Saturday 13th February

I was only planning on being in the park for a few hours this morning, but ended up meeting familiar and new faces and found myself chatting until lunchtime! This was because of the reported Jack Snipe which has lead to a sudden influx of birdwatchers and photographers hoping to see this little bird. Unfortunately it did not show itself all morning, from when I arrived at the pond at just gone 8am to 1pm when I left.

Golf Course side of Lake

The morning began rather dull with an overcast sky and a cold wind. By mid-morning the Sun was out and was so for a couple of hours before snow clouds loomed over the park making the temperature drop once again.

Over the whole morning 3 Goldcrests were found, 2 Coal Tits were singing, 12 Redwing and 3 Fieldfare flew through, a Bullfinch called from the scrub near the Georgian Steps, a Pheasant called from the Alder wood along the River Len, a flock of 20+ Siskin were feeding in the Alders along the Len, a Grey Wagtail was seen by the old Carriage Bridge, 3 Grey Herons were seen, 4 Nuthatch were noted, 3 Treecreeper were seen, 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen, the Little Owl was perched on the usual Oak west of Mote House, 2 Water Rails were seen, and 1 Little Egret was seen around the old pond.

Grey Heron

The gull flock on the top playing field had 21 Common Gulls, 1 rather pale juvenile Herring Gull, at least 130 Black-headed Gulls, and 1 Mediterranean Gull. Of note on the Lake was 19 Pochard, 9 Tufted Duck, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Little Grebe, and 1 Cormorant. Another Little Grebe was seen between the 2 bridges over the River Len.