KITTIWAKE victim of Storm Barney

As Storm 'Barney' swept quickly through the Chiltern region, Adam Bassett located an exhausted adult BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE in its wake at Spade Oak Nature Reserve on Wednesday. The bird remained all morning........

A male HEN HARRIER at Marlow

Keith Kerr watched an adult male HEN HARRIER hunting Goldfinches over Staines Moor (Middlesex) for the best part of 90 minutes late morning before he watched it fly high NW at 1230 hours. Totally independently, just under an hour later, Adam Bassett discovered what was presumably the same bird as he searched for a Patchwork Stonechat in fields north of Emmett's Farm, on the Marlow Road at Little Marlow. The bird was hunting the game strips before settling down into one of the grass fields. Adam rang me to tell me of his find and I agreed to try and get to him as soon as possible from my position on Ivinghoe Beacon!! Just over half an hour later I had arrived on site and after a hefty walk to the ridge, joined Peter Stevens and his friend Colin still watching the bird as it was flying away westwards. Luckily, the bird was waylaid by a flock of migrant Meadow Pipits, and dropped down into a grassy field west of Winchbottom Lane at SU 863 886. It sat here for some time before being disturbed by a Carrion Crow and then flew back towards Emmett's Farm. Its departure was short-lived though and within 10 minutes it had returned - once more sitting in the grass, concealing itself ever more better as numerous Red Kites circled the area. I tried my best to approach the area it was roosting but it was impossible, making do with photographing the bird at very long range (see above). It was eventually harried by a Red Kite and chased away, gaining height and flying strongly NNW towards Handy Cross roundabout and High Wycombe at 1424 hours. An outstanding local find by Adam Bassett.

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