LULL IN THE EXCITEMENT

There appears to be a lull in the birdlife around as there isn't much to report from the country park over recent days. One of the few opportunities to get out and see if there was anything of interest was in the afternoon of Tuesday 8th, when there was a brief break in the grey clouds.

The tide was out so any waders that were spotted on the mudflats, appeared as tiny specks in the distance. No large flocks of any description but the usual oystercatchers, redshank, dunlin, curlew, turnstone and grey plover, were some of the individuals that were seen. A couple of little egrets as always, stood out against the dull brown background, as did a handful of shelduck.

In the park grazing fields, there were plenty of waders and wildfowl but frustratingly, most were gathered at the back of the fields. At least 400 wigeon, 100 teal, 20 black-tailed godwits and 25 lapwing formed the biggest groups of birds.
In the oak tree at the back of the fields there were ten stock doves counted.

On the park pond the familiar ducks noted were 12 gadwall, 4 shoveler, 7 tufted ducks and 25 mallard. Near the pond there were two fieldfares seen again, which are probably the same birds seen over the last fortnight.

On Wednesday evening the little owl was heard calling from the nearby Cosways caravan site, while on Thursday evening, the regular tawny owl was calling from Bromans Lane.