TBOSG     Marshfield News 2008

Marshfield 2008 year list

DECEMBER:

30th:

We had a nice outing today in Marshfield. We started off in the Doncombe Valley area and Ringswell Common hoping to see the Hawfinch. Unfortunately we didn't see any, but we did see the following: Redwing 6, Great Spotted Woodpecker 3, Marsh Tit, Long-tailed Tit 15, Coal Tit 2, Stonechat 3, Bullfinch, Grey Wagtail 2, Treecreeper and Green Woodpecker.  All of the common birds and finches were about in plentiful numbers including the Yellowhammers. Next we headed to the other side of the A420 and saw the following: Along the east side of Down Road there were 200+ Fieldfare, and 30+ Golden Plover (some were down behind the crest of the little hill so full numbers were hard to estimate from the road). On the rest of the patch we saw two more Stonechat, 17 Red-legged Partridge, 10 Redwing, Stonechat, Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush. Also ten Corn Bunting on 'Rough Ground' on the north-east corner of Rushmead Lane. We thought that we saw four Quail flush and drop back down over a wall, but we could not relocate them. The jizz and behaviour seemed right but we were not totally sure. They were along Rushmead Lane just above where there is an unfinished barn made of red metal beams. (Terry Mason)

27th:

Around sixty-five Golden Plover were on show in fields west of Northfield Lane plus Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Stonechat. Good numbers of finches around Rushmead Farm including Brambling, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Linnet with plenty of mainly Fieldfare in the fields on either side of Rushmead Lane.

24th:

At least six Brambling were in the trees around Rushmead Farm. On Rushmead Lane there were 50+ Corn Bunting, 50+ Yellowhammers, a least one pair of Stonechats, Raven, 200+ Fieldfare and 20 Red-Legged Partridge. (Len & Jean Ingram & Don Smith)

23rd:

Decided to have a walk around the lanes north of Marshfield on this afternoon and was amazed by the sheer numbers of birds in the fields especially at the east end of Rushmead Lane where many birds looked as if hey might roost in the small copse by the pig farm. There were Brambling clearly visible in the trees as well as flying down to the adjacent field with the Chaffinches and the following numbers are conservative! Linnet - well over 1000 Skylark - 100+ Fieldfare - 300+ Chaffinch - 300+ Yellowhammer - c30 Corn Bunting - 15 Brambling - at least 15. (Richard Headford)

20th:

This afternoon at Marshfield a Barn Owl was seen on Ringswell Common in the Doncombe Valley south of the village. On the north side of the patch there were around 300 Chaffinch at Rushmead Farm and at least 10 Brambling. Four Raven were logged nearby. (John Barnett)

17th:

This morning on the patch there was unfortunately no sign of Quail. There were however large flocks of finches including Linnet, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer plus at least 6 Brambling at Rushmead Farm and a Peregrine overhead. Lots of Corn Buntings and Skylarks singing. Also a Magpie in Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett)

14th:

Well Brambling I guess was the notable bird today around the patch with a male on West Littleton Road, a couple more on Bond's Lane and at least six in pig fields at Rushmead Farm. Loads of winter thrush, the majority being Fieldfare but there were also Redwing in small numbers and a couple of Continental Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush. Good numbers of Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting but large numbers of Linnet. Jay is unusual but one flew over Castle Farm Copse along with two Raven.

12th:

65 Lapwing at West Littleton and 40 at Shire Hill. Two Brambling at Rushmead Farm, around c.1200 Linnet altogether in the area, 30+ Yellowhammer and three Stonechat by the paddocks on West Littleton Road. No sign of Quail! (John Barnett)

11th:

Two QUAIL were seen today at around 11:00 in the Down Road area at Marshfield on private land with no general access. (John Barnett)

10th:

A Hawfinch was still showing on Ringswell Common in the Doncombe Valley mid morning. (John Barnett) - Large numbers of birds off Tormarton Road. In ploughed field south of Davis's Farm Machinery, 70 Golden Plover and 20 Pied Wagtails including alba wagtails. In field around and south of Rushmead Copse, 200 Linnets and Skylark, 2 Brambling. On Rushmead Corner, 4 each Corn Buntings, Meadow Pipits, Fieldfare and a flock of Starlings. Off Rushmead Lane 2 Stonechats and 15 Red-legged Partridge. (Don Smith)

8th:

Two Brambling were in fields on the south side of Newhouse Farm this morning. Twenty-two Lapwing and twenty Stock Dove were near Upper Farm at West Littleton. A Female Merlin was seen in the valley from West Littleton Road a Reed Bunting was near Rushmead Farm and two Hawfinch were still present on Ringswell Common in the Doncombe Valley where the path crosses the stream. (John Barnett)

7th:

On Northfield Lane before dusk... there was a female Merlin well seen plus 25+ Golden Plover. On Ringswell Common no sign of Hawfinch but several Bullfinch, 100+ Fieldfare, 50+ Redwing, Marsh Tits Nuthatches and two Grey Wagtail. (Phil Baber)

6th:

This morning there were around 20 Song Thrush on Northfield Lane and Rushmead Farm plus two Brambling there also two Reed Bunting on Northfield Lane. Altogether there must be over 1000 Linnet and 100's of Skylark. (John Barnett) - Also at Marshfield today there were 23 Red-legged Partridge in the field next to the allotments on Tormarton Road plus 30+ Linnets and Buzzard. At Rushmead Lane; 10+ Yellowhammer, 30-40 Fieldfares, 20+ Redwings. Northfield Lane; 20+ Meadow Pipits, 3 Stonechats, 30+ Corn Bunting and 2 White wagtails. Shirehill 50+ Fielfares,100+ Redwings,15 Goldfinch, Buzzard and 2 Mistle Thrush and a lack of big starling flocks, where have they all gone? (Mark Turnbull)

4th:

At Marshfield today a Hawfinch was seen again briefly in flight over Ringswell Common. There were 121 Lapwing north of Rownham Farm viewable from Tormarton Road at ST: 779 770 and 10+ Brambling at Rushmead Farm, 800+ Linnet, 10+ Bullfinch and 30+ Skylark. (Rob Laughton)

3rd:

On Northfield Lane this afternoon there were plenty of Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail and Golden Plover with up to 85 in the fields and another 150 in flight over the lane. Also on the lane what appeared to be several Continental Song Thrush, Blackbirds and a couple of Chaffinch. Otherwise a good mix of finches including all of the usual suspects. Raptors included Kestrel, a probable Merlin and a female Sparrowhawk. - A Hawfinch was still present this afternoon on Ringswell Common on the south side of Marshfield at ST: 793 732. Please park in the village and walk into the valley. (Nigel Warren)

2nd:

The Hawfinch was mainly 200 metres east of the Sewage Treatment Works at ST: 788 731 but then flew up into the tall trees along the path that leads up to the Withymead Playing Fields. There were good numbers of Brambling, around twenty near Rushmead Farm with a nice male in the flock. Other birds included 100+ Chaffinch, 20+ Corn Bunting, 800+ Linnet, 100+ Redwing, 30+ Fieldfare, 10+ Bullfinch and a Fox! (Rob Laughton)

1st:

A Hawfinch was showing well on Ringswell Common on the south side of Marshfield this morning. It was spending long periods in the sun feeding on hawthorn four hundred metres west of Marshfield Sewage Treatment Works at ST: 790 734. This is the third bird to be seen in this valley in a week, the previous two were a bright male and a female. The pale bill on this individual suggests a male and it was clearly a much duller bird than the first male.

NOVEMBER:

29th:

Plenty of Brambling around today with at least 10 in a mixed flock from Tormarton Road opposite Newhouse Farm. Three more were logged near Shire Hill bridge along with three Grey Heron. Stonechat was also seen from West Littleton Road. (Darren Pearce)

28th:

A misty morning on the top fields at Marshfield restricted viewing somewhat however, good numbers of Meadow Pipit and 'alba' Wagtails were in fields opposite the entrance to Northfield Lane plus male Reed Bunting and several Stonechats. Other sightings from the lane included a couple of Ravens two more Stonechat, good numbers of Fieldfare and a fly-over flock of around 150 Golden Plover.

27th:

No sign of any Hawfinch in the Ringswell Valley but there were two Marsh Tit, five Bullfinch and thirty Redwings. (Rob Laughton)

26th:

The first record of Hawfinch for the Marshfield patch was found this morning at around 11:15 by Don Smith 300 metres east of Marshfield Sewage Treatment Works in the Ringswell Valley. This adult winter male was followed by a second bird around fifteen minutes later which appeared to be a winter female.

25th:

At dusk this evening there were around 4000 Starlings flying west over Tormarton Road and nearby c.450 Golden Plover in field by Culverslade Farm. (John Barnett)

24th:

This morning at Marshfield there were 8 Bullfinch at Ringswell, Sparrowhawk at the east end of Cloud Wood, 2 Brambling with Sparrows plus Chaffinches and a Stonechat in the hedgerow at the farm at the A420 end of Down road. (John Barnett)

22nd:

Rather cold out on the patch early today. Apart from huge flocks of Starling, a good variety to be seen, although in smaller numbers and keeping less evident. West from Northfield Lane at the junction with the A420, a large mixed flock of Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch and Meadow Pipit, there were two 'alba' Wagtail present. On both Northfield Lane and Orchid Lane, a few Fieldfare and Redwing, Yellowhammers, Skylark, Corn Bunting, & Stonechat. North of Broadmead Brook (from Orchid Lane), Raven, Buzzard, Lapwing and Heron. (Don Smith)

19th:

This morning at Marshfield was quite fresh with a brisk westerly that eased around mid-day and became quite warm. In that warm spell a Comma was seen on the wing at Rushmead Lane near the 'flash'. Also on the lane in fields to the north there were at least three Brambling with both males and females on show. Four Golden Plover flew west over Northfield Lane.

16th:

This morning a Common Snipe, the first of the year, was flushed from Northfield Lane where there were also good numbers of finches, pipits and larks. There were also good numbers of finches at Rushmead Farm with at least two Brambling present. Wet and miserable; 3000+ Starling at Down Road; 700 Linnet in hedgerow up from the Down Road public footpath and Redpoll over the garden twice! (John Barnett) - Late afternoon visit (just as it started to rain and became very gloomy!) produced one female/ immature Merlin, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 100+ Red-legged Partridge, several large flocks of mixed species including Fieldfare, Linnet, Chaffinch, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Starling, with just a few Skylark over and 2 Stonechat. Still unable to find any Grey Partridge though. (Chris Vines)

14th:

No sign of the Dartford Warbler in the Rushmead Farm area, however there were 1000+ Chaffinch, 800+ Linnet, Brambling, 800+ Starling, 20+ Skylark and a pair of Stonechat. (Rob Laughton)

12th:

Remarkably this morning at around 10:00 an adult Dartford Warbler was found around one of the dry stone walls two hundred metres south of Rushmead Farm and east of Tormarton Road at ST: 786 752. It has to be assumed that it is the same individual that spent a couple of days exactly a month ago in October on show on Northfield Lane, where it's been in the intervening period is anyone's guess! Other stuff...! 200+ Fieldfare/ Redwing, mostly the former east of the ruined barn also all the other thrush species and four species of finch including Brambling. Estimated totals for this mornings walk; 200 Chaffinch, 700+ Linnet, 200 Golden Plover, 50 Yellowhammer, 90 Corn Bunting, Also 8 Stonechat, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 other Brambling and Raven. From past and present experience it's worth looking for Dartford's with Stonechat! (John Barnett & Jack Wilmott)

11th:

Still good numbers of Chaffinch, Yellowhammer, Linnets, Meadow Pipits and alba Wagtails on Northfield Lane this morning. A flock of 50 or 60 Golden Plover were also over the lane but by far the most abundant bird was Skylark with probably close to three hundred in the adjacent fields.

7th:

Large numbers of birds around the patch this morning. The finch flocks appear to be growing in numbers as does the Starling, now between three and five thousand, and Woodpigeon, in excess of five-hundred. Still at least three Brambling on show on Northfield Lane along with several Reed Bunting, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit and 'alba' wagtail. A few Corn Bunting are gathering and numbers of Stock Dove have increased. On Orchid Lane a male Reed Bunting was mixing with Yellowhammer and a flock of getting on for two-hundred Skylark lifted out of the top fields.

6th:

Still plenty of birds across a misty Marshfield, including most already mentioned through the week. In Rushmead Lane, 3 Grey Herons, 50+ Yellowhammer, 25 Corn Bunting, Linnets, Skylark, about 20 Chaffinches and a female Brambling. Several Redwings and Fieldfare plus 25 flyover Fieldfare. A Raven in the area for a long time, eating a corn cob on the roof of Rushmead Barn, then 2 on the steel framework at Rushmead Cottages. In West Littleton Road near Northfield Lane, 100 Linnets on wires, pair Stonechat, male Reed Bunting, around 40 Chaffinches with 2 female Brambling also Meadow Pipits and Yellowhammers on ground. Little Owl again in tree near Broadmead Brook north of Castle Farm Copse. (Len Ingram & Don Smith) In the afternoon the Chaffinch flock at West Littleton Road had built to well over a hundred and had been joined by c.40 'alba' wagtails.

5th:

In the Rushmead Lane area this morning; the female Reed Bunting was still at the top of Orchid Lane. Also in the area were 3 Grey Herons in field at Rushmead Farm end. 30+ Corn Bunting, Redwing and 20+ Yellowhammer. (Rob Laughton)

Huge numbers of birds around the patch. Over 1,000 Common Gulls, filling 2 fields, one off Tormarton Road and one near Moto X field. From Rushmead Lane, large flocks of Chaffinch, Redwing and Woodpigeon with good numbers of Linnet, Goldfinch and Yellowhammer. 3 Heron in stubble field, Meadow Pipits, Skylark and at least 3 Brambling amongst the Chaffinches (2 males). A Little Owl was in old tree at the west of West Littleton Road near Broadmead Brook. (Don Smith)

4th:

A female Reed Bunting was seen at the top of Orchid Lane around the feeder showing well. 2 Brambling both females were in a large finch flock near the paddocks at the end of West Littleton Road/ A 420. 4 Stonechat, 30+ Corn Bunting, 40+ Yellowhammer, 80+ Chaffinches and 80+ Linnet were also in the area. (Rob Laughton)

3rd:

The adult winter Mediterranean Gull reappeared today with Common Gulls in the stubble field east of Orchid Lane. Also there were 4 Stonechat, 50 Chaffinches, 50 Linnet and 21 Golden Plover over. (Rob Laughton)

OCTOBER:

26th:

Still one Quail present at Marshfield this afternoon and at least one Brambling with Chaffinches just south of Church's Stone Works south of A420. A Tawny Owl was hear calling at 15:30. (John Barnett)

24th:

A Kingfisher was seen from Shire Hill Bridge this morning. Along Broadmead Brook this afternoon was a good selection of woodland birds including Treecreeper, two Marsh Tits and several Goldcrest. (John Barnett)

23rd:

Lurking in a flock of around a thousand gulls most of which were Common Gulls was this unexpected but most welcome adult winter Mediterranean Gull. It was showing well in ploughed fields near the cemetery on the Tormarton Road.

21st:

Plenty of birds moving around the patch this morning with an abundance of Skylark, Meadow Pipit, corvids including several Raven, Linnets, Yellowhammer, 10 Corn Bunting, several Stonechat and in excess of a thousand Starlings.

This afternoon two Quail were flushed from fields north of Down Track off Down Road, an area with no general access plus seven Stonechats. (John Barnett)

19th:

12 Siskin at Shire Hill also 8 Ravens there with a Merlin over east of Tormarton Road. In the Doncombe Valley south of the village, 60 Redwing and Marsh Tit. (John Barnett)

18th:

11 Golden Plover by Tormarton Road. (John Barnett)

16th:

Marshfield this morning; 12+ Stonechat along Northfield Lane, 28 Lapwing between Northfield Lane and West Littleton Road, 2 Golden Plover north of Rushmead Lane, big mixed flocks of Buntings/ Yellowhammers/ Goldfinch/ Linnets around Orchid Lane and very big numbers of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits all over. (Mark Turnbull)

14th:

From Rushmead Lane; Grey Heron and 20 Red Legged Partridge in stubble field, north. From Orchid Lane; 26 Golden Plover west, Wheatear east. West Littleton Road by paddock; 12 Collared Doves on wire. (Len Ingram & Don Smith)

13th:

Back to normal on the patch today. From Northfield Lane early afternoon; 3 Stonechats, Corn Buntings, Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Skylarks and 20 Red-legged Partridge in ploughed field, east. From Rushmead Lane; Wheatear in old pea field, Heron in stubble field north of lane, Red-legged Partridge north of lane, Ravens over Moto X Valley. From Down Road; Stonechats and Stock Dove. (Don & Jan Smith) A Dipper has been reported recently on Broadmead Brook three hundred metres east of Shire Bridge.

12th:

Unfortunately no sign of the Dartford Warbler today on Northfield Lane however there were at least six Stonechat and Wheatear. Still plenty of larks and pipits and around 200 Linnets in on flock.

11th:

The adult, probably male, Dartford Warbler was showing well on and off from around 07:30 this morning along Northfield Lane at ST: 777 744. Lesser Redpoll over the lane mid-morning as well as Reed Bunting, numerous Linnet, Skylark, Swallow and Meadow Pipit.

10th:

A Dartford Warbler was seen briefly along Northfield Lane late afternoon. This occurrence constitutes the first record for the 'Patch'. Also today in the same area were several Stonechat, Whinchat & Wheatear. A Quail was flushed from fields to the north of Down Track off Down Road at 14:00.

8th:

This morning: 500+ Linnet/ Goldfinch about 100 of the latter but mixed flocks. Skylark, huge numbers, many singing, getting on for four figures I'd say. Corn Bunting, c. 90 in 3 separate groups. Yellowhammer, c. 40, Blackcap near Down Lane, Stonechat 12 altogether a record for me! Long-tailed Tit 16 on Northfield Lane. (John Barnett)

6th:

News from the patch, this morning: Plenty to hear and see despite a cold feel to the morning. From Tormarton Road, 8 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Stonechat, large numbers of Skylark, plus a Cormorant flying SW high over the Chicken Sheds. In Rushmead & Orchid Lane, 2 Stonechat, 4 Yellowhammer, Sock Dove, plus good numbers of: Skylark, Corn Bunting, Meadow Pipit and Linnet. At Rushmead Cottages Whinchat and Little Owl. In Down Road & Down Track, 6 Stonechat, 4 Yellowhammer, plus Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. (Don & Jan Smith)

5th:

No sign of the Hen Harriers today however in the Rushmead Lane area there was a female Merlin, Grey Heron, Raven and male Wheatear. (Darren Pearce)

4th:

Four Quail were flushed from fields north of Down Track off Down Road at around 09:00. 3 Stonechat altogether and a female Merlin were on Rushmead Lane. Also 2 Chiffchaff and Marsh Tit were at Shire Hill. (John Barnett)

3rd:

Some good birding on the patch this afternoon. 2 Hen Harriers seen from Rushmead Lane over Moto X bushes. In Orchid Lane, 2 Whinchat & 4 Corn Buntings. From Rushmead Lane, 1 Raven on wall north, 4 Wheatear in 'pea field' in front of chicken Farm. Two males, one notably larger and bold grey, black and orangey colours. Plenty of Red-legged Partridge at the Rushmead Cottages. In Down Road, 1 Whinchat and 12+ Linnets. Plenty of Buzzards around, including 2 in the newly ploughed first field east of Tormarton Road including a very white juvenile. (Len Ingram, Don & Jan Smith) Also today Peregrine and two Merlin along with the Hen Harriers near Rushmead Farm this morning.

2nd:

A bit of a raptor day on the patch today: Two ringtail Hen Harriers were on show from Rushmead Lane. A juvenile female Peregrine, male and female Merlin (Down Road), two Sparrowhawk, several Kestrel and up to fifteen Buzzards were also noted. Several Wheatear were also seen from Rushmead Lane with one probable Greenland Wheatear and plenty of Ravens. (Edwin Shackleton, Andy Davis, Mike Jenkins & Rob Laughton)

1st:

The ringtail Hen Harrier was seen again this afternoon quartering fields to the south of Rushmead Farm/ Lane at 13:30. (Rob Laughton) There were up to six Stonechat present around the patch, several Meadow Pipit, good numbers of Skylark and several Corn Bunting. Over 500 gulls were roosting in ploughed fields to the east of Tormarton Road viewed from Davis' farm machine buildings, mostly Herring Gull but there were some LBB, Common & BH. A Wheatear, several Stock Dove and around 150 Linnets were in the same field. The surprise of the day though was Quail, flushed from Down Track off Down Road and making  a trilling 'reeeee' alarm call in flight. This evening; 9 Grey Partridge in the stubble field where West Littleton Road turns sharp left by the paddock near the main A420 plus 2 Wheatear by the dump in Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett)

SEPTEMBER:

28th:

A Short-eared Owl was flushed several times this afternoon from Down Track off Down Road. Also: 4 Stonechat and 2 Whinchat at the West Littleton Road end of Northfield Lane. 2 Stonechat in South Barn Fields where we also had 80 Goldfinch, 250 Linnet and 2 Kestrel. 80 Goldfinch at Shirehill, Whitethroat Northfield Lane Blackcap at Marshfield School. (John Barnett & Jack Wilmott) Also at Marshfield this afternoon between 15.00 and 16.15 there was Wheatear, Whinchat, Stonechat, 3 Raven, 2 Kestrel, 8 Buzzard, 7 Stock Dove, 3 Corn Bunting and about 20 each of Linnet and Goldfinch. (Chris Vines)

27th:

A lovely sunny afternoon on the patch brought with it some very nice birds; The female Hen Harrier was seen again at around 15:00 quartering the fields around Northfield Lane. Also there were two Stonechat, two Chiffchaff, several Meadow Pipit and Buzzard and a juvenile Sedge Warbler. Around 200 gulls were in ploughed fields from Rushmead Lane plus two Raven, 25 Stock Dove with a Wheatear on show in fields south of the lane.

26th:

The female Hen Harrier was seen again this afternoon at around 17:00 in the Rushmead Farm area. (John Barnett)

25th:

100!! - The Marshfield year target was realised today when a female Hen Harrier was watched for over five minutes around Rushmead Farm!! (Well done Mark Turnbull...!)

23rd:

A couple of Stonechats were still knocking around Northfield Lane with a Wheatear on Moto X Lane. A flock of c.180 gulls were on show in freshly ploughed fields viewable from the cemetery on the Tormarton Road; mostly Herring with a couple of Lesser Black-backed, Common & Black-headed. From Down Road an impressive flock of c.250 Goldfinch were feeding in the fields north of Down Track and on Shirehill Lane at least six Raven plus male Great Spotted Woodpecker.

21st:

At least three Stonechats, three Whinchat's, Meadow Pipit and two Wheatear were showing well on Northfield Lane at the West Littleton Road end this afternoon. Also from the lane were four Ravens and Hobby. Over five-hundred large gulls, mostly Herring were following a tractor ploughing fields on the Tormarton Road where there were also good numbers of Buzzard.

15th:

A male Marsh Harrier was seen south of Shirehill Lane at ST: 795 759 perched on a haystack before flying off. (Cheryl Martin)

13th:

Saturday morning; Two Hobby, a male and female, up to 15 Meadow Pipit, 4 Stonechat, 3 Whinchat in cornfield, 2 Wheatear on Down Road, plus 2 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff. At Rushmead Farm, 3 Raven and c. 300 Linnets altogether. (John Barnett)

12th:

A Turtle Dove flew south over Rushmead Lane at 14:54. Lots of Meadow Pipits over too. (Rob Laughton)

3rd:

This morning in the Rushmead Lane area there were at least six Whinchat, eight Stonechat and several Yellow Wagtail in fields north of the lane, east of Orchid Lane. Also there was Corn Bunting, a dozen or so Ravens, twenty-five Linnet, Yellowhammer several Stock Dove and Common Whitethroat. A Little Owl was sunning itself on the window ledge of Rushmead Cottages, another was roosting in the isolated tree north of Castle Farm Copse on the west side of West Littleton Road. Plenty of hirundine moving through still mostly Swallows but some House Martins were involved.

2nd:

This morning at Marshfield there were 23 Ravens at Shirehill, also visible migration over Rushmead Lane with c. 50 Swallows, 30 House Martins and a couple of Sand Martins. (John Barnett)

AUGUST:

31st:

Rushmead area this afternoon; 8 Whinchat, 5 Stonechat and 20 Swallows. (Rob Laughton)

28th:

This morning on the patch there was a Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, 4 Raven, 3 Stonechat and 4 Whinchat on Rushmead Lane, with a Wheatear from the West Littleton Road. (John Barnett) - In Rushmead Lane, 2 Little Owls at Rushmead Cottages, a family of 4 or 5 Stonechats in Barley fields on North side (opposite Pea field) plus 3 Whinchat's. Also a Yellow Wagtail was seen at Springs Farm on Middledown Road. (Len Ingram & Don Smith)

27th:

In Rushmead Lane there were 4 Whinchat's in Pea Field with 2 or 3 Yellow Wagtails in the Lane near manure heap at the Tormarton Road end. Also Linnets. (Jan & Don Smith)

26th:

There were 15 Ravens at Rushmead Lane also Sparrowhawk this afternoon. A Hobby was present at West Littleton Road but there was no sign of any Whinchat in the driving drizzle! (John Barnett)

25th:

This evening at Marshfield there were 3 Raven and 6 Whinchat on Rushmead Lane. Also c. 50 Skylarks in the field south of the barns. (John Barnett)

22nd:

A short walk this morning along Rushmead Lane saw: at least 6 Wheatear, 2/3 Stonechats, 2 Yellowhammer, Hobby, Little Owl, Swallows, wren and 4 Buzzards. (Richard May)

21st:

The pea field on Rushmead Lane still held one male, one female and at least two juvenile Whinchat's plus a male Stonechat. (Len Ingram)

20th

In the Rushmead Lane area there was a Yellow Wagtail east over Pea Field plus two Whinchat and 50+ Starlings. (Rob Laughton)

18th:

At least six Whinchat were still present in the Pea fields on the south side of Rushmead Lane today. (John Barnett)

15th:

Today on Rushmead Lane there was a Wheatear, 2 Whinchat and a juvenile Peregrine. (John Barnett)

14th:

Today at Marshfield there were 12 Mistle Thrushes on West Littleton Road near the village also a Hobby there. A few Raven seem to be assembling at Shirehill and there was a Whitethroat and single Whinchat on Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett)

10th:

This morning at Marshfield there were still at least four Whinchat in the pea field, together with three Corn Buntings and a juvenile Common Whitethroat. It was quite grey and windy while I was there so suspect many birds were keeping their heads down. From the barn north east of Harcombe Farm on the Tormarton Road, I heard a Quail briefly (ST: 784 763) and saw one Raven, one male Kestrel and two Buzzards. Two Red-legged Partridge from driving around but could not find any Grey Partridge, perhaps a better chance when the crops have been cut? (Chris Vines)

4th:

Marshfield today; 8 Whinchat in the pea fields, 10 Corn Bunting, 10 Skylark and a male Kestrel. (Rob Laughton)

3rd:

Three Whinchat, male, female and juvenile were still in the pea field on Rushmead Lane plus several Corn Bunting and Whitethroats all showing well despite the wind. The Little Owl was again at Rushmead Cottage also Red-legged Partridge. Several Ravens were seen over Shirehill Farm. (Jean & Len Ingram)

1st:

A female Peregrine was seen in flight over Culverslade Industrial Estate this evening. On Rushmead Lane there were still at least three Whinchat along with several Corn Bunting and a Little Owl was in trees behind Rushmead Cottages.

JULY:

31st:

Rushmead Lane: Red Legged Partridge on manure heap, Whinchat's, Whitethroats, Corn Buntings, Linnets, Yellowhammers, in and around the Pea field. West Littleton Road: Stock Dove and Goldfinches including juveniles. Middledown Road: the resident Kestrel and 12 Mistle Thrushes all in a line on telephone wire. (Don & Jan Smith)

30th:

Two Cormorant flew south-west over the Tormarton/ West Littleton Road at around 10:45. (Don & Jan Smith & Len Ingram) Additionally at least three Whinchat were still present in the pea field along Rushmead Lane with several Whitethroat, Corn Bunting and a female Blackcap.

29th:

At Marshfield today and  all from Rushmead Lane. 4+ Whinchat still in the Pea Field, juvenile Stonechat near Rushmead Barn, 50+ Swallow, 3 Corn Bunting, 50+ Starling and 6 Skylark. (Rob Laughton)

22nd:

Marshfield today; A very pleasant warm day had the Quail singing well. 3+ overall in the clover fields NW of Downthorns Farm. Also 2 Lapwing there, along with plenty of singing Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer (One Yellowhammer had just fledged and was being feed by dad) A juvenile Grey Heron on the small pond there. (Rob Laughton)

19th:

This morning; Hobby over Rushmead Lane, still 5 Whinchat's plus lots of Linnets and Swallows. (John Barnett) - Still 3 Whinchat's in the pea field in Rushmead Lane also saw a Peregrine take a juvenile Swallow over the same field and then it was mobbed by 4 or 5 adults as it flew off towards Tormarton. Plenty of Corn Buntings still singing. Also seen Yellowhammer, Skylark, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, a few Linnets, 2 Bullfinch at Shirehill also Green Woodpecker there. 5 Ravens over the Tormarton Road and an adult Kestrel feeding juvenile plus 2 Whitethroats and a Blackcap. At least 10 Swifts going through, 2 Buzzards and 2 Stock Doves near Rushmead Farm. Quite a windy day most small birds keeping their heads down. (Pete Coslett & Tony Vincent)

17th:

Not reaching the heights of yesterdays sightings, but still at least 6 Whinchat present in the pea field opposite the Orchid Lane entrance at around midday including 2 juveniles, 2 males and 2 females. Plenty of Swallows with young around. Other birds included 2 Whitethroat, 1 Buzzard, 10 Corn Bunting, 12 Yellowhammer, 75+ Starlings and 20 Skylark. (Rob Laughton) - Another day of two halves! Went this afternoon, to see if we could locate the elusive Whinchat's. Found at least 5 (M, F and J) between the potatoes and peas - sounds like a veg shop or a meal! Also saw the Little Owl on the building and in a tree, by Rushmead Cottages. (Don Smith)

16th:

Today was a day of two halves...!!?

15th:

At Marshfield today there were 3 Whinchat (1 male, 1 female & Juvenile), 3+Quail heard from Down Track again plus 4 Swift, 3 Whitethroat, 10+Corn Bunting, 10+Yellowhammer and Kestrel. (Rob Laughton)

14th:

Plenty of activity early a.m., Yellowhammers and Linnets at entrance to and in Rushmead Lane. Good sightings from the lane, in and around the Pea field included, a Yellow Wagtail, Whitethroats, Corn Buntings, Meadow Pipits and a Sparrowhawk near the Chicken Farm. (Also seen in West Littleton Road, near the A420.) At Rushmead Cottages, a Little Owl on the corner of an outbuilding. (Don Smith)

13th:

At least three Quail were calling from fields to the north of Down Track off Down Road this morning. At Rushmead Lane there was one Yellow Wagtail and three Whinchat still present in the Pea fields south of the lane. Two Raven flew over Orchid Lane plus several Corn Bunting and Common Whitethroat. A juvenile Grey Wagtail was 'fly catching'  at Culverslade dump. And another Quail was heard this afternoon in the top fields east of Shirehill Farm. (John Barnett)

12th:

Three Quail were present at Marshfield today; one heard in fields north of Down Track off Down Road and two in fields opposite Newhouse Farm two hundred metres north of Rushmead Farm. Also seen today were a scattering of Yellow Wagtails and a male Common Redstart. (John Barnett)

10th:

Lots of Swallows and Swifts at Marshfield this morning as well as Corn Bunting a couple of Raven, four Red-legged Partridge, several Common Whitethroat and a number of large gull.

4th:

This afternoon: Skylarks, Yellowhammers and Linnets off Tormarton Road/ Rushmead corner. Also, Quail heard in the field east of Tormarton Rd, at the double bend near Rushmead Farm. (Don Smith)

3rd:

A lovely evening! Hobby over Northfield Lane, Raven at Shirehill, Quail along Down Lane, several Black-headed Gull earlier in the day and Corn Bunting always within earshot! (John Barnett)

2nd:

Two Quail calling from the fields east of the Tormarton Road 200 metre south of Rushmead Farm audible from the road. Also; 26 Swallow, 10 Swift, 4 Corn Bunting and 2 Whitethroat. (Rob Laughton)

JUNE:

28th:

This morning at Marshfield; several Whitethroats still singing, at least 2 Quail on Down Lane left hand side, Spotted Flycatcher at Shirehill and Little Grebe still on pond. Also lots of Swallows today. (John Barnett)

24th:

News of our morning round at Marshfield. Usual good numbers of singing Skylarks, Corn Buntings, Yellowhammers, Linnets, Whitethroats and Dunnock plus a good number of Greenfinch and one Red Legged Partridge, all seen on Tormarton Road/Rushmead Lane. Along Broadmead Brook valley east of the re-opened (sadly!) Tormarton Road; 3 Spotted Flycatchers, Nuthatch plus young ones, also a Little Grebe on the pond. (Len Ingram & Don Smith)

23rd:

A lovely sunny, still afternoon on the patch with the usual collection of Skylark, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Common Whitethroats all singing and all carrying food items. Also a Hobby around the Rushmead Lane/ Tormarton Road area.

21st:

A single Quail was heard singing in Rushmead Flash field at 16:40 this afternoon at ST: 785 753 on the corner of Rushmead Lane and Tormarton Road. (Darren Pearce)

20th:

Still lots of Skylarks, Yellowhammers, Corn Buntings and three Whitethroats singing in the area. Two Grey Partridge in the field at the east end of Rushmead Lane, also Quail calling there. (John Barnett)

11th:

First sightings in Tormarton Road  were Skylarks, Corn Buntings and a very friendly Pied Wagtail  that presented for a photo shoot.  Plenty of Yellowhammers and Linnets at Rushmead Lane bushes. In West Littleton Road at Broadmead Brook families of Mistle Thrushes and Long Tailed Tits were seen along with a Chiffchaff and Wren chorus. A Red Kite suddenly appeared above the hill from the south, drifted for a minute before rising high into the upper clouds and disappeared. A lovely sight, indeed! Northfield Lane offered a brief sighting of 2 Red Legged Partridge plus more Yellowhammer and Linnets, we went home happy! (Don Smith & Len Ingram)

10th:

Still all very quiet this morning: Two Lapwing and a couple of young Pied Wagtails in the pig field at Rushmead farm. A Quail was calling in the field opposite the house 200 metres north of Rushmead Farm. (John Barnett)

8th:

A single Quail was heard singing this afternoon around 16:00 between Plough Farm and Shirehill Farm at ST: 792 763.

7th:

Things appear to have settled in for the summer; Still plenty of Corn Bunting, Skylark, Yellowhammer etc. Highlights this morning included five Raven, four Lapwing and a family party of two adults and four juvenile Pied Wagtail at Rushmead Lane/ Farm. Also in the area generally were Stock Dove, Common Whitethroat, Goldfinch and a number of juvenile Starlings.

1st:

Four Ravens greeted me at Northfield Lane as did the songsters, Corn Bunting 'jangling', Skylarks in full song, Yellowhammers looking resplendent, very smart Linnets even House Martins getting in on the act; they are pictured below were collecting mud from one of the puddles in the lane. Around six Common Whitethroat holding territory, six or seven 'off duty' Lapwings and a solitary Grey Partridge around Rushmead Farm. A summer male Black Redstart was heard singing from Culverslade Chicken Farm buildings this evening at around 20:30 from the Tormarton Road. (John Barnett)

MAY:

30th:

A bit of a repeat of yesterdays sightings really with just five Raven and ten Buzzard at Northfield Lane. At Rushmead Farm a flyover Hobby was supported by Wheatear.

29th:

At lunchtime today there were eight Ravens over Northfield Lane along with c. 25 Buzzard, singing Corn Bunting, Common Whitethroat and several hundred Swifts, Swallows and House Martins.

27th:

This afternoon at Northfield Lane there were two Grey Partridge and a female Wheatear. Rushmead Lane held Yellowhammer, Common Whitethroat and Corn Bunting all in full song. After recent heavy rain there were several small pools worth checking and at Rushmead Farm one such pond had a couple of Lapwing and three Ringed Plover!

21st:

Kicked off a day on the patch with Sparrowhawk, two Grey Partridge, Hobby and Quail calling from Northfield Lane. This afternoon, at least two Quail calling from the Tormarton Road site (see below) with one either side of the road. Also there, two Hobby, two Grey Partridge and Sparrowhawk.

20th:

Early afternoon at Marshfield: At least three Quail calling from the loosely sown Charlock 200 metres south of Rushmead Farm plus Hobby, several Buzzard and Red Kite. (Rob Laughton)

19th:

I was on the patch just after 08:30 and was greeted on Tormarton Road by a Red-legged Partridge calling from the top of the water tank, then the second on the wall of the field after the allotments. Skylarks, Yellowhammers, Meadow Pipits and Corn Buntings were about the lane in song. In the field of Charlock - Sinapis arvensis on east side of road opposite the chicken farm, I heard the distinct call of Quail. They (if more than one) appeared fairly close to the road, although alas no sighting. There were Common Whitethroat at Rushmead Lane on 'Rough Ground' and a male Blackcap seen and in full song near Broadmead Brook off West Littleton Road. (Don Smith)

18th:

Highlights from an early morning visit produced Hobby, c. 25 Stock Dove and Wheatear in and around Rushmead Lane and the briefest snatch of Quail singing in loosely sown Charlock 200 metres south of Rushmead Farm on the east side of Tormarton Road around 09:30.

17th:

Not a lot around today however, still 50+ Stock Dove present at Rushmead Farm and a Whinchat on the manure heaps on Tormarton Road near Harcombe Farm entrance. (John Barnett)

16th:

The usual suspects were on show this morning; Lots of Skylark and Yellowhammer, several Stock Dove, Linnet and half a dozen Common Whitethroat all around Northfield Lane. On Rushmead Lane there were several Corn Bunting, a couple of male Pied Wagtails, a hand full of Red-legged Partridge and a very obliging Yellowhammer. So having put some new batteries in me 'box brownie'...! That brightened up a dull day.

14th:

There were at least four Spotted Flycatchers in the first 150 metres from the bridge repairs at Broadmead Brook heading east this morning and both Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard there. A Grey Partridge was flushed near Motocross Bushes. (Don Smith) - An impressive 152 Stock Doves were present in two locations today; 106 near Rushmead Farm and 46 on West Littleton Road. (Rob Laughton)

11th:

The highlight this morning; two Grey Partridge flushed from Northfield Lane around mid-day. Still plenty of Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Linnet generally. Up to six Common Whitethroats holding territories around the patch. In addition there was another Garden Warbler south west of the village and a Hobby on the wide track east of West Littleton this afternoon. (John Barnett)

10th:

A Little Owl was seen near the derelict cottages on Rushmead Lane. Also,  10 Corn Buntings near Rushmead Farm, lots of Whitethroats singing along with Skylarks. A female Stonechat near Rushmead Farm. 20+ Yellowhammers and Linnets. A few Swallows and Pied Wagtails. 5+ Buzzards and lots of young Rooks. 4 Stock Doves, 2 Red Legged Partridge and 2 Pheasant. (Pete Coslett & Tony Vincent) A Hobby flew up Broadmead Brook at 15:30 towards West Littleton. Also; Stock Dove 68,  Whitethroat 2, Yellowhammer 20+, Corn Bunting 10+, Mallard 2, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. (Rob Laughton)

9th:

Spotted Flycatcher male singing on the south side of Shire Hill before the road works this evening just before the heavy thunderstorms. Also; 50 Swallow, 20 House Martin, 20 Corn Bunting, Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 20 Yellowhammer, 4 Buzzard and 2 Whitethroat. (Rob Laughton)

8th:

The highlight from West Littleton Road, at the first bend off A420 was a pair of Grey Partridge in the field south of the allotment gardens, near the wall by the large shed. (Don Smith) Ringswell Valley; a Garden Warbler singing and showing on & off, Lesser Whitethroat singing,  4 Common Whitethroat, Nuthatch, Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and 2 Willow Warbler. In the Rushmead Lane area; 2 Common Whitethroat, 20+ Swallow, 5 House Martin, 2 Mallard on Rushmead Flash, 5 Stock Dove,  10 Corn Bunting and 20+ Yellowhammer. (Rob Laughton)

7th:

This mornings visit: The Corn Bunting on the wire along Northfield Lane, captured this morning's tone, birds singing everywhere in the appreciation of the warm day. On Tormarton Road, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 5 Stock Doves and many Skylarks. At Rushmead Lane corner; 15 Corn Buntings, 6 Yellowhammers, several Whitethroat, Linnets, Meadow Pipits, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Song Thrush. Several Chiffchaffs down by the road closure at Shirehill. In West Littleton Road and Northfield Lane; several Corn Buntings, 7 Buzzards and a Wheatear (F) from the latter. Swallows and House Martins in buildings off Hitchin Lane, possibly nesting. (Len Ingram & Don Smith)

6th:

Marshfield this morning; 1 Garden Warbler singing and showing well on the track to Ringswell Valley. 4 Lesser Whitethroat (1 singing 3 unusually seen fighting presumably over territory's), 1 Nuthatch, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Common Whitethroat and a Wheatear along West Littleton Road. (Rob Laughton)

5th:

Lots of Skylark, Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer around this morning. A female Whinchat was at Northfield Lane along with six or seven Wheatear as well as plenty of Swallows, House Martins and Swifts. Up to five Common Whitethroat were singing along the various tracks north of the village. To the south of the village a Garden Warbler by the path down from the skate park along the path down to the stream. Also Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat at Ringswell  plus lots of Willow Warblers. (John Barnett)

4th

At Marshfield today; 7 Wheatear, 56 Stock Dove in one flock north of Rushmead Farm, 55 Corn Bunting (including 15 singing males), 1 Sparrowhawk (male),  20+ Swifts,  10 House Martin,  5 Common Whitethroat and 20+ Yellowhammer. (Rob Laughton)

3rd:

At least 15 Wheatears seen, 6 in fields by Rushmead Farm, 4 in fields along Rushmead Lane and the rest along the West Littleton Road. An excellent male Whinchat behind the chicken farm on Rushmead Lane. A few Whitethroats by Rushmead Farm, lots of Skylarks singing and a few Corn Buntings. 20+ Yellowhammers and 22 Stock Doves in fields behind Rushmead Farm. 5 Buzzards, 10+ Herring Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull. Many Swallows, Linnets and a few Pied Wagtails. Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Goldfinch seen and all the usual corvids. (Pete Coslett & Tony Vincent)

1st:

A fairly slow start to May on the patch; A Wheatear female was on Rushmead Lane plus 2 Corn Bunting, 20 Yellowhammer and 5 Swallows.

APRIL:

30th:

Totals this morning from Marshfield were; 3 Wheatears along West Littleton Road (2 females, 1 male), 2 Whitethroat (Rushmead bushes), 10+ Swallow, 1 House Martin (collecting mud on West Littleton Road), 20+ Corn Bunting, 30+ Yellowhammer and 6 Buzzard. (Rob Laughton)

29th:

A Red Kite was at Marshfield at 14:20 in flight over the junction of High Street and the A420 near Green Lane. Heading south-west it was then seen over Cold Ashton drifting towards Swainswick Valley. Also today 20 Corn Bunting, 10 Chaffinch, 20 Yellowhammer and 3 Bullfinches. (Rob Laughton)

28th:

Today at Marshfield there were 2 Wheatear (West Littleton Road), 1 Whitethroat,  21 Corn Bunting, 1 Marsh Tit (Ringswell), 10 Yellowhammer, 2 Swallow and 10+ Skylark. (Rob Laughton)

27th:

Very pleasant on the patch this morning, along Northfield Lane there were at least five Wheatear, plenty of Skylarks, Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer and a very illusive Common Whitethroat. On Rushmead Lane three more Common Whitethroat, five Buzzard a collection of Linnets, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting and Chaffinch and several Red-legged Partridge. Also a Peregrine was circling high over West Littleton Road.

24th:

Marshfield this evening; 2 Grey Partridge (flushed from Northfield Lane then landed near Culverslade Farm), 2 Wheatear (1 Northfield Lane, 1 Rushmead Lane), 2 Raven,  40+ Yellowhammer,  4 Stock Doves and 8 Corn Bunting. (Rob Laughton)

23rd:

There was an unconfirmed report of a Red Kite in the Tormarton area today. The first House Martin for the year was seen along the West Littleton Road drinking from a puddle near 'Bunting Fields'  (Don Smith) and the first Lesser Whitethroat was seen in Doncombe Valley at 08:30. (John Barnett)

22nd

From Marshfield this morning: A male Pied Flycatcher (Motocross Bushes) ST: 775 755. It looks like an adult male, its pre breeding moult is still not complete as it is still retaining some brown/grey feathers on the primaries, wing coverts and alula. Also today 12 Corn Bunting, 1 Mistle Thrush, 20+ Skylark, 30+ Yellowhammer, 2 Blackcap, 11 Willow Warbler and 10+ Red legged Partridge. (Rob Laughton)

21st:

Yellow Wagtail (very low over Rushmead Barns, almost landed but thought better of it and carried on north) 4 Wheatear (3 Rushmead Lane, 1 Northfield Lane), 12 Stock Dove, 200+ Fieldfare, 50 Swallow, Great Spotted Woodpecker (Rushmead Lane), 2 Mistle Thrush, 10+ Willow Warbler, 10+ Corn Bunting and 30+ Yellowhammer. (Rob Laughton) Also in the afternoon 5 Wheatear on Rushmead Lane and another one on Northfield Lane. 2 pairs of Lapwing were over fields east of Rushmead farm - 1 displaying! (John Barnett)

20th:

A misty start to the day with the usual suspects in evidence. Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Skylark all in song along Northfield Lane. On Rushmead Lane there were two Wheatear, several Sand Martin's, ten Stock Dove  and a Common Whitethroat. At Rushmead Farm still around 200 Linnets. Also this morning and south of the village there was a Tree Pipit over the cricket pitch. In the afternoon things brightened noticeably when John Barnett found a female Pied Flycatcher 200 metres along Broadmead Brook.

16th:

Marshfield today; A male Wheatear male and three singing Corn Buntings were seen along Northfield Lane. Also present were 3 Stock Dove, 20+ Skylark, 22 Linnet, 15+ Meadow Pipit, 80+ Yellowhammer (a flock near Rushmead Barns), 5 Raven, Willow Warbler, Kestrel and 8 Buzzards. (Rob Laughton)

15th:

At Marshfield today there were 2 Tree Pipits low over Rushmead/Orchid Lane calling, 10 Corn Bunting, 30 Yellowhammer, 10 Skylark, 23 Meadow Pipit and 6 Buzzard. (Rob Laughton)

13th:

On Sunday not much really. 6 Bullfinches in Doncombe Valley plus 6 Jays, 3 Willow Warblers and a male Brambling singing! On the pond below West Littleton there was a Little Grebe! (John Barnett)

9th:

At Marshfield this lunchtime: 3 Swallows, 4 Corn Bunting, 20+ Yellowhammer, 2 Red-legged Partridge and 30+ Skylark. It's gone a bit quiet now, no sign of any migrants. (Rob Laughton)

8th:

At Marshfield today around the Rushmead & Northfield Lane area: 40+ Meadow Pipit, 30+ Skylark, 20+ Chaffinches, 30+ Yellowhammer, 4 Singing male Corn Bunting, 3 Pied Wagtail and 4 Buzzard. (Rob Laughton)

6th:

The bizarre sight of four Swallows in a snow shower greeted me on the patch this afternoon..! Fifteen Pied Wagtail and two White Wagtails were on Northfield Lane plus around 30 Skylark (strange seeing them in flight song in the snow too...!) 20 Meadow Pipits and a couple of Corn Bunting. On Rushmead Lane around 50 Yellowhammer, up to ten Ravens and around 100 Linnets still.

5th:

A Barn Owl was seen along the West Littleton Road at around 06:45 and a Green Woodpecker flew over. (Rob Laughton) A quiet day today, however there were still five Brambling calling just beyond the skate park in the tall trees at Withymead Playing fields, they seem to stay mostly at the top of the trees, also two Mallard in Doncombe Valley along with two Blackcap singing. There were two Wheatear on Rushmead Lane still. (John Barnett)

4th:

Several Swallows and Sand Martins were passing through today over Rushmead & Northfield Lanes. A Raven was near the top of Orchid Lane, around 50 Yellowhammers were in ploughed fields on Rushmead Lane and c.200 Fieldfare were in flight east there. South of the village there were several Bullfinch and a singing male Blackcap in Doncombe Valley. (John Barnett) At around 21:15 this evening on the Tormarton Road near Marshfield a Barn Owl was seen hovering at the road side. (Cheryl Martin)

3rd:

A Short-eared Owl was seen in flight over Rushmead Lane and then east of Orchid Lane at Marshfield at around 18:30. Also there were around 50 Yellowhammer, 10 Corn Buntings and no end of Red-legged Partridge. Two Raven were noted in flight over Northfield Lane plus Merlin. (Rob Laughton)

MARCH:

30th:

A very nice day on the patch today with plenty to see. Highlights included White Wagtail at Northfield Lane along with Raven, c.30 Meadow Pipit, several Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk and a male Stonechat. On Rushmead Lane a Merlin was over fields full of larks, pipits and buntings as well as good numbers of finches still. Another male White Wagtail was in the north fields along with several Wheatear and around thirty Fieldfare were in south fields. The first Swallow for the patch this year was seen over Culverslade dump, six Mute Swan flew south-east and a Barn Owl was in Doncombe Valley at 19:30. (John Barnett)

29th:

From 07:00 in the sunshine! I saw two White Wagtails in the ploughed field at Northfield Lane, Skylark everywhere but no sign of the Lapland Bunting unfortunately. A Willow Warbler was in Bollard Bushes, three Wheatear were at Culverslade Dump and three more on Orchid Lane. C.100 Fieldfare were on Rushmead Lane and at Rushmead Farm there were 10 Corn Bunting, 30 Linnets, c.80 Chaffinch and three Raven. A further c.30 Corn Bunting and c.250 Linnets were in South Barn Fields. (John Barnett)

28th:

No sign of female Lapland Bunting (in morning and evening searches) but 5 White Wagtails (2 Rushmead Lane/3 Northfield Lane), female Merlin over Rushmead Lane and then along West Littleton Road. 2 Peregrines, 150+ Golden Plover (some in summer plumage), 30+ Pied Wagtail, 30+ Meadow Pipit, 20+ Skylark, 50+ Yellowhammer, 2 Corn Bunting and 20+ Chaffinches. (Rob Laughton)

27th:

The female Lapland Bunting was still present at Marshfield this morning and was seen until around 11:20 but not subsequently. Also there were two White Wagtails, female Wheatear and several Corn Bunting. (Well done Rob Laughton!!)

26th:

The female Lapland Bunting was still present at Marshfield today; it was present on and off all day and was last seen at 17:00. Also there were two White Wagtails, five Wheatear and a male Merlin.

25th:

The female Lapland Bunting was still on show in the same ploughed field at Marshfield until at least 14:00 today along with 50+ Linnet, 5 White Wagtails, 20 Pied Wagtail, 20 Skylark, 20 Meadow Pipit, 10 Yellowhammer, 2 Stonechat, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Red-legged Partridge & 4 Buzzard. In the Rushmead Lane area; a female Merlin on a dry stone wall near Rushmead Farm, 30 Corn Bunting, 50 Chaffinches, 2 Stonechat & 100 Linnets. (Rob Laughton)

24th:

What a difference a day makes..! Yesterday was a struggle but today... A Lapland Bunting - the first for Marshfield and tenth for S. Glos - was found at around 10:00 this morning in ploughed fields at the junction of West Littleton Road and Northfield Lane at Marshfield (ST: 776 742). The sequence of photographs below suggest a female. Also today at the same location were c.30 Meadow Pipit, c.20 Pied Wagtail, two or three White Wagtails, male & female Wheatear, a couple of male Reed Buntings, Skylark, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer & Corn Bunting. South of the Village two Canada Geese flew over Doncombe Valley and c.20 Brambling were in Cloud Wood.

23rd:

Not much to report even though I was out for 6 hours! There were two Brambling with the Chaffinches at Rushmead Farm plus c.50 Linnets. 30 Meadow Pipits with 15 Pied Wagtails near the paddock on Northfield Lane/West Littleton Road. 30 Stock Dove on Northfield Lane and c.100 Chaffinch at Springs Farm. (John Barnett)

21st:

Still one male Wheatear in fields next to Culverslade Industrial Estate this morning at 09:00. (Pete Coslett)

18th:

Still seven Brambling with finches at Rushmead Farm today along with c.120 Linnets. (John Barnett)

17th:

There was still one male Wheatear on show in ploughed fields on Rushmead Lane this morning as well as a couple of Stock Doves. (Rob Laughton)

16th:

A finch flock at Northfield Lane kicked off the afternoon and consisted of c.30 Yellowhammer, c.15 Chaffinch and 10 Corn Bunting. A little further on a 1st winter Stonechat was on fences at Culverslade dump and the first two male Wheatears of the year were in Rushmead Barn fields. On Rushmead Lane there were around 150 Starlings, c.40 Fieldfare, c.100 Linnets and a fly-over flock of c.350 Golden Plover. At Rushmead Farm two Stonechats a male Pied Wagtail and a male Grey Wagtail were in the pig fields. Also today an unconfirmed report of Tree Sparrows in the Rownham/ Ebbdown Farms area. Another male Wheatear was seen near Davis' Farm Machine Yard opposite Culverslade this afternoon. (Rob Laughton)

15th:

Wet this afternoon; At the junction of West Littleton Road and Northfield Lane there were 30 Meadow Pipits, 12 Mistle Thrush & a female Sparrowhawk. In bushes east of Rushmead Barn on Rushmead Lane there was a Chiffchaff & nearby a couple of Ravens. (John Barnett)

12th:

There were around 70 Golden Plover in fields off Tormarton Road this afternoon. (John Barnett)

9th:

Lots around this morning at 09:00; On fields south of the barn, 1 Lapwing, c.150 Yellowhammer,300 Linnet. By Rushmead Farm; 400 Linnet, 300 Fieldfare a few Redwing & 2 Stonechat. At Withymead Playing Filed still 3 Brambling. Near West Littleton; c. 250 Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, Little Owl, singing Stock Dove, 70 Linnet and two sites with Winter Aconite in flower. (John Barnett)

5th:

At Marshfield today; 3 Stonechats, 4 Redwings, 4 Fieldfare, 50+ Yellowhammer, 20+ Corn Bunting, 6 House Sparrow, 50+ Skylark, Red-legged Partridge and a male Sparrowhawk over West End. (Rob Laughton)

2nd:

Despite the March winds Dave and myself walked the usual route at Marshfield (off Rushmead Lane) this morning, we had great views of some 200 Golden Plover. The flock did not touch down, however it was wonderful to watch! (Cathy & Dave Elliott)

1st:

Not much around up at Marshfield this morning; Highlights were, 10+ Corn Bunting, 50+ Chaffinches, 30+ Skylark, 800+ Fieldfare, 1 Redwing & 500+ Starlings. (Rob Laughton)

FEBRUARY:

29th:

Lots of activity shortly after dawn today; lots of singing Yellowhammer and a flock of 150+ in South Barn Hedge. The Chaffinch flock is getting larger at Rushmead Farm with well over 200 and at least 5 Brambling. 500 Linnet at the same place and 400+ Fieldfare Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett) Some good numbers of birds up at Marshfield this afternoon mainly around Rushmead Farm, a lot of finches were feeding in the pig field. 1 Brambling, a male, in the pig field with finch flock. Still present around the farm were 200+ Chaffinches, 150+ Linnet, 40+ Yellowhammer, 3 Stonechat, 50 Red-legged Partridge, 4 Corn Bunting and Grey Wagtail. Also 30 Skylark, 5 Kestrel and 2 Buzzard plus 800+ Fieldfare and 3 Redwing in the Northfield Lane area. (Rob Laughton)

27th:

At Marshfield this afternoon there was still one male Brambling at Rushmead Farm plus 50+ Chaffinches, 50+ Corn Bunting, 50+ Yellowhammer also one Fieldfare along Northfield Lane (their numbers have gone down a lot), A few singing Skylark, 1 Kestrel and 2 Buzzard. (Rob Laughton)

23rd:

Still plenty to see at Marshfield; On Northfield Lane there were at least three Reed Buntings, twenty Skylark, ten Red-legged Partridge and twenty Stock Dove. At Rushmead Lane there were thirty Corn Bunting, twenty Yellowhammer, c.400 Fieldfare and a couple of fly-over Pied Wagtails. Rushmead Farm is still supporting a c.150 strong Chaffinch flock with at least six Brambling. At Down Track the number of birds dropped considerably, however there were still c.100 Yellowhammer, c.50 Corn Bunting and c.150 Linnets plus smaller numbers of Jackdaw c.150. Oh! and some signs of Spring..!

21st:

Very windy at Marshfield this afternoon; 6 Brambling were still present at Withymead Playing Fields and 4 Golden Plover were in School Field opposite Marshfield Primary School. c.150 Yellowhammer and c. 200 Linnet were in the South Barn Fields at Down Track off Down Road. 150 Skylark together in a flock by the barn at Rushmead Farm and a few Corn Buntings were in bushes opposite Rushmead Flash. (John Barnett)

17th:

A bit on the fresh side at Marshfield today with temperatures at -2°C and an easterly breeze. Along Northfield Lane there were good numbers of Skylark I guess around 200 in total and two Raven. Good numbers of torpid winter thrush; c.400 Fieldfare, 5 Mistle Thrush and c.200 Redwing. On Rushmead Lane there was a finch flock of around 200 mostly Yellowhammer and Chaffinch but there were at least three Brambling in the mix. Also there were around 30 Corn Bunting. At Down Road Track there was several hundred birds; c.300 Jackdaw, c.400 Linnets, c.75 Corn Bunting, c.200 Skylark, c.150 Yellowhammer, c.75 Chaffinch and a record eight Jays and around 20 Stock Dove; all flushed by a male Peregrine.

10th:

Two Raven flew south west over Northfield Lane this morning, also in the area was a huge flock of several thousand corvids most of which were Jackdaw. At Rushmead Lane the Corn Bunting are still putting on a show with around 40 lingering and a stonechat was working the dry stone walls. A mixed flock of finches around Rushmead Farm included Linnet, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch and a single Brambling. In the derelict barn on Rushmead Farm two Little Owls were taking advantage of the winter sunshine. Over at Down Road a Peregrine startled flocks of finches and corvids and not long after a Sparrowhawk did the same. Still at Down Road there were c.500 Linnets, another mixed flock of around 200 finches which included Yellowhammer, Chaffinch and another Brambling, a flock of c.90 Corn Bunting and two Stonechat. Scanning through the numerous corvids there I stumbled across a 'Nordic' type Jackdaw.

There were 2 Stonechats west of Middledown House and both Little Owls were still at Rushmead Farm. There are Greenfinches in the middle of Marshfield Village and in West Littleton Village so they seem to be more frequent again. I still can't get over the number of Song Thrushes! Also 30 Golden Plover and a Lapwing in School Fields. There are also c.5 Brambling at Withymead Playing Fields. (John Barnett)

9th:

Between 09:30 and 11:30 today: Skylarks singing everywhere, must be 200+ altogether. Corn Bunting, around 40 in fields east of Culverslade dump and c.90 at the east end of Rushmead Lane. In South Barn Fields there were 400+ Linnets and a mixed flock of c.200 Yellowhammer and Chaffinch. At Rushmead Flash there are a few Sparrows turning up so might be worth keeping an eye out for Tree Sparrow. A few Meadow Pipits around and 2 Greenfinch in my garden. There were still 30 Golden Plover in School Fields opposite Marshfield School. (John Barnett)

5th:

As I was driving towards Wick at 20:00 there was a Barn Owl flying low in the ditch by the roadside just before The Folly road sign, really good views as I slowed down! (John Barnett)

3rd:

The Woodcock was still present this morning at the west end of West Littleton Pool; also there were two Coot, two Moorhen and a male and female Mallard. Plenty of Fieldfare around the West Littleton Road/George/Northfield Lane area as well as Chaffinch and Yellowhammer. A male Stonechat was on show at Northfield Lane and a flock of c.500 Jackdaw were feeding in a ploughed field west of the Tormarton Road near the cemetery and a mixed flock of Fieldfare c.50 and Skylark c.40 were along Down Road.

2nd:

The highlight this morning was a Woodcock flushed just by the north end of the West Littleton Pool near the hedgerow. Also 3 Greenfinches at Turnpike Farm. (John Barnett)

JANUARY:

30th:

A Brambling was seen in John's garden in Marshfield today! And a few are still at Withymead Playing Fields. Around 180 Golden Plover were over the fields off the A420 opposite Marshfield School. (John Barnett)

29th:

I guess with calm weather there's not going to be too many differences day to day. Anyway...... Stonechat; Still 2 on Culverslade dump and 1 by the horse paddock. In the hedgerow just south of Rushmead Farm there was a flock of over 200 finches with at least 130 Yellowhammer and the rest Chaffinch. Grey Partridge; 3 by the barn just south of Rushmead Farm also 6 Roe Deer. Corn Bunting; 65 over the field east of Rushmead Flash and a Grey Wagtail at Rushmead Flash. Two Raven and 12 Stock Dove along Northfield Lane. (John Barnett)

28th:

At Marshfield today; 30 Corn Bunting, 50 Skylark and 1 Stonechat - along West Littleton Road. Plus 5 Buzzard, 20 Stock Dove and 12 Red-legged Partridge. Also, there were 2 Marsh Tits near Motcombe Farm, about 1.5 miles south of Marshfield village this afternoon grid reference ST: 786 712. (Rob Laughton)

27th:

A Treecreeper was singing at the east end of Cloud Wood..! and a Chaffinch was also singing nearby. There were 6 Grey Partridge in the cabbages at the east end of the field north of Marshfield School, also 70 Golden Plover. Another highlight; 1000+Fieldfare west of West Littleton Road and another 450 just east of the village but these may have moved while we were coming downhill. Nevertheless still worth seeing! (John Barnett)

26th:

Most of the action at a very windy Marshfield was around Rushmead Lane; Good numbers of Corn Bunting c.75, c.150 Chaffinch, c.50 Yellowhammer and a male and female Stonechat at Rushmead Flash. Still lots of Fieldfare, Skylark and corvids but no sign of the 'Nordic' type Jackdaw. A couple of Raven were at the top of Orchid Lane with around 40 Red-legged Partridge and 15 Stock Dove. There were c.75 Pheasant in one field just east of Shirehill Farm.

25th:

A windy afternoon at Marshfield produced; A Jackdaw (showing characteristics of the Nordic race, distinct grey head and whitish collar) in horse paddocks along George Lane with Rooks and Jackdaw. A Peregrine was in fields along Down Road. Other birds in the area were, 50 Fieldfare, 20 Corn Bunting, 25 Skylark, 10 Yellowhammer and 30 Red legged Partridge. (Rob Laughton)

There was still one Brambling at Withymead Playing Fields this morning. A good number of Song Thrush still in the area with at least four singing in Doncombe Valley plus another four in the Rushmead Lane area. (John Barnett)

24th:

Today between 13:00 and 14:30; A Peregrine in field north of Marshfield School. In the hedgerow 300 metres east of Culverslade there were 2 Song Thrush, 180 Linnet and 100 Yellowhammer with 5 Stock Dove nearby. 60 Skylark in potato field at Northfield Lane and one Lesser Black-backed Gull. Where are all the gulls? Six Brambling still at Withymead Playing Fields. (John Barnett)

22nd:

This morning between 09:00 and 10:30: Skylark; 100 in field left of Orchid Lane in a dense flock also 10 Meadow Pipit. 50 Skylark in Potato field and 30 on Northfield Lane with 3 Meadow Pipit. Yellowhammer; 80 Bollard Bushes also 300 at the Rushmead Flash with 50 Linnet, 30 Corn Bunting, 3 Pied Wagtail and one Raven. (John Barnett)

20th:

At Marshfield this afternoon there were 50 Lapwing and 50 Golden Plover in the field opposite Marshfield School. A pair of Stonechat still on the dump on Northfield Lane at the bottom of the field and another by Rushmead Flash. 60 Skylark were at Orchid Lane and another 60 in potato field at Northfield Lane still. Highlight - 1 Greenfinch on our feeder! 1st of the year! (John Barnett)

16th:

At Marshfield this morning there were c.60 Golden Plover in fields north of Marshfield School along with 44 Lapwing and c.350 Golden Plover over West End later. 8 Stock Dove Rushmead Lane, Skylark 60 in potato field at Northfield Lane with 2 Stonechat on Culverslade dump, and in the hedgerows in fields north of this area there were 10 Corn Bunting, 100+ Yellowhammer; also 15 Corn Bunting at Rushmead Flash. There were still 35 Brambling at Withymead Playing Fields. (John Barnett)

13th:

Pretty blowy at Marshfield this morning but still lots of birds around. At Northfield Lane there were c.30 Skylark, Raven, several Red-legged Partridge and Stock Dove and a flock of c.2000 corvid mostly Jackdaw. At Rushmead Lane two Mallard were on Rushmead Flash and ten Red-legged Partridge were in Flash Field. At Rushmead Farm there was a flock of c.200 Linnet and on the corner of the A420 and West Littleton Road a flock of c.50 finch including Chaffinch, Goldfinch and two or three Brambling. On a long walk beyond West Littleton this morning; Not much except 10 Buzzards in the winds. Later on 130 Golden Plover in the ploughed field north of Marshfield school. Between Culverslade and Down Road c.60 Chaffinch, the same number of Yellowhammer and a Brambling. Several Brambling still at Withymead Playing Fields. (John Barnett)

12th:

A pair of Stonechat near the stables next to the West Littleton Road, 1 Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush also 15+ Redwing and 20+ Fieldfare along with a few Goldfinches and Chaffinch in the same area. 20 Skylark in fields near Rushmead Lane, 12 Stock Dove there also. A few Brambling amongst flock of finches at Rushmead Farm. 3 Corn Buntings in hedgerow near the farm. A Peregrine seen east of the Tormarton Road was putting up a big flock of corvids. At least 3 Kestrels and 5+ Buzzards mostly on posts. Also seen Blue Tit, Great Tit, 5 Long-tailed Tit and House Sparrows and Starlings feeding in garden of Culverslade House 1 Brambling there also. 40 Linnet at Withymead Playing Fields along with a few Yellowhammers but only a few Brambling seen. The highlight of the day was a male Merlin seen with kill feeding on the ground in a field to the east of the playing fields, watched for 20 minutes. Also 40 Lapwing and 80 Golden Plover in flight here. A good day ! (Pete Coslett & Tony Vincent)

9th:

There were between 35-40 Brambling at Withymead Playing Fields Car Park this evening in the trees near the playing field. Around Rushmead Lane there were; 59 Lapwing (in flight), 150+ Golden Plover (in flight), a flock of around 200 mixed finches but no sign of the Little Owls. (Rob Laughton)

6th:

Lovely sunny morning at Marshfield today and plenty to see. At Withymead Playing Fields Car Park twenty to thirty Brambling were still on show first thing. At Northfield Lane there were small parties of Long-tailed Tit, Meadow Pipit, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Chaffinch, lots of Fieldfare and Redwing with the odd 'continental' type Song Thrush. At Orchid Lane there was around thirty Skylark several more Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting and a group of twenty Stock Doves. At the east end of Rushmead Lane in fields east of the Tormarton Road there was Raven, two Little Owls and around two thousand finches, larks and buntings by far the largest flock I've ever seen on the patch; They included c.500 Chaffinch, c.400 Skylark, c.150 Corn Bunting, c.300 Linnets plus House Sparrow, Yellowhammer and several Brambling.

Just to add - in the afternoon there were two Mallard, two Coot and two Moorhen on West Littleton Pond with Stock Dove nearby. 500 Fieldfare in fields off West Littleton Road near Castle Farm Copse and seven Meadow Pipits on Down Road. A few birds up there at the moment! (John Barnett)

4th:

Foggy this morning but still quite a lot of activity. Little Owl on West Littleton Road, also Green Woodpecker, Fieldfare c.300, Song Thrush 2 on Northfield Lane, Raven, Yellowhammer c.80, Corn Bunting and Reed Bunting in Bollard Bushes. The Brambling were still showing at Withymead Playing Fields Car Park. (John Barnett)

1st:

At least twenty Brambling were present at Withymead Playing Fields Car Park at Marshfield today at around 09:30. All day in the field produced around 50 species in all, the highlights were; Two Tawny Owl in Marshfield, Skylark c.100 and Meadow Pipit at Rushmead Lane, Grey Wagtail, Nuthatch and three Marsh Tit, Song Thrush singing with 12 together by Broadmead Brook and around 20 Raven near Shirehill Farm. Two Stonechat and 40 Corn Bunting near Down Road. There were also c.100 Fieldfare, c.80 Redwing and 8 Mistle Thrush. Two more Marsh Tit were seen in Cloud Wood on the south side of the village. (John Barnett)

Marshfield 2008 year list - 109

Barn Owl, Blackbird, Blackcap, Black-headed Gull, Black Redstart, Blue Tit, Brambling, Bullfinch, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit, Collared Dove, Common Buzzard, Common Gull, Common Redstart, Common Snipe, Common Whitethroat, Coot, Cormorant, Corn Bunting, Dartford Warbler, Dipper, Dunnock, Fieldfare, Garden Warbler, Goldcrest, Golden Plover, Goldfinch, Goshawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Greenland Wheatear, Green Woodpecker, Grey Heron, Grey Partridge, Grey Wagtail, Hawfinch, Hen Harrier, Herring Gull, Hobby, House Martin, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Jay, Kestrel, Kingfisher, Lapland Bunting, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Lesser Redpoll, Lesser Whitethroat, Little Grebe, Little Owl, Linnet, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Marsh Harrier, Marsh Tit, Meadow Pipit, Mediterranean Gull, Merlin, Mistle Thrush, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Nordic Jackdaw, Nuthatch, Peregrine, Pheasant, Pied Flycatcher, Pied Wagtail, Quail, Raven, Red Kite, Red-legged Partridge, Redwing, Reed Bunting, Ringed Plover, Robin, Rook, Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler, Short-eared Owl, Siskin, Skylark, Song Thrush, Starling, Stock Dove, Stonechat, Sparrowhawk, Spotted Flycatcher, Swallow, Swift, Tawny Owl, Treecreeper, Tree Pipit, Turtle Dove, Wheatear, Whinchat, White Wagtail, Willow Warbler, Woodcock, Woodpigeon, Wren, Yellowhammer and Yellow Wagtail.

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