Saturday 27th January 2007

Great views of the Cettis Warbler this morning. As I walked around the crescent I noticed a reed moving and a quick scan with the bins located the bird. Managed to follow it for around ten minutes as it searched around the base of the reeds for food. It was mostly obscurred but did show itself a couple of times. It then flew to the spit side of the reed bed before singing, then flew across to the centre of the reed bed, sang again and disappeared.

Other highlights:

At least 66 Shoveller and good numbers of Pochard and Tufted duck. The Goosander was still about. One Coot on the main lake and two on Fingers. Only three Little Grebe and four Teal.
Seemed to be good numbers of Greenfinch about this morning with one party numbering 9 and many other smaller groups. One Greylag with the Canada Geese on Kings Mead. There was a single Grey Wagtail along the Canoe Slalom.

And finally a couple of shots of the Goosander:

Saturday 27th January

Just a walk round with the dogs late morning before tomorrow's official walk.
Not much on Fingers except 7 Teal lurking under the willows opposite the main spit. Moorhens were busy disputing territory. Cetti's called and sang well and a Water Rail spotted under a bush later squealed on several occasions.12 Fieldfare over and a party of Redwing (16) at the north end of Fingers. Three pairs of Bullfinch encountered also.
Goosander was present on the main lake, the usual 25 or so Tufted and c.120 Pochard. Didn't count the Shoveler. Green Woodpecker and Mistle Thrush along the river.

Don't forget the guided walk!

Next Sunday Errol Newman guides us, around the park, for the final time before he retires. Be at the visitor centre for 09:00 on Sunday 28th January. There is no charge so come along and enjoy the flora and fauna of your local country park.

Sunday 21st January 2007

Another cracking day with bright sunshine tempered by a cold wind. A Sparrowhawk was hunting along the hedge at the back of the sailing club and gace all the roosting gulls a bit of a scare while it was at it.

On the main lake:

Pochard 85
Tufted 25
Shoveller 50
Goosander 1
Cormorant 27

On the Finger Lakes:

Teal 10+
Little Grebe 9+
Gadwall 2
GC Grebe (Pair) nest building again.

There was a single Greylag on Kingsmead with the Canada geese. Another large flock of Lapwing passed over the park. I estimate 180+ birds. Also seen were Bullfinch, Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker. The Cettis Warbler was in its usual place in the crescent reedbed.