Christchurch Park!

Yesterday afternoon Dad and I went to Christchurch Park. We parked near the Wilderness Pond, and didn't see the Goosander, but saw 3 of the cracking local Mandarin Ducks....

We were surprised to see the numbers of rats running around the pond - pretty disgusting really. We then went and tried to find the Tawny Owl. We didn't know what tree "Mable" roosts in - the Tawny Owls name. We searched most trees, but gave, up so we went in the visitor center and asked for help. She pointed out the exact tree on the map, and within 5 minutes, we found the Owl, with Barry Woodhouse - nice to meet you Barry! This was my first daytime Tawny Owl - what a treat!

We then went back to the Wilderness Pond, and found the Goosander, and it showed really well.

We couldn't stay here long though, because we had to go and see my Grandma in hospital, who is now walking, which is great news! Hope she is out of hospital soon!

Happy Birding!

I only wanted one, not 9!

I was with my Grandparents for a majority of the day, and in the morning, granddad took me to Christchurch Park. I was hoping to add Mandarin onto the year list, to make it 128. I had never seen a drake Mandarin before, and I wasn't expecting to see one. In total, we saw 6 Drakes with 3 Females. Incredible.

We have also never seen the resident female Tawny Owl, named "Mabel." We didn't even know where her tree was. We got directions, and found the tree, but she wasn't in, obviously skiving. LOL. Other birds about were Stock Dove, Siskin, Great-spotted Woodpecker and Jay.

I will update the Daily Sightings page after this post, sorry if you are frustrated about it not being updated. One of the highlights of the week so far was my first Tawny Owl of the year at Stowmarket Golf Club. It was on hole 17, where two birds were calling at 4pm, then one flew across the fairway. Not bad for a 127th specie for this year! Mum and I are going to Levington Creek this afternoon, and maybe a visit to Felixstowe to see if any Waxwing are around - 50 yesterday. 

Happy Birding!