Less being in the form of a fantastic male Lesser spotted Woodpecker seen and photographed by Steve Lockey (mid month) Steve's pics below.
The Golden Plover flocks have whittled down from 1500 birds at the start of the month to a mere 50 seen today 31st march on Big Otmoor. They are looking resplendent in their spangly gold, black and white summer plumage. Small numbers of Dunlin, Ruff and Snipe were seen whirling among the Plovers when they took to the air. A mystery wader was also seen, that has been put down as a probable / possible unseasonal Curlew Sandpiper. Black Tailed Godwits were also seen in their summer finery. With seven birds being the most i saw together on Big Otmoor. Oystercatchers have also appeared towards the end of the month. With two birds present on the 31st.
Golden Plovers..
The lone Bearded tit is ranging far and wide over the reserve. Being seen anywhere from the 2nd screen to all along the bridleway from the RSPB wardens hut to as far as Noke.
An immature male Marsh Harrier has arrived and the Ring tailed Harrier is still present (31stMarch)
Duck botherer.. (Marsh Harrier)
Other birds of prey..
Short Eared Owl, Barn Owl, Merlin, sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Redkite and Peregrine all seen during March.
Although a very sad tale of one of our magnificent Barn Owls cast a shadow over all who have had the pleasure of seeing this fantastic creature hunting over the reserve. For a full account of the tragic events please read Ewan Urquart's poignant report on his
Black Audi Birding blog.
More Otmoor photos..
Oystercatcher..
Little Egrets..
Redshank..
Lapwing..
Long tailed tit..
Bullfinch..
Chiffchaff..
Linnet..
Buzzard..
Sparrowhawk..
Hares..
Peacock butterfly..
My Sightings. March 2014 list Otmoor
Mute Swan, Canada, Greylag, Shelduck, Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Gadwall, Tufted, Shoveller, Pochard, G, C, Grebe, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Water Rail, Coot, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant,
B, H, Gull, G,B,B, Gull, L,B,B, Gull, Herring Gull, Curlew, Black Tailed Godwit, Redshank, Ruff, Dunlin, (Possible Curlew Sandpiper,) Snipe, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Oystercatcher.
Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, Merlin, Barn Owl, Pheasant, Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie, Jay, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Collared Dove,
Great spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Fieldfare, Redwing, Starling, Wheatear, Robin, Wren, Dunnock,
Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting,
Great tit, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Bearded Tit , Marsh Tit,
Pied Wagtail, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, (78)
