Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Tuesday 14th July

It was bright but overcast during this morning’s walk and the air was very humid. Walks in these conditions, at this time of year, are often rather quiet for wildlife activity. Despite this though, a walk in Mote Park is always an enjoyable one. There appears to be more thistles this year than any year before and are a real hive of insect activity in the Park.

Several Goldcrests and 1 Coal Tit were noted along Laurel Walk, and a family party of Bullfinch were spotted fying up from the brambles along the path in the old garden behind Mote House. The grassland north of the Len held a single singing Whitethroat, along the Len 2 Treecreepers were heard, and down by the Weir a Chiff Chaff was calling. In the area of parkland west of Mote House 2 Green Woodpeckers were seen, a Nuthatch called from a Sycamore, and a possible Spotted Flycatcher called only once from the large Lime tree with the Mistletoe growing in its canopy. A couple of House Martin were heard briefly way above the canopy of the wood at the foot of Jenner’s Bank, and at least 4 Blackcaps were heard - with all of them at times seeming slightly hesitant in blurting out their rich fluty notes.

A total of 4 Reed Warblers were heard singing, and on the Lake were at least 5 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Mute Swans, 9 Canada Geese, a Lesser Black-backed Gull was flying over the Weir end of the Lake, and at least 18 Black-headed Gulls were noted.

Gatekeeper


Butterflies recorded were 3 Meadow Browns, 1 Small and 2 Essex Skippers, 5 Gatekeepers, 3 Large Whites, and 4 Commas. A Common Blue was found in the area of long grass at the far end of Jenner’s Bank around the Cherries, and a Small Copper – the first recorded this year – was seen briefly along the hedgerow running along the Lake’s eastern edge. 2 male Banded Demoiselles was seen, and at least 7 Common Blue Damselflies were also seen. 4 very large Slowworms were found in the grassland north of the Len, and lots of fish were spotted by the Weir as they rose to the surface making a grab at any potential food that came through.



Slowworm


In the area of Jenner’s Bank where MBC have left the grass to grow long, it was interesting to discover some Chicory growing - the first I have ever recorded in the Park.



Chicory Flower

4 comments:

Warren Baker said...

Cool slow worm pic. Simon. It is all a bit quiet birdwise, but it will soon liven up!

JRandSue said...

Love the Slow worm,great capture.
John.

Ken. said...

Hi Simon. Glad you had a lovely day at the park. It seems as if you heard a lot more birds thn you saw,mind you that is the problem at this time of year,isn't it. Nice Chicory Flower photo Simon.

Greenie said...

Simon ,
Really like the light in the Gatekeeper shot , and the two Chicory flowers , one in and one out of focus .
Real professional touch .

Next Event - TBA