January 24th 2011

Draycote Water was dull grey and cold this morning with yesterdays sailing activities pushing out more duck so very few around. The male Smew was off farborough bank and the female Scaup off inlet fast a sleep and keeping her distance

Scaup by Bob

Smew by Francoise
Highlight of the visit were the Brambling behind the inlet. Up to ten have been reported since my last visit but an hours search of the flock produced 26 among the finch flock with a lot more males present so Bob and I believe there is probably 30 plus and just needs time to locate them. A few Linnets also present in the finch flock.
Other sightings included and 20 Stock Dove, 20 Fieldfare, 2 Buzzard, 6 female and 2 male Goosander, 15 Wigeon, 15 Goldeneye, and 7 Gadwall while a futile search of the rangers yard for House Sparrows produced Great-spotted Woodpecker, 2 Treecreeper, Goldcrest, 30 Chaffinch, 4 Bullfinch and 15 Long-tailed Tits in the country park. As we left 300+ Fieldfare and Redwing flew across the Southam Road.
Colin and Sara had the Bewick’s Swan at Bretford today but the Golden Plovers by the fosse monument had moved on.

Richard