TBOSG     Marshfield News 2009

Marshfield 2009 year list

Visited Marshfield today for the first time bird watching and enjoyed it very much despite the bitter winds! Seen a couple of Raven at Castle Farm, there was also c. 30 Fieldfare in fields midway along Rushmead Lane plus 6 Lapwing. A Buzzard in fields by the Tormarton Road, there were also 6 Red-legged Partridge in the allotment area plus a few Stonechat and c. 70 Yellowhammers in fields on the West Littleton Road. (Mike Thomas)

Not much changing at the moment; Three pairs of  Stonechat; west end of Northfield Lane, Down Road and Tormarton Road by Davis's Farm Machinery. Reed Bunting on Rough Ground and near Down Track. Corn Bunting - still well over 100. Meadow Pipit - c.30 by Down Road. Several Raven about near Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett)

Back up to Marshfield today - brilliantly clear, cold day with thin coatings of ice and snow. Good-sized scattered groups of Fieldfare and Redwing feeding on grass meadows. Large flock of maybe 100 or more Yellowhammer in cut cornfield. Flock of perhaps 50-80 Corn Buntings filling a tall tree - some constantly flying in while others flew out; the accumulation of their soft chirrups created a beautiful sound. A flock of Lapwings, amixed flock of Starlings, Pipits, Yellowhammers and Chaffinches in another field (that's quite an original mixture, isn't it?). Many Buzzards, mostly sitting in low trees and bushes; a low-perched Kestrel. Lots of Ref-legged Partridges grazing. (Lois Pryce)

Spent quite a bit of time out in the last couple of days; not too much about really. The main things; Sparrowhawk Rushmead Lane, Skylark - 100s still in various fields, Linnet - maximum on any walk about 300 - well down on last year. Yellowhammer - 200 on Down Track. Corn Bunting - well over 100 at Rough Ground. Lots of Chaffinches about joining in with other species. Several Ravens in the area. (John Barnett)

Fantastic day in Marshfield area today. On the West Littleton Down road coming in off M4: My first ever Brambling! Took me a long time to feel sure about what I was looking at - never would I have imagined a time when I thought 'Oh I hope it's not 'just' a Bullfinch'! What beautiful birds. At the Marshfield end: Flocks of Linnets, Pipits and Chaffinches. Fieldfare and Redwings. A Kestrel hunting along the A420. A female Stonechat where they often are, by the allotments opposite the little cemetery. When I scared a mixed flock of corvids, the Jackdaws all flew away but 60 Crows flew up and all lined themselves up neatly next to each other along an electrical wire. Also several Ravens present.

Back north up the Tormarton Road: Corn Buntings. So many Pheasants it was difficult not to run them over. Yellowhammers. Along Broadmead Brook: Grey Wagtail, 5 Grey Heron sightings (probably 2 birds). Red-legged Partridges, taking off with a whirring sound like a well-oiled 2-stroke engine. Nuthatch, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Sparrowhawk. 6 Buzzard sightings. On the lane back: a Bullfinch.

By this time I was overwhelmed with sightings like a too-rich pudding. Marshfield/ Tormarton Triangle - I love you! (Lois Pryce)

On the patch today Stonechat appear to be abundant with two on Northfield Lane, two on Rushmead Lane and a further two on Rushmead Farm. Corn Bunting numbers are building with at least 120 on Rough Ground. Three Reed Bunting were noted feeding near the 'tip' Rushmead Lane and around 100 Chaffinch were present on Rushmead Farm. (John Barnett)

A Jack Snipe was flushed twice on Northfield Lane and nine Lapwing were noted over West Littleton Road. A Woodcock was flushed from  the footpath west of Westend Town Farm where there was also a few Greenfinch. Around 900 Fieldfare were present near Slait Lane with a few Redwing. Around fifteen Song Thrush were scattered around the area, two Stonechat near West Littleton with another two at Rough Ground. Also there were the usual Corn Buntings with several Raven nearby at Shirehill and a couple on Northfield Lane. Finally four Grey Heron were seen at Shirehill. (John Barnett)

At a windy Marshfield today there was still plenty to see, especially in the Rushmead area. Five Raven were frolicking over Rushmead Farm plus plenty of Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch and Linnet. There appeared to be an enormous amount of Skylark and corvid activity there, probably due to a marauding male Merlin!

Had an enjoyable period of birding this morning on the Patch. Around Rough Ground, large numbers of Corn Buntings, Linnets and Yellowhammers, also a pair of Reed Buntings. At Rushmead Farm small numbers of Chaffinch. North of the farm, large numbers of Corn Bunting, Linnet, Yellowhammer and Crow, also Meadow Pipits and Red-legged Partridge. A male Stonechat at Culverslade Industrial Estate and Great Spotted Woodpecker in Rushmead Lane. Fieldfares, Raven plus the odd Redwing. At the south corner of West Littleton Road, in the potato field, many more Meadow Pipit, Crow and Linnet. Several different coloured Buzzards around, this dark one alongside the potato field. (Don Smith)

An obliging Stonechat at Rushmead Lane this afternoon. Redwings, Fieldfare, Yellowhammers, Corn Buntings, Buzzards and Red-legged Partridges also in attendance.... (Allan Chard)

At Marshfield today were two Linnet flocks; one behind the school (80+) and one over the allotments (70+). Forty-seven Golden Plover were in fields behind Davis Farm Machinery. Rushmead Farm; two Buzzard, 40 Corn Bunting, lots of Yellowhammer and Chaffinch in the area as well. Rushmead Lane; two Raven, Pied Wagtail and huge numbers of corvids. (Mark Turnbull)

Before the rain came today there were Lapwing: c.140 around Rushmead Farm, Golden Plover: 50 over Rushmead Farm, Stock Dove: 15 near Down Track, Stonechat: one on Northfield Lane, Raven: several around all of the area and Linnet:  c.550. (John Barnett)

Still large numbers of Starling (>2000), Linnet (200), Corn Bunting (>100), Chaffinch (100) and Common Gull (>250) along with good numbers of Woodpigeon, Yellowhammer, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, corvid plus the odd Reed Bunting. At least three Stonechat were noted on Northfield Lane along with several Stock Dove and a surprise Green Woodpecker was logged in the Cemetery.

With the hope of seeing Corn Buntings and getting a few pictures we went back today. One of the first birds we saw in the same position as last time was the Hen Harrier? This was at the east end of Rushmead Lane, just past the cleared area on the left. The sun was right in our faces and it was hard to make out detail but the first and long lasting impression was of Hen Harrier. Right at the beginning of the lane we saw three Fieldfare, very large numbers of Yellowhammers a large flock of Linnets, approximately seven Red-legged Partridge, Kestrel and two Buzzard. (Allan & Mrs Chard)

We had really close views of approximately 15 Red-legged Partridges plus Yellowhammer and a very brief view of what looked like a Hen Harrier, it was moving away from us and being mobbed by crows. (Allan & Mrs Chard)

Today, there were lots more Fieldfares with Redwings in the trees between Rushmead Cottages and West Littleton Road. 2 (a pair) of the 3 Stonechats had moved up to bushes by the paddock on the flooded corner of West Littleton Road, near the A420. (Don Smith & Len Ingram)

After a damp start things improved rapidly, and still stacks of birds moving around the area. In and around the Rushmead Lane strip there were 2 - 3000 Starlings, several hundred Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, large finch flocks including Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Chaffinch. A female/ 1st winter Brambling was mixing with the Chaffinch at Rushmead Farm where there was also two Lapwing. Two other notably sized flocks present were Common Gull c.200 and Golden Plover c.300. Several Fieldfare and Redwing are now evident but not yet in any real numbers.

Red-legged Partridge are very abundant at the moment with at least two coveys noted in excess of 50 birds. One on Rushmead the other on Down Road. A check through the Woodpigeon on Down Road revealed several Stock Dove. Stonechat and Jay both put in an appearance on Down Track as did other corvids especially Crow.

Lots of birds to be seen in and near Rushmead Lane. On 'Rough Ground' at the east end of Rushmead Lane there were large numbers of Corn Buntings, Chaffinch, Yellowhammers, Linnets and Skylarks. One Brambling seen on fly-over at Tormarton Road, joining birds ground feeding at Rushmead Farm and Rushmead Copse.  In Rushmead Lane, good numbers of Redwing and some flyover Fieldfares, several Stonechats and Meadow Pipits and numerous Red-legged Partridge. Large numbers of Starling plus a few Common and Black-headed Gulls. (Don Smith)

An adult winter Mediterranean Gull was seen on Withymead Playing Fields at Marshfield with around fifty Common Gull this lunchtime. Also on the patch today was a much larger flock of Starlings, with an estimated 3000+ near Harcombe Farm and still a large flock of up to 100 Corn Buntings at Rushmead Farm. (John Barnett)

A female Peregrine flew over the Tormarton Road heading west near the cemetery this afternoon, several thousand Starling were scattered around the Rushmead Lane area where there were also double figure counts of Raven. On Down Road around 30 Red-legged Partridge were feeding in newly ploughed fields near the Pine Belt and the same area held several hundred Woodpigeon. Woodpigeon numbers have increased generally in the area with numbers now in excess of 2000 birds. Corn Bunting numbers are also building with a count on Rushmead Lane close to 100 individuals.

A female/ juvenile Hen Harrier was seen over Harcombe Wood from the long track near Ebbdown Farm and was chased by two Crows. Also this morning; Meadow Pipit still lots on Down Road and Northfield Lane, 2 Stonechat on Down Road with another on Northfield Lane. Linnet 500+ Rushmead Farm and Lane,  Fieldfare c.200 Harcombe Wood and small numbers of these and Redwing elsewhere. Corn Bunting, up to 100 around Rushmead Farm and dotted around the whole area, Raven c.20 at Shirehill, four Kestrel, Reed Bunting and far too many Red-legged Partridge to count! (John Barnett)

A quick trip to Marshfield today produced the following: In the Rushmead Lane area, Starlings 300+, Yellowhammer 30, Corn Bunting 25+, 15 Fieldfares, 2 Buzzards, 3 House Sparrows, lots of Chaffinch, Kestrel, 30+ Red Legged Partridge and over 50 Skylarks. (Mark Turnbull)

On the patch this morning there were large numbers of birds; 300+ Fieldfare off Downs Track plus a few Redwing and 13 Golden Plover. 50 Lapwing at Rushmead Farm also 1500+ Starling at the east of Rushmead Lane where there are also large numbers of Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet and a few Reed Bunting. Loads of Skylarks, very few Meadow Pipits now but 300+ Chaffinch. (John Barnett)

Still good numbers of birds on the patch this afternoon and still at least 50 Corn Bunting present on Rushmead Lane. In addition to those mentioned in yesterday's post several Reed Bunting were evident on Orchid Lane.

A good mix of birds and in some numbers today on the patch. On Northfield Lane there were two or three Stonechats, Fieldfare, Stock Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Raven and good numbers of Skylark. On Rushmead Lane at least fifty Corn Bunting mixing with Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Linnet plus a small flock of House Sparrow. A least a thousand Common Gull made their way over along with c.30 Lapwing, c.300 Golden Plover and around 500 - 700 Starling. Another couple of Stonechat were on Rushmead Lane as well as c.50 Red-legged Partridge. Good numbers of Meadow Pipit were scattered around the area and two 'alba' Wagtails were seen on the buildings at Culverslade Industrial Estate.

A Red Kite was seen drifting north-west over Middledown Road and a Curlew also flew over calling heading towards Westend Farm. Good numbers of Skylark generally and what appeared to be hundreds of Meadow Pipit. Three Stonechat in the area and Chiffchaff at West Littleton. Two Marsh Tit were seen in Shirehill Valley along with eighteen Raven with the highest number at Shirehill. In the Rushmead Farm area at least two-hundred (200) Linnet, sixty Corn Bunting with another 20 on Down Road where there was also two Golden Plover. (John Barnett)

There were three Lapwing near Orchid Lane, two Stonechat by Rushmead Farm (the first since last winter) plus a single Wheatear. Lots of Skylark on Northfield Lane with lots of Meadow Pipit everywhere. Also in the area were three Kestrel. Several butterflies were on the wing today including; Red Admiral, Small White, Comma, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and Speckled Wood! (John Barnett)

A cold and misty morning on the patch, did not deter a good array of birds. Around Rough Ground, 50 Corn Bunting, 10 Yellowhammer, Kestrel, Chiffchaff, and Peregrine swooping to ground very close to us. In Rushmead Lane, several Buzzards, one consuming a Woodpigeon breakfast. Also 3 Skylarks, and several Red-legged Partridge part of 20, all north of the lane and a large flock of Black-headed and Herring Gulls. In Shirehill Valley, 3 Ravens in a tree and a flock of 20 Greenfinch.

We warmed up with a coffee in Sweet Apples, the lady there reported 3 dead Greenfinch in her garden at the west end of the village. The cause seemed the viral problem that has struck previously. (Len Ingram & Don Smith)

Good raptor day on the patch today with Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk all riding the thermals over Northfield Lane. On Rushmead Lane two Wheatear were working the dry stone walls on the south side.

The Wryneck was known to have been present in the West Littleton garden until at least lunchtime today. On a more normal note still lots of Chiffchaff, 15 plus Raven at Shirehill, good numbers of Meadow Pipit and several House Martin at Ebbdown Farm. A Kingfisher was also noted near Ebbdown Farm. (John Barnett)

A Peregrine was present on West Littleton Road, good numbers of Swallow still and some visible migration of House Martin. Around thirty Meadow Pipit in several small groups and several Chiffchaff. (John Barnett)

In a brief visit this morning there were eleven Golden Plover north of Rushmead Lane, 10+ Corn Buntings and a male Whitethroat at Rough Ground at the east end of Rushmead Lane. Five Buzzards and a male Yellow Wagtail at Rushmead Farm and a Merlin near Harcombe Farm. A very sick Stock Dove grounded in Orchid Lane. (Len Ingram)

Three Whitethroat and a Wheatear were seen on the Tormarton Road by Harcombe Farm, twenty Corn Bunting in flock at the east end of Rushmead Lane with up to five Quail calling. A Hobby flew over Tormarton Road, small groups of Meadow Pipit were ever present, a flock of 100+ Goldfinch were in flower fields on West Littleton Road. A Whinchat was on Northfield Lane, a Redstart was seen near Down Track and there are still good numbers of Swallow. (John Barnett)

A single Yellow Wagtail was noted over the Tormarton Road. Two Wheatear were seen on Middledown Lane, a Redstart was present at Shirehill Lane, c.10 Raven were at Shirehill and still several Chiffchaff present. (John Barnett)

Four Wheatear were noted on the 'Model Airfield', at least 20 Raven and two Grey Wagtail were present at Shirehill, good numbers of Chiffchaff passing through with Nuthatch and Long-tailed Tit much in evidence at various sites and twelve Mistle Thrush were seen near West Littleton. Pheasant! Unfortunately 100's have been set down in the Shirehill Valley presumable for the 'shooting'. (John Barnett)

Swallows were moving through the patch in good numbers this morning, just one male Wheatear was present on Northfield Lane and over a hundred large gulls, mostly Herring Gull were actively feeding in freshly ploughed fields there.

This morning on Rushmead Lane there were at least four Wheatear on the 'Model Airfield', a Yellow Wagtail over, c.100 Linnet with Sparrowhawk in hot pursuit and two Raven. In the Rushmead Farm area Whitethroat and 15 Corn Bunting. In the Down Road area a Redstart was showing in the hedge, Quail was heard calling and good numbers of Swallow were present. (John Barnett)

Near Middledown Farm there were two Hobby hawking butterflies over a Lucerne crop. Also there were a family of Raven, three Corn Bunting and Quail calling. An unidentified large dark raptor with long slim wings and tail flying slowly over crops put up a large flock of corvids. (D. Godfrey)

Two Quail were heard this afternoon - one near the clover field along Down Road, the other along Shirehill Lane between Down Road and Shire Hill, also Wheatear along Down Road. (Gareth Jones)

A Quail was heard in a clover field on Down Road, two Raven were noted at Shirehill, four Swift were still present in Marshfield village and good numbers of House Sparrows especially at either end of Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett)

A Quail was heard calling for several minutes this morning from clover along Shirehill Lane just east of Shirehill Farm on the south side of the lane opposite Gunnings Wood where there were also several Raven. (David & Christopher Teague)

Bird of the day and first for the year was a Turtle Dove seen flying towards Harcombe Wood near Ebbdown Farm. From around the patch; ten Swift, up to five Quail with one from Middledown Lane, two on private land and two north of Down Track. House Martin were present at three locations away from Marshfield village, good numbers of Swallow, Hobby over Rushmead Farm, c.150 Linnet mainly east of Rushmead Farm, at least twenty Stock Dove, up to nine Raven, at least one Spotted Flycatcher in Shirehill Valley, several Whitethroat, around twenty Buzzard plus Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting and of course Skylark. (John Barnett) In addition a Kingfisher has been seen regularly on Broadmead Brook in Shirehill Valley.

At Marshfield this morning there were two Little Owls on West Littleton Road, single singing Quail were audible from the road east of Rushmead Farm and Down Road, several Swift in the village, Sand Martin on Northfield Lane, high numbers of Swallow and four singing Whitethroat. At Shirehill five Raven. (John Barnett)

At a windy Marshfield this afternoon there were three Little Owls from West Littleton Road with one a nearly fledged bird. Also there Grey Wagtail, Whitethroat, Bullfinch, three Stock Dove flew over and a Pheasant. On Rushmead Lane 20 Swifts, a few Corn Buntings singing and two Buzzard being mobbed by crows. Still lots of Skylarks singing, a few Yellowhammers and Linnets. A few Swallows and only one House Martin seen, two Red-legged Partridge and another Buzzard further along Rushmead Lane. Coming back along Northfield Lane good views of two juvenile Skylarks. (Pete Coslett)

Despite extensive coverage there was just on Quail singing along Shirehill Lane. Other news; twenty Swift over Marshfield village plus lots of Swallow and a few House Martin. Skylark are singing everywhere, several Linnet, lots of Yellowhammer singing and at least twenty Corn Bunting; altogether still a lot of noise! A few Whitethroat are still singing at Ringswell in the Doncombe Valley along with a Lesser Whitethroat. (John Barnett)

A Quail was heard from Down Lane, three Mistle Thrush were noted from West Littleton Road, good numbers of Swallow and a Little Owl at Rushmead Cottages. In the Doncombe Valley at Ringswell, Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat were present. (John Barnett)

Three Quail were still present in fields east of Rushmead Lane between Culverslade and Rushmead Farm. Also five Whitethroat, two Raven around 200 Starling including lots of juveniles. sixteen Corn Bunting plus lots of singing Skylark and Yellowhammer. (John Barnett)

A Little Owl was seen at Rushmead Cottages today also 4 Corn Buntings from Down Road. (Len Ingram) Two Quail were still present on Middledown Lane, south of the lane in the barley field about 400 metres east of the A46. (John Barnett)

A Little Owl was present from West Littleton Road plus four Whitethroat, five Raven and three Corn Buntings singing on Northfield Lane near the horse paddock and towards Bollard Bushes. (John Barnett)

Corn Bunting seem to be singing from ever small tree, bush and wall this morning along with Skylark, Yellowhammer and Whitethroat. Good numbers of Swift, Swallow and House Martin too. As the morning warmed the Buzzards took to the air with around ten or so over the open fields above Orchid Lane. Along Broadmead Brook several Blackcap singing and a pair of very noisy Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

Fantastic news early this morning when a BLACK KITE, the first recorded in S. Glos was watched drifting out of St. Catherine's Valley at around 06:00. First seen over the track between Halldoor Lane and Nailey Farm at approximately ST: 776 720 about 1.5 kilometres south and west of Marshfield it was noted leaving the valley heading generally north- north-west towards West Littleton. (John Mackenzie Grieve)

An evening romp around the patch produced a flock of c.40 Stock Dove from Northfield Lane plus singing Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Common Whitethroat also plenty of Skylark, Linnet, Swallow, Swift and House Martin.

On the patch at Marshfield today there were fourteen (14) singing Corn Bunting on territory, two Spotted Flycatcher's at Shire Hill on Big Pond, three Raven from Northfield Lane plus female Wheatear and Grey Partridge. On the south side of the village, six singing Whitethroat and Garden Warbler in Doncombe Valley. (John Barnett)

Garden Warbler west of cricket club off Beek's Lane. Two Spotted Flycatcher at Shire Hill by bridge, Stock Dove 20 at Rushmead Lane, Hobby from Down Road and ten House Martin near Ebbdown Farm with Swallows. A few Willow Warbler here and there mainly on West Littleton track to Shire Hill. (John Barnett)

Along Broadmead Brook this morning were Grey Wagtail, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk and several Blackcap. On Northfield Lane Pied Wagtail, several Whitethroat, three Wheatear including one probable 'Greenland Wheatear', Red-legged Partridge, lots of Yellowhammer plus good numbers of Swift, Swallow and House Martin. Also today: Six Whitethroat, six Wheatear, 25 Corn Bunting in a group by Down Track and Little Owl near Ashwicke. (John Barnett)

On Northfield Lane there were two Greenland Wheatears in stock fields east of the lane, plenty of Swifts, Swallows and House Martin and good numbers of Corn Bunting. Several Whitethroat were holding territory on Northfield and Rushmead Lanes a Wheatear was also on Rushmead Lane and a Raven flew south there. South of the village in Doncombe Valley there were good numbers of migrant warblers including Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat.

APRIL:

26th:

A couple of firsts for the year this morning on the patch with one or two Swift over Rushmead Lane and a Cuckoo heard from trees near Downthorns Farm. Other sightings included two Lesser and one Common Whitethroat in Doncombe Valley, three Whitethroat at Rough Corner, c.70 Yellowhammer including a flock of 50, around 45 Corn Bunting including a flock of 30, a female Wheatear off Tormarton Road, c.20 Stock Dove and at least five Raven. A Lapwing flew over Northfield Lane and a probable Grey Partridge was flushed there. (John Barnett)

20th:

The first House Martins for the patch arrived today with two over West Littleton Road/ Northfield Lane. There was also Wheatear, Swallow, Goldfinch, Linnet, Skylark, Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer. On Rushmead Lane another couple of Wheatear were reported and a Common Whitethroat was singing from Rough Corner. In Doncombe Valley this years first Lesser Whitethroat was seen. (John Barnett)

18th:

At Shirehill, Marshfield a male Goshawk was seen well in trees and then in flight for five minutes. Also lots of Skylark, Yellowhammer and Linnet. A few Swallows, 6+ Buzzard displaying, 40+ Stock Dove near Rushmead Farm with 100+ Woodpigeon. A Golden Plover flew over Rushmead Lane on its own. Also Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing. (Pete Coslett)

16th:

The first Common Whitethroat of the year was noted at Castle Farm Copse, three Raven were seen near West Littleton and a record c.70 Stock Dove were present on Rushmead Farm. (John Barnett)

14th:

Two Brambling were still present at Rushmead Farm plus several Swallows. And two Siskin were noted at Ringswell. (John Barnett) A male and female Wheatear were present from Rushmead Lane this evening. (Pete Taylor)

12th:

A fairly slow day on the patch with all of the usual suspects in evidence, plenty of Skylark, Yellowhammer and Linnet plus the odd Meadow Pipit. The highlight for the day was male Wheatear on north walls Rushmead Lane. 'Rough Ground' produced ten to twelve Corn Bunting but there was no sign of the over-wintering Brambling.

8th:

One Brambling still plus c. 100 Linnets and 20 Stock Dove. (John Barnett) On the patch this evening; Swallow at Culverslade Chicken Farm, and gull counts included 30 Lesser black-backed Gulls, 20 Herring Gulls and 20 Common Gulls. (Rob Laughton)

7th:

This morning a Yellow Wagtail was seen and heard flying high over Rushmead Lane and at least four Brambling remain at Rushmead Farm Copse.

5th:

Around 100 Golden Plover in summer dress were seen on Rushmead Farm and two Swallows from West Littleton Road. (John Barnett)

4th:

A very windy Marshfield this morning: On Rushmead Lane, Corn Bunting 3, Skylark 20, singles of Raven, Yellowhammer, Buzzard and Red-legged Partridge. West Littleton Road, lots of Chaffinch and Skylark plus three Meadow Pipit. Shirehill, Greenfinch (pair), Kestrel, Pied Wagtail 3, Chiffchaff, lots of Blue and Great Tits and six Mallard. (Don Smith, Mark Turnbull) At Marshfield this afternoon: Two Pied Wagtails from West Littleton Road, 2 Grey Partridge along Northfield Lane along with lots of Linnets, eight Stock Dove with Woodpigeons also 5+ Red-legged Partridge there. Still a few Fieldfare from Rushmead Lane. Male Kestrel by Rushmead Farm, a few Corn Buntings at Rough Ground. 2 Sand Martins and 5 Swallows flew over Rushmead Lane. Lots of Skylarks singing and 20+ Yellowhammers seen also at least 5 Buzzards displaying. (Pete Coslett) Two Willow Warblers were noted at Ringswell STW. (John Barnett)

3rd:

A single Grey Partridge was seen in 'Bunting Field' from West Littleton Road this afternoon and at least ten Brambling were feeding in trees at Rushmead Copse.

1st:

Nothing foolish in spending the first morning of April around the patch! Still some Brambling at Rushmead Copse. On Northfield Lane, Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Partridge, Pied Wagtails and Linnets. Plenty of Yellowhammers and Skylarks plus Greenfinch, Song & Mistle Thrush, Buzzard and Kestrel. (Don Smith)

MARCH:

31st:

Just one Wheatear remained along Northfield Lane this afternoon, a Raven was cruising Rushmead Lane and a number of Brambling were still present at Rushmead Copse.

30th:

A strange mix of lingering winter birds and spring migrants on the patch today; Wheatear and White Wagtail had arrived overnight with at least five of each on Northfield Lane, a number of Brambling were still present at Rushmead Farm and a kettle of at least a dozen Buzzard were thermaling over Rushmead Lane. Along Broadmead Brook four Swallows were hawking over the fields and both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers were heard.

29th:

This morning in the Ringswell area; Chiffchaff -10, Bullfinch (pair), Yellowhammer, Blackcap (female), Buzzards (pair) mating in the top of a tree, Long-tailed Tits nest building, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Fieldfare - 4, several Robin, Blackbirds and Magpies. Lots of corvids everywhere and plenty of Skylarks singing. (Mark Turnbull) A male Merlin was seen in trees near Rushmead Farm and a White Wagtail was logged on Northfield Lane. (Darren Pearce)

28th:

Between flurries of snow around thirty-five to forty Brambling continue to show in fields around Rushmead Farm and Copse at Marshfield. (John Barnett)

27th:

Most of the activity was centred around Rushmead Lane with plenty of finches and buntings showing well. Thirty Corn Bunting around Rough Ground similar numbers of Chaffinch plus at least four Brambling lingering. Other sightings from around the patch were: Raven,100+ Yellowhammer altogether, Grey Partridge, 60 Golden Plover, 300 Linnet and c.50 Fieldfare. (John Barnett)

22nd:

A fairly quiet day today; Meadow Pipit -15 on Northfield Lane also 25 Fieldfare. Chiffchaff and Siskin at Ringswell with Tawny Owl calling in Cloud Wood. C.400 Common Gull were present on Down Road and two Raven were at Shirehill. Also seen there was Brown Hare. (John Barnett)

17th:

A pair of Mallards on the pool at West Littleton with Coot and Moorhen. A flock of 15 Stock Doves in Rushmead Lane, several Corn buntings in bushes at Rough Ground and still at least one Brambling at Rushmead Farm. (Jan and Don Smith and Len Ingram)

16th:

One male Wheatear (1st summer) this morning along Rushmead Lane along with 50+ Fieldfare, 20 Corn Bunting, 30 Yellowhammer, 2 Greenfinch and 2 Buzzard. (Rob Laughton) A Merlin flew over West Littleton and Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Brimstone were on Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett)

15th:

On a wonderful spring morning around twenty Meadow Pipit were present at the southern end of Northfield Lane and c.75 Fieldfare were at the northern end. Still good numbers of finches present around Rushmead Farm all showing pretty well all in full song. Several Brambling were also at the farm including a near summer male. Two vocal Raven flew high south-east over Rushmead Lane where there were also a couple of Small Tortoiseshell.  Oh! and this stunner...!

This afternoon a Little Grebe was noted at Shire Hill, Little Owl on West Littleton Lane, Meadow Pipit c.20 on Northfield Lane plus Red Kite (the first for S. Glos this year), 30 Stock Dove at Rushmead Farm and c.200 Golden Plover over W Littleton. South of the village a Bullfinch was singing in Doncombe Valley plus Chiffchaff. (John Barnett)

14th:

Northfield Lane: Greenfinch, two Meadow Pipit and four Pied Wagtail. Rushmead Lane at the flash end: 250 Fieldfare and Grey Partridge. Rushmead Farm: 500 Linnet, 40 Corn Bunting, 250 Chaffinch, 25+ Brambling and lots of Yellowhammer everywhere, Skylark singing in large numbers. Down Track area: Merlin, male Wheatear and two Stock Dove. South of the village at the Sewage works: two Chiffchaff with one in song and three Siskin on garden feeders. Blackcap in sub-song in the village. (John Barnett)

13th:

Two Raven and two Red-legged Partridge were seen from West Littleton Road, five Stock Dove were in stubble fields south of Rushmead Cottages and a single Brambling was noted with Chaffinch south of Rushmead Farm. (Don Smith)

7th:

Plenty of Skylarks up and singing in the sunshine. On 'Rough Corner', a few Corn Buntings, Yellowhammers, Chaffinch and Goldfinch plus large numbers of Linnets, some bathing in the flash. On Northfield Lane a single Fieldfare and Grey Partridge flushed (only 3 metres ahead) from the grass of the walled section. (Don Smith) 700+ Linnet at Rushmead Farm along with a few Brambling in a smaller Chaffinch flock. Also a few Fieldfare on Rushmead Lane and lots of Gulls including Lesser Black-backed Gull the first I've seen there this year. (John Barnett)

6th:

At West Littleton both Coot and Moorhen were on West Littleton Pond. No Little Owl in the tree near Broadmead Brook! Sparrowhawk high over Rushmead Lane, Corn Buntings on 'Rough Corner' and wires east of Rushmead Copse. Red-legged Partridge off Tormarton Road. (Don Smith & Co.)

4th:

On a cold but sunny day one Little Owl was in the tree from West Littleton Road near Castle Farm Copse. At least five Brambling including a breeding plumage male were with the Chaffinch/ Yellowhammer flock feeding in the farm yard between the barn and Rushmead Farmhouse. Several Corn Bunting were in the bushes on 'Rough Corner' and very vocal. About 100 Linnets also in Poplars and mobile. Still a Magic place despite the cold wind. (Len Ingram)

2nd:

Not many birds singing this afternoon! From Tormarton Road, large flock of gulls (Common, Lesser Black and Black-headed) east, some Stock Doves in the next field. Small group of Skylark moving off south west, leaving one still singing opposite the Chicken Farm. In trees and ploughed field south of Rushmead Copse, Chaffinches, several Brambling, Starlings and one Yellowhammer.  A few Corn Bunting on 'Rough Corner'. Some Red-legged Partridge north of Rushmead Lane towards Newhouse Farm. A large flock of Pied Wagtail with at least one 'alba' between West Littleton Road and the A420, opposite Northfield Lane. (Don Smith)

1st:

A Pair of Stonechat kicked off March on the 'patch' at West Littleton Lane followed by ten Fieldfare from Northfield Lane. On Rushmead Farm at least twenty Brambling were showing well in a mixed flock of around two hundred finches. On 'Rough Corner' a number of Corn Bunting were evident (10) along with a couple of House Sparrow. Additionally in the Rushmead Lane area; 8 Buzzards, Peregrine, 200+ Starlings, 2 Red-legged Partridge and hundreds of gulls all over the freshly ploughed fields. (Mark Turnbull)

FEBRUARY:

28th:

A good morning with lots of singing Skylarks, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting. Grey Partridge and Stonechat off Northfield Lane, 80 Golden Plover over Rushmead Farm. A large flock of very vocal Chaffinch in the trees by the pond at Rushmead Copse with at least 15 Brambling and 600+ Linnet nearby. South of the village three Marsh Tit were in Doncombe Valley. (John Barnett)

27th:

At Northfield Lane this morning and despite a cold breeze, plenty of birds around. In fields to east, 40 Fieldfare, 20 Skylark, 30 Starlings, 10 Redwing, 20 Yellowhammer plus several Pied Wagtails and Chaffinch. To the west, a pair of Stonechats and two Grey Partridge keeping low by the hedge row again. Also seen, Buzzard, Kestrel and an enormous flock of Common Gulls behind Rushmead Farm. (Don & Jan Smith) South of the village in the Ringswell area there were 30+ Redwings, several Brambling among the hundreds of Chaffinch, plenty of Robins and Blackbirds. Further down in the valley were Buzzard, female Sparrowhawk and Merlin. (Mark Turnbull)

26th:

At Marshfield this afternoon; there was a Brambling at Rushmead Farm, two Stonechat (pair) on Northfield Lane plus  80+ Fieldfare, 2 Corn Bunting, 30+ Chaffinch, 50+ Red-legged Partridge and 20+ Yellowhammer. (Robbie Laughton)

22nd:

A dip into the Marshfield 'goody bag' this morning produced two Grey Partridge on Northfield Lane along with male Merlin, twenty Stock Dove and Raven. At Rushmead Farm there were at least four Brambling, three hundred Linnet, thirty Corn Bunting, nine more Raven and around two thousand Common Gull.

16th:

Nice to be back to birding in the sunshine! Very similar sightings to yesterdays report. From Northfield Lane, the Black Redstart was located on and around the semi-circular corrugated building just south of the Industrial Estate. In company with a Pied Wagtail and sharing the adjoining tree with some Yellowhammers, it remained for about an hour, disappearing after a Magpie arrived. (It is closer to view this site from Tormarton Road, by the locked gate of the track.) Also from Northfield Lane, 12 Red-legged Partridge, a good number of Skylark and Raven. From Tormarton Road, 25 Common Gulls and one Lesser Black-backed Gull, large flock of Linnets in and around the road. At Rushmead 'Rough Ground' several Corn Buntings and Yellowhammers. Large flock of Fieldfare in stubble field north of Rushmead Lane. Large flock of Redwing in trees by the brook on West Littleton Road. Just past the brook In the old tree west of West Littleton Road there were 2 Little Owls. (Don Smith)

15th:

At Marshfield this afternoon. 30 Common Gull in fields to the east of Tormarton Road. Also 2 Buzzards by the allotments. Large finch flock by Rushmead Farm 500+ birds, Chaffinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer and at least 15 Brambling, up to 10 Corn Buntings by Rushmead Farm and 2 Pied Wagtails there. Walking back along Northfield Lane I could see a bird on a post at the back of the Culverslade Industrial Estate. I put my scope up and found it was a Black Redstart [female/1st winter] watched it for 45 minutes before a Blackbird chased it out of sight over wall into the estate. Also seen Wren, Dunnock, Robin, 2 Mistle Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, 3 Meadow Pipits at least 30 Skylark along Northfield Lane, 2 Stock Dove, 20 Red-legged Partridge,150 Starling and a large flock of corvids along West Littleton Road. (Pete Coslett)

13th:

At Marshfield today; From Northfield Lane, Grey Partridge, Red-legged Partridge 5, Linnet 800+, Skylark 2, Chaffinch 50+, Buzzard 2, plus Song Thrush. Also a possible Dartford Warbler seen very briefly in silhouette - right size, right shape, right habits and well worth a look for anyone who's up there over the weekend! (Rob Laughton)

10th:

Had a quick flit around the patch today. 40+ Red-legged Partridges along the roads, at least six Brambling with c.150 Chaffinch, Meadow Pipit, two Yellowhammer and Pied Wagtail at Rushmead Farm. Goldcrest, Blue, Great, Marsh and Coal Tits on the feeders at Ringswell and a Grey Wagtail at the Water Treatment Plant (posh name for Sewage Works!!) Sparrowhawk flew over the path on the way back to the Village. (Len Ingram & Don Smith)

7th:

The snow along Northfield Lane was fairly deep in places making it almost impassable... almost! At Culverslade Dump Clump there was a mixed flock of around 50 finches including Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Chaffinch and Brambling. At the east end of Rushmead Lane four Common Snipe circled the 'Flash' and on Rushmead Farm at least ten Brambling were feeding with the pigs and another 150 mixed finches. Fifteen Lapwing flew west over fields north of Rushmead Lane but there was no sign of the recent Skylark flock! On the south side of the village two Siskin on feeders at the bottom of Ringswell Lane.

6th:

A bit of a clear out today with no sign of the Skylark flock nor Merlin, in fact not many finches or buntings either, mainly Rooks and Jackdaws, maybe it's all too cold for them! Two Blackcap in the garden though. (John Barnett)

5th:

A female Merlin was again around the Rushmead Lane area plus Skylark 1000+ again, male Reed Bunting, 30 Chaffinch, 2 Buzzard and 30+ Yellowhammer. (Rob Laughton)

4th:

At Marshfield today: Very cold with a least 3 inches of snow lying on the ground and a massive flock of Skylark present the biggest I've ever seen there. 1000 + Skylark in a snowy field near Culverslade plus 38 Lapwing. A female Merlin on a kill (Skylark) near Culverslade Farm, 10+ Brambling Rushmead Farm. Also plenty of Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting & Chaffinch in the area. (Rob Laughton)

3rd:

Still pretty frozen on the patch but plenty to see. c.160 Skylark on Northfield Lane, Brambling with Chaffinch, Yellowhammer, Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail at Culverslade Dump Clump. Another Brambling at Rushmead Farm and a finch flock close to a thousand birds which included c.50 Corn Bunting and four to five hundred of both Chaffinch and Linnet. On Rushmead Lane there were half a dozen Red-legged Partridge and eight Stock Dove.

2nd:

A female Merlin was seen over Rushmead Lane plus 150+ Skylark. A Snipe on West Littleton Pond. 20 Fieldfare, 20 Chaffinch, 10 Yellowhammer and 20 Corn Bunting were seen around the patch. (Rob Laughton)

1st:

Plus 2°C felt more like -5°C this afternoon on the patch and the photo below is a testament to the wind chill! Still there was plenty to see including; around ten Brambling at Rushmead Farm mixing with Yellowhammer, Chaffinch and Linnet as well as ten or so Corn Bunting. Off Orchid Lane; ten Lapwing a dozen Pied Wagtail, several Red-legged Partridge, Stock Dove and a couple of Raven. Near Rushmead Cottages a small flock of mostly Chaffinch were feeding on the footpath and a Green Woodpecker was calling near Broadmead Brook. From West Littleton Road there was a sizable mixed flock of Chaffinch, Yellowhammer and Skylark and on Northfield Lane half a dozen Meadow Pipits.

JANUARY:

31st:

On Saturday morning there were three Grey Partridge on the Down Track public footpath near Down Road also Merlin there. PLEASE KEEP TO THE PUBLIC FOOTPATH!! A few Brambling at Rushmead Farm and Raven on Northfield Lane. (John Barnett)

26th:

A Tawny Owl was calling at 07:00 in the churchyard at Marshfield. In the Shire Valley at Broadmead Brook a Dipper put in an appearance as did Marsh Tit, and on Rushmead Lane a flock of nine Stock Dove. ( John Barnett)

25th:

At least three Brambling were mixing with a flock of c.200 Chaffinch on West Littleton Road near the A420, twenty Red-legged Partridge were flushed from Culverslade Dump Clump, c.50 Corn Bunting were on 'Rough Ground' on the north east corner of Rushmead Lane and a further three Brambling were with c.100 Chaffinch at Rushmead Farm.

23rd:

A good walk this morning; Reed Bunting in Doncombe Valley, Snipe at Garston Farm, Peregrine over Down Road with a Grey Partridge nearby. Usual numbers of finches and buntings around the patch including a few Brambling at Rushmead Farm. (John Barnett & Jack Willmott)

22nd:

Today on Rushmead Lane there were large numbers of Yellowhammer, Skylark, Stock Dove, 4 Red-legged Partridge and Fieldfare. On the brambles opposite Rushmead Farm was a flock of Corn Buntings. (Gareth Rees)

21st:

A Goshawk was disturbed this morning in Cloud Wood at the east end of Doncombe Valley south of Marshfield. It called several times as it flew off. This occurrence represents just the eleventh record for S. Glos. It also equals the earliest date with one occurring on the same day in 2005 also in the Marshfield area. Additionally there are still plenty of Brambling scattered around the area. (John Barnett)

18th:

Eight Lapwing were roosting in ploughed fields off West Littleton Road and a Snipe was flushed from Northfield Lane. A conservative estimate of 3000 finches were present in the area including around ten Brambling at Rushmead Farm along with Linnet, Yellowhammer, Corn and Reed Bunting and Chaffinch. Good numbers of Fieldfare were scattered around the various fields and five Raven flew over 'Red Girder' Barn near Rushmead Cottages. South of the village on Ringswell Common in the Doncombe Valley a probable Hawfinch flew east and a Barn Owl was quartering the fields along Doncombe Brook.

16th:

Around Marshfield this morning: From West Littleton Road, three Redwing, large mixed flock of Chaffinch/ Goldfinch/ Yellowhammer all feeding on the ground and 25 Skylark in the fields opposite Marshfield Primary School. At Shirehill, 400+ Wood Pigeons, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Song Thrush, 7 Ravens, 3 Buzzards, lots of Blue Tits and some Pheasants flying away from a shoot. (Mark Turnbull)

15th:

It's back! Or maybe never left! A Hawfinch was present this morning on Ringswell Common in the Doncombe Valley by the footpath near the brook. Later a Coot was at West Littleton Pool with four Moorhen and a Merlin was on Rushmead Lane. (John Barnett)

14th:

20-25 Brambling were present at Rushmead Farm this morning along with c. 80 Corn Bunting and male Reed Bunting. A female Blackcap was noted in a garden in the village this afternoon. (John Barnett)

11th:

At least one Brambling still present at Rushmead Farm, several hundred Skylark from Rushmead Lane along with six Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, good numbers of Fieldfare, Mistle Thrush, 12 Golden Plover, Merlin, 15 Stock Dove, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting, Linnet and Chaffinch and around 25 Red-legged Partridge. Four Lapwing over West Littleton Road plus a couple of Redwing and more 'corvids' than you can shake a stick at. Quite a few Song Thrushes in the hedgerows. Little Owl on West Littleton Lane, 4 Snipe at Shirehill another on West Littleton Pool plus 3 Moorhen. A Tawny Owl in Cloud Wood at the east end of Ringswell Common. (John Barnett)

8th:

At least four Brambling were present between Rushmead Barn and Rushmead Cottages. A Little Owl was at Rushmead Cottages plus six Lapwing over Tormarton Road with ten Meadow Pipit, Stonechat,  30 Chaffinch and two Raven. (Rob Laughton)

6th:

A Peregrine was seen from Rushmead Lane on bush near MotoX course also Brambling, Chaffinch and Meadow Pipit at Rushmead Farm. On the south side of the village on Ringswell Common, Grey Wagtail, Goldcrest, Pied Wagtail and Wren at Sewage Works plus several Bullfinch and Marsh Tit. (Len Ingram & Don Smith) This afternoon on Rushmead Lane there were 23 Red-legged Partridge, 200+ Starlings a big mixed finch flock and a few Fieldfares. Temperature -2°C, felt like -10°C!! (Mark Turnbull)

5th:

Two to add for this morning in Doncombe Valley; Snipe and Grey Heron. Brambling at Ringswell, and by the half built barn on Rushmead Lane there were at least 10. They're everywhere! (John Barnett)

3rd:

On a bright, clear sunny afternoon the temperature soared to a balmy 0°C. Still plenty of finches including Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Linnet & Brambling along Rushmead Lane and Farm. Large numbers of Jackdaw probably close to three hundred east of Tormarton Road. Several Stonechats on Northfield Lane with good numbers of Skylark. Several more Brambling were still frequenting trees along the footpath at the east end of Withymead Playing Fields. (Don & Jan Smith) A two hour walk this morning produced 40 species the highlights being; 43 Golden Plover in the field behind Marshfield Cemetery,15 Brambling behind Marshfield Primary School. Two Nuthatch, Treecreeper and two Stonechat on Ringswell Common. (Mark Turnbull)

1st:

Several hardy souls braved the arctic tundra otherwise known as 'The Marshfield Heights' today! And with some success. Three Brambling were with a mixed finch flock in the pig pens at Rushmead Farm where there was also a flock of over 200 Skylark. Good numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover, Corn Bunting and Linnet. 150 Yellowhammer were near Rushmead Cottages. Another half a dozen Brambling were in trees along the footpath at the east end of Withymead Playing Fields. (John Barnett) Wearing it's winter coat for the new year, the patch was cold but picturesque. The car once again, proved a good hide! With 27 species seen in a quick visit, there were plenty of birds around. From A420 two Song Thrush & two Red-legged Partridge. From Tormarton Road a vocal Raven, 40 Fieldfare and the Rushmead flock of Chaffinches. From Rushmead Lane a large flock of Yellowhammers, Skylarks, Chaffinch, Corn Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Starlings, two Stock Dove and Woodpigeons in bushes and ground feeding, on the slope above Rushmead Cottages. From West Littleton Road, Little Owl (inside old tree), five Mistle Thrushes and a flock of Redwings. (Don & Jan Smith)

There were 4 or 5 Brambling at Rushmead Farm including two males. There were also 14 Golden Plover with a small group of Lapwing which flew off when a Merlin flew north over the east end of Rushmead Lane. West of Rushmead Barn there were in excess of 35 Yellowhammer and several large groups of Skylark that I would estimate were easily in excess of 400 birds. (Richard Headford)

Marshfield 2009 year list - 102

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