Life list predictions

I have updated my top 5 life list predictions and have gone very high tech for this, using a slide rule, scrutinised solar and lunar charts, read horoscopes, done tarot cards, meditated, consulted a medium and used numerology to factor in all variables I can think of.............in short I have made a complete guess!

No need to panic yet

Other than a failed attempt for dusk at LFGP for Woodcock along the path, I haven't been around. Today Steve found a second Chiffchaff at Sandford and Grey Wagtail at the Bader Way bridge, so at least the DP list went up on today to 76.

1 to go to be level

My visit under the Bader Way bridge was of course successful for year ticking Feral Pigeon, so I went on up the West side alongside The Moors, seeing Bullfinch and then a Chiffchaff, a browner individual than the Sandford bird, but sadly just for a few seconds and despite working the area for a good hour, did not see it again.

Pre walk, walk

Before walking my mums dog, I decided I'd dash into Bittern Hide and see if the Lesser Redpolls were around and 3 were feeding on the Nyger feeders and 4 Pheasant underneath. So 2 easy year ticks in 1 minute. Now for a walk down the bottom of Bader Way where numerous Feral Pigeon hang out under the bridge.

Late afternoon additions

I got to Sandford around 15:30 thinking I would be too late for the Chiffchaff reported there for the last 2 days, but it was there chasing insects, like 2 Goldcrest nearby. I heard Treecreeper for the year too.
Onward to WSL for Bittern again, also Cetti's called there, then a count of Goldeneye on BSL, 3 (1m) and a second count at Sandford increased from 30 mins before to 17 (6m), so 20 in total was the highest count in early Jan since 2007. There were also 13 Great Crested Grebe visible on BSL.
Interesting report from Marek of roosting Little Egret on BSL smaller island, also reporting 2 at LFGP.
I went on to Lavell's for a glimpse of Barn Owl and it was a very brief glimpse, plus a brief call from Tawny Owl, puts me on a quite healthy 71 of 75.
I want to clean up tomorrow and get Feral Pigeon, Pheasant, Lesser Redpoll, if possible connecting with Coal Tit and perhaps adding Grey Wagtail.

Patch prediction competition

Whilst trawling a few Twitter pages I came across on old birding acquaintance's page and was amused by his competition and prize. http://notquitescilly.blogspot.co.uk/p/buttons.html
Am thinking we patchers of DP need to do the same, Buttons are great

Dusk impatience

I said goodbye to Trevor saying "I'll try another night" and 8 seconds later he shouted it is leaving the box, but before I could return in time, the Barn Owl was gone. Another night it will be. Meantime Roger and Steve both saw Chiffchaff along Sandford's back water, hopefully that will be there tomorrow.