New Years Day 2019 ...........

Jan 1 - The traditional start to the year list, I managed a couple of hours at the Water Park early morning, then we went with friends to Otmoor late afternoon for the Starling murmuration which was quite impressive, the best I've seen with some nice swirling patterns especially when the flock was buzzed by a female Sparrowhawk. Shorncote and Waterhay area were productive with a couple of Great White Egrets, a calling Water Rail, 3 Green Sandpipers, a pair of Stonechats, several Chiffchaffs and Cetti's Warblers - and the Great Northern Diver was still in residence on pit 82. A good suite of ducks seen including Goldeneye and Goosander. A surprise at Otmoor was a Short-eared Owl - that circled high over the reserve - as well a flock of Golden Plovers and the expected Marsh Harrier quartering the reedbed. A quick stop at Daglingworth en route to Oxford added Brambling and Yellowhammer. Altogether I totalled 76 species, this Jan 1 figure is remarkably constant from year to year and is always between 70 and 80 species for the day. No Pintail or Smew at CWP, and surprisingly no Snipe.