December 11th 2010

Turned out that both steam specials in my area were arriving at the same time so had too decided which to go for so plumped for the Castle Class no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe leaving Birmingham Moor Street at 8:24 heading for Paddington, London.
Dave kindly offered to take me to see it at Wormleighton which gave us time to do a bit of birding at both Napton and Womrleighton Reservoirs. Arriving before dawn at Napton we had Barn Owl then added Cetti’s Warbler, Raven and Curlew when the light improved while Wormleighton had 3 Coal, 2 Willow and 3 Marsh Tit plus Treecreeper, 5 Tree Sparrow, 3 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpecker, 500 Fieldfare and 300 Redwing.
The “mount” was going hell for leather when she passed us on time so very impressive then it was off to the Diner at Long Itchington for a hearty breakfast.

Dave Cox

Me

Alan Anscomb

Back home and 20 Fieldfare headed south over the garden then it was out again down the Grandborough valley looking for owls but only Barn Owl put in an appearance although a close up encounter with a Woodcock was not to be sneezed at.

JJ and Alfie chose the other option and watched 60163 Tornado as she left Rugby and looking a lot more healthier than last time.


JJ & Alfie

Understandably not mentioned moths for while due to the sub zero temperatures we have had of late but this window of mild air certainly brought them out this morning with 2 Umber species and 30+ Winter Moth seen on route to Napton Reservoir. None in the traps but tonight is looking good with Winter Moth already in mine.

Many thanks to Dave, Alan and John for there photos

Richard