Mote Park - A Wildlife Patchwork

There was a cool breeze this morning making the temperature feel a little lower than what it has been, but it was once again a wonderfully sunny day.

Mallards

13 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, and 15 Whitethroats were singing throughout the Park, a Willow Warbler was singing from the scrub area opposite the Lake's Inlet, and 7 Reed Warblers were singing around the Lake.

Lesser Black-backed Gull

2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 3 Herring Gulls flew north, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were noted - with 1 individual drumming from an old Horse Chestnut - 3 Green Woodpeckers were heard, 3 Pheasants were noted, 2 Nuthatch were calling, 3 Treecreepers were singing, 2 Coal Tits was singing from around the Old Gardens (yew wood between Mote House and the Old Walled Garden), 2 Bullfinch were calling along Laurel Walk, 3 Goldcrests were singing, a male Linnet was displaying in the Old Cattle Area (largest area of rough grassland), and 2 Reed Buntings were singing by the Lake - 1 from the 'marsh' where the River Len enters the Lake, and the second was on the Pitch & Putt side of the Lake.

Great Crested Grebe

Of particular note on the Lake were 6 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Mute Swans, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and around 35 Black-headed Gulls. A Grey Heron called from the 'marsh', and a Cormorant was perched on the island next to the Weir bridge.

Cormorant

A lunchtime visit produced many butterflies with 5 Red Admirals - the first of the year - being the highlight. Also noted were 3 Green-veined Whites, 12 Speckled Woods, 6 Orange-tips, 2 Peacocks, and a few Small Whites.


It is also worth noting that a new water sports business has been set up on the old boating ramps, allowing the public to go out onto the water in rowing boats. Although fantastic and a fun experience for the public, I wonder how this will affect nesting birds this year, particularly the grebes?!