Richmond Park (21 September)

Our small group (6) set off towards Pond Slade, passing White Ash Lodge, but few birds on the way. Several Stonechats obligingly appeared on Pond Slade but no sign of any raptors. With low water levels on Upper Pen Pond not unusually duck numbers were low. Just a few Mallard, 4 Tufties, 3 Pochard, Great Crested Grebes including one young and some Shoveler. Unusual was the appearance of a solitary Mute cygnet. None had been born on either Pond so this one must have flown in from elsewhere. However, it flew out soon after. What we believe to be a juvenile Lesser Black-Backed Gull was on the Lower Pond, together with a pair of Mute Swans and a Egyptian Goose pair with 6 sturdy goslings. 7 Swallows hawked low over Lawn Field and the Pond, sometimes taking a fly past bath.

Proceding around Sawpit Wood, we spotted our star bird of the day – a Little Owl. He remained sunbathing, but alert, long enough for all in the group to see him. The Cattle Enclosure had more Stonechat, the most numerous bird of the day, and on exiting Conduit Wood, we found a family of 3 Chiffchaff. After crossing the main road, a Red Kite was seen soaring over Sidmouth Wood. I had been looking upwards, in the hope of Buzzard, but fortunately looked down in time to notice a Robin on our path just two paces away. We weren’t sure what was wrong with it as it could still fly and peck for food but it was far too approachable to be in full health.

We ended our walk, just 3 of us left at this stage, through Pembroke Lodge Gardens. Whilst admiring the wildflower meadows we did at last see our first Nuthatch.

We all agreed, it was a pleasant walk and we had seen some interesting birds, if nothing of special interest.

by Phil Davies