Birding Oxfordshire
8-9 July 2026
This morning, after having the moth trap up all night, we took out the moths to ID them, before releasing them. To our surprise almost 70 macro moths were in the trap in the morning, with over 100 micros! Of these, we were only able to ID a handful, since I have only just gotten into moth trapping and moths in general. Of the species we did manage to identify, here is a list
Today, (July 9th) my dad dropped me off at Farmoor Reservoir, one of the premier birding destinations in Oxfordshire and Southern England. It is the largest open body of water in Oxfordshire and therefore attracts a lot of waterbirds. When I arrived, I had to wait a bit for the Reservoir to open, so I stayed in the village, where my dad had left me. I was delighted to spot a Hobby flying low over the trees as I waited.
When I reservoir opened, I was surprised to find it quite empty. There were a few Cormorants, Coots, some Egyptian Geese, and some Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls, but it was otherwise very quiet, this was possibly caused by a foul odour that was probably because of some sort of chemical leak on Reservoir II, I therefore had to remain near the North Reservoir, with all the birds, if I were to survive the outing.
I spent about half an hour watching some odonata, including many Black-tailed Skimmers, and some damselflies, probably Azure damselflies.
I then walked around Reservoir I. I saw many more dragonflies, including Emperor and Lesser Emperor Dragonflies. I also heard a Yellow Wagtail, a year tick for me. I then crossed the causeway spotting the regular Yellow-legged Gull with a couple of Great Black-backed Gulls out on Reservoir I. Sadly, there weren't any waders on the causeway, but I did spot a couple Tufted Ducks, two of only four that I saw that day.
I then took the bus to Botley, from where I walked to Wytham Woods, at Botley Gate. My target here was Marsh Tit, a species I somehow haven't yet seen, and would therefore be a lifer for me.and would therefore be a lifer for me. Upon arrival, I heard a couple Spotted Flycatchers (year tick), and many Robins.
While listening to a few Chiffchaffs, I suddenly heard the song of Marsh Tit, and Merlin also picked it up. I turned around, looking for any movement in the trees, and soon got eyes on my lifer Marsh Tit. I got a few photos before it dissapeared into the bracken.
Wytham Woods is often regarded as the world's best studied woodland, with numerous studies on rodents, badgers, bats, moths, and most notably, the Paridae family. The ornithological studies here are run by Oxford University's Edward Grey Institute (EGI for short), and are overseen by my friend Professor Ben Sheldon.
As I walked some more around the forest, I heard Green Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Jay, and some Chiffchaffs with food. There was also a lot of Butterfly activity, with Large White, Red Admiral, Comma, and Small Skipper all being present in good numbers.
I then called it a day and took the bus back to Headington.
