January 27th 2008

Out with Dave today, did the valley first but failed to find any Long-eared Owls but were treated to fantastic views of Barn Owl which hunted close and perched just yards away from us and still out hunting in broad daylight at 7.30am possibly indicating a short supply of food in area. Raven, Red-legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Buzzard and Skylark also in area.
Draycote was bright and sunny with male Smew off farnborough bank, Great-northern Diver out in centre and 12 Goosander near valve tower. Steve Seal was taking photos and though we did not have chance to chat he could be seen from hensborough bank kneeling to get this shot.



Breakfast at Long Itchington then on to Brandon Marsh. Plenty of duck but little else. Shoveler 80, Gadwall 55, Goosander female, Pochard 60, Goldeneye 2, Snipe 2 and Buzzard.



Rookery Farm, Lawford Heath had 1500 Starling, 2000 Fieldfare, 500 Redwing, 100+ Chaffinch and 3 Tree Sparrow feeding around farm buildings or adjacent fields then it was back to Dave's for lamb dinner and wine so missed the opportunity to do roost with John Judge and the Hall Brothers.

I trapped Pale Brindled Beauty last night and Dave had Mottled Umber

Richard