Wednesday 22 December 2010

December 22nd 2010

Birding has had to take a back seat but I needed a break this afternoon so despite 6 inches of snow falling this morning I ventured out to clear my head.
Impossible to cycle so walked to Draycote Water which was hard work and on arrival the place was desolate and looks as if it’s still closed. I only wandered as far as farborough spit and the majority of the surface appeared frozen so expect a clear out of duck. The male Smew heading towards biggen bay and Waxwing in grays barn no doubt a wander from the many mobile flocks in and around Rugby were the highlights. At least 1200 Wood Pigeon moved south and many Fieldfares were doing the same otherwise not much else to report.

Over the last two days more Waxwings have been appearing locally with 22 Overslade, 23 Bilton, 30 Hillmorton, 4 Clifton-upon-Dunsmore, 2 Sawbridge and 4 Kites Hardwick. I have not had an opportunity to get photos so here’s a reminder of one we had in May Lane, Rugby in 2008 taken by John Judge


I never did get to see the full eclipse. I was out watching as the shadow progressed over the face of the moon but just as the last slither of the moon was on show the cloud came in and that was that – bugger.

This is what it should have looked like


Wishing you all A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
with good birding and health.

Richard

1 comment:

The Hairy Birder said...

Happy Christmas and a bird filled New Year to you too!