Thursday 26th November

It was bright and sunny this morning during my walk and the temperature was reasonably mild. Photo opportunities were few and far between.

The Holly berries are ripening fast!

6 Goldcrests were noted, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard calling, at least 6 Siskin were seen flying west above the treetops along the River Len, 2 Bullfinch were in the scrub on the bank south of the River Len footpath between the two bridges, at least 25 Redwing passed through the park, a Jay gave great views in an Oak by the footbridge over the Len, and a male Pheasant shot out from the tussocky grass on the edge of the marsh area as I approached.

Unfortunately the light was wrong to get shots of the Bullfinch!

A Water Rail called from the marsh area, 2 Grey Herons were seen – 1 along the Len and the other on the edge of the Lake – 2 Kingfisher were seen – 1 by the footbridge along the Len and the other perched in a riverside Ash by the Waterfall, and 2 Cormorants were perched on the island next to the Weir bridge. The Lake was pretty quiet bird-wise; however it was good to see the Pochards and Tufted Duck gradually increasing in number with 7 of the former and 8 of the latter. Only the 1 Great Crested Grebe was seen and no Mute Swans were present. The gull flock consisted of at least 52 Black-headed Gulls, 8 Common Gulls, and 1 adult Herring Gull.