Mote Park - A Wildlife Patchwork

Saturday 26th July

2008-07-26T11:17:00.004Z

It was another very warm and humid morning today during my walk. Several species of birds have started flocking together now, with the finches and tits the most noticable.

3 Coal Tits called and sang from the Yews along Laurel Walk, a Pied Wagtail gave a few alarm calls as a female Sparrowhawk sped expertly through the canopies of the trees at the top of Jenner’s Bank, whilst a juvenile Sparrowhawk called from the foliage of an Oak by the Old Walled Garden, a Stock Dove was heard in the Alder Carr along the River Len, 9 Goldcrests were watched fluttering amongst the Yews and Wellingtonias along Laurel Walk, a few charms of Goldfinch were seen, 4 Green Woodpeckers were seen, a Chiff Chaff was singing within the Willows at the western end of the River Len, several parties of Long-tailed Tits were noted, 10 Treecreepers were seen – all from various Oaks in the Park, a Nuthatch called from the Alder Carr, 4 Bullfinch were heard, 8 Herring Gulls were seen flying west, a Swallow called as it flew north, 2 Jay were heard, 2 Blackcap could be heard singing, 3 Whitethroats called whilst I walked through the area of rough grassland, a Swift few over the Long Valley, and a cock Pheasant called loudly from the group of Oaks in the centre of the area of rough grassland.

6 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Mute Swans, 71 Canada Geese, 1 Tufted Duck, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots were seen on the Lake. There were roughly 14 Black-headed Gulls on the Lake, a Grey Heron stood on a buoy in the centre of the Lake, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the Lake, and 3 Reed Warblers were heard singing all from the marsh area by the Weir.

Lots of butterflies were spotted, with 13 Speckled Woods, 1 Comma and 2 Holly Blues being seen along the hedges and tree lines, there were lots of Essex Skippers and several Small Skippers, 7 Meadow Brown, and 14 Gatekeepers were seen, and sveral Small and Large Whites were seen. 1 Common Blue Damselfly was seen on the Lake’s north-eastern edge, along the River Len were 6 Banded Demoiselles and 3 Common Darters were seen, and hunting insects in the area of rough grassland were 2 Black-tailed Skimmers.

Banded Demoiselle

Black-tailed Skimmer

Also seen was a Red-eared Terrapin basking on a submerged branch on the Lake's eastern edge.

Wednesday 23rd July

2008-07-23T11:04:00.010Z

The sky was overcast today, and the temperature was warm and very humid. The resident birds appeared a little more active than they have done during the past few visits, and the butterflies continued to be on the go.

Green Woodpecker

6 Green Woodpeckers were seen today – with at least 1 bird seen in every area of short grass, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard – all along the River Len in the eastern end of the Park, 1 Chiff Chaff was singing from an Alder along the track by the Weir, 3 Treecreeper were calling and feeding around the Wellingtonias along Laurel Walk, 9 Goldcrests were noted - all in the area along Laurel Walk and at the top of Jenner’s Bank, a Whitethroat gave a few angry-sounding calls from a Hogweed in the rough grassland, as I passed through his territory, 3 Pheasants called – 1 from the rough grassland, and 2 from the edge of the marsh and Alder Carr, and 5 Swifts hunted insects over the Lake.

On the Lake were 6 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Mute Swans, 74 Canada Geese, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots. There were 4 Black-headed Gulls on the Lake, 4 Grey Heron were noted – 3 were seen being mobbed by a Lesser Black-backed Gull as the flew east over the Park, and 1 could be seen wading through the shallow water next to the large reedbeds by the Weir watching the carp that splashed about in the water, 2 Cormorants perched in a tree on the island next to the Weir, a Kingfisher hunted along the Lake’s eastern edge by the old Horse Chestnuts, and 3 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Grey Herons

Cormorants

Butterflies noted were 8 Speckled Woods, large numbers of Essex Skippers and several Small Skippers, both Large and Small Whites were seen, 4 Meadow Brown, and roughly 23 Gatekeepers were seen. 4 Common Blue Damselflies and 2 male Banded Demoiselles were spotted the nettles on the Lake’s eastern edge.

Gatekeeper

Also, plenty of bees were buzzing around the purple flowers of the Knapweed and thistles, including 1 species that seemed ver, very pale compared to the others. Unfortunately, the bee that I managed to get a decent photo of appears to be the least palest of them all!!

Monday 21st July

2008-07-21T16:05:00.005Z

I was out in a very quiet Mote Park this morning. Hardly any birds were singing or calling, and there were very little people too. It was a beautiful morning, a warm Sun set in a blue, cloudless sky.

Along Laurel Walk a Coal Tit sang from a Yew next to the old Burning Yard, whilst 2 Goldcrests called from within the Yew’s dense foliage, a Blackcap, 2 Chiff Chaff, and 2 Whitethroat were heard singing, 5 Swifts hunted flying insects above the Horse Chestnuts on the Northeast edge of the Lake, 3 Green Woodpeckers were noted, and a cock Pheasant called loudly from the centre of the large area of rough grassland.

On the Lake were 3 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Tufted Duck, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots. 3 Mute Swans were seen, with the resident pair preening next to the Weir, and 84 Canada Geese were flocked around the Lake’s western edge, mainly next to the wildfowl feeding area. There were 7 Black-headed Gulls on the Lake, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull bathed in the Lake right next to the Boating Ramp, a Grey Heron perched on a bough overhanging the Lake’s western edge, and 2 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Lots of butterflies were seen. 9 Speckled Woods, 1 Holly Blue, and 5 Comma were noted next to tree and hedge cover, and in the large area of rough grassland Essex Skippers were far more numerable than the Small Skippers with both species feeding on the nectar from the thistles, clovers and Knapweed, a Large Skipper was spotted feeding on a Knapweed flower, several of both Large and Small Whites were seen, 6 Meadow Brown were noted, and roughly 16 Gatekeepers were seen. The best butterfly of all, though, was a SMALL COPPER – the first time I have ever come across this butterfly in the Park.

Male Gatekeeper

Common Knapweed
Centaurea nigra

Small Copper

A Common Blue Damselfly in the nettles on the Lake’s eastern edge, and it is also worth noting that the Park's Rowan trees are laden with heavy heads of bright red berries, and that the Hawthorn berries are beginning to ripen.

Friday 18th July

2008-07-18T12:54:00.002Z

Back in Mote Park after being extremely busy the past 2 weeks. The sky was cloudy with no sign of the Sun breaking through, and I was surprised to only see 3 other people during the whole of my walk.

2 Blackcap, 1 Chiff Chaff, and 2 Whitethroat were heard singing, a Great Spotted Woodpecker called from an Oak overhanging the Weir, 2 Coal Tits sang from a Yew along Laurel Walk, 3 Treecreeper were calling from separate Oaks on Jenner’s Bank, roughly 14 House Martins were seen catching insects over the Limes, while a pair of Spotted Flycatcher also took advantage of the many flying insects as fed their 3 newly fledged young, and a Linnet sang from a patch of Bramble in the area of rough grassland.

71 Canada Geese were on the Lake, along with 4 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Mute Swan, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots. There were 7 Black-headed Gulls on the Lake with 3 of them being juvenile birds, and 6 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Friday 4th July

2008-07-04T12:13:00.009Z

It was quite cool early on, but with a cloudless sky, the Sun was allowed to warm things up. I began the morning with the company of a member of KRAG to survey the reptiles in the southern boundary of the Park. We were rewarded with 6 Slowworms. Unfortunately they had all warmed themselves up and all bar one were quick in dodging my camera’s focus.

Juvenile Slowworm

3 Blackcap, 4 Chiff Chaff, and 8 Whitethroat were singing, a Great Spotted Woodpecker called from an Oak in the rough grassland, a Coal Tit sang from a Yew along Laurel Walk, 5 Pheasants were heard throughout the visit – mainly from the area of rough grassland, 3 Jay was seen, a Nuthatch called from an Oak by the Claygate entrance, 3 Treecreeper were heard, roughly 14 Swifts were seen catching insects over the Park, 2 young Kestrels were watched hunting small insects, and, best of all, 2 young Little Owls had left the nest hole and were sitting up in the branches of an Oak with one of their nervous parents.

Young Little Owls

Young Kestrel

On the Lake were about 36 Canada Geese, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Mute Swan, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots. There were 14 Black-headed Gulls, and 4 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Several Meadow Browns were in the areas of grassland, a Small White fluttered past as I watched the young owls, 2 Ringlet were seen along the hedge on the Park’s southern boundary, 17 Small Skippers and 2 Essex Skippers fed on the nectar from the thistles and clover, 1 Common Blue Damselfly was seen, 1 female Banded Demoiselle was seen, a Black-tailed Skimmer hunted insects over the rough grassland, and a handsome dog Fox was seen carrying a suspected young Rabbit in the Long Valley.

Black-tailed Skimmer

Small Skipper

Monday 30th June

2008-06-30T10:36:00.003Z

After a very busy week, today I was finally able to get back into Mote Park. It felt very hot, especially in the areas of rough grassland and meadow where most of todays butterflies were seen.

4 Blackcap, 3 Chiff Chaff, and 5 Whitethroat were singing, a Great Spotted Woodpecker called whilst I walked along Laurel Walk, a Coal Tit sang from a Larch on the Parks eastern boundary, a Goldcrest called as it searched for insects in a Yew along Laurel Walk, a Herring Gulls called as it flew north over Jenner's Bank, 2 Pheasants called from the large area of rough grassland, a Jay was seen by the Walled Garden, a Nuthatch was noted as it flew across my path and into a Sweet Chestnut on Jenner's Bank, a Treecreeper was along the track by the Weir, and a Spotted Flycatcher was heard singing from a Lime in front of Mote House.

On the Lake were 56 Canada Geese, there were 2 Great Crested Grebes, the resident pair of Mute Swan, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots. There were 14 Black-headed Gulls, and 3 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

3 Comma, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood, 8 Meadow Browns, 4 Small Skippers, 3 Large Skippers, and 1 Ringlet were seen. Lots of Common Blue Damselflies were noted, 1 female Banded Demoiselle was seen, an Emperor Dragonfly flew past, and a Brown Hawker flew up from a patch of Brambles.

- BLOG UPDATE - I have added 2 newly found blogs to my links section. The first is Greenie in the Wild, and the second is a blog from a regular patchworker in London's Regents Park.

Saturday 21st June

2008-06-21T10:41:00.003Z

The Park was very wet this morning after some rain during the night. Because of the rain the only insects seen were a few Banded Demoiselles.

4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen, a Coal Tit sang from a Yew along Laurel Walk, 3 Green Woodpeckers were seen, 5 Blackcap, 5 Chiff Chaff, and 15 Whitethroat were singing, a pair of Goldcrest were observed dodging the drops of water as they picked insects from a Yew, 3 Pheasants were heard in the rough grassland, 2 Linnet were seen making visits to and fro from a Hawthorn, a Jay was mobbed by a male Whitethroat, 3 Nuthatch were heard, 3 Treecreeper were heard, roughly 13 House Martin and 12 Swifts were watched catching insects low over the Lake, and a Spotted Flycatcher was heard singing from the top of a Beech.

On the Lake the number of Canada Geese has now increased to 109, there were 5 Great Crested Grebes, the resident pair of Mute Swan, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots. There were 7 Black-headed Gulls, and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull also on the Lake, a Cormorant sat on the island next to the Weir, a Grey Heron perched on the northern edge of the Lake amongst the Willows, and 6 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

I also noted several of these Oedemra nobilis beetles. The beetle in the photo below is a male, easily recognised by it's swollen hind legs.

Friday 13th June

2008-06-13T11:59:00.006Z

I was in the Park mid-morning today. With little Sun and a strong westerly wind blowing conditions for butterflies were not very good, and my chances of catching up with the problem Common Blue butterfly were very low. The photo of the very cute young rabbit was taken along Laurel Walk, where I was able to get so close I didn't even need the zoom on my camera.

Birds were surprisingly active bearing in mind the time of the morning. 3 Coal Tits were heard along Laurel Walk - with 2 singing and1 calling, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker were seen, 4 Goldcrests were heard singing, 4 Blackcap, 5 Chiff Chaff, and 12 Whitethroat were singing, 2 Treecreeper were heard, 2 Green Woodpecker called, and whilst walking through the rough grassland 4 House Martin flew back and forth low over the grass catching the small insects that flew up from my path.

On the Lake 3 Great Crested Grebes were present, the local pair of Mute Swans were joined by another cob, 58 Canada Geese were around the feeding area, and the resident Mallards, Coots and Moorhens were also on the Lake. 4 Black-headed Gulls were seen catching small fish, and 5 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the a edges of the Lake.

A Speckled Wood and a Red Admiral were seen on the top of Janner's Bank, 12 Banded Demoiselles were found, 1 Blue-tailed Damselfly was seen, and lots of Common Demoiselles were noted around the edges of the Lake.

Male Blue-tailed Damselfly

Female Common Blue Damselfly

Wednesday 11th June

2008-06-11T11:59:00.016Z

Young Mallards

I was in the Park from 10.30-12.30 today. It felt a lot cooler today with an overcast sky and an easterly breeze. Due to the timing of my walk not much bird song was heard, but plenty of insects were seen in the meadows and rough grassland.

3 Blackcap, 3 Chiff Chaff, and 2 Whitethroat were singing, a Goldcrest sang from a Yew, 3 Pheasants were seen and heard in the rough grassland, 3 Green Woodpecker were seen, a Great Spotted Woodpecker called from an Alder on the edge of the Lake, 3 House Martin were catching insects over the rough grassland, a Stock Dove was heard, 1 Jay was seen as it flew past, and a Cormorant flew east.

On the Lake the number of Canada Geese had increased to 69, there were 4 Great Crested Grebes, the resident pair of Mute Swan, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots. There were 3 Black-headed Gulls, and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull also on the Lake, and 6 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

3 species of moth were seen. A Yellow Belle was spotted in the meadow next to the Old Bothy, and the photos below show the other 2 species which were found in the large area of rough grassland - I unfortunately cannot identify them, if anyone is able to identify them I would love to know!

2 male Banded Demoiselles were seen, and both Common Blue Damselflies and Blue-tailed Damselflies were seen,

Blue-tailed Damselfly
Ichnura elegans

I also found this immature female 'lactea' phase White-legged Damselfly - it is the first time I have seen this species of damselfly in the Park.

White-legged Damselfly
Platycnemis pennipes

A Black-tailed Skimmer was watched hunting insects over the rough grassland, returning frequently to a bare patch of soil on the track to eat its prey.

Black-tailed Skimmer
Orthetrum cancellatum

A Common Blue was seen feeding on the Birdsfoot Trefoil on the edges of the main track that runs through the rough grassland,

Common Blue

...and whilst taking the photo of the Common Blue I discovered this Six Spot Burnet caterpillar feeding on the Birdsfoot Trefoil.

Six-spot Burnet caterpillar

Friday 6th June

2008-06-06T10:06:00.004Z

It was warm and overcast during this mornings walk.

5 Blackcap, 2 Chiff Chaff, and 4 Whitethroat were singing, a Goldcrest sang from a Yew, a Pheasant called from the area of rough grassland, a Spotted Flycatcher was catching insects from a Lime by the boating ramps, 2 Nuthatch were heard, 2 Pied Wagtails were seen by Mote House, and a Treecreeper could be heard singing from within the Willow Carr along the River Len.

Birds that were seen on the Lake were 32 Canada Geese and 1 pair with 5 Goslings, 2 Mute Swan,

Mute Swan

...3 Great Crested Grebes, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots. There were 6 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, and a very handsome summer-plumaged adult Mediterranean Gull also on the Lake, a Grey Heron stood on the boating ramps preening,

...5 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake, and bird of the day was a Sedge Warbler, which was singing from the edge of the marsh area by the Weir, and is the first of the year.

No Demoiselles, Damselflies, Dragonflies or Butterflies were seen.

Thursday 5th June

2008-06-05T10:45:00.010Z

What a beautiful day it is today! With the Sun shining in a clear sky it is the perfect weather to try to absorb all what makes this time of the year so special…plenty of baby birds and mammals to discover, wonderful wildflowers to spot, and lots of butterflies, bugs and insects to enjoy.

7 Blackcap, 8 Chiff Chaff, and 5 Whitethroat were singing, a Goldcrest was observed collecting tiny spiders from between the needles of a Scots Pine, a Jay was seen in an Oak in the rough grassland, a Pheasant called from the area of rough grassland, a Spotted Flycatcher was spotted hunting insects from the top of an Oak, 2 Nuthatch were heard, and 3 Treecreeper could be heard singing in the Alder and Willow Carr along the River Len. The young of the following birds were also seen during my walk: Blackbirds, Mistle Thrushes, Jackdaws, Blue Tits, Robins, Chiff Chaffs, and Chaffinches.

Birds that were seen on the Lake were 34 Canada Geese including a pair with 5 Goslings, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots. There were 8 Black-headed Gulls present around the 'duck feeding area', a Herring Gull flew north, a Grey Heron stood on the fallen Beech that overhangs the Lake on its western edge, and 6 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

A total of 24 Banded Demoiselles were noted,

Male Banded Demoiselle

...2 Commas, a Red Admiral, a few Small Whites, 1 Peacock, and 1 Small Blue butterfly were seen,

Small Blue

...in the rough grassland a Burnet Companion Moth posed for a photograph,

Burnet Companion
Euclidia glyphica

...the 3 Southern Marsh Orchids continue to look stunning,

...and a young Rabbit and an adult Bank Vole were seen, the latter was watched darting across one side of a footpath to the other. Also of note is the Chicken of the Woods fungi, which can be found growing on a few of the old Oaks in the Park.

Chicken of the Woods
Laetiporus sulphureus

Saturday 31st May

2008-06-01T16:35:00.003Z

I managed a mid-morning walk Saturday morning. It was very sunny, and the temperature was rather warm.

Only 3 Blackcap, 4 Chiff Chaff and 5 Whitethroat were singing - whilst walking through the area of rough grassland I observed a pair of Whitethroats leave a patch of nettles followed nervously by 5 young into a Hawthorn - Goldfinch were heard as they flew over, 2 Goldcrest were singing from seperate Yews, 2 Jay were seen, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a single Green Woodpecker was heard, 2 Treecreepers were seen, and a male Pied Wagtail was observed hunting insects over the freshly mowed areas of grass in front of Mote House.

Birds seen on the Lake were 14 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Great Crested Grebes, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots. There were 7 Black-headed Gulls, and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull on the Lake, a Grey Herons stood on the Laes western edge, and 6 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Very few butterlies were seen with only 2 Small Whites and a Comma making an appearance, and 2 male Banded Demoiselles were seen in the wet meadow on the edge of the River Len, and the 3 Southern Marsh Orchids are still looking very beautiful in full flower - I can't resist some more photos!!

Saturday 24th May

2008-05-24T11:53:00.012Z

Out in Mote Park again this morning, and another beautiful day too, however, the weather wasn’t too good for butterflies with a strong wind to contend with.

7 Blackcap were singing, 2 Bullfinch were heard calling from opposite ends of the Park, a family party of Long-tailed Tits were watched as they hunted for insects in the hedge on the eastern edge of the Lake, a pair of Goldfinch were heard as they flew over, 8 Whitethroat were heard, and 1 Lesser Whitethroat was heard singing from within a Hawthorn on the Lakes western edge by the Golf Course – my first bird heard in the Spring in the Park, 2 Goldcrest were heard singing, 2 Jay were seen defending their nest against a Magpie, a Pheasant called, 2 Chiff Chaff were heard singing, a Spotted Flycatcher called from an Oak, 6 Swift and 2 House Martins were seen hunting insects, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen in a Willow by the Weir, 2 Stock Dove were heard, 2 Pied Wagtails were seen in front of Mote House, 2 Nuthatch were singing, and a young Crow was seen perched in a Sweet Chestnut.

Young Crow

Birds seen on the Lake were 2 pairs of Canada Geese both with Goslings, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Great Crested Grebes, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots. There were 8 Black-headed Gulls, and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the Lake, 2 Grey Herons were seen, and 10 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Also of note were 2 Speckled Woods,

Speckled Wood

...several Small Whites, a Peacock butterfly,

Peacock

...3 Red-eared Terrapins were seen,

Red-eared Terrapins

...3 Banded Demoiselles and a Mayfly were seen in the wet meadow on the edge of the River Len...

Banded Demoiselle

Mayfly
Ephemera danica

...and 3 Southern Marsh Orchids were in flower.

Southern Marsh Orchid
Dactylorhiza praetermissa

Friday 23rd May

2008-05-23T11:42:00.003Z

It was another beautiful day today in the Park during a 2 hour mid-morning walk.

A young Rabbit

3 Bullfinches were heard calling, 2 Goldcrest sang from separate Yews along Laurel Walk, 4 Chiff Chaff and 6 Blackcap were heard singing, 2 Spotted Flycatchers were heard, a pair of Goldfinch were watched eating seeds from the Dandelions, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen in a Sycamore along Laurel Walk, 4 Stock Dove were seen, a Little Owl was seen, a Sparrowhawk was spotted high up in a thermal, 4 Pheasants were seen and heard, a Green Woodpecker called whilst I walked through the rough grassland, and 2 Linnets flew over west, 12 Whitethroats could be heard singing, and 2 juvenile Blackbirds were seen being fed by both their parents.

Birds seen on the Lake were 2 pairs of Canada Geese both with Goslings, a cob Mute Swan, 2 Great Crested Grebes, and the countless Mallards, Moorhens, and Coots – with 2 pairs having chicks. There were 7 Black-headed Gulls, and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull on the Lake, a Cormorant flew low over the Lake, a Reed Bunting called from the Marsh by the Weir, and 9 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Mallard duckling

Also of note was the first male Banded Demoiselle of the year being seen by the second bridge from the Downswood entrance, and butterflies seen were 9 Small Whites, 1 Peacock, 1 Small Skipper – the first of the year, and 1 GRIZZLED SKIPPER – my first ever in the Park.

Wednesday 21st May

2008-05-21T13:48:00.006Z

It was a beautiful morning today in Mote Park. I was out for a couple of hours at around mid-morning.

3 Chiff Chaff and 8 Blackcap were heard singing, a female Bullfinch was observed collecting grass on the bank along Laurel Walk, 2 Treecreeper were heard singing, 2 Stock Dove were heard, 2 cock Pheasants was heard calling, 2 Green Woodpeckers were heard whilst walking through the areas of rough grassland, a Little Owl was seen perched in an Oak, a Grey Wagtail called as it flew over east, 7 Whitethroat were heard singing in the areas of scrub and rough grassland, 8 Swifts hunted over the Lake, an attractive male Kestrel was spotted flying over the rough grassland, and 2 juvenile Robins were seen looking for grubs hidden on the woodland floor.

Birds seen on the Lake were 2 pairs of Canada Geese both with Goslings, a cob Mute Swan, 3 Great Crested Grebes, and the countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. There were 11 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the Lake, a Grey Heron was seen perched on a low bough at the mouth of the River Len, and 7 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Mute Swan

Also of note were 2 Speckled Woods and lots of Small Whites being seen...

Speckled Wood

... and millions of small insects could be seen over the surface of the Lake and Marsh.

Clouds of insects of the water

Saturday 17th May

2008-05-17T09:24:00.004Z

A soggy, cool and overcast morning greeted me today.

8 Blackcap, 3 Chiff Chaff, and 13 Whitethroat were heard singing in the rain, 5 Treecreeper were noted throughout the Park, 2 Goldcrest were heard singing from within separate Yews, 2 Stock Dove were heard, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was spotted climbing up a Wellingtonia along Laurel Walk searching meticulously though the soft hairy bark for insects, a Pheasant was heard calling, a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was spotted high up in a Ash on the eastern edge of the Lake, and 2 Spotted Flycatchers were seen, with one bird calling from the top of an Oak on the Lakes north-eastern edge, and the other calling from a Lime by the picnic benches by the boating ramp – incidentally, these are the first birds I have ever seen on arrival from Africa setting up territories, usually I have only seen them in the Summer when they are feeding their newly-fledged young. Most of the areas of short grass are now carpeted with buttercups, and with the mix of yellow and green provide perfect camouflage for the local Green Woodpeckers. On 2 occasions this morning they have only given their presence away when they decide to fly up and away ahead of you. Several gangs of Starling were also seen looking for grubs in these areas, and 2 Pied Wagtails were also seen chasing the insects that the rain disturbed from the flowers.

Birds seen on the Lake were 2 pairs of Canada Geese both with Goslings, 2 Mute Swans, 4 Great Crested Grebes, a Cormorant, and the countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens.

1 pair of Canada Geese with 9 Goslings

There were 4 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Herring Gull seen around the Lake, a Grey Heron was seen along the Len, and 9 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake. Lots of Hirundines were hunting insects over the Lake, with roughly 10 Swallows, 5 Swift, 1 Sand Martin, and 18 House Martins being seen.

Also of note were 2 Bream and a Tench being caught by a fisherman whilst I chatted to him, and Comfrey is now in flower.

Common Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Friday 9th May

2008-05-09T10:18:00.004Z

It is yet another beautiful day today. After being tied up with work this week it was nice to be able to get out for a walk this morning, albeit for just over an hour. I was without my notebook today so my sightings are summarised.

Lots of Blackcap and Whitethroat were heard singing, just a handful of Chiff Chaffs were heard singing, a male Linnet sang from a Hawthorn, a Nuthatch sang from an Oak on Jenner’s Bank, 2 Treecreeper were heard singing in the Alder Carr, 3 Stock Dove were seen, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard drumming, 3 Pheasants called, 3 Green Woodpeckers were heard, a Goldcrest was heard, and 3 Jay were seen.

Birds seen on the Lake were 4 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Shelduck, a Cormorant, and the countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. There were 6 Black-headed Gulls on the Lake, a Common Tern was observed fishing and then perched on a buoy - fantastic, my second ever record in the Park, a Grey Heron was seen along the Len, a Reed Bunting was heard singing from the reedbed on the Golf Course side of the Lake, 2 Swifts hunted insects over the Lake, and lots of Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Shelduck

Common Tern

Also of note were lots of Orange-tip butterflies, several Speckled Wood and a few Small Whites were seen, Red Campion is now in flower, and the tents and stages for this weekends Radio 1’s Big Weekend have now been set up.

Red Campion
Silene dioica

Hawthorn blossom

Radio 1 tent

Saturday 3rd May

2008-05-03T15:24:00.002Z

It was a lovely spring day today. Unfortunately my camera was still on charge from a previous day out birding, so no photos could be taken today.

11 Blackcap, 3 Chiff Chaff, and 17 Whitethroat were heard singing – still no Lesser Whitethroats or Garden Warblers! – 2 Linnet were seen, 4 Nuthatch noted, a Treecreeper was seen climbing up a Sweet Chestnut, 4 Stock Dove were heard singing, a Little Owl could be seen sitting just inside its hole, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard calling, 3 Pheasants called, a Cuckoo called from the Lake’s western edge, a Nightingale burst into song as I passed the dense woodland to the south of the Old Bothy – fantastic, my first in the park for the year, 2 Green Woodpeckers were heard, 2 Swifts were seen flying over the Golf Course – my first for the year, and a Goldcrest was seen in hunting small spiders in some Ivy.

Birds seen on the Lake were 4 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 3 Great Crested Grebes, and the countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. There were 4 Black-headed Gulls on the Lake, a Grey Heron fished from the Lakes eastern edge opposite the Model Boat platform, and 9 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Also of note were the parks Horse Chestnut treesbeginning to flower, and the public now only have access to half of the Golf Course and Playing Fields because the construction of Radio 1’s Big Weekend music stages has begun.

Saturday 26th April

2008-04-26T09:31:00.003Z

It was a gorgeous warm and sunny morning today, with a pleasant light southerly wind.

5 Nuthatch were heard singing, 4 Pheasant called, 13 Blackcaps, 9 Chiff Chaffs, and 20 Whitethroat were heard singing, 3 Stock Dove were heard, my first Cuckoo of the year flew across my path as I walked through the large area of rough grassland, 2 Green Woodpeckers were heard, a Grey Heron was seen flying south, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard, a Coal Tit sang from a Larch on the Park’s eastern boundary, a Goldcrest sang from an Alder by the Model Boat platform, 2 Treecreeper were seen in the Alder Carr, a Linnet called as it flew over west, a Cormorant flew south, and a Little Owl was seen perched on a bough of an Oak.

Magpie

Birds seen on the Lake were 4 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 4 Tuftie, 2 Great Crested Grebes, and the countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. There were roughly 14 Black-headed Gulls on the Lake, and 8 Reed Warblers were heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Also of note was a Comma seen on a Cherry on the Golf Course, my first Speckled Wood of the year was seen on a Hawthorn, and the Wild Garlic are blooming on the edge of the River Len.

Speckled Wood

Friday 25th April

2008-04-25T14:08:00.004Z

Under an overcast sky the temperature was rather mild during my walk this morning.

Today I was treated to 2 new bird species for the year with both of them being spotted on my first scan of the Lake, just 15 minutes into the visit. Firstly 2 Sand Martins were observed hunting insects over the Lake and, after hearing its distinctive call, a Common Sandpiper was spotted flying low of the surface of the Lake heading towards the eastern end.

13 Blackcaps, 7 Chiff Chaffs, and 20 Whitethroat were heard singing, a Grey Wagtail called as it flew over, a pair of Linnets were seen in a Hawthorn in the scrub area by the Inlet, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard, a Little Owl could just be made out sitting in its hole, 3 Pheasants called, 2 Green Woodpeckers were seen, a Treecreeper called from an Alder in the Alder Carr, 2 Nuthatch were heard singing, a Stock Dove was heard, 2 Jay were seen on Jenner’s Bank, and as I walked through the largest area of rough grassland 2 Swallows whizzed past flying west.

Birds seen on the Lake were 2 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Tuftie, 2 Great Crested Grebes, and the countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. The gull flock on the Lake consisted of roughly 15 Black-headed Gulls, and also noted were 6 Reed Warblers singing around the perimeter of the Lake, a male Kingfisher was seen catching 2 fish by the Weir - I tried to take some photos but just 1 was clear, 2 Greylag Geese flew onto the Lake, and a Grey Heron perched on a low bough of an Oak on the eastern end of the Lake.

Kingfisher - my only clear photo

Also of note are the Cowslips in full flower on Jenner's Bank.

Cowslip
Primula veris

Tuesday 22nd April

2008-04-22T08:12:00.008Z

It was very mild this morning with the Sun just being able to shine through the cloud cover.

11 Blackcaps were singing, 10 Chiff Chaffs were singing, a Goldcrest sang from a Yew along Laurel Walk, a Grey Wagtail called as it flew over north, 3 Nuthatch were heard singing, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen in the Alder Carr, a Coal Tit sang from a Yew along Laurel Walk, 3 Green Woodpeckers were heard, a pair of Stock Dove were seen perched in an Oak, a Ring-necked Parakeet called from a Horse Chestnut on the Golf Course but could not be spotted, 6 Jay were seen, the Little Owl could just be made out in the darkness of its hole in the usual Oak tree, 8 Swallow were seen zooming over the scrub by the Inlet, 2 Pheasants were heard calling, a Grey Heron was seen flying east, 3 Treecreeper were heard singing from the Alder Carr, and 5 Whitethroat were seen and heard in scrub and rough grassland areas.

Birds seen on the Lake were 2 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, a Black Swan, 6 Tuftie, 2 Great Crested Grebes, a Cormorant, and the countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. The gull flock on the Lake consisted of roughly 27 Black-headed Gulls, and 2 Herring Gulls. Also noted were 4 Reed Warbler heard singing around the perimeter of the Lake.

Wild Cherry on Jenner's Bank

A visit at dusk to see the Little Owl proved successful. Unfortunately, due to bad light and not having a big enough zoom on the camera I couldn't get any photos. It was also interesting to see a large number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Herring Gulls flying north throughout my evening visit.

Whilst waiting for the Little Owl it was great to see the first Pipistrelle and Noctule bats of the year hunting the midges around the various parkland trees.

Saturday 19th April

2008-04-19T13:12:00.002Z

I was in Mote Park from 10am to 1pm with the Kent Wildlife Trust on their second organised walk in Mote Park. The weather wasn’t particularly great with a pale grey overcast sky, a cool northerly breeze and a few spots of rain, but some good birds were seen.

I was without my notebook this morning so the bird sightings are summarised. Around 5 Blackcap were heard singing, lots of Chiff Chaffs were singing, several Nuthatch were heard, several Green Woodpeckers were heard, a pair of Stock Dove were seen flying from a potential nest hole, about 5 or 6 Pheasants were heard calling, roughly 6 Treecreeper were noted, several Goldfinch were seen, and a few Great Spotted Woodpeckers were noted – with 1 bird drumming near Jenner’s Bank. For me however, bird of the day was a White Wagtail which was seen on the Golf Course not too far from the old Ash tree, a few Pied Wagtails were also seen on the Golf course. It is the first time I have seen a White Wagtail in Mote Park.

Birds seen on the Lake were 7 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, 2 Mute Swans, a Black Swan, 3 Tuftie, roughly 5 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Grebe, and the countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. The gull flock on the Lake consisted of roughly 15 Black-headed Gulls, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, and a first-winter Herring Gull. Also seen was 2 Grey Herons flying past along the River Len, a Grey Wagtail was seen on the Model Boat platform, a Reed Warbler sang from a clump of reeds on the Lakes eastern edge, 2 Cormorants flew west, and a Swallow and some House Martins were observed feeding over the middle of the Lake.

Thursday 17th April

2008-04-17T13:57:00.002Z

A chilly north-east wind blew throughout my walk this morning, with brief sunny spells and lots of cloud cover.

6 Blackcaps were singing, a Coal Tit sang from the top within a Yew along Laurel Walk, 10 Chiff Chaffs were singing, Willow Warbler sang from a Willow by the large reedbed next to the Weir, several Nuthatch were, 5 Jay were seen – with 1 pair carrying nesting material, 2 Stock Dove were heard, a Pheasant was heard calling, a Linnet was singing from a Hawthorn, a pair of Green Woodpeckers were seen in the rough grassland, a Treecreeper was heard, a Whitethroat sang from the scrub by the Inlet, a Little Owl was perched inside its hole in an Oak, and a Ring-necked Parakeet was seen feeding on buds of a Horse Chestnut on the Lakes eastern edge.

Ring-necked Parakeet

Birds seen on the Lake were 2 pairs of Canada Geese, a pair of Mute Swan, a pair of Tuftie, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Shoveler, and the countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. The gull flock on the Lake consisted of roughly 30 Black-headed Gulls, and 4 Common Gulls. Also seen was a Grey Heron along the edge of the River Len, the first Reed Warbler of the year was singing from the large reedbed by the Weir, and a Cormorant flew west.

Saturday 12th April

2008-04-12T12:07:00.009Z

I was in Mote Park all morning today. This April the Kent Wildlife Trust is holding 2 walks in Mote Park, the first one was today, so I decided to join. A fairly strong south-westerly wind made the temperature very cool, and it also meant that the warm sunshine was occasionally hidden by cloud-cover.

I was without my notebook this morning so the bird sightings are summarised. Around 5 Blackcap were heard singing, lots of Chiff Chaffs were singing, with most of them along the River Len, a Willow Warbler sang beautifully from a Willow by the large reedbed by the Weir, several Nuthatch were heard as they proclaimed their territories, a pair of Green Woodpeckers were seen clambering up the top of Oak in the rough grassland, 2 Stock Dove were seen, roughly 5 Treecreeper were noted – with 1 bird giving a short burst of song, 2 Swallows and 5 House Martins were watched flying high above the Lake, and several Goldfinch were heard.

Birds seen on the Lake were a few Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan, a pair of Tuftie, and the countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. The gull flock on the Lake consisted of roughly 24 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Common Gulls, and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Also seen was a Grey Heron perched along the edge of the River Len, and 2 Grey Wagtails were seen as they flew up from the Pond.

Also noted was Butterbur and Bluebells in flower, a Red-eared Terrapin was sunbathing on a submerged branch on the eastern side of the Lake, and as I walked back home from the cafeteria a Black Swan flew onto the Lake and began preening.

Bluebell
Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Red-eared Terrapin

Black Swan

For anyone interested, the best spot in the Park to see flowering Cuckoo Flowers (or Lady’s Smock) is just to the left of the small kiosk by the boating ramp. They are giving a wonderful display with roughly 50-60 plants flowering at the moment.

Cuckoo Flower (Lady's Smock)
Cardamine pratensis

Wednesday 9th April

2008-04-09T08:55:00.008Z

It was another gorgeous day today during my 2 hour visit this morning. Warm sunshine in a cloudless sky and lots of birdsong.

A Coal Tit was singing from half-way up a Douglas Fir, 7 Blackcap were heard, 10 Chiff Chaffs were singing, 4 Nuthatch were heard, 4 Green Woodpeckers were seen, 2 Pheasants called from the areas of rough grassland, 4 Stock Dove were seen in an Oak, 4 Treecreeper were seen in the Alder wood along the River Len, a male Reed Bunting was seen by the Weir - my first of the year.

Reed Bunting

3 Goldcrests were seen, whilst walking past the group of Larch on the eastern edge of the Park an extremely large female Sparrowhawk flew over – putting my Sparrowhawk/Goshawk ID skills to the test, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker continued to drum from the top of an Oak between the 2 bridges along the River Len, a smart looking male Linnet was observed singing to a female as they both perched on the top of a bramble bush - the first time I have seen a male displaying to a female in the Park, and the pair of Little owls sat on a bough the usual Oak tree.

Song Thrush

Birds seen on the Lake were 7 Canada Geese, 2 displaying Mute Swan, a pair of Tuftie, 3 Great Crested Grebes, and the countless Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. The gull flock on the Lake consisted of roughly 38 Black-headed Gulls, 7 Common Gulls, and 3 Med Gulls in full summer plumage.

Mute Swan

Also noted was the group of Wild Cherry on Jenner’s Bank have started to flower.

Wild Cherry
Prunus avium