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Sightings 2008

 

July to December

 

Wed 31st December 2008 

Forest of Dean    13 Waxwings in Littledean still at 12:45pm feeding on pink and white berries in the garden of "Cherry Trees", opposite the Belfry pub on the main street. At New Fancy View a Hawfinch again today. (John Overfield). 

Bentham Landfill    A Barn Owl and a Woodcock this evening. (Terry Fenton).

Dursley    A garden female Goldcrest at feeders, the first in 25 years. (Trevor Lewis).

Tuffley    Two garden Marsh Tits this morning at Forest View Road. (Greg Anderson).

 

Tue 30th December 2008 

Harnhill    A Tree Sparrow, a Brambling and a Great Spotted Woodpecker this morning and a Raven over. (Steve Brown).

Cotswold Water Park (E)    The SLAVONIAN GREBE at Dudgrove Pit 114 still this afternoon showed well but intermittently in the SW corner until at least 3:30pm. 45 Cormorants roosting in trees near the development. (Rodney Bottomley). Also two male Red Crested Pochards, two female Goldeneyes and a Kingfisher. (Steve Brown/Steve Owen). 

Hawling    Four Short-eared Owls late afternoon in fields just west of Southdown Farm which is SW of Hawling at SP059222, a Roe Deer towards Brockhampton and two Brown Hares nearby. On the road between Coln St Aldwyn's and Bibury 50+ Red-legged Partridges. (Steve Brown).

Colesbourne    A report of three possible Common Cranes this morning flying down the Churn valley at c9:30am seen briefly in poor light. (Dr John Grimshaw per Dave Pearce).

Forest of Dean    10-12 Waxwings in Littledean still at 12:30pm feeding on pink and white berries in the garden of "Cherry Trees", opposite the Belfry pub on the main street. (Brian Davis). Pics by Brian.

 

At Soudley Ponds eight Crossbills, two Marsh Tits, 12 Moorhens all on one pond, a Little Grebe, a pair of Mandarins at the Dean Heritage Centre. At Woorgreens Lake seven Goosanders, a Treecreeper and three Nuthatches. Pics below of a Great Spotted Woodpecker from Cannop Stone Works feeders, a Treecreeper from Woorgreens, and a very tame Robin from Soudley Ponds. (Steve Davies).

 

 

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Shelducks, three Wigeon, 120 Teal, 60 Mallards, ten Pintails, six Shovelers, a Merlin and c20 Snipe. The hides are now easily accessible. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    The four Whooper Swans (three adults and one cygnet) feeding on the same field along Stank Lane, c80 Canada Geese, 160 Wigeon, 140 Teal, 30 Pintails, 70 Shovelers, six Tufted Ducks and two Peregrines on pylons. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Ebworth    In a weedy stubble field near Overtown farm at 3:30pm, 16 Skylarks, a Buzzard, six Goldfinches, 150+ Linnets, 80+ Chaffinches and a flyover Grey Heron heading south. Also ten Redwings on pasture at Througham Slad, north of Bisley and a mixed flock of 100+ finches/Yellowhammers opposite Holbrook garage late morning.
 (John Fleming).

Staunton    20 Lapwings and a Raven over the Gloucestershire/Herefordshire border. (Mark Grieve).

Westrip    A garden female Blackcap visiting feeders today. (Sian Mein).

 

Mon 29th December 2008 

Cotswold Water Park (E)    A SLAVONIAN GREBE at Dudgrove Pit 114 still today, the first for over a decade. (Martin McGill/Neil Smart/Bob Radford/Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/John Overfield). A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the copse behind Pit 114. (Andy Chapman). Also four Goldeneyes (2m, 2f). (Paul Masters). Pic by Paul. Also nine Smew and 135 Red Crested Pochards counted in CWP by Martin, Bob and Neil

Ashleworth Ham    At Stank Lane, four Whooper Swans (3 ads, 1 juv), two Peregrines on the pylons, three male Bullfinches, 13 Snipe, 23 Lapwings flew W, seven Long-tailed Tits, a Buzzard, a mixed flock of 15+ Greenfinches, 12+ Reed Buntings, a male Yellowhammer and a Skylark. At the bottom of Stank Lane 15 Pied Wagtails, 38 Meadow Pipits and good numbers of Fieldfares. (Mark Grieve).

Forest of Dean    At New Fancy View a Hawfinch showing well under feeders at 1:20pm until flushed by an out of control dog five minutes later. At Cannop Ponds 70+ Mandarins and at least ten Treecreepers. (Chris Thomas). Pics by Chris.

 

At Woorgreens lake five male and seven redhead Goosanders and a Grey Heron today. (Graham Bullivant). Pics by Graham.

 

 

 

Hawling    Three Short-eared Owls in fields just west of Southdown Farm which is SW of Hawling at SP059222 again this afternoon. Also a Barn Owl. (Gary Cox/Andy Rouse/Dave Douglas). First two pics by Gary, third to fifth by Andy. 

 

 

 

 

WWT Slimbridge    317 White-fronted Geese and 148 Bewick's Swans today. (James Lees, WWT). Also a Bar-headed Goose with the White-fronts. (Chris Thomas).

Gloucester    This morning 19 Teal flew NE over Sudmeadow, a Peregrine with a kill also went over and a Chiffchaff in riverside willows below Llantony Weir. (Gordon Avery).

Cheltenham    Male and a female garden Blackcaps at Tivoli. Also two Song Thrushes have taken up residence - uncommon for Tivoli. (Chris Furley).

Uley    Six Mandarins at Rockstowes, Uley today. (Geoff Moyser).

Dursley    A Marsh Tit at Folly Woods today. (Geoff Moyser).

Tirley    150+ Fieldfares today. (Mark Grieve).

 

Sun 28th December 2008 

WWT Slimbridge    A Bar-headed Goose flew over Martin Smith hide today. (Mark Williams).

Winchcombe    A Red Kite over Little Farmcote farm, west of Winchcombe SO052287 at midday. (Graham White).

Cotswold Water Park (E)    A SLAVONIAN GREBE at Dudgrove Pit 114 until dusk, west side of the central island. (Ian Ralphs). Also seven Little Egrets and a male Goosander. (Terry Fenton/Robin Griffiths) and a pair of Red Crested Pochards, 20+ Wigeon, four Shovelers and a female Goldeneye. (Jon Mercer). Pic by Richard Tyler.

Forest of Dean    Three Waxwings in Littledean until 11.30am when they flew SW in the garden of "Cherry Trees", opposite the Belfry pub on the main street. Also a small flock of Siskins and two Mistle Thrushes at the Church. Two Hawfinches, 100 Redwings and a drumming male Great Spotted Woodpecker at Speech House, and 47 Mandarins at Cannop lower pond. At Soudley pools Nature Reserve two Marsh Tits, a Nuthatch, a Little Grebe and three female Mandarins. At the Heritage Centre two male Mandarins and five Ravens over. (Paul Masters/Steve Brown). 

Witcombe Reservoir    A redhead Goosander and a Kingfisher this morning. (Terry Fenton).

Gloucester    Four Chiffchaffs together in riverside willows adjacent to Sudmeadow this morning and two Goldcrests by Llantony Weir. (Gordon Avery).

Ebworth    70 Fieldfares and 20 Redwings feeding on pasture mid afternoon. (John
Fleming).

Quedgeley    A garden Redwing this afternoon. (Paul Masters).

Frampton    A Kestrel by the canal just south of Splatt Bridge this afternoon. (Clive Mowforth). Pic by Clive.

Sat 27th December 2008 

Stanway    A Red Kite above Lidcombe Wood, just east of Stanway. Also a Grey Wagtail, a dozen Siskins, 20 Long-tailed Tits and over 200 Woodpigeons in the area. (Chris Furley).

Hawling    Two Short-eared Owls in fields just west of Southdown Farm which is SW of Hawling at SP059222 again this afternoon. (Chris & Peter Berry). Pic by Peter. 

More pics by Dave Morgan.

 

 

Forest of Dean    14 Waxwings in Littledean until at midday at least feeding on pink and white berries in the garden of "Cherry Trees", opposite the Belfry pub on the main street. (Tony Eveleigh). At 2pm 14 Waxwings, presumably the Littledean birds, landed in the Speech House paddocks by the Verderer's Oak and stayed until 2.30pm at least, feeding on berries. (Ben Macdonald). Also at Woorgreens four Wild Boar early morning, a male Crossbill and ten Siskins. (Tony Eveleigh). 

Cheltenham    At 4:30pm a Tawny Owl hooting near the Scout hut on Leckhampton Road. (Steve Brown).

 

Fri 26th December 2008 

Berkeley Heath    A Waxwing beside the A38 at 2pm today at ST711998. (Ray Sherman).

Forest of Dean    14 Waxwings in Littledean still this morning feeding on pink and white berries in the garden of "Cherry Trees", opposite the Belfry pub on the main street although mobile. (Richard Tyler/Jon Mercer/Nathan Casburn/Ben Macdonald). Pics by Richard.

 

 

More pics by Jon.

 

More pics by Nathan.

 

Also 1-2 Hawfinches still, opposite Speech House by the paddocks (Ben Macdonald) and a male Mandarin at Cannop ponds. (Nathan Casburn). Pics by Nathan.

Hawling    Two Short-eared Owls in fields just west of Southdown Farm which is SW of Hawling at SP059222 again this afternoon. (Dave Morgan). Pics by Dave.

 

 

Frampton    At WWT 100-Acre this morning two Kestrels, 50+ Lapwings, 15+ Curlews, a Merlin flying low between the canal and the 100-Acre and a Goldcrest in the brambles by the first gate.  Later around by Court Lake a Kingfisher, a Treecreeper, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and 5 or 6 Yellowhammers in the second field near to the Sailing Lake. (Bill Church).

Ebworth    Near Foston's Ash mid morning, 100+ Chaffinches and 24 Greenfinches feeding on weedy stubble, also 12 Fieldfares, two Redwings, a Song Thrush, ten Blackbirds, a Wren, five Buzzards, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Nuthatch, a Sparrowhawk, 75 Jackdaws, 12 Stock Doves and a flyover Raven. (John Fleming).

North Cerney    A Little Egret on the banks of the River Churn in the first field north of North Cerney, clearly visible from the A435 at SP017084. (Paul McGowan). Record shot by Paul.

Thu 25th December 2008 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

Forest of Dean    14 Waxwings in Littledean this afternoon feeding on pink and white berries in the garden of "Cherry Trees", opposite the Belfry pub on the main street. Also at least two Hawfinches feeding on yew berries in Littledean churchyard (on the main road back towards Gloucester, opposite the primary school). (John & Viv Phillips).

The Camp    40 Redwings and two Stonechats (1m, 1f) today. (Hugh Manistre).

Westrip    A garden male Blackcap visiting feeders this afternoon. (Ty & Carol Mein/MK).

Priding    The albinistic Lesser Black-backed Gull (probably the offspring of a white LBBG breeding in Gloucester) previously reported as a Glaucous Gull on the river again. It flew at 3:45pm with other gulls heading for the estuary. (Mark Hobson).

 

Wed 24th December 2008 

Framilode    A first-winter Iceland Gull this evening on the river. Also a Scandinavian Herring Gull. (Jeremy Squire/Neil Smart). Pic by Neil.

Epney/Priding    An albinistic Lesser Black-backed Gull (probably the offspring of a white LBBG breeding in Gloucester) previously reported as a Glaucous Gull on the river at 12:50pm off of the Anchor Inn. Later relocated at Priding at 2pm. It flew off towards Fretherne at 2:40pm with other gulls probably heading for the estuary. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/MK). Pic by Paul.

North Cerney    A Little Egret on the banks of the River Churn in the first field north of North Cerney, clearly visible from the A435. Also present yesterday. (Paul McGowan).

Leigh Meadows    Three Grey Herons, three Cormorants, 30 Fieldfares, a party of six Ravens, two Peregrines in an aerial grapple, a Buzzard, a Green Sandpiper, a Snipe heard and two Meadow Pipits. (Mark Grieve).

Brockhampton    A female Barn Owl carrying prey on the outskirts of the village, near the Short-eared Owl site at 3:30pm. (Roger Wasley).

Roel Gate    A male Merlin flew low across the road and into a field at 4pm. (Roger Wasley).

Gloucester    At Over Ponds a Water Rail heard and two Grey Wagtails. On Port Ham pond a Green Sandpiper, on Port Ham four Snipe and on the scrape by the substation a Green Sandpiper, two Water Rails heard and a pair of Stonechats. (Ian Elphick).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl at Tirley at 9:15pm. (Mark Grieve).

Stancombe    250+ Chaffinches on a stubble field down Catswood Lane, 12 flyover Golden Plovers, a Buzzard and a Kestrel mid-morning. (John Fleming).

 

Tue 23rd December 2008

Forest of Dean    Three Waxwings in Littledean by Kevin's hairdressers perched on a telephone post and feeding in a front garden there. (Keith Colcombe).  

Highnam    A Waxwing next to the A48 just South of Highnam roundabout. (Keith Colcombe).

Longney    Two Glaucous Gulls together this afternoon at Longney Crib for a short while before they flew off. One very white bird (see 24/12) and the other a greyer individual. (Jeremy Squire).

Coombe Hill Meadows    The floodwaters are dropping only slowly and the Grundon Hide was still not accessible today, though it will probably become accessible in the next day or two. As usual, the falling flood attracted a good number of ducks, visible from the canal bank 800+ Wigeon (biggest number this winter so far), at least 500 Teal, 80+ Pintails, ten Shelducks, 280 Lapwings and a single Golden Plover. (Mike Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    The lone Whooper Swan was feeding on a field north of Stank Lane today. Also a couple of Peregrines and a Water Pipit. (Les Brown).

 

Mon 22nd December 2008

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens Lake 19 Snipe, two Jack Snipe, 22 Goosanders (8m, 14f) and three Lesser Redpolls. In Kensley Enclosure three Crossbills. At Speech House a Hawfinch, 120 Redwings and two Mistle Thrushes. (Barrie Mills).

Frampton    Four immature female Scaup today in the bays at the back of Court Lake in a close group. (Geoff Moyser).

WWT Slimbridge    The Dark-bellied Brent Goose still from Holden Tower today. (James Lees, WWT). 

Walmore Common    11 Mute Swans, two Shelducks, 275 Teal, 12 Snipe, two Jack Snipe and two Stonechats. (Mike Smart).

Hardwicke    A report came into today to the Barn Owl Centre from a member of the public saying that last week, an Eagle Owl was seen on a few occasions between McDonalds and the Riding stables close to M5 Junction 12, Also seen flying across the main road from the fields to the riding stables. (Vince Jones).

 

Sun 21st December 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A probable Siberian Chiffchaff today at Robbie Garnett hide. (James Lees, WWT). The Bittern showing well still by the fence in the corner next to a hawthorn bush at Kingfisher Hide today at 10:30am. (James Sharman).

The two Egyptian Geese, one normal, one leucistic, were along the approach road. (Simon Mackie).

 

Gloucester    At Hempsted Meadows NR app. SO179166 two pairs of Stonechats and 15 Teal at midday. (Gordon Avery).

Cheltenham    40+ Pied Wagtails in one flock near the Lido pool today. (Mark Grieve). Two Ravens over the Bath Road. (Steve Brown).

Birdlip    Eight Ravens over Barrow Wake and a Roe Deer at Cowley. (Steve Brown).

Twyning    A female garden Blackcap today. (Phil Andrews). Pics by Phil.

 

Sat 20th December 2008

Longlevens    The Waxwing again in the only berry tree between the Co-op and the BP Garage today until 3:15pm at least. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Andy Lodge/Mark Hobson/MK). Pic by MK. 2nd pic by Paul. 3rd pic by Dave Pearce. Also some video footage here http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=OVN6x01-hmo from Ian Lavell. Make sure you select watch in HD bottom right of movie screen.

 

 

Hawling    Four Short-eared Owls in fields just west of Southdown Farm which is SW of Hawling at SP059222 this afternoon. (Martin Dyer). Pic by Martin. Also a Barn Owl hunting at dusk. (Andy Lewis).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Whooper Swan still feeding with the family of Mute Swans on good grass on higher ground south of the canal. 620 Wigeon, 100+ Teal (many more calling from the Long Pool), 70 Pintails, 30 Shovelers, seven Gadwalls and three Tufted Ducks. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    330 Canada Geese, two Tufted Ducks, small numbers of Wigeon, Pintail and Gadwall. On an old set aside by Stank Lane 60 Snipe, four Jack Snipe, also c15 Meadow Pipits, four Skylarks and six Yellowhammers (unusual here). (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow a Chiffchaff and 25 Goldfinches and in the marsh 11 Teal and a Woodcock today. (Gordon Avery).

Forest of Dean    At Cannop ponds nine male Goosanders, 90 Mandarins and a Kingfisher. At Speech house paddock 60 Redwings and two Jays. At Woorgreens Lake 22 Goosanders (11f, 11m) and a Grey Heron. (Tim Beard). Pics by Tim.

 

Cranham    At Buckle Wood a Goshawk/Gyr-type large falcon seen overhead in silhouette late afternoon. It may be the same large raptor seen on the 9th & 10th November at Painswick & Churchdown. (Terry Fenton).

 

Fri 19th December 2008

Longlevens    A Waxwing in a tree in front of the Co-op this morning, but not later. (Julian Long).

Rodley/Longney Sands    Brief sighting of a first-winter Glaucous Gull amongst the thousands of other large gulls present this afternoon. Also a Sparrowhawk, c1000 Golden Plovers, 1000 Lapwings, 25 Snipe, 151 Curlews, a Kingfisher and a pair of Stonechats. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern showing well still from Zeiss Hide today. (Rare Bird Alert). From Robbie Garnett hide 1000 Lapwings, 100 Curlews, 20 Golden Plovers, 900 Wigeon, 200 Teal, ten Tufted Ducks, 100 Pochards, a Peregrine and a Buzzard. From Holden Tower the Dark-bellied Brent Goose still, 100 Barnacle Geese, 200 White-fronted Geese and ten Black-tailed Godwits. From Lathbury hide 400 Wigeon and 200 Teal. (Tim Beard).

Forest of Dean    At Cannop Ponds this morning 104 Mandarins, seven Tufted Ducks, eight Goosanders (six adult males) and eight Little Grebes. Nearby at Oakenhill Wood eight Crossbills. (Andy Jayne).

 

Thu 18th December 2008

Arlingham    A Little Egret, a Green Sandpiper, a Little Owl, a Blackcap and 11 Reed Buntings today. (Andy Jayne).

The Camp    150+ Golden Plovers and 100+ Lapwings flying overhead in a single flock south of The Camp village at noon today heading southwards. Down Honeycomb Lane, five Bullfinches in the hedge below the farm buildings. (John Fleming).

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern showing well still from Zeiss Hide today. The Dark-bellied Brent Goose still on the saltmarsh. Also 112 Bewick's Swans and 216 White-fronted Geese and a pair of Merlins hunting waders over the Top New Piece. (James Lees, WWT). 

Forest of Dean    A garden Hawfinch briefly at Hangerberry, Lydbrook this morning at 10am. Also three Bramblings, four Siskins, eight Goldfinches, a Bullfinch and c12 Greenfinches. (Gavin Black).

Meysey Hampton    A Little Egret on a tiny pond straddling the Glos/Wiltshire border where a family of Mute Swans appeared to have nested too. Also Bullfinches and Yellowhammers here. (Gordon Kirk / Mike Smart).

 

Wed 17th December 2008

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern still from Zeiss Hide today. (Rare Bird Alert).

Hawling    Five Short-eared Owls in fields just west of Southdown Farm which is SW of Hawling at SP059222 this afternoon. There were five different birds showing well, four hunting over the rough grass field and one sat on a dry stone wall, and at one time two of the owls mobbed a Buzzard sat on a dry stone wall, which then flew off into the distance chased out of sight by one of the owls. (Stephen Martin/Dave Pearce).

Forest of Dean    At Speech House a Hawfinch in the paddocks, a Raven and c110 Redwings. At New Fancy View two Ravens, a possible Goshawk over the ridge, a female Brambling at the feeders and a Marsh Tit. At Redbrook on the River Wye three Goosanders (2m,1f). (Derek Hale/Martin Drew). Also seven Crossbills feeding in larches at Boy's Grave. (Martin Drew).

The Camp    A Barn Owl today at 3:15pm over a field of long grass just W of The Camp, S of Birdlip. (Laurie Pierce).

Cheltenham    12 Siskins in The Park this afternoon. (Peter Cadogan).

Eastington    c50 Pied Wagtails in trees beside the Little Chef on the Eastington roundabout at 4:10pm prior to roosting. (MK).

 

Tue 16th December 2008

Frampton    An immature drake Scaup on Court Lake today. Also a male Goldeneye and a male Goosander. Please keep to public footpaths. (Nick Goatman).

WWT Slimbridge    A Dark-bellied Brent Goose amongst the Canada Geese today. Also 104 Bewick's Swans and 216 White-fronted Geese, four Spotted Redshanks and 12 Ruff. (James Lees, WWT). 

Ashleworth Ham    A Little Grebe, 100 Wigeon, 150 Teal, 50 Mallards, four Gadwall, 40 Shovelers and 21 Pintails. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Walmore Common    11 Mute Swans, 30 Canada Geese, 120 Wigeon, 300 Teal, 20 Shovelers, 20 Pintails and 50 Mallards. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Coberley    At last light a Tawny Owl called then flew from the tall trees behind Dowman's Farm. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    At Soudley ponds five Mandarins and five Mallards. At Mallard’s Pike two Mandarins and ten Mallards. At Cannop ponds two Little Grebes, a Greylag, five Tufted Ducks, 50 Mallards and four Mandarins. (Tim Beard). A Raven at Speech House today. (Derek Hale).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pits 46/48 two redhead Smew and a Water Rail under the bird feeders at Coots Café. (Alan Richards). Pic by Alan.

Mon 15th December 2008

Forest of Dean     Two Waxwings in a garden on Morse Road at Drybrook at 2:30pm SO635175. (Rare Bird Alert). Around Speech House a Hawfinch, a Grey Wagtail, 50+ Redwings and 15+ Fieldfares. At Woorgreens Lake eight Goosanders (2m and 6 redheads). At Forge Hill, Lydbrook six Bullfinches (4m/2f). Also Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit, 2+ Coal Tits and a male Blackcap. (Chris & Martin Sullivan). At Cannop Ponds a Dipper, on the rapids below the Stoneworks. 14  Goosanders (10m,4f) and 12 Mandarins on the pond. Two Marsh Tits on the feeders. At New Fancy View car park two female Bramblings by the feeders and a male Bullfinch over. On Speech House Field c80 Redwings at 10:40am. (Derek Hale). Pics by Derek.

 

Lydney    A male Goosander on Lydney Boating Lake this morning. (Ron Beddis).

Walmore Common    Six Bewick's Swans, ten Canada Geese, four Shelducks, 180 Teal,160 Mallards, 24 Pintails, 26 Shovelers and a Yellow-legged Gull. (Andy Jayne).

Minsterworth Ham    100 Wigeon, 210 Teal and singles of Pintail, Dunlin, Green Sandpiper and Kingfisher. (Andy Jayne).

Ashleworth Ham    This morning at least 14 Gadwall, 40 Pintail in courtship display, c50 Shovelers and a male Peregrine sitting on a pylon. (Mike Smart). Severn Hams access - yesterday the Coombe Hill hides were inaccessible, view from the canal bank only. This morning the Severn has risen a bit more, and is beginning to overtop its banks between Haw Bridge and the Red Lion, so that road will very soon be closed. The Chelt is also overtopping its banks which means levels will rise at Coombe Hill. The Ham road from Tirley to Ashleworth is still open and the Ashleworth hide easily accessible but may get more difficult if the river rises any more.

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow marsh ten Teal, a Water Rail, six Snipe and a Green Sandpiper and c120 Wigeon flying north. Also a nominate race adult male Chiffchaff trapped for ringing. (Gordon Avery). At 11pm at Oxleaze, Alney Island two Barn Owls hunting from the fence along the edge of the bypass. Two male Tawny Owls calling from the edge of Richard's Wood. (Ian Elphick).

Leckhampton Hill    Two Ravens over, a Stock Dove above the Lime Kilns, a Jay and two Mistle Thrushes. Also a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming repeatedly near Southfield Manor. (Steve Brown).

Cheltenham    At 4:30 pm a Tawny Owl hooting in the gardens between Old Bath Road and Christowe Lane. (Steve Brown).

Hucclecote    Three garden Blackcaps, all males feeding on ground almonds. (Terry Fenton). Pic by Terry.

Sun 14th December 2008

Robinswood Hill    Two Firecrests this afternoon in the fir trees by Fox Elms House on the southern part of Robinswood Hill this afternoon. (Pete Zaltowski per GRA).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Whooper Swan still present. The hides are inaccessible, view from the canal bank only. (Les Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    43 Bewick's Swans, five Ruff, a Redshank, 60 Dunlins and 500 Lapwings on the roadside fields, a Chiffchaff, ten Lesser Redpolls and a Green Woodpecker around the car park. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman). 

Stonebench    Two Little Owls, three Red-legged Partridges and nine Meadow Pipits. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman). 

Quedgeley    A Green Woodpecker, a Grey Wagtail and three Goldcrests between Clearwater Drive and Rea Bridge. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman). 

Cotswold Water Park    At Pits 46/48 two Smew, six Goldeneyes, four Goosanders, two Grey Herons, a Raven, three Great Crested Grebes, five Tufted Ducks and five Red Crested Pochards. At Pit 57 a Goldeneye, ten Shovelers, 30 Tufted Ducks, two Great Crested Grebes and three Little Grebes. At Pit 44 ten Red Crested Pochards, three Pochards, seven Goosanders and ten Tufted Ducks. (Tim Beard & Helen Morgan). A Water Rail under the bird feeders in front of Cotswold Outdoors café. (Chris Furley).

Forest of Dean    At the Paddocks, Speech House, 2+ Hawfinches showing very well. A Goshawk over Cannop Ponds at 11:30am and another at 3pm. (Ben Macdonald). At Cannop Pond Feeders  at least 20 Coal Tits, 12-15 Nuthatches, singles of Marsh Tit, Grey Wagtail, Reed Bunting and Sparrowhawk. At Cannop Stoneworks 20+ Siskins, at least seven Marsh Tits, five Goosanders (1 redhead) and three Goldcrests. At Speech House Arboretum two Ravens, 150+ Redwings with a handful of Fieldfares amongst them. (Mark Moore). Pics by Mark.

 

 

Gloucester    A Green Sandpiper over Sudmeadow at midday. (Gordon Avery).

Fairford    On the Fairford-Hatherop road 200 Meadow Pipits, 22 Pied Wagtails and 2000 Woodpigeons in a stubble field, nearby in root crops 800 Fieldfares, 20 Redwings, 50 Skylarks, 20 Yellowhammers, 12 Buzzards worming and a fly by male Merlin. (Mick & Jo Jones).

 

Sat 13th December 2008

Cheltenham    A Raven at Swindon Lane flying east towards Cleeve Hill. (Laurie Pierce).

Gloucester    At 1pm a Little Owl on Sudmeadow heard from Port Ham and at 10pm a Barn Owl seen briefly across Oxleaze. (Ian Elphick).

Hawling    Three Short-eared Owls still 7 miles east of Cheltenham at Hawling over rough fields from 2:30 pm and showing well SP059222, then at 3:30pm one of the birds went in circle very high then flew west completely out of sight. (Ian Lavell).

Frampton    Belated news of an Eagle Owl seen by a boatman at Splatt Bridge on Weds 10th Dec. (per Mark Hobson).

Ashleworth Ham    From the hide 30+ Shovelers, five Pintails, 130+ Wigeon, 150+ Teal, 40+ Mallards, 25 Black-headed Gulls, a Tufted Duck and at least four Buzzards around the reserve. In Meerend thicket a Treecreeper and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. From Dirty Lane 12 Fieldfares, five Reed Buntings and several Meadow Pipits over. A flock of 50+ Woodpigeons over Hasfield Ham and at Deerhurst 15 Lapwings. (Mark Grieve).

Leckhampton    A flock of 70 Golden Plovers and 65 Lapwings on arable land. Also two Roe Deer by the game feeding station near Hartley Farm. (Mike Smart/GNS Field Meeting).

 

Fri 12th December 2008

Dumbleton    At 3pm today a ringtail Hen Harrier flying low over fields east of Dumbleton Hill (SP025357). At 2 pm on the SE slopes of the hill a male Peregrine dropped a young male Teal, which escaped. The Peregrine later had a dip at another Teal in flight, but missed. Also in the area a flock of 100 Skylarks in the stubble fields and a few Bramblings in a small Chaffinch flock. (Tim Hutton).

Stroud    A garden Blackcap this morning feeding on apples in the Slad Valley. (Hugh Manistre).

Hucclecote    Four garden Blackcaps and a first-winter Grey Wagtail feeding on ground almonds, a garden tick. (Terry Fenton). Pic by Terry.

Forest of Dean    A female Hawfinch, male and female Brambling, a male Bullfinch and a Marsh Tit at New Fancy View. Another pair of Bramblings at Cannop ponds and a pair of Bullfinches at Nagshead. (Allan Chard). Pics by Allan.

 

 

Thu 11th December 2008

WWT Slimbridge    Belated news of the probable Siberian Chiffchaff again yesterday at 1:15pm in a bush to the left of the car park toilet block then flew over the road to the area to the left of the Visitor Centre calling constantly. (Tony Eveleigh).

Nailsworth    A Woodcock flushed in the Avening valley this morning. (Dave Watson).

Ashleworth Ham    A pair of Peregrines today. (Phil Andrews). Pic by Phil.

Cheltenham    A Raven flying south over Sainsbury's, Tewkesbury Road at 3pm calling. Also 1000+ flock of Starlings circling and wheeling in North Cheltenham, near or just S of the racecourse at 4pm. (Laurie Pierce). 

Eastington    c200 Pied Wagtails roosted in trees beside the Little Chef on the Eastington roundabout at 4:10pm. (MK).

 

Wed 10th December 2008

Cheltenham    A female Goosander on Pittville Park lake again today. (Laurie Pierce). 200 Pied Wagtails roosted in trees beside the side exit to Marks & Spencer. (Tony Eveleigh).

Stroud    A Waxwing flew over the Bisley Road towards Thrupp at 12:15pm. Also also a Lesser Redpoll, four Siskins, a Brambling and two Blackcaps at same site. (Francis Steuck per RB).

Hawling    Six Short-eared Owls hunting in fields, just west of Southdown Farm which is SW of Hawling, both sides of the minor road at SP057219 at 4pm. Also 600 Golden Plovers from the road by Roel Hill Farm. (Dave Pearce).

Frampton    A male Merlin on top of a dead tree just past the garage on the main road. A Little Owl by Court Lake and three Little Egrets. (Graham Watson). Pic by Graham.

WWT Slimbridge    Three Water Rails at the feeders and a Redshank on South Lake, the rest frozen over. (Graham Watson). Pics by Graham.

 

 

 

Charlton Kings    A Tawny Owl hooting in the Sandy Lane area at 6:45am and a Fox on Moorend Road. (Steve Brown).

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

Hartpury    A male Blackcap feeding on apples at Hartpury College today. (Lewis Thomson).

Corse    200+ Starlings on set-aside near garage. (Mark Grieve).

 

Tue 9th December 2008

Hawling    Five Short-eared Owls hunting in fields just west of Southdown Farm which is SW of Hawling late afternoon at SP059222. (Pete Grimmitt).

Forest of Dean    A Willow Tit at Brierley on the track opposite the petrol station at 3pm SO622150. Marsh Tits and twelve Siskins at Cannop Stoneworks, a Marsh Tit at Cannop Ponds car park and 12 Mandarins on upper Cannop Pond. (Ben Macdonald). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    A lone Whooper Swan had roosted, and flew out to feed on rich grass on the southern meadows at 7:30am. It seems likely that this was the bird seen briefly at Slimbridge on Sunday; it definitely seems to have lost its mate. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    320 Canada Geese, one Barnacle Goose and 25 Greylags had roosted and most had flown out to the N by 8:15am. 120+ Wigeon, 160+ Teal, 31+ Pintails, 47+ Shovelers and 70 Mallards. Just two Coot, c20 Snipe, a Jack Snipe, c25 Reed Buntings, good numbers of Greenfinches and a Peregrine on the wires. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

 

Mon 8th December 2008

Hawling    Three Short-eared Owls hunting in fields just west of Southdown Farm which is SW of Hawling late afternoon at SP059222, also using the field near the decrepit barn. Also here a Stonechat and a Corn Bunting. (Steve Brown).

Frampton    At least two drake and one female Red Crested Pochard this morning with c30 Shovelers on Court Lake. At the WWT 100-Acre two Stonechats, a Raven, a Buzzard and six Curlews. (Howard Lloyd with U3A group - Thornbury)

Cheltenham    A female Goosander on Pittville Park lake today. (Laurie Pierce). This morning a garden Marsh Tit at Naunton Park, a garden tick. (Steve Brown). 

Cranham    Around Overtown Farm mid-morning 250+ Chaffinches, 20 Redwings, 36 Skylarks, four Stock Doves, 29 Jackdaws, a Kestrel, a Buzzard, ten Yellowhammers, and six Red-legged Partridges. At Foston's Ash, at the entrance to Workman's Wood NNR, four Goldcrests, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, four Nuthatches and 16 flyover Stock Doves. (John Fleming).

 

Sun 7th December 2008

Hawling    Four Short-eared Owls hunting in fields just west of Southdown Farm which is SW of Hawling at 3.45pm at SP059222. (Dave Pearce). Also this morning a Stonechat, two Buzzards, a Raven, 16 Red-legged Partridges, 17 Lapwings and a Fox. (Steve Brown).

Berkeley    A Turtle Dove in a private garden in Berkeley for two months and still present today. (per James Lees).

Frampton    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP on Court Lake this morning still. Please keep to public footpaths. Also this morning two female Scaup, a drake Red Crested Pochard, 30 Shovelers and 32 Teal. (Nick Goatman). A Short-eared Owl over the WWT 100-Acre late morning. View only from the viewing platform or the viewing gate in Green Lane. Also a Whooper Swan that was earlier in the Rushy Pen. (Neil Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    Along Stank Lane at least two Water Pipits, six Meadow Pipits, five Pied Wagtails and feeding on flood water, also 15 Fieldfares, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 15 Wigeon and Teal heard. At the top of Stank Lane 50+ Chaffinches on stubble. From the hide a Kestrel, up to three Buzzards, 45+ Wigeon, 30+ Teal, ten Pintails, 40+ Shovelers, 30 Mallards and a Peregrine on the pylons. At Colways Farm 50+ Redwings, six Pied Wagtails, five Reed Buntings, 2/3 Meadow Pipits and two Snipe all on the small pool by the road.  (Mark Grieve).

Hucclecote    Two garden Blackcaps today. (Terry Fenton). Pic by Terry.

  

Churchdown    A garden Treecreeper, and also a Great Spotted Woodpecker and two pairs of Blackcaps today. (Frances Smith).

 

Sat 6th December 2008

Coombe Hill Meadows    A single Whooper Swan which had roosted but flew at first light flew with Mute Swans to graze S of the canal. Also 120 Teal, a Pintail, 20 Shovelers, 60 Lapwings, five Snipe, five Bullfinches, four Reed Buntings and a Great Tit singing already. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Walmore Common    Eight Mute Swans, 60 Teal and two Stonechats. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Frampton    Two Short-eared Owls hunting at dusk over the WWT 100-Acre today. View only from the viewing platform or the viewing gate in Green Lane. (Neil & Val Smart/Nick Goatman). Late afternoon two Little Owls calling from the fields between Green Lane and the canal, a Sparrowhawk at Splatt Bridge and a Water Rail heard at Nebrow Hill. This morning on Court Lake two female Scaup, two Egyptian Geese (1 leucistic), a Black Swan and a Great Spotted Woodpecker but no sign of the Lesser Scaup. (Steve Brown). A drake Red Crested Pochard on the Sailing Lake today. (Howard Lloyd). 

WWT Slimbridge    The SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF again briefly at 11am from the Zeiss Hide in the reed bed. Seen to fly S towards the South Finger flash and willows. (Neil Smart). Also from Zeiss hide two Spotted Redshanks, a Water Rail, a Cetti's Warbler and a Stonechat. A female Brambling on the Kingfisher hide feeders. (Steve Brown).

Hawling    Three Short-eared Owls hunting the rough fields near Hawling today. (Tom & Greg Mabbett).

 

Cam Long Down    A Woodcock at dusk today. (Terry Fenton).

Tarlton    Three Bramblings with Chaffinches and Linnets near Tarlton village at ST99U today. (Phil Pope).

Forest of Dean    At Speech House two Treecreepers, a Nuthatch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker today. (Allan Chard). Pics by Allan. A male Blackcap on a garden feeder at Forge Hill, Lydbrook today. (Chris Sullivan).

 

 

 

Fri 5th December 2008

Birdlip    A Red Kite over Birdlip Hill at 2:15pm today. (Andy Chapman). 

Frampton    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still on Court Lake today. Please keep to public footpaths. (Phil Pope).

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern still from Zeiss Hide this morning. (Rare Bird Alert).

Stroud    63 Lapwings, 28 Black-headed Gulls, a Jay, a Mistle Thrush and a Fieldfare at Lypiatt Park. 52 Golden Plovers, 250+ Woodpigeons and 200+ Starlings near Stancombe farm shop. At Swifts Hill NR near Slad 32 Blackbirds, ten Chaffinches and a Buzzard. Also two Ravens circling and calling over Stratford Park, Stroud before heading NE. (John Fleming).

Forest of Dean    At 10am a male Brambling on a garden feeder at Forge Hill, Lydbrook. Also three male and two female Bullfinches. (Chris Sullivan).

 

Thu 4th December 2008

Gloucester    A Short-eared Owl flew over the bypass into Castle Meads (West) last night at 10:25pm. (Gordon Avery).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Whooper Swan still today, grazing with Mute Swans in the fields south of the canal. (Mike Smart).

Frampton    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still on Court Lake today. Please keep to public footpaths. Also two female Scaup still. (Rare Bird Alert).

 

Wed 3rd December 2008

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern still from Zeiss Hide this morning. (Rare Bird Alert).

Cotswold Water Park (W)    At Lower Mill and Swillbrook Lakes area today 11 Goosanders (7 drakes), five Goldeneyes, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Kingfisher and three Chiffchaffs. (Andy Jayne).

Hawling    Two Short-eared Owls hunting in fields just west of Southdown Farm which is SW of Hawling at 4pm at SP059222. (Steve Owen).

Frampton    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still on Court Lake today. Please keep to public footpaths. Also two female Scaup still. (Chris Stone).

Stroud    At Lypiatt Park 28 Lapwings, a Raven, ten Chaffinches on winter crops, on the pasture opposite 200+ Common Gulls and 12 Black-headed Gulls. At Stancombe 100+ Chaffinches on stubble and a Kestrel. Near Througham, 12 Fieldfares, five Redwings, ten Yellowhammers, a Jay, a Mistle Thrush and two Buzzards. (John Fleming).

Charlton Abbots to Roel Gate    Three Kestrels, five Buzzards, 250+ Golden Plovers, 30+ Lapwings, 60+ Red-legged Partridges, a Treecreeper, two Lesser Redpolls, 20+ Linnets and two Mistle Thrushes. (Graham Watson). Pics below by Graham.

 

 

 

Tue 2nd December 2008

Frampton    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still on Court Lake today. Please keep to public footpaths. Also a female Scaup. (Rare Bird Alert).

Hawling    A Short-eared Owl on a post along the minor road SP057216, SW of the village early evening. (Dave Pearce).

Netheridge Farm     A Merlin on the border edge in a tree close to the Reserve, a male Sparrowhawk, a pair of Kestrels, three Little Owls, two Tawny Owls, a flock of Goldfinches with a few Linnets, a pair of Bullfinches, a pair of Reed Buntings, two pairs of Stonechats, a pair of Ravens and 14 Long-tailed Tits at the Barn Owl Centre today. (Vince Jones). Pic by Vince.

Forest of Dean    At the Cannop Ponds bird feeder area this morning a Coal Tit, a Marsh Tit, two Nuthatches, a Jay, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Grey Wagtail, a Pied Wagtail and a Reed Bunting (pic below by Alan) whilst commoner birds included Blackbird, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Robin and Blue Tit. (Alan Richards).

Charlton Kings    Five Blackcaps (3f, 2m) on garden feeders and also Redwings. (Graham Watson). Pic below by Graham. Welcome back!

Mon 1st December 2008

Netheridge Farm     A Barn Owl active in the lower field at 9:15pm at the Barn Owl Centre. (Vince Jones).

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern seen at 10am from Zeiss Hide, a female Goosander
on South Lake and a Sparrowhawk took a Dunlin off the mud on South Lake. There
were unseasonal Mallard ducklings on the stream before South Lake. (Graham Cox). Pics of Mallards, Bewick's Swans, Greylags, Lapwings and Pintail by Graham.

 

 

 

 

 

Brimscombe    Two Siskins, a Dipper and a Grey Wagtail along the River Frome at Brimscombe Port at lunchtime. (David Owen).

Eastington    At the Millend feeders today a Coal Tit, a Nuthatch, two male Blackcaps, a Fieldfare, a female Great Spotted Woodpecker, eight Long-tailed Tits, ten Blackbirds, 12 Jackdaws, six Chaffinches, a Buzzard (first bird table record) and the resident Peacock. (Jake King).

 

Sun 30th November 2008

Purton    A flock of 18 Curlew this afternoon. (Ian Woods).

Frampton    The immature male LESSER SCAUP and two female Scaup on Court Lake still this afternoon, also a Little Egret, a Raven and two Chiffchaffs. (Paul Masters)

Aylburton Warth    At high tide this morning c400 Dunlin, c250 Lapwings, c180 Golden Plovers, 163 Curlews, 50+ Snipe, 47 Teal, 17 Wigeon, 16 Redshanks, nine Shelducks, three Shovelers, a Common Sandpiper, a male Stonechat and a Weasel. (Lewis Thomson).

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern flew out of the Zeiss reed bed towards South Finger at 11:15am, landing in the patch of reeds a little way up which extends well into the lake. Also three Spotted Redshanks from Zeiss hide, a Kingfisher at Hogarth hide and a Water Rail, two Siskins and a Lesser Redpoll at the Holden walkway feeders. (Phil Pope/Paul Masters). 

Cheltenham    A male Blackcap at The Park this morning. (Peter Cadogan).

 

Sat 29th November 2008

Severn Hams    At Coombe Hill 200 Wigeon, 300 Teal, 70 Mallards, 12 Pintails, 30 Shovelers, two adult Whooper Swans had roosted on the scrapes at Coombe Hill, and flew out early on with a family of Mute Swans to graze on good grass on slightly higher ground near the southern meadows, a male Peregrine and 70 Lapwings. On Cobney Meadows (at the Wainlodes end), at least 66 Snipe and a Green Sandpiper. At Ashleworth an early Shelduck, 350 Wigeon, 25 Pintails, 35 Shovelers and a Redshank. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Eastington    In the east meadows 30+ Siskins, two Lesser Redpolls, two Buzzards, two Teal, a Grey Wagtail, a Chiffchaff and 800+ mixed gulls mainly Black-headed and Common Gulls. On Millend feeders 21 Blackbirds, a male Blackcap, a Nuthatch, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Fieldfare. (Jake King).

WWT Slimbridge    89 Bewick's Swans in the Rushy Pen today. Also a Merlin, three Spotted Redshanks, four Ruff, two Little Stints and 28 Black-tailed Godwits and several Curlews, pic below by Allan. (James Lees, WWT/Allan Chard). 

Nind    5+ Lesser Redpolls, a Water Rail and a Snipe this morning on the site of the former fish farm, ST756915. (Vic Polley).

Frampton    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still on the Court Lake this afternoon. Please keep to public footpaths. Also two female Scaup, a Siskin over and a Black Swan still. A Little Egret N of Splatt Bridge and a Stonechat, a Snipe and a Cetti's Warbler in the WWT 100-Acre from Green Lane. (MK/Nick Goatman). 

 

Fri 28th November 2008

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern again today showing from Zeiss hide at 3:10pm. Also a Merlin, a Chiffchaff and a Water Rail. (Andy Chapman). 

Frampton    No sign of the Lesser Scaup or Scaup late afternoon on Court Lake but a Siskin over and a Black Swan. Two Little Egrets N of Splatt Bridge and a Stonechat and two Cetti's Warblers calling in the WWT 100-Acre from Green Lane. (MK). 

Tuffley    In the garden today eight Goldfinches, a Siskin, two Coal Tits and a male Blackcap. (Mark Hobson).
Woodford    Three garden Redwings and five Long-tailed Tits today. (Geoff Poulton).

 

Thu 27th November 2008

Frampton    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still on the Court Lake this afternoon. Please keep to public footpaths. Also two Scaup. (Rare Bird Alert).

Bishop's Cleeve    An adult CASPIAN GULL on the GE Aviation playing field at at 11:30am. (John Sanders).

Shurdington    A female Hen Harrier flew low across the A417 carriageway from N to S and settled on a sapling on the embankment at 11:15 am. (Giles Diggle).

Kingscote    c300 Golden Plovers with c70 Lapwings in a field west of the village at ST810963. (Vic Polley).

Slad    A Woodcock this morning at Snows Farm nature reserve, Slad Valley, SO80Z. (Gordon Kirk).

Bisley    Opposite Holbrook garage 70+ Golden Plovers, ten Lapwings and four Black-headed Gulls. Near Stancombe farm shop, 200+ Starlings and a Kestrel. Opposite Lypiatt Park 200 Common Gulls and 40+ Black-headed Gulls on pasture. (John Fleming).

 

Wed 26th November 2008

Cheltenham    A Dipper flew over The Park presumably heading for the lake. (Peter Cadogan).

Uley Bury    A Woodcock at dusk. (Terry Fenton).

Uckington    A Jack Snipe flushed from the bank of the Chelt near Millhouse Farm. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    At Brierley two Willow Tits, 60+ Siskins, two Goldcrests and two Bullfinches. (Steve Avery).

 

Tue 25th November 2008

Bentham Landfill    A Woodcock, two Snipe and two Little Owls this evening. (Terry Fenton).

Frampton    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still on the Court Lake today at noon but elusive. Please keep to public footpaths. Also a female Scaup. (Gordon Kirk).

WWT Slimbridge    A SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF briefly this morning at the Holden Tower. (Martin McGill, WWT). 

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens three Goosanders (a pair and a juvenile male) at 11am. At Cannop Ponds five Little Grebes. (Bob Broughton).

Charlton Kings    This morning a Tawny Owl hooting in the Bafford area at 6:45am. (Steve Brown).

 

Mon 24th November 2008

Frampton    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP on the Court Lake until dusk. Please keep to public footpaths. Also today five Scaup (an immature male and four females), a Kingfisher and four Little Egrets. (Mark Hobson/Andy & Mhairi Chapman/John Overfield/Brian Stretch).

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern again today showing from Zeiss hide this morning. (Mark Hobson). Also from Zeiss hide a Water Rail. (Andy & Mhairi Chapman). A Grey Phalarope reported by visitors on the Holden Tower scrape for 10 minutes only at 2:30pm. (per James Lees, WWT).

Forest of Dean    At Brierley late afternoon six Crossbills, three Bullfinches, two Marsh Tits, two flocks of Long-tailed Tits (15 & 12) and a Fox. (Steve Brown). 

Bisley    Late morning five flyover Golden Plovers just north of Bisley, two Ravens at Througham Slad, 20 Fieldfares, three Redwings, a pair of Bullfinches and a Jay near Upper Southmead farm. Two Buzzards near Camp village and a Green Woodpecker south of Whiteway. (John Fleming).

Cirencester    At Stratton a female Brambling in the garden, the first of the winter. (Ken Cservenka).

 

Sun 23rd November 2008

Frampton    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP on the Court Lake until dusk. Please keep to public footpaths. (Nick Goatman/Neil Smart). Also this afternoon three Scaup (an immature male and two females). (John Martin/Nick Goatman/Paul Masters).

WWT Slimbridge    The Bittern again today showing from Zeiss hide until 9:40am at least. Also a Cetti's Warbler heard and a Little Stint.  (James Lees, WWT/Martin McGill, WWT/MK). 11 Bewick's Swans on the roadside fields, four Lesser Redpolls feeding on the Alders at South Finger, the thousands of birds on the Tack Piece included four Ruffs, 43 White-fronted Geese, 90 Dunlin and a Black-tailed Godwit. (Paul Masters).

Cheltenham    c540 Pied Wagtails this evening roosting in three trees in Pittville Street. (Mike Sutcliffe).

Charlton Kings    A Woodcock flushed from the bridle path at the top of Sandy Lane. (Steve Brown). 

Slad Valley    At Swift’s Hill Elliot NR (SO80Y) 16 Long-tailed Tits, two Goldcrests, a Raven and  20 Fieldfares. At Througham (SO90E) 250 Fieldfares and 20 Lapwings. At Stancombe (SO 80Y) six Linnets and at Bisley (SO90D) 20 Yellowhammers. (Hugh Manistre).

Cheltenham    At Naunton Park a garden Grey Heron perched on the conservatory, 25 Fieldfares and a Raven over and 15 Long-tailed Tits. (Steve Brown).

 

Sat 22nd November 2008

Frampton    An immature drake LESSER SCAUP on the Court Lake late afternoon in fading light. Please keep to public footpaths. (Nick Goatman/Neil Smart). A Short-eared Owl at 4:30pm from Splatt Bridge and also a good showing from Starlings going to roost. (Mike Smith).

WWT Slimbridge    A Bittern today showing well at Kingfisher hide and from Zeiss hide. (Dave Paynter, WWT per JL).

Purton    Mid afternoon 30 Lapwings, six Shelducks, a pair of Mute Swans over, a Grey Heron, a Kingfisher, a Curlew, two Oystercatchers, a Sparrowhawk, Great Black-backed Gulls and two Cormorants. (Ian Woods).

 

Fri 21st November 2008

Berkeley    A Black Redstart briefly seen on the River Severn bank today on a fence near Severn House Farm at 2pm. (Vic Polley).

Newnham    A Mediterranean Gull still today. (John Phillips).

Gloucester    A female Stonechat and a Green Sandpiper by the plantation pool, Sudmeadow. (Gordon Avery). A male Stonechat on the south side of Netheridge Bridge in a set-aside field. (Mark Hobson).

 

Thu 20th November 2008

Frampton    Belated news of a BEARDED TIT late afternoon yesterday at the reedbed north of Splatt Bridge but no sign today. (Pete Zaltowski per G R Avery).

Saul Warth    A Spotted Redshank today. (Andy Jayne).

Througham    On stubble  north of  Througham, 62 Fieldfares, 120+ Starlings, 36 Skylarks, three Redwings, three Meadow Pipits, five Yellowhammers, 24 Chaffinches, 20 Linnets and a Kestrel.  (John Fleming).

 

Wed 19th November 2008

Gloucester    A Chiffchaff at Sims Bridge today. (Mark Hobson).

Aylburton Warth    A Cetti's Warbler in a reed filled ditch along the railway track this morning, also 400+ Lapwings, 167 Curlews, 32 Dunlin, 40+ Meadow Pipits, 23 Fieldfares, 20 Redwings, 18 Skylarks, 13 Pied Wagtails, nine Shelducks, seven Wigeon, a Stonechat, a Redshank, a Sparrowhawk, and two Golden Plovers headed eastwards. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis.

Uckington    Late afternoon two Roe Deer at Withy Bridge, Uckington and three more at Hayden. (Steve Brown).

 

Tue 18th November 2008

Fairford    A Merlin seen on the landing lights at E end RAF Fairford runway at 1pm. (Trevor Dobie).

Compton Green    Seven Crossbills (1w male, 2 adult males and 4 females) between Newent and Redmarley D'Abitot at Compton Green drinking from roadside puddles and showing well 10:20-10:25am then flew south. (Brian Stretch).

Nailsworth    This morning at 8:30am a Red Kite flew over heading west. (Dave Watson).

Elkstone     470 Golden Plovers north of Highgate House today. (Terry Fenton).

Pen Hill SO91W    A Woodcock, four Bramblings, ten Ravens, a Dipper on the Churn and a Little Egret flying upstream possibly to Cockleford trout farm. (Terry Fenton).

Cheltenham    c250 Pied Wagtails roosting in Pittville Street this evening. (Tony Hurcombe).

Withington    2000 Woodpigeons today. (Terry Fenton).

Bishops Cleeve    A Tawny Owl calling at 5:30pm near Cheltenham North Rugby Club. (Steve Brown).

 

Mon 17th November 2008

Lydney     The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still at Lydney pools this afternoon but no sign late afternoon. (Allan Chard). Also a Firecrest at the Marina and 70 Golden Plovers on the sands. Lydney pools are on the left of the Harbour Road after the level crossing. (Andy Jayne). Please note if visiting the site is private (no public access) but the bird can be viewed from the pull-in by the larger lake.  It's best to park either in the road stub at the smaller lake or further back by the houses and walk round - it's a very nasty corner at the pull-in by the main lake. 

Forest of Dean    A Buzzard, a Raven, a Nuthatch and a Treecreeper at the Arboretum car park near Speech House today, a Tufted Duck at Cannop ponds and a Woodcock flushed at New Fancy View. (Allan Chard). Pics by Allan.

 

 

 

 

Cranham    Near Overtown Farm a male Sparrowhawk, two Buzzards, a Kestrel, 42 flyover Golden Plovers heading south, 180+ Starlings, six Yellowhammers, 52 Skylarks, 50+ Chaffinches, 12 Goldfinches, 29 Redwings on hawthorns, 62 Common Gulls, ten Lesser Black-backed Gulls, five Fieldfares, 80 Linnets, two Mistle Thrushes, a Song Thrush, 120 + Jackdaws, 12 Carrion Crows, 70+ Rooks, two Blackbirds and a Pied Wagtail. (John Fleming).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl today. (Mark Grieve).

Bisley    30 Lapwings and 40 Golden Plovers today. (Mark Grieve).

Deerhurst    50 Fieldfares today. (Mark Grieve).

 

Sun 16th November 2008

Newnham    Two adult Mediterranean Gulls today. (John Phillips).

Painswick    A Firecrest today with flock of nine Goldcrests between 12 noon-1pm in the Painswick Valley, near Paradise SO877114. In the small valley that runs in a NW-SE direction between Oliver's Farm and Damsells Farm. Access from the public footpath running directly S from Oliver's Farm. (Francis Steuck).

Lydney    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still this morning on Lydney pools. Lydney pools are on the left of the Harbour Road after the level crossing. (Jon Mercer/Mark Moore). Pics by Richard Tyler.

 

WWT Slimbridge    A Jack Snipe from Hogarth hide at 2:30pm. (Ray & Julie Sherman). 

Quedgeley    A Jack Snipe at Clearwater Drive this morning. (Andy Chapman).

Forest of Dean    At Brierley this morning a Willow Tit, nine Bramblings, 15 Siskins and two Ravens over. (Jon Mercer). Beside the Blakeney to Parkend road yesterday a Dipper downstream of the Wenchford picnic place, in full song. (Steve Brown).

Saul Warth    A Rock Pipit amongst a mixed flock of Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Goldfinches, Pied Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail this morning. (Mark Hobson).

Fretherne    Ten Little Egrets in the fields to the right of the minor road to Fretherne/Arlingham SO744087 today. (Mark Hobson). 

Frampton    At the WWT 100-Acre this morning 70+ Fieldfares with a few Redwings with them, a Stonechat, a Jay, two Buzzards, a Kestrel, three flocks of 30+ Starlings and 40 Lapwings in flight. (Bill Church).

 

Sat 15th November 2008

Lydney    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still this morning on Lydney pools. Lydney pools are on the left of the Harbour Road after the level crossing. (Mark Hobson/Shirley & Tony Hawkins/Barrie Mills). 

Forest of Dean    At New Fancy View a male and female Brambling were seen at 1:30pm under feeders at the lower car park. (Shirley & Tony Hawkins). 

Frampton    A Ring-necked Parakeet over Court Lake and two female Goldeneyes there. 52 Pied Wagtails in the newly planted field between the lakes and five Ravens over. (Nick Goatman).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Water Rail at the south pits. (Andy Lewis).

Hardwicke    A Barn Owl at M5/Junction 12 at 0:28am this morning. (MK).

 

Fri 14th November 2008

Lydney    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still today on Lydney pools until 3pm at least. Lydney pools are on the left of the Harbour Road after the level crossing. (John Phillips). Pics below by MK first and Paul Masters second and third.

 

 

Cinderford    A Swallow over at 12:30pm today. (Robin Husbands).

Cheltenham    A garden Chiffchaff this morning at Swindon Lane. (Laurie Pierce).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    Seven redhead Goosanders remain, late afternoon. (Dave Pearce).

Cirencester    120+ Golden Plovers over fields by A419, 1m S of Cirencester this afternoon, on the opposite side of the road to South Cerney airfield. (Jon Mercer).

WWT Slimbridge    The Bewick's Swan known as Crinkly arrived today, she first wintered at Slimbridge in 2004. (Julia Newth) - Visit Julia's Bewick's Blog here http://www.wwt.org.uk/bewicksswandiary for more details. 

Severn Hams    The Severn floods have extended over the meadows now. The Red Lion road is closed at Wainlodes, and the Coombe Hill hides remain inaccessible. At Ashleworth, the Ham Road is flooded and impassable; with grit and determination, you can reach the hide from high ground over the back, but it’s hardly worth it, birds are very dispersed over the floodwater. No sign of the Whoopers, just one Barnacle Goose with 200 Canada Geese. At Hasfield a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming. (Mike Smart).

 

Thu 13th November 2008

Lydney    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still today on Lydney pools. Lydney pools are on the left of the Harbour Road after the level crossing. (Keith Colcombe).

Wainlode Hill    Two adult Whooper Swans on the flooded field next to the Red Lion at Wainlode Hill just before the road floods. (Keith Colcombe).

Forest of Dean    At Cannop Ponds 89 Mandarins of which 55 were drakes; also eight Tufted Ducks of which seven were drakes. At Parkend at Brock-a-Ditches Pond 37 Mandarins of which 21 were drakes today. (Ivan Proctor/Frank Lander).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling from the garden today and also yesterday 12th. (Mark Grieve).

 

Wed 12th November 2008

Painswick Beacon    This morning three Hawfinches. Visible migration including c500 Woodpigeons, four Bramblings, two Reed Buntings, and two Pied Wagtails as well as Meadow Pipits, Redwings, Fieldfares, Chaffinches. (Gordon Kirk/Francis Steuck).

Forest of Dean    At Wenchford a Dipper, south of the of entrance to the Picnic area at 8:15am. At New Fancy View two male Goshawks in trees to the E between 10:15-11am. At Clearwell Village a Tawny Owl heard at 9:15pm, then just W of Nailbridge one flew across the road. (Derek Hale).

Guscar Rocks/Aylburton Warth    This morning eight Shelducks, 20 Wigeon, 280 Curlews, 200 Dunlin, 150 Golden Plovers, 500 Lapwings, a skein of wild geese, either Pinkfeet or Bean, almost certainly the former, flew over high, going SW down the estuary and disappeared into the distance. (Mike Smart).

Walmore Common    110 Wigeon, 150 Teal, 40 Mallards and 13 Pintails today. (Mike Smart).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    Eight Goosanders flew into the reservoir today, all redheads. This is the first record there since January 2004, Also, a male Stonechat feeding in waterside vegetation. Only the fourth record for the Reserve. (Arthur Ball).

Gloucester    At Alney Island at dusk a Green Sandpiper at a temporary pool near the old railway line and a Water Rail heard. (Steve Brown).

Stancombe    A Stonechat opposite Stancombe farm shop and near Upper Southmead Farm 50+ Chaffinches, six Yellowhammers, a Goldfinch, six Blackbirds, a Song Thrush, 17 Redwings, ten Fieldfares and a Jay. (John Fleming).

Stroud    120+ Common Gulls feeding on pasture opposite the entrance to Lypiatt Park near Stroud. (John Fleming).

Lydney    No sign of the immature drake LESSER SCAUP on Lydney pools at midday or between 3:30-4pm. Lydney pools are on the left of the Harbour Road after the level crossing. It could still be in the area though. (John Phillips/Derek Hale). 

 

Tue 11th November 2008

Bishops Cleeve    At dusk 1000+ Starlings gathering over Bloom's Garden Centre. (Megan & Steve Brown).

Lydney    The immature drake LESSER SCAUP still present today on Lydney pools. Lydney pools are on the left of the Harbour Road after the level crossing. (Rare Bird Alert). 

Ashleworth Ham    Two adult Whooper Swans on a field along Stank Lane  appeared to be newly arrived. (Les Brown/Mike Smart/Colin Butters).

Coombe Hill Meadows    The Grundon Hide is inaccessible at the moment. 145 Wigeon, 250 Teal, four Gadwall, 150 Mallards, 34 Pintails, 17 Shovelers, a Curlew, two Lapwings and two Snipe today. (Les Brown/Mike Smart/Colin Butters).

Little Witcombe    In the plantation, a Woodcock and 150 Redwings coming to roost. (Terry Fenton).

Gloucester    A Woodcock flushed from undergrowth at Walham Ponds SO829200 this afternoon. (Jim Northcott). Two Mistle Thrushes, a Fieldfare and a Robin in a tree in Station Road near an entrance to the Land Registry Office. (Ray Sherman).

Stancombe    North of Bisley near Stancombe, 56 Lapwings, 34 Chaffinches and two flyover Cormorants mid-morning. Also between Miserden and Whiteway 78 Fieldfares, 24 Redwings and a Buzzard at 4pm. (John Fleming).

 

Mon 10th November 2008

Lydney    The bird previously reported on the 31st October as an Aythya hybrid is now confirmed as an immature drake LESSER SCAUP. It is still present early afternoon at Lydney pools for its 11th day. Lydney pools are on the left of the Harbour Road after the level crossing. (John & Viv Phillips/Martin McGill, WWT).

Stancombe    North of Bisley near Stancombe, 182 Golden Plovers, 42 Lapwings, 50+ Woodpigeons, 168 Chaffinches, a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk and four Redwings. (John Fleming).

WWT Slimbridge    A Barn Owl and a Little Stint from Holden Tower at 4pm today. (Mark Hobson).

Ashleworth Ham    700+ Redwings, 100+ Fieldfares, 15+ Shovelers, male and female Gadwall, 20+ Teal, 50+ Wigeon, 20 Mallards, two Little Grebes, a male Peregrine on a dead tree in front of hide, a Bullfinch, a Lesser Redpoll feeding with 15 Goldfinches, 120 Starlings and three Meadow Pipits. (Mark Grieve).

Churchdown    An unusually large bird of prey (and not a Buzzard) was hedgehopping over the fields at high speed with semi-folded wings this afternoon. Alongside the Churchdown Lane  between Brockworth and Churchdown and possibly relating to the bird over Painswick yesterday. (Rob Wilkinson). Also a pale raptor in flight from the link road between Hucclecote and Zoons Court roundabout at 3:45pm. (Steve Brown).

 

Sun 9th November 2008

Painswick    A large pale falcon sp resembling a Gyr flew over in the direction of Stroud at 2:30pm. Any further sightings please let RB or me know. (Francis Steuck per RB).

WWT Slimbridge    The Water Pipit was still on the river's edge today with a  Rock Pipit but not viewable from the hides. However it could well return to the Holden scrape with this week's higher tides. Also 60 White-fronted Geese today. (Martin McGill, WWT). 

Lydney Pools, Canal and New Grounds (SO60F)    Three Little Egrets, 29 Mute Swans, c20 Meadow Pipits, two Shovelers, two Ravens, three Little Grebes, 150+ Golden Plovers, 400+ Lapwings, a Redshank, c30 Curlews, a Snipe, 100+ Red-legged Partridges, 50+ Skylarks, a Reed Bunting, c100 Linnets and two Buzzards. (Barrie Mills).

Wotton-Under-Edge    Belated news of a Red Kite seen over Pitman Place on the 2nd November 2008 (ST762927). Initially seen flying south-north and then again flying east-west. (Kate Stinchcombe).

 

Sat 8th November 2008

Coombe Hill Meadows    c10 Wigeon, 240 Teal, four Gadwall, seven Pintails, 20 Shovelers, 12 Lapwings, nine Snipe, a Green Sandpiper and 100 Fieldfares and 40 Redwings. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    90 Canada Geese, 40 Wigeon, six Gadwall, a Golden Plover flew over calling, at least 50 Snipe rose from the reserve and 250 Fieldfares and 100 Redwings. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Bisley    North of Bisley at the edge of woodland, five Greenfinches, a Jay, three Buzzards, a Kestrel, ten Chaffinches, two Yellowhammers and 250+ Woodpigeons. (John Fleming).

 

Fri 7th November 2008

Frampton    100+ Fieldfares 100+ on Green Lane, flew south, also a Kestrel hunting and 50+ Fieldfares along the canal. Photos below of Starlings going to roost. (Andy Rouse).

 

Forest of Dean    A Raven at the Arboretum car park near Speech House. Also, 50+ male and 33+ female Mandarins at Cannop ponds today. (Allan Chard). Pic by Allan.

Througham Slad    Two Ravens calling ,heading SE and two Redwings heading north. (John Fleming).

Cirencester    Two pairs of Buzzards over Chesterton cemetery today. (Felicity Cobb).

Michael Wood Services    c50 Pied Wagtails flew around the car park at dusk and into roost in the trees between the lorries and car parking areas.  (Mark Moore).

WWT Slimbridge    A Bar-headed Goose with 70+ Canada Geese from Robbie Garnett hide. Also 600+ Lapwings and 300+ Wigeon from Zeiss hide and 12 Cormorants on South Lake. (Harold Smith). Pics by Harold.

 

Thu 6th November 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A LAPLAND BUNTING feeding on seed with Skylarks in front of the Holden Tower this morning and showing well. (Martin McGill, WWT). 

Hawling    Two Bramblings this afternoon. (Richard Tyler).

Bisley    On a ploughed field between Bisley and Througham 45 Golden Plovers, 42 Lapwings, ten Starlings, 52 Stock Doves and 28 Woodpigeons at midday. (John Fleming).

 

Wed 5th November 2008

Bisley    North of Bisley at the edge of woodland, 90+Fieldfares, 60+ Redwings, 145 Chaffinches and 100+ Woodpigeons. (John Fleming).

Stonehouse    Four Bramblings flew W over Oldends Lane at 8:30am. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    An Egyptian Goose this afternoon. (Richard Cawsey). Pic by Richard.

Amberley    At Theescombe Lane SO8501 a male Siskin and a Brambling feeding in the garden. Also a female Blackcap taking Spindle berries, and three Mistle Thrushes with ten Redwings eating Yew berries. (Phil Williams).

Gloucester    Visitors reported an Eagle Owl sat on the crash barrier alongside Alney Island before Westgate lights, on the right hand side on the bend by the electric sub station this afternoon. (Vince Jones). 

 

Tue 4th November 2008

Hardwicke    A Barn Owl sat on fencing just off the slip road at M5 Junction 12 at 10pm. (Ken Hurcombe).

Donnington    A Barn Owl flew across the A429 near Little Barrow bridge (SP200297-SP23Z). (Barrie Mills).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Hawfinches at South Finger flew towards the Decoy. Also a Brambling and 25 White-fronted Geese. (Martin McGill, WWT). 

Forest of Dean    At least five Bramblings at New Fancy View still at 1:30pm today. (Andrew Carey). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    A male Peregrine and many hundreds of Fieldfares and Redwings this afternoon. (Peter Cadogan).

Ruscombe    The first garden Brambling of the winter this morning.. (Gordon Kirk).

 

Mon 3rd November 2008

Forest of Dean    At least two Bramblings at the lower car park at New Fancy View this morning, along with numerous Chaffinches, Blue, Great and Coal Tits, two Nuthatches, a Greenfinch, a pair of Magpies, two Ravens and a male Sparrowhawk flew through. (Andrew Carey). Pic by Andrew.

Aylburton Warth    A single Swallow flew low westwards this morning, also c1000 Starlings, 97 Lapwings, 30+ Meadow Pipits, 32 Curlews, 31 Pied Wagtails, 26 Redwings, 21 Fieldfares, 18 Redshanks, three Reed Buntings, a Little Egret, a male Shelduck and a Kestrel. Overhead birds included 11 Siskins, four Crossbills, and three Lesser Redpolls. (Lewis Thomson).  

WWT Slimbridge    A Red-breasted Merganser and two Goldeneyes flew upriver this morning. (Martin McGill, WWT). 

Cranham    Around Overtown Farm mid-afternoon, 72 Linnets, 64 Common Gulls, 36 Chaffinches, a Brambling, seven Skylarks, three separate flocks of Starlings totalling 2000+ birds, 164 Jackdaws, 86 Rooks, two Buzzards, 24 Redwings and 12 Yellowhammers. (John Fleming).

 

Sun 2nd November 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A Water Pipit on the Holden Tower scrape until early afternoon only. Also three immature Kittiwakes this morning. (Mark Hobson/Paul Masters/John Phillips/Martin McGill, WWT). 

Hucclecote    A male Sparrowhawk took a Dunnock which was perched on the roof of a car this morning. (Harold Smith).

 

Sat 1st November 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A Bittern reported by visitors at the Lathbury hide this morning. Also today nine White-fronted Geese, a Bewick's Swan and 5700 Redwings N in two hours. (James Lees, WWT). The first Bewick's Swan, a four year old bird called Anga, arrived today. Anga first wintered at Slimbridge as a yearling in 2005 and has been among the first to arrive for three of the past four winters. (Julia Newth - Visit Julia's Bewick's Blog here http://www.wwt.org.uk/bewicksswandiary.

Netheridge Farm    Eight Meadow Pipits, a small party of Goldfinches and a party of Long-tailed Tits, two pairs of Stonechats, a pair of Kestrels, three Little Owls around the buildings, a pair of Buzzards, a Raven calling in the distance and a Tawny Owl calling this evening at the Barn Owl Centre. (Vince Jones). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    100 Redwings at 10am today. (John Widgery).

 

Fri 31st October 2008

Gloucester    At Castlemeads West, seven Teal and four Stonechats, at Port Ham, a Snipe and at Over Ponds a Kingfisher and seven Snipe. (Ian Elphick).

Frampton    From the gate at Splatt Bridge two Sparrowhawks, a Kestrel and three Stonechats. At WWT 100-Acre a Water Rail heard, two Stonechats and one in Green Lane. 200+ Fieldfares around the area and smaller numbers of Redwings. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    Four White-fronted Geese on the Dumbles this morning were the first returning birds of the autumn. (James Lees, WWT). 

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Goshawk briefly over the south pit, blown south towards Sherborne. (Andy Lewis).

Shipton Oliffe    Late afternoon between the village and the A40 two flocks of c50 Golden Plovers either side of the minor road. (Pete Grimmitt).

Hawling    Just SW of the village late afternoon a Short-eared Owl hunting over the long grass, until chased off by Carrion Crows in a westerly direction. (Pete Grimmitt).

Lydney    An Aythya hybrid resembling a Lesser Scaup at Lydney pools today, probably Tufted x Pochard. (John & Viv Phillips).

Cranham    Around Overtown Farm, 75 Redwings, 73 Fieldfares, two Buzzards, a Kestrel, 15 Blackbirds, 1100+ Starlings, 134 Chaffinches, 14 Bramblings, 63 Skylarks, 140 Rooks, 90 Jackdaws, 11 Yellowhammers, ten Goldfinches, 29 Common Gulls, a Black-headed Gull, 97 Woodpigeons and 77 Stock Doves. (John Fleming).

Forest of Dean    Two Redwings perched in garden tree at 10am in Forge Hill, Lydbrook and a flock of c30 flying W down Lydbrook valley at same time. (Chris Sullivan).

Woodmancote    Two Lesser Redpolls visiting garden niger feeders this morning. (John Widgery).

Netheridge Farm    The male European Eagle Owl roosting again in a tree bordering the Barn Owl Centre today. If anyone wants to see the Owl by day they need to call Vince before arriving and he will be pleased to show you the bird if it is present. See the website for contact details. (Vince Jones). Pics by Vince.

 

 

Thu 30th October 2008

Workman's Wood NNR    A Buzzard, a Goldcrest, 56 Lesser Redpolls, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Green Woodpecker, 25 Redwings, a Nuthatch, ten Chaffinches, a Brambling, a Tawny Owl, eight Fieldfares and two Wrens. (John Fleming).

Cranham    Around Overtown Farm, 58 Common Gulls, a Black-headed Gull, 13 Yellowhammers, 90 Fieldfares, a Redwing, 11 Red-legged Partridges, three Stock Doves, a Sparrowhawk, a Stonechat, 586 Starlings, 15 Linnets, eight Goldfinches, 40 Chaffinches, 70 Carrion Crows, 282 Jackdaws, 243 Rooks, 332 Skylarks and 91 Woodpigeons. (John Fleming).

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter male Eider on the Dumbles at 8:10am but unfortunately was moribund. A post mortem revealed it had a parasite called thorny-headed worm which causes starvation. A great shame as Eider is a Mega rarity in Glos and would have been appreciated by many. (James Lees, WWT). Pic by James.

Forest of Dean    A Brambling in the garden at Hangerberry, Lydbrook today. (Gavin Black).

 

Wed 29th October 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A Water Pipit again today on the Holden scrape.  (James Lees, WWT). Also a Garganey still and a Merlin.

Cranham    Around Overtown farm this afternoon 89 Linnets, 226 Starlings, 145 Rooks, 92 Jackdaws, 12 Carrion Crows, 54 Skylarks, 12 Yellowhammers, 48 Chaffinches, 13 Goldfinches, a Buzzard, a Kestrel, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, ten Long-tailed Tits, a Pied Wagtail, eight Redwings on Hawthorn and 24 Woodpigeons overhead going south. (John Fleming).

 

Tue 28th October 2008

Ashleworth Ham    A family party of Whooper Swans in front of the hide today at 10am, two adults and four cygnets, the first of the winter. They departed at 12:22pm but probably haven't gone far. (Colin Butters). Pic by Colin.

WWT Slimbridge    A Water Pipit with two Rock Pipits and a female Goosander on the Dumbles edge today.  (James Lees, WWT).

Forest of Dean    A female Brambling in the garden at Brierley this afternoon. (Tim Smith).

Gloucester    A Red-legged Partridge seen crossing Brunswick Road by the old College at 7am today. (Graham White).

 

Mon 27th October 2008

Forest of Dean    At Cannop ponds today at the northern end of the south pond was a roost of Mandarins, every tree was laden and a conservative count of 90+ was made. (Mark Moore).

Frampton    A Short-eared Owl and a Merlin hunting over the WWT 100-Acre today. View only from the viewing platform or the viewing gate in Green Lane.  (James Lees, WWT).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Kittiwake on South Lake at 2pm today.  (James Lees, WWT).

Netheridge Farm    The male European Eagle Owl has been found roosting near the power lines at the Barn Owl Centre in recent days. It is often mobbed by corvids and today a Raven. If anyone wants to see the Owl by day they would need to call Vince before arriving and he will be pleased to show you the bird if it is present. See the website for contact details. (Vince Jones). Pics by Vince.

 

Sun 26th October 2008

Cheltenham    Two Grey Wagtails near the fountain in Sandford Park. At 9:30pm two Tawny Owls hooting in the grounds of Cheltenham Junior College. (Steve Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    50 Fieldfares, ten Redwings, 65 Wigeon, 33 Teal, nine Gadwall, 11 Shovelers, seven Mallards, a Little Grebe, 12 Snipe, 160 Canada Geese, 15 Greylags, a Barnacle Goose, two Stock Doves, two Skylarks, six Meadow Pipits and a Buzzard. (Paul Masters). 

Frampton    Two Short-eared Owls hunting over the WWT 100-Acre this afternoon until 3:35pm at least. View only from the viewing platform or the viewing gate in Green Lane.  (James Lees, WWT).

WWT Slimbridge    A Crossbill flew E over the car park at 8:10am today.  (James Lees, WWT).

Dursley    Two Dippers at Water Street today at 9am. (Phil Pope).

Ruscombe    A male Blackcap in the garden this morning. (Gordon Kirk).

 

Fri 24th October 2008

Netheridge Farm    The male European Eagle Owl was seen back at the Barn Owl Centre at 9pm today, hooting from the top of a telegraph pole. (Vince Jones). 

Brimscombe    Along the River Frome at Brimscombe Port today a Dipper, a Kingfisher, a Marsh Tit and a Goldcrest. (David Owen).

Cranham    Around Overtown Farm 80+ Chaffinches, 20 Goldfinches, 15 Redwings, two Fieldfares, 350+ Starlings, 220+ Rooks, Jackdaws and Crows, 180 Woodpigeons, 90 Common and Black-headed Gulls, 25 Linnets, eight Yellowhammers, six Meadow Pipits, six Skylarks, ten Pied Wagtails, a Kestrel, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, two Mistle Thrushes and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. (John Fleming).

 

Thu 23rd October 2008

Leigh Meadows    A Green Sandpiper and a Snipe at SO859252. Also a Grey Wagtail and several Redwings feeding on hawthorn berries. (Jim Northcott).

WWT Slimbridge    A male Goldeneye on the Top New Piece (Dave Paynter, WWT) and a Garganey on the Tack Piece today. (Martin McGill, WWT).

Frampton    The Black-necked Grebe still on the Sailing Lake today. (Rare Bird Alert). 

 

Wed 22nd October 2008

Ruscombe    At Ruscombe near Stroud a garden YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER this morning for five minutes only at 9:20am, unsurprisingly a garden first. A nice reward for our hard-working Atlas Organiser. (Gordon Kirk).

Gloucester    A pair of Stonechats on the old Fielding's Playing Field in Sudmeadow Road. (Gordon Avery). A Peregrine on the pylon nearest to Elmbridge roundabout SO863200 on the NE side of Gloucester today. (Gordon Kirk).

Cranham    Today in fields south and west of Overtown farm, 360 Common and Black-headed Gulls, 110 Chaffinches, 16 Skylarks, 120 Starlings, eight Goldfinches, six Yellowhammers, five Greenfinches, a Stonechat, a Buzzard, a Kestrel, 25 flyover Golden Plovers, 200+ Rooks, Jackdaws and Carrion Crows, a flyover Peregrine heading NE and a Mistle Thrush. (John Fleming).

Foston's Ash    On pasture and amongst scrub/trees near Foston's Ash two Green Woodpeckers, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a male Bullfinch, a Buzzard, 20 Stock Doves, 28 Jackdaws, a Wren, two Marsh Tits, six Redwings on Hawthorn and a flyover Raven heading SW. (John Fleming).

 

Tue 21st October 2008

Coombe Hill Meadows    Seven Grey Herons, seven Wigeon, 20 Teal, an adult Peregrine, a female Merlin sitting on the grass in front of the hide before taking off and chasing a passing Mallard, a male Sparrowhawk chasing Skylarks, a Water Rail calling, six Snipe, a Curlew (unusual here at this time of year), up to 60 migrant Skylarks and c50 passing Meadow Pipits. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Walmore Common    A Cetti's Warbler heard here today. A first site record. (Andy Jayne).

Priding    A female-type Red-breasted Merganser flew down on to the river at Priding at c10am and then floated downstream and was lost to view. Also 750 Golden Plovers, 165 Lapwings and three Pintails this morning. (John Sanders). Pic by John.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mon 20th October 2008

Guscar/Aylburton Warth    At high tide this morning a Little Egret, 35 Wigeon, a Sparrowhawk, a Peregrine, 85+ Lapwings, 35 Golden Plovers, 435 Curlews, a Redshank, a Common Sandpiper and a little visual migration of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. (Mike Smart).

Cheltenham    A male Peregrine plucking a Feral Pigeon on the top storey of Eagle Tower this afternoon. The bird seems to prefer the Tower's north face and has been seen there regularly during the last week or so. (Chris Furley).

Netheridge Farm    A pair of Stonechats are back again in the rough seeded area at the front entrance of the Barn Owl Centre. Also the resident male Kestrel hunting today. (Vince Jones). Pic by Vince.

Sun 19th October 2008

Ashleworth Ham    80 Fieldfares, 11 Snipe, a Bullfinch, two Peregrines, a Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker, 80 Teal, two Pintails, 37 Wigeon, six Shovelers and 34 Mallards this afternoon. (Paul Masters). 

WWT Slimbridge    A late Hobby flew SW today seen from Zeiss hide at 1:25pm. (Ray & Julie Sherman/Emrys & Margaret Jenkins).

Frampton    The Black-necked Grebe still on the Sailing Lake today. (Rare Bird Alert). 

 

Sat 18th October 2008

Frampton    The Black-necked Grebe still on the Sailing Lake today. (Richard Tyler). Pics by Richard.

 

Fairford    At 9:30am a brief visit from an immature Black Redstart in the garden today and also a female Brambling. At Pit 104 four Siskins and two small Fieldfare flocks, two Cetti's Warblers along the River Coln and a late Garden Warbler eating blackberries. (Mick & Jo Jones).

Symonds Yat    A flock of c40 Fieldfares flew over Yat Rock today. (Gavin Black).

 

Fri 17th October 2008

Ashleworth Ham    At lunchtime the Great Grey Shrike mid distant straight out from the hide, a Peregrine on a pylon, six Snipe and a Jack Snipe preening together. (Steve Brown).

Aylburton Warth    At high tide this morning 193 Lapwings, 87 Curlews, 61 Dunlin, six Ruff, five Snipe, four Little Egrets, a Little Stint, c250 Starlings, c100 Meadow Pipits, eight Reed Buntings, five Stonechats and a Kingfisher. Flyover birds included 11 Lesser Redpolls, four Siskins, two Golden Plovers and a Brambling. (Lewis Thomson).  

 

Wed 15th October 2008

Forest of Dean    A Great Grey Shrike at Boys Grave today, seen at 1:20pm on the clearfell until a Kestrel arrived at 2pm. The shrike was last seen at 2:10pm on top of tall pines at the northern end of the clearfell below the car park at SO620113 this afternoon. (Lewis Thomson). At Farmers Green two Goshawks flew over W. (Colin Butters).

WWT Slimbridge    A Pectoral Sandpiper on the Dumbles again today from Holden Tower still. (Rare Bird Alert). 

 

Thu 14th October 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A Richard's Pipit on the Dumbles flew towards Mid Point this morning. (James Lees, WWT/Martin McGill, WWT).

Eastington    Five Swallows and two Redwings over today. (Nick Goatman).

 

Mon 13th October 2008

Netheridge Farm    Two Barn Owls hunting over the rough grass areas close to the flying area at the Barn Owl Centre. Also a vocal Little Owl this evening. (Vince Jones). 

 

Sun 12th October 2008

Hasfield Ham    At 6pm the Great Grey Shrike still, in the large wet field with the pylons to right of Stank Lane, and also six Snipe. (Terry Fenton). Earlier at c1:30-2pm a female Merlin and adult Peregrine. An injured immature Mute Swan near one of the pylons was taken to Vale Wildlife Rescue near Tewkesbury. (Andy Jayne).

Ashleworth & Hasfield Hams    A Buzzard, a male Gadwall, a female Pintail, 80+ Wigeon, 35+ Teal, 20 Mallards, a Little Grebe, 2+ Snipe, 7+ Jays, 35+ Skylarks over S, a Goldcrest, a Raven and a Treecreeper. At the bottom of Stinky Lane a flock of 25 Blackbirds, ten Song Thrushes, three Mistle Thrushes and at least three Redwings. Four Bullfinches, two Chiffchaffs, 1/2 Lapwings over, 10+ Reed Buntings, up to five Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a female Merlin on Hasfield Ham making a failed attempt to take a Skylark, also a Golden Plover over SW calling, 15+ Goldfinches over, a male Sparrowhawk and a probable Fieldfare at the bottom of Stank Lane. (Mark Grieve).

Aylburton Warth    A Hobby caught one of 12 House Martins over the Warth this afternoon. Also c400 Starlings, c300 Curlews, 16 Lapwings, nine Dunlin, four Reed Buntings, two Little Egrets, two Stonechats, a Common Sandpiper and seven Lesser Redpolls over. Also two Redwings over Lydbrook late afternoon. (Lewis Thomson). 

Netheridge Farm    A female Peregrine soared very low at a low speed across the flying area at the Barn Owl Centre today. (Vince Jones). At Netheridge NR 15 Siskins and five Goldfinches feeding on Alder, three Chiffchaffs, a Little Grebe, a Green Woodpecker and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. (Paul Masters). 

Quedgeley    The male European Eagle Owl was reported by a visitor to be near to Tesco this evening. (per Vince Jones). 

Gretton Hill, Gretton    Five Redwings, two Buzzards, a Kestrel, a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and five Linnets. (Paul Masters). 

Toddington    A female Merlin this afternoon by the B4077 at Toddington, flew over the road hunting over stubble. Also 30 Golden Plovers over the B4068 at Naunton. (Jon Mercer).

Staverton    A Red Kite circling over the M5 end of Staverton Airport this afternoon being harassed by a crow. (Dave Thompson).

Compton Abdale    Two flocks of Golden Plovers, at least 150 and c100, over fields alongside the A40 by the Compton Abdale sign post. (Dave Thompson).

Forest of Dean    42 Mandarins on Cannop ponds. (Ron Beddis).

Elkstone    NE of Elkstone 50 Meadow Pipits, three Ravens and a young Buzzard. (Keith White).

 

Sat 11th October 2008

Leckhampton Hill    The Black Redstart at the derelict Hill Farm buildings near the hilltop car park still today (SO948180) at 10am at least. It can be elusive as it spends time inside the buildings. (Steve Davies).

Ashleworth Ham    12 Snipe, 105 Teal, 17 Wigeon, three Pintails, two Gadwalls, eight Mallards, 20 Lapwings, a Grey Heron and four Buzzards today. (Paul Masters). If you know anything of the Red-throated Pipit noted in the hide log-book for 7/10/08 please contact the County Recorder.

 

Fri 10th October 2008

Frampton    The Black-necked Grebe still on the Sailing Lake today. (Paul Masters).

Bentham Landfill    A Jack Snipe, four Snipe, ten Mistle Thrushes and 30 Meadow Pipits late afternoon. (Terry Fenton).

Cheltenham    A Peregrine on Eagle Tower this morning. Also a Great Spotted Woodpecker in Montpellier Gardens and several Skylarks heading SE. (Chris Furley).

Standish    Two Lesser Redpolls drinking from a pool today. (Juliet Bailey).

 

Thu 9th October 2008

Leckhampton    A Little Owl calling in the allotments near Shurdington Road. (Steve Brown).

Hartpury    Nine Redwings over Hartpury college late afternoon. (Lewis Thomson). 

Leckhampton Hill    15 Golden Plovers in large field sown with winter cereals. A Raven on the escarpment and also c300 Woodpigeons and 400 mixed corvids (Jackdaws, Rooks and Carrion Crows). (Peter Cadogan).

Hempsted    A cat brought in a moribund Harvest Mouse this morning. (Gordon Avery).

 

Wed 8th October 2008

Lydney    An Arctic Skua flew upriver past the harbour at 2:30pm today. (Ron Beddis).

Leckhampton Hill    The Black Redstart at the derelict Hill Farm buildings near the hilltop car park still today (SO948180) until 11am at least. It can be elusive as it spends time inside the buildings. (Laurie Pierce).

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper on the Dumbles again today and also on the Top New Piece. Also today the female Hen Harrier again and a Short-eared Owl. (Martin McGill, WWT).

Cranham     Three Pied Wagtails, three Chaffinches, 89 Linnets, 18 Starlings, six Goldfinches, 260 Rooks and Jackdaws, ten Stock Doves, three Buzzards, a Meadow Pipit, 220 Common Gulls and three Wheatears in stubble and pasture south and west of Overtown Farm mid-afternoon. (John Fleming).

Cam Peak    Three Stonechats this evening. (James Lees, WWT). 

Gloucester    A Reed Bunting singing at Castlemeads this afternoon. (Steve Brown). 

Cheltenham    At Naunton Park five Long-tailed Tits and two Coal Tits through the garden. (Christopher & Steve Brown).

 

Tue 7th October 2008

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 5am and a Barn Owl at Deerhurst at 8:50pm. (Mark Grieve).

Ashleworth Ham     The Great Grey Shrike very briefly at 2pm perched on a distant tree. Also 20 Mallards, 40 Teal and four Wigeon, three Snipe, a Peregrine and a male Sparrowhawk. (Alan Richards/Mike Smart/David Anderson).

Coombe Hill Meadows    70 Greylags and 100+ Canada Geese roosting, only three Wigeon, 70 Teal, 50 Mallards, two Shovelers, a Peregrine, five Ringed Plovers dropped in briefly before moving on, ten Snipe, six Swallows and two House Martins today. (Mike Smart /David Anderson).

WWT Slimbridge    A female Hen Harrier flew low over the Dumbles being mobbed by crows and then went out onto the spartina island where it landed. (Martin McGill, WWT/Nigel Warren).

 

Mon 6th October 2008

Tirley Knowle    30 House Martins over to the south west. (Mark Grieve).

Charlton Kings    At 8:15pm a Tawny Owl hooting in Charlton Park. (Megan & Steve Brown).

Awre    Belated news of a Red-throated Diver on the Severn off of Awre on Saturday 4th October, it flew then floated up towards Newnham on the tide and was lost from view and not relocated. (John Phillips).

Frampton    The Black-necked Grebe still showing well on the Sailing Lake today. Also Kingfishers, a Treecreeper, two Goldcrests, two Kestrels and a large group of Long-tailed Tits and a few Great Crested Grebes. (Graham Cox/Allan Chard). Pics by Graham (1st) and Allan (2nd and 3rd).

 

 

 

WWT Slimbridge    A pair of Siskins on the feeders on the Holden Tower walkway today. (Graham Cox). Pic by Graham.

Eastington    At Millend today passerine movement included groups of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtails, Greenfinches, Chaffinches and Linnets over with three Grey Wagtails, a Nuthatch, two Lesser Redpolls, five Siskins and 11 Sand Martins through at lunchtime. (Jake King).

Leckhampton Hill    The Black Redstart at the derelict Hill Farm buildings near the hilltop car park still today (SO948180) at 1:15pm at least. It can be elusive as it spends time inside the buildings. (David Owen).

 

Sun 5th October 2008

Walmore Common  15 Teal, two Little Egrets, a Water Rail heard, a Jack Snipe, five Snipe, two Stonechats and a Wheatear today. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    A Little Stint, a Knot, two Grey Plovers, four Snipe, 15 Skylarks, four House Martins and five Swallows and two Little Egrets late morning at high tide. A Garganey on the pool in front of the Holden Tower this morning but gone by 10:30am. (Martin McGill, WWT/Neil Smart/Mark Hobson/MK).

 

Sat 4th October 2008

Gloucester    A Green Sandpiper over GLS this morning, c600 Starlings and a minimum of 40 Meadow Pipits in the Sudmeadow/GLS area. (Gordon Avery).

Leckhampton Hill    The Black Redstart at the derelict Hill Farm buildings near the hilltop car park still today (SO948180) at 9:30am at least. It can be elusive as it spends time inside the buildings. Also 20 Goldfinches, a Yellowhammer and a Sparrowhawk calling nearby, at Hartley Farm 30 Chaffinches and two Jays on the Bridle path down to Sandy Lane. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    A Pectoral Sandpiper showed distantly on the edge of the Dumbles amongst the gulls at 1pm today. Also 35 Dunlin, two Ringed Plovers, a Little Stint, two Ruff, two Grey Plovers, two Peregrines and ten Little Egrets.  (MK/Neil Amphlett/Paul Masters).

Frampton    The Black-necked Grebe still on the Sailing Lake this morning. Also a first-winter Mediterranean Gull in flock of c300 Black-headed Gulls and a Swallow. (John Overfield).

Arlingham    Two Yellow Wagtails, three Stonechats and a Swallow this morning. (John Overfield).

 

Fri 3rd October 2008

Bisley    Opposite Holbrook garage on freshly rolled plough 142 Lapwings ,46 Common and Black headed gulls, four Skylarks and 24 Starlings. Between Bisley and Througham a small flock of eight Ravens calling constantly heading in a northerly direction. Two Buzzards circling near Througham Slad. (John Fleming).

Ashleworth Ham    The Great Grey Shrike still perched on a dead tree opposite the hide this morning. Also c12 Teal and five Snipe. (Mike Smart).

Coombe Hill Meadows    c90 Teal and 30 Mallard, one Lapwing, 1+ Golden Plover heard going over at first light, a Greenshank departed SW at 7:30am, c5 Snipe, 200 Canada Geese and 70 Greylags this morning. (Mike Smart).

Stinchcombe Hill    A Red Kite this morning at 11:10am over Drakestone Point (ST736980) heading south. (Ray Sherman).

WWT Slimbridge    A Pectoral Sandpiper showed briefly and distantly on the Dumbles around high tide late morning, with Dunlin, Ringed Plovers, 2+ Little Stints and a Ruff. Also ten Grey Plovers and 29 Golden Plovers.  (Jon Mercer).

Frampton    The Black-necked Grebe still on the Sailing Lake this morning.  (Jon Mercer).

Leckhampton Hill    The Black Redstart at the derelict Hill Farm buildings near the hilltop car park again today (SO948180) showing well between 1:45pm and 3:15pm at least. It can be elusive as it spends time inside the buildings. (Chris Thomas). Pics by Chris.

 

 

Thu 2nd October 2008

Netheridge Farm    The male European Eagle Owl was flushed at 4pm from behind the Barn Owl Centre near the farm buildings. It had been missing for over a week. From 4pm to about 5.30pm it was very active flying from tree to tree hooting at the staff. It was seen very close at one point at about 20ft in daylight, there were no signs of anklets or jesses or any leg wear from these being worn. Over the past week wild birds have included a Barn Owl, Tawny Owls, Little Owls, Kestrels, Stonechats, two Peregrines in an aerial battle on Sunday 28th September and also later that day a probable Spoonbill very high and gathering height on a thermal. (Vince Jones). 

WWT Slimbridge    A Pectoral Sandpiper was seen again this morning on the Dumbles at high tide.  (Martin McGill, WWT).

Frampton    The Black-necked Grebe still on the Sailing Lake this evening. (Nick Goatman). 

Leckhampton Hill    The Black Redstart at the derelict Hill Farm buildings near the hilltop car park again today (SO948180) showing well at 3pm at least. It can be elusive as it spends time inside the buildings. (Dave Pearce).

Fairford    At Fairford airfield, a female Stonechat today. (Gordon Avery).

Chipping Campden    c150 Lapwings in the pea stubble fields adjacent to the Cotswold Way opposite the Fish Hill car park and picnic area today. (Stephen Martin).

Aylburton Warth    At high tide this morning, 180 Curlews, 130 Lapwings, 100+ House Martins, 30+ Meadow Pipits, two Terns sp flew down river (a long way out) at 10:30 am, two Ruff, a Grey Plover, a Common Sandpiper, a Little Egret and a Wheatear. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis. 

Gloucester    A probable Marsh Harrier flew over the Bristol Road towards Hempsted at 11:15am. (Mark Hobson).

 

Wed 1st October 2008

Lydney    A female Brambling at Woolaston Common feeding all day at a garden feeding station. (Frank Lander).

WWT Slimbridge    Two Pectoral Sandpipers on the Dumbles this morning. One Pectoral Sandpiper was with five Little Stints, 21 Ringed Plovers, 103 Dunlin, two Ruff, three Golden Plovers and ten Grey Plovers at high tide. At 10:45am a second Pectoral Sandpiper flew in and joined the other and both fed together until 11:15am when they returned to the river as the tide had gone out. (James Lees, WWT). 

Ashleworth Ham    The Great Grey Shrike again today at 6pm perched on the top branch of a dead tree right opposite the hide at Ashleworth (Lawrence Skipp/Mike Smart).

Leckhampton Hill    The Black Redstart at the derelict Hill Farm buildings near the hilltop car park again today (SO948180) showing well 11am-2pm at least. (Ian Lavell). Pic by Ian. Also also a Yellowhammer and 20 Goldfinches and a Red Kite over near the Devil's Chimney. (Steve Brown). 

Cheltenham    This evening a Tawny Owl calling from Thirlestaine Road. (Steve Brown). 

 

Tue 30th September 2008

Ashleworth Ham    A Great Grey Shrike today between 4:30-5pm. Also a Jack Snipe. (Lawrence Skipp).

Frampton    A Black-necked Grebe on the Sailing Lake at 4:45pm. (Martin McGill, WWT/Gareth Bradbury). Pics by Martin.

 

WWT Slimbridge    The Pectoral Sandpiper seen again this morning on the Dumbles at high tide.  (Martin McGill, WWT). Also 30 Golden Plovers today. (Geoff Moyser).

Leckhampton Hill    The Black Redstart at the derelict Hill Farm buildings near the hilltop car park again today (SO948180). (Ian Lavell). Pic by Ian.

Brockworth    Four Grey Partridges flew out of grassy scrub alongside the new main road in the old Gloucester Airfield at Brockworth. (Harold Smith).

 

Mon 29th September 2008

Thrupp    A Red Kite over today. (Nick Goatman).

Eastington    A Spotted Flycatcher today at John Stayte's services yard. (Nick Goatman).

Leckhampton Hill    The Black Redstart at the derelict Hill Farm buildings near the hilltop car park again today (SO949181). (Dave Pearce). Pics by Dave.

 

WWT Slimbridge    The Pectoral Sandpiper seen again this morning on both the Top and Bottom New Pieces and on South Lake, but flushed on two occasions by a Sparrowhawk and finally flew off at 10:20am.  (Martin McGill, WWT).

Guscar Rocks, Aylburton Warth and Pill House    At high tide this morning two Little Egrets, six Teal, a Sparrowhawk, 80 Lapwings, three Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin, four Snipe, 700 Curlew, 20 Redshanks, a Wheatear, two Stonechats and 20 Ravens. (Mike Smart).

Walmore Common    A Little Egret, a Wigeon, 20 Teal, a Sparrowhawk, 21 Snipe and a Stonechat. (Mike Smart).

Miserden    In a ploughed field west of Miserden village at 3pm 15 Golden Plovers, a Lapwing and seven Common Gulls. (John Fleming).

Gloucester    At Lower Parting a Kingfisher, a Sparrowhawk, a Common Sandpiper, 11 Cormorants and three Grey Herons. (Ian Elphick).

Cheltenham    At 8:30pm a Tawny Owl hooting repeatedly near Cox's Meadow/Old Bath Road. (Steve Brown).

Tirley    Six House Martins over to the SW today. (Mark Grieve).

 

Sun 28th September 2008

Leckhampton Hill    A Black Redstart at the derelict Hill Farm buildings near the hilltop car park today (SO949181). (Ian Ralphs).

Cranham    This morning on fields west of Overtown Farm two Wheatears, a pair of Stonechats, five Meadow Pipits, 50 Starlings, five Goldfinches, two Buzzards,  36 Skylarks, a Kestrel, 42 Stock Doves, 186 Rooks and Jackdaws and seven flyover Common Gulls. At the Ebworth Centre 28 Mistle Thrushes and two Song Thrushes feeding on Yew berries. At Foston's Ash, coming to nut feeders, male and female Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Coal Tit and a Nuthatch. (John Fleming).

Brockworth    At Henley Bank plantation 15 Redwings, three Lesser Redpolls over and three Buzzards. (Terry Fenton). Pic by Terry.

Rendcomb    On the River Churn a Grey Wagtail and a Kingfisher. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    At Mallards Pike a Kingfisher, four Mandarins (1m, 3f), a Grey Wagtail and a juvenile Dipper at the outlet this morning. (Rod Goodman). Pic by Rod.

Fairford    A juvenile female Osprey at the Broad Water in Fairford Park still today. (Rare Bird Alert). 

Haresfield Beacon    A juvenile Whinchat, a Wheatear, a Raven calling, 20+ Goldfinches, a Stock Dove and eight Buzzards up together early afternoon. (MK).

Arlingham    An adult male Hen Harrier flying strongly south from Arlingham at 11:15am towards WWT. (John Overfield).

WWT Slimbridge    A female/immature Hen Harrier and an Arctic Skua this morning.  (Martin McGill, WWT).

 

Sat 27th September 2008

Coombe Hill Meadows    Late morning a Kingfisher, five Ruff, two Ringed Plovers, a Little Stint, a Knot and three Swallows. (David Owen).

Ashleworth Ham    From the hide 10+ Snipe, 50 Teal, five Wigeon, 15 Shovelers, a female Pintail, 25+ Mallards, two Grey Herons, two Buzzards and a female Sparrowhawk. Along Stank Lane a Great Spotted Woodpecker, three Jays, a Reed Bunting and a large assorted Tit flock including 35+ Long-tailed Tits and a Chiffchaff. (Mark Grieve).

Cranham    On stubble fields west of Overtown Farm 11 Meadow Pipits, 108 Stock Doves, 54 Skylarks, 57 Linnets, 22 Goldfinches, two Kestrels, a Buzzard, 46 Woodpigeons, 380 Rooks and Jackdaws, 94 Starlings, 13 Mistle Thrushes and a Yellowhammer. (John Fleming).

WWT Slimbridge    A Little Stint with 22 Dunlins and a Ringed Plover and two adult Yellow-legged Gulls on the Dumbles but no sign of the Pectoral Sandpiper this morning. One of the gulls showed characteristics of Azorean/atlantis YLG. Pic by James.

From Zeiss hide a Cetti's Warbler, three Black-tailed Godwits and two Whinchats and on South Lake four Spotted Redshanks and 11 Black-tailed Godwits. Six Siskins around the car park. (James Lees, WWT/MK). Also a Water Rail this morning but again no sign of the Spotted Crake. (Richard Tyler/Jon Mercer). Pic by Richard.

Blakeney    A Dipper in Blakeney village this morning under the bridge across the road near the chip shop. (Michael Edwards).

Cleeve Hill    150 House Martins and two Swallows roosting in an Ash tree. Fly-overs of two Snipe, three Siskins, two Lesser Redpolls, a Grey Wagtail and lots of Meadow Pipits. At least 12 Stonechats in the gorse. (Ian Ralphs).

 

Fri 26th September 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A Pectoral Sandpiper on the Dumbles with two Little Stints, 40 Dunlin and 20 Ringed Plovers at 6:40pm. (James Lees, WWT). 

Aylburton Warth    In the field on the left hand side just below Alvington Court (SO614005) there were 66 Lapwings, two juvenile Curlew Sandpipers and c20 Meadow Pipits. On the Warth two Little Egrets, c 12 Meadow Pipits and at least ten Ravens. (Barrie Mills).

Frampton    This afternoon 30+ Swallows, four Cormorants, three Great Crested Grebes, a Kestrel, a Buzzard, 70+ Coots and 19 Mute Swans. (Bill Church/Dursley Primary School Nature Club). 

Forest of Dean    Three Redwings and two Meadow Pipits over Lydbrook this morning. (Lewis Thomson). From Lydbrook to Symonds Yat and back along the river 25 Siskins, nine Goldfinches, a Kingfisher, a Grey Wagtail and a kettle of six Buzzards. Also Speckled Wood, Comma, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, and two Ruddy Darters. (Eric Osbaldeston).

Gloucester    At Longford this afternoon a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk disputing airspace over Hatherley brook and a Green Woodpecker. (Steve Brown).
Cheltenham    At Naunton Park a Sparrowhawk and a Pipistrelle at dusk. (Steve Brown).

 

Thu 25th September 2008

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Spotted Crake flushed whilst grass-cutting at 12:30pm, then seen again at 1:30pm on the Top New Piece.  (Martin McGill, WWT). Then showing well from Lathbury hide from 4:15pm until 4:45pm at least. (James Lees, WWT/MK). Pic by James.

Pope's Hill    Two Redwings over this morning. (John Phillips).

Coombe Hill Meadows  20 Grey Herons, a Little Egret, 70 Greylags, a Bar-headed x Greylag cross, 120 Canada Geese, 272 Wigeon, 735 Teal, five Gadwall, five Pintails, ten Shovelers, two Garganeys, a juvenile Peregrine, 55 Lapwings, 45+ Snipe, two Black-tailed Godwits, six Ruff, a Wood Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper. (Mike Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    Ten Ringed Plovers and three Little Stints today. (Mike Smart).

Brimscombe    Today around the Frome at Brimscombe Port, a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail. (David Owen).

Forest of Dean    At Lydbrook a Green Woodpecker and a Great Spotted Woodpecker and also three young House Martins still in two nests. (Eric Osbaldeston).

Symonds Yat    At Yat Rock a Peregrine eating a Woodpigeon, a Raven, a Nuthatch and a Coal Tit. Also a female Purple Emperor over the edge of cliff. (Eric Osbaldeston/Maureen Taylor).

Plusterwine (ST 60 98) Two Black tailed-Godwits, nine Curlews, at least five Grey Herons, three Snipe, five Ravens, a Grey Partridge and a Little Egret being hounded by a Carrion Crow. (Eric Osbaldeston).

 

Wed 24th September 2008

Forest of Dean    At Lydbrook a Kingfisher, a Grey Wagtail, a Goldcrest and a Woodcock flew over. (Eric Osbaldeston).

Newnham    A second-winter Mediterranean Gull this evening. (John Phillips).

Coombe Hill Meadows  A Little Egret, four Grey Herons, two Shelducks, 26 Pintail, two Garganeys, eight Shovelers, two Pochards, three Ringed Plovers, 96 Lapwings, three Little Stints, two juvenile Ruff, 20 Snipe, two Black-tailed Godwits, 60 Swallows and two Chiffchaffs. (Andy Jayne/Tony Eveleigh). Also two Redwings flew over the car park. (Tony Eveleigh).

Cheltenham    Redwings heard going over at 9pm. (Lawrence Skipp).

 

Tue 23rd September 2008

Hawling    A flock of 40+ Golden Plovers around Larkhill Farm this morning. (Sue Smith).

Churchdown    A Firecrest on Hucclecote Lane at Chosen Hill at 10am today. (Rob Crofton).

Walmore Common    25 Wigeon, 80 Teal, a female/immature Garganey, five Shovelers, a Little Egret, a Peregrine, a Kingfisher and a Sedge Warbler today. (Andy Jayne/John Phillips).

Painswick Beacon    Two Tree Pipits on the Beacon today. (Francis Steuck).

Ebworth    A Hobby over Foston's Ash at 1:45pm heading south. (John Fleming).

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens today a Great Crested Grebe and a Grey Heron at the lake this morning. (Ivan Proctor).

 

Mon 22nd September 2008

Beachley Point    A Honey Buzzard reported flying over the Severn Bridge at 2:05pm. (Rare Bird Alert). 

Aylburton Warth    40+ Meadow Pipits, nine Curlews, four Wheatears, three Little Egrets, three Common Sandpipers, two Snipe, two Yellow Wagtails, a Reed Bunting and a Kingfisher this afternoon. (Lewis Thomson). Pic by Lewis. 

Coombe Hill Meadows    325 Canada Geese, two Shelducks, 335 Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, c400 Teal, 40 Pintail, two Garganey (eclipse drake and female/immature), 21 Shovelers, two Pochards, 19 Tufted Ducks, a Little Grebe, eight Little Egrets, a Sparrowhawk, a juvenile female Peregrine, ten Ringed Plovers, a Knot, three Little Stints, two Dunlin, seven Ruff, a Snipe, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, a Kingfisher, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Siskin over SW today. (Andy Jayne).

 

Sun 21st September 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A Pectoral Sandpiper on South Lake late morning until early afternoon only. (Nick Goatman). 

Painswick Beacon    In a watch from 7:00-9:30am, overhead passage included 310 House Martins, 143 Meadow Pipits, 46 Swallows, 20 Siskins, 11 Goldfinches, ten Linnets, four Starlings, three Redpolls, three Grey Wagtails, two alba Wagtails, two Tree Pipits and a Song Thrush. On the ground, a couple of Chiffchaffs and a Wheatear. Later in the day, a single Hobby through at 1:47pm, followed three minutes later by a female/immature Hen Harrier. (Francis Steuck).

Fairford    Two Cetti's Warblers on the River Coln E of Fairford and a Hobby W at 1:20pm. (Ian Ralphs).

Ashleworth Ham    From the hide 30+ Mallards, 35+ Teal, 40+ Wigeon, 8+ Shovelers, a Little Grebe, two female Pochards, a Barnacle Goose in amongst the Canada Geese, at least eight Grey Herons, 700+ Black headed Gulls, 35 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 5+ Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap, three Skylarks and eight Meadow Pipits over, three Jays, a Treecreeper, a Kingfisher, two Bullfinches, eight Reed Buntings, six Lapwings, a Green Sandpiper heard, a Cormorant flew down river, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, three Buzzards and a very vocal Hobby on the pylon at the end of Dirty Lane. (Mark Grieve). On the Hasfield Ham side at the bottom of Stank Lane 140 Wigeon, 620 Teal, 35 Shovelers, 12 Pintails, eight Gadwall, a Peregrine, 240 Lapwings, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, two Ruff and at least 31 Snipe. (Mike Smart).

Crickley Hill    Three late Swifts with 100 House Martins today. (Terry Fenton).

Hucclecote    At 2pm three Peregrines noisily interacting. (Terry Fenton).

Gretton    A family party of three Grey Wagtails visited a garden pond this evening. (Roger Wasley). Pic by Roger.

Cheltenham    A Raven over The Park this afternoon. A garden tick for Peter. (Peter Cadogan).

 

Sat 20th September 2008

Symonds Yat    A Yellow Wagtail over Yat rock today, also three Goshawks, two seen grappling over Coppet Hill for a few minutes. The resident Peregrine pair were showing for most of the day. Other overhead birds included 20+ Meadow Pipits, 18 Linnets, 13 Goldfinches, six Greenfinches, five Siskins, three Pied Wagtails and a steady flow of Swallows and House Martins. (Lewis Thomson). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    On the shallow floodwater seen from the towpath (hide still not accessible) a Great Crested Grebe, seven Grey Herons, two Little Egrets, 290 Canada Geese, 119 Greylags, 220 Wigeon, 200 Teal, eight Gadwall, 22 Pintails, 25 Shovelers, 51 Tufted Ducks, a Pochard, 19 Black-tailed Godwits, two Ruff and 400 Black-headed Gulls. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Frampton    c10 Yellow Wagtails in a field adjacent to Green Lane late evening. (Mark Hobson).

Sharpness    Three Golden Plovers flew N just before high tide at 11am. (MK).

WWT Slimbridge    A winter-plumaged Little Stint at Mid Point this morning. (James Lees, WWT).

Charlton Kings    A Little Owl between Timbercombe woods and Vineyards Farm. Also 20 Long-tailed Tits further up the slope. (Steve Brown).

Gloucester    A Kingfisher flew under Castlemeads Bridge at 3pm. (Ian Elphick).

Tirley    Two Ravens over today and at 7:10 pm 45 Swallows from SW to the NE, (wrong way), 15 u-turned and headed to the SW. (Mark Grieve).

 

Fri 19th September 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Marsh Harrier at Mid Point early morning. (Mike Cox, WWT). 

Witcombe Reservoir    Two Common Sandpipers and a Grey Wagtail and a Hornet at the Roman Villa car park. (Steve Brown).

Guscar Rocks/Aylburton    A Little Egret, eight Wigeon, two Teal, 25 Lapwings, a Ringed Plover, a Grey Plover, 27 Dunlin, two immature Curlew Sandpipers, 537 Curlews, ten Redshanks, a Green Sandpiper, two Common Sandpipers, c100 Swallows moving SW, a Rock Pipit, 50 Meadow Pipits, five Yellow Wagtails and at least 30 Ravens today. (Mike Smart).

Walmore Common    14 Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff and 100 Lapwings today. (Mike Smart).

Ebworth    Near Foston's Ash at SO912116 two Blackcaps, a Marsh Tit, two Green Woodpeckers, a Goldcrest, a Nuthatch, two Bullfinches, four Willow Warblers, two Chiffchaffs, a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk, two Buzzards, six Goldfinches and two Song Thrushes. North of Ebworth drive at SO915121 a Whinchat, two Wheatears, two Meadow Pipits, six Skylarks, 30 Linnets and 40+ Starlings. (John Fleming).

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens a juvenile Great Crested Grebe and a Siskin over. At Speech House, (Arboretum Car Park) two Ravens at the feeders. (Derek Hale). 

Cleeve Hill    A juvenile Whinchat, nine Stonechats, including a family party of male, female and three juveniles, a Raven over, 30+ Meadow Pipits, a Chiffchaff and a Buzzard this afternoon. (MK).

 

Thu 18th September 2008

Gloucester    At Port Ham a Green Sandpiper and a Reed Bunting by the substation and at Over Ponds a Grey Wagtail and an immature Whitethroat. (Ian Elphick).

Severn Hams    The Severn level much lower today, and floods on meadows decreasing. Both the Ham Road at Ashleworth and the Red Lion roads now open. At Wainlodes six adult Shelducks on the falling flood (an unusually early date), four Snipe, a Green Sandpiper and 1000+ Black-headed Gulls. At Ashleworth, the hide now easily accessible, but the water still high on the reserve. Two Cormorants perched on pylons and flock of 100 Lapwings on the falling flood. (Mike Smart).

Netheridge Farm    The unringed male European Eagle Owl appeared this evening at 9:15pm at the Barn Owl Centre and perched on a telegraph pole at the end of the Owl Evening encounter, before relocating to his favoured plum tree until 10pm at least. (Vince Jones). 

Forest of Dean    At New Fancy View a Goshawk, over Staple Edge at 10:10am two Ravens, c100 House Martins and five Swallows. Also three Adders on the approach path. (Ben Macdonald/Derek Hale). At Eastbach, above Lower Redbrook a Red-legged Partridge in the road. (Derek Hale). Pic by Ben.

Aylburton Warth    Two Curlew Sandpipers with four Dunlins at high tide, also 30+ Meadow Pipits, two flyover Tree Pipits, 11 Curlews, nine Yellow Wagtails, five Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, a Wheatear, and a male Sparrowhawk. (Lewis Thomson). Pics by Lewis. Second pic Curlew Sandpiper with Dunlin.

 

Frampton    A Black Tern on the Sailing Lake still today. (Nick Goatman).

Eastington    Three Hobbies over this morning. (Nick Goatman).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Still most fields flooded, but from the canal bank c1000 Black-headed Gulls, 12 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 60 Wigeon, eight Pochards (4m 4f), eight Teal, two Shovelers, 12+ Tufted Ducks, seven Grey Herons, a Kingfisher and along the canal two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a pair of Bullfinches, three Willow Warblers and a Comma butterfly. (Steve Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    A Black-necked Grebe off of Mid Point this morning from 10:30-10:45am. (Geoff Moyser). 

Tirley    15 Swallows high to the south. (Mark Grieve).

 

Wed 17th September 2008

Cleeve Hill    Two Whinchats, three Redstarts, four Stonechats, 20 Meadow Pipits and two Ravens. (Tom & Greg Mabbett). Pic below.

Forest of Dean    At Cannop ponds four Mandarins (2m, 2f), a Marsh Tit on the feeders and a Kingfisher. At New Fancy View a Raven and a female Blackcap. At the Linear Park, Cinderford two drake Tufted Ducks on the north pool, a Black-headed Gull (unusual here), a Bullfinch and c25 Pied Wagtails over. (Derek Hale).

Stinchcombe    Two juvenile Hobbies today. (Paul Taylor).

Symonds Yat    At Yat Rock a Goshawk opposite the rock on Coppet Hill in a thin mist today. (Gavin Black). Pic by Gavin.

Cheltenham    A Honey Buzzard over at 1:35pm. (Terry Fenton).

Severn Hams    The Severn level has dropped markedly, and water is flowing rapidly from the meadows. Flooding is still extensive, covering the Red Lion road today and the towpath just below the Wharf. Hides still inaccessible, but it will probably be possible to reach them in a day or two. 1000 Black-headed Gulls on floodwater at Leigh Meadows. (Mike Smart).

Charlton Kings    This morning at dawn a Muntjac on the golf course near Sandy Lane. (Steve Brown).

 

Tue 16th September 2008

Ebworth    At 2:10pm Ebworth Centre SO110900 a low flying Osprey (2m above head height) came from the north over the fields of Over Town Farm, the bird circled over the Woods and Office area for about 20 minutes until drifting west over Sheepscombe where it lingered for a further 10 minutes prior to rising on thermals and drifting of NW high in the sky. (Rob Palmer).

Symonds Yat    At Yat Rock a late Swift with hirundines today. (Gavin Black).

Bishops Cleeve    Two Crossbills (1 male) and two other possibles viewed in conifers from Blooms Garden Centre café today. (Steve Brown).

Aylburton Warth    100+ Curlews, 60+ Meadow Pipits, six Dunlin, three Snipe, three Yellow Wagtails, two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, a Little Egret, a Wheatear and a Chiffchaff in song this morning. (Lewis Thomson).

May Hill    A large mixed flock of c300 Swallows and House Martins at the top of May Hill some perched, others flying around the bracken today. (Gillian Guest).

Stonehouse    Six very vocal Buzzards moving slowly S over Oldends Lane at 2pm. (MK).

Saul Warth    A Black-tailed Godwit, a Curlew, two Buzzards, a Hobby, a Sparrowhawk, six Grey Herons, c10 Long-tailed Tits and a juvenile Green Woodpecker today. (Harold Smith). Pic by Harold. 

Mon 15th September 2008

Netheridge Farm    The unringed male European Eagle Owl reappeared this evening at 10:30pm at the Barn Owl Centre. (Vince Jones). Pic by Vince.

Symonds Yat    At Yat Rock today two Goshawks, a Peregrine, a Hobby, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, at least seven Buzzards up at once and a possible high flyover Osprey. (Mark Hobson).

Haresfield Beacon    Early evening 60+ Goldfinches, eight Meadow Pipits and a Skylark. Nearby a Green Woodpecker on Edge Common a Green Woodpecker. No raptor movement though. (MK).

Cleeve Hill    By the heather enclosures three Whinchats, two Stonechats, a Wheatear, 18+ Meadow Pipits and a Raven over. (Graham Watson). Pic by Graham.

WWT Slimbridge    On the 100-Acre there were two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Kestrel and a Grey Heron. A dozen Wigeon from Holden Tower and 50+ Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. (Bob Shiret). Pics by Bob.

 

Fairford    No sign of the Osprey in the region of its favoured dead tree just beyond the wooden fence on the far  side of the Broad water between noon and 1pm and later at 3pm. Closer to Fairford, a Hobby was seen jousting with a pair of Jackdaws. (Keith White).

 

Sun 14th September 2008

Painswick Beacon    In two hours of observation just after dawn 100 Swallows, 32 House Martins, 22 Meadow Pipits, five Siskins and a Tree Pipit through. On the ground singles of Wheatear and Redstart and five Chiffchaffs. (Francis Steuck).

Crickley Hill    A dark morph Honey Buzzard flew over at 5:10pm. (Kim Milsom).

Symonds Yat    At Yat Rock today both Peregrines, a Goshawk, probably male, low overhead in the fog, two juvenile female Goshawks after the fog cleared, interacting with each other and the Buzzards, and a pale morph Gyrfalcon wearing a jessie, over the cliffs. The male Peregrine went up and was dwarfed by it. (Gavin Black/Lewis Thomson/Martin Drew/Ken Eames).

Fairford    The juvenile female Osprey at the Broad Water in Fairford Park still when it circled up from the N at 1:05pm, glided high over Broad Water then lost to view going high S at 1:10pm. This Osprey is the Loch Garten bird see here. Also a Grey Wagtail and a Kingfisher. (Jon Mercer/Mark Hobson). Along the River Coln at Fairford at 6pm an Osprey fishing along the river near Pit 104 before flying off in the direction of Whelford (not sat/tagged) also a Stonechat, 40 Long-tailed Tits and a Treecreeper. (Mick & Jo Jones).

Hatherop    At Homeleaze Farm east of Hatherop at 9am on the farm's slurry tanks a Grey Wagtail, ten Pied Wagtails, two Snipe, nine Green Sandpipers and a Ruff, and near the farm buildings five Tree Sparrows and a juvenile Whinchat. (Mick & Jo Jones).

WWT Slimbridge    A Wheatear, Curlew and a Little Egret from Holden Tower. Two Whinchats and a Grey Heron from Zeiss Hide. (Ray Sherman). The Black-necked Grebe was on the WWT 100-Acre still early afternoon seen on a guided walk. (Martin McGill, WWT).

Sharpness/Berkeley    This morning a Wheatear, a Rock Pipit, 18 Goldfinches and 15 Linnets at the docks. A Grasshopper Warbler and another Wheatear between Sharpness and Berkeley and three Little Egrets at Berkeley Pill. (MK/Paul Taylor).

 

Sat 13th September 2008

Severn Hams update   The Severn Level has now gone down appreciably and the river is no longer overtopping its banks. Flooding on the meadows has only just begun to drop. Ham Road at Ashleworth and the Red Lion road past Wainlodes is still under deep water. No question of reaching hides at Coombe Hill or Ashleworth Ham. (Mike Smart).

Walmore Common    Extensive but fairly shallow flooding. Nine Grey Herons, 100 Mallards, 15 Shovelers, 12 Teal, at least 1200 Black-headed Gulls on the floodwater, a Kingfisher and a light passage of c50 Swallows to the SW. (Les Brown/Mike Smart).

Fairford    A juvenile female Osprey at the Broad Water in Fairford Park still at 11am. This Osprey is the Loch Garten bird see here. Also a Spotted Flycatcher, a juvenile Wheatear and a Hobby. (MK). Two Yellow Wagtails NE of Fairford. (Steve Brown).

Sharpness    At high tide early morning a Shag, a juvenile Black Tern and six Knot, one in summer plumage. (MK/Paul Taylor).

WWT Slimbridge    The Black-necked Grebe on the WWT 100-Acre still this morning seen on a guided walk. (James Lees, WWT).

Frampton    A Black Tern and three Common Terns on the Sailing Lake this morning. (Steve Brown).

Bourton-on-the-Water   A Willow Tit in Salmonsbury Meadows and a Shelduck on the northernmost pit. About 20 House Martins and five Swallows feeding over the pit. A juvenile Hobby hawking near the south pits. (Andy Lewis).

Charlton Kings    Five Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk interacting high on thermals with gulls this afternoon. (Graham Watson).

Tirley    A Tawny Owl calling at 5:50am. (Mark Grieve).

 

Fri 12th September 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A Black-necked Grebe on the WWT 100-Acre not viewable from any hides. Guided walks start from the Holden Tower at 8.30am on Saturday (members free, non member normal admission price) and 12:00 on Sunday. This will involve a look out for waders from Mid Point then a walk to the 100-Acre (about a mile) to search for the Grebe. No need to book for these but be prepared for flooded ground. (Martin McGill, WWT).

Fairford    A juvenile female Osprey at the Broad Water in Fairford Park still today. (Rare Bird Alert). 

Forest of Dean    Marsh Tit and Coal Tit at Cannop ponds and an Adder at New Fancy View today. (Allan Chard). Pics by Allan.

 

 

Thu 11th September 2008

Painswick Beacon    A Grey Wagtail through and a Lesser Whitethroat on the ground. (Francis Steuck).

Frampton    Three Black Terns and a juvenile Arctic Tern on the Sailing Lake this afternoon, also three Common Terns. (Paul Masters). Two Hobbies over the WWT 100-Acre this evening. View only from the viewing platform or the viewing gate in Green Lane. (Mark Hobson).

Cotswold Water Park    Three Common Terns on Pit 32. Several Red Crested Pochards on Pit 31, also a Treecreeper and a Blackcap. (Alan Richards).

WWT Slimbridge    A first-winter Turtle Dove showing well at the Canoe Safari 2-6pm at least. (James Lees, WWT). A Black-necked Grebe off of Mid Point at 8am.  Also three juvenile Black Terns. (Martin McGill, WWT). Also from Mid Point 150+ Curlews, a Turnstone, four Black-tailed Godwits, a Little Egret, distant Dunlin and Ringed Plovers, 120+ Shelducks, 135 Barnacle Geese, two Peregrines on a kill, five Wheatears and a Reed Warbler. (Graham Watson). Pic by Graham).

Gloucester    At Horton Road at 1pm, a female Sparrowhawk took a Feral Pigeon and consumed it on a driveway. (Bernie O'Neill/Chris Free/Louise Morgan/Richard Knapman/Steve Brown).

Cam    A large passage of House Martins heading in a southerly direction over Cam this afternoon. (Ray Sherman).

 

Wed 10th September 2008

Symonds Yat    Two juvenile female Goshawks, a Hobby, c40 House Martins, c15 Swallows and a flock of c20 Siskins. The resident Peregrines were evident all day. The female never moved from her perch for over seven hours. (Gavin Black).

Walmore Common    Two Wigeon, eight Teal, 300 Mallards, six Shovelers, a juvenile Hobby, an adult and two juvenile Black Terns, an adult and juvenile Common Tern, two Kingfishers, two Redstarts, two Whinchats and a Lesser Whitethroat. (Andy Jayne).

Frampton    A Hobby over Splatt Bridge this evening. (MK).

Aylburton Warth    100+ Swallows, 40+ Meadow Pipits, 31 Lapwings, 14 Curlews, nine Wheatears including a Greenland Wheatear (pic below), two Ringed Plovers, two Yellow Wagtails, a Kestrel and a Brown Hare this morning. (Lewis Thomson).

Tirley    At Town Street Farm a Yellow Wagtail feeding with two Pied Wagtails and in an hour long count 150+ Swallows, 30+ House Martins and 2/3 Sand Martins south, also two Ravens, four Buzzards together and a male Kestrel. (Mark Grieve).

 

Tue 9th September 2008

WWT Slimbridge    Four Curlew Sandpipers today. Also a Black-necked Grebe on the reserve not viewable from any hides. (Martin McGill, WWT).

Fairford    A juvenile female Osprey at the Broad Water in Fairford Park still today. (Rare Bird Alert). 

Frampton    Two Black Terns and three Common Terns on the Sailing Lake this afternoon. (Vic Polley/Bill Church).

 

Mon 8th September 2008

Gloucester    At Gloucester Business Park at 8:15pm, from Hurricane Way roundabout down towards the Coopers Edge housing development a Nightjar flying along the road about 15 feet up and just in front of the car for 50 yards before veering off across the distribution depot parking area into the waste ground beyond. The white flashes were not very distinct, so probably female or juvenile. (Andrew Bluett).

Dursley    A Wryneck was seen and photographed today in a non-birders garden at 2pm. It was searched for and not relocated. (Geoff Moyser).

Awre     A Grey Phalarope catching flies on the beach and around the salmon traps just SW of the south end of Woodend Lane in Awre. (John & Viv Phillips). No sign later in fading light just two Wheatears and a Ringed Plover. (MK).

Sharpness    An adult Shag caught a large eel off the SARA Station, two Sandwich Terns flew down river at 8:15am, a juvenile Arctic Tern over the pool, two Yellow-legged Gulls, 80+ Redshanks, three Ravens, a Great Crested Grebe, 100+ Common Gulls, a Little Egret, a juvenile Shelduck and three Grey Herons this morning. (Graham Watson). YLG pic by Graham. Also in the Sharpness/Purton area a Common Tern, four Knot and eight Black-tailed Godwits. (Shane Long). 

Severn Hams    At Leigh Meadows fairly deep flooding; vast numbers of hirundines feeding over freshly flooded fields, c800 Swallows and 200 House Martins. At Coombe Hill water is over the towpath about 100 metres past car park, the Grundon and Long Pool hides are completely inaccessible. At Ashleworth Ham the hide is inaccessible from road, but the footpath over higher ground west of the reserve is still open. (Mike Smart).

Walmore Common    150 Swallows and 50 House Martins, 80 Mallards, ten Teal, two Gadwall, a Shoveler, two juvenile Black Terns, an adult Common Tern and a juvenile Arctic Tern, all feeding over the floodwater and landing on wooden posts. (Mike Smart).

 

Sun 7th September 2008

Berkeley    A late Swift over the Berkeley-Sharpness by-pass this morning. (Richard Tyler).

Fairford     An Osprey this morning at the Broad Water in Fairford Park, was a different bird as it was not wearing a transmitter and was unringed. Also six Little Grebes, three Grey Herons, a Hobby chasing House Martins and in nearby oak trees 18 Mistle Thrushes and six Song Thrushes. (Mick & Jo Jones).

Saul Warth    Two Sandwich Terns this morning on the river. (Mark Hobson). This afternoon six Wheatears and a Whinchat. (Richard Baatsen). In the new marina at Saul this morning an immature Black Tern feeding amongst the boats, a Common Tern and a Grey Wagtail. (Gordon Hodgson).

Framilode    An Arctic Tern dropped down amongst the gulls for a few
minutes at Priding this morning. Also a first-winter Mediterranean Gull there. (John Sanders). Pic by John.

WWT Slimbridge    A Manx Shearwater off of Mid Point this morning. Also a Whinchat and Wheatear on the cross fence, at least two Reed Warblers, a Little Egret, a male Peregrine, a Hobby over, two Snipe over, 100+ Golden Plovers, 11 Sanderlings, 30+ Ringed Plovers mixed with Dunlin, three Knot, ten Wigeon, a flock of 32 Cormorants past and three Arctic Terns. (James Lees, WWT/Jake King/Pete Zaltowski).  A Wood Sandpiper at the Rushy Pen, a Grey Wagtail along the Holden Way and a Wheatear from the Zeiss Hide. (Ray Sherman/Emrys Jenkins).

Sharpness    A Little Tern heading south at 10am. Later a Sandwich Tern and a Kittiwake went south. Also three Common Terns, a Little Egret, a Common Sandpiper and a Yellow Wagtail. (Andy Chapman/Paul Masters). Also ten Turnstones went south early afternoon. (Mark Hobson).

Purton    A Wheatear early afternoon. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton    Two Black Terns on the Sailing Lake still this afternoon. (Andy Chapman/Paul Masters/Richard Baatsen).

Millend    This morning a garden Kingfisher perched on the back wall - a garden tick. (Jake King).

 

Sat 6th September 2008

Netheridge Farm    The unringed male European Eagle Owl reappeared this evening at 11:15pm at the Barn Owl Centre. He was in an old pear tree and stayed for 10 minutes before flying off towards Rea Lane. He then reappeared for a short time at midnight. Last night he arrived at 8:30pm staying until 9:30pm before flying off towards the Treatment Works. (Vince Jones). Pic by Vince.

WWT Slimbridge/Sharpness    A dark juvenile LONG-TAILED SKUA south past Mid Point at 11:20am. (James Lees/Dave Paynter, WWT). Then past Sharpness where it had joined up with a dark phase Arctic Skua. (Ian Ralphs/Paul Taylor/MK). Also two Rock Pipits, a Wheatear, 15 Arctic Terns, four Common Terns and an adult Kittiwake.

Frampton    Three Black Terns on the Sailing Lake still early afternoon. Also two Hobbies. (MK).

Ashleworth Ham    Very heavy hirundine passage, mainly Swallows and House Martins with very few Sand Martins, two Whinchats and at least one Hobby. Early morning ringing season produced two juvenile Redstarts, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. (Mervyn Greening, David Anderson, Mike Smart). Nearby at Haw Bridge at 12:15pm a flock of 40 Common Terns flew downriver. (Mike Smart).

Coombe Hill Meadows     A Spoonbill from the Grundon hide until 9am at least. Also two Spotted Redshanks, seven Snipe, a Curlew, two Black-tailed Godwits, three Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, a Common Tern, 50 Mallards, 120 Teal, a Peregrine, a juvenile Buzzard, 450+ Swallows. 150+ Sand Martins, 50+ House Martins, three Yellow Wagtails, four Pied Wagtails, 2/3 Wheatears, a Reed Bunting, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Lesser Whitethroats, a Whitethroat, two Blackcaps, several Chiffchaffs, a female Bullfinch, a Sedge Warbler, a Skylark and a Whinchat. Later three Black Terns there. (Mark Moore/Les Brown/Mark Grieve/Richard Tyler). Pics by Richard.   

 

Fri 5th September 2008

Coombe Hill Meadows     A Spoonbill from the Grundon hide until 12:30pm at least. Also two Spotted Redshanks, a Black tailed Godwit, a Curlew, a Snipe, a Dunlin, two Little Egrets, 20 Shovelers, c50 Sand Martins, c100 Swallows and a Wheatear. (Peter Cadogan).

Purton    A Common Tern this afternoon. (Shane Long).

Saul Warth    A Wood Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, three Greenshanks and a Kingfisher. (Martin McGill, WWT). 

Frampton    Two Whinchats and a Cetti's Warbler at the reedbed N of Splatt Bridge this afternoon. (Martin McGill, WWT). 

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Dotterel still today, distant on the Dumbles from the Holden Tower. (James Lees, WWT). See WWT site re/ Dotterel access.

 

Thu 4th September 2008

Netheridge Farm    The unringed male European Eagle Owl reappeared this evening at c10:30-11:30pm at the Barn Owl Centre. It showed well in trees around the centre and was calling regularly. (Vince Jones/Terry Fenton). Vince says it is getting hungry, bold and less nervous. It now calls back to him when he calls it, it follows him about and on a few attempts it has nearly come to a lure. On this basis he thinks it is a captive escapee not a wild bird, although there is no signs of jesses or leg wear. Pic by Terry.

Charlton Kings    A Little Owl where Sandy Lane becomes a track. Also a Pheasant roosting in Pilley Bridge reserve and this morning a garden Jay in Naunton Park. (Steve Brown).

Saul Warth    A Wood Sandpiper, two Green Sandpipers, a Greenshank and three Ruff, hardly any duck because more shooting was taking place, and two Wheatears on the river bank. (Gordon Hodgson).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Gannet out on the mud at 4:45pm, from the Holden Tower. (Terry Fenton). The juvenile Dotterel still today, distant on the Dumbles from the Holden Tower until 4pm at least. Also a Knot, a Ruff, 80+ Dunlin, 10 Black-tailed Godwits and 40+ Ringed Plovers on the pool in front of the tower, and a juvenile Peregrine on a kill on the Dumbles. (Jon Mercer). A Manx Shearwater flew strongly up river at 10:35am and a Little Tern was feeding on the river over high tide. Also two Bar-tailed Godwits, 27 Sanderlings, 23 Knot and a Turnstone. (James Lees, WWT). See WWT site re/ Dotterel access.

Berkeley shore    A Mediterranean Gull, a Wheatear and a Peregrine this evening. (Shane Long).

Fairford    A juvenile female Osprey at the Broad Water in Fairford Park still this morning. This Osprey is a Loch Garten bird see here.  (Rare Bird Alert). 

Coombe Hill Meadows     Two Spoonbills from the Grundon hide until 2pm at least, one remaining still this evening. Also 615 Mallards, 60 Teal, 20 Shovelers, three Gadwall, a Little Egret, two Spotted Redshanks, four Green Sandpipers, three Snipe, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Whinchat, a Wheatear,  a steady passage of Swallows (300+) and Sand Martins (150+) from first light onwards, feeding low over fields and scrapes then moving on to south west, large numbers of Chiffchaffs, some singing, some calling in willows, everywhere, often accompanying tit flocks and two Spotted Flycatchers along the canal. (Mike Smart/Jon Mercer/Steve Avery). Pic by Steve.

Pics by Jon.

  

Shab Hill    Nine Wheatears this afternoon. (Duncan Dine).

Ashleworth Ham    A Hobby on the pylons today. (Mike Smart).

Frampton    Two Black Terns on the Sailing Lake still late afternoon. Also a Yellow Wagtail, two Reed Warblers and a juvenile Green Woodpecker. (Mark Hobson).

Ablington    A Wheatear and a Raven at Old Walls Farm this morning SP10e. (Ian Ralphs).

 

Wed 3rd September 2008

Fairford    No sign of the juvenile female Osprey at the Broad Water in Fairford Park this evening, two Kingfishers, a Little Egret, a Buzzard and a Raven.  (Jon Mercer/Dave Morgan). 

Little Haresfield    A Honey Buzzard at 12:30pm today at Little Haresfield seen well flying low and purposefully SSE. (Gordon Kirk/Martin Wright/Juliet Bailey).

Ashleworth Ham    Three Hobbies, a heavy passage of hirundines 300+ Swallows, 25+ Sand Martins and 2/3 House Martins, a Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, two Buzzards and Chiffchaff and Blackcap. (Mark Grieve).

Gloucester    A Little Egret and a Water Rail at Over Ponds, Alney Island today. (Ian Elphick).

Pope's Hill    A garden Firecrest early this morning. (John Phillips).

Awre    Two Manx Shearwaters floated up on the tide off Awre, less than five minutes apart at c10am. (John Phillips).

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Dotterel still on the Dumbles from Holden Tower this morning. (Richard Baatsen). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Spoonbills this morning from the Grundon hide, later flushed by a jet and moved onto the Long Pool out of sight. (Les Brown). Pics by Graham Watson.

 

Tue 2nd September 2008

Netheridge Farm    The unringed European Eagle Owl reappeared this evening between c10:15-10:45pm at the Barn Owl Centre. It showed well in trees around the centre and attempted to catch a rabbit, but ignored food offered. (Vince Jones/Juliette Holly/MK). 

Frampton    Four Black Terns,  a juvenile Arctic Tern and 40+ Sand Martins on the Sailing Lake this evening after a heavy storm. (Nick Goatman).

Forest of Dean    A juvenile Goshawk and seven Crossbills over Speculation this evening. Pic by Lewis. (Lewis Thomson).

Fairford    A juvenile female Osprey at the Broad Water in Fairford Park still today. This Osprey is a Loch Garten bird see here.  (Rare Bird Alert). 

WWT Slimbridge    The juvenile Dotterel still on the Dumbles and an Osprey and a Little Tern through this morning. Also 12 Sanderlings, six Knot, two Turnstones, a summer-plumaged Grey Plover, two Little Stints, four Whimbrels, a Swift and a Whinchat. (Martin McGill, WWT/Ian Ralphs). 

Saul Warth    This morning a Wood Sandpiper, three Green Sandpipers, two Ruff, two Greenshanks, a Black-tailed Godwit and three Pintail. Shooting last night has dispersed many of the birds. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Gordon Hodgson).

 

Mon 1st September 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Dotterel still on the Dumbles at 7:30pm today. Also a juvenile Hen Harrier through this morning. (Martin McGill, WWT). Only the second record for Slimbridge the last being April 1975! Pic by Paul Masters. 

Forest of Dean    A male Dipper quietly singing from the wall of the pool opposite Cannop cycle centre at 8am this morning. (Lewis Thomson).

Fairford    A juvenile female Osprey at the Broad Water in Fairford Park still today. This Osprey is a Loch Garten bird see here.  (Rare Bird Alert). 

 

Sun 31st August 2008

Netheridge Farm    A belated report of a European Eagle Owl perched in the derelict building beside the canal near to the Peel Centre where the new bridge is being built, last Sunday 24th. Seen by birders from a canal boat. This was the first night it appeared at the Barn Owl Centre. (per Vince Jones). 

Saul Warth    11 Ruff, a Wood Sandpiper, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, eight Green Sandpipers, four Greenshanks and a Little Stint this afternoon. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. Also a Hobby near to Splatt Bridge. (Richard Baatsen/Gordon Hodgson).

Frampton    Four Black Terns (two juveniles) on the Sailing Lake this evening. (Nick Goatman).

Fairford    An Osprey at the Broad Water in Fairford Park still today. Also 11 Little Grebes, a Raven and four Great Spotted Woodpeckers.  This Osprey is a Loch Garten bird see here.  (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman).

Cam    A female or juvenile Marsh Harrier flying south at c12:30pm over the M5 motorway bridge at Cam. (Neil Smart).

Guiting Power    A Red Kite over today and also reported yesterday. (Jim Milton).

 

Sat 30th August 2008

Charlton Kings    At Ravensgate Hill a Tawny Owl hooted twice at 3:15pm, also a few Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap.  On Charlton Kings Common a Raven and Wall Brown butterflies today. (Steve Brown).

Forest of Dean    At New Fancy View 14 Crossbills, two Siskins and a Raven. Also an Adder and a Common Lizard. (Ewan Urquhart). Eight Buzzards soaring over Caswell Woods south of Brockweir in the late afternoon sun. (Ivan & Sue Proctor).

Fairford    An Osprey at the Broad Water in Fairford Park again today. Also a pair of Hobbies and two Sparrowhawks grappling with each other. (Richard Tyler). Pic by Richard. This Osprey is a Loch Garten bird see here

Cleeve Hill    Six Whinchats at Wontley Farm mid morning. (Dave Pearce). Also a Hobby pursuing House Martins. (Richard Tyler).

Sherborne    A Red Kite over the village. (Richard Tyler).

WWT Slimbridge    A juvenile Kentish Plover on the edge of the Dumbles in the high tide wader until 8:15am only. No sign by 10:45am after an extensive search. Also 17 Ruff, three Little Stints, 6+ Sanderlings, four Turnstones, 25 Black-tailed Godwits, a Greenshank and 19 Arctic Terns. (James Lees, WWT/Martin McGill, WWT). 

Sharpness    A Grasshopper Warbler in scrub behind the docks by the Harbour Master's hut. Also two Sandwich Terns heading south past the Lifeboat Station at 8:20am and six Yellow Wagtails. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Mark Hobson).

 

Fri 29th August 2008

Fairford     An Osprey caught a large Pike at the Broad Water in Fairford Park and sat in a tree with it, the bird was fitted with a transmitter. Also eight Little Grebes, four Grey Herons, a Hobby and four Spotted Flycatchers in the same area. (Mick & Jo Jones).

Fretherne    Two Wheatears and a Common Sandpiper at the sluice this evening. (Mark Hobson).

Hempsted    Two Spotted Flycatchers at Upper Rea Farm at 3pm. (Paul Masters).

May Hill    A flock of 12 Ravens over May Hill village at lunch time today. (Rob Guest).

Cleeve Hill    Many Willow Warblers with a few Chiffchaffs amongst large tit flocks, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, a Spotted Flycatcher, three Redstarts, three Whinchats on the fence of the heather enclosure with a Wheatear and Stonechat, also four Ravens over and a Kestrel. (Tom & Greg Mabbett). Pics below.

 

 

 

 

Lower Slaughter    A Crossbill over south this morning. (Richard Tyler).

WWT Slimbridge    21 Yellow-legged Gulls from Holden Tower at high tide and a drake Common Scoter on the river. Later a Polecat was seen. (James Lees, WWT). 

 

Thu 28th August 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A Ruff on South Lake and two Wheatears, two Green Sandpipers, c20 Long-tailed Tits, c10 Chiffchaffs, three male Blackcaps and a juvenile Whitethroat from Holden Tower. (Derek Hale). Pic by Derek.

Saul Warth    Three Ruff, three Green Sandpipers, six Wigeon, 1+ Redshank, a Greenshank and a Lesser Whitethroat at 8am. A Wood Sandpiper reported earlier by other birders. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Derek Hale).

Didmarton    Three Yellow Wagtails and a Hobby today. (Richard Tyler).

Coombe Hill Meadows    11 Teal, two Shovelers. a Cormorant, six Little Egrets, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, a juvenile Ringed Plover, a Snipe, a Curlew, six Green Sandpipers, a Wood Sandpiper, a Kingfisher, four Redstarts (3m, 1f), two Sedge Warblers, four Blackcaps including one male in full song, two Lesser Whitethroats, six Whitethroats, 60 Chiffchaffs, eight Willow Warblers, two Spotted Flycatchers and two Reed Buntings. Also four Brown Hawkers, 12 Migrant Hawkers, 15 Ruddy Darters, five Common Darters, a Brimstone and 20 Speckled Woods. (Tony Eveleigh/Andy Jayne).

 

Wed 27th August 2008

Forest of Dean    At New Fancy View this morning two Ravens, an immature male Goshawk, a Green Woodpecker and an Adder basking on the path to top. (Derek Hale).

Witcombe Reservoir    This morning a juvenile Arctic Tern that stayed around for about half hour, also a Common Sandpiper, a Mandarin and a Kingfisher. (Gordon Avery).

 

Tue 26th August 2008

Netheridge Farm    The unringed European Eagle Owl reappeared this evening at 10:30pm at the Barn Owl Centre. It flew towards the market area and could not be relocated in the next hour. (Vince Jones). Pic by Vince.

Colethrop    A Barn Owl this evening in a field at SO825108 at 8:30pm (also seen yesterday) and a Little Owl calling. (Ian Elphick).

Eastington    Two Hobbies (one juvenile) over Eastington this evening and also a Swift. (Nick Goatman).    

Sharpness    A Rock Pipit mid-morning sheltering on the left-hand balustrade by the sea lock then dropped down to feed in the corner where it meets the picnic site. (Jake King).

Coombe Hill Meadows    This morning by the old canal a Redstart, a Whitethroat, six Chiffchaffs and two Bullfinches. From the Grundon hide a Wood Sandpiper, two Green Sandpipers, two Little Ringed Plovers, two Little Egrets, 1-2 Wheatears, 51 Greylags (including a Bar-headed Goose x Greylag cross), c60 Canada Geese, a Cormorant and two Grey Herons. (Derek Hale).

 

Mon 25th August 2008

Forest of Dean    At Cannop ponds today a Kingfisher, the long-staying Muscovy Duck, ten Mute Swans (2ads, 8juvs) a male Blackcap, a male Dipper at the bottom of the weir below the Stone Works, two Grey Wagtails, seven Mandarins and a Spotted Flycatcher along the path to the E. At Speech House (E side of road) a Raven, two Stock Doves and five Mistle Thrushes on the field. (Derek Hale).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Four Redstarts, four Lesser Whitethroats, four Whitethroats, 16 Willow Warblers, 23 Chiffchaffs, two Wheatears, four Green Sandpipers, a Wood Sandpiper, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover, a Curlew and two Little Egrets today. (Ewan Urquhart).

Hucclecote    A juvenile and adult Hobby flew over this evening heading towards Chosen Hill. (Terry Fenton).

Netheridge Farm    No sign of the European Eagle Owl this morning in a three hour search of the surrounding area (see 24th). Birds seen included a Little Egret, a Green Sandpiper, a Redstart, a Kingfisher, a Little Grebe with a chick, 25 Goldfinches with four Linnets and a Little Owl. (MK/Richard Baatsen/Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Mark Hobson). If anyone sees an Eagle Owl in the area please contact me or Vince at the Barn Owl Centre.

Saul Warth    A Shag on the mud shelf late afternoon. (Mark Hobson).

Ullenwood    A Hobby swooping at a flock of 30 Linnets this morning. (Chris Furley).

Cam    A Tree Pipit on Cam Peak at 9:25am. (James Lees, WWT).  

 

Sun 24th August 2008

Netheridge Farm    A European Eagle Owl was first seen on one of the security cameras at 11:30pm sat on the gravelled floor area outside the Eagle Owl aviaries at the Barn Owl Centre. It was seen again twice after that on the branches of trees on the outskirts of the aviary area. On take off and within a brightly lit up aviary area it was seen to be wearing no jesses or anklets and no sign of wear to the legs. (Vince Jones).

Tirley    Three Wheatears, a Raven over and a steady passage of Swallows SW. (Mark Grieve).

Symonds Yat    At Yat Rock this evening two Peregrines, one brought in prey and ate it on the cliffs, seven Cormorants roosting, two Nuthatches at the feeders, two Coal Tits and 14 Fallow Deer on the field below. (Derek Hale).

Saul Warth    Today a Wood Sandpiper, 65 Black-tailed Godwits, 12 Redshanks, ten Snipe, two Greenshanks and a Ruff, c30 Lapwings, c40 Teal and several Shovelers. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Jon Mercer/Derek Hale).  

Sharpness    A Shag sat on the mud just north of the Lifeboat Station just prior to high tide this morning. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Mark Hobson).

Frampton    A Common Tern and a Kingfisher at the Sailing Lake this afternoon. (MK).

 

Sat 23rd August 2008

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A sinensis Cormorant this morning. (Tim Gobourn). Pic by Tim.

Purton    A Mediterranean Gull this evening. (Mark Hobson).

WWT Slimbridge    A Spotted Redshank and a Ruff today and 18 Yellow-legged Gulls from Holden Tower at high tide. Also a Turnstone, a Common Sandpiper, five Knot, 12 Black-tailed Godwits over, seven Wheatears, a Kingfisher, six Little Egrets and two Hobbies. (James Lees, WWT). Also a Golden Plover at high tide. (Lee Rogers/Alan Baxter).

Saul Warth    No sign of the moulting adult RED-NECKED PHALAROPE today but a Wood Sandpiper, two Greenshanks, a Green Sandpiper, five Snipe, six Black-tailed Godwits and a Curlew Sandpiper. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Richard Baatsen/Lee Rogers/Alan Baxter). 

 

Fri 22nd August 2008

Sharpness    This evening five Yellow Wagtails by the Lifeboat station, 49 Lapwings, 25 Redshanks, a Little Egret, three Sand Martins and 20-30 Pied Wagtails and a Peregrine on the tower. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman/Mark Hobson). 12 Shags flew N and circled high over Purton/Slimbridge. Also a Common Tern and 13 Commic Terns flew S. (Paul Taylor). 

Cleeve Hill    This evening two Whinchats in the bushes below the heather inclosure with numerous Stonechats and Linnets with a flock of up to 15 Mistle Thrushes. (Tom & Greg Mabbett). Pic below.

Berkeley shore    Four juvenile Yellow Wagtails, two Whinchats, three Wheatears and three Common Sandpipers this afternoon. (Paul Taylor).

WWT Slimbridge    A Spotted Redshank and a Ruff today and 17 Yellow-legged Gulls from Holden Tower at high tide. (James Lees, WWT). 

May Hill    Two Wheatears at the top of May Hill this morning. (Rob Guest).

Cam    Three Spotted Flycatchers at Cam Peak by the Water Treatment Works this afternoon. (James Lees, WWT).  

Saul Warth    The moulting adult RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the left-hand flash still present until 10:15am at least, but often distant. Also at least three Greenshanks, 24+ Snipe, 12+ Green Sandpipers, 130+ Black-tailed Godwits -  including flock of 34 which flew past heading south, two Spotted Redshanks, 2+ Kingfishers and two Ravens. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Ian Searle). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    No sign of the adult STILT SANDPIPER from the Grundon hide today by early afternoon. See Thursday 21st for parking instructions. A Wood Sandpiper still today. (Ian Ralphs).

 

Thu 21st August 2008

Guscar Rocks/Aylburton Warth    This morning at least 475 Curlews feeding on the mud banks before the tide rose, and they went to high tide roosts at Guscar and Pill House. The only other wader was a lone Common Sandpiper. Also a Little Egret, c50 Swallows, seven Wheatears and three Yellow Wagtails. 

Two Common Terns and a Tufted Duck with full grown ducklings on the pools by Lydney Industrial estate. (Mike Smart).

Frampton    In Green Lane this evening numerous Chiffchaffs/Willow Warblers, three Lesser Whitethroats and a Blackcap. Also flock of 17 Green Sandpipers came high from the north and appeared to head out to the WWT 100-Acre, a Curlew, a Swift, 84 Canada Geese flighting low towards the Trust and two Common Terns. (Jake King).

Coombe Hill Meadows    The adult STILT SANDPIPER still from the Grundon hide today until 5:45pm when it flew high south. Please note the small car park holds no more than ten cars, if it is full please park carefully beside the A38 and walk or the landlord of The Swan Inn at the traffic lights is happy for visitors to the reserve to use the pub car park. (per Dr Colin Studholme, GWT). Please respect the privacy of the residents in the lane. Wellies recommended. 

Also a Barn Owl, six Green Sandpipers, a Wood Sandpiper, a Snipe, four Little Ringed Plovers, four Ringed Plovers, a Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Grey Heron, four Little Egrets, a female Wheatear and a Yellow Wagtail over. On the walkway back from the hide, three Sedge Warblers and two singing Willow Warblers and along the canal, three Blackcaps and two Ravens over. (Jake King). Also a Hobby and a female Sparrowhawk. (Bob Philpott).

Saul Warth    The moulting adult RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the left-hand flash still present until 3pm at least, but often distant. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Rare Bird Alert). 

WWT Slimbridge    This morning two first-winter Shags and two Curlew Sandpipers from Mid Point. (James Lees, WWT). 

Sharpness    At high tide this morning at 10:30am two immature Shags, one stopped briefly at the harbour and showed a silver leg ring, both headed south, an immature Gannet heading south, briefly landed near to Lydney harbour before flying off, 11 Ringed Plovers, 40 Dunlins, two Oystercatchers, a Curlew and six Great Black-backed Gulls. (Andy Chapman).

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens this morning a Willow Tit, a Kingfisher and a juvenile Grey Wagtail. (Ivan Proctor).

 

Wed 20th August 2008

Coombe Hill Meadows    The adult STILT SANDPIPER still from the Grundon hide today until 7:45pm at least. Please note the small car park holds no more than ten cars, if it is full please park carefully beside the A38 and walk. Please respect the privacy of the residents in the lane. Wellies recommended. Also a Wood Sandpiper, eight Green Sandpipers, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Barnacle Goose and four Little Egrets. (Dave Pearce/Steve Avery/Richard Tyler/David Owen). Pics below by Richard, third pic with a Wood Sandpiper.

 

 

Saul Warth    The moulting adult RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the left-hand flash still present until 8pm at least, but often distant. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Rare Bird Alert). 

WWT Slimbridge    A male Goshawk and 18 Yellow-legged Gulls today. (James Lees, WWT/Martin McGill, WWT). 

Syreford    A Red Kite circling over very low at Syreford at 12:30pm. (Stephen Martin).

 

Tue 19th August 2008

Coombe Hill Meadows    An adult STILT SANDPIPER feeding on the flash to the left  of the Grundon hide today from c6pm until 8:20pm when it flew north with a Black-tailed Godwit after being stooped at by female Sparrowhawk but thought to be still on the reserve. This is the first County record. (Lawrence Skipp). Also a Wood Sandpiper, two Green Sandpipers, four Little Egrets and a Redstart along the canal. 

Pic by John Sanders. 

Pic by Richard Tyler.

Pic by Paul Masters.

In the morning there were 85 Canada Geese, 64 Greylags, a Barnacle Goose and a Greylag x Bar-headed Goose cross, (one of the Greylags was carrying a white plastic ring inscribed J16; can anyone identify the origin?), 25 Teal, four Shovelers, two Ringed Plovers, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Wood Sandpiper, six Green Sandpipers, seven Snipe and a Black-tailed Godwit. First thing there was heavy passage of 100+ Sand Martins and Swallows, the odd Wheatear, and singing Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff along the canal. At Ashleworth, the high river level has caused water to back up into the reserve, lightly flooding the main field in front of the hide; this means that the grass which has been cut but not baled on some fields on the reserve will be very difficult to collect; some neighbouring fields not cut yet, c40 Mallards and three Teal present. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    In the morning a Storm Petrel and five first-winter Shags over the high tide. (James Lees, WWT/Martin McGill, WWT). 

Saul Warth    The moulting adult RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the left-hand flash still present this afternoon, but often distant. It was on the right-hand flash at 5:30pm. Also a Ruff, at least three Greenshanks, at least three Green Sandpipers and numerous Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwings. A female Sparrowhawk put a lot of them to flight three times, returning to the same place in the rushes where she may have already made a kill. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Rare Bird Alert/Gavin Black). 

 

Mon 18th August 2008

Saul Warth    The moulting adult RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the left-hand flash still present this afternoon, but often distant. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. Also a Spotted Redshank, a Ruff and many Greenshanks, a pale Buzzard and a Kingfisher. Also a Mandarin on the man-made pond in Saul Lodge grounds. (Tom & Greg Mabbett/Rare Bird Alert). Pics by Tom and Greg.

 

 

Symonds Yat    Four Goshawks (3f, 1m) today. They were all interacting together and all appeared to be juveniles. There were more groups of Swifts through including a group of 12 and another of 22. (Gavin Black).

Gloucester    20 Swifts south over the Bristol Road at 2:40pm. (Mark Hobson).

 

Sun 17th August 2008

Cleeve Hill    At West Down two Redstarts, three Stonechats, two Buzzards and 25 Bullfinches including juveniles feeding on a harvested field. (Mark Hobson).

Saul Warth    The moulting adult RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the left-hand flash still present until 5pm, but often distant. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. Also a Wood Sandpiper, ten Greenshanks, 73+ Black-tailed Godwits, a male Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 10+ Redshanks, 3+ Green Sandpipers, 150+ Lapwings, 20+ Snipe, 24 Shovelers, 46+ Gadwall, 76+ Teal, three Garganeys and a Swift. (MK/Richard Baatsen). Nearby four Common Sandpipers under Cadburys Bridge on the canal and also three Cape Shelducks on the river. (MK/Richard Baatsen). Some of the many Godwits below, pic by MK.

Tresham    A Red Kite low over field beside the Tresham/Alderley road (ST783906) today and later seen flying off to the south. (Vic Polley).

WWT Slimbridge    Four female Wheatears from Zeiss Hide at 1:30pm today. (Ray Sherman).

May Hill    A Wheatear at the top of May Hill this morning. (Rob Guest).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Wood Sandpiper, two Green Sandpipers, two Little Ringed Plovers, two Little Egrets, a singing Willow Warbler, a Wheatear, a Great Spoted Woodpecker, four Sand Martins and 20 passage Common Terns through this morning. (Mark Hobson). Record shot of Wood Sandpiper by Mark below.

Sat 16th August 2008

Saul Warth    The moulting adult RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the left-hand flash until 8pm at least, but often distant. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. Also a Wood Sandpiper, 5+ Green Sandpipers, three Greenshanks, 66 Black-tailed Godwits, 18+ Snipe, a Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 6+ Redshanks, 50+ Lapwings, a Wigeon and two Common Terns. (MK/Richard Baatsen/Jake King).

Symonds Yat    Today a juvenile female Goshawk, a female Sparrowhawk, parties of Mistle Thrushes at least 20 in one group and several smaller groups, and parties of Swifts with at least 11 in one group. (Gavin Black).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Wood Sandpiper and two Little Egrets this morning. (Les Brown).

 

Fri 15th August 2008

Saul Warth    The adult RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the left-hand flash this afternoon until 7:30pm at least, but often distant. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. Also six Green Sandpipers, four Greenshanks, c30 Black-tailed Godwits, six Snipe, one Ruff (right-hand flash), a Hobby and a Swift over the canal. (Dave Evans/Geoff Moyser).

Aldsworth    A Peregrine today. (Ewan Urquhart).

Frampton    A Garden Warbler along the SW edge of the Sailing Lake. (Geoff Moyser).

 

Thu 14th August 2008

Saul Warth    An adult RED-NECKED PHALAROPE on the left-hand flash this afternoon until 8pm at least, when all the waders were flushed by a low-flying jet. The phalarope appeared to go to roost under a tussock of grass. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Alan Baxter). Also a Garganey, 32 Black-tailed Godwits, two Ruff, four Snipe, 6+ Green Sandpipers and two Greenshanks and 23 Knot on the river. (Jon Mercer/Richard Baatsen).

Sharpness    An adult Gannet from the Lifeboat Station on the river at 9:50am. (Paul Taylor).

Whitminster    An albino House Sparrow within a small flock of sparrows this morning. (Keith Hinton). Pic by Keith.

Wed 13th August 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A Storm Petrel north past Mid Point and an adult Gannet at 5:33pm, a pale phase Arctic Skua at 6:25pm and a Fulmar at 6:50pm. (James Lees, WWT/Martin McGill, WWT). The petrel was killed by gulls at 7:30pm. (Neil Smart).

Gloucester    A Little Egret and a Green Sandpiper at Port Ham today. (Ian Elphick).

Brimscombe    On the office feeder at Port Mills a family party of five Bullfinches, male, female and three juveniles. Also a Marsh Tit and a Grey Wagtail. (David Owen).

 

Mon 11th August 2008

Cotswold Water Park (E)    At Pit 126 there was a juvenile Shelduck, two Teal, 11 Little Grebes, two Little Egrets, two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, two Dunlin, seven Green Sandpipers and two Common Sandpipers. Also a Brown Hawker. (Andy Jayne).

Forest of Dean    This Jay at the Cannop pond feeder today together with all the usual commoner species. (Allan Chard). Pic by Allan. 

Tuffley    A garden juvenile Green Woodpecker this morning. (Mark Hobson). Pic by Mark.

Sun 10th August 2008

WWT Slimbridge    Three adult Kittiwakes off of Mid Point at 2:40pm. (James Lees, WWT). 

Sharpness    A Petrel sp N past the Lifeboat Station at 1:45pm also three adult Kittiwakes through. Probably Storm Petrel with three at Severn Beach. (Mark Hobson). Also a Fulmar came N past the Severn Bridge. (Paul Bowerman).

Saul Warth    Five Green Sandpipers, 27 Black-tailed Godwits, three Greenshanks and 12 Snipe today. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Mark Hobson). 

 

Fri 8th August 2008

Gloucester    At Port Ham a Little Egret, a Kingfisher, a Little Grebe and three Tufted Ducks today. (Ian Elphick).

 

Thu 7th August 2008

Forest of Dean    A Green Sandpiper near the sluice at Woorgreens Lake this morning. (Ivan Proctor).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Nine Little Egrets together at midday, five Green Sandpipers, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, a Curlew, six Snipe, 90 Lapwings, 80 Canada Geese, 25 Greylags and a Barnacle Goose this afternoon. (Steve Avery/Peter Cadogan).

Cirencester    A Hobby over farmland by A419 on the Swindon side of Cirencester today. (Felicity Cobb).

 

Wed 6th August 2008

Frampton    A family party of six Spotted Flycatchers (2 ads, 4 juvs) at Court Lake this evening. (Nick Goatman).

Saul Warth    At 8:30am seven Green Sandpipers, 50+ Lapwings, 8+ Black-tailed Godwits, a Greenshank, a Peregrine sitting on a log between the scrapes and the river, a Buzzard, 5+ Redshanks, a Common Tern and six Swifts overhead. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Bill Church).

 

Mon 4th August 2008

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Barnacle Goose feeding with the Canada Geese and Greylags in front of the Grundon hide today. (Phil Andrews). Pic by Phil.

Saul Warth    This evening a Wood Sandpiper still, 7+ Green Sandpipers, a Ruff, 51 Black-tailed Godwits, a Greenshank, 30+ Lapwings, two Snipe, a Garganey and two Common Terns. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Mark Dowie). 

Nympsfield    A Red Kite today at 4:45pm circling a field with a Sparrowhawk opposite the entrance to Binley Farm on the on the B4058 towards Nympsfield. (Colin Greenfield).

Frampton    A female Redstart in Green Lane this evening. (Nick Goatman).

WWT Slimbridge    Today a Wood Sandpiper, also Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpipers and a Snipe. (Graham Cox). Pics by Graham.

 

 

 

Lydney    A solitary Whimbrel flew upstream past Lydney Docks at high tide this morning (Ivan and Sue Proctor).

 

Sun 3rd August 2008

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Snipe flushed from Salmonsbury Meadows. (Andy Lewis).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Eight Little Egrets, a Green Sandpiper, a Brimstone butterfly and Common and Ruddy Darters at 10am. (Steve Avery).

WWT Slimbridge    Six Whimbrels, 18 Curlews, a Turnstone, six Ringed Plovers, 25 Dunlins, an Oystercatcher and six Common Sandpipers at Mid Point over the morning high tide, a Green Sandpiper, a Little Ringed Plover, a Snipe, a Greenshank and four Little Egrets from the Holden Tower, seven Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, an Oystercatcher and two Stock Doves from Robbie Garnett hide and two Ruffs, a Spotted Redshank, 62 Redshanks and 14 Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake. (Paul Masters/Andy Chapman). Pic by Paul.

Sat 2nd August 2008

Saul Warth    The  Curlew Sandpiper, two Wood Sandpipers and three Garganeys still today. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Mark Hobson). 

Longford    This morning a Hobby took a House Martin at 11:20am. (Andy Jayne).

 

Fri 1st August 2008

Gloucester    At Port Ham an adult Water Rail seen and another bird calling. (Andy Jayne).

Longborough    A juvenile Swift just prior to leaving nest and an adult Swift doing an evening flypast. (Rob Brookes). Pics below.

 

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Little Egrets, seven Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Willow Warbler, three Chiffchaffs, a Curlew, a Snipe, 4-6 Southern Hawkers, a Banded Demoiselle, several Common and Ruddy Darters. Lots of butterflies including Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Comma and Peacock today. (Steve Davies). Pic by Steve.

Saul Warth    The  Curlew Sandpiper and the three Wood Sandpipers and most of this morning's birds still present at 4pm and also 70+ Lapwings and 40 Redshanks. A pair of Common Terns flew S over Cadbury Bridge, one carrying a goldfish! (MK/Paul Masters). This morning a Curlew Sandpiper, three Wood Sandpipers, 6+ Green Sandpipers, five Greenshanks, ten Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff, 50 Dunlin and 3+ Garganeys. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Gordon Hodgson/Andy Chapman). 

Cricklade    A Red Kite over the A419 on the Wilts/Glos border at 10am today. (Lee Rogers).

Forest of Dean    At Woorgreens a Willow Tit this morning in alders by the lake and two Ravens near Kensley Lodge. (Ivan Proctor).

 

Thu 31st July 2008

Saul Warth    This evening 6-6:30pm a Curlew Sandpiper, two Wood Sandpipers, five Green Sandpipers, six Greenshanks, 35+ Redshanks, 45 Black-tailed Godwits, two Ruff, 2+ Snipe and 20+ Dunlin. (Jon Mercer). 

WWT Slimbridge    A second summer and an adult Mediterranean Gull, 6+ Yellow-legged Gulls, two Bar-tailed Godwits, 80+ Curlew, three Grey Plovers and six Oystercatchers on the evening gull watch. (Jon Mercer).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Teal, a Little Grebe, five Little Egrets, 120 Lapwings, seven Snipe, a Greenshank, 12 Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, a Kingfisher and male Redstart today. (Andy Jayne).

Newent Woods    A flock of c70 Crossbills early afternoon. Also a Silver-washed Fritillary. (Rob & Gillian Guest).

 

Wed 30th July 2008

Saul Warth    This evening an adult Curlew Sandpiper, 80 Dunlin, 51 Black-tailed Godwits, two Ruff, three Greenshanks, 10+ Green Sandpipers, 14 Snipe, two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and many Lapwings and Redshanks. (Gordon Hodgson).

Witcombe Reservoir    A Little Egret (possibly only the second record?, one on 11th May 1975) roosting with three Grey Herons and seven Common Sandpipers. (Terry Fenton).

Newent Woods    A flock of c30 Crossbills this morning. (Rob Guest).

Wotton-Under-Edge    A Hobby circling around Coombe valley at noon (ST768942) (Vic Polley).

Cheltenham    A Peregrine and a Green Woodpecker over the General Hospital viewed from the members stand at the county cricket. (Steve Brown).

Tuffley    A garden Garden Warbler today feeding on elderberries also three Blackcaps including a juvenile and a Chiffchaff. (Mark Hobson).

 

Tue 29th July 2008

Symonds Yat    This afternoon at Yat Rock two sightings of a single Hobby right on the border of Glos/Hereford. (per Ivan Proctor).

Wotton-Under-Edge    A Red Kite over the B4508 beside Cotswold Edge Golf Club this morning (ST776956). (Vic Polley).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult Black Tern in the Rushy Pen and 30 Green Sandpipers on site today. (James Lees, WWT). 

Forest of Dean    At Cannop ponds all the usual birds at the bird feeder area including Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Nuthatch, four Jays and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers. On the ponds five Mandarins and a Muscovy Duck. Also by the stream a Grey Heron, several Grey Wagtails and a Dipper. (Alan Richards).

Mon 28th July 2008

Cleeve Hill    A Merlin perched on fencing overlooking the Wash Pool valley this morning until 9:50am then flew NE. (Rare Bird Alert). 

Gloucester    Two Common Sandpipers and a Kingfisher along the river at the Westgate Bridge this morning. (Gordon Avery).

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Spoonbill seen flying from the Grundon hide today at 1pm. It appeared to want to land, but was deterred by a tractor collecting hay bales from the area. It gained height and then flew off in a westerly direction. Also there was a female Tufted Duck with five young along the canal near the wharf car park. (Phil & Chris Andrews).

Forest of Dean    Today at Boy's Grave a Spotted Flycatcher and two Crossbills. (Allan Chard). At Oakenhill at least three Turtle Doves purring and seen. At Cannop Ponds c25 Mandarins, a Kingfisher, two Little Grebes. At the Stoneworks Marsh a Dipper and an adult and a juvenile Grey Wagtail. (Nick Hopkinson).

WWT Slimbridge    An adult breeding Mediterranean Gull and at least five Yellow-legged Gulls of Mid Point today. Also three Common Sandpipers here. (James Lees, WWT). 

 

Sun 27th July 2008

Cassey Compton    2+ Crossbills today. (Jake King).

Hilcot    A juvenile female Peregrine today. (Terry Fenton). Pic by Terry.

Kilkenny    At Kilkenny viewpoint this morning two adult Ravens and a juvenile with white flight feathers and incomplete tail, a mixed feeding flock of about 40 Goldfinches with smaller numbers of Linnets, Chaffinches and Yellowhammers, a Bullfinch, two begging Buzzards and a Whitethroat. Also an Emperor Dragonfly, abundant Marbled Whites and several Large Skipper butterflies and a few Burnet Moths in flight. (Steve Brown).

WWT Slimbridge    This morning ten Green Sandpipers, a Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, an adult male Ruff on South Lake, 8+ Yellow-legged Gulls on the river including five adults, an adult Common Tern, two Lesser Whitethroats, 12 Black-tailed Godwits and four Little Egrets including a juvenile. (John Martin).

Cam    A Red Kite drifting in an easterly direction over Woodfield Road, Cam at 6am. (Ray Sherman). 

 

Sat 26th July 2008

Saul Warth    This morning 24 Black-tailed Godwits, 41 Redshanks, a Snipe and 15 Dunlin. Also Brown Hawker and Comma. (Jon Mercer).

WWT Slimbridge    An Egyptian Goose on South Lake. From the Land Rover safari this morning 2+ Yellow-legged Gulls, nine Whimbrels, five Little Egrets and an Oystercatcher. Also Migrant Hawker and female Broad-bodied Chaser. (Jon Mercer).

Cirencester Park    Two Buzzards, a Willow Tit, 10+ Large Skippers, a Dark Green Fritillary and several Silver-washed Fritillaries today. (Bob Shiret). Pic by Bob.

Thu 24th July 2008

Hartpury    A Wood Sandpiper and three Green Sandpipers on the newly created wetland area at Blackwell End Orchard, Hartpury today. (John Robinthwaite).    

Saul Warth    This evening three juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, a Ruff, two Greenshanks, 3+ Green Sandpipers, 25 Black-tailed Godwits, 40+ Dunlin and a Snipe. Also plenty of Redshanks and Lapwings and one Wigeon. (Gordon Hodgson).

Hailes Abbey    A Hobby in pursuit of a House Martin at 8:55pm. (Rob Brookes).

Condicote    A Barn Owl at 11pm. (Rob Brookes).

Longborough    A Hobby stooping at House Martins over the village at 7:30am. A Red Kite over Rob's house for c8-10mins at 8:30am before drifting off SE over the village.  A Hobby over the road S of Moreton at 11:30am. (Rob Brookes). Pic by Rob.

Wed 23rd July 2008

WWT Slimbridge    A Grey Seal seen drifting down stream on the falling tide between Frampton Breakwater and Mid Point at around 2:30pm. (James Lees, WWT). 

Bourton-on-the-Water    A Common Tern over Pit 7 (North pit) for an hour. (Rob Brookes). Pic by Rob.

Tue 22nd July 2008

Bentham    A juvenile male Peregrine today. (Terry Fenton).

 

Mon 21st July 2008

Coombe Hill Meadows    From Grundon hide a Little Ringed Plover, two Little Egrets, 48 Lapwings and small parties of Mute Swans, Canada and Greylag Geese. At the pool just east of the metal kissing gate to the hide ten Black-tailed Skimmers, two Southern Hawkers, an Emperor Dragonfly, 12 Common Darters and six Ruddy Darters between kissing gate and the boardwalk to the hide. A pair of Garden Warblers feeding young along the canal and a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker near the hide. Also a Comma and Small Tortoiseshells. (Keith White).

Frampton    A completely unconfirmed report from a bargee of a calling Corncrake near the reedbed N of Splatt Bridge this evening. (per Richard Baatsen).

WWT Slimbridge    A pair of Common Terns with three chicks on South Lake today. (Allan Chard). Pic by Allan).

Fri 18th July 2008

Epney    At least five Yellow-legged Gulls on the river at Cobbies Rock just south of Epney this evening. Nearby a flock of 25 Mistle Thrushes at Elmstone Hardwick. (Jeremy Squire).

Coombe Hill Meadows    From the Grundon hide 20 Canada Geese, a Greylag, two Greenshanks, a juvenile Redshank, adult and juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, a Common Tern, three Grey Herons, 60+ Lapwings, a Curlew, two Little Egrets, two Mute Swans, 18 Mallards, two Coots with a chick, 5+ Sedge Warblers, 5+ Reed Buntings, six Skylarks, a Pied Wagtail, two Stock Doves and a Turtle Dove purring for two hours but not seen. A Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Tufted Duck flew over. On the canal 4+ Chiffchaffs, three Blackcaps, two Whitethroats, a Willow Warbler, two Sedge Warblers, two Coots with three young and good numbers of Swifts and House Martins over. Also a Southern Hawker. (Graham Watson). Reed Bunting pic by Graham.

Thu 17th July 2008

Saul Warth    Late afternoon today a Greenshank, 30+ Redshanks, 19 Black-tailed Godwits, 25+ Dunlin, six Green Sandpipers, 20+ Lapwings and a Snipe, all on the left hand flash. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point. See Access. (Jon Mercer).

Epney    At least seven adult Yellow-legged Gulls on the river opposite The Anchor Inn this evening at 7pm. (Jeremy Squire).

WWT Slimbridge    24 Yellow-legged Gulls and an adult Mediterranean Gull this evening. (James Lees, WWT). 

Coombe Hill Meadows    Three Teal, a Little Grebe, four Little Egrets, three Little Ringed Plovers, c65 Lapwings, a Dunlin, a Snipe, two Greenshanks, five Green Sandpipers, two Common Terns and a Turtle Dove today. (Andy Jayne).

 

Wed 16th July 2008

WWT Slimbridge    24 Yellow-legged Gulls, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 13 Sanderlings, two Ringed Plovers, 55 Dunlin, 12 Green Sandpipers and five Common Sandpipers this evening. (James Lees, WWT/Neil Smart). 

Epney    At least four Yellow-legged Gulls on the river opposite The Anchor Inn this evening. (Jeremy Squire).

Cleeve Hill    A juvenile Wheatear by the radio masts today. (Alan Richards).

Pics by Alan.

 

 

Longborough    After 40 days since hatching, the young Swift left the nest in Rob's house today. (Rob Brookes).

 

Tue 15th July 2008

Saul Warth    Nine Black-tailed Godwits, six Green Sandpipers, 40+ Dunlin, 60+ Redshanks, two Greenshanks, two Snipe, 30+ Lapwings and a Common Tern this evening. Best viewed from the canal side viewing point, most waders are on the left hand flash. See Access. (Gordon Hodgson).

Donnington Brewery    A pair of Hobbies hunting House Martins together at 4:15pm. (Rob Brookes).