Birds Photographed in the UK in 2000
(July - September)

Jonathan Wasse

White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, July 2000.

Well it may not be down town Strasbourg but this
Stork took a liking to the roof of a "Little Chef"
restaurant beside a busy dual carriageway on the
outskirts of Milton Keynes. Earlier, it had spent
some time in Suffolk before flying west and
visiting a few localities in the south Midlands. On
the hidden leg could be found a plastic ring with
the letters "AX" clearly marked. I believe that
this bird may be of captive origin from Bristol Zoo?

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, September 2000.

This adult bird in winter was one of up to 8 birds already
present in September 2000 at the Med. Gull "mecca"
that is Great Yarmouth seafront.

Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
Portland, Dorset, September 2000.

September 2000 will be remembered in British
birdwatching circles for the great Honey Buzzard
invasion. This juvenile flew low over the Verne
at the northern end of Portland in the late
afternoon. It then gained height as it moved south
out to sea. Note the "hanging" secondaries.

I am never too keen to attempt flight shots of
birds, but as this smart looking raptor circled
above the birders, I could not miss this
opportunity. Anyway, it's not every day that
you get 100's of Honey Buzzards invading
Britain!