March 1st 2009

Out early with Dave but failed to find any Barn Owls in the unexpected misty conditions and we continued to struggle with visibility at Draycote Water eventually finding one of the Great-northern Divers in the distance but at least the Red-necked Grebe and male Smew were a little easier. Dipped on the female Merlin seen by Kevin.
On our way for breakfast we managed to fluke the female Hen Harrier before it drifted south – apparently seen at draycote later in the day according to birdguides.
Lawford Heath was very quiet but the Bittern missed by seconds from the carlton hide at Brandon Marsh reappeared a few minutes later giving brief but good views along with a pair of Kingfisher perched nearby. The east marsh hide had 2 Goldeneye, 4 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 14 Snipe while later on we came across 6 Siskin, Coal Tit, Peregrine plus calling Cetties Warbler and Water Rail.
If your in to green objects from outer space the clearer skies tonight could be good for finding Comet Lulin.

Richard