Round about birding

Tawny Owl

Greater Spotted Woodpecker

Tree Sparrow

Corn Buntings

Corn Buntings

Charlecote

Ladywalk Nature Reserve as fog lifts

Trouble in the reeds

Water Rail

Stunning drawing of the pits

With no sports on the agenda (except watching England in South Africa on TV) I was keen to get out as early as possible at the weekend taking into account we had been out the previous evening celebrating Mrs D's birthday at the Moat House, Alcester.

My first stop was Morton Bagot where my target birds were Tawny Owl & Redpoll which we recorded with ease. The Tawny was sat in his favourite spot enjoying the winter sunshine. The Little Owl teased me with a glancing look before disappearing whilst the Flash was pretty quiet except for some Teal, Shoveler, Mallard and Greylag. A Greater Spotted Spotted Woodpecker looked stunning on a tree top as I headed back to the car. It was good to see so many Reed Buntings along the path with the Goldfinches but I didn't record any Yellowhammers.

The pits was my next stop but it appeared there had been some early disturbance as it was very quiet. Myself and @1stbirdoftheday noted a Jack & Common Snipe whilst one of the regular Ravens flew over.

After a quick lunch stop and picking up Mrs D we headed over to Charlecote Park. We stopped twice en route, first for some Tree Sparrows at a burial site and then at a private site for Corn Bunting. It was good is see local birder Gus as we don't often see him. He keeps a close eye on this local population. In our short stop, I counted nine birds with a couple in good voice. I need to go back here when I have more time to record some video as it's a great little spot.

We wrapped up the day by visiting Charlecote Park where we had a nice walk, recording two Little Egret & many Fallow deer, and a good brew.

Finally, if you are on Instagram please drop a follow on the account recording_the_countryside, Jenny the artist is a regular visitor to pits who records her sightings on a fantastic journal.