Horton Country Park is very close to my home and forms part of my 5k x 5k local recording area. It extends over 400 acres with a mixture of habitats; Golf Course, an Equestrian Centre, numerous horse paddocks, grass meadows, mixed woodland and is very popular with dog walkers and cyclists.
Just about a week ago I took a stroll late morning to see what was around with fortunately not too many other visitors who might disturb the wildlife.
A Chiffchaff flitted about the trees bordering the track around the paddocks occasionally issuing its 'hweet' call.
A male Blackbird enjoying a paddle and drink from one of the track side puddles left from the winter rains.
As I turned into one of the mixed woodland areas a male Blackcap stopped singing and popped out to see who was entering its territory. Blue and Great Tits, Dunnock, Wren, Blackbird, Nuthatch and Jay were also present in the woods where the Bluebells were in full flower (much earlier than last year).
On the edge of the wood I heard two Woodies territory drumming against each other and then one male Great Spotted Woodpecker decided to change location so I just managed a couple of pics before it flew off to directly challenge the other intruder deep within the wood.
Other species seen or heard included Song Thrush, Magpie, Starling, Crow, Jackdaw, Pheasant, Green Woodpecker, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit and Pied Wagtail plus Brimstone, Comma, Orange Tip and Peacock butterflies. All in all not a bad list for the time of day. FAB.
Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday.
Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday.
You had a good day! Nice photos too of the various birds and flowers. I like the shot of the horses too!
ReplyDeleteHow pretty! It seems Spring has come to you and the birds are all waiting to see you. :) All the best from across the pond. :)
ReplyDeleteGood job you didn't walk round Horton today you would have got your feet wet Frank.
ReplyDeleteSomething magical about the bluebells leading your eye deeper into the wood ...
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful mix of nature through that walk Frank - the bluebells in abundance made a lovely photo too
ReplyDeleteYes Frank the bluebells are very early this year, I was almost caught out and may have missed the best of them. I like the nice Orange Tip in the last post.
ReplyDeleteA good variety on the patch Frank.
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen many Bluebells here yet.
Wonderful photos!
ReplyDeletelovely area! pretty little birds, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat series of bird sightings and beautiful flowers!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a beautiful place to visit with so many birds. It's all so very green and the bluebells are especially beautiful.
ReplyDeleteA good day out Frank. Lovely flowers and a sweet chiffchaff.
ReplyDeleteHi Frank You seem to have more Bluebells blooming than here. They look lovely as are all your shots.
ReplyDeleteWhat a place, full of birds and bluebell woods as well!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful countryside. Love all the bird shots.
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