YEARLISTING IN 2016

Compared to most recent years, when for example I recorded 165 species in the county in 2011, 187 in 2012 and 173 in 2013, this has been a particularly poor one with just 157 species recorded by mid December - one of my worst years on record

YEARLISTING IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

It's all over - 2012 has come to an end. I managed a total of 187 out of the 198 species recorded all told in Buckinghamshire - 94% of the total - probably my highest-ever annual tally.

The current record is 191 species achieved in 2006 and held jointly by both Rob Hill and Simon Nichols



Wednesday 7 January 2009

DUNLIN ON ICE - FIRST FOR YEAR

WEDNESDAY 7 JANUARY 2009

Calvert BBOWT; The 2 EURASIAN BITTERNS seen 4 times in flight between 2:20- 4p.m. One flew across lake to different small reedbed than one used last night. Only small patch of ice left in deeper water, but as last night, the loafing gulls on this gave good early warning of Bitterns flying or emerging. If they go up screaming, get bins up and ready!

Also male Common Goldeneye/6 Shoveler new in.

Sailing lake; male + imm male Common Goldeneye. Colleen came to see Bitterns and as usual spotted the most unusual/unexpected birds of visit! I was greedily, quickly scanning deep water for Divers/Grebes when she pointed out 2 DUNLIN feeding virtually under my feet!! She let herself down though by insisting we went home just as dusk approaching!! Wanted to check the Greylag flock more than anything and like last night trying to optomistically spot a 3rd Bittern!!

(Tim Watts)