August 2014

Another month of high totals giving 1,603 new birds (1,013 Runnymede RG; 590 Maple Cross RG). The Maple Cross total was their highest ever for August whilst RRG was only surpassed in 2010 and 2004.

Hobby (C & D Lambsdell)

Warblers took the top three places with 365 Blackcaps, 169 Whitethroats and 145 Reed Warblers. Garden Warblers did well at 91 as did Sedge Warblers with 40. 

Most amazing though, were 72 Willow Warblers – 53 of them at Broadwater; it is over four years since we had more than 50 a month.

There was a marvellous range of species, 42 in all, with Maple Cross producing the lion’s share – a Hobby and 2 Sparrowhawks at Broadwater, Redstarts at Hilfield and Milton Keynes; 3 Spotted Flycatchers at Hilfield and 9 Tree Sparrows at Willows, whilst Wraysbury had 4 Linnets and an unseasonal Redpoll.

Recoveries began to trickle through again including a Meadow Pipit in Bordeaux, France and a Common Redpoll just about as far north on the British mainland as it could get at Shebster, by Thurso.