Staines Moor: 17 March

A late morning to dusk session at the moor today. With moderate north-easterlies migration was non-existent, although some of today's raptors could have been on the move. Highlights: 6-8 Water Pipit along the Colne (including 3 in almost full summer plumage, and 6 together in the large dying willow along the Colne at dusk), 1 Jack Snipe, and excellent views down to two metres of a showy Water Rail (Colne).

Also noted were: 2 Redshank (Colne), 2-4 Northern Lapwing (2 Colne, 2 over), 3+ (up to 10) Red Kite, 3+ (up to 10) Common Buzzard, 2+ Little Egret (Colne), 3m Reed Bunting (flycatching along Colne), 1 Kingfisher (flew east towards Bonehead Ditch from the Colne), 7 (4m, 3f) Linnet, 7 Fieldfare (over east to Bonehead Woodland), 2 Redwing (Moor Lane), 3 Pied Wagtail (ad m, 1st-W m, f, all flycatching along the Colne), 2 Mistle Thrush (west side), c15 Meadow Pipit (singing and displaying), c20 Skylark (many singing), 4 (3m, 1f) Mallard (Colne), 1+ Kestrel, 1+ Grey Heron, 9 (6m, 3f) Tufted Duck (Moor Land Lake), 1 Coot (Moor Lane Lake) and 2+ ad Mute Swan.

Today's showy Water Rail along the Colne - present since 12th March

Water Rail, River Colne, Staines Moor, 17 March 2016

Water Rail, River Colne, Staines Moor, 17 March 2016

Also managed to find the presumed Scarlet Elfcup Sarcoscypha austriaca fungi along the old railway today (many thanks to Mark Elsoffer and Stephen Minhinnick for directions).

Stanwell Moor added another 3 Red Kite and a Common Buzzard.