March 2nd 2008

A very frustrating day in the field. Dave and I met up with the Hall brothers before first light but we failed to see any owls in the very strong early morning winds. Pair of Stonechats, singing Skylark and four Roe Deer for our efforts. We then all moved on to Draycote and the walk to toft bay where the Lesser Scaup was huddled against the willows in gray’s barn giving long distant views. Very little else seen apart from 8 Goosander, 12 Goldeneye and 14 Meadow Pipits. We then split up, the Halls staying to photograph the lesser and finding two Chiffchaffs while we had time to kill before breakfast so did the Grandborough valley again via Hill Rd where we managed to find ‘Marks’ Golden Plover flock (100+) but they were very nervous and reluctant to land due to a brief sighting of Merlin tearing through. Red-legged Partridge, Buzzard 2 and Yellowhammer 15+ seen mainly in pairs.
After breakfast we went to Brandon Marsh where we had Buzzard 3, Coal Tit 2, Lesser Redpoll 2, Treecreeper 3, and a Lesser-spotted Woodpecker flying away from us so again disappointing views. Marsh it self had many Shoveler, Goosander female, Goldeneye female and 14 Snipe.
Returned home via Lawford Heath where most of the Fieldfares have gone but we still had hundreds of Starlings feeding in the silage barns of Rookery Farm where a Sparrowhawk male sat on the roof of barns just yards away. Highlight of the day was Dave's new car - so posh he makes me wear slippers in it.

Richard