The two BARNACLE GEESE (David Bilcock) followed by FRAGRANT ORCHID, GREATER BUTTERFLY ORCHID and FLY ORCHID (Chris Pontin)
WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE
Despite temperatures reaching as high as 21 degrees C, the brisk Northeasterly wind made it feel much cooler. It remained dry and bright throughout with long sunny spells.
COLLEGE LAKE BBOWT (BUCKINGHAMSHIRE)
David Bilcock discovered two BARNACLE GEESE on the main marsh at College Lake shortly after 1700 hours. They remained briefly with Atlantic Canadas before flying to join the main thrust of the summer flock at the north end of the main lake. Dave was able to get good views of the two birds and could see that they were unringed and with so many birds now breeding in SE England and the Midlands, I am assuming they are part of the non-naturalised population and now considered Category C species. Dave was able to get a couple of record shots of the two birds (see above) and upon receiving his call, I made my way straight over and connected with them at 1800 hours.
By this time, all 104 Atlantic Canada Geese were at the far end of the main lake and the two BARNACLE GEESE were resting on the grass bank immediately north of the pit.
The adult WOOD SANDPIPER was still present and showing well from the new hide, whilst 3 immature Lesser Black-backed Gulls were resting by the island. There was no sign of any Common Terns, neither on the island nor on the raft. They have completely deserted after the destruction and interference of last week, presumably caused by American Mink.
ASTON CLINTON RAGPITS BBOWT RESERVE (BUCKS) (SP 888 108)
Up to 9 species of orchid have been recorded at Aston Clinton Ragpits Reserve in the past and this afternoon I recorded five. By far and away, FRAGRANT ORCHID was the most numerous, with literally spikes all over the relatively small reserve. A full census recorded -:
A minimum of 1,844 FRAGRANT ORCHID spikes, including both white and pink variations, along with 324+ COMMON SPOTTED ORCHIDS, numerous COMMON TWAYBLADE, 28 WHITE HELLEBORINES (largely gone over) and 5 fabulous GREATER BUTTERFLY ORCHIDS.
Butterflies on the wing included 15 COMMON BLUE and 3 SMALL SKIPPERS.
DANCERSEND NATURE RESERVE (BUCKS) (SP 901 095)
Birdwise, 4 singing male GARDEN WARBLER, a pair of BULLFINCH and a family party of MARSH TITS was noteworthy, whilst a singing male Common Chiffchaff, a family group of Common Treecreepers, two family parties of Long-tailed Tit and 3 parties of Blue Tits were also recorded.
I was too late for butterflies but within the wood and clearing, a total of 12 FLY ORCHID spikes were counted (some still in good flower) and 27 GREATER BUTTERFLY ORCHIDS. There were also several Common Spotted Orchids to be seen.
Despite temperatures reaching as high as 21 degrees C, the brisk Northeasterly wind made it feel much cooler. It remained dry and bright throughout with long sunny spells.
COLLEGE LAKE BBOWT (BUCKINGHAMSHIRE)
David Bilcock discovered two BARNACLE GEESE on the main marsh at College Lake shortly after 1700 hours. They remained briefly with Atlantic Canadas before flying to join the main thrust of the summer flock at the north end of the main lake. Dave was able to get good views of the two birds and could see that they were unringed and with so many birds now breeding in SE England and the Midlands, I am assuming they are part of the non-naturalised population and now considered Category C species. Dave was able to get a couple of record shots of the two birds (see above) and upon receiving his call, I made my way straight over and connected with them at 1800 hours.
By this time, all 104 Atlantic Canada Geese were at the far end of the main lake and the two BARNACLE GEESE were resting on the grass bank immediately north of the pit.
The adult WOOD SANDPIPER was still present and showing well from the new hide, whilst 3 immature Lesser Black-backed Gulls were resting by the island. There was no sign of any Common Terns, neither on the island nor on the raft. They have completely deserted after the destruction and interference of last week, presumably caused by American Mink.
ASTON CLINTON RAGPITS BBOWT RESERVE (BUCKS) (SP 888 108)
Up to 9 species of orchid have been recorded at Aston Clinton Ragpits Reserve in the past and this afternoon I recorded five. By far and away, FRAGRANT ORCHID was the most numerous, with literally spikes all over the relatively small reserve. A full census recorded -:
A minimum of 1,844 FRAGRANT ORCHID spikes, including both white and pink variations, along with 324+ COMMON SPOTTED ORCHIDS, numerous COMMON TWAYBLADE, 28 WHITE HELLEBORINES (largely gone over) and 5 fabulous GREATER BUTTERFLY ORCHIDS.
Butterflies on the wing included 15 COMMON BLUE and 3 SMALL SKIPPERS.
DANCERSEND NATURE RESERVE (BUCKS) (SP 901 095)
Birdwise, 4 singing male GARDEN WARBLER, a pair of BULLFINCH and a family party of MARSH TITS was noteworthy, whilst a singing male Common Chiffchaff, a family group of Common Treecreepers, two family parties of Long-tailed Tit and 3 parties of Blue Tits were also recorded.
I was too late for butterflies but within the wood and clearing, a total of 12 FLY ORCHID spikes were counted (some still in good flower) and 27 GREATER BUTTERFLY ORCHIDS. There were also several Common Spotted Orchids to be seen.
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