September 4th 2008

I was out before first light to the valley again only to get another soaking though a Woodcock over grandborough fields farm did make up for it and along the flecknoe rd there was a Wheatear and Stock Dove 19 and the Basealy small holding had 4 Grey Partridge.
Arrived at draycote Water in another down pour but disappointingly the place seemed pretty quiet and it was not till I had completed two circuits and the rain had stopped that a few species showed themselves. Immature Artic Tern & Goosander 5 near valve tower, Common Tern 2 out in centre, Shelduck biggen bay, Yellow-legged gull adult in front of sailing club while 11 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey wagtail and Wheatear female were on farborough bank. The various weather fronts going over produced thousands of House Martins and Swallows over toft bay including 2 Swifts and 200 Sand Martin. By the time I had coffee in the cafe it was obvious that there seemed to be more Shag's about and though difficult to count I did managed 8 with 4 on fishing platform, 2 near outlet and 2 on lamb shoal point so presumably we have had another small influx. Also counted 62 Cormorants.
Another down pour on the way home put the final nail in the coffin regarding the weather we are having so went on line to book a cabin for tonight's sailing to Bilbao but could not get the one I wanted so booked instead for the sailing next week. If I am going to get wet every bloody day then I might as well do it bobbing up and down in the bay of Biscay.
Buddy Dave texted me on top of some mountain in Austria - just seen Golden Eagle, Crossbills and Nutcracker so a very happy bunny even if wifey is dragging him up and and down dale trying to slim him down.
This afternoon there was a break in the weather so attempted to get to Priors Marston just on the border of my patch where Redstart male and Short-eared Owl had been reported but gave up half way and did bush hill, Flecknoe instead where I had Wheatear, Redstart immature and 4 Raven.
Finally the forecast tomorrow is dire - heavy rain most of the day from the east so off your sofas and search the high ground - could be worth it.

Richard