STOP ME IF YOUV'E HEARD THIS ONE BEFORE

CORN BUNTING NOT A HOOPOE

In keeping with the last few weeks today at Sandwich Bay there was very little to report. I had hoped to connect with  one or both of the Hoopoes reported this week , but  a relatively clear and rain free evening had hastened their departure.I only managed to see Steve Ashton, a single Chiffchaff and a solitary Willow Warbler in the Oasis. Moving on to Mary Bax's Stone a few expectant birders were hoping for a repeat performance from the Short - Eared Owls which had been seen recently. One bird showed well over Prince's for about 25 minutes often hunting within a few metres of early morning golfers but it stayed out of reach of even Steve's lens.An interesting sight happened while we were waiting for the Owls of a  Buzzard,possibly a Honey being mobbed by four angry Shelduck.I haven't seen anything like that before. Other bits which made the notebook were 3 Swallows,1 Wheatear and an accommodating Corn Bunting. At least I was cheered up by some comical defending in the last ten minutes at Old Trafford . The pubs and clubs from Carlisle to Southampton must have been full of disappointed replica shirted fans that have never  seen the light of a Manchester day!