Napton Bittern

We listened to 3 Tawny Owls and a Little Owl calling on our arrival at Napton Reservoir and as the temperature dropped to minus 3 just before dawn 2 Barn Owls were out hunting the field next to the Bridge Nursery. Unfortunately we were focusing on owls so much we did not see the Bittern in the channel until it flew past very close, excellent find but failed to locate it later. Also present were 4 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 6 Great-crested Grebe and on our way out another Barn Owl was located roosting. With minutes to go before the space shed was due it clouded over and while listening to owls earlier we had 4 satellites.

Red-legged Partridge at Broadwell then a chat with Cym at the Baseley Smallholding produced 15 Tree Sparrow while Collin rang with news of 2 Brambling down the road.

I was in desperate need of a rest so made for the Long Itch diner where at least I managed to finish my breakfast compared to last week so slowly improving, then pottered around Napton on the Hill which was very quiet and failed to see the Raven that went over calling.