March 8th 2008

In the grandborough valley Long-eared Owl showed just before dusk and single Barn Owl while Great-spotted Woodpecker, Buzzards 3, Raven 3, Siskin and a party of Linnets also seen. Moving on to Napton Reservoir the Cetties Warbler was singing and Shelduck present along with Brambling flying over, Goldcrest 2, Lesser Redpoll near entrance, Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush while Millbank Spinney near Broadwell had Treecreeper and Buzzard.
Back home with one Brambling on feeders intending to watch the rugger when JJ rang offering a lift to do roost so we arrived to very blustery conditions which became a really struggle to get decent views as the light was bad and the gulls could not decide what was the best area for shelter. Besides all that we managed one adult summer Med Gull, third winter Iceland Gull and a pale first winter Glaucous Gull plus a very interesting Black-headed Gull that was almost white on the mantle and looking paler than a Med Gull. Only other bird of note were the pre-roost gathering of Goosanders which reached 21. Clouded Drab, Common Quaker and Pale Brindle Beauty in trap.

Richard