Draycote Water

Drake Smew

My first visit of the year to Draycote Water was pleasantly mild but rather dull and poor light. My main aim was to touch base with drake Smew which was located off Draycote Bank between the valve tower and inlet.

Drake Smew

While watching the Smew, a Grey Wagtail flew in and "posed" on the rocks for a while, much to the annoyance of a Pied Wagtail.

Grey Wagtail

Pied Wagtail

Robin

Wigeon

While on Farborough Bank, five Golden Plovers flew over towards the A426 but did not land.

Interestingly, I spoke to a group of contractors while watching the Smew off Draycote Bank. Apparently, there have been complaints from the sailing club about the low water levels, and they have had their pleasure disrupted by running aground. The contractors have been tasked with constructing another water inlet (not sure where from) but the water level is to be raised by one meter asap! Hmmmmmmmmm!

Todays Sightings:

Great Crested Grebe; Dabchick; Cormorant; Grey Heron; Mute Swan; Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Wigeon; Mallard; Gadwall; Teal; Pochard; Tufted Duck; Goosander; Smew; Goldeneye; Buzzard; Pheasant; Coot; Moorhen; Golden Plover; Lapwing; Black Headed Gull; Common Gull; LBB Gull; GBB Gull; Wood Pigeon; Grey Wagtail; Pied Wagtail; Dunnock; Wren; Robin; Blackbird; Fieldfare; Redwing; Goldcrest; Long Tailed Tit; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Starling; Magpie; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; Rook; Chaffinch; Greenfinch; Bullfinch; Goldfinch; Linnet.