False Spring?

Foggy at first then sunshine, 13°, light S.

A very spring like day today with several species in song.

A Merlin flew from the hill and disappeared into the fog heading south.

Initially there were 8 Red Kite and 2 Buzzard soaring over the hill but they all drifted off to the north east.

2 Stonechat still wintering on Lollingdon hill, they have been present now since the end of September last year. Long stayers and indicates a mild winter in the area.

A good flock of birds feeding alongside the sheep this morning with at least 80 Pied Wagtail, 60 Meadow Pipit and a handful of Starling, Fieldfare and Skylark.

Several more flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing around and several Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush in song, also 3 Treecreeper heard singing between the village and Lollingdon (incl 1 in the garden) and 2 Great-spotted Woodpecker drumming.

2 Bullfinch and a Goldcrest in the Millennium wood.

2 Raven flew west out at Lollingdon and one of them did a partial display with a brief dive and a barrel roll and the Lapwing flock present but mobile, c120.

Unfortunately a dead Barn Owl found around 500m from the Bullshole. No obvious injuries but it was very emaciated so maybe died of starvation?

The female Brambling still present near Waterloo close. Per Mike Amphlett.

Mammals: Roe Deer.

First Bumblebee of the year seen in Wallingford today.