15th September 2009

Walked to Earlswood during the early morning. The lakes seemed quiet at first, but after waiting at the causeway for some time things improved, with 6+ Meadow Pipits, 4+ House Martins and 2+ Ravens over, plus a Kingfisher at Windmill Pool but no sign of the Mute Swan at Engine Pool. I also saw a wader flying over the lakes, gaining height then leave heading northeast (towards Marsh Lane?) but sadly couldn't identify it - seemed dark and a bit too big for Common Sandpiper, but couldn't make out a white rump though it was difficult making out any details at all - hopefully this wasn't the juvenile Spotted Redshank that was seen at Marsh Lane NR later in the day! Worst still, I saw probably a different wader fly over Engine Pool and leave heading northwards or thereabouts, but was distant and again couldn't make out much detail with my bins. Terry's Pool was alright, with 2 Marsh Tits (my first away from the SSSI), 10+ Long-tailed Tits, a Treecreeper and a singing Chiffchaff around the sides. I then went through the SSSI, covering quite a lot of it, and saw 4+ Jays and a Coal Tit; I noticed that the meadow area has been cleared and made much more accessible (photo added here) since I last visited that part, no doubt thanks to the good work of the volunteer work party. On I went around the Forshaw Heath area, visiting Graves Coppice for the first time and seeing another Coal Tit in there, whilst a Raven, 2 Meadow Pipits, 2 Swallows and a Kestrel were seen over nearby fields. Despite being tired and having not had any lunch (apart from some sloe berries!!!), I returned to the lakes and upon reaching the causeway again at c. 3:40 pm, found 2 Shovelers at Windmill Pool. From there, I headed home via the footpath that runs through fields in-between Wood Lane and Rumbush Lane, but there was hardly anything there - was hoping I might see Red-legged Partridge there.

Whilst in my garden at c. 7:50 pm, heard 2 Tawny Owls calling nearby.

M.P. Griffiths