Following the Local Patch Big Weekend challenge that took place over the weekend of 25th & 26th April, winning teams have received their prizes. In all 9 teams took part recording 111 different species over the weekend.
The winning team was the Reservoir Birders comprising Ian Bennell, George & Matt Moreton whose 83 species gained them a leading 136 points. They each receive the coveted Local Patch Big Weekend mug along with a useful notebook for future challenges. Congratulations on a great effort that included locating the long-staying Lesser Scaup and finding a Marsh Harrier.
Runners-up were the Tyttenhanger Birders made up of Rupert Evershed, Richard Coombes and Steve Pearce. Their 90 species accumulated 134 points but missing bonus points meant they had to settle for second spot. They too receive the birder’s notebook for their efforts.
With rarities thin on the ground over the challenge weekend the Best Bird prize was between the Lesser Scaup at Tring (recorded by the Reservoir Birders) or the Nightingale at Amwell (recorded by the Cousins Family team). While the Lesser Scaup was a National Rarity it was decided the prize should go to the Cousins Family for their Nightingale. The scaup was a long-staying and nationally publicised bird and adjudicators felt the Nightingale was more representative of local patch birding.
Congratulations to Ron, David and Ben Cousins together with Jane Free who made up the Cousins Family team for their Best Bird win. The prize – a painting by local wildlife artist Matt
Moreton of a Nightingale – was given to the youngest member of the team: Ben. A big thank you too to Matt Moreton for painting the bird – a lovely record of the moment and of a great weekend!
Once again, thank you to everyone who took part on what proved to be a lovely weekend to be out and about birding. The Local Patch Big Weekend will be back in April 2027 and in the meantime, if you have any suggestions as to how the weekend challenge could be improved or developed, please let us know by email birdclubchair@hnhs.org
