I have always lived and worked in this area and the "Park" has mainly been a centre of life. Some people know me from when my late wife, Joan, and I ran the RSPB Members Group and were involved with Bichon Frise Rescue. Tiny and Casper are my current companions.
I had my first camera when I was 7 years old and have never been without one – still trying for a perfect photo 😊
I've updated my cameras again – Sony A7600 nice and light for walking around with the bichon boys, and Nikon Z6 111. A friend in the USA sent me the original Z6 – with all its upgrades this version is much better, although focus of birds in bushes is not as consistent as the Sony.
Feeding "my" Robin at the inlet bridge, I have found that putting seed on the top of the old posts gives him a better chance of eating them before the Crows arrive
I have seen a light coloured Buzzard under the lawn bushes several times - no doubt collecting worms.
Surveys have been carried out on all the trees in the park and ones that are diseased are marked to identify them for felling – all part of the natural cycle of woodland.
It is the time of year to see Fungi at the base and in this case higher up a branch. These have several names including "Jelly Ears".
I really thank the Friends Volunteers who cheerfully spend so many hours tidying and improving the look of the park, including new benches.
I was happy to donate some tulip bulbs to put in the enlarged bed by the road and I shall be interested to see their timing against the ones I have put in pots.
The regular autumnal small diving ducks appeared – the female Pochard only stayed for a few days but we have two males and one female Tufted Ducks which will usually stay for a while.
I was intrigued to be told by a fellow bird watcher/photographer that one of the Black Headed Gulls is wearing a ring which was placed on it in Holland two years ago. Bird ringing has played such a vital role in our understanding of bird life.
Seasonal Greetings - updates on my Facebook page.
