Friday 31st December

My final visit of 2010. I couldn't get into the park until lunchtime but some good birds were still found. An SMS from a local birder first thing explained that the Firecrest was by the Old Pond again, but unfortunately by the time I was able to get into the park I could not relocate it.

7 Goldcrests were noted, 2 Treecreeper were heard, 4 Nuthatch were found, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker were heard, 3 Redwing were seen, a Pheasant called from the marshy area east of the Lake, a flock of at least 14 Siskin were feeding in Alders along the bottom of Jener's Bank, a Grey Heron stood in the large Oak on the edge of the rough grassland south of the River Len, 3 Coal Tit were heard, and it was also nice to hear Song Thrush and Great Tit singing.

At the 'Old Pond' (opposite the Waterfall) it was a pleasure to meet fellow blogger Greenie (author of the brilliant 'Greenie In The Wild' blog). He quickly pointed out a Water Rail and a Grey Wagtail and, soon after explaining about the Green Sandpiper flying off, the distinctive call of the mentioned bird was heard and it soon flew into view and began feeding in the mud. After standing there for quite a while, hoping we might manage to see the JACK SNIPE, I suddenly spotted a small and stripey head amongst the tangled dead reed stems around 4 metres in front of us. After spending a while looking at 'Jack', Greenie and I bid each other farewell and I headed for the Lake.

JACK SNIPE circled in red

JACK SNIPE from the side

Of particular note on the Lake today were 4 Pochard, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 drake Gadwall, 10 Wigeon (the most ever recorded on the Lake in the Park I think) 1 Cormorant, and around 25 Common Gulls and 170 Black-headed Gulls.

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This year I finish with 92 bird species seen in Mote Park. Highlights are undoubtedly the Jack Snipe (February and December), the Wood Warbler (April), and the Marsh Harrier (September). I still haven't reached over 100 in a single year, despite the park having a list of 140+ birds seen in the past 40 years.

It has been a fantastic year for butterflies in the park, with 2 new species being recorded: the confirmed presence of Purple Hairstreaks, and a fluttering visit by a Silver Washed Fritillary on the 31st July.

I would just like to wish all who visit this blog a very happy 2011, and thank you all so much for taking the time and having a read of my blog, despite the rather irregular posts this year!