Box End Park: Webs Count 16/05/2010

Canada Goose 2
Cormorant 5
Great Crested Grebe 2
Grey Heron 1
Little Ringed Plover 3
Mallard 28
Moorhen 1
Mute Swan 7
Black-headed Gull 1
Common Tern 12
Buzzard 1
Meadow Pipit Present
Pied/White Wagtail 1
Skylark Present

Number of species 14

A bright start this morning but quickly clouding over with a cold sw breeze getting up. The 3 Little Ringed Plovers were on the sand/gravel area next to the car park, some display was noted.

Shortly after arrival all the Common Terns got up giving a good opportunity to count them. There was a lot of coming and going throughout the morning but 4 looked to be sitting fairly tight on the spit so possibly on eggs.

The number of Mallard broods was amazing, 8 in total with broods numbering 6,2,5,8,1,3,3 and 4, I have never seen so many in one place at the same time. Many seemed to be in their first few days after hatching but the 6 were obviously quite a bit older.

There were Meadow Pipits and Skylarks present but not as obvious as in previous months. Plenty of Hirundines present with Sand Martins, House Martins and Swallows all present. A party of Swifts arrived later.

Starlings were regularly seen carrying food off towards the Gt. Denham houses.

The pair of Mute Swans on the river had abandoned their nest, assuming this is the same pair that had already abandoned the island nest, just down stream at the south end of the park. They were spotted nest building in a reed bed a little later about half way between the first 2 nest sites. There was a track through the long grass down to the second nest site which may have been the Fox which was seen on site this morning.

Monday 3rd May 2010

It was the usual Kemspton-Biddenham Loop-Great Denham walk this morning and despite a slightly damp start and end the middle section proved to be quite sunny although the temperature was much reduced on recent days in the stiff breeze.

A Garden Warbler was singing near the steps as I walked down to the river. Sedge Warbler and Blackcap were also heard before I met up with JA. No sign of the Sparrowhawks at the ILEX building this week.

A couple of Reed Warblers were heard along the Back Channel, along with several more Sedge Warblers.

At Box End Park there were at least 9 Common Terns and a large mixed flock of Martins and Swallows with a couple of Swifts for good measure. Both Sand Martins and House Martins were seen.

Neither of the Lesser Whitethroats heard last week were singing this week and Chiffchaffs were noticeably fewer. No surprises on the golf course this week although a Coot had 5 youngsters on one of the lakes. As we watched the Coots 3 Linnets flew in and settled behind one of the bunkers.

A few Skylarks and Meadow Pipits as we crossed the fields back to Kempston Mill and the Lapwings were busy seeing off the local Crows.

On the whole it was much quieter this week than last, the strong wind probably having something to do with that.