Swallow - At Last! (But no pics!!)

Pied Wagtail


Pied Wagtail


Pied Wagtail


Grey Wagtail


Grey Wagtail

Having worked a night shift I felt I needed to clear my head so decided to visit Draycote late afternoon, walking to the Valve Tower and back. The hordes were still very present, so I did not expect to see a great deal and was very pleased with a total of 46 species between 1545hrs and 1915hrs.

I was hoping to increase my year list with summer visitors, so two Swallows off Hensborough Bank was pleasing as were the three Willow Warblers between here and the Inlet. Yellowhammer and Skylark in Rainbow Corner but only the usual suspects out on the water. Towards the centre from the Inlet produced several male and female Shoveler and a lone Oystercatcher was observed near the Valve Tower. Two Grey Wagtail graced Draycote Bank along with numerous Pied Wagtail, but I dipped on any Yellow Wagtail. I spent a little time on Farborough Bank near the scrape in the hope of locating Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail but again no joy. A distant scope view of the splendid Red Necked Grebe in Toft, but decreasing light prevented a search for the Green Winged Teal.

Ah well, home to bed!