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LOST A telescope case for an Optolyth telescope, leather with a leather strap. Probably left in a hide. Any info please contact me and I will contact the owner.

Sightings 2008

 

Thu May 8th 2008

Saul Warth    This morning four first-year Little Gulls flew NE at 9:15am and a dark-phase Arctic Skua flew high NE at 10:18am after briefly chasing a Herring Gull. Also five Grey Plovers, four Knot, 16 Sanderlings, six Bar-tailed Godwits, nine Whimbrels and two Turnstones. (Andy Jayne).

WWT Slimbridge    A breeding plumage adult Temminck's Stint over high tide. A dark-phase Arctic Skua flew very fast up river at 10:07am and a Red Kite flew low up river at 10:23am. Also two Little Stints, six Grey Plovers, three Turnstones, six Bar-tailed Godwits, two Sanderlings and a Knot and two drake Garganeys from Zeiss Hide. Also the Dark-bellied Brent Goose remains on the Tack Piece. (James Lees/Martin McGill).

Frampton    At  Sailing Lake there were two Black Terns and seven Common Terns and at the WWT 100-Acre two more Black Terns, two Hobbies and five Black-tailed Godwits with the two Cattle Egrets again between there and Splatt Bridge. (Andy Jayne).

Forest of Dean     At Nagshead three singing male Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher and a singing Wood Warbler. Two male Mandarins at Cannop Ponds, and two Tree Pipits and a Redstart all singing in the Woorgreens area this morning. (Jon Mercer). Five garden Siskins on feeders at Milkwall still today. (Ivan Proctor).

Birdlip    Between 9:50 and 10:20am at Shab Hill two Tree Pipits singing and a male Redstart. (David Owen).

Coombe Hill Meadows    This morning between 8:05 and 8:15, eight Black Terns flew NE over Grundon hide. (John Towers/David Owen). Along the canal up to eight Whitethroats, two Blackcaps, five Willow Warblers, three Chiffchaffs, three Reed Buntings, two Redstarts, a Cuckoo, five Sedge Warblers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and several Swallows. From the Grundon hide four Shelducks, six Lapwings, male and female Tufted Duck, a Grey Heron, a Buzzard and a Reed Warbler singing near Snipe pool. (Mark Grieve).

Gloucester    A Common Sandpiper along the river at Port Ham this afternoon. (Gordon Avery).

Cheltenham    A Peregrine on Eagle Tower this morning and a singing Blackcap in Montpellier Gardens. (Chris Furley).

 

Wed May 7th 2008 

Forest of Dean    This evening at Moseley Green SO635083 two Tree Pipits, two Tawny Owls and 12 Woodcocks in 40 minutes, a maximum two together. (Barrie Mills). At Nagshead at least eight Wood Warblers, two Pied Flycatchers, two Spotted Flycatchers and three Redstarts. At Crabtree Hill this morning three Garden Warblers and a Wood Warbler heard distantly. Also a party of Wild Boar. (Steve Owen/Richard Price).

Cleeve Hill    Two Grasshopper Warblers reeling at West Down this evening 200yds east of the car park, one seen, also three Cuckoos including a bubbling female. (Jon Mercer).

Cotswold Water Park    A Black Tern on Pit 57 this evening. (Mark Hobson).

Fretherne    At high tide a Wood Sandpiper called as it dropped into the flash nearest the sluice, but was not located amongst the reed tufts. A Snipe flew around calling before going N and a Turnstone flew in. A male Garganey was on the other flash, over which twelve Black Terns fed. (Dave Pearce).

Frampton    Two Black Terns at the Sailing Lake today. (Dave Pearce).

Coombe Hill Meadows    This morning no sign of the Wood Sandpiper but a Little Ringed Plover, at least six Redstarts singing along the canal between The Wharf and Wainlodes and many Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Ashleworth Ham    At 1pm two Hobbies chasing large insects overhead. (Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Dursley    At Breakheart Quarry near Dursley four Grizzled Skippers, a Dingy Skipper and a Green Hairstreak today. (Phil Pope).

Cutsdean Quarry    A Buzzard eating a Grey Squirrel on the roadside just east of the quarry late afternoon. (Rob Brookes). Pic by Rob.

Donnington Brewery/Donnington Trout Farm    A Hobby over at 4pm. (Rob Brookes). 

 

Tue May 6th 2008 

Aylburton Warth    This evening on the high tide, 16 Whimbrels, two Bar-tailed Godwits, c20 Ringed Plovers, 60 Dunlin, a Wheatear and three or four Yellow Wagtails. (Mervyn Greening/Andrew Jayne/Barrie Mills/Mike Smart).  

Coombe Hill Meadows    A Wood Sandpiper from the Grundon hide this afternoon. (Keith Colcombe per Les Brown). Still present this evening until 7:40pm at least. Also two Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover, three Whimbrels and two Lapwings. (MK/Mark Hobson/Andy Lodge/Paul Masters). Pics by Paul.

 

Frampton    A female Hen Harrier went straight through the WWT 100-Acre this afternoon towards Saul Warth and then away over Whitminster. (Martin McGill).

Condicote    The pair of Grey Partridges again SE of Condicote near the Flagstone turn at 6pm. (Rob Brookes). Pic by Rob.

Mon May 5th 2008 

Sherberrow Hill    A Red Kite with two Buzzards circling above it and over the next field a Buzzard being mobbed by a Raven at Sherberrow Hill SPO84 334 near Stanton at 3:50pm. Also a Whitethroat here. (Paul Burgess).

Staunton    A female Yellow Wagtail and two Ravens today. (Mike Smart).

Cleeve Hill    This morning three Yellowhammers, three Wheatears, two Meadow Pipits, two Linnets, a Song Thrush, two Mistle Thrushes flying over and at least six Skylarks up singing. (Greg Anderson).

Robinswood Hill    This afternoon a Lesser Whitethroat in song in the woodland edge next to hole 1 of the golf course. Also a Green Woodpecker, three Blackcaps, five Chiffchaffs and a Song Thrush. (Greg Anderson).

Ashleworth Ham    A Hobby at 1pm chasing insects. (Mike Smart).

Coombe Hill Meadows    This evening a Little Grebe, two Shelducks, three Little Ringed Plovers, six Dunlin in summer plumage (flushed by a Hare), two or three Curlews coming in to roost when it was nearly dark and at least one Whimbrel after dark. (Mike Smart).

Walmore Common    Three Hobbies taking insects early afternoon. (Andy Jayne).

Dowdeswell Reservoir    Three Common Terns this evening at 6:30pm. (Duncan Dine).

Cutsdean Quarry    A Red Kite drifting slowly NE at 4pm. Also a singing Garden Warbler there. (Rob Brookes).

Swell Wold    A pair of Mandarins in the valley bottom at 4:30pm. (Rob Brookes).

Condicote    A Grey Partridge just SE of Condicote at the edge of one of the oilseed rape fields at 4:40pm. (Rob Brookes).

Longborough    A Hobby being mobbed by a Kestrel over RB's house at 10am, also a singing Garden Warbler in the garden after a heavy rain storm. First garden record here in 40 years, taking RB's garden list to 107. (Rob Brookes).

Forest of Dean    Two Firecrests N of Cannop ponds and also a Garden Warbler today. At Woorgreens a Crossbill and a Willow Tit. (Richard Tyler). Pic by Richard.

Cotswold Water Park    A flock of 19 Black Terns on Pit 9 at 12:30pm today. (Jon Mercer).

Fretherne/WWT Slimbridge    At high tide three dark phase Arctic Skuas went through N at 7:50am, five Black Terns, two Common Terns, two Knot, six Grey Plovers, 24 Bar-tailed Godwits, three Sanderlings, two Dunlins, four Oystercatchers, two Whimbrels and a first-summer Mediterranean Gull, the Short-eared Owl again over the WWT 100-Acre and behind the hide at Mid-Point, also a Little Egret, a Yellow Wagtail over and a continual passage of Swallows. Also the Harbour Porpoise again. (Gordon Hodgson/Richard Baatsen/Phil Pope/Martin McGill/Neil Smart/MK/Allan Chard). Pics of the owl by Allan, also a Meadow Pipit here.

 

 

 

Frampton    A Black Tern and seven Common Terns on the Sailing Lake this morning. (Richard Baatsen/Vic Polley). On the WWT 100-Acre at 8:45am no sign of the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, but a Cuckoo flying, a female Sparrowhawk perched behind the viewing platform, a male Reed Bunting and a Lesser Whitethroat in trees in Green Lane. From Splatt Bridge later the Short-eared Owl flying near the sea wall, 30+ Swifts over the pools and the two Cattle Egrets with a Little Egret were north of Splatt Bridge just beyond the reed bed between the canal and river and also in the field N of the church cSO741071. Two Cetti's Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat north along the canal. (Bill Church/Vic Polley/Martin Price).

Gloucester    At Sudmeadow three Shelducks flew over and then back downriver. A Common Sandpiper on the river. Five in the Lesser Whitethroats marsh area, all trapped, two Reed Warblers in the marsh area, one trapped and a singing male, two Garden Warblers marsh area, one trapped and a singing male. (Gordon Avery).

 

Sun May 4th 2008 

Aylburton Warth    A Firecrest working its way along a hedgerow this afternoon, also 20+ Lapwings, 15+ Meadow Pipits, nine Redshanks, seven Shelducks, six Curlews, six male Wheatears (including a first-summer male Greenland Wheatear in the pic below, and possibly all six were of this race), four singing Whitethroats, three Yellow Wagtails, two pairs of Linnets, a White Wagtail with five Pied Wagtails, a Little Egret, a Little Ringed Plover, a singing Reed Warbler and four Swifts over. Also a Stoat briefly and two Brown Hares. (Lewis Thomson). Pics by Lewis.

 

 

Cleeve Hill    At West Down at 7:30pm three Grasshopper Warblers reeling. One of them showed well from the car park, walk right down the path for approx 100 metres then right for 50 metres and stand by the wooden bench to hear the birds reeling. (Duncan Dine).

Frampton    The adult summer BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was still present in the WWT 100-Acre and seen on and off throughout the day but it was again always elusive in the long grass. View only from the viewing platform or the viewing gate in Green Lane. Please park sensibly at Splatt Bridge or in the village. Also two Black Terns, a Cuckoo, two Cetti's Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat on the WWT 100-Acre. (Steve Owen/Geoff Moyser). A Wood Sandpiper flew over the WWT 100-Acre towards Saul Warth at 3:50pm. (Martin McGill). A Little Tern at 2:50pm seen above the WWT 100-Acre sea wall heading N and a Garganey. 43 Whimbrels, 13 Common Terns and a Peregrine at the Sailing Lake this afternoon. (Paul Masters).

Fretherne    At high tide two Little Terns, 43 Arctic Terns, three Common Terns, 15 Commic Terns, four Curlew Sandpipers, two Knot, six Grey Plovers and a Short-eared Owl distantly over the WWT 100-Acre. Also the Harbour Porpoise again. (Richard Baatsen/Steve Owen). 14 Whimbrels through at 10am. (Ian Ralphs).

Forest of Dean    In the Woorgreens area early morning two Tawny Owls calling, 16 Crossbills including four red males, a pair of Tree Pipits, four Garden Warblers, three drake Mandarins on the lake and a singing male Redstart in the car park and a distant Cuckoo heard. This afternoon two Wood Warblers and two Treecreepers over the back of Kensley Ridge. (MK). Record shot below.

A Pied Flycatcher and a Wood Warbler at Nagshead and at least one Redstart heard. (Mark Moore).

WWT Slimbridge    A Temminck's Stint, a Little Stint and six Turnstones this morning on the Dumbles. A Marsh Harrier from Holden Tower 2:40-3pm. (Martin McGill).

Cotswold Water Park    This morning on Pit 58 three Black Terns with 30+ Common Terns. Also a Hobby. Also heard in Swillbrook reserve three Cetti's Warblers, four Nightingales, Sedge Warblers, Garden Warblers and Blackcaps. A Lesser Whitethroat in the hedgerow by Minety Road/Clattinger Farm. (Anne & John McLellan).

Gloucester    A Dawn Chorus Walk produced at Port Ham two Reed Buntings, a Reed Warbler and two Sedge Warblers. At Castlemeads West two Sedge Warblers and a Whitethroat, with another at Castlemeads East. At Willow Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat at Sudmeadow and a Lesser Whitethroat and a Cuckoo at Over ponds. A Common Sandpiper and a Kingfisher at Lower Parting. (Ian Elphick).

Ashleworth Ham    From the hide a one hour watch produced two Grey Herons, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, two female and one male Wigeon, a Curlew, a Cuckoo, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap and Redstart. (Mark Grieve).

 

Sat May 3rd 2008 

Frampton    An adult summer BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER in the WWT 100-Acre this afternoon until 6:15pm at least. It was associating with two Ruff. No further sign during the evening but it was always elusive in the long grass and is probably still present. (Dave Paynter). View only from the viewing platform or the viewing gate in Green Lane. Please park sensibly at Splatt Bridge or in the village. Pics by Martin McGill.

 

 

 

Also 23 Whimbrels, a Raven and a Little Egret. Three Black Terns, two Arctic Terns and 2+ Common Terns and a Common Sandpiper on the Sailing Lake this evening. (Nick Goatman/Richard Baatsen/MK). 

Cleeve Hill    A Grasshopper Warbler at West Down at 9:45am today. (Steve Owen). Also 15 Wheatears this morning. (Duncan Dine).

Saul Warth    The Guillemot still on the river bank at Saul Warth until 9:30am at least. A Great White Egret flew high N at 7:30am. Eight Black Terns flew through high N at 8:20am. A Harbour Porpoise was in the main channel of the river at the same time. Also 60+ Shelducks and the Shelduck hybrid, five Arctic Terns, 5+ Common Terns, two Whimbrels, 3+ Curlews, five Dunlin, three Sanderlings, three Ringed Plovers and four Oystercatchers. On the flashes a Garganey, an Egyptian Goose and a Black Swan. Two Cattle Egrets were in fields beside the canal S of the Warth. Also 50+ Swifts, a Yellow Wagtail over high N, 2+ Wheatears and a Cetti's Warbler heard. (Neil Smart/Richard Baatsen/Jake King/Andy Lodge/MK). Pics below by Neil Smart and Dave Pearce (2nd).

 

Over    Two Lesser Whitethroats today. (Andy Chapman).

Highnam Woods    Three Nightingales today. (Andy Chapman).

Forest of Dean    At Nagshead RSPB a Firecrest, a Wood Warbler, two Pied Flycatchers, two Redstarts, a Tawny Owl calling and two Goshawks over. At Brierley three Hawfinches and two Crossbills and at Woorgreens two Tree Pipits, a Redstart and a Cuckoo. (Andy Chapman).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Two Greenshanks early morning, along the canal 12+ Whitethroats, 12+ Sedge Warblers, six Chiffchaffs, three Willow Warblers, three Blackcaps, four Bullfinches, a Green Woodpecker heard, three Reed Buntings, a Jay and a Buzzard. From the hide a male Tufted Duck, two Shelducks, two Lapwings, a Curlew heard, a Sand Martin, 2/3 House Martins, 10+ Swallows, 40+ Swifts and a Meadow Pipit over. (Mark Grieve/Les Brown/J & M McDonagh).

Ashleworth Ham    First session of Constant Effort ringing. Early on two Cuckoos, at least six Redstarts, 8-10 Sedge Warblers, 2/3 Whitethroats, two Blackcaps, 4/5 Willow Warblers, a few Chiffchaffs and at least six Reed Buntings. Birds caught included seven Sedge Warblers (including three birds originally ringed in 2004 and 2005), a Garden Warbler (infrequent at Ashleworth), three Whitethroats, a Lesser Whitethroat and only one Reed Bunting. Other birds seen included seven Barnacle Geese over, a Greenshank, a Hobby and two Ravens. (Mervyn Greening/Mike Smart/Les Brown).

Cirencester    A Corn Bunting was near Cirencester Golf Course within the tetrad SP00c. At Stratton a male Yellowhammer and a male Brambling still in the garden. (Ken Cservenka).

Condicote    Still several Yellow Wagtails south of the village today. (Rob Brookes).

Longborough    A number of Swifts back in the village and at 8pm the first bird returned to its nest in RB's house (seen via a 'nest cam'). (Rob Brookes).

Cheltenham    A Lesser Whitethroat singing in Hartley Close, Sandy Lane and seven Swifts over Naunton Park. (Steve Brown).

 

Fri May 2nd 2008 

Saul Warth    A Guillemot came up on the high tide this evening and at 7pm climbed out onto the riverbank. Best viewed from the gate at the sluice end of the Warth and still present at 7:20pm. (Jake King). Also 25 Whimbrels, 20 Curlews, two Oystercatchers, two Sanderlings, 15 Dunlin and a female Wheatear. (John Overfield). Also a Short-eared Owl distantly over the 100-Acre, (Richard Baatsen).

Forest of Dean    A Firecrest at Cinderford Linear Park at 8:20am along the Cinderford spur of the cycle route. (Barry Embling).

Condicote    A Little Owl, just east of Condicote village at 8:30am this morning. (Rob Brookes). Pic by Rob.

Frampton    On the Sailing Lake 12 Common Sandpipers roosted late evening, two Arctic Terns and three Common Terns. (John Overfield/Jake King/Nick Goatman).

Charlton Kings    A Garden Warbler singing on Sandy Lane bridleway and a Lesser Redpoll at Southfield Manor. (Steve Brown). 

Gloucester    The pair of Peregrines nesting in an artificial nest tray at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital have successfully hatched two chicks. Mrs. Dana Parry saw the female pick up part of an eggshell at 12:55pm on Monday 28th April, moments later the first chick was seen, by 3:30pm the second had hatched. (Terry Cockburn). A Little Egret near Telford's Bridge, Alney Island at lunchtime, also several Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats singing. At 3:30pm at Gloucester Station a Yellow-legged Gull standing neatly between a Herring Gull and a Lesser Black-backed Gull on the roof of platform 4 and a Peregrine on the tower of Gloucester Royal Hospital. (Steve Brown). A Swift over Tuffley at 2pm. (Ian Elphick).

Highnam Woods    At least five singing Nightingales today. (Phil Andrews).

Pic by Phil.

Witcombe Reservoir    A Wheatear between the church and reservoir, at least five Common Sandpipers and a Grey Wagtail from the bridge at about 4:30pm. (Mark Moore).

Calmsden    A Whinchat at at midday today. (Richard Tyler).

Tirley    A garden Whitethroat today, also singing Blackcap, Chiffchaff, and a further three singing Whitethroats around Tirley, also our first House Martin back. (Mark Grieve.).

Longborough     A Garden Warbler in Crook Lane at 10:30am. (Steve Martin).

Stratton    Two Swifts over at 3pm. (Ken Cservenka).

 

Thu May 1st 2008 

Cleeve Hill    36 Wheatears near the Masts this evening, initially mostly together, until scattered by the inevitable dogs. (Dave Pearce).

Whiteshill    A female Ring Ouzel at "Bird in Hand" corner north of Whiteshill, Stroud this morning until 9am at least; SO837082, in the field with the Alpacas. (Gordon Kirk).

Haresfield    An early Spotted Flycatcher on the Cotswold Way path just east of Ringhill Farm, Haresfield Hill, SO824092. (Gordon Kirk).

Weston Subedge    At 8:15am a Turtle Dove in display flight. (Steve Martin).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake this morning at 7am an Arctic Tern and five Common Terns. The two Cattle Egrets were in fields just N of the church still. (MK). Two Arctic Terns, two Common Terns and a Common Sandpiper at the Sailing Lake this evening and three Whimbrels flew over heading W. (Paul Masters).

Elmstone Hardwicke    A Peregrine flying over fields to the W of the M5. Also a Yellow Wagtail and two Swifts. (Peter Cadogan).

Gloucester    20+ Swifts in the Hatherley Road area of Tredworth this morning. (Richard Lawrence).

Lower Slaughter    A Barn Owl this evening and also a pair of Long-tailed Tits whose nest was predated by two Weasels. (Richard Tyler). Pic by Richard.

Wed Apr 30th 2008 

Tewkesbury    Two Curlews and two Shelducks on the Ham. Also a Common Sandpiper along the Avon just before the mill. (Laurie Pierce).

Frampton    At the Sailing Lake this evening a Black Tern, four Common Terns, 20+ Swifts and numerous hirundines. The two Cattle Egrets were behind the church still. (Neil Smart). This afternoon a Hobby over by the church, two male Mandarins flew S down the canal and Swallows, House Martins, Sand Martins and Swifts together over Splatt Bridge. (Tim Hall). Pic by Tim.

Forest of Dean    At Nagshead this morning a male Pied Flycatcher and two others heard. Two Wood Warblers seen very well, both singing. At New Fancy View two male Crossbills, two Siskins, a female Goshawk and a Greylag past. Below the viewpoint a singing Tree Pipit. On Cannop Upper Pond two Mandarins. (Tim Hall).

Highnam Woods    Early afternoon a Marsh Tit, six singing Nightingales and one seen briefly. (Tim Hall).

Cambridge    A male Whinchat this evening between Ryall's Lane and the Cambridge Arms bridge. (Nick Goatman).

Cashes Green    A Swift over at 6:30pm, flew over Springfield Gardens towards the Prince of Wales pub and the old Cashes Green Hospital. (Rob Palmer).

 

Tue Apr 29th 2008 

Frampton    A Hobby and four Common Terns at the Sailing Lake this evening. The two Cattle Egrets roosted at Court Lake and also a Tawny Owl there. (Nick Goatman).

WWT Slimbridge    A Short-eared Owl flew in at 8:25am from the N before resting in the grass at Mid-Point. It flew back N mid-morning. Also a first-summer Mediterranean Gull on South Lake today. (Martin McGill).

 

Mon Apr 28th 2008 

Frampton    An adult Little Gull and eight Common Terns on the Sailing Lake this evening. (Nick Goatman).

Coombe Hill Canal    A Lesser Whitethroat and a Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, a Yellow Wagtail, a Wheatear, eight Black-tailed Godwits, two Dunlin, three Redshanks, a Greenshank, a Little Ringed Plover and lots of Swifts and hirundines late afternoon. (David Owen).

Leigh Meadows    This evening two Peregrines (a male and a female) on pylons, two or three Curlews, a Lapwing, a Green Sandpiper, a Wheatear, two or three Redstarts calling and three Whitethroats singing. (Mike Smart).

Leckhampton    Three Ring Ouzels, a female Redstart, a Wheatear and a singing Tree Pipit, all on the scarp across from Hartley Farm this morning. (Dave Pearce).

Cleeve Hill    A Whinchat and six Wheatears in the field by the Masts this evening. (Dave Pearce).

Lydney New Grounds    A male Reed Bunting today. (Barrie Mills).

Yorkley    Two Swifts this evening. (Barrie Mills).

Charlton Kings    This evening a Roebuck on the fields below Timbercombe Wood. (Steve Brown).

 

Sun Apr 27th 2008 

Forest of Dean    At Kensley Lodge a Garden Warbler, a male Redstart, a Willow Warbler and three House Martins and at Woorgreens Lake a Sedge Warbler, two Willow Warblers and a Blackcap. (Barrie Mills).

Kingscote    A good fall of 14+ Wheatears, a Whinchat and a Ring Ouzel in a rain storm this evening in the Kingscote area. (Neil Smart).

Ashleworth Ham    At Stank Lane at least three Redstarts, at least two Lesser Whitethroats, Curlews heard bubbling both sides of the lane and 36 Mute Swans grazing/loafing in a field on the left as you go down to the river. (Keith White).

Coln St Aldwyn's    A Little Egret, a Little Owl, a Grey Wagtail, a Sparrowhawk, three Swifts over, a Garden Warbler, five singing Blackcaps and two Whitethroats. (Chris Furley).

Cranham    This morning ten Wheatears in the fields at Overtown Farm, near Cranham, SO912125. Also a Hobby seen twice nearby, flying at Swallows round Climperwell Farm. (Gordon Kirk).

Gloucester    At Port Ham three male Reed Buntings, eight Sedge Warblers, a Wheatear and a Little Grebe and another two Sedge Warblers at Over ponds. (Ian Elphick).

Symonds Yat    A Hobby and also a probable Saker today.  (Gavin Black).

WWT Slimbridge    An Avocet from Holden Tower on the scrape in front of the Tower until 9:30am at least. A Long-eared Owl in a private area still this morning. Access will be arranged today, contact WWT for details. (Martin McGill/Neil Smart). Pic by Paul Masters, second pic by Nathan Casburn. Also the Dark-bellied Brent Goose still at Holden and six Black-tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper and three Common Gulls on South Lake. An Egyptian Goose in the roadside field and Peregrine and a Skylark along the summer walk. (Nick Goatman/MK/Ray Sherman).

 

Saul Warth    A male Montagu's Harrier went N over the Awre peninsula at 8:45am and appeared to move inland, but no further sign since. Also a Black Swan this morning. (Richard Baatsen). Five Grey Plovers this morning. (Mark Hobson) and four Whimbrels. (Phil Pope/DBPS Group).

Frampton pools    On DBPS Dawn Chorus Walk four Nightingales between Court and Sailing Lake. Reed Warblers at either end of the Sailing Lake, two Common Sandpipers at the Sailing Club and a Cuckoo. Two Cattle Egrets from Splatt Bridge in the reeds off to the left from the gate. At the north reed bed a Water Rail calling and a Cetti's Warbler showing well (Phil Pope/DBPS Group). Later in the WWT 100-Acre a Hobby, seven Whimbrels, 20+ Swifts, a Lesser Whitethroat in Green Lane and a Red Damselfly. (Nick Goatman).

Cotswold Water Park    At CWP East, Pit 104 and the River Coln area seven Sedge Warblers, six Garden Warblers, ten Blackcaps, 12 Chiffchaffs, six Willow Warblers, a Cetti's Warbler, two Reed Warblers, a Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, two Bullfinches, eight Goldfinches, four Reed Buntings, four male Red Crested Pochards, an Oystercatcher and three Common Terns. (Mick & Jo Jones). Mill Estate 7:30-9am a Nightingale singing at the end of the lane and another by Pit 57, a Black Tern dipping in Pit 57 then heading N, five Red Crested Pochards over, 4/5 Garden Warblers alongside the lake. At 9:30am at Freeth Meend, Pit 41, SU032936 a Wood Warbler singing and feeding in the big willows at the corner where the footpaths meet. A first-winter Little Gull at Pit 58, SU025935, between 9:30 and 10am this morning, a Lesser Whitethroat nearby and at Swillbrook Lakes a singing Cetti's Warbler and 4/5 singing Nightingales. (Steve Brown). At Pit 79 two Snipe, a Jack Snipe, two Redshanks, four Reed Buntings and 50+ Lapwings. At Pit 85a 50+ Sand Martins and a Reed Bunting. At Pit 84 four Shovelers, three Sedge Warblers, a Reed Bunting, a Little Egret and six Gadwall. At Pit 85b two Great Crested Grebes and three Gadwall. (Tim & Mike Beard).

Highnam Woods    This morning five Buzzards, four Ravens, five Blackcaps (4m, 1f), a female Sparrowhawk, and a Chiffchaff, eight singing Nightingales heard. Also Peacock, Orange Tip, Brimstone and Small White. (Lee Rogers). At Highnam Court fête a Common Sandpiper flew across the lake. (Steve Brown).

Cambridge    At Longaston Lane today two Whitethroats, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Little Owl. (Jake King).

Leckhampton    Three male Whinchats and 11 Wheatears at Hartley Farm this afternoon after the rain. (Duncan Dine).

Stoke Orchard    An unidentified harrier sp seen from a distance wheeling over the edge of Stoke Orchard tip and then moving gently NE towards Bishops Cleeve at 11:15am. (Robert Homan).

Tirley    Three singing Whitethroats, two singing Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, and two pairs of House Martins back at their nest site. (Mark Grieve).

Stroud    A Swift over this evening at 8pm. (Hugh Manistre).

Longborough    A single Swift returned to the colony at Ganborough Road at 8:10pm. After 10 or 12 attempts the bird made it in to its nest site at around 8:25pm. (Rob Brookes).

Longlevens    A garden Whitethroat at 9:45am today. (Frank Bryant).

 

Sat Apr 26th 2008 

Cleeve Hill    A pair of Redstarts, a Cuckoo and a Tree Pipit in the Wardens Wood/Wontley Barn area this morning. (Richard Tyler). Pics by Richard. Late morning a Grasshopper Warbler heard reeling from deep bramble just E of the circular clearing where there is a seat. Also Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and many Willow Warblers in the plantation. (Keith White).

 

 

 

Longborough/Condicote    Two Yellow Wagtails at 6:30am just SW of Condicote near the B4077 crossroads. One Yellow Wagtail flying over W of Longborough at 7:35pm. Two male Wheatears south of Springhill House at 7:30am also two Muntjacs close by. Two male Wheatears in ploughed field just W of Longborough at 10:30am. Two House Martins over W of Longborough at midday. A Barn Owl at Longborough at 9:30pm  and several Tawny Owls calling as well. (Rob Brookes). Pics by Rob.

 

WWT Slimbridge    A Whinchat and a Wheatear on the cross fence at north end of Dumbles today and two Swifts over. (Geoff Moyser). Also a Lesser Whitethroat in the car park, three Knot and a Yellow Wagtail, a Common Sandpiper at Robbie Garnett hide and from Holden Tower at High Tide the Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Bar-tailed Godwit and six Dunlin. (Pete Alder/Steve Brown) and earlier at Mid-Point a Marsh Harrier flew downriver, two Greenshanks and a Whimbrel. (Pete Alder).

Coombe Hill Meadows    Three Greenshanks and a Lesser Whitethroat today. (Richard Price/Rob & Jackie Phillips).

Cleeve Hill    Two singing Tree Pipits at Wardens Wood today. (Richard Price).

Fretherne/Saul Warth    A female Marsh Harrier which flew S to the WWT 100-Acre, a female Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail flew N, five Buzzards, two Peregrines, two Sparrowhawks, two Swifts and at high tide a Knot, five Curlews, eight Whimbrels, a Grey Plover, three Oystercatchers and four Ringed Plovers. (Gordon Hodgson/MK/Steve Owen/Dave Pearce). A pair of Garganey present this evening at Saul Warth. They were tucked in tight in the left-hand corner, looking out from the canalside bank. (Rob & Jackie Phillips).

Frampton    Two Cattle Egrets still in the field just north of the church at 6:45am. They were in the field, just north of the north reedbed this evening. The second bird is now also acquiring summer plumage. Two Common Sandpipers flew down the canal towards Cambridge, a Lesser Whitethroat in the hedge between the canal and Green Lane, a Cuckoo calling from Nebrow Hill, three Little Egrets in the WWT 100-Acre and two more on the flashes N of Splatt Bridge, three Swifts flew S and Cetti's Warblers calling from the reed bed N of Splatt and the 100-Acre pools. (MK). From the flashes N of Splatt two Wheatears, a Whitethroat, a Common Tern, two Little Gulls flew N, two Tree Sparrows flew N and on the mudflats 19 Dunlin, two Grey Plovers and four Ringed Plovers. (Martin McGill). 20 Swifts at the Sailing Lake and four juvenile Great Crested Grebes on the smaller pool behind the main lake. (MK/Martin McGill). At midday, at least one Arctic Tern along with at least one Common Tern on the Sailing Lake. (Steve Owen/Dave Pearce). This evening a Common Sandpiper on the Sailing Lake, a Cuckoo calling, a Whimbrel over, a Cetti's Warbler and two Nightingales. (Nick Goatman).

Cotswold Water Park    A Black Tern and 12 Common Terns at Pit 16. At Pits 46/48/57/58 four Hobbies, two Little Gulls, three Arctic Terns, 23 Common Terns, 20 Swifts, five Sand Martins, seven Nightingales, five Garden Warblers, two Sedge Warblers, two Reed Warblers, three Cetti's Warblers, a Common Sandpiper, a Cuckoo, four Lesser Whitethroats and 12 Red Crested Pochards this morning. (Andy Chapman/Paul Masters/Mark Hobson). Pics of Nightingale and Garden Warbler below by Paul. At 1pm at Pit 57 a Little Gull and nine Hobbies at Pit 57 and an Arctic Tern at Pit 16. (Jon Mercer).

 

Hardwicke    Three Nightingales, two Lesser Whitethroats and a Sedge Warbler south of The Pilot this morning. (Paul Masters/Mark Hobson).

Sheepbridge    23 Buzzards kettling together this morning. (Ian Ralphs).

 

Fri Apr 25th 2008 

Dowdeswell Reservoir    A Golden Pheasant below the dam this evening. (Terry Fenton).

Hardwicke    Two singing male Nightingales south of The Pilot this morning, also two Lesser Whitethroats and a Sedge Warbler. (Paul Masters).

Cotswold Water Park    At Pit 57 a first-winter Little Gull, a female Marsh Harrier over, six Common Terns, three Common Sandpipers, three Swifts and a pair of Red Crested Pochards. By the river a Nightingale, a Sedge Warbler, 2+ singing Garden Warblers, 5+ Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and two Chiffchaffs. At Pit 16 a summer plumaged Black Tern (found by Kim Milsom), an Arctic Tern and a Common Tern. (Graham Watson/Jon Mercer). In fading light this evening 28 "Commic" Terns, at least six Arctic Terns and probably more. (Jon   Mercer).

WWT Slimbridge    Four Sedge Warblers and a Whitethroat around Holden Tower. At Mid-Point two Common Terns, three Knot, two Sanderlings, a Bar-tailed Godwit, four Grey Plovers, two Sanderlings and three Oystercatchers. (Mark Hobson).

Frampton    This evening on the WWT 100-Acre a Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank, 14 Black-tailed Godwits, a Black Swan and a Lesser Whitethroat. (Nick Goatman & Rachel Partridge/Jake King). At Splatt Bridge two Cattle Egrets and a summer plumaged Spotted Redshank on the flash N of the bridge. Also four Little Egrets, a male Redstart in the hedge just N of the bridge and a singing Lesser Whitethroat. (Jon Mercer). At the Sailing Lake a Common Sandpiper, two Nightingales, three Common Terns, a Reed Warbler and a Kingfisher. (Mark Hobson). A Whimbrel and a Curlew at Splatt Bridge and a Cuckoo calling further S. (Ian Elphick).

Condicote    At least five Yellow Wagtails just SW of Condicote at 8:30am. A male Merlin, seen in flight and perched for several minutes SE of Condicote at 1:30pm. (Rob Brookes). Pic by Rob.

Forest of Dean    Three Pied Flycatchers at Nagshead (2m, 1f) and male and female Redstart at Speech House today. (Shane & Julian Long). At Kensley Ridge this morning, two Redstarts and a Wood Warbler singing in the oak woods. Also a Sand Martin and a Common Sandpiper at Woorgreens Lake. (Ivan Proctor).

Beachley Point    In the afternoon on an ebbing tide, 20 Shelducks, two Mallards, three Whimbrels, three Curlews, four Oystercatchers. Around the Point five singing Blackcaps, two Whitethroats and a Chiffchaff, a Kestrel and Sparrowhawk flying over. (Ivan Proctor). In the Woorgreens/Crabtree Hill area this evening, a singing Wood Warbler, a singing Whitethroat, three singing Tree Pipits, five Lesser Redpolls and a pair of Crossbills. (Lewis Thomson).

Hartpury    A Lesser Whitethroat singing from a hedgerow at Hartpury College this morning. (Lewis Thomson).

Ashleworth Ham    This morning two singing Redstarts, a Garden Warbler, two Whitethroats, two Cuckoos all singing and three Curlews. (Jon Mercer).

Cleeve Hill    This morning a Stonechat and a Cuckoo. (Peter Cadogan).

Fretherne    On the high tide eight Whimbrels, four Curlews, seven Ringed Plovers, five Dunlin, a Sanderling, a Grey Plover and two Oystercatchers with a Whimbrel still this afternoon. (Jon Mercer/Mark Hobson). Pic by Mark. 

Thu Apr 24th 2008 

Guiting Power    A Peregrine seen in fast stoop over Cotswold Farm Park at 7:15pm. (Rob Brookes).

Witcombe Reservoir    A Wigeon, 13 Common Sandpipers, a Wheatear and a Whitethroat today. (Terry Fenton/Duncan Dine/Gordon Avery). Pic by Terry.

Frampton    A Common Tern on the Sailing Lake this evening. (Nick Goatman).

Forest of Dean    A Redstart singing this morning near Kensley Lodge. (Ivan Proctor).

Condicote    A male and a female Grey Partridge in a cornfield at Condicote Lane at 12:30pm. (Steve Martin).

WWT Slimbridge    A Sandwich Tern and three Arctic Terns this morning. A Long-eared Owl was discovered on a private area of the reserve yesterday evening roosting in a Hawthorn. Access had been planned for today but sadly the bird could not be relocated this morning. (James Lees/Martin McGill).

Gloucester    A Little Egret and a female Reed Bunting at Port Ham and a Willow Warbler at Richard's Wood (S). (Ian Elphick).

Wed Apr 23rd 2008   

WWT Slimbridge    A male Pied Flycatcher today, two Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Tern from the Holden Tower and the Dark-bellied Brent Goose still. (Martin McGill).

Aylburton Warth    20+ Meadow Pipits, 11+ White Wagtails, five Yellow Wagtails, a male Whinchat, 20+ Lapwings, seven Redshanks and a Common Sandpiper this afternoon. (Lewis Thomson). Pics by Lewis.

 

Hardwicke    A singing male Nightingale south of the Pilot this morning. (Paul Masters).

Little Witcombe    A Hobby, a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk together in the air. (Terry Fenton).

Prescott    A Cuckoo and four Whitethroats today. (Terry Fenton).

Snowshill    The Great Grey Shrike still today in Cutsdean Quarry at Half Moon Plantation crossroads south east of Snowshill SP104314 until 1:45pm at least. Also a singing Tree Pipit here. (Rob Brookes). 

Dursley    A Red Kite flew over Burnt Oak mid-morning and headed off towards Stinchcombe Hill. (Dave Denney).

Frampton    A Marsh Harrier and a Hobby from Green Lane this morning. Also a Treecreeper. (Mike Smith/Geoff Moyser). Two Cattle Egrets at Splatt Bridge still and also a Greenshank. (Geoff Moyser/Roy Shilham/Shane Long). Also eight Whimbrels flew over Splatt Bridge this morning. (Shane Long). 34 Whimbrels through including the eight already reported and five Bar-tailed Godwits. Also a female Redstart in Green Lane. (Francis Steuck). At the Sailing lake a Cuckoo, two Lesser Whitethroats and a Sedge Warbler. (Geoff Moyser).

Saul Warth    Four Garganey still this morning. (Shane Long). 

Cleeve Hill    Four Ring Ouzels near the heather enclosure at 1pm then flew east. (Roy Shilham).

Forest of Dean    A Lesser Redpoll, four Linnets and two Stonechats at the Industrial Estate near Linear Park, Cinderford today. (David J Slater). Pic by David.

Ashleworth Ham    From the hide, three Lapwings (two displaying), a Chiffchaff, 2/3 Blackcaps, a Little Grebe, 29 Teal, five Grey Herons, a Little Egret, a male Reed Bunting, a male and two female Wigeon, a Curlew heard only, a singing Goldcrest, a distant Cuckoo heard, a singing Redstart at the far end of Meerend Thicket and another Redstart singing at the end of Dirty Lane ,also a Willow Warbler. (Mark Grieve).

Gloucester    Along the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal between Sims Bridge and Parkend Bridge eight singing Lesser Whitethroats and a Nightingale. (Michael Teesdale).

Epney    c20 Whimbrels briefly along the Severn at Epney. (Michael Teesdale).

 

Tue Apr 22nd 2008

Frampton    Two Little Gulls on the Sailing Lake from 4:30-5pm only. (Martin McGill/Trevor Maynard). Also a drake Ruddy Duck on the Sailing Lake and a Common Sandpiper by the Sailing Club this evening. (MK). Also this evening a Grasshopper Warbler reeling between Green Lane and the canal. (Bruce Pendlebury/Mark Hobson). A Barn Owl hunting between Green Lane and the canal from 7:20pm onwards, a Whitethroat, two Cetti's Warblers calling and 15 Snipe in flight over the 100-Acre pools. (Mark Hobson/Nick Goatman/Paul Masters/MK). Two Cattle Egrets still this evening in the field just N of the church in the village, earlier at Splatt Bridge. (MK/Ian Elphick). No sign of the singing male PALLAS'S WARBLER at Frampton pools this morning but a Nuthatch today. Also three Reed Warblers and a Cetti's Warbler in the reed bed north of Splatt Bridge. (Frank & Pam Bryant/Graham Watson). Pic by Graham.

Fretherne/Saul Warth    At Fretherne two Whimbrels, 55 Shelducks, six Curlews and a Ringed Plover today. (Graham Watson). At Saul Warth two Sedge Warblers, three Garganey (two males) and a singing Lesser Whitethroat. (Ian Elphick).

WWT Slimbridge    A Spoonbill reported circling over the WWT car park at 3:15pm. (Colin Butters per Martin McGill).

Eastington    Three Common Cranes over SE at 12:50pm heading inland in the Dursley direction. (Nick Goatman). 

Longford    A Grasshopper Warbler reeling at SO835215 this evening, also two Buzzards, a Grey Heron, two Chiffchaffs, three Mallards and 60 Fieldfares. (Jim Northcott).

Painswick Beacon    At 7:30pm a male Ring Ouzel, a male Black Redstart (FS's first for the site), three Tree Pipits and a Willow Warbler SO868121. (Francis Steuck).

Leckhampton Hill    A Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, a Blackcap, a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff and a Redstart singing between Highland Road and Daisybank. Also a Stock Dove near the Devil's Chimney. (Steve Brown).

Awre    Two Hawfinches in the orchard at Northington Farm today. (John Phillips).

Cleeve Hill    This morning a Red Kite over the Wash Pool at 10:30am and at 11:30 am four female and 12 male Ring Ouzels below the heather enclosure. (Jennifer Rogers/Trevor Maynard). This afternoon ten Ring Ouzels on the slopes below the heather enclosure. At Wontley Farm a pair of Redstarts and several Tree Pipits. (Richard Cawsey). This evening still 15+ Ring Ouzels near the heather enclosure and a Red Kite over flying W. (Ian Lavell).

Coombe Hill Meadows   Along the canal six male Reed Buntings today. (Ian Lavell). Also a pair of Garganey today. (Les Brown). Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, a Curlew bubbling over the meadows and a Cuckoo calling. (Ingrid and Colin Twissell).

Ashleworth Ham    This evening 76 Teal, a Peregrine, still at least 15 Snipe but no drumming despite perfect conditions, a Jack Snipe, a Green Sandpiper, two Cuckoos, two Lesser Whitethroats singing and at least six Redstarts calling. (Mike Smart). A Hobby at 1pm. (Les Brown).

Bourton-on-the-Hill    A flock of at least 150 Fieldfares feeding in a grass field 3 miles west of Bourton-on-the-Hill. (Rob Brookes).

Longborough    A male Siskin and a female Brambling on garden feeders still. (Rob Brookes).

Gloucester    A Lesser Whitethroat singing between Sims and Rea bridges on the Gloucester-Sharpness canal. (Mark Hobson).

Longlevens    At 2pm over garden five Buzzards circling while moving SW over Park Avenue. (Frank & Pam Bryant).

 

Mon Apr 21st 2008

Frampton    The singing male PALLAS'S WARBLER at Frampton pools through until the early evening. It is in the tree belt between the Sailing Lake and Court Lake favouring the end nearest to the farm cSO752072. Please park sensibly in the village, keeping off of the village greens and keep to public footpaths. 

Also at the pools this morning a Yellow Wagtail flying over. (Dave Evans). Two Cattle Egrets still in the paddock north of the church at 10:15am with one Little Egret. (Tony Eveleigh). In Green Lane a Whitethroat, eight Chiffchaffs and two Sedge Warblers today. (James Lees).

Cleeve Hill    19 Ring Ouzels present mid afternoon, initially in a loose flock adjacent to the heather enclosure until 11 flew towards the Wash Pool. (Dave Pearce). Still at least 12 Ring Ouzels near the heather enclosure this evening. (Gerry Shilham/Ian Lavell).

Windrush Valley    Five Mandarins in the upper Windrush valley between Naunton and Guiting Power. (Jim Milton).

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

Coombe Hill Meadows    This morning five Yellow Wagtails, three White Wagtails, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Greenshank, a Snipe, two Redstarts and 200 Sand Martins feeding low in light rain. (Steve Owen).

Snowshill    Two Ring Ouzels in the grass field just SW of Cutsdean Quarry at 10am, but no sign of the Shrike, also two singing Willow Warblers there. (Rob Brookes).

Longborough    A Barn Owl perched on the garden fence at 11:15pm. (Rob Brookes).

Cheltenham    Two Peregrines on Eagle Tower office block today. Also two Swallows, heading north. (Chris Furley).

Temple Guiting    A Whitethroat at Temple Guiting village hall car park. (Rob Brookes).

Longborough    Still two garden Bramblings, both females, today. (Rob Brookes).

Forest of Dean    At least three Siskins and three Lesser Redpolls still visiting a garden niger seed feeder in Milkwall. 75 Linnets on Gorsty Knoll near Coalway this evening. (Ivan Proctor).

Hawling    This evening at the junction of the A436 and the B4068 SP078218, two Corn Buntings, a Yellowhammer, five Lapwings, three Red-legged Partridges, a Skylark and ten Stock Doves. (Barrie Mills).

Aylburton Warth    Ten Ringed Plovers, 14 Dunlin, a Redshank, five Sanderlings, 17 Lapwings, six White Wagtails, a Kestrel and a Brown Hare today SO615000. (Barrie Mills).

Alvington    In the field in front of Alvington Court four Lapwings, a Little Egret, a Grey Heron, five Canada Geese and two Brown Hares. (Barrie Mills).

Gloucester    A Whitethroat singing on Sudmeadow today. 50 Linnets on the tip dislope and this afternoon a rather unseasonal abietinus Chiffchaff by the river at Sudmeadow. (Gordon Avery).

 

Sun Apr 20th 2008

Painswick Beacon    On the beacon early morning a male and female Ring Ouzel W of the summit SO868121. Also 12 Tree Pipits including five singing males, a Greenland Wheatear, four Blackcaps, three Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler. In the Painswick valley a Tree Pipit in the plantation at SO883115, a male Ring Ouzel in a field to the SW of Saltridge wood SO887110 and good numbers of common warblers throughout the valley, with 19 Chiffchaffs, nine Blackcaps and eight Willow Warblers. At the Ebworth centre, a flock of 125 Fieldfares in a field and two fly-by Bramblings, SO899114. (Francis Steuck).

Forest of Dean    Two male Pied Flycatchers at RSPB Nagshead today. (Paul Masters).

Gloucester    A Whitethroat singing on Hempsted N.R. SO810170 today. (Gordon Avery).

Bourton-on-the-Water    A summer-plumaged Black Tern at Bourton Pits South at 2pm. (Duncan Dine). Pic by Graham Watson.

Cleeve Hill    17 Ring Ouzels present this afternoon. (Richard Tyler). 

Frampton    The singing male PALLAS'S WARBLER at Frampton pools through until the evening. It is in the tree belt between the Sailing Lake and Court Lake favouring the end nearest to the farm cSO752072. Please park sensibly in the village, keeping off of the village greens and keep to public footpaths. 1st pic by  and 2nd pic by Nathan Casburn.

 

A Common Sandpiper at the Sailing Lake by the Sailing Club early morning. Also seven House Martins and another at Splatt Bridge. Two Cattle Egrets still this morning in the field just N of the church in the village until 8:30am at least, later by Splatt Bridge. A Cuckoo by Splatt Bridge at 8:30am, seven Little