October 5th 2008

Out with Dave just before 7am in atrocious conditions as we searched our way to toft shallows with the rain coming down in sheets and by the time we returned the wind had swung from south west to north east in very poor visibility. The highlight was a Tree Pipit amongst the Meadow Pipits (my latest Draycote Record)and Rock Pipit both on farborough bank, Kittiwake first winter toft bay and the two first winter Little Gulls in toft shallows. Only other birds of note were two Shags and a Green Woodpecker before we sought shelter in the cafe at Long Itchington and we were pretty reluctant to leave as it was still raining.
Arrived at Brandon Marsh to an almost empty car park and the walk to teal pool, east marsh and carlton hide produced only 12 Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit and Cetties warbler before we finally gave in to the elements.
After drying out at home Dave picked me up for dinner and just as the rain stopped a large unidentified bird of prey flew over nearby Cock Robin Wood being mobbed by the many corvids including two Raven's.
A late afternoon walk to Dunsmore Ridge where at least 4 Redwing were flying west and a Swallow south.
Despite the rain last night my moth trap had Silver Y, Blair's Shouldered-knot, Sallow, Light Brown Apple Moth and an Orange Ladybird

Richard