Friday, October 23, 2009

Friday 23rd October

It was a beautiful autumn morning today. The vegetation was laced with cobwebs and dew, and the Sun set the rich autumn colours off brilliantly. The leaves appear to be falling quite quickly this year, let’s hope the rain that is forecast early next week doesn’t strip the trees before my walk next Friday.



The park was surprisingly quiet bird and people-wise. 3 Treecreeper were noted calling during the visit, 7 Goldcrests were noted, at least 8 Jay were seen, 5 Nuthatch were heard, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers called, 3 Green Woodpeckers were also heard, a Coal Tit was seen taking seeds from the cones of the Noble Fir on Jenner’s Bank, 5 Skylark and 1 Meadow Pipit flew over, a flock of 5 Siskin were feeding in the Alders by the old boating ramps, and at least 28 Redwing passed over.



View from the Weir
(Looking at the mouth of the River Len and the marsh area which stretches through the Len Valley.)

A Grey Wagtail was seen flying over the Lake’s eastern section, 5 Cormorants were on the island next to the Weir, and 2 Grey Herons could be seen around the Lake. Out on the Lake itself were at least 6 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swans, 37 Canada Geese, and 2 female Tufted Duck. There was also very few gulls than usual, with at least 34 Black-headed Gulls and 4 Common Gulls being noted.



The highlight of the walk was undoubtedly the superb autumn colours.



Red Oak

Ornamental Sycamore



I have updated my layout and have added an events column. This will advertise walks and conservation task days taking place in Mote Park plus any presentations about the Park. All are totally free unless I state anything different in the text.

4 comments:

Warren Baker said...

Hi Simon,
Some great looking habitat in your photo's today. Lets hope the Landscaping project doesn't ''tidy'' it all up.

PS - How about a six digit map ref. for the meeting point of any walks ?

Simon said...

Good point Warren, I shall put the map ref on straight away.

Regards to the Landscaping project - I have been consulting with MBC and the Landscaping team since they bought Mote House, and hopefully they take on board what I say!!

Warren Baker said...

well done Simon. keep on at them !

D-Wing said...

I like the photo of the tree.

Next Event - TBA