July 18th 2009

Very strong westerly winds overnight gusting over 30mph at times and more reminiscent of the gales in September tempted me out before day light.
As the first signs of day light showed a distant Barn Owl could be seen working its way along the farborough and toft banks of Draycote Water from the A426 before it crossed back over the road towards bunkers hill.
Quiet a few large gulls noted leaving the roost and included 200+ Lesser Black-back at least one Herring Gull while the long staying Yellow-legged Gull was off the fishing pontoons and a search around the visitor centre for moths produced Poplar Hawk-moth, Scarce and 2 Common Footman, 3 Diamond-back Moth and Silver Y.
A Golden Plover calling as it flew over rainbow was a very early returning bird and most unusual at this time of the year. The Goosander was still off the inlet while other waders were represented by a Turnstone in biggen bay, 5 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin. I left early so only other birds of note were Green Woodpecker, Jay and Buzzard.

Richard