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



Thursday, 24 September 2015

Long-staying OSPREY remains......

The juvenile OSPREY remains present today at Weston Turville Reservoir, taking a couple of small Roach - at 0730 and 1530 hours. BBOWT conducted a work party there today, cutting back scrub and reeds, so disturbance was expected (although the Osprey didn't notice). However, a certain photographer decided to spend the day on the angling platform on the west side of the reservoir, spooking the bird with his shutter and presence and causing it to leave for its longest period yet.

We have an excellent relationship with the Prestwood Angling Association at this site and they have been particularly welcoming to the Osprey and its admirers. However, it is pertinent that birdwatchers keep to the public rights of way and don't go trespassing down the west side of the lake at their private fishery. Anyone can obtain absolutely brilliant photographs of the Osprey from either the dam, Susan Cowdy hide or concealed platforms on the east side - there is no reason to trespass on the west side. Please adhere to that or we run the risk of souring relationships with the fishermen for no reason. Simples!

In most recent days, the Osprey has been present at WTR all day, showing fantastically well for allcomers - often sitting in trees opposite the hide for long periods of time.

Here is a selection of the fantastic photographs obtained, kind courtesy of Dave Hutchinson (plates 1-6) and Francis Buckle (7-12).....


A detailed map clearly showing where you can and where you can't observe from




Please do not use this particular platform as not only is it private and out-of-bounds but it also makes the Osprey nervous and generally stops it from fishing












Sunday, 20 September 2015

Long-staying OSPREY at Weston Turville Reservoir

A juvenile OSPREY has been present at Weston Turville Reservoir for over a week now, catching 1-2 fish per day - generally in the morning; it has also been seen regularly at Wilstone and Tringford Reservoir. It affords excellent views and is best observed from the dam end of the reservoir. Here is a nice video of the bird taken by Don Stone, followed by a few of my images....

Fishing on Saturday morning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0Xc6QRch-0