August 14th 2009

Bingo - despite a chilly night the partially clear skies meant I managed 5 Meteorites burning up in the atmosphere.
Out with Dave in the afternoon with Draycote Water the first port of call where we met up with Bob and Francoise who had seen the Shag earlier and reported a second bird present so wandered off to the valve tower meeting Dave Hutton and Rich Dawkins on the way. They had just seen a Wheatear along draycote bank and a Whimbrel go over calling so managed views of the Wheatear and the 2 Shags along with female Goosander, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern and 6 Gadwall before returning the way we came. I needed to pick up my bins from Focus Optics at Corley but I have no idea if we saw anything on the way as my eyelids wouldn’t stay open. Next stop was Brandon Marsh where an early evening walk produced Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank and 2 Buzzards.
Both Bob Hazell and Dave Hutton have kindly sent me photos of the Shags at the pond and its very much appreciated.



Shag by Dave Hutton
Bob had a Sallow Kitten on the cafe wall as well as 4 Red Underwings round the Rangers Office where he also found a Chocolate Tip.

Shag by Bob Hazell