March 2nd 2009

The roost at Draycote Water this evening had my earliest arrival of Sand Martin by 10 days hunting low over the water off draycote bank and in the roost itself their were first winter Glaucous Gull, first and second winter Iceland Gull, adult and possible first winter Yellow-legged Gull and 2 adult winter Med Gulls. All four Great-northern Divers were together late afternoon off dunns bay with one calling regularly, Red-necked Grebe off farborough bank and the male Smew in toft bay. Most duck species numbers have declined since the cold spell so two male Shoveler, 24 Gadwall, 24 Goldeneye, 14 Goosander and 156 Wigeon were good counts for this time of the year. Other species seen included 12 Siskin, Grey Wagtail, 23 Meadow Pipit, 2 Green Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, 5 Buzzard, 5 Redwing 40 Fieldfare and Coal Tit.

Richard