Recording Area Annual Totals

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



Monday, 31 December 2012

Another Year over, a new one just about to begin.......

Well that's 2012 done and dusted and not a classic year by any standards with my immediate Recording Area only mustering up a total of 106 species in all - 102 by me personally......

Although I was away a lot in the Spring, did not record neither Garden Warbler or Lesser Whitethroat, or Common Stonechat, or Osprey. The undoubted highlights of course were both the LITTLE BITTERN and GREAT WHITE EGRET in the Chess, the latter of course on set to winter yet again, following its prolonged stay here from November 2009 to January 2010

GWE still

The GREAT WHITE EGRET still present today in driving, heavy rain - feeding voraciously out in the open meadows at Mill Farm and wandering into the grounds of Chenies Place at times; also 5 Little Egrets in area

Saturday, 29 December 2012

GREAT CRESTED GREBE back incredibly early

SATURDAY 29 DECEMBER


Several deep Atlantic depressions arriving in quick succession bringing strong winds and more heavy rain to the UK and our region. Statistically, 2012 has been the wettest year in Britain since records began just over 100 years ago.

The GREAT WHITE EGRET was showing well this afternoon in MILL FARM WATER MEADOWS at CHENIES BOTTOM, wandering around in the long grass with a Little Egret in search of prey; also Great Spotted Woodpecker by Chenies Place.

A flock of 45 Fieldfares flew east over Church Grove in LITTLE CHALFONT whilst at CHESHAM FISHING LAKES, Chris Pontin and I had a GREAT CRESTED GREBE (exceptionally early returning individual) and 37 Tufted Ducks

The Chess Valley County Boundary


I have marked on the map above the county boundary line in yellow. Everything below the line is in BUCKINGHAMSHIRE whilst everything above is in HERTFORDSHIRE

Friday, 28 December 2012

Chesham Little Egret

There is often a Little Egret sat in this tree a Millfield Allotments when I visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYTklU3QoTs

Also a Water Rail there (per Don Stone).

GWE

Joan, Anna and I enjoyed nice views of the GREAT WHITE EGRET this afternoon as it wandered about in the grass on the south side of the west end of Great Water at Latimer, just west of Bell Lane in Little Chalfont. It had been forced up this end of the Chess due to the incessant disturbance in the Mill Farm Water Meadow. Once again, it seemed to be searching for rodent food.

A lot of disturbance in the Chess Valley today

FRIDAY 28 DECEMBER


Another day, another wave of heavy rain showers and result: lots more flooding. Continuing very mild though.

A lot of disturbance in the CHESS VALLEY today, particularly from shooting, thus causing the GREAT WHITE EGRET to retreat from view and relocate to quieter, private stretches of the river. Was feeding as usual at Mill Farm Water Meadows for a while, and returned there from 1320 hours. Quite a few watchers too, perhaps 15 in all.

LITTLE EGRETS numbered 9 again, mostly concentrated between Latimer Bridge and Crestyl Cressbed.

Two pairs of Mute Swan in the lower stretch, including female 'T2L', whilst the GREYLAG GOOSE was near the road 100 yards SW of Latimer Bridge.

Other species noted included 3 Grey Herons, 2 Common Buzzards, 8 Goldcrests, 4 Jays, Grey Wagtail, Song Thrush and Common Treecreeper