August 25th 2011

Bob and I had high hopes for something new at pond this morning after last nights rain but it was disappointing with only a few waders dotted around the reservoir and nothing obviously new.
One Sanderling remained on the spit while other waders seen were 6 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin (on daisy island), 4 Common Sandpiper, Ruff and 2 Greenshank.
Other birds of note included 8 Raven, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Swift (Bob managed 15), 400 Swallow, 200 House Martin, 25 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 31 Teal, female Goosander, 36 Graylag, 611 Canada Geese and 2 Common Tern. A few butterflies were seen including 4 Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Small Tortoiseshell and Small white.
Back out in the afternoon to Napton on the Hill and one of yesterdays Redstart was still present and joined by a juvenile Whinchat while overhead there were 4 Raven, Hobby and 5 Buzzard. Other sightings included 4 Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, 11 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Blackcap, 8 Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff.
Heavy storms building up north of Rugby may have been the cause of 7 Black Tern arriving at the pond at 5pm along with 3 Redshank and adult Shelduck.
A Muntjac was on the side of the road near Princethorpe on our way to the pub tonight and I soon had it cleared to watch the “space shed” go over despite a thin layer of cloud spoiling the view. A look at Lawford Heath on the way home produced 2 Foxes.

Richard