The number of starlings currently roosting in the Otmoor reedbed is a lot lower than expected with only 2000-3000 currently being seen. This may be because the reedbed is so dry at the moment, allowing foxes and other predators to wander onto the islands, scaring off the birds and putting them off from returning. There is a large starling flock of 10000-15000 birds being seen about 2 miles to the north of the reedbed and which seem to be roosting in an area of woodland. This may be the same large flock I saw coming into the reedbed last week, but which has since decided to abandon us for the relative safety of the trees. Hopefully when it finally rains and water levels go up on the reserve the traitorous starlings will return.
On the plus side the short-eared owls are still showing well. Four were seen yesterday evening (22nd Nov) by the Tuesday work party, with the setting sun as a back drop it made a fitting end to a good day of thorn coppicing.
Not only do the numbers seem to be down but also the birds appear to roost very quickly - not much displaying? Any known reason for this. We have a lot of starlings in Kidlington that roost in various trees, particularly leylandia, and the same is true - fewer numbers and roosting soon after they arrive in small groups?
Did see the harrier/s this evening - how do you tell the marsh harrier from the hen. Not sure which it was although the crowd seemed to think it was a Hen Harrier?