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



Monday 6 September 2010

HAWFINCH at Manor Farm - Saturday 4th

Scanning the water for waders something 'not quite right' came into my view on my left flying along Back Brook at Willow height. Flying quite direct and fast it finally came into the open for the last fifty yards or so before hitting the bank of older taller trees above Godwit Corner. Stocky, and large for a finch, burnt orange in colour and with a gleaming platinum beak it could only be one thing even though i'd never seen one before in my life. Luckily I refound it seconds later up high in the canopy for another few glimpses at rest to confirm ID of HAWFINCH. It may still be there but I spent a fruitless three quarters of an hour trying to relocate.

All in all a good couple of days at Manor Farm. A flock of 6 ARCTIC TERNS last night as were three Northern Wheatear and the COMMON REDSTART still on the Ridge for its 8th day today (Chris Gleadell)