Thursday, 20 March 2008

March 20th 2008

First visit of the year to Napton on the Hill. Local birders keep an eye on this location due to its prominent position being high up and has a reputation for observing day flying migrants as well as attracting those brought down by bad weather. In the past it has produced Yellow-browed Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Snow Bunting, Quail, Wood Warbler, was excellent a few years ago when there was an inland movement of Honey Buzzards and with regular sightings of Redstart, Pied flycatcher and the more common warblers it is well worth keeping an eye on. Best places are the lane leading upto and in the churchyard and the old quarry below the windmill as well as the views back towards Rugby and over my patch. That all said it was a while before I saw anything but came away with sightings of Siskin 10 flying north, Lesser Redpoll 2 feeding in churchyard, a mixed flock of Fieldfare/Redwing heading east as well as local birds such as Raven, Sparrowhawk, Coal Tit, Treecreeper and Great-spotted Woodpecker.
Being on the southern edge of my patch the early start enabled me to check on at least three of my Barn Owl sites being successful with 5 seen as well as pair of Little Owls, Stonechat 2, Raven 3, Buzzard 8, plenty of Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting are more noticeable. Napton Reservoir had Cetties Warbler, Water Rail and a lone Sand Martin.

Richard

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