Draycote Water

Yellow Wagtail


Yellow Wagtail


Chaffinch

Great Crested Grebe

Pied Wagtail

Arrived at Draycote from Napton on the Hill at 0830 and decided to walk to Toft shallows and back in the hope (again!) of seeing some migrants to add to my year list. Managed to record 42 species of bird in total. The Country Park produced Swallow, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. A single Great Norther Diver was distant off Farborough Bank which also produced Wheatear, Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit. While talking to Richard Mays, a single Common Sandpiper flew past landing briefly on the bank. With many fishermen present, it was obvious that disturbance would reduce sightings and little else of note was seen before arriving at the Hide. I must admit that I do not usually enter the Draycote Hide, preferring to observe from the road. However, Richard had told me that the Green Winged Teal was still present though elusive. No sign after half an hour so I walked a little further into Toft Shallows. As I walked past the controversial boardwalk, tree specialists were at work, so the disturbance had probably caused the GWT and most other birds into quieter areas. On my return to the car it was pleasing to hear and see a Sedge Warbler in the thickets near the sailing club graveyard.

Now, I really must get on with the decorating.