Photo copyright Neil Fletcher
Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
Naphill - 30th March 2009
Photo copyright
Neil Fletcher
This photos demonstrates that Ring Ouzels can turn up almost anywhere, in this case on Neil's front garden in Naphill. A big surprise for Neil who was working from home. This is the first Bucks record for 2009.
For a graph showing Bucks sightings of this species click here.
Quainton Hills - 19th-20th April 2007
Above Photo copyright
Tim Watts
Above Photo copyright John Hale
Quainton Hills again turned up some Ring Ouzels although larger numbers were found at the other main hot-spot for the species Steps Hill/Ivinghoe Beacon. The top photo of the two above was taken on 19th and the lower on the 20th. It appears to be the same individual based on colouration and bill markings.
Quainton Hills - 25th April 2007
Quainton Hills - 15th-17th April 2007
Photos copyright
Tim Watts
Quainton Hills again turned up good numbers of Ring Ouzels as can be seen in the group photo. Tim and others, managed to find Ring Ouzels on a numbers of occasions.
For a graph showing Bucks sightings of this species click here.
Quainton Hills - 6th April 2007
Photos copyright
Tim Watts
Quainton Hills has been
"discovered" in recent years as a hot spot for migration. This male Ring
Ouzel is further proof of the quality of birds that can be seen there. The
bird was found by Steve Norman and Tim then spent two hours locating and
photographing it.
Another Ring Ouzel was found at Steps Hill on the same day.
Steps Hill - 6th April 2006
Photos copyright Mike Wallen
Steps Hill again produce Ring Ouzels in good numbers with up to seven birds seen together. The top bird is an adult male and the lower bird is considered to be a first year female.
Spring 2006 also found Ring Ouzels at Quainton Hills and Calvert. .
Ivinghoe Beacon - 5th November 2005
Photos copyright Mike Wallen
The Ivinghoe Beacon/Steps Hill area produces a Ring Ouzel yet again. Early morning visits at the right time of year are essential to locate these very shy birds.
Rowsham, Nr Aylesbury - Early May 2005
Photos copyright Mike Wallen
This adult was only sporting half a tail when it stopped off at Rowsham. There were four birds present on 30th April, with one female staying for a week.
Incombe Hole, Steps Hill - 14th April 2003
Photo copyright Mike Collard
Steps Hill proved to be the local hotspot for passage Ring Ouzels in 2003. A record count of 11 birds were recorded on one day with 1-3 birds reported over a period of several weeks.
As usual this species proved to be extremely shy and birders have been asked not to venture into Incombe Hole, but to observe the birds from the top. This allows the birds to feed undisturbed and prolongs their stay.
Incombe Hole, Steps Hill - 23rd March 2002 (top photo) and April 2002 (lower photo)
Photos courtesy of Mike Wallen
Incombe Hole, Steps Hill - 13th April 2002
Two more (male and female) of the four birds present on the day. This must be one of the best Springs ever for this species with the birds arriving on easterly winds. Good numbers also reported from Aston Rowant (just in Oxfordshire).
Digital photos courtesy of Rob Andrews
Incombe Hole, Steps Hill - 2nd April 2002
This is one of four male birds seen in Incombe Hole during the late afternoon. Ring Ouzels were seen daily at the site until 15th at least, although they could be elusive.
Digital photo courtesy of David Bilcock