Sightings

Aylburton (29 November 2009, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Aylburton this morning, a possible Siberian Chiffchaff seen briefly along the Stockwell Brook, but no further sign during the next two hours in blustery conditions. Also in the area a Sparrowhawk, a Peregrine, 50 Golden Plover, 1000+ Lapwing, 540 Dunlin, one Snipe, 92 Curlew, two Redshank, two Treecreepers, 10 Ravens, 25 Goldfinch, a Siskin and 15 Reed Buntings plus a Stoat and two Brown Hares.

North Cerney (29 November 2009, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Little Egret by the River Churn just north of the village early afternoon.

Severn Hams (28 November 2009, contributed by Les Brown and Mike Smart)

The Severn is still high today (10.52 at Haw Bridge) but has not overtopped its banks and has probably just passed its peak height. Both the Red Lion road at Wainlodes and the Ham road at Ashleworth have remained open all week. However, the high Severn level means that none of the local streams (especially the Chelt) can flow out into the river and so are backing up and flooding meadows in the area.

At Coombe Hill, the floodwater has risen slightly, both hides are inaccessible, but the towpath is still (just) open at its fartherest points, giving splendid views of birds on the floodwater: a genuine wildlife spectacle including 14 Mute Swans, 660 Canada Geese, 45 Greylags, 800 Wigeon, 200+ Teal, 105 Pintail, 30 Shoveler, even 3 Tufted Duck and a Pochard.

The Leigh Meadows have been extensively flooded by the River Chelt.

At Ashleworth the water is also a little higher, but the hide is still easily accessible. Most of the Coombe Hill geese flew over to Ashleworth in mid morning and in addition there were a Sparrowhawk, 315 Lapwings and 7 Snipe; about 25 Pied Wagtails and 20 Meadow Pipits round the edge of the flood.

Still no sign of Whooper Swans anywhere.

Severn Hams (22 November 2009, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

With yet more rain, water levels on the Severn and tributaries have risen considerably and there is now moderate flooding at both Ashleworth and Coombe Hill. At Coombe Hill, both the Grundon and Long Pool Hides are currently inaccessible, but good views of water birds can be obtained from the canal towpath. At Ashleworth, there is plenty of water on the fields, but the Ham Road is open and all hide are easily accessible.

Seen at Coombe Hill: 250 Canada Geese. 40 Greylags, 1 Pinkfoot, 300 Wigeon, 30 Teal,14 Shoveler, 22 Pintail, 11 Gadwall, 28 Snipe, 1 Peregrine.

Seen at Ashleworth: 550 Canada Geese,11 Greylags, 6 Mute Swans, 215 Wigeon, 105 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 200 Mallard 5 Pintial, 21 Shoveler, 4 Snipe.

No sign of any Whooper Swans.

Severn Hams (17 November 2009, contributed by Mike Smart)

The local rain of the last few days (a total of 26mm in Gloucester on Thursday and Friday, but only 42 mm in the last week) plus rain higher up the catchment in North Wales and high tides in the Severn (9.2 metres at Sharpness at 7.52 am today) have combined to cause the level of the Severn to rise (9.60m at Haw Bridge, probably tide affected, but still the highest since the end of January). As a result local streams cannot flow out and are also at a high level: the Chelt is very high at Wainlodes and close to overtopping its banks along the Leigh Meadows. Coombe Hill is lightly flooded with water just over the boardwalk but all hides are accessible with boots; water is pouring into the GWT reserve at Ashleworth.

These are ideal conditions for arriving Whooper Swans, but, alas none found as yet. At Coombe Hill, about 300 Canada Geese, 30 Greylags, the juvenile Pinkfoot still present, at least 300 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 20 Shoveler; 7 Snipe feeding on maize stubble from which good numbers of gnats were rising; Fieldfares and Redwings everywhere and even a few Song Thrushes.

Severn Hams (10 November 2009, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

At Coombe Hill, the water level at Coombe Hill is just beginning to rise in the scrapes and Long Pool after a dry autumn. The goose roost included 235 Canadas, 45 Greylags and a Pinkfoot, which must have been wild because it was a juvenile (somebody had taken a picture). All grazed happily in front of the Grundon Hide all morning presenting an attractive spectacle. 22 Wigeon, 155 Teal, 60 Mallard 1 Pochard, 4 Green Sandpipers and a little flock of 5 Redshank, most unusual here at this time of year; one Kingfisher. The hedges were full of Fieldfares and Redwings with at least 100 of each.

At Ashleworth too, the water is beginning to flow into the reserve; 5 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler.

Hasfield and Ashleworth (9 November 2009, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Despite the weather having turned colder at the start of November, there are still butterflies about. At mid-day, I counted eight Painted Ladies on a lavender hedge in Ashleworth, all in good condition. However, it is getting colder and two hours earlier there had been frost on the grass under the eaves of Corse Grove, Hasfield.

Coombe Hill (6 November 2009, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Coombe Hill Meadows today, a Water Pipit from the Grundon Hide on the left-hand scrape from 10.35 to 11.00am.

Standish (23 October, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Over the last week Starlings have been going round in flocks of 100 or more, descending on elder bushes and eating the berries. (See the pictures below taken by Paul Tyers of the birds at Standish). I’ve always thought it a bit odd that the classic 1954 book “Food in England” by Dorothy Hartley gives November as the month when elderberries are ripe. There have been ripe berries here since September.

Corse Court Farm (18 October, contributed by Robert Homan)

A mixed flock of 50 Redwings and Fieldfares in and around the orchards at the farm this morning.

Sudmeadow (8 October, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A couple of items from early afternoon: a Green Sandpiper on the Plantation Pool and a male Stonechat just below the Lower Parting.

The Park, Tidenham Chase (8 October, contributed by Ian Ralphs)

A walk today produced a good variety of wildlife with 2 Hawfinch, 15 Crossbill, and singles of both Redpoll and Siskin, 10 Raven, 9 Chiffchaff, 25 Meadow Pipits, an easterly passage of 50 Skylarks mid morning, 1 Swallow and 6 Stonechats.

Also 2 Southern Hawkers, 1 Migrant Hawker and a Common Darter, and 4 Red Admirals flying strongly due south over Poors Allotment around 11.

GLS (7 October, contributed by Gordon Avery)

Seen today was the area’s first ever Rock Pipit, found on one of the drainage pools by the tip.

Standish (early October, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Moles are very active in the garden currently creating hills and surface runs. This follows months without problems, though it was equally bad last winter and spring. I hoped that they had sorted out their tunnel system then. Is this just a spate of tunnel maintenance, or is it young dispersing? My leeks are looking terrible (see picture below). I blame Acrolepiopsis assectella, the leek moth, which I understand to be a relatively new arrival in Gloucestershire. Add fungal rust and I’m likely to lose the crop. Onto more cheerful matters – there were four species of butterfly in my garden today (4 October) sunning themselves or feeding on ivy flowers. There was Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma, and Painted Lady. In addition there are small white and large white caterpillars feeding on the brassicas. Until 25 September there were plenty of Swallows about, but most disappeared that weekend. I saw three on 30 September, but none subsequently.

Ashleworth (4 October, contributed by Ian Ralphs)

A quiet circular walk at Ashleworth Ham this afternoon produced 5 south bound Swallows, 3 very fresh Small Coppers, 5 large Whites, 1 Southern Hawker, and several Common Darters. There were several plants of Great Burnet coming back into flower in the meadows.

Pillhouse Rocks, Tidenham (4 October, contributed by Andy Jayne)

17 Sandwich Terns were seen today off Pillhouse Rocks. Subsequent research in the Glos Bird Reports published since Swaine’s book showed that this is the second highest count in the county, the highest being of 19 flying downstream at the New Grounds on 1st October 1983. It seems there are no other counts of more than six, so both of these records are exceptional.

Hartpury Orchard Centre (30 September, contributed by Robert Homan)

There were two Brown Hares in the orchard and 2 Snipe and a Kingfisher in the wetland area. (There will be a field meeting at the centre on Sunday 15 November at 11.00am)

Sudmeadow (29 and 30 September, contributed by Gordon Avery)

On the 29th there was a Peregrine over the tip and a Green Sandpiper was by the pylon pool. The Green Sandpiper was also there on the 30th.

Coombe Hill and Ashleworth Ham (29 September, contributed by Les Brown)

Today at Coombe Hill a Marsh Harrier flew past the Grundon Hide at 07.20am and kept going to the west. There were two Fieldfares along the canal. Overall the water level is dropping and there were no waders left.

At Ashleworth there were two Snipe and a Green Sandpiper.

Sudmeadow (28 September, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A ringing session this morning produced relatively few birds. The only migrants trapped were 3 Chiffchaffs and 2 Blackcaps. Of note was a Wood Pigeons’ nest with 2 young in it at quite a late date. Over the Oxlease at 10.15am was a flock of c.70 Canada Geese flying east then they split up and half of them flew over Sudmeadow – a massive flock for around here.

Ashleworth Ham (27 September, contributed by Mike Smart and Mervyn Greening)

The results were very different today from yesterday. The conditions were similar although there were rather more sunny periods making the nets a bit more visible at times. Only 46 birds caught, essentially the same species as yesterday: 17 Meadow Pipits, 16 Reed Buntings, seven Chaffinches, three Chiffchaffs, but no Greenfinches. In general, small birds were much less in evidence; had they perhaps departed on migration last night, which was bright, moonlit and very suitable for passerine migration. The Canadas were flying downriver again early in the morning in even greater numbers, 55 from Coombe Hill and 100 from Tirley Court.

Sudmeadow (26 September, contributed by Gordon Avery)

There was still a Green Sandpiper present in the garden mulch area today.

Ashleworth Ham (26 September, contributed by Mike Smart and Mervyn Greening)

Perfect ringing conditions this morning with practically no wind and high cloud, so that the birds could not see the nets producing one of the best catches of the year with 148 birds. Clearly some passerine passage was going on: 29 Meadow Pipits caught (out of 50 or more present), the majority being first year birds with only seven adults; 36 Reed Buntings caught, clearly many migrants; there was also evidence of a finch passage with 17 Chaffinches and 25 Greenfinches caught. Nine Chiffchaffs were caught, but no other warblers. The water level iss very low with few waterbirds present: 50 Canada Geese flew down the Severn from the roost at Coombe Hill, another 50 from the Tirley roost, perhaps going to feed at Minsterworth Ham.

Hasfield Ham and Coomble Hill (24 September, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Hasfield Ham today: three Kestrels, a Kingfisher, a Redstart, five Whinchats, a male Stonechat and a Common Whitethroat.

At Coombe Hill Meadows – a Shelduck, 28 Teal, five Shoveler, a Water Rail, a Snipe, a Greenshank, a Kingfisher and a Sedge Warbler. Most of these in the Long Pool area as the other scrapes have almost completely dried out.

Sudmeadow (20 September, contributed by Gordon Avery)

Seen today were 1 adult Dabchick on the pylon pool, 5 Cormorants in the roost tree (the largest number this Autumn so far), 2 Snipe (the first birds of the Autumn), 2 Green Sandpipers and 22 Meadow Pipits. There was at least 1 Whinchat at Port Ham.

Stoke Orchard and Bishops Cleeve tips (18 September, contributed by Gordon Avery and John sanders)

Seen at Stoke Orchard tip were 1 Green Sandpiper, 20 Meadow Pipits, 1 Whinchat and 80 Goldfinches, while there was a male Stonechat at Grundon’s B.C. tip.

Ashleworth Ham (18 September, contributed by Robert Homan)

As Mike Smart has previously noted a crop of hay has been taken from the fields on and around the reserve and bird diverters have been placed on the electricity transmission lines across the reserve. The pictures here show the scene in mid-September and convey some of the richness of the wildlife to be seen in the area. Second from bottom is the gall of the psyllid Trichochermes wakeri on buckthorn and bottom is Ribautiana ulmi, a common bug associated with elm.

Coombe Hill (15 September, contributed by Les Brown and Mike Smart)

A very early visit today, before first light, produced both Barn and Tawny Owl calling over fields south of the canal. Otherwise, the water is dropping gradually in the scrapes and Long Pool, leaving extensive muddy edges. 175 Canada Geese and 145 Greylag Geese had roosted on the Long Pool and flew to the meadows in front of the scrapes to feed for a while before departing to the south east, probably to the Barrow Ponds area. 2 Shelducks, 40 Teal, 6 Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 3 Curlews, 2 Greenshanks, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Snipe. A male Peregrine surveying the scene from the top of a willow. A light Swallow passage, about 30 individuals, plus flock of 15 Mistle Thrushes and a few Chiffchaffs calling in the scrub.

Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (8 September, contributed by and Mike Smart)

A visit to Coombe Hill at first light today produced: 2 Little Egrets, which had roosted but flew off early on, 2 Shelducks, 40 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 15 Lapwings, 5 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper; interestingly, three Curlew had roosted – they too flew out early on. There was a light passage to southwest of Swallows (15) and Meadow Pipits (5). Fox sprainting all over the open grass meadow.

Scrub clearance along canal bank has not yet started.

At Ashleworth, all the hay has now been cut and baled and trees on the island have been cut right back in an attempt to restore the scrape to its original condition.

Walmore (2 September, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Walmore Common this afternoon: a Redstart, three Whinchats, two Reed Warblers, two Lesser Whitethroats and a Spotted Flycatcher.

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

Coombe Hill is looking excellent after the first almost “normal” summer for three years. The hay is all cut (both northern and southern meadows), cattle are grazing the meadows and the water levels on the scrapes and Long Pool are just right for passing waders, with plenty of exposed mud round the edges of the scrapes; most of the vegetation and willow scrub has been cleared from the islands in the scrapes.

Two Little Egrets, one juvenile Shelduck, 120 Mallard, 50 Teal, 2 Shoveler, six Lapwings, three Ringed Plover (NOT Little), one Ruff, 3 Greenshanks, one Green Sandpiper, 15 Snipe, one Wheatear, two Whinchats.

Longney (9 August, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Seen this afternoon were: a Ringed Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit and Common Sanpiper on the sands and a juvenile Sparrowhawk, a Wheatear and four Yellow Wagtails along the riverbank.

Walmore (8 August, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Seen at Walmore Common today: a Hobby, a Curlew and three Whinchats (adult & two juveniles). Also a Brown Hawker.

Sudmeadow (6 August, contributed by Gordon Avery)

An excellent CES session this morning with 58 birds trapped, the highlights being 5 Garden Warblers and 24 Blackcaps. They seem to have had a good breeding season. In addition, there were at least 3 Green Sandpipers in the area.

Walmore and Westbury (30 July, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Walmore Common there were two adult Whinchats and at Westbury-on-Severn there were three Common Sandpipers at The Strand.

Severn Hams (27/28 July, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Coombe Hill, on the evening of 27 July: 60 Lapwings, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlews (an adult and a fledged juvenile), 1 Snipe, 21 Green Sandpipers, practically a flock, 1 Barn Owl.

Upham Meadow, Twyning on 28 July: 1 Hobby, all Curlews had departed and there was no sign of Corn Buntings. No more hay has been cut since 20 June.

Severn Hams (25 July, contributed by Mike Smart)

Coombe Hill: 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 26 Greylag Geese, 3 Little Ringed Plovers (all migrant juveniles), at least 11 Green Sandpipers, 65 Lapwings, 2 Curlews (an adult and a fledged juvenile).

Tirley Court Lake: 12 Barnacle Geese, all in moult. They did not nest this year.

Ashleworth: hay cutting has actually started on higher ground.

Coombe Hill (20 July, contributed by Mike Smart)

There were good views from the Long Pool hide with light behind the observer. 1 Little Egret, 50 Mallard (family of nine tiny ducklings), 2 eclipse Teal, female Tufted Duck with five ducklings on canal, 2 LRPs (both juveniles), 2 Snipe, 5 Green Sandpipers (at least one adult in wing moult), 2 Sand Martins, plenty of juvenile Chiffchaffs calling with tit flocks along the canal.

Coombe Hill (18 July, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

The recent rain raised the spectre of summer flooding again, but fortunately the amounts were nothing like those of July 2007 or September 2008, so there was no flooding on the meadows and only a scarcely perceptible rise in ditch levels.

At Coombe Hill this morning: one Little Egret, a female Tufted Duck with five ducklings on the canal, a female Sparrowhawk, four Little Ringed Plovers (two adults and two juveniles, migrants not local nesters), 70 Lapwings, five Green Sandpipers, one Curlew.

At the Wainlodes end and also at Ashleworth, the electricity company has installed bird diverters on the power lines, as part of a once in thirty years renewal of the lines. The diverters look minuscule: will they really prevent bird strikes? It Will be interesting to see the results, especially for swans.

Standish (12 July, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Today in my garden small tortoiseshells were particularly abundant round the nettle beds and flowering thistles in the new orchard, and there were several painted ladies here. The garden also produced small skipper, ringlet, gatekeeper, comma, green-veined white and small white. There was a solitary red admiral on the buddleia, which was rather butterfly-free, considering how loaded it can be some years. It was warm and sunny, though rather windy, so perhaps it was not ideal.

Coombe Hill (8 July, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Rather quiet, although the water levels in the scrapes and the Long Pool look ideal for migrant waders; very little hay has been cut, whether on or off the reserve, because of the damp weather. The vegetation in front of Long Pool hide has been cleared improving viewing greatly.

15 Grey Herons (including a flock of 12 on Cobney Meadows), 2 Teal, 2 Tufted Ducks, still three Mallard with ducklings (one of which was carried off by a passing Sparrowhawk), 1 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Lapwings; the Curlews seem to have departed. Still at least one Reed Warbler, two or three Sedge Warblers and three or more Reed Buntings singing.

At night, Common Sandpipers flying over high in the moonlight and calling, without stopping. Maybe that’s what all the passage waders are doing.

Sudmeadow (2 July, contributed by Gordon Avery)

There was an adult male Peregrine in the area this morning and I trapped a juvenile Nightingale (a species which does not breed here) and it still had a speckly head like a juvenile Robin. Nothing else really except for a exceptional catch of 16 new Blackcaps and the first juvenile Garden Warbler as well, again a species which does not breed here.

Barrington and Windrush area (2 July, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Great Barrington today there were two Quails calling and at Windrush Airfield there were another two Quails, a Red-legged Partridge with 11 chicks, a ‘reeling’ Grasshopper Warbler showing well and also three Corn Buntings.

Lydney (1 July, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Lydney Harbour two Common Terns on the sands then flew inland towards the pools.

Westbury-on-Severn (1 July, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Westbury-on-Severn today produced a Hobby, a Common Sandpiper, a 2nd-summer Yellow-legged Gull, four Grey Wagtails and four Lesser Whitethroats. At Lydney Harbour two Common Terns on the sands then flew inland towards the pools.

Saul and Arlingham (29 June contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Saul Warth today there were five Little Egrets, a Hobby, a Water Rail calling, a male Ruff, just one Black-tailed Godwit, ten Redshank and two Green Sandpipers. At Arlingham a Buzzard was seen carrying a Moorhen chick.

CWP West (6 June, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Around pits 79/84/85 today there were three drake Teal, two drake Shoveler, three drake Pochard, a pair of Red-crested Pochard, a Sparrowhawk, two Kestrels, a Hobby, a Little Ringed Plover, a Ringed Plover, a pair of Redshank, a pair of Common Terns and a Cetti’s Warbler.

Forest of Dean (4 June, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Four singing male Firecrests located in the Speech House Walk & Yewtreebrake area during the afternoon.

Woorgreens (1 June, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Woorgreens this evening there were two sow Wild Boar with seven small young, crossing the main gravel track between there and Crabtree Hill. Only my 2nd ever sighting of these beasts.

Painted Lady influx (late May, contributed by Robert Homan and Gordon Avery)

The mass migration of Painted Ladies into the UK which started in the week ending 25th May has been evident in the county. There were 2 seen in a few minutes flying northwards across Pittville Park golf course on the 24th. There was one near Winstone on 25th and many in the Frocester Hill area on 26th. Today (28th) there were also 11 Silver Y moths, another immigrant species, near Dumbleton and Gordon noted 10 Painted Ladies by the River Severn at Sudmeadow. Butterfly Conservation is organising a big Painted Lady survey at the end of this week. See
http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/sightings_home/1095/migrant_watch.html.

Coombe Hill (26 May, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

A cold windy day, not very good for birdsong. The Spoonbill, first seen on 16 May, has been seen several times since, and was present again today, spending a lot of time in the Long Pool, where it has perhaps been overlooked; it’s a first summer bird, with lots of yellow on the bill and black on the wingtips; it won’t be breeding yet so it’s probably hanging around, growing up; maybe it wintered in SW England.

Also: 1 Little Egret; pair of Canada Geese with four smallish goslings; two pairs of Shelducks (one pair constantly on the scrapes, so the female isn’t sitting, and the male only has a very small knob on the bill); one male Gadwall; one Redstart singing; one Reed Warbler, two or three Sedge Warblers, one or two Lesser Whitethroats, at least six Whitethroats, all singing.

At the Wainlodes end, the Canada Geese have hatched four goslings and taken them onto the Severn. No sign of singing Cetti’s Warbler.

None of the nesting swans have hatched yet.

There is a nice stand of Ragged Robin at the back of the reserve in SO8727. Water Dropwort is all over the place, though I am not sure as to which species, in fields where there is no grazing.

Flaxley (24 May, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Flaxley this afternoon a Goshawk, a Hobby, a Cuckoo, three Garden Warblers, two Siskins and two Hawfinches. At Flaxley Pool a female Mandarin with seven ducklings and a Turtle Dove nearby at Elton Lane.

Westbury (23 May, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Westbury this morning a ‘reeling’ Grasshopper Warbler and a pair of Yellow Wagtails near the Strand.

Tuffley (14 May, contributed by Rob Purveur)

A Red Kite flying over in a NW direction at about 3.35pm.

Cheltenham (14 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

8 of the spectacularly marked froghopper Cercopis vulnerata along a 100m stretch of the Honeybourne Cyclepath this morning.

Sudmeadow (11 May, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Garden Warbler was trapped and ringed today, the first here this season.

A Little Egret on the Lower Parting loosely accompanied by a very noisy Canada Goose and 7 Whimbrel flew north over Sudmeadow. The first record since one was seen flying over on the 13th June 1995.

Severn Hams (9 May, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown )

Coombe Hill on a cool rather windy day was not very good for birdsong, but we met two Roe Deer coming along the towpath at 6.45am: about 35 non-breeding Mute Swans on the scrapes; 13 Greylags; the pair of Canada Geese by the hide now has four tiny goslings left; another Canada Goose was at Cobney Meadows and still on eggs; at least 4 Shelducks; one Ringed Plover; 1 Whimbrel; 2 non-breeding Lapwings; a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming along the south bank of the canal not far from the Wharf (it has been there for a week); rather few singing Redstarts in the wind, only two were heard.

At Wainlodes, the Cetti’s Warbler is still singing but has moved across to the west bank of the river.

Sudmeadow (5 May, contributed by Gordon Avery)

An unseasonal Grey Wagtail was on Sudmeadow and a Common Sandpiper was at the Lower Parting. Little else of note, mainly because of the strong winds.

Cheltenham (5 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Peregrine falcon was low over St Paul’s in the morning and later there was a single Swift over Swindon Lane battling against the wind.

Minsterworth Ham (5 May, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Recorded today were two Shelduck, a ‘bubbling’ Curlew, a Whinchat and two Lesser Whitethroats. Also three Brimstone butterflies.

Cheltenham (4 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

2 Swifts over St Paul’s this morning were the first of the spring.

Clarkes Pool Meadow near Blakeney (3 May, contributed by Peter Fitchett)

A good selection of colour forms of Green Winged Orchids seen this afternoon in the meadow as shown in the Peter’s pictures below.

Tewkesbury area (3 May, contributed by Mike Smart)

Along the Avon: at Upham Meadows, numbers of Curlew (apparently only six) and Redshank (only a single) were lower than usual – the result of the summer floods which caused the death of many worms which are the normal foodstuff of these species. About eight Sedge Warblers singing, mainly along the river also a few along the ditches. A Mute Swan and a Canada Goose, both on eggs; two broods of Mallard ducklings. No Corn Buntings.

Along the Severn: at Mythe Brook another female Mute Swan incubating while her mate chased off the neighbouring pair of Canada Geese; a male Tufted Duck on the Brickpits. A Curlew and (at last!) 2 Lapwings on the wet green field below Shuthonger Common. Remarkably few singing warblers. One Yellow Wagtail in the last field before the county boundary, probably overshot from the new Ripple Gravel Pits south of the M50 in Worcestershire, where there were at least ten apparently breeding in cereal fields round the pits; also a Nightingale singing plus 6 Lapwings, 2 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plovers and 4 Curlews.

Sudmeadow (1 May, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A pair of Tufted Duck have at long last arrived on the tip pools, hopefully to breed. The first sighting of the species this year.

Butterflies (Late April, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Maisemore, 29 April 2009

With recent good weather there seem to be a few butterflies about now. All the lanes, lined with Jack-by-the-hedge (Alliaria petiolata), have at least one Orange Tip every 50 yards, and I finally saw Small Tortoiseshells, though thier numbers seem very low to me. Other butterflies seen today were, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Peacock and this Holly Blue.

Hartpury, 26 April 2009

When I saw this Brimstone on bluebell, I thought how lovely it looked, until close-up I noticed the splaying bell and spreading perianth segments of the hybrid of the Spanish Bluebell and the native flower. This was on an open country lane, several hundred yards from the nearest habitation and surrounded by genuine native Bluebells that the butterfly didn’t seem to find nearly as attractive. When my proximity scared it off this flower, it circled round only to resettle on the same clump.

Witcombe Reservoir (30 April, contributed by Gordon Avery and Laurie Pierce)

Among the more typical species for this site were 2 Common Sandpipers and at least 2 Swifts.

Sudmeadow (29 April, contributed by Gordon Avery)

During the first CES session for the season, a most unusual find was a first year male Nightingale in the net. This is the first Spring record here. Also a Shelduck on the Lower Parting.

Wainlode (29 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

The Cetti’s Warbler still singing at the same place; at least fifteen Swifts and three or four singing Redstarts.

Ashleworth (28 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

Two Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers drumming and calling in different tetrads. At least one, perhaps two Grasshopper Warblers reeling. Really good numbers of summer songbirds now seem to have arrived: about ten Redstart singing males and a similar number of Sedge Warblers. Still 2 Wigeon and 2 Shelducks on the pool. The number of Lapwings though is desperately poor with practically none anywhere along the upper Severn Vale this spring.

Walmore (27 April, contributed by Andy Jayne)

A Whinchat at Walmore Common this evening.

Coombe Hill and Wainlodes (25 April, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Coombe Hill this morning: a bit windy and therefore none too good for birdsong; the better meadows looking gorgeous with carpets of cuckoo-flower and sedge. 4 Bar-tailed Godwits (first identified yesterday evening by Lawrence Skipp), one male and three females, almost unheard of inland in spring though this would be a classic date for the estuary; 1 Black-tailed Godwit, two Oystercatchers (one with metal ring on left leg), 3 Little Ringed Plovers dropped in, then flew off at 08.25am confirming that LRPs here are generally if not always migrants, 2 Redshanks with a little display, up to 7 Shelducks, at least 6 Sedge Warblers along canal, two or three Lesser Whitethroats, at least three or four Redstarts singing.

River Severn at Wainlodes: 1 Cetti’s Warbler, singing not very frequently from riverside willows; 1 Yellow Wagtail over to north.

Walmore Common (24 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

Seen today: 2 Little Ringed Plovers, only three Lapwing, at least 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers and 2 Lesser Whitethroats singing. Also four Linnets. The vegetation is looking lovely on the Common with lots of Orange-Tip butterflies.

Leigh Meadows (23 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

Seen yesterday evening: this area has some of the best unspoilt hay meadows in the Severn Vale and they are just beginning to look really full of flowers – carpets of Cuckoo Flowers and sedges growing nicely. The birds were a bit quiet: only one Curlew and 2 Lapwings, 2 singing Lesser Whitethroats, one Redstart with alarm call.

Coombe Hill (22/23 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

On the evening of 22 April: 4 Shelducks, 15 Greylags, 1 hybrid Greylag x Barhead, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Curlew came to roost, 1 Whimbrel, no Lapwings or Redshank, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Cuckoo.

On the morning of 23 April: mMost of the above, plus: 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 singing Lesser Whitethroats, at least three singing Redstarts and birds of the day were 2 Linnets.

Northleach (21 April, contributed by Gordon and Margaret Avery)

A Red Kite was seen being harassed by a Carrion Crow over the A40.

Little Rissington (21 April, contributed by Gordon and Margaret Avery)

A female Wheatear was on Little Rissington airfield.

Cheltenham (19/21 April, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Lesser Whitethroat was singing in Swindon Lane on the morning of the 19th and late afternoon on the 21st there was the first Holly Blue of the year.

Sudmeadow (19 April, contributed by Gordon Avery)

Seen this afternoon at Sudmeadow were: a Green Sandpiper and a Cuckoo, while there were 2 Wheatears on the GLS slope.

Standish (11 April, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

An astonishing cloud formation, straight as a die, the sky divided blue to the west, flat grey cloud to the east, running from horizon to horizon. We checked it up on the Met Office website and the satellite image showed it extending in pretty much a straight line from the Bay of Biscay, through southern England, up the Welsh Marches, out across the North Sea roughly on the Scottish borders and continuing up past the Shetlands. It was visible as a curious line on the southern horizon when we got up at around 7am, and this photo was taken at around 10am after it had passed overhead.

Forest of Dean (11 April, contributed by Andy Jayne)

In the Woorgreens/Kensley area today, highlights were nine Goosander, two Goshawks and a Sparrowhawk high overhead, a male Redstart, a male Pied Flycatcher, four Ravens, about 20 Lesser Redpolls and two Hawfinch. Also two Tree Pipits nearby at Yewtreebrake.

Sudmeadow (11 April, contributed by Gordon Avery)

Seen this afternoon were:

3 Teal on the Plantation Pool
1m Peregrine over Sudmeadow
1 Green Sandpiper at Sudmeadow
1 Red-legged Partridge on the GLS slope
1m Wheatear on the GLS slope
2 Willow Warblers at Sudmeadow marsh (at last)!

Ashleworth and Coombe Hill (11 April, contributed by Mike Smart, Les Brown and John Wiltshire)

Coombe Hill: the water level continues to drop. Ducks and waders were very few in number. 2 pairs of Shelduck, one at the Long Pool and one at Cobney Meadows; 15 Teal on the Long Pool, a single Wigeon. 25 Mute Swans had roosted and went to graze on the neighbouring farmer’s field. Absolutely no sign of breeding Lapwing or Redshank, either around scrapes or on Cobney Meadows, Curlews few in number. 2 Whimbrel flew in mid-morning. Summer visitors on the other hand increasing hand over foot: at least 15 Willow Warblers, 10 Chiffchaffs, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, at least six Redstarts (the latter mainly at western end of canal), all singing their hearts out.

Ashleworth : a Cuckoo seen and heard.

Walmore (9 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

It was very quiet during a walk around today at midday. There were 6 Mute Swans (all grazing immatures, I couldn’t find any nests), 5 Shelducks (two pairs prospecting), 5 Teal, a flock of 5 Curlew which must have been passing migrants, no Lapwings and no Redshanks which is disappointing. 20+ Swallows, 2 House Martins. The local farmer said their first Swallow this year was on what for them was the early date of 28 March.

Saul Warth (9 April, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Seen today: a drake Red-breasted Merganser. Also a pair of Pintail, a Little Egret, two Water Rails, two Oystercatchers, 16 Black-tailed Godwits and a Spotted Redshank.

Guscar Rocks & Aylburton Warth (8 April, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Guscar Rocks & Aylburton Warth today sightings included two Canada Geese, c. 26 Shelduck, 11 Teal, an adult male Peregrine, two pairs of Oystercatcher, a Ringed Plover, c.50 Lapwing (including numerous pairs on territory), a Snipe, one Bar-tailed Godwit, 190 Curlew, 23 Redshank, single Green and Common Sandpipers, a male Yellow Wagtail, seven White Wagtails, two female Wheatears and two Ravens. Also two Brown Hares.

Poor’s Allotment, Tidenham Chase (8 April, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Poor’s Allotment, Tidenham Chase today a pair of very active Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers and also two Lesser Redpolls.

Coombe Hill (7 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

An evening session at Coombe Hill: everything is drying out with the lack of rain over the last six weeks, but birds were a bit thin. A single Little Ringed Plover, sitting on the edge of the scrape, no doubt a migrant. Only nine Curlews came to roost (against 28 a week ago), largely in pairs, all very noisy, bubbling, males chasing larger females. No Lapwings, Redshank or Snipe, though it was a bit windy. 27 Mute Swans (nearly all immatures) still stuffing themselves with the neighbouring farmer’s grass and coming in to roost very late. Two pairs of Shelducks, one per scrape, looking well established. About 25 Sand Martins over the Long Pool; a note in the logbook said there had been considerable passage in the morning, with some Yellow and White Wagtails.

Sudmeadow (6 April, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A walk around this afternoon produced the following:

2 Red-legged Partridges
1 Green Sandpiper
1 female Wheatear
Pair of Linnets (the first returning birds of the year)

Ashleworth (5 April, contributed by Mike Smart and Mervyn Greening)

The year’s first ringing session this morning (sharp frost and thick mist over the Severn), produced 22 birds, a fair figure for the time of year. Among the birds of interest were:

a one year old male Redstart (quite heavy and still carrying a good deal of fat, so probably a bird on the way through); also at least one bird singing.
a Willow Warbler (also heavy with a good fat score, so also probably a bird moving through); at least one other singing
a female Blackcap
six Reed Buntings (every single one a retrap from previous summers, so we are clearly monitoring them effectively); many more singing.

Otherwise quiet: two Curlews bubbling, one non-displaying Lapwing.

Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (4 April, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Coombe Hill: still very quiet around the scrapes. Three Shelducks, 20 Teal, two Shoveler, 1 Sparrowhawk. 1 Little Ringed Plover (an adult present early in the morning but moved off calling at about 07.30am, so likely to have been a migrant); still no Lapwings displaying round the scrapes, one pair of Curlew bubbling, eight Fieldfares went over high to the north east, at least three Willow Warblers singing. At Wainlodes end, four displaying lapwings, one Redshank, one Green Sandpiper, 2 Ravens, one Willow Warbler singing.

At Ashleworth, the water levels on the reserve have dropped sharply since the boards were removed from the sluice: still 55 Wigeon, 58 Shoveler, 38 Teal, 6 Pintail, one Treecreeper singing.

Coombe Hill (1 April, contributed by Mike Smart)

An evening visit revealed 1 Little Egret, at least 7 Shelducks, 25 Mute Swans which came in to roost at nightfall after laying bare the neighbouring farmer’s prime grass all day. Most interesting were, as always on spring evenings, the waders: 2 Little Ringed Plovers, really looking like passing migrants (non-vocal and retiring), 3 Redshanks (a pair and a gooseberry perhaps, agitated but no real display), but no Lapwings; most interesting were the Curlews with additional birds coming in all the time, chasing one another, making display calls and generally very excited. The final total at nightfall was not less than 28. I am sure this is a communal roost for all the neighbouring breeders. Snipe started to fly round at dusk but there was no drumming. A Blackcap and five Chiffchaffs were singing but as yet no Willow Warblers.

Sudmeadow (31 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

Very quiet here really although 2 male Blackcaps were in song today plus at least 3 Chiffchaffs. Also new were 2 male Reed Buntings and a Snipe remains in the marsh.

Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (31 March, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

All still very quiet, birdwise.

Coombe Hill: a flock of immature 24 Mute Swans was newly arrived on a neighbouring farmer’s field south of the canal (the field preferred by the Whoopers). 18 Canada Geese, one pair nest building within site of the hide. Again, a single Little Ringed Plover dropped in just for a short while; this seems to be the pattern here with migrants showing very briefly. Only one Lapwing and two Redshanks. 4 Shelducks, 30 Teal, 13 Shoveler. Three Pied Wagtails which were clearly migrants. A Blackcap and six Chiffchaffs singing.

Ashleworth: most boards have been removed from the sluice, to reduce water levels as per management plan. Four Pintail, 10 Tufted Duck with duck numbers overall dwindling rapidly. One singing Blackcap.

Standish (29 March, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Two Swallows flew over this morning – the first of the spring here.

Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (28 March, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Coombe Hill: the fields are drying out at last after the dry weather of last two weeks and the cold winds. There is still plenty of water in the scrapes (but few birds!). At least three pairs of prospecting Shelducks, 2 Little Ringed Plovers (flew in separately during the morning, suggested they were passing migrants); at last three Lapwings displaying (not round the scrapes but at the west end of the reserve); at least four pairs of Mute Swan holding territories between the Wharf and Wainlodes. Only 12 Teal and 9 Shoveler on the Long Pool, also 4 Snipe. 10 Chiffchaffs singing and a Peregrine on the grass again, though not the same one as last week; this time a very obvious brown immature.

Ashleworth: a steady northward trickle of Sand Martins with two House Martins and a couple of Swallows. One Curlew, no Lapwings, 15 Tufted Ducks. Ducks decreasing rapidly: maybe 30 Wigeon and 20 Teal.

GLS “Sheep Downs” (28 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A walk in the area today revealed little! However, there was a minimum of 35 Ravens on the sheep downs, taking care of the carcases, etc.. On Minsterworth Ham there were 10 Shelduck, accompanied by the Australian type hybrid male.

Castle Meads (27 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

5 Little Egrets were present yesterday (26th, per John Sanders) and I saw them again this morning – perhaps there are lots of frogs there or were!

Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (24 March, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Rather quiet again today. The most interesting thing was a Peregrine, adult or near adult, on the ground outside the Grundon Hide at Coombe Hill, consuming what appeared to be a Mallard, with two Carrion Crows in close attendance only a yard away, eating scraps and two Brown Hares 20 yards away, taking absolutely no notice.

Otherwise, at Coombe Hill: 1 Little Egret, two pairs of Shelducks, 30 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 8 Snipe, 2 Curlews, absolutely no Lapwings, 7 singing Chiffchaffs.

At Cobney Meadows: another pair of Shelducks, 2 Curlews, 2 singing Chiffchaffs.

At Ashleworth: 60 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 20 Shoveler, 10 Tufted Ducks, 25 Coot, 45 Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe.

Witcombe Reservoir (24 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A pretty mundane wildfowl count this morning enlivened by a ‘sinensis’ Cormorant – an Adult in breeding plumage with classic head and neck markings plus a good square gular patch.

Ketford (22 March, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Eight members of GNS executive committee met at Ketford Bank this morning, a nature reserve known for its wild daffodils, which were at peak bloom. (See Juliet’s photo below). The Bank’s steepness may have saved it from agricultural intensification in the past, but the down side is that it requires manual attention to control the bracken and bramble.

This site has long had connections with Gloucestershire Naturalists’ Society. Sonia Holland, then county botanist, bought it some 20 years ago and gave it to the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. John Hughes, one-time chairman of GNS and FWAG adviser also loved the site. We could not fail to be impressed by the swathe of daffodils, voted Gloucestershire’s county flower. We would encourage the reserve’s continued management and would like to see its future assured.

There is no access onto the reserve, but a public footpath lined with wild daffodils, the Poets Path, runs along the top of the Bank, giving excellent views.

Other species showing well this morning were white violets, yellow star-of-Bethlehem, moschatel, a comma butterfly and two beeflies. A chiffchaff was singing, and there was an occasional chur from fieldfare.

Newnham (21 March, contributed by Andy Jayne)

News passed on from David Eaton of the Glos RSPB Group concerns a Swallow flying upriver at Newnham today.

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

It was rather quiet at Coombe Hill this morning: 2 Little Egrets, 40 Teal, 12 Shoveler, no Lapwings which is really worrying, 1 Curlew, 6 Snipe; 4 Black-tailed Godwits resting in Long Pool which then flew off high and were clearly passing migrants; 5-6 singing Chiffchaffs, two Pied Wagtails.

At Ashleworth, it looks as though the 4 Whoopers have departed – they haven’t been seen since Tuesday and their normal departure dates are 16-19 March. 80 Wigeon, 20 Shoveler, only 2 Pintail, 15 Tufted Ducks, 3 Snipe, 1 singing Chiffchaff.

Cheltenham (18 March, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Peregrine Falcon circling high above the town centre at lunchtime today, its presence betrayed by gull alarm calls. Later a Comma butterfly along the Honeybourne Cyclepath near St Paul’s.

Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (17 March, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

The floods are pretty much gone at both sites and the ground is very slowing drying out after the constant flooding since last September. Today was a fine windless spring day. Duck numbers are decreasing fast. There has been little sign of breeding waders as yet. The Sand Martins reported last the weekend had moved on.

At Coombe Hill: 5 Shelduck, 54 Teal, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwings (didn’t look very interested in nesting), 3 Little Egrets.

Cobney Meadows (The Wainlode end of the canal): 2 bubbling Curlews, no Lapwings, 1 Green Sandpiper heard.

Ashleworth: four Whooper Swans roosting on the water; they flew out to graze on the field by Stank Lane at 06.25am, but hurry, they will be going to Iceland any day now. 167 Wigeon, only 30 Teal, 61 Shoveler, only two Pintail, 22 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, no Lapwings, 1 Curlew, 64 Snipe, 7 Jack Snipe, Little Grebe whinnying; at least five Chiffchaffs but not much song yet. Lots of Reed Buntings, which are very active, chasing one another and singing.

Sudmeadow (16 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A good day today in this area.

This morning at Sudmeadow were 4 Teal, 9 Snipe, Barn Owl and at least 2 Chiffchaffs. Later at the Landfill Site was a new species for the area in the guise of a Red Kite floating over towards Minsterworth Ham at 1.55pm. A great find!!

Cheltenham (16 March, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Chiffchaff was singing by the Honeybourne Cyclepath near Wyman’s Brook this morning.

Forest of Dean (15 March, contributed by Peter Fitchett)

A wide variety of easily seen birds was on offer this morning, including make and female Mandarins at Mallards Pike and Nuthatch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Brambling and this male Siskin on the feeders at New Fancy View. In addition the Great Grey Shrike at Boys Grave was showing well. See Peter’s pictures below.

Cheltenham (15 March, contributed by Robert Homan)

A male Brimstone butterfly was a brief garden visitor this morning.

Newent area (15 March, contributed by Peter Fitchett)

The wild daffodils in Gwen and Vera’s Fields were at their best today in the spring sunshine – see Peter’s pictures below.

Ashleworth (12 March, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

White violets were blooming abundantly today on a woodland edge, and inside the wood the earliest wood anemones were in flower.

Castle Meads, Gloucester (12 March, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

While driving past Castle Meads today I noticed a single Little Egret on the pools to the east of the causeway. Presumably the same bird was also present on Thursday 5th March.

Standish area (12 March, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Spring is starting to gather pace with flowering celandine now widespread, and a few early buttercups. I saw my first flowering cow parsley over the weekend, though only in May will it come to dominate the road verges and hedgerows.

Coombe Hill (11 March, contributed by Mike Smart)

Evening look at Coombe Hill today from the Grundon Hide:

1 Little Egret, 4 Shelduck, 13 Curlews roosting round edge of scrapes – were they migrants, stopping off to roost, or local breeding birds gathering to roost? Also a big pack of perhaps 200 roosting crows, Carrion Crows and Jackdaws, gathering on the grass before going to roost in the withies, unnerving the Curlews by their social interactions. No Lapwings , where have they gone? Perhaps intimidated by the crows. Just a little calling by Snipe, after 7.45pm. Also a fox slinking through the Phallaris.

At midday, a flock of 62 migrant alba wagtails, at least two of them White and a Water Pipit had been recorded in the hide log-book.

Tewkesbury and Hasfield Ham (10 March, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Tewkesbury today there was a 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull on the Severn Ham with a metal ring on the left leg and a large orange-red ring on the right leg. Unfortunately I couldn’t read it due to the long grass, but it has been suggested that it is from Eastern Europe. Also four Snipe and four Curlew there.

At Hasfield Ham two adult Peregrines (a pair), a Jack Snipe, 45 Snipe, three Curlew and a female Stonechat.

Severn Vale Wetlands (10 March, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Walmore: the two Bewick’s cygnets (Stinking and Bishop, offspring of Gorgonzola) which had stayed on at Walmore last week on their own, were last seen on Saturday afternoon. Interesting, because 12 of the remaining 13 Bewick’s at Slimbridge departed on Friday night. There was no sign of them on the Common by day yesterday; they definitely didn’t roost on the Common pool last night (not present at 0545 this morning with only 11 Mutes present) and weren’t at Slimbridge either. So they have set out on their own.

Coombe Hill: 1 Little Egret, 3 Shelducks, 150 Teal, 12 Shoveler; some sign of wader passage: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin; also some resident waders looking territorial – about 5 each of Lapwing and Curlew, lots of bubbling from the latter; and 2 Green Sandpipers at the Wainlodes end.

Leigh Meadows: still four Whoopers grazing.

Ashleworth: 34 Gadwall, 60 Coot and lovely flock of migrant wagtails, 55 Pied and a single male White.

Sudmeadow (9 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

Seen the afternoon were: 19 Teal, 5 Snipe and 2 Woodcock.

Hempsted Meadows NR (6 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A look around Hempsted Meadows NR this morning produced 2 Snipe plus a pair of Reed Buntings, the first this year, and the first Skylark here in song. On Minsterworth Ham there were 2 pairs Shelduck, 1 pair of Canada Geese and a drake Shoveler.

Sudmeadow (6 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe and 4 Teal on Sudmeadow plus a pair of Shelduck on the waste ground pools by Presswelds factory, Hempsted.

Walmore Bewick’s (5 March, contributed by Mike Smart)

There is a note below about the practice departure migration flight taken by 20 or 30 Bewick’s on 21 February. Those birds went up the Severn in the morning passing over Walmore , Sudmeadow and Coombe Hill but then returned to Slimbridge. Since then, as you can see from Julia’s blog on the WWT website, they have in fact departed, usually at night, and numbers at Slimbridge are down to 13 with two cygnets.

However, Walmore Bewick’s have been doing their own thing: there was a family of one parent (Gorgonzola) with two cygnets, which had been visiting Walmore since January, and often roosting on the Common Pool, even when other Bewick’s Swans returned from Walmore to Slimbridge in the evening. Gorgonzola + 2 had joined the practice departure on the morning of 21 February, but I saw them return to the Common together later in the morning, and carry on feeding. However, on the night of 21/22 February, a night when about 40 Bewick’s departed from Slimbridge, Mum (Gorgonzola) disappeared, most unusually leaving her two cygnets behind. These are birds born on the Russian tundra in summer 2008, which flew to Gloucestershire in autumn 2008 with Mum (Dad has never been definitely identified), but have never made the return trip to the breeding grounds.

Since 22 February, they have been observed in daylight every day at Walmore, generally keeping aloof from the local Mute; some evenings they fly back to Slimbridge, some evenings they roost on the Common. What is going to happen to them? Are they going to link up with the last 13, and depart to the tundra? Or, if they don’t link up, how are they going to find their way? Are we going to have summering Bewick’s in Glos? Watch this space!

Severn Hams (5 March, contributed by Mike Smart)

At Walmore: the two unaccompanied minor Bewick’s (offspring of the departed Gorgonzola) are still present, and probably roosted there last night without going back to Slimbridge; also 2 Shelduck, 35 Teal, 14 Lapwings (one displaying a bit), 10 Snipe, at least 5 Reed Buntings singing.

At Ashleworth, the water level on the reserve is still high, although little or no floodwater remains on the surrounding meadows. Only about 400 ducks left: 180 Teal, 120 Wigeon, 25 Gadwall, 40 Shoveler, 15 Pintail, 10 Tufted, 55 Coots (as usual an increase in spring before the waters drop); 3 Curlews (one giving the bubbling display song), 82 Snipe, 1+ Jack Snipe, 5 Reed Buntings singing. No sign of singing Chiffchaffs or of the Hen Harrier reported recently in the area.

At Leigh Meadows, four Whooper Swans, still grazing placidly.

Sudmeadow (5 March, contributed by Gordon Avery)

An immature male Peregrine was over the tip the afternoon heading towards the Lynton Farm.

Cheltenham (24 February, contributed by Robert Homan)

Croaking from the garden pond last night suggested that the frogs were active and indeed this morning there were 5 clumps of spawn and a number of presumably female frogs present.

Coombe Hill (24 February, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

The floods have receded, leaving the meadows muddy, dank and desolate, more like a mudflat than a hay meadow. Some signs of early wader passage: 17 Curlews, which had obviously roosted, flew off to the northwest soon after first light; a flock of 44 Lapwing, still in winter plumage and flocking, whereas birds are already displaying at Walmore; a single Dunlin with the Lapwing; a lone Golden Plover flew over, calling; 30 Snipe on the southern meadows. Duck numbers were low: 5 Shelduck lekking, 170 Teal, 5 Shoveler.

A mink departed with alacrity as I entered the Long Pool Hide; from the smell, it has taken up residence there. Three brown hares were seen.

Witcombe (24 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

22 Siskins were in alders at the reservoirs this morning.

Walmore and the Bewick’s Swans (23 February, contributed by Mike Smart)

More interesting sightings today. Two cygnets (presumably Gorgonzola’s offspring) were on their own, without their mother, at Walmore yesterday (22nd). They were there again this afternoon at least from 4.20pm onwards when I arrived, and I assumed that they would roost on the pool on the Common again. But no, at 5.55pm they took off and flew in the direction of Slimbridge. So they should have connected with the main flock of Bewick’s at Slimbridge again, and will presumably depart with them.

Interestingly, the usual group of Bewick’s (including TUV, BCH and 607) that flies over to Walmore for the day and returns to Slimbridge in the evening was not seen at Walmore either yesterday or today. Which suggests that they are probably among those that left on Sunday night.

Walmore and area (22 February, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Seen at Walmore Common were two juvenile Bewick’s Swans, five Shelduck, 100 Teal, 60 Snipe and a record count of six Jack Snipe.

At Broadoak, Newnham a first-winter Iceland Gull was seen late afternoon.

Sudmeadow (21 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

10 Lapwing moved north over the Lower Parting at 08.08am.
Adult Male Peregrine on the pylon at Lower Parting at 08.30am, then seen twice more during the morning, once on the pylon at the Power Station at Port Ham and once on the pylon over on the ‘Manor’ Linton Farm.
A male Chaffinch singing at Sudmeadow, the first I’ve heard this year.

See below for additional observations concerning Bewick’s Swans in the area.

Severn Vale (21 February, contributed by Mike Smart, Les Brown and Gordon Avery)

At Walmore at first light this morning in bright clear conditions, there were three Bewick’s Swans, Gorgonzola and her two cygnets, who for at least a week have stayed to roost on the Common Pool at Walmore, rather then returning to roost at Slimbridge, like most other Bewick’s. They flew the 200 metres to their usual grazing field at 06h58. Then at 07h08 (a very early time for birds to arrive at Walmore from Slimbridge for the day’s grazing), a flock of 20 Bewick’s appeared over the Common, circled twice and, without landing, flew off upriver to the north; Gorgonzola and her family thereupon took off and joined them. At 07h20, there was one Bewick’s left on the pool at Walmore, which took off and landed on one of the fields, but sat looking agitated with its neck vertical; another singleton arrived from the north at 07.45am.

At 07.24am, at Sudmeadow, just south of Gloucester, Gordon Avery noted a flock of 22 Bewick’s Swans (including at least four immatures) flying NE along the Severn. Then at 07.35am, 13, probably some of the same birds, flew south over Sudmeadow again.

At 07.45am, Les Brown, who was in the hide at Coombe Hill, heard Bewick’s overhead and saw a flock of 18 which circled, did not land, then flew west towards the Severn. At 07.53am, Richard Cook who was driving along the Gloucester by-pass at Over saw “about 20” swans (not definitely Bewick’s, but it seems very probable) flying south back downriver. Meanwhile at Walmore, two more adults came in from the north at 08.10am, and the two already present began a furious threat display against them; at 08.20am, all four took off and headed over the Chaxhill ridge in the direction of Slimbridge. At 08.32am, seven swans flew into Walmore from the north and landed, four of them unringed adults, the other three, an adult and two cygnets which must have been Gorgonzola and family. These seven remained and no more arrived (i.e. not the usual morning influx from Slimbridge) before 10.30am when I left. The seven were still present at 14.15pm when I took another quick look.

It looks very much as though this was a “practice departure”: the flock of 20 left Slimbridge in the early morning (as they often do on departing NE migration), overflew Walmore, called up Gorgonzola & kids, then all flew north towards Coombe Hill, losing heart as they went, and various birds peeled off, returning southwards, until the whole flock returned south. It will be interesting to see how many are recorded at the roost at Slimbridge this evening. But in these perfect conditions for return migration, they surely won’t be around much longer.

There is a great deal of information on Bewick’s Swans and their comings and goings at Slimbridge here.

Sudmeadow (19 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A superb female/imm female Merlin seen this afternoon flying over the tip towards Minsterworth Ham.

Severn Hams (17 February, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Water levels remain high at Coombe Hill and the hides are inaccessible, but birds can be seen from the canal towpath. Highlights today were the first Curlew of the spring, a flock of nine, with three Dunlin. At Ashleworth, the water also high and not many ducks were visible; there were 19 Snipe and 3 Jack Snipe near Stank Lane. At Leigh Meadows the four Whooper Swans still present.

At Walmore, five Bewick’s roosted and were joined by 19 more from Slimbridge. A coordinated count yesterday afternoon gave 166 at Slimbridge and 14 at Walmore, which is very close to the winter’s maximum of 183, so departures haven’t begun yet. 20+ Ravens flew out from Walmore at first light in the direction of the land fill site at Gloucester.

Cheltenham (16 February, contributed by Robert Homan)

A male Blackcap was singing in Swindon lane today and a Peacock butterfly was a brief garden visitor in the late morning sunshine. Yesterday in Cheltenham town centre a male Blackbird was in full song at 6.00pm.

Walmore (15/16 February, contributed by Mike Samrt)

Following the big tides last week (the largest of the year with tides of over 10 metres for four days running), Walmore was lightly flooded.

With the floodwater dropping gradually on the 15th, at first light there were 29 Bewick’s Swans (three cygnets) which had roosted on the water there. They included three ringed birds (607, TUV and BCH) which have been recorded regularly at Walmore since the beginning of the year. (The three ringed birds were back at Slimbridge in the evening, so did not roost again). Also at least 400 Teal, 8 Snipe, 7 Canada Geese.

On the evening of the 16th, with the water level lower, there were only 14 Bewick’s (with three cygnets), none of them ringed, which stayed until 6.00pm when it was practically dark. Some appeared to fly to Slimbridge but some stayed to roost. Also at least 48 Ravens coming to roost in oak trees, flying in from the direction of Gloucester between 5.15 pm and 6.00pm, presumably from the land fill site.

Arlingham Warth (15 February, contributed by Andy Jayne)

A male Goshawk was seen today being mobbed by Crows and gulls. Also a Jack Snipe and four Snipe were flushed from a stubble field.

Sudmeadow (14 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Chiffchaff was by the marsh this morning, hawking for insects.

Walmore (14 February, contributed by Mike Smart)

The floodwater at Walmore is decreasing and not iced over now. At first light 29 Bewick’s were present, including three cygnets. They had obviously roosted, which accounts for a slight decrease at Slimbridge in the last few days. Also present were 375+ Teal, 13 Pintail, 1 Shelduck, 1 Raven.

Severn Hams (14 February, contributed by Les Brown)

At Coombe Hill the floodwater has risen again, making the hides inaccessible, though the central reserve can be viewed from the canal towpath. The water is higher at Ashleworth too, but the hides were still accessible along the road.

Minsterworth Ham area (11 February, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Minsterworth Ham today 17 Shelduck, a Green Sandpiper and 100 Meadow Pipits and nearby at Calcott’s Green a Hawfinch in an orchard and a redhead Goosander on the Severn.

Frampton and Longney (10 February, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Frampton Pools today there were three female Scaup among 208 Tufted Duck and ten Pochard on the Sailing Lake.

At Longney there was a pale second-winter Glaucous Gull on the sands for well over an hour mid-afternoon. Also a first-winter Herring Gull with white primaries and 100 Skylarks on a nearby field.

Cheltenham (10 February, contributed by Robert Homan)

A pair of Ravens was seen in flight low over Swindon Lane this afternoon. Their presence in the area in now a more or less daily occurence.

Sudmeadow (9 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A female garden Blackcap was seen this morning.

Sudmeadow (8 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

Seen in the area this morning were: 8 Cormorants
5 Canada Geese
14 Teal
2 Wigeon
300 Wood Pigeons in the area probably due to shooting on the other side of the river
28 Siskins feeding in riverside alders, less than annual here.

Standish (5 February, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

I had been feeling a bit deprived; there have been all these reports of heavy snow, but it seemed to have missed this part of the Vale until this morning, when there was about 4 cm lying. I went for a short walk round the local farmland (see my picture below), looking for animal prints. Rabbit prints were abundant, a few fox tracks, but only birds apart from that. What particularly surprised me was the lack of deer prints. Roe are very common round here and I see them more often than not when on this walk. I wonder if they had retreated to the woods. In the garden the birds showed beautifully, lit from below as well as above. A Fieldfare was guarding the lawn where I have put out stored windfall apples, and it chases off all other Fieldfares, Blackbirds and Song Thrush. Perched on the shed roof, it started pecking the moss cushions. This looked like displacement activity rather than feeding. I had previously noticed a chunk of apparently healthy moss on the ground and wondered why it had broken off. This could be the answer.

Aust (4 February, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Seen in Aust churchyard today, a little patch of celandines in full bloom.

Sudmeadow (4 February, contributed by Gordon Avery)

An adult male Peregrine heading SE over this morning at 08.05 and a male Stonechat in the area.

Severn Hams (3 February, contributed by Mike Smart)

The Severn continues to drop, but there is still extensive water, much of it iced over, on the riverside meadows. At Coombe Hill, the hides are still inaccessible and likely to remain so for a couple of days yet, but the area of open water can be seen from the canal towpath. At Ashleworth, hide easily accessible, and most birds sitting round the edges of the water on the main reserve field. Biggest combined total of ducks so far this winter, 2,500 or so; unusually in relation to previous winters, Teal are much the most numerous, with a lot less Wigeon, normally the commonest species; the cold snap clearly hasn’t scared them off yet.

At Coombe Hill today, a total of over 800 ducks (not immediately obvious because a lot are sitting round the edges, hiding and loafing in the vegetation): 200 Wigeon, 500+ Teal, 10 Gadwall, 60 Mallard 150 Pintail, 40 Shoveler, 65 Coot 43 Lapwings.

At Ashleworth, at least 1,500 ducks maybe nearly 2,000: 2 Little Grebes, 800 Teal, 400 Wigeon, 100 Pintail, 70 Mallard, 40 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck; in fields along Stank Lane, 20 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe.

I couldn’t find the Whoopers today, but the are probably tucked away somewhere.

Severn Hams (2 February, World Wetlands Day, contributed by Mike Smart)

The Severn is still dropping, despite the snow and water is pouring off meadows at Coombe Hill and Ashleworth.

The 4 Whooper Swans are back on Leigh Meadows. Also seen today were: 190 Canada Geese in flight over Coombe Hill; a Grey Wagtail perching on flotsam below Haw Bridge; a Raven at Wainlodes and a flock of 40 Stock Doves near Ashleworth Ham, the biggest for some time.