September 18th 2009

I had to be out mega early – sad – I needed the Bar-tailed Godwit that had been at Draycote Water for the last two days for my year list and at the same time National Moth Night is demanding my attention over the next 2 nights so it was the briefest of visits.
Luckily it was still present in rainbow corner along with a Wheatear and a couple of Yellow Wagtail while a quick stop in toft confirmed the Pectoral Sandpiper was still present before shooting off home to get the mothing gear ready. Ruff and Dunlin also noted.
Once done and a few other domestics it was back out with Dave for a more relaxed visit but not before a break in the cloud and the wind now in the east triggered a bit of migration over the garden mid morning with Golden Plover heading west calling loudly followed by a few Swallow and House Martins.
Once we had our coffee at the pond we wandered out to toft hoping for the Bar-tailed but no sign of it. Pectoral Sandpiper was showing well again with 2 Dunlin and there were still plenty of Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipits about feeding on the banks but missed the Rock Pipit. Adult Shelduck till mid afternoon when if flew off and juvenile still present.

Ruff by Bob Hazell

Bar-tailed Godwit by Bob hazell

Richard