Saturday 3rd February 2007

A very cold but sunny morning following a sharp frost overnight. Temperature as I drove to Priory at 07:30 was -3.5c.

Main Lake:

Shoveller were in large tight groups on the main lake making it difficult to count but my best guess was 54. There were 175 Pochard but only 10 Tufteds. No sign of the Goosander and only a few Cormorant. 3 Kingfishers chased each other across the lake. 1 Coot.

Finger Lakes:

6 Teal

4 Little Grebe

3 Coot

Other sightings:

Two groups of 6 Mute Swans over. ~2 Treecreepers. Reed Bunting singing in the Crescent. Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming and Green Woodpecker.

Thurs. 1st February

Lovely, warm (12.5C) day with light winds. 169 Pochard, 65 Shoveler (DK), 28 Tufted, 13 Teal (Fingers). Redwings more apparent today - as were the Snog Thrushes, many of them singing. Male Reed Buntings perhaps holding territory in several places. Reedbed roost had 11 Corn Bunts (per DK). Gulls pre-roosting on the main lake is becoming something of a spectacle; in 4-5 weeks they'll all be off to the Wash, prior to crossing the North Sea.

31st January

Nice and sunny but a cool wind. Blackcap along Priory Wall, no sign of the Goosander since Monday, Dave Kramer counted 140 Pochard, still loads of Shoveler, 11 Teal on Fingers, both Woodpeckers much more active and vocal than of late, unlike "our friend" in the reedbed.

Priory Diary - Spring Programme

February

Wed 14th 7:00pm -Illustrated talk by Graham Bates - "The Galapagos Islands"
Tel: Marion 870321 Admission £1.50

Sun 25th 9:00am - The Park in winter, guided walk by the Ranger
Tel: Jon 211182

March

Thu 1st 7:30pm - Start of a six week bee keeping course.
Tel: Jon 211182

Wed 14th 7:30pm - Talk by Andy Fleckney "Managing a Nature Reserve".
Tel: Marion 870321 Admission £1.50

Sun 25th 9:00am - Guided Walk for all ages
Tel: Jon 211182

April

Wed 11th 7:30pm - AGM and illustrated talk by Peter Walker - Identifying Wild Flowers.
Tel: Marion 870321 Admission £1.50

Sun 22nd 9:00am - Guided walk and bird ringing demonstration
Tel: Errol 211182

May

Sunday 6th 4:45am - Annual Dawn chorus walk (hot drinks , afterwards) .
Tel: Errol 211182

All events start at, or are held in, the Visitor Centre, Priory Country Park, unless otherwise stated. Walks last about 2 hours.

Friends of Priory

Would you like to help in caring for our country park?

'Friends of Priory' will be restarting soon to carry out tasks such as coppicing, fencing, tree planting, path maintenance and bank restoration. Less practical options such as wildlife surveying, leaflet production and helping with events may be available later in the year.

The first conservation task will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday 25th February and on alternate Sundays from then.

Everyone, regardless of physical ability and experience, will be welcome - just bring some suitable clothing and footwear. You will also need a packed lunch but some hot drinks will be available.

For more information call the rangers' office on (01234) 211182 (leave your name and number if the office is unattended).