Birds of Holywells Park

27 June 2009- The first birds seen properly this morning were a pair of Shelduck on the Orchard Meadow. They were feeding quite happily with the local Mallards but flew off when four Lesser Black-backed Gulls arrived! The family of Mandarins were back on Pond 3 and now all nearly look identical with the ducklings nearly as big as their mum. On the Moat Pond, the family of Canada Geese were seen and like the Mandarins, the goslings are fast approaching their parents in size. Three Grey Herons were seen in the park; one on the Canal Pond, one on Pond 3 and one on the Moat Pond. Several Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs were in song and up to three Song Thrush were also heard singing. A gathering of 5 Jays (not sure what the collective noun is) was a good record especially as they all appeared to be adults. Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were also seen and heard in trees near to the Bishops Hill entrance. Lots of young birds were seen of various species including Mallard, Moorhen, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Starling and Green Woodpecker. One Long-Tailed Tit flock was followed for a while and I estimate that there were at least 35 birds present. Added to these were several Blue and Great Tits, a Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest tagging along for company. A number of butterflies were on the wing early and species confirmed were Comma, Meadow Brown, Painted Lady, Peacock and Large White. A couple of Skippers were seen but not properly identified.

20 June 2009- Armed with digital camera and with better light I set off to the park in order to get some record shots to mark the progress of the Canada Geese and Mandarin Duck families. Thankfully, both were present on the Moat Pond and some photos could be taken (see below). Both families appear to be doing well and certainly in my experience of previous breeding in the park have done better than the last two years. 

Above- Female Mandarin Duck and her 4 ducklings, a great family portrait! Below- The pair of Canada Geese and their 3 goslings (note the adult plumage starting to emerge, especially the head and throat markings).

Whilst watching the Mandarins a Little Egret dropped in at the top end of the Moat Pond and began to pick at the over-spill pile from Pond 3. Unfortunately, it was soon spooked by some passers- by but flew up into the overhanging trees between the Moat and the play area where I was able to catch a quick picture (see below). Little Egret is now being seen on an almost weekly basis by myself and others in the park.

 Above- Little Egret in trees above the Moat Pond.

Elsewhere, a Blackcap and a Chiffchaff were singing along the Canal Path and a Grey Heron was hassling a family of Moorhens on the Canal Pond.  Several Song Thrush were heard singing in the sunshine a Mistle Thrush was heard calling over the Old Orchard. Several Lesser Black-backed Gulls were flying over the park and good numbers of Swifts and Swallows were noted hunting insects high in the sky. With the sun out several butterflies were seen on the wing with Speckled Wood, Large White, Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Meadow Brown identified. A possible female Orange Tip was also noted but it never settled properly or flew low enough to confirm it's identity.

17 June 2009-  A long day at work saw me unwinding with an evening stroll around the park. Things generally remain very quiet with most birds remaining busy with breeding, feeding young or just starting to commence post-breeding moult (just look at some of the Mallards). The female Mandarin was seen to have relocated from Pond 3 to the Moat Pond, thankfully, still with her 4 ducklings in tow. All 4 youngsters appear to be growing well and all seem happy and healthy. With the Mandarin family relocating to the Moat Pond the Canada Geese family were seen to have followed their lead and moved back to the Canal Pond. With the 3 goslings now at a reasonable size any Grey Heron will have a job taking them but the one present this evening on the pond edge still appeared to be interested in having a go. A joint effort between mum and dad goose saw the heron off and suitably "hissed!" No Chiffchaffs or Blackcaps were heard singing but at least two female Blackcaps were seen with food in their bills. Several small "tit" flocks were noted and with juvenile birds now leaving nests and dispersing throughout the park these flocks will slowly increase. On the grassy areas near the Conifer Hedge, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen hunting insects in the cut grass and generally loafing about. On a couple of occasions a pair of Herring Gulls joined the LBB's and both species engaged in "long calling" at each other. Overhead, several House Martins were seen with 30+ Swallows. High above them some 50+ Swifts were seen and heard chasing insects as well as each other.

11 June 2009- A brief mid evening walk revealed good numbers of both Swifts and Swallows over the park with a few House Martins hawking insects over the meadows. A Grey Heron flew over the park towards the River Orwell and a number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were loafing over the park and nearby wet docks. On Pond 3 the family of Mandarins remain with the four ducklings now at least half the size of their mother and still full of energy! 

07 June 2009- A quick scan around the park edge revealed a pair of very vocal Common Terns (66) lingering briefly over the Canal Pond before they flew towards the Wet Dock and River Orwell. 

06 June 2009- My walk around the park revealed it to be quiet birdwise indeed even common species such as Blue and Great Tits, Robins, Wrens and Dunnocks were hardly seen. Walking through the woodland edges produced only a few Starlings, Blackbirds, a couple of Song Thrush and a lone Great Spotted Woodpecker. Walking around Ponds 1 and 2 failed to reveal the Nightingale so I'm thinking that it's either gone or if we're really lucky found a mate and so stopped singing? Looking hard for birds revealed only the usual Woodpigeons, Stock Doves and Carrion Crows and a Green Woodpecker "anting" amongst some long grass. Turning to Pond 3 found the female Madarin with her brood of four ducklings which all looked healthy and lively.

 Above- female Mandarin with four ducklings, Pond 3. Below- close up of two of the Mandarin Ducklings

The family of Canada Geese remain on the Moat Pond with the goslings growing in size and the pair of Tufted Ducks were seen again on the Canal Pond. A Little Egret was seen flying high over the park in a direction that would take it towards the River Orwell. A few Swifts were flying high over the park too but no Swallows were seen on this occasion. 

03 June 2009- A lunch time walk around the park revealed a very quiet park. Several Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs were heard singing but there was no sign of the Nightingale around Ponds 1 and 2. On the Moat Pond the family of Canada Geese were seen with both parents carefully minding the three goslings. There was no sign of the Tufted Ducks on the Canal Pond nor any Grey Herons. On Pond 3 the female Mandarin was seen with her 4 ducklings. After a short time she flew away towards the Wilderness Pond leaving the ducklings on their own. I was quite concerned by this but the four youngsters seemed quite happy with the local Mallards for company. Watching them for about half an hour revealed some interesting behaviour. Whilst feeding they would shallow dive for sub-surface insects and weed and also jump up and fly-catch insects buzzing above their heads. I've only ever seen adult Mandarins lift up on their ends to take insects or pluck food items from over hanging foilage but never jump up. As each duckling swam about they were heard to call to each other as if to keep track of each other's whereabouts. If one became detached from the others it would lift up on it's end and literally run along the surface and at quite a speed! Once reunited a different call was heard as if to placate each other again. If time allowed I would quite happily have spent all afternoon watching them as I found them fascinating. Elsewhere, a number of Song Thrush were singing along with a single singing Mistle Thrush. Despite the sunny conditions very few butterflies were seen apart from a single Brimstone, a few Large Whites and several Speckled Woods.

Another walk in the park early evening provided a brief view of a Little Egret which was flushed by a dog walker from the Wilderness Pond. A Grey Heron was seen hunting tadpoles on the Canal Pond and a second bird was on the Moat Pond. Reassuringly, the female Mandarin was back with her brood on Pond 3 but there was no sign of any male. Again there was no sign of the Nightingale. Overhead several House Martins, Swallows and Swift were seen along with a large gathering of racing pigeons! 

31 May 2009- Today I undertook a quick walk around the park before heading up to North Warren and Minsmere. The park was generally quiet although 4 Mistle Thrush feeding together along the Nacton Road field was a great record. Feeding with these birds were 3 Song Thrush and 8 Blackbirds including 5 juveniles. The ponds were checked and this revealed 2 Grey Herons together along the Paddling Pool margins and the pair of Tufted Duck still on the Canal Pond. On Pond 3 the female Mandarin was seen although only with 4 ducklings. The yellow duckling was missing and appears to have succumbed to either sickness or more likely a predator. Still, mum was being both protective and attentive to her remaining offspring so fingers crossed. No sign of any male Mandarins depite checking although the usual perches and holes. Around the Moat Pond the Canada Geese family continue to do well with all three chicks growing larger by the day!

24 May 2009- As I've mentioned before the park never ceases to surprise me and today was no exception. The reason this time that the Mandarin Ducks haave actually bred as a female was seen on Pond 3 with 5 young. Where she has been and where her nest hole was located remains a mystery and the behaviour of the Wood Ducks in the park continues to fascinate me. Of the five young four are normal brown colours whereas the fifth bird is bright yellow! Hopefully, mum will manage to keep them all safe until they can fly themselves. I'm not sure if this female is part of the pair seen on 18 May 2009 or another pair?

Above- Mandarin chick (one of four brown coloured chicks and already showing the distinctive eye stripe), below female Mandarin and "yellow" chick, Pond 3.

On the Moat Pond the family of Canada Geese continues to thrive and the adults seem to be doing a good job. Continuing the wildfowl theme a pair of Shelduck where seen over the park and appeared to have been feeding on the park's grassy areas. Two Grey Herons were seen, one on the Moat Pond and one on the Wilderness Pond. 

 Above- Pair of Canada Geese and three goslings, Moat Pond

Around Ponds 1 and 2 the Nightingale "spluttered it's song this morning and appeared to lack any real interest in singing. However, both nearby Chiffchaff and Blackcap sang in earnest with both species continuing to actively defend and maintain their territories. Overhead good numbers of Swifts were seen and heard and having great fun chasing each other!  

23 May 2009- With Suffolk quiet generally bird wise the park was no different. It appears that the birds are getting on with the breeding season and are busily feeding young or still building nests. Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen feeding youngsters near Pond 2 and a Green Woodpecker was feeding two fledged youngsters on the Orchard Meadow. Song Thrush and Blackbirds were seen taking food to hidden nests and several parties of adult and juvenile Great and Blue Tits were also recorded actively feeding. The Canada Geese still have their three goslings and all three appear to be growing well. Several fledged Robin, Dunnock and Wren were seen around the park in a variety of locations. Summer migrants are still represented by Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Nightingale, Swift, Swallow and House Martins. On the Canal Pond the pair of Tufted Duck were found although no evidence of breeding was seen. Unusually, no Grey Herons were found in the park this morning.

18 May 2009- An evening stroll after a long day at work turned out to be very rewarding bird wise. A check of the ponds revealed a Little Egret in company with a single Grey Heron on the Moat Pond. Both birds were seen feeding on the overflow pile from Pond 3. Despite checking all it's usual haunts the male Wood Duck could not been found but a pair of Mandarins were located on the Canal Pond. As with the Wood Duck it is entirely feasible that these Mandarin Ducks are present in the park all the time but either just hide away from view or that they commute to and from another site......?

Above- Pair of Mandarin Duck, Canal Pond

The Nightingale was heard singing very well at the top of Pond 1 and it was joined by both singing Blackcap and Chifffchaff. Over the park good numbers of Swifts were seen along with smaller numbers of both Swallow and House Martin.    

 16 May 2009- Given the south easterly weather systems that had passed through Suffolk in the last couple of days I was hopeful of finding some more migrants in the park especially birds such as Spotted and Pied Flycatcher or perhaps a Common Redstart or even a Wood Warbler. However, despite a thorough search of the areas of the park that I had found migrants in before and some of the usual spots none were found. That said plenty of birds of interest remained including the male Wood Duck who could be found again on the Moat Pond along with the pair of Canada Geese complete with their three youngsters.  I'd love to know where the Wood Duck  gets too and can only assume that it hides itself away in the park somewhere or commutes to a nearby location, perhaps Christchurch Park? The pair of Tufted Ducks were found on the Canal Pond along with two Grey Herons.

 Above- Male Wood Duck, Moat Pond

Over the Orchard Medaow a pair of Shelduck were seen flying and calling loudly before departing towards the River Orwell. Summer migrants that were seen included Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Swallow, Swift and House Martin. The Nightingale was not heard but is still likely to be lurking around the scrubby areas between Ponds 1 and 2. The most interesting event this morningi nvolved a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers and the Tawny Owl. My attention was drawn to an area near to the Leaf Yard by the pair of woodpeckers making an almighty row and flying directly into a leaf covered branch. After several minutes a Tawny Owl burst out from under the branch hotly pursued by the female woodpecker. After seeing the owl off the pair of woodpeckers revealed the reason for this aggressive behaviour by tending to a nest hole close to where the owl had been. Young woodpeckers were heard calling from the hole and as I left the brood were being reasured by their parents with gentle "clicks" and"peeps". Returning home along the canal a handsome male Kestrel was seen watching over the water as if it had seen a possible prey item.  In the early sun this small raptor looked stunning and it certainly looked to be enjoying the warmth offered.

10 May 2009- A mid morning visit to the park in brilliant sunshine meant butterflies! A good selection were on the wing and species seen were; Orange Tip, Large White, Small White, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Red Admiral. A couple of other high flying butterflies went unidentified. Despite my wishful thinking the female Tufted Duck reappeared today with the male so no egg incubation! However, the pair of Canada Geese were seen today proudly showing off three goslings. This is the same number as last year so, hopefully, these will fair better than the previous ones. That said, a Grey Heron has already seen the youngsters and narrowly missed an opportunity to take one from right under it's parents noses! 

Above- adult Canada Goose and three gosling- Canal Pond

Above the park a number of Swifts were seen flying above the treetops chasing and screaming after each other, the real sound of summer! Around the play area at least two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen and heard along with a number of Blackcap and Chiffchaff.

09 May 2009- Having not watched the park for several days I had hoped to see and hear some new birds, however, little had changed or so I thought.... Around the Canal Pond the male Tufted Duck was apparently "defending" a corner of the pond in that it was seeing off very aggressively any Mallards or Moorhens that came near. With the female Tufted Duck nowhere in sight the male's behaviour indicated to me that breeding may have taken place and that eggs are now being incubated? The noisey Grey Heron was again heard before being seen as it flew over the pond towards the Paddling Pool area. The sky proved well worth watching too as it was so clear and bright and I was rewarded with good numbers of Swallows and House Martins feeding early high over the park and good numbers of Swifts moving north west, perhaps some 150+ in number. A bird that I kept seeing this morning was Song Thrush. Given the walk undertaken I think that I saw a minimum of 8 birds which is a great number for this under threat species. At least 6 birds were seen with worms and other food in their beaks so, hopefully, this may further indicate nestlings being fed- all good news! The Nightingale had moved from it's usual bush back to where it was first seen and heard, namely the area between ponds 1 and 2. This morning it was very vocal and the volume of it's song was probably the loudest that I have heard it singing. Several Greenfinch were seen in trees around Pond 1 and a very showy Great Spotted Woodpecker was soaking up the early sun from a dead branch at the back of the pond too.

04 May 2009- A slightly later morning visit was undertaken today and this proved advantageous in that the first Common Swifts (63) were seen flying high over the park areas. Despite being high and flying quickly at least 5 birds were counted. Around the Moat Pond two new bird songs were heard (!) and both very welcome to my ears. The first song was heard whilst waiting for a Kingfisher to re-appear after it had dashed past me towards the direction of the Paddling Pool area. This song alerted me to a Willow Warbler (64) high above in the tree tops. The second song was that of a Garden Warbler (65) which was great to hear and pleasing to find away from the Orchard area which is the place that I normally encounter them. Both warblers were seen briefly with the Garden Warbler being very skulky and the Willow Warbler being very mobile! Having lost sight of the warblers I walked around to the top of the Paddling Pool to try and locate the Kingfisher again but came across a Little Egret sitting in a conifer tree! With yet another sighting of Little Egret it appears that this may now become a regular bird for the park or at least lets' hope so! A check on the Nightingale led to it being heard singing well at the top of Pond 1 but, as usual, it remained elusive and out of sight.

03 May 2009- An early morning stroll around the park with Joe Underwood, Ranger started with a check of the canal and Canal Pond area. A Grey Heron was seen here along with the pair of Tufted Duck and the male Canada Goose. The female goose continues to stay on her nest, hopefully, with plenty of eggs beneath her! Walking from the Canal Pond and crossing to the Orchard Meadow allowed us good flight views of a rather vocal second Grey Heron who appeared to be enroute to join the first bird. The bushes and scrubby areas around the Old Orchard failed to produce any new warbler species with only Blackcap and Chiffchaffs seen and heard. Checking the Moat and Moat Pond together with Pond 3 only gave us a few Mallards and Moorhens although several Long Tailed Tits were present in the waterside trees and both Robin and Dunnock were heard singing. Ponds 1 and 2 were also quiet although the Nightingale was still present albeit singing half heartedly! Other birds encountered were both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Magpie, Jay and Song Thrush in addition to the usual species. A couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were also seen loafing around the park before flying off presumably to feed.

01 May 2009- With the dawn (literally) of a new month I entered the park with great expectations and as I walked around I was not to be disappointed. A Grey Heron flew low over the Canal Path causing me to instinctively duck and then feel the air pass over me as the heron glided up to the main pond area. On the Canal Pond I found the pair of Tufted Ducks and the Canada Geese along with several Mallard, Moorhen and a few Black-headed Gulls. Walking through the woods by Myrtle Road and then out onto the fields led me to a pair of Shelducks who were taking advantage of the freshly mowed grass as their breakfast. Overhead, 3 Pied Wagtails  (62) were seen and heard flying across the park towards the Bowling Green area. Walking through the woods along the edge of Nacton Road revealed several Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs and then to the slowly waking song of the still present Nightingale near the top of Pond 1. Both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were also seen and heard around this pond. Crossing the park near the stable block and then walking through to the Bowling Green allowed me to relocate the Pied Wagtails who appeared to be feeding on a very early hatch of flies in one of the sunlit corners of the green area. Despite being abundant around the Wet Dock area and local estates this wagtail remains a scarce bird for the park itself. Whilst listening to 2 singing Blackcaps by the Old Orchard gate I heard a snippet of song from what was probably a Garden Warbler. As it was such a short burst and drowned out by it's warbler cousins I wasn't comfortable recording it as a definite Garden Warbler. However, I will be back tomorrow to try and find it again and listed long and hard to it's song! Returning to the Wilderness Pond and Canal Pond area I noticed a very white bird hidden up in the trees by the canal- Little Egret!

Above- Little Egret (No.1)- Canal Pond

The Little Egret then dropped down and flew over to feed in the old Paddling Pool. Looking to where it had flown from I noticed a second Little Egret (!) perched in a tree and then it too flew towards the old Paddling Pool before flying up onto a sun drenched branch of a nearby tree.

Above- Little Egret (no. 2), Wilderness Pond

The first bird then flew up from the old Paddling Pool and it too perched up on a sunny perch to take advantage of the early morning sun.

Above - Little Egret (No.1) Wilderness Pond.

With camera to hand I managed a few bad digi-photos (as above) before both birds flew off in a northerly direction. As I headed back towards the canal path and sluice the Grey Heron (see below) appeared again and a quick photo was taken before it too flew off for a day of foraging and fishing. All in all a great park day! 

 Above- Grey Heron, Canal Pond.

26 April 2009-A very early morning visit to the park failed to relocate the Golden Oriole which in all honesty probably left yesterday or overnight. However, compensation came in the form of a very showy Tawny Owl (61) which flew around the Wilderness Pond and Conifer Hedge area until it picked up an aggressive escort of two Song Thrush. The owl perched up in a tree affording me a great view but as it was being mobbed intensely it eventually disappeared into thick cover to no doubt sulk. It was good to actually see Tawny Owl in the park this year as I often hear them calling from all around the perimeter! The dawn chorus is beginning to become more intense and both Chiffchaff and Blackcap songs could be heard throughout the park. Although it would have been fantastic to have seen (!) and heard the Oriole again the Nightingale was still present and singing it's bubbling and whistling song and this provided a great aural feel good factor to the morning.

An evening visit located the male Wood Duck on the Moat Pond (Pond 4) in the company of some Mallards. The Wood Duck was very vary of me but I did manage to get some snaps (as below) of this elegant chap!

Above and below, Male Wood Duck, Moat Pond.

25 April 2009- It had already a been a great week for birds in the park, however, things were about to get better. Whilst wandering along the canal path this morning I received a text from Joe Underwood (thank you again Joe!) advising that there had been a report of a Golden Oriole (!!!) in the area of Pond 4. Rushing to the area I began to search for the Oriole but to no avail. Whilst checking around the back of the play area I heard the call that I had prayed for! A deep, rich flutey whistle could be heard high in the trees towards the Nacton Road side- Golden Oriole (60)! Walking quickly to the area the bird was heard to sing again this time from towards the Horse Chestnut trees. A couple more calls and a bit of song were heard but neither gave me a proper lock on as to it's position. And then all went silent.... Listening hard  revealed the Nightingale singing from the area of Pond 1 but no Oriole song. Given the recent weather conditions it's likely that this Golden Oriole arrived overnight from southern Europe on it's way up from Southern Africa and perhaps will be one of the birds that will hopefully take up a territory at RSPB Lakenheath in the next week or so? Despite the male bird's glorious colours of yellow and black (as opposed to the drab yellow and green of the female) it can be incredibly elusive and once quiet almost invisible as in this case. Hopefully, the Oriole will sing again and someone will be lucky enough to see it this time.

Elsewhere, the Nightingale was singing well from the area between the Valley and Pond 1 along with several Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. "Mid-morning chorus" comprised of both Song and Mistle Thrush, along with Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Goldcrest and Chaffinch. Checking the ponds on my way out I found the pair of Tufted Ducks on the Moat Pond and the Canada Geese, defending their nest from a Carrion Crow, on the Canal Pond. Despite some searching the Wood Duck was not seen. Over head good numbers of Swallows and House Martins were seen no doubt pushing north on the favourable South Easterly winds 

23 April 2009- An evening walk was undertaken in order to look for and listen to the Nightingale. However, despite lots of searching and listening there was no sign of it and I was left wondering whether it was going to be a one day wonder! Both Blackcap and Chiffchaff numbers were up on previous days with at least 6 singing birds of each species counted. Up to 4 singing Song Thrush were counted too which is a good number and bodes well for the breeding season for this under threat species. A walk around the ponds found the pair of Tufted Ducks on the Moat Pond (Pond 4) and the Canada Geese still on the Canal Pond. I also found a male Wood Duck which was calling furiously at some Mallards before flying off to the rear of the island. This bird is in the same family as the Mandarin and as it's name suggests spends a lot of time in tree tops either roosting or nesting. The Wood Duck originates in North America and because of it's splendid colours and odd behaviours it is a popular capitive bird in collections. This bird is likely to be an escape but it's still a beautiful bird and lovely to see. Wood Duck is almost annual in the park and appears to wander like it's Mandarin cousins. Checking my notebook for last year revealed that 3 Wood Ducks were seen in the same week as this year!

22 April 2009- From Joe Underwood, Park Ranger- A Nightingale (59) was heard singing around Pond 1 at about 0650hrs this morning. This is a great park record and the first Nightingale record for many years. 

NB. I thought I heard a few snippets of Nightingale song on 18 April 2009 when I was last there, however, there was a Song Thrush that was singing and it's song also included some Nightingale type notes?! Perhaps I should have hung around a bit longer....

That said I managed to go down this evening and the Nightingale was still present and singing on and off. I also had a brief glimpse of it as it skulked around the area between the top of Pond 2 and the path by the leaf yard. This is my first record of Nightingale in the park so thank you Joe! I am told that Nightingale was once a breeding bird for the park, could it happen again, fingers crossed!?

18 April 2009- Early morning saw me back at the park this time with a camera. Walking along the canal revealed both Song and Mistle Thrush together with singing Chiffchaff and Blackcap. A small party of Blue and Long Tailed Tits escorted me to the Canal Pond and here I found the pair of Tufted Ducks seen yesterday on the Moat Pond. Despite me saying that the water in the park is not deep enough I watched both birds dive frequently and prove me wrong! Still that's birding for you.

Tufted Ducks (Male & Female), Canal Pond

After enjoying the ducks and checking on the Canada Geese I set off on my rounds and watched a Green Woodpecker fly along the Myrtle Road path and up onto a tree. Another bad photo was taken and I moved on.

Green Woodpecker, Mrytle Road footpath.

Walking up into the woods I noted two more Song Thrush, another Green Woodpecker and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers. The female Sparrowhawk was also doing her rounds but this time was heard to call a number of times. As it was not an alarm call I can only assume that she was calling to the male although he wasn't seen. Woodpigeons, Stock Doves and Collared Doves were all seen and heard around Pond 1 and another Blackcap and Chiffchaff were heard here. Also seen were two female Blackcaps chasing each other, perhaps fighting over a future mate? A couple of Goldfinches were seen on the Stable Block roof and a male Greenfinch was seen displaying to a female bird. Walking from the Bowling Green steps towards the Orchard Meadow six Swallows (57) and two House Martins (58) were seen flying high quickly north. It's always great to see these birds return and this sighting was my first in the park this year. Returning to the canal a Grey Heron was disturbed and watched as it flew along to the Sluice before flying North East over the housing estate. A couple of butterflies were noted in the form of a Brimstone and a Peacock.

17 April 2009- A dawn visit was rewarded with an intense chorus of bird song despite the overnight rain and lingering damp conditions. Two Song Thrush were heard trying to out do each other from their respective perches either side of the Canal Pond. A support cast of singing Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren, Dunnock and Robin all added to the mix! The pair of Canada Geese remain on the Canal Pond and it looks like breeding has taken place, fingers crossed for some youngsters. Glancing across the Orchard Meadow I noticed a pair of Shelduck (55) feeding on the meadow's grass along with several Moorhens. Before I could get closer to them a stalking fox appeared and the birds all took flight! The Shelduck, a rare sight in the park, were seen flying towards the nearby wet docks. Hopefully they will return again to the park soon. Looking across at the Moat a pair of Tufted Duck (56) were seen. Although a common duck in Suffolk (in the right habitat) it's another rare bird for the park due to the park's water being so shallow. After checking for signs of the Mandarins seen during the week and failing to locate them  I moved towards the wooded areas and caught up with several more Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. The female Sparrowhawk was seen over the tree tops before flying fast after some unseen victim. Other birds seen this morning were Jay, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker along with Woodpigeon, Stock Dove and Magpie. Blue, Great and Long-Tailed Tits were noted in the woods along with numerous Chaffinch.

16 April 2009- From Suffolk BINS (see links page) a probable Purple Heron (!) was seen flying East over the park at 1500hrs. 

11 April 2009- From Gi Grieco, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers and a pair of Mandarin on Pond 4. Butterflies seen were Comma, Small White and Peacock.

10 April 2009- From Gi Grieco, 3 Chiff chaff, 2 Blackcaps and Stock Dove. Butterflies seen were 2 Brimstone near the Myrtle Road gate and both Peacock and Small White. 

07 April 2009- An early evening visit to the park was undertaken today in order to walk out a few aches and pains and to see what birds were about. The canal path and pond area were very quiet with just a few Moorhen and Mallards seen. Around the Wilderness Pond, I found a few Blue and Great Tits whilst on the Orchard Meadow several Starlings (not a common bird for the park) were feeding in the damp grass. In the longer grass by the allotments fence 15 Magpies were counted as they searched for insects and then as they flew up into the trees. Here they appeared to try and out do each other in getting the best perches and then "screech" their victories at each other. The Moat Pond and Pond 3 were almost birdless apart from a few Mallards. Disappointed at not having seen the female Mandarin for a while and not finding her in her favourite haunts imagine my surprise when I noticed her sitting in a puddle midway between Pond 3 and the Childrens Play Area! On approaching it's puddle the duck stood up and walked  casually (if a duck can walk casuially?) up to the path and then walked off in the direction of Bishops Hil! Despite it's apparent disregard for me it still didn't stop to let me get a picturel All very bizarre.... Elsewhere, the female Sparrowhawk was showing off it's flying skills by riding the wind and doing Kestrel impressions by hovering over the tree tops- this is probably an adapted or learnt hunting method as it appears to really confuse the birds, especially Starlings and allows the hawk to pounce on anything that makes a dash across open ground. Around Pond 1, three Chiffchaffs were singing and there appeared to be a major territorial disagreement being argued. Watching events unfolding a lone Blackcap sung it's opinion on the dispute and on occasion appeared to try and sing louder to let itself be heard. In the background to all this a Song Thrush was singing and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was also heard drumming. I left the park happy....

05 April 2009- Given the arrival of several migrant species on the coast yesterday I set off at dawn in the hope that an early Willow Warbler or even Common Redstart may have found the park overnight! However, rather than a singing Willow Warbler I was greeted by both singing Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps! Around the park I counted 4 Chiffchaffs and 3 Blackcaps in song and at least 2 female Blackcaps being present. Despite there being no sign of a Willlow Warbler or redstart (yet!) it was clear that numbers of the other two species have increased and this bodes well for further arrivals. Other bird species singing included Song Thrush, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Greenfinch (including some great display flights), Wren, Dunnock and Robin. Both Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker were also very vocal along with some rather exhuberant quacking by some very randy male Mallards! On the Canal Pond the pair of Canada Geese are still present and they are also maintaining a close interest in the island. I still have a hope that they will nest here soon. On the Orchard Meadow a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen displaying to each other before being disturbed by a third bird clearly intent in joining in and possibly taking over as a new partner. The number of large gulls has increased recently and a number of breeding pairs have returned to the nearby wet dock where they have their nest sites. It appears that the park is being used by some as a venue for their dates!

NB: Late afternoon- Although not in the park officially, a Marsh Harrier was seen flying high and heading north over nearby Cliff Lane along with a Sparrowhawk in tow, perhaps escorting out of it's territory! It's highly likely that this was a migrant bird heading up from southern Europe.  To support the migrant theory a number of  migrating Red Kites were also seen today in Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk.