With my 20,000 word thesis carried out, written up and handed in, I now have the time for visiting Mote Park!! Today seemed very autumnal!
The fallen beechmast along Laurel Walk was attracting Chaffinches, Woodpigeons and squirrels this morning. As I walked along Jenner's Bank, it was evident that the Jays are out in force now, busy collecting acorns. A total of 9 of these birds were noted during the visit. 5 Nuthatches were noted during the visit, 3 Chiffchaffs were heard calling, 6 Goldcrest were noted, 5 Mistle Thrushes were busy feeding out in the parkland west of Mote House, and a few House Martins could be seen flying over the Lake. As I walked along the River Len just down the bank from Mote House, a large flock of circa 40 winter thrushes flew south over the valley, the first Redwings and Fieldfares of the autumn, and very early too, whole 3 and a half weeks earlier than my previous earliest record! Along the stretch of the Len between the Lower Bridge and Madginford Bridge (the old carriage bridge) a group of 6 Bullfinch were feeding in the brambles, and a Grey Heron was seen flying north.
Also of note were 2 Migrant Hawker dragonflies.
Hi, my name is Simon. My local patch is Mote Park, one of Kent’s largest parks and right on the edge of Maidstone, the county town of Kent. It is a former country estate, and records of the Park date back since before the 14th century. The park has a variety of habitats and this blog will note all the wildlife that I encounter in them.
6 comments:
Crikey Simon that is a good early winter thrush record!
Good to hear from you again :-)
It has been a long summer. Good to have you back
Glad to hear that the hard work has been completed and good to have you back on patch.
Simon ,
Good to see you back .
I hope those Thrushes aren't bringing snow with them .
Hi,good early Thrush records,well done.
Well done on completing the thesis. What a good start back with the winter thrushes, good stuff.
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