The rain ceased in time for another guided walk just before 9am. November is now wetter than July (taken at Elms Farm) with over 100mm.
First off, 6 Pochard on the far side of the main lake. Next 13 Cormorants on the Sailing Club; more ventured to the main lake later but upped sticks when the boats took to the water. Then a count of the swans - first count 31, joined by 13 more in from Octagon Farm direction (shooting?) = 44, another count up and they've grown to >50, and then a final count took the total to 61.
Off down the main drag. Meadow Pipit calling left - so it's dog walkers. Because the rain had only recently stopped, there were more 'DWs' around at this time than normal, the 8 o'clock and 9 o'clock owners having banded together. Not much hope then.
By 'the rough', and again at the near end of 'the spit', 2 Song Thrushes. Nowt much on Fingers ('lily-pads') except a couple of Moorhens and two Little Grebe performing under the overhang. No Otters today. A few Redwings 'seeeping' away and a mixed flock of tits. An angler on 'big Fingers' had cleared every thing out except the 5 resident swans (that makes 66) and a Mallard. Returning to the main path, a duo of Robins having a territorial dispute, tails raised. All ended amicably.
Around the other side of Fingers, more tits and a Gt. Spot by the 'dead seat'. By the gate to 'the rough', a very confiding Dunnock cum Lanceolated, a couple of good views of Redwing and some Goldfinches. Nothing much doing, except for a disobedient Springer in the 'sheep pen' plantation until we got down to 'the Navigation'. The Teal were hiding up by now.
Kingsmead was quiet, but we found another mixed flock of tits, including 9+ LTT, our second flock, and a confiding Treecreeper that every one had a chance to see. Not alot on '100 acre' bar half a dozen Pheasants and about 50 BH Gulls. Today we decided to return via 'riverside' which was damp but not under water. This only turned up Magpies, Crows and a noisy flock of House Sparrows (not enough for a flock really, more like a family group). The latter seem to be staging a wee come-back in the town this year.
Not much worth shouting about today, but enjoyable, none the less.
I shall be doing the next walk on New Year's Day, starting 9 o'clock outside the Visitor Centre. Let's hope for better weather and more birds.
1 comment:
Hi Errol,
I had a great time, you were all very friendly and I learnt a lot. That Treecreeper was a real delight. Hope to see you in the new year, although think new years day will not be possible for me :-) hic :-)
Steve
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