TUESDAY 24 AUGUST
It was a very windy day, with warm SSW winds increasing in gusts to force 6 at times. It did remain dry though, with some long bright periods. Following yesterday's bonanza of sightings, today was rather lean in comparison, with little of new arrivals in the strong winds.
SPRINGFIELD FARM QUARRY, BEACONSFIELD (SOUTH BUCKS)
(permit access only)
Peter Stevens had been recording WHINCHATS at the site since Saturday morning but despite a lot of hard grafting, I just could not locate them. Today however, I eventually located all SIX juveniles, all feeding together on the raised weed-covered bund just beyond the Lillyfee Studios. They were extremely mobile though and as I walked along towards them, they continuously moved ahead and flew perhaps 35 yards or more each time. This is a site first for me.
The only other migrants recorded were a single COMMON WHITETHROAT and a single YELLOW WAGTAIL, whilst other species noted included 3 Jays, Sparrowhawk, GREEN SANDPIPER, Blue Tit and Skylark.
WILSTONE RESERVOIR, TRING (HERTS)
(1500-1600 hours)
Little evidence of yesterday's excitement although wildfowl are increasing daily. The first EURASIAN WIGEON of the autumn arrived today, with Common Teal up to 39, Shoveler up to 16 and yet two more RED-CRESTED POCHARDS - two juveniles this time. The eclipse drake GARGANEY remained present but there was no sign of the juvenile Black-necked Grebe.
Lapwing had decreased to 97 but Tufted Duck were well up at 84, with 44 Mute Swans, 5 Grey Herons, a female Common Kestrel and up to 4 HOBBIES making up the numbers. A single DUNLIN remained on the bund from yesterday.
Most significant was a massive rise in passage HOUSE MARTIN numbers - at least 175 wheeling around.
STARTOP'S END RESERVOIR (HERTS)
All 7 RED-CRESTED POCHARDS remained in situ, the juvenile, resident female and the immigrant drakes; 14 Mute Swans were also present along with a single lingering COMMON SWIFT and 60+ SAND MARTINS.
WILLEN LAKE SOUTH BASIN (NORTH BUCKS)
The two juvenile BLACK TERNS were still present at 1700 hours.
CHESS RIVER VALLEY (BUCKS)
The first LITTLE EGRET of the 'autumn' has arrived in the valley, feeding in the shallow tributary just east of Bois Mill. One bird lingered this year in to May and one of the London colonies from where perhaps some of my birds originate really burgeoned in numbers this summer.