Thornton Year List

I am determined to have a crack at a good year list for Thornton this year. I'll keep the total under my hat presently until I hit 75+ then I will shout from the rooftops. A Water Rail on New Years Day was a step in the right direction and a Kingfisher last week was only my second ever one at the res. I know I'm well behind Messers Wright and Smith but slowly, slowly catchy monkey....................

Patch Tick

Another Watermead waif and stray on the river in Belgrave this morning in the shape of 2 drake and a female Teal.

The Leicester Llama - In my dreams

I had a fitful nights sleep last night compounded by the oddest dream.....I was birding in the churchyard in Thornton and found, in no particular order, 2 Bearded Tit, Hoopoe, Redstart and 2 Pied Flycatcher. I put the news out and first on the scene was Andy Mackay but not as we know him now, more circa 1980's complete with beard....He then proceeded to claim a Yellow Browed Warbler which he then plucked from a bush with his hand to find it was in fact a Siskin.......Early night for me tonight I think.........

The last couple of weeks....

The Wednesday after Xmas saw myself and Andy Smith venturing out in the rain to meet up with Chris Hubbard at Stanford Res. Quite a productive visit with Pink Footed Goose in the large Greylag flock, a few Goosander, a drake Red Crested Pochard and a couple of suspect looking Barnacle Geese. We then headed to Shawell to meet up with Neil Hagley (who I hadn't seen for about 20 years!!). Less than ideal conditions but we did muster up a solitary Yellow Legged Gull. Back then to South Kilworth for some Hubbard hospitality and a welcome whiskey or four. Popped to the Res late on New Years Day for the very showy Water Rail near the lodge.