Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Thursday, 17 December 2009

Draycote Water


Blackcap


Blackcap


Bullfinch


Grey Squirell


Goldeneye


Smew


Smew


Smew


Smew


(More Images on my website - see link opposite)



My day started at Draycote where I met up with Richard M, Bob H and Francoise F. A pleasant walk around the perimeter in sunshine, but a keen seasonal blow. A Great Northern Diver and two female Common Scoter were seen over towards Rainbow Corner from Farborough Bank but not relocated when we arrived there. The drake Smew was initially elusive but eventually appeared off Draycote Bank. The hedges below Thurlaston village gave good views of a male Blackcap and at least eight Bullfinch's. No sign of the Green Winged Teal.

Todays Sightings:

Great Northern Diver; Gt Cr Grebe; Dabchick; Cormorant; Grey Heron; Canada Goose; Grey Lag Goose; Wigeon; Mallard; Gadwall; Teal; Pochard; Tufted Duck; Goosander; Smew; Goldeneye; Common Scoter; Buzzard; Kestrel; Coot; Moorhen; Lapwing; BH Gull; Common Gull; GBB Gull; LBB Gull; Wood Pigeon; Collared Dove; Green Woodpecker; Gt Sp Woodpecker; Skylark; Meadow Pipit; Grey Wagtail; Pied Wagtail; Dunnock; Wren; Robin; Blackbird; Song Thrush; Redwing; Mistle Thrush; Blackcap; LT Tit; Gt Tit; Blue Tit; Starling; Magpie; Jackdaw; C Crow; Rook; Chaffinch; Greenfinch; Siskin; Goldfinch; Bullfinch; Linnet. Blue Whale.  Also, Muntjac in field below Farborough Spit.
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4 comments:

  1. Tim Jones18 December 2009 at 00:19

    Sounds like a great day out, that drake smew is stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kevin Groocock18 December 2009 at 06:12

    Cheers, Tim. It was a super day, good company, good birds and good weather.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Max Silverman18 December 2009 at 10:03

    Didn't enjoy reading your last two blogs.Racked with jealousy.I was at Long Lawford and then Draycote on Thursday and saw nothing at all.I now regret selling you the 30D.With gritted teeth " Great shots of the Smew and GWE"

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kevin Groocock18 December 2009 at 12:39

    Cheers, Max. Will you ever forgive me? Pity we did not touch base, so you could have joined us. I am sure you will get the opportunity to catch up with the birds soon.

    ReplyDelete

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