February 21st 2008

Visit to draycote this afternoon produced Lesser Scaup under the willows in gray's barn with the Pochard / Tufted Duck flock. Quick chat with Francoise then called in to cafe for a brew; Sparrowhawk hunting for Pied Wagtails on farborough bank then on to rainbow corner where an adult Bewick's Swan was resting (flew off 6pm). The gull roost was building early with high numbers of Black-headed and Common Gulls by 4pm which included 4 Med Gulls (first winter, second winter, adult in full summer plumage and adult in partial summer plumage) and 3 adult and one first winter Yellow-legged Gull. Larger gulls did not come in till later with two biscuit coloured first winter Glaucous Gulls at 5:30pm and Iceland Gull first winter soon afterwards. Other species seen included Lesser Redpoll 3, Siskin 6, Goosander 31, Gadwall 14, Goldeneye 19, Shoveler 2, Snipe 2, Buzzard, Raven, Long-tailed Tit 8 Graylag Goose 2 and 2 Red-legged Partridge. Pipistrelle and Noctule Bat flying around toft. Still three Brambling in garden this morning.

Richard