November 25th 2008

WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE Draycote Water 1030-1200hrs showing down to 8ft – bloody wonderful – just a pity a falconer was attached. Certainly attracted an audience of birders and walkers as they posed for photo’s but it was not being flown which is lucky as the Cormorants, Little Grebe and Duck crapped themselves when it appeared and scampered.
OK back to real birding. It was a sunny day with a chilly north westerly wind with new arrivals since my last visit being in the shape of more Goosander’s and a female Brambling. The Goosanders were off valve tower before dispersing with 15 female and 9 male while the Brambling was found when Mark, Francoise and myself checked out the feeders in the ranger’s yard. At least four Great-northern Divers were dotted around the reservoir but there seems to be no trace of the Red-necked Grebe so it may have gone while the Common Scoter female was still in toft bay and the Shag first winter by the fishing platforms. I had a Peregrine go over early morning while Mark had two mid-morning and the Water Rail was still around and at least four Kingfishers seen , no doubt due to the cold spell we are experiencing and at least 17 Siskin still in toft shallows. Part of the day was also taken up socially – chatting to Bob H, Bob D, Mark and Francoise as well as all those admiring the eagle. Also seen were Pochard 25, Wigeon 30, Goldeneye 22, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker 3, Yellowhammer 35, Skylark 18, Buzzard 2 and I had a good look at the Common Sandpiper – just double checking as Spotted Sandpiper has been found in Staffordshire recently. I intended doing the roost but the beautiful sunset made the light conditions very poor.

Richard