Rocky 6

Draycote was cool and blustery this morning but at least it stayed dry for our visit and by the time we left it had been very birdy. A Marsh Harrier briefly showed over the perimeter tree line as it flew over the fields opposite the entrance flushing many duck, 100 Lapwing and 3 Golden Plover. At least 6 Rock Pipit were dotted around the reservoir along with 3 Grey Wagtail and 2 Wheatear. The various Tufted Duck flocks contained 2 Pochard and a female Pintail while overhead there were 2 House Martin, single Swallow, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and 2 Snipe with 2 more in toft shallows. Other sightings included Water Rail, Kingfisher, 8 Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff and 9 Raven. The Raven count does not include those seen near or over Napton on the Hill due to excellent visibility which would have added another 20+ to the count.

as usual my thanks go to Bob Hazell for sharing his pics