Draycote Water - Green Winged Teal

Male Wheatear


Red Necked Grebe


Green Winged Teal


Green Winged Teal with Teal


Great Crested Grebe

After yesterday's frustration of knowing Green Winged Teal (Lifer) was at Draycote and not being able to get out, I managed a window of opportunity this morning, arriving quite late for me at 1000. Would it still be there? I contemplated as I walked to Toft, missing Wheatear on the way but stopping to admire the Red Necked Grebe. and meeting Max on Farborough Spit. On arrival in Toft, I scanned the area, but no joy and no other birders either. I began to despair, when I spotted a Teal in the willows, could it be, scope on it and NO. A few minutes later another Teal appeared from the willows, this time ...................................YES! a lifer - Green Winged Teal. The bird was showing quite well but distant and appeared quite aggressive to the other Teal. The hide was soon full with Dave H, Richard D, and Max S arriving with others. I shall look forward to seeing the efforts of the big lenses later!
Time was not on my side, so I left them to try for Swallow and the Wheatear. Swallow must wait for another day but the Wheatear eventually showed on Farborough Bank near the sail club grave yard.

Not a bad morning with 45 species recorded. Back to work tomorrow and hopefully Swallow on my travels.

Draycote Water

Great Northern Diver


Great Northern Diver


Great Northern Diver


Great Northern Diver


Great Northern Diver

Arrived late afternoon, in warm sunshine and decided to walk to the Valve Tower and back. The hordes were still present with children climbing on the rocks and fishermen on every bank so I did not expect to see too much, so a total of 45 was pleasing. Chiffchaff were singing in the Country Park but little else until Rainbow Corner. Here at least 4 Snipe were in the field at the back with several Yellowhammers. Just before the Inlet, a White Wagtail flitted between the rocks until flushed away by rampant kids. Three Hares were in the fields off Draycote Bank and two female Goosander flew overhead. Between the Inlet and the Valve Tower, all four Great Northern Divers (above) were together and impressively calling, a sound I had not heard before. It was here that a solitary Sand Martin flew over and a Buzzard circled over Draycote Hill. Returning to the car park produced several Skylark, Reed Bunting, Pied Wagtail and Lapwing (8 flying over). From the sailing club hill, I noted a raptor heading towards Daventry, and closer scope view revealed a flyover Osprey. Not a bad day! Ahh well back to the decorating..........................................................!

A few pics to get started!

Waxwing Rugby December 2008


Barn Owl Titchwell January 2009


Black Redstart Coleshill February 2009


Waxwing Nuneaton March 2009


Robin Brandon Marsh March 2009

Time Restraints

Working in the Ambulance Service requires a rota covering a 24hour period and seven days a week. I currently work a system of day, late, night and three days off i.e 0700/1900, then 1200/0000, then 1900/0700. Time off is a premium and any birding has to be fitted in around other daily household chores that build up, overtime to fund my birding etc. etc. Unfortunately at the moment my work / leisure balance is well and truly out of sequence with work winning! As a result, I am not sure how successful this blog will be, so please be patient and return occasionally to see how I am doing.

Under Construction

Under Construction -Watch this Space!!!