Stowe Gardens, Buckinghamshire.

Spent the weekend at my sons just round the corner from Silverstone and found out that corner known as Stowe is because of the fantastic gardens and woodland represented by the same name. This property managed by the National Trust we visited to listen to one of my granddaughters singing in great surroundings. Made a good start to the festive season, but although there was loads of stables there was no baby Jesus that I could see.
As we approached the entrance a large tree assumed yew had all thrushes on display. MISTLE THRUSH 2, BLACKBIRD 4, REDWING 5, FIELDFARE 5, SONG THRUSH 2. I cannot remember the last time I saw all these species at one time in one tree. So a new record for me. This tree also had GOLDFINCH, COAL TIT, CHAFFINCH, ROBIN, WREN, BLUE TIT, GREAT TIT.

The day started with a family member turning up with a bird in the hand. She had found it just lying in the meadow were she was taking the dog for a walk. It was obviously well distressed and covered in blood. On examination it had skin punctures around the neck. It was my thinking that it had been caught by a stoat or weasel and had either been disturbed or left the scene. Seeing the bird was a WOODCOCK she wanted to give it far chance to survive and placed it in a shoe box in the dark and in her greenhouse. Six hours later it was still alive so a tough old bird. I informed my relative that it cost £36 if you wanted it for the plate and a £10 for delivery. She could however have it however for free if she so desired.

I only had one COMMON BUZZARD on the way at Elveden and a KESTREL at Stowe.