February 5th, 2016 - What's Smew? Second time lucky

I persuade my Mum to take a detour on her trip to Asda. How Holme Pierrepont is a detour to Hyson Green is not obvious, but happy to give her new Renault Captur a proper spin, she obliges.

I make my way from the lay by at Blotts to the viewing screen, where a Notts Trust working party are getting their orders from the pretty, be-wellingtoned botanist.  I'm informed that the Smew is on Sky Larks.  I head off, as a Meadow Pipit flies over, which is a year tick.  I set up my scope and get on the Smew immediately.  What a nice bird.  A really russet head and everything. Just a pity it's at the back of the pit, but musn't grumble!