Warblers

The Dartford Warbler was still at Aspley Heath this morning. This afternoon there were at least six Chiffchaffs around Marston Sewage Works, including two Siberian Chiffchaffs. They were mostly around the east side, between the sewage works and MVCP visitor centre, often with a small tit flock. Also a male Blackcap in the same area made for a very good winter warbler day! Steve Blain

Wintering DARTFORD WARBLERS at Aspley Heath

Still at least 2 DARTFORD WARBLERS present at Apsley Heath this afternoon, but typically elusive in the constant drizzle. Park in the small layby to the east of the Woburn road (the A5130) at SP 932 352 then walk east towards the disused buildings. Not far before the workings, turn right and then keep to the right of the main muddy footpath to an area of dense gorse at the brow of the first slope after about 300 yards - see map below -:

Male HEN HARRIER for second day

Neil Wright is currently (about 1215) watching the male HEN HARRIER hunting some set-a-side near the New Wavendon Heath carpark.  The bird is hunting the fields the opposite side of the road to the car park, 12:50.

The area the bird is in is grid ref: SP925334

Second BLACK REDSTART in as many days

I've found a female BLACK REDSTART this afternoon opposite the entrance gate to Woburn Safari park. From the gate head up the opposite hill between the 2 lion statues and the bird was showing very well on top of the slate roofed buildings to the left of the road at SP970349. It's preferred the long building at the top of the complex but was quite mobile and visited most of the rooftops during the half hour I watched it for.

David James.

A productive morning at Harrold

Started with a small band of Bedfordshire Bird Club folks at Harrold working through my WeBS count which took about an hour. Usual fair but some big flocks of Wood Pigeons over and the first Goldeneye of the winter on the main lake, a few Kingfisher sightings and the long-staying injured Pink-footed Goose.

On to Radwell. At Harrold, I had just been explaining that WeBS was a great way of finding unusual birds since you count each individual and don't tend to overlook things like wild swans or geese. A Whooper Swan among the Mutes was good to see and a Rock Pipit over here. Fewer Wigeon than last month but a Pink-footed Goose with the feral geese was good enough for a SFYT.

Richard Bashford