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 23 January 2012

North Bucks birding today

The Little Auk's rather predictable demise meant that I had a day to wander around north Bucks, which I did, managing to see a few half decent birds.

At Foxcote, very little of note, other than 4 Pintail (3m 1f) and 15 Goldeneye. Seems to be fewer Wigeon here than in previous years.

At Backwood, I finally caught up with the CROSSBILLS, 10 of which were around Woburn GC clubhouse, with a further two near the game strip. The Chaffinch flock was very flighty, but there was at least 1 BRAMBLING amongst them. Also c25 Siskin.

At Emberton, 16 Goosander (10m 6f) were a splendid sight on such a small lake. Much better than seeing them at a distance on a choppy Willen south.

At Linford, the WILLOW TIT was showing well from the woodland hide, along with 2 Marsh Tits. The GREAT WHITE EGRET was seen today by others on site, and the usual pre-roost of Fieldfares contained about 350 birds. Best of all, a BITTERN flew across the lake at 4.45pm and went to roost at the edge of the reeds on the north shore, visible from the near hide.

The bund at Linford looks great at the moment, with all the vegetation cleared. Alan and the FoHESC have done an excellent job. Now all it needs is to be made twice as big! There were lots of ducks on site, especially Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall and Pochard. No Shoveler though.

Rob Hill