More Little Gulls

Greeted to an increase in Little Gulls when we arrived at the pond with at least 10 present though only 3 could be found when we left 3hrs later (7adults including yesterday’s pink jobby, 2 first winters and a presumed first summer). While watching the gulls a pair of Red-breasted Merganser drifted in to view with the male looking very resplendent in full summer plumage and despite the presence of a few fishing boats they settled in front of the sailing club for most of our visit. The Long-tailed Duck was still around mixing with 10 Goldeneye (2male) and a female Pochard. Toft shallows had at least 6 Blackcaps with SB reporting more on the north shore and plenty of Chiffchaff. Surprise sighting of the visit was a pair of Red-legged Partridge taking a shortcut over the broad walk. Other sightings included 5 Gadwall, 2 Oystercatcher, Snipe, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Reed Bunting, 35 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, Buzzard and 20 Meadow Pipits while the albino Grey Squirrel showed on the fence of the lookout.

Napton on the Hill had Sparrowhawk, 8 Raven and 2 Buzzard with very little singing apart from the local Mistle Thrushes but while we were driving home a Red Kite drifted over the southam road owl field and the pond at mid-day.