November 2025
The main interest for me in November have been the Crossbills at Blenheim. To begin with most sightings were birds in flight, or small numbers in tree tops, but by the end of the month a flock established itself totalling 50 birds. Frustratingly, most of the views I had of them were in poor light, but a couple of sunny mornings towards the month's end coincided with the flock being quite viewable in their favoured stand of trees. This allowed for some nice photos as they busily fed on the cones. Hopefully they remain for the winter.
The sound of the flock was nice to hear as they took flight and I managed to record that, linked below:
The mixed finch flock around the sunflower patch decreased during the month but it still contained some Bramblings. It doesn't look like there will be a glut of them like a couple of years ago, so its nice to have a few to enjoy knocking about at Blenheim.
Another highlight at Blenheim this month have been the number of Ravens present. One morning in particular had at least 20 birds gathered together on the edge of the woodland bordering the main lake. The sight and sound of them displaying and chasing each other around was quite something.
Three Pintail had a brief fly around with a small flock of Wigeon late in the month but didn't land. Blenheim isn't as attractive for them since the lakes have been deepened. A pair of Red-crested pochards earlier in the month and a lone Goosander were the only other duck species of note. RCPs are pretty much annual at Blenheim at this time of year but never hang about. This pair were only present for one day. Mandarins have disappeared from the lakes after being quite regular throughout October and Gadwall numbers are still very low for some reason. Bird flu was confirmed in the park after I reported about half a dozen dead birds early in the month. I've not noticed any further sick or dead birds for the past few weeks which is hopefully a good sign.
Great white egret numbers gradually increased during the month. It is often difficult to be certain of exactly how many there are, but 7 was the most I saw one morning which marks my high count here. They outnumber little egrets at this time of year.
A few more photos of the Blenheim regulars this month...
Ardley has been relatively quiet during November. A late Common sandpiper at the beginning of the month was notable, but beyond that nothing unexpected. Hopefully gull numbers will increase and provide some interest over the winter. A pair or Peregrines have been present of late and occasionally sit on the ERF buildings close enough for decent views.
A few more photos from the month at Ardley...
My recent run of county ticks continued in November with the Water pipit at Otmoor. I got lucky on 2nd November to be on site when it was found again that morning and enjoyed some good views in good light from the first screen. This was one of those locally tricky birds I'd hoped for but yet to get. My county list now has most of the scarce but expected species. 2025 added a good few of those as well as those proper county rarities along the way.
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