March 30th 2008

Took the advantage of the clocks going forward to have an early start in the valley with Dave Cox. Arrived at Grandborough Fields in the dark with a Skylark in full song and a Barn Owl perched on fence post taking no notice of us as we inched closer. Later, the owl returned and performed well, also a Raven perched, Fieldfare 6, Buzzard 4, Sand Martin and later on along Hill Rd we had Golden Plover 5, Yellowhammer 20+ and three Green Woodpeckers while just outside Grandborough Village there were 3 Redwing.
The gates were late opening at Draycote Water but it did not deter us and a walk to toft bay produced the first fall of Wheatears for the year with four males on toft bank then moving to the field below toft bank, also Sand Martin 100, Grey Wagtail 2, Teal 4, Gadwall 4, Goldeneye,Meadow Pipit 6 and a brief chat with Kevin Grewcock.
Another Green Woodpecker over the diner at Long Itchington then on to Brandon Marsh where the warm weather made many species active with a lone Swallow, 30+ Sand Martin, Snipe 4, Oystercatcher 2, Redshank, Ringed Plover 2 Kingfisher and after hearing Water Rail Diane Stone put us on to the bird as it crossed in front of hide. The woods had Willow Tit, Chiffchaff 4 singing, Coal Tit 2, Goldcrest, Treecreeper 4 while above the nearby Brandon Woods at least 6 Buzzards and Sparrowhawk 3, Also seen were Brimstone butterfly 3 enjoying a gorgeous morning.
A brief visit to Lawford Heath on our way to Dave's gave us Corn Bunting and Buzzard and at Dave's while having dinner he had Siskin 2 on his feeders and a Peacock butterfly.
Back at home managed Brambling 2 on feeders and Buzzard 2 soaring overhead.

Richard