Wednesday 5th September

With an overcast sky it felt quite chilly during today’s mid-morning walk.

1 Coal Tit was heard singing, at least 4 Goldcrests were heard throughout the visit, 6 Jays were heard and seen, 2 Green Woodpeckers were heard throughout the visit, 3 Stock Doves were seen, 1 Chiff Chaff sang, with 5 more being seen in a mixed feeding flock, several parties of Long-tailed Tits were seen, 4 Nuthatch were heard calling, 2 Treecreepers were seen in the wet woodland along the Len, 1 Blackcap was seen, and a large flock of Mistle Thrush were on the playing fields.

On the Lake were at least 7 Mute Swans, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Cormorants, with another 1 flying west, 7 Canada Geese, 3 Tufted Ducks and 4 Shoveler, along with the resident Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. A Lesser Black-backed Gull stood on a buoy, whilst another 3 flew north, at least 13 Black-headed Gulls were also on the Lake, and 2 Grey Herons were seen. Also, whilst at the Weir a female Mallard with 3 newly born youngsters swam past.

Also seen were several Rabbits, a few Common Darters, and a Red Admiral. Whilst walking along Jenner’s Bank a bird called from the area between the bank and Laurel Walk. It only called a few times, but to me, it sounded very, very much like a Wood Warbler. Unfortunately the singer could not be seen. I will try again later today.

During my afternoon visit the bird-life was very quiet, and so was the probable Wood Warbler. However, my return was worth it. Sitting amongst the long grass at the top of Jenner's Bank, just inside the Parks boundary wall, and with its eyes fixed on the passengers getting off a Park & Ride bus, was a dog Fox. After watching the humans and having a scratch, he decided to meander off through the long grass and out onto the shorter grass. He strolled along the border of the nettles and stopped under a small pine tree. He stretched, laid himself down, and closed his eyes. I then duly departed. To not be noticed and to view a little piece of a wild animal’s life was a wonderful experience. A very special treat.