Peter Jones, "Hampshire Diary"

• Monday, August 31, 2009 - Whinchat on Baddesley Common

Up at dawn to check out the Common. Weather was terrible, a really fine drizzle affecting visibility, but at least no wind, and the temperature was uncomfortably high. Would have been a good night for the Moth Trap. Common was quiet with only a couple of parties of Stonechats, and a small number of Chiff Chaffs to sift through. Did find a worn looking Whinchat at the North West corner of the Common. Was diverted on the way home by an accident, and stumbled across a field alive with bird life near Lee.. About 50 Canada Geese, 2 Feral Geese, including one with Bar Headed goose ancestry. Also Wood Pigeons, 2 Stock Dove, many Corvids (mainly Rooks and a few Jackdaws) and a Single Lapwing. Afternoon update: A local birder, Phil, later went to check out the Whinchat and also found 15+ Yellow Wagtails.. quite a difficult bird to catch up with in the Test Valley for some reason, my only sighting being 2 springs ago.. Funny how the early birder doesn't always get the prize! However, I ended the day on a high with great views of a Hobby gliding over the house before stooping after some prey.

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