Mote Park - A Wildlife Patchwork

I managed to visit the park on Saturday but didn't have the time to post. Highlights from that visit included a young male Reed Bunting in the old cattle area (largest area of rough grassland), the first male and female Tufted Ducks of the autumn, and 40+ House Martins, and 3 Swallows, hunting insects over the Lake and perimeter trees.

Today's visit under sunny skies turned up similar birds. Although puffs of cloud were moving through the sky, the sun remained shining!

Robin

4 Nuthatch were noted, 2 Green Woodpeckers were heard calling, 5 Treecreepers were heard, and at least 6 Goldcrests were noted. 5 of the 8 Chiffchaffs found in the park today were singing, 3 Stock Doves were spotted in the old parkland trees, 11 Jays were noted, a Reed Bunting was heard calling in the old cattle area, and 3 House Martins were seen flying west.

Cormorant

4 Cormorants were seen around the Lake -including the individual pictured above, who appeared to be experimenting in various awkward head positions! A Grey Heron was seen on the Pitch & Putt side of the Lake, a female Tufted Duck was noted, and 13 Mute Swans were gathered around the 'duck feeding area'.

Moorhens

3 Southern Hawkers and 1 Migrant Hawker was noted, and 2 Speckled Woods, 1 Red Admiral, and a few Large Whites were also found.