SHELDUCKS breed

The pair of COMMON SHELDUCKS initially fledged 11 ducklings (see above) at College Lake, the first time this species has successfully bred on the reserve. This female RUFF also stayed three days (images by kind courtesy of Dave Hutchinson)

LGRE returns

A fair bit of excitement ensued whilst I was away when Ian Williams discovered only the second SAVI'S WARBLER ever to be recorded at the reservoirs (20-21 May). The bird was reeling from the Wilstone reedbed and was seen by both Warren Claydon and Stuart Wilson from the ringing ride. A BLACK TERN was also present at the same time.

Nearby, College Lake had a REEVE from 20-22 May

Butterflies

On one rare day of sunshine recently, Francis Buckle and Chaz Jackson toured the local butterfly sites with some great results (see above). Pitstone Fen and Ivinghoe Beacon were visited and specialities such as Dingy and Grizzled Skipper, an early Small Blue and Duke of Burgundy's were all on the wing. All images by kind courtesy of Chaz.

Local snippets

Ian Williams obtained these smashing shots of SPOTTED FLYCATCHER at Marsworth Wood last weekend, the bird showing well darting out from favoured perches. Not much else to report though, apart from large numbers of Common Swifts and House Martins. I am hoping to be back in action by June, health providing

Startop's this afternoon

Despite the water level rising in recent weeks, both LITTLE RINGED PLOVERS remain on territory on Startop's End. Chris Hinton photographed them today (see above), as well as 2 migrant COMMON SANDPIPERS

Increase in GARDEN WARBLER numbers at Ivinghoe

Stopped off briefly on Ivinghoe Hills around lunch time. The numbers of Garden Warblers have increased on top scrub from the previously reported 2 to at least 3 probably 4 all in the same small area. A couple of the birds were fairly easy to see (although only for brief bursts), the third bird was singing from an opposing bush and I'm pretty sure I saw a 4th disappear in another direction. (Picture attached of one of the birds).


Lucy Flower

Last Friday's GODWIT images - IAN WILLIAMS

Both GODWITS at once

Ian Williams had both a single BAR-TAILED GODWIT and BLACK-TAILED GODWIT at Startop's End Reservoir this afternoon, the two birds staying three hours. Pictures to follow

Numerous BAR-TAILED GODWITS have moved through the reservoirs in recent days, as well as WHIMBRELS, RED KNOTS, DUNLINS, SANDERLING and 3 TURNSTONES - none lingered it appears

Last 3 days

This WHEATEAR by the jetty was the highlight, present on Wednesday (Dave Hutchinson).

At College Lake BBOWT, 9 BAR-TAILED GODWITS touched down on the marsh very briefly early morning (Chris Trew) being replaced by a summer-plumaged DUNLIN later (Francis Buckle)