An Early Start

This morning it was up early (even earlier, because the clock's went forward) and down to Stanton Lake for the local Angling Club work party. The gates to Stanton Park were open and it was down to the car park to meet the other anglers for 8:00am. On the way down to the lake a pair of Red-legged Partridges ran across the path and up to the wall around Stanton Country House. The weather was beautiful, blue sky and a sun. You couldn't have asked for more. The morning involved moving lots of old timber from the old fishing platforms and stacking them up neatly at the back of the Power House.

As I did my bit I could see across the lake and was surprised to see 4 Mute Swans. This is exactly what happened last year when the resident Cob, allowed the previous years offspring to stay that little bit longer. This year doesn't look any different and I'm guessing the two remaining cygnets from last years brood will be made to leave when the next generation hatch.

The pen Mute Swan on her nest

After the work party had finished I walked around the dam and watched 3 Canada Geese take off, no doubt persuaded to leave by the Cob. Also on the water were Mallard, Coot and one or two Moorhens.

Drake Mallard on one of the feeder streams to the Lake

On the way back to the Car Park I stopped off at the feeding station and arrived just as a Great Spotted Woodpecker was leaving. Other birds using the feeders were Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Nuthatch and on the ground Chaffinch and Dunnock.

Marsh Tit

Nuthatch

Marsh Tit

A very vocal Wren

The woodland was alive with birds in the early morning sun and there were many Chiffchaffs singing as well as a couple of Blackcaps.

Species seen and heard: Grey Heron, 4 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Goose, Mallard, Pheasant, 2 Red-Legged Partridge, Moorhen, Coot, Wood Pigeon, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, 2 Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Wren, Rook, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and Chaffinch.

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