Had a slight detour on the way back to Stockport from Gloucester over to Great Barford near Bedford to chance my arm for the Little Bunting. Arriving at the spot along the banks of the Great Ouse the bird showed twice in an hour and a half with many Reed Bunting, Linnet, Chaffinch, a single Brambling and a calling Green Woodpecker. 200 Pink Footed Geese over too.
Does any one know if the Lady Amherst's Pheasant is still at the Lidlington site. Have there been any recent sightings? I would like to visit, but its a long way if it is no longer being seen. I am aware of where it was being seen in the spring and of the restrictions on access but any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Lawrence
Hi Lawrence,
It's certainly still around and Autumn and Winter should represent the best chance as the undergrowth will obviously be less dense.
Be prepared to wait however but with patience you should get a brief view as it crosses the ride at the top of the hill.
If you need any further information or directions, feel free to drop me a PM.
Does any one know if the Lady Amherst's Pheasant is still at the Lidlington site. Have there been any recent sightings? I would like to visit, but its a long way if it is no longer being seen. I am aware of where it was being seen in the spring and of the restrictions on access but any help would be appreciated.
Following the decision to publicly release news of the site, I couldn't resist the opportunity to see perhaps what is the last individual of the self-sustaining Lady Amherst's Pheasant population.
I arrived at the site in Lidlington, Bedfordshire around lunchtime and was content with the idea of waiting until dusk if needs must after my previous visit rewarded me with a "heard only".
After 20 minutes or so, the bird was heard calling away at regular intervals and another birder present thought he had seen a flash of white in the undergrowth, but nothing unfortunately materialised of this notoriously shy and difficult bird to see.
Just after 1.15pm however, at the top of the ride, suddenly to my joy and relief, the bird appeared, crossing from the woodland undergrowth from the left, before disappearing to the right.
Although the view was brief, it was still enough to see the male in all it's glory with the white belly, silver white cape and the mesmorizing mix of colours and incredibly long tail.
I headed home privileged to see such a stunning bird which sadly will soon be lost to the British countryside forever......a memorable birding moment!
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Wednesday 22nd of April 2015 09:47:50 PM
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Wednesday 22nd of April 2015 09:49:08 PM
Friday March 1st. 2 Red Kites over fields just west of Flitwick plantation (about 7 1/2 Miles south of Milton Keynes) where the M1 crosses The Chilterns. Nice start to a long weekend in London
2 Red Kites fairly close together this last weekend about halfway between Junctions 12 & 13 on the M1, the second bird over the motorway itself. Also Peregrine over the mororway just north of Milton Keynes.
