July 1st 2008

Well that's June out the way - always a quiet month in Warwickshire - well it was till the record books were re-written, now its July so whats to be hoped for. In the past we have had Little Egret, Honey Buzzard, White-winged Black Tern, Great White Egret, Spotted Sandpiper, Nightjar and numerous waders though the water levels are to high at present but you'll never know if you stay on the sofa.
Today the weather has been brilliant with south easterly winds, high cloud and temperatures up to 25c so up and about in the valley first thing managing Barn Owl 2, Tree Sparrow 6, Lapwing 150, Curlew, Buzzard 2, Whitethroat 10, Skylark 20+, Grey Partridge 2 and Yellow Wagtail.
Arrived at Draycote Water just in time to call Bob Hazell back as I had found this very young Wheatear. Declining as breeding species in the county and not heard of any locally since spring migration.

Wheatear juv by Bob Hazell
Other birds seen were Common Tern, Redshank calling, Oystercatcher circling reservoir eventually landing in field off farborough bank, Buzzard 5, Green Woodpecker and Herring Gull 3 immatures. Joined up with Bob, the Prices and Francoise for coffee and chat before spending some time looking for Marbled Whites and came across my first Small Skipper of the year. Bob had Black-tailed Skimmer yesterday so check the fields between Water Treatment Works and Golfcourse, also good for Marbled Whites. Up to 12 so far.

Black-tailed Skimmer by Bob Hazell

Richard