LOG BOOK

The Log Book features records of any interesting sightings, scarce & rare visitors, migrant arrivals and high counts etc. It does not attempt to include every species present.

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May 2008.

8th

Very warm & sunny. Light E wind.

5 Black Terns and the 1st summer Little Gull on F.2 all day. There were 6 Sanderling early morning only. 9 Common Sandpipers and 5 Ringed Plover.

Female Kestrel, 6th May.

7th

Sunny and hot!

More like high summer than spring, and this was reflected in the generally poor numbers of birds. Black Terns once again saved the day with 16 feeding over F.2. The first summer Little Gull also still present. A first summer Common Gull in the evening on the barley bales. 2 Common Sandpipers , 3 Yellow Wagtails.

The resident Barn Owl, regularly seen hunting between Buckthorn Meadow and Pinkhill Lock.

6th

Sunny, warm, virtually cloudless, moderate ESE wind.

Not surprisingly, given the conditions, there were few birds around today. With the exception of the continuing Black Tern passage, with 19 counted by late morning. Otherwise 2 first summer Little Gulls still, 1 Shelduck, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Dunlin and a Green Sandpipier briefly at Pinkhill early morning. A Little Egret flew over at lunchtime.

First summer Little Gull, 6th May. This striking individual has been around for a few days. It has rather advanced body plumage for it's age, with a well developed hood and a considerable pink flush to the underparts.

5th

Heavy rain in a.m. then warm and muggy. Light SE wind by evening.

An adult Kittiwake spent a few minutes on F.2. this morning. Also 4 Sanderling, 2 Ringed Plovers & 17 Dunlin touched down briefly. 4 Common Sandpipers on F.2. and a Whimbrel flew over early evening. Black Terns still very much in evidence with 5 first thing, increasing to 24 by evening. 10 Arctic Terns arrived around midday with a few remaining late p.m. The 3 first summer Little Gulls all day.

Arctic Tern, 5th May. The four lines of 'barely bales' installed across F.1. at the beginning of April have been a godsend for birds and birders alike. Although the primary purpose is to alleviate blue green algae growth, they have proved to be invaluable resting platforms for birds. Probably every tern that has passed through the reservoir this spring has made use of them!

4th

Light SE wind, mostly cloudy and humid with some light showers.

Classic Black Tern weather and there were birds present all day with numbers slowly building to a maximum of 26 by early evening. There were 4 Little Gulls ( 3 first summer and 1 second summer). A Ruff on the causeway mid afternoon in company with 3 Redshank. 5 Common Sandpiper and 3 Dunlin.

Ruff, 4th May 2008.

3rd

Light SE wind, sunny spells, warm.

A White Stork flew NW at 10.10 and was almost certainly the same bird seen flying north into Oxon over Bury Down earlier in the day. This is the first record for Farmoor. A Bar-tailed Godwit on the causeway this evening. Other waders today were 1 Turnstone, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Common Sandpipers and 2 Dunlin. 3 first summer Little Gulls. 3 Black Terns and c20 Common Terns. 2 singing Grasshopper Warblers near Pinkhill Lock and 12 Yellow Wagtails around the water works this evening.

Bar-tailed Godwit, 3rd May.

April 2008

30th

Light SE wind, calmer late p.m. then SW by evening. Heavy rain a.m. with showers later.

There were just 2 Arctic Terns at 8a.m. but by late morning the count was up to 23 and then at around 14.00, just as the rain eased slightly, birds started arriving in spectacular fashion and within a few minutes at least 150 were feeding over F.2. Several birds moved to F.1 during the afternoon, and quite a few had departed by early evening. The second summer and first summer Little Gulls again all day with 6 Black Terns. Masses of Swifts. 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpipier. The Shag still on F.1.

40 Arctic Terns, 30th April. Just part of todays impressive count. These birds were taking a well earned rest, they left high to the east not long after this photograph was taken.

29th

Sunshine & showers, then rain late pm. light SE wind.

3 Black Terns, the Arctic Tern still, with a second bird joining it early evening. c20 Common Terns Second summer & first summer Little Gulls present all day. A Whimbrel on the causeway first thing and 2 Redshank. c30 House Martins and 200+ Swallows. 8 Yellow Wagtails.

Second summer Little Gull, 29th April.

28th

Sunshine & showers, light SW wind.

The first real arrival of Swifts today with c350 wheeling above the reservoir first thing. 2 Sanderling on the causeway and 1 Whimbrel flew over at lunchtime. Common Sandpipers increased to 8 plus a single Redshank. A first summer Little Gull this evening and the Arctic Tern was on F.2 all day with 15 Common Terns. The Shag again perched on the orange buoys on F.1. Just 3 Yellow Wagtails.

One of the more vociferous waders, this Whimbrel was calling loudly as it flew over the causeway today.

27th

Overcast and muggy, then freshening WSW wind by evening.

3 Whimbrel at lunchtime with another 2 late pm. 1 Sanderling, 3 Black Terns, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Little Gulls, 3 Red Kites. 8 Yellow Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Common Sandpipers and 7 Dunlin.

Whimbrel, 27th April.

26th

Mostly sunny, moderate SSW wind.

There were 4 Black Terns this morning, with a fifth bird joining them in the afternoon. A Sandwich Tern and 1 Arctic Tern. The Shag was still around this morning. 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank and 1 Common Sandpiper. c30 Swifts, 3+ Yellow Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail and 2 Hobbies.

Black Tern, 26th April.

25th

Cloudy, fresh SSW wind.

A Shag on F.1 and later perched on the limb tower boom on F.2. late pm. Just 2 Arctic Terns present all day over F.2. A Whinchat on the perimeter fence on the west side of F.2. 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 5+ Yellow Wagtails.

Shag, 25th April.

Dunlin, 25th April. (photo: © Peter Styles).

24th

Sunshine & showers, moderate W wind.

Another 38 Arctic Terns counted at lunchtime plus 2 adult Little Gulls. A Sandwich Tern briefly late afternoon. Waders today were: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers. Also 2 male Wheatears and 5 Yellow Wagtails.

Sandwich Tern, 24th April.

Male Little Ringed Plover, 24th April.

23rd

Rain early a.m then warm and sunny by evening.

50 Arctic Terns this morning with many lingering throughout the day. Also 10 Little Gulls (7 adults,1 second summer and 2 first summer). 4 Sandwich Terns made a brief appearance this morning. Also 3 Whimbrel, 5 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper A Grasshopper Warbler was singing until at least mid morning from the overgrown filter beds at the north end of F.1. A Raven over early p.m.

Adult Little Gull, 23rd April.

2 of the four Sandwich Terns, F.1 23rd April.

22nd

Warm & sunny, V. light N E breeze.

23 Arctic Terns this morning. Some birds moved off north east around lunchtime but at least 8 still present early afternoon. A Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper. c10 Yellow Wagtails. An Aythya hybrid in the NE corner of F.1. A Green Sandpiper flew over in the evening.

Arctic Tern, 22nd April. One of the highlights of the spring at Farmoor is without doubt the Arctic Tern passage. In some years just one or two birds are seen, and in others, such as 2006, three figure counts can be made. They nearly always move through in a very narrow 'window' at the end of April and are most often associated with ENE winds.

21st

Moderate NE wind, mostly cloudy.

A Turnstone on the causeway. 1 Arctic Tern on F.2 late pm. 22 Common Terns, c20 Yellow Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails,1 Wheatear. Masses of Sand Martins and c200 Swallows only about 5 House Martins. 3 Swifts. 1 Red Kite.

Turnstone on the causeway, 21st April.

Male Green Woodpecker, 21st April (photo: © Royston Maxwell).

20th

Cloudy, light NE wind.

The Grey Plover still this morning. 1 Sanderling, 1 Common Sandpiper , 1 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. An adult Little Gull, 3 Arctic Terns, c25 Common Terns. 2 Wheatears, 20 Yellow Wagtails, 4 White Wagtails. Cuckoo, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Whitethroat noted around Pinkhill.

Sanderling, 20th April.

19th

Mostly cloudy, cold, rain later, fresh E wind.

The Grey Plover still commuting between the barley bales and causeway. 4 Dunlin, a few Swifts masses of hirundines feeding over F.2, mostly Sand Martins with c150 Swallows. c15Common Terns. 1 Hobby.

Grey Plover, 19th April

17th

Fresh E wind, sunny.

The Garganey still on Shrike Meadow and the Grey Plover again on the causeway with 4 Dunlin. c15 Common Terns, c20 Yellow Wagtail & 5+ White Wagtails.

This superb tern raft was launched today. It was designed and built by Farmoor ranger Royston Maxwell. It is hoped to tow it into position within the next couple of days and all being well it will attract some of the paired and displaying Common Terns already present.

Garganey, Shrike Meadow, 17th April.

16th

Sunny spells, light E wind.

A drake Garganey on Shrike Meadow. The first winter Caspian Gull again this evening. A Grey Plover late afternoon along the causeway and also resting on the newly installed 'barley bales' on F.1. 2 Arctic Terns and 10 Common Terns. A single Rock Pipit, 23 Yellow Wagtails and c10 White Wagtails. 2 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper,

Grey Plover, 16th April

The first winter Caspian Gull showed quite well on F.1. this evening.

15th

Sunny, chilly, light NW wind.

A first winter Caspian Gull roosted on F.2 this evening. Also 2 Arctic Terns arrived at about 18.00 to join the 8 Common Terns on F.2. Also today: 2 Shelduck, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2+ Yellow Wagtails, 5+ White Wagtails, c20 Swallows and c5 House Martins.

First winter Caspian Gull, F.2. roost, 15th April.

14th

Sunny, light N.W wind.

6 Common Terns, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, c10 White Wagtails, 1 Yellow Wagtail. The Redstart still in the Shrike Meadow hedge.

13th

Moderate W wind, sunshine & showers.

An Osprey flew through at 9am. A Redstart in the Shrike Meadow hedge and Brambling in the picnic copse on the south side of F.2. 13 Common Terns mid morning with 3 remaining for the rest of the day. Up to 8 Yellow Wagtails - including a male "Channel Wagtail" briefly near the sailing club - and c10 White Wagtails. 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers and a single Dunlin. A Raven flew over late a.m.

'Channel' Wagtail, 13th April.

12th

Plenty of sunshine, moderate W wind in a.m.

The Common Tern still this morning. Up to 20 White Wagtails and 3 Yellow Wagtails. A Common Sandpiper. 500+ Sand Martins and 2+ House Martins. Lots of Black-headed Gulls feeding over F.2. in the morning.

Yellow Wagtail, 12th April.

11th

Fresh W wind, hail & rain showers, cold.

3 Ruff this morning plus 1 Dunlin. A few White Wagtails & 1 Yellow Wagtail along the causeway. Plenty of Sand Martins and c10+ Swallows. A Common Tern on F.2.

White Wagtail, 11th April.

MARCH 2008

29th

Sun early am, then freshening SSW wind & showers.

Three adult Little Gulls on F.2 late morning. The Water Pipit still on the causeway with a single Rock Pipit. The Little Egret again on Shrike Meadow. c200 Sand Martins and 1+ Swallow.

Rock Pipit, 29th March (photo: © Steve Burch).

27th

Sunny, v. light breeze. Warmish.

The adult Little Gull still on F.2. The Little Egret on Shrike Meadow. The Water Pipit again on the causeway with a female Wheatear.

26th

Mild, light winds, showers and some sunsine.

2 adult Kittiwakes on F.2. this morning together with a single adult Little Gull. 3 Oystercatchers on the causeway. A Little Egret on Shrike Meadow. 2 Wheatears, the Water Pipit and up to 40 Meadow Pipits.

Oystercatchers, 26th March.

18th

Mostly cloudy, chilly wind.

A nice touch of spring with a drake Garganey on Shrike Meadow today.

15th

Cloudy, calm & mild, rain later.

The first winter Caspian Gull and juvenile Iceland Gull again in the roost on F.2. The first Wheatear of the spring along the western bank of F.2. A few groups of Sand Martins passing through during the afternoon. The Water Pipit on the causeway.

14th

Calm, mild.

A juvenile Iceland Gull and 1st winter Caspian Gull in the roost this evening. 1 Ringed Plover, c35 Meadow Pipits.

Nuthatch, Lower Whitley Wood. © Dave John.

12th

Strong W. wind.

A first winter Caspian Gull in the roost on F.1. this evening.

8th

Fresh SW wind, chilly.

4 adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost, with two birds displaying. The Water Pipit again on the causeway.

7th

Light SW wind, chilly.

Just 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls this evening.

6th

Light SW wind, mild.

There were at least 8 adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost this evening. Several birds were in stunning full summer plumage. Numbers have been building up over the last 2 weeks. This is the best spring count ever and given the difficulty of checking the roosts on both side of the reservoir, the real total was probably higher.
Otherwise 5 Goosander, 20+ Goldeneye, 1 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper.

This superb photograph of a Marsh Tit was taken by Steve Burch. Several of these birds are visiting the feeding station in Lower Whitley Wood adjacent to F.2. More of Steve's photographs can been seen on his website: http://www.stephenburch.com/

FEBRUARY 2008

15th

Overcast a.m then brighter later, light ENE wind, cold.

The adult Mediterranean Gull again in the roost. A Ringed Plover on the causeway this afternoon plus the Common Sandpiper still. The Water Pipit near the sailing club late afternoon. Still a few Goldeneye and c10 Gadwall

Adult Mediterranean Gull F.1 roost, 15th February.

14th

Gloomy, chilly, light NE wind.

2 adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost, one in virtually full summer plumage. A Common Sandpiper and the Water Pipit.

Common Sandpiper, 14th February.

13th

Foggy start, sunshine later.

The 2 Ruddy Shelduck were joined buy a Shelduck today. The Water Pipit still with a second bird seen early morning only. c20 Meadow Pipits.

Reed Bunting, Buckthorn Meadow. (photo © Roger Wyatt).

12th

Sunny & mild.

Rather predictably there was no sign of the Smew today. 2 Ruddy Shelduck flew into F.2 this morning, then moved onto Pinkhill. A single Redpoll near Shrike Meadow.

2 Ruddy Shelduck, Pinkhill, 12th February. Obviously feral and rather oddly plumaged, but a welcome splash of colour and a super portrait. (Photo © Dai John)

11th

Frosty start then plenty of sunshine and very mild, warm even!

A real surprise were the 2 Smew present all day on F.1. This delightful duck is a very scare visitor and is by no means annual. They spent most of the time out in the middle of the reservoir but came closer in to the northern shore at dusk. Also 7 Wigeon on F.1.

First winter drake Smew, F.1. 11th February.

10th

Sunny & Mild.

Most of the gulls roosted on F.1 this evening. The first winter Mediterranean Gull again plus c 6 Yellow-legged Gulls.
The Water Pipit on the causeway. 10 Meadow Pipits. Still c 15 Goldeneye and few Gadwall 8 Little Grebes.

First winter Mediterranean Gull, F.1, 10th February.

9th

Sunny, mild, spring-like

The roost was difficult this evening with the gulls very flighty and agitated. However 2 new birds: a second winter Caspian Gull, a highly distinctive bird with very heavy nape streaking, present at Dix Pit on Thursday. Also a first winter Mediterranean Gull.
The Water Pipit plus 5 Meadow Pipits. A single Redpoll on Pinkhill.

Second winter Caspian Gull, filmed at Dix Pit last Thursday.

8th

Sunny & mild.

The gull roost continues to be the main focus of interest with a first winter Caspian Gull on F.1 together with an adult Mediterranean Gull.

First winter Caspian Gull, F1. 8th February.

7th

Overcast. mild.

Another Kittiwake this evening. A summer plumaged bird, so different from the two seen on the 4th. It was around the fishing boats briefly before flying into the roost. A different adult Mediterranean Gull also in the roost. The Water Pipit still present.

Adult Kittiwake, F.2. 7th February.

4th

Bright with moderate S wind.

There were two adult Kittiwakes in the roost on F.2 this evening. Also the adult Mediterranean Gull again and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls. The Water Pipit near the sailing club.

One of the adult Kittiwakes, about a mile away!

2nd

Sunny & cold.

The Water Pipit still plus a couple of Meadow Pipits. A Peregrine flew over mid morning. 23 Goldeneye, 8 Gadwall and 30 Tufted Duck. 6+ Little Grebe. A Stonechat above Buckthorn Meadow and 6 Siskins near the car park. The adult Mediterranean Gull roosted again on F.2.

Grey Wagtail, F.2. 2nd February.

1st

Sunshine, light W wind. Chilly.

The Water Pipit still on the east shore of F2. The adult Mediterranean Gull again in the F.2. roost.

JANUARY 2008

31st

This very tedious month draws to a close. The Water Pipit continues to stick it out along the causeway with a couple of Meadow Pipits for company. c10 Goldeneye being the only other birds of note on the reservoir.
At least there is now a bit more of a gull roost and an adult Mediterranean Gull this evening was without doubt bird of the month!

Adult Mediterranean Gull, 31st January

21st

Wind & Rain

A desperately quiet start to 2008. The Water Pipit is still in residence. There is a small wintering flock of about 23 Goldeneye, just 15-20 Tufted Duck and c 15 Gadwall. Up to 12 Little Grebes but less than 10 Great Crested Grebes. Even Cormorant and Coot numbers are much reduced. There is a single wintering Common Sandpiper.
Pinkhill, Shrike Meadow & Buckthorn Meadow are now extensively flooded. There is a small group of Teal on the flood and the occasional party of Lapwing.

Most distressingly there is currently no gull roost. With much of the Oxfordshire countryside saturated there are huge bodies of open flood water and the gulls have moved out to these areas to feed and roost. The gull population at Dix Pit is much depleted with only a few hundred birds present at lunchtime today.
It needs to stop raining.

1st

Fog early morning, then cloudy. Mild.

The Water Pipit on the causeway still. The female Bearded Tit was calling and showing well in the reeds near the hide at Shrike Meadow late morning. A Jack Snipe also there. 25 Goldeneye on F.2. with many of the males displaying. Up to 40 Reed Buntings at the feeding station in the Buckthorn Meadow reedbed.