Strong winds and heavy rain overnight found me on farborough bank, Draycote Water at dawn and rewarded with a first winter Little Gull struggling past very close before turning and sheltering in front of hide in toft bay. The overnight conditions were responsible for a steady passage of Skylarks flying over reservoir in small groups with at least 260 counted heading west and the flocks of duck (mainly Wigeon and Mallard) coming off the River Leam showed the route a Marsh Harrier immature was taking as it flew west down stream and no doubt another victim of the weather. Same goes for the Grey Plover going west and it was certainly a day for birds of prey with a stunning male Merlin perched on the fence of the sailing club lower car park before it started hunting the 40+ Meadow pipits on farborough bank. No sign of any Rock Pipits on farborough bank but there was a new arrival near the valve tower with the long staying Wheatear nearby. Other highlights of good morning was a Swallow heading south, one House Martin still trying to get its brood off, Kingfisher 2, Green Woodpecker 3, Goosander 3 and Common Sandpiper. The two Shag were on there usual spot on the training boats before being pushed out by a gang of Cormorants.
Had to leave mid-day and with many Leaches Petrel being seen off the Cheshire coast my fingers are crossed for one tomorrow. For some unknown reason when ever there’s crap weather this time of year I seem to be able to attract a Merveille du Jour to my moth trap
Richard
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