A family of Jays seen near Church road today and also reported from the Wallingford road area close to the village. per RB.
a White-legged Damselfly courtesy Alan Dawson.
Saturday, 30 June 2018
Last of the Month
A sunny day, 24°, light NNE.
A family of Jays seen near Church road today and also reported from the Wallingford road area close to the village. per RB.
A family of Jays seen near Church road today and also reported from the Wallingford road area close to the village. per RB.
Friday, 29 June 2018
Flaming June
Sunny, 24°, breezy NE.
A walk out to the Lees and beyond today, warm but with a nice breeze blowing. June bows out with some record breaking weather.
80+ Swift feeding over the area for an hour or more must have been a fair few insects in the area and around 20 Swallow on and off.
A male Peregrine harrying the Swallows for a time but did not catch anything and eventually drifted off west.
Several Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting present and a couple of Corn Bunting and a single Yellow Wagtail.
A Kestrel soaring out towards Aston and a Sparrowhawk flew through.
I seem to have had a block recently on seeing and reporting both Jay and Bullfinch, however have seen both at least twice this week and last week!
A Treecreeper in the garden today, first time for a few months.
The "Tail-less" Red Kite still being seen recently around the village.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Large Red Damselfly, Azure Damselfly.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell (50+ in a small area), Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown & Ringlet.
A walk out to the Lees and beyond today, warm but with a nice breeze blowing. June bows out with some record breaking weather.
80+ Swift feeding over the area for an hour or more must have been a fair few insects in the area and around 20 Swallow on and off.
A male Peregrine harrying the Swallows for a time but did not catch anything and eventually drifted off west.
Several Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting present and a couple of Corn Bunting and a single Yellow Wagtail.
A Kestrel soaring out towards Aston and a Sparrowhawk flew through.
I seem to have had a block recently on seeing and reporting both Jay and Bullfinch, however have seen both at least twice this week and last week!
A Treecreeper in the garden today, first time for a few months.
The "Tail-less" Red Kite still being seen recently around the village.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Large Red Damselfly, Azure Damselfly.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell (50+ in a small area), Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown & Ringlet.
Large Red Damselfly
Brimstone
Yellow Wagtail
Reed Bunting
Treecreeper (courtesy Loren)
Thursday, 28 June 2018
Next Generation
A cloudy start and then warming up, 24°, light NE.
Another sunny day after the initial cloud cleared.
A family of Swallows still around to the south of the railway with the next generation perched up and waiting to be fed.
Little Owl, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk seen and a Lesser Whitethroat heard again.
No change around the Hill with all the regulars still present and a few more young birds being noted.
A Song Thrush back visiting the garden after a brief absence and a young Moorhen in the garden accompanied by a parent bird.
Reptiles: several Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Southern Hawker and Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Moths: Scarlet Tiger.
Another sunny day after the initial cloud cleared.
A family of Swallows still around to the south of the railway with the next generation perched up and waiting to be fed.
Little Owl, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk seen and a Lesser Whitethroat heard again.
No change around the Hill with all the regulars still present and a few more young birds being noted.
A Song Thrush back visiting the garden after a brief absence and a young Moorhen in the garden accompanied by a parent bird.
Reptiles: several Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Southern Hawker and Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Moths: Scarlet Tiger.
Young Swallows
Common Whitethroat
Small Tortoiseshell
Scarlet Tiger
Common Whitethroat
Moorhen (adult and young) plus Stock Dove
Song Thrush
Wednesday, 27 June 2018
Warm days
another hot day, sunny, 27°, light E.
A couple of photos from Alan Dawson from yesterday.
Banded Demoiselle
Marbled White
Tuesday, 26 June 2018
Dragons & Butterflies
Sunny, 27°, light ENE.
Another warm day out there, plenty of Dragonflies & Butterflies on the wing and the other wildlife tending to stay in the shade.
The usual Warblers present on the Marsh and the Cetti’s Warbler still giving the occasional burst of song.
Swift, Swallow and House Martin all feeding over the Marsh and several Black-headed Gull and a Cormorant along the river.
A Kestrel in the area and 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Pied Wagtail on one of the rapidly drying ponds at Cholsey Meadows.
6 House Martin have been present for the last couple of days around Marymead and there maybe more than 1 active nest site………………..better late than never?
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly, White-legged Damselfly, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Four-spot Chaser and Black-tailed Skimmer.
Butterflies: Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown & Ringlet.
Another warm day out there, plenty of Dragonflies & Butterflies on the wing and the other wildlife tending to stay in the shade.
The usual Warblers present on the Marsh and the Cetti’s Warbler still giving the occasional burst of song.
Swift, Swallow and House Martin all feeding over the Marsh and several Black-headed Gull and a Cormorant along the river.
A Kestrel in the area and 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Pied Wagtail on one of the rapidly drying ponds at Cholsey Meadows.
6 House Martin have been present for the last couple of days around Marymead and there maybe more than 1 active nest site………………..better late than never?
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly, White-legged Damselfly, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Four-spot Chaser and Black-tailed Skimmer.
Butterflies: Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown & Ringlet.
Banded Demoiselle on Water Lily
Green-veined White
Azure Damselfly (above & below)
Four-spot Chaser
Female Emperor egg laying (ovipositing)
Yellow Wagtail
Monday, 25 June 2018
Heatwave!
Sunny, 23°, light NW.
Apparently the hottest day this year so far with nearby Benson registering 27.8° today.
Apparently the hottest day this year so far with nearby Benson registering 27.8° today.
Young Swallow on the wing with a family group of 7 birds seen, 2 adults and 5 young feeding over fields.
2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 near the Bullshole and another out at Lollingdon. The Little Owl seen again.
Reptiles: several Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly and Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown & Ringlet.
2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 near the Bullshole and another out at Lollingdon. The Little Owl seen again.
Reptiles: several Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly and Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown & Ringlet.
Moths: Scarlet Tiger.
Little Owl
Spotted Orchid in the garden
Sunday, 24 June 2018
White-legged Damselfly
A photo from Cholsey Marsh this week end of a White-legged Damselfly. Courtesy Alan Dawson.
Friday, 22 June 2018
Grass Snake
Sunshine with minimal cloud, 21°, light NNW.
The flower meadow next to Bow Bridge was buzzing with butterflies this morning of at least 8 species.
The marsh was relatively quiet but all the usual Warblers present and also a brief burst of song from the Cetti’s Warbler.
Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Sparrowhawk also seen and several Swift and Swallow swooping down on the river to grab a drink. Around 6 House Martin also seen.
An active House Martin nest in Church road at last! (Per RB).
Reptiles: Grass Snake. (per GS).
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Four-spot Chaser & Broad-bodied Chaser.
Butterflies: Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown & Ringlet.
Moths: several stunning Scarlet Tiger Moths.
Plants: 2 people were doing a survey on the flower meadow and have discovered an unusual species: Grass Leaved Vetch. Is fairly common on chalky soils but difficult to identify as when it’s not in flower it looks very similar to grasses.
Lots of Pyramid Orchids in flower.
Good to meet Gerry Sexton today, an inspirational photographer and he is turning up a lot of good sightings down on Cholsey Meadows and Marsh.
The flower meadow next to Bow Bridge was buzzing with butterflies this morning of at least 8 species.
The marsh was relatively quiet but all the usual Warblers present and also a brief burst of song from the Cetti’s Warbler.
Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Sparrowhawk also seen and several Swift and Swallow swooping down on the river to grab a drink. Around 6 House Martin also seen.
An active House Martin nest in Church road at last! (Per RB).
Reptiles: Grass Snake. (per GS).
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Four-spot Chaser & Broad-bodied Chaser.
Butterflies: Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown & Ringlet.
Moths: several stunning Scarlet Tiger Moths.
Plants: 2 people were doing a survey on the flower meadow and have discovered an unusual species: Grass Leaved Vetch. Is fairly common on chalky soils but difficult to identify as when it’s not in flower it looks very similar to grasses.
Lots of Pyramid Orchids in flower.
Good to meet Gerry Sexton today, an inspirational photographer and he is turning up a lot of good sightings down on Cholsey Meadows and Marsh.
Grass Snake (courtesy Gerry Sexton)
Scarlet Tiger
Brown Hawker
Pyramid Orchid
Dog Rose
Thursday, 21 June 2018
Midsummer
Cloudy with sunny spells, 19°, breezy NNW.
A small movement of Swift over the hill today with c120 moving south in just over an hour. Approx. another 30 or so seen moving south on the way back. Also 3 House Martin with them.
Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk, Yellow Wagtail and a Lesser Whitethroat noted.
Reptiles: a couple of Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Southern Hawker, Emperor and Black-tailed Skimmer.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
A small movement of Swift over the hill today with c120 moving south in just over an hour. Approx. another 30 or so seen moving south on the way back. Also 3 House Martin with them.
Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk, Yellow Wagtail and a Lesser Whitethroat noted.
Reptiles: a couple of Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Southern Hawker, Emperor and Black-tailed Skimmer.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Ringlet (courtesy Alan Dawson)
Large Skipper
Southern Hawker
Comma (showing its comma)
Mayfly sp in June (courtesy Alan Dawson)
Wednesday, 20 June 2018
Little Ringed Plover
An overall cloudy day, 18°, fresh W.
A good find by Gerry Sexton today of a Little Ringed Plover on the ponds area at Cholsey Meadows.
Not sure of the last record of this species in Cholsey but it has been a long time (possibly the late 80's). Have only seen 2 in Cholsey before now.
Also a Yellow Wagtail present there.
A good find by Gerry Sexton today of a Little Ringed Plover on the ponds area at Cholsey Meadows.
Not sure of the last record of this species in Cholsey but it has been a long time (possibly the late 80's). Have only seen 2 in Cholsey before now.
Also a Yellow Wagtail present there.
Both photos courtesy Gerry Sexton.
Tuesday, 19 June 2018
Down on the Marsh
Sunny spells with a mild breeze, 20°, breezy SW.
The cattle are doing fine, looking healthy and feeding well. Water supply good and salt licks out.
A Common Tern and a Black-headed Gull along the river and a few Swift, Swallow and a couple of House Martin feeding over the reserve.
Warblers are less vocal now but still a few brief snatches of song heard. Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Blackcap. A Garden Warbler seen along with a Lesser Whitethroat.
Sparrowhawk, Jay, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting and a largish flock of Long-tailed Tit, comprising 20+ birds.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, unidentified Damselfly and several Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
The cattle are doing fine, looking healthy and feeding well. Water supply good and salt licks out.
A Common Tern and a Black-headed Gull along the river and a few Swift, Swallow and a couple of House Martin feeding over the reserve.
Warblers are less vocal now but still a few brief snatches of song heard. Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Blackcap. A Garden Warbler seen along with a Lesser Whitethroat.
Sparrowhawk, Jay, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting and a largish flock of Long-tailed Tit, comprising 20+ birds.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, unidentified Damselfly and several Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Marbled White (above & below, courtesy Alan Dawson)
Large Skipper
Comma
Reed Bunting
Monday, 18 June 2018
Lollingdon & Garden Doves
Sunny and breezy, 21°, breezy SW.
8 singing Yellowhammer between the village and Lollingdon plus 2 Reed Bunting and 3-4 Corn Bunting around the hill.
A female Peregrine Falcon seen soaring high over Lollingdon and drifted off east.
A Lesser Whitethroat seen, a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel.
A singing Willow Warbler seen in Crowmarsh yesterday whilst out for a walk with my daughter Sian.
Mammals: Brown Hare.
Reptiles: 2 Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Emperor and a Black-tailed Skimmer.
Butterflies: Large White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and an abundance of Meadow Brown.
Moths: a Silver Y & a Cinnabar Moth.
8 singing Yellowhammer between the village and Lollingdon plus 2 Reed Bunting and 3-4 Corn Bunting around the hill.
A female Peregrine Falcon seen soaring high over Lollingdon and drifted off east.
A Lesser Whitethroat seen, a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel.
A singing Willow Warbler seen in Crowmarsh yesterday whilst out for a walk with my daughter Sian.
Mammals: Brown Hare.
Reptiles: 2 Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Emperor and a Black-tailed Skimmer.
Butterflies: Large White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and an abundance of Meadow Brown.
Moths: a Silver Y & a Cinnabar Moth.
Collared Dove
The original range of the Collared Dove at the end of the 19th century was in Asia from Turkey to China and south through India, not until the 20th century did it start to spread west into Europe. Appearing in SE Europe in the early 1900’s reaching Germany in 1945 and the UK in 1953. It is now a common bird throughout the UK.
Stock Dove (male above & female below)
Friday, 15 June 2018
Settled times
Sunny spells, 19°, light WSW.
Another quiet walk out to Lollingdon and back today, with all the expected birds seen.
A female Sparrowhawk flew over carrying a prey item and a Grey Heron out along the ditches.
Nuthatch still visiting the garden feeders.
Reptiles: a couple of Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly and Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and plenty of Meadow Brown.
Another quiet walk out to Lollingdon and back today, with all the expected birds seen.
A female Sparrowhawk flew over carrying a prey item and a Grey Heron out along the ditches.
Nuthatch still visiting the garden feeders.
Reptiles: a couple of Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly and Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and plenty of Meadow Brown.
Red Admiral
Nuthatch
Meadow Brown
Mistle Thrush
Jackdaw eyeing the bird feeders
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