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



Friday 18 November 2011

HEN HARRIER still at Gallows Bridge

Gallows Bridge NR - Fri 18 Nov 11.30-14.30

My first visit to this NR. Target birds were Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl. Good views of the long-staying adult female HEN HARRIER, white rump prominent as it hunted over the hedgerows harrassed constantly by Carrion Crows. No sign of the Short-eared Owl.

Good sized flocks of Golden Plover (150), Lapwing (100+) and Starlings (200+) which could only be seen from the hide when spooked from their feeding fields by the numerous Red Kites, Kestrels and Hen Harrier. Also flocks of Linnets (50) and Fieldfares (30), 2 Herons over and occasional Skylarks. 4 Red-legged Partridges and 3 Cock Pheasants (Sally Douglas).