September 7th 2010

I was slow off the mark when opening the kitchen blinds at 7am and thought the bird perched above the garden moth trap helping themselves to my moths was a Robin – wrong - when it flew on to the shed roof it was a male Redstart – magic – 2nd garden record and a good start to the day.

After yesterdays fall of inland migrants I was full of anticipation when Bob picked me up and we started planning the day. On a toss of a coin the pond was out first stop and we were near the start of farborough bank scanning the surface when I let out an all mighty yell demanding Bob gets his eyeball down my scope NOW (well words to that affect) and confirm what I already new - RED NECKED PHALAROPE. A pond tick for me, second record for Draycote and my 3rd record for Warwickshire I have always wanted to see it on my patch.

The phal was flighty, constantly flitting short distances and because it was bloody miles away both Bob and I suffered with field of view issues but luckily we managed to stay on it till the first birders arrived, Terry, Dave H, Bob D and John followed Tim, Dennis, Paul and a few others I did not know. Unfortunately it only showed off draycote bank for a short period before spending most of its time out in the centre so Dave H did well to get any images.


Red-necked Phalarope by Dave Hutton - as Dave said in his e-mail its only a record shot but you can tell what it is.

Tim found a Sandwich Tern (year tick) and also present were 2 juvenile Black Tern, juvenile Artic Tern out in the centre and other birds present included Swift, 3 Wheatear, 2 Raven, Hobby, 14 Buzzard, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Wigeon, 3 Yellow Wagtail and we missed the Grey Plover that Tim and Dave H had going over.

After a celebratory blow out at the Long Itchington Diner where the bacon and eggs flowed freely we plodded around Napton on the Hill mid afternoon meeting up with Terry but it was not the best time of day to look for migrants so only managed 8 Spotted Flycatchers, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, Hobby, Raven, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk and Grey Heron. After yesterday’s gales and heavy rain the views were stunning.

A very happy

Richard