Sunday 12th August

It was warm this morning between 7.50am and 9am. There were plenty of clouds in the blue sky unlike the past few days.

A Coal Tit sang from the Yew at the Park and Ride entrance, a total of 7 Goldcrests were heard calling throughout the visit, a Great Spotted Woodpecker clambered up an Alder in the Wet Woodland along Len whilst a cock Pheasant called, 4 Green Woodpeckers were heard throughout the visit and 1 was pursued by a female Sparrowhawk across the rough grassland by the Old Bothy, at least 4 Nuthatches called, 2 Willow Warblers sang from separate trees around the Lake, 4 Chiff Chaffs were also noted singing, a young Sparrowhawk called from the group of Larch on the eastern edge of the Park, 2 Bullfinch called from the hedge along the eastern edge of the Lake, 2 Whitethroats were seen, and a single Reed Warbler was heard singing from the Marsh. However, the highlight of my mornings visit was an adult Little Owl with 2 fluffy youngsters perched in an Oak in the area in front of Mote House. An endearing and wonderful sight, which unfortunately wasn’t photographed. As soon as my camera was raised a single call from the parent meant that all 3 birds flew off to another Oak and were unable to be seen amongst the leafy canopy.

6 Mute Swans were on the Lake with a few Canada Geese and the resident Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. A Grey Heron fished along the Lakes eastern edge. The Weir was still flooded. 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew north.

Also of note, were 4 Gatekeeper butterflies and a Common Darter, which were seen by the footbridge nearest to the Downswood entrance. 6 Chub were in the Len next to this bridge.