Monday 18 December 2023

Weaver's Branch/ Cuttlebrook Nature Reserve

So I finally got a chance to explore the local nature reserve. It's the lower part of Cuttlebrook Nature Reserve but not sure what it's called locally. For now I've just referred to our address for the Ebird location. Ebird list from today HERE. 47 species of 982 individuals in about two hours. A pretty good morning especially considering it was all within 15 minute walking distance from the new rental house, highlights included Great Egret, a nice close view of an Otter (too close for the camera before it disappeared into the river), only my second Egyptian Goose sighting in Oxfordshire, Golden Plover, over 120 Lapwing, Chiffchaffs, Stonechat, Treecreeper and lots of winter thrushes. 

It was quite a mild evening and had a Common Quaker in the moth trap- a very early one.

Great Egret, also had 3 Little Egret and 4-5 Grey Herons
Egyptian Goose- also a couple of Greylags, 4 Mallard and Cormorant 
Male Stonechat, also 3 Chiffchaffs, Goldcrest and Treecreeper
At least 200 Fieldfares around
Common Quaker- interesting fused kidney marks
The estate we are renting on, one of these modern nature-less Wimpy home like developments built in the middle of a field. There's a few Rowan trees on site with berries so I'll be keeping an eye on them for Waxwings. Thankfully the one we rented is right next to the nature reserve as the estate is pretty barren. 
The path along Cuttlebrook 
The brook enters what I presume is the River Thame which is in flood at the moment and there are some really nice flooded fields with plenty of waterbirds in . The Otter was at this spot

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