August 4th 2009

The grotty conditions overnight brought down this young Whinchat which was found by Mark Phillips and I on toft bank as we walked to toft shallows, Draycote Water this morning. Unfortunately it was being kicked about by joggers and walkers but Bob managed this great shot before it flew towards the perimeter hedge and not seen again.

Whinchat by Bob Hazell
While we were enjoying this bird 14 Common Tern arrived as another shower came in but they continued on there way heading east followed by 3 Little Ringed Plover.
Back at the visitors centre there were 2 more Little Ringed Plover by the sailing pontoon while earlier on our arrival we had a juv Ringed Plover resting on farborough bank.

Also seen were at least 6 Willow Warblers, Mistle Thrush and Common Sandpiper in toft shallows, 3 Grey and one Yellow Wagtail on farborough bank and plenty of Swifts, Sand Martins and Swallows overhead.
My garden trap had these

Magpie

Sallow Kitten
I also went out with Mark, Mason and Phillip mothing last night at Draycote Meadows and managed quiet a few species in the short time we were doing it. Photos later.

Richard