March 9th 2008

Out early with Dave in valley for the Long-eared Owl but alas there was no sign as the farmer has since yesterday morning put sheep in to there usual field so that might be it. Nearby we were lucky to have a Barn Owl perched only 15ft away and it came even closer when it flew past us – breath taking. Also in area were the pair of Stonechat, Green Woodpecker, Fieldfare 30, Meadow Pipits 10 and Roe Deer 4.
No sign of Shelduck at Napton Reservoir just Pochard 11, Redwing 10 and a few Meadow Pipits but on our way to Draycote we spotted a Corn Bunting perched on roadside hedge near Broadwell. Draycote was quiet with only 9 Goosander, 16 Goldeneye, and 30+ Meadow Pipits.
Brandon Marsh had Oystercatcher, Shelduck 2, Goosander pair, Buzzard 6, Jay and a distant flock of Golden Plover (100+). Rookery Farm, Lawford Heath had Tree Sparrow, a few Starling, Buzzard and Chaffinch 30+.
My garden moth trap had Pale Brindle Beauty, Common Quaker and Small Quaker and still one Brambling briefly on feeders this afternoon.

Richard