Battle farm bird survey

Sunday 30 November 2014

429 birds of 32 species recorded round the 7 fields of the farm. Nothing very special though it is always good to see wintering Chiff chaffs (2), lots of wintering thrushes around and a couple of Goldcrests. Why do I seem to see Linnets everywhere apart from on the reserve at Ewelme? One new year bird for the farm (number 58) but I'm almost afraid to say that it was a Moorhen.

No birds but fish

Saturday 29 November 2014

Riverfly monitoring on Ewelme Brook with surprising number of fish. Couple of Brown Trout, one almost big enough to eat and several 9 Spine Sticklebacks and Miller's Thumbs. Usual collection of fly larvae but numbers of Freshwater Shrimps were well down at lower site in Preston Crowmarsh.

Brown Trout

Caseless Caddis with Olive (mayfly)

Good count - for Ewelme

Wednesday 26 November 2014

30 Species noted round the Watercress Beds including a couple of male Blackcaps feeding on Spindle Berries, both Woodpeckers (I discount Lesser spot as I believe it to be extinct) and the ever faithful Water Rail.

Newe Fungi

Wednesday 19 November 2014

One of our volunteers came across this fungi during the work session at Ewelme cress beds this morning. Yes I know what it resembles and thats a clue to its Latin name.

Stinkhorn

Good selection but nothing new

Sunday 16 November 2014

Blackcap, Heron, Kingfisher and Water Rail of note. One of these days the kingfisher is going to come close enough for a half decent photo!

Bugs

Friday 14 November 2014

Masses of tiny insects on the wing over the watercress beds and adjacent land. Where are all the insectivorous birds and dragonflies? Good to see a male Blackcap foraging amongst the ivy.

Usual stars

Wednesday 12 November 2014

Only time for a quick look before a meeting but in that time, despite the rain, I managed to see Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail and Water Rail amongst other more common fare.

Evidence only

Tuesday 11 November 2014

Spotted a small heap of Water Vole poo at the cress beds this morning. First evidence I have come across this year! Eat your heart out Mr Packham.

1st of the Autumn

Sunday 9 November 2014

Only time for a quick visit to the Cress Beds this morning but time enough for a stunning Fieldfare, first of the Autumn, glowing in the sunshine.

Signs of winter and a rather silly squirrel

Wednesday 5 November 2014

Just in case you missed my short movie on Facebook I repeat it here for your delectation - let me know if you know what is going on!

At long last a Water Rail appeared at the watercress beds today - nearly a month later that usual.

Apologies for the photo - it was very dark. Also on show a male Blackcap (Female yesterday), Redwings and at least 3 Goldcrests. Were the Blackcaps Stragglers or winter visitors?