January 6th 2009

A temperature low of minus 6.7 in my garden overnight and Sawbridge was still -8.9 at first light as I looked for owls this morning in the Grandborough valley so I think it’s safe to say it was bloody cold this morning and the minor roads were dodgy as hell. Still “no pain no gain” or words to that effect crossed my mind as I found a Long-eared Owl half hidden in a thick hedge being mobbed incessantly by Magpie’s between Sawbridge and Wolfhamcote. Alas it was a field length away so no chance of approaching any closer. Earlier I had seen 2 Barn and one Little Owl near Sawbridge.
Draycote Water was cooking on gas!! A stunning visit with Bob and Francoise.
Red-throated Diver still present and showing well but not close.
Great-northern Diver 4 still present
Red-necked Grebe first winter still off farborough bank.
Smew male off farborough bank.
Scaup first winter male in biggen bay.

Whooper Swan – poor record shot - overnight arrival of adult and juv accompanied by juv Mute Swan- all three left 10pm
Shag 2 first winters.
Peregrine a close fly by of a large immature over toft bay.
Merlin male perched two fields back off hensborough bank.
Pintail male off draycote bank.
Goosander 29 female and 18 male
Shelduck arrived just after 10am and spent the day touring.
Med Gull first winter in biggen bay this morning and adult winter in pre-roost.
Green Sandpiper over Country Park.
Common Sandpiper windsurfing area.
Snipe at least 44 due to frozen ground.
Also seen were
Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Buzzard, Ruddy duck 4, Siskin 24, Meadow Pipit 9, Canada Geese 560, Greylag Goose 3, Shoveler 2, Kingfisher 2, Raven and Grey Wagtail.
USEFUL HINT - due to a lot of birders struggling to see Red-throated Diver the best advice I can give is to view reservoir from hensborough bank and sweep between inlet and valve tower - do it slow and continuous and you should be lucky.

Richard