MONDAY 31 JANUARY
A perfect birding day for a change with wall-to-wall sunshine, light winds and a light frost underfoot. It was ideal for raptors, so I took the chance to do my first large accipiter searching of the year
THE HEXTON AREA (BEDS)
As up to 6 Goshawks had been showing at one site this morning in the New Forest, I decided to give a traditional site in Bedfordshire the once-over. Despite a constant rising of thermalling Common Buzzards above the plantations and ridge, the resident pair of Northern Goshawks did not appear.
An outstanding 12 RED KITES danced together in the sky over Deacon Hill, whilst other species noted in the Pegsdon Hills included a WOODCOCK, both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers and 50+ Fieldfares.
SANDY SMITH NR, CLOPHILL (BEDS)
At last, and presumably due to the change in weather, the resident LITTLE OWL at Speedsdairy Farm showed well in the dead tree. I also managed two LONG-EARED OWLS at a neighbouring site, pushing my tally for the month to 107 species - 8 behind MJP.
BEDFORDSHIRE BIRDING is a new site created by Lee G R Evans to cater for birders both within and outside this inland county. Should you have items of interest, do not hesitate to contact Lee on 07881 906629 or via email at LGREUK400@aol.com
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