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Coombe Hill Reserve Opening: Gallery
Other news related sites relevant to our area are:
The Gloster Birder
Cotswold Water Park Birds
The Park and Poor's Allotment, Tidenham Chase (14 October 2011, contributed by Ian Ralphs)
This proved to be an excellent autumn morning with light easterly winds and fine sunny weather which brought 250 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare, 1 Brambling, 25 Crossbill, 24 Lesser Redpoll, 12 Siskin, 2 Reed Bunting, 5 Stonechat and a Peregrine Falcon. Plus four species of Dragonfly - Four-spotted Chaser, Migrant Hawker, Common Darter and Ruddy Darter and two Silver-Y moths.
Severn Hams, Tidenham Chase (14 October 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
The WeBS count was carried out today in still extremely dry conditions.
At Coombe Hill, both scrapes completely dry still and Snipe Pool almost dry; just a little water left at west end of Long Pool; rather little water even in the canal itself. 22 Mallard, 14 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 1 Grey Heron; nice flock of 75 Fieldfares; 3 Redwings.
Ashleworth Ham: the pools on the GWT reserve are almost completely dry: 1 Snipe, 1 Buzzard.
Chelt and Leigh Meadows also very dry: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron.
Some of the missing birds had taken refuge on the Severn above Haw Bridge, where there were: 67 Canada Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose, the White Farmyard Goose that interbred with a Canada at Coombe Hill in summer, and their one hybrid offspring, 89 Mallard.
Coombe Hill et al (17 September 2011, contributed by Les Brown and Mike Smart)
Still extremely dry everywhere, with little open water and ditches still dry. It will take a great deal of rain in the coming months to restore normal conditions in the Severn Hams.
Coombe Hill: the scrapes still bone dry with just a little water still in Long Pool: one Grey Heron, 20 Mallard along the canal, about 50 Swallows and 10 Meadow Pipits over to south west, one Yellow Wagtail with the cattle, one Whinchat, two Wheatears.
Ashleworth Ham: scrapes nearly dry: 1 Buzzard.
Leigh Meadows: no surface water 10 Swallows and 2 House Martins over to south west.
Haw Bridge; a flock of 74 Canada Geese and one Barnacle Goose, plus the Farmyard Goose and its hybrid offspring, all on Severn bank above Haw Bridge.
The Dumbles (13 September 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
Winds on the estuary were much lighter today than yesterday, but even so, a Fulmar went upriver past the Dumbles at WWT, flying strongly, at 10.30 a.m. just after high tide (8.5 metres at 09.24).
There was a good selection of small waders at a high tide roost on the grass: total of about 500 small waders, majority Dunlin but with at least 50 Ringed Plovers, 65 Knot, at least four Curlew Sandpipers (one adult and three immatures), one Sanderling, four Bar-tailed Godwits. About 100 Curlews, but no colour-ringed birds found.
Lydney Harbour (12 September 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Lewis Thomson)
With reports of good numbers of seabirds in the estuary following the strong winds in the last week and with strong winds forecast for this morning, it seemed a good idea to take a look for more seabirds this morning. The wind was present, as predicted, and was behind a good high tide at 08.50. At 07.20, a Great Skua was found on the water when it got up and flew downriver; another one passed at close range at 07.46, also going downriver, flying powerfully and not in the least bothered by the headwind. Between 08.20 and 08.45, four Fulmars passed, going upriver with the strong wind behind them, soaring in high arcs then swooping down low, and not appearing in the least incommoded by the extreme conditions. Otherwise, little to report, apart from a steady stream of Black-headed Gulls going downriver and about 30 Swallows going downriver against the wind.
Along the rocks bordering the river at Lydney New Grounds, at least ten Wheatears and half a dozen Meadow Pipits.
Guscar Rocks (10 September 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
On the high tide of 7.3 metres at O7.26 - a roost of 600 Curlews (mainly one-legged, only three rings read) joined briefly by an immature Sabine’s Gull at 08.05. Also 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Knot. 1 Turnstone, 8 Dunlin, 8 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 1 Hobby, 1 Wheatear and 5 + Ravens.
Guscar Rocks (28 August 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
At Guscar Rocks (good high tide at 0809): 9 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel (joined the Curlew roost for a while, then went off downriver on its own, calling); 650 Curlews (17 colour rings from the September 2010 catch seen); 10 Yellow Wagtails (following cattle).
On the journey from Gloucester during the early morning:
By the A 40 at Over at 04h20: a Barn Owl.
By the A 48 at Westbury at 04h20: a Tawny Owl.
Guscar Rocks (26 August 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
On this morning’s high tide: about 500 Curlews (two colour-rings read), 1 adult Bar-tailed Godwit with a gammy leg, feeding vigourously; large numbers of Yellow Wagtails, a flock of at least 30 following cattle, and another six to ten dotted about. Two Meadow Pipits – sign of autumn passage starting?
Guscar and Ayleburton (21 August 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
Another attempt to read colour-ringed Curlews at high tide (so far in August 54 of the 66 birds colour-ringed at Wibdon Warth last September have been seen, 52 at Guscar, two at Slimbridge); not too successful because of heat haze, only two seen. 350+ Curlews, 2 immature Bar-tailed godwits, three immature Knot, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 adult Peregrine, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Wheatears.
Guscar Rocks (2 August 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
Nice big tide of 8.9 metres at 10h38 covered all mudflats and forced waders to roost on shoreline. Total of at least 528 Curlews, at least four of them carrying colour rings from the catch at Wibdon Warth last September. Flock of 12 Whimbrels flew downriver at 08h00, clearly passing migrants not interested in joining any high tide Curlew roosts. A Knot and a Bar-tailed Godwit, both still in adult summer plumage, joined the Curlews. A lone Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers. Eight immature Shelducks, family party of eight Yellow Wagtails.
Coombe Hill (27 July 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
Scrapes now totally dry; still some water in the Long Pool but it’s dropping fast – will it last until the end of the summer?? Even the canal is almost dry. All the hay now cut.
The family of Canada plus the White Farmhouse Goose and their three young still grazing round the scrapes. The pair of Egyptian Geese still there too. Three Hares and a fox cub.
On the Long Pool, one adult Redshank plus four flying juveniles, so all four eggs produced young, a minor record! Still at least five young Lapwings, probably not quite fledged, with four anxious adults. A single Green Sandpiper. Couple of Water Rails squealing in the background. Passerines few and far between.
Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (28 June 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
The scrapes in front of the Grundon Hide are now both almost dry. The southern scrape is completely dry, and there are just two puddles in the northern scrape, which will be dry very soon. However, there is still plenty of water in the Long Pool, and most of the birds seem to be going there. From the Grundon Hide, two broods of Lapwings, each of three chicks are still round the edge; two Hobbies landed alongside them early on, but flew off empty-footed. Two Egyptian Geese and a Little Egret. A Redshank still appeared to have chicks in the long grass, as did at least one pair of Curlew. On the Long Pool, two more broods of Lapwings, three Green Sandpiper, an immature Little Ringed Plover which must have flown in from outside, and a Carrion Crow eating the fourth Mute Swan cygnet (the other three were safe with Mum and Dad), and a Teal in eclipse. On the way back a brownish looking Cuckoo (Graham smith later saw and photographed a young Cuckoo being fed by a …. Male Reed Bunting.
At Ashleworth, a Yellow Wagtail with a nest in a hayfield, fortunately one in higher Level stewardship which won’t be cut for weeks yet.
Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (21 June 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
The southern scrape has now dried out, and the northern scrape is likely to be dry in a very few days, but there is still water in the Long Pool.
Pair of Mute Swans still with four growing cygnets; the ménage à trois of two Canadas and a White Farmyard Geese are still there with two Canada and one hybrid gosling. Breeding waders: two female Lapwings, each with three tiny chicks by the scrapes, and probably a third out there somewhere; one female Lapwing still incubating on the Long Pool; a female Redshank with at least two small chicks; one female Curlew with a smallish chick in the grass, probably at least two more pairs with young in the long grass round the scrapes. Two Oystercatchers, probably the pair that failed. A Grasshopper Warbler reeling on the southern meadows, a Sedge Warbler carrying food by the canal, a Goldcrest singing by the carpark(!).
Returning waders, failed or finished breeders: two Green Sandpipers, four Redshank (a flock in adult plumage), 19 Lapwings (a flock, all adults, no full grown young). Also three Grey Herons and 1 Little Egret.
Bibury (7 June 2011, contributed by Jan Malling)
A Cuckoo heard in the vicinity of Shagborough Copse.
Coombe Hill (6 June 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
The saga of the two Canadas and the White Farmyard Goose continues. Now that the goslings have grown up a bit, it is clear that WFG is the father of one of them and probably of the other two as well! He’s still following the family party about, looking a bit forlorn, or perhaps laughing up his sleeve? So the battle royal seen some weeks ago, in which the male Canada chased off the white bird and nearly killed it was more revenge than prevention?
Also still 38 non-breeding Canadas and a Barnacle flying out to roost at dusk. A male Tufted Duck. Nine herons (two adults and seven birds of the year); two Little Egrets; three large Lapwing chicks, almost flying, and at least three female Lapwings still sitting. As many as 22 Curlews coming in to roost just before dusk. A Reeve. And a very agitated male Redstart by the gateway to the reserve which must have had young.
Woorgreens (3 June 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
Around the Woogreens area today sightings included a pair of Mandarin with four ducklings, a Little Grebe, a Cuckoo (heard), up to ten Tree Pipits, a pair of Redstarts, four Willow Tits, 14 Siskins (including juveniles), two Lesser Redpolls and at least 11 Crossbills.
At Speech House Arboretum a singing male Firecrest and at least six Hawfinches and also two Hornets.
Gloucester (1 June 2011, contributed by Gordon Avery)
A male Peregrine carrying prey was seen heading towards the city, perhaps to the hospital, over Castle Meads this afternoon.
Newent Woods area (31 May 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
At Newent Woods/May Hill in the evening the highlights included a roding Woodcock, three Turtle Doves, three Spotted Flycatchers, a pair of Redstarts and a singing male Crossbill.
Coombe Hill (30 May 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
One Quail singing just off the reserve to the north east. A Mute Swan with four small cygnets on the scrape, must have nested on the quie4t in one of the pools, rather than on the canal. At least two Lapwings on eggs by the scrapes and another in the Long Pool; no sign of young, hope the fox won’t get the second replacement clutches; two Oystercatchers, mating on the Long Pool, looks as though they are going to have another try. One Redshank, display calls. 14 (!) Curlew came in to roost at dusk. ! Black-tailed Godwit on Long Pool. Plenty of Cuckoos still singing.
Gloucester (23 May 2011, contributed by Gordon Avery)
A Peregrine seen high over Gloucester Docks in the afternoon at about 2.00.
Walmore Common (14 May 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
There were 2 Whimbrels and a pair of Cuckoos at Walmore Common this evening.
Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (10 May 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
There was a flock of 12 Whimbrel feeding quietly in long grass quite difficult to see as they were very discreet and rarely calledseem to have been present for a couple of days. Looks as though many breeding Lapwing and Oystercatcher have been predated and are trying second clutches. A Grasshopper Warbler singing on the reserve at the west end. At Wainlodes end a hunting hobby and a Little Egret; at least one Redstart singing in windy conditions.
Over Ashleworth another (or the same ) hunting Hobby.
Coombe Hill (7 May 2011, contributed by Les Brown)
The highlights of a morning visit were a Wood Sandpiper, 3 Whimbrel, 4 Little Egrets and a Yellow Wagtail
Coombe Hill (30 April 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
One pair of Canada Geese with six tiny goslings, female on island still sitting; three pairs of Shelducks, 17 Teal, Oystercatcher now sitting on island, one Little Ringed Plover, three Dunlin in summer plumage, 14 Lapwing (no chicks yet, looks as though some clutches have been predated); lots of birdsong despite strong easterly wind: 2 Cuckoos, at least four Redstarts, one Grasshopper Warbler (most unusual here), c.5 Sedge Warblers, at least 10 Whitethroats, two or three Lesser Whitethroats, lots of Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs.
Brickpits north of Gloucester (27 April 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
There is some really good habitat along the Severn north of Gloucester, in overgrown brickpits and neighbouring meadows.
Yesterday near Sandhurst: at least three pairs of Tufted Duck, pair of displaying Curlew, two singing male Redstarts, two singing Yellowhammers, two singing Reed Buntings; and near Maisemore, two pairs of Lapwings and a hare in pea fields, a Sand Martin colony in the river bank (new to me); singing Lesser Whitethroats, Whitethroats and Blackcaps by the bucketful, and just one Sedge Warbler. Today a Common Sandpiper along the river.
Yewtreebrake, FoD (23 April 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
In the Yewtreebrake area today there were two singing male Firecrests, four Wood Warblers, two Tree Pipits, four Siskins and two Crossbills.
Severn Vale (23 April 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
Two Little Egrets on Horsebere Brook, Twigworth this morning. Two Hobbies catching high-flying insects over Ashleworth at midday - an early date. Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroats heard singing at many sites.
Coombe Hill (22 April 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
This evening there were: 6 Greylags, 28 Canada Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 3 Shelducks, 4 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Coot, one pair of Oystercatchers, 10 Lapwings (sitting females may have lost their eggs, since males were displaying very energetically), 4 Redshanks (two pairs, one mating), at least 16 Curlews coming in to roost, very excited, 2 Snipe at dusk; 1 Sanderling (unusual here); a Lesser Whitethroat singing along canal.
Redmarley (22 April 2011, contributed by Juliet Bailey)
Elder noted in flower today.
Ashleworth (20 April 2011, contributed by Ken Cservenka)
From the hide at Ashleworth Ham: a calling male Cuckoo and a male Redstart singing from the tall bare trees in the middle distance. In Stank Lane there were singing males of Whitethroat, Wren and Blackcap.
Standish (16 April 2011, contributed by Juliet Bailey)
A Large Red Damselfly seen today sunning itself on a Lilac bush.
Tewkesbury (11 April 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
A report of a Nightingale singing at 2.25am this morning at Priors Park Reserve Tewkesbury (along the Swilgate) at the same place as one was heard later in April last year.
Sandhurst Brawn (10 April 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
In the aftrenoon, I heard a Mallard duck making low encouraging quacking noises at the base of a pollarded willow. It had been pollarded fairly recently and was perhaps eight feet high, with a few new shoots poking up. One after another about half a dozen tiny ducklings jumped/fell/glided to the ground from the bole of the tree. Never seen this before! Maybe that’s why you don’t find so many nests of Mallard (and other ducks?) on the ground?
Coombe Hill (9 April 2011, contributed by Les Brown, Tim Cash, Mike smart and John Wiltshire.)
More signs of early arrival of summer visitors, and of wader passage through the Severn Vale.
Wader passage: two Little Ringed Plovers, calling as though they had just arrived and were likely to move on; a Greenshank dropped in; a Green Sandpiper made a very brief appearance.
Summer visitors: at least 10 singing Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps and 4 Willow Warblers; new arrivals included at least three singing Whitethroats, at least three singing Sedge Warblers, at least five singing Redstarts (more to the Wainlodes end of the canal).
Among the residents: three pairs of Canada Geese (one female still sitting in very exposed site); about 11 Greylags; the usual pair of Egyptian Geese; about three pairs of Shelducks; the pair of Oystercatchers; about five pairs of Lapwings on the reserve (two females sitting) another two pairs on arable outside the reserve; about four Curlew; two Redshank, some trilling, two or three Snipe.
Plus late winter visitors: eight Wigeon, 25 Teal.
Severn Hams (8 April 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
A Whitethroat singing along the Chelt by Priors Norton this morning. But, much more surprising, what seemed to be to be a very early Grasshopper Warbler at Ashleworth at dusk this evening. Ashleworth also had 2 Wigeon, 24 Teal, a male
Shoveler and a male Pintail. Two Curlew came in to roost, but no sign of colour rings.
Cleeve Hill (7 April 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
On Cleeve Hill this morning three male Ring Ouzels, a singing male Redstart, two Wheatears and a Swallow in the hill fort area (SO985254) and 13 Golden Plovers over to the NW.
Sudmeadow area (6 April 2011, contributed by Gordon Avery)
A Red Kite over GLS/SUD heading NW this afternoon at approx. 2.56pm.
Coombe Hill (26 March 2011, contributed by Les Brown, Tim Cash and Mike Smart)
The infighting between the Farmyard Goose and the male Canada has been resolved…. in favour of the Canada. A battle royal was observed from the Grundon Hide on Thursday, when the Canada nearly drowned the Farmyard Goose. This morning the Farmyard Goose was standing rather forlornly on its own, and there were two, perhaps three, pairs of Canadas on their own. Also two pairs of Greylags.
About 14 Lapwings, displaying nicely; two Redshank, trilling; about four Curlews bubbling; a pair of Oystercatchers; a single Ruff; a single Little Ringed Plover flew over, calling, and continued on to the north without stopping. A Peregrine cruised up and down, looking interested.
The same colour-ringed Curlew, seen at Coombe Hill on Tuesday and Wednesday, was seen roosting at Ashleworth Ham on the evening of Friday 25 March, so perhaps it is not a passing migrant after all, but one of the local breeding birds?
The Mythe, Tewkesbury (24 March 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
Mythe brickpits: 2 Mute Swans, 2 Tufted Ducks, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Blackcap singing, 1 Chiffchaff singing, 3 Treecreepers.
Mythe Brook, in fields along the Severn: Mute Swans (a pair plus five immatures), a pair of Canada Geese mating, 45 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 3 Tufted Ducks, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Cormorant in a riverside tree in full breeding plumage. 20 Lapwings (14 migrants, at least three displaying pairs over grassland); 16 Golden Plovers (sitting in a grass field, being dive bombed by a resident Lapwing which clearly didn’t appreciate their presence on its territory); 1 bubbling Curlew; 10 Fieldfares; at least two singing Reed Buntings.
Sudmeadow (23 March 2011, contributed by Gordon Avery)
A Red Kite this morning flying low over Sudmeadow at 11.35am, closely followed by about 100 large gulls!
Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (22 March 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
Coombe Hill at first light: the threesome between the two Canadas and the white Farmyard goose continues, the Farmyard bird getting more and more insistent; three pairs of Shelducks, 2 Wigeon, 110 Teal, 8 Shoveler. The pair of Oystercatchers looking well settled; 12 Lapwings with lots of aerobatics and tail-up display, lovely to see them so active and a month earlier than last year; six Snipe; one Redshank; about eight Curlews, apparently all local birds; one Little Egret; one Swallow; three Chiffchaffs singing.
However, another observer arrived later at about 10.00am and later told me that at about midday ten Curlew had arrived, one of them colour-ringed; I took another look in the afternoon to confirm his reading of the rings and it proved to be one of the 66 birds ringed at Wibdon Warth on the Severn estuary in September 2010 (see GNS NEWS for December 2010). This demonstrates that some of the birds at Coombe Hill are clearly migrants on their way back to continental nesting grounds, shows the inland route they take, and their habits en route (leisurely progress, stop to feed and roost). By the evening there were also two Egyptian Geese, displaying quietly, a second Little Egret and a Little Ringed Plover, and a total of 30 Curlews. It just shows it’s worth spending as much time as possible in the hide, all day at this time of year!
The water level has gone down a fair bit at Ashleworth: 130 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 8 Shoveler, three displaying Lapwings, eight Snipe, at least one Chiffchaff.
Ketford Bank (20 March 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
Three Mandarin Ducks flew along the River Leadon. There is a good display of Daffodils on the nature reserve.
Coombe Hill (19 March 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
Coombe Hill was still quiet, but there was a sense of spring being at hand: still 9 Shelducks, 5 Wigeon, 110 Teal 20 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 10 Shoveler. Among probable breeding waders, the pair of Oystercatchers still present, being pursued by 13 Carrion Crows that tried to steal food from them; at least 12 Lapwings displaying (last year they didn’t arrive until late April); 6 Curlews, looking like local territorial birds; a sole Redshank. Two Meadow Pipits (the first for ages) and two Pied Wagtials, likely to be migrants. Three drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers on a bright frosty morning, and a Treecreeper singing. Four singing Chiffchaffs, and four Reed Buntings, all singing.
Coombe Hill (15 March 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
Ducks continue to decline in numbers: only 35 Teal, 17 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 2 Tufted Ducks (mating!); nine Shelducks, at least two pairs. The pair of Canadas which last year had a farmyard goose as a nanny/gooseberry for their three goslings is developing into a ménage à trios. The white one appears to be a gander and is devoting much of his attention to Mme Canada; M. Canada is being elbowed out; stand by for more hybrids! A pair of Oystercatchers; nine Curlews first thing (six looked like local breeders, three off to the north early on); Lapwings looking much interested in breeding: four over scrapes, five over arable, all displaying well; another 14 which were probably a flock of passing migrants; three Snipe. Three singing Chiffchaffs, about 40 Fieldfares; at least three singing Reed Buntings, a singing Yelllowhammer.
Rissington and Barrington area (12 March 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
In the Rissington Airfield and Barrrington Bushes area this morning there were: a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier, 11 Red Kites, two Kestrels, 31 Golden Plovers circling overhead and four Ravens.
Winchcombe area (9 March 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
At Winchcombe, the Great Grey Shrike was still present at Waterhatch this morning and ranging towards Spoonley Farm. Also a pair of Mandarin there. Nearby, 28 Golden Plovers and two male Stonechats at Hawling and a Little Egret at Andoversford.
At Windrush Airfield, a female Merlin, an adult male Sparrowhawk, 50 Golden Plovers, four Ravens and a single Corn Bunting.
Ashleworth and Coombe Hill (8 March 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
Coombe Hill: a continuing decrease in duck numbers, mostly on the Long Pool: 40 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 90 Teal, 40 Mallard, 8 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Ducks; but 16 Shelducks on scrapes, lekking and pair forming. 26 Curlews had been recorded at dusk on the previous evening; yesterday morning 29 were present, calling to one another. Clearly they were passing migrants, as they all flew off to the north very excitedly with whiffling flight between 07.30 and 08.00. At least 7 Reed Buntings already singing, some not yet in full breeding plumage. And bird of the day, a WREN !!! along the canal bank; they have been few and far between since last December’s cold weather.
At Ashleworth: rather more ducks: 200 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 150 Teal, 40 Mallard, 10 Pintail, 20 Shoveler. 33 Snipe flushed. A female Stonechat, the first since last autumn. And a Goldcrest singing in Meerend thicket, another species that has been few and far between.
Severn Hams (2 March 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
At Coombe Hill this morning, a very slight rise in water levels. Most of the wintering duck have gone, only about 100 Wigeon, 120 Teal, 1 Pintail, 10 Tufted left. About five pairs of Canada and one of Greylag Geese, looking ready to nest. A few waders round the scrapes, no doubt mainly migrants on their way north: 5 Curlew, 3 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 28 Lapwings. 1 hunting female Sparrowhawk. Otherwise very quiet. (MS/LB)
At Upper Dumball this evening, on the same rape field: the swans had clearly not left, presumably because of the north-easterly winds since Saturday: 4 Whoopers (three adults and a cygnet), still 40 Bewick’s (29 adults and 11 cygnets), 2 Mutes (one adult and one cygnet). The Whoopers took off and flew the 200 yards or so to the river at 5.50pm, landing on the water by the pub at Epney, and were then carried downstream; lost sight of tehm in the darkness, don’t know if they landed on a sandbank. The Bewick’s waited until 6.14pm, then flew off in the direction of Slimbridge. The Mutes took off at the same time as the Bewick’s, but also flew to the Severn, and were gradually carried downstream.
Brockworth (2 March 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
At Henley Bank Plantation, a Short-eared Owl was flushed and there was a Woodcock at dusk. Nearby, an immature Peregrine scattered a flock of at least 600 Woodpigeons and there were seven Roe Deer in fields to the north.
Upper Dumball (25 February 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
Another look at the swan field at Upper Dumball this evening where the swans were still grazing in a field of oil seed rape; there were still 48 Bewick’s (37 adults, 11 cygnets, none of which could be specifically identified); 4 Whoopers (three adults, one cygnet), four Mutes (three adults, one cygnet). I stayed until it was nearly dark; at 5.53 pm the Bewick’s all flew off towards Slimbridge, flying south across the river towards Upper Framilode. The Whoopers and Mutes didn’t go with them. I think they went on to the sandbanks on the river, but couldn’t be absolutely certain. Also a Little Owl calling at dusk.
Witcombe Reservoir (24 February 2011, contributed by Gordon Avery)
Seen late this morning were: an adult summer plumage Mediterannean Gull with Black-headed Gulls and 20 Siskin feeding in alders.
Blaisdon and Aylburton Warth (20 February 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
Around Blaisdon this morning my sightings included five Mandarins, a Little Owl, two Ravens, 150 Siskins, six Lesser Redpolls, a Hawfinch and 15+ Yellowhammers.
In the Aylburton Warth area one, probably two, female Merlins late morning. Also 44 Shelducks, 28 Teal, a Sparrowhawk, a male Kestrel, two Oystercatchers, 34 Golden Plovers, c.400 Lapwings, 460 Dunlins, 330 Curlews, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 1000 Black-headed Gulls, 50+ Goldfinches, 50 Linnets and a Hawfinch.
Rodley and Walmore (13 February 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
At Rodley there were 48 Bewick's (11 cygnets) and four Mutes (one cygnet) as well as the Whoopers, while my complete WEBS figures for Walmore Common today were three Shelduck, 27 Teal, eight Mallard, three Grey Herons, five Lapwing, a Jack Snipe and seven Snipe.
Severn Hams (13 February 2011, contributed by David Anderson, Les Brown and Mike Smart)
The Severn is now dropping, but not quickly enough for water to flow out from the meadows, where water levels are therefore still rising gradually. There has been a decrease in Greylag and Canada Geese and duck numbers also much lower than on January flood.
Ashleworth on Saturday 12 February: 4 Greylags and 14 Canadas, only 75 Wigeon, 256 Teal, 31 Mallard, 15 Pintail, 18 Shoveler, 6 Tufted, 1 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, only 1 Snipe (remarkably few despite careful search), a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, 2 Reed Buntings singing (first I’ve heard this year).
Leigh/ Cobney Meadows (moderate flooding): 22 Greylags, 3 Canada Geese, 147 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 3 Pintail.
Coombe Hill (the boardwalk is ankle deep in water, but easily accessible with wellingtons; scrapes submerged under shallow flood water): 4 Mute Swans, 50 Canadas, 30 Greylags, the Greylag x Barnacle cross again, 8 Shelducks, 350 Wigeon, 150 teal, 20 Mallard, 10 Shoveler. 1 Buzzard, 10 Lapwings, 8 Curlews (apparently a territorial pair and a group of six passing migrants); and a Reed bunting singing.
Today at Upper Dumball at 0930: swans in the same field as Friday: 4 Whoopers (one cygnet), 47 Bewick’s (37 adults, 10 cygnets), 3 Mute Swans.
Walmore and Rodley (11 February 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
I was told about a flock of swans at Rodley today, so I went to have a look and there was a flock of 4 Whoopers (three adults and one cygnet), 48 Bewick’s (37 adults and 11 cygnets) and 3 Mutes (two adults and a cygnet) on a field of what appeared to be kale; this is not on Wilmer Common but close to the river at Upper Dumball. I didn’t have time to ask the farmer how long the swans have been there, but I guess that is where they have been going for some weeks now.
The four Whoopers represent the family of two adults and a cygnet, plus a single adult, all of which have been hanging about for some weeks, though as yet nobody (as far as I know) has seen them together. I’ll bet they are just flying over the seawall (about 500 yards) to roost on the river; there are broad safe sandbanks for them there). I couldn’t see any rings on the Bewick’s but I didn’t go very close so as not to disturb them; I expect they are returning to Slimbridge every evening. This would explain why numbers of Bewick’s have been so low at Walmore this year. There were none there today.
Also one Sparrowhawk, flying off carrying a squealing Blackbird, quite a large prey item.
Severn Hams (5 February 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
Coombe Hill: 1 adult (or conceivably yearling) Whooper Swan (no doubt the one recorded roosting in the week at Ashleworth) had roosted and flew out at 08.10; no idea where it goes to graze. 1 Barnacle x Greylag cross. 590 Wigeon, 95 Teal 3 Pintail, 3 Shelducks, 50 Lapwings, flock of 15 Pied Wagtails, many of them males in fresh plumage feeding round the scrapes; migrants?
Wainlodes: 1 redhead Goosander on the Severn.
Ashleworth Ham; water levels continuing to drop. 2 Mute Swans, 450 Wigeon, 250 Teal, 32 Pintail, just 3 Shoveler, 13 Snipe.
Minsterworth and Walmore (2 February 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
Minsterworth Ham: at 10.00 the Whoopers family (two adults and a cygnet) were back on the usual field below the A48 lay-by together with two Mutes, but they had all disappeared by 12.30.
Walmore Common; family of five Bewick’s (two adults and three cygnets) present at 10.15, on the freshly reseeded edge of the ditch on field C, but they rose and flew off towards Slimbridge at about 10.45. In addition maybe 100 Teal, 1 Snipe and 4 Ravens.
Forest of Dean (29 January 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
Six Crossbills (three males & 3 females) at Edge Hills today; otherwise very quiet.
Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (29 January 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
There was an adult Whooper Swan in front of the main hide at Ashleworth Ham this afternoon and according to the logbook. There was a party of five Bewick's Swans (2 ad & 3 juvs) there until 12.30pm when they flew off north. Other birds seen included 28 Gadwall and 120 Pintail.
Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (29 January 2011, contributed by Les Brown, Tim Cash, John Wiltshire and Mike Smart)
Water levels continue to drop gradually, but Coombe Hill was largely iced over following the sharp frost, Ashleworth had more open water, so some redistribution of birds between the two sites.
At Coombe Hill 119 Greylag Geese, two with darvic rings, 57 Canadas; three Bewick’s Swans, probably the same family roosting (two adults and a cygnet), flew off to northeast early on (going to feed somewhere north of Haw Bridge??); 1200 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 30 Pintail, 14 Mute Swans, 3 Grey Herons, 60 Lapwings, two Curlews apparently territorial, very few passerines.
Leigh Meadows: no sign of any swans.
At Ashleworth: 450 Wigeon, 650 Teal, 17 Gadwall, 68 Pintail, 11 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Ducks.
Walmore (27 January 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
The flooding has almost entirely gone and it was very quiet with no swans. Seen were six Snipe, one hovering Kestrel, one Skylark. Only one Wren, which seem to be very scarce generally. Two foxes.
Coombe Hill (26 January 2011, contributed by Les Brown, Mike Smart and John Wiltshire)
The Severn is now much lower and the flooding on the meadows has receded considerably.
At Coombe Hill, the Grundon Hide is now comfortably accessible; the floodwater no longer iced over. A fantastic waterbird spectacle, but Saturday’s exceptional Teal numbers were no longer present. 3 Bewick’s Swans (a family party of two adults and one cygnet which had clearly roosted but moved off early), 180+ Greylags (including three darvic ringed birds), 1 Pinkfoot, 1 Barhead, 300+ Canadas, 3000 Wigeon (very active and lively on water constantly flying up), 10 Gadwall, 500+ Teal, 250 Pintail, 336 Lapwings, 1 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlews (one already giving bubbling call).
No sign of any Whooper or Bewick’s Swans at either Leigh Meadows or Ashleworth/Hasfield.
Walmore (24 January 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
The Severn has dropped sharply in the last few days allowing water to flow off the flooded meadows. Nearly all the water has gone from Walmore and there were no swans present at all. I wonder where the Whooper Swans have gone? 150 Teal, seven Snipe, two Ravens, 100 Fieldfares in meadows.
Severn Hams (23 January 2011, contributed by Mike Smart et al)
Coombe Hill still covered by extensive flooding yesterday, largely though not completely iced over; Grundon Hide barely accessible though good views possible from canal bank. Unusually large concentrations of ducks, particularly Teal, on the area of water kept open: estimates (conservative) of 2500 Wigeon, 2000 Teal, 200 Pintail, 100 Mallard, 10 Shoveler, 15 Gadwall all packed into small area. 200 Greylags, 400 Canadas. No sign of Bewick’s or Whoopers, either at Coombe Hill or Cobney Meadows at Wainlodes end. (Les Brown, Mike Smart, John Wiltshire and Tim Cash)
At Wainlodes, on the Severn a male and two red head Goosanders. (MS)
At Ashleworth too, good numbers of ducks and geese on open water between ice: 60 Pintail, 200 Wigeon, 200 Canadas. (MS)
Walmore and Awre (21 January 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
At Awre this afternoon two Golden Plover,250+ Lapwing, 12 Ruff, a Snipe and 65 Curlew feeding on fields and two Rock Pipits on the foreshore. Just two adult Bewick's Swans at Walmore Common at 1.30pm.
Walmore Common (21 January 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
Today at Walmore, the flooding was fairly extensive, but mainly iced over. There were eighteen swans present: nine Mute (six white and three cygnets); three Whoopers (two adults and a cygnet, clearly the birds that were at Minsterworth until ten days ago and not there today); and six Bewick’s (five adults and one cygnet). None of them were ringed. Interestingly, they were all on the brightest green bit of grass, alongside the main cross (north/south) ditch. The landowner, Mr Hyslop, says that this is the freshest grass around; it’s an area of spoil from ditch-cleaning which he reseeded last autumn with a rye grass mixture, to prevent docks and other weeds springing up.
Coombe Hill (18 January 2011, contributed by Gordon Avery, Les Brown and Mike Smart)
Coombe Hill was at its absolute best today; the Severn has dropped a little, but there is still light flooding on the meadows and the new boardwalk has come into its own; without it, the Grundon Hide could not be reached. Large numbers of water birds on the shallow floodwater: about 2,500 Wigeon, 400 Teal, 76 Pintail, 14 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall; there has been an increase in ducks since the weekend perhaps the 1,000 additional Wigeon have come from Slimbridge? About 425 Canada Geese, 170 Greylag Geese, 1 adult Pink-footed Goose, 2 adult European Whitefronts (flew in calling, probably birds from Slimbridge). 13 Bewick’s Swans, the first here this winter (eight adults and five cygnets). No sign of Whoopers at Leigh Meadows or Minsterworth. 460 Lapwings, 3 Dunlin, 2 Curlews, the latter unusual at this date: are they cold weather migrants from the north or early arriving breeding birds?
Walmore Common (16 January 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
The WEBS count at Walmore Common this morning coincided with the first floods of the winter here - two Mute Swans, 19 Canada Geese, five Shelduck, 62 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 305 Teal, 125 Mallard, eight Pintail, one Shoveler, three Buzzards, an adult male Peregrine and five Snipe.
Severn Hams (15 January 2011, contributed by Mike Smart et al)
The Severn continues to rise and was at 10.10m at Haw Bridge today (it breaks its banks at about 10.75). As a result, the smaller streams could not discharge into the Severn and are back-flooding the meadows. The River Chelt is very high at Wainlodes and already breaking its banks, flooding the Leigh Meadows. The Deerhurst Parish Drain is also high and back-flooding Coombe Hill and Cobney Meadows, while the main drain running through Ashleworth is also very high. This is the first time there has been any water on the meadows this winter, an unusually late date for a first winter flood, but the conditions have clearly attracted good numbers of ducks, notably Wigeon and the first decent showing of Pintail. There is a striking absence of Snipe, which must have moved out during the cold weather in December. The extension to the boardwalk at Coombe Hill will be coming in to its own soon.
WeBS count figures:
Coombe Hill (David Anderson/ Les Brown) : 180 Greylags, 1 Pinkfoot, 1 Barhead, 390 Canadas, 2 Shelduck, 1226 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 139 Teal, 123 Mallard, 88 Pintail, 18 Shoveler, 4 Tufted, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Peregrine, 287 Lapwings, 7 Dunlin, 1 Curlew.
Ashleworth Ham (Mike Smart): 5 Mute Swans, 5 Canada Geese, 690 Wigeon, 12 Gadwall, 300 Teal, 110 Mallard, 80 Pintail, 7 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Little grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Lapwings, 2 Ravens.
Leigh/Cobney Meadows (Mike Smart): 5 Mute Swans, 17 Mallard, 32 Lapwings, 200 Black-headed Gulls feeding round edge of rising flood.
Minsterworth Ham: no sign of the three Whoopers on the bright green field, either yesterday or today.
CWP(W) (11 January 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
Two Smew (one adult male), 43 Shoveler and a Weasel at pit 17, three Red-crested Pochard at pit 44, a male Mandarin at pit 16, a Little Egret and Barn Owl in the Shorncote area and totals of 41 Goldeneye and 15 Goosanders at various pits.
Severn Hams (8 January 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
Coombe Hill is now back to top form today, a real wildlife spectacle: water is rising in the Long Pool as the Parish Drain back-floods and the scrapes are now full. Excellent views from Grundon Hide. An unusual situation this winter, as by now there would normally have been a flood and the grass would have been sodden and unpalatable; but his autumn has been very dry with no flooding and there is plenty of short fresh unflooded grass, so the Wigeon are having a field day, the more so as they must be pretty hungry after the freeze-up in November/December. About 1300 Wigeon moving off the scrapes to graze on nearby grassland, with just over 300 Teal keeping them company, plus five Pintail and a couple of male Shelducks, not to mention about 190 Lapwings. Good numbers of geese – about 240 Canada Geese and 130 Greylags (at least eight with metal rings and one with a darvic ring already read earlier this winter. A single immature Whitefront with the Greylags, clearly ill at ease and being chased off by the Greylags, so probably a wild bird. About 7 Gadwall and 5 Shoveler on the Long Pool. Two Roe Deer on the meadows, taking refuge in the withy bed.
At Ashleworth too, the water is still rising: about 88 Teal, 17 Gadwall, six Pintail, 80 Wigeon.
At Minsterworth, the three Whoopers were still feeding in the very green field by the A48 with three Mutes.
Severn Hams (7 January 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
The River Severn rising gently, so local streams are beginning to back flood. At Minsterworth (Upper Moorcroft Farm) there were three Whoopers (two adults and a cygnet) on the same very green field, today joined by nine Mute Swans (five adults, four cygnets), all grazing. Walmore Common was largely dry: no Bewick’s, one Mute Swan. Ashleworth Ham: water is flowing on to the reserve at last after a very dry autumn: 40 Wigeon, 10 Gadwall at least 40 Teal. At Leigh Meadows there was no flooding and no swans.
Gloucester (4 January 2011, contributed by Gordon Avery)
5 Golden Plover flew west over Llantony Wier at 12.18pm today.
Gloucester (2 January 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
I flushed a Bittern at Port Ham, Gloucester today at 10.15am. Also two Shoveler there.
Coombe Hill (1 January 2011, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)
The Severn level at Haw Bridge is a bit higher today (8.23 m, after months round the seven metre mark) so the Chelt and other small tributaries are higher too and there will no doubt be a little more surface water at Coombe Hill and Ashleworth after an unusually dry autumn The birds have already found the water: this morning, Les Brown recorded 420 Wigeon and 200 Teal at Coombe Hill, with 175 Canada Geese and 35 Greylags.
Stratton (1 January 2011, contributed by Ken Cservenka)
In my garden at Stratton today were 1 male and 3 female Bramblings; 1 female Blackcap and 8 Yellowhammers among more usual garden birds. In the tall trees at the Stratton House Hotel there were 8 Siskins.
Minsterworth (1 January 2011, contributed by Andy Jayne)
At Minsterworth today near Upper Moorcroft Farm (SO7918) there were 3 (two adult and one juvenile) Whooper Swans and 6 (two adult and four juvenile) Bewick's Swans in a field with two adult Mute Swans. The Whooper Swans were still present at dusk.
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