Friday, September 09, 2011

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.

6 comments:

Warren Baker said...

Crikey Simon that is a good early winter thrush record!

Good to hear from you again :-)

Redgannet said...

It has been a long summer. Good to have you back

Mike H said...

Glad to hear that the hard work has been completed and good to have you back on patch.

Greenie said...

Simon ,
Good to see you back .
I hope those Thrushes aren't bringing snow with them .

alan woodcock said...

Hi,good early Thrush records,well done.

Alan Pavey said...

Well done on completing the thesis. What a good start back with the winter thrushes, good stuff.

Next Event - TBA