits, a Reed Bunting and a Kingfisher along the Canal. (Derek Hale).

Witcombe Reservoir    A Kingfisher today. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    From Robbie Garnett hide this morning a Green Sandpiper, a Snipe, many Teal and a flyover Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Also a Grey Heron which seemed to be mostly feeding on Water Voles, during the morning it managed to catch 3 or 4. (David Plant). Pics by David. 

Green Sandpiper 

Grey Heron

Thu 24th September 2009

Netheridge Farm     A Merlin dive bombed Kaln, an Eagle Owl, whilst he was out flying at the Barn Owl Centre today. (Vince Jones). 

Hawling    In a ploughed field a probable Buff-breasted Sandpiper, but only a brief scope view at distance. It was unsettled and flew off. Also 16 Golden Plovers nearby and a Wheatear. (Dave Pearce).

Forest of Dean    At New Fancy View between 10am-12:15pm two Goshawks, 12 Crossbills, three Ravens, a Buzzard and c50 House Martins. (Derek Hale).

Hasfield Ham    Three Kestrels, a Kingfisher, a Redstart, five Whinchats, a male Stonechat and a Whitethroat. (Andy Jayne).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Shelduck, 28 Teal, five Shovelers, a Water Rail, a Snipe, a Greenshank, a Kingfisher and a Sedge Warbler. Most of these in the Long Pool area as the other scrapes have almost completely dried out. (Andy Jayne). 

Cleeve Hill    Seven Meadow Pipits, two Ravens, a Jay over and a Chiffchaff calling. (Howard Taylor).

Cheltenham    At Naunton Park first thing a female Sparrowhawk over buzzed by two House Martins and two garden Jays. (Steve Brown).

 

Wed 23rd September 2009

WWT Slimbridge    From Zeiss hide a Little Stint, two Water Rails and three Cetti's Warbler around the Trust. (Geoff Moyser).

Charlton Kings    At Lillybrook Golf Course, a Tawny Owl hooting from a tree near Southfield Manor then seen in flight, another calling nearby and two more hooting from further up the hill between 7:45-8pm. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    At Cannop Ponds this afternoon a drake Pintail still, two female Mandarins, a Greylag, three Tufted Ducks (1m, 2f), a Water Rail, a Dipper behind the Stoneworks, two Grey Wagtails and five Siskins on the feeders. At New Fancy View four Crossbills over, and a distant flock of c40 also thought to be Crossbills. (Derek Hale). Pic by Derek.

Pintail

Hartpury    Two Yellow Wagtails at Hartpury College late morning. (Lewis Thomson).

Ebworth    West of Overtown Farm at 4pm, two Wheatears, two Stonechats, 12 Goldfinches, 20 Linnets, four Chaffinches, two Buzzards, two Meadow Pipits and three flyover Common Gulls heading south. (John Fleming). Pics by John.

Stonechat

Wheatear

Tue 22nd September 2009

WWT Slimbridge    A CORNCRAKE flushed by the mower at 3:30pm in the Bottom New Piece, when it flew into dense cover on the edge of the field and no further sign by 5:30pm. (Martin McGill, WWT).

Frampton    Three CATTLE EGRETS again this morning at the Court Lake roost. (Nick Goatman). They were first seen at the WWT 100-Acre on Thursday 17th by Chris Emery.

Cotswold Water Park (W)    This morning around Pits 84/85 a Little Egret, a juvenile Hobby, a Water Rail heard, a Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, a Kingfisher, two Cetti's Warblers, two Sedge Warblers and a Reed Warbler. At Pit 31, 34 Red Crested Pochards, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Grey Heron with yellow wing-tags marked DX. On the new pit E of Pit 79 (Pit 88?) 11 Grey Partridges. (Andy Jayne).

Newtown, Stonehouse    This morning at 7:15am three Roe Deer in the stubble field on the right of the A419 before the Oldends Lane roundabout. Often here very close to the Trading Estate now. (MK).

Tirley    A late evening flock of 10+ House Martins and Swallows to the south. (Mark Grieve).

 

Mon 21st September 2009

Frampton     Three CATTLE EGRETS again today with at least six Little Egrets.  View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane, or closer views can be had from the WWT Safaris. (Martin McGill, WWT/Graham Cox). Pics by Martin, first two and Clive Mowforth.

Cattle Egrets

 

 

WWT Slimbridge    Today the first six Golden Plovers of the winter, first three Stonechats of the winter, a juvenile Whinchat, eight Wheatears, a Little Stint, eight Ruff (six juveniles), 18 Dunlins, three Spotted Redshanks, 25 Redshanks, 26 Black-tailed Godwits, five Greenshanks, 20 Snipe, 17 Little Egrets, two Green Sandpipers, 1000 Teal, 32 Wigeon, six Cetti's Warblers and 80 Meadow Pipits. (Martin McGill, WWT). 

Ebworth    In fields W of Overtown Farm at 11am three Wheatears, 56 Meadow Pipits, seven Skylarks, three Rooks, 58 Jackdaws, two Magpies, six Carrion Crows, 38 Stock Doves, 17 Woodpigeons, 42 Goldfinches, two Linnets, two Yellowhammers and 17 flyover Lesser Black-backed Gulls heading N. At 11:30am near Foston's Ash, two Buzzards, three Garden Warblers, a Blackcap, two Willow Warblers, a Chiffchaff, eight Long-tailed Tits, six Blue Tits, four Great Tits, two Song Thrushes, three Blackbirds, a Red legged Partridge and two flyover Ravens heading E. (John Fleming).

 

Sun 20th September 2009

Frampton    Three CATTLE EGRETS at 2:30pm roosting in dead trees in the 50-Acre. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. Also two Cetti's Warblers calling. (Martin McGill, WWT/Graham Cox). Pics by Graham.

Cattle Egrets (record shot)

Wibdon    At Wibdon Warth (West Severn) today 600 Curlews, two Kestrels, a female Wheatear, a Grey Heron, a Buzzard, four Mallards and three Meadow Pipits. (Gavin Black).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Between 10am-1pm along the canal near the first bridge beyond the Wharf car park c6 Chiffchaffs and a Grey Wagtail with tits and finches, a Migrant Hawker, Common Darters and Ruddy Darters. From the Grundon Hide two Snipe, two Shelducks and two Wigeon. From the Long Pool Hide a Little Egret. Along the ditch by the public footpath between the two hides a male Wheatear. Also a Sparrowhawk and a Raven. (Keith White).

Guscar Rocks    1500 Black-headed Gulls, a Herring Gull, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls, two Buzzards, two Ravens, a Grey Heron, a Little Egret, three Lapwings, seven Mallards and 25 Wigeon. (Gavin Black).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    At high tide at 9am two Little Stints, two Dunlins and nine Ringed Plovers. In sycamores by the wooden bridge over the sluice a Redstart still, two Grey Wagtails and a Wheatear nearby. At the Water Treatment Works a Spotted Flycatcher and four Chiffchaffs. A Yellow Wagtail flew E. (MK/Tim Hutton). Pics by Mike. 

Little Stint

Ringed Plover

Dunlin

WWT Slimbridge    A Grasshopper Warbler and a Whinchat at Mid Point this morning, and the first Siskin of the Autumn over. (Martin McGill, WWT). From Robbie Garnett hide two Green Sandpipers, at Mid Point three Wheatears and three Whinchats along the fences. From Zeiss Hide two Spotted Redshanks, two Snipe, two Little Stints amongst 18 Dunlin, two Snipe and at least seven Ruff. (Mark Moore/Graham Cox). Pics by Graham.

Wheatear

Whinchat

Green Sandpiper

Huntley    Two Ravens and a Peregrine circling above Huntley at 4:45pm today. (Martin Drew).

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow an adult Little Grebe on the pylon pool, five Cormorants in the roost tree, two Snipe (first birds of the Autumn), two Green Sandpipers and 22 Meadow Pipits. 1+ Whinchats at Port Ham. (Gordon Avery).

 

Sat 19th September 2009

Frampton    Three CATTLE EGRETS today in the WWT 100-Acre. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. (Dave Paynter).

Leckhampton    At 4pm two Wheatears (1 m, 1 fem/juv) at Hill Farm on Leckhampton Hill, c20 Meadow Pipits feeding in mown grass in the field to the NE and a Raven flying along the escarpment. (Keith White).

Forest of Dean    A drake Pintail on Lower Cannop Pond today. (Ben Macdonald).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Kingfisher from the hide and a Kestrel today. (Tim Gobourn). Pics by Tim.

Kingfisher

Kestrel

WWT Slimbridge    At Mid Point early morning a male Whinchat and four Wheatears on the cross fence, a small group of mixed waders, mainly Dunlins/Ringed Plovers. Also there a Large Wainscot moth. On the return walkway, a mixed flock of Chiffchaffs and three Sylvia warblers (probably Whitethroats). At Zeiss hide 20+ Redshanks, three Spotted Redshanks, a Knot, three Dunlins, a Little Stint, two juvenile Ringed Plovers, six Wheatears, six Snipe, three Ruff, two Sparrowhawks, a Peregrine, a Kestrel, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, a Coal Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. (Jake King/Richard Tyler).

Tirley Knowle    A Little Owl today. (Mark Grieve).

Bourton-on-the-Water    At South pit the first few Wigeon (14) have arrived back. Also a Hobby hawking dragonflies over the pit, a Little Egret sitting in a tree, five Little Grebes including independent young and a number of Brimstones. (Andy Lewis).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    At high tide at 8am a Curlew Sandpiper, four Little Stints, 100 Dunlins, 15 Ringed Plovers, three Curlews and a Wheatear. By the wooden bridge over the sluice a Redstart, another Wheatear, a Whitethroat, two Blackcaps, three Chiffchaffs and a Painted Lady. At the Water Treatment Works two Grey Wagtails, two Pied Wagtails and four Chiffchaffs. (Gordon Hodgson/MK).

Cheltenham    A Kingfisher fishing in a brook in St Peter's Park off Princess Elizabeth Way (near the Shell Garage) on several occasions recently. (Dave Raybould).

Longney    A Raven flying south at 9:30am. (MK). 

 

Fri 18th September 2009

Forest of Dean    On Woorgreens lake this afternoon no sign of the Black-necked Grebe in an hour to 3:15pm but the Little Egret still. Also six Crossbills, a Little Grebe, a Migrant Hawker, two Common Darters and a large Red-eared Terrapin (which I didn't notice until I got the pics on PC). (MK). Pic by Mike. Also in the evening three Willow Tits and a Chiffchaff with a mixed tit flock, a White Wagtail, a Snipe and two Ravens. A Marsh Tit at Cannop Ponds. (Paul Masters).

Little Egret & Red-eared Terrapin

Frampton    The CATTLE EGRET with five Little Egrets in the Court Lake roost this morning and a Yellow-legged Gull on the Court field. (Nick Goatman).

Doverow Hill    Two Ring-necked Parakeets in a group of oak trees at the foot of Doverow Hill (Ebley side), from 9:30-10:30am. (Steve Kear).

Bussage    A Wheatear this morning around gardens and on walls at 9:30am at the end of Foxes Close. (Mike Youdale).

Gloucester/Cheltenham    At Stoke Orchard Tip a Green Sandpiper, 20 Meadow Pipits, a Whinchat and 80 Goldfinches. At Bishop's Cleeve Tip (Grundons) a male Stonechat. (Gordon Avery/John Sanders). A Grey Wagtail by Wotton Brook in Plock Court today. (Steve Brown).

Tirley    15+ House Martins over the village to the west. At 6.30pm 15 House Martins and 20+ Swallows flew SW. (Mark Grieve).

 

Thu 17th September 2009

Frampton    Three CATTLE EGRETS today in the WWT 100-Acre. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. Also a Kestrel, a Hobby, a Buzzard, a Curlew, a Snipe, a Grey Heron and a Little Egret. (Chris Emery).

Forest of Dean    On Woorgreens lake this morning a BLACK-NECKED GREBE and a Little Egret. (Ivan Proctor). A Hobby this morning flying over a recently planted area of Forestry land at Viney Hill. Two Ravens also seen on the village football field. (John Lewis).

Fretherne    High tide at Fretherne this evening a Peregrine, 15 Dunlins, ten Ringed Plovers, two Little Stints and two Wheatears on the shore. (Gordon Hodgson).

Lypiatt    Two Ravens calling and tumbling together W of Lypiatt Park at 10am, a male Sparrowhawk, a Jay, six Mistle Thrushes, a Green Woodpecker, 20 Swallows flying S and a male Kestrel near Middle Lypiatt at 1:30pm. (John Fleming).

Corse Lawn    20+ Swallows feeding over the common today. (Mark Grieve).

Ebworth    Amongst stubble W of Overtown Farm, 42 Meadow Pipits, four Skylarks and an attendant male Kestrel. 55 Swallows also passed over between 4pm-4.15pm heading S. Near Foston's Ash at 4:30pm, three Spotted Flycatchers, 14 Goldfinches, seven Chaffinches, an immature Green Woodpecker, eight Great Tits, four Blue Tits, a Marsh Tit and five Blackbirds. (John Fleming). Pics by John.

Spotted Flycatcher

Kestrel

Wed 16th September 2009

Charlton Kings    A Tawny Owl calling at dusk near Southfield Manor. (Steve Brown).

Frampton    The CATTLE EGRET again today at the WWT 100-Acre. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. Also a Cetti's Warbler calling from the hedge. (Mark Moore).

Coombe Hill Meadows    This afternoon a Little Stint, nine Wigeon and a Raven. (Richard Cawsey). Pic by Richard. 

Little Stint

Forest of Dean    At Puzzlewood two Wrens, a male Blackbird, four Robins, four Blue Tits, a Jay and Long-tailed Tits. (Harold Smith).

 

Tue 15th September 2009

Frampton    The CATTLE EGRET S of Splatt Bridge with at least six Little Egrets today. Take towpath south from Splatt Bridge and view from first gate on the right. Also three Snipe and a Hobby at the WWT 100-Acre. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. (Chris & Martin Sullivan).

WWT Slimbridge    An Osprey flew low S over the Dumbles at 12:25pm.  (James Lees, WWT). Two Little Stints, nine Snipe, five Ruff, three Spotted Redshanks and 25 Black-tailed Godwits from the Zeiss Hide, two Green Sandpipers from the Holden Tower and an adult Yellow-legged Gull on the estuary. (Chris & Martin Sullivan).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Early morning a Barn Owl and a Tawny Owl calling over fields S of the canal. 175 Canada Geese and 145 Greylags had roosted on the Long Pool and flew to the meadows in front of the scrapes to feed for a while before departing to the SE, probably to the Barrow Ponds area. Also two Shelducks, 40 Teal, six Shovelers, a Pintail, three Curlews, two Greenshanks, a Green Sandpiper, five Snipe and a male Peregrine. A light passage of c30 Swallows, 15 Mistle Thrushes and a few Chiffchaffs calling in the scrub. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Forest of Dean    At Lydbrook c400 House Martins and a few Sand Martins flew NW between 9:30-9:50pm. (Chris & Martin Sullivan).

 

Mon 14th September 2009

Eastington    A juvenile GANNET circling over Millend Cottage with gulls at 6pm this evening, then drifted off SW. A mega garden tick. (Jake King).

Frampton    An adult Mediterranean Gull on the Sailing Lake at lunchtime. (Jeremy Squire).

Forest of Dean    30+ Crossbills and 15+ Siskins at Boy's Grave today. The Crossbills were rather mobile, but sometimes settled in larches to the right of the gate. (Chris & Martin Sullivan).

 

Sun 13th September 2009

Frampton    The CATTLE EGRET again today in the WWT 100-Acre. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. 

Cleeve Hill    This morning a Marsh Tit with other tits in Warden's Wood, a Tawny Owl calling from the thicker woods behind Warden's Wood at 11am and a male Kestrel hunting near Wontley Farm. (Keith White).

Ashleworth Ham    Three Jays, a Buzzard, three Treecreepers, at least 12 Chiffchaffs, a female Blackcap, a Grey Heron, two Stock Doves, 2/3 Ravens, up to eight Bullfinches, two House Martins, a Cormorant upriver, a Skylark S, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Hobby, four Meadow Pipits, two Reed Buntings, a Sedge Warbler on Hasfield Ham, two Willow Warblers, a party of 10+ Long-tailed Tits, a male Kestrel, a male Stonechat at the end of Stank Lane, three Swallows over the reserve and at Haw Bridge 20+ House Martins. (Mark Grieve).

 

Sat 12th September 2009

WWT Slimbridge    A Marsh Harrier over the WWT 100-Acre from the morning Land Rover safari, also four Greenshanks, a Snipe and a Green Sandpiper. Green Sandpipers on the Rushy Pen and Knot Pool. Two Spotted Redshanks and four Ruff on South Lake and 123 Barnacle Geese from Zeiss Hide. (Mark Moore). Also from Zeiss hide at 3pm a Little Stint, three eclipse Wigeon, three Ruff (maybe some of the South Lake birds), a Greenshank and c300 Lapwings. (Keith White).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    At midday two Wheatears, two Grey Wagtails in the sluice, 3+ Chiffchaffs, ten Dunlin and two Ringed Plovers. Also a Migrant Hawker, a Common Darter and a Comma. (MK). Pics by MK.

Wheatears

 

 

Fri 11th September 2009

Hawling    This afternoon a female Marsh Harrier moving steadily S,  just W of Southdown Farm, Hawling. (Pete Grimmitt).

Colesbourne    A family of Hobbies all week over Colesbourne Park, with four together on Tue 8th. (John Grimshaw).

Shab Hill    At midday, two Meadow Pipits and a Whinchat near Shab Hill, Birdlip. (Pete Grimmitt).

Epney    This morning a Curlew moving S down the River Severn at Epney. (Pete Grimmitt).

Leckhampton    A Little Owl calling in the meadow next to Kidnappers Lane at dusk, answered from the allotments. (Steve Brown).

Naunton Park    Two House Martins and a Raven over. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    The probable first-winter Marsh Warbler still in the right-hand hedge after the In-Focus shop this morning. (Jake King). No sign of the warbler in a 4 hour search this afternoon but several Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and two Willow Warblers and two Green Sandpipers from the Robbie Garnett hide. (Graham Watson). Pic by Graham.

Green Sandpiper

Thu 10th September 2009

Forest of Dean    A Hawfinch by the Information Centre this morning. (Luke Phillips).

Frampton    A Grasshopper Warbler down Green Lane this afternoon SO734055. (James Darke).

WWT Slimbridge    A probable first-winter Marsh Warbler in the right-hand hedge after the In-Focus shop from mid-afternoon until 5pm at least. (James Lees, WWT). Pics by Simon Mackie.

 

 

Guiting Power    25+ Lapwings in flight over pasture very near to Cotswold Farm Park. (Mark Grieve).

Coombe Hill    Still eight House Martins near the Swan Inn today. (Mark Grieve).

 

Wed 9th September 2009

Forest of Dean    A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling briefly this morning at May Hill. Also several Spotted Flycatchers and a Tawny Owl hooting. (Martin Drew).

Gloucester    A Hobby over Over Farm at 2pm today. (Keith Colcombe). Belated news of a WRYNECK in a non-birder's garden in Barnwood on Monday (6th). (per Barrie Mills). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    Three Curlews, a Greenshank, a Wheatear and several views of a juvenile Hobby catching dragonflies today. (Keith Colcombe).

WWT Slimbridge    A possible Phalarope sp, probably Grey seen distantly on the river from Mid-Point at 11am today. (Richard Cawsey).

 

Tue 8th September 2009

WWT Slimbridge    Belated news of a SPOTTED CRAKE in a private area of the reserve with no public access yesterday (7th) but no sign today. (Martin McGill, WWT).

Coombe Hill Meadows    At first light today two Little Egrets had roosted but flew off early on, two Shelducks, 40 Teal, a Shoveler, a Sparrowhawk, 15 Lapwings, five Snipe, a Dunlin, a Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper and three Curlews had roosted but they too flew out early on. Light passage to the SW of 15 Swallows and five Meadow Pipits. Also a Fox. (Mike Smart).

 

Mon 7th September 2009

WWT Slimbridge    Six Green Sandpipers, two Greenshanks, two Ruffs, 20+ Black-tailed Godwits, 5+ Redshanks and 200+ Lapwings. (Graham Watson). Pics by Graham.

Green Sandpiper 

 

Lapwing

Sun 6th September 2009

Cheltenham    A Manx Shearwater found sitting on the grass this morning in Pittville Park was taken into care to Vale Wildlife Rescue Centre. (Sally Wilkinson per Robert Homan).

WWT Slimbridge    The CATTLE EGRET again, a Wood Sandpiper, seven Greenshanks, two Spotted Redshanks, six Sanderlings and a probable adult Baltic Gull again until high tide. (James Lees, WWT). Also on the Top New Piece this morning a Ruff, two Little Ringed Plovers, c40 Lapwings including a leucistic individual, and three White Wagtails. (Paul Masters).

Stroud    A Hobby over Aston Down this morning. (Dave Evans).

Lydney Harbour    This morning a Wheatear and a Stonechat. Nearby at Guscar Rocks two Wheatears and two Ravens. (Steve Brown).

Symonds Yat    At Yat Rock sightings throughout the day of Peregrine, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Raven. (Steve Brown).

Nottingham Hill    A flock of 30-40 immature and adult Goldfinches near the viewpoint car park at Nottingham Hill. Also a few migrating Red Admirals, a Brimstone, at least one Chiffchaff with a flock of Blue Tits and Great Tits. (Keith White).

Ebworth    In thorn and elder scrub 7:30am near Foston's Ash three Blackbirds, three Song Thrushes, a Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, a Marsh Tit, nine Blue Tits, seven Great Tits, two Coal Tits, two adult Bullfinches and a juvenile, a Chiffchaff, nine Goldfinches, two Yellowhammers, eight Chaffinches, a Buzzard and 14 flyover Stock Doves heading W. (John Fleming).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 1.15 am. A Raven over at 8am. (Mark Grieve).

Box    A single Swallow still this morning. (Felicity Cobb).

 

Sat 5th September 2009

WWT Slimbridge    The CATTLE EGRET feeding amongst cattle in the Bull Ground seen from the Land Rover Safari. Also from the Safari a Wood Sandpiper, three Green Sandpipers, four Common Sandpipers, three Snipe, a Hobby, three Wheatears, 14 Dunlins, three Sanderlings and a Ringed Plover. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman). 

Frampton    The CATTLE EGRET again this morning flew S past Splatt Bridge towards the WWT 100-Acre at 7am. (Nick Goatman).

Hawling area    Six Red-legged Partridges and two Kestrels near Oxleaze, five Brown Hares at Soundborough Farm and another at Larkhill Farm, two Pipistrelles in the village and two Roe Deer S of the village. (Christopher & Steve Brown).

Bisley    48 Golden Plovers heading W near Bisley. (John Fleming).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    A Wheatear, a Whinchat, two Yellow Wagtails and four Alba Wagtails flew S, a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, numerous Chiffchaffs, a Tree Pipit heard and a Hobby going S. (Gordon Hodgson). Pic by Gordon.

Whinchat

Coombe Hill Meadows    280 Canada Geese, 40 Greylags and a Greylag x Canada Goose hybrid, a Little Egret, a Shelduck, 30 Teal, a Shoveler, 25 Lapwings, 25 Snipe, three Greenshanks, a light Swallow passage, and a single migrant Meadow Pipit going SW. (Mike Smart/Les Brown). PLEASE NOTE: From Monday 7 September, Glos Wildlife Trust will be carrying out a major scrub-clearing operation along the towpath. The aim is to remove the scrub which has grown up on the towpath as far as the first footbridge, thus restoring the original open conditions along the towpath and preventing the shading of the canal waters and the invertebrate fauna for which the SSSI was originally declared; it will also greatly improve access, especially in muddy conditions in winter. Scrub habitat will be maintained in the hedges on the outward sides of the towpath, and beyond the first footbridge.

Gloucester    Three Green Sandpipers this afternoon on pools by the garden mulch area at Sudmeadow also a Grey Wagtail there. Five Meadow Pipits over W were the first of the autumn. (Gordon Avery).

 

Fri 4th September 2009

Symonds Yat    Two Hawfinches, four Linnets and 15 Goldfinches through today. Also two Goshawks, a Hobby, three Peregrines and a Marsh Tit. (Luke Phillips).

Gloucester    A female/immature Redstart today at Sudmeadow. (Gordon Avery).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Treecreeper along the canal and on the meadows a Whinchat, a Greenshank, 200 Swallows and two Sand Martins. (Peter Cadogan).

 

Thu 3rd September 2009

Dudbridge    A Ring-necked Parakeet in a big beech tree over the cycle track adjacent to the  Sainsbury's roundabout at 4pm. (Jake King).

Shab Hill    Five Common Gulls with Black-headed Gulls and a Wheatear near Stockwell Farm. A Stonechat on the bridleway and six fledgling Goldfinches at Barrow Wake. (Steve Brown).

Twyning    A juvenile Wheatear in a meadow in Twyning and a resident pair of Little Owls showing in a field nearby. (Phil & Chris Andrews).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Peregrine, two Whinchats, two Ringed Plovers, a Greenshank, a Ruff, a Little Egret, a juvenile Shelduck, eight Teal, a Grey Heron, a Jay and ten Linnets plus over 100 Swallows with a few House Martins and Sand Martins. On the canal a Kingfisher, two Willow Warblers and 4+ Chiffchaffs. (Graham Watson).

Guscar Rocks    This morning an adult Peregrine, a Ringed Plover, two Dunlin, c250 Curlews, three Yellow Wagtails, five Wheatears and a Stoat. Nearby an adult Mediterranean Gull in a stubble field by Plusterwine level crossing. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    At least three White Wagtails with two or three Pied Wagtails at the Zeiss Hide this morning. (Geoff Moyser).

Gloucester    A Swift flew S over Bristol Street Motors on the Bristol Road at 11:15am. (Mark Hobson).

 

Wed 2nd September 2009

Walmore Common    This afternoon a Redstart, three Whinchats, two Reed Warblers, two Lesser Whitethroats and a Spotted Flycatcher. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    The juvenile Black Tern was still on the Sailing Lake today until 10:30am at least. Also three Common Terns, three Kingfishers and two Hobbies. (Mike Youdale).

Belated photos received from Martin McGill, WWT from Monday 31st August of the CATTLE EGRET at Frampton. 

 

Tue 1st September 2009

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Little Egrets, a juvenile Shelduck, 120 Mallards, 50 Teal, two Shovelers, six Lapwings, three Ringed Plovers, a Ruff, three Greenshanks, a Green Sandpiper, 15 Snipe, a Wheatear and two Whinchats. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Eastington    Three Tawny Owls calling at Millend at 6 am today. (Jake King).

 

Mon 31st August 2009

Saul Warth    Six Greenshanks, two juvenile Redstarts and at least four juvenile Lesser Whitethroats. Also a Hobby this evening. (Mark Hobson & Zoe Leary/Martin Bell & Jonathon Evans, Glamorgan Bird Club.). 

WWT Slimbridge    At least ten Yellow Wagtails, seven Ruff and two Green Sandpipers from Zeiss hide mid afternoon. (Martin Bell & Jonathon Evans, Glamorgan Bird Club).

Frampton    The CATTLE EGRET again in the WWT 100-Acre and Bull Ground until 4:25pm at least. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. Also a Yellow Wagtail over at 9:30am, a Little Grebe and a Hobby and two Foxes. In Green Lane two Ravens, 10+ Chiffchaffs, a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, two juvenile Sparrowhawks fighting and a Green-veined White. A Redstart still in the hedgerow between the canal and Green Lane. The juvenile Black Tern was still on the Sailing Lake today until 9:15am at least together with two adult Common Terns. A Kingfisher flew along Glebe Close towards the Sailing Lake at 9:15am. A Spotted Flycatcher was at the Mash's Pool S of the Sailing Lake at 9:30am. (Jake King/MK/Mark Hobson & Zoe Leary/Martin Bell & Jonathon Evans, Glamorgan Bird Club/Steve Brown/Geoff Moyser). 

Berkeley shore    An adult Mediterranean Gull N of the Pill in a ploughed field at 10:25am. Also three Whinchats. (Paul Taylor).

Symonds Yat    A Buzzard and a late Swift reported. (Felicity Cobb).

Witcombe Reservoir    Belated photos received from Ian Butler from Friday 28th of the adult GREY PHALAROPE at Witcombe. 

See http://www.ianbutlerphotography.co.uk/

Grey Phalarope

 

Sun 30th August 2009

Frampton    The CATTLE EGRET again today in the WWT 100-Acre until 5pm at least when it was roosting in the hedge on the E side, but then moved out of sight. View only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. Also two Redstarts in the hedgerow between the canal and Green Lane. (Andy Jayne). The juvenile Black Tern was still on the Sailing Lake today until 12:30pm at least. Also an adult Common Tern and an adult Arctic Tern. (Richard Tyler/Gavin Black).

Saul Warth    At low tide yesterday 4/5 Greenshanks and a male Redstart. On the estuary one perched and one fly-by Peregrine, a Black-tailed Godwit and a Fox out on the mud. (Gavin Black).

Symonds Yat    Male and female Peregrine still today. (Felicity Cobb).

Cleeve Hill   A Buzzard, five Wheatears, a male Stonechat, a Raven, a Yellow Wagtail over S at 10am, 26 Meadow Pipits, a Skylark, a Kestrel and ten Linnets. (Mark Grieve).

WWT Slimbridge    An arctica Dunlin from Zeiss hide this morning. Also three Sedge Warblers, three Reed Warblers and a Cetti's Warbler along South Finger. (John Overfield). 

Ebworth    West of Overtown Farm this morning on pasture and cereal fields four Wheatears, a Whinchat, four Skylarks, ten Meadow Pipits, two Yellowhammers, four Goldfinches, three Buzzards, ten Woodpigeons, four Greenfinches, 12 Rooks, three Carrion Crows and eight Jackdaws. Flyover birds included four Ravens heading E, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls SE and five Swallows S. In scrub and trees near Foston's Ash at 11am, two Song Thrushes, two adult and two juvenile Bullfinches, a Whitethroat, six Stock Doves, 14 Jackdaws, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, four Goldfinches, two Chaffinches and two Blackbirds. (John Fleming).

 

Sat 29th August 2009

Frampton    A CATTLE EGRET at midday in the WWT 100-Acre and was still present at 4pm when it had moved in amongst cattle in the Bull Ground. If it stays there it will be difficult to see and may be best from the WWT Safaris. Otherwise view only from the two viewing platforms in Green Lane. (Martin McGill, WWT). The juvenile Black Tern still on the Sailing Lake today. Also two juvenile Arctic Terns and four Common Terns (one juvenile). (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman). This afternoon, between the village and Court Lake a Sparrowhawk, a Little Owl, and a Kingfisher in flight. (Steve Brown). Pic by Steve.

Little Owl

Ashleworth Ham    A Willow Warbler, 6+ Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap heard, five Buzzards, a Kestrel, a Hobby, seven Stock Doves, a Grey Heron, 10+ House Martins over Stonebow Farm, and a passage of 140+ Swallows and 20+ House Martins all heading SW. (Mark Grieve).

 

Fri 28th August 2009

Witcombe Reservoir    No sign of Wryneck this morning, but a GREY PHALAROPE from 9:50am to 11.30am when it flew off. Also two Redshanks today, one still present this evening. (Frank Bryant/Mike Robinson/Bob Axworthy/Malcolm & Wendy Smith/Ian Butler).

Frampton    The juvenile Black Tern on the Sailing Lake present until 6:30pm at least but mobile and often disappearing for long periods possibly to Court Lake. Also three Common Terns still (2 ad & 1 juv). (Nick Goatman/MK).

 

Thu 27th August 2009

Witcombe Reservoir    The WRYNECK was first located at 6:42am and has remained all day until dusk and has at times been very showy. If you have never seen Wryneck in the County now is your chance. Also a White Wagtail, two Pied Wagtails, two Grey Wagtails, two Yellow Wagtails over, three Whitethroats, three Chiffchaffs and a Common Sandpiper. Please park safely by the church. Go through the 6-bar green gate on the right just before the church following the Public Footpath across two fields until you reach the reservoir, cross the causeway and the bird is in and around the garden of the derelict cottage. (MK/Richard Tyler/Tom & Greg Mabbett et al). Pics in order by Richard Tyler, Tom & Greg Mabbett, Jon Mercer (2), Dave Pearce (2) and Graham Watson (3).

Wryneck

RT

 

T&GM

 

JM

 

JM

 

DP

 

DP

 

GW

 

GW

 

GW

Frampton    A juvenile Black Tern on the Sailing Lake until midday. Early morning an Arctic Tern and later three Common Terns (2 ad & 1 juv). (Nick Goatman/Paul Masters). On the flashes N of Splatt Bridge c15 Teal and a Green Sandpiper. Along the Canal around Splatt Bridge a Spotted Flycatcher, a Raven, three Chiffchaffs, a Cetti's Warbler heard, a Common Tern and a Great Crested Grebe over. (Derek Hale). Black Tern pic by Paul. Spotted Flycatcher pic by Derek.

Black Tern

Spotted Flycatcher

WWT Slimbridge    An Osprey caught a fish N of Mid Point at 9am today. (Pete Alder per MMcG). Two Ruff at South Lake and 32 Black-tailed Godwits, plenty of Teal and Shovelers, three Green Sandpipers (2 on Rushy Pen, 1 from Holden Tower) and a Garden Warbler, feeding on berries along the path to Holden Tower. (Derek Hale).

Hawling    Near the Pheasant pens at Southdown Farm, numerous Swallows and House Martins moving SW, four Wheatears, two Whinchats (m & f) and an adult Kestrel catching Field Mice and presenting them to a juvenile Kestrel sat on a stonewall. (Pete Grimmitt).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Along the canal at least eight Chiffchaffs, a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker, two Stock Doves, a Whitethroat and three Bullfinches. A female Wheatear in the field leading to the Grundon hide. From the hide a Curlew, two Green Sandpipers, two Greenshanks, a Common Sandpiper, a Black-tailed Godwit in summer plumage, two Teal, a Grey Heron, four Buzzards, a female Kestrel, a male Peregrine soaring to the S, a very large passage of Swallows southwards, a conservative estimate of 550+ feeding and passing over the reserve, also a Sand Martin and a House Martin. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 3am. (Mark Grieve).

 

Wed 26th August 2009

Witcombe Reservoir    A WRYNECK by a birch on the causeway until c6:30pm but no further sign by dusk. Also two Common Sandpipers, a White Wagtail, two Grey Wagtails and 10+ Sand Martins. Please park safely by the church. (Terry Fenton). Pic by Paul Masters.

Wryneck

Two further photos by Terry Fenton.

 

Frampton    A juvenile Black Tern on the Sailing Lake at 4:30pm. (Nick Goatman).

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Black Tern off of Mid Point at 3pm. (James Lees, WWT).

Symonds Yat    A Swift at 1:20pm along with numerous House Martins. Also Common Sandpiper on the river below Yat Rock viewpoint. (Luke Phillips).

Bredon    A single Swift over today. (Chris & Phil Andrews).

Lypiatt    64 Common Gulls on pasture NE of Lypiatt Park at 12:45pm, 62 Starlings on weedy stubble SW of Lypiatt Park at 1pm, a Red Kite drifting over Toadsmoor Woods heading S at 1:15pm and a Green Woodpecker calling, a pair of Bullfinches, a Little Owl and two Jays near Middle Lypiatt, ten Swallows moving SW near Nether Lypiatt manor at 1:30 pm. (John Fleming).

Forest of Dean    A Cuckoo over Harrow Hill this morning. (Lawrence Skipp). At Cannop Ponds today a female Teal, which flew off N, three Grey Wagtails, a male Siskin on the feeders and four female/juvenile Mandarins. (Derek Hale).

Tirley    25 House Martins flew SE and a Little Owl calling at 11pm. (Mark Grieve).

 

Tue 25th August 2009

Symonds Yat    From Yat Rock at least 20 sightings of Goshawks today involving at least three birds, also a Hobby, a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk and the two Peregrines. Also a Spotted Flycatcher appeared late morning. (Luke Phillips).

Coombe Hill Meadows    This morning along the canal a Bullfinch heard, three Kingfishers including a juvenile by the Wharf Car Park, a Whitethroat, two Blackcaps heard, also Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers, two Mute Swans with five cygnets and a Green Woodpecker. From Grundon Hide a Wood Sandpiper, four Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, two Greenshanks, three Ringed Plovers (ad & 2 juvs), a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, 20 - 30 Teal, c140 Canada Geese, c35 Greylags, three Grey Herons (1 juv), six Buzzards (3 juv) and three Kestrels. (Derek Hale). Pic by Derek.

Wood Sandpiper & Green Sandpiper

Cleeve Hill    Mid-morning today near the dewpond at least 12 Meadow Pipits, 12 Swallows and a Kestrel. (Howard Taylor).

Frampton    A garden Spotted Flycatcher at The Oval this morning. (Nick Goatman).

Tirley    A Raven over today. (Mark Grieve).

 

Mon 24th August 2009

Ashleworth Ham    From the hide five Buzzards, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a passage of 50+ Swallows S and a Kestrel. Along Dirty Lane 10+ Chiffchaffs, at least three Willow Warblers (including one in brief song), 10+ House Martins over Stonebow Farm, 12 Stock Doves, a Hobby and a flock of six Mistle Thrushes. (Mark Grieve).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Wood Sandpiper this evening. (Andy Jayne).

Forest of Dean    At Cannop Ponds a Dipper, two Grey Wagtails at the Stoneworks rapids and a juvenile Siskin on the feeders. At Linear Park, Cinderford three female Tufted Ducks, a female Mandarin on "Upper Pool" and a juvenile Bullfinch and three Chiffchaffs. At Boy's Grave a male Nightjar over silently at 8:30pm, a male Tawny Owl over at 8:43pm and another heard nearby. (Derek Hale).

Frampton    A Yellow Wagtail over the Sailing Lake and two Common Terns this evening. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    Nine breeding plumage Curlew Sandpipers, 300 Dunlin and 150 Ringed Plovers from Zeiss hide. Four Garganeys on South Lake, four Bar-tailed Godwits and eight Knot on the river and six Wheatears. (James Lees, WWT). 

Tuffley    A garden Lesser Whitethroat today. (Mark Hobson).

 

Sun 23rd August 2009

Bourton-on-the-Water    An Osprey circling the south (Santhill) pit mid-morning before moving south towards Sherborne. Also a Hobby hawking insects over the northernmost pit. (Andy Lewis).

Roel Gate    A female Marsh Harrier going S at Roel Gate this afternoon battling a strong southerly wind and also a Red Kite. (Duncan Dine).

Wibdon    At Wibdon Warth today 600 Curlews. (Gavin Black).

Symonds Yat    Four Swifts over Yat Rock at 7:15pm (Derek Hale).

Tirley    Two Ravens over today. (Mark Grieve).

Guscar Rocks    11 Ringed Plovers, four Grey Herons and 33 Yellow Wagtails today. (Gavin Black).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Along the canal four Chiffchaffs, two Bullfinches, a Whitethroat, a Willow Warbler, six House Martins flew S and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers. From the Grundon hide a Buzzard, two Kestrels, three Ringed Plovers, a female Wigeon, six Teal, four Shovelers, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, a juvenile Wood Sandpiper, four Greenshanks, four Grey Herons, a Sparrowhawk and a small but regular southwards passage of Swallows. (Mark Grieve).

WWT Slimbridge    A Redstart on way out to Mid Point this morning. (Richard Tyler).

Naunton    Three Whinchats and two Wheatears just north of Grange Hill Farm today. (Richard Tyler).

Lydney    At Lydney Pools two Common Terns, a Grey Wagtail, two Cormorants and three Reed Warblers, one bringing food to the nest. At the New Grounds four Wheatears, a Common Sandpiper and six Ravens. (Barrie Mills).

 

Sat 22nd August 2009

Coombe Hill Meadows    At lunchtime from Grundon Hide three Greenshanks, two Green Sandpipers, two Ringed Plovers and one each of Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and Snipe. (David Owen).

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow a Little Egret flew N at 7:12am and 20 Canada Geese flew upriver at 10:50am. (Gordon Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Cuckoo at Mid Point and a Ruff on South Lake. (Allan Chard). Pics by Allan.

Cuckoo

 

Ruff

Fri 21st August 2009

Frampton    An Osprey this morning low over GH's house at Bridge Road heading towards Court Lake at 9am. (Gordon Hodgson).

WWT Slimbridge    At Robbie Garnet hide three Green Sandpipers, two Little Egrets and a juvenile Grey Heron. From Holden Tower four Yellow Wagtails, two Wheatears, a Whinchat, a Lesser Whitethroat, two Chiffchaffs and 45 Dunlin and 20 Black-tailed Godwits on the scrape. At least two Yellow-legged Gulls on the Dumbles. (Graham Watson/Geoff Moyser). Pics by Graham.

Little Egret

 

Grey Heron

Thu 20th August 2009

Saul Warth    This morning still three Garganeys, two Wigeon, 16 Black-tailed Godwits, 4+ Green Sandpipers, four Greenshanks and a Ringed Plover. (Gordon Hodgson).

 

Wed 19th August 2009

Forest of Dean    A Yellow Wagtail flying west with two Pied Wagtails at Steam Mills at 8:30am, also five Crossbills (2m, 3f) feeding on alder and two fly-over Tree Pipits. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis. 

Gloucester    A Peregrine over at Hempsted at 3:20pm. (Gordon & Margaret Avery).

Cirencester Park    At least nine Buzzards, a Hobby, ten Swallows and many butterflies including Painted Ladies, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Common Blue. Also many pink Meadow Saffron near the Hailey Wood entrance to the Park. (Felicity Cobb).

 

Tue 18th August 2009

Culkerton    A flock of 170 Lesser Black-backed Gulls in stubble just E of Culkerton including two intermedius types, three Yellow-legged Gulls, two Herring Gulls and five Black-headed Gulls. (John Martin).

Gloucester    Three recently fledged Hobbies near Gloucester, a female (pictured) and two males.

 

Coleford    In the fields behind the Bowls Club SO572108 1-2 Barn 0wls seen most evenings over the last week. (Geoff Fawcett).

 

Mon 17th August 2009

Guiting Power    Three Whinchats, four Wheatears and two Whitethroats north of Grange Hill Farm this afternoon and a juvenile Little Grebe at Barton. (Paul Masters).

 

Sun 16th August 2009

Stanton    A Hobby and a Sparrowhawk over the village and a Redstart, a Bullfinch and a Raven on the escarpment nearby. (Chris Furley).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Wood Sandpiper visible briefly and a Cormorant. (Dave Pearce). A Whinchat, a Greenshank, three Green Sandpipers, a Snipe, a Little Egret and a Sedge Warbler this morning. Along the canal five Willow Warblers, four Chiffchaffs, a Lesser Whitethroat two Whitethroats, a Blackcap and a Treecreeper. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Mark Hobson).

Nottingham Hill    A family of Spotted Flycatchers today. (Terry Fenton).

Tewkesbury    A Spotted Flycatcher at Mythe Pool this morning, also a Willow Warbler, two White-legged Damselflies and six Brown Hawkers. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Mark Hobson).

Cotswold Water Park (W)    On and around the pit at SU025940, Lower Mills Estate, a Little Egret, 19 Great Crested Grebes, 277 Coots, four Moorhens, eight Tufted Ducks and six ducklings, eight Common Terns, 26 Black-headed Gulls, seven Mallards, two Cormorants, six Mute Swans and two full grown cygnets, a Jay, a Sparrowhawk, a Green Woodpecker, a Sedge Warbler and two Willow Warblers. (John Fleming.).

 

Sat 15th August 2009

Symonds Yat    Five Whimbrels over the rock heading W, also two sightings of Hobby attracted by hundreds of House Martins, two Goshawks and the Peregrine pair today. (Luke Phillips).

Stancombe    At 11:30 am a Hobby over Stancombe Farm being mobbed by Swallows, before flying away S, a pair of Bullfinches and two juveniles down Southmead Lane, two Buzzards, a Jay and a Raven flying above the edge of High Wood nearby. Near The Camp, a Spotted Flycatcher was on a hawthorn hedge and a Grey Heron flew over heading N. At Ferris Court, Lypiatt, 50 Swallows on wires with 30 at Nether Lypiatt and 40 around Claypits Farm ,Thrupp. (John Fleming).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A possible juvenile Marsh Sandpiper at 6:30am but seen only briefly on and off until 6:40am due to heavy vegetation on site. No further sign by 2pm. Also early on a Black-tailed Godwit, a Wood Sandpiper and an Oystercatcher, but none of these present later. (Les Brown). Later a Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, three Dunlin, two Little Egrets, six Lapwings, a Curlew, 5+ Snipe and a Kingfisher along the canal. (MK/Bridgette King/Andy Jayne/Jake King). Pic by MK.

Curlew

Forest of Dean    At North Cannop Pond, by the feeders lots of Chaffinches, Blue Tits and Great Tits, a Coal Tit, a Marsh Tit, a Robin, a Jay, a Nuthatch, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and two Grey Squirrels and two Brown Rats. A Mandarin and a Grey Wagtail by the pond. At South Cannop Pond by the feeders two Nuthatches and seven Siskins. (Alan Richards). Pics by Alan. 

Siskins

Jay

Marsh Tit

Fri 14th August 2009

Saul Warth    Four Green Sandpipers, four Redshanks, two Greenshanks, a Snipe, a Lapwing and a Sparrowhawk at 4:30pm today. (Dave Evans).

Cotswold Water Park    An Osprey reported on Bradley's Fishing Lake at South Cerney today. (per Nick Goatman).

WWT Slimbridge    A Spotted Flycatcher and three Wheatears today. (James Lees, WWT). 

 

Thu 13th August 2009

Tewkesbury    Two Turtle Doves at the back of The Mythe Fishing Lake today. First heard on 27th July but not seen, also a Spotted Flycatcher on 27th July. (Colin & Ingrid Twissell). Pic by Colin & Ingrid.

Turtle Doves

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Marsh Harrier on this afternoon's Safari at the WWT 100-Acre, it flew N toward Saul Warth/Hock Ditch. Also four Wheatears. On Monday an almost white Common Buzzard here, which could lead to some confusion with other species. (Martin McGill, WWT). 

Sudmeadow    At a CES ringing session this morning 49 birds were trapped, including six Garden Warblers. Also five Green Sandpipers over Sudmeadow towards Port Ham at 11:20am and the first Jay of the year seen. (Gordon Avery).

 

Wed 12th August 2009

Purton    On the estuary at Purton this evening, four Mediterranean Gulls, two adults with green colour rings from Germany, a first-summer moulting to second-winter and a juvenile. Also colour-ringed Common Gulls from Norway and Germany, and a French Black-headed Gull. Also 120 Dunlins and 62 Ringed Plovers. (John Sanders).

Saul Warth    Four Greenshanks, four Ringed Plovers, three Green Sandpipers, a Snipe and now three Garganeys. (Gordon Hodgson).

 

Tue 11th August 2009

Symonds Yat    At least four Goshawks showed well throughout the day from the viewpoint, with the morning being the best, also the two Peregrines, a Hobby, two Sparrowhawks and many Buzzards. (Luke Phillips).

Longlevens    A Whitethroat in the garden today at Park Avenue at 9:25am for a few minutes. (Frank Bryant).

 

Mon 10th August 2009

Saul Warth    A group of five Garganeys and a Green Sandpiper today. (Gordon Hodgson).

Symonds Yat    From Yat Rock today a Red Kite being mobbed by a Sparrowhawk, a juvenile male Goshawk, a Hobby, 47 Canada Geese, three Swifts and the Peregrine tiercel (male) on the same ledge all day from at least 10am until after 5pm at least. (Gavin Black).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Curlew Sandpiper, two Wood Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper, a Dunlin, two Snipe, two Lapwings, a Curlew and a Little Egret. (Graham Watson).

Witcombe Reservoir    An Oystercatcher flying round and round the lake calling and finally landing. Also a Yellow-legged Gull and two Grey Wagtails. (Tom Mabbett).

Yellow-legged Gull (lh bird)

 

Sun 9th August 2009

Highnam Woods    Two Quail at the Woods today. (Chris & Phil Andrews). Pics by Chris & Phil. This is very odd habitat but enquiries have not uncovered any evidence of nearby releases, however the feather damage would suggest they were captive birds.

Quail

 

 

Kent's Green    A Quail calling this evening. (Mark Hobson).

Haresfield    Two Hobbies and a Buzzard soaring high over Blooms Garden Centre at 3:30pm. (MK).

Forest of Dean    A Turtle Dove in the centre of Ruardean Hill village at The Hollow until 11:35am at least. Earlier along a track beside the Leisure Centre in spruce trees below the houses. (MK/Paul Masters/Andy Lodge/Jake King ). Pic by MK. Also this morning a Willow Tit at Edge Hills and 2+ Spotted Flycatchers on wires and in trees at the far side of the donkey field at Speech House. (MK). 40+ Crossbills and 15+ Siskins at Boy's Grave this morning. (Paul Masters/Andy Lodge/Jake King). A Hobby over Clifford's Mesne at 3pm this afternoon. (Gillian Guest).

Turtle Dove

Another pic by Paul Masters

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Wood Sandpiper still this morning. Also nine Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, a Dunlin and seven Snipe, a Wigeon, Shoveler and Teal, a Garden Warbler and a singing Willow Warbler. (Mark Hobson/Tom Mabbett). Pic by Tom.

Wood Sandpiper

Tidenham Chase     Five Redstarts at Poor's Allotment this morning. (Paul Masters/Andy Lodge/Jake King ). 

Aylburton Warth    17 Curlews, five Common Sandpipers, three Snipe, two Green Sandpipers, a Redshank, seven Yellow Wagtails and a Kestrel this evening. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis. 

Common Sandpiper

Longney    This afternoon a Ringed Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper on the sands and a juvenile Sparrowhawk, a Wheatear and four Yellow Wagtails along the riverbank. (Andy Jayne).

Quedgeley    11 Ravens flew over Clearwater Drive heading north this morning. (Andy Chapman).

Tirley    Two Ravens and 15+ locally bred Swallows today. (Mark Grieve).

 

Sat 8th August 2009

Walmore Common    A Hobby, a Curlew and three Whinchats (ad & two juvs). Also a Brown Hawker. (Andy Jayne).

Symonds Yat    Two juvenile Goshawks (1f, 1m) and a Sparrowhawk in the air together. (Gavin Black).

Forest of Dean    c10 Crossbills at Boy's Grave this morning in pine trees at the T-junction after the gate. Also a female Crossbill near Speech House. Two Spotted Flycatchers across the road from the Cyril Hart Arboretum, one adult and one recently fledged bird. (Richard Tyler/Franz Klein). Pics by Richard.

Crossbill male

Crossbill female

Tirley    Two Ravens over at 9am, also a female Sparrowhawk being mobbed by the local House Martins and Swallows. (Mark Grieve).

Cheltenham    A garden Clouded Yellow today at Benhall. (Ian Ralphs).

 

Fri 7th August 2009

Forest of Dean    A Wheatear at Boy's Grave today. Also a couple of Crossbills heard calling. (Allan Chard). Pic by Allan.

Wheatear

Coombe Hill Meadows    A juvenile Marsh Harrier at mid-day, which remained in the area until 1pm when it flew off SW. Also two juvenile Wood Sandpipers still this morning. (Lawrence Skipp). 

Tuffley    A garden Garden Warbler this morning feeding in an Elder. (Mark Hobson).

 

Thu 6th August 2009

Coombe Hill Meadows    This evening two juvenile Wood Sandpipers (three reported this morning), 12 Green Sandpipers, two Snipe, two Garganey and 14 Teal. (Andy Jayne). 

Newent    A flock of 18 Crossbills high in Newent Woods early this morning. (Rob Guest).

Sudmeadow    At a CES ringing session this morning 58 birds were trapped, including five Garden Warblers and 24 Blackcaps. Also at least three Green Sandpipers in the area. (Gordon Avery).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 4:45am, also 15+ Swallows over S. (Mark Grieve).

Forest of Dean    A Wheatear in the garden this morning at Bream on a number of occasions. (Rod Goodman). Pics by Rod.

Wheatear

 

Wed 5th August 2009

Frampton    A pair of Garganey flew over the WWT 100-Acre pools at 7pm. (John Overfield).

WWT Slimbridge    The adult SPOONBILL still from Zeiss hide today. Also a Curlew Sandpiper and a Yellow-legged Gull off of Mid Point. (James Lees, WWT). Video by Giles Diggle here Spoonbill.

Forest of Dean    A juvenile Goshawk, two Spotted Flycatchers and a male Crossbill between Glasshouse and Clifford's Mesne this afternoon. Also, numerous Painted Lady and Peacock butterflies. (Martin Drew).

Bisley    At 12:25 pm a flock of 25 Ravens calling and circling over Througham Slad Lane, then they headed off in the direction of Bisley village. Also 20 Goldfinches on thistles near Stancombe at 1:30 pm. (John Fleming).

Tirley    20 Swallows over SW at 5am. (Mark Grieve).

 

Tue 4th August 2009

WWT Slimbridge    This evening an adult SPOONBILL still. Also a Mediterranean Gull, 17 Yellow-legged Gulls, 15 Knot, five Sanderlings and 41 Dunlins. (James Lees, WWT). 

Maisemore    60+ Swifts today. (Mark Grieve).

Tirley    Up to 100 Swallows over late evening. (Mark Grieve).

 

Mon 3rd August 2009

WWT Slimbridge    An adult SPOONBILL on South Lake at 9:05am today. (James Lees, WWT). Pics by Graham Cox.

Spoonbill

 

Forest of Dean    30 Crossbills at Boy's Grave again today. (Allan Chard). Pic by Allan.

Crossbill female

Symonds Yat    At the viewpoint today a Red Kite, three sightings of Hobby, numerous Goshawk sightings of at least three individuals and three Peregrines. Also 500+ Swifts passing through in groups throughout the day all heading S as were seven Common Gulls. (Luke Phillips).

Down Hatherley    Two Hobbies at SO880227 today. (Jim Northcott).

Colesbourne    Three separate broods of Tufted Ducks on the lake at Colesbourne Park today,  probably about ten days old 7, 4 and 1 with different females. Also two Mandarins and a Cormorant on the lake this morning. (John Grimshaw).

 

Sun 2nd August 2009

Forest of Dean    27 Crossbills at Boy's Grave this morning, also a Spotted Flycatcher, a Hawfinch heard, two Ravens, a Buzzard, two juvenile Pied Wagtails and two Willow Warblers. (Paul Masters). This afternoon three Ravens around the picnic area at Cyril Hart Arboretum and a Siskin over. Also a Wood White along the tracks to the right of Pedalabikeaway, Lydbrook. (MK). At Cannop Ponds a Kingfisher, a Woodcock, a Green Woodpecker, a Grey Wagtail and four Mandarins (1f, 3 juv).  (Eric Osbaldeston). Pic by Mark Hobson.

Crossbill male

Walmore Common    A Whinchat still this morning at 8:25am. (Mark Hobson).

Longney    50+ Linnets, a Common Sandpiper and a Yellow Wagtail heard. (MK/Martin McGill).

Arlingham Passage    A Willow Warbler in sub-song. (MK/Martin McGill).

Frampton    Two Common Terns at the Sailing Lake at 10:30am. (MK).

 

Sat 1st August 2009

Forest of Dean    At Lower Lydbrook a Common Sandpiper and 75 House Martins at 4pm. (Eric Osbaldeston).

Chosen Hill    A fly-past male Peregrine and two young Sparrowhawks mewing. (Terry Fenton).

 

Fri 31st July 2009

Bisley    A Red Kite flew slowly WSW on the southern outskirts of Bisley(SO90) at 3:25pm. (John Widgery).

Forest of Dean    At least 13 Crossbills at Boy's Grave this afternoon. Fallow Deer seen at Boy's Grave and from the Campbell hide at Nagshead and a Kingfisher at Lower Hide. Also a Raven at the Cyril Hart Arboretum car park. (Allan Chard). Pics by Allan.

Raven

Crossbill

Kingfisher

Fallow Deer

 

Along the River Wye from Lower Lydbrook to Symonds Yat rock and back a young Fallow Deer, three White-legged Damselflies and 12 species of butterfly, including Painted Lady, Common Blue and Holly Blue. (Eric Osbaldeston).

Eastington    At Millend today on a garden Buddleia bush 11 Peacocks, 14 Painted Ladies, three Small Tortoiseshells, three Red Admirals, five Commas, eight Small Whites, two Large Whites, a Speckled Wood, a Green-veined White, a Meadow Brown and a Gatekeeper. (Jake King).

 

Thu 30th July 2009

Walmore Common    Two adult Whinchats today. (Andy Jayne).

Westbury-on-Severn    Three Common Sandpipers on The Strand today. (Andy Jayne).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Barn Owl hunting around the southern pits in the evening. Also a Common Tern and a family of Marsh Tits. A Little Egret and a Kingfisher perched by the most northerly pit. (Andy Lewis).

Lydbrook    c25 Crossbills over the garden heading north late afternoon, also good numbers of Purple Hairstreaks in the tops of surrounding Oak trees. (Lewis Thomson).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 4:40 am. (Mark Grieve).

 

Wed 29th July 2009

Symonds Yat    A Green Sandpiper on the River below the viewpoint late afternoon. (Luke Phillips).

Tirley    50+ House Martins with a few Swallows mixed in, heading SW at 8pm. (Mark Grieve).

 

Tue 28th July 2009

Twyning    A Hobby at Upham Meadow today. (Mike Smart).

Tuffley    Five Crossbills heading SE over the garden along the Daniels Brook corridor at 7pm. Garden tick. (Mark Hobson).

Longlevens    A Chiffchaff in the garden today at Park Avenue at 7:30am. (Frank Bryant).

Forest of Dean    Male and female Yellowhammer at Gorsty Knoll today. (Polly G/Malcolm S).

 

Mon 27th July 2009

Coombe Hill Meadows    This evening 60 Lapwings, a Black-tailed Godwit, two Curlews (adult and fledged juvenile), a Snipe, 21 Green Sandpipers and a Barn Owl. (Andy Jayne/Mike Smart).

Cheltenham    24+ Swifts over Naunton Park in the evening and Comma, Gatekeeper and Speckled Wood in the garden. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    At Nagshead a Kingfisher from the Lower Hide. A family of five Jays at Cyril Hart Arboretum car park. Also there were three Ravens, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and the usual assorted tits and finches. Young Common Lizards and young Meadow Pipits were at Boy's Grave. (Allan Chard). Pics by Allan.

Jay

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Raven

Sun 26th July 2009

Ebworth    Near Overtown Farm this morning, two Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk, 12 Swallows moving S, eight Blue Tits and a Willow Warbler, three Greenfinches, two Linnets, four Stock Doves, two pairs of Yellowhammers, two Ravens W at 7:30am and two S at 9:30am, a Little Owl, a Kestrel, a family group of six Goldfinches, two Green Woodpeckers and at 9am a Cuckoo overhead flying SE. (John Fleming).

 

Sat 25th  July 2009

Coombe Hill Meadows    Three Little Egrets, two Grey Herons, 26 Greylags, three Little Ringed Plovers (all migrant juveniles), at least 11 Green Sandpipers, 65 Lapwings and two Curlews (an adult and a fledged juvenile). (Les Brown/Mike Smart). Also a brief Bar-tailed Godwit in winter plumage, three juvenile Grey Herons and a singing Reed Bunting. At the nearby pool and along the canal Black-tailed Skimmers, Southern Hawkers, Common Darters and Ruddy Darters. (Keith White).

Tirley    On Tirley Court Lake 12 Barnacle Geese, all in moult, didn’t nest this year. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Maisemore    50+ Swifts today. (Mark Grieve).

Bisley    Around 30 mixed Swallows, House Martins and Swifts over the village. (Mark Grieve).

Forest of Dean    A pair of Nightjars seen in flight at 9:25pm at Boy's Grave, the male churred briefly at 9:15pm then again from 9:30pm. Also two Tawny Owls calling. (Jon Mercer). A flock of 20 Crossbills at New Fancy View and 10-15 at Boy's Grave along with two Spotted Flycatchers, a juvenile Redstart, two Garden Warblers and a Tree Pipit. Also a Silver-washed Fritillary at Nagshead. (Tom Mabbett). Pic by Tom.

Spotted Flycatcher

Saul Warth   90 Crossbills flew S at 10:15am and three Yellow-legged Gulls (2ad, 1 2nd summer) until pushed off by the tide. Also a Knot, a Black-tailed Godwit, an Oystercatcher, three Redshanks, a Common Sandpiper, a Peregrine and two juvenile Great Crested Grebes on the river and 30+ Painted Ladies. (MK/John Overfield).

Eastleach Downs    Four Quail calling from fields N of Sheephouse Farm. Also 296 Painted Lady butterflies on a 200m bank of Red Clover. Please keep to the footpaths and out of the crops. (Ewan Urquhart).

Symonds Yat    More Crossbills through today including a group of 20+. Goshawks still showing well and came near the viewpoint, three Spotted Flycatchers, a Marsh Tit and an adult Mediterranean Gull flying up river with a couple of Black-headed Gulls. Also at Bracelands Camp site two Crossbills flew from larch near the toilets at 6:20pm and headed W.  (Luke Phillips). Pic by Luke. 

Goshawk

Longlevens    A male Sparrowhawk in the garden today at Park Avenue. (Frank Bryant). Pic by Frank.

Sparrowhawk

Fri 24th  July 2009

Eastleach Downs    A Turtle Dove and a Raven today. (Ewan Urquhart).

Gloucester    A Ruff heard calling overhead from Plock Court after dark. (Jim Northcott).

Symonds Yat    Two juvenile Goshawks showed well throughout the afternoon, also two small groups of Crossbills through both heading N, and a single Common Gull. (Luke Phillips).

 

Thu 23rd  July 2009

Eastleach Downs    Three possibly four Quail calling from fields N of Sheephouse Farm. Also two Corn Buntings, and 174 Painted Lady butterflies on a 200m bank of Red Clover. Please keep to the footpaths and out of the crops. (Ewan Urquhart).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Three Little Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin, two Curlews, a Lapwing and two Kestrels today. ( Peter Cadogan).

 

Wed 22nd  July 2009

Symonds Yat    A Whimbrel over heading W, eight Crossbills flew up the valley heading N, also a Marsh Tit, three Spotted Flycatchers, a Goshawk, a Kestrel and the Peregrines. (Luke Phillips).

Gloucester    A Hobby over Longlevens Co-op and a Little Owl on the perimeter fence of the M.O.D. Innsworth. (Keith Colcombe).

 

Tue 21st July 2009

Bourton-on-the-Water    Two Common Terns fishing around the north pits this evening. Also a Kingfisher. (Andy Lewis).

 

Mon 20th July 2009

Coombe Hill Meadows   This evening from Long Pool hide a Little Egret, 50 Mallards (including a family of nine tiny ducklings), two eclipse Teal, a female Tufted Duck with five ducklings on the canal, two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, two Snipe, five Green Sandpipers (at least one adult in wing moult), two Sand Martins and plenty of juvenile Chiffchaffs calling with Tit flocks along the canal. (Mike Smart).

 

Sun 19th July 2009

Symonds Yat    From Yat Rock viewpoint four Goshawks showing very well including three juveniles in flight together, also a Crossbill heading W, a Spotted Flycatcher family, nine Black-headed Gulls and a single Common Gull heading SW. The Peregrines were also showing well on their usual perches. (Luke Phillips).

WWT Slimbridge    Four Whimbrels from Mid Point this morning. (Mark Hobson).

Tewkesbury    A pair of Sand Martins feeding young at Upper Lode Lock this evening. (Dave Thompson).

 

Sat 18th July 2009

Forest of Dean    At Speech House Arboretum an adult and a fledgling Grey Wagtail and four Fallow Deer stags along Speech House Walk. At Boys Grave a Nightjar churring from 9:30pm and showing briefly, also a Woodcock and a Tawny Owl heard. (Steve Brown).

Coombe Hill Meadows   This morning a Little Egret, a female Tufted Duck with five ducklings on the canal, a female Sparrowhawk, four Little Ringed Plovers (two adults and two juveniles, migrants not local nesters), 70 Lapwings, five Green Sandpipers and a Curlew. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Cheltenham    A garden Hummingbird Hawk Moth at Naunton Park this morning. (Steve & Megan Brown).

 

Thu 16th July 2009

Frampton    A Spotted Flycatcher between Court Lake and the Sailing Lake this evening. (Nick Goatman).

 

Wed 15th July 2009

Saul Warth    At midday four Green Sandpipers and two Lapwings. On the canal nearby three Common Terns and a Tufted Duck. (Mike & Gordon Youdale).

Frampton    On the WWT 100-Acre viewed from Green Lane at 1pm a Little Grebe, a Reed Warbler, three Greylags and four Brown Hares. On the Sailing Lake at 3pm three Common Terns, two Hobbies, Sand Martin, House Martin and Swallow and a Peregrine over. Butterflies in the area included Silver-washed Fritillary, Green-veined White and Comma. (Mike & Gordon Youdale).

 

Tue 14th July 2009

Forest of Dean    At Cannop ponds Great Tits, Blue Tits, a Coal Tit and a Marsh Tit at the North Pond feeders. Also a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Nuthatch and at least three Jays. Mostly Mallards and Coots on the lake and a solitary Mandarin. At the South Pond feeders, by the Stoneworks, still five Siskins and also three Grey Wagtails. (Alan Richards). Pics by Alan. 

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Nuthatch

Jay

Mandarin

Sun 12th July 2009

Symonds Yat    A pair of Spotted Flycatchers with two fledglings along the path up to Yat Rock viewpoint from the car park near the toilets this morning. (Mark Hobson).

 

Fri 10th July 2009

Colesbourne    A Dipper and a Blackcap at Penhill Farm. Four Jays and eight Goldfinches near Upper Hilcot Farm. (Pete Grimmitt).

 

Thu 9th July 2009

Painswick Beacon    A flock of 13 Crossbills over mid morning, with a further five through at 6pm. (Francis Steuck).

Gloucester    A Kingfisher this morning along the river below the weir at Sudmeadow and 13 Blackcaps trapped. (Gordon Avery).

 

Wed 8th July 2009

Coombe Hill Meadows    15 Grey Herons (including a flock of 12 on Cobney Meadows), two Teal, two Tufted Ducks, still three Mallards with ducklings (one of which was carried off by a passing Sparrowhawk), a Snipe, two Green Sandpipers, three Lapwings, at least one Reed Warbler, two or three Sedge Warblers and 3+ Reed Buntings singing. After dark Common Sandpipers flying over high in the moonlight and calling, without stopping. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Windrush Airfield    Two singing Corn Buntings, a juvenile Yellow Wagtail and c20 Linnets today. Butterflies included Ringlets, Small Tortoiseshells, Green-veined Whites and Gatekeepers. (Steve Brown).

 

Tue 7th July 2009

Saul Warth    This evening a Black-tailed Godwit, six Redshanks, a Greenshank, five Green Sandpipers and a Little Egret, and two Ruff, a Little Ringed Plover still. (Gordon Hodgson). This morning a Little Ringed Plover, three Ruff and three Yellow Wagtails. (Nick Goatman). 

 

Mon 6th July 2009

Gloucester    Belated news that a Small Ranunculus moth (Hecatera dysodea) was trapped at Hempsted on the night of the 3rd July. It is the first for Gloucestershire. (Gordon Avery).

Longney    A Red-legged Partridge this afternoon. (MK).

 

Sun 5th July 2009

Saul Warth    This evening a Dunlin, two Redshanks, a Greenshank, two Green Sandpipers and a Ruff. (Gordon Hodgson).

Kent's Green    A calling Quail at Kent's Green today, S of the B4215 between Highleadon and Newent. (Robin Husbands).

Haw Bridge    Two Hobbies at 2:30pm. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    A female Mandarin with two ducklings from Kingfisher Hide at c2pm today. (Ray Sherman).

Great Barrington    1+ Quail still calling near Miletree Clump (SP2115) at 9am. (MK).

Windrush Airfield    Two Corn Buntings and three Roe Deer (1 buck) near Hill Barn (SP1911) this morning. (MK). 

Red-legged Partridge near Coln St Andrews (MK).

Sat 4th July 2009

Windrush Airfield    Two Quails calling near Hill Barn (SP1911), several Corn Buntings, a flock of 150 Linnets, several Yellow Wagtails including juveniles, a juvenile Wheatear and a Curlew. (Richard Tyler). Pics by Richard.

Wheatear

Yellow Wagtail

WWT Slimbridge    From Holden Tower and Robbie Garnett hide five Green Sandpipers and two Oystercatchers. On South Lake c20 Redshanks, two Black-tailed Godwits and two Common Terns. On the Land Rover Safari a Yellow-legged Gull, five Little Egrets, a distant Peregrine, plenty of Tufted Duck ducklings, a brood of Shovelers and an Emperor Dragonfly laying eggs. Kingfishers very active at the Kingfisher hide. (Mark Moore).

Dursley    A Dipper at 8am today along the River Cam at the Rope Walk. (Geoff Moyser). 

 

Fri 3rd July 2009

Forest of Dean    Three Nightjars churring this evening at Boy's Grave near Speech House from 9:55pm. (Chris Berry).

WWT Slimbridge    A total of 26 Green Sandpipers around the hides (12 on the Tack Piece, three on the Knott Pool and 11 on the Top New Piece), also on the Top New Piece two Little Ringed Plovers, two Greenshanks, a Dunlin, a Little Egret and seven Redshanks, including a fledgling, on South Lake 45 Black-tailed Godwits and 68 Redshanks and a Lesser Whitethroat at the Decoy. (Paul Masters).

 

Thu 2nd July 2009

Eastington    Nine Ravens over Millend this afternoon. (Jake King).

Gloucester    A juvenile Nightingale ringed at Sudmeadow this morning. Also a juvenile Garden Warbler and 16 Blackcaps, an adult male Peregrine flew N at 7:40am and there is still a male Cuckoo calling in the area. (Gordon Avery).

Huntley    A Hobby over the garden at 8:25pm today. (Martin Drew).
Eastleach Downs    A Quail calling from a cornfield just N of Sheephouse Farm. Also two singing Corn Buntings. (Ewan Urquhart).

Great Barrington    Two Quails calling near Miletree Clump (SP2115). (Andy Jayne).

Windrush Airfield    Two Quails calling near Hill Barn (SP1911), a Red-legged Partridge with 11 chicks, a reeling Grasshopper Warbler showing well and also three Corn Buntings. (Andy Jayne).

 

Wed 1st July 2009

Westbury-on-Severn    A Hobby, a Common Sandpiper, a second-summer Yellow-legged Gull, four Grey Wagtails and four Lesser Whitethroats today. (Andy Jayne).

Lydney    At Lydney Harbour two Common Terns were on the sands then flew inland towards the pools. (Andy Jayne).

Charlton Kings Common    This morning a Tree Pipit singing, five Linnets and two Willow Warblers gathering food. (Steve Brown).

Leckhampton Hill    Near Devil's Chimney, a Stock Dove calling and several Large Skippers and many Ringlets, Small Heath and Marbled White butterflies throughout the area. (Steve Brown).