Great Grey Shrike
again on the Cholsey side of the Thames at Cholsey marsh late this afternoon
but distant as usual.
Most impressive though was a count of 387 Corn Buntings that came into the roost
this evening, in fact so many that they were roosting on parts of the marsh
that they do not usually use. We estimated that the roost held roughly 2% of
the British population of Corn Bunting!
30 to 40 Reed
Buntings and a couple of Yellowhammer
also roosting there.
Sparrowhawk, a
single Common Snipe noted and possibly
five Egyptian Geese seen distantly
flying upriver towards Wallingford at dusk, 20+ Lesser Redpoll flew north from the marsh
earlier and a Little Grebe and Great Crested Grebe on the river and 2 Grey
Heron flew upriver, also several Water Rail heard.The marsh itself is quite frozen over at the moment with very few areas that are ice free and water is still draining from the marsh into the river in a few places.
N.B. If visiting
Cholsey Marsh for the Shrike late afternoon, please avoid disturbing the roost
on the marsh. The Shrike (if about) can be seen from Ferry Rd. Thank you
Just a note from outside of Cholsey: There is a Common
Buzzard I see quite often along the A417 Between East Hendred and Ardington “Hendred
straight” that has a very striking white breast; it stands out like a beacon in
the hedgerow. Anyone else noted this?
Corn Bunting from last year on Lollingdon Hill
Thanks to Michael Pocock for the Bunting count.
Thanks to Michael Pocock for the Bunting count.
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