March 4th 2011

First steam special of the year tomorrow with 71000 Duke of Gloucester hauling The Salopian from London Euston to Shrewsbury due in Rugby 09:21 to take on water leaving at 09:36 on the Trent Valley Line. The return route is different and will come back via Birmingham International (more water) going through Coventry 17:40 and Rugby 17:53. Times subject to change.

Brandon Marsh had 4 Shelduck, 3 Buzzard, Ringed Plover, 4 Snipe, 70 Shoveler and 3 Cetties Warbler this afternoon and 7 Corn Bunting were on Lawford Heath when we made a brief stop.

Bob kindly sent me a few snaps he took at the pond today and mentioned he had not seen a Brambling for 2 days.


male Siskin

immature male Scaup still a sleep

immature male Scaup finally awake

Cormorant continental race

Richard