Birding Otmoor

While my daughter Katherine was staying with us, we wanted a few hours birding somewhere not too far from home that would give a variety of birds.  We decided to go to Otmoor just to the east of Oxford, about 45 minutes drive.  Weather conditions were not ideal with strong winds but at least the rain held off and we did get a few sunny spells.

We did not get anything too exciting but did see quite a few birds.  Some of these are shown below.

Impressive numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover were present. Many thousands of each.  Click on photo to enlarge.

More Lapwing and Golden Plover flushed by somethig unseen by us.

Marsh Harrier - A male quartering the reeds

Marsh Harrier - 3 separate individuals were seen.

Linnets - Feeding on seed near to the Wetland Viewpoint

Linnet - Nice to see them so close - About 150 were present.

Reed Bunting - about 75 were present also feeding on the seed.

 Also seen were Stonechats (about 6), Pintail (4-5), Snipe, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Kestrel, Redwing, Fieldfare.

An enjoyable trip even if we did miss a few target species.