Recording Area Annual Totals

97 Species in 2013, 99 in 2012, 94 in 2011, 108 species were recorded in 2010;



Wednesday 4 August 2010

GREEN SANDPIPER downed by lightning storm




Spotted Flycatcher (Mike Knott)
WEDNESDAY 4 AUGUST

Following a short, sharp shower mid morning, early afternoon saw a lightning storm pass across the Chilterns. Much cooler conditions arrived from the North West and bright periods were few and far between.

I was hoping the rain would bring down a few birds and it did - the first LESSER WHITETHROATS of the year in my Recording Area as well as an unexpected passage GREEN SANDPIPER......

SHARDELOES LAKE (BUCKS)
(midday through to 1410 hours)

Two LESSER WHITETHROATS were 'taccing' in the Sallow and Willow scrub at the far weat end of the lake, representing the first record of this species in the Amersham District this year. The Willow and Sallows also produced one continuing juvenile SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, a singing WILLOW WARBLER and 5 Common Chiffchaffs.

Most unexpected was a passage migrant GREEN SANDPIPER that dropped in during a deluge of rain coincident with a lightning storm. It landed on a minute patch of mud along the footpath shore and then flew off calling loudly when the heavy rain stopped. This is my first record of this species at the lake.

Also noted were 4 GREAT CRESTED GREBES today (the resident pair, a further adult and the first-winter), 2 Little Grebes, 4 Mute Swans (the 3 first-summers and an additional bird much further up the Misbourne by Kennel Farm), 2 Grey Heron, 7 GADWALL, 113 Coot and an adult Black-headed Gull.

Common Kestrels had bred with a juvenile begging for food, with Common Buzzard and 6 Red Kites on view and a LITTLE OWL calling loudly.

Three House Martins were clearly migrants, whilst 44 Jackdaws were feeding close to Kennel Farm and 2 family parties of Pied Wagtail (9 birds - 5 juveniles) were feeding on the cricket pitch. Up to 8 Goldfinches were in the area.

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