A weather forecast that indicated heavy rain all day was proved wrong!  It was low cloud scudding quickly across the sky in a strong southerly wind but is was mild.  We saw a total of fifty eight species, which considering the effect of the strong wind on the smaller species was a good total.  This was particularly so as we saw Snow Bunting as well as Short-eared and Little Owls. The general species list was truly excellent.

Birds seen on trip

This was a joint trip with the Vale of White Horse Group, and a very popular one as over fifty of us travelled. It was our first Saturday one for many years and, as we'd thought when planning the visit, the day proved to be much quieter on the motorways than on a Sunday, our usual trips day. The weather stayed fine, but with a brisk wind. The star bird, a Bittern, didn't reveal itself until just before we left the Centre, but many of our party managed to observe it. Water Rail and an early Garganey, still in partial eclipse plumage, were also seen by virtually everyone. The most exotic wild bird seen throughout the day was the Rose-ringed Parakeet - there were up to seven in the trees near the feeding station. A Water Vole sat chewing vegetation near a small bridge, and seemed at times to be posing for those photographing it. Most dabbling duck species were present but wading birds were scarce, presumably due to the very high water level, with only Common Snipe and Lapwing spotted. However, it was still a very worthwhile day out.

Birds seen on trip

16 Mar 2008  

Abandoned due to heavy rain.

27 Apr 2008

This was another joint trip with the Vale of White Horse RSPB Group which, as planned, resulted in comparatively low fares due to an increase in participants.  It was an overcast morning and, despite the forecast of heavy rain, remained dry throughout the day.

When we arrived, Tim Appleton, the manager of the reserve, who was off-duty but happened to be at the Visitor Centre, gave us a short talk and read out the latest bird list.  Most of us headed to the Heron and Wigeon hides which overlook Manton Bay where a pair of Ospreys had a platform nest on a pole.  On arrival at the hides we found another Osprey perched on a second platform, closer to us than the other one, guarding a fish it had caught, perhaps trying to attract a mate.  One bird later flew past clutching a fish almost as long as itself.  Three Mediterranean Gulls spent all day on a small island in front of the Visitor Centre, as did a good number of Common Terns and several Black Terns.  Small bird species were singing here and there all round the site, including a couple of both Lesser Whitethroats and Garden Warblers.  The sand martin bank was a hive of activity, and one of our Group's keen-eyed observers noticed far out beyond it a lone Greater Scaup, a fine end to the day.  The combined total of bird species seen by the two Groups was 78, with a further 6 heard.  A marvelous day's birding.

Birds seen on trip

18 May 2008

Thirty eight of us left Oxfordshire by coach and were met up by another three at the site.  As this was another joint trip with the Vale of White Horse Local Group it clearly showed the benefit of joint trips.  The weather was bright but relatively cool and this may have been reflected by the number of sightings that were made.  We had good views of Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Wood Warblers and a Tree Pipit.  These were however much less in number than we had hoped.  However the quality of the views more than made up for the lack in numbers.  Peregrine Falcons were not as easily seen at Symond's Yat as previously which tended to confirm that the coldness had caused  some reticence! 

A total of forty eight species were seen.

Birds seen on trip

15 June 2008

Seven RSPB group and two West Oxon Field Club members met up at the Thatcham reserve on a bright evening, but with dark clouds on the horizon.  However, once a brief hail shower had passed, it remained fine.  As we walked from the visitor centre car park along the edge of the main open pool (Thatcham Lake) we watched Common Terns nesting on a raft and Sand Martins also nesting, but in an artificial sand-bank - a very large box of sand with holes in its front, supported above the water on stilts.  Small bird species were singing all round the reserve but were very difficult to see.  We did however get good views of Sedge Warblers and Long-tailed Tits. 

On arrival at Bucklebury Common we heard several Tawny owls calling.  Then Woodcock started their roding flights, grunting and squeaking as they flew over.  Finally, at half past nine, a seemingly lone Nightjar started its coarse purring song and, from time to time, flitted to and fro. It sang almost continually until we left at a quarter past ten.

Birds seen on trip