TBOSG     Marshfield News 2007

Marshfield 2007 year list

Another visit to Marshfield this afternoon. Overcast but dry and calm. At least 15 Brambling seen in the flock of finches and Yellowhammers around the stables area of the West Littleton Road junction with the A420. Also 100+ Chaffinch's by the Tormarton Road. 3 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 male Sparrowhawk seen with prey, 70+ Yellowhammer, 60+ Skylarks a few Fieldfare and Redwings plus 2 Goldcrest by the allotments and the usual corvids and pigeons. (Pete Coslett & Tony Vincent)

Positively balmy today on the patch with temperatures soaring to 8°C! And with the milder conditions birds were showing well. Several (at least three) Brambling were near the end of West Littleton Road at the junction of the A420 in a mixed flock of finches which included Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer and male Reed Bunting; whilst overhead there were c.70 Golden Plover. Northfield Lane was quiet with just Red-legged Partridge and numerous Crows, Rooks and Jackdaws. At Rushmead Lane there were plenty of Skylark and two Raven.

Close to the reservoir: 25 Brambling, 10 Yellowhammer, 50 Fieldfare and 10 Redwing. On the Tormarton Road near Harcombe Farm: 1 Merlin, 300 Linnet, 20 Red-legged Partridge, 3 Reed Bunting, 20 Yellowhammer, 3 Brambling, 100 Chaffinch, 10 Goldfinch and 10 Fieldfare. Many Skylark in the area, seemingly flying south. A big flock flying high near Harcombe Farm of 100+ birds was wheeling round in no particular direction. (Robert Kelsh & Andy Mears)

Cold wind but dry long enough for a two hour walk between Marshfield and Rushmead Farm along Tormarton Road. 2 Buzzards, 1 Peregrine in flight east of the cemetery, also 200+ Golden Plover east of the Tormarton Road. 30+ Stock Dove, 60+ Fieldfare, 20+ Redwing, 40+ Skylark, a male Stonechat and Mistle Thrush. 60+ Yellowhammer, 50+ Chaffinch and at least 5 Brambling amongst finch flock in the fields east of the stables on the West Littleton Road junction with the A420, good views of 2 males; 200+ corvids and 100+ Starlings. No Corn Buntings or Ravens must be keeping their heads down. (Pete Coslett & Tony Vincent)

Plenty of birds at Marshfield this morning, all around the Northfield/ Rushmead Lane area. 80+ Corn Bunting, 30+ Yellowhammer, 15 Stock Dove, 60+ Skylark, 50+ Fieldfare, Redwing, 50+ Rook and 1 Lapwing. (Rob Laughton)

Cold, wet and windy on the patch today which kept things fairly honest, however there were good numbers of 'corvids', Jackdaws mostly, 20 Linnets, several Skylark, a small flock of Stock Dove, plenty of Fieldfare & Redwing, c.60 Golden Plover, 20 Pied Wagtail and male Stonechat.

It was with Cheryl today at Marshfield and I first spotted an Owl sat on the roof of the large barn on the Tormarton Road. I reversed into a gateway opposite the barn and had a clear views of two Owls flying together over Harcombe Wood. A white Pheasant was directly behind the same barn; 3 weeks ago we saw another leucistic Pheasant in a field on the top road passed Shirehill Farm (¼ mile away) which is also where we saw Bullfinches today. We go to this area a lot, but today's sightings were really exciting to us both, we must have sighted 20 Buzzards, 2 Grey Herons in Broadmead Brook, 5 Kestrels, several Yellowhammers, several Chaffinches and of course you can't go to Marshfield without seeing a Robin or two and numerous Pheasants and Partridges. (Cheryl Martin & Diane Lawrenczuk)

There were seventy Yellowhammers along West Littleton Road and a Reed Bunting with Yellowhammers along Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett)

24th:

A Short-eared Owl was still present in the Northfield/ Rushmead Lane area at 08:00 plus seven Greenfinch were at Ringswell. (John Barnett)

23rd:

Plenty of Redwings and Fieldfares today especially along Northfield Lane, where there was also Merlin, Red-legged Partridge, one or two Skylark and Yellowhammer, several hundred Jackdaw and Short-eared Owl flushed from almost the same spot as the recent Hen Harrier. There was also a 'Bumblebee' on the wing at West Littleton Road.

21st:

The Northfield Lane area of Marshfield today held; 28 Corn Bunting, 16 Yellowhammer, 21 Stock Dove, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Lapwing, 48 Skylark, 222 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 21 Song Thrush - in one flock!, Buzzard, Kestrel. I take it these maybe birds from the Continent? They also seemed quite happy on there tod and were not associating with the Fieldfare. It was also very cold up there only 0°C and very foggy. (Rob Laughton)

18th:

Nothing much to report from the Northfield/ Rushmead Lane circuit. No sign of the Hen Harrier, 4 Lapwing were on the model aeroplane field, small flock of Yellowhammer was sheltering in the Orchid Lane thicket, the mixed Chaffinch/ Yellowhammer flock was just off Rushmead Lane and a dozen of so Red-legged Partridge also. Fieldfare were everywhere plus a few Redwing and it was noticeable that the Blackbird count was up. (Gordon Rich)

15th & 16th:

I've spent a lot of time wandering this weekend with some reward, fortunately. Hen Harrier (yes!) on the down just east of West Littleton on the 16th, Lapwing 4 at West Littleton, Golden Plover 23 in field north of Marshfield school also 100+ Linnet there. Snipe in a ditch at the bottom of West Littleton Road - a first for me! Skylark; Usual numbers, Fieldfare c. 400 altogether and a few Redwing, Song Thrush 2 Northfield Lane, Raven only 14 at Shirehill, Corn Bunting flock of c.60 Down Road - not normally so many there, Yellowhammer c. 130 in three separate flocks and cold fingers!! (John Barnett)

An impressive 45 Ravens at Shirehill Farm in Broadmead Valley this afternoon. There's also a Merlin by Downthorns Farm and one at the west end of the village on Thursday December 6th. About 250 Golden Plover over Tormarton Road/ Northfield Lane. (John Barnett)

NOVEMBER:

25th:

The chill at Marshfield this afternoon was warmed by a female/ immature Hen Harrier that was flushed from the ground along Northfield Lane (ST: 778 744) at 15:25. It then flew east over Culverslade towards Downthorns Farm. Also there today were two Ravens, 20 Skylark, Red-legged Partridge, lots of Common Gull, Starling and 'corvid' and a finch flock of around a hundred and fifty, a mix of Chaffinch and Yellowhammer.

23rd:

A female/ immature Hen Harrier was seen by visiting birders behind the cemetery off the Tormarton Road around dusk.

22nd:

Rushmead Lane area of Marshfield this afternoon held; Brambling (heard calling in finch flock) 80+ Corn Bunting, 30+ Yellowhammer, 100+ Chaffinches, 2 House Sparrow, Raven, 2 Buzzard, 11 Long-tailed Tit, Skylark and Stonechat. (Rob Laughton)

17th:

A male Brambling this afternoon in the field nearest to the main road at the east of George Lane; also just under 200 Golden Plover near Rushmead Farm. (Pete Coslett)

16th:

Big flocks of Woodpigeons c.2 - 300, flocks of Gulls, Starlings, Corvids and Lapwing. Smallish groups of Fieldfare. Small flock of Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings separately. Loads of Pheasants. Disturbed a flock of Red-legged Partridge three times, how beautifully the Red-legged Partridges are camouflaged when seen in a ploughed field. Skylarks, Kestrels and Buzzards. And a pair of Stonechat on teasels in the allotments opposite the cemetery - not seen them before up here.

Re the Raptors, there was some funny behaviour I've seen before up here: - A tree full of Starlings, a Kestrel flies into it and sits and the existing starlings barely move, and more Starlings fly in! - A small bush with a Buzzard sitting in it, and Fieldfares actually fly in and sit right next to it! How cool are these birds! (Lois Pryce)

11th:

There were five Grey Partridge roughly at grid reference ST: 798 763 then flew down towards Gunnings Wood when flushed. (Jack Willmott)

A windy, and for a time wet, walk around the usual circuit. Northfield Lane pretty deserted but for Stonechat and seven Red-legged Partridge and a few Common Gulls. Orchid Lane also held just a Stonechat and a small party of Partridge.  Plenty of Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting and Skylark were along Rushmead Lane but numbers well down on those reported for Saturday. The return route to Marshfield along West Littleton Road produced a few Linnet, Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer. No sign of the winter thrushes, just a Mistle Thrush on a roof-top in Marshfield! (Gordon Rich)

10th:

7th:

5th:

There were an incredible twelve (12) Grey Partridge in the field east of Marshfield cemetery on Tormarton Road and 6 Lapwing in fields next to Star Farm. (John Barnett)

4th:

FOG...! Thick and swirling but very atmospheric. What am I doing here? Answer; waiting for the fog to clear... but it didn't so just the briefest glimpses of Kestrel, Yellowhammer, Buzzard and the diffused sounds of Skylark...

3rd:

This afternoon there were c.400 Common Gull east of Rushmead Lane, 200+ Skylark, Great Black-backed Gull, 40 Yellowhammer, 110 Corn Bunting including 70 on Orchid Lane, 3 Stonechat, 3 Raven and c.30 Meadow Pipit. (John Barnett)

OCTOBER:

30th:

This morning Blackcap by sewage works. (John Barnett) - This afternoon's highlights were the Starlings and Common Gulls. I'm not very good with numbers when it comes to estimating flock sizes but I'd hazard a guess at 5000 starlings - certainly enough to put on an aerial display and certainly more than I've seen up there before. As for the Common Gulls I reckon getting on for a thousand, again the largest flock I've seen on Marshfield. Otherwise, excluding the Buzzards, Kestrels, Woodpigeons and Corvids, birds were few and far between. A scattering of Skylarks, five Yellowhammers, no Corn Buntings, no Linnets, no Pipits and a handful of Red-legged Partridges. Northfield Lane produced just a couple of Blackbirds and a Song Thrush. The thicket at the end of Orchid Lane held a Dunnock and one of the five Yellowhammers. A Heron passed overhead. (Gordon Rich)

29th:

A Merlin over fields east of Tormarton Road, c. 2500 Starlings, 200 Skylark, 70 Corn Bunting in fields east of Tormarton Road opposite Culverslade Farm. (John Barnett)

21st:

Highlights from Marshfield this afternoon include Merlin, over five-hundred Woodpigeon, well over a thousand Starling and two Stonechat along Northfield Lane. Also there were around forty Linnet, ten Red-legged Partridge and several butterflies still on the wing; Peacock, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell.

14th:

This morning lots on West Littleton Road; 15 Goldfinch, 60 Corn Bunting and 100+ Linnet but the highlight was eight Grey Partridge opposite Rushmead Barn near the model airfield. (John Barnett) - New bird for 2007 - 5 Cormorants flew E to W over Northfield Lane at 10:15. Birds generally as reported for 8th October but plenty of Skylarks now in evidence though scattered. Also a total of seven Stonechats around the circuit. (Gordon Rich)

8th:

Just Skylark, male Stonechat and Wren on Northfield Lane. The thicket at the end of Orchid Lane held a total of some 40-50 Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer plus a Great Tit. The only bird in Rushmead Lane was a male Wheatear still with some vestiges of his summer plumage. The telegraph wires running parallel with West Littleton Road held a flock of some 70 finches, mainly Linnet and Goldfinch, plus a scattering of Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting. Overhead were 3 Kestrel, 3+ Buzzard and Raven. Noticeably absent were the flocks of corvids and Woodpigeon. (Gordon Rich)

7th:

Lots of activity today; at Northfield Lane there were at least eighty Corn Bunting on overhead wires, several hundred Meadow Pipit, good numbers of Skylark, Linnet and Yellowhammer. A Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over Northfield Lane and both Blue Tit 10 and Long-tailed Tit 9 in the hedgerows there. Also there were at least five Stonechat, Sparrowhawk, Chiffchaff and a covey of Red-legged Partridge. Two Raven flew over Castle Farm Copse.

Rushmead bushes around the raceway had 20 Linnet, 70 Corn Bunting, 100+ Yellowhammer, 100+ Skylark and 6 Common Gull. There were 40 Linnet and a female Stonechat east of the Tormarton Road and a pair of Stonechat on West Littleton Road by the start of Northfield Lane. (John Barnett)

29th:

Along Northfield Lane there were good numbers of Meadow Pipit, several Skylark, Yellowhammer and Linnet plus a juvenile Stonechat and a 1st winter Wheatear. Further along the lane towards Rushmead Lane there were several 'alba' Wagtails and Raven. On Orchid Lane there were four Corn Bunting and around two hundred Woodpigeons. From the A420 near Downs Road there were sixty Golden Plover.

Fifteen Stock Dove at racetrack on Rushmead Lane also Jay and Marsh Tit, c.50 Swallow and a few House Martin. Orchid Lane; 200+Skylark, 30 Linnet and 50 Corn Bunting. One male Stonechat on Northfield Lane. (John Barnett)

27th:

After a lovely morning the weather deteriorated into a dull and windy afternoon for my walk around Marshfield. Apart from the seeming increase in corvids and Woodpigeons (and the inevitable Buzzards, Raven and Kestrel) Northfield Lane, Rushmead Lane and West Littleton Road were deserted. No Chats, no Pipits, no Skylarks. The only "excitement" was at the top of Orchid Lane where the now semi-resident 4 Corn Buntings (and a couple of Yellowhammer) were joined by a further party of some 30-40 Corn Buntings and a smaller party of Linnets. (Gordon Rich)

25th:

Seven Stock Dove in field opposite racetrack on Rushmead Lane, 100 Skylark in Orchid Lane fields. Swallow: up to 150 on migration also a few House Martins. One Yellow Wagtail, Stonechat (pair) on Northfield Lane with Whinchat. 7 Raven on Orchid Lane. Corn Bunting: 50 on Northfield Lane and 25 Orchid Lane. (John Barnett)

22nd:

Late morning at Marshfield: Fifteen Common Buzzard, six Kestrel. two Sparrowhawk, Raven, a small flock of Linnet, sixty plus Meadow Pipit, numerous Swallow and three juvenile Wheatear all around Northfield Lane.

20th:

There were 40 Meadow Pipit and Whinchat at either end of Northfield Lane today. (John Barnett)

11th:

Visit this morning: A singleton Skylark in Northfield Lane plus two Grey Partridge. The Whinchat party and the Stonechat had moved to the hedgerow in Rushmead Lane (near Orchid Lane). The bushes at the end of Orchid Lane held 4 Corn Bunting and a similar number of Yellowhammer. Nothing else of note except two Raven off to the north. A lone Wheatear on the long stone wall that runs parallel to the West Littleton Road and seven Buzzard circling overhead near the paddock. The majority of corvids had moved to West Littleton, presumably to avoid the model aircraft. (Gordon Rich) - 2 Whinchat, 3 Yellow Wagtail, juvenile Wheatear plus 16 Meadow Pipit and 6 Painted Lady Butterflies along Northfield Lane, Marshfield this afternoon. (Rob Laughton) - A Grey Partridge was on Northfield Lane, also 2 Whinchat and Wheatear on West Littleton Road. (John Barnett)

6th:

Still eight Whinchat off Northfield Lane plus the juvenile Stonechat and a Common Whitethroat. Four Wheatear off West Littleton Road near the Rushmead Lane turning. Elsewhere, small flock of Linnet, plenty of corvids and Starlings, a couple of Kestrel and Buzzards but not a Corn Bunting or Yellowhammer in sight. (Gordon Rich) - A Tawny Owl was noted near Marshfield Church. (John Barnett)

4th:

A few bits and pieces at Marshfield this morning; Yellow Wagtail over Northfield Lane, an adult Wheatear with a 1st winter along West Littleton Road, Hobby chasing House Martins over Marshfield village plus 22 Linnet, 2 Yellowhammer, 6 Kestrel, 3 Buzzard and 2 Raven. Also there were Fox and Roe Deer. (Rob Laughton)

AUGUST:

31st:

Early evening at Marshfield; At least four Whinchat were still showing well along Northfield Lane where a distant Common Buzzard was being mobbed by a solitary Raven. Other sightings included Stock Dove, Yellowhammer, a small flock of Linnets and a distant flock of several hundred large gulls.

27th:

Two Whinchat where still in the potato fields at Northfield Lane this morning plus two or three Raven and a Grasshopper Warbler.

26th:

Seven Whinchat's were present at Northfield Lane this afternoon along with up to twelve Common Buzzard, three Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Willow Warbler. A Wheatear was seen on Rushmead Lane near the motocross ground. (John Barnett)

25th:

There were still six Whinchat at Northfield Lane this evening along with several Common Buzzard, Stock Dove, Yellowhammer, Linnet, c.150 Starling and several Kestrel.

This morning; Yellowhammer c.90, Corn Bunting 50, Linnet 30, Yellow Wagtail 1, all at the east end of Rushmead Lane except about 50 of the Yellowhammer in the bushes near the half built barn at the western end of Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett)

17th:

A rare weekday visit to the patch produced four Whinchat still along Northfield Lane and a pair of Whimbrel over Down Road.

16th:

Highlights from Marshfield this afternoon: Flocks of c. 200 hundred Starling and c. 80 House Sparrow were near the horse paddocks at the start of West Littleton Road with small numbers of Yellowhammer but no Corn Bunting. Along Northfield Lane there were at least eight Whinchat, juvenile Stonechat, Yellowhammer and good numbers of both Swallow and House Martin. At Ringswell, on the south side of the village, there were four Grey Wagtail at the sewage works along with several Bullfinch, Chiffchaff and a couple of Common Whitethroat.

10th:

A good selection of birds along Northfield Lane this evening with several Yellowhammer , Linnet and Corn Bunting. Also there were a small covey of Red-legged partridge and four juvenile Whinchat. There was no sound of Quail at the end of Rushmead Lane but a Peregrine put in a brief appearance.

5th:

As well as all the usual's, two Quail calling in fields to the east of Tormarton Road, one just north of the farm opposite the east end of Rushmead Lane one just to the south. The Linnets seem to have done well in the area this year. (John Barnett)

JULY:

31st:

A glorious end to the month weather wise but still fairly slow on the patch. Very little along West Littleton Road and Northfield Lane but a bit more action around 'Bollard Bushes'. Several small flocks of Yellowhammer and Linnet, six Corn Bunting, four Common Whitethroat, two juvenile/ 1st winter Whinchat and a brief in flight Grey Partridge.

19th:

One Quail calling from a weedy field on the main Marshfield to Tormarton Road between 14:00 & 15:00, audible from Rushmead Lane at ST: 786 749. Also Yellow Wagtail (heard), 2 Corn Bunting and 4 Yellowhammer. (Rob Laughton)

18th:

The predominant bird at Marshfield this evening was undoubtedly Corn Bunting with several pairs showing well on Northfield Lane alone. Yellowhammer was in evidence as was Linnet, House Sparrow, a small gathering of Starling, lots of Swallow and House Martin and a female Sparrowhawk. At Rushmead Lane a Yellow Wagtail was heard calling. (John Barnett)

12th:

At least one Quail still present and heard calling today off Down Road at approximately ST: 792 744. (Andy Davis)

11th:

Two Quail were heard calling off Down Road at approximately ST: 792 744.

JUNE:

22nd:

House Martin's were feeding over the barley crop this evening along with Swallow and Swift at West Littleton Road. Northfield Lane produced the usual suspects with Skylark, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Red-legged Partridge in evidence. Rushmead Lane held Red-legged Partridge with several more Yellowhammer and Common Whitethroat on Orchid Lane.

21st:

Highlights from Marshfield this evening include several Skylark, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Red-legged Partridge along Northfield Lane. Much the same from Rushmead Lane with the addition of a possible Quail calling very briefly.

17th:

As well as the usual Corn Buntings, Common Whitethroats, Yellowhammers etc, along Rushmead Lane 2 Ravens, 2 Grey Partridge and Yellow Wagtail. On West Littleton Road, Dark Mullein and what looks to me like Southern Polypody although in the Flora book it says that this is rare. (John Barnett)

15th:

A Red Kite was seen on the on the south side of Marshfield at around 07:50, it was noted drifting low from the south-west being mobbed by hirundine before turning back south-west then south and was lost to view towards Ringswell. (Margaret Jones)

12th:

Not a bad evening however the wind was fairly constant and from the west. Several Corn Bunting were singing along Northfield Lane, with Skylark, Linnet, Yellowhammer and two Grey Partridge. Along Down Road there was a Sparrowhawk and Common Whitethroat.

2nd:

My wife and I were strolling around Marshfield having left our car at the beginning of the main street in Marshfield village. We saw a Turtle Dove on our way back to the car in the lane across the main road opposite the turning leading into the village at ST 773 738. There are lots of bushes here (ideal habitat) but the bird flew past us strongly and didn't stop. We saw it really well. A real rare bird these days! (Andy Davis)

MAY:

26th:

Eight singing Corn Buntings today in 5 hours of touring around Marshfield. There seem to be quite a lot of Linnet around and still loads of Skylarks. 5 Stock Doves and yet another site for Willow Warbler north of Rushmead Lane in the valley at Broadmead Brook. (John Barnett)

20th:

At Northfield Lane there were several singing Corn Bunting this evening along with Skylark, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Common Whitethroat. Along West Littleton Road the Little Owl was feeding from overhead wires just before the Rushmead Lane turning. Two Coot were present on West Littleton Pond.

19th:

Stacks of 'hirundine' mostly Swallow but there were lots of Swift and a couple of House Martins in the Northfield Lane area. Also there was a male Wheatear, Common Whitethroat, Corn Bunting and three House Sparrows. At Castle Farm Copse a Little Owl was in 'the' dead tree and a Brimstone was feeding near the brook.

12th:

A pretty windy day with some heavy showers limited sightings but nevertheless the usual suspects were in evidence. Along Northfield Lane there were plenty of Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Yellowhammer with one or two Corn Bunting. At Broadmead Brook there was a couple of Raven, three Mallard were on Rushmead Flash and at Castle Farm Copse a Little Owl was roosting in 'the' dead tree.

6th:

From Marshfield this morning; Several Common Whitethroats on Shirehill Lane, also Yellow Wagtail over the lane, singing Corn Bunting there and Lesser Whitethroat by the junction with Tormarton Road. (John Barnett)

1st:

The highest point at Marshfield (Orchid Lane) is a good place to look for raptors and there were several this evening; Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Merlin but unfortunately no sign of the probable Montagu's Harrier that was seen late afternoon near Dyrham Park. Also several Swift put in a brief appearance.

APRIL:

26th:

Male Whinchat along Rushmead Lane this afternoon on fence posts near Orchid Lane. Also 20+ Corn Bunting, 20+ Yellowhammer and 6 Stock Dove, plus plenty of singing Skylarks also Common Whitethroat singing on the corner of Tormarton/ Rushmead Lane. (Rob Laughton)

22nd:

This evening at Northfield Lane/ West Littleton Road highlights were; Two Wheatear, singing Corn Bunting, lots of Skylark, twelve Red-legged Partridge, five Swallow, several Yellowhammer and a splendid male Whinchat.

15th:

A warm sunny morning at Marshfield this morning with a light northerly breeze; On Northfield Lane there were several Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet and stacks of Skylark. At Rushmead Lane there were at least thirty Corn Bunting in ploughed fields mixing with Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, and Skylark. Also there were several Common Buzzard, Raven and around twenty Fieldfare.

12th:

A warm afternoon at Marshfield but the wind was still coming from the north. Highlights today include, displaying Raven and Common Buzzard, three or four Corn Bunting, around thirty Yellowhammer, Red-legged Partridge, twenty Stock Dove, four Swallow and lots of Skylark in the Northfield/ Rushmead Lane area.

10th:

In the ploughed field at Rushmead Lane; Up to 30 Yellow Buntings, Corn Bunting, 20 Skylarks a few more Chaffinch and the odd Linnet. A male Wheatear still, White Wagtail and 4 Pied Wagtails, the very bright ones with the large white panel in the wing. New butterflies for the general area included; Orange Tip, Small White, Speckled Wood and Comma. I noticed unusually large numbers of Peacock butterflies and can only assume that they must winter in the dry stone walls of the area. (Pete Taylor)

9th:

Highlights from Northfield Lane at Marshfield this afternoon included twelve to fifteen Common Buzzard, several Red-legged Partridge, one or two Yellowhammer, good numbers of Skylark and this years first two Swallows.

8th:

It was a lovely spring day at Marshfield today with light a westerly breeze. Between Northfield Lane and Rushmead Lane there were numerous Skylark and Yellowhammer plus one Corn Bunting, also three Raven and at least seven Common Buzzard. On Rushmead Lane a new male Wheatear had arrived and there were several Corn Bunting in trees and fields on the north side of the Lane.

6th:

A lovely morning at Marshfield and lots of activity; Very large numbers of Skylarks singing, a Red Kite over Tormarton Road (ST: 782 741) at 09:00, a total of 10 Corn Buntings singing and about 80 Yellowhammer, several singing. There seem to be a lot of Linnets around at the moment, still a few Fieldfare, several Raven and Common Buzzard. (John Barnett) - Good Friday records for Marshfield; The ploughed field in Rushmead Lane were Chaffinch 6, Corn Bunting 8, Yellow Bunting 12, Fieldfare 200 plus a few Linnets and Ravens. (Pete Taylor)

5th:

The now light breeze had moved around to the west and Marshfield had a positively spring like feel this evening. Red-legged Partridge, Stock Dove and Skylark seemed to be the order of the day with plenty of birds showing from Northfield Lane. At Rushmead Lane there was a flock of around eighty Fieldfare and a couple of Raven. Returning along Northfield Lane it was a bit of a surprised to see two Canada Geese go winging over Tanner's Paddock's.

4th:

Still a northerly feel to the weather at Marshfield but the wind had dropped considerably. Highlights today; From Broadmead Brook, two Nuthatch, Treecreeper, two Grey Wagtail, several Raven, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tits, Chiffchaff, seven Mallard and Moorhen. At Rushmead Lane there were ten Corn Bunting, good numbers of Skylark and Yellowhammer, several Common Buzzard and Merlin from Orchid Lane.

1st:

Warm but very windy at Marshfield this afternoon, highlights include two Ravens from Down Road, another Raven over Broadmead Brook, up to ten Common Buzzard and plenty of Skylark singing around the area. At Rushmead Lane there were two (a male and female) Wheatear, the first of the spring plus Meadow Pipit and at West Littleton Road there were twenty Linnet, a flock of c. 40 large gull, a mix of Lesser Black-backed and Herring and eight Pied Wagtails.

MARCH:

30th:

The wind was from the north-east this afternoon bringing with it a cold chill, however, around Northfield Lane there are still lots of Skylarks, Yellowhammer and Red-legged Partridge, a rather grey looking Meadow Pipit, one or two Stock Dove, a single Raven, several Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Grey Heron.

29th:

An evening thrash at Marshfield produced lots of Red-legged Partridge and a Raven from Northfield Lane and a Little Owl along Down Road.

28th:

Another warm sunny day at Marshfield. Highlights today include, six Corn Bunting on the corner of Rushmead Lane and Tormarton Road along with two Pied Wagtail, twenty Linnets, two House Sparrows, several Red-legged Partridge, six Common Buzzard, three Raven, twenty-five Fieldfare, several Yellowhammer and two Meadow Pipits. There are still lots of Woodpigeon and 'corvids' in the area but no visible signs of migration.

26th:

A warm sunny day with temperatures reaching 15°C! Plenty of Skylark and Yellowhammer at West Littleton Road. A singing Corn Bunting, three Raven and six Common Buzzard along Northfield Lane. Forty Stock Dove and between four and five hundred Woodpigeon at Down Track along with another half dozen Common Buzzard. At Rushmead Lane there were more Stock Dove and Woodpigeon as well as Corn Bunting, Pied Wagtail, Red-legged Partridge and various finches.

25th:

Up to twelve Red-legged Partridges along the Tormarton Road with one calling loudly and watched through the telescope from Marshfield cemetery plus Common Buzzard nearby. Several Yellowhammer at various spots between Marshfield and Tormarton on the Tormarton Road. Three Raven in the Rushmead Lane area, a Corn Bunting near Springs Farm and a Great Spotted Woodpecker on a telegraph pole in the middle of a treeless field in the same area. (Rob Emery)

24th:

A cold northerly wind chilled pretty well everything at Marshfield today and as a consequence things were fairly slow, however, highlights today included; ten to twelve Raven, eight Common Buzzard, lots of Skylark and around forty Yellowhammer around West Littleton Road and Tanner's Paddocks. A couple of Corn Bunting put in a brief appearance at Rushmead Lane along with eight Pied Wagtail and a single White Wagtail.

17th:

A quite a stiff south-westerly kept most things grounded today, however there was still a good showing. Stacks of Skylark singing as well as good numbers of Yellowhammer around Tanner's Paddock's and West Littleton Road. At Castle Farm Copse there was Long-tailed, Great and Blue Tit, Goldcrest, singing Chiffchaff and Treecreeper plus Grey Wagtail, Sparrowhawk, four Common Buzzard and three or four Raven.

11th:

A warm sunny day but with a stiff breeze from the west and temperatures in the 12 - 13° C area. Several Common Buzzard, up to eight Ravens, c.60 Linnet plus good numbers of Skylark from West Littleton Road. At Rushmead Lane, lots of Yellowhammer, several Pied Wagtail and a female Stonechat.

3rd:

Passing along Rushmead Lane this morning with a walking group noted a Peregrine (without jesses') off to the north also 5 Common Buzzard, but not a great deal else. (Gordon Rich)

FEBRUARY:

25th:

Sunny with showers at Marshfield this morning with a brisk north-westerly wind; At West Littleton Road there were at least ten Common Buzzard, numerous Skylark, four Long-tailed Tits, Blue and Great Tits, six Ravens, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a probable Grey Partridge briefly in flight. Seven Mallard flew over Broadmead Valley and two more were on Rushmead Flash. Small flocks of Linnet, Yellowhammer and Fieldfare were scattered over the area with the main concentration at Rushmead Lane. There was a Sparrowhawk over the allotments plus the odd Stock Dove, Meadow Pipit and Corn Bunting.

21st:

A lovely sunny day brought out the Common Buzzards with a half dozen circling on thermals from Tanner's Paddock and along Rushmead Lane there was lots of activity; A flock of around two hundred Stock Dove, several hundred Starlings, around three hundred Fieldfare, two hundred Linnet, around twenty Corn Bunting, small flocks of Yellowhammer, Red-legged Partridge and Meadow Pipit, three or four Stonechat and numerous Skylark in full song. Fewer 'corvid' around lately but there were at least three Raven. The strangest sighting today though was that Peregrine in the back of a small car!

16th:

There was lots going on in the Rushmead Lane area, mainly in the newly ploughed fields. Corn Bunting 35+, Yellowhammer 60+, Fieldfare 300+, Redwing 2, Skylark 20+, Meadow Pipit 11, Raven 2, Starling 150+, Red-legged Partridge 6 and Chaffinch 3. (Rob Laughton)

6th:

A flock of c.50 Yellowhammer, Stonechat and four Common Buzzard on West Littleton Road plus four Raven and Merlin near Broadmead Brook. A flock of c.50 Fieldfare were along Rushmead Lane.

3rd:

Compared to earlier visits this year today was quite 'balmy'. The sunny conditions brought out plenty of Common Buzzard around ten were circling on 'thermals' around the area. There were two Stonechat a male and female, around 50 Yellowhammer and the same number of Skylark from West Littleton Road. Off Down Road there was a flock of over 300 Linnet with small numbers of both Yellowhammer and Chaffinch, several hundred Common Gull in newly ploughed fields and several small flocks of Red-legged Partridge. Three or four Raven were at Broadmead Brook and twenty-five Corn Bunting were at Rushmead Lane. There are still large numbers of 'corvids', several Stock Dove plus a flock of twenty Lapwings.

JANUARY:

26th:

This afternoons highlights were three Raven over Broadmead Brook and c.65 Corn Bunting along West Littleton Road. From Down Road there was another small flock of c.10 Corn Bunting, c.40 Yellowhammer, c.25 Linnet, c.20 Stock Dove as well as Greenfinch and Chaffinch. Several hundred 'corvid', most of which are Jackdaw were also in the area.

25th:

Not much to report this afternoon from a perishingly cold Marshfield. Lots of corvids but just one Raven, small flocks of Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Linnet and Corn Bunting, a couple of Common Buzzard and a falconer with that 'Peregrine'.

21st:

Spent the afternoon at Marshfield had the kids in the car armed with their Nintendo's. A flock of 6 Corn Buntings, Yellowhammers, Skylarks, 5 Red-legged Partridge, Stock Doves, Ravens and a huge flock of Fieldfare. As I was watching the Fieldfare something (Skylark?) whizzed across my view hotly pursued by a Merlin. As I was leaving I stopped on the stone bridge and I was watching a pair of Raven when a bird of prey appeared. It looked like a Peregrine and I was able to see the face mask. I only got the briefest of glimpses before it disappeared behind the trees but it did have something dangling down from each leg so I presume it was an escape of some type. (Darren Pearce)

20th:

Strong winds kept things honest this afternoon however, c. 55 Corn Bunting were still present along with c.30 Yellowhammer, c.25 Stock Dove, several covey's of Red-legged Partridge including one flock of c.40, a single Raven, a flock of over 500 Fieldfare, a small flock of Linnets and several Common Buzzard.

15th:

This afternoon; Still several large 'corvid' flocks, two flocks of c. 500 Fieldfare, c. 700 Starling, c. 50 Linnets, c. 75 Corn Bunting, six Raven, seven Common Buzzard, several covey's of Red-legged Partridge including one of twenty-five, c. 50 Stock Dove, a male and female Stonechat and a couple of Sparrowhawk.

13th:

This afternoon there were still several large flock of ‘corvid’ including one of over three hundred Jackdaws. Also, c. 20 Corn Bunting, around a hundred and fifty Linnets and twelve Ravens.

7th:

This afternoon there were several large flocks of ‘corvid’, Raven and Merlin.

4th:

An immaculate winter adult Red Kite over the paddocks opposite Tanner’s Walk at 14:30. Also, over five hundred Fieldfare, three Stonechat, Raven and Merlin.

Marshfield 2007 year list - 83

Blackbird, Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Brambling; Bullfinch, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Collared Dove, Common Buzzard, Common Gull, Common Whitethroat, Coot, Cormorant, Corn Bunting, Dunnock, Fieldfare, Goldcrest, Golden Plover, Goldfinch, Grasshopper Warbler, Great Black-backed Gull, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Grey Heron, Grey Partridge, Grey Wagtail, Hen Harrier, Herring Gull, House Martin, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Jay, Kestrel, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Lesser Whitethroat, Linnet, Little Owl, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Marsh Tit, Meadow Pipit, Merlin, Mistle Thrush, Moorhen, Nuthatch, Peregrine, Pheasant, Pied Wagtail, Quail, Raven, Red Kite, Red-legged Partridge, Redwing, Reed Bunting. Robin, Rook, Short-eared Owl, Skylark, Snipe, Song Thrush, Sparrowhawk, Starling, Stock Dove, Stonechat, Swallow, Swift, Tawny Owl, Treecreeper, Turtle Dove, Wheatear, Whimbrel, Whinchat, White Wagtail, Willow Warbler, Woodpigeon, Wren, Yellowhammer and Yellow Wagtail.

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