It was grey, cloudy and quiet during this morning’s short walk.
There was 2 of both Green Woodpecker and Great Spotted Woodpecker noted, 3 Jay were seen, 4 Chiff Chaffs were heard singing, at least 5 Goldcrests were heard, 2 Nuthatches called from the top of Jenner’s Bank, a flock of Long-tailed Tits were seen by the Weir, there was a large group of around 24 Mistle Thrush on the grass in front of Mote House, and a flock of Greenfinch fed on the Pitch & Putt.
On the Lake there were at least 7 Mute Swans, 8 Cormorants – which is the highest count this year, 14 Canada Geese, 1 Tufted Duck, and 3 Shoveler – 2 female and 1 moulting male, there were also countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. A Lesser Black-backed Gull stood on a buoy and there is a very noticeable increase in Black-headed Gulls, now totalling at least 47. 2 Grey Herons were also seen stalking the Lake’s edges.
Several Rabbits, and some fox footprints were also noted, and the dead Rabbit in the Holm Oak is still present, however, all that remains now is the skin, with no back legs and tail!
Hi, my name is Simon. My local patch is Mote Park, one of Kent’s largest parks and right on the edge of Maidstone, the county town of Kent. It is a former country estate, and records of the Park date back since before the 14th century. The park has a variety of habitats and this blog will note all the wildlife that I encounter in them.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Thursday 13th September
The Park was covered in a thick mist this morning, making it feel chilly. At 7.40 the mist evaporated into gorgeous sunshine and a clear blue sky.
At least 12 Chiff Chaffs were heard – 4 individuals singing, 4 Jays were heard and seen during the visit, 2 Treecreepers were heard – 1 bird singing by the Weir, at least 4 Goldcrests were heard, a Nuthatch called from an Oak, a flock of Long-tailed Tits were seen by the Weir, 5 Green Woodpeckers were heard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker called from the wet woodland along the Len, 2 Stock Doves were perched high up in a Sweet Chestnut, a Bullfinch called from a Hawthorn along the track by the Weir, a cock Pheasant was viewed wandering through the large area of rough grassland, and a few groups of Goldfinch were also noted.
After the mist cleared from over the Park, a layer continued to linger over the Lake. The birds visible were at least 8 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants sat one of the islands, another sat on the boating ramp and another flew west, 4 Canada Geese, 1 Shoveler, and 3 Tufted Ducks, there were also countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and at least 6 Black-headed Gulls were on the Lake, 2 Reed Warblers were seen, a Grey Heron fished on the eastern edge of the Lake, and a Grey Wagtail was heard by the Waterfall.
Also noted were several Rabbits, the tailless Grey Squirrel, and some Chub swimming in the Len.
Whilst walking along the top of Jenner’s Bank I came across a strange and unexpected sight. As I approached the old Holm Oak, I became aware of a small furry object dangling from a branch. I moved closer and realised it was a dead Rabbit! With hollow eyes staring at me, I noticed the body was empty. No heart, no lungs, no guts, and no brain, in fact, no organs at all. I wonder what or who could have done this?
At least 12 Chiff Chaffs were heard – 4 individuals singing, 4 Jays were heard and seen during the visit, 2 Treecreepers were heard – 1 bird singing by the Weir, at least 4 Goldcrests were heard, a Nuthatch called from an Oak, a flock of Long-tailed Tits were seen by the Weir, 5 Green Woodpeckers were heard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker called from the wet woodland along the Len, 2 Stock Doves were perched high up in a Sweet Chestnut, a Bullfinch called from a Hawthorn along the track by the Weir, a cock Pheasant was viewed wandering through the large area of rough grassland, and a few groups of Goldfinch were also noted.After the mist cleared from over the Park, a layer continued to linger over the Lake. The birds visible were at least 8 Mute Swans, 2 Cormorants sat one of the islands, another sat on the boating ramp and another flew west, 4 Canada Geese, 1 Shoveler, and 3 Tufted Ducks, there were also countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and at least 6 Black-headed Gulls were on the Lake, 2 Reed Warblers were seen, a Grey Heron fished on the eastern edge of the Lake, and a Grey Wagtail was heard by the Waterfall.
Also noted were several Rabbits, the tailless Grey Squirrel, and some Chub swimming in the Len.
Whilst walking along the top of Jenner’s Bank I came across a strange and unexpected sight. As I approached the old Holm Oak, I became aware of a small furry object dangling from a branch. I moved closer and realised it was a dead Rabbit! With hollow eyes staring at me, I noticed the body was empty. No heart, no lungs, no guts, and no brain, in fact, no organs at all. I wonder what or who could have done this?
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Sunday 9th September
It felt rather cool today under a cloudy sky. As time went on, the Sun began to peep out from behind the cloud, and began to warm things up.
7 Jays were heard and seen during the visit, at least 3 Goldcrests were heard calling, 1 Coal Tit called from a Yew, 3 Nuthatches were heard, several parties of Long-tailed Tits were seen around the edge of the Lake, 2 Chiff Chaffs were heard singing, a Green Woodpecker called from the Pitch & Putt, 3 Stock Doves were seen and heard, a Bullfinch was heard calling from the Wet Woodland along the Len, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard, and a few large groups of Mistle Thrushes were noted.
On the lake there were at least 8 Mute Swans, 1 Cormorant – with another bird flying north, 2 Canada Geese, 3 Shoveler, and the small group of Tufted Ducks has increased to 5 birds, there were also the many Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. 2 Herring Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and at least 9 Black-headed Gulls were also on the Lake, a Grey Heron was seen stalking the Marsh next to the Weir, and a Grey Wagtail fed along the stream that runs through the Wet Woodland bottom of Jenner’s Bank.
Also seen were several Rabbits, 2 Common Darters, and a Speckled Wood butterfly.
Yew berries
Friday, September 07, 2007
Friday 7th September
It felt warm and rather humid this morning. The sky was still cloudy however the Sun did come out for a while.
At least 3 Goldcrests were heard calling, 6 Chiff Chaffs were noted – 2 of them were singing, several parties of Long-tailed Tits were seen around the edge of the Lake, a Treecreeper called from an Oak in the large area of rough grassland, 3 Coal Tits was heard, only 2 Jays were heard and seen, 3 Nuthatches were heard, 5 Green Woodpeckers were heard and seen throughout the visit, 4 Stock Doves were seen, a Sparrowhawk hunted along the Lakes edges, and a Reed Warbler was seen in one of the reedbeds around the Lake.
On the Lake there were at least 9 Mute Swans, 3 Great Crested Grebes – with 1 bird carrying 2 newborn stripy youngsters, 3 Cormorants, 2 Canada Geese, 3 Tufted Ducks, and 3 Shoveler, along with countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. A Lesser Black-backed Gull stood on a buoy, at least 10 Black-headed Gulls were also on the Lake, and 3 Grey Herons were seen on the Lakes edges.
Also seen were several Rabbits, a few Common Darters, and a Speckled Wood butterfly.
At least 3 Goldcrests were heard calling, 6 Chiff Chaffs were noted – 2 of them were singing, several parties of Long-tailed Tits were seen around the edge of the Lake, a Treecreeper called from an Oak in the large area of rough grassland, 3 Coal Tits was heard, only 2 Jays were heard and seen, 3 Nuthatches were heard, 5 Green Woodpeckers were heard and seen throughout the visit, 4 Stock Doves were seen, a Sparrowhawk hunted along the Lakes edges, and a Reed Warbler was seen in one of the reedbeds around the Lake.
On the Lake there were at least 9 Mute Swans, 3 Great Crested Grebes – with 1 bird carrying 2 newborn stripy youngsters, 3 Cormorants, 2 Canada Geese, 3 Tufted Ducks, and 3 Shoveler, along with countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. A Lesser Black-backed Gull stood on a buoy, at least 10 Black-headed Gulls were also on the Lake, and 3 Grey Herons were seen on the Lakes edges.
Also seen were several Rabbits, a few Common Darters, and a Speckled Wood butterfly.
Rose Hips
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Thursday 6th September
It felt warm this morning during my walk. The sky was overcast and there wasn’t any room for Sun to peep through.
At least 8 Chiff Chaffs were noted – 6 of them were singing, 1 Coal Tit was heard singing in the wet woodland along the Len, at least 3 Goldcrests were heard, 12 Jays were heard and seen, 5 Green Woodpeckers were heard and seen throughout the visit, 5 Stock Doves were seen, several parties of Long-tailed Tits were seen, 5 Nuthatch were heard calling, 2 Treecreepers were seen in the wet woodland along the Len, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard, and 1 Reed Warbler was seen in one of the reedbeds around the Lake.
There at least 9 Mute Swans, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 3 Canada Geese, and 2 Tufted Ducks, along with at least 89 Mallards, and the many Coots and Moorhens. A Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Common Gull stood on a buoy each, at least 21 Black-headed Gulls were also on the Lake, and 2 Grey Herons were seen on the Lakes edges.
Also seen were several Rabbits, a large shoal of Chub in the water by the bridge nearest to the Downswood entrance, a few Common Darters, and the tailless Grey Squirrel.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Tuesday 4th September
With the Sun out and a light northwesterly breeze blowing, today’s mid-morning walk was very pleasant. The cloud cover hid the Sun from time to time, providing short cooler periods.
1 Coal Tit sang from the top of a Yew along Laurel Walk, at least 6 Goldcrests were seen and heard throughout the visit, 6 Jays were heard and seen, a single Great Spotted Woodpeckers was observed, and 4 Green Woodpeckers were heard throughout the visit, a lone Stock Dove sat high up in an Oak tree, only 2 Chiff Chaffs were heard given small bursts of song, several parties of Long-tailed Tits were seen, 3 Nuthatch were heard calling, a female Sparrowhawk was viewed speeding through wet woodland along the Len, a Reed Warbler was heard, the 2 Swallows were seen heading west, and roughly 12+ House Martins raced around.
There was a large gathering of birds on the Pitch and Putt. A good look through them revealed at least 24 Mistle Thrushes, 43+ Goldfinches, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtails, and at least 13 Greenfinches
On the Lake were at least 8 Mute Swans, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 5 Canada Geese, and 1 Shoveler, along with the resident Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. There were also 12 White Mallards resting on the boating platform. 2 Grey Wagtails hunted insects by the Waterfall and another 1 was heard calling by the footbridge, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the Lake, at least 15 Black-headed Gulls were also on the Lake, and 3 Grey Herons were seen.
Also seen was a Chub in the water by the footbridge, several Rabbits, 1 Brown Rat, and a Speckled Wood fluttered past along the top of Jenner’s Bank.
1 Coal Tit sang from the top of a Yew along Laurel Walk, at least 6 Goldcrests were seen and heard throughout the visit, 6 Jays were heard and seen, a single Great Spotted Woodpeckers was observed, and 4 Green Woodpeckers were heard throughout the visit, a lone Stock Dove sat high up in an Oak tree, only 2 Chiff Chaffs were heard given small bursts of song, several parties of Long-tailed Tits were seen, 3 Nuthatch were heard calling, a female Sparrowhawk was viewed speeding through wet woodland along the Len, a Reed Warbler was heard, the 2 Swallows were seen heading west, and roughly 12+ House Martins raced around.
There was a large gathering of birds on the Pitch and Putt. A good look through them revealed at least 24 Mistle Thrushes, 43+ Goldfinches, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtails, and at least 13 Greenfinches
On the Lake were at least 8 Mute Swans, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 5 Canada Geese, and 1 Shoveler, along with the resident Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. There were also 12 White Mallards resting on the boating platform. 2 Grey Wagtails hunted insects by the Waterfall and another 1 was heard calling by the footbridge, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the Lake, at least 15 Black-headed Gulls were also on the Lake, and 3 Grey Herons were seen.
Also seen was a Chub in the water by the footbridge, several Rabbits, 1 Brown Rat, and a Speckled Wood fluttered past along the top of Jenner’s Bank.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Sunday 2nd September
For most of the visit the Sun was out in an almost cloudless blue sky. It was roughly 10 minutes from the end when the cloud began to shade the Park.
2 Coal Tits sang along Laurel Walk, at least 7 Goldcrests were heard throughout the visit – the warm autumn sunshine encouraging 2 of them to sing, 6 Jays were heard and seen, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers called, and 5 Green Woodpeckers were also heard throughout the visit, 2 Stock Doves were heard, there were a few small flocks of boisterous Mistle Thrushes around the Park, only 3 Chiff Chaffs were heard – 1 calling, and 2 of them giving short bursts of song, several parties of Long-tailed Tits were seen, at least 6 Nuthatch were heard calling, and about 18+ House Martins raced around.
On the Lake were at least 8 Mute Swans, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 2 Canada Geese, and 4 Tufted Ducks, along with the resident Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. 2 Grey Wagtails hunted insects by the Waterfall and another 1 was heard calling by the footbridge, a single Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the Lake, at least 4 Black-headed Gulls were also on the Lake, 2 Kingfishers perched on a low branch next to the Weir – 1 bird was a juvenile, and 2 Grey Herons fished on the Lake’s edges.
Also seen was a tailless Grey Squirrel along with its many companions, several Rabbits, some Chub were in the water by the bridge nearest Downswood entrance, and a Red Admiral fluttered past and posed for the camera.
Red Admiral
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