Lower Windrush Valley bird watch

Many thanks to everyone who joined in with the first LWVP birdwatch. Thirteen local birding experts were out in the Lower Windrush Valley in mid May recording across a variety of sites. We regularly collect records from the hides at Rushy Common and Standlake Common nature reserves but do not, as yet, collect records from other locations in the valley. Mostly we were recording along public footpaths and in the nature reserves but a couple of landowners allowed access to their land for the purpose of the survey.

Valley bird watchers at the hide at Rushy Common

This was an experimental session and hopefully we will be able to repeat the survey with more recorders and gain access to more sites in the future. A few logistical problems were encountered and will be ironed out next time round but it seems that everyone enjoyed their morning out in the valley and will be happy to take part next time.

Thanks to Graham Lenton for the photographs of Rushy Common bird hide.

Celia and Jane and the splendid oak tree at Rushy Common bird hide

In total 83 species were recorded with Barry Hudson recording the highest number on any one site with 49 at Rushy Common. Blackbird were recorded at all 14 sites with mallard, wood pigeon and robin being recorded at 13 sites. Sadly no redshank were recorded and only one curlew, with lapwing at four sites. John Melling noted an absence of little grebe so any sightings of them in the valley will be welcome news. If you would like more details about the records or would like to take part in a future valley birdwatch (late autumn?) please contact me at the project office jane.bowley@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

 

 

 

Thanks to Antony Collieu for photograhs of sightings at Standlake Common Pit 60.