September 25th 2011

Dave’s back from his holiday so we played catch up over a coffee while a heavy shower passed over. Once it finished we had time for a walk out to farborough spit, Draycote Water where the rain and southerly winds had brought in a few terns.
Over the next hour we had at least 20 Arctic’s arrive in small groups with some staying and others passing through so could have be more birds involved. They were accompanied by 5 Common Terns which joined the 4 Black Terns already present.
Waders included 16 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper while the best of the rest was 2 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Reed Bunting, Raven and Sparrowhawk.
On our way to Long Itchington a Hobby flew over Birdingbury Bridge.
Once fed and watered we arrived at Napton on the Hill to the incredible sight of 15 Raven hanging in the air above the church with another 8 further away. Later on we found 10 of the 15 on the ground in the quarry but I doubt if they stayed due to a sponsored motocross due to go through.
Other sightings included 12 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Goldcrest, 3 Mistle Thrush, Green Woodpecker and 2 Buzzard. A Vapourer Moth was also seen.
Not heard of any recent sightings of the Black-necked Grebe so pleased to find it was still at Napton Reservoir when we checked the place out. Only other sightings of interest were 85 Canada Geese, Chiffchaff and a steady stream of Swallows heading south.

Dave trapped a migrant Rusty Dot Pearl last night - will get my man to take snap shots.

Richard