January 11th 2011

I walked from Draycote village to Rainbow Corner, Draycote Water just after first light which was just far enough.
A Little Egret and Kingfisher were in the settling tank below draycote bank while another Kingfisher was on the inlet where 2 Dunlin rested. The large finch flock behind the inlet included at least 15 Brambling and a single Tree Sparrow plus a party of 22 Long-tailed Tits. The blustery cool North West wind meant I did not hang around and paid little attention to what was on the reservoir but noted 15 Goosander, 9 Gadwall, 12 Goldeneye and 2 Shoveler.
The hedgerows around the village held Jay, 20 Fieldfare, 3 Siskin, 2 Nuthatch and 5 Bullfinch with 4 Buzzards in fields opposite Blooms Garden Centre.
Lawford Heath had 2 Raven and 2 Little Owl while the Bewick’s Swan was still present between Church Lawford and Bretford among 93 Mute Swans near Avon House while 2 Little Egrets were reported in Long Lawford.

Richard