Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Wednesday 14th January

A damp, thick fog covered the Park today, making conditions for watching wildlife very difficult.

2 Coal Tits were heard singing – 1 along Laurel Walk and 1 from the Larch copse, 4 Treecreepers were noted, 7 Goldcrests were seen, 5 Bullfinch were seen – 1 by the steps to the Walled Garden, 1 along the River Len between the 2 bridges, and 3 along the eastern edge of the Lake – a cock Pheasant was sat on the floor of the Larch copse, at least 35 Siskin were counted feeding in Alders by the footbridge, 1 Nuthatch was heard from the Alder Carr, 4 Redwing were noted flying over, and 2 Jay were seen.




Wren

2 Little Grebe, 3 Kingfishers, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Teal, and 1 Water Rail were seen along the River Len and 2 Grey Wagtails were feeding by the Waterfall.

Because of the fog you couldn’t see from one side of the Lake to the other, so getting an accurate count of the waterfowl was difficult. Down at the feeding area were 6 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans and the various Mallards and hybrid ducks. On the eastern section of the Lake at least 30 Pochards were counted, along with 9 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorants were present – the first of the year – and the 1 WHOOPER SWAN.

WHOOPER SWAN

(The Whooper Swan appeared very restless and wary today, and was heard calling several times. It is also worth noting that the condition of the bird appears to be declining, I am sure the bird looks as if it is loosing its ‘plumpness’ and getting ‘slimmer’.)

The gull flock on the Lake produced at least 86 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Mediterranean Gull – the first of the year - and 19 Common Gulls.

4 comments:

Warren Baker said...

Well done with the Med. Gull simon. I hope the Whooper Swan is ok, be a shame to lose it. I also spied a Coot in you photo, I wonder if i'll get one on my patch this year!!

Ken. said...

You are certainly getting good numbers and good views of Goldcrest's, and Siskin's. keep it up.

Adam said...

Well done on the Med Gull - what plummage?

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Simon said...

It was moulting into summer plumage.

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