April 3rd 2008

Out later than I intended so a pleasant surprise to see a Barn Owl still out hunting at 8:00am between Sawbridge and Railway Cottages, Flecknoe in a area I don't normally check for owls and an even bigger surprise near Grandborough Fields when a Lesser-spotted Woodpecker flew over. Wheatear male was between Grandborough and Grandborough Fields feeding in a horse paddox, Hill Rd was quiet apart from a few Yellowhammers, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard 3 all on the ground.
Arrived at Draycote after the walkers had arrived so very little on the dams though a Wheatear had been seen earlier. At least 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, Blackcap but no hirundines and very few duck with only Teal 4, Goldeneye 5, Wigeon 2 and Gadwall 2 worth mentioning. Other birds seen included 6 Buzzards, Great-spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker. While having dinner in cafe 2 Oystercatcher circled joined by Redshank and an unidentified wader but with high water levels and many fishermen there is hardly any shoreline for them so they moved off north. On leaving located the male Wheatear in field below toft bank and as the sun came out I managed six more Buzzards on the way home.
Soaring Buzzard and Goldfinch on feeders my garden highlights.
Just started gardening when one of the farmers on my patch rang to say he thinks he has an Osprey perched in tree but got there to late and was now believed to be a very pale looking Buzzard. At least he rang. On the way home I had a Yellow Wagtail near the dung heap Grandborough Fields first for the year.

Richard