Chipperfield + Berkhamstead

The juvenile Bullfinch was still visiting the Rowan tree in a neighbours garden and then whilst dropping my son off in Berko a Red Kite flew over. This was my 100th in Herts!

Cassiobury Park - 24.8.12

A Kingfisher was heard peeping along the river but a Meadow Pipit that was heard as it flew over was the highlight and the first of hopefully an array of autumnal migrants to be seen. I can dream!!

Cassiobury Park - 23.8.12

Amazingly the Willow Warbler was still singing this morning and the calling Chiffchaff was still around. At the park another Willow Warbler sang briefly near the mini railway. An adult Herring Gull was on the paddling pools before it opened and a noisy group of 5 flew over (2 juvs).

Cassiobury Park - 22.8.12

The first bird of the day again went to the singing Willow Warbler in the trees next to my car in Chipperfield aswell as a calling Chiffchaff. Once at the park 2 more Chiffchaffs were calling as was a Blackcap. 7 House Martins were over the cricket outfield and a Sparrowhawk flew over the yard.

Cassiobury Park - 21.8.12

As I walked towards my car this morning I was surprised to hear a Willow Warbler singing in the Silver Birch next to my car. In the park the Starling flock was still 50 strong but were joined by 14 Mistle Thrush. A Little Owl called briefly in the afternoon.

Cassiobury Park - 20.8.12

6 Pied Wagtails were still on the cricket outfield along with 7 Mistle Thrush in with a flock of around 50 Starlings. Back at home a juv Bullfinch was feeding on Rowan berries in a neighbouring garden with another calling but not seen.

Bird Fair - 19.8.12

For the first time in years I decided to pay a visit to Rutland Water for the annual bird fair. Unfortunately for me i'd chosen the hottest day of the year to go! I went up with my mum and my son. Amazingly he had a good time and enjoyed it even though birds come behind football, wrestling and play station! I met Ernest Leahy and the Tyttenhanger trio of Steve, Ricky and Graham and on the Neotropical bird club stand I bumped into Anna Hughes and Charlie Wilkins who I stayed with on Scilly in 2004 but hadn't seen for a while as they have moved to France. After a sweaty walk round and seeing Johnny Kingdom and Simon King I made my way home having bought nothing but lunch! A quick stop to have a look over a bit of the water produced a Kingfisher and a Little Egret.

Cassiobury Park - 17.8.12

The day started off with 3 juv LBB Gulls in the paddling pools with around 20 BH Gulls then after the cricket outfield had been cut ready for the weekend 9 Pied Wagtails were seen feeding on the disturbed insects.

Catch Up

Apologies for the near total lack of posts but I need to see things of note to include here! Hopefully as the Autumn gets into full swing there will be more regular updates on here. So keep watching!

Cassiobury Park - 15.8.12

12 RN Parakeets flew over the yard first thing and a Pheasant was heard in the meadow area. 4+ Swallows flew North but it was a Linnet low South over the log benches that was the highlight.

Cassiobury Park - 9.8.12

A flock of 16 noisy Herring Gulls flew over the paddling pools early morning of which 5 were fresh looking juvenils.

Cassiobury Park - 8.8.12

The day started off with 13 Magpies around the paddling pools and 2 juv LBB Gulls in the pools itself. 7 Herring Gulls flew over the yard including 2 juvs.

Cassiobury Park - 7.8.12

A Little Egret was reported to me as being on the cress beds.

Cassiobury Park - 3.8.12

A Grey Wagtail was on the cress beds and 4 different Chiffchaffs were still singing. As the rain moved in it pushed 14 Swift over the yard.

Cassiobury Park - 2.8.12

The day started off well with 17 RNP Parakeets over the yard (14 + 3) then by the tennis courts a group of 6 Jay were in the trees. And that was it!