Cholsey, 17th Oct

Sunny spells, 14º, showers, one thundery and a blustery SW wind.

A visit to Lollingdon hill again, the Wheatear still and two Chiffchaff present.

Twelve Buzzard seen, four were in the vicinity for a time but the other eight drifted over the hill and continued south towards the downs. Also several Red Kite, two Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk seen.

At one point, a Raven came over the hill pursuing a Red Kite and after a brief encounter the Red Kite was grounded by the Raven, the Raven then landed about five metres from the Kite and after around thirty seconds flew off towards the downs.

Also a Pied Wagtail visiting a manure heap there.

Cholsey marsh was quiet a few Reed Bunting and a Chiffchaff present, sixteen Siskin flew into an Alder tree and were joined by approximately twenty Goldfinch.

Three Jay flew across the Thames, as did seven Mistle Thrush. Caught the edge of a thundery shower so did not get too much rain and three Swallow flew down river keeping to the edge of the rain.

Further, upstream there were four Cormorant in their usual rest spot and a couple of Great-spotted Woodpecker nearby also a Kingfisher at Bow Bridge.

Six Common Lizard seen and a few Red Admiral, Small White and a Brimstone on the wing several Migrant Hawker and Common Darter.

A bit of a tour.

Sunny at first then cloudy, 10º, felt colder in the NE breeze. A few blustery rain showers, at least we have not had the snow that fell further north.

Managed to squeeze some birding in around shopping, not, more like the other way around J. Shopping in Sainsbury’s Didcot for me is, know what I want, know where it is, 20 minutes. Sorted! That’s Easter taken care of!

Lollingdon Hill hosted 2 Wheatear this morning along with c100 Meadow Pipit and the usual 2 Pied Wagtail. 2 Redwing and a Song Thrush also noted.

The Wagtails are nearly always in close association with the small flock of Sheep on the hill, whereas the Pipits are usually more spread out along the hill.

Another visit this evening saw the Wheatears again but only a handful of Pipits! They have either moved on or spread out in the surrounding area?

The Cetti’s Warbler was still present at Cholsey Marsh but very skulky. The marsh quiet otherwise with a few Chiffchaff and Reed Bunting singing. Also a Blackcap heard.

Farmoor.
Quite chilly there, (usually is) but a Little Gull (probably same one as yesterday) seen amongst the Black-headed Gulls that were there. Also 2 Sand Martin and 2 Curlew.

Dix: Stanton Harcourt.

c80 Sand Martin, 5 Swallow and 4 House Martin, also a pair Red-crested Pochard of note amongst many other ducks.

Rushy Common.

A Green Sandpiper and a ♂ Red-crested Pochard.

74 species seen/heard today.

2 Hedgehogs regular in garden lately, also a Muntjac Deer and Fox seen by neighbours recently.

                                   Wheatear

                                   Wheatear

                                          Meadow Pipit