January 2020 at Gramborough (1 Viewer)

I’d hoped the New Decade hadn’t begun as it meant to go on: I could’ve done with better than a pair (?) of persistently brave Wrens. In fact, as you can readily see from the post below, there were more words than birds. I kept on scanning the bare shingle for wintering wheatears and simply succeeded in seeing . . . . . stark shingle. The first Dunnock re-appeared in the middle of the month; they had been absent since mid-November. Sadly, around about this time, only the female Stonechat remained on site. Perhaps the male hadn’t found her obvious charms alluring enough. (All was not ‘lost’ - as will be related in February.)

I had a minor thrill on 22nd, when I entered the Bowl too precipitately, only to flush a lovely Barn Owl, roosting serenely (until then) in a Willow. This was the first time I’d seen a Strigid of this species perched in the trees (joining Long-eared and Short-eared). It flew off silently and unhurriedly towards the Quags - taking with it the last interesting record for the month ! I checked much more carefully the next day - to view an empty branch.

All-in-all, though, a dreary month; another one to follow - if the past is any guide.