Draycote Water

Land Ahoy!

An early morning visit to Draycote Water this morning with continuing low water. Indeed, one of the normally submerged islands is beginning to show.

Starting at Thurlaston, I walked to the inlet and back, eventually meeting up with a "gaggle" of birders on Farborough Bank comprising Bob D; Bob H; Richard M; Colin P; Max S and Francoise F.

The morning started well with a Kingfisher on the small pond off the approach track from Thurlaston village. An adult Yellow Legged Gull loafed in Toft shallows with a second adult near the inlet. Farborough Bank and spit held the majority of waders, notably one Dunlin keeping company with a juvenile Sanderling, three juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, and juvenile Ringed Plover. At least seven Yellow Wagtails were seen at the fishing lodge and on the sailing club roof. Rainbow Corner looked good as I approached but my impression was shatted with the arrival of Captain Pugwash and Master Mate on the "Black Pig". They were heard to say "surprised no bank anglers" in a loud voice before grounding! Surprise, surprise all the birds had gone!

Captain Pugwash and Master Mate aboard the Black Pig in Rainbow Corner

One brave Greenshank remained briefly before taking flight towards Farborough Bank. The inlet Produced a juvenile Ruff, the long staying female Goosander, Yellow Legged Gull and a juvenile Shelduck which was later seen in flight over Toft. The only raptors seen by me today were over the field at the back of the inlet, namely, Buzzard, Kestrel and two Sparrowhawks. My walk back produced a Wheatear on Hensborough Bank with a second on Farborough Bank. From Farborough Spit, distant views were had of at least three Black Terns over the inlet and a Common Tern over the bank itself.

Greenshank

(I know the above two are far from"crisp" but I rather like them!)

Wheatear

Sanderling and Dunlin

Grey Heron

Todays Sightings:

Robin; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Jackdaw; Collared Dove; House Sparrow; Black Headed Gull; Moorhen; Kingfisher; Carrion Crow; Dunnock; Goldcrest; Mallard; Coot; Great Crested Grebe; Tufted Duck; Wren; LBB Gull; Blue Tit; Mute Swan; Teal; Dabchick; Yellow Legged Gull; Great Tit; Swallow; Long Tailed Tit; Cormorant; Grey Heron; Gadwall; Pied Wagtail; Dunlin; GBB Gull; Common Sandpiper; Sanderling; Little Ringed Plover; House Martin; Yellow Wagtail; Canada Goose; Rook; Blackbird; Goldfinch; Chiffchaff; Chaffinch; Greenfinch; Grey Lag Goose; Greenshank; Willow Warbler; Lapwing; Ruff; Buzzard; Goosander; Ringed Plover; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Green Woodpecker; Sparrowhawk; Kestrel; Wheatear; Black Tern; Shelduck; Common Tern.