Draycote Water (Even Wetter!)

When I set out from the car park, the sun was shining and I felt a little overdressed but all was soon to change. Today was to be a short visit with my intention to walk as far as the valve tower and back. As I approached Rainbow Corner, the sky blackened, the wind increased and I was drenched before my waterproofs saw light of day! The only consolation was a group of female joggers giving a good wet t-shirt display as they bounced through the deluge!

I did not expect anything special to be on show and was pleased to get views of a flyover Hobby above Hensborough Bank. As I approached the Outlet, a solitary Little Egret flitted between here and Rainbow Corner before heading off towards Birdingbury and a single Common Sandpiper took flight. As the rain became heavier, I chickened out and made my way back to the car. A quick look over the pontoons saw two Common Tern and my attention was drawn to a number of large gulls off Farborough Bank. Amongst the Black Headed and Lesser Black Backed Gulls were two adult Yellow Legged Gulls.

Tufted Duck

Little Egret

Little Egret

Little Egret

Little Egret

Little Egret

Little Egret

Carrion Crow

Black Headed Gull

Mute Swan (Doing a good impression of a NHS manager!!!)

Tufted Duck

(More Images on my website - see link opposite)

Todays Sightings (1430 - 1645):

Wood Pigeon; Chaffinch; Carrion Crow; Blue Tit; House Martin; Coot; Cormorant; Mallard; Moorhen; Common Tern; Black Headed Gull; Pied Wagtail; LBB Gull; Goldfinch; Mute Swan; Swallow; Blackbird; Tufted Duck; Great Crested Grebe; Hobby; Lapwing; Swift; Little Egret; Skylark; Magpie; Canada Goose; Common Sandpiper; Yellowhammer; Kestrel; Green Woodpecker; Pheasant; Dunnock; Yellow Legged Gull; Chiffchaff; Rook.