April 28th 2009

Still no electrics so out early and the pond had 4 Common Tern and 2 Artic Tern but little else at first in the dull overcast conditions. As it brightened up a yellow wagtail sp showed very distantly on farborough bank and may have been a female Blue-headed Wagtail but could not get to grips with it. Over 100 Swifts were feeding high over the centre of reservoir along with 80 Sand Martin, 60 House Martin and 50 Swallow. Also seen were 3 Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 8 Bar-tailed Godwits flew in to toft bay as I was leaving.
Decided hot food was required so called in to the Little Chef on the A45 and while getting stuck in to an early starter a Red Kite flew over heading towards the heath being mobbed by a Sparrowhawk. I followed shortly and though the kite had moved on there was plenty about with Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap and Garden Warbler in the bushes surrounding the various fishing pools and the old barn had at least 2 Wheatear and 3 Yellow Wagtail. I hung around as the sun came out hoping for more birds of prey going over but apart from another Sparrowhawk and 6 local Buzzard there was little movement.
Magic – electrics back on. My garden this afternoon had Peregrine, Swift, Sparrowhawk and 5 Buzzard overhead.
Back out to Draycote Water early evening and the afternoon rain had brought in Black Tern.

Richard