Out early looking for the shrike, working the theory there is more chance of it being in the area between villages of Draycote and Birdingbury than off draycote bank where everyone seems to be twiddling there toes, Unfortunately the area has very few footpaths with many of the fields having tall hedgerows so not easy to work but ideal for the shrike – less disturbance.
Extremely cold -2 with a sleet shower and after three hours by which time it was raining I only had a probable brief sighting some distance away perched before it dropped down north east of draycote hill, Birdingbury so I gave up for the comforts of central heating and food. Birds seen included Barn Owl by the Princethorpe flyover (A45/A4071), Tawny Owl perched in trees along the straight mile (B4453 near Tile Barns), Kingfisher near Birdingbury Bridge and Corn Bunting between Birdingbury Bridge and Bourton village. Also seen were 4 Siskin, 23 Yellowhammer, 300 Fieldfare, 200 Redwing, 100 Stock Dove, 2 Raven and 2 Buzzard.
Out again this afternoon with Dave to Draycote Water for our usual Friday coffee and cake session and a walk to rainbow corner. A Common Sandpiper was resting on the sailing pontoon with two Great-northern Divers nearby and a third by the valve tower. From rainbow we attempted to do the roost but visibility was poor so concentrated on the smaller gulls nearby and managed adult winter Med Gull very close in to hensborough bank, adult Yellow-legged Gull flew past and 23 Goosander but the star was a Jack Snipe that circled over our heads before landing in the field behind inlet. There were lots of Fieldfare, Redwing and Stock Dove between rainbow and draycote hill.
APPEAL –apart from the usual plea regarding your records – you will miss the book when it goes I need Scaup (check nail) and Bewick’s Swan for my year list at draycote – one short of my 1995 record so get out there and find um for me. Already set a patch record for myself – 186 with the furthest one just eight miles from home – credit crunch listing at its best
Richard
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