December 27th

A need to burn off those festive calories

Calcutt
Another unsuccessfully dawn visit for the Barn Owl. Plenty of set a-side but may be this years appalling summer weather may have taken there toll, certainly not as common as the last two years. Only seen 3x in 8 visits this winter and not one decent pro-longed view.

Draycote Water
Another walk out to valve tower, mild and breezy with only a five Ruddy Duck and 12 Goosander seen on the outward trip though the return was more enjoyable when Dave spotted flock of 21 Golden Plover heading west and a Peregrine and Kestrel performing an aerial battle above our heads and a distant Sparrowhawk. Grey wagtail and Great-spotted Woodpecker in the lower car park and very long distant views of the male Smew off farnborough bank from the comfort of the cafe. No attempt made to see the Lesser Scaup which was still present today.

Lawford Heath
Thousands of Fieldfare and Redwing and a few gulls loafing from nearby tip plus two Yellowhammers (scarce this winter around here).

Bretford
No sign of the nearby recent Dark-bellied Brent Goose, two Buzzards seen perched

Cathiron
A long overdue visit to this feeder station along side the Grand Union Canal. not much seed left so must remember to bring some next time but we had excellent views of two Marsh Tits and Nuthatch. Also two Mistle Thrush with more Fieldfare and Redwing.

Richard