Saturday, February 21, 2009

Saturday 21st February

What a beautiful morning it was today. I was helping out with the Friends of Mote Park conservation work party for most of the morning, and so my walk round the Park was split into 2 halves, an early morning walk and then a walk in the early afternoon.

7 Goldcrests were seen, 2 Green Woodpeckers were heard, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker were noted, 3 Nuthatch were seen, 2 Treecreeper were heard along the Len, at least 20 Siskin were seen, a Pheasant called from the Alder Carr, 3 Stock Dove were seen, 2 Coal Tits could be heard singing, and a female Sparrowhawk was spotted soaring high in a thermal over Jenner’s Bank.


Wren

A Kingfisher was seen several times along the River Len, 2 Grey Herons were seen, a Little Grebe called from the marsh area, and 2 Grey Wagtails were seen – 1 by the Pond and 1 down by the old carriage bridge.

Grey Wagtail

Birds of the day, however, were spotted on the Lake. Amongst the flock of at least 117 Black-headed Gulls and 31 Common Gulls were 9 Mediterranean Gulls – the first this year, (1 bird could be seen by the feeding area, often making short flights over to the Turkey Mill Pond) – and 2 LITTLE GULLS – a first for me in Mote Park! Unfortunately, as I raised my camera up to my eyes a dog decided to launch itself into the water spooking the whole flock up into the air.

Other birds of particular note on the Lake were 6 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Mute Swans, and 4 Great Crested Grebes.

5 comments:

Greenie said...

Simon ,
Nice one with the Med. and Little Gulls .
Dare I ask what the Wren was doing ?

Warren Baker said...

Yet another great record for the park Simon . Nice one. Bloody dogs Eh!!

Steve said...

Nice collection Simon. You had a better day than I did today. Didn't spot the Meds. I'll have to look harder.

Steve said...

Good stuff Simon - nice to hear the Meds are back

lee said...

Well done Simon ,I no the dogs are to be expected in the park but it must drive you insane,very good spot though.

Next Event - TBA