Guided warbler walk led by Andy Harding: Sunday 11 May 2025

It was perfect weather for a birding walk, sunny and warm even at 8am. Twelve of us gathered with Andy in the car park. He was excited as he had already seen two Ring-necked Parakeets in the car park, the first he had seen at Linford Lakes. These non-native birds have been spreading out from the London area but are not always welcome as they are noisy and may take over tree holes for nesting that our other birds could use. Unfortunately they had gone by the time we arrived. But we could hear at least one Cuckoo calling, a sound which followed us throughout our walk although it remained in hiding.

The first warblers we heard were loud and flutey Blackcaps, and the more subdued and rushed Garden Warblers. As usual in May the birds remained hidden among the foliage so it was a case of recognising song (or, by some, sneaking a peek at the mobile phone app!). Cetti’s Warbler is another that likes to skulk among the shrubbery or reeds and it has probably the loudest song of all. Reed Warblers have a more repetitive song than similar looking Sedge Warblers and may be more successful here as the reeds are becoming more extensive. Some people were lucky to spot these birds as they flew through the vegetation. 

A singing Greenfinch was easier to spot at the top of a bush. And high up in the sky were some Swifts, recently arrived from wintering in Africa. The constructed Sand Martin bank hadn’t yet got any residents but perhaps they may arrive soon.

Arriving at the first hide overlooking the lake, we saw a group of Gadwall ducks. Andy said it was a good sign that they may be breeding here somewhere hidden around the lakes. These are regular winter visitors but stay in small numbers for the summer in the UK. We looked through the telescopes of Andy and Keith and many of us were surprised to see the colourful plumage of what looks like a plain grey duck from a distance.

It was easier to appreciate the striking black and white pattern of two Oystercatchers loafing on the strip of mud called the bund, heard described as a Magpie with a carrot on its head! These are also late colonisers of inland waters, although common the coast, and scarce breeders in this area. It was a new bird for some of us. 

Some shared other ways of memorising names of birds. Perhaps Teal with its eye mask could remind you of a pirate and steal and Teal? And the scientific name of the plain grey Garden Warbler is Sylvia borin(g).

Many water birds have minimal nests but a Great Crested Grebe was sitting on a well constructed platform of weeds at the edge of the reedbed. Andy said that if they have got it right the nest should float up or down depending on the water level. He said he thought they were sitting on eggs so hopefully we should eventually see their humbug-striped young. From the second hide we could see another grebe on a nest, only a few feet away from a Coot sitting on its nest, prompting a discussion of reasons for their choice of site.

Another new bird for some was a Common Tern, slimmer than a gull and a graceful flight. There was a Little Egret but none of the Great Egrets that are often found here.

From the Woodland Hide we hoped to see the resident Bank Voles in a pile of logs but weren’t lucky today. Another permit-holder there said he had just seen a Muntjac deer along the track. 

On the way back we heard Little Grebe calling in a pool where they may be nesting: a weird trilling type of call.

At the end of an interesting walk we thanked Andy for his help on identification and his informative and amusing stories of when he was leading nature tours abroad. Thanks also to Keith for his first-hand knowledge of the regular bird ringing surveys at the reserve.

Species seen or heard on the walk:

Birds: Blackbird, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Cetti’s Warbler , Chiffchaff, Common Tern, Coot, Cormorant, Cuckoo, Dunnock, Gadwall, Garden Warbler , Great Crested Grebe, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Grey Heron, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Red Kite, Reed Warbler, Ring-necked Parakeet (noted by Andy in car park), Robin, Sedge Warbler, Swift, Tufted Duck, Whitethroat (at entrance gate), Woodpigeon, Wren. (38 species)

Butterflies: Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Peacock

Invertebrates: Common Blue damselfly, Beautiful Demoiselle (female) damselfly, Alder Fly

Andy Harding is the former County Bird Recorder for Buckinghamshire.

Report by Janice Robertson

Warbler Walk

 

Andy Harding (former Bucks bird recorder) will be leading a walk at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve on Sunday 11th May 2025 starting at 08.00 am. During the walk Andy will help you identify migrant warblers and also other birds encountered around the reserve during the morning. The walk is suitable for birders of all levels of experience.

Because of work on the centre building, unfortunately toilets and refreshments will not be available. The walk is free to members of the Friends although any voluntary donations will be gratefully received.

Because of the gate arrangements on Wolverton Road, access will be restricted to permit holders, who have the code for the combination lock at the entrance.

There is no need to book a place; just join the group in the car park. If you are late you may be able to catch up with the group.

It's Back

Fish & Chip Quiz

Wednesday 19 February, 6.30pm start, 

Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard, 

Milton Keynes MK9 4AD

Following last year’s very popular and highly successful “Fish & Chip Quiz”, we will be returning to Campbell Park Pavilion this year as the Centre building at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve is still out of action. 

We expect to have up to 8 tables with 6 people on each table (we can be a little flexible), either booked as a group/team table in advance or to be made up on the night. 

The quiz questions will all be wildlife based and will be set to cater for all levels of knowledge. 

You can book tickets by email in advance and you will then need to pay for them in cash on the night. Tickets will include a meal of Fish and Chips OR Veggie Burger and Chips and are £15 each. Soft drinks and nibbles will be provided and you are welcome to bring your own alcoholic drinks if you wish.

Please email friendsofhesc@gmail.com to book by Friday 31st January. Please state food option. 

Please do not book tickets unless you and/or your team are committed to attending as we have to pay for the food etc. upfront.

Janice Robertson
Secretary to Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve

Ringing Report Saturday 10th August

Today was the kind of day where you couldn't make up your mind whether you were hot or cold. Walking round the nets was sweaty work, but standing or sitting still for any length of time had everyone reaching for an extra layer. It certainly didn't feel like mid-August!

 

This was another very busy session, with 162 birds handled consisting of 18 species, 148 of which were newly ringed.

 

As we would expect at this time of the year, warblers made up the bulk of the catch with 29 blackcaps, 22 reed warblers, 15 garden warblers, 11 willow warblers, 9 chiffchaffs, 3 sedge warblers, 3 cettis warblers, and a whitethroat giving the assembled team some interesting aging challenges.

 

We also expect tit flocks, and these helped to bulk out the numbers with 35 blue tits, 11 long-tailed tits and 5 great tits finding the nets.

 

Star bird of the day was neck and neck between a spotted flycatcher (only the second for Linford) and a tree pipit (the fifth for Linford). 

Guided warbler walk - led by Andy Harding, 12 May 2024

Fourteen of us gathered in the car park at 8.00am on a warm and fairly sunny morning. 

After a brief introduction Andy led us along the south side of the lake opposite the sand martin bank. There didn’t seem to be a lot of activity there, but the few people that waited a bit longer were rewarded by a Sand Martin flying round and into one of the nest entrance holes. 

We immediately had our first warbler – a clear flutey Blackcap, followed by a loud babbling Garden Warbler. It seemed so close but we couldn’t see it as it was hiding deep in a willow bush. Garden Warblers have few distinguishing marks so are the typical LBJ - Little Brown Job - and even have the scientific name of Sylvia borin. Nevertheless, the musical sounds of several of these two warblers, added soon by a Cuckoo, followed us around most of the morning.

We viewed the lake from near Gordon’s Bench, which has been painted again and looks like new. We could hear another warbler chattering away in the reeds or willows, but was it a Reed Warbler or Sedge Warbler? As it rose up into a display flight and added some whistles and chirps we were pretty sure it was a Sedge. Looking back into the meadow we spotted a Greenfinch at the top of a tree and a Reed Bunting flying across from the water’s edge.

Reed Warbler

The Warbler Hide gave us a better view of the lake but most of the birds were further away so we continued on towards the Otter Hide. We saw a few pairs of Great Crested Grebes but they didn’t seem interested in displaying for us. They should have been on nests by now but Andy thought the recent high water level had forced them to abandon their nests, even though they cleverly tie their nest on to reeds so that rising water level usually just raises the nest as well. He hopes there will still be time for them to try laying again. 

We had better views from the Otter Hide of Common Terns just sitting on wooden posts sticking out of the water. Perhaps they were recovering from their long migration, although it is Arctic Terns that have the longest migration of any bird – from the Antarctic where it is ice free in our winter to Arctic areas to breed in the northern hemisphere summer. The Parks Trust had tried providing a raft in the hope that Common Terns would nest on it. Although in many places Black-headed Gulls take over the space, in this case it was just Moorhens and Mallard that tried nesting there. 

On the strip of land called the bund, The Parks Trust had recently cut away a lot of willows hoping for more space for waders. On the mud of the bund was an Oystercatcher and a Lapwing. Keith could see a Common Sandpiper through his telescope but it then hid away among the vegetation.  Andy pointed out several Gadwall, with their greyish plumage and white, black and red patches. It’s a duck that quite recently has started breeding locally. 

On the short walk up to the Heronry Hide we added another warbler – the Cetti’s Warbler. As usual we just heard its loud call, delivered from the middle of a bush. This hide gave good views of the island where several Grey Herons were nesting. Andy explained that young herons can be identified from their plain grey heads, whereas adults have white and black heads. We had the chance to try and identify another warbler in the reeds. Was it a Reed Warbler this time? We noted the repetitive monotonous phrasing, unlike the Sedge’s tendency to go all over the place. Andy said it had been noted as like rubbing two stones together, and advised to wait and see if it appears. Then it popped up along a reed stem, confirming its identity. Further out in the water, we noticed something thrashing around. It could have been an Otter perhaps, but then a fin was seen poking out of the water and someone commented that it was a “cavorting” carp.

As the sun warmed up during the morning, some of us spotted some butterflies : Brimstone, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Orange Tip, Peacock; and also a Hairy Dragonfly, Banded Demoiselle and Common Blue Damselflies, and Black-headed Cardinal Beetles. 

As we walked back to the car park, we discussed which other birds have display flights, and whether only male birds sing, and Andy included some anecdotes of the time he was leading bird tours overseas. 

The group thanked Andy for being such a helpful and interesting guide. Keith Gander also provided his telescope and much information on the bird ringing activities at Linford Lakes. Thanks also to Pauline and Neil Studman for being in charge of the First Aid Box.

Warbler Walk Species List

 

Blackbird, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Buzzard, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Cetti’s Warbler, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Coot, Cormorant, Cuckoo, Gadwall, Garden Warbler, Great-crested Grebe, Greenfinch, Green Woodpecker, Grey Heron, Greylag, Jackdaw, Lapwing, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Pheasant, Pied Wagtail, Red Kite, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Robin, Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler, Song Thrush , Swift, Tufted Duck, Woodpigeon, Wren

 

42 spp

Andy Harding is the former county Bird Recorder for Buckinghamshire.

Bird Ringing Report 2023 - By Kenny Cramer

Introduction

2023 was another very successful year for ringing in Milton Keynes. Our primary study site remains Linford Lakes Nature Reserve and over the course of the year, we conducted 28 ringing sessions which equalled our efforts in 2022, but was some way behind the covid years 2020-21, when circumstances allowed up to 38 sessions to take place.

Despite the reduced number of sessions, we processed more birds than ever before. In total, 1947 birds were handled, consisting of 46 species, 1,569 of which were newly ringed. This was 11% up vs 2020, with 8% more birds newly ringed, although the number of species was down by 8% (46 species in 2023 compared to 50 species in 2020.)

Key species we failed to encounter in 2023 included tawny owl despite the provision of 2 nest boxes, one of which had previously been occupied. No marsh tits were recorded, after records in 2014, 2014, 2021 and 2022. Coal tit was also absent for the third year running.

Common Breeding Species

For the second year in a row, blackcap was the most commonly ringed species, and the numbers were truly remarkable. 359 new birds were processed, 85% up on the previous record of 195 set in 2022 and continuing this species’ increasing trend. Chiffchaff numbers were equally impressive with 284 new birds, almost doubling the count of 143 from 2020.

The ubiquitous blue tit was in third place, fairing favourably with a total of 170 birds ringed, a 52% increase vs 2022, but some way off their peak number of 230 in 2018.

In fourth place was reed warbler, which finished the year with a respectable 114 birds ringed, which was somewhat down compared to a peak of 172 in 2021. This drop can be attributed to the fact that we did not conduct any mist netting in the main reed bed on the bund, due to the removal of the entirety of the willow scrub, which meant we lacked any suitable net rides. Despite this, some 30 nests were surveyed and 9 chicks ringed.      

Rounding off the top 5 was great tit. 71 birds were ringed which was a 97% increase on 2022, but still a 46% decline vs 2018.

Just falling short of the top 5 was garden warbler which also enjoyed a record year with 60 birds ringed, an increase of 43% vs 2021. 

Common Whitethroat was another warbler species that seemed to thrive in 2023 with 28 birds ringed, up one third vs 2019.

     

Overall, it seems like common resident species which have suffered from recent changes in the timing of spring are slowly bouncing back, while certain migratory species are benefiting from warmer, wetter conditions.

Cuckoos

Of course, cuckoos have become something of a Linford speciality and 2023 was no different with 9 birds being processed, 4 of which were newly ringed, and the retraps including DT04157, our site faithful male who was ringed as a full adult (2+ calendar years) in 2017 and retrapped in 2021, 2022 and 2023. This now puts him in contention for the UK longevity record if he makes it back for one more summer.

The Sand Castle

The artificial sand martin nesting bank constructed in 2020/21 continued to attract a steadily increasing number of residents with 4 nests producing 12 chicks. 2 free-flying adults were also ringed during the course of normal ringing operations. Water ingress continues to be a problem, but we remain hopeful that the number of occupied nest boxes will continue to increase, and we will be able to improve the roofing and drainage of the building later in 2024.

 

Other Notable Birds

Probably the biggest surprise of the year was the capture of an adult hobby, which was the only new species ringed in 2023, and brought the Linford ringing list to 69 species.  Other notable birds included 2 adult kestrels, a barn owl, a redstart, a tree pipit, and a siberian chiffchaff. 

Recoveries/Controls

We controlled 4 birds during the course of the year, a chiffchaff from Tyne and Wear, a garden warbler and a blackcap from Oxfordshire, and a blackcap from Wilstone Reservoir, near Tring. As of the time of writing, there have been no recoveries of Linford birds ringed in 2023.

 

The shape of 2024 so far…

2024 is already shaping up to be another record-breaking year. A new feeding station was set up in a sheltered spot behind the Bug Bank in the hope that it would enable us to ring on more days, especially when wind meant that our usual nets would be too exposed. This proved to be more successful that we could have imagined, largely due to an unusual abundance of redpolls and siskins in the region.

In the first 4 months of the year, a time of unfavourable and unpredictable conditions which usually equate to a limited number of possible ringing days and low catches, we were able to conduct 9 ringing sessions, equalling our previous record set in 2018. So far this year we have already ringed 602 birds, which is around 3x more than the same period in any other year.

While almost all species we would normally expect to catch at this time of year have enjoyed an increase, it was the finches that have really led the charge. 115 siskins and 81 lesser redpolls are truly unprecedented numbers, around double the amount we have ringed in the entire history of our group’s ringing at Linford. It may be worth to note that despite several reported sightings of mealy/common redpoll, we failed to ring any which fit the biometric criteria.

 

Another species seemingly making a comeback this year is the humble greenfinch. A red-listed conservation species, they have suffered from a viral infection which caused a sharp drop in populations. Linford records have been up and down, but 2024 has already surpassed any previous year by almost 2x. The increase may be driven by an influx of continental birds, but hopefully the trend continues throughout the year and plenty of fledglings will be ringed, indicating a healthy local breeding population.

Acknowledgements

These results are only possible with the investment of countless hours of hard work and heavy lifting (in sometimes gruelling conditions), from a hardy, dedicated and passionate group of people.

Firstly, I must thank everyone at the Parks Trust for continuing to allow us the privilege of ringing in their beautiful parks and reserves. The work they do to manage and maintain the green spaces in Milton Keynes and cater for the needs of a wide variety of users while nurturing wildlife and biodiversity, cannot be over-stated.

Secondly, The Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (helpfully known as FoLLNR), and especially Tony Bedford, who’s tireless advocation for the value of the site as a nature reserve has undoubtedly protected and secured its future as the most important site for wildlife conservation in Milton Keynes, which will hopefully be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come.

Thirdly, everyone who has bought a permit for the site, attended an event, or volunteered at a work party. It is only through the support and contributions of us all that Linford can truly achieve its full potential.

And last but by absolutely no means least, huge thanks to my ringing crew, without whom, none of this would be possible:-

To Keith Gander, who has helped out with almost every session from set up to take down and performed perhaps the most important role as our scribe, ensuring that the data we collect is accurate and all rings accounted for. To Richard Geary for his energy, expertise, silly ideas, general gadgetry and cider drinking companionship, and to Helen Franklin for keeping us all under control (and taking the breakfast orders).

To my trainees, Sally, Steve, Michelle, Beth and Simon for keeping the faith that I can actually teach them something, and my nephew Jasper, whose willingness to get up at 3am, whilst maintaining flawless handling and recall skills between naps, continues to astonish me.

And to all the ringers and volunteers who turned up and contributed to a session, Neil, Miles, Louise, Chris, Otto, Tracey, Laura, Jake, Naimh, Bethan, Simon, Reuben… apologies in advance to anyone I missed.

Special shout-out to Sarah McDonald, whose passion for bramble-bashing and nettle-ending over the years, continues to shape many of the net rides we use today.

 

Tough as Old Boots

 

I first photographed this badly injured Muntjac back in April 2021. At that time it had one ear and many nasty looking injuries, including a deep wound on it's neck. I suspected it had been hit by a car. Today nearly three years on we met again - it still seems to have only two bits of ears, but otherwise looks fine, proving what tough old boots munties are.