Sunshine and Showers

Yesterday we joined our Beds Birds friends on a visit to Draycote Reservoir and Brandon Marsh Nature Centre. Sadly the sunshine didn't last much beyond 10am. We set out along the eastern side with views of Goosander, a smart male Smew and displaying Great Crested Grebes.

Female Goosander

We had a good variety of the usual ducks and views of Buzzard and Sparrowhawk passing over. There was a flock of 30+ Fieldfare sunning themselves in a tree.
By the time we reached the north-western side the rain had started, gently at first but steadily for the next hour. A small flock of Siskins and handful of Long-tailed Tits were seen in the trees alongside the path. Midway along the dam we saw a male Goosander with a harem of 12 females. As we got close to the sailing club we spotted a pair of Bullfinches, a single Redwing and a Goldcrest.
After lunch we went to Brandon Marsh in the hope of seeing a reported Long-eared Owl. Views over the East Marsh Pool gave us a group of @ 6 Snipe but when they took off there were nearer 20 in the air and at least 3 left behind. Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Shoveler and Shelduck were amongst the occupants of the Pool. Despite braving the flooded paths and trying to second guess where the LEO might be roosting we .... dipped!!
So we all retreated to the lovely tea room at the centre for a warm drink before the journey home.
Following our President's advice, Gen and ourselves stopped off at the Gull Watchpoint on Stewartby Lake to catch up with the Glaucous Gull and, thanks to Steve B, the two Peregrine on the Stewartby chimneys.