BARWICK HOUSE AND GARDENS
WEATHER: a brighter sky of late, no wind still a little cold. 8C
I am just loving these windless days, it makes birding so much more enjoyable. Today I took another break from the Yeo Valley and instead I walked to Barwick House to look at the lake and the surrounding grounds.
I left home at 9am and saw very few species along the way, typically I saw Jackdaw, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Robin and several Redwings flew over during the journey to the lake. Once at Barwick House Lake I one of the first birds I saw was a Kingfisher, it was quite distant and sat perfectly still in the overhanging branches of an Alder Tree.
a record shot of the Kingfisher with Wood Pigeons in the field beyond
On the lake was a pair of mute Swans, I am told that it is father and daughter, also several Mallards, likewise Moorhens and five Little Grebes were dotted about the pool.
Little Grebe
In the mature trees dotted all over the huge parkland that surrounds the House I saw Nuthatch, Redwings, Goldfinches, Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and many Jackdaws.
Moorhen and Little Grebe
a Robin and a Blackbird
I saw more species on the journey back home, a small paddock held four little ponies and with was a couple of Meadow Pipits and a couple of Pied Wagtails. A mixed flock of Goldfinches and Siskins feed in a row of Alders and whilst watching them I heard both Common Buzzard and Green Woodpecker calling.
Meadow Pipit
Siskins and Goldfinches
My feeders attracted all the usual suspects, so Coal Tit was added to my day list. As it was the last day of November I can reveal that my monthly total finished at 99 species!!
Let’s see what December brings?