Cholsey, a quiet day

The Lees.

A walk out to the Lees produced surprisingly little today. 2 Bullfinch at the Bullshole a Reed Bunting and 2 Yellowhammer further on. Out at the Lees were 6 Skylark and a Song Thrush and 3 Red Kite around. Very few Thrushes, less than 50 Redwing and a handful of Fieldfare. 3 Roe Deer in middle of the large field.

4 Arches to Bow Bridge.

Decided then to walk along the Thames from the 4 Arches. This part of the Thames is apparently the longest stretch of navigable river between 2 locks (Benson to Cleeve, 6.5 miles) therefore several rowing clubs base themselves at Wallingford. Wallingford rowing club, Oxford Uni and Oxford Brookes and they were out today. Subsequently very little on the river.

81 Canada Geese and 1 Greylag on the opposite river bank and 5 Tufted Duck on the river near the 4 Arches. Further on 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, and 6 Siskin, 3 Goldfinch at Cholsey Marsh and 5 Cormorant near Bow Bridge. The only year tick was a Kingfisher at Bow Bridge.

Certainly more Thrushes along the river, Over 100 of each with Redwing the more numerous.

Other species, 2 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 2 Red Kite, several Moorhen and 2 Coot.

Also 2 Roe Deer on Cholsey Marsh, first time I’ve seen them there.

River level slowly rising, some low lying areas close to river begining to flood.

A Song Thrush in the garden.

3 Blackcaps (per AS, OOS)