2008


2008 Records

Compiled mainly from the Draycote recorders and Pager services.  All records subject to acceptance. Please email your sightings. Emails for 2008 = 58

December 31st
5 Waxwing flew over towards half way lane with 1 seen returning to the reservoir. Red-throated Diver, Red-necked Grebe, 4 Great Northern Diver, 2 imm Shag and drake Smew all still present so hopefully a good start to the year tomorrow. Also present were adult Med Gull, drake Pintail, a very impresive148 Shoveler, 8 Snipe, 30 Pochard, 100 Teal and 80 Wigeon. (R Mays)
On a last note many thanks to the few people who have been bothered to send me emails of their sightings, with 58 in a year that's just over 1 a week!! If it had not been for Richards blog site there would be hardly any records at all for this year and was just wondering if this site is worth continuing in the future?
December 30th
Red-throated Diver still present but very mobile and usually near the Valve Tower area, still Red-necked Grebe, at least 2 Great Northern Diver, imm Shag and drake Smew. (J Judge)
December 29th
Still Red-necked Grebe, Red-throated Diver, 4 Great Northern Diver, 2 imm Shag and drake Smew still present. (B Hazell)
December 28th
At last a new bird a Red-throated Diver seen off the Overflow prior to doing the roost which had nothing of note in it. Still off Farborough Bank were Red-necked Grebe, 3 Great Northern Diver, imm Shag and drake Smew. Peregrine over the Country Park. (J Judge R Mays D Cox J D & P Hall K Groocock)
December 27th
The Red-necked Grebe, 2 Great Northern Diver, imm Shag and drake Smew still off Farborough Bank. The Common Sandpiper was on the road near the Hide and 32 Golden Plover in the field below Farborough Bank. (R Dawkins)
December 26th
Off Farborough Bank were Red-necked Grebe, 2 Great Northern Diver, imm Shag and Common Sandpiper on the Fishing Pontoons and drake Smew. (J Judge A Judge R Mays D Cox)
December 25th
All the usuals still present Red-necked Grebe, 4 Great Northern Diver, imm Shag, drake Smew and Common Sandpiper. (R Mays)
December 24th
Red-necked Grebe,  4 Great Northern Diver imm Shag and drake Smew all still present mainly off Farborough Bank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on the Fishing Pontoons (not the streaky headed bird) Common Sandpiper at the windsurfing area, 5 Snipe near Farborough Spit and Kingfisher in Toft Bay. In the roost were 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull. (M Phillips M Phillips F Farrington R Mays)
December 23rd
2 Great Northern Diver and Common Sandpiper still. In the roost were ad Yellow-legged Gull and c400 Great Black-backed Gull (R Mays M Phillips M Phillips)
December 22nd
Red-necked Grebe, 4 Great Northern Diver, drake Smew and Common Sandpiper still off Farborough Bank. Now 2 imm Shag. The streaky headed Yellow-legged Gull still with another 3 adult birds later. Oystercatcher over and Peregrine. (B Hazell M Phillips R Mays)
December 21st
Red-necked Grebe still off Farborough Bank with 3 Great Northern Diver and another off the Valve Tower. Drake Smew off Toft Bank and in the field below Farborough Spit 2 Med Gull a 2nd winter and the juv/1st winter from the previous night with 500+ Black-headed Gull. The male Merlin again. (R Mays D Cox K Groocock)
December 20th
Red-necked Grebe near Farborough Spit with drake Smew, still 4 Great Northern Diver and possibly a different imm Shag on the Fishing Pontoons (a very brown bird) also on the Pontoon the adult Yellow-legged Gull with the very streaky head. Common Sandpiper off windsurfing area, in the roost were 3 Med Gull's 2 adult and a 1st winter bird that had retained many juv feathers around the head and mantle. (J Judge R Mays G Phillipson)
December 19th
The Red-necked Grebe still present along Farborough Bank with 4 Great Northern Diver and drake Smew. (B Hazell F Farrington R Mays D Cox)
December 18th
The elusive Red-necked Grebe again off Farborough Bank with at least 4 Great Northern Diver and drake Smew. Another (or one of the 4 from Farborough Bank) Great Northern Diver near the Valve Tower plus Imm Shag and Common Sandpiper . (B Hazell)
December 17th
Still 4 Great Northern Diver 1 near the Valve Tower and 3 with the drake Smew off Farborough Bank. Raptors included a male Merlin, Peregrine, 2 Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk. Common Sandpiper still near the Windsurfing area and Corn Bunting again flew towards the Country Park. In Toft Shallows were Water Rail, 2 Snipe and Willow Tit with a Blackcap in Biggin Bay. (R Mays)
December 16th
2 Great Northern Diver. (RBA)
December 15th
Still at least 4 Great Northern Diver possibly 5, a drake Smew was off Farborough Bank and then Draycote Bank. Common Sandpiper near Windsurfing area. Imm Shag still and Curlew over. In the roost were juv Glaucous Gull, 2 adult and 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Med Gull adult and 1st winter. (K Groocock R Mays)
December 14th
Still 4 Great Northern Diver 3 off Farborough Bank and 1 near the Valve Tower but no sign of the Red-necked Grebe amongst the 250 Great Crested Grebe. Duck numbers up with 150 Wigeon and 80 Teal. A male Merlin was seen near Biggin Bay, 35 Golden Plover and Common Sandpiper still. In the roost were juv Glaucous Gull and 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull. (R Mays D Cox)
December 12th
3 Great Northern Diver still and a Jack Snipe over Rainbow Corner then landed in a field behind the Inlet. Common Sandpiper and 25+ Golden Plover below Farborough Bank. Adult Med and adult Yellow-legged Gull with now 23 Goosander. (R Mays D Cox M Phillips)
December 11th
The Great Grey Shrike was reported again off Draycote Bank. 3 Great Northern Diver and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull in the roost. (R Mays M Phillips)
December 10th
A Great Grey Shrike was seen off Draycote Bank this afternoon (M Phillips F Farrington) and seen further west later (R Mays) Still at least 2 Great Northern Diver and imm Shag. Juv Glaucous Gull in the roost. (M Doughty RBA)
December 9th
The long staying but now elusive Red-necked Grebe was in Dunn's Bay and 4 Great Northern Diver with 3 still off Farborough Bank. A Woodcock flew towards the Country Park with Redshank feeding in the field below Farborough Bank, Common Sandpiper on the Fishing Pontoons, female Pintail and 13 Goosander. In the roost were juv Glaucous Gull, juv Iceland Gull, adult Med Gull and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull (R Mays M Phillips)
December 8th
Still 4 Great Northern Diver 3 off Farborough Bank. (R Mays D Cox)
December 7th
3 Great Northern Diver off the Fishing Pontoons with the imm Shag roosting on them. Drake Red-crested Pochard in the willows off Grays Barn and 2 Redshank in Toft Bay, 36 Goldeneye, 6 Goosander, 264 Great Crested Grebe, 300+ Canada Geese, Little Owl and Brambling. (R Mays D Cox J Richardson)
December 6th
4 Great Northern Diver and imm Shag still, no reports of the Red-necked Grebe today. Common Sandpiper, 3 Buzzard and 12 Goosander. Juv Glaucous Gull in an impressive roost. (J Judge R Mays J, D & P Hall F Farrington P & L Price)
December 4th
Red-necked Grebe, 4 Great Northern Diver and imm Shag still present. Female Merlin again and Oystercatcher in Toft Bay. In the roost were 2 juv Glaucous Gull and a 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull. (R Mays)
December 2nd
Red-necked Grebe still present and all 5 Great Northern Diver seen. Juv Glaucous Gull again and Corn Bunting. (R Mays B Hazell F Farrington)


November 30th
Red-necked Grebe and 3 Great Northern Diver still present. Common Scoter still in Toft with 11 Goosander, 22 Siskin, 2 Bullfinch and 2 Grey Wagtail. The juv Glaucous Gull was off Farborough Bank/Toft at 2:30-2:40 then flew off towards Biggin Bay and the "streaky headed" Yellow-legged Gull on the pontoons with a Dunlin in the field below Farborough Bank. (J Richardson R Harbird D Scanlan)
November 29th
Foggy most of the day so no news from the reservoir but in Toft Shallows were 2 Brambling, 89 Siskin, 4 Redpoll and Kingfisher. (R Mays)
November 28th
All the "usuals" still present Red-necked Grebe, 3 Great Northern Diver, Shag, Common Scoter and Common Sandpiper. (R Mays M Silverman)
November 27th
Red-necked Grebe still and 4 Great Northern Diver (2 off Farborough Bank and 2 off Draycote Bank). A female Mandarin Duck was seen near Lin Croft Point and female Smew off there too. Imm Shag and Common Scoter still and 3 Curlew off Farborough Bank with female Merlin. 23 Goosander and a roving flock in Toft Shallows consisted of 45 Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, 2 Treecreeper and 3 Goldcrest with 14 Siskin, Brambling, 8 Bullfinch and a Kingfisher in the area. (R Mays)
November 26th
The Red-necked Grebe still off Farborough Bank and 4 Great Northern Diver. Shag still present and female Merlin near the hide feeders. Common Scoter, Common Sandpiper, Shelduck, Treecreeper, 2 Brambling, Willow Tit and 3 Kingfisher. In The roost were juv Glaucous Gull, 6 Yellow-legged Gull 4 adult and 2 1st winter and 3 Med Gull 2 1st winter and a second winter. First female Smew of the winter seen in flight. (R Mays M Phillips K Groocock B Hazell F Farrington)
November 25th
At least 4 Great Northern Diver still present and imm Shag. Common Scoter still plus 24 Goosander, Common Sandpiper, Brambling, 2 Peregrine and 4 Kingfisher. (R Mays)
November 24th
Still at least 3 Great Northern Diver 2 near the Valve Tower and 1 by the Fishing Pontoons. Common Sandpiper on the grassy bank between the Valve Tower and Dunn's Bay. 15 Goosander between the Inlet and Valve Tower and 4 Bullfinch. (M Phillips)
November 23rd
The Red-necked Grebe was still off Farborough Spit and all 5 Great Northern Diver were seen today. A Long-eared Owl was being mobbed in a hedgerow near the Valve Tower and another scarce bird for Draycote Corn Bunting was seen with a flock of 44 Yellowhammer near Rainbow Corner. 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese flew in and stayed for c15 minutes before the boats pushed them off the water. Female Common Scoter still in Toft Bay. Female Brambling in the Country Park with a further 2 in Toft Shallows. Grey Plover reported and Peregrine and Sparrowhawk around. (R Mays)
November 22nd
Red-necked Grebe and at least 3 Great Northern Diver still present along with the imm Shag. Common Scoter, 57 Wigeon and 16 Goldeneye in Toft Bay and a Common Sandpiper along Farborough Bank. In the roost were juv Glaucous Gull, adult Caspian Gull, 4 Yellow-legged Gull 2 adult and 2 1st winter and 3 Med Gull 2 1st winter and a second winter. (R Mays J Richardson)
November 21st
2 Great Northern Divers seen off the Fishing Pontoons and 58 Lapwing on them. (J Judge R Mays D Cox)
November 20th
Red-necked Grebe still off Farborough Bank and again all 5 Great Northern Divers seen 2 off Farborough Bank and 3 off Draycote Bank, imm Shag still. 5 White-fronted Geese flew over Toft Bay at 3pm and may have landed in fields below Toft Farm, female Common Scoter in Toft Bay. Toft Shallows had Water Rail, 3 Brambling, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Redpoll and 36 Siskin. (R Mays B Hazell F Farrington)
November 19th
Red-necked Grebe off Farborough Bank with 2 Great Northern Diver there too, a further 2 poss 3 were off Draycote Bank with the imm Shag off the Valve Tower. 13 Goosander off The Inlet. Water Rail , Common Sandpiper and 2 Kingfisher in Toft. (K Groocock M Phillips)
November 18th
The Red-necked Grebe was still off Farborough Bank but distant and 4 Great Northern Diver off there. A Sanderling circled the reservoir and headed South with 7 Dunlin flying West, Raven, Little Owl and 2 Buzzard. In Toft Shallows were Chiffchaff, 50+ Siskin, 14 Redpoll, 17 Blue Tit and a Treecreeper. (R Mays)
November 17th
Still 3 Great Northern Diver 2 off Farborough Bank and 1 between Fishing Pontoons and Sailing Club. (M Phillips)
November 16th
Still at least 3 Great Northern Diver 2 off Farborough Bank and 1 at the Valve Tower with Red-necked Grebe and Shag off Farborough Bank. Chiffchaff and 4 Bullfinch in Toft Shallows and Little Owl below Farborough Bank. (R Mays D Cox M Phillips A Horsley J Wesson)
November 15th
Red-necked Grebe off Farborough Bank with 5 Great Northern Diver 3 off Farborough Bank 1 at the Valve Tower and 1 off Dunn's Bay. Imm Shag still on the Fishing Pontoons with 15 Cormorant until the Sailing Club safety boat decided to deliberately flush them all off, I have rang the Sailing Club but so far have not had a reply to as why they did this. Adult Yellow-legged Gull off Farborough Bank late afternoon. (J Judge R Mays R Harbird)
November 14th
Red-necked Grebe and again 5 Great Northern Diver off Farborough Bank. (R Mays D Cox)
November 13th
Red-necked Grebe and 2 Great Northern Diver off Farborough Bank. (per RBA)
November 12th
Now 5 Great Northern Divers and the Red-necked Grebe still. A stunning Snow Bunting was found in Toft Bay but was very mobile due to walkers. Short-eared Owl below Farborough Bank and the Imm Shag still present. In the roost were juv Glaucous Gull and 5 Med Gull's 3 1st winter and 2 adult. (R Mays B Hazell F Farrington)
November 11th
Red-necked Grebe and now at least 3 possibly 4 Great Northern Divers. Imm Shag still and a female Brambling in the Country Park. 2 Peregrine and 2 Kingfisher. (R Mays)
November 10th
Red-necked Grebe the 2 Great Northern Divers and Shag still off Farborough Bank early morning. Rock Pipit along Toft Bank with 1st winter Med Gull and Little Owl below Farborough Spit. 3 female Common Scoter in the center and 1st winter Kittiwake with Stonechat near the Valve Tower. 3 Kingfisher, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Jay, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. (R Mays)
November 9th
Red-necked Grebe and the 2 Great Northern Divers still off Farborough Bank. Female Merlin again over the Country Park with 100 Golden Plover over and a Kingfisher in Toft Bay. (R Mays D Cox)
November 8th
With what seemed like a big meeting for the sailing club everything was pushed into the side along Farborough Bank or Toft Bay. The Red-necked Grebe showed well and 2 Great Northern Divers both juv so different birds to 3rd November sighting. 3 White-fronted Geese were seen flying across the reservoir at c1:30 and they were then seen in the field below Farborough Spit with a Rock Pipit on Toft Bank. Imm Shag still and Little Owl with just an adult Med Gull in the roost. (J Judge R Mays J P&D Hall B Duckhouse)
November 7th
The Red-necked Grebe still present off Farborough Bank with female Merlin, imm Shag, Little Owl and 40+ Meadow Pipit. (R Mays S Seal D Cox B Hazell)
November 6th
Red-necked Grebe still off Farborough Bank and 6 Little Gull's 5 adult and a 1st winter. 2 Med Gull's around with an adult and a 1st winter. Common Sandpiper on the wall of Toft Bank and a good count of 230 Great Crested Grebe. 20+ Meadow Pipit on Farborough Bank. (R Mays S Seal D Hutton B Hazell D McWilliams)
November 5th
Juv Glaucous Gull again in the roost this evening with an adult Caspian and 5 Yellow-legged Gull. (L Johnson)
November 4th
The Red-necked Grebe still off Farborough Bank and a 1st winter Med Gull in fields below. A female Merlin flew in front of the cafe and landed on the wall in front, imm Shag still. In the roost were juv Glaucous Gull, 4 adult Yellow-legged Gull and c10,000 Common Gull. (R Mays B Hazell L Johnson F Farrington)
November 3rd
One of the Red-necked Grebe still present along Farborough Bank imm Shag and 7 Common Scoter (1 drake). In the roost the probable adult Kumlien's Gull again but still the id not 100%, 3 Med Gull 2 adult and a 1st winter, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull and a partial summer Great Northern Diver in the center. (R Mays)
November 2nd
A 1st winter Red-necked Grebe was reported in Rainbow Corner this morning with 2 then in Toft Shallows just after midday. Also 1st winter Kittiwake and impressive (for Draycote in recent years) 19 Dunlin. (R Harbird)
November 1st
In the roost this evening were 1 possibly 2 adult Med Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull and an adult gull showing characteristics of Kumlien's but the distance viewed made it impossible to clinch the id or rule out a hybrid. Imm Shag at dusk off the Cafe. (J Judge R Mays)

October 31st
Curlew circling the res and calling this morning for 25 mins, also 6 Meadow Pipit and 60 Redwing. (D McWilliams)
October 30th
A Water Rail (1st for year) was in Toft Shallows and Common Sandpiper. Red Kite flew south at 11.14. imm Shag still, Dunlin on the shore in front of the Cafe and Little Owl still present. (R Mays M Phillips L Johnson)
October 29th
2 adult Whooper Swan today from the hide in Toft Bay before flying south. Migrants flying over included 530 Skylark, 4000 Starling, 100 Chaffinch, 200 Redwing, 50 Fieldfare, 9 Reed Bunting and 6 Redpoll. In the roost were adult Yellow-legged Gull and adult Med Gull. (R Mays)
October 28th
An imm Whooper Swan early morning plus 14 Reed Bunting, 4 Shoveler and 2 Little Owl. (R Mays)
October 27th
Male Hen Harrier over the Country Park (seen from Grandborough Valley). (R Mays)
October 25th
Little Gull still and 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull, Redshank, 30+ Meadow Pipit, Kingfisher and Buzzard. (R Mays)
October 24th
In the roost this evening were 2nd winter Iceland Gull, 1st winter Med Gull and 3 1st winter Yellow-legged. Little Gull still present. (R Mays)
October 22nd
Little Gull and Shag still present along with Little Owl. (R Mays M Phillips)
October 21st
A 1st winter Pomarine Skua flew through at 11:03 and headed south. The 1st winter Little Gull and imm Shag still. 2 Brambling flew south west calling and 2 Golden Plover over. Also around were Raven, Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzard and 2 Kingfisher. A party of 12 Long-tailed Tit in Toft Shallows. (R Mays)
October 20th
1st winter Little Gull and imm Shag still. In the roost were a possible 3rd winter Caspian Gull with 2 1st winter and a second winter Yellow-legged Gull. A Snow Bunting flew over calling. (R Mays)
October 19th
1st winter Little Gull in Toft and imm Shag off Farborough Bank. (S Valentine)
October 18th
A Rock Pipit was along Farborough Bank with 30+ Meadow Pipit with imm Shag on the boats. In Toft were 1st winter Little Gull, fem Pintail, Common Sandpiper, Chiffchaff and 12 Siskin. (R Mays)
October 17th
A fem Red-breasted Merganser was near the Inlet before moving to Dunn's Bay. 1st winter Little Gull still present along with imm Shag and a Common Sandpiper. (R Mays D Cox S Seal B Hazell S Valentine)
October 15th
1st winter Little Gull in Toft and Rock Pipit on Farborough Bank. (R Mays)
October 11th
The long staying drake Common Scoter and 1st winter Little Gull with 1 Shag still present. (R Mays)
October 10th
1st winter Little Gull, Shag and 4 Buzzard. (R Mays)
October 8th
The 2 1st winter Little Gull still in Toft with a Dunlin also present there. The drake Common Scoter still, and 2 Shag around or on the training boats off Farborough Bank. 4 Buzzard and 2 Sparrowhawk over. In the roost were 2 ad Yellow-legged Gull and a 1st winter Med Gull. (R Mays)
October 7th
The Grey Phalarope still present with Black Tern briefly. 2 1st winter Little Gull and 2 Shag with the drake Common Scoter, Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail. (R Mays)
October 6th
A Grey Phalarope was present all day but very mobile from Rainbow Corner to the Valve Tower, it was sometimes very distant. A Red-necked Phalarope was reported for yesterday and was presumably the Grey. Black-tailed Godwit in Toft with 2 1st winter Little Gull and Common Sandpiper there. The drake Common Scoter still near the Vale Tower and Wheatear there. 2 Shag still present on the boats off Farborough Bank and 4 Goosander off there, a Redwing flew over. (K Groocock B Hazell J Judge L Johnson)
October 5th
A late Tree Pipit was on Farborough Bank with 12+ Meadow Pipit and a Rock Pipit still. A 1st winter Kittiwake and 2 1st winter Little Gull in Toft, 2 Shag still. (M & J Phillips R Mays D Cox)
October 4th
An imm Black Redstart was near the Sewage Works early morning. Drake Common Scoter near the Valve Tower and the 2 Shag were present on the boats in front of the visitor center early morning before being flushed off by the fishing boats. 2 1st winter Little Gull still and a Rock Pipit again on Farborough Bank. (J & A Judge R Mays Kay & Max)
October 3rd
Still 2 Shag on Boats off Farborough Bank with Wheatear and 8+ Meadow Pipit there. 1st winter Little Gull and Drake Common Scoter also still present.14 Skylark flew west. (M Phillips L Johnson)
October 2nd
At least 1 Shag still present but mobile, 1st winter Little Gull, Common Scoter, ad Yellow-legged Gull, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper. ( J Oates)
October 1st
An imm Marsh Harrier flew west in the morning and 2 1st winter Little Gull present. A Grey Plover west and Common Scoter still. A male Merlin was near the Sailing Club, Rock Pipit near the Valve Tower and Wheatear there. 2 Shag still on the boats off Farborough Bank with 40+ Meadow Pipit on the bank. At least 260 Skylark in various numbers heading west. A Swallow flew south and still one brood left in the House Martin colony. Common Sandpiper and 3 Goosander still. ( R Mays L Johnson)
September 30th
2 Shag, Common Scoter, ad Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Pintail, 3 Goosander, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Wheatear. (J Oates)
September 29th
Still 1 Shag and 1 Rock Pipit off Farborough Bank along with 60+ Meadow Pipit. A drake Common Scoter reported between the Valve Tower and Inlet with 1 Wheatear still there. In the roost were 1st winter Kittiwake, 1st winter Med Gull and 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull. (S Seal D Hutton R Mays F Farrington)
September 28th
2 Rock Pipit still on Farborough Bank. (J D and P Hall)
September 27th
Still 2 Rock Pipit along Farborough Bank and the 2 imm Shag frequently on the boats from Farborough along with 3 Goosander off the spit. 2 Raven 3 Snipe and at least 6 Buzzard over. 2 Kingfisher a Swallow and the House Martins are still feeding their young in the nest. (J Judge A Judge R Mays S Seal D Hutton R Dawkins)
September 26th
There are now 5 Rock Pipit's along Farborough Bank mostly tight up against the wall so difficult to view. Still 2 Shag on the boats from Farborough and 3 Wheatear between the Valve Tower and Inlet 2 Raven and several Buzzard around and over.. (J Judge S Seal B Hazell R Mays D Cox M Phillips)
September 25th
A juv dark morph Honey Buzzard flew south at 3pm (R Mays) Off Farborough Bank were 2 Shag, Rock Pipit, Yellow-legged Gull, Peregrine and Raven In Toft were 2 Kingfisher. (R Mays K Groocock M Phillips)
September 24th
The 2 Shag still off Farborough Bank and on the bank were 8 Yellow Wagtail and a Wheatear. Still 3 Goosander and a Common Sandpiper. In the pre-roost were 1st year Med Gull and a Yellow-legged Gull. (R Mays L Johnson)
September 23rd
2 Shag still plus 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, Raven and 3 Goosander. (R Mays)
September 22nd
2 Little Egret flew down the Grandborough Valley viewed from Farborough Bank with 2 Shag still off there on the boats. (J Judge T Marlow)
September 21st
A Honey Buzzard flew south at 11am (observer unknown). A 1st winter Little Gull from midday off Farborough Bank and 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull earlier in the morning. Still 2 Shag present and 2 Raven over and through the early morning gull roost. 3 Goosander off Farborough Bank. (R Mays D Cox S Valentine A Pickering)
September 20th
A Common Crane flew south at 11:20 (R Mays) Still 2 Shag off Hensborough Bank, fem Peregrine and Raven over, 5 Goosander near the Valve Tower while in Toft there were Common Sandpiper, 18 Teal, Kingfisher and a count of 177 Great Crested Grebe. (R Mays)
September 18th
The Common Scoter was still in Toft bay along with 4 Common Sandpiper and a Kingfisher. Still 2 Shag around the boats near the fishing Pontoon and 11 Golden Plover over. 3 Hobby (2 imm and ad) were over the Country Park and 8 Buzzard over. in the roost were a 3rd and 2nd year Yellow-legged Gull. (R Mays B Hazell T Marlow)
September 17th
A Wood Warbler was a great find in the Country Park along with a Redstart (R Mays) Common Scoter still in Toft with 2 Ringed Plover and 2 Common Sandpiper there. 3 Shag on Draycote Bank, 2 Pintail (fem and partial eclipse male) off Hensborough Bank and the 5 Goosander near the Inlet. Spotted Flycatcher in the sailing club car park and 6 Yellow Wagtail on Farborough Bank. Imm Little Gull and 3 ad Yellow-legged Gull while in the roost were 2 3rd Year and a 1st Yellow-legged Gull. (R Mays T Marlow)
September 16th
1st winter Little Gull and 3 Yellow-legged Gull. Common Scoter still in Toft and 2 Shag off Farborough Bank with 10 Yellow Wagtail there. Imm Shelduck in Toft Common Sandpiper and Hobby. (L Johnson R Mays M Phillips B Hazell F Farrington)
September 15th
2 Little Gull through in the morning with at least 3 Yellow-legged in the roost. Common Scoter still and Osprey again caught a fish and flew off down Grandborough Valley. Black Tern and 2 Yellow Wagtail also present. (R Mays P Hyde G Giles)
September 14th
A Little Egret was seen in the mist this morning and was present for 2 hours before heading west. The female Common Scoter still in Toft Bay. 4 Shag still present on boats and buoys off Farborough Bank which also had Common Tern, 10 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Wheatear. A Greenshank flew over the Country Park towards Hensborough and Common Sandpiper in Toft. Possibly a large raptor (2 Peregrine there later in the afternoon) flushed the wildfowl from the fields below Hensborough Bank and put up 70+ Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 15 Teal, 300+ Canada Geese and 17 Snipe also another Wheatear along Hensborough Bank and Hobby with possibly the same one in Toft. The 5 Goosander still present and at least 4 Buzzard. (R Mays J D & P Hall S Valentine L Johnson J Richardson M Phillips L Walters)
September 13th
No sign of the Grey Phalarope today. The Osprey was again seen this morning and after a successful catch flew off down Granborough Valley. 6 Black Tern in the center and the female Common Scoter still in Toft Bay. 1st year Med Gull early on with 3 Yellow-legged Gull 2 1st years and an adult. Off Farborough Bank were 4 Shag, juv Common Tern, 18 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Wheatear and Hobby seen several times over the Country Park. 16 Siskin were in Toft Bay with another 20 over and waders were Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper. (J Judge A Judge R Mays M Doughty J Richardson L Johnson)
September 11th
A Grey Phalarope was seen along the North shore and last seen in Biggin Bay at 12:30 (B Hazell) There are no photo's of the bird to see if it the one from Shustoke which was not seen there today. A Redstart was present in the sailing club car park and Osprey fishing in appalling weather in the center. The female Common Scoter still present in Toft Bay, 3 Black Tern, 4 Shag, 11 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Swift. (B Hazell R Mays T Marlow)
*****A426 Road from Dunchurch  was flooded at c 5pm and just passable but with further rain it is possible the road will be closed*****
September 11th
4 Shag still present on boats in front of the cafe with 3 Black Tern and 2 Common Tern in the center. Female Common Scoter in the afternoon and 2 Hobby. 5 Snipe were feeding near the Overflow and a Redshank in Toft. 5 Goosander at the Valve Tower, female Pintail and 2 Swift were notable. (R Mays T Southgate)
September 10th
3 Black Tern. (T Marlow)
September 8th
An Osprey was reported in the morning. Still 5 Shag, 5 Black Tern, 5 Goosander, 2 Common Tern and a Yellow Wagtail. (M Silverman)
September 7th
A Great Skua was seen flying high towards Toft Shallows (R Harbird) but on some news lined reported as a Great Snipe, so there were a few frantic phone calls from Warwickshire birders before it sank in it was just a typing error. 3 Crossbill over the Country Park were a very good record and an Osprey over there too straight through and down the Grandborough Valley. 5 Black, juv Arctic and 2 Common Tern were in the center with still 3 Shag and the 5 Goosander. Along Farborough Bank were 10 Wheatear and at least 30 Yellow Wagtail. Other birds of note were 2 Hobby, Dunlin and Ringed Plover. (R Mays M Doughty)
September 6th
A Little Tern went straight through in the morning with max counts of 5 Black, 4 Arctic and 8 Common Tern. A Whimbrel circled the reservoir calling frequently but not finding anywhere to settle unlike the drake Common Scoter in the center. Still 4 Shag present with Wheatear and 10 Yellow Wagtail around and off Farborough Bank. Still 5 Goosander in Rainbow Corner, 9 Shoveler and a Golden Plover flew over heading west. (M Doughty R Mays)
September 5th
59 Black Tern dropped in at c5:35pm. Still at least 3 juv Shag off Farborough Bank which also had 3rd year Yellow-legged Gull, Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail and Common Tern. An imm Siskin near the Valve Tower as were the 5 Goosander and a Hobby. (J Judge R Mays L Johnson)
September 4th
Another influx of Shag as there are now 8 birds with 4 on the Fishing Platforms, 2 by the Inlet and a further 2 off Farborough Bank with 62 Cormorant also present. Also off Farborough Bank were 11 Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear and 3 Grey Wagtail. Juv Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern and the 5 Goosander off the Valve Tower. Adult Yellow-legged Gull off the Sailing Club and Shelduck in Biggin Bay. With the weather system there could be a chance of a Phalarope or other rare sea bird in the next few days. (R Mays)
September 2nd
A flock of 9 Turnstone on Toft Bank was a good count with an imm/fem Redstart below Farborough Bank. Still 2 Shag on the Fishing Pontoons, Goosander between the Valve Tower and Inlet, Wheatear on Farborough Bank,12 Shoveler and Kingfisher in Toft Bay. 2 Black Tern and a juv Arctic Tern later in the day. ( R Mays L Johnson)
September 1st
In the roost were 1st year Caspian Gull and 6 Yellow-legged Gull (adult, 2 sub-adults and 3 1st years) A flock of waders contained 2 Sanderling, Turnstone, Knot, 8 Dunlin and a further 10 unidentified birds. Still 5 Shag present, 3 Goosander, 5 Shoveler, 10 Teal and 2 Common Sandpiper. (R Mays)
August 31st
2 juv Turnstone along Farborough Bank with Wheatear and 6 Yellow Wagtail. 2 juv Shag and a sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull on the Fishing Pontoons. Shelduck in Biggin Bay. (R Mays D Cox J D & P Hall)
August 30th
With Black Terns appearing all over the County there was a good passage today with 62 mid morning but just 1 Common Tern. 11 Shelduck were a good count by the Inlet as was a Pintail. Still 3+ Shag still present and Wheatear on Farborough Bank. 6 Common Sandpiper and Hobby. (J Judge A Judge R Mays D Cox P & L Price)
August 29th
Still at least 2 Shag around usually near the Fishing Pontoons or off Farborough Bank, other birds were 5 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Common Tern and a Buzzard. (R Mays D Cox)
August 28th
A Tree Pipit along Toft Bank was the first since 2005 with Wheatear still present. At least 4 juv Shag still present and the Cormorants have now muscled in on their favorite spot on top of the Valve Tower usually out-numbering them. Still 5 Goosander in Rainbow Corner, Dunlin over Toft, 2  possibly 4 Raven, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Common Tern, Spotted Flycatcher and Hobby. (R Mays B Hazell K Groocock)
August 26th
A Wood Sandpiper was in Toft Bay early morning before being flushed by fishermen and not re-located. Still 5 Shag 3 on the Valve Tower and 2 on the Fishing Pontoons and the 5 Goosander still Rainbow Corner. 5 Common Tern, Wheatear on Farborough Bank 6 Yellow Wagtail and a fly over Ringed Plover. (R Mays)
August 25th
Still 5 Shag present 3 on the Valve Tower and 2 on the fishing pontoons and the 5 Goosander still in Rainbow Corner. In the roost were 2nd winter Med Gull 2 ad and 3 imm Yellow-legged Gull. A Barn Owl was off Farborough Bank and Little Owl at the Sewage Farm. (M Doughty R Mays)
August 24th
Still at least 5 Shag present 3 on the Valve Tower and 2 on the Fishing Pontoons. A second winter Med Gull flew from the Valve Tower to Biggin but not re-located. 5 Goosander still in Rainbow Corner with a Snipe over, 4 Wheatear along Farborough/Toft Bank along with 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Common Tern and 3 Grey Wagtail. (R Mays D Cox J Judge J Hall P Hall J Richardson L Johnson)
August 23rd
Now 6 juv Shag today. In the field below Farborough Spit early morning were 2 imm Med Gull and 3 Curlew with 1 remaining till mid morning. An Osprey landed on one of the buoys at 2pm then later caught a fish and flew towards Bourton Hall. A juv Knot present on the shore near the windsurfing area and 4 Wheatear 3 being along Farborough Bank with 5 Grey Wagtail being a good count. 5 Dunlin were looking for a place to settle but with high water levels had no joy. Spotted Flycatcher in the Lower Car Park and ad and imm Hobby there. The 5 Goosander spent most of the day in Rainbow Corner, still 2 ad Yellow-legged Gull around, 3 Common Sandpiper and 2 Kingfisher. An imm Peregrine went through the few Gulls at midday. (R Mays B Duckhouse J Richardson)
August 22nd
The juv Shag still present this morning opposite the Sailing Club and adult Yellow-legged Gull in front of the Fishing Lodge. A Spotted Flycatcher was in the Country Park and from Farborough Bank were 4 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Grey Wagtail. (J Richardson)
August 21st
A juv Shag (1st since 2005) was present in Toft Bay and showing well and the 5 Goosander still in Rainbow Corner. On and around Farborough Bank were Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 ad Lesser Whitethroat, Grey Wagtail and 2 Common Tern. Also present were 2 Raven, 2 Buzzard, Ringed Plover and 3 Common Sandpiper. (R Mays S Seal D Hutton L Johnson B Hazell)
August 20th
3 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and 2 sub ad) and 3 Common Tern (ad and 2 juv). Off Farborough Bank were Turnstone, Ringed Plover, 4 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtail and a Grey Wagtail. (J Richardson)
August 19th
3 Sanderling in Toft Bay, 3 Wheatear still on Farborough Bank and the 5 Goosander still present. Dunlin and Common Sandpiper in Biggin Bay with Arctic Tern in the center. (R Mays)
August 18th
The 5 Goosander flew into Rainbow Corner from the River Leam. (R Mays)
August 17th
6 Black Tern this morning built up to 22 birds by late afternoon with 7 Arctic Tern and Common Tern.2 Oystercatcher circling and 3 Buzzard. Off Rainbow Corner were 5 Shoveler and 5 Teal. )R Mays D Cox)
August 16th
A pale phase Arctic Skua flew straight through west at c9:00am and 2 Curlew circled briefly over the reservoir before moving on. (R Mays) 5 Goosander in Rainbow Corner were almost certainly yesterdays Merganser report (Kay and Max) 4 Yellow Wagtail on Farborough Bank and Kingfisher in Toft Bay. (Kay and Max) An adult and sub adult Yellow-legged Gull still present between the Fishing Lodge and Sailing Club with 50+ Lesser Black-backed and 2 Herring Gull in the center soon flushed by the boats. 2 Wheatear still along Farborough Bank early morning with Raven and Buzzard over. (R Mays)
August 15th
A party of 5 Red-breasted Merganser seen off the Inlet were not re-located later in the afternoon. Wheatear still reported on Farborough Bank with Common Tern still present and 2 Buzzard. (R Mays D Cox)
August 14th
A juv Whinchat below Farborough Bank and a Greenshank flew through. 2 Wheatear on Toft Bank with 3 Common Sandpiper in Toft Bay and 2 Common Tern in the center. A Hobby hunting Swifts over the Country Park and 4 Buzzard. (R Mays F Farrington)
August 13th
The Arctic Tern still present and a Black Tern off Farborough Bank where there was also 2 Turnstone, 2 Wheatear, 3 Grey Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail. Redshank and Common Sandpiper in Toft Bay with passerines in the corner of Toft Bay 8 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest and 12 Long-tailed Tit. Adult and 1st Summer Yellow-legged Gulls still around with Oystercatcher flying over. (R Mays J Richardson)
August 12th
An Arctic Tern was in Biggin Bay and a female Pintail in Toft Bay with at least 3 Common Tern. A male Wheatear on Draycote Bank, adult and juv Hobby over the Country Park and 3 Buzzard. (R Mays)
August 11th
Sub-adult Yellow-legged Gull still present along with juv Wheatear, Common Tern and 5 Common Sandpiper. (J Richardson)
August 10th
Off Farborough Bank from 7:40-9:00 were sub-adult Yellow-legged Gull, Turnstone, 2 Wheatear, Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Herring Gull. (J Richardson)
August 7th
A imm Turnstone was near the Valve Tower plus Redshank circling and 4 Common Sandpiper on Farborough Bank. (R Mays)
August 5th
From the hide in heavy rain were Grasshopper Warbler (1st for year) Reed and Sedge Warbler plus 6 Chiffchaff. A Ruff was on the Overflow, still a sub adult Yellow-legged Gull around with 3 Common Tern and 4 Common Sandpiper. (R Mays)
August 4th
Sub adult Yellow-legged Gull again and juv Wheatear still on Farborough Bank. 3 Common Sandpiper in Toft, 2 Common Tern and a female Sparrowhawk over Farborough Bank. (J Richardson)
August 3rd
A sub adult and second year Yellow-legged Gull near the sailing club and Draycote's first Whinchat of the year in Rainbow Corner. Best of the rest were 11 Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, 2 Wheatear, Peregrine and 4 Common Tern. (R Mays D Cox)
August 1st
Adult and 1st year Yellow-legged Gull still present and 2 Raven over Rainbow Corner. 4 Common Tern, 4 Common Sandpiper and a juv Wheatear still on Farborough Bank. (J Richardson)

July 31st
An imm Marsh Harrier over the Country Park this morning, three species recorded for the first time this year were Turtle Dove in Toft Shallows, Green Sandpiper in Toft Bay and a female Red-created Pochard in Rainbow Corner. 5 Black Tern off Biggin Bay and 6 Common Tern around. Common Sandpiper numbers now 14 including a group of ten together, an adult Yellow-legged Gull still present and a juv Wheatear. (R Mays)
July 29th
A Little Tern present with 5 Black Tern at c11am, also present adult Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Common Tern, 3 Common Sandpiper, Oystercatcher and Kingfisher. (R Mays B Hazell)
July 27th
An Osprey was present at 6.30am, 5 Yellow-legged Gull were still loafing about 2 adult 2 sub-adult and a 1st year. In Toft Bay were Greenshank, Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpiper. (R Mays)
July 26th
3 Yellow-legged Gull present this morning 2 sub adult and a 1st year bird, also 2 Common Tern and 4 Common Sandpiper. (J Judge A Judge R Mays)
July 25th
Sub Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Common Tern present today. (R Mays D Cox)
July 23rd
4 Yellow-legged Gull's present today. (B Hazell)
July 22nd
2 Yellow-legged Gull's off Farborough Bank and 4 Common Tern with a juv from Brandon Marsh. 4 Common Sandpiper the escaped Cape Shelduck still present. (R Mays B Hazell)
July 20th
Draycote's first Little Stint of the year was in Toft Bay and a Sanderling on Farborough Bank early morning but both being pushed off by walkers and cyclists. At the moment the water levels are high and disturbance along the dams especially at weekends is at an all time high so it pays to be there early. Also Raven, 3 Common Tern and Common Sandpiper. (R Mays D Cox)
July 17th
Redshank and Common Sandpiper in Toft Bay, 3 Common Tern c1500 Swift and 40 Sand Martin. (R Mays B Hazell)
July 15th
A 1st summer Little Gull, 50+ Lesser Black Backed Gull, 10 Black-headed Gull and 2 Common Tern. Also Common Sandpiper and 5 Buzzard. (R Mays)
July 13th
Tawny Owl and Whimbrel late evening with Common Tern and Common Sandpiper during the day. (R Mays)
July 10th
Common Tern, 3 Common Sandpiper, 5 Skylark and 4 Buzzard. (R Mays)
July 8th
4 Common Sandpiper in Toft Bay and 55 Lapwing over Rainbow Corner. 6 Buzzard 2 Yellowhammer and a Skylark. (R Mays B Hazell)
July 7th
A Greenshank (first for the year) and Black-tailed Godwit flew through, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Common Tern. An escaped female Cape Shelduck was again in Toft Bay. (R Mays B Hazell)
July 3rd
Draycote's first Spotted Flycatcher of the year was near Toft Shallows, a 1st summer Yellow-legged Gull on the boats in front of the Cafe and Common Sandpiper still in Toft Bay. 6 Buzzard around and a few Lesser Black Backed and Herring Gull's. (R Mays)
July 2nd
2 Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 3 Common Tern and 12 Lapwing in Toft Bay. (R Mays)
July 1st
Juv Wheatear on Farborough Bank, Redshank flyover and Oystercatcher circling before landing in a field below Farborough Bank. 5 Buzzard and 3 imm Herring Gull. (R Mays B Hazell)
June 27th
2 Common Crane's were seen flying low off Farborough Bank then landed near A426 briefly before again flying low towards Thurlaston, later seen flying west over M6 between junction 1 and 2. (R Mays D Cox) 2 Hobby and 3 Oystercatcher were the only other notable birds. (F Farrington)
June 26th
Little Ringed Plover in Toft Bay, Common Tern, Hobby and 2 Herring Gull (scarce in June) (R Mays B Hazell F Farrington)
June 24th
3 Common Tern and a Common Sandpiper in Toft Bay. (B Hazell F Farrington)
June 23rd
4 Buzzard. (R Mays)
June 20th
1st summer Little Gull still present (B Hazell) Hobby near the entrance (R Mays D Cox)
June 19th
1st summer Little Gull off Grays Barn, 3 Common Tern, Raven and 3 Buzzard. An unseasonal drake Pochard. (R Mays)
June 14th
Still very quiet and with high water levels 2 Oystercatcher were left flying around the reservoir looking for somewhere to land. Also 5 summer plumage Black-headed Gull, 5 Buzzard and 4 Gadwall. (J Judge A Judge R Mays)
June 11th
Black Tern, Common Tern and Hobby. (R Mays)
June 9th
Osprey came in and caught a fish c2pm (R Mays)
June 4th
Turnstone, 2 Common Tern, 8 Buzzard and a Hobby over the country park (R Mays)
June 1st
2 Common Tern (R Mays D Cox)
May 31st
Still quiet with 2 Common Tern, 5 Buzzard and plenty of juv Pied Wagtail along Farborough and Toft Bank (J Judge A Judge R Mays)
May 30th
Just 7 Common Tern and 5 Buzzard reported today. (R Mays D Cox)
May 29th
Waders today were 2 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatcher and 2 Common Sandpiper. 2 Hobby, 4 Common Tern, 5 Buzzard and 50+ Swift. (R Mays)
May 27th
9 Common Tern ( R Mays) between 2 and 4 thousand Swift, Oystercatcher, 2 Yellow Wagtail and Common Sandpiper (S Seal D Hutton B Hazell) 2 Cuckoo heard and a Hobby ( P & L Price)
May 26th
4 Common Tern in the morning and 2 Sanderling in Rainbow Corner and a Knot on Draycote Bank in the evening. (R Mays)
May 25th
2 Dunlin, Yellow Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern and 400+ Swift. (R Mays D Cox)
May 24th
An adult Little Tern off the sailing club at c10:15am but didn't linger and a summer plumage Grey Plover flew from Toft to Rainbow Corner at 1pm. (R Mays) 2 Hobby over Draycote Bank. (p & L Price)
May 23rd
15 Common Tern and 60+ Great Crested Grebe. (R Mays D Cox)
May 22nd
Oystercatcher mobile around the reservoir, 2 Shoveler and 2 Buzzard. (B Hazell)
May 21st
2 Common Scoter (pair) and a Greenshank over east, Tawny and Little Owl heard in the evening. (R Mays) Ringed Plover. (F Farrington)
May 20th
Still very quiet with 2 Common Sandpiper, 6 Common Tern and 2 Buzzard. (B Hazell)
May 18th
Turnstone, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper and c1000 Swift. (J D and P Hall)
May 17th
Along Farborough Bank this morning were Dunlin, Common Sandpiper and c1500 Swift. (J Richardson)
May 16th
Just a Black Tern and 26 Common Tern today. (J Judge)
May 12th
A Sanderling was seen briefly along Farborough Bank at midday. (J D Sells) 20 Common Tern through in the morning. (B Hazell)
May 11th
No sign of yesterdays White-winged Black Tern just 1 Black and 5 Common Tern. (K Groocock)
May 10th
Draycote's 8th White-winged Black Tern (P & L Price) was present for most of the day viewable from Farborough Bank along with up to 5 Black Tern, 2 Arctic and a Common Tern. Reed and Sedge Warbler in the hedges below Farborough Bank (M Phillips)
May 9th
6 Black Tern this morning building up to 33 then 20 by 1:30 (B Hazell) 22 Black Tern c2:30 (D Cox) First Summer Little Gull in with the Black Terns (B Hazell) with 2 reported later (RBA) Shelduck and 3 Common Sandpiper. (B Hazell) A Red Kite was reported at 11:50 and 2 Arctic Tern (RBA)
May 8th
24 Black Tern, 3 Common Tern, Common Sandpiper and 4 Buzzard. (B Hazell)
May 7th
5+ Common Sandpiper, 6 Common Tern, Blackcap (8m 3f), 5 Whitethroat , male Bullfinch and 2 Buzzard. (K  Groocock) 
May 6th
14 Black Tern, 3 Common Tern, 6 Shelduck, 2 Common Sandpiper and 3 Buzzard. (B Hazell M Doughty)
May 5th
Female Common Scoter early morning, 2 Common Sandpiper Farborough Bank to Toft and 3 Yellow Wagtail. (D Cox) Black Tern moving through with max 26 (J Richardson) 8 Common Tern ,8 Arctic Tern and an Oystercatcher flying around most of the morning. (J Judge J Richardson)
May 4th
5 Common Tern, 2 Common Sandpiper and 300+ Swift. (R Mays D Cox)
May 3rd
4 Common Tern, 4 Common Sandpiper between Farborough Bank and Toft Bay with Reed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat below Farborough Bank. (J Richardson)
May 2nd
Wheatear. (F Farringdon) 5 Common Tern. (R Mays D Cox)
May 1st
2 Black Tern, 2 Arctic Tern and 7 Common Tern. c3000 Swift with Hobby mixed in, 2 Hobby later over the country park. 2 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Dunlin below Farborough Bank. (R Mays)
April 29th
2 Black Tern, 6 Arctic Tern and 8 Common Tern in the center mid morning. Hobby over Draycote Bank with c1000 Swift, 500 Swallow and 200 House Martin. First Ruff of the year in Grays Barn with Dunlin and first Lesser Whitethroat. (R Mays)
April 28th
8 Yellow Wagtail on Farborough Bank, 2 Reed Warbler in hedge below and 2 Common Sandpiper Dunn's Bay. (M Philips) Common Sandpiper Draycote Bank. (A Tibbs)
April 27th
A Wood Warbler was singing in the poplars in Toft Bay from 9.10am. (J Richardson D and B Hunt) Little Tern reported. (RBA) Along Farborough Bank were Sanderling, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper with 5 Little Gull (2 adult) 4 Common Tern and an Arctic Tern. (J Richardson) 2 Whimbrel landed briefly near The Inlet and then headed off east, Common Sandpiper by The Overflow and female Wheatear along Farborough Bank. (D and B Hunt) A Male Brambling on the feeding station at the Hide, 4 Yellow Wagtail off Farborough Bank with a Sedge Warbler singing from the hedge below. (J Richardson D and B Hunt) 2 Little Ringed Plover. (A Archer)
April 26th
A Honey Buzzard was reported heading West at 8.15am and a Black-necked Grebe reported in Toft at 4.20pm. (RBA) 3 Black Tern, 4 Arctic Tern, Common Tern, Common Sandpiper Draycote's first Black-tailed Godwit and Hobby of the year. (R Mays D Cox) Along Farborough Bank in the morning male White Wagtail, female Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail and c120 Swift. (J Richardson)
April 25th
1st summer Little Gull, Arctic Tern, 3 Common Tern, 7 Yellow Wagtail and 9 Swift. (R Mays D Cox B Hazell)
April 24th
Only news today 10+ Arctic Tern. (RBA)
April 23rd
Again no sign of the Franklin's Gull in the roost. Excellent passage of Arctic Tern with a total of 277 birds with 224 in an hour after the rain first thing this morning (R Mays) 9 Little Gull (8 adult) a second summer and adult Med Gull, 4 Whimbrel early morning with one seen late evening. A Black Tern was present early morning only, 4 Common Tern and 2 Wheatear. (R Mays)

April 22nd
No sign of the Franklin's Gull. 3 adult and 2 1st summer Little Gull's, 3 Common Tern and a Wheatear early this morning (J Judge B Hazell) Later , 9 Little Gull (8 adult) 1st summer Med Gull (S Valentine) 14 Arctic Tern and 3 Whimbrel (B Duckhouse)
April 21st
The Franklin's Gull was in the roost at 6.40pm from the Valve Tower then better views were obtained from Hensborough Bank (some record shots below) also in the roost were adult Little Gull (3 adult and a first summer bird earlier) and adult Med Gull. (J Judge R Mays) A male Wheatear along Farborough Bank (D Mcwilliams) 3 Whimbrel over, 2 Common Tern, 16 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Common Sand. (R Mays)
April 20th
The Franklin's Gull left the roost at 6.50am (R. Mays) and was again viewable from near the Valve Tower from 7.10-8.10pm with 4 Little Gull 3ad and a 1st winter, adult Med Gull and 7 Common Tern (RBA) Turnstone (J P & D Hall) Bar-tailed Godwit over (C Potter) 2 Brambling still present near The Inlet 8 Yellow Wagtail and c200 Swallow below Rainbow Corner which were attacked by a Merlin, warbler numbers Willow 20+ Blackcap 16 and 4 Chiffchaff and a Whitethroat (R Mays) Arctic Tern late afternoon (T Marlow)
April 19th
The Franklin's Gull was seen in the roost from 6.30am (L Evans) along with the adult Med Gull and a Common Tern. 4 male Brambling were near The Inlet along with 15 Willow Warbler. (K Groocock) Sand Martin peaked at 1500 with 200 Swallow with Draycote's first Swift of the year (R Mays) with 3 seen during the roost. (L Evans) Common Sandpiper and 8 Yellow Wagtail also noted. (R Mays)
April 18th
The Franklin's Gull left the roost at 6.30 flying off east and then again in the roost viewable from just past the Valve Tower from c7.20 with the adult Med Gull.2 Black-necked Grebe in Toft bay and an Osprey at 1.00. 2 Little Gull, 40 Yellow Wagtail in Toft and a Common Sandpiper with Sand Martin peaking at c1000 by midday. Draycote's first Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat of the year. (R Mays)
April 17th
The Franklin's Gull again in the roost off the Valve Tower at c7.20pm and adult Med Gull. (P Hyde S Whitehouse)
April 16th
A second summer Franklin's Gull that was present at Brandon Marsh earlier in the afternoon roosted at c7.40pm, also adult Med Gull. (R Harbird J Judge R Mays D Cox) A male Redstart near Rainbow Corner late afternoon. (J Wesson)
April 14th
2 Common Tern, 10 Yellow Wagtail on Farborough Bank. (J. Judge R. Mays B. Duckhouse) Hybrid duck off Draycote Bank (M. Doughty)
April 13th
Again about 1000 Sand Martin first thing this morning with 3 House Martin and 2 Swallow. Warbler numbers up with 4 Willow, 11 Chiffchaff and 6 Blackcap. (J D & P Hall) A Black Redstart was seen near the Alpaca field in Toft and a presumed hybrid Ring-necked X Tufted Duck. (D. Dixon J. Packer) 7 Yellow Wagtail along Farborough Bank with at lest 8 Buzzard over and 2 Sanderling made a brief tour of Toft Bay. (J. Judge R. Mays. J D & P Hall)
April 12th
Early morning there were 1000+ Sand Martin and 4 Swallow, Common Sandpiper Farborough Bank. (K. Groocock) 4 Yellow Wagtail Farborough Bank, 2 Dunlin Draycote Bank, female Pintail and Ringed Plover over calling. In the roost adult Med Gull and 2 Common Tern on buoy X with a Whimbrel over. (R. Mays)
April 11th
4 Yellow Wagtail, 300+ Sand Martin and 10 Swallow. (R. Mays D. Cox)
April 10th
Wheatear and White Wagtail along Farborough Bank with 2 Yellow Wagtail on Draycote Bank, 8 Buzzard and 2 Sparrowhawk. (R. Mays)
April 5th
An Osprey  today at c11.30 seen by the fishermen and phoned in to me by Margaret at the Fishing Lodge (Glad someone still has my number!) Adult summer Little Gull off the in Biggin Bay with some good numbers of gull's staying after the roost with 150 Common Gull, 60 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 20 Great Black-backed Gull. Draycote's first Common Tern and Yellow Wagtail of the year today. Also adult summer Med Gull, Common Sandpiper,100 Sand Martin, 28 Stock Dove and 7 Shoveler. (R. Mays)
April 1st
50+ Sand Martin, 3 Blackcap and 5 Chiffchaff. (K Groocock) Draycote's first Willow Warbler of the year and surprisingly the first Willow Tit in Toft, 1st summer Little Gull off Valve Tower in evening. (R Mays)

Mar 31st
Still 2 Wheatear present along Farborough Bank, Sand Martin 50+ with 2 Swallow, 2 Chiffchaff, White Wagtail. Little Ringed Plover and 2 Shelduck in Toft with Draycote's first Oystercatcher of the year. (R Mays)
Mar 30th
4 Wheatear (R Mays D Cox K Groocock) 100+ Sand Martin 20+ Meadow Pipit, still a few Goldeneye about and 16 Redwing. (K Groocock) Little Gull and White Wagtail reported.
Mar 29th
Female Marsh Harrier reported again over the Country Park (RBA) 38 Sand Martin, 6 Lesser Redpoll whilst trying to do the roost but strong winds caused the viewing to be atrocious so nothing seen. (J Judge R Mays)
Mar28th
2 Rock Pipit's near Farborough Spit this afternoon one of the Scandinavian race "littoralis" and an adult Whooper Swan flew low north. (R Mays D Cox)
Mar 27th
Female Marsh Harrier over the visitor center at 2pm and White Wagtail near the Valve Tower. (D Hunt) 3 Sand Martin, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Skylark and 2 Buzzard. (K Groocock)
Mar 26th
With all the movement of Common Scoter across the country it was no surprise to find a pair at Draycote today (M Doughty R Mays) Draycote's first Swallow of the year also Little Ringed Plover, 20 Sand Martin with Pied Wagtails now up to c90 and White Wagtail. (R Mays) In the roost were 3rd winter Iceland Gull (R. Mays) and second summer Med Gull (M Doughty)
Mar 25th
Male Wheatear in field below Farborough Bank, still some good numbers of duck with Wigeon 111, Teal 10 and 18 Goldeneye. An increase in Pied Wagtail with c50 and 20 Sand Martin in Biggin Bay. (R Mays S Seal)
Mar 24th
Adult Kittiwake, 2 first winter Little Gull's, 2 adult summer Med Gull's, Rock Pipit and the first Common Sandpiper of the year. (R Mays D Thomas)
Mar 21st
The adult Kumlien's Gull again in the roost late this evening along with 3rd winter Iceland Gull and juv Glaucous Gull, Draycote's first Little-ringed Plover of the year. (R. Mays)
Mar 19th
All the hard work and cold nights of doing the roost paid off for Richard when he found this years second and Draycote's third record of Kumlien's Gull, this time an adult bird close in with all the salient features noted, also in the roost were 3rd winter Iceland Gull and 4 adult summer Med Gull's.
Mar 18th
Draycote's first House Martin of the year, juv Glaucous Gull and 3w Iceland Gull in the roost. (R. Mays)
Mar 15th
An Avocet flew in and settled briefly before flying off down Grandborough Valley, a dark-bellied Brent Goose circled the reservoir and a Wheatear at the Valve Tower. (R. Mays) Rock Pipit on Toft Bank and 37 Sand Martin. (P. Hyde) In the roost were juv Glaucous, 3rd winter Iceland and ad summer Med Gull. (J. Judge R. Mays P. Hyde)
Mar 14th
Barn Owl at the sewage farm early morning and 2 Curlew over. (R. Mays) Female Scaup in Toft. (B. Hazell) In the roost were juv Glaucous Gull, 3rd winter Iceland Gull and a presumed second year Glaucous x Herring Gull. (J. Judge R. Mays)
Mar 11th
The first White Wagtail of the year between Farborough Bank and Toft, wader movement Redshank, 4 Dunlin and a Curlew and at least 8 Sand Martin over the res. In the roost were the pale juv Glaucous, 3rd winter Iceland and an adult Kittiwake. (R. Mays)
Mar 9th
Glaucous Gull in the roost 4:55-5:05 only before flying out down the Grandborough Valley and Draycote's first Sand Martin through at 4:20.(L. Johnson)
Mar 8th
In the roost this evening were 3rd winter Iceland Gull, juv Glaucous Gull and adult Med Gull. (J. Judge R. Mays)
Mar 7th
Only news were 4 Raven over the Country Park. (R. Mays D. Cox)
Mar 5th
Juv Glaucous Gull in the roost plus 3rd winter Iceland, 3rd winter Yellow-legged and second winter Med. (J. Judge, R. Mays B. Duckhouse) Dunlin over Rainbow Corner. (B. Minshull) The long staying Lesser Scaup was seen at Brandon Marsh. (J. Wesson)
Mar 4th
The Lesser Scaup made a rare flight out of Toft Bay to Rainbow Corner before returning to Toft also Rock Pipit on Draycote Bank. In the roost were 3 Glaucous Gull's 2 juv and second winter, juv Iceland Gull, 3rd winter Caspian Gull, ad and near adult Yellow-legged Gull and adult Little Gull. (R. Mays)
Mar 3rd
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay this morning near Gray's Barn.
Mar 2nd
The Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay. (J, D and P. Hall)
Mar 1st
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay. (A.Moreton) In the roost were 2 Glaucous Gull's juv and second winter and 3 Med Gull's 2 adults and a first winter. (J. Judge, T. Elms, J, D and P. Hall, R. Mays)
Feb 29th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay. In the roost juv Glaucous Gull. (R. Mays)
Feb 28th
The Lesser Scaup still present in Toft Bay. (R. Mays)
Feb 27th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay. In the roost were juv Iceland Gull and 2 juv Glaucous Gull's. (R. Mays)
Feb 26th
The Lesser Scaup was in Gray's Barn today. A possible 1st winter American Herring Gull was in the roost with 2 Glaucous Gull's juv and second winter and 2 adult Med Gull's. (R. Mays)
Feb 25th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay and 9 Bewick's Swans till 1.45pm and then flew east.
Feb 24th
The Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay. In the roost were 2 Glaucous Gull's juv and second winter and 7 Med Gull's 4 adult summer 1 near adult summer and 2 second winters. (J. Judge R. Mays)
Feb 23rd
2 juv Glaucous Gull's in the roost. (J. Jennings)
Feb 21st
Lesser Scaup still in Toft bay and ad Bewick's Swan in Rainbow Corner. In the roost were 2 juv Glaucous Gull's, juv Iceland Gull, 3 ad and 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull and 4 Med Gulls ad summer, ad partial summer, second winter and a 1st winter. (R. Mays)
Feb 20th
The Lesser Scaup was off Farborough Bank in the morning and back in Toft Bay in the afternoon, Woodcock over the Country Park at dusk. The pale juv Glaucous Gull in the roost and ad winter Med Gull. (R. Mays)
Feb 19th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft and 3 Med Gull's in the roost 2 ad summer birds and a 1st winter. (R. Mays)
Feb 18th
Only news today is the Lesser Scaup still in Toft.
Feb 17th
The Lesser Scaup was in Toft Bay late morning, earlier it was seen off Farborough Bank the first time it has strayed outside of Toft Bay since its arrival.
Feb 16th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay showing well. In the roost were 3 Glaucous Gull's 2 juv one a paler bird and a second winter, 3 Med Gull 2 ad summer and a second winter. (D. Hall. J. Judge. R. Mays and S. Valentine.)
Feb 15th
Only news today is the Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay.
Feb 14th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay and Great Northern Diver still mainly in the center. The Gull roost had juv Glaucous Gull, 2nd winter Caspian Gull, 1st winter Med Gull and 2 ad Yellow-legged Gull. (R. Mays)
Feb 13th
The Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay and Great Northern Diver still present.
Feb 12th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay and Great Northern Diver still in the center, A Raven around Toft for 1/2 hr between
11.30 and noon. (B. Hazell) In the roost were juv Kumlien's Gull, juv Glaucous Gull and 2 1st winter Med Gull's. (R. Mays)
Feb 11th
The Lesser Scaup showing well in Toft near the hide and Great Northern Diver near Rainbow Corner.
Feb 10th
The Lesser Scaup still in Toft and Great Northern Diver still present. No sign of any "white winged" Gull's in the roost this evening just 2+ Yellow-legged Gull.
Feb 9th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay. In the roost the juv Kumlien's Gull again, juv Glaucous Gull and 2 ad Yellow-legged Gull's.
Feb 8th
The Lesser Scaup still in Toft. Juv Kumlien's Gull again in the roost plus 2 Glaucous Gull's juv and 2nd winter and an adult and 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull. The first Ringed Plover of the year flew over. (R. Mays. M. Doughty. T. Marlow and J. Allen)
Feb 7th
The juv Kumlien's Gull again in the roost this evening along with 1st winter Caspian Gull, 2 juv Glaucous Gull, 4 Yellow-legged Gull 3x ad and a 1st summer and 2 ad Med Gull's. A Woodcock flew over the country car park at dusk and a Raven again over Rainbow Corner. (J. Judge. T. Marlow and R. Mays)
Feb 6th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay and Great Northern Diver still present. Another cracking roost this evening with the best bird being a juv Kumlien's Gull (only the second record for Draycote), 3 Caspian Gull's ad and 2x 1st winters, 2 juv Glaucous Gull's 2 Med Gull's ad and 2nd winter and 3 Yellow-legged Gull's 2x 2nd winter and a 1st winter. 2 Raven flew over Barn Bank just prior to dusk and a Snow Bunting flew along Barn Bank to Rainbow Corner at last light. (J. Judge T. Marlow and R. Mays)
Feb 5th
The Lesser Scaup was in the willows at Gray's Barn this morning and the Great Northern Diver was seen circling the reservoir. Also seen were Shelduck, Curlew and 2 Raven. In the roost were juv Glaucous Gull, 3rd winter Caspian Gull 5 Med Gulls, 2 first winter, 2 second winter and an adult and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull's. (R. Mays)
Feb 3rd
Lesser Scaup still showing well in Toft Bay. (J. D. and P. Hall)
Feb 2nd
The Lesser Scaup was in the willows at Gray's Barn this morning but no sign all day of the Great Northern Diver. 78 Golden Plover in the field below Farborough Bank. The pre roost had ad Med Gull and ad Kittiwake and all the main roost had to offer were 3 ad Yellow-legged Gull's. (R. Mays J. D and P Hall)
Feb 1st
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay and Great Northern Diver off Draycote Bank.

Jan 31st
The Lesser Scaup again showing well in Toft Bay in the usual place by the car park to the left of the hide, Great Northern Diver off Rainbow Corner and 2 drake Common Scoter in the center then flew towards Toft. In the roost were the juv Iceland and juv Glaucous Gull. (R. Mays)
Jan 30th
The Lesser Scaup again showing well in Toft Bay.
Jan 29th
No sign of the Lesser Scaup today despite extensive searching, the Great Northern Diver still present near Rainbow Corner. Juv Glaucous and juv Iceland Gull in the roost with 3 ad and a first winter Yellow-legged Gull. (R. Mays)
Jan 28th
Only news today is the Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay.
Jan 27th
Lesser Scaup under the willows in Grays Barn, Great Northern Diver mainly in the center and drake Smew off Farborough Bank. (S. Seal) In the roost there was a juv Glaucous Gull and at least 2 ad Yellow-legged Gull's but with a distant roost they are getting harder to pick out from the clean headed Herring Gull's now present. Raven behind the Inlet. (J. Judge, J, D ad P. Hall)
Jan 26th
Lesser Scaup still Toft Bay, Great Northern Diver Rainbow Corner and drake Smew still.
Jan 25th
Lesser Scaup still Toft Bay, Great Northern Diver Rainbow Corner and drake Smew still. Two second winter Med Gull's and a first winter Yellow-legged pre roost (R. Mays D. Cox) In the roost juv Iceland Gull and 3 Med Gull's no ages given (RBA)
Jan 24th
Lesser Scaup under the willows in Gray's Barn, Great Northern Diver in Biggin Bay, ad Med Gull and drake Smew off Draycote Bank Peregrine over cafe. In the roost were juv Iceland Gull, 2 ad Caspian and 8 Yellow-legged Gull's (6 ad 2 1st winter) (R. Mays and B. Hazell)
Jan 23rd
Lesser Scaup under the willows in Gray's Barn, Great Northern Diver and drake Smew still off Draycote Bank.
Jan 22nd
The Lesser Scaup still in Toft and drake Smew off Draycote Bank. The Great Northern Diver gave good views to be able to age it as an adult so could be a returning bird. (J. Oates) The gull roost was distant and strung over the center of the reservoir but held juv Glaucous Gull, 5 Med Gull's 2 ad, second winter and 2 first winters and 3 ad Yellow-legged Gull's. (R. Mays)
Jan 20th
Lesser Scaup Toft, Great Northern Diver and drake Smew. Ad Med Gull off Rainbow Corner and a Common Gull with a red bill giving the observers initial panic! (R. Mays and D. Cox)
Jan 19th
All the usual suspects still present Lesser Scaup Toft, Great Northern Diver and drake Smew. Little Egret again in Toft at c12:15.
Jan 18th
Lesser Scaup under the willows in Gray's Barn, Great Northern Diver usually in the center, Little Egret off Lin Croft Point (M. Doughty) and Smew still present off Draycote Bank. Pre roost were ad Caspian Gull, 2 ad Med Gull's and 3 ad Yellow-legged Gull's (R. Mays and D. Cox)
Jan 16th
Lesser Scaup under the willows in Gray's Barn, the Great Northern Diver was spending most of it's time in the middle of the reservoir, drake Smew off the Inlet and a Raven over the visitor center in the morning (B. Hazell). No sign of the Little Egret today. The Gull roost this evening held juv Glaucous Gull, 2 ad Caspian Gull's and Yellow-legged comprised at least 14 ad, 3 second winters and 2 first winters. (R. Mays and T. Marlow)
Jan 15th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay, Great Northern Diver at distance off the Valve Tower and Smew still off Farborough Bank. A Little Egret flew from direction of the valve tower and landed in Biggin Bay approx 4pm. Stayed for 10 minutes and then flew towards Toft.( F Thompson). Fem Pintail, 1st winter Med Gull and Oystercatcher also today. (R. Mays)
Jan 13th
Lesser Scaup still Toft Bay, Great Northern Diver Rainbow Corner and drake Smew off Farborough Bank (G. Rowling)
Jan 12th
Another great day today with many birders on site, the Lesser Scaup was in Grays Barn before moving to its usual spot in Toft, Red-necked Grebe was re-located off the Overflow (S. Seal) before giving itself up for the photographers near the fishing pontoons. A Great Northern Diver was found off the picnic area near the windsurfing car park before becoming very mobile (P&L Price) this is the second bird this winter following a brief sighting on 2nd October, drake Smew by the Valve Tower and a fly through Redshank. The Gull roost did not disappoint with juv Glaucous Gull, ad Iceland, 2 ad Caspian Gulls and 10 ad + 4 1st winter Yellow-legged Gulls (R. Mays)
Jan 11th
Lesser Scaup Grays Barn, Red-necked Grebe viewable from the Cafe and drake Smew near the Valve Tower.
Jan 10th
Lesser Scaup and Smew sheltering at Grays Barn, Red-necked Grebe still off visitor Centre and a mobile Slavonian Grebe, a very elusive female Red-breasted Merganser was between the Valve Tower and Biggin Bay (R. Mays)
Jan 9th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay, Red-necked Grebe off Hensborough Bank and drake Smew Farborough Bank  (K Warmington)
Jan 8th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay, drake Smew Farborough Bank, 140+ Wigeon, 8 Meadow Pipit (R Mays)
Jan 7th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay, drake Smew Farborough Bank.
Jan 6th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay, drake Smew Farborough Bank 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull 60+ Siskin 328 Great Crested Grebe.
Jan 5th
Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay, drake Smew still but mobile, 7 Brambling in hedgerow at dusk bottom of car park.
Jan 4th
The Lesser Scaup still in the usual place in Toft just to the left of the hide viewed from "duck feeding" car park, the Long-tailed Duck still near Lin Croft Point best viewed from Farborough Spit. Drake Smew still off Farborough Bank and P Hyde had a very impressive 450 Great Black-backed Gulls before the roost left this morning and that was just the adults!
Jan 3rd
A bit of a red letter day today, 1st winter drake Lesser Scaup still in Toft Bay, 2 White-fronted Geese in field below Farborough Bank with a Jack Snipe for good measure with them. A call off Bob D to say a Long-tailed Duck had been reported and was re-located off Farborough Bank By R Mays and Bob D. Drake Smew still off Farborough Bank.  Richard finished off the night doing the roost and found Ad Caspian Gull,  3 ad and 2 1st winter Yellow-legged Gulls and best of all a Fulmar. Also today Rock Pipit, 2 Raven, Shelduck, Redpoll and Siskin.
Jan 2nd
The 1st winter drake Lesser Scaup still present today in Toft Bay but no sign of the drake Smew off Farborough Bank though it has been getting to The Inlet.
Jan 1st
The 1st winter drake Lesser Scaup still present today in Toft Bay and drake Smew off Farborough Bank, both showed well despite the foggy conditions early on. Also a Merlin reported on the north shore, Chiffchaff in Toft and at lest 33 Goosander.

Comments