I think I would be right in saying that its been a very quiet winter on the park compared to previous years so we were a bit unsure what to expect as we entered the reserve. We got off to good start with two Roe-Bucks in the field off to our left,
This was shortly followed by unmistakable song that would gladden anyone's heart coming from the branches above.
We listened for a while before moving on to the hide which really was quiet apart from a couple of pairs of Canada gees honking on,where were the Cormorants that that used to roost opposite the hide or indeed the Little Egrets that also roosted here no sign of a Kingfisher one hasn't been seen for weeks,their was however half a doz Teal hard up against the reeds with this one looking rather splendid as it made its way to join the rest.
You can always rely on one or two of these little guys tho.
As we pondered why things should be so quiet is it because we have missed the action being unable to get on the reserve at dawn like we used to pre Covid. Watching the morning unfold was the best part of coming to Gosforth Park sadly this has come to an end with the new opening times which in our minds brings into question our future membership !!
However on a lighter note as we were leaving we caught site of these ladies making there way to the field to graze.
Thanks for looking
SAY SAFE
Joe
Sadly Gosforth Park starting changing 3 or 4 years back for me Joe. It turned into a photoraphers site rather than a birders place with folk "camped out" staring at branches set in position for the obligitary Kingfisher shot ( bird on a stick as i started calling it) and stopping access to the old Pierce Hide in the winter as they sat all day taking pics of Bittern when they appeared. I know it is an invasive species but lots of bird nesting habitat lost when they removed loads of Rhododendron. Not keen on the plant personally but used to see or hear many birds in that area. They hadn't changed the opening times last time i was there but i would go for sunrise, as i do when i go out now to see the wildlife that generally goes into hiding as soon as humans start venturing out so having opening and closing times is not on in my book. I used to go along late afternoon in summer some times and stay until the sun dropped and again the likes of Badger and Fox would appear given a bit of luck as you left the reserve. I let my membership lapse and not planning to renew anytime soon despite the work carried out recently. I'm sad to say this mind !
ReplyDeleteI mate change is not always for the best,my mate and i haven't been members long really we joined initially to add a bit of weight to the building protest that was going on at that time,(did no b----y good tho)but we used to like Piece hide at dawn watching the Jackdaws lifting from there roost in the trees on the horizon opposite also the Starlings lifting from the reeds in there thousands that used to be some sight.If you spent a couple of hours with the Kingfisher you would have enough pictures to last a lifetime .Teaching seems to be the way they are heading just like Hauxley,(10 o'clock there) that killed that place for us also i wouldn't care we even put money in the collection bucket many times to help rebuild the place (never again).
DeleteCheers mate nice to hear from you and TAKE CARE.
Hi Joe, you probably knew already but GARGANEY reported near public hide a couple of times today Tuesday 5th on pond. Just in case y hadn't heard.
ReplyDelete