December 31st 2008

Minus 4 overnight and freezing fog – not the best of conditions but an early visit to Addison Rd / May Lane junction was productive with 12 Waxwing in trees by Bernhard Court before flying off north.
By the time I arrived at Draycote Water the freezing fog had hardly shifted and was very slow to clear throughout the day with temperature struggling to get above freezing.
Coal Tit and 5 Mistle Thrush in toft shallows and adult winter Med Gull in toft bay with many Black-headed Gulls that were slow to leave the roost. Eight Snipe were frozen out from the shoreline in toft and Red-necked Grebe, male Smew, 2 Great-northern Divers, streaky the adult winter Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Shags were along farborough bank. Popped in to café to say my farewells to the staff – lost there jobs as the café is closing today – a mobile café will be on site at weekends till another firm bids for the tender – the seating area and shop is open to public as normal. Not a good start for the year for um. Country Park was quiet and the feeders in the ranger’s yard were empty though a Willow Tit was seen with 23 Long-tailed Tits and a Grey Wagtail nearby. Have put a request to ST to fill them for tomorrow.
The Red-throated Diver was out in centre and could just be seen in the gloom otherwise it was quiet till a very impressive flock of Shoveler arrived – 148 counted and a male Pintail off grays barn along with 30, Pochard, 80 Wigeon and 100 Teal. At least 40 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll were feeding in alders in toft shallows, 9 Golden Plover flew over and then – bingo – 5 Waxwing flew over heading for half way lane so gave chase. (my 3rd Record for the pond). Searched from Dunchurch village to the A45/M45 roundabout but cleared off pretty quickly - to many men from the press (M45 closed due to incident) no sign of any and was just turning in to Windmill Lane, Dunchurch when one flew over heading back towards Draycote.
Marks father in law had a Red Kite yesterday over the straight mile (B4453). That’s it – another year – a few of us are year listing tomorrow, meeting up at Draycote Water tomorrow then having breakfast at the Little Chef (approx 1000-1030) on the A45 near Dunchurch. If you are going to pond don’t leave it to late – its normal for Joe public to come in big numbers on new years day so parking becomes limited. Birders have been turned away in the past. Weather could be just as bad as today so dress up warm. Finally i hope you have enjoyed the read and many thanks to those who have been supportive over the last year especially buddy Dave – we have shared some crackers this year mate so here’s hoping.

Richard