WEDNESDAY 22 AUGUST
The wind had freshened quite substantially from the SW this morning, with somewhat overcast conditions continuing on from yesterday evening's rain. I expected a few birds in such conditions
IVINGHOE HILLS NATURE RESERVE (BUCKS)
Along with FB, Chris and SR, I did a mid-morning check-round of the Hill circuit with reasonable results. Commuting between the stubble field and the sheep pen fenceline were 3 WHINCHATS (an adult and 2 juveniles) and 4 NORTHERN WHEATEARS (an adult and 3 juveniles) whilst a contingent of 17 Eurasian Barn Swallows were lingering over the stubble and slope clearly waiting for better visibility. Two TREE PIPITS flew over calling in quick succession whilst in the scrubby area below the car park, a number of COMMON REDSTARTS was still present, including a vocal male in the last isolated hawthorn before the two gates at the bottom of the slope. There were also 3 Yellowhammers in this area, whilst Chris had a single SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. I also came across a SMALL COPPER butterfly.
Incombe Hole and Steps Hill were difficult to work in the freshening wind and yielded nothing of note
WHINCHATS were also seen widely elsewhere in the county today with the two juveniles still at Springfield Farm Quarry, two at Ravenstone Sewage Works and 5 at Gallows Bridge NR, along with two still at Batford (Herts) and a further 7 in Bedfordshire.
Lee G R Evans
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.