Merlin and Rail

A good passage of Skylarks over Draycote Water this morning with at least 70 counted while 14 Swallow’s in 3 groups fed briefly before pushing on south. The Wheatear remained on farborough bank and the Little Egret on the wind surfing shore-line. Bird of the day was a female/immature Merlin that attempted to take a Meadow Pipit over the country park before turning its attention to a Starling flock. With Paul C having 3 Chiffchaff and a Grey Wagtail on Napton on the Hill we decided to concentrate on Napton Reservoir and rewarded with a sulking Water Rail, 12 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler including an adult male, 4 Teal, 2 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 4 Raven, Sparrowhawk and 4 Buzzard. Despite the cool wind and developing cloud the sun was warm enough to bring out 2 Red Admiral, Comma and a Hornet along with a couple of Common Darter and 5 Migrant Hawkers.