April 29th 2011

Drizzle at 6am this morning was the first rain we have had for weeks but it did not last long and there was no chance of Dave and I watching the wedding so down the pond by 7am. Unfortunately it was the poorest day of the week with very little about – just Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Gadwall so cleared off to the diner to warmer up with Red-legged Partridge seen on the way at Kites Hardwick.
No improvement in the weather and Napton on the Hill could only offer us 3 Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcaps while Napton Reservoir had 2 Yellow Wagtail and good number of warblers with 10 Reed and 8 Sedge Warbler plus 12 Reed Bunting.
We saw 3 Tree Sparrow at Hill on our way to look at the orchids at Draycote Meadows and though many were out the majority could do with a good dollop of rain, Red Twin-spot Carpet and Celypha striana also seen.
Bob came round to photograph a Pale Tussock and Rustic Shoulder-knot that Dave trapped overnight while my trap contained my first Silver Y of the year then it was out again as the sun tried to breakthrough. There had been a large movement of Bar-tailed Godwit inland today so decided to risk the pond hoping one might come in but far too busy for me so hung around the country park managing Hobby and Swift before seeking solitude down the Grandborough Valley. Despite the wind there was plenty of activity with Lesser Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler, Tree Sparrow, Swift, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker and Grey Partridge seen.

Richard