March 4th 2009

Yesterday’s storm petered out overnight becoming brighter and calmer so took the opportunity to look for owls near Sawbridge and rewarded with 2 Barn Owls still out hunting in day light and a Little Owl near Wolfhamcote. A walk along the nearby Grand Union Canal produced Kingfisher and Siskin but no sign of yesterdays Crossbill seen by barging folk. The feeders at Railway Cottages, Flecknoe had Tree Sparrow and Coal Tit while Grandborough Fields Farm had 100 Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, 4 Buzzard, 2 Golden Plover and Snipe. Rest of morning checking the set a side field and though not as productive it still had 2 Brambling and 2 Tree Sparrow while Reed Buntings were a lot more noticeable in the area.
Draycote Water was busy with walkers and birders enjoying the afternoon sunshine though the temperatures were low so I’m not sure what the Sand Martin is surviving on as it passed the sailing club. The roost was the best of the year in quality and viewing conditions with first winter Glaucous and Iceland Gull, adult and first winter Yellow-legged Gull, adult and first summer Med Gull and adult Kittiwake while a Woodcock flew over valve tower towards Bourton Hall. Also seen were the 10 Goosander, Great-spotted Woodpecker, 2 Great-northern Diver, Grey Wagtail Treecreeper, male Blackcap and Redshank.

Richard