May 21st 2008

Back to bread & butter birding with a very early start to the valley before first light to catch up with the progress of the valley's Barn Owls so pleased to observe all three pairs actively feeding. Spotted Flycatchers have returned to valley with single birds seen at Sawbridge and Broadwell but little else of note till Napton Reservoir which had Reed, Sedge, Cetties Warbler and a Hobby hunting over the reservoir. Whitethroat, Blackcap, Buzzard, Garden Warbler and Yellow Wagtails recorded on the way home.
Cleared down moth trap at dinner time with the best of a small catch being White-spotted Pug and Muslin Moth.
Back out again for evening visit to Draycote Water which had male and female Common Scoter asleep out in centre, 4 Common Tern and a Greenshank went over east calling loudly. Also seen were Great-spotted Woodpecker, Sedge Warbler 2, Garden Warbler 2, Whitethroat 3, Yellow Wagtail, Common Sandpiper and Buzzard 4. Stayed late to do some moth trapping in the country park but a pleasant evening soon turned chilly so gave up at one o'clock. Caught 15 species of 34 moths. Tawny Owl and Little Owl heard.
A few butterfly's were seen today including Holly Blue, Small White, Large White, Orange Tip and Green Hair-streak while dragonfly's noted were Large Red Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly. Sleep beckons.

Richard