Saturday 28 January 2012

First visit to Battle Farm

Saturday 28 January 2012
Dull, overcast and cold so only the Robins, Blackbirds and Great Tits were putting on much of a show.  Highlights of the 344 birds of 29 species counted were: Meadow Pipit (24), Pied Wagtail (34), Fieldfare (66) and Redwing (15).

In addition the first Reed Bunting of the year visited the garden seed feeders.

Friday 27 January 2012

Ewelme and Huntinglands

Friday 27 January 2012
Not much happening at Ewelme - just one Water Rail seen along with the usual culprits.  2 Stock Doves eying up hollows in an Ash tree.  Tried Huntinglands again for the SE Owl but it is being very elusive.  Good numbers of Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings taking advantage of the seed put out for the Pheasants.  Also a field full of Fieldfare - around 220 in all.

Tuesday 17 January 2012

Cowlease Wood

Tuesday 17 January 2012
Thought I had better take another look at Cowlease and considerably more successful than last time.  Seemed to be Crossbills and Siskin everywhere.  At least 25 Crossbills and could easily have been twice this number.  Very difficult to count as they were flitting about all over the place.  Great views of males glowing in the sunshine.  Also Redpoll and a Treecreeper seen.

Friday 13 January 2012

Dorchester WeBS Count January

Friday 13 January 2012
Bit early as it should be on 15th but nearest practical date.  Not a great deal to get excited about amongst the  1679 birds of 20 species of water birds. 2 Egyption Geese worthy of note and good to see 3 Little Grebe.  Perhaps this colder spell might liven things up a bit!

Friday 6 January 2012

Ewelme Watercress Beds

Friday 6 January 2012
Amazing the difference the temperature makes to the sighting of Water Rails.  I have been struggling of late and gratefull for a fleeting glimpse of one.  Today there were three on show and two of them spent some time out in the open.  Elsewhere of note both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers and a female Blackcap.  It was almost like a spring morning with three or four Song Thrushes in full voice.

Monday 2 January 2012

Ewelme and Dorchester

Monday 2 January 2012
Still quiet at the Watercress Beds though added Water Rail, Heron, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Blackcap to the list.

A couple of Buzzard on the way home, one of which had a lot of grey on the wings but couldn't turn it into anything more interesting.

A quick look at Dorchester was not enough to get the pulses racing and just 26 species seen. 

Sunday 1 January 2012

New Year's Day

Sunday 1 January 2012
That's impressive - I managed to get the date correct.  Guided walk at Ewelme so not a lot of oppurtunity for building the list - just 22 species and no Water Rail.