And they keep coming

This time a "life tick" for the cress beds. Don't get too excited it was only a Spotted Flycatcher but the first I have seen there in about 11 years of looking.

Another year tick for the cress beds

This time it was a Hobby. Flew fast directly along and over the cress beds - somewhat lucky to have been looking in the right direction at the right time. Not sure what it was hoping for as there are very few swallows or martins and only the odd dragonfly.

Finally!

Tuesday 1 September 2015

I had all but given up on Whitethroat for this year when they normally breed on the Ewelme Watercress Beds site but one turned up today. Even better it was in the same bush as a Lesser Whitethroat. Kingfisher is getting more regular but no sign of the Green Sandpiper or Water Rail as yet.

Whitethroat

Battle Farm survey

Sunday 30 August 2015

3 Yellow Wagtails, 80 Canada Geese and a flock of 35 Goldfinches the most noteworthy of birds seen. But beating all those were dozens of Small Heath butterflies - don't remember ever seeing more than ones or twos previously. On the darker side the RAF have taken to displaying their "trophies" ( dead Rooks, presumably shot) strung up on a compound fence. Nasty and meaningless if they think it will frighten off other Rooks.

New year bird for the Watercress Beds

Thursday 20 August 2014

At long last caught up with Coal Tit and that is my 65th species for the year - exactly the same as last year so still time to beat it.

Warblers and Butterflies

Sunday 16 August 2015

A good supply of warblers (for Ewelme) with lots of Blackcaps and the odd Chiff Chaff and Garden Warbler. After a couple of Painted Ladies yesterday a Clouded Yellow turned up today.

new bird

First new year bird for the cress beds for two and a half months - a Lesser Whitethroat feeding on Elder berries. First sign of Autumn!