Mote Park - A Wildlife Patchwork

I had to make my walk a little quicker this morning as I was off out volunteering. I did however make a second visit towards the end of the day. My later visit was under a 'baking' Sun, and the prospect of a thunder storm looked imminent.

12 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 13 Whitethroats were singing around Mote Park today.

Willow Warbler

4 Goldcrests were found, 2 Treecreepers were singing along the River Len, 3 Nuthatch were singing, a Great Spotted Woodpecker drummed from a tree by the Old Walled Garden, 3 Green Woodpckers were noted, and a Coal Tit was singing from the Old Gardens (Yew wood) behind Mote House.

Grey Heron

1 Sedge Warbler and 5 Reed Warbler were singing around the Lake, 4 Cormorants were on the island next to the Weir bridge, 4 Grey Herons were seen, and 46 Black-headed Gulls were seen. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen during the later visit.

Lesser Black-backed Gull

My return visit in the afternoon saw a Common Buzzard fly north-west over the Len Valley - a first for the year, brilliant!!!

Common Buzzard

Also during my later visit, 3 Peacocks, 2 Small Tortoiseshells, a few Small Whites, 2 Speckled Woods, and 8 Orange-tips were seen.