Goosander

I know I said no more until after Xmas but I was very pleased to see a group of 13 Goosander (7 male and 6 female) on the river near work yesterday on Thurcaston Road. Presumably Watermead is partially frozen to force them down here ?? Still 3 males and 3 females this morning together with a pair of Shoveler, which is a patch tick.

Merry Christmas

No further updates between now and the festive season so I hope everybody has a fabulous Xmas and all the best for 2010.

Darts

Away tonight at The Gate Inn, Hugglescote. Check back tomorrow for the result.....

Staunton Harold Reservoir

Despite it only being up the road I'd never been to SHR until Saturday. I was taking the kids to the nearby Ferrers Centre but popped in to devour our packed lunch. After finally dragging myself away from the play area I managed to have a short wander up to the sailing club. Lots of big gulls and I imagine there's quite a sizable roost (?). Other notables where a large lapwing flock, 4 drake Goldeneye and I think that was about it. What wasn't so much fun was having to pay £2.50 to park!!

Moths

In the last few days Thornton Working Mens Club has produced Mottled Umber, Angle Shades and a very dead (presumably since October!) Frosted Orange. Lots of Winter Moths still in the headlights and today a solitary Emmelina monodactyla on the wall at work today. Add to this a Hofmannophila pseudospretella and a Alucita hexadactyla at home recently.

Arrows

Another win!! At home to the Queens Head, Markfield. 7-2 on the night. Best arrows by me were a 100 and a 126 but a very good standard of darts by all of us with some good averages......Not sure which North West Leicestershire fleshpot we will be heading to next week but I'll post the result here (unless we lose)

Scaup

Yes, another patch tick on the weekend courtesy of Andy (as they usually are - just makes me feel bad that I never told him about the Red Crested Pochard that he still needs.....) No sign on Sunday but remarkably reappeared on the afternoon with a second one in tow. After my prophetic (or pathetic) statement about the next VC55 addition being Dartford Warbler I'll stick my neck out and go for a Firecrest at Thornton next. The churchyard would be perfect........

Thornton WMC 6 - Jolly Colliers 3

Still unbeaten.........

Lets Play Darts.......

Forgotten to mention the flying start that we (Thornton WMC Darts A) have made to the North Leicestershire Darts winter league. Unbeaten so far having seen off The Waggon and Horses, Ibstock on the opening night (winning 5-4 after being 4-1 down and them having divine help in the shape of the local vicar in their squad!!), to beating the Brant Inn, Groby at home and winning away last Monday at the Red Lion, Desford. Last nights match has been rearranged and will see us taking on The Jolly Colliers, Coalville at our place this evening at 8.45pm. Feel free to drop by. We ain't exbibition standard but the ale is good.........