I was due to be working today, but because of the conditions, my plans had to be changed. With everything coated in snow and having not seen a snowy Mote Park for a couple of years, I made no hesitation in deciding that I was going for a walk in Mote Park.
Yes, another Robin...but you can't have snow without a Robin!
3 Coal Tits were seen along Laurel Walk, at least 8 Goldcrests were noted, a hen Pheasant was spotted searching for food on the snow by the hedge that runs past the Old Bothy, as I wandered along the River Len a Common Snipe suddenly shot past from behind me heading towards the Alder Carr, a Treecreeper was spotted climbing up a willow by the footbridge, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were noted, a flock of 20+ Siskins were seen along the River Len, and a Nuthatch was seen.
Some of the birds gathered at the eastern end of the Lake
Most of the birds on the Lake were gathered at the eastern end because the rest of the Lake was covered in ice. Birds of particular note were 1 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 19 Pochard, and 2 male Tufted Ducks. The gull flock produced at least 85 Black-headed Gulls, 22 Common Gulls, and 1 adult Herring Gull.
Coots walking on the lake
3 Grey Herons and 2 Kingfishers were seen along the River Len, and the Little Egret and a Grey Wagtail was by the pond, opposite the waterfall.
The carriage bridge over the River Len
(the first bridge from the Downswood entrance, and is the best spot to look for Kingfishers)
Also noted was a dog Fox, which was seen briefly as it ran through the hedge at the top of the track by the Weir.
4 comments:
Very picturesque Simon, well done with the snipe. do you see many at mote park?
Good days birding Simon. 8 Goldcrests is great. Most people are happy to see 1, I am.
Warren - no I don't see many snipes in the park, todays one was my second record, I found my first one last year.
Incidently, Jack Snipe has also been recorded in the Park, but I am yet to come across one.
Nice Robin pic Simon, looks fluffed up...I don't blame him! Adam
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