Stover Country Park, 15th February

Fourteen birdwatchers gathered at Stover Country Park hoping for a good morning of birdwatching. Soon after leaving the car park a Goldcrest was spotted in a fir tree. Then a Song Thrush was seen and heard singing beautifully perched high in a tall tree. Following a path to the lake, many small birds were seen, including Wren, Siskin, Robin, Dunnock, Blue and Great Tits. A less common Marsh Tit was eating seeds on a park bench. 

On reaching the lake, 3 pairs of Mandarin ducks swam into view. The male birds are very brightly coloured whereas the females are rather grey but nonetheless pretty in their own right. A good mix of water birds were on the lake including several Wigeon, Pochard, Shoveler, Tufted Ducks, and a rather aggressive Mute Swan. A pair of Great Crested Grebes were feeding and showing courtship behaviour, including mirroring and head-bobbing.

On and around the bird feeders, several bold and very fat Grey Squirrels were happily eating seeds left for the birds and we had good views of a Nuthatch. Along the canal, Dave found a very early Brimstone butterfly sheltering on a plant.

On the walk back to the cars a distant Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling, and we were pleased that the heavy rain that had been forecast had stayed away.

Thanks to Richard & Cilla who led and co-led another enjoyable walk.

Mark Barron

34 birds identified (H indicates heard-only): Pheasant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mandarin Duck, Shoveler, Wigeon, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Wood Pigeon, Moorhen, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great Spotted Woodpecker (H), Magpie, Carrion Crow, Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Wren, Nuthatch, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Siskin.