September 20th 2008

I was out before first light working the footpaths between the M45 and Grandborough village that criss-cross this area. Considering there has been little rain in the last few days the ground is boggy in places and not for the fashion conscious. Tawny Owl calling while still dark and a Barn Owl at first light was a good start to the day along with the 7 Snipe flushed off a damp field. The area has a healthy population of Yellowhammers, Linnets and Greenfinches feeding on the stubble fields while remaining summer visitors still present were Chiffchaff and Blackcap. Migrant Whinchat and Stonechat were found a half mile north of where they were reported yesterday so could be different birds. Bunkers Hill Wood had Great-spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Siskin. Kept an eye for anything going over but just had local Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. As I made me way back to Dunchurch a Lesser Whitethroat was feeding behind the houses at Toft.
Highlight of my visit to Draycote Water was the COMMON CRANE which flew over heading south at 11:20am. Well it was not a Honey Buzzard but who’s complaining, second one of the year. Lost of people activity, very warm, no wind and very few birds but managed a large female Peregrine chasing the gull flock, Shags 2 immature off hensborough bank and Goosander 5 near valve tower. Toft bay was full of fishermen so no trace of Common Scoter but did have Kingfisher, Buzzard 2, Common Sandpiper, Teal 18 and Raven while the disturbance by sailors and fishermen caused the Great-crested Grebes to congregate together in toft shallows and counted 177, a very good September count. Back home and butterflies are enjoying the last of my flowers with Comma, Large White, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue making an appearance.

Richard