3-6-10, Southfields Farm

This farm is situated near Coleshill and is the one given to me to carry out bird surveys for the RSPB. I was up at 05.00 and on site for just after 06.00. The survey entails walking around all of the hedgerows listing down birds seen and heard and their activity. Birds listed on the visit were House Sparrow, Wood Pigeon, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer, Wren, Goldfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Starling, Robin, Magpie, Song Thrush, Red-legged Partridge, Common Whitethroat, Swift, Swallow, Little Owl (bonus year tick), Collared Dove and Green Woodpecker. A nice visit and a bonus year tick.

3-6-10, Whitemoor Haye.

After a bad nights sleep and an early start with lots of walking I headed for an easy walk around Whitemoor with my dog. Around the roads I noted Swallow, Tree Sparrow, Skylark, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Linnet, Rook, Common Whitethroat, Magpie, Goldfinch, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Wren, Chaffinch, a calling Quail on the bend along the rough track, Blackbird, Buzzard, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Swift, Kestrel, and Black-headed Gull. Back to the car and a short drive to the quarry pit and I added Mallard, Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Sand Martin, Ringed Plover and Pied Wagtail.

3-6-10, Croxall GP.

After some breakfast/lunch I decided to have a rest and watch the Germany/Argentina match. Another very good match with a slightly suprising result. I have been backing the Dutch to win after the group stage but the Germans are looking good. Back to birding and I decided to head to Croxall for a couple of hours before the Spain/Paraguay match started (which turned out to be an awful match), and stretch my legs. There were a couple of people around but not too busy so it was an enjoyable visit. Birds noted on the main side were Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Magpie, Sedge Warbler, Wren, Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Swallow, Canada Geese, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Starling, Mallard, Pochard, Barnacle Geese and Oystercatchers. To the right of the main hide, soil was deposited from what was dug out from the river. It has made a big area of waterlogged soil and so much shows depending on the water levels. There was a fair bit showing today and there was loads of juvenile Black-headed Gulls and Ringed Plovers plus a couple of Common Sandpipers and loads of Lapwings. All quite close to the hide giving good views. Great fun. Onto the east side and I added Blackbird, Dunnock, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Rook, Common Tern, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Green Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Robin, Chaffinch, Stock Dove, Moorhen, Grey Heron and Kestrel. Heading back to the car feeling very tired I added Song and Mistle Thrush to end the day.