The day started very quiet with me and Dave out early in the valley listening for Quail but no luck and it was so quiet I nodded off - oop's.
After checking on the Lapwing flock at Sawbridge we were returning to Grandborough Fields Farm on the Flecknoe Rd when our day changed dramatically with Dave spotting a Red Kite crossing the road in front of us and we were then treated to fanatic views for twenty minutes of it perched near Fox Covet where it was feeding.
This was Dave's first close view of Red Kite in Warwickshire.
Moved on to Draycote Water where the very strong winds made walking difficult but despite careful searching we could not find anything of note except for a single Curlew flying over heading west.
Heading for breakfast at Long Itchington on the minor road near Birdingbury Fields Farm our good luck continued with a low flying Whimbrel past the car and a Hobby hunting.
After having our appetite satisfied our next stop was Brandon Marsh and we had just reached Goose Pool when a small group of birders were walking swiftly towards us and my remark of you must all have the s***s was met with "Bee-Eater by the entrance". Bugger me, my jaw dropped and quickly did an about turn and shot through the visitors centre and up the entrance road where a small group of birders were gathered but did not seem to be focused on anyone spot but as we got closer there was a lot of hand waving and pointing and I soon had tickable views of the Bee-Eater perched on telegraph wires. Magically it stayed when we arrived at the entrance and was able to enjoy excellent close views as well as the stories of how it was found. One of the joint finders was Graham Rowling and his beaming face told everyone how he felt, the same for young couple who's names I don't know but will forever be grateful too, many many many thanks.
The next twenty minutes were spent on the phone and enjoying the bird when it suddenly got up and flew over our heads towards sheep field and become difficult to trace and showed according to bird guides briefly near Brandon Golf Course.
Bee-Eaters in Warwickshire are rarer than hen's teeth with the last record in 1886 so you can imagine the faces of those who were unable to connect with this multi-coloured gem. One of the nicer things that comes out of this event is that it backs up Dave Halls record last week and no doubt is the same bird. I believed you mate.
It was then back to centre for a coffee then a short walk where we found 60+ spikes of Common Spotted Orchid, Green Woodpecker and Blue-tailed Damselfly then on to Lawford Heath before going to Dave's for a great meal cooked by his daughter Jenny and to celebrate his wife's Christine's birthday. Happy Days you old git xxx.
Now home and still stunned that I have Bee-eater on my Warwickshire list.
Bee-Eater digiscope useing my camera and John Judges scope.
Its just flown. Those who have seen it are not running.
Richard
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