Thursday 5th May 2011 - Evening

Broken cloud, sunny spells, west breeze, 17c.
17:30 > 18:30
A case of after the Lord Mayors show after yesterdays waderfest (see below) but still the odd bird of note.

A lone Greenshank, possibly yesterdays bird, was the highlight waderwise with a Common Sandpiper, the usual Lapwings and Little Ringed Plovers and four Oystercatchers making up the numbers.

A handful of Yellow Wagtails can still be found popping out of the vegatation along the shoreline whilst two Common Tern, the Herring Gull pair and a group of five Lesser Black Backed Gulls over were also of note. Out on the water the ten strong Tufted Duck flock look like they might be settled in for the summer while restless Gadwall pair still remain.

Along the riverside, both Greater Spotted and Green Woodpecker were noted as were Treecreepers. The stars of the day though were two male Common Pheasant going hell for leather at each other at the waters edge in the inlets, even at times ending up in the drink. She must have worth it!

Wednesday 4th May 2011 - Evening



17:30 > 19:00
Sun, warm, 16c

I've been walking this site for a few years now, way before the digging even started but tonight for an hour and a half it was as good as its ever been or indeed ever likely too.

Alerted earlier in the day that two Bar Tailed Godwits were on site, and later a lone Greenshank, I headed down to the Farm after work. In the first bay at the end of Central Field was the Wood Sandpiper that has been on site since the weekend and nearby the Greenshank picked about in the shallows.

A call from Simon N that the Barwits were in the inlet and I headed off noting two Common Sandpiper and a single Green Sandpiper in the bay to the south west end. The Barwits were as Simon described, stunning and well viewable from the Riverside Walk (alas they flew east at 7:00pm). Also along the inlet four Oystercatcher, increasing to five by the time I left.

Little Ringed Plovers were everywhere, one very probable (and there may be more) Ringed Plover was amongst them. Just as I was leaving 'sumplum' Dunlin was found in the south west bay.

Including the usual Lapwings that makes ten species of wader at the Farm tonight and at a sight where not so long ago your heart would skip a beat if you saw a lone Lapwing fly over.

Away from the waders, five Little Egret were seen, including two over heading to roost whilst a handful of Yellow Wagtail can still be found dotted about the islands.

And finally to cap it all the first Swifts i've seen at the site this year darted across the fields as I wandered off after a somewhat surreal hour or so.

Wednesday 4th May 2011 per Bucksbirders

From Simon G

Didn't connect with the Wood Sand, but saw:

at least 4 LRP and 3 Little Egret
2 Oystercatcher
2 Bar-Tailed Godwit

Lots of swallows, House and Sand Martins (my first sand of the year!)

Lots of House Martins coming down to the ground to collect mud for nesting.

Will aim for an early morning visit next time to avoid the heat haze on the
scope!

Wednesday 4th May 2011 per NBBR

From Chris G

And the Wood Sandpiper still at Manor Farm, Old Wolverton this morning at 6:30

Monday 2nd May 2011 per Si Nich

After a disappointing morning , we decided to head to Manor Farm , a Male Bullfinch greeted us at the car park and a Little Owl was calling from the pollarded willows. After scanning the first areas of open water and turning up a few LRP's , we mov through to the 2nd field along and scanned the spit - WOOD SANDPIPER ! all the previous 2 hours agony was washed away ! Cracking bird in full summer plumage. Also on the pits were a further 4 LRP's ( must be up to 6 on the site ) 1 Common Sandpiper , 5+ Lapwings and 2 Common Terns


Whilst walking back we came across a fantastic singing TREE SPARROW , which is probably rarer in North Bucks then Wood Sand !

Monday 2nd May 2011 per NBBR

From Bob F

Wood Sandpiper still at manor farm along with 2 common sand and lrp

And from Peter A

The Wood Sandpiper & Greenshank were still at Manor Farm just after 5.00pm

Sunday 1st May 2011 per NBBR

From Rob H

At Manor Farm late afternoon, 2 Greenshank remain. Also 2 Common Sand, 5 LRP, 2 Oycs, and a Red Kite over east.

Sunday 1st May 2011 - Morning via Text

From SiNich

3 Greenshank @ Manor Farm per Andy H

Saturday 30th April 2011 - Evening per NBBR

Still on site...



From Chris C
MF a tranquil evening spot among the lambs in contrast with bank holiday
mayhem just across the river.

The Blue-headed wagtail (Channel Wagtail - Chris G) still present with at least 6 'flavissima'. Also
2 - 3 LRP (one poss Ringed), 3 Green sand which flew off N, 1 Common sand,
1 sumplum Dunlin, 3 Lapwing. Plenty of Swallows and distant martins, prob Sand.

Saturday 30th April 2011 - Afternoon

Still about...



13:00 > 16:30
Warm, sunny, strong NNE wind, 18c.

Not intending to visit the Farm today but the of a 'sumplum' Dunlin found by Simon N earlier in the day tempted me down and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent on a warm but very windy spring afternoon that had more than a feel of true summer about it and so much to rport, where do I start?
Well the Dunlin was still on site in the south bay at the eastern end of the main body of water but a further pair one in summer and one in transitional plumage werte also found in the inlet as was a Common Sandpiper.

Little Ringed Plover numbers appear to has risen again given how easy they were to find especially viewed from the River Ouse side amongst them was also a single bright and lively  Ringed Plover. A pair of Oystercatcher were also about as were three Little Egrets. The usual Lapwings were also dotted about.

Alongside five Common Tern two Arctic Terns dropped in late afternoon. A White Wagtail and a handful of Yellow Wagtails can still be found on site. Out on the water was the loser in love drake Common Shelduck which left the small flock of Tufted Duck that remain well alone. Five Mute Swans was a high for the main body and half a dozen Canada Geeese look like they've finally settled in for the duration.

A pair of Common Buzzards made the most of the wind and thermals and a Little Owl could be found in the small copse at the eastern end of the Ridge.

Bird of the day though a Hobby, who not only hunted at close quarters along Back Brook but put in several strafing runs along the channels between the islands out on the water at breakneck speed.

Butterflies were out in force battling the gale, Common Blues along the approach road, Red Admirals, Peacocks and various 'Whites' along Back Brook whilst Speckled Wood and Brimstone could be found along the Ouse.

All in all a good day...

30th April via Text from SiNich (9:30am)

Sum Plum DUNLIN at Manor Farm.

Friday 29th April 2011 - Early Afternoon

13:00 > 13:30
Overcast, humid, 15c but coll NE wind at times.

Another quickish visit. Apart from the usual suspects at least three probably more Yellow Wagtails still found on site, popping out from the island vegatation. Apart from that a Little Owl making alarm calls (for whatever reason) was the only other thing of interest.

Thursday 28th April 2011 - Morning

9:30 > 10:00
Sun, NE wind, 14c

A quick 'ten minute birder' visit.

Not too much to report. The pair of Herring Gull that shouldn't be there, are. A pair of Common Terns rest on the spit. A single Little Egret in the shallows while out on the water the loser in love (see yesterday) drake Common Shelduck remains.

As for waders the usual Lapwings & Little Ringed Plovers whilst the only other bird of note was a female Sparrowhawk over.

Wednesday 27th April 2011 - Afternoon



14:30 > 16:00
Sun, broken cloud, NE breeze, 15c.

Or what a difference a day makes part two as temperatures pick up again but still a cool easterly keep them down a notch or two.

Just when we thought it was safe to go back in the water the horror returns and threefold. Yes three Common Shelduck on site today, a female and two males, that spent most of the afternoon chasing each other rather than worrying off the other wildfowl but on todays showing the remaining Tufted Duck and Gadwall have given up the ghost for yet another year.



Also on site in no particulae order. Two 'Commic' Terns, the usuals of Lapwing & Little Ringed Plover, a single Little Egret a pair of Herring Gull (and yes I know they shouldn't) and not as many Martins as yesterday but a handful of Sand Martins are endeavouring to nest where thirty or so pairs were successful last year.

Oddly today no sign of Yellow Wagtails.

Tuesday 26th April 2011 - Afternoon



13: 00 > 15:00
Cloudy, NE wind and a cool 12c.

What a difference a day makes! Shorts yesterday, today a shirt, fleece and windcheater and still feeling the cold.

The birds didn't look much like performing either. Plenty of Yellow Wagtails still about but with no sun and me being a bit early there was no sign of the Channel Wagtail. Thats not to say its not there just hard to track as they, the Yellow Wags, flitted around the shoreline and islands.

Around the margins the usual Lapwings and Little Ringed Plovers but Oystercatcher numbers up to four in the inlet. Down in the new workings a lone Shelduck has returned but left the eight Tufted Ducks and a handful of Mallards alone on the main water.

A walk along the Ouse to see if any Reed or Sedge Warblers had returned yet proved fruitless but a couple of pair of Reed Bunting were seen. In the water of the river itself noticable was the number of large Chub in the shallow gravel beds supposedly spawning. Over the Castlethorpe Path bridge, a good area usually for warblers the first Common Whitethroat was seen as were Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, as also an area to keep an eye on in the next few weeks.

Sand Martins and House Martins dominated the skies with circa 120 combined including a times sizable groups landing to hug the shoreline for a rest, A handful of Swallows, mostly over the river and the last remaining section of Flood Meadow were also on site. Two Common Terns also dropped in.

And the first breeding success, a female Mallard led eight sizable ducklings on a foray round the water before off to hide once more in the ever growing vegatation.

And finally on leaving a single Little Egret flew in while a pair of returning Mistle Thrush could be found in the usual area on the top field.

Saturday 23rd April 2011 - Roundup per NBBR

From SiNich
2 LRP's , 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Swallows , 4 Sand Martins, 2 Common Terns

From Chri C
At least 20 yellow wags at Manor Fm tonight. Feeding on improved grass

where they are not supposed to be--possibly an emergence of winged ants.
The blue-headed individual was showing well. Can anyone please confirm it
is indeed M. flava "flava" summer male?

Friday 22nd April 2011 - Rob N tunes in...

Rob paid a visit to MF to catch up with the 'Channel' today.

Report here!

Thursday 21st April 2011 - Evening



18:00 > 19:30
Sun, warm, 23c, East breeze.

The big news is that on taking and studying pictures of the Blue Headed Wagtail that has been on site since Saturday its not a Blue Head at all but a hybrid Channel Wagtail (Yellow & Blue Head cross). See pics in post below. Again feeding with circa 40 Yellow Wagtails and a handful of Pieds on the Western Slope.

Also on site the odd sight of two half submeged Common Terns off Western Spit, it must have been a long hot journey. The usual Lapwings and Little Ringed Plovers were also in attendance as was a pair of intense squabbling Oystercatcher. A lone Common Sandpiper picked about on the South Shore.

A few Gadwall and Tufted Duck continue to hang about while three late Little Egrets flew over to roost. A Little Owl continued to call from the trees along Back Brook till disturbed by cattle whilst the first Hobby of the summer hawked over water for a time.

And as I was leaving a passage of half a dozen Lesser Black Backed Gulls headed east.

**Re the Channel Wagtail, looking back to last years records it (or one) may well have been here twelve months ago. See the posting from 23rd April 2010. **

Channel Wagtail Pics

Hot off the press, taken this evening, probably have better versions when I scan through all tomorrow. Click for larger version.



Wednesday 20th April 2011 - Early Evening

17:15 > 17:45

Warm, sunny 23c.

Before heading off on the 'Great Little Heron Hunt' (it's a long story) I took a quick look in at the Farm before heading east. The Blue Headed Wagtail continues to show well on the western slope alongside around 40 other Yellow Wagtails, quite a sight in the bright sunshine. Hopefully the weather, and the BHW, will hold for some pictures tomorrow.

Out on the water as per usual, two Little Egrets in the shallows plus the usual Little Ringed Plovers and Lapwings. Oystercatchers were notable for the number, one in the margins whilst a piping flock of four flew over. A pair of Common Tern continue to prospect the islands.

Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Late Afternoon

16:30 > 17:30
Sunny, warm, 19c

A quiet day at the Farm. Yellow Wagtails still dominate but failed to locate the Blue Head though best of luck to the two birders hunting it out when I left. Being slightly earlier today its clear that early evening when the YW's tend to bunch more to 'graze' is the best time to view.

Out around the water the usual Little Ringed Plovers and Lapwings but no other waders seen. Two Little Egrets fed around the margins and a pair of Common Terns rested on one of the islands before hunting along the river but otherwise not a lot!

Monday 18th April 2011 - Evening

18:15 > 19:00
Sun, odd hazy cloud, SE breeze, 15c.

The striking Blue Headed Wagtail continues at the site, feeding this evening on the slopes of the far west field, just past the farm buildings, with an amazing 34 other Yellow Wagtials. When you consider the ones on the island too a conservative estimate must be around 50 YW's in the vicinity.

Nothing much else of note this evening, the usual Little Ringed Plovers and four resident Lapwing but the only other wader seen was the lone Oystercatcher. A pair of Little Egret flew over on the way to the Linford Roost.

A pair of Greylag Geese have joined the two papirs of Canadians on site.

Sunday 17th April 2011 - Northern Wheatear

Via text from Cliff on site at 17:15

Northern Wheatear up on Ridge, circa 20 Yellow Wagtails in Central Field.

Saturday 16th April 2011 - Evening

18:30 > 19:30
Sunny, warm, calm, 14c

Not intending to call in today but news of a Greenshank on site via a text from SiNich (see posting below) I called in on the off chance. No sign of the wader but the trip was worth the effort for a cracking Blue Headed Wagtail.

As with last year as things start to warm up the Wagtails leave the workings to

feed up on the slopes amongst the sheet in the afternoon and early evening.

In a flock of circa 20 Yellow Wagtails and 30 Pieds was not only the White
Wagtail seen recently but a very distinctive Blue Head. Much more clear cut than
last years birds the head is a striking one shade, but not much, darker than sky
blue and i'll leave it to the experts if its a 'channel'. It was giving views down to 20 or so feet.

For those intending to view you could spend an age trying to pick it out of the
numerous YW's out on the islands so i'd suggest waiting till mid/late afternoon
and looking on the slope in the far western field (between Ridge path and main body of water.)
This evening I just stood at the five bar gate to the western side of the central field and the birds obliged.

Also on site the uniform grey Black Tailed Godwit lingers as do numerous Little Ringed Plovers's, an Oystercatcher, a Common Redshank and a lone Little Egret. One of the Little Owls has taken up residence above Godwit Corner, talking of which none of the four Godwits this week have been anywhere near.

Saturday 16th April 2011 - Per NBBR

From Roy C

A lovely afternoon at Manor Farm saw my 1st Swallows of the year. A single

Oystercatcher with Lapwing and a solitary Greenshank. Down by the sand mountain
were approx 50 Sand Martins, & a single male Pheasant. 2 Common Terns dropped
in, & my 1st ever Yellow Wagtails rounded off a good day. 1 Peacock butterfly
too.

Friday 15th April 2011 - Afternoon/Evening

15:00 > 20:00 (on and off)
Broken cloud, some sun, west breeze, humid, 15c.

An afternoon and evening broken up by visits back to work garnered the following.

The uniform grey Black Tailed Godwit is still on site as is a new arrival in a single Ringed Plover which a couple of the numerous Little Ringed Plovers were doing the best to drive off the site. Four Lapwing still holding fast while three Little Egrets fished in the shallows.

Two Common Sandpiper and a pair of Green Sandpiper and a lone Oystercatcher were also present whilst Yellow Wagtail numbers continue to increase with 20+ birds now on site along the shorelines and hopping up from the vegation on the islands and large spit.

Overhead at least four Common Buzzards were about but the noticable passage above was of Terns, a dozen or so seen heading north during the afternoon with briefly a pair of Common Terns dropping in to prospect.

On the duck from pairs of Gadwall and Tufted Duck remain whilst one of the Little Owls was as active as I've seen one in daylight hours around the farm buildings.

And finally an odd Small White butterfly with what appeared to be perfectly cut small black crescents on its wings.

Thursday 14th April 2011 - Evening

17:30 > 19:00 Cloudy, calm, 12c

No sign of the Godwits that have been present the last couple of days but with a bit of patience and a long walk the following was seen.

Waders in abundance, at least six Little Ringed Plovers now on site, one, probably two, Common Sandpiper, two Green Sandpiper, six Lapwing and two Oystercatcher down on the site while three others flew over 'piping'. Just a single Little Egret this evening and ducks down to a handful of Mallards and just one Gadwall pair. Two pair of Canada Geese have taken up residence though.

Yellow Wagtail numbers continue to build and you can get a real idea of how many there are by walking along the River Ouse as most frequent the area between the path and the main body of water at any given time. At a conservative guess around 20 along with double that number of Pied Wagtail including a pristine White Wagtail which may not be alone.

The Linnet flock continues to entertain flitting about in the newly planted area on the North Shore whilst out over the water more Sand Martins than you could shake a stick at, a few House Martins and the odd Swallow or two.

The Little Owl could again be heard calling from the trees along Back Brook.

Also airborne this evening, three hot air balloons, summer must be on the horizon...

Weds 13th April 2011 Evening - Godwits remain per NBBR

From Rob H

Indeed, they (the three Islandica BLACK TAILED GODWITS) just popped out from behind the eastern spit (where the vegetation is getting tall), and then moved to the northern shore.


Also 2 Common Sand, 1 Green Sand, 5 LRP, 1 Oyc, and 4 Lapwing (looks like at least one territory on site).

Plenty of wagtails too - c50 Pied, 1m White Wag, and c10 Yellow Wag. 100+ Sand Martins were over the caravan site.

Tuesday 12th April 2011 - Evening

17:30 > 19:00
Sun with broken cloud, NW breeze, 14c.

Three Black Tailed Godwits were the highlight of the evening, indeed the highlight of migration so far. Found curled up dozing in the shallows just off the West Spit initially it was hard to get an ID but eventually a side on view showed one moving into summer plumage to confirm. Eventually they woke and did a couple of circuits of the site but then settled to feed along the North Shore where they still were when I left at seven.

Also on site an increasing number of Little Ringed Plover as Rob mentioned at weekend. I saw at least five at one time but suspect the number is more given the ease which they were found. Other waders present were four Lapwing, and singles of Common Redshank, Oystercatcher and Green Sandpiper. Little Egret numbers were up to five.

Yellow Wagtails still well represented with around a dozen frequenting the scrub on the islands and the shoreline alongside probably at least double that number of Pied Wagtails. Also out on the island the increasing Linnet flock now around circa 20 which along with a building Goldfinch 'charm' attacted a female Sparrowhawk on a sharp fly by.

As for the ducks just single pairs of Gadwall and Tufted Duck remain.

Rob N's Manor Farm visit...

Can be found via link below

Birding North Bucks & Beyond

Saturday 9th April 2011 - Lunchtime

13:00 > 14:00
Sunny, warm though cool easterly breeze at times. 19c

A chance to make the most of sun for an hour, eat my lunch and watch the world go by.
Still a few Yellow Wagtails dotted about though not as active or it appears as numerous as yesterday.
Sand Martins continue to prospect the new workings. Out on the water at least three Little Ringed Plovers remain as do a pair of Green Sandpiper, a Common Redshank, an Oystercatcher and a couple of Lapwing.

Four Little Egrets also in the area. Gadwall now down to two pairs but a flock of 11 Tufted Duck dropped in on leaving. Bar a pair of Mallard these are the only ducks now on site.

A pair of Herring Gull were in situ for the duration giving the resident crows what for whilst overhead a couple of Sparrowhawk and three Common Buzzards were making the most of the thermals.

Still a good showing of butterflies including my first 'Blues' of the summer along the approach road.

Friday 8th April 2011 - Afternoon

14:00 > 18:00
Waem, sunny, 19c.

A leisurely afternoon spent in the valley and spring really appears to have sprung with a big unflux of Yellow Wagtails on site. At one time a group of eleven together on one of the islands with probably around the same dotted about in ones and twos. Just like last year numbers will no doubt build in the coming days so its all on the look out for the Blue Head and the elusive 'channel'.

Also still on site three Little Ringed Plovers though the single was very flighty and for some reason harrying bot Pied and Yellow Wagtails in flight at every opportunity. Other waders on site, singles of Oystercatcher and Green Sandpiper and a pair of Common Redshank. Four Lapwing also put in an appearance while three Little Egret were also in the vicinity.

Duck numbers are down once more, just a single pair of Teal and six Gadwall but the drake Shelduck put in a late appearance so perhaps not suprising. Four Mute Swans also battled for supremacy over the main water while a secretive pair of Canada Geese look like they are setting up home.

Away from the water a couple of dozen Sand Martin were prospecting the north facing banking in the new workings for possible nest site while a handful of Swallow and a House Martin or two were noted. A pir of Reed Bunting along Back Brook while three squabbling Bullfinch and singing Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were along the Canal section.

Butterfiles were out in force with Orange Tip, Red Admiral, Brimstone and Comma all noted in numbers while an odd unidentified 'White' flitted about too.

Wednesday 6th April per NBBR

From Paul M

Hi all, warm sunshine but blustery on the slope over looking the gravel workings this lunch time.
Highlights: 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Redshank, 1 LRP, 1 Oyc, 3 Sand Martins and 5 Linnets. Plus a Meadow Pipit feeding briefly on the spit, hard to make out at first because of the scope shake!

From Bob F

At manor farm about 15:30 (4)yellow wagtail on the island and 2 red kites over also heading in a westerly direction.

Tuesday 5th April 2011 - Evening

18:00 > 18:30
Dull, damp, west breeze, 12c.

A quiet(ish) evening at the Farm. Waders were the order of the day with three Little Ringed Plovers, two Common Redshank and singles of Green Sandpiper and Oystercatcher. Four redhead Goosander came in to roost while there are still small numbers of Wigeon (4) Gadwall (5) & Tufted Duck (2) about. Over the water a pair of Swallow were the only other birds of note.

Monday 4th April 2011 - Lunchtime per NBBR

From Paul M

I popped into Manor Farm at lunchtime, three Yellow Wagtails were feeding on the island in the middle of the pits. Along with 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 LRP, 1 Oyc, a Swallow and 2 Sand Martins.

http://www.northbuckswildlife.blogspot.com/

Monday 4th April 2011 - Morning per NBBR

From Martin K

Called in at Manor Farm for 15 minutes this morning. Plenty going on.
Best of all 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL dropped in around 11.30. My first for the year. Also seen: 4 LRP, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Oyc, 2 Redshank, 1 Little Egret. Plus 20+ Swallows and 1 Sand Martin over. Little Owl calling.

Sunday 3rd April 2011 - Evening per NBBR

From Rob H

At Manor Farm this evening, 1 male WHITE WAGTAIL amongst c40 Pieds. Also 4 LRP, 2 Green Sand, 1 each of Oyc & Redshank, 4 Wigeon, 1 Little Owl, c70 Sand Martin (mostly over Cosgrove lake), and Lucy had 1 House Martin fly by east.

Odonata Identified!

Many thanks to Graeme at Imperfect & Tense for identifying the
following (see comments at bottom of post)
Dragonflies & Damselflies of Manor Farm

Taken in August 2010

Following taken in July 2010

Link:
British Dragonfly Society

From Graeme

Chris, just bimbled onto your site and saw the odes.
If your question is still open...

Common Darter (male)


Migrant Hawker (male)


Ruddy Darter (female)


Common Darter (male)


Black-tailed Skimmers in cop


Four-spotted Chaser (male) x3??


Emperor (male)


Banded Demoiselle (male)


Common Blue Damselflies (male)

Any ode data is valuable as the BDS are preparing to publish a new atlas so you could submit your sightings to the county recorder via bucksdragonflies@googlemail.com
Regards,
Graeme


Chris G said...

Many thanks Graeme!

I'll do an updated post.

Thanks

Chris

Weds 30th March 2011 Per NBBR (SiNich)

Manor Farm

This place is looking AWESOME !!! really needs checking daily if at all possible

Tonight had the following
3 GOOSANDERS into roost ( male + 2 females ) , 1 male Wigeon , 3 LITTLE RINGED
PLOVERS , 1 GREEN SANDPIPER , 7 Pied Wagtails , 1 REDSHANK , 1 OYSTERCATCHER , 1
Lapwing and 2 Herring Gulls

Sat 26th March 2011 - Evening - Per NBBR

Rob H had the following:

'Unsurprisingly, no sign of the Wheatear at MF this evening (see post below), but the waders Chris mentions (3 LRP's & 2 Green Sandpipers) were still present, and were joined by 1 Redshank and 2 Oycs.

9 Goosander roosted on the lake, and there were about 35 Pied Wags on site too.'

Chris G replied:

Perhaps more precise directions needed for the Wheatear, if its still there, as
its a virtually site long road and a bit of a trek from the normal viewing
places. Best place to view is just to the west side of the 'finished' mounds of
gravel down by the viaduct where the diverted path rejoins Back Brook. The
vegatation free bankings on north side of road between the road itself and the
silt beds are where it was, maybe is. Was flitting about there for 20 or so
minutes this afternoon and still there when I wandered back to the main waters.

Saturday 26th March 2011 - Morning & Afternoon

9:30 > 10:30 then 13:00 > 15:00

A bit of a mixed bag weather wise, mist then sun this morning, then this afternoon sun then cloud with cool easterly building and spitting rain. 12c

Another returnee was the highlight of the day in a Northern Wheatear, more of which later.
A morning walk round the site (hello Rebecca!) was on the whole quiet. A couple of Little Ringed Plovers, a rather cosy pair of Green Sandpipers and a drake Goosander through were the only real birds of note.

No sign of any Shelduck at all today and the remaining small Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal and Tufted Duck flocks enjoyed a hassle free time in the morning sun. A quick look at the Ouse but i'm holding out little hope for the Kingfishers using the Iron Trunk to Pebble Beach stretch this year due to clearance, here hoping they reamain in the stronghold downstrean towards the east of the site.

Coming back along the Canal a lone Chiffchaff was making such an effort to be heard he even dropped down from the tree tops just above our heads giving it his all.

After a couple of hours of family business I had some time to kill so revisted the site once more early afternoon. Getting dropped off at the Haversham end I walked through gravel processing area when something caught my eye seemingly scurrying up the gravel and mud banking along the road past the Silt Beds. It was in all its glory a lightly plumaged male Northern Wheatear, the first of the year at the Farm and beating last years first bird by six days.

Also seen on second visit a couple of Little Egret, a small flock of around eight or mine Meadow Pipit and all three squabbling Little Ringed Plovers together at one time.

Thursday 24th March 2011 - Evening

16:30 > 17:30
Sun, 15c, calm but building cool east breeze.

Little Ringed Plovers return! Three found this afternoon. Firstly a very flighty single bird that did several circuits of the site before settling on one of the new islands. When I moved to the central field (the one directly north of the farmhouse) to get a better look two more dropped into the area of exposed mud and small bay right at bottom of this field. First bird remained flighty but other two looked settled by the time I left.

Other waders on site, two Oystercatcher, three Green Sandpiper and a lone Lapwing. Two Little Egrets also in the vicinity.

Just one of the Shelducks on site today, seven Goosander and the usual handfuls of Wigeon, Teal & Tufted Duck. Gadwall numbers have increased thought to 14.

Migrants evident in the skies too with two distant Swallows heading north.

On the butterfly front a single Red Admiral flitted about Back Brook.

22nd March 2011 per NBBR

From Rob H

At a quiet Manor Farm this evening, 15 Goosanders roosted, including 2ad males and 2imm males. Also 2 Oycs, 2 Shelduck and 1 Green Sand. With a scattering of waders in surrounding counties I thought the place might turn up trumps, but alas no. Still, early days yet, and with the way the site looks, it's only a matter of time.


Also 6 small bats, presumably Pipistrelle, and somewhat distantly, a much larger one, looked Noctule-sized. Paul, what large bats are out this early in the season?

Paul M replied

Your large bat does sound like a Noctule. With the milder weather and more insects in the air bat season is open. Had my first Common Pipistrelle over the back garden on Monday evening. Will start checking the local Noctule roost soon.


Regards Manor Farm, the farm/office buildings do house lots of bats. Next time you're back at The Manor have a look at the special bat boxes along the outside of the buildings above the foot path.

Tuesday 22nd March 2011 - Evening

17:30 > 18:00
Broken cloud, calm 14c.

A quiet evening at the Farm. The Shelduck pair remain as do the small pockets of Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck & Gadwall. Seven Goosander all redheads rested together on one headland. Two Lapwing were the first for a couple of weeks but the only other wader seen was a single Green Sandpiper. Other birds of note a Little Egret over heading to the Linford roost whilst one of the local Little Owls was perched in its usual tree till mobbed by six rather unsporting Magpies.

As for the site itself Back Brook's water level is now down to a deoth where flow through is no more and the usual summer pools, a magnet for insect life, are now forming and should remain barring an April flood.

And finally another sign of spring, the first lambs bounding around the top field when I left.

Saturday 19th March 2011

12:30 > 13:00
Sunny, warm, calm, circa 14c

A quick walkthrough on a warm lunchtime, a couple of groups were even picnicing, on my way elsewhere and really with the aim of relocating yesterdays Cetti. No luck but along the same stretch of hedgerow, an area thats probably greatly underwatched if watched at all between the Grand Union Canal and Back Brook, there were at least three Chiffchaffs and a couple of returnee Meadow Pipits.

Out on the water, fairly quiet, the only waders being a pair of Green Sandpiper. Two Little Egret also picked about in the margins. On the duck front the Shelduck pair remain but dozed in the midday sun so a chance for a rest for the other wildfowl present 10 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck and a pair of Teal.

By number Gulls dominated proceedings though with around 250 around the water, on the whole Commons and Black Headers with no larger or 'odd' gulls noted.

Overhead a Sparrowhawk held wheeling competions with the pair of Common Buzzards making most use of the warm air and a Little Owl shot out from the pollarded Willows to the far west end of Back Brook.

And along the approach road on leaving a fair smattering of Brimstone butterflies showed that maybe spring is about to be sprung.

Manor Farm joins the Cetti's Club

Not mentioned in todays earlier report (see below) because I wanted to trawl through some field guides, the PC based BWP, British Birds etc to clarify the identification of a bird i'm not exactly familiar with. While following the Chiffchaff mentioned below anothe partially obscured brownish bird caught the eye skulking low in the hedgerow. Just really catching a bit of brown back at first I thought Robin and was about to dismiss it (sorry Robin) when it moved into clearer view and was an altogether different bird. I initially thought Cetti's but wasn't 100% sure of ID hence the last hours or so of study and this late post to confirm Cetti's Warbler, a new bird at the site. Now if only we could get it to sing...

Friday 18th March 2011 - Afternoon

14:00 > 16:00
Cloudy breaking to sunshine, cool nort west breeze at times, 7c.

A quieter day at the Farm with no sign of yesterdays Dunlin. The pair of Oystercatchers and at least two Green Sandpiper remain though. The Shelduck pair still up to their antics and i've noticed they are masters at clearing the water of other ducks by driving all else high up then circling underneath to judge where the flock will land to start the whole cycle off again. 'Rare' birds they may be but I can't help thinking, as I have in the last two summers, they are a right royal pain in the bum we could do without. Numbers of Wigeon, Tufted Duck diminish further, Gadwall numbers holding steady while Teal seem to have vacated completely. Two Crows were picking over what looked like a dead drake Tufted Duck carcass before one of the Common Buzzards claimed it might well have been a casualty of this Shelduck agression, well maybe.

Elsewhere an early, or maybe overwintering, Chiffchaff was found in the hedgerow tailing off from Back Brook to the west, two Treecreepers also in the is area.

And work is now apace again at the site. Tree or hedge planting has gone on along a great swathe of the north bank while probably more importantly the last large field of flood meadow (the one that contains the bridge over the Ouse to Castlethorpe) has been fenced off with just the riverside walk now accessible. Downside, no more walks along Front Brook to the Silt Beds, upside it also keeps an increasing numbers of dog walkers away from what was a sensitive breeding area last year. Whether this is to contain cattle or sheep for a further season or the next phase of gravel extraction remains to be seen.

And lastly a sure sign of spring in increasing numbers of blossom laden trees anf hedgerow along Back Brook.

Earlier in the day Lee Evans called in and reported the following via NBBR

MANOR FARM WORKINGS, OLD WOLVERTON (NORTH BUCKS)
No sign of yesterday's Dunlin flock nor Green Sandpipers but a pair of
Oystercatchers, pair of Common Shelducks and 7 migrant Pied Wagtails; 28
Redwings flew NE.

Thursday 17th March 2011 - Evening

17:30 >18:15
Hazy setting sunshine, slight north breeze, 9c

A mini waderfest at the Farm tonight with a small tightly packed flock of six Dunlin. All still in winter plumage they moved around as a unit picking about in the shallows. Quite a sight and a record number for the species at MF. Also present pairs of both Green Sandpiper and Oystercatcher.

The Shelduck pair remain as do eleven Goosander including two drakes, other duck numbers were just a handful of Wigeon, Gadwall and Tufted Duck. Wigeon numbers down by at least half so I'd put that down to the Shelduck driving them off the water.

Only other bird of note a late Little Egret over but my first Bat in a while was seen flitting about the farm buildings as I left.

Tuesday 15th March 2011 - Evening

17:30 > 18:00
Dull, overcast, light easterly breeze, 9c.

A fleeting flock of nine Golden Plover were the highlight before heading off east as the light fell. Also representing the wader fraternity two Oystercatchers remain as do at least three Green Sandpiper.


As Rob H reported yesterday the (or a) Shelduck pair have returned for the third year and set about their usual ethnic cleansing of any other wildfowl on the water. Despite this a mini influx of ducks this evening with five Gadwall, three Teal, seven Tufted Duck as well as a couple of Pochard and the usual dozen or so Wigeon. Goosander numbers back up to twelve including two drakes. Two Mute Swans also put in an appearance.

14th March 2011 - Per NBBR

From Rob H

A reasonably interesting day in north Bucks.


At Manor Farm this morning (which btw is looking very suitable for waders, a ray of hope amongst the degredation of the traditional, once reliable sites), 1 Dunlin, 2 Green Sand, 2 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon and best of all a vocal Tree Sparrow in the dead trees on the south shore. Maybe it was looking for prospective nest sites.

Friday 11th March 2011 - Mid Afternoon

14:30 >15:00
Cloud, SW wind, 12c.

A quiet day at the site, just a single Green Sandpiper and three Goosanders of note.

A flock of circa 50 gulls, a split between Black Headed and Common were noticable for the eye catching summer plumage just about every bird is in. A small influx of around a dozen Pochard the only new arrivals, elswhere the Wigeon flock still graze.

Two Kestrels around the site were the first in a few months and with one being mobbed by around eight or nine Pied Wagtails and warned off I wonder if they'll hang about ;)

Thursday 10th March - Evening

17:15 > 18:15
Sun, strong gusty westerly, 9c

A very early Sand Martin (beating last years first by eight days) was not only the highlight of the day but also hopefully a sign of better things to come. The single bird headed into the reserve from almost due south (suprise, suprise) at 17:30ish then over to the north side of the main area of the site where it was still quartering over the water at dusk.

Elsewhere the pair of Oystercatcher remain as do three Green Sandpiper but just a single lonesome Lapwing today. Eleven Goosander, one drake, continue to frequesnt the site as does the small Wigeon flock. In with the small pocket of Mallard a single drake Pochard was made to fell unwelcome however much he tried to join the party.

Noticable too was the number of Pied Wagtails, around 25 to 30 out on the new islands at any one time, a supect White Head was amongst them but the fading light wasn't good enough to make a positive ID.

Over at dusk was a Little Egret no doubt heading for the Linford roost and a flushed Little Owl along the Ridge on my way home closed the day.

Tuesday 8th March 2011 - Evening

17:15 > 17:30
Sun (then set), cold westerly, 7c.

A quick visit and much the same fare as lately. Two Oystercatchers remain as does one Green Sandpiper.
Out on the water five Goosander and a dozen Wigeon, and thats your lot!

Friday 4th March 2011 - Afternoon

14:30 > 15:30
Sun, calm 6c

Three Oystercatchers were the highlight of a perimeter walk around the site. A constant pair and later a single picking around in the ever expanding mud. Not to be outdone three Green Sandpiper present too this afternoon. Elsewhere in and around the water a lone Little Egret and a dozing group of around 50 gulls, mostly Commons but with a couple of Lesser Black Backed and a Herring thrown in.

As for wildfowl no Goosander today but the steady flock of around 15 Wigeon still grazes while on Back Brook a group of six Teal his themselves away.

Away from the water a hadful of Siskins were found with a pair of Yellowhammer and a building flock of winter thrush, mostly Fieldfare were out on the flood meadow.

Thursday 3rd March 2011 - Evening

17:15 > 17:45
Cloudy, calm, cold, very cold, 2c

A brief visit as the light faded. Its was a day of handfuls on the water a handful of Teal, a handful of Pochard and a handful of Wigeon, the only bird reaching over a double handful were Goosander at 11 in number.

Circa 75 Lapwing on the mud while two Green Sandpipers picked about.

Tuesday 1st March 2011 - Evening

17:15 > 17:45
Cloudy, cold, cool easterly breeze, 3c.

The weekends rain has raised water levels further and the area looks more promising than ever with a fair expanse of shallow mud waiting to be exposed, and to the west or the main body an area still being worked that resembles the type of habitat that drew in the like of LRP's & RP's last summer,

At the moment fairly quiet, Oystercatchers now number two with just a single Lapwing the only other wader seen. With a return to colder weather the Goosanders have returned with fourteen on site alongside roughly the same number of Wigeon. No other wildfowl of note.

Out of the fields a few hundred winter thrushes are gathering mostly Fieldfare but a smattering of Redwing thrown in.

Three Little Egret as darkness began to fall capped the day.

27th Feb 2011 - Bucks Birders Website

27/2 : Willow Tit : Manor Farm Quarry.


Calling and working its way along the river near the quarry.

Adam H

Friday 24th February 2011 - Afternoon.

13:30 > 15:00
Cloudy, later rain, west wind at times, a balmy 12c.

The single Oystercatcher still on site as were a couple of Common Snipe and the usual Green Sandpipers and Little Egret.

Given recent numbers suprisingly no Goosander or Lapwing today. I guess the steady rise in temeratures this week made the former think of heading further north to breeding grounds and the way the diminishing number of Wigeon (just 12 today) were feeding up I'd guess they will not be far behind. The loose Mute Swan flock up on the hill heading towards Castlethorpe has also gone, spring may indeed be in the air.

Gulls which have been sparse or non-existant over the last couple of visit were back in force today with a circa 500 strong flock arund the site. Nothing of note within, on the whole Black Headed and Common with a handful of Herring Gull.

Over on Cosgrove Lake a few dozen Tufted Duck one or two Pochard and a pair of Great Crested Grebe were on an unusually quiet water for the time of year.

Thursday 24th February 2011 - Evening

17:15 > 17:30
Sun (at last!), westerly wind increasing, 11c

Spring is in the air, not only the mild spell continuing but some sun and the first returning Oystercatcher to boot. One of the usual Green Sandpipers also seen in the vicinity as were just 8 Lapwing this evening.

Goosander numbers still high with 17 on site and 30 or so Wigeon still grazing out on the mud.

Last and probably increasingly least is the Common Buzzard, now so common and confiding i'm probably not going to include him anymore unless he does something out of the norm.

Wednesday 23rd Feruary 2011 - Evening

17:15 > 17:30
Cloudy, calm, mild at 10c

Quick look in on way home. Goosanders still dominate, now 20 on the main water. Only other birds of note, 50 resting Lapwing.

Tuesday 22nd February 2011 - Evening

17:00 > 17:30
Calm, cloudy, cool 7c

Just catching the last half hours light of the day post work. Some good areas of mud now showing, fingers crossed that things might look up after last years disruption.

Goosanders again the dominant bird, a flotilla of 18 on the main body with again two clear cut males but a handful of others having plumage that looks to be that of juvenile males. Six Common Teal the only other fowl in this area.

A lone Little Egret picked about in the margins while Lapwing numbers have built up to circa 150. The usual Common Buzzard and that was about it.

Friday 18th Feb 2011 - Afternoon

15:30 > 16:30
7c cold easterly breeze, cloud, odd flash of sun.

Goosanders again the order of the day at Manor Farm. Over 20 in the vicinity. A party of sixteen on the main body of water including just one clear cut male the rest looked to mostly female. A further five on Cosgrove Lake and two pairs on the Ouse itself.

Apart from that not a lot, the usual pair of overwintering Green Sandpipers and a single Common Buzzard were the only other things of note.

(And yes i've got a couple of months of notes to post up, nothing really of note though, watch this space)

Friday 11th February 2011 - Afternoon

Dull damp calm and a mild 11c
15:00 > 15:30

An influx of Gulls especially out feeding on the pasture with around 300 on the top field alone and amaybe double that number all told. Mostly Black Headers & Commons but with a sprinkling of Herring Gulls within.

On the water three Teal are a new addition to usual Wigeon flock, now numbering around 30 and the 11 strong flotilla of Goosander, 10 redheads and one lucky male.

Over 120 Lapwing rested till sent skywards and away west by an overflying resident Common Buzzard. Three of the overwintering Green Sandpipers were also observed.

Probably the most notable bird though were Pied Wagtails with around 20 flitting about the site. The portender of better things to come? Heres hoping...

Friday 4th February 2011 - Afternoon

15:00 > 15:10
Very strong westerly wing, gale force gusts and a mild 10c.

A very windy day in the valley and it seems everything has gone undercover for the day. After ten minutes battling it I decided to join them.

Friday 28th January 2011 - Afternoon

15:00 > 15:15
Cold, gusting NE wind, 2c.
Given the weather just a quick visit. Three Green Sandpipers observed bar a single forlorn Lapwing the only waders on site. A couple of dozen Wigeon still pick about on the mud while on the water seven Goosander (5m, 2f) represent the wildfowl. In the skies a pair of Little Egret over and the usual Common Buzzard wrapped up the day.

Friday 14th January 2011


Not a visit as such but observed from a train heading north over the Viaduct, extensive flooding in the valley, with the River Ouse over its banks in several places.

Friday 7th January 2011 - Afternoon

15:00 > 15:30
Dull, damp, calm, 6c.

First visit of the year and the first since mid-December. Back Brook has now flooded right through and is in flow, later than usual this season. Wildfowl again the centre of attention on the main body, numbers as follows, Goosander 8 (5f, 3m). Wigeon 30, Gadwall 3, Shoveler 2. Unfortunately no time to scan whats happening over the river at Cosgrove.

A pair of Green Sandpipers, there may be more, continue to overwinter.

70+ Lapwing were also resting on one of the spits as was a single Little Egret. Of interest were the remains of a Mute Swan along Back Brook with just a pair of wings remaining and feathers spread over quite a large area in a trail it looks like quite a struggle took place starting at the waters edge. You do have to ask what could have done this and discounting Fox because of the size of the prey you would have to suspect one of the dogs that 'responsible' owners let roam around the vicinity whether there are sheep in the field or not.

Friday 17th December 2010 - Afternoon

14:30 > 15:30
Sunny, cold, odd snow flurry, 2c.

An influx of wildfowl. On the main body a party of six Shoveler (three pairs), three Gadwall and around 20 Wigeon out on the mud were notable though stars of the show once more were the increasing numbers of Goosander with a group of ten (3d, 7f) with others noted on the silt beds and over on Cosgrove Lake. Also over the River Ouse at Cosgrove groups of Tufted Duck and Pochard were also noted as were two Little Egret amongst the group of Grey Heron which congregate by the reed beds on the north shore.

Away from the ducks a Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk over and a welcome Kingfisher along the Ouse.

Tuesday 14th December 2010 - Afternoon

15:30 > 15:45
Cold, damp, calm, 3c

A very brief visit with just a single Green Sandpiper and one of the resident Common Buzzards of note.

Friday 10th December 2010 - Afternoon

14:30 > 15:00
Damp, cold, west wind, 6c.

Another cold damp winters day. Still some pockets of ice about but this didn't deter the bird of the day a single Curlew from flitting about the shallows on the main area and over into cover on Cosgrove Lake. Apparently there has been an influx inland in recent days and certainly a suprise, just my second record of the species at the site the other being a pair a couple of summers ago.

A lone Green Sandpiper was the only other wader of note whilst three Goosander (1m 2f) caught the eye on the silt beds. On the Ouse a Kingfisher flashed by. Where the work was carried out last week (see Dec 3rd) there is now a clear fast race for a couple of hundred metres.

Friday 3rd December 2010 - Afternoon

14:00 > 15:00
Cold, calm, westerly breeze, 3c.

Standing water virtually iced over all round. Two Common Buzzards watched over the little life that was moving in the freezing conditions hoping for an easy meal no doubt. Just eight Lapwing were all that caught the attention in this area.

Things a bit livlier on the River Ouse where a group of workmen were cutting down a couple of years of fallen tree and debris between the Iron Trunk and the entrance to Back Brook. Wading waist deep in the freezing water they're braver men than I but the work will probably have an effect on the regular Kingfishers on this stretch. Time will tell.
A single Kingfisher was seen further downstream as were a pair of Goosander battling the flow.

Tuesday 23rd November 2010

12:00 > 13:00
Cold clear day, some sun, 8c

A new bird for the site (for me anyway) in a pair of Marsh Tit hanging 'loosely' about with the mixed tit flock just west of the Viaduct. With reports of 'Willows' recently in the valley could this be the source?

On the main water itself not a lot, the highlight being a pair of Shoveler the only wildfowl present. A dozen or so Lapwing could be found as could the resident Green Sandpiper but bar a handful of gulls that was it.
A walk along the river found at least two, quite probably three, Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail.

Over on the Cosgrove waters more in the way of ducks with a mixture of Tufted Duck, Wigeon and Coot and a handful of Great Crested Grebe alongside a few Cormorant. Noticable on the banking was at least six Little Egret.

Both Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard over completed the day.

Friday 19th November 2010

14:30 > 16:00
Sunny, calm, 9c.

A walk around the perimeter on another typical Autumnal day. Still some warmth in the sun at times but once the mist starting to rise off the river and the lower fields there was a definite chill in the air.

As for the site the second phase of landscaping has started with the large deep pit due east of the first area being filled in with soil.

Birdwise not a lot, twenty or so Lapwing the same number of Black Headed Gulls and a couple of Common Gulls with a single Green Sandpiper flitting about was about all of note around the main body itself. Out on the mud Pied Wagtail numbers continue to build whilst a pair of Meadow Pipits were briefly seen.

On the River Ouse a confiding Kingfisher was watched for a while in the pools around Pebble Beach whilst over the other bank on one of the Cosgrove lakes, one that had building numbers last week (see below) just a handful of Great Crested Grebe remain.

As the light started to go a flock of five Little Egret flew over heading for their evening roost at Linford no doubt.

Friday 12th November 2010

13:30 > 14:00
Cloud then heavyish rain, westerly wind 11c,

A brief visit before the clouds burst once more this week. The new workings are flooded well in some parts so either its collective rainfall or there is a leak in from Front Brook, the latter option could prove interesting to say the least one winter progresses. Elsewhere water slightly higher too.

Birdwise not too much about. A single Green Sandpiper and a Common Snipe over were the only real waders of note. Around fifty or so Lapwing on site and roughly the same number of gulls a handful being Common Gull the rest Black Headed.

In the hedgerows now large number of winter thrushes (Fieldfare & Redwing) and pockets through all during the visit so it looks like a real movement is underway. The same might be said of Woodpigeon as the winter flock that frequents the west end is buiding too, circ 150 birds so far.

Bird of the day though was a smart male Yellowhammer. Once the rain hammered (see what I did there) it down I took refuge under some of the trees along the Ridge. A flash of brightness in the bush to my left alerted me to this Yellowhammer no more than six foot away from me taking cover too and looking straight at me. He seemed more interested in me than I was of him and was not spooked at all. A surreal moment.

Wednesday 10th November 2010

14:00 > 15:30
Sun, cold NW wind. 8c

An afternoon stroll around the site with a first chance to have a look at what was on the now quiet lakes at Cosgrove. Levels at the main part of the site are higher, with some new areas flooded and the existing area of water expanding daily it seems.

Birds of the day were a pair of Dunlin on the wader pool to the west. Also more Green Sandpipers now on site with at least four present possibly more.

A handful of Golden Plover could be found in amongst the eighty or so Lapwing dotted about the site. Five Little Egrets also potttered about in the shallows.

Along the River Ouse a Kingfisher and a multitude of Wrens (yes Rebecca, Jenny Wrens!) darted about. The Kingfisher looking for a settled spot now the level has risen and its usual pools part of the torrent after recent rain. Across the Ouse on the two Bucks lakes at Cosgrove the avian visitors are now starting to arrive now the human ones have headed home for the winter. Most noticable were thirty plus Cormorant out on the water but Pochard numbers are building including one bright headed male that may (or may not) have been a possible Red Crested though it was just out of range for a 100% definite ID. Small numbers of Tufted Duck and half a dozen Great Crested Grebe.

Away from the water singles of the trio of the most common birds of prey, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel hunted around the site while a good number of both Fieldfare and Redwing picked at the berry laden hedgerows.

And to cap the day a Spitfire flew over west as the light began to go. Rather apt given what week it is.

Cosgrove Park

Something I forgot to mention earlier. Now the summer season is over at Cosgrove Park the main lakes will be 'Caravanless' again now until Easter and therefore quiet and always worth a look especially for wildfowl over the winter. For you listers the clear lakes, i.e. those that have no caravans around them, are east of the River Tove so still in Bucks and are probably some of the most underwatched stretches of water in the county. Viewable easily from the riverside (Ouse) walk or scopable from the Ridge.

Saturday 6th November 2010

12:00 > 12:30
Sun, N breeze, 10c.

A walk through the valley en route to the pub in Stony and a new bird to add to the site list. Walking down the approach road the unmistable sound of a cronking (more like honking) Raven in flight overhead heading north. Not much else about, a lone Little Egret, one hundred or so Lapwing, the same number of gulls, a 70/30ish mix of Black Headed and Common Gull whilst along the River Ouse a Kingfisher darted about and a Grey Wagtail picked about at the waters edge along the 'rapids' by Pebble Beach.

Osprey in vicinity - Per NBBR

30th Oct 2010

From SiNich

Martin K has had an OSPREY over Stony Stratford Nature reserve
Last time this happened late in the year , the bird took up residence at linford for a week
Eyes to the Skies!

Later from Paul M

Hi all, spoken with Martin, bird was high and drifting towards MANOR FARM

Friday 29th October 2010

14: 00 > 15:30
Cool, hazy sun at times, SE wind, 12c.

Two birds of the day. Firstly in amongst the thirty or so Pied Wagtails on site was a clear cut White Wagtail out on the mud. Secondly in the scrub area to the east of the site just before the gravel processing area a male Stonechat was flushed. The Stonechat a first for the site, the Whitewag a possible returnee of one of last seasons birds.

Elsewhere birds of note were two Little Egret, three Meadow Pipit, a low flying Common Buzzard sending everything skywards, the usual Green Sandpiper and a handful of Common Gull. Oddly today no Lapwing.
Migration still evident in several Fieldfare and Redwing over but as yet none seen setting in the berry laden hedgerows yet.

Thursday 28th October 2010

17:15 > 17:45
Clear, high cloud, cold westerly wind, 13c

With the clocks going back on Sunday a last evening visit for a while.
Not much about, just thirty or so Lapwing out on the mud and a Common Buzzard, the new darker bird, over. Noticable were the numerous flocks of Starlings, anything from around twenty or thirty to a couple of hundred and at one time a few merging to a five hundred strong throng heading East towards Haversham. Is a winter roost starting to form somewhere in the vicinity?

Wednesday 27th October 2010

13:00 > 14:00
Sun, westerly breeze, 14c

A nice warm Autumnal day ideal for walking and it being midweek, quiet from other people.
The bird of the day was undoubtedly Golden Plover with around 80 in amongst a Lapwing flock numbering a couple of hundred. They were not to stay for long though as they headed west in two flocks, the first around 50 or so followed five minutes later by the remaining 30. The only other wader present was the lone Green Sandpiper. Strangely not a single duck present given last nights attendance (see below).

Gulls also numbered a couple of hundred, as usual most Black Headed Gulls but the other three 'common' local gulls were also present with around 20 Common Gull, a handful of Lesser Black Backed Gull and a single brute of Greater Black Backed Gull.

Along the River Ouse a resting Kingfisher warmed itself in the sun whilst a few lingering Dragonflies and a couple of Red Admiral butterflies were also making the most of the sunshine.

Tues 26th October 2010 - Evening

17:00 > 17:30
Dull, light rain, westerly wind, 10c

Not much about this evening but noticable was a flock of circa 70 Mallard out on the water. Small handfuls of wildfowl are usual, some days none at all so this was a marked change. Apart from that, not a lot, the usual Green Sandpiper and a dozen or so Lapwing and a few pockets of Redwing over was of note.

Willow Tit, well maybe...

Reported via the Bucks Bird Club website a Willow Tit has been reported as being seen and calling in Ouse Valley Park. As Manor Farm forms a large chunk of OVP it would be interesting to know the exact location.
Anyone?

Waxwings at western end of Manor Farm

Message per NBBR via SiNich - Monday 25th Oct

Bob Tunnicliffe has had 3 WAXWINGS briefly along the River Ouse by the Iron Trunk bridge , Near Old Wolverton, Milton Keynes. However there are no berries there , so presumed to have moved on.

Rob N pays a visit...

And finds not a lot...

I know the feeling Rob

Thurs 21st October 2010 - Evening

17:15 > 17;45
Cloudy, cool, 9c

A somewhat uneventful visit. Three Common Gulls in amongst the fifty or so Black Headers. A new to the site very dark Common Buzzard and the usual pair of Green Sandpipers, and thats your lot!

Wednesday 20th October 2010 - Evening

17:30 > 18:00
Sun and a cool 6c.

After a few days in Scotland my first visit for a week. Not a lot to report. The highlight three Common Snipe, a single and a pair. Also the usual two Green Sandpipers, a lone Little Egret and circa 30 Lapwing. A flock of around 120 Mallard were seen to drop into the silt beds at dusk.

Friday 15th October 2010 - Morning

I'm out of the area for a few days but according to Birdguides the Knot is still on site,

Thurs 14th Oct 2010 - Mid-Morning - Knot & Dunlin

Per Ben Miller via NBBR

The RED KNOT was still at Manor Farm, MK, mid-morning today for its fourth day, directions as before. It has now also been joined by a DUNLIN this morning, plus one of the regular Green Sands was also on the small pool with it.

Weds 13th Oct - Evening - Knot still present...

Per NBBR from SiNich at 18:30

Rob H is watching the RED KNOT this evening , still at Manor Farm , this is by far the longest stayer in modern times.

Wednesday 13th October 2010 - Lunchtime

12:15 > 12:45
Cloud, northerly breeze, 10C


The Knot is still on site for its third day though a bit flighty. Mind you hardly suprising as everything was sent skyward after the RAF did a low bypass along the valley spooking everything.
 I almost took off myself.
Also present circa 30 Lapwing dotted about a pair of both Little Egret and Green Sandpiper. A couple of dozen gulls were on the whole Black Headed, but at least one Common Gull was amongst them plus a monster juvenile which on size alone I am guessing was a Great Black-backed Gull.

Along the approach road several Contenintal Blackbirds fed on the remaining berries.

Tuesday 12th October - Evening

17:15 > 17:45
Broken cloud odd flash of sun, calm, 12c.

Another quick glance around to see if the Knot is still there and indeed it is consorting with the same pair of Teal and on the same pool it was last night.

Apart from the Knot the usual suspects (see below ad naseum) and several paprties of Redwing over.

Tuesday 12th October - Lunchtime

12:15 > 12:45
Cloudy, calm 11c

A quick lunchtime visit to see if yesterdays Knot was still on site and indeed after first overlooking it as a Woodpigeon (don't ask) the bird was refound walking the perimeter shores of the main body of water to the western end. In better light you could still make out a very light reddy brown timge to its plumage but only just, otherwise full winter apparel.

Also four Little Egrets, two Green Sandpipers and circa 20 Lapwing.

Paul M's Knot report...

Can be found here

And Rob N's here

New addition to site list - Knot

See below for details.

Monday 11th October 2010 - Evening

17:30 > 19:00
Sun then sunset, clear 12c cool northerly breeze at times.

A 'brief' post work visit that ended up being not so brief after a fine winter plumaged Knot was found on the pool to the west. On arrival a pair of Teal had with them a more altogether greyer 'duck' dozing with its back to me. Going to the western end to get a better look said dumpy duck started to pick around in the mud revealing it was indeed a Knot, a first for the site. A text was sent out and a couple of other birders got to see the bird before it got dark, just. Was still there when I left in darkness so may well be worth a look in the morning.

Also on site at least three Green Sandpipers, a lone Common Sandpiper an couple of Little Egrets and earlier around 40 Lapwing. More smaller birds in evidence now especially Pied Wagtails. Things are looking up.

Thursday 7th October 2010 - Evening

17:00 > 18:00
Cloud, westerly breeze 16c

A perimeter walk found the following, three Green Sandpiper, two Common Sandpiper, four Little Egret, circa 40 Lapwing, a Kingfisher and in the long grass on the hill a pair of Meadow Pipits playing hide and seek.

Tuesday 5th October 2010 - Evening

17:30 > 18:30
Sun, high wispy cloud, calm, 16c.

Surfs up! Well almost, theres been a rise in water levels in the site, creating now only more pools but strips of water stretching off from the main body. In these strips at least five Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers and a lone Common Snipe. Also on site just four Little Egret (i'm giving up on theories), two Cormorants and seven Lapwing. Along the Ouse, which is also up a couple of inches though not high enough to flood Back Brook yet, I was suprised to see a couple of Dragonflies having one final throw of the dice before Autumn closes in.

Away from the water one of the Common Buzzards was getting a lot of grief from Gang Corvid, which also for some reason kept mobbing one of the Green Sandpipers too. Crows are suppossedly clever birds, sometimes though I just don't see it.

Saturday 2nd October 2010

7:00
Mist

Not a true visit as such but as the routemaster (no jokes about the back ends of buses please)  of one of the Saints with Heart sponsored walk routes from Wolverton to Northampton the first few miles takes us through the Ouse Valley before joining the Grand Union Canal and as such passed through the Farm.
Well my Little Egret pre-roost theory appears dented as just after first light through the mist you could see at least a dozen of them on site with almost certainly more where the fog was thicker. I'm now guessing they meet here post roost, disappear to the four corners during the day then return for the last couple of hours before sunset to discuss where they've been, what they've seen, the price of fish etc etc before heding off to Linford to sleep. Or is it just coincidence?

Friday 1st October 2010 - Afternoon

13:45 > 14:00
Cloud, heavy rain, SW wind, gusting at times.

A brief, very brief, visit before the heavens opened once more. Just two Little Egrets today which suggests the high numbers in late afternoon (fourteen yesterday) are a pre-roost gathering of birds heading back from the west before popping off to their Linford sleeping quarters in the last hour before dark.

Not much else out on the water, around 40 Lapwing dotted about and three Cormorants together on one of the blunt spits but no sign of any small waders at all.

Hirundine migration still in full swing with a few dozen House Martins and the odd Swallow low over the fields and water.