Sightings

Coombe Hill (25 and 28 July, contributed by Robert Homan)

Indications of the effects of the heavy rain in the early part of the summer are the broods of 8 Tufted Ducks and 2 Coots on the scrapes with another 2 broods of Tufted Duck and 1 of Coot visible from the Long Pool Hide. Dragon/Damselflies included Black-tailed Skimmer, Brown and Southern Hawkers, Ruddy and Common Darters and Emerald Damselfly.

Black-tailed Skimmer basking in sunshine on bare mud at the edge of the Snipe Pool, Coombe Hill, July 2006 (R. Homan)

Coopers Hill (27 July, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Hobby circling over the nature reserve in the afternoon.

Port Ham, Gloucester (23 July, contributed by Andy Jayne)

This afternoon there was a Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Hobby, a Peregrine, a Common Sandpiper, a Kingfisher and two Whinchats (adult and juvenile).

Dragonflies included Emperor, Black-tailed Skimmer, Broad-bodied Chaser and Ruddy Darter. Also one Clouded Yellow.

Purton area (22 July, contributed by Gordon Avery)

1 or 2 Brown Hawkers were seen opposite the Timber Ponds. There were at least 3 Mandarins on the canal and a Meadow Pipit was seen food carrying along the foreshore.

Coombe Hill (20 July, contributed by David Anderson)

This Musk Beetle (Aromia moschata) was seen on Meadowsweet next to the Osier bed on the path to Grundon hide today.

Aromia moschata, Coombe Hill, July 2006 (D Anderson)

Witcombe Res. (19 July, contributed by Gordon Avery)

An adult Hobby seen beating up the local dragonfly population plus an adult Dabchick with a stripy headed juvenile. The first time that breeding has been proved here.

Frampton Gravel Pits (18 July, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Plenty of dragon and damselflies, including Common Blue Damsel Enallagma cyathigerum, Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum, Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis, Southern Hawker) Aeshna cyanea, Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum.

The photo shows a Ruddy Darter in a typical pose, resting on a sunny post amid lush vegetation. Frampton, 2006 (Marie-Helene Le Roux).

Maisemore and Ashleworth area (16 July, contributed by Andy Jayne)

A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was seen at Maisemore today. Also a Hobby over Stonebow Farm, Ashleworth and the same or another at Haw Bridge.

Coombe Hill (14 July, contributed by David Anderson)

C.50 Lapwing, 1 Curlew, 3 Buzzard, 4 Green Sandpiper, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Little Egret, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler were seen either by the canal or at the scrapes. Among the butterflies were 1 Comma and 2 Red Admiral by the canal. There was a Brown Hare to the south of the canal.

Sudmeadow (14 July, contributed by Gordon Avery)

In the morning an adult Common Tern flew south over Sudmeadow. The sunny weather produced a good showing of Gatekeepers. These were supported by reasonable numbers of Marbled Whites, Red Admirals, Peacocks, Meadow Browns, Small Skippers and Commas.

Cheltenham (5 July, contributed by Robert Homan)

The micro-moth Cameraria ohridella has reached Cheltenham. The spread of this tiny insect across Europe is an amazing story. In essence the first record of the moth was from Macedonia in 1985 and since then it has moved westwards and eastwards, colonising much of central and eastern Europe by 2000. It reached the UK in 2002 and the evidence suggests that the pattern of rapid spread has continued with the first Gloucestershire record in 2005. The mines in Cheltenham were found along the Chelt Walk near the Waitrose supermarket car park which ties in with the thinking that the moth’s spread might be assisted by vehicles. Indeed one suggestion for new records is to look at Horse Chestnuts growing in areas with many lorry deliveries – a supermarket perhaps!

The fungus Guignardia aesculi causes brown blotches on chestnut leaves and is very widespread. The mature leaf mines are, however, quite distinctive and look like small fried eggs. More details can be found on this Forestry Commission Exotic Pest Alert.

Cameraria ohridella mine in Horse Chestnut, Cheltenham, July 2006 (R Homan)

Moth News (Late June, contributed by Robert Homan)

The warm weather and southerly winds at the end of June produced many interesting moth records, including migrants such as this Bordered Straw:

Bordered Straw, a migrant moth from S Europe, Cheltenham, June 2006 (R Homan)

and these spectacular Privet Hawk-moths:

Privet Hawk-moths, Whittington, June 2006 (R Homan)

Sudmeadow (27 June, contributed by Gordon Avery)

The discovery of at least 5 Pyramidal Orchids today was a first for this site in many years recording.

Lesser Emperor Dragonfly in the Cotswold Water Park: First Attempted Breeding! (20 June, contributed by Gareth Harris)

The Lesser Emperor story of the Cotswold Water Park continued to unfold in 2006! After a single sighting of a male in 2005 (at Lake 26, Wilts) 2006 has produced a bumper crop of sightings.

First sighting was on the 12th June; a male was found patrolling some margins at some active mineral workings in the Western section of the CWP (site undisclosed for health and safety reasons) (Steve Covey, GH).

This was then followed by a tentative sighting at Swillbrook Lakes (Lakes 46/48, Glos) on the 16th July (Nick adams, Reserve Warden), followed by confirmed sightings by Damien Pinguey and Steve Covey on the 17th. This male stayed around long enough for a female to find him, and the pair were observed ovipositing in tandem (a characteristic of this species) on the 19th July.

A visit to nearby lakes shortly after observing them ovipositing, resulted in the discovery (by Steve Covey) of another male, whilst also at the same time, Chris Walker, Senior Ranger found a male at Keynes Country park (Lake 32, Glos/Wilts)!

As of today, (20th) yet another male was found on a private lake near Somerford Keynes whilst the male was still present at Keynes Country Park, on the southern shore of Lake 32.

Even allowing for individuals moving around, there are clearly several individuals here. It would be worth checking any of the lakes in the area as you are likely to find your own Lesser Emperor! So why not come and have a look!

Syreford and Sevenhampton (18 June, contributed by Robert Homan)

Most striking today were the two fields of poppies near Syreford easily seen from the road to Sevenhampton. Also a Painted Lady and a nest of a bumblebee species, probably attacked by a badger, on the edge of Sevenhampton.

Syreford and Sevenhampton, June 2006: Poppies and bumblebee and nest. (R Homan)

Saintbury (18 June, contributed by David Anderson)

A Turtle Dove calling early in the morning.

Hawling area (13 June, contributed by Andy Jayne)

The highlights of a cycle ride from Roel Gate/Hawling to the Huntsmans Quarry area today were a Hobby, two Redstarts, six Tree Sparrows and 15 singing Corn Buntings.

Insect News (12 June)

The warm weather in early June has brought a spate of insect records. Roger Gaunt left two traps at The Wilderness, Mitcheldean overnight on Wed/Thurs of last week. On opening them up early on Thursday morning, he found a Bird’s Wing moth, among many others. This is the first record since 1986, and that was the first for many years. On Friday morning Roger tried some new pheromones in Cinderford Linear park, and had one White-barred Clearwing. This is a new site for this species. There were also four and possibly six Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries.

In Cheltenham on the evening of 11th June there were 30 Silver Y moths feeding on valerian flowers in Swindon Lane. Several members have reported the tiny migrant moth Plutella xylostella Diamond-backed Moth in the last few days.

Coombe Hill (10 June, contributed by Robert Homan)

The floods noted by Mike Smart have now receeded, but the water has left a large amount of blanket weed, especially on the northern scrape. In the afternoon on the scrapes, there were 12 Mute Swans, 11 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 3 Curlews flew over and there were at least 8 Lapwings, including one that showed some defensive behaviour suggesting some breeding success.

Coombe Hill, June 2006: Mute Swans and a ‘Fig Gall’ Tetraneura ulmi (R Homan)

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.

North Cotswolds mammals (27 January, contributed by Ian Ralphs)

Observations during the day included:

65 Fallow Deer laying up in a large arable field, between Clapton-on-Hill and Sherborne. SP1716.

2 Roe Deer Great Rissington SP 2017

3 Roe Deer Great Rissington SP 2117

3 Hares (Boxing) Great Rissington SP2017

3 Hares (Boxing) Great Rissington SP2117

and a Fox at Beer Furlong Farm, Eastleach SP1906.

Cheltenham (27 January, contributed by Robert Homan)

There is another Starling roost in Cheltenham, this time in the NW part of the town centre. There were some 1000 or so birds in a pre-roost display at 4.30 pm today.

Sudmeadow (24 January, contributed by Gordon Avery)

2 Chiffchaffs in the area – one by the Parting and the other by Llantony Weir.

Tidenham Chase (21 January, contributed by Ian Ralphs)

A Red Admiral at The Park, Tidenham Chase, at lunchtime in beautiful sunny weather.

Sudmeadow (21 January, contributed by Gordon Avery)

2 pairs of Stonechats this morning: a pair on Sudmeadow and the other on Hempsted Nature Reserve.

Leigh Meadows (15 January, contributed by Andy Jayne)

A female Merlin this afternoon, perched for a while before being harassed by a Magpie. The two adult Whooper Swans were there again; also 2 Sparrowhawks, a male Stonechat and a Lesser Redpoll.

Sudmeadow (15 January, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Green Sandpiper today near the site of the old barn.

Severn Hams (15 January, contributed by Mike Smart)

Today being WeBS count day, I went very early to Coombe Hill in the hope of confirming that the pair of Whoopers are actually roosting there with the Mutes. Alas, as I walked along the boardwalk in semi-darkness at 07h30, I heard the sound of Mute Swan wings, obviously birds flying out, so I presume that some Mutes flew out at first light, and probably the Whoopers with them.

At 07h30 on the scrapes there were still about 15 Mutes, and in the corner some indeterminate geese. The Mutes flew out in the direction of Leigh Meadows, all gone by 08h15. As the light improved, I realised that six of the geese were Canadas, which flew off at about 08h00 in the direction of Apperley, as observed on previous visits.

There were still ten grey geese on the water however, and as the light improved I realised they were Whitefronts; very nervous, sitting on the water, clearly after roosting, making no attempt either to fly out or to feed. As it brightened, I was able to that they were Whitefronts, and realised finally from the yellow bills and very heavy markings on the underparts of some adults, that they were Greenland, not European, Whitefronts. This would make sense, given the north west winds we have had in recent days. Closer observation revealed that they were a family party of two adults plus five (!) goslings, together with three other adults, the latter repeatedly chased off by the adults of the family party. At first they sat nervously on the water, not attempting to feed, but after a while they moved onto the grass by the scrapes, and began to graze; the male of the family party remained very alert, and never even tried to feed. They were very nervous: anything made them stick their necks in the air; a couple of Mute Swans flying in, a hare running past. At about 09h35, a very distant and very high-flying helicopter came past; this was too much for them and they disappeared in an instant, so rapidly that I was unable to tell in which direction they left. Just shows that birds have to get used to local conditions; all the many helicopters flying over Coombe Hill wouldn’t have bothered most of the local birds. I saw them well enough to check that none were ringed.

I went on to the adjacent Leigh Meadows, where I duly recorded the usual two adult Whoopers which must have flow out of Coombe Hill very early, together with about 20 Mutes. No sign of the Whitefronts, and they weren’t at Ashleworth either. It will be very interesting to see if they turn up at Slimbridge.

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

An early morning visit to Ashleworth showed that the Whoopers were not roosting there; it seems as though they may be roosting at Coombe Hill. The water levels in the Severn and on the marshes were low; there were many more birds at Ashleworth than elsewhere.

Whooper Swan: the usual pair feeding on the Leigh Meadows after 10h00. No sign of any additional birds: are the pair reported from Slimbridge the Leigh Meadows birds or a separate, additional pair?

Bewick’s Swan: none at Ashleworth or Leigh Meadows; at Walmore 27 between 11h00 and 11h30 on field E: 22 adults/yearlings and five cygnets in families of two and three. Two birds ringed, the familiar yearling 541 (yellow right reading down) and almost as familiar adult ZBJ which appeared to be the parent of the three cygnets (yellow left reading up).

Mute Swan: wintering flock on the Leigh Meadows and at the Red Lion now numbers about 35 birds, grazing with Whoopers.

Wigeon: maybe 1,000 at Ashleworth.

Gadwall: good numbers at Ashleworth, probably 50 or more.

Tufted Duck: two drakes at Ashleworth.

Snipe: at least 35 at Ashleworth, couldn’t find any Jack Snipe.

Barn Owl: one at Ashleworth early on.

Winter Heliotrope (11 January, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

The first wild flower of the year, Winter Heliotrope (Petasites fragrans), is now coming into bloom on wasteland and road verges round the county. This was introduced from the Mediterranean into Britain in 1806. It spreads rampantly by rhizomes, and was recorded as a wild plant at least as early as 1835. The first Gloucestershire record is 1872. All plants in the British Isles are male. The flowers look a boring ashy grey from a distance, but up close its colours are positively shocking and the cherry-vanilla scent is wonderful. It is a close relative of coltsfoot and butterbur, and the flowers often emerge before the leaves, usually in time for Christmas, but this year it is at least a week late.

Winter Heliotrope, Ashleworth, February 2005 (Juliet Bailey)

Witcombe Res. (11 January, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Jack Snipe seen today be the reservoir.

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

Coombe Hill: 150 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 8 Snipe in the Long Pool; Water Rail squealing in both the Long Pool and Broad Mere.

Leigh Meadows: the two Whoopers grazing late morning among a group of about 18 Mute Swans.

Ashleworth: duck numbers very much as they have been in the last ten days: perhaps 1200 Wigeon, 350 Teal, 30 Gadwall, 90 Shoveler, 20 Pintail; 50 Lapwings, 35 Snipe and at least one Jack Snipe.

Sudmeadow (4 January, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A male Peregrine over Llantony Weir at 0815h. A Green Sandpiper over Sudmeadow and female Stonechat still by the Parting.

Cheltenham (4 January, contributed by Robert Homan)

A male Brambling and a female Blackcap in a garden in Swindon Lane today.

Minsterworth Ham (3 January, contributed by Mike Smart)

One Green Sandpiper in a ditch; three Shelducks; 13 Cormorants – sitting in a riverside tree and on the floodbank in the most secluded part of the site.

Walmore (3 January, contributed by Mike Smart)

No Bewick’s at first light (08h00) but at 08h21, five flew in from the Slimbridge direction, not calling, landing without fuss as though they knew what they were doing and where they were going. Only one was ringed, a yearling with a yellow ring on the right leg; I didn’t read it so as to avoid disturbing them, but it must have been 541 on the basis of plumage and bill pattern. This bird has been a regular over the last couple of weeks. In addition, one or more Ravens moving out towards Gloucester; 90 Teal, 150 Lapwing; only a single Snipe, despite careful searching; a single Jack Snipe flushed from alongside the main ditch; at least two Stonechats.

Hempsted Nature Reserve (2 January, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A morning visit morning revealed 3 Stonechats (1 male and 2 females) and 6 Snipe.
(The Nature Reserve is the area betwen the Rea Lane and the boundary of the southern end of the tip alongside the Severn Way in SO8016. There is quite a bit of rough pasture there and a small pool, in essence its all part of the flood plain.)

Sudmeadow (1 January, contributed by Gordon Avery)

The Green Sandpiper from December 2005 is still by Presswelds. A female Stonechat by the Parting. A male Stonechat on Port Ham by the electricity station and 2 Chiffchaffs found along the river at Sudmeadow.

Lower Dumball, Rodley (1 January, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Good views of a female Merlin this afternoon. Also 480 Golden Plover, 2000 Lapwing and 25 Curlews there.

Severn Hams (31 December, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Coombe Hill: Water levels continue to fall, with islands in scrapes clearly visible. Few birds visible from the Grundon Hide, but a Merlin flew past. About 120 Lapwings, two or three Water Rails calling from Broad Mere. One Peregrine flying by. About 150 Wigeon and 350 Teal in the Long Pool, but very few Snipe there.

Leigh Meadows: The pair of Whoopers grazing with about 18 Mutes as usual.

Ashleworth: At least a thousand ducks (mainly Wigeon, some Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Pintail), not coming to graze on the edges as they did when the surface was iced over. A male Peregrine on the pylons. At least one Stonechat. About fifty Snipe and one Jack Snipe.

Sudmeadow (31 December, contributed by Gordon Avery)

Another unringed Chiffchaff by the river at Sudmeadow: this makes a total of at least 7 different birds during December and possibly 9! A pair of Stonechats by the Plantation pool (The field behind the old Fieldings playing field). 1 Green Sandpiper on waste ground pools by Presswelds.

Severn Hams (29 December, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Ashleworth Ham: Freezing fog and ice at first light; birds sitting round holes in ice and it was hard to see through fog; not sure if Whoopers were roosting. When fog rose later in the morning, we had good counts of ducks on the ice: 1200 Wigeon, 375 Teal, 90 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 50 Mallard, but only 20 Pintail. The Wigeon were not feeding on grass round edges early on, but in mid morning, thye came over to water’s edge very close to road, with several hundred feeding on edge of the grass near the road unconcerned by passing traffic.

Walmore Common: 26 Bewick’s at 09h30; 16 adults or yearlings and 10 cygnets; there seemed to be family parties of three, three and four cygnets. About 10h30, ten birds flew off (three adults and seven cygnets) towards Slimbridge, leaving one family party of two unringed adults with three cygnets (birds already seen on 16 December?), plus eleven adults/yearlings.

All birds checked for rings and four rings were found and read:

– 541 yearling, yellow, already seen here twice;

other three were on adults:
– TXF black letters on white ground, reading up on left leg
– ZBJ black letters on yellow ground, reading up on left leg
– YLS black letters on yellow ground, reading up on right leg
All three appeared to be adults and to fly off with the cygnets at 10h30.

In addition to the Bewick’s: 1 Kingfisher, 1 Water Rail in the pond in the middle, 1 Snipe, 250 Lapwings flew over, 3 perhaps 4 Stonechats round pond in middle.

Leigh Meadows: 2 Whooper Swans grazing alongside 20 Mute Swans about 11h00; we don’t know where they had roosted.

Swindon Village/Stoke Orchard area (28 December, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Green Sandpiper flushed from Hyde Brook, near Brockhampton sewage works. A Peregrine Falcon causing panic among Fieldfares and Lapwings between Stoke Orchard and Hardwicke. A single Brambling with other finches at Elmstone Hardwicke.

Sudmeadow (28 December, contributed by Gordon Avery)

3 new Chiffchaffs being trapped in a morning ringing session. A female Blackcap still at Hemminsdale Road.

Sudmeadow (27 December, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A fairly quiet afternoon today.
A female Blackcap in Hemmingsdale Road. 3 Snipe at Sudmeadow marsh. 1 Chiffchaff by the river at Sudmeadow and 1 male Stonechat by the power station at Port Ham.

Sudmeadow (25 December, contributed by Gordon Avery)

In the morning there was an ‘abietinus‘ Chiffchaff by Llantony Weir with a tit flock. A nominate race Chiffchaff was by Lower Parting and a female Stonechat was nearby as well.

Forest of Dean (23 December, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Seen in the Moseley Green/Oakenhill/Parkend/Cannop were: 12 Little Grebes at Cannop Ponds, 2 Willow Tits in Churchill Inclosure, 2 Crossbills at Oakenhill and 4 Hawfinch in Yew trees at Parkend.

Walmore Common (23 December, contributed by Andy Jayne)

In the afternoon there were 4 Bewick’s Swans, 100 Teal, a Little Egret, a Kingfisher and 4 Stonechats.

Sudmeadow (20 December, contributed by Gordon Avery)

25 White-fronts south over Castle Meads at 10h20 then across the docks towards Tuffley. 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 in the osier and 2 along the river below the Parting with a small tit flock. 2 Snipe over GLS towards the Manor and lastly a pair of Stonechats on Port Ham.

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

Whooper Swan: the adult pair present at first light, flew out at 08h15 to west, seen at 09h00 grazing with Mute Swans on Leigh Meadows; looks as if they are here to stay.
Ducks: almost a thousand present, mainly Wigeon, but nearly 50 Shoveler and good numbers of Pintail and Gadwall, a few Teal.
Peregrine: one on pylons.
Water Rail: squealing early on.
Snipe: at least 50, mainly in fields of uncut Canary Grass Phallaris with open patches.
Jack Snipe: two at Ashleworth.
Green Sandpiper: one on the muddy bank of the Severn near Wainlodes.
Barn Owl: one hunting over Ashleworth at first light.
Stonechat: two calling on the reserve at first light.
Chiffchaff: one calling and seen in patches of ivy on old oak trees.

Coombe Hill (17 December, contributed by Ian Ralphs)

3 Tench and 1 small Pike (1-2 lbs) at the eastern end of the Canal, with a Brown Hare in the fields nearby.

Swindon Village (16 December, contributed by Robert Homan)

2 mines of the RDB micro-moth Celypha woodiana were found today in mistletoe leaves growing in hedgerow trees near Swindon Village. This moth is something of a Three Counties speciality, though as its status nationally suggests there are but few records in Gloucestershire. Should you come across locally sourced mistletoe in the run up to Christmas then look out for the distinctive yellow cresent shaped mines, an example of which is shown below.

Walmore (16 December, contributed by Mike Smart)

13 Bewick’s Swans, on field G, from 12h30 to 14h00 at least. One family of two adults with three cygnets; three first winter birds still with some dark feathers on the head, one of them very strongly marked; five additional adults. All feeding on grassland. Only one was ringed and that was the bird seen here on Monday, yellow 541, which was ringed in the Petchora Delta, Russia, north of the Arctic Circle, in August 2005.

About 350 Teal left on the Common side, at least 20 Snipe, 15 Lapwings, at least six Ravens, a Sparrowhawk and a Buzzard.

Severn Hams (15 December, contributed by Mike Smart)

I went to Ashleworth before daybreak this morning to check whether the Whoopers seen yesterday at Coombe Hill and the Leigh Meadows had roosted there; two of them had; perhaps this means that they had visited the area in prevous winters? They were sitting in thick vegetation at the back, just opposite the hide, when it became light enough to see them. They became more active witt the sunlight (though it had been biright moonlihgt before) swam around together, rather imperiously, with a fair bit of head bobbing; finally at about 08h30, they took off, whooping loudly, and headed off straight across the river, as though they knew their way; a little while later, I saw them grazing in the Leigh Meadows, alongside the Chelt, on the same field as yesterday with a dozen Mute Swans.

The ringed bird was not with them; he had separated from them yesterday when they took off from Coombe Hill canal; it will be interesting to see (a) whether he joins them (is he perhaps on the floodwater at Coombe Hill right now, or has he moved on?) and (b) whether the others stay round and perhpas attract more Whoopers.

Other birds at Ashleworth early on: two Little Owls calling at dawn; a Water Rail squealing; moderate numbers of Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, some coming to feed along the edge of the water very close to the road; a couple of Goldcrests and at least two Chiffchaffs calling.

Sudmeadow (15 December, contributed by Gordon Avery)

At least 2 Chiffchaffs in the area as a new one was trapped today and there is still at least one unringed bird about. Also a male Peregrine in the area.

Brockhampton Sewage Works, Swindon Village (15 December, contributed by Robert Homan)

3 Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest feeding in undergrowth by Hyde Brook on the south side of the works. 3 Buzzards in the area with a fourth nearby in Swindon Lane.

Coombe Hill (14 December, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

The recent floods at Coombe Hill are dropping slowly. The Grundon hide is now accessible reasonably easily (with wellingtons – beware the missing board on the boardwalk), and the new Long Pool hide is now also accessible, (again with welllingtons, but without too much difficulty).

The number of geese and ducks present in the early morning has decreased somewhat – they don’t seem to have moved over to Ashleworth where winter water levels are maintained, through manipulation of the sluice, at a slightly higher level. This morning there were about 700 Wigeon, about 190 Canada and 3 Greylag Geese; also about ten Shovelers and three Pintail, 300 Lapwings and a Dunlin. A new arrival on the floodwater was a Tufted Duck. From the Long Pool hide we could see five Gadwall and an immature male Ruddy Duck (first record for the reserve?). There were half a dozen Lesser Redpolls along the canal bank.

Halfway through the morning three adult Whooper Swans arrived, calling loudly as though they were making their first visit. They landed in a field alongside the canal bank, and two began to feed hungrily, while the third kept watch rather nervously. Bird number three proved to be ringed with a yellow ring, number LX5; it had been ringed as an adult at WWT Martinmere in Lancashire on 29 January 2003, seen there again the following winter on 3 November 2004 and 31 December 2004; it will no doubt have nested in Iceland but has never been seen there (yet). Had it been to the Severn Hams before it was ringed perhaps?? After a while, all three flew off, but two of them were later seen feeding among a flock of grazing Mute Swans on the nearby Leigh Meadows. This is a very encouraging observation, as small numbers of Whooper Swans wintered in the Severn Hams from 1990 to 2003, but have not stayed for the last two winters. We hope that these birds will stay all winter and attract other passing Whoopers to join them.

It transpires that the yearling Bewick’s Swan whose ring (yellow 541) was read at Walmore on Monday last, had been ringed as a first year bird on the Petchora Delta, Russia, north of the Arctic Circle (68 degrees North, 54 degrees East!) in summer 2005. It had made a brief appearance at Slimbridge on 4 December.

Cheltenham (14 December, contributed by John Sanders)

2 adult male Goosanders have returned to Pittville Park (lower lake, by the island), the first sighting here this winter. Their plumages are stained brown, which suggests that they have just flown in from an acid, iron rich water area.

Walmore (12 December, contributed by Mike Smart)

The floods have gone down, but there are still plenty of birds: 3 Bewick’s Swans (one a first winter wearing Slimbridge yellow colour ring 541); 15 Mute Swans; a vast concourse of Teal on the Common with a very high count of over 900 birds; 10 Shoveler but only two Wigeon left; 130 Lapwings; a minimum of 2 Snipe; the usual Ravens, with about half a dozen flying round, calling.

Cheltenham (12 December, contributed by Robert Homan)

The Starling roost in the Windyridge Road area is much depleted – now down to only 200 or so birds. What has happened to the other 4000+?

Prestbury (12 December, contributed by Robert Homan)

A single Chiffchaff in the farm yard in Gravel Pit Lane this morning.

Sudmeadow (12 December, contributed by Gordon Avery)

Three Chiffchaffs in the area this morning: one in the old osier and two together by the Lower Parting. All were of the nominate race.

Coombe Hill (10 December, contributed by Ian Ralphs)

In the afternoon from the Grundon hide, a Grey Squirrel was seen swimming across the flooded meadows. It appeared along the side of the drain that leads from the Long Pool area and was seen to successfully reach the eastern end of the Broadmead willows. It made slow but steady progress across the floods and appeared completely unfazed by all the geese and ducks

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

The level of the Severn is now lower and the water has gone down a little at Coombe Hill, although the Grundon Hide is still only accessible with difficulty and wellingtons. The level is down rather more at Ashleworth. At Coombe Hill in the morning: a minimum of 2,100 ducks and 500 geese. Ducks included at least 1900 Wigeon, 20 Shoveler, 80 Pintail, a minimum of 100+ teal, probably many more hidden in the Long Pool. 470 Canadas, 35 Greylags, 1 Canada x Greylag hybird, one adult Whitefront. Eight Lesser Redpolls, a little Grebe, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Dunlin, 95 Lapwings. No sign of Bittern or Whooper Swan. At Ashleworth at least 1,500 ducks, mainly Wigeon. Also 150 Canada Geese,at least 50 Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, a Peregrine on the pylons, Sparrowhawk, two or three Buzzards, at least two Chiffchaffs calling, two Stonechats. The total number of ducks (at least 3,500, maybe 4,000) suggests an influx over the last few days. No sign of any Bewick’s

Sudmeadow (9 December, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Chiffchaff trapped for ringing today, with a Golden Plover seen flying north.

Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (7 December, contributed by Mike Smart)

Water levels are still high and the Grundon Hide at Coombe Hill is only just accessible and many fields at Ashleworth are still under water.

There seems to be about 2,000 to 2,500 ducks (mostly Wigeon, 200+ Teal, about 100 each Shoveler and Pintail, about a dozen Gadwall, maybe 50 Mallard) in the general area, moving back and forth between the two sites, more at Coombe Hill when water levels are high, more at Ashleworth when they drop. No sign of any Bewick’s or Whoopers, nor of Bittern.

Two Peregrines on the pylons at Ashleworth, a Green Sandpiper on the banks of the Severn (everything else was frozen!), three Redpolls in Stank Lane at Ashleworth and two Stonechats at Ashleworth.

Sudmeadow (6 December, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Chiffchaff feeding by the floodwater today.

Cheltenham (5 December, contributed by Robert Homan)

As in March 2004, there is a large Starling roost in the Windyridge Road area of Cheltenham with the birds congregating on the pylons over the road in the late afternoon – perhaps 5000+ birds today.

Cheltenham (3 and 4 December, contributed by Robert Homan)

Winter warblers are about, including a Chiffchaff calling from the Honeybourne Cyclepath at St Paul’s and a male Blackcap seen in a garden in Swindon Lane.

Ashleworth (1 December, contributed by Mike Smart)

With the level of the Severn dropping, floods are decreasing at Coombe Hill, but at Ashleworth water levels are kept at a high level by the sluice, so that there is plenty of water for the ducks. It looks as though ducks in the Severn Hams are moving from Coombe Hill to Ashleworth. At first light this morning, no sign of the Whooper Swans reported on 23 and 26 November, so they do not seem to be roosting at Ashleworth; no Bewick’s either; ducks rather noisy first thing, mostly small mating parties of Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard and Pintail, with a single female surrounded by up to eight or nine noisy drakes. Rather few birds coming to graze close to the road – maximum of 40 or so – but the water has another few centimetres to drop yet, so this behaviour will no doubt develop; most ducks sitting placidly round the edges, asleep. Over a thousand in all, maybe 12 Gadwall, 50 Pintail, 70 Shoveler, 200 Teal, about a thousand Wigeon. Canada Geese not roosting, but up to 150 arrived mid morning. Stacks of Snipe round the back, over 50 and at least one Jack Snipe. At least three Stonechats. All four common raptors: Peregrine, Kestrel, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. No Bitterns!

Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (29 November, contributed by Mike Smart)

Water levels were falling fast this morning after a cold night with snowfall and frost. Walking along the boardwalk to the Grundon hide, a Bittern flew out of the osiers on the right; it was in flight for about ten seconds, but it was quite unmistakable – a big brown, gangling heron-like bird which probably came in overnight with the cold weather. It subsequently disappeared behind the treetops and probably landed somewhere else in the osiers and will be very difficult to find again. Otherwise with the water dropping fast there were but few ducks left. The new hide on the Apperley side is being refurbished. Up to 300 Canada Geese roosting, but they moved off by about 09h00 leaving only about 600 ducks, mainly Wigeon; still two Ruff, about 220 Lapwings, a whisp of 20 Snipe, 28 Golden Plover late morning and a male Blackcap. It looks as though most of the ducks moved over to Ashleworth where water levels are high: nearly 2000 ducks, mainly Wigeon, perhaps 200 Teal plus a sprinkling of Shoveler, Pintail and Gadwall.

Walmore Common (27 November, contributed by Andy Jayne)

2 Little Egrets in the afternoon.

Awre (27 November, contributed by Andy Jayne)

An afternoon visit produced 2 Little Stint, 800 Dunlin and 2 Rock Pipits.

Coombe Hill (26 November, contributed by Ian Ralphs)

In the early afternoon there was a shoal of between 100-120 Tench estimated as being between 8 oz and 3 lbs (with a few bigger), right in up against the wall on the extreme eastern edge of the Wharf.

Witcombe Res. (26 November, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A male Goosander on the reservoir in the morning.

GLS (25 November, contributed by Gordon Avery)

The female Goldeneye had moved on to the river. A female Siskin also present; the first since November 2001.

GLS (23 November, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A female Goldeneye and a Water Rail on the pond today.

Severn Hams (17 November, contributed by Mike Smart)

The recent light flooding has left excellent conditions for waterbirds. At Coombe Hill, the Grundon Hide is still inaccessible, but good views can be had from the canal bank: on 17th November: 600 Wigeon, 80 Pintail (promising numbers for the time of year), but rather few Teal and Shoveler; nearly 600 Canada Geese are rather prominent! A flock of 230 Lapwings, accompanied by five Little Stints, rarely seen here. A Chiffchaff calling with two very noisy Water Rails.

The floods have gone down on the Leigh Meadows, but there are few birds about; no sign there (or anywhere else) of the Whooper Swans, and no Bewick’s have arrived from Slimbridge.

Flooding still extensive at Ashleworth; a Peregrine on the pylons and some Shoveler and Coot.

Walmore Common (12/13 November, contributed by Andy Jayne)

The extensive flooding at Walmore Common has attracted good numbers of wildfowl. Over the course of the weekend I have counted 400 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 350 Teal, 150 Mallard, 104 Pintail, 54 Shoveler and 1 Tufted Duck.
Nearby, there were 5 adult Bewick’s Swans and 4 Lesser Redpoll at Wilmer, Rodley early afternoon on 13th.

Coombe Hill (9 November, contributed by Andy Jayne)

A first-winter Grey Phalarope today from Grundon Hide. Also 2 adult Bewick’s Swans flying in from the south west at 1230, 1000 Wigeon, 37 Pintail, 2 Water Rail (heard), 1 Green Sandpiper (heard), 1 pair of Stonechats and a female Blackcap along the Canal.

Sudmeadow (9 November, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A pair of Stonechats just past the Lower Parting along the Severn Way. A first-winter Little Grebe still on the pond.

Severn Hams (6 November, contributed by Mike Smart)

Duck count day today (or Wetland Bird Survey – WeBS count day as we have to call it nowadays); the day once a month when people all over the country go out to count wetland birds, so as to monitor population sizes and sites used. True to form, it rained hard, and the Severn, already high, caused local streams to back up further. At Coombe Hill, there is fairly extensive but still shallow flooding between the Grundon Hide and the Long Pool; the Grundon hide is still accessible with wellingtons, and conditions are perfect for surface feeding ducks: 130 Mallard (including a number of call ducks and hybrids), 425 Teal feeding in the shallow water, 645 Wigeon, up to ten each of Gadwall, Shoveler and Pintail, plus over 350 Canada Geese, at least 20 Greylag Geese and one Canada x Greylag cross. The only swans were Mute, no sign of Bewick’s or Whoopers, despite suitable conditions. One Green Sandpiper and a dozen Lapwings. The hide overlooking the Long Pool can be reached via Wick Street (alongside the Farmer’s Arms), but there are rather fewer birds to see on that side.

On the Leigh Meadows, there is no flooding, though the Chelt is fairly high; birds a bit thin – some flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing going over.

At Ashleworth, water levels are rising, and there is a fair amount of water on the Ham Road, especially at the Ashleworth end; best approached from Tirley; the hide is still easily accessible from Tirley. Less birds about, a few Wigeon and Teal, but the Peregrine was on the pylons as usual this morning.

Beachley Point (3 November, contributed by Gordon Avery)

Despite the very strong winds there was little to record apart from a Rock Pipit and a dead Harbour Porpoise on the high tide line.