Waiting and wishing.....

Two very quick visits to Campbell Park over the last couple of days have turned up such gems as Moorhen, Coot, Mistle Thrush, GSWP and a pair of Bullfinch.  Actually to be fair, Bullfinches are always lovely to see.  So the year list now stands at nearly 40.  I can barely contain myself!

In all honesty, I'm going to have to play the waiting game.  Campbell Park should kick into life in the spring.  Past records here have included Pied Fly, Ring Ouzel, Nightingale and Firecrest.  In addition, the high central ridge does offer panoramic views of most of western MK, so I expect lots of cheapo "seen from" year ticks.  An Osprey would be perfect.

I also managed to get to Oakgrove and Woughton Valley at the weekend, but with little success.  Oakgrove used to be a great spot for Snipe, Jack Snipe, and wintering Stonechat.  But the fields were drained years ago for a development that's yet to happen, and the sedges and rushes have been replaced by dry, sandy brown grasses.  Still, it's been a good spot for Gropper these last few years.

Woughton Valley is typical grazed parkland.  Under grey skies we saw nowt.  But Little Owl and Green Woodpecker are certainly possible, as are chats and Yellow Wags during the spring.  And surely there's Kingfishers along the river.

In the meantime though, I look on with envy at the other 3 and their lists.....