Tuesday, August 08, 2017

πŸ“– Diary Update #42

🌨13C Tuesday 8th August 2017 ~ Draycote water, only a fifteen-minute drive from the marina and somewhere I should really visit more often. The weather today resembled something more akin to October with steady rain, the wind from the north and only a chilly 13C!

Egyptian Goose ~ In among the Greylag flock
After an initial scan, lots of Hirondines and Common Swifts low over the water, I began with a walk past the sailing club and windsurfing area, stopping short of Hensborough Bank. Here fourteen Common Terns resting up and in among the Greylag flock a single Egyptian Goose. At least three Little Egret across towards the valve tower and out towards the centre, three Common Scoter could be made out in the gloom, thanks to ranger Cleo for the heads up πŸ‘

Ringed Plover at Rainbow Corner
I met up with Bob Hazell along Draycote Bank just as a Kingfisher flew through but just missing a Black-tailed Godwit, which Bob managed a photo of. With the rain a little heavier now I decided to drift back with Bob, adult and juvenile Ringed Plover at rainbow corner as we headed off. Only other species of note was a Common Sandpiper on the windsurfing area before we reached the centre.

One of four Turnstone at Farborough Spit
After Bob departed I took a walk along Farborough Bank as far as the 'Spit' in what was now pretty heavy rain. It was worthwhile though, the 'Spit' producing four Turnstone, Dunlin and another Ringed Plover! Other species of note during my stay: Yellow-legged Gull & Grey Wagtail.