Tuesday 8th December

Yesterday saw me doing my usual walk around the Reservoir and surrounding areas, it was, as it has been for most of the year, quiet.

However, I did flush a Woodcock, which was the first for the year. The Common Sandpiper was still present, strangely is was associating with a small flock of around a dozen Meadow Pipits. Apart from around eight Snipe it was quiet. I went around this afternoon seeing very little in addition to yesterday apart from a couple of Raven.

The approach road to Blythe Mill has been providing good views of both Short-eared and Barn Owl. Access isn’t easy as the footpath from Water Lane is probably the best, although parking might be a problem. Get as far as the bridge and scan the rough area back towards the Mill and the main road. I was there this afternoon and there was a Short-eared Owl although this was tempered by the sight of a Mute Swan flying into the pylon cables and plunging to its death! Put the mockers on a good day.

Tuesday 1st December

After a week in Scotland this was the first opportunity to get out since I got back. The Common Sandpiper was still present and there were close on 70 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall and a fly over Raven.

The wet meadows held nine Snipe but no Jack Snipe.

Early evening saw me at Coleshill Quarry where I caught up with the Short-eared Owls that have been around for a week or so. They were showing particularly well just off the approach road to the Mill. They were joined by a Barn Owl later on.