12th January 2025

 WeBS counts:- 

Site totals:- Canada Geese (187), Greylag Goose (2), Barnacle Goose (7), Egyptian Goose (2), Mute Swan (18), Wigeon (483), Teal (185), Mallard (31), Goosander (1), Moorhen (5), Little Grebe (3), Cormorant (1), Grey Heron (4), Little Egret (8), Lapwing (291), Snipe (12), Green Sandpiper (1), Common Gull (3), Black-headed Gull (18),Herring Gull (14), Buzzard (5), Kestrel (1), Barn Owl (1).

Winter Finch Counts:-

Site totals:- Yellowhammer (115), Reed Bunting (8), Chaffinch (227),Goldfinch (3), Bullfinch (7), Stonechat (2), House Sparrow (43), Dunnock (5), Robin (16), Blackbird (16), Skylark (11), Collared Dove (5).

Barnacle Goose

9th January 2025

It is with a sad heart I pass on the news that Hugo Wood-Homer passed away yesterday. 

In the short time I knew him he was an inspirational figure expanding my ornithological knowledge at his home Bardolf Farm! 

I will endeavor to continue his work recording the birds that traverse the Farm. I'm certain Hugo will be watching!

Rest In Peace Hugo!

Green Sandpiper, Snipe (7), Shoveler (pair), Wigeon (228), Teal (115), Lapwing (60), Canada Geese (96), 

7th January 2025

 A day on the farm with water levels higher than in recent visits. The wildfowl were scattered across the site with a reduction in finches at Big and Little Straps.

Egyptian Geese 3, a pair in flight and a single bird on the meadows at Athelhampton.

Shoveler 2 a drake and female at Athelhampton. 

Lapwing 230 NW over Athelhampton, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black-headed Gull 41, Little Egret 6, Jack Snipe (Devil's Brook).

Chiffchaff 3 east side of cattle shed.

4th January 2025

A morning visit which has seen and increase of finch numbers at Big and Little Straps. Mobile flocks of Lapwing looking for feeding grounds. An increase of wildfowl at Athelhampton. The area above the ridge was not covered.

Wildfowl Counts:-

Greylag Goose (2) Canada Goose (164), Teal (68), Wigeon (154), Mallard (9), Snipe (10), Lapwing (86)

Finch Counts:-

Yellowhammer (87), Reed Bunting (35), Chaffinch (250), Goldfinch (3), Greenfinch, House Sparrow (45), Dunnock (2), 

3rd January 2025

An afternoon visit to the farm with Wigeon numbers up. Temperatures are set to drop overnight which presents the opportunity for more wildfowl and finches to congregate on the farm.

Canada Goose 136, Wigeon 318, Teal 13, Cormorant 4, Little Egret 7, Mallard 69 (65 to roost on River Piddle at Mill Mead). Raven S over Mill Mead. Common Gull 7 flight SW over Waterbarn Cottages.

Raven low over Green field to land in tree and call.

pm finch count over 200 birds present at Big and Little Straps.

Reed Bunting 47, Yellowhammer 72, Chaffinch 50, House Sparrow 35,

2nd January 2025

Happy New Year Everyone! My first visit to the farm in 2025. 

The water meadows had good numbers of wildfowl. Lapwing and Wigeon arrived once the sun had taken the edge off the frost.

Shoveler 4 (2m, 2f), Wigeon 198, Teal 30, Geese: Egyptian 2 (Athelhampton) Canada 174, Greylag 2, 

A Coot was on Causeway Pond which maybe a bird that has taken up residence with scattered sightings at the end of the year. Moorhen 2 and Little Grebe 5 were the other counts on the pond. 

A Green Sandpiper was noted opposite the Causeway Pond.

A Peregrine scattered the wildfowl as it flew over the meadows.

The mixed seed crop at Big and Little Straps is attracting the most finches. Chalk Pit held 147 Chaffinch. 

A high count of Reed Bunting 57 of various ages and plumages.

Yellowhammer 81,  Chaffinch 212, Linnet 40, Goldfinch 5, Greenfinch 3, Bullfinch, House Sparrow 40, 

Siskin 10 were feeding in the Alders at Burleston with Goldfinch.

19th December 2024

 A fleeting visit this afternoon to confirm the Barnacle Goose (7) were still there and a catch up with Phil and his son.