I started at the Beacon with Rob Andrews, spent the next 90 minutes in the sheep field/ slope, Rob had to go to work but even by the time Rob went there were 8 Wheatears. No sign of the long staying male Rouzel ( presumably left Monday night ) .By the time I left this area the minimum count of Wheatears was 16. A ( new ) male RING OUZEL then appeared from the East and alighted at the top of the slope ( just enough time to get another birder on it ) before jumping the fence into the scrub above the footpath. It didn't last long there due to two dog walkers, it then flew and was settled on the North side of the Beacon in an area they have favoured in many Springs, near to the footpath that runs down that slope.
I then bashed around Steps Hill where Willow Warblers were very much in evidence, and then located a male COMMON REDSTART in Income Hole. This bird was so skulky that in over an hour with it, I saw it five times, and not at all for the middle half hour. I managed a millisecond of it in the bins all four other views were naked eyes only as it shot out to grab food before retreating into bushes.
Whilst sitting for this a EURASIAN CURLEW flew along the West side of Steps, calling ocasionally.
A Good Morning in beautiful sunshine.
Mike Wallen
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.