September 6th 2011

Gusts of up to 50mph winds were recorded locally in the night as a south westerly weather front went through but I took the opportunity of a lift to Farmoor reservoir, Oxfordshire to see the juvenile White-winged Black Tern that was still present along with 4 Black Tern and a Black-necked Grebe.
On the way back we called in on Avon Dassett where despite the difficulty of walking in the strong winds we found a Whinchat and Wheatear being battered by the conditions while nearby Wormleighton Reservoir had 2 Corn Bunting, 12 Tree Sparrow, Kingfisher, 3 Coal Tit, Marsh Tit and Common Sandpiper.
Just in time for a late lunch in the Long Itch diner then on to Napton on the Hill where anything avian was hunkered down and not showing so had a look at the reservoir where there was also very little to report so moved on to the pond.
Despite the blustery conditions a walk out to the valve tower produced adult Yellow-legged Gull, Swift, Redshank, 2 Greenshank, Ruff, 4 Common Sandpiper and Ringed Plover. On the way back a Grey Plover circled calling.

Red Underwing

LNER A1 Class 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado will be pulling the Cathedral Express from London Euston to Chester on Saturday 10th September. Key times locally will have her arriving in Northampton at 09:48 and leaving at 09:58, arriving in Rugby 10:24 leaving at 10:26 and Nuneaton will see here arrive at 10:42 and depart 10:57. On her return she is due in Rugby at 18:48 departing at 19:00. All times subject to change.

Richard