Elder
It was dull and overcast during my walk in the park today.
3 Coal Tits were seen, 6 Goldcrests were noted, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen, a Treecreeper was heard singing from a Willow along the Len, a Pied Wagtail was hunting insects on the area of short grass in front of Mote House, 2 Stock Dove were noted, 2 Nuthatch were heard, at least 19 Siskin were feeding in the Alder Carr along the River Len, a Sparrowhawk called from the direction of the Old Walled Garden, and 2 Jays were heard.
3 Grey Herons, 1 Water Rail, and 2 Teal were seen along the River Len, 3 Grey Wagtails were seen – 2 by the Pond and 1 by the Weir, and 2 Cormorants were spotted flying west.
Birds of particular note on the Lake were 7 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Pochards – on the eastern stretch – 7 Canada Geese, and 3 Mute Swans – 2 by the Weir and another down by the feeding area.
The gull numbers were the highest I have ever recorded, with a total of at least 220 Black-headed Gulls, at least 53 Common Gulls and at least 21 Mediterranean Gulls. The playing fields held most of the gulls, however due to dogs being present, the flock were very mobile and moved between the top and bottom fields and the golf course. The Lake produced the best opportunities for photographs as they were less disturbed.
The Honeysuckle and Elder leaf buds have burst, the Crocuses are now in flower, and the Snowdrops in the wet wood continue to provide a beautiful show.
Snowdrops
5 comments:
21 Med Gulls! surley one will come my way this year. Nice one Simon.
Well done on the Med Gull count - they really seem to be increasing inland.
Adam
Hi Simon
You don't do things by halves, do you? HaHa. 21 Med Gulls in one spot must be most birders dream. well done.
Well done on the Meds Simon, they seem tobe increasing in numbers. Great flower pictures
Yes Simon thanks for letting me know about the Little Gulls last week ...unfortunately I did not see them during my short stay.
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