October 14th 2011

With south easterlies and broken cloud overnight I abandoned my domestics and did a visibly migration watch with a steady stream of migrants going over my garden. My final count in two and half hours was 18 Fieldfare, 55 Redwing, 189 Skylark, 25 Meadow Pipit, Brambling, 5 Siskin, 15 Chaffinch, 25 Linnet, and a Swallow.
Just packing up and getting ready to look at the pond with Mark when a text from Kevin asking what do I know about a Spoonbill at the pond. A quick call to check on what he knew then another to Bob who was at the pond so by the time Mark and I were passing Dunchurch at warp factor five Bob had legged it to the north shore and rang to say he had it on the other side of reservoir. Another quick call to JJ on Scilly to contact those whose numbers I don’t have then it was speedy walk from the top car park to hensborough bank where the juvenile Spoonbill showed really well. As the crowd grew to 25 souls it fed actively until a fishing boat encroached on the accompanying duck flock and flushed it. Luckily despite climbing towards draycote bank it returned and seemed settled when we left. Golden Plover heard and a few Skylarks over but did not give the reservoir any real attention though a Small Copper is worth a mention that landed in front of us.
Many thanks to Kath who after hearing about it got the ball rolling and to Bob who’s effort in seeing it meant a very long walk to back to hensborough in warm temperatures before he could enjoy it.

Gave Napton Reservoir a look hoping for a Bearded Tit to have joined the Black-necked Grebe but it was not to be. At least 3 Buzzards went over high plus another 5 local birds and 18 Wigeon present but no visible migration as the wind had changed.
Joined up with Dave in the Just So – what the hell are we going to do when she closes for the winter next Friday. We will all be skinny by next spring – god forbid. Tried our luck on Napton on the Hill but it was very quiet – almost birdless and only 2 Raven and a few Red Admirals to keep us occupied though very peaceful.

Tonight has been the first clear night for ages so Mark helped me put the family on to the Equuuleus Constellation and all the time we were hearing hundreds of Redwings going over.

Richard