Arrives in the garden for some water.
Gets a shower from a bathing Blackbird.
Has a bath.
Dries off on a tree.
Tuesday, 23 July 2019
Monday, 22 July 2019
Red-tail
Cloudy with sunny spells, 25°, light SW.
2 Raven on the hill briefly this morning before flying off towards Moulsford. The Common Redstart still present and a few Chiffchaff and Blackcap around the hill.
A light passage of Swallow moving south and the occasional Swift passing through.
The Mistle Thrush flock still present nearby.
Sparrowhawks causing panic in the garden over the last week but they appear to be just flying through to hunt elsewhere. However given the chance they would catch something but the local Swallows always raise the alarm.
Mammals: Short-tailed Vole.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Emperor and Common Darter.
Butterflies: Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, and Ringlet. And a Painted Lady flew through the garden.
2 Raven on the hill briefly this morning before flying off towards Moulsford. The Common Redstart still present and a few Chiffchaff and Blackcap around the hill.
A light passage of Swallow moving south and the occasional Swift passing through.
The Mistle Thrush flock still present nearby.
Sparrowhawks causing panic in the garden over the last week but they appear to be just flying through to hunt elsewhere. However given the chance they would catch something but the local Swallows always raise the alarm.
Mammals: Short-tailed Vole.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Emperor and Common Darter.
Butterflies: Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, and Ringlet. And a Painted Lady flew through the garden.
Wednesday, 17 July 2019
Ravens take the day
Cloudy with a few sunny periods, 24°, light SW.
Arrived on the hill this morning to something resembling and aerial dogfight.
6 Raven, 5 Kestrel, 4 Red Kite and a single Buzzard and Carrion Crow all wheeling around, sometimes mobbing, sometimes playing, all very graceful and entertaining.
Quite a sight!
The Raven stayed for around 40 minutes, eventually picking up a thermal and gaining height and drifting off north.
The rest just stayed around enjoying the thermals and the Kestrels hunting for Grasshoppers.
At least 1 Common Redstart still on the hill and a Blackcap and Chiffchaff along the same hedge.
Also the House Sparrow flock still present.
3 Lesser Blackback Gull flew over moving south west and approx 100 Swallow passing through.
Nearby 2+ Little Owl and 12 Mistle Thrush.
Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting appear to be the only species consistently in song at the moment.
3 Great-spotted Woodpecker in the garden this afternoon.
Reps: Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Southern Hawker and Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Small Skipper, Large White, Small White, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Arrived on the hill this morning to something resembling and aerial dogfight.
6 Raven, 5 Kestrel, 4 Red Kite and a single Buzzard and Carrion Crow all wheeling around, sometimes mobbing, sometimes playing, all very graceful and entertaining.
Quite a sight!
The Raven stayed for around 40 minutes, eventually picking up a thermal and gaining height and drifting off north.
The rest just stayed around enjoying the thermals and the Kestrels hunting for Grasshoppers.
At least 1 Common Redstart still on the hill and a Blackcap and Chiffchaff along the same hedge.
Also the House Sparrow flock still present.
3 Lesser Blackback Gull flew over moving south west and approx 100 Swallow passing through.
Nearby 2+ Little Owl and 12 Mistle Thrush.
Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting appear to be the only species consistently in song at the moment.
3 Great-spotted Woodpecker in the garden this afternoon.
Reps: Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Southern Hawker and Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Small Skipper, Large White, Small White, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Ravens enjoying the hill
A Kestrel taking a break
Redstart
Blackcap
Monday, 15 July 2019
Redstart again
Cloudy with sunny intervals, 20°, light NNE.
2 Common Redstart (juvs) on the hill today, 1 in the usual hedge and another in the Hawthorns along the hill. Not always viewable but vocal and a couple of young Chiffchaff around.
20+ House Sparrow also present, they usually turn up on the hill this time of year but not as many as this.
5 Kestrel hunting the hill. Loads of Swift around with 100+ over a period of a couple of hours.
3 Little Owl noted and the flock of around 12 Mistle Thrush still present.
Reps: 2 Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle and Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
2 Common Redstart (juvs) on the hill today, 1 in the usual hedge and another in the Hawthorns along the hill. Not always viewable but vocal and a couple of young Chiffchaff around.
20+ House Sparrow also present, they usually turn up on the hill this time of year but not as many as this.
5 Kestrel hunting the hill. Loads of Swift around with 100+ over a period of a couple of hours.
3 Little Owl noted and the flock of around 12 Mistle Thrush still present.
Reps: 2 Common Lizard.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle and Emperor Dragonfly.
Butterflies: Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Friday, 12 July 2019
The Lees area
Sunny intervals, 24°, breezy NW.
A walk out to the Lees this afternoon found the farmland on the way out quite barren. Some of the so called “conservation strips” had been mown and were pretty lifeless. Any wild flowers gone, no butterflies and no bees. Still can’t figure out why some local farms do this?
Beyond the Lees things were a little different as the habitat became a little more diverse with the woodland, long ditch and the reedy ditch.
A couple of Sedge Warbler and a single Reed Warbler noted carrying food, so presumably still have young in the nest.
A Grey Heron nearby and couple of Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer and Skylark seen along with Jay, Blackcap and Common Whitethroat.
A few dragonfly along the long ditch and a lot of butterflies and bees around an area of mainly Common Vetch and a few other flowers.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly and Common Darter (1st of the year).
Butterflies: Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large Skipper, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
A walk out to the Lees this afternoon found the farmland on the way out quite barren. Some of the so called “conservation strips” had been mown and were pretty lifeless. Any wild flowers gone, no butterflies and no bees. Still can’t figure out why some local farms do this?
Beyond the Lees things were a little different as the habitat became a little more diverse with the woodland, long ditch and the reedy ditch.
A couple of Sedge Warbler and a single Reed Warbler noted carrying food, so presumably still have young in the nest.
A Grey Heron nearby and couple of Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer and Skylark seen along with Jay, Blackcap and Common Whitethroat.
A few dragonfly along the long ditch and a lot of butterflies and bees around an area of mainly Common Vetch and a few other flowers.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly and Common Darter (1st of the year).
Butterflies: Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large Skipper, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Skylark
Essex Skipper (though I may be wrong)
Small Tortoiseshell
Banded Demoiselle
Azure Damselfly
Jay
Ringlets
Thursday, 11 July 2019
Black, Gold & Painted Ladies
Cloudy with a few sunny spells, 23°, light W.
2 Raven on and around the hill toady and very vocal, present for around 30 minutes then flew off south west.
As well as the Common Whitethroat family there was a young Blackcap and a Lesser Whitethroat feeding along the hedgerow.
A flock of 11 Mistle Thrush nearby and a small passage of Swift and Swallow passing overhead.
Loads of Thistles in flower and going to seed at the moment and butterflies taking advantage of the flowers and Goldfinch taking the seed.
A Sparrowhawk high over the garden and Nuthatch and Moorhen visiting the garden more frequently again.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Southern Hawker and Emperor.
Butterflies: Large White, Small White, Red Admiral, Painted Lady (2), Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
2 Raven on and around the hill toady and very vocal, present for around 30 minutes then flew off south west.
As well as the Common Whitethroat family there was a young Blackcap and a Lesser Whitethroat feeding along the hedgerow.
A flock of 11 Mistle Thrush nearby and a small passage of Swift and Swallow passing overhead.
Loads of Thistles in flower and going to seed at the moment and butterflies taking advantage of the flowers and Goldfinch taking the seed.
A Sparrowhawk high over the garden and Nuthatch and Moorhen visiting the garden more frequently again.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Southern Hawker and Emperor.
Butterflies: Large White, Small White, Red Admiral, Painted Lady (2), Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Painted Lady
Ravens
Goldfinch
This balloon found in a sheep field today 65x35 cm and clearly states on the label "do not release outdoors".
This balloon found in a sheep field today 65x35 cm and clearly states on the label "do not release outdoors".
Tuesday, 9 July 2019
Redstart still present
Cloudy with a few sunny periods, 21°, light WSW.
The Common Redstart still present on Lollingdon Hill but very elusive. Per Alan Dawson.
A young Jay in the garden this morning checking out the feeders.
A Sparrowhawk over Church road this morning trying to gain height and being mobbed by Swifts, Swallows and House Martins.
At least one pair, probably two pair of Yellow Wagtail on Cholsey Hill. Per Richard Broughton.
The Common Redstart still present on Lollingdon Hill but very elusive. Per Alan Dawson.
A young Jay in the garden this morning checking out the feeders.
A Sparrowhawk over Church road this morning trying to gain height and being mobbed by Swifts, Swallows and House Martins.
At least one pair, probably two pair of Yellow Wagtail on Cholsey Hill. Per Richard Broughton.
Jay
Common Redstart (courtesy Alan Dawson)
Monday, 8 July 2019
Redstart & Whinchat
Mainly cloudy with sunny spells, 21°, light S.
Just beginning to think it was another quiet day on the hill when I saw a bird flycatching along the top hedge that looked interesting. As usual the bird disappeared for a time but patience paid off when a juv Common Redstart appeared in the hedge around 60 metres away. Whilst watching the Redstart another bird popped up around a metre from it. A Whinchat (a juv, I think)!
The Whinchat flew over the hedge and disappeared along the fence line, not to be seen again but the Redstart stayed around for a while in the hedge before disappearing again. Both Tony and Alan arrived but alas did not see the birds………Yet.
Early records for both these species to be returning south. The previous early record for a returning Redstart was 13th July, an ad male in 2017 and Whinchat not until at least mid-August on the hill.
Or, post-breeding dispersal from birds that bred not too far away? But where?
A flock of c50 Swallow around Lollingdon, several Swift and a single House Martin, eventually moving off south.
6 Mistle Thrush nearby, 2 Little Owl and 6 Kestrel (3 hunting on the hill and another 3 near Little Lollingdon).
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Southern Hawker and Emperor. Lots of Brown Hawker along the river towards the 4-Arches this morning. Per Alan Dawson.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Just beginning to think it was another quiet day on the hill when I saw a bird flycatching along the top hedge that looked interesting. As usual the bird disappeared for a time but patience paid off when a juv Common Redstart appeared in the hedge around 60 metres away. Whilst watching the Redstart another bird popped up around a metre from it. A Whinchat (a juv, I think)!
The Whinchat flew over the hedge and disappeared along the fence line, not to be seen again but the Redstart stayed around for a while in the hedge before disappearing again. Both Tony and Alan arrived but alas did not see the birds………Yet.
Early records for both these species to be returning south. The previous early record for a returning Redstart was 13th July, an ad male in 2017 and Whinchat not until at least mid-August on the hill.
Or, post-breeding dispersal from birds that bred not too far away? But where?
A flock of c50 Swallow around Lollingdon, several Swift and a single House Martin, eventually moving off south.
6 Mistle Thrush nearby, 2 Little Owl and 6 Kestrel (3 hunting on the hill and another 3 near Little Lollingdon).
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Southern Hawker and Emperor. Lots of Brown Hawker along the river towards the 4-Arches this morning. Per Alan Dawson.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Apologies for the quality of the pics.
Redstart
Whinchat
Redstart
Friday, 5 July 2019
Sunshiny day
Sunny, 24°, light WNW.
Somewhat quiet out there today, however a surprise of a Garden Warbler singing in the Bullshole area also nice to compare with a Blackcap singing nearby.
2 Little Owl out at Lollingdon getting a little agitated when a Buzzard settled in a tree nearby.
The Swallow family still in the area and actively feeding, just wonder if they will raise another brood?
Several Swift flocks moving around the area and again a few House Martin with them.
2 Green Woodpecker on the hill and roaming all over and up to 12 Yellowhammer in song on the walk out..
Still no Yellow Wagtail noted in the parish!
There are a new pair of Carrion Crow back in the vicinity, plus a youngster. They have not come into the garden yet (only the tree tops) but am sure they will consolidate a territory as the year progresses. They have already had an influence on the local Rook and Jackdaw population. They stay clear!
Mammals: Brown Hare and Short-tailed Vole.
Dragonflies: Azure Damselfly, Southern Hawker and Emperor.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Red Admiral, Painted Lady (3), Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Moths: Cinnabar Moth and Scarlet Tiger.
Somewhat quiet out there today, however a surprise of a Garden Warbler singing in the Bullshole area also nice to compare with a Blackcap singing nearby.
2 Little Owl out at Lollingdon getting a little agitated when a Buzzard settled in a tree nearby.
The Swallow family still in the area and actively feeding, just wonder if they will raise another brood?
Several Swift flocks moving around the area and again a few House Martin with them.
2 Green Woodpecker on the hill and roaming all over and up to 12 Yellowhammer in song on the walk out..
Still no Yellow Wagtail noted in the parish!
There are a new pair of Carrion Crow back in the vicinity, plus a youngster. They have not come into the garden yet (only the tree tops) but am sure they will consolidate a territory as the year progresses. They have already had an influence on the local Rook and Jackdaw population. They stay clear!
Mammals: Brown Hare and Short-tailed Vole.
Dragonflies: Azure Damselfly, Southern Hawker and Emperor.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Red Admiral, Painted Lady (3), Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Moths: Cinnabar Moth and Scarlet Tiger.
Blackbird taking our Gooseberries
2 Little Owl (at distance)
Carrion Crow
Thursday, 4 July 2019
Summer pics
A nice series of pics from Alan Dawson today.
Coal Tit
Gatekeeper
Marbled White (F)
Ringlet (above & below)
Wednesday, 3 July 2019
Invertebrates again
Mainly sunny, 21°, light NE.
Not a lot going on out there birdwise today. Another day for mainly insects.
Yellowhammers still in good voice and small flocks of Swift, Swallow and a few House Martin moving through.
The Little Owls still notable and all the usual present.
Mammals: Roe Deer and Brown Hare.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Southern Hawker and Emperor.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady (5), Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Small Heath.
Moths: Scarlet Tiger.
Not a lot going on out there birdwise today. Another day for mainly insects.
Yellowhammers still in good voice and small flocks of Swift, Swallow and a few House Martin moving through.
The Little Owls still notable and all the usual present.
Mammals: Roe Deer and Brown Hare.
Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Southern Hawker and Emperor.
Butterflies: Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady (5), Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Small Heath.
Moths: Scarlet Tiger.
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