November 11th 2009

Dave had the day off and wanted to see the long staying Brown Shrike at Staines Moor, Surrey so I wrapped up warm and kept him company. Another day of low cloud and mist cleared as we neared Heathrow Airport and we were treated to excellent views as the bird hunted for food. At one stage the bird flew towards us and landed on the small reed bed in the river near the concrete bridge giving views down to 20 feet with a Kingfisher in the background. Also seen were 9 Ring-necked Parakeet, Great-spotted Woodpecker, 3 Green Woodpecker, Cetties Warbler, Stonechat and 12 Long-tailed Tits. On the way down we only spotted 2 Red Kite as we neared junc 6 of the M40 because of the weather but on the way back we managed 31 between junc 2 & 6 including 9 perched in a single tree. Another highlight was stopping at Beaconsfield services where there were 2 Green-brindled Crescent, Feathered Thorn, Angle Shades and Satellite moths on the side of the building.
By the time we arrived back in the midlands the mist had hardly lifted in this area and it was a lot colder so we called in at the pond and chatted to Bob & Francoise over coffee before ambling out to rainbow corner. Two of the four Redshank bob found earlier were still present, the Great-northern Diver was near the valve tower before moving to biggen bay and the adult Yellow-legged gull was off the inlet. Highlight of the visit was the Snow bunting which came in over our heads calling and heading towards the sailing club before turning back appearing to go down behind hensborough bank.
Back home and I have finally caught a moth after 5 blank days – a micro which I’m still trying to identify while Dave managed a Winter Moth and Feathered Thorn.

Richard