6th March 2025

The overnight fog lingered over the farm until at least 0930hrs this morning. Visibility was poor but I covered Athelhampton where the wildfowl were closest to the road. 

There was a small influx of Greylag Geese (17) across the farm. This species has been uncommon on the meadows this year. The fog may have had a say in their arrival. A pair of Egyptian Goose (2) were present at Mill Mead.

There were also a good number of Chiffchaff (11) hawking insects along the river and at Mill Mead.

Greylag Goose

25th February 2025

The warmer weather has seen an increase in raptor activity over the farm with Buzzard (8), Peregrine and Kestrel all taking advantage of mid afternoon thermals.

Wildfowl numbers are still high but there was a lack of Lapwing (13) on the meadows today. 

A small mixed flock of Yellowhammer (45) and Reed Bunting (10) were noted at Big and Little Straps.

Collared Dove (3) were noted today. The Waterbarn Cottages pair have not been seen so far this year therefore it was good to see birds on other parts of the farm.

The farm above the ridge was not covered.

Collared Dove

24th February 2025

The Woodlark was singing from the same area today with a Brambling digiscoped at the North end of Higher Eweleze late afternoon.

Water levels at Athelhampton were high with a Goosander taking advantage of this raised levels through the channels.

A female type Pintail was present at Mill Mead early morning.

Brambling

Goosander 

Shoveler pair

22nd February 2025

A day spent in Spring like conditions with bird song from all areas of the farm. Dunnock were the most vocal with Song Thrush exercising their vocal chords and a Woodlark singing in Higher Eweleze. A Brambling was also noted in this area.

Wildfowl numbers are still high but I did not visit all the key areas concentrating on the water meadows. The key counts were as follows:-

Song Thrush 4, Siskin 3, Med Gull, Lapwing 292, Wigeon 487, Snipe 13, Buzzard 5, Redwing 12,

(pale Common Buzzard)

A resident bird on the farm giving good views as it took advantage of the rising thermals.

Dunnock

16th February 2025

WeBS:-

Site totals:- Canada Geese (82), Egyptian Goose (2), Mute Swan (18), Wigeon (623), Teal (126), Pintail (1), Shoveler (2), Mallard (39), Moorhen (5), Little Grebe (2), Cormorant (3), Grey Heron (4), Little Egret (9), Lapwing (399), Snipe (3), Green Sandpiper (4), Common Gull (1), Black-headed Gull (7),Mediterranean Gull (4), Herring Gull (17), Red Kite (2), Buzzard (7), Kestrel (2),

Winter Finch:-

Site totals:- Yellowhammer (315), Corn Bunting (1), Reed Bunting (6), Chaffinch (355),Goldfinch (35), Greenfinch (12), Bullfinch (4), Stonechat (2), Robin (21), House Sparrow (45), Dunnock (15), Redwing (78), Blackbird (28), Song Thrush (3), Skylark (7), Collared Dove (3).

Corn Bunting

14th February 2025

A quick visit turned into a days outing with the feeding stations holding a good number of finches. 

Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer 290, Chaffinch 275, Bullfinch 6,

Fertiliser was being spread on Top Down which saw c500 gulls lingering in that field. The magority were smaller Gulls:-

Black-headed Gull 350, Mediterranean Gull 54, Common Gull 72, Herring Gull 40,

The Barnacle Goose 6 were on the water meadows this morning.

Barnacle Goose

11th February 2025

 A dull overcast day calm on the Farm with a few noteable site counts:- 

Merlin low East past Bardolf Manor House at 1142hrs. Barnacle Goose 6 (Athelhampton), Canada Goose 108, Shoveler 2 pairs, Wigeon 404, Brambling flight East at 1400hrs (Athelhampton), Great Spotted Woodpecker 3, Yellowhammer 103 (The Shales), Reed Bunting 5, Chaffinch 105, 

Great Spotted Woodpecker