Jun 142010
Once again we had good weather for our walk at Knole Park. After gathering at Godden Green, we walked through the open parkland with the potential of green woodpecker, thrushes, pipits, yellowhammer and redstart.
Clifford immediately spotted a little owl which most of the group saw, then guided us towards the parts of the park where we have seen redstart and spotted flycatcher previously, safely bringing the large group through the golf course, but more spectacularly avoiding a bolting horse – it’s never dull with the Gravesend Group!
We were soon watching a pair of nuthatch who were feeding young, along with treecreeper, and a fleeting glance for some of lesser spotted woodpecker. Great spotted and green woodpeckers completed the set, and with sparrowhawk, willow warbler and parakeet we managed a list of some 26 bird species.
Other sightings: Small white butterfly, yellow shell moth, burnet moth, large red damselfly, four spot chaser, broad-bodied chaser, blue demoiselle, fallow deer.
We did see the redstart eventually – thanks to Malcolm’s birdsong recognition, and for those concerned about the rider of the horse – only his pride was hurt and he later rode passed us at a more sedate pace.
Thanks to Clifford for leading us knowledgeably and safely.
YTD Group total – 132 species