Just back from surveying 2 tetrads for the Birds of Bucks / BTO Atlas around Gawcott, Preston Bissett and Hillesden.
Undoubted highlight was a SHORT-EARED OWL between Hillesden and Preston Bissett (approximately SP 671 289); it was in a hedge by the public footpath. I'm not sure who was more startled it or me when I came face to face with it only about 15m away. Needless to say it flew off and headed South, being mobbed by crows. That area seems quiet, so may have been around a while and worth keeping an eye out if you are in the area. Despite being fairly ordinary farmland at first glance there were plenty of other birds today around including; good numbers of Fieldfare and Redwing, flock of about 60 Linnet, Little Owl, lots of Yellowhammers and a Reed Bunting. In total 43 species in one tetrad and 36 in the other.
If you have not signed up to do a survey, there are still some good tetrads left and this is the last year of the survey so your last chance. You never know what might turn up! (Go to the BTO Atlas site here: http://www.bto.org/birdatlas/ or contact John Gearing john_gearing@hotmail.com ) - Neil Fletcher
This is an account of the personal observations of Lee G R Evans (LGRE) in his home county of Buckinghamshire. It also hosts all sightings of interest within the county but only those considered authentic by the author. I am extremely grateful for any images of local birds as well as of any information relating to birds within the boundaries - contact me anytime on 07881 906629 or email LGREUK400@aol.com.