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Severn Hams (27 May, contributed by Mike Smart and Mervyn Greening)

A visit to Ashleworth Ham for ringing this morning confirmed just how seriously the recent rainfall and flooding has affected the Severn Hams. Water levels are now higher than they have been all winter (water has poured back into the reserve over the top of the sluice); everything is ankle deep in water and has clearly affected ground nesting birds, particularly Lapwing and Redshank and no doubt also Curlew. The Severn is currently high with much freshwater coming downstream; furthermore, with a new moon, the tide is at the top of its cycle, slowing up the outflow of water downriver.

At Coombe Hill and Cobney Meadows, both Lapwing and Redshank have been washed out, though one or two Lapwing chicks which had hatched before the flood may have survived: Andy Jayne confirms that the same has happened at Walmore. Will the same thing happen to species like Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting which nest fairly low down?

Today at Ashleworth: a Barn Owl hunting early in the morning, later found in its day roost tree. A Water Rail grunting from the floodwater was the first for some time. Numbers of birds caught low: numbers of adult Sedge Warblers caught respectable, but down a bit from last year, most of them retrapped adults already ringed in previous years.

Severn Hams (27 May, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Dramatic changes with the heavy rain of the last week; the Severn is very high, preventing smaller rivers and streams from discharging into the main river. So everywhere water levels have risen, and have probably had a serious effect on ground nesting birds as most meadows are now partially under water. At Coombe Hill the islands in the scrapes, where Lapwings had been sitting earlier in the week, are now submerged and it seems likely that Lapwings and Redshanks will have lost their eggs.

At Coombe Hill, maybe two pairs of Lapwings have young to judge from their behaviour to passing crows and raptors; but the Redshank appear to have lost their eggs. The Mute Swans on the canal have hatched and have four young. From the Grundon Hide (only just accessible with wellingtons) a female Marsh Harrier, undoubtedly a different individual from the one seen in late April; a male Garganey, the first definite record this year; a male Mandarin – new species for the reserve?; an Oystercatcher; two Dunlin; four Shelducks; two Reed Warblers singing near the board walk.

At Cobney Meadows, water levels very high again: Canada Goose with six or seven goslings; two Shelducks; no sign of Redshanks or Lapwing.

At Ashleworth, still two Wigeon, Redstart still singing well; three Lapwings behaving as though young birds about.

Cheltenham (week ending 27 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

A large web formed by the micro-moth Spindle Ermine forms a very promient feature in Manor Road between Swindon Village and Sainsbury’s. The larvae have defoliated their food supply, probably Euonymous japonica, and extended the web over adjacent plants.

Spindle Ermine, Cheltenham, May 2006 (R Homan)

Elephant Hawk-moth, reared from a caterpillar found in a neighbour’s garden last year, Cheltenham, May 2006 (R Homan)

Cheltenham (13 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Red Admiral seen briefly in Swindon Lane today.

Severn Hams (13 May, contributed by Mike Smart, Les Brown and Mervyn Greening)

At Coombe Hill this morning, a female Marsh Harrier seen from the Grundon Hide. At Ashleworth at midday, a Hobby chasing flying insects.

Standish (11 May, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

A colourful graden visitor today was this Asparagus Beetle (Crioceris asparagi).

Asparagus Beetle, Standish, May 2005 (J Bailey)

Cranham Woods (7 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

More Bluebells and this colourful clump of False Oxlips (Primula x polyantha).

False Oxlip, Cranham Woods, May 2005 (R Homan)

Queen’s Wood Open Day, Southam (6 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

A magnificent show of Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and 3 newly emerged Large Red Damselflies (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)

Bluebells and Large Red Damselfly, May 2005 (R Homan)

Walmore Common (4 May, contributed by Andy Jayne)

A minimum of 162 Ravens flying onto a roost near the Common in the evening. There appears to be two flight lines into the roost, one from the ENE and another from the SE. There was one flock of 35, but they mainly arrive in singles, pairs or small groups of up to six.

Sudmeadow (3 May, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A walk this afternoon revealed 3 Greenland Wheatears, all females, on the sheep down (old GLS) plus another bird by Presswelds on the rubble area.

Cheltenham (3 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

6+ Swifts over the St Paul’s area on a typical Swift arrival morning with warm sunshine and a southerly wind.

Coombe Hill (1 May, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

An evening visit often gives a different perspective; birds become more active when going to roost and there are some crepuscular species that only start becoming active as night falls. This evening there were three species of owl: a Barn Owl hunting, several Tawny Owls and a Little Owl calling. Some birds were passing through: a Ringed Plover, six Dunlin in summer plumage and a Common Sandpiper, all of which started calling when darkness fell and probably continued their journey after dark; also a flock of 12 Pied Wagtails (mostly males) and two Yellow Wagtails, which left just before dark. Five Swifts and 20 House Martins. In addition there were all of the residents: as many as 14 Curlew coming to roost, Redshanks, Lapwings, Shelducks, all very excitable and noisy; some Mallard with young and squealing Water Rails. Plus at least two Snipe and 2 Little Ringed Plover, and a Barhead/Greylag Goose hybrid.

Hawling (30 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

9 Wheatears by the Salt Way and 2 singing male Redstarts in the vicinity of the village.

The Strand, Westbury (29 April, contributed by Andy Jayne and Tony Eveleigh)

A first-summer Mediterranean Gull, two Yellow Wagtails and a Grasshopper Warbler in the evening.

Aylburton Warth and Guscar Rocks (28 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

One of the highest spring tides (9.6 metres at 0908), which lapped the edges of the Warth but did not quite come over. About 55 Curlews still present at a high tide roost; another little roost of 8 Ringed Plovers and 15 Dunlin which moved from the shore onto a ploughed field in approved Wash Wader Ringing Group fashion when the tide covered the shore. At least four Oystercatchers, lots of Lapwings and Redshanks, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper. A couple of Wheatears, at least five White Wagtails (seems late?) and four Pied Wagtails, a Yellow Wagtail giving what passes for a song from a thistle, several Meadow Pipits singing. Reed Warblers singing in very meagre reed stands in the ditches, and Whitethroats singing everywhere.

Sudmeadow (27 April, contributed by Gordon Avery)

At least 10 Swifts and 4 House Martins feeding overhead in the evening.

Bromsberrow (26 April, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Swift over Aubrey’s Farm today.

Cheltenham (26 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

3 additional species of butterfly seen in Swindon Lane in the afternoon sunshine – singles of Holly Blue, Orange Tip and Speckled Wood. Shieldbugs also much in evidence, with 7 Green Shieldbugs (Palomena prasina) and the first Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus) on a clump of polygonum.

Sudmeadow (24 April, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A mid-day visit produced a singing Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat. There were also 2 Common Sandpipers on the river.

Severn Hams (22/23 April April, contributed by Mike Smart)

At Ashleworth on Saturday, the first Constant Effort Site ringing session of the year: four Sedge Warblers caught, three of them already ringed from Ashleworth last year, including one of the very few successful breeders from last year; probably all males come to stake out territories. Not much song from Sedge Warblers though. At least six or seven Redstarts singing first thing, but none caught. An aberrant voiced Cuckoo with a very gruff song. Several Whitethroats singing early morning, but only one caught. Display from Lapwings and Curlew. A Peregrine. At Coombe Hill on Sunday evening (after the Spoonbill, Black-tailed Godwits and Yellow Wagtails had departed): very worthwhile to make an evening visit as the behaviour of waders is quite different, often much more active, coming to scrapes to roost; five Curlews, several Lapwings, a couple of Redshank, two Little Ringed Plovers. Twenty Greylags, including a Barhead x Greylag cross.

Cheltenham (22 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Lesser Whitethroat heard singing for much of the day at Swindon Lane.

Coombe Hill (21 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

Fewer migrants, otherwise as yesterday with the addition of 2 Cuckoos as the west end of the reserve.

Coombe Hill (20 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

A combination of southerly winds, overcast sky and spots of rain, seem to have brought about an influx of migrants:

At least three each of Whitethroats, Sedge Warblers and Redstarts, all singing, at least 100 hirundines, mostly Swallows but some Sand Martins, three Yellow Wagtails right in front of the hide with a single Pied, a Whimbrel heard, plus the usual Lapwing, Redshank and Curlew, 28 non-breeding Mute Swans, 12 Greylags; still incredilby few Reed Buntings and almost no song.

Ashleworth (17 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

Most of the boards have been removed from the sluice at the southern end of the reserve, as per the management plan, so water levels are already dropping and will continue to do so over the next few days.

This morning: A little Grebe still whinnying, one Mute Swan incubating and several other adults hanging round as though they too want to nest; duck numbers way down (5 Wigeon, 15 Teal, 5 Shoveler), a Peregrine killed a pigeon but didn’t stop to collect it, instead it went and sat on the pylons, seven Snipe, three singing Redstarts, first singing Sedge Warbler, one Yellow Wagtail flying over.

Wainlodes: a Redstart singing from an oak tree.

Tidenham Chase (17 April, contributed by Andy Jayne)

In the morning: 1 Cuckoo, 5 Tree Pipits, 3 Stonechat, 2 Siskin, 25 Lesser Redpoll, 12 Crossbill and 2 Yellowhammers.

Cleeve Hill (16 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

A singing Redstart and a male Stonechat at Wontley Farm. 2 male Stonechats in the SE area of the common.

Guscar Rocks and Aylburton Warth (15 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

On the high tide: 60 Shelduck, 5 Teal, 5 Oystercatchers, 20 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin (one in summer plumage), 210 Curlew, lots of Lapwing and Redshank

Walmore Common (15 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

1 Little Egret, 2 Shelduck, 12 Teal, 6 Lapwing, 5 Redshank and 12 Snipe

Severn Hams (15 April, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

A quiet, windless and calm day, which ought to have been really good for arriving migrants, but there was not a vast deal to show for it.

Coombe Hill: 2 Little Grebes whinnying, rather few ducks (12 Wigeon, 15 Teal, a couple of Pintail), 11 Lapwings (they do not appear to have laid yet and are still displaying), 2 Redshank, 2 pairs of Curlews and 1 Wheatear.

Ashleworth: very quiet and as the boards have been moved from the stank, water levels will decrease considerably in the next few days. Very few ducks, one Cuckoo calling and also seen; at least three Redstarts singing or calling.

River Severn (Deerhurst – Haw Bridge) (14 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

A total of 5 drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Great Crested Grebes on the river and a Fieldfare at Deerhurst.

Aylburton Warth (13 April, contributed by Andy Jayne)

In the morning there were two Peregrines, two Oystercatchers, nine Golden Plover, two Bar-tailed Godwits, 150+ Curlew, eight Redshank, one Common Sandpiper, three White Wagtails, two Wheatears and two Ravens.

Ashleworth (13 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

With heavy cloud and cold west wind, the weather was not conducive to bird-song: a Little Grebe whinnying, 9 Shelducks, very few Wigeon left, 25 Teal, 15 Shoveler, a Peregrine on the pylons, 50 Coot, 7 displaying Lapwings, 15 Snipe, a Barn Owl coming from a pollarded willow, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming at one another only fifty metres apart, and, at last, two singing Redstarts

Coombe Hill (12 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

Very few waders in the morning, with just 5 Lapwings and a single Curlew seen. 56 Coot, mainly feeding on pasture next to the scrape and 23 Mute Swans in the meadows on the south side of the canal. Other wildfowl included 1 Wigeon, 2 Shovelers, 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags and 8 Shelduck, including the odd hybrid. Blackcap song was an addition to the Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers.

Longlevens, Gloucester (12 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

Two displaying Sparrowhawks, soaring high then swooping to meet, and touching in mid-air.

Severn Hams (11 April, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Cold and unpleasant southwest wind, spitting rain, which didn’t encourage birds to migrate or sing. Some Swallow passage with 20 or 30 birds each at Coombe Hill and Ashleworth; odd few Sand and House Martins with them.

Otherwise very quiet; at Coombe Hill, still two Black-tailed Godwits, but the Ruff and Oystercatcher have moved on; the funny hybrid Shelduck was there with eight others. At Ashleworth, one Jack Snipe, 30 Snipe, lot less ducks only 30 Wigeon. Mute Swans nesting at four sites.

Lower Lode/Deerhurst (11 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

In the morning before the onset of rain, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler heard singing from the Long Plantation. 2 Swallows and 2 Sand Martins over the River Severn. 2 Oystercatchers flew up river.

Cheltenham (11 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Siskin briefly on a garden feeder in Swindon Lane in the morning.

Severn Hams (8 April, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

With the rapid drop in the level of the Severn, water has begun to flow off the riverside marshes at Coombe Hill and Ashleworth, but there is still some floodwater left, and plenty of birds.

At Coombe Hill, the Avocet was heard calling late on Thursday evening, and may have left then, under cover of the vast numbers of passing gulls. It was not found on Friday or Saturday. On Friday evening, there was a Barn Owl hunting at 19h30, and still 14 Black-tailed Godwits, plus at least 13 Curlews coming to roost; some Snipe flying about but no drumming. At least two Little Owls calling after dark.

Today (Saturday) at Coombe Hill, in a cold WNW wind: still two Black-tailed Godwits, one Greenshank, two Ruff, two Oystercatchers, plus tremendous views of displaying Lapwings, which don’t appear to have laid as yet. Few summer migrants, a couple of Swallows and a few Sand Martins, Chiffchaffs and a few Willow Warblers singing.

At Ashleworth today about 30 Snipe and a Jack Snipe, about 15 Lapwings and a couple of bubbling Curlew, two immature Peregrines (male and female); no Redstarts yet.

Cleeve Hill (8 April, contributed by Ian Ralphs)

A single Muntjac in the open gorse scrub on the gently sloping westerly approaches to the Washpool on Cleeve Hill at lunchtime.

Cleeve Hill (7 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

Mid-morning there were 60 Fieldfares in pasture fields near the aerials, a male Stonechat on the SE side of the common and 2 Ring Ouzels in the valley above the Washpool.

Coombe Hill (6 April, contributed by Mike Smart and Andy Jayne )

The wind went round to the northwest this morning, with a less severe frost than on previous days. This seems to have triggered a migratory movement through the Severn Vale, where the water levels at Coombe Hill are just beginning to drop. Ian Ralphs found an Avocet this afternoon, probably a first for the reserve and perhaps one of the birds noted on the estuary a couple of days ago on its way to Worcs. where they have bred for the last couple of years. In addition he noted two Ringed Plovers, two Little Ringed Plovers, four Black-tailed Godwits, two Oystercatchers and a Green Sandpiper. Nearly all of these (except the LRPs) were still present in the evening, together with a Merlin, at least 15 Curlews coming to roost – a huge number given the numbers currently holding territories in the vicinity, a Water Rail calling and large numbers of gulls dropping off for a wash and a drink on the way back to the estuary.

Aylburton Warth/Guscar Rocks (6 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

On the rising tide were: 34 Shelducks, which is a lot for this site; 5 Teal; about 50 Lapwings with at least three incubating; 10 Redshanks with much display; 2 Oystercatchers; 10 southern Golden Plovers in summer plumage, on same field as Lapwings, which chased them off; 90 curlews on the mudflats; at least three Meadow Pipits doing flight display.

Walmore Common (6 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

No less than 7 Little Egrets, 2 Shelduck, about 120 Teal, 10 displaying Redshank, 6 displaying Lawpings, 30 Snipe.

Cheltenham (5 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Small Tortoiseshell in Swindon Lane today, together with a Dunnock apparently sun-bathing in the lee of some over-grown currant bushes, lifting its wing to expose the underside to the sun and raising the feathers on its head and neck.

Severn Hams (5 April, contributed by Mike Smart, Les Brown and Colin Butters)

Frosty and cold, though bright and sunny; wind still northeasterly, so flow of migrants seems to have dried up. We need the winds to go southerly. Water levels still high at Coombe Hill and Ashleworth, not dropping yet, though the high tide cycle is now over.

Great Hay Meadow, Twyning: 2 Oystercatchers (probably the ones that nest at Bredon’s Hardwick); at least two pairs of Redshank and probably seven of Curlew, an odd Snipe, a Kingfisher, but very little sign of songbirds.

The Mythe, Tewkesbury: no sign of any breeding waders; one Swallow and about 15 Sand Martins; song from two Blackcaps, five Chiffchaffs and a single Willow Warbler.

Severn Ham, Tewkesbury: one, maybe two, pairs of bubbling Curlews; another 10 Sand Martins over Severn; a couple of Reed Buntings which seem very late taking up territories and beginning to sing this year.

No Corn Buntings anywhere yet. Same negative records as yesterday!

Slimbridge (4 April, contributed by Ian Ralphs)

A single Small Tortoiseshell and a Brimstone seen mid-afternoon.

Severn Hams (4 April, contributed by Mike Smart, Les Brown and Colin Butters)

Although the cycle of high tides is more or less over (today’s high tide was only 6.6 metres at Sharpness which is too low to come over the weir at Maisemore), flood levels in the meadows are still rising: at Coombe Hill, the Grundon hide is only just accessible. At Coombe Hill and at Ashleworth, water levels are at their highest this year (there have been no comparable floods since last December).

Little change in the birds since last weekend, probably because the cold weather and easterly winds have stopped the flow of migrants.

At Coombe Hill and Cobney Meadows: 8 Canada Geese plus one Barnacle Goose and one Greylag; about 100 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler; still 8 displaying Redshanks and at least seven displaying Lapwings, a couple of displaying Curlews; a few singing Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and the first Blackcap (subsong). The Lapwings had really bright red legs (never noticed it before, Redshank hue, which suggests that they are in peak breeding condition, and may have lost eggs with the flood).

At Ashleworth: 5 Shelducks, 220 Wigeon, 8 Pintail, 20 Shoveler, 50 Teal, 16 Lapwings, 2 Curlews, 30 Snipe, 2 Willow Warblers A few negative records of all the birds that should be there in these conditions but weren’t: Garganey, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Yellow Wagtail, Redstart, Sedge Warbler.

Severn Hams (1 April, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Water levels continue to rise: at Coombe Hill, there ahs been a striking increase since yesterday, the Grundon hide is still accessible but the extent of water is much greater and there are no muddy patches left uncovered. The water is also higher at Ashleworth and Hasfield. Overall things were rather quieter today.

At Coombe Hill, at least six Redshanks, eight Lapwings and three Curlews displaying, the Little Ringed Plovers have disappeared; a few Swallows, Sand Martins, at least Six Chiffchaffs singing, but still very few Reed Buntings.

At Ashleworth, one Oystercatcher, about eight Lapwings, one Curlew displaying, still at least 200 Wigeon. At least three Chiffchaffs singing; when the wind dropped and the sun came out, three Willow Warblers started singing.

On Friday 7th April I was working in a long-established garden in Lower Oddington (SP22). One of the tasks was to remove some ancient stumps of Cytisus battandieri from a border. One of them had been dead for so long it just pulled out of the ground. While carting it over to the bonfire I noticed a “wireworm” on the root and almost passed it over as just that. However, something was not quite right and a closer look showed it to be a pale yellowish millipede about 12mm long. Being pale it was possible to see that it had no eyespots and as most of the cylindrical millipedes have eyes this narrowed the range of species considerably. Checking the key later at home the species was confirmed as Cylindroiulus vulnerarius, the first time it has been recorded in the county. C. vulnerarius has only been recorded from about 25 sites across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland and so has the status of Nationally Notable A. This species could turn up anywhere and some think that it may be found over the whole country but it certainly seems to be avoiding recorders nationally, unlike some other formerly rare ones that are now widely found.

Coombe Hill (31 March, contributed by Mike Smart)

With the rainfall of the last few days and the high equinoctial tides, the Severn is currently higher than it has been all winter, which is causing water to flow back into the reserves at Coombe Hill and Ashleworth, and to cause light flooding on the Leigh Meadows. And it is undoubtedly still rising. The Long Pool and Grundon hides were still accessible today, but may become more difficult to reach over the weekend.

Toady at Coombe Hill, the spring migrants noted in the last week continued to show, so it’s worth going out for a look since you never know what may turn up. Star bird today undoubtedly a passing Osprey, which flew very purposefully and powerfully westwards across the Coombe Hill reserve at 1310 today, not stopping, and disappearing over Apperley in the direction of the Severn, no doubt en route to an eyrie somewhere in Scotland. There were also at least 15 Sand Martins, also going northwest, plus at least three singing Chiffchaffs. There were two Little Ringed Plovers at the water’s edge, plus a Green Sandpiper that had probably over-wintered.

The floodwater has attracted rather more Shelducks than of late, about 15 in all. Displaying Redshanks (about 8), Lapwing (about 6), Curlew (at least 3). But this spring flood will wash out any early Lapwing clutches, though Redshank and Curlew are unlikley to have laid yet.

Cheltenham (31 March, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Comma butterfly and a singing Chiffchaff in Swindon Lane today.

Charlton Kings, Cheltenham (30 March, contributed by Tom Mabbett)

2 Barn Owls seen regularly on the edge of Charlton Kings during the past week.

Frampton Sailing Lakes (30 March, contributed by Ian Ralphs and Steve Owen)

Brimstone and Peacock butterflies seen at 1.30 this afternoon.

Coombe Hill: The Wharf – Grundon Hide (30 March, contributed by Andy Jayne and Robert Homan)

In the morning were: 15 Mute Swans feeding in pasture fields and later on the scrapes; 2 Canada Geese; 4 Shoveler; 10 Wigeon; 2 Teal; a Sparrowhawk hunting along the drainage ditches; 4 Little Ringed Plovers; a single Golden Plover; 9+ Lapwings; 5 Redshank, including a pair mating; 16 Sand Martins; 1 Swallow; 3 Chiffchaffs singing; at least 2 Bullfinches and a pair of Reed Buntings.
Frogs were heard croaking from the ditches and there was a Brown Hare at the eastern end of the reserve.

Walmore Common (29 March, contributed by Andy Jayne)

50+ Teal, 27 Lapwing, 4 Jack Snipe, 30 Snipe, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Redshank, 1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Sand Martin and 1 female Stonechat.

Severn Hams (27/28 March, contributed by Mike Smart, Les Brown and Colin Butters)

The change of wind from north-east to south-west since the end of last week has clearly opened the doors for the flood of migrants waiting to move north. The level of the Severn has risen a little too, partly because of rainfall higher up in the catchment in North Wales, partly because of high equinoctial tides, so that some fields have become lightly flooded, creating excellent conditions for passage birds.

Monday 27 March: 15 Sand Martins at Ashleworth

Tuesday 28 March, Coombe Hill: 1 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Ringed Plover in the same telescope field of view, the LRP definitely in different plumage from the one seen here on 21 March; one Dunlin; at least 25 Sand Martins passing through, at least 5 Chiffchaffs singing. Five Redshanks, 13 Lapwings and a couple of Curlew, all displaying. About 10 Snipe, a few Wigeon and Teal, one Shelduck.

Tuesday 28 March, Ashleworth Ham: lots of Sand Martins feeding over the reserve, probably continuous through passage, may have been as many as 100 birds, at least two Swallows, one House Martin, at least two Chiffchaffs singing. A single first winter Little Gull briefly with passing Common Gulls. Very good numbers of Snipe, no doubt migrants – will any stay to nest?? – spread over fields, minimum of 80, with at least two Jack Snipe. One Lapwing, one Curlew, Green Sandpipier heard in distance. One Peregrine in flight. Usual ducks: about 200 Wigeon, 50 Teal, 20 Pintail, 20 Shoveler, 5 Shelducks.

Wallsworth (26 March, contributed by Andy Jayne)

A Curlew “bubbling” for much of the afternoon.

Betty Daws Wood, Oxenhall (26 March, contributed by Ian Ralphs)

Wood Anenome, Lesser Celandine and Primrose (as well as the Wild Daffodils) all well in flower this afternoon.

Cheltenham (25 March, contributed by Robert Homan)

A male Brimstone butterfly at Swindon Lane this morning with a male Blackcap under garden bird feeders. In Pittville Park, 25 Redwings feeding in the afternoon.

Sudmeadow (23 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A little movement noted this morning: a Curlew flew over to the NE and was the first for the year and there are now 4 Snipe in the marsh. In addition 13 Teal were also around first thing.

Severn Hams (21 March, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Coombe Hill this morning: water levels still fairly low: star bird a Little Ringed Plover, in very messy plumage, looked like a juvenile moulting into adult plumage or winter plumage bird moulting into summer, black on forehead unclear, back plumage very mixed. Also about nine Lapwings , one Redshank, two Curlews, all displaying; with 10 Snipe, 1 Dunlin not displaying; nice views of a hunting Sparrowhawk. At the Cobney Meadows end (near Wainlodes), more displaying Lapwings and Redshank, about 90 Wigeon, a Mute Swan nest building already; still about 50 Redwings and 50 Fieldfares, most of which seem to have disappeared in the last few weeks.

Leigh Meadows: the Whoopers have gone; last seen on Saturday 18 March by Les Brown, who comments that this is the usual time for them to leave on their way back to Iceland.

Ashleworth Ham: At least three Redshanks, some display from the roadside hide, which is excellent, they haven’t bred here for a couple of years. Still a good 250 Wigeon.

No sign of Garganey, Sand Martin or Chiffchaff anywhere!

Walmore (17 March, contributed by Mike Smart)

7 Mute Swans with 1 Little Egret, 2 Canadas looking as though they are going to breed on the island, 20 Lapwings (a flock of non-breeders), 5 Common and 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Stonechat. No sign of breeding waders, as at Leigh Meadows and Coombe hill yesterday.

Severn Hams (16 March, contributed by Mike Smart)

Still a mixture of wintering birds and arriving breeders. The seven Whoopers still grazing on Leigh Meadows this morning. On Cobney Meadows, 150 Wigeon, 40 Teal, but also some breeding waders taking up territories with at least three displaying Curlews, 10 Lapwings, 1 Redshank, also 30 Snipe (no doubt birds on passage), one Dunlin and a Green Sandpiper. Other Curlews giving their lovely bubbling call, the absolute epitome of the Severn Hams in spring at Ashleworth and Wainlodes. At Ashleworth 19 Snipe and three Jack Snipe.

Walmore (10 March, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Walmore Common, this afternoon, held 40+ Teal, one Little Egret, immature Peregrine, 28 Golden Plover, two Jack Snipe, 20 Snipe, a male Stonechat, 20 Ravens and also a Mink.

Sudmeadow (9 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

The Barn Owl seen again today in the vicinity of the marsh.

Sudmeadow (5 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Barn Owl seen in the osier bed today.

Sudmeadow (27 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

Seen this morning were: 1 Golden Plover flying through with 60 Lapwing. Pair of Shelduck still on GLS pond ( breeding pair no doubt). 8 Teal on the marsh and 2 pairs of Stonechats on Port Ham near the Parting.

CWP (26 February, contributed by Andy Jayne)

An almost full-plumage adult and a 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull in the CWP(W) pit 16 roost this evening. Fairly standard fare elsewhere around CWP(W) including 4 Shelduck, 50+ Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 30+ Goldeneye, 5 Smew, 11 Goosander, 23 Ruddy Duck, 2 Little Egret, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 1m Stonechat, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Marsh Tit and 1 Lesser Redpoll (+ 3 Roe Deer).

Walmore (24 February, contributed by Mike Smart)

Water levels still very low. Noted between 12h15 and 13h30 were:

A total of 34 Bewick’s (seven cygnets) with 30 sitting on Field D included two families with two cygnets; only one bird ringed, the inevitable 541. The other four were on the common, a family of one adult and three cygnets; couldn’t see if they were ringed, but I’ll bet they were one parent ZBJ plus cygnets.

60 Lapwings, looked like passing migrants.

50 Teal.

1 Buzzard.

1 Skylark singing.

Not a Snipe to be seen, Common or Jack, even though conditions looked very favourable.

Naunton Park, Cheltenham (21 February, contributed by David Anderson)

The Siskin has now increased to an impressive 75 birds.

Severn Hams (21 February, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Whooper Swans: the group of seven has been difficult to see on the Leigh Meadows for the last few days as they have been sitting separate from the Mutes, grazing out of the wind close under the hedges. But two nice records demonstrating their regular habits: last night (20 February) at 18h10 when it was nearly dark, all seven were seen to arrive at Ashleworth to roost; this morning at 06h50 they were seen flying from the direction across the river just above Wainlodes and landing on the Leigh Meadows.

Barn Owl: one at first light outside the Red Lion at Wainlodes, going to perch (day roost?) in the trees on the cliff at Wainlodes.

Goosander: the female still on the Severn at Wainlodes.

Ducks: rather few at Coombe Hill, mainly Teal with a few Wigeon in the Long Pool. At Ashleworth, still about 1000, over half of them Wigeon coming to graze on teh grass below the hedge, up to 40 Gadwall, 60 Shoveler, 40 Pintail, even 5 Tufted Ducks.

Lapwing: flock of 300, still very frisky, at Ashleworth.

Snipe: very few at Coombe Hill, but at least 40 at Ashleworth with five Jack Snipe.

Naunton Park, Cheltenham (18 February, contributed by David Anderson)

The increase in Siskins in the garden has continued with the count at 35 this morning. The increase appears to be at the expense of Goldfinches whose numbers are down from the usual Saturday morning count.

Sudmeadow (17 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

An afternoon visit produced the records: a first winter Little Grebe on the Pylon pool by tip offices; a pair of Shelduck on GLS pond plus 5 Tufted Ducks (3m); a Green Sandpiper along the river at Sudmeadow and a pair of Stonechats on Port Ham.

Barnwood Industrial Estate (16 February, contributed by David Anderson)

A starling roost at the west end of the industrial estate with 1000+ birds in a pre-roost display at 17:15.

Severn Hams (16 February, contributed by Andy Jayne)

The 7 Whoopers Swans again at Leigh Meadows today and a Woodcock flushed to the north of Coombe Hill Meadows.

Guscar Rocks area (15 February, contributed by Andy Jayne)

The highlights of a walk from Woolaston Grange (Guscar Rocks) to Pillhouse Rocks today were 80 Teal, 2 Sparrowhawks, 11 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin, 1 Jack Snipe, 8 Snipe, 210 Curlew, 12 Redshank, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Little Owls, a male Stonechat and 2 Chiffchaffs.

Naunton Park, Cheltenham (14 February, contributed by David Anderson)

Our first ever record for Siskins at our terraced row, town garden feeders was of a single female on 29 January 2006. The count has since grown, over two weeks, to 15 on 14 February. The increase in the flock size has been generally linear over the period. The count for other regular species has not changed noticeably over the period. Is there any relevant science on the way birds pass on information on food sources as has been noted for bees?

Sudmeadow (14 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A single Green Sandpiper over the marsh. There were also 2 Jays about which are usual here at any time of the year!

Severn Hams (14 February, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Spring is in the air with an influx of breeding birds and more bird song.

At Coombe Hill, a lot more Reed Buntings (at least half a dozen), that must have moved in during the last few days; the first Curlew of the year, no doubt a bird moving in to take up breeding territory, plus the usual: 60 Wigeon, 60 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 5 Snipe, 3 Jack Snipe.

At Leigh Meadows, several Skylarks singing, plus the 7 Whooper Swans (none of them are ringed), 1 Black Swan and about 25 Mutes.

At Ashleworth, the same group of very frisky Lapwing just in front of the hide, certainly look like migrants stopped off on their way north; this morning accompanied by an Oystercatcher. Plus usual ducks.

Severn Hams (11 February, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Coombe Hill and Ashleworth iced over and therefore very convenient for counting ducks:
at Ashleworth, a total 990 ducks, of which 80 Shoveler, 60 Pintail, 70 Gadwall, 210 Teal, 520 Wigeon (coming nicely up bank to graze on grass right under the hedge by the roadside); 30 Coot, a Peregrine, a Sparrowhawk, two Buzzards and, bird of the day, a Red Kite (no wing tags); only about ten Snipe in icy conditions, two Jack Snipe.

At Leigh Meadows, seven Whoopers, a Black Swan and a Green Sandpiper; the female Goosander still on the Severn at Wainlodes.

Coombe Hill quiet, about 98 Teal and three Wigeon, only four Snipe.

Colesbourne Park (11 February, contributed by Robert Homan)

12 or so Tufted Ducks on the lake with several males displaying in early afternoon sunshine.

Severn Hams (8 February, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

The first fine sunny day for a long time brought a touch of spring to the air: hazel catkins, Glyceria and Flag Iris beginning to shoot and some bird song from Robin, Great Tit, Chaffinch and Dunnock.

Leigh Meadows: the Whooper Swans flew in, calling, from the Ashleworth direction at 07h35 (they weren’t at Coombe Hill yesterday at dusk, so had presumably roosted at Ashleworth); sadly, only seven of them were left with four adults and three cygnets and it looks as though one of the cygnets has either hit one of the electric power lines or been caught by a fox; Peregrine on a pylon; Green Sandpiper on the River Chelt.

R. Severn at Wainlodes: a female Goosander sitting on a floating log outside the Red Lion, also a Great Crested Grebe.

Ashleworth: usual ducks – 500 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 75 Shoveler, 50 Gadwall, 40 Pintail; 15 Snipe, 5 Jack Snipe, a flock of 100 Lapwings, quite excited, looked like northward migrants, though still in winter plumage; a couple of quite perky Reed Buntings, the first for some time; a mixed flock of 30 Long-tailed Tits, Great Tits and Goldcrests, all hunting for insects, but there were no Chiffchaffs with them.

Hasfield Ham (6 February, contributed by Andy Jayne)

A Barn Owl hunting from just after 1600hrs and a Woodcock flushed from a very dry ditch. Not much else apart from a male Stonechat.

Port Ham (6 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A male Stonechat still present by the Power Station, presumed overwintering. Also a pair of Stonechats river-side of the Oxlease opposite Sudmeadow in the morning.

Severn Hams (4 February, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Water levels are low everywhere, following lack of rain in recent weeks: the Severn at Haw Bridge is low, water only in scrapes at Coombe Hill and on the reserve at Ashleworth – no flooding.

At Coombe Hill; most roosting swans had left by 07h45, only a few Mutes left; 54 roosting Canada Geese went off to NW at 08h00 as usual; 50 Teal, 40 Wigeon, only 3 Snipe.

At Leigh Meadows, the eight Whooper Swans (original two adults, plus family of two adults and four cygnets) grazing mid morning.

At Ashleworth, 200 Wigeon, grazing high up the bank near the road, practically under the hedge.

At Walmore, 31 Bewick’s at 11h00, five cygnets; only two ringed birds, both familiar visitors from Slimbridge to Walmore: yellow ZBJ, with three cygnets, and the yearling yellow 541; 60 Teal, a couple of Ravens.

Cheltenham (4 February, contributed by Robert Homan)

A male Blackcap in full song in Swindon Lane today.

Castle Meads (2 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Barn Owl seen late afternoon.