AN AFTERNOON'S BIRDING AT FARMOOR RESERVOIR

Working in Oxfordshire, I visited Farmoor Reservoir this afternoon after a Black Redstart was reported on BirdGuides, apparently showing well around the sewage works. 

The last time I visited this site was in August 2009, which turned out to be a bit of a tern fest — I saw an American Black Tern, a Black Tern and a White-winged Black Tern, all juveniles.

 (c)Josh Jones 

On arrival, it didn’t take long to find the Black Redstart, which I first saw perched on a railing.

The bird then dropped down to the ground and showed really well.

They’re always great birds to see, and other than this, it was very quiet around the reservoir. A Grey Wagtail, a Tufted Duck, and a Cormorant showed well on the walk back to the car.