March 30th 2011

Surprisingly after last nights rain and partial cloud the pond this morning was hard work with little sign at first of any overnight migration though eventually male Blackcap, Swallow and 50 Sand Martin showed themselves along with a female Brambling. Bob added Willow Warbler to the day list while Steve reported more willow and caps on the north side but with threatening rain by mid-day we did not wander far and the only other birds of note were 2 Egyptian Geese briefly, 8 Shoveler, 14 Goldeneye, 18 Wigeon, 3 Song Thrush, Redwing and 4 Chiffchaff. On our way out as it started to rain there was a very smart Engrail on the wall of the rangers yard.
By late afternoon the rain cleared so took a look at Napton on the Hill with Geoff arriving just as a Short-eared Owl was circling the hill being mobbed by corvids before it flew off east in to Northamptonshire. Apparently it was in the quarry earlier when the horse owners arrived to check there stock. There was a Willow Warbler and male Blackcap along the lane to the Windmill with Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff along with Coal Tit and Nuthatch in churchyard.

Richard