Monday, April 06, 2009

Monday 6th April


The sky was cloudy today with only a few sunny spells to be enjoyed. I could only manage a quick mid-morning visit and, because it is now the Easter holidays, there were a lot more walkers in the Park.

3 Nuthatch were seen, 4 Goldcrests were noted, 2 Jays were seen investigating possible nesting places, a Great Spotted Woodpecker called from an Ash close to the old carriage bridge over the Len, 3 Stock Doves were heard, 3 Coal Tits were singing from Yews along Laurel Walk, 8 Chiff Chaffs and 6 Blackcap were heard singing, 2 Pheasants called during the visit, 3 Green Woodpeckers were heard, 3 Treecreepers were seen, a Pied Wagtail flew north over the Lake, a Kestrel was perched at the top of one of the wild cherry trees on Jenner’s Bank, and a Bullfinch could be heard calling, but remained hidden, from the wild cherry trees on Jenner’s Bank. A Grey Heron was spotted perched in a Quince tree on the edge of the marsh area, 2 Kingfishers were seen – 1 along the Len and the other in the marsh area, and a male Grey Wagtail was seen displaying in the pond.


2 Mute Swans were feeding in the marsh area of the Len, and birds of particular note on the Lake were 7 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Canada Geese, and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were stood on buoys on the feeding area part of the Lake. The gull flock were on the Lake and held at least 47 Black-headed Gulls, 8 Common Gulls, and 1 Mediterranean Gull.

Cuckooflower, or Lady's Smock

Also noted were the first few Common Dog Violets flowering and a Red-eared Terrapin was spotted basking on a branch close to the old Horse Chestnuts on he eastern stretch of the Lake.


Red-eared Terrapin

3 comments:

Warren Baker said...

Still a worthwhile visit Simon. At least it's light enough to get ot early now, and so beat most of the walkers!

Greenie said...

Simon ,
That Ninja Turtle programme has a lot to answer for .
We have them at Keston Ponds too , and American Crayfish .

Steve said...

A very good list Simon. I've never seen the Terapin there though, I'll have to keep an eye open.

Next Event - TBA