A trip up to Oxfordshire.

Sunday 9th June 2024.

Swallows perched by the Pig Pen at Millets Farm Centre.

We took a long drive as a family up to Millets Farm Centre up in Abingdon, Oxfordshire for Becky to finally take part in her Birthday present; feeding the Racoons! But she was in for a surprise as part of the Racoon feeding, Becky, Isabelle and Emma got to check out and stroke very young Spectacled Owls and also they got to feed the Wallabies. The Centre is a huge area and with plenty for everyone to be entertained, including myself as I brought along both my Binoculars and Camera.

Above, Jackdaw walking close to where we stood and below, a Rook was also by the Pig Pen.

Above, one of the Red Kites soaring overhead.

Though nothing exceptional was found, there were sightings of Grey Wagtail, Swallows, plenty of Red Kites and a lot of Corvids too. Families of Blue Tits were seen and heard and a Goldcrest remained hidden deep within a small Conifer, singing continuously. One of the large lakes held a flock of Canada Geese on the perimeter and a few Tufted Duck on the water. The Swallows came down occasionally to perch on the wooden fence by the Pig Pen, showing very well at times.

Above, a pair of Rooks by the Pig Pen. Below, a Robin laden with food in its bill.

Above, a lone Swallow checking out its surroundings and below, a juvenile Blue Tit wanting to be fed by its parents.

It was a very pleasant trip here to this site where I counted at least 10 Red Kites on the way up and 6 Common Buzzards seen. Just the one Kestrel was noted along the A34. On the way back home along the M27, I pointed out to my wife a Ring-necked Parakeet flying high north over the motorway; only my second sighting of this species this year and both in Hampshire!