Pype Hayes Park.

Early morning visit to a very hot and humid Pype Hayes Park, too hot for me personally because I prefer cooler climes, still nice to get out though. Today's walk included a walk around the park, around the fishing pool and a walk along the Plantsbrook to the Ramada Hotel grounds and back again before the midday sun beamed down.

It was nice to see that the six Cygnets have stayed on the pool and look strong and healthy. Also on the pool was a single Great Crested Grebe on it's mothers back which only looked days old, hopefully it will stay out of the Grey Heron's and Corvid's gaze. 

Along the Plants Brook there were a couple of singing Sedge Warbler who seemed to be enjoying the sunshine.

In the trees that border the park land around the fishing pool there were at least four Stock Dove which was nice because I don't see many of these.

There were also plenty of juveniles about again, of which I'll list fully later but it was especially nice to see Grey Wagtail, Whitethroat and Robin fledglings, Robin's always look especially magnificent when they are juveniles.

Birds seen today were Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap (female), Dunnock, Wren, Robin, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Swift, Grey Wagtail, Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard as well as the following juveniles, Whitethroat, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Wren, Robin, Grey Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Cygnet (6) and Great Crested Grebe (1).

In the back garden, I was only saying the other day I hadn't seen any Sparrowhawk activity, which is especially unusual because there can be up to fifty House Sparrow out there at any time at the moment, needless to say I spoke to soon because in the blink of an eye Thursday afternoon, a female Sparrowhawk swooped down and took a House Sparrow with it, I know it's natural but I always feel upset for the poor bird that is taken. At least more House Sparrow fledglings are appearing on what seems a daily basis, but will that just encourage the Sparrowhawk to come all the more.

Better news comes from the local Thrush population what with a female Blackbird tirelessly building a new nest yesterday in next doors Laurel and Song Thrush feeding juveniles on the roof.