Damp Shorncote

27 Nov - No repeat of the Firecrest sighting today, but the usual suspects seen/heard - a female Stonechat braving the weather, and 5 Chiffchaffs along the stream. No less than 17 Little Egrets in flight, presumably leaving their roost.

pre-work Farmoor

24 Nov - A small (!) detour to Farmoor and very close views of a confiding Grey Phalarope on F1, posing for the camera despite the dull light......also 2 Black-necked Grebes close to the causeway.

Firecrest at Shorncote !

23 Nov - One of those magical and memorable birding moments.....Shorncote always produces something of interest.....on checking the stream side bushes, as well as the usual wintering Chiffchaffs I saw 2 'crests flitting around.....amazingly, the second bird had a great big white eyestripe! I did a duo or take and after a frantic brief search relocated the bird and had good views of a stunning Firecrest at close range.....a tick for me in CWP and it even posed briefly for the camera!

Owls return to form........

Nov 22 - a calm fine afternoon and 2 Short-eared Owls seen late afternoon hunting at Blakehill - always distant, but 1 seen to catch a vole and perch on a post to eat it. A Barn Owl joined them at dusk. Good to see they're still around. Also 2 Stonechats, 3 Snipe and small numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares.

CWP cold blast.........

21 Nov - Very strong north wind today - hardly any passerines as a result, but a Red0necked Grebe still on pit 68a and a drake Pintail in flight.

Barn Owl and Waterhay.........

17 Nov - A nice surprise early morning from the window - a Barn Owl in the half light, so only a very grainy photo possible. 14 Little Egrets in the field opposite Waterhay car park. Snipe and Green Sandpiper in flight at 68a and a Red-necked Grebe still present. Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler calling. A nice haul of species in rather autumnal weather.

Another Blakehill mega........

15 Nov - Good views this afternoon of a first-winter / fem Black Redstart - surprisingly confiding along the fence line, feeding with a pair of Stonechats. Reasonable photos possible despite the breezy weather. No SEOs seen.