January 19th 2011

I plodded around the pond again trying to improve my year list.
Not much difference to previous visits but after a struggle to relocate the adult female Scaup for the Brandon Babes it was found off hensborough bank and after showing them frustrating views of Brambling my luck changed when Bob joined me and we were treated to at least 30 birds among the finch flock with 19 showing in one bush late morning. A male Sparrowhawk took an interest in the flock and was observed perched on the ground looking stunning as it enjoyed the winter sunshine. Earlier a female Sparrowhawk was hunting along farborough bank.
Over 300 Wigeon arrived but only stayed briefly while Goosander numbers are hovering between 15 and 20 birds, Linnets increased to 25 and over 600 Fieldfare and 100+ Redwing were feeding in the fields between the reservoir and Southam rd. Only other birds of note were 5 Gadwall, 2 Golden Plover, Jay, 10 Long-tailed Tits and Reed Bunting. Unfortunately both the Scaup and Smew went walk about early afternoon due to disturbance from the sailing club.
After a rest I went out again late afternoon to Brandon Marsh hoping for the Short-eared Owl but had no luck though the Bittern in flight over newlands was magical as was the Woodcock over Brandon Golf Course. A Little Owl was heard on Lawford Heath.

Richard