Oxfordshire Strikes Again - American Wigeon, Rushy Common

I arrived at Rushy Common at 10am this morning and after a brief search managed to locate the drake American Wigeon which has been on site for a couple of days now. Good numbers of wildfowl were also present including Eurasian Wigeon (numerous), Tufted Duck (numerous), Pintail (2), Goldeneye (14), Teal (numerous), Smew (2 female, below). Other things of note included a single Oystercatcher and a single Green Sandpiper.

Whilst enjoying a chat with a couple of other local birders, the topic of conversation turned to the potential for this new nature reserve. As well as the wildfowl and waders on the main pool the hedgerows were teeming with Chaffinch, Yellowhammer (below) and Bullfinch with a few Reed Bunting and a single Brambling also noted. It will certainly be interesting to watch the development of this superb site over the next few years.

American Wigeon

American Wigeon
American Wigeon

Smew

Yellowhammer