Monthly Reports-2000

The following reports are a summary of records received and are generally published within a few days of the months end. Full detailed monthly reports are provided to members of the Buckinghamshire bird club. For details on how to join click here.

Reports until February 2000 compiled by Jim Rose and from March 2000 by Rob Andrews.

Highlights - A Shag was a surprise at Langley Park (13th), a Little Egret was at Denham Country Park (18th), 6 Bewick's Swans strayed into the county north of Cookham (24th) and a Bittern was seen at Weston Turville Reservoir (31st). Single Hawfinches at two sites in Flackwell Heath were welcome records in what has been a very poor year for the species in Bucks.

Broughton - Two Egyptian Geese were seen (3rd), Chiffchaff (6th) and Snipe peaked at 21 (26th). Peak wildfowl counts included 11 Teal (4th), 7 Wigeon (8th), 5 Gadwall (7th) and 8 Goosander (26th). Good numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare were seen after the 5th and a Little Owl was also present.

Calvert Lakes - Amongst the large roost of Lesser black backed Gulls were one Caspian Gull (2nd) with three the next day along with 12 Yellow legged Gulls. Also seen were 8 Goldeneye and a Barn Owl (3rd) and a pair of Stonechats (18th).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit - A productive month here produced a Redshank and 77 Greylag Geese (2nd). Six species of raptor were seen (9th) including 5 Buzzards, a Merlin and a Goshawk with a Lesser spotted Woodpecker the following day. Chiffchaffs reached an impressive nine (16th) with a Black Redstart nearby the same day and a Grey Plover was an excellent local record (22nd). A Golden Plover appeared (26th) with a Peregrine, Shelduck and 3 Pintail (27th).

Watermead Lake - Four Jack Snipe were seen (22nd) along with 69 Snipe and three Redpoll. Also reported was a Smew late in the month.

Other Sites - At Willen Lake there were two Goosanders and 8 Goldeneye (3rd), a Stonechat was near Stokenchurch (10th) and a Barn Owl was seen near Soulbury (11th). About 30 Ring necked Parakeets roosted at Langley Park (13th), 12 Grey Partridge were at Haddenham (27th) and a Peregrine flew east along the Grand Union Canal near Puttenham (30th).

Highlights A Firecrest was a surprise in an observer's garden at Gerrards Cross (14th). Up to three Long-eared Owls were found roosting near Speen (15th-19th). An adult Caspian Gull was at Calvert (26th) and a redhead Smew was seen at Little Marlow (27th)

Broughton Trout Pools - A Stonechat was seen briefly (3rd) as well as 12 Shoveler and 100 Golden Plover flying over. Five Redpoll were noted (4th), 39 Wigeon and 11 Snipe (7th), 600 Fieldfare (8th) and two Goosander were present (26th).

Calvert Lakes - Several Yellow-legged Gulls were amongst the Lesser black-backs (26th). Also seen on this date were five Goldeneye and a Barn Owl.

College Lake - The 5th produced some good numbers of wildfowl with 298 Wigeon, 46 Shoveler, 39 Gadwall, 3 Pintail as well as two Ruddy Ducks and a pair of Mandarin. A Tree Sparrow was an excellent local record (19th).

Hedgerley - A first winter Mediterranean Gull was seen (11th) with 1000+ Black-headed and 40+ Great black-backed Gulls (18th).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit - Egyptian Geese reached 26 (4th) and back after an absence of 3 years was a Cormorant with the orange colour ring 'JJ'. A drake Red-crested Pochard was present (10th-11th), 46 Gadwall (12th), a Ruddy Duck (10th&25th) and Snipe peaked at 30 (27th). Other sightings included 3 Redpoll (19th), 25 Siskin (25th) and 7 Chiffchaffs (26th).

Other Sites - A Peregrine was seen at Ivinghoe Beacon (12th), a Lesser spotted Woodpecker at Dinton (17th), two Water Rails at Shardeloes Lake (19th) and two drake Mandarins were at The Rye (21st).

Highlights - An extremely confiding Spotted Crake took up residence on the Berks/Bucks border at Dorney Common for over a week (8th). A few stragglers from the Honey Buzzard movement passed through with two over Pitstone Hill (1st) and three near Bledlow Ridge (2nd). A Peregrine was seen over Aylesbury (23rd).

Broughton - A fine drake Pintail was found (25th), a Buzzard flew east (9th) and a Grey Partridge was seen. Other good sightings included a Lesser Whitethroat singing (12th), 21 Song Thrushes (14th),11 Teal (23rd),
6 snipe (25th), 23 Shoveler and 6 Wigeon (26th) and a Swallow (27th). Goldfinches peaked at 104 (18th) and single Redpoll were present on 4 dates.

Calvert - In the roost a 3rd winter Caspian Gull was found (26th) along with 11 Yellow-legged Gulls. A Goosander was also seen.

College Lake - Three Ruddy Ducks, 22 Shoveler, 9 Snipe, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and a Great black backed Gull were all present (22nd).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit - A Wheatear, Ruddy Duck, 14 Snipe and 14 Yellow-legged Gulls were all present (8th). Single Water Rail and Lesser-spotted Woodpecker were each seen on two dates, with 20 Fieldfare
(20th) a Swallow (21st), 2 House Martins and 60 Cormorants (22nd).

Shardeloes - A Garganey was seen (7th&15th), a Buzzard, 3 Chiffchaff and two Redpoll (8th), 6 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler and two Snipe (15th).

Other Sites - Three Siskins were at Prestwood (4th), 5 Stonechats were at Pitstone Hill (8th), 7 Grey Partridge and 4 Tree Sparrows near Eythrope (26th) and 802 Golden Plover were near Askett (22nd).

Highlights - Honey Buzzards passed through in good numbers especially at Pitstone Hill where over 30 were logged from 22nd. Birds were also seen passing over Milton Keynes (23rd), Little Marlow
Gravel Pit (25th&26th) and Little Kingshill (28th). Other goodies included a Manx Shearwater picked up at Deanshanger near Milton Keynes (1st) and released in the Bristol channel the following day, a Wryneck in a birder's garden in Aylesbury (2nd&3rd) and a Raven at Hughenden (9th).

Broughton - A Spotted Redshank was an excellent find (3rd-10th), 2 Whinchat and an impressive 34 Yellow Wagtails were seen (9th) and a Little Egret and Lesser-spotted Woodpecker were found (13th). Meadow
Pipits peaked at 49 (19th), 3 Swifts (4th), 15 Teal (20th) and a Buzzard flew
over (23rd).

Foxcote Reservoir - A drake Common Scoter was found (20th) with 5 Greenshank and 1 Green Sandpiper also present.

Little Marlow Gravel Pit - A Black Tern was present with a Common (20th), Teal reached 30 birds (5th), 47 Egyptian Geese (15th) along with a Green Sandpiper and Yellow-legged Gulls peaked at nine (24th). The first of the returning winter thrushes were recorded with 16 Fieldfares and 2 Redwings (24th).

Pitstone Hill - In addition to the Honey Buzzards an Osprey passed through (23rd) along with single Whinchat and Stonechat. A ringtail Hen Harrier lingered for a few days (23rd-26th).

Steps Hill - A Pied Flycatcher was a good record (9th) with a group of Spotted Flycatchers.

Other Sites - Two Greenshanks were in Pitstone Quarry (10th) and a Buzzard flew over a birder's garden in Flackwell Heath (16th).

Highlights - A Common Crane was reported by a farmer north-east of Padbury (14th). The much travelled White Stork with the ring marked AX took Bucks in on its countrywide tour, appearing near Milton Keynes (4th) with a short stay at Ledburn before returning north (22nd). A Marsh Harrier flew from Wendover Woods towards Tring and two Spoonbills flew from Wilstone Reservoir towards Aston Clinton (20th). Little Egrets were
seen at Little Marlow (10th) and Linford (11th).

Broughton - Four juvenile Shelducks were seen (23rd), single Greenshank were present on 3 dates with a Lesser-spotted Woodpecker (11th). Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail passed through (23rd), five Teal seen (28th) and a Curlew dropped in (28th).

Dorney Lake - Mandarin, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper and Dunlin were all present (6th).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit - Highlights included a Ringed Plover (4th), Bar-tailed Godwit (8th), Pied Flycatcher and Ring-necked Parakeet (20th). Six Common Sandpipers and 27 Egyptian Geese were counted (26th) and two Turtle Doves (27th).

Shardeloes Lake - Five young Ruddy Ducks were found (13th) and a juvenile Peregrine with a grey ring, so probably of suspect origin, was seen (18th) along with a Buzzard (29th).

Stoke Common - A flock of 150+ waders seen flying over north (27th) were thought most likely to be Knot.

Other Sites - Four Crossbills flew over High Wycombe (2nd), a Green Sandpiper and two Common Sanpipers were at Willen (11th) with a Wheatear at Linford the same day.

Highlights - A female Marsh Harrier was seen near Cheddington (7th) and two adult Little Terns spent several hours at Little Marlow Gravel Pit (21st).

Broughton Trout Pools - Sightings of Teal included two (7th), a female Wigeon was present (13th) and female Mandarin (25th). Two Grey Partridges were seen (3rd), two Yellow Wagtails (25th) and 2 Common Sandpipers (18th). Tufted Ducks bred along with five pairs each of Reed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat.

College Lake - A drake Teal was present (5th) along with 2 Shoveler, while a Black-tailed Godwit was a good find (7th).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit - The return wader passage started early with a Dunlin (6th) and then two (14th). A Curlew was seen (15th), 2 Black-tailed Godwits (19th), 3 Oystercatchers and a Green Sandpiper (22nd) and a breeding plumaged Sanderling was an excellent record (24th). A 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull turned up (23rd). Up to 4 Turtle Doves were present all month and 4 Little-ringed Plover chicks were a good breeding record. An early returning Snipe was back (25th) and a family party of Spotted Flycatchers were also seen.

Shardeloes Lake - Breeding wildfowl included Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Pochard with 2 drake Ruddy Ducks also around (2nd). A group of 18 Mistle Thrushes were feeding together (18th).

Other Sites - A Greenshank was at Pitstone Quarry (8th) a Grasshopper Warbler was reeling near Great Missenden (14th) while a Corn Bunting and two Ring-necked Parakeets were at Dorney Lake (29th).

Highlights - An Osprey took up residence in the Linford area (from 4th) and two Honey Buzzards were reported flying over Wing (27th). Oystercatchers bred for the first time, in the north of the county.

College Lake - Up to 8 Ruddy Ducks were present (14th) with a Green Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and 4 Redshank the same day. A female Gadwall with 7 young was a good breeding record (28th) along with 2 pairs of Tufted Ducks and 1 pair of Pochard with young.

Dorney - A Redshank, 2-3 Ring-necked Parakeets and a Corn Bunting were seen (4th)

Little Marlow Gravel Pit - A Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed Plovers and 9 Egyptian Geese were present (4th), a Turtle Dove (6th), Common Sandpiper (24th) and a Wigeon returned (26th). Eight pairs of Common Terns were using the rafts put out by Bucks Bird Club members.

Shardeloes Lake - This site proved attractive to Ruddy Ducks again with 4 juveniles noted (7th) with a Hobby the same day. Two pairs of Pochard with 8 young between them (26th) and a pair of Gadwall also raised hopes of breeding.

Highlights - A Honey Buzzard flew over a stunned birder's house near Aylesbury (7th) and there were sightings of Ospreys at Stokenchurch (1st) and Milton Keynes (9th).

Calvert - A Grey Plover was a good Bucks record (2nd&3rd) along with six Greenshank. A Whimbrel, 8 Dunlin, 3 Yellow Wagtails and a Wheatear were seen (6th).

Fulmer Lake - High water levels kept most waders away but a Greenshank was found (13th) and on the water there were 2 drake Ruddy Ducks (28th).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit - An excellent month here began with 100 Golden Plovers heading East only to be followed later by a record county flock of 77 Whimbrel (1st). A Ruff , 4 Little-ringed and 2 Ringed Plovers were seen (2nd) with a Turnstone (5th). A fine drake Garganey was found (6th) as well as 2 Black Terns, a Green Sandpiper and a Hobby. Five Black Terns were present (7th) with 13 Common Sandpipers (12th) and a Sanderling (19th). A pair of Herring Gulls were seen mating on the spit (22nd) a Turtle Dove (27th) and 12 Egyptian Geese were counted (30th).

Other sites - A 'Greenland' Wheatear was on Ivinghoe Beacon (14th) a Sanderling was on the Bucks bank of Startopsend Reservoir (6th) along with 6 Black Terns and Ruddy Ducks were seen with young at Shardeloes Lake (31st). On the final day of the month a Nightjar had made a welcome return to a
site in the county.

Highlights - The wandering Grey headed Gull of doubtful origin was seen at Willen (17th&18th). A drake Green-winged Teal present at Linford (12th-22nd) was only the third record in the county of this American sub-species. A Fulmar was found grounded at Great Brickhill (6th) and 3 Greenland Wheatears were at Ivinghoe Beacon (29th).

Broughton - The drake Garganey was still present at the start of the month and was joined by another (7th). Single Yellow Wagtails flew over (7th&27th), a Brambling (6th) 3 Wheatears (6th) and an Oystercatcher stayed
to feed (28th).

Calvert - A ringtail Harrier flew through (21st) but more obliging was a Nightingale singing (from 24th). Two Willow Tits were found (9th) and two Black Terns graced the lake (28th).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit - An excellent month here began with Kittiwake and Mediterranean Gull (1st). Ospreys were seen (16th&30th) and Hobby (21st). A Short eared Owl was a surprise migrant (25th). Waders included Green Sandpiper (20th) and Dunlin (16th). A White Wagtail dropped in (13th).

Steps Hill - A few Ring Ouzels passed through with four (9th) and two (16th). Two Grey Partridges were a welcome find (1st) and a Redstart was seen (16th).

Willen Lake - Six Sandwich Tern flew through (12th), Little Gull and Arctic Tern were present (17th) and Kittiwakes were seen on 3 dates.

Other Sites - An exceptionally early Spotted Flycatcher was in Beaconsfield (19th), a Nightingale was at Dunsmore (23rd) and Black Redstarts were at Pitstone (2nd) and Marlow (23rd). A drake Garganey found College Lake to its liking (from 15th) and Ring Ouzel (9th). Towards the end of the month two Grasshopper Warblers were reeling in Wendover Woods and Firecrest had arrived.

Highlights -     The rarest birds in the county this month were Ravens
whichinvolved up to 3 birds at widely scattered locations in the Chilterns.
Other unusual sightings included a drake Garganey at Broughton (26th), two Black Redstarts at Halton (17th) and Pitstone (26th), Firecrest at Ibstone (12th) as well as several unusual Gulls.

Broughton -   The drake Garganey stayed to the month's end at least but could be elusive at times. Two pairs of Pintail were seen (2nd), Ringed Plover (10th), Green Sanpiper (16th), Lesser spotted Woodpecker (4 dates) and 300 Golden Plover (19th).

Calvert   -     Three Sand Martins flew over (12th). The gull roost produced a 2nd winter Glaucous Gull (12th) and a 2nd winter Iceland Gull (12th&13th).

Fulmer Marsh - A Ruff, 5 Little-ringed Plovers and up to 20 Snipe were present (25th).

Hedgerley Tip - An adult Iceland Gull was seen (19th) with a 2nd winter Glaucous Gull present on a few dates from the beginning of the month.

Little Marlow Gravel Pit - Bird of the month here was a Little Egret for 20 mins (10th). Other goodies included an Oystercatcher (5th), Little-ringed Plover (17th), Shelduck (18th) adult Mediterranean Gull (20th) and two Ruff (21st).

Other Sites - Two Hawfinch were near Little Chalfont (23rd) after a bad winter in the county for this species. A few early migrants appeared with a Swallow at Turville on 13th (possibly the earliest ever spring migrant in Bucks), a House Martin near High Wycombe (26th), a Wheatear on Pitstone
Hill (14th) and a Willow Warblers at Little Marlow and Steps Hill (26th). Crossbills were also seen again in Black Park as well as Burnham Beeches.

Broughton Teal peaked at an excellent 41 (2nd). Goosander were present on at least six days with a maximum of six (16th). A Peregrine flew over east (16th) and a single Golden Plover was seen with Lapwings (11th). Three Jack Snipe were found (10th) along with forty Common Snipe.

Calvert Brick Pits A third winter Caspian Gull and 8 other Yellow-legged Gulls were at the roost (6th). A Glaucous Gull which was found (12th) and was present the following day, was probably a 2nd winter bird. A Whooper Swan flew in later afternoon (13th) while thirteen Bewick’s Swans stayed for a short time (17th).

Fulmer Lake and Marsh – Good numbers of wildfowl were present all month with Wigeon and Teal exceeding 100 in number as well as good numbers of Gadwall and Shoveler. A pair of Shelduck stopped by for a day or so (12th). A first winter Glaucous Gull (12th) was perhaps a first for the site and may well be the bird reported from Hedgerley a few miles away. A pair of Stonechat were present (20th).

Hedgerley The waste disposal site regularly produced good quality gulls. A 3rd winter Caspian Gull, a 1st winter Iceland Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were resting in fields near the tip (1st). A Glaucous Gull was reported on several dates early in the month. A 2nd winter Iceland Gull was present (12th) and another seen in flight (13th). A 1st winter Iceland Gull, a 1st winter Glaucous Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were found (18th). More unusual (almost) for this site were three Buzzards that were soaring over the tip (19th).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen drumming (14th). Also present was a Blackcap, a Water rail and eight Chiffchaffs. Three Buzzards cirled the lake (25th) and flushed a large flock of Lapwings which included eight Golden Plover.

Stoke Common A surprise Peregrine circled (5th) and a few Jack Snipe were flushed during the month.

Other Sites At a site near Marlow two Long-eared Owls were seen, with five Buzzards, three Woodcock, Tawny Owls and Little Owls in the same area, while two Barn Owls were seen near Amersham (18th). Two Drake Smew were present at Tilehouse North Gravel Pit (20th). Further north in Brickhill Woods near Milton Keynes twelve Crossbills, several large flocks of Siskin, three Brambling and two Redpoll were seen (12th). Two Woodcock were seen at Penn Wood (20th).

Highlights A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen in flight near Stokenchurch (8th). At Hedgerley tip an adult and a first winter Iceland Gull were reported (30th).

Broughton - Four Pintail were present (10th) with one remaining until the following day. Goosander peaked at seven on several dates early in the month. A Jack Snipe was found (10th) with six Redpoll seen (6th). The most intriguing record was of a probable Long-eared Owl (28th) which flew across a nearby road.

Calvert Brick Pits Three Whooper Swans came in to roost on several evenings mid month. The gull roost at Calvert provided large numbers throughout and included a maximum of three Caspian Gulls (21st) and sixteen Yellow-legged Gulls (30th).

College Lake Following a shoot at nearby Wilstone Reservoir, the immature female Scaup that has been at present there moved to College Lake along with a redhead Smew, a male R C Pochard, 3 Pintail and hundreds of Wigeon (23rd).

Linford Up to eleven Tree Sparrows were seen. Also present was a single Golden Plover, an Adult Mediterranean Gull and a Ruff (1st) and a
Firecrest was seen again on (3rd).

Willen Lake One morning (14th) at this site produced Goosander (17), a redhead Smew a female Goldeneye and a Grey Wagtail.

Other Sites Three Jack Snipe were seen at Bletchley Brick Pits (3rd) and 4 Lady Amherst's Pheasant in the Brickhills including two males. A Short-eared Owl was seen hunting over fields near Hambleden. Four Buzzards were seen soaring together (17th) near Stokenchurch with several Red Kites nearby. Two more were seen on several dates at a site in the Vale of Aylesbury. At a undisclosed site in the Vale of Aylesbury, two Short-eared Owls were present on several days. A Merlin was also seen there. A Bittern showed well at Tongwell, Milton Keynes ( 3rd-4th). Seven Crossbills were seen at Stockgrove Park (3rd) with six Redpolls (2nd) and a peak of 58 Mandarins on 3rd. At Black Park another seven Crossbills were seen drinking from a puddle at the north end (23rd).

Highlights The highlight was undoubtedly a Great Shearwater that stayed for a time at Willen Lake (27th) allowing several local birders to get a excellent county tick. A remarkable inland record, especially so at this time of year when it should be in South America! An adult Ring-billed Gull was seen for several minutes at Hedgerley (4th) before it flew off. Twenty one Bewick’s Swans flew into Foxcote Reservoir (29th). Unfortunately they were flushed in the afternoon and only eight returned. Three were seen at Calvert later that day.

Broughton Goosanders were again regular with a maximum of seventeen which included eleven males. Up to 37 Common Snipe were present along with a maximum of four Jack Snipe (1st). Passerines included a Blackcap (8th) and Redpoll.

Calvert Brick Pits Goosander were present on several occasions along with at least four Yellow-legged Gulls. A first winter Kittiwake joined the large Gull roost (12th).

Foxcote Reservoir Apart for the Bewick’s Swans, a single drake Smew was present (16th-27th). Also present were seven Goosander, six Ruddy Duck and six Pintail.

Fulmer Lake and Marsh Good numbers of Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall and Snipe (Max 57) were present on the marsh all month. A Jack Snipe was seen in the open (5th) while 2-3 Stonechat and 2 Green Sandpipers were present (31st).

Linford A Short-eared Owl was seen on several dates at the beginning of the month while a Firecrest was found there (2nd). A Barn Owl was seen more regularly.

Little Marlow Gravel Pit Good numbers of Wigeon, Teal all month. Smaller numbers of Gadwall, Shoveler were also present. Added interest came from up to three Ruddy Duck and one or two Goldeneye on various days. Also reported were a Ring-necked Parakeet (10th), a Knot and a Water Pipit (11th).

Other Sites Up to twenty Bramblings were founds at Fennel’s Wood, Flackwell Heath mid month with other visiting gardens in the village. At Black Park ten Crossbills were seen flying around the north end (27th). At Willen Lake a redhead Smew was present (19th).

Highlights A Little Auk was picked up at Stokenchurch (20th) and taken to St Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital. One or more Twite were almost certainly present in a large finch flock near Saunderton (5th). A single Snow Bunting was found on the old brick workings at Calvert (19th) but unfortunately it could not be relocated. These are all extremely scarce in the county.

Broughton A maximum of 33 Snipe (26th) with a single Jack Snipe on several dates. Also there were good numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares and up to ten Little Grebe.

Calvert Brick Pits At least ten Jack Snipe and several Common Snipe were found and a Merlin was seen on one occasion. Willow Tit were again recorded in the reserve area.

Little Marlow Gravel Pit Up to four Water Rail were present and regularly heard squealing. On the edge of the local Sewage treatment works five Chiff Chaffs were seen in what is a regular winter haunt. A Merlin (13th) was a much more brief affair and a Dunlin (19th) only stayed for one day. Also seen were up to three Ring-necked Parakeets. The first Goldeneye was seen on 12th.

Stoke Common A pair of Stonechats were regularly seen with up to three on occasion. Several Common Snipe, at least two Jack Snipe, several Redpoll and up to 40 Meadow Pipits were present.

Other Sites A Peregrine was seen over the A41 near Waddesdon (14th). A Merlin was seen hunting a large Finch flock near Saunderton (5th) with a Stonechat present nearby. A Merlin was also seen at Ivinghoe Beacon and at Ivinghoe Aston. Two drake Mandarins and a female were seen at Wycombe Rye and suggests a further range expansion. A red-head Goosander was at Shardeloes Lake near Amersham (14th) and is thought to be a first for this site; there were three Goosanders further north at Willen Lake, the following day. Haddenham, a regular site for Golden Plover only managed a rather poor five (5th) but in a field between Askett & Meadle there were over 750 Golden Plover & 1000+ Lapwings. A Long-eared Owl was heard calling on the edge of Flackwell Heath (2nd). Bramblings started to reappear with 3 in a mixed flock by Brickhill Woods (9th) and 30-40 on the Bucks/Herts border in Ashridge Forest (12th). At Black park four Crossbills were seen along with good numbers of Redpoll and Siskin.

Broughton Another productive month at this site with the best bird identified being a Short Eared Owl (27th) which was seen off by Crows. A late Hobby was seen moving south (3rd) and a single Wheatear followed the next day. An unidentified Buzzard species (5th) gave rise to speculation of a possible Rough-legged Buzzard . Winter visitors included Jack Snipe on two occasions and over 800 Fieldfares (27th).

Calvert Brick Pits A Red-necked Grebe was seen (16th) with a Caspian gull coming into later that evening. A 3rd winter Caspian Gull was at the roost (23rd) along with fourteen Yellow-legged Gulls. A pair of Pintail were present (26th) with a Kittiwake coming into the gull roost on the same evening.

Steps Hill As usual several interesting bird movements were noted at this good migration site. Twenty one Golden Plover flew over (9th), with 80 Redwing and 52 Fieldfare over on the following day. A late Yellow Wagtail flew over (10th) and the first two Bramblings were seen (14th).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit A Little Stint and Dunlin were seen to fly in at around midday (12th) where they stayed for the rest of the day. Another Dunlin turned up a week later. A Peregrine was reported (23rd), a Water Pipit was present on the sand spit (29th) and a possible Ring-billed Gull was seen late in the day (30th). A record number of over 170 Cormorants, 80% of which were juveniles) were present on two consecutive Saturday afternoons but not at other times!

Other Sites A Goshawk was seen between West Wycombe and Stokenchurch (3rd). At Haddenham a Peregrine 360 Golden Plovers and Lapwings (17th

Highlights: Good numbers of Ospreys were reported with at least seven sightings around the county although most were fly overs.

Broughton: This site continued to prove attractive to migrants with records of Greenshank, Whinchat and flocks of Yellow Wagtails. Also, unidentified Harriers flew through (2nd & 25th).

College Lake: A memorable day for one observer was seeing the regular Peregrine mobbing an Osprey as it passed through the reserve. Other notable sightings included up to ten Snipe as well as Wigeon and Pintail.

Little Marlow Gravel Pit: A fairly quiet month here although three Sandwich Terns on the (19th) were very good county birds in what has been a good year locally for this species.

Steps Hill: A busy day for migrants (2nd) produced Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and 80+ Blackcaps.

Other Sites: At Foxcote Reservoir two Black necked Grebes were present (21st). Two Sandwich Terns were at Linford (5th) with three Pintail the same day. Two Water Rails were calling at Weston Turville Reservoir (3rd) and a Spotted Flycatcher was seen in Aylesbury (24th).

Other Sites Three Crossbills flew over Widmer End calling (3rd), were the first in the county for some time. At least fifteen Spotted Flycatchers were at present at Shardeloes Lake (10th) with fewer there after. A single Garganey was at Linford (22nd). Twenty two Greenshank flew from Wilstone Reservoir (Herts) into Bucks (25th), providing the largest gathering seen in the county (at least in Bucks). Several Yellow-legged Gulls were at Hedgerley tip during the last week of the month.

Highlights Generally quiet month with some wader passage starting up as expected towards the months end, the exception being the Franklin’s Gull that was reported last month but it was not seen after 7:20am (1st).

Broughton Passage got under way with a Teal (27th), three Green Sandpipers and a Yellow Wagtail (29th). Also heard in the area were two Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers.

College Lake Green Sandpipers were recorded (21st & 25th) with a Black-tailed Godwit there (21st).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit A visit (11th) turned up one Ringed Plover, five very early Teal, one Ring-necked Parakeet, one adult summer plumaged Mediterranean Gull and one near adult Great Black-backed Gull being harassed by the breeding Common Terns.

Willen Lake A visit (16th) produced up to six Ringed Plovers, three Common Sandpipers, one Green Sandpiper, one Redshank and the long staying pair of Oystercatchers.

Other Sites A Grasshopper Warbler continued to "reel" at Wendover Woods. A Long-tailed Duck at Foxcote reservoir (4th) was certainly unusual at this time of year and presumably an escapee. At Shardeloes Lake near Amersham an unusual very dark and rather small Heron, was eventually considered to be a melanistic Grey Heron (18th). A Sandwich Tern was heard calling loudly as it flew over Aylesbury (19th), the same day also producing a Buzzard species over the town centre. A family party of Redstarts were present on Ivinghoe Beacon mid month. This is particularly interesting as there is only one known pair in the county this year. At Pitstone hill a Quail was heard calling from a large field of Wheat towards the months end.

Highlights A quiet month ended on a very high note when an adult Franklin’s Gull was found at Willen Lake (30th). Found late in the day, it was at first not positively identified but it did stay around the following morning just long enough for a handful of local birders to see it. Not surprisingly this is a county first. A Black Kite was reported in the middle of Red Kite country at Stokenchurch (13th) but details of the sightings have not yet been made available. There have been no previously accepted records of this species in the county.

Shardeloes Lake A female Gadwall along with 9 young and two broods of Pochard were seen. Also there was a male Ruddy Duck.

Linford There were 3 Black-tailed Godwits (2nd) along with a Greenshank and a Turtle Dove.

Little Marlow Gravel Pit A Sandwich Tern was seen briefly (27th) and up to five Common Sandpipers were on return migration. Ringed and little Ringed Plovers were also regular.

Wendover Woods One observer found two Tree Pipits, up to three Firecrests and a Grasshopper Warbler.

Other Sites A Redstart found singing in Asheridge Forest remained for several days at least, the site having been used by this species some years ago. A Grasshopper Warbler was heard "reeling" at Hale End near Wendover (6th). A Quail was again reported calling from Crafton near Aylesbury (8th). A Barn Owl was seen at Hawridge near Chesham.

Highlights An Osprey over Broughton (7th) was perhaps the star bird of the month. It was soon seen off by Crows. Three Little Egrets stayed at Little Marlow Gravel Pit from mid morning until dusk (23rd).

Broughton Other passage migrants at this site were a Greenshank (5th), Common Sandpipers, Whinchat (10th), with many other commoner passerines and hirundines passing through.

Calvert Brick Pits As usual for May Nightingales were present all month. Waders included a Greenshank (1st-2nd), two Oystercatchers (9th), Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers. Also present was a squealing Water Rail (6th).

College Lake A Ruff was seen (6th) joining the breeding Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers and Redshank. Common Terns are also back on the Tern rafts.

Fulmer Marsh The most unusual wader was a Turnstone (14th) while a Wood Sandpiper stayed for three days (from 20th) on newly exposed mud along with up to three Greenshank. Also present were a pair of Shelduck but as yet no sign of breeding.

Linford Two Oystercatchers were present (9th) along with a Turnstone, two Dunlin and two Redshank and several pairs of breeding Ringed Plovers.

Little Marlow Gravel Pit A Whimbrel graced the sand spit (2nd), soon to be followed by an Oystercatcher (4th) and two Sanderling and a Common Sandpiper (20th). Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers were also regular. Wildfowl included four Shelduck (14th) and various escapees.

Willen Lake There were 48 Common Terns present (26th). Waders included another Turnstone (21st-24th), Dunlin, Redshank and Ringed Plover.

Other Sites Scarce birds in the county these days, Tree Pipit and Wood Warbler, could both be heard at Rammamere Heath. Another very scarce breeding bird is Redstart and it is pleasing to hear of one back in Asheridge Forest. At Burnham Beeches a female Mandarin was seen with four ducklings. Wendover Woods as usual produced singing Firecrests and at least 1 Grasshopper Warbler. A late Peregrine was seen hunting over Hedgerley tip (3rd).

Highlights The end of the month produced the best two birds for a while when two Common Cranes were seen to fly over Weston Turville village just before dusk and drop into the migration hotspot at Broughton (28th). Fortunately the birds were still present the next morning enabling local birders to get an excellent county tick. The birds were last seen at 12:30pm when they rose several hundred feet into the air and flew west. The strong NE winds that the Cranes arrived on also brought in a Party of seven Barnacle Geese to Little Marlow Gravel Pit (27th). While their credentials can never be proven, they did appear very wary and there are no known feral flocks in the area. A Stone Curlew was found at Drayton Parslow (21st) and proved elusive with only a handful of local birders catching up with it. A Black-necked Grebe was at Foxcote Reservoir several days during the middle of the month.

Broughton The site also produced a late Merlin (3rd), three flocks of migrating Golden Plover (3rd), two Redshank (24th and a superb summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwit (26th).

College Lake Suitable conditions produced a Little Stint, a Dunlin and two Little Ringed Plovers (25th).

Dorney Lake This recent artificial site attracted a variety of waders including Curlew, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper as well as four Wheatears and the usual Corn Buntings, and Ring-necked Parakeets.

Linford A Little Gull was seen on 2nd, a Green Sandpiper (3rd), a Greenshank (19th) and a male Garganey (27th).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit An Osprey flew over (17th) and was found again the following morning. Another Osprey was seen nearby at Marlow (27th). A Firecrest gave its presence away when it sang and gave views down to four feet (18th). Waders include Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, Green and Common Sandpipers.

Steps Hill Ring Ouzels were found at this regular site (4th & 18th) and a Cuckoo was there (24th).

Willen Lake Two Common Scoter were reported (24th). Waders were in short supply due to water levels but did include an Oystercatcher (7th), Snipe, Ringed Plover and up to four Redshank. One Kittiwake was there (7th), three Little Gulls and an Arctic Tern (26th). Passerines included a Stonechat (8th).

Other Sites A Black Redstart was at Pitstone (24th). At Wendover Woods a Grasshopper warbler was "reeling" (28th).

Highlights The Red-necked Grebe stayed at Thorney Country Park throughout. At College Lake NR, Ospreys were seen on consecutive days (28th and 29th). As both were seen to fly over they were thought to be different individuals. College Lake also produced a Black Redstart (21st). Other highlights were various gulls at Hedgerley; see below for details.

Broughton Up to three Jack Snipe were present along with a maximum of 25 Common Snipe. Three Redshank were seen (10th) and two Curlew stopped off (13th). Up to five Wheatear were reported (26th). Finally two Peregrines seen talon "grappling" (31st)!

Hedgerley The waste disposal site near Beaconsfield attracted impressive numbers of the commoner gulls as well as several rarer species. A first winter Glaucous Gull was found (6th) and birders searching for this bird soon found an adult Iceland Gull. The following day two adult Iceland Gulls were seen, with three the next day including one sub-adult. One was still present on 12th. Single Caspian Gulls were found (8th, 9th and 12th) and included both adult and second winter birds. Also present were single Mediterranean Gulls (8th, 12th & 13th) and up to five Yellow-legged Gulls.

Linford An Oystercatcher was seen (10th) and seven Ringed Plover (14th) along with a Curlew, two Redshank and two Dunlin. Two Smew were present (14th), although one may be the long staying injured bird.

Little Marlow Gravel Pit A Kittiwake was found (21st) but did not stay until the evening when two Curlew stopped off. Mediterranean Gulls were seen on several days including two (6th). Three early Sand Martins appeared (20th) with Little Ringed Plovers a few days behind (25th). A Peregrine surprised the gathered birders with a low fly past (28th).

Stoke Common Four Stonechats were present (6th). Both Jack Snipe and Woodcock were also reported.

Other Sites Another Smew was at Tongwell, Milton Keynes (4th), a Kittiwake was at Willen Lake (19th) and an early Willow Warbler was singing at Fulmer Lake (27th).

Highlights A Cetti’s Warbler was at Linford all month but was elusive. A female Black Redstart was in the Little Marlow area (from 14th). A first winter Glaucous Gull was seen in fields adjacent to the waste disposal site near Hedgerley (27-28th), while the Red-necked Grebe was again seen at Thorney Country Park (27th) and may well have been present all month.

Broughton The most unexpected sighting was that of a Sand Martin (21st), which is the earliest county record for this species. A Peregrine was seen on three occasions following sightings the previous month. Waders included seven fly over Ringed Plovers (9th), a maximum of four Jack Snipe seen during a hard frost (9th) with an exceptional 55 Common Snipe. Up to 130 Golden Plover were seen here, as were two Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers.

Calvert Brick Pits A Peregrine again put in an appearance at this site (7th), while two Jack Snipe were seen on the same day. Yellow-legged Gulls again were regular with up to nine seen in the roost.

Linford A pair of Shelduck were present (13th) with a pair of Pintail there the following day. Also present were up to five Goldeneye, a Goosander and a Smew. A Ringed Plover was seen (14th).

Little Marlow Gravel Pit Good numbers of duck were present throughout including over 100 Teal, up to four Goldeneye, a single Shelduck and 1-2 Smew (two dates only). The flock of 57+ White-fronted Geese remained all month. A Shag was present on at least two days (9th & 11th) and a Ringed Plover stopped off briefly (20th). Nearby a pair of Stonechat stayed over several days and two Buzzards were seen.

Other Sites Two Smew were at Tongwell, Milton Keynes (16th), with four more including a male reported from Tilehouse Gravel Pits (28th). Brambling were again in short supply but with a regular single bird at Stone. Five Tree Sparrows at Haversham were a welcome record for this species, now with only a toehold in the county.

Broughton - A Merlin flew through South-east and a Peregrine flew over south-west (both on 15th) with perhaps the same Peregrine being seen again three days later. At least one Jack Snipe was present along with up to 18 Common Snipe. The best of the ducks were up to four Goosander which were seen on several dates, a Pintail and Shelduck (both 31st).

Fulmer Lake and Marsh - The marsh is looking a bit like its former self after being drained and turned into farmland. The recent rains have covered the entire area attracting good number of Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Snipe and single Goldeneye and Green Sandpiper.

Little Marlow Gravel Pit The flock of 60+ White-fronted Geese remained in the area all month. Also present all month were one or two Ring-necked Parakeet which seem destined to expand their breeding area. Good numbers of Wigeon, Teal and Gadwall were also present but more unusual were six Pintail (10th), a male Smew (13th) and a flyover Goosander (30th). Apart from up to twelve Snipe and the odd Jack Snipe and several hundred Lapwing, the only other waders were single Dunlin (24th & 30th). Up to six wintering Chiffchaff were seen together. Near Marlow itself, a Peregrine was seen perched near an industrial area and another over nearby woodland (1st).

Stoke Common - Up to four Stonechat were present during the month including one individual with plumage features similar to Siberian Stonechat but this was confirmed as NOT being of that species.

Other Sites A male Stonechat was found along with the previously lone female at Wendover Woods.

January 1999	Febuary 1999	March 1999
April 1999	May 1999	June 1999
July 1999	August 1999	September 1999
October 1999	November 1999	December 1999
January 2000	February 2000	March 2000
April 2000	May 2000	June 2000
July 2000	August 2000	September 2000
October 2000	November 2000	December 2000