Casual year list 2023: first 100

I have long kept detailed notes on my nature and bird observations, but never a formal bird life or year list. For 2023, I decided to keep a year list of (UK) birds observed. I thought it would be interesting to note exactly how many bird species I encounter through my daily routine and walks, and the dates first observed. In the last few years, I have sadly noted much more marked declines in the natural world so it feels more pertinent than ever to gather observations and data in any form.

On the 5th of February, I reached 100 confirmed bird species observed for 2023. To be listed, the bird must be knowingly observed. My list is chronological, but not specifically numbered in the precise order of observation.

 

 

First bird observed in 2023: Buzzard (seen landing in this tree at dawn 01/01/2023).

 

In no particular order, some of the other 99 bird species I've observed so far this year:

 

Sanderling

 

 

 

 

Lapwing

 

Mute swan

Lesser redpoll

 

Barn owl

 

Wigeon

 

Black-tailed Godwit

 

 Pheasant

 

 

 

Black-headed gull, Common gull

 

 

 

 

Common Crane

 

Linnet

 

 

Blue tit, Long-tailed tit

 

 

Golden plover

Shelduck, Teal, Curlew

 

Shorelark

 

Oystercatcher, Herring gull, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit

 

My 100th bird species for 2023: Russian White-fronted Goose.

 

Birds heard but not yet counted:

Cetti's warbler

Green woodpecker

Bearded tit

 I am enjoying keeping a list more than I expected, so I've given myself a target: 150 bird species seen in the UK in 2023.