Mote Park - A Wildlife Patchwork

Goatsbeard

Today was overcast with a few sunny spells. It was also very humid - perfect weather for bats, so lets hope it stays that way for tomorrow night's bat walk!

Small Copper

The first Small Copper and Meadow Brown butterflies of the year was seen today, as I wandered through the grassland north of the River Len. Several Common Blues were also noted, and 4 Speckled Woods were found in the more wooded areas. 5 Banded Demoiselles were seen along the River Len.

Male Banded Demoiselle on overhanging Willow

5 Goldcrests were singing along Laurel Walk and from the Old Gardens, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen, 3 Jays were seen, 2 Treecreepers were heard, 4 Pheasants were found, a Bullfinch called from an Ash in the Old Gardens, 6 Blackcaps were singing, 4 Whitethroats were singing, 2 Chiffchaffs sang, 5 Reed Warblers sing from the reedbeds around the Lake, and 2 Grey Wagtails were hunting insects next to Madginford Bridge (the bridge closest to the Downswood entrance along Willington Street).

Male Pheasant

Of particular note on the Lake were 6 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Mute Swans, and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1 Mediterranean Gull was with the 25 Black-headed Gulls.

Mistle Thrush