Thursday, February 11, 2010

Thursday 11th February

I had a meeting with the Community Relations Officer for Audley Homes this morning. Audley Homes is the organisation currently redeveloping Mote House and its outbuildings for use as retirement homes. They were interested if I would lead a number of walks for them and were interested in supporting my current walks by publicising them and supplying light refreshments.

Once the meeting was over I wanted to check the terrain in various places in the park in preparation for tomorrow morning's 'Winter in Mote Park' walk that I am leading. Wildlife highlights included a Fox along Laurel Walk, lots of winter thrushes with most being Fieldfare, 2 Meadow Pipits (65) in the large area of rough grassland south of the River Len - the first of the year - a Grey Wagtail was seen on the mud of the Lake's Inlet, 2 Nuthatch were noted, 4 Goldcrest were found, 5 Treecreepers were seen, 3 Bullfinch were by the Georgian Steps, a few Siskin were present by the footbridge along the River Len, the Little Owl was perched in the usual old Oak west of Mote House, and there was a notable increase in gull numbers - no Mediterraneans yet though! The overgrown pond held 2 Water Rails, 1 Little Egret, and to my delight, a JACK SNIPE. What a fantastic surprise to see 'Jack' in the park and hopefully he will remain for my walk in the morning!

JACK SNIPE


5 comments:

Warren Baker said...

Great photo's again Simon. Good luck with the walk. :-)

Greenie said...

Simon ,
If I can swing it , you could well find someone you know standing by the old pond when you come around .
Best of luck with the walk , hope you get a good turnout , and the weather is reasonable .

Mike H said...

Stunning photographs Simon. Looked out for Jack last Sunday but no luck nor with the Rails. Shame i cant come tomorrow but good luck any way.

Ken. said...

Hi Simon.
You are certainly turning up some great birds lately. I hope tomorrow is a success.

Adam said...

Really good photos Simon - nice reflection on the first one. Great refind, lets hope it hangs around a bit longer than last time.

Adam

Next Event - TBA