Species Account
Extract from Bird Report 2024
Irregular visitor, sometimes invading the county in large numbers and a rare breeder. (Green list).
After 33 reports in 2023, there were just 11 in 2024 and all but one were from the first winter period. The Lodge produced the first with two on 31st January and a day later, there were two at Rushmere CP. Later in February, there were ten at New Wavendon Heath and 15 nearby at Aspley Heath on the 17th and 24th respectively, a long-staying flock that were still present in the wider area as late as 24th March. Also in March there were two further reports of singles from The Lodge, on the 9th and 20th, and two at Maulden Wood on the 16th, with the last of the period being one at Rushmere CP on the 26th. There was only one autumn record, again from The Lodge, with one on 15th October.
