25 February 2024

I had another walk around the Blue course to the reservoir today.  The water has subsided since the floods of last weekend, but the course is still pretty soggy.  There was no sign of the large Siskin flock today, although I was pleasantly surprised to come across a flock of 16 Meadow Pipits on the 10th fairway.  Meadow Pipits are quite common in open country, but I haven't seen them on the golf course very often.

Meadow Pipits [10th Blue]

Brown Hares are much more evident on the Blue course than of late, with a pair chasing each other around the 1st and 2nd.  I came across a Sparrowhawk hunting over the 7th fairway today and then a pair soaring on the thermals along with a number of Red Kites above the 1st on the Blue.

Sparrowhawk [7th Blue]

In the woods between the 16th and 17th there were a couple of Green Woodpeckers, Goldcrests and some Coal Tits feeding on the pine cones.

Coal Tit [17th Blue]

23 September 2023

I was forwarded a report of a Dartford Warbler being heard singing near the path alongside the 5th on the Red.  Dartford Warblers are summer visitors and are rare in the UK, particularly in Oxfordshire.  They are also very secretive, spending most time in thick cover.  This one was likely to have been passing through on migration.  I had a couple of trips to try to spot it, but without success.

Some consolation was to find a new bird for the Frilford list on the reservoir - a Shoveler Duck.  This one was a female - the males are rather more colourful.  They are named after their large beak, which they use to sift plant matter from the surface of water.

Northern Shoveler [Reservoir]

Also around the reservoir there were a number of Meadow Pipits.  I only really see these at Frilford when they are on passage and it is interesting to note that I saw them in exactly the same place exactly a year ago.

Meadow Pipit [Reservoir]

24 September 2022

 

Went out in shorts this morning and quickly regretted my decision - the weather has become a lot more Autumnal over the last couple of weeks. The main thing of note was a flock of about a dozen or so Meadow Pipits, centred around the reservoir.  I see them occasionally on the estate, but this is the first time that I have seen more than a couple.  They are well camouflaged when feeding on the short grass or waste ground.  They also have a remarkably long hind claw..

Meadow Pipits [Reservoir]

Nearby was a female Reed Bunting and at the other end of the reservoir, on the feeder pool, was one of the family of Grey Wagtails that is usually in that area.

Reed Bunting [Reservoir]

Grey Wagtail [Reservoir]

I also spotted a Snipe flying high overhead the same area.