January 9th 2011

I managed a few hours with Dave this morning before a coughing fit floored me and I called it a day. No sign of any owls down the Southam Rd or Waxwings in Bilton, Rugby so we looked for the Geese and Swans reported last week between Bretford and Church Lawford.
Avon House had the single Bewick’s Swan among 90 Mutes while on the other side of the River Avon the Newnham Grounds Canada Geese flock included 13 Graylag, Pink-footed Goose and Barnacle Goose (damaged leg) while Barnaby’s Spinney had 500 Wood Pigeon and 40 Lapwing.


Limestone Hall Lane, Church Lawford had 30 Tree Sparrow and a small Peregrine flew over Blue Boar Farm, Lawford Heath. Also seen were Great-spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, a few Redwing and Fieldfare now feeding in fields plus Corn Bunting.
After the cloud cover spoilt yesterday’s view of the Space Station this evening it showed well from my garden at 17:39 with the crescent moon and nearby Jupiter in the background as it headed over France towards Italy. I managed to track it in the scope – stunning – you could see the solar array.

Richard