September 16th 2010

A moderate south west wind on our arrival at the pond turned north west and strengthened as a number of rain fronts passed over but they did not bring anything in. Still hundreds of hirundines present including 3 Swift while farborough bank had 8 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Wheatear and juvenile Merlin.
The Egyptian Goose was off farborough bank, juvenile Shelduck in grays barn, Dunlin in toft bay, Ringed Plover and Redshank rainbow corner, adult and 2 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull out in centre and a Hobby overhead. There were 4 Tree Sparrow behind the sewage farm which was a surprise find and this sheltered area also had Whitethroat and Blackcap. Only other birds of note were 40+ Goldfinch, 5 Buzzard, Green Woodpecker and a juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull ringed on July 9th in Gloucestershire.

Bob Hazell taken in windy conditions

Mark fancied Napton Reservoir this evening where we had a Little Owl calling plus Pipistrelle and Noctule Bats but the highlight was scoping Jupiter and seeing one of its bands as well as three of its moon and our own waxing gibbous moon showed really well and so bright it was throwing a shadow.

Richard