An Afternoon Stroll

Highlights of a good walk around the main lake at Coate this afternoon, were lots of Hornets feeding on the Ivy flowers at the far end of Coate along Broome Manor lane. Also quite a few Mute Swans with at least 40 counted. Not too many Tufted Duck, but quite a few Gadwall and Mallard and it was nice to see a/the pair of Aylesbury Ducks by the platform.

One of many Hornets feeding on the Ivy

The Aylesbury's

By the causeway there was a dead rabbit in the water, which I assume fell in and couldn't get out! Quite a few Great Crested Grebes and both 1st year and adult Black-headed Gulls in winter plumage. Also amongst the gulls a couple of Herring Gulls and Common Gull.

Great Crested Grebe

Adult Black-headed Gull almost in winter plumage

A 1st year Black-headed Gull

Herring Gull probably 4th winter

Other birds of note were 2 Kingfishers, a Grey Wagtail and a Jay by the main entrance to the park.

Birds recorded: Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, 40+ Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Gull, Wood Pigeon, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Treecreeper, Wren, Jay, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Starling, Chaffinch and Goldfinch. Also seen Hornets