MONTHLY WILDLIFE WALK - October 23rd 2020
With a day of wind and rain on Wednesday, this month's walk took place on Friday 23rd October and while we started off in bright warm sunshine, we did not complete escape the weather and finished in torrential rain!!We started off along the boardwalk as usual and spotted some very nice Goldfinches feeding on the alders. Robins were singing in the hedgerows, the first of many we heard and saw on the day. As we walked down to the bridge Blue Tits were seen in the hedge and a very nice Greenfinch too. A squirrel was also in hedge disturbing everything as it moved through. At the bridge, a large flock of Long Tailed Tits and Blue Tits moved across right in front of us. Small birds flock together in winter and it looks like they have started already in the park. Walking across the field, a few Carrion Crows were seen, together with a couple of Magpies and Wood Pigeons. A single Stock Dove flew over but I think was only seen by me. A couple of Jays were spotted as we walked towards the small bridge and a Green Woodpecker heard calling followed by a Pheasant. At the lake, the flock of 8 Canada Geese were still present and we also saw Moorhens, and a Mallard hiding under the island and also a Coot. Black Headed Gulls were overhead as was a solitary Herring Gull. As we left the lake, another flock of Long Tailed and Blue Tits was seen and a Wren was heard. At the back of the Lake we saw 2 more Jays and yet another mixed flock of Long Tails and Blue Tits. A sole Song Thrush was spotted and a couple of Blackbirds too before the heavens opened and we quickly headed to the pavilion for shelter. A visit that summed up the changing seasons, summer birds have now gone, winter birds are not here yet and our resident birds are getting ready for the winter - plus the changing weather caught us out too!
Birds: Total Number of Species: 22
Mammals: Total Number of Species: 1
Martin Singleton