Stover Country Park

Stover Country Park

16 April 2007

A fair-sized group of about 20 gathered in the car park at Stover at 10am for a morning walk. The weather was fairly cloudy at first, but soon brightened up into a glorious sunny spring day.

The first noteworthy birds seen were Great Crested Grebes. There were two nests on the lake, both with sitting adults. Two more swam and fed on the lake, alongside numerous Coots and a few Moorhens. As we rounded the first bend, a Jay flew overhead, and on the corner of the lake we all had good views of two Cormorants, sunning themselves on a corner of the aptly named Cormorant Island. One of them was a handsome adult male in full breeding plumage, the other a juvenile.

We continued to the raised feeding station, overlooked by a high walkway. A few saw a Marsh Tit, slipping onto a feeder between the many Greenfinches. Two mice, a vole, and several squirrels fed on discarded sunflower seed remains around and below the feeders. In one of the willows by the walkway a male Blackcap sang, alongside a Chiffchaff. A few minutes later, all enjoyed excellent views of a male Siskin, singing and feeding in a conifer.

Further round the lake, there was much excitement caused when two small waders flashed into view, flying low over the water. They landed at the far side of the lake, and after some discussion, the identity was confirmed as Common Sandpiper. We made our way round to the small hide, only to find it roped off, vandals apparently having set fire to the base several months ago.

We carried on along the northern lake shore back towards the car park area. In the damp scrub to our left a bird was heard singing. It was definitely a warbler, either Sedge or Reed. Considering the time of year (still early for spring migration) and the song (not very varied, quite repetitive and ‘flat’) we came to the conclusion that it was considerably more likely to be a Reed Warbler. We could not confirm 100% though because the bird was well hidden in the vegetation, and refused to show itself.

Thanks to John for leading a successful and enjoyable event.

Number of species seen 27

Jyothi Ray

Birds seen, in BOU order or alphabetic order

BOU order

Mute Swan

Mallard

Pochard

Great Crested Grebe

Cormorant

Buzzard

Moorhen

Coot

Common Sandpiper

Herring Gull

Woodpigeon

Wren

Dunnock

Robin

Blackbird

Chiffchaff

Blackcap

Marsh Tit

Coal Tit

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Nuthatch

Jay

Magpie

Chaffinch

Greenfinch

Siskin

Alphabetic order