Valley of the River Thame near Chearsley - Buckinghamshire

My first walk of the year took me down into the valley of the River Thame near Chearsley (http://tinyurl.com/29adszv). The temperature throughout the walk was 3°C with about 90% thin cloud cover and some weak winter sun.


The following were of note.

Birds:

27 species were seen and/or heard and recorded in BirdTrack (http://www.bto.org/birdtrack/). The key sighting was a small but dispersed flock of Teal (Anas crecca). There were at least 4 individuals but, possibly, 2 or 3 additional birds. Teal have yet to be noted by me on the Thame during the breeding season; so, my assumption is that these were winter visitors to the valley.

Mammals:

Some fresh Mole (Talpa europaea) activity noted where the land appeared just above areas subject to recent flooding.

Valley of the River Thame near Starveall Farm - Buckinghamshire

I enjoyed a short walk before lunch down into the valley of the River Thame near Starveall Farm (http://cwr.naturalengland.org.uk/Default.aspx?Module=CountryWalkDetails&Site=3570). The temperature at the start was -5°C rising to about 0°C by the time I returned to the car. However, the cloud was thin and the sun was out! It seemed to be much colder in the bottom of the valley.

The following were of note.

Birds:

24 species were seen and/or heard and recorded in BirdTrack (http://www.bto.org/birdtrack/). Of main interest were the large numbers of Thrushes; particularly the abundant Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) and, to a much lesser extent, Blackbird (Turdus merula). Added to those were small numbers of Redwing (Turdus iliacus), Song thrush (Turdus philomelos) and Mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus). All these birds were primarily foraging under the hedges and tree lines.

Also notable were Snipe (Gallinago gallinago). One was disturbed, typically, from the river; however, 6 more were found feeding in one of the riverside meadows. This is the largest number of Snipe seen by me at this site.

Finally, a couple of Woodpigeon kills were found; only feathers seen with no carcass evident. See the following photograph.

Mammals:

Some Fresh Mole (Talpa europaea) activity noted, plus 2 Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and a sickly Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Murcott Meadows SSSI

Today I had a short break from work for an afternoon walk over Murcott Meadows SSSI (http://tinyurl.com/32muucx). The temperature was about 2°C; however, the cloud was thin and the sun was out! All ground was still frozen in the areas of shade.

The following were of note.

Flora:

Nothing of great interest; however, I did take the following photographs of lichen encrusted Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). This was a very common sight on the north side of the spinney.

Birds:

17 species were seen and/or heard and recorded in BirdTrack (http://www.bto.org/birdtrack/). Of main interest were good views of Fieldfares (Turdus pilaris) and Redwings (Turdus iliacus), plus small groups of Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) heading towards the Otmoor roost (http://tinyurl.com/39lsnys).

Mammals:

Fresh Mole (Talpa europaea) activity in evidence around the meadow boundaries, plus one Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) seen.

Aston Rowant NNR (South)

Up in the hills today! A late Autumn (early Winter) walk over Aston Rowant NNR (South). The temperature varied between 6°C and 7°C; it was damp underfoot with mist patches.

The following were of note.

Flora:

I noted that at least 2 spikes of Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata) were in bud and suspect the flowers would open should the sun ever come out. The stands of Juniper (Juniperus communis) were impressive with some re-generation noted. Finally, the Hazel (Corylus avellana) catkins made a great show and gave a hint that Spring will come after we have lived through the depths of Winter!

Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Birds:

17 species were seen and/or heard and recorded in BirdTrack (http://www.bto.org/birdtrack/). Not that great but my sightings did include some choice views of three Winter visitors.

• Finch flocks were much in evidence but the best sight was 10+ Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) feeding around the top of an Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and a Common Whitebeam (Sorbus aria). Not a particularly rare species but one not often observed by me.

• Fieldfares (Turdus pilaris) heard plus good views of Redwing (Turdus iliacus) obtained.

Mammals:

5+ Fallow deer (Dama dama) noted and 2 Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) seen.

Thame Valley Shabbington - Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire border

A lunchtime walk along the River Thame on the Buckinghamshire bank downstream of Shabbington. I started the walk at 11:45 and finished around 14:00. 15°C and 90% cloud at the start but rapidly changing to 100% sun and 19°C.


The following were of note.

Insects:

Butterflies – one large unidentified insect flying at a distance and one White seen; the latter possibly a Small or Green-veined White (Pieris rapae or Pieris napi). However, I did get firm ids on two other butterflies – 1 ♂ Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) and 1 Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta).

Dragonflies – I think I had a Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) though too distant to id with certainty and could not obtain a record shot. However, I did see some Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) with at least one pair in tandem and ovipositing.

♂ Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum)

Flora:
The following were in flower:

Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides)

Not sure about this one! I am checking with the community on iSpot.
Input from the iSpot community suggests:

Great Yellow-cress (Rorippa amphibia)

Comment from allrounder: This looks from the picture like Great Yellow-cress and as the scientific name suggests is found in and by fresh water. Your picture shows a plant with a stout stem, lanceolate, toothed leaves and the fruits are oval with a style. All indicators of Great Yellow-cress. This plant is described as only locally common so a good find.

Birds:

Good views of the following were obtained:

• Mute swan (Cygnus olor) – the winter flock had 4 individuals in it.

• Redshank (Tringa tetanus) – 1 disturbed from the river; white pointed rump and broad edge to trailing wing edges very diagnostic. This is a first for me at any of my River Thame sites!

• Buzzard (Buteo buteo) – 2;

• Red kite (Milvus milvus) – 5+;

• Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) – 1;

• Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) – flock of 25 to 30 flying over.

Lea Park, Thame, Oxfordshire

A first for my garden in Thame! 2 Raven (Corvus corax) flying over and heading south.

Emmington - Oxfordshire

Today was not the best of days for a wildlife walk; however, as I had not been on one since August it was a must to get out into the field! I spent about 2 hours from 10:50 walking the footpaths around Emmington. The weather was pleasant to begin with at 15°C with light rain; however, the rain became heavier and the wind stronger by the time I got back to the car.


The following were of note.

Insects:

Hornet (Vespa crabro) – At least three where flying close to Great Covert, with one amongst the sunflowers in a strip planted as game cover.

Fungi:

Three interesting species of fungi were seen during the walk; 2 in Down Covert on tree trunks and one on Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). I am no expert at identifying fungi so I have loaded the following photographs to iSpot (http://www.ispot.org.uk/frontpage) to seek id support from the community. I will update the blog if ids provided.

The iSpot community did not let me down. Two ids provided plus a possible id.  See the captions under the relevant photographs for the species identifications. 

Pleurotus sp. poss. either P. ostreatus or P. cornucopiae. Need to revisit site to get improved images and images of the stipe. In P. cornucopiae the lamellae run down the stipe and criss-cross over each other to form a distinctive diamond pattern.

Pleurotus sp. poss. either P. ostreatus or P. cornucopiae. Need to revisit site to get improved images and images of the stipe. In P. cornucopiae the lamellae run down the stipe and criss-cross over each other to form a distinctive diamond pattern.

Pholiota adiposa

Pholiota adiposa

Silverleaf Fungus (Chondrostereum purpureum) on Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

Flora:

The following were in flower:

• White Dead-nettle (Lamium album);

• Red Clover (Trifolium pretense);

• Common Field Speedwell (Veronica persica);

• 2 species of Umbelliferae.



Birds:

• House martin (Delichon urbica) – small flocks;

• Swallow (Hirundo rustica) - small flocks;

• Buzzard (Buteo buteo) – at least 3 with one harassed by corvids;

• Red kite (Milvus milvus) – 6+;

• Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) – 2;

• Skylark (Alauda arvensis) – calling from recently drilled fields;

• Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) – 2 calling;

• Stock dove (Columba oenas) – possible the largest flock I have ever seen; 30+ individuals.


Mammals:

• 1 Brown hare (Lepus europaeus);

• Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) – evidence that they are feeding on maze hobs picked from the strips sown as game cover. Feeding stations found in Down Covert.