Did my usual walk around Gayhurst Quarry this morning. While up at Quarryhall I noticed a large white bird drop down onto the river alongside Fishing Pit. Thought it was too big for Little Egret so I took a walk along the river. After flushing 2 Little Egrets and a Heron I presumed I had been mistaken, but a little further on another bird got up, this time no mistake, a bigger bird with a big yellow bill. GREAT WHITE EGRET - finally a patch tick!
It flew off down river, so guess it is lurking somewhere between Gayhurst Quarry and Lathbury. Unfortunately there is no public access to this area - I have permission as this is where I did my BTO Breeding Bird Survey - but interesting that it is still around.
Elsewhere on site of note, a dozen Teal, 4 Wigeon, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Grey Wagtail, 2 Blackcap and overhead movement of Meadow Pipits, Skylarks and Swallow. Also of interest I found a dead Black-headed Gull bearing a Danish ring. Will send off the details and see what comes back (Rob Norris)
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.