tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56658557294920144252024-03-05T16:46:15.676+00:00Mote Park - A Wildlife PatchworkHi, 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.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.comBlogger385125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-22920752942551857802012-05-07T14:03:00.003+00:002012-05-07T15:18:43.779+00:00<br />
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<b>Woodland Floor</b></div>
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Being home for the long May weekend means thats I am able to make a few visits to my number one favourite place, Mote Park. Unfortunately the weather was mostly overcast and wet, but today the Sun was a welcome sight. Saturday saw me up early to lead a Dawn Chorus Walk in the park. 10 people joined me in the newly revamped main car park and braved the cold and wet. It rained constantly throughout the walk, but it didn't damped the birds' spirits.<br />
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<b>Hirundines over the Lake</b></div>
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A second visit later in the day produced a singing <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Lesser Whitethroat</span></b> by the Watersports Centre - a difficult bird to find in the park. A <b>Willow Warbler </b>was singing by the Inlet, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">1 Sedge Warbler</span></b> was singing in the reed bed at the mouth of the Len (first of the year), <b>4 Green Woodpeckers</b> and <b>2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers</b> were seen, and a pair of <b>Goldcrests </b>were seen on Jenner's Bank. It was wonderful to see large numbers of <b>Swallows</b>, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Swifts</span></b> and <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">House Martins</span></b> feeding over the Lake on both Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday the first<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> Reed Warbler</span></b> of the year had replaced the Sedge Warbler in the large reed bed at the mouth of the Len, and there were a few other individuals singing from the pockets of reed bed around the Lake. A pair of <b>Grey Wagtails</b> were spotted along the River Len, looking very handsome at the moment.</div>
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<b>Fledgling Long-tailed Tit</b></div>
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Today the sun was shining, but that still didn't stop a few drops of rain from falling! <b>3 Treecreepers </b>were noted, fledglings of both Long-tailed Tits and Song Thrushes were seen, and <b>Stock Doves</b> are busy setting up homes. It was a joy to see a beautiful <b>Fox</b> at the foot of Jenner's Bank, laying in the sunshine amongst the rushes and Red Campion, and several <b>Orange-tips </b>and <b>Green-veined Whites</b> were also seen.</div>
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<b>Fox</b></div>
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On the Lake, 4 pairs of <b>Tufted Duck</b> still remain, 2 pairs of <b>Great Crested Grebes</b> continue to display to each other, and <b>8 Mute Swans</b> grace the water. It has since been reported to me that a pair of Egyptian Geese were spotted by the Weir this morning.</div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-4797762102084109822012-04-08T13:23:00.002+00:002012-04-08T13:41:03.770+00:00It has been a busy Easter weekend, with live small mammal trapping taking place in the park, plus an RSPB bird walk.<div><br /></div><div>Bird-wise, the first <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Willow Warbler</span></b> of the year was heard on Saturday, in the scrub between the Lake and the Volunteers Memorial - one of my favourite songsters! The <b>Little Owl</b> has been spotted frequently, <b>5 Mediterranean Gulls</b> have been regulars on the Lake, and a <b>Kestrel</b> can be spotted hunting over the rough grassland areas. <b>Blackcaps</b> and <b>Chiffchaffs</b> are singing throughout the park, both <b>Grey</b> and <b>Pied Wagtails</b> can be seen around the Lake edges, and <b>Great Spotted Woodpeckers</b> continue to drum.</div><div><br /></div><div>It has been fantastic to get up close and personal with the park's small mammals, with 5 species being recorded so far over the weekend. These are <b>Woodmice</b> (often called Fieldmice), <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Yellow-necked Mice</span></b>, <b>Bank Voles</b>, <b>Field Voles</b>, and <b>Common Shrews</b>. Over the many years that I have been visiting Mote Park, I have now recorded 22 different species of mammal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Photos will follow...</div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-10164393852788109252012-03-25T18:10:00.003+00:002012-03-25T19:07:02.395+00:00<div style="text-align: left;">Another beautiful day to visit Mote Park!</div><div><br /></div><div>Not long after I had entered the park, I was greeted with the lovely fluty notes of a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Blackcap</span></b> - first of the year, and the first of 2 birds today. It was great to also hear <b>6</b> <b>Chiffchaffs</b> too, up from 2 yesterday! <b>5 Stock Doves</b> were noted, <b>1 Jay</b> was seen, <b>3 Treecreepers</b> were heard, <b>4 Goldcrests</b> were singing, <b>1 Green Woodpecker </b>yaffled, a <b>Pheasant</b> called from the marsh at the east end of the Lake, and a <b>Sparrowhawk</b> called near Jenner's Bank.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief_9AjX1vJM3IQEWIo7K-Bo8GsSr3DsYHDjU36Wil-ttJ6T7GX4JLpeRcAfw8fW0D9RdN0LPOiTPfZ4LPjcUvlfHUIC_pa92V9x4WC8r0U2puJof0D8Z6Oicar5yHLLv27HQCB1ln43kb/s550/IMG_5743.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723912254500022770" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>11 Mute Swans</b> were gathered on the Lake, along with <b>3 Great Crested Grebes</b>. The <b>Black-headed Gull</b> flock on the eastern section of the Lake held several <b>Common Gulls</b>,<b> 9 Mediterranean Gulls</b>, <b>2 Herring Gulls</b>, and <b>1 Lesser Black-backed Gull</b>. It was fantastic to hear a <b>Kingfisher</b> call as it flew west over the new bridge and along the Mote House side of the Lake - only the second record this year.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6ohdtPUah0UaMP6YdsTkHdElPg59Wi2M_JjxzkElHAuAaeD2X9_tXLU-lA7c1Pd8l5GIDneGIq3oH-L1BPkI_spcMEhBfATuRmceY7fd-4-Z-NlnTzGJ1mMwBdrF5KejfnFJkaQBMYNU/s550/IMG_5742.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723912248087350754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The New Bridge</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(replacing the old flood-prone Weir bridge)</div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-44708382871369488012012-03-24T20:53:00.005+00:002012-03-24T22:20:02.696+00:00<div style="text-align: left;">Highs of 22 degrees centigrade during my walk today, t-shirt weather! Sun equals lots of people, which although means a bit of disturbance, it is great to see people using the park.</div><div><br /><div><b>3 Green Woodpeckers</b> were seen, <b>2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers</b> called, <b>3 Nuthatch</b> were heard, <b>3 Treecreepers</b> were also heard, and <b>4 Goldcrests</b> were singing. <b>6 Stock Doves</b> were noted, <b>2 Jays</b> were seen, <b>1 Little Owl</b> was spotted, and it was great to find <b>2 Chffchaffs</b> singing. Highlight of my visit was watching a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Common Buzzard</span></b> soaring over Jenner's Bank - a first for the year!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XqS80DL3UVkNv31O_MowjCNwutzvHFSrGPmSLV4gQ17uJ-j3334IjeTWTzrc-ksrQkrehwYk65iNntD8NHoC9MD2NJdZO_kCmlMHFM5Yjdxo1MxWjLtedPWQfnCKYyC1QpFYRp1rcVjZ/s550/Buzzard+8897.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723588610957020930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Common Buzzard</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>6 Mute Swans</b> were of note on the Lake along with <b>3 Great Crested Grebes</b>. <b>2 Mediterranean Gulls</b> were feeding on bread with the <b>Black-headed Gulls</b> along the Causeway and by the new bridge.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqFg6yTs0WFH_5Me61Bo_tOY114kkSJNgt4dn8z5v1inCsdsOmEtiI2MoVZHgd6StY2By85UjFkAGJUP91ZN8Ws6dcr9OSeKP0aY7DRQNbyfTeuh12eYzsFD-S1DRhNblK-ZEluEnjejB/s550/Picture+320.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723587965751315826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Horse Chestnut Bud</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>A <b>Comma</b> butterfly was seen on Jenner's Bank, plus it was great to see Lesser Celandine, Daffodils, and Early Dog Violet in flower.</div></div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-81039124622345864882012-03-21T00:22:00.005+00:002012-03-21T01:13:50.987+00:00<div style="text-align: left;">On Saturday (17th), I had been asked to help oversee the de-silting of the Old Pond in Mote Park, the favourite feeding ground for Water Rails, Little Egret, and on some occasions Snipe, Jack Snipe, and Green Sandpiper. I couldn't miss this opportunity!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwo-Md2reJXX1VYE1ruWvCnXMlNDJSNcM3aJVc98Qs-iE2P6LsW2kI8LKdlKE_oclD9C_imFnHbq6MfLnpKJqTitVHVoZMqyzW4tT5g0xhshzPn4IltBfUpuVAaPUQX2QOoVlKXqirnOE/s550/IMG_5704.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722144823232791602" /></div><div><br /></div><div>During what was a showery morning, the process went very smoothly, and the animals that call it home should be relatively unaffected. The park is certainly going through some exciting changes at the moment and more photos will be added over future posts.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was in the park for the whole morning, and its was fantastic to hear the first singing <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Chiffchaffs</span></b> of the year! Also noted was a <b>Kingfisher</b> by the Waterfall - a brilliant record - <b>4 Treecreepers</b>, <b>2 Nuthatch</b>, <b>3 Green Woodpeckers</b>, <b>2 drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers</b>, <b>2 Stock Doves</b>, and <b>4 Goldcrests</b>. Several <b>Med Gulls</b> were noted flying over throughout the morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those interested, I have added 2 walks for the spring on my events page, more will follow in due course. All events are free but booking is essential.</div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-2723128708062740522012-03-13T11:16:00.002+00:002012-03-13T11:29:29.973+00:00This morning I was giving Rolf Williams and David James a short tour of parts of Mote Park with the view of potentially setting up regular Dates With Nature RSPB events. It was great to see that the 'duck-feeding area' has been opened up so that now the public and get close to the lake to feed the wildfowl (and gulls.....and rats!!).<br /><br />Whilst we stood by the Boat House on the edge of the Lake, <strong>Mediterranean Gulls</strong> could be heard from the playing fields, a super little <strong>Grey Wagtail</strong> flew in and landed on the edge of the Lake right in front of us, and a <strong>Kingfisher</strong> was heard calling but could not be located. We started to make our way back to our vehicle when what should appear above the park's cafe...a <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">RED KITE</span></strong>!!!!!!!!!! Amazing!!!! Unbelievable!!! I'd only just been watching them on the outskirts of Oxford last Friday, on the way to the Forest of Dean, so the coincedence of seeing one in Mote Park on a pre-arranged visit is quite something!! If you haven't guessed already, Red Kite is a first for me in Mote Park!Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-29349876639087229602012-02-25T18:02:00.004+00:002012-02-25T18:35:39.695+00:00<div style="text-align: left;">I was busy this morning so it was mid-afternoon when I was able to venture into Mote Park. It was a beautifully sunny day, and worryingly warm and dry for this time of year. Song Thrushes appeared to be singing from every high perch throughout the walk, and with Great Tits, Wrens, and Dunnocks also singing, it felt very spring like! Snowdrops alight the shadows in the North-east Wood at the moment, like small snow drifts.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n0amhpkQyvAQzNzMwEvkt4erJ-Ex2_MuFLnqGiJrCKl5-ArxAxO2dH0w9PtfLgEz8xDUVk9a834bLN4mv-rkft9RgiEebr4J_H5AC65NRAlAai8RVBnjn67XM0C2n85aq-2SF4wwhV2j/s550/Snowdrops+3566.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713141107913176562" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Snowdrops</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers</b> were noted, <b>3 Nuthatch</b> were calling, <b>4 Treecreepers </b>were heard, <b>6 Goldcrests</b> were found, <b>4 Stock Doves</b> were spotted, <b>3 Jays</b> called, and <b>2 Little Owls</b> were noted - the first seen in its favoured tree hole, and the other heard calling from a tree in the rough grassland in the eastern area of the park along the River Len.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmQ_M9atR5SwEJpaOeeswrS6fXDaF4KuGBsB7tMSiQdJseIAmoK7be250zrxRepndp1hVDBP_oE7dW5lzlFb_ttsQk1z3k0JqFulCrGtV6wFHK3We0Mj90Pwrcks08oADaSTdFvz5UUrv/s550/LOwl+5192.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713141097567284194" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Little Owl</b></div><div><br /></div><div>On the lake, just a handful of 'diving ducks' remain after the cold weather, with <b>6 Tufties</b> and <b>7 Pochards</b> gathering under the overhanging trees on the Lake edge. <b>9 Mute Swans</b> were gathered at the Boat House, and <b>12 Canada Geese</b> were by the boating ramps.</div></div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-25757643144938437312012-02-12T21:47:00.003+00:002012-02-12T21:50:43.554+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span">Heard from a friend today that there were at least <b>2 male</b> and <b>4 female Goosanders</b> on the Turkey Mill lake next to Mote Park.....the wanderers decide to return the day I'm back away</span><span class="Apple-style-span">!!</span>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-59827205439400315682012-02-11T17:26:00.004+00:002012-02-11T18:22:47.378+00:00<div style="text-align: left;">Today is the only day I will be able to visit Mote Park this weekend, as I am on duty tomorrow for the RSPB at Northward Hill. With several layers on I headed out the front door and over into the park. I aimed pretty much straight for the Lake. <b>2 Treecreepers</b> and <b>1 Goldcrest</b> called in the old gardens to the east of Mote House.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijrLNHCYfL53NzBsPtAs1QddnWsdNvgrDGl62WFZjG1ltuS8_vzhhBSfS0xLWonSxzxB9bNL5I5sFm36FVCM2GLyb0rqOH0Bx_hOeaSsxvnCZBiWVBFDgyIhAhdSrIYaMv6iOA-jKK-dR/s550/Blackbird+284.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707940252569336146" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Blackbird</b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div>I could not believe how frozen the Lake was, probably the most frozen I have ever seen it! On my approach to the Weir and Causeway I could see two people standing there, both with their cameras at the ready. As I approached I unexpectedly heard one say to the other, "Here's Simon!" It was local birder Mike, and alongside him was Paul, author of the great blog: The Tortoise Man! Whilst having a nice chat we noted a <b>Little Grebe</b> in the Marsh area, several <b>Pochard</b> and <b>Tufted Ducks</b> were on the only ice free section of the Lake, <b>5 Mute Swans</b> were present, and an adult <b>Lesser Black-backed Gull</b> was with the gull flock.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTsbqB-1kXWBHAtNxNgaCG0WG8xz-mHp23m5Z5vxe55P6n25rvmUnhvjXtS7Us9z2Jr0_u62cpRMpOK8UPxQmfL0op6itTz6_L-8O4K39haqsbgXAOIV03H0u-lyrsJ3ubSa-5y-WY10T/s550/Water+Rail+218.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707940220026939970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Water Rail</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After bidding farewell to Paul, I spent the rest of my walk with Mike, heading towards the Little Owl oak, however the 'Owly' wasn't home so we made our way down to the Old Pond. Here we bumped into Paul again, and we all enjoyed great views of a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Water Rail</span></b>. Mike and I then headed to the Turkey Mill lake, finding <b>Green Woodpecker</b> and <b>Redwing</b> on the way, but unfortunately the Goosanders were not present. What we did get though were <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">2 Kingfishers</span></b>, a rarity now after these past few winters. On my return route through the park the <b>Little Egret</b> was busy feeding along the stream by the Old Pond.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEQlr_8Y0PWgeZg7uq9JIvhwbJ3KNFGm02c3Mo8XRSA_uSYhd5peWiY3FJL-UjGNcdgv15OOezwfwTtF8d1LtujVjglovdXVR1xF47dyYck_Xzy9hO8dqDAPTLJPVFV_30DVD4k_EaHn4/s550/LEgret+268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707940240166144770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Little Egret</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I decided to return later, and I'm pleased I did, as the <b>Little Owl</b> was showing well, the Little Egret was still active, and whilst at the Old Pond, <b>2 Water Rails</b> were seen creeping through the reeds, and a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;"><b>Common Snipe</b></span> was feeding right at the back - fantastic!! <b>3 Nuthatch</b>, <b>1 Coal Tit</b>, and <b>3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers</b> were also noted.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoQxgnlzmRcAtWMmTYkB7xaOZhOcQa1LuiiaWbGsl8BvKuo03Od9xNX3TTQmlLHpCd-wSwpXDIUGz6L029vF8F7CQaB2uuK3ZMhC-TwOycknSueEyKhHif30-kw6_9bzLQdhLlh8AZdjV/s550/Snipe+315.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707940212482343058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Common Snipe</b></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-58232267977869782012012-02-09T16:14:00.003+00:002012-02-09T19:19:37.318+00:00Yesterday (8th Feb), I had a day off on toil from work, so headed to Maidstone and visited Mote Park. It was very cold once again!!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707214978610821938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5mi0kgWz8uFm02Xto4BDVDl192NB921reOclXGaJle2aGHm_yLvI2jze2wW4sCHk9NoZqznECYHF9n4dLqpReYOyqKXY9CZKqXhWAADSzc0G_OYpdWxeFC1CVYEyLQJXLbITcSWrzCAs/s550/Goosander+044.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>2 Drake Goosanders</strong></div><br />The Lake proved a real treat with <strong>6 MALE GOOSANDERS</strong> present, an unbelievable sight! I would've been happy with the 2, let alone 6, and all males too, cor!!! Also seen were <strong>2 Gadwall</strong>, <strong>1 drake Teal</strong>, <strong>2 Little Grebes</strong>, <strong>8 Mute Swan</strong>, <strong>32 Pochard</strong>, and <strong>23 Tufted Duck</strong>. I was later told by a local birder that the <strong>3 REDHEAD SMEW</strong> were seen in the afternoon - great news!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707214981433745010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvijY2oE816Ox_xI-5gduAl0Hl_yHE2hx1kIVV2pLXr7uLhtZB5LoZjxvC9AFpNIOt2aL0VIZO8h2r6DAmSWm3DIBB4iOzKF07cvd9XTi4EvNVzNOeeoYLZIh_mpijLPZPZ2uOqfV0aXYf/s550/Teal+180.jpg" /></p><br /><p align="center"><strong>Drake Teal</strong></p><br /><p>Also noted during the visit were <strong>3 Nuthatch</strong> calling, the <strong>Little Owl</strong> showed really well in the usual old oak, <strong>3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers</strong> and <strong>1 Green Woodpecker</strong> were heard, <strong>2 Treecreepers</strong> were calling along the Len Valley, <strong>4 Goldcrests</strong> were noted, and a few <strong>Siskins</strong> were heard.<br /><br />Today (9th Feb) I have been informed that the <strong>11 Goosanders</strong>, 6 males along with 5 females, have been frequenting between the Lake in Mote Park, and the lake at nearby Turkey Mill which can be viewed from the park itself. The <strong>Water Rail</strong> has been also seen today, plus a <strong>Lesser Spotted Woodpecker</strong> was heard drumming - fantastic news!!</p>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-46791663601607040032012-02-07T21:48:00.004+00:002012-02-07T22:17:08.402+00:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I had to pop back to Maidstone last night, so thought I'd stay the night and pop into Mote Park first thing before heading off to RSPB Northward Hill. This morning, it was SO cold!!!! The <b>Little Owl</b> was perched in the favourite old oak east of Mote House. I only had half an hour so focused all my attention on the icy Lake.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Only the eastern section of the Lake remains clear of ice, and so most of the wildfowl are congregated around this area. Birds of note are as follows: <b>8 Mute Swans</b>, <b>1 drake Teal</b>, a <b>pair of Gadwall</b>, <b>14 Tufted Duck</b>, <b>41 Pochard</b>, and <b>2 Little Grebes</b>. As I scanned the lake, a dog jogger passed the Inlet where a flotilla of Coots flapped and splashed out into the centre of the Lake. At the same time, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">2 redhead (female) SMEW</span></b> took flight from the reeds nearby and flew over to the Weir - fantastic!!!!! A first for me in Mote Park - the last record being in 2005, and I missed that individual. When I eventually caught up with them I realised that there were in fact 3 redhead Smews in total! What a start to the day?! I attempted to catch up with them to get at least one photo before I had to leave. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnmYu7fBLp5i4u3JTzV1ENI4WABgAY1TSE9fA9gqpeMAajj5lVKHZpTA80ISOJPdsupCt7JJTCqQhxUxJPdOZGP3GQtLcof4j6QfAflLXHT7Fz-cU4c16WGLr3Py92xXD0NTwE1ULQIzX/s550/Picture+4033.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706518966437963058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">REDHEAD (FEMALE) SMEW</span></b></div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-28603638300975951992012-02-05T17:42:00.005+00:002012-02-05T19:36:04.443+00:00<div style="text-align: left;">My first post for 2012, so I therefore wish a belated best wishes for the new year to all my blog readers who are still keeping an eye on my activities in Mote Park! I managed to visit a few times in January but just haven't had the time to update my blog. During last month I managed to catch up with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; color:#ff0000;">Little Egret</span>, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Teal</span></b>, and one of the resident <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Little Owls</span></b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div>Today Mote Park had been iced with 5 inches of snow, creating an even more beautiful landscape to walk through - I do treasure a stroll in the snow!! Upon getting ready to venture over into the park, I noticed I had an unread text on my mobile from a local birder stating: "Two male Goosanders mote park..." - I think I broke my own quickest record for getting out the front door!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVVM5eEFPF6VQJyKqLyqeid3vshJLsJ_RY1hvmsV4E6G8I6-yglRTDHL3Sqmfwv-eU0s38Xn-v1rx6akNNsxfdOTENdprXdEF3qQeSBDfmYF5LrvauoBcOzq2S1mfq1XO9MAwPH_88doZ/s550/Picture+3576.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705734164419530610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "></div><div><br /></div></div><div>The park's birdlife overall was unsurprisingly pretty quiet - all too busy filling their bellies, and I don't blame them! The thin calls of <b>Redwings</b> could be heard from overhead throughout the visit, a <b>Jay</b> called from within the wood at the foot of Jenner's Bank, <b>2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers</b> and <b>3 Treecreepers</b> were heard calling, <b>3 Siskin</b> were seen, and a <b>Great Tit </b>could be heard singing from a yew close to the Gatehouse Lodges behind Mote House. I checked the Old Pond, where quite a bit of renovation work has been carried out nearby, but there wasn't even a Moorhen! The Old Pond is definitely THE place to check this week, with all this cold weather!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><div style="text-align: center; "></div></div><div><br /></div></div><div>As I approached the Lake from the east, a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Meadow Pipit</span></b> flew speedily over my head, heading northwards. I made no delay in trying to locate the alerted to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Goosanders</span></b>, and to my relief the pair of drake individuals were cruising across the centre of the Lake, and what handsome birds they are.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7D_H1aBK2AhcotuaHXpRmgdTej7BsYGVvCaJ6GM_EsQKw4ub2eN4i2HYa10YN_85QyutmOFGikceaCqCwI9rpelUOsfmH1btA9P2MZiYx1K5y2OLhlOX7qZjV0Z8EzgYxYh0lN6FwuKlm/s550/Goosander+036.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705730374285747330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></div></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>GOOSANDERS</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I always get the sense of power and authority, but also grace, from these members of the sawbill family. Every so often one of them would slip under the surface of the water, presumably to hunt the plentiful fish supply, leaving the other alone on the surface.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUcIVoezjchD23-5blmRk4ph24IDEsExMWcMhmd-KwRox0iqyyaDe84zjbtoCKOBFEuGmLR3eNibS9Je5Jj2NyLgpwBAjUKRe6JyCefsevAMWY_ATA51JQJLWrDL-MbblhPNE6BMQxate/s550/Goosander+031.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705730383205061634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>GOOSANDER</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Goosander is a first for my Mote Park bird list, despite the habitat appearing suitable for a winter records. The last known record, to me, of Goosander in Mote Park was a drake back in the winter of 2006, and unfortunately I missed that particular bird. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also of note on the lake were <b>38 Pochard</b>, <b>12 Tufted Duck</b>, <b>8 Mute Swans</b> and <b>1 Little Grebe</b>. There were plenty of <b>Black-headed Gulls</b>, with many <b>Common Gulls</b> among them.</div><div><br /></div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-77944071304899575202011-12-18T16:26:00.002+00:002011-12-18T16:45:55.590+00:00<div align="left">Hopefully I still have a few followers after such a long absence of posting!! Today I managed to visit the park!<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Highlights included a few flocks of <strong>Siskin </strong>observed flying around the park, <strong>1 Green Woodpecker</strong> was heard, and it was interesting to hear a <strong>Great Spotted Woodpecker</strong> drumming along the River Len (3 were seen in total). <strong>5 Goldcrests</strong> were heard singing, <strong>1 Treecreeper</strong> was noted, and several <strong>Redwing</strong> were seen flying through.</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687510098105342274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Y1sOxcFocDwAwS0JJ3EVY6P9YLFfA6-js7FNObS9qF_j_NZfag0Abyg5IsFjSaHr1A3lntdkvi2315ZzivTQQ5F5E3OwFEJePS2v8hAPzBaqds94-6DfrVVQ0JXwhinQqYkzAdMfddsd/s550/Robin+1.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Robin</strong></p><br /><br /><br />Of note on the Lake were a selection of <strong>Pochards</strong> and <strong>Tufties</strong>, <strong>1 Little Grebe</strong>, <strong>5 Mute Swans</strong>, <strong>2 Great Crested Grebes</strong>, and a <strong>Teal</strong> could be heard but wasn't seen. I could not locate the Whooper Swan, which had been reported to me during the week. <strong>Common Gulls</strong> and <strong>Black-headed Gulls</strong> were also gathered on the Lake.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-68362491048497750052011-10-10T14:55:00.004+00:002011-10-10T15:31:12.435+00:00Unfortunately this post may be my last for quite a while! From tomorrow, I will be starting a 6 month residential volunteer warden post with the RSPB at Northward Hill and Cliffe, so any visits I do make to Mote Park will probably be few and far between.<br /><br />Cloudy with a little bit of sunshine today during my visit around the park. The temperature was warm anough to encourage a <strong>Red Admiral</strong> out, which was seen by the Georgian Steps.<br /><br /><strong>9 Jays</strong> were noted throughout the visit, <strong>1 Green Woodpecker</strong> was heard, <strong>2 Nuthatches</strong> were calling, <strong>7 Goldcrests</strong> were found, <strong>5 Siskin</strong> were noted, and a <strong>Meadow Pipit</strong> was heard and then seen flying east over the Len valley - a first for the year, making it 2 firsts for the year in 2 consecutive days!!!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661885543971686306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-1Jl0XQ9alHHOHmqrGN05fy5mmwMNc8JOq9gK2dQRuBNXESun5u4Bwo75zzNdcXCF-1KvY_UteIscRVoTCOXi4xUbS9QfIcJa1-wKx7IADdECM9mCpw0smgaftxVW3IZeXsCbiAvvumG/s550/Heron+C.jpg" /><br /><strong>Grey Heron</strong></p><br /><p>Of particular note on the Lake were <strong>11 Mute Swans</strong>, <strong>4 Tufties</strong>, <strong>3 Great Crested Grebes</strong>, and a <strong>Grey Heron</strong> was stood on the golf course side of the Lake. The Shoveler which was found yesterday was not present today.</p>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-84775962375078664192011-10-09T19:46:00.003+00:002011-10-09T19:58:32.810+00:00After a long holiday away in the Mediterranean it was lovely to get back to the park. The park is feeling very autumnal now!!<br /><br />Around a dozen <strong>Redwings</strong> were noted passing through the park, <strong>6 Siskin</strong> were noted along the Len valley, <strong>2 Green Woodpeckers</strong> called, at least <strong>12 Goldcrest</strong> were counted, <strong>1 Nuthatch</strong> was heard, <strong>5 Pied Wagtails</strong> were seen flying west overhead towards the playing fields, a<strong> Grey Wagtail</strong> called as it flew along the River Len, and a<strong> Coal Tit</strong> was heard along Laurel Walk.<br /><br />It was brilliant to find a drake <strong>Shoveler</strong> - new for the year - and a female <strong>Tufted Duck</strong> on the eastern section of the Lake (viewed from the Weir bridge), a <strong>Grey Heron</strong> fished from the golf course side of the Lake, <strong>11 Mute Swans</strong> were gathered around the duck feeding area, and <strong>4 Great Crested Grebes</strong> were noted. There is also a notable increase in the Black-headed Gull numbers.<br /><br />A <strong>Fox</strong> was also seen during the visit.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-45193254627208892011-09-20T13:30:00.004+00:002011-09-20T13:56:55.758+00:00<div align="left">A grey overcast sky hid the sunshine this morning during my walk, but at least the temperature was still rather warm.</div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong>2 Green Woodpeckers</strong> called during the visit, <strong>8 Jays</strong> were noted, <strong>4 Nuthatch</strong> were heard, and it was nice to see a handsome male <strong>Sparrowhawk</strong> fly lazily over Jenner's Bank. <strong>7 Goldcrests</strong> were heard during the walk, <strong>2 Treecreepers</strong> were noted, <strong>2 Swallows</strong> flew purposefuly eastwards over the park, and <strong>4 Chiffchaffs</strong> were noted.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654439256447517906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIsjhJeJdnm9D2uCp4iY_O_jLj1pU6nqTHaqPj6Kfq2Wpjf8NVM4uK4T8t1yQWtvYz7WgRa-fm1fWcbrtvn-gLp42pkMnTONxqe-buP96eZT77s9oqRypIHFKVly1PRijJy4Eq-nOUPGZ/s550/Coot+10609.jpg" /><br /><strong>Juvenile Coot</strong></div><strong></strong><br /><strong>13 Mute Swans</strong> remain around the duck feeding area, a single<strong> Cormorant</strong> flew onto the Lake, and a lone <strong>Lesser Black-backed Gull</strong> was stood on a buoy on the Lake.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654437559706769106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jTpAI_7N4QXCVFaeIs75uaKh9YxV7f1XTt9yhLcy4QWx1pdc6Opr9DX6QYioazk88GTXph6foyPYf-TfeLY1lPGEMXAFj8vBFd7fgdCcgKtWZ0P76yJ_09Qq2aMX5JRNCIv1Rt4yHLZ1/s550/Pigeon+Meal+C1.jpg" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><strong>Unfortunate Pigeon</strong><br /></p><br /><br />As I walked through the parkland west of Mote House, I came across a Wood Pigeon carcass, presmed to be the result of a Sparrowhawk. The flesh from the head and neck had been eaten, and with the breast plucked, there was a puncture wound straight through to the heart, which was missing and so had presumably been eaten.<br /><br /><br />Also noted during the visit were several <strong>Speckled Wood</strong> butterflies.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-35405533830313969152011-09-19T14:06:00.007+00:002011-09-20T13:30:18.460+00:00<div align="left">I managed to visit the park on Saturday but didn't have the time to post. Highlights from that visit included a young male <strong>Reed Bunting</strong> in the old cattle area (largest area of rough grassland), the first male and female <strong>Tufted Ducks</strong> of the autumn, and <strong>40+ House Martins</strong>, and<strong> 3 Swallows</strong>, hunting insects over the Lake and perimeter trees.<br /><br />Today's visit under sunny skies turned up similar birds. Although puffs of cloud were moving through the sky, the sun remained shining!</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654077124140879218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EG-TzOhNcnGFI3bFb5NSwhTd6ZQQdClfJXFYFm0fpP85X7vaBn724r8jJq-GmiabwcySFZDzpC5g2cMDV8yo3DDYTjI3t3t1YVoC8ijFy7UNyEwWLGmt991MIF7Q4bLurnUc4uDxYRhb/s550/Robin+C7.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Robin</strong></p><strong>4 Nuthatch</strong> were noted, <strong>2 Green Woodpeckers</strong> were heard calling, <strong>5 Treecreepers</strong> were heard, and at least <strong>6 Goldcrests</strong> were noted. 5 of the <strong>8 Chiffchaffs</strong> found in the park today were singing, <strong>3 Stock Doves</strong> were spotted in the old parkland trees, <strong>11 Jays</strong> were noted, a <strong>Reed Bunting</strong> was heard calling in the old cattle area, and <strong>3 House Martins</strong> were seen flying west.<br /><br /><imgheight: id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654076878982593186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E576y2OK632PAx1rh7zQnjNLjfaEFs6kHdRyyoX1XYv1MwFDYWPlAgcZjg4OBB__aP1Cv4sv9dPqP2UQ7LxvSvxIqVRnBSaaelpX1B_pz3Rw-P8mk1-XWvKev5YtMKevvx3MSg4mVM3F/s550/Cormorant+C5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654078018223831602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58HdtblkuItkjvvQ-Ie5B24ZNL5RopE-aPqN3z82gJKCA-VxnzMMOKlbquJ-e5zZiU0Gpp8wRjmAwCxMrIkQwDlRIQWanTUEwUfjaAHLLgAn6VMWEQVeomhrmHnJyhbwsk5cagAEd14M3/s550/Cormorant+C5.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Cormorant</strong><br /><br /></p><strong>4 Cormorants</strong> were seen around the Lake -including the individual pictured above, who appeared to be experimenting in various awkward head positions! A <strong>Grey Heron</strong> was seen on the Pitch & Putt side of the Lake, a female <strong>Tufted Duck</strong> was noted, and <strong>13 Mute Swans</strong> were gathered around the 'duck feeding area'.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654076209418504354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDy-Q811907JETa2uEd1nDAngyiULSqB8ihjTlAOs4UcCbLd5HxnWkqYgwTwb1JZ7OE_WhCGQuhRSniFZ_3eysuDFapxR3v9sBoumBZ06PdaUI7TO8u7zOnXzF01m-bLBAgDMj44njQk5Q/s550/Moorhens+C1.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Moorhens</strong></p><strong>3 Southern Hawkers</strong> and <strong>1 Migrant Hawker</strong> was noted, and <strong>2 Speckled Woods</strong>, <strong>1 Red Admiral</strong>, and a few <strong>Large Whites</strong> were also found.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-89247198884459126932011-09-13T13:42:00.003+00:002011-09-13T14:03:35.267+00:00<div>A beautiful sunny morning for my visit to Mote Park today! Every tree and hedgerow seems to hold birds at the moment!<br /><br /><strong>Chaffinches</strong> continue to feed on the fallen beechmast along Laurel Walk, 4 Treecreepers were heard in the parkland oaks west of Mote House, a <strong>Great Spotted Woodpecker</strong> also called from an Oak near to Mote House, <strong>5 Nuthatches</strong> were noted calling and flying in the treetops, <strong>3 Goldcrests</strong> were heard calling, a <strong>Coal Tit</strong> called from the larches on the park's eastern boundary, and some <strong>Bullfinches</strong> were heard calling in the mixed scrub to south of the path which runs between the two bridges along the River Len.<br /><br />A flock of <strong>6+ House Martins</strong>, plus <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">1 Sand Martin</span></strong> - the first of the year in the park for me - were catching insects up and down the hedgerow that runs along the Lake's eastern edge. A <strong>Grey Wagtail</strong> was heard as it flew over the Lake northwards, and <strong>2 Great Crested Grebes</strong> and <strong>4 Mute Swans</strong> were spotted on the Lake.<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651844100119238882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT5S3jT9cCB5BGO3Bd_xnmONTaT_7Yj36WCZAYQ6m2RltaFOfbXvci1qAULtDgjxILCS108qkIOvkw8EsIMsJSAte3Fh7MNr1CuUCTinXQ5ra_Foiy4HPkTJLKmHDARHImjCjG689Xume/s550/RAdmiral+110.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Red Admiral</strong><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Also of note today were <strong>3 Emperor</strong> and <strong>4 Southern Hawker</strong> dragonflies, and <strong>1 Red Admiral</strong> and <strong>2 Speckled Woods</strong> butterflies.</div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-11886044911737333442011-09-09T13:36:00.002+00:002011-09-09T14:11:49.644+00:00With 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!<br /><br />The fallen beechmast along Laurel Walk was attracting <strong>Chaffinches</strong>, <strong>Woodpigeons</strong> and squirrels this morning. As I walked along Jenner's Bank, it was evident that the <strong>Jays</strong> are out in force now, busy collecting acorns. A total of 9 of these birds were noted during the visit. <strong>5 Nuthatches</strong> were noted during the visit, <strong>3 Chiffchaffs</strong> were heard calling, <strong>6 Goldcrest</strong> were noted, <strong>5 Mistle Thrushes</strong> were busy feeding out in the parkland west of Mote House, and a few <strong>House Martins</strong> 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 <strong>Redwings</strong> and <strong>Fieldfares</strong> 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 <strong>6 Bullfinch</strong> were feeding in the brambles, and a <strong>Grey Heron</strong> was seen flying north.<br /><br />Also of note were <strong>2 Migrant Hawker</strong> dragonflies.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-8332383076950071962011-07-07T14:37:00.004+00:002011-07-07T15:36:58.670+00:00My Mote Park visiting and blog updating time is very limited at the moment, due to the fact that this summer I have 20,000 word thesis to carry out and write up. I have been visiting the park every now and then though, so below is a summary of what I have seen since my last post.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626634101596325794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50ovIYYc7QGRZw605pfktIbHwePOVRr7S4aZMw65oDol58gUmtZ-T3v8JooKo59wUhn7EMjSMw9qrPcd1-CkiZrWa1tL03m8xsyoYxVMOBLpKz3XmKtoUbwt4lKUvCBSacwM_FDWWiQTx/s550/MagpieBaby+C.jpg" /><br /><strong>Baby Magpie bathing</strong></p><br /><p><strong>Spotted Flycatchers</strong> can be found by those who can recognise the call, a male <strong>Kestrel </strong>can be seen regularly in the rough grassland north of the River Len, a pair of <strong>Mute Swans</strong> laid a clutch of eggs with 3 cygnets hatching but only 1 currently survives. 12 flowering spikes of <strong>Southern Marsh Orchid</strong> were located, which is up from just the 3 in previous years. <strong>Banded Demoiselles</strong> can be found along the River Len. <strong>Slowworms</strong> can be found in good numbers, plus there have been 2 reliable sightings of <strong>Adder </strong>from visitors to the park, which is exciting! <strong>Large</strong>, <strong>Essex </strong>and<strong> Small Skippers</strong> are now on the wing, and so too are <strong>Gatekeepers</strong> and <strong>Meadow Browns</strong>. The first <strong>Ringlet </strong>was found 30th June.</p>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-59420502651415054232011-05-28T12:10:00.006+00:002011-05-28T12:38:49.397+00:00<div align="left">A late morning walk today proved very quiet both for wildlife and people. The cherry trees on Jenner's Bank are already beginning to fruit!</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611742005220865554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-NxGjIYtQrvQjCHdz3QUi2gMR6KMvjL4g5SqmairfW_z5jHOA7wEi5d83NEWG8gcVePj9nU9AqePYMnaXNXnBnABZiyQs8K67BqPwQx_S0Vw47pjjd17AYR7RcKWC-sa5Sd2Ybjm4b9C/s550/Cherries+10541.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"><strong>Cherries</strong><br /><br /></p><br /><strong>3 Pheasants</strong> were noted, <strong>4 Goldcrests</strong> were singing, <strong>2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers</strong> were seen, a <strong>Green Woodpecker</strong> was heard calling, <strong>2 Treecreepers</strong> sang, <strong>5 Blackcaps</strong> and <strong>5 Whitethroats</strong> were singing, a <strong>Coal Tit</strong> was seen in a pine on Jenner's Bank, a <strong>Reed Bunting</strong> was singing along the Causeway, and <strong>3 Reed Warblers</strong> were singing.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611742557546112754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxXKhX6XHWjz9TLimTrx0Fp50WrUjTW5fve5Gt3GPMc3ASxW5MuaB6DRqDOrHNXxyYUTuXbeEUHIjJ8T_Geh-NFLk7cT4bHDIIjx0S-Ca_Dw7UxmrHCku7sOTRRmLyYc1Sm1p6pzyDcg_/s550/GHeron+10232.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"><strong>Grey Heron</strong><br /></p><br /><br />Of particular note on the Lake were <strong>4 Mute Swans</strong>,<strong> 2 Cormorants</strong> and <strong>5 Great Crested Grebes</strong>, a <strong>Grey Heron</strong> was fishing on the Pitch & Putt side of the Lake, and there were at least <strong>23 Black-headed Gulls</strong> in the gull flock. Its wonderful to see and hear all the young birds around the park at the moment.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611742762073622066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq39TJMhIv0d_z2-tmb5NFUmGwnV204YgEkETbdPZ_WX5G0H64eqsUwiOr1nqpDcDUtXBZdHxnvLjbWIGGBRhyphenhyphenbfSzQUdHEvHGN480eVG73V26SVVdg1KQWGmEKw4WD0GArf6XBYw03_s/s550/Mallards+10544.jpg" /> <br /><div align="center"><strong>Mallards</strong></div><br /><br /><br /><strong>5 Speckled Woods</strong> butterflies were also seen.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611743003519442770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYYXXzA56WBTF-teNVWs0vrPivzd9qF5wtekrC_ajgtZ-D8UZhKOx2y6KRbqu09NFo88GDhxRySDJXit91V1TMNw2Kqg60QV8wpPiImxeQRieD50VKSIATxxGfuV1MSqTD6tTc6khmd-U/s550/Oxeyes+10429.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Oxeye Daisies</strong></div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-67334599306708431902011-05-27T15:12:00.007+00:002011-05-27T16:44:58.534+00:00<div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611433061951470610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn0EVi1Hgtcx1kjZsXr9qqQpxLVLJwx2oUw7X1uWp4pbEB0C2z5yalUc6ExWBTe6iRKLFLTac5PHVoMQr6k0-duwkoHISQXeSRUOOMVTRbSqnXYi7KZ87fkbIEyXy6wN0nh0kD7jMy2k3/s550/Goatsbeard+10519.jpg" /><strong>Goatsbeard</strong><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">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!</div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611434783137828434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozXir5LQ3H60m2ESBgJ6N-xDaqApDOjHUjREvF9LH-vLm5NIru2iYH6MwtRhwBDjLodGqcKiKjKjqshjH8qAKu8Gaj914g_SC2GEddWjjVchLblvmlfP0GfjTRCOgpI8R6sJuIrKybSJF/s550/Small+Copper+10379.jpg" /><strong>Small Copper</strong><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">The first <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Small Copper</strong></span> and <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Meadow Brown</span></strong> butterflies of the year was seen today, as I wandered through the grassland north of the River Len. Several <strong>Common Blues</strong> were also noted, and <strong>4 Speckled Woods </strong>were found in the more wooded areas. <strong>5 Banded Demoiselles</strong> were seen along the River Len.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611432203800697378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZccnwDCATIln2EcQiShhm51RX386WliCucvPPljoaAReYLnAXXNuHqmT8nHZ1z-EOawDmWNTAN4KSfA6vCDEhmZuKzVRyjGHJitJnrJQ8yg-YxTjvklxNL3hcN6c9QklXDSUF44KsbQfF/s550/BandedDemoiselle+10472.jpg" /><strong>Male Banded Demoiselle on overhanging Willow</strong><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong>5 Goldcrests</strong> were singing along Laurel Walk and from the Old Gardens, <strong>3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers</strong> were seen, <strong>3 Jays</strong> were seen, <strong>2 Treecreepers</strong> were heard, <strong>4 Pheasants</strong> were found, a <strong>Bullfinch</strong> called from an Ash in the Old Gardens, <strong>6 Blackcaps</strong> were singing, <strong>4 Whitethroats</strong> were singing, <strong>2 Chiffchaffs</strong> sang, <strong>5 Reed Warblers</strong> sing from the reedbeds around the Lake, and <strong>2 Grey Wagtails</strong> were hunting insects next to Madginford Bridge (the bridge closest to the Downswood entrance along Willington Street).</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611434778085208354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWia0NLO2-w0UkUdppP-gshzan1YNUiYXyIWgM6FvhECE5Q7nWxWOK02LR539DftuBX9hO-6kmoGPiM4sXcasb4oBCx72v0CmroTfsnW_rvzw6bx0j8EGgvrxR3jtMFAXn2LdwyVuh0vBC/s550/Pheasant+10533.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Male Pheasant</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Of particular note on the Lake were <strong>6 Great Crested Grebes</strong>, <strong>6 Mute Swans</strong>, and <strong>2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls</strong> and <strong>1 Mediterranean Gull</strong> was with the <strong>25 Black-headed Gulls</strong>.</div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611433529552145474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7GvUd_QmvhL2R8_Toq3pXH-yD7kOeRmupBmrNYKKptAqHgDq8sFTL34WDuIyoPSvCKo54yeFWfW-Qk66YwykNpH5klRGqiM-n1gbw9tj283EyEnTVQwBnsZGCRsTygRTkU_AgrcgN8IF/s550/MistleThrush+10374.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Mistle Thrush</strong></p>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-15114022914653852682011-05-17T10:48:00.005+00:002011-05-18T08:13:27.702+00:00<div align="left">Just a quick mid-morning walk today. Another walk will be made in the late afternoon as I am leading the the local Women's Institute around the park. Once again, I only visted the parkland to the north and east of the Lake and River Len.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607643869131880530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8VEhLCsWC1drBIWq2l5rm7G5sBM13yF-QXW8o9Cjb9x4SU6RZp2Ip71FEih4FVZf86QtePM67C55wFet-IeJciuRgbcjQazzlfdsy62CaGwriUWks5466IX0Ne8w8kXgyMGHlozZbUG3/s550/Rose+10214.jpg" /><br /><strong>Field Rose</strong></div><br /><br /><p><strong>8 Blackcap</strong> and <strong>2 Chiffchaff</strong> were singing, <strong>1 Willow Warbler</strong> was singing by the Lower Bridge, <strong>5 Whitethroats</strong> were in the rough grassland area, <strong>2 Green Woodpeckers</strong> were noted, baby <strong>Great Spotted Woodpeckers</strong> were heard calling from a nest hole in one of the parkland trees, <strong>2 Treecreepers</strong> were heard singing from trees along the stretch of the River Len between the Weir Bridge and east to the Lower Bridge (now named the Len Wetland), <strong>4 Goldcrests</strong> were singing from the Old Gardens, <strong>2 Stock Doves</strong> were calling, and a <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Spotted Flycatcher</span></strong> was found singing and hunting insects from the old Lime trees in the parkland west of Mote House - fantastic, the first of the year to return!!! During my later visit<strong> 3 Swifts</strong> were noted flying over the park, and a <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">WHITE WAGTAIL</span></strong> was found hunting insects in the parkland south of Mote House - even more FANTASTIC!!!! The park's second ever record of this continental 'Pied' Wagtail.<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607644234269861602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-6ZIfuVddJ4KcajtPD8npIe8tPN0QMLuPpnnH424G10ReTQBWiIItWFoYWPRxRsdh1T7TpLzfEb9BKIaj2m0ef5fKsByf-eS_6VfGMUz_324usV1BFsxFUSA95Vimbwwet8mjUv83_vI/s550/SpottedFlycatcher+10219.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Spotted Flycatcher</span></strong></p><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong>8 Mute Swans</strong>, <strong>7 Great Crested Grebes</strong>, <strong>5 Tufted Duck</strong> and at least <strong>33 Black-headed Gulls</strong> were on the Lake, a <strong>Cormorant </strong>fished in the Lake, and <strong>6 Reed Warblers</strong> were singing from reedbeds along the Lake edge.</div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-74697384345793368622011-05-16T13:53:00.003+00:002011-05-16T14:30:46.907+00:00A bright but overcast morning today, but still quite warm. Now that my thesis work-load is getting heavier, I am not able to spend as much time in the park as I'd like too. During today's walk I covered the park on the north and east side of the Lake and River Len.<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607320152785824274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgephqrUnSgcgAJ2BNM3E_mO5J4uxp8cQlbU3oVYJIke795nRE-wdcUMSCdO-4PobOF-JmLEM2Ya3U2MDnjIhXTBGiyg7CsZoektVsgkhAMzd6CDNPft4g4cPe38K0hxKA_ElTrVpw_wvSP/s550/MThrush+10120.jpg" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Mistle Thrush</strong></p><br /><br /><p><strong>2 Green Woodpeckers</strong> were heard, a <strong>Treecreeper </strong>was seen in a Willow by the Lower Bridge, <strong>3 Goldcrests</strong> were singing, <strong>9 Blackcaps</strong> were singing, a <strong>Willow Warbler</strong> sang by the Lower Bridge, <strong>6 Whitethroats</strong> were singing, a <strong>Kestrel</strong> hunted over the rough grassland north of the River Len, <strong>3 Swifts</strong> were seen, a <strong>Stock Dove</strong> was heard, and a <strong>Bullfinch </strong>called from a hedge by the Audley Homes entrance along Willington Street.<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607319767640665106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKawzurhNgkQoDgN__Kfe1UPd45Li9pFgGfbA7FeAXdf5YiFNzZORgnUAYEkOw8S_H0H-e-2rW2-I6bmS7sTnjUUfyBV69-NW6PG2F7KMWdBT0VCNX4WOVl-rb7gGAh4wwWXAI9bjWEmF5/s550/Kestrel+10188.jpg" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Kestrel</strong><br /></p><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /><strong>5 Reed Warblers</strong> sang from the edges of the Lake, a <strong>Grey Heron</strong> stood on the Pitch & Putt side of the Lake, and of particular note on the Lake were <strong>5 Great Crested Grebes</strong>,<strong> 7 Mute Swans</strong>, <strong>3 Tufted Ducks</strong>, <strong>2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls</strong>, and at least <strong>32 Black-headed Gulls</strong>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607320624645548706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquyAC4lT3BcpTyZftYEaIFgJKZLhO-6aMA8b8vLJfQzta-ocI4N8X62cOo3FMa8ttAuQqR3fkOkk2NtBqs7kW-hVwPG8lH2QkOVZqU1Okn-XgYm5U99yZQkm0JRLKcNOuUpuPenLGMC1z/s550/Orangetip+10167.jpg" /><br /><strong>Orange-tip Butterfly</strong></div><br /><strong>3 Orange-tips</strong> and <strong>4 Small Whites</strong> were seen, and the first <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Banded Demoiselle</span></strong> of the year was found along the River Len.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607319350838648354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRZaZUyLKx_XM4GclrOwlZ7cMxtRSuVoh8zFCYFjcXB9W1B3pL9YZKSkk3a9Mhqao48vUNleMEPfVycY9MyAZDsoKlEwReICVnqIxaFcR_ZjxmJOGb8-xDnJCc6fVrjOQRWy99x5l56CP/s550/BandedDemoiselle+10124.jpg" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Banded Demoiselle</strong></p>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665855729492014425.post-26492179385785939932011-05-15T16:18:00.004+00:002011-05-15T16:44:16.267+00:00<div align="left">Yesterdays dawn chorus walk went really well, with 8 people joining in the early hours. Alhtough a chilly start, with the rising of the Sun came a beautiful morning.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Overall, a very good selection of birds were heard and seen. <strong>Stock</strong> and <strong>Collared Doves</strong> were heard, and a single <strong>Turtle Dove</strong> was also noted. <strong>Goldcrests </strong>were found, and there were <strong>2 Willow Warblers</strong>, <strong>6 Chiffchaffs</strong>, <strong>12 Blackcaps</strong>, <strong>8 Whitethroats</strong>, and <strong>4 Reed Warblers</strong> singing. Both <strong>Mistle</strong> and <strong>Song Thrushes</strong> gave great views, a <strong>Great Spotted Woodpecker</strong> gave a lovely fly-past, <strong>3 Green Woodpeckers</strong> were heard, and a<strong> Nuthatch</strong> was seen briefly on the bough of an Oak tree.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Highlight for me was the fascinating few minutes of watching a young dog <strong>Fox</strong> on the edge of the Old Burning Yard. Although 'raw-in-tooth-and-claw', it was amazing to witness him locate and dig out a Rabbit nest chamber, eventually pulling out the kittens inside. Frustratingly, I didn't have my camera with me!</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606984194669551330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdy8MQ-9HZ5HTVVfDrnGlyvHYmXQjXoXn-2LijmaSG7okcXt6_kxE2MDP_kCJqLMaCAjAMfu9RwB2Tt7VDFf9xwEBRT1pYlclKOmS0n9C0_2T84rYqvSDjiVSfEiSTHpRKacxOI4hyphenhyphenpZBT/s550/KiteFestival+10109.jpg" /><br /><strong>Kites!!!</strong></p><br /><p>Today I couldn't get into the park until the early afternoon. The park was rather quiet bird-wise, but it was a very pleasant walk, with all the summering warbler species singing around the park. The playing fields were hosting to the park's first ever Kite Festival.</p>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15438823520353948635noreply@blogger.com1