River Cole, Hodge Hill.

Short visit to Hodge Hill for a walk along the River Cole which forms part of the Kingfisher Country Park , unfortunately I didn't see much of the river due to more Himalayan Balsam takeover as well as weeds and wild flowers which have flourished this year down to all the rain we've had, it was unfortunate for me because I couldn't get near the river but the birds we're loving the overgrown landscape in great numbers plus the other advantage being that it keeps the pesky humans with all their rubbish away from the waters edge. The only time I got near the water was crossing the small footbridge by the Bailey Bridge not far from the Poachers Pocket public house.

Birds seen today were, Sparrowhawk, Grey Heron, Blackcap (male), Willow Warbler, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Wren, Robin, Jay, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon as well as the following juveniles, Willow Warbler, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Starling and Blackbird.

The Sparrowhawk seen was actually frightened off by me approaching the tree it was in, no doubt eyeing up some very noisy House Sparrows in the gardens close to the river, but I don't doubt it returned soon after to have it's House Sparrow happy meal. Talking of the ever affable House Sparrow there were literally hundreds seen and heard today, it's great to see them doing really well in what is almost a natural habitat being as the surroundings are left completely to nature with plenty of hawthorn, rowan, elder, juniper etc, most of which are fruit bearing already, there is also plenty of luscious scrub and of course they've got the nearby river. I've said this before, the House Sparrow is one of my favourite birds, they are a very underestimated bird who have lots of character if only people took more time to watch this very lovable bird, my garden would certainly be a duller place without them. As ever it was great to see a couple of very fine looking juvenile Blackbirds, I love that speckled reddish brown colour. Equally as pleasing was seeing a flock of fifty plus Starling and forty plus Goldfinch at the same time gliding through the air, it was worth the trip out for that alone, it's just a pity you don't see more flocks of birds these days. At least this is an unknown little hideaway for the birds and wildlife.