A quick look at the lake in Golden Acre first where the Mandarins have made themselves at home with the rest of the ducks, coming running for food!
The birds were out in force at the Marsh Hide, Nutchatch, Chaffinch, Tits, Jays, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mandarin and lots of Squirrels on the floor.
Great Tits
We sat for a while at the Lake Hide, it was a warm day and the views are lovely. We had a brief flash of blue as a Kingfisher flew past and off to the side by the feeding station we saw Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Tits, Dunnock, Woodpeckers and overhead a Red Kite.
A volunteer from the YWT - Dave - came in whilst we were there and we discovered he was the person who makes the lovely log feeders at the feeding stations and we ended up putting in an order for one. Someone had gone into the feeding area here (despite the locked gate) and jammed a stick into one of the log feeders - presumably for photo opportunities - it hadn't registered it wasn't meant to be there until Dave mentioned it!
This Squirrel kept sticking his head in the hide and at one point a Great Tit flew right through it just missing my husbands head by centimetres!
Chiffchaff I believe, there were a few young ones in the bushes
Mandarin on the lake, there were Little Grebe, Mallards and Black-headed Gulls too
Nuthatch
A couple of Mallards were bathing in front of the hide
A Mandarin in slightly odd plumage for the time of year?
Great Spotted Woodpecker.
We followed the path through the woods avoiding many tiny Froglets on the way. A couple of Squirrels were by the gate as we left and one of very few Butterflies we saw during the morning (Speckled Wood and Meadow Brown) was sat in a little patch of sun.
To say that Mandarin is spectacular is to understate the obvious. And if I am not mistaken Britain now is the epicentre of its population. I can't imagine that a birthday party for a one-year old was the most exciting event, so it was great that you had time to visit the reserve.
ReplyDeleteThey are stunning birds and certainly have been breeding successfully. They're a lot easier to find these days! A party for a 1 year old is not the most entertaining but seeing family is worth it :)
DeleteAmazing place! The birds list was amazing, I'd die to see a Mandarin Duck...who knows one may stray this way one day. The Cygnets are adorable.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed...........!
DeleteA wonderful place for birds and lovely photos. I don't think I have seen a mandarin since we were last at Nagshead in Gloucestershire. I need to get out birding more!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks :) There's some good populations of them around here now and yes you do :p
DeleteAdel Dam sounds a super place to visit and you saw so many wonderful birds. Love the mandarins they are such attractive ducks:)
ReplyDeleteThey really are :)
Delete