Wild about Thame ( take 2)
@wat02.bsky.social
Quite the local weekend . The 1st returning Oystercatcher, This morning Peregrine seen at St. Mary’s with Raven nearby and Shoveler at The Pills ( unusual here). Over at Shabby thousands of Peewits, hundreds of ducks and a few Cattle Egret amongst other things. At sunset a local quartering Shortie.
January 25, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Quite the local weekend . The 1st returning Oystercatcher, This morning Peregrine seen at St. Mary’s with Raven nearby and Shoveler at The Pills ( unusual here). Over at Shabby thousands of Peewits, hundreds of ducks and a few Cattle Egret amongst other things. At sunset a local quartering Shortie.
Whoops-last photo is a study of the blues to greys and the tones and hues in between of local sheet ice. And so also of the foot traffic trails of Swans n Geese, Gulls, ducks n rails. Somewhat to my surprise our recent cold snap produced some of this and such highlights as Swans slide landing on ice
January 25, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Whoops-last photo is a study of the blues to greys and the tones and hues in between of local sheet ice. And so also of the foot traffic trails of Swans n Geese, Gulls, ducks n rails. Somewhat to my surprise our recent cold snap produced some of this and such highlights as Swans slide landing on ice
Or maybe a winter wanderer? In addition to recently mentioned kite snacking by Waitrose car park have seen a Black Headed Gull or 2 patrolling around the town centre. And in the gathering gloom up the top of the garden this evening, 2 clumps of almost glistening Snowdrops..we creep beyond midwinter
January 24, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Or maybe a winter wanderer? In addition to recently mentioned kite snacking by Waitrose car park have seen a Black Headed Gull or 2 patrolling around the town centre. And in the gathering gloom up the top of the garden this evening, 2 clumps of almost glistening Snowdrops..we creep beyond midwinter
Todays search for the wild produced as far as I recall, my earliest ever sighting of Oystercatcher. Not sure I’ve had a January bird before but there it was back in 1 of the usual spots. Interestingly a bird or 2 has also been spotted over on the pits n pools of West Oxon. Perhaps an early returner?
January 24, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Todays search for the wild produced as far as I recall, my earliest ever sighting of Oystercatcher. Not sure I’ve had a January bird before but there it was back in 1 of the usual spots. Interestingly a bird or 2 has also been spotted over on the pits n pools of West Oxon. Perhaps an early returner?
At times nearby blocks and estates, the High Road itself resound with the cries of Ring Necked Parakeets.
Not totally dissimilarly in Waitrose car park yesterday morning in Thame saw a perching kite tearing into something. Possibly a bread product? It was in 1 of the larger trees. A site 1st for me
Not totally dissimilarly in Waitrose car park yesterday morning in Thame saw a perching kite tearing into something. Possibly a bread product? It was in 1 of the larger trees. A site 1st for me
January 23, 2026 at 11:47 AM
At times nearby blocks and estates, the High Road itself resound with the cries of Ring Necked Parakeets.
Not totally dissimilarly in Waitrose car park yesterday morning in Thame saw a perching kite tearing into something. Possibly a bread product? It was in 1 of the larger trees. A site 1st for me
Not totally dissimilarly in Waitrose car park yesterday morning in Thame saw a perching kite tearing into something. Possibly a bread product? It was in 1 of the larger trees. A site 1st for me
The search for the wild..wanders off from time to time. So last week I was looking up at snow patches on northern and western slopes of Welsh Mountains, taking 1 of my sons to College.
Couple of days later back to the neon and architectural glory just off Tottenham High Road with other son.
Couple of days later back to the neon and architectural glory just off Tottenham High Road with other son.
January 23, 2026 at 11:38 AM
The search for the wild..wanders off from time to time. So last week I was looking up at snow patches on northern and western slopes of Welsh Mountains, taking 1 of my sons to College.
Couple of days later back to the neon and architectural glory just off Tottenham High Road with other son.
Couple of days later back to the neon and architectural glory just off Tottenham High Road with other son.
On my return found myself beneath an overnight roost of 20-30 Pheasant in willow and hazel. Rather an absurd spectacle, some flew off making quite a fuss as they relocated to other nearby spots. Others clung on, their rather incongruous silhouettes amongst more delicate twig n branch filigree
January 21, 2026 at 11:58 AM
On my return found myself beneath an overnight roost of 20-30 Pheasant in willow and hazel. Rather an absurd spectacle, some flew off making quite a fuss as they relocated to other nearby spots. Others clung on, their rather incongruous silhouettes amongst more delicate twig n branch filigree
At other times this winter the long billed dumpy shapes of Woodcock have emerged from out of the darkly brash. From away out in the field Snipe have called, sometimes flown around, owls have hunted. None of that yesterday save for a call or 2 of Snipe
January 21, 2026 at 11:50 AM
At other times this winter the long billed dumpy shapes of Woodcock have emerged from out of the darkly brash. From away out in the field Snipe have called, sometimes flown around, owls have hunted. None of that yesterday save for a call or 2 of Snipe
A midwinters sunset; yesterday at 5. Turbulence was increasing prior to arrival of rains from the west so thought it likely that activity would be heightened.
Rather quiet as it goes-couple of low, slow late flying Buzzards, 20 odd Redwing, couple of Storm Cocks, suitably raucous banditry of titmice
Rather quiet as it goes-couple of low, slow late flying Buzzards, 20 odd Redwing, couple of Storm Cocks, suitably raucous banditry of titmice
January 21, 2026 at 11:39 AM
A midwinters sunset; yesterday at 5. Turbulence was increasing prior to arrival of rains from the west so thought it likely that activity would be heightened.
Rather quiet as it goes-couple of low, slow late flying Buzzards, 20 odd Redwing, couple of Storm Cocks, suitably raucous banditry of titmice
Rather quiet as it goes-couple of low, slow late flying Buzzards, 20 odd Redwing, couple of Storm Cocks, suitably raucous banditry of titmice
What an understated little beauty. She propelled me into sort of going on a twitch of my own bird. I returned to the site the following day in persistent rain and so got persistently damp but there she was! Dropped by today-no sign
January 18, 2026 at 4:34 PM
What an understated little beauty. She propelled me into sort of going on a twitch of my own bird. I returned to the site the following day in persistent rain and so got persistently damp but there she was! Dropped by today-no sign
So the search for the wild in the Thame area remains on going.Recently this led to the discovery of a female Scaup on a local lake. Never known this sea duck turn up around Thame before although interestingly 1 at Farmoor recently. All on her lonesome and with an extensive white patch on her face
January 18, 2026 at 4:32 PM
So the search for the wild in the Thame area remains on going.Recently this led to the discovery of a female Scaup on a local lake. Never known this sea duck turn up around Thame before although interestingly 1 at Farmoor recently. All on her lonesome and with an extensive white patch on her face
A frozen Phoenix Trail with views across crystalline fields towards the escarpment. Am back on here as I appear to have been ejected by Facebook. Uncertain whether that’s because I can’t get in there dressed like that-but I can’t be sure
January 18, 2026 at 4:27 PM
A frozen Phoenix Trail with views across crystalline fields towards the escarpment. Am back on here as I appear to have been ejected by Facebook. Uncertain whether that’s because I can’t get in there dressed like that-but I can’t be sure
Christmas Eve spot of owling, such things have to be done. After sunset my son and I spent several minutes watching at least 2 Shorties out n about. A few Snipe in flight, Bullfinches and winter thrushes going to roost, Grey Partridges calling. Possibly most exciting found a Waxcap in a new spot.
December 24, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Christmas Eve spot of owling, such things have to be done. After sunset my son and I spent several minutes watching at least 2 Shorties out n about. A few Snipe in flight, Bullfinches and winter thrushes going to roost, Grey Partridges calling. Possibly most exciting found a Waxcap in a new spot.
it’s apparently mating season for Water Deer at present-they certainly looked quite active. Elsewhere a few Cattle Egrets are along the floodplain, last week friends and I watched Eared Owls both at roost and quartering. Parakeets and Woodcock were also around, Snipe calling
Lots happening locally.
Lots happening locally.
December 23, 2025 at 11:02 AM
it’s apparently mating season for Water Deer at present-they certainly looked quite active. Elsewhere a few Cattle Egrets are along the floodplain, last week friends and I watched Eared Owls both at roost and quartering. Parakeets and Woodcock were also around, Snipe calling
Lots happening locally.
Lots happening locally.
Dogshambling the Phoenix today revealed my highest ever count of Little Egret along there, 11 of them in the field behind this refurbed Trail furniture. Banditries of titmice, winter thrush flocks and 3 Chinese Water Deer also around. Unusual to see the latter out in the open in the day-mating time.
December 22, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Dogshambling the Phoenix today revealed my highest ever count of Little Egret along there, 11 of them in the field behind this refurbed Trail furniture. Banditries of titmice, winter thrush flocks and 3 Chinese Water Deer also around. Unusual to see the latter out in the open in the day-mating time.
Top left-3 stages together, top right the bright lollipop of youth
Bottom left-mid aged just a few hours later
Bottom right-getting towards senescence, the fruiting bodies vanish within a day.
This species is quite common in our area. Recently a friend pointed out six Bee Orchid rosettes nearby.
Bottom left-mid aged just a few hours later
Bottom right-getting towards senescence, the fruiting bodies vanish within a day.
This species is quite common in our area. Recently a friend pointed out six Bee Orchid rosettes nearby.
December 22, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Top left-3 stages together, top right the bright lollipop of youth
Bottom left-mid aged just a few hours later
Bottom right-getting towards senescence, the fruiting bodies vanish within a day.
This species is quite common in our area. Recently a friend pointed out six Bee Orchid rosettes nearby.
Bottom left-mid aged just a few hours later
Bottom right-getting towards senescence, the fruiting bodies vanish within a day.
This species is quite common in our area. Recently a friend pointed out six Bee Orchid rosettes nearby.
Live fast, die young ,at least in terms of the fruiting body.Attached autumn snaps are of a Moreton Yellow Fieldcap ( Bolbitius titubans)
December 22, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Live fast, die young ,at least in terms of the fruiting body.Attached autumn snaps are of a Moreton Yellow Fieldcap ( Bolbitius titubans)
Late crepuscular footage. A Starling murmuration is more than a visual/late daylight experience. Here they are making a right old kerfuffle as they settle into their Welsh reedbed. Footage courtesy of my son
December 21, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Late crepuscular footage. A Starling murmuration is more than a visual/late daylight experience. Here they are making a right old kerfuffle as they settle into their Welsh reedbed. Footage courtesy of my son
St Mary’s winter scene, I think from 84-5 or maybe a year or 2 earlier. The seriousness of the snow can be gauged by amounts on conifers or on top or against the Churchyard wall. Matt pale grey sky held promise of more, my recollection is of further heavy flakes by the time I’d reached The Pills.
December 18, 2025 at 1:23 PM
St Mary’s winter scene, I think from 84-5 or maybe a year or 2 earlier. The seriousness of the snow can be gauged by amounts on conifers or on top or against the Churchyard wall. Matt pale grey sky held promise of more, my recollection is of further heavy flakes by the time I’d reached The Pills.
At around the time I was enjoying sunset a friend was watching 2 Shorties hunting out Moreton way this included the successful capture of a vole. In a rather unusual mix 3 Parakeets flew over the scene.
Just now when outside filling the bins the lowest flying street Buzzard I’ve ever seen in Thame.
Just now when outside filling the bins the lowest flying street Buzzard I’ve ever seen in Thame.
December 18, 2025 at 8:49 AM
At around the time I was enjoying sunset a friend was watching 2 Shorties hunting out Moreton way this included the successful capture of a vole. In a rather unusual mix 3 Parakeets flew over the scene.
Just now when outside filling the bins the lowest flying street Buzzard I’ve ever seen in Thame.
Just now when outside filling the bins the lowest flying street Buzzard I’ve ever seen in Thame.
Tonight’s sunset from the Phoenix Trail. A rather classic v formation of Lesser Black Backed Gulls passed against this backdrop. Heading in the Thame direction, there were about 50 of them. Heard Song Thrush, Skylark and Yellowhammer and a Kestrel seemingly setting down for the night.
December 16, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Tonight’s sunset from the Phoenix Trail. A rather classic v formation of Lesser Black Backed Gulls passed against this backdrop. Heading in the Thame direction, there were about 50 of them. Heard Song Thrush, Skylark and Yellowhammer and a Kestrel seemingly setting down for the night.
So I had a clear view of its gloriously craggy profile, beak open, hackles raised, Such enigmatic birds.
There were hundreds of Starlings around Lashlake including 1 flock of 150 odd , at least a dozen Fieldfare were around, Mistle Thrush rattling and either a Song Thrush or Redwing zipped overhead.
There were hundreds of Starlings around Lashlake including 1 flock of 150 odd , at least a dozen Fieldfare were around, Mistle Thrush rattling and either a Song Thrush or Redwing zipped overhead.
December 16, 2025 at 10:08 AM
So I had a clear view of its gloriously craggy profile, beak open, hackles raised, Such enigmatic birds.
There were hundreds of Starlings around Lashlake including 1 flock of 150 odd , at least a dozen Fieldfare were around, Mistle Thrush rattling and either a Song Thrush or Redwing zipped overhead.
There were hundreds of Starlings around Lashlake including 1 flock of 150 odd , at least a dozen Fieldfare were around, Mistle Thrush rattling and either a Song Thrush or Redwing zipped overhead.
1 of those classic moments yesterday. I was shambling the Trail when just a few metres ahead of me a Raven burst over the hedge, sunk down, raised itself over the opposite hedge and made off barely a metre above ground. All without uttering a sound. Have rarely seen them at such close quarters.
December 16, 2025 at 9:58 AM
1 of those classic moments yesterday. I was shambling the Trail when just a few metres ahead of me a Raven burst over the hedge, sunk down, raised itself over the opposite hedge and made off barely a metre above ground. All without uttering a sound. Have rarely seen them at such close quarters.
Things have been a bit quieter since the Hawfinch-Shortie-Slime Mould episode although have enjoyed largest local gathering I can recall of Shovelers.Photo is from Wildlife Trusts, as depicted some of the 6 males have been in cracking colours. At least 2 females about but could be more out there.
December 14, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Things have been a bit quieter since the Hawfinch-Shortie-Slime Mould episode although have enjoyed largest local gathering I can recall of Shovelers.Photo is from Wildlife Trusts, as depicted some of the 6 males have been in cracking colours. At least 2 females about but could be more out there.
In contrast dad told me that back in the 1930’s n 40’s and just a bit further up North Street he used to play his harmonica in another old establishment. This was The Wheatsheaf which I think closed down in the 40’s. Whether that had anything to do with dad and his harmonica I can’t really say.
December 14, 2025 at 5:11 PM
In contrast dad told me that back in the 1930’s n 40’s and just a bit further up North Street he used to play his harmonica in another old establishment. This was The Wheatsheaf which I think closed down in the 40’s. Whether that had anything to do with dad and his harmonica I can’t really say.