Blackwater and Bransbury Common

At late start to Rhinefield, where at midday was much quieter than it is in the evening. At least 2 Firecrests were around the car park showing well with Treecreepers. The Arboretum was very quiet with no Hawfinch, Crossbill, Siskin nor Brambling showing. However a male Bullfinch worked its way around the bushes and a brief possible Lesser Spotted Woodpecker dashed across.

(c) Ashley Howe - Treecreeper at the Blackwater Arboretum

The rest of the day was spent at Bransbury Common where we waited hours for Short-eared Owls to appear. Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings and Buzzards were numerous. A Barn Owl showed particularly well. It was geting late so we decided to leave. We flushed a Tawny Owl back to the car. Then I located a bird hovering high over a distant field. Fortunately it was a Short-eared Owl and then quickly disappeared out of view.

Apparantly 3 Short-eared Owls appeared from our original viewpoint about 3-4 minutes after our departure. And 3 more Tawny Owls were calling around the car.