Today was the day of the Sport Relief Charity Walk.
I have been rather nervous about this walk for the reason that it was for charity, has been widely publicised, and a large number of people were expected to turn up - meaning lots of eyes and ears on me, the walk leader! For the past week I have been fixed to the weather forecasts keeping everything crossed for it to stay dry and thankfully it was, bar from a little bit of drizzle near the end but nothing at all to worry about. 35 people turned up - the highest number I have ever had to lead - and it was brilliant to see people of all ages and abilities attending too. From what a few people told me, apparently I did a good job of hiding my beginning nerves despite inside my heart pumping wildly and butterflies getting up to all-sorts in my tummy!!
The route we walked took us to the Volunteers Monument and the site of the old Mote House, and then along the old Ashford Road, which runs along the Lake's northern edge, to the current Mote House and Old Walled Garden.
With so many people to talk to and lead through the park I couldn't pay too much attention on the wildlife and birds around me. Despite this I managed to spot a male Wheatear - the first this year and only the third ever record in the park - several Med Gulls were on the top playing field, and 2 Chiff Chaffs were heard singing - the first of the spring. Wheatears are rare visitors to Mote Park despite its large areas of short grassland so I was elated to find one, and it's presence along with the singing of the Chiff Chaff signals that spring is well and truly under-way!!!! I didn't have my camera with me today but I have included a photo of 1 of a pair of male Wheatears that visited the park last April.
Male Wheatear
(taken April 2009)
6 comments:
Simon ,
Really glad your Charity walk went so well .
Now you have done your first 'big one' ,
the rest will be 'a walk in the park' .
Had a male Wheatear yesterday at Elmley .
Well done .
Hi Simon,
Really enjoyed your tour of the park - wouldn't have guessed all those butterflies were fluttering around!
You answered a lot of questions my Hubby asks me when we are over there so I shall now look like a fountain of information. Of course, he will guess I got the answers from you - the true 'font of knowledge' when it comes to Mote Park.
Well done!and thankyou for a thoroughly enjoyable morning.
Well done with the event Simon and great news about the Wheatear. I'd have thought it was a bit too cool for butterflies this morning though............!
Excellent sighting of the Wheatear Simon, with Med Gull and Chiffchaff! Lots to talk to your group about there!
Hi Simon.
Your a born leader. Well done with the Charity walk.
Next time you see a butterfly getting up to all sorts, give me a bell.
Once again, well done. Have a good weekend
Well done on the Wheatear Simon - and the walk. Can't wait for my first one of the Spring!
Adam
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