Sutton Park.

A day out at Sutton Park was just the tonic for such a gloriously hot sunny day which took in a visit to Keepers Pool, Powell's Pool and Blackroot Pool as well as a visit to The Birmingham Donkey Sanctuary which is also situated in Sutton Park. I did also want a good walk around the copious amounts of heathland but I'd already walked for five hours, so at about 1:30 pm I had to give up the ghost and have some scran and by then I'd had enough what with the searing heat, I dare say I'll be back soon enough to have another good explore.

Highlight of the day had to be at the impressive Blackroot Pool which as you can see held a female Mandarin Duck which was very territorial and didn't particularly like the presence of the Mallards especially when there was any grain to be had. 

Juveniles wise highlights had to be seeing a flock of Coal Tit, many Song Thrush, many flocks of Blue Tit and Great Tit and a Great Crested Grebe, which is always a pleasure to see.

Birds seen were Sparrowhawk, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Wren, Robin, Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Jay, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Swift, House Martin, Grey Wagtail, Grey Heron, Mandarin Duck, Pekin Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Mallard, Canada Goose as well as the following juveniles, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Song Thrush, Magpie, Great Crested Grebe (1), Duckling (28) and Coot (2).

I can never get over the free roaming cows at this location, they just saunter past you like your not even there and likewise you can walk up to them and they just take no notice of you, very strange for a city dweller.

If you know Sutton Park or more importantly the layout, The Birmingham Donkey Sanctuary are having their Summer Fair next Saturday (13th July 2013), between 11 am and 3:30 pm, which will include a barbeque, Stalls etc. as well as performance by the South Staffordshire Dog Team at 1:30 pm. You can have a good morning or afternoon birding and still check out the local Ass, sorry I mean Donkey's.