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Saturday 1 October 2011

Maple Lodge Nature Reserve

A late afternoon visit produced the following species count:-
Little Grebe (7), Cormorant (1 over), Grey Heron (4), Canada Goose (40 over), Teal (10), Mallard (23), Northern Shoveler (10), Moorhen (15), Coot (5), Black-headed Gull (11), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2 over), Herring Gull (1 over), Feral Rock Dove (6 over), Stock Dove (3), Woodpigeon (8), Ring-necked Parakeet (1), Kingfisher (1), Green Woodpecker (1), Great-spotted Woodpecker (1), Wren (1), Dunnock (2), Robin (3), Blackbird (1), Song Thrush (2), Blackcap (2), Chiffchaff (1), Goldcrest (3), Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Treecreeper (2), Jay (2), Magpie (6), Jackdaw (1 over), Rook (2 over), Carrion Crow, Chaffinch (3), Goldfinch (1), Reed Bunting (1).


From Lynsters Hide Great-crested Grebe,Mute Swan and Tufted Duck were all noted on Lynsters Gravel Pit. Also observed was the carcass of a drake Mallard undoubtedly the result of this mornings shooting that took place at the farm! Shooting has taken place here early Saturday morning for several weeks now so best to keep away from that area if you plan an early visit.

Other interesting sightings included Speckled Wood and Red Admiral butterflies from Long Hedge and a Grass Snake swimming from Teal Hide. A large shoal of c200 Rudd were also noted from Teal Hide with another large shoal noted from Shell Hide.

While walking back to the clubhouse I bumped into Chris Bessant who informed me of a Common Snipe that was present from Teal Hide briefly, the first of the Autumn!

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