31st December 2012

Dunstall Park

Cloudy, cold, WNW wind, continuous light rain, perfect end to 2012.
11.40am to 12.30am.

A quick check of the lake showed the Gadwall pair were still present, dabbling and preening near the margins (at least a five-day stay).  A pair of Mallard  provided an interesting comparison of the females of the two species.  Teal numbers have risen to their highest of the winter, with 22 birds counted (12 males and 10 females), the males displaying madly, calling, rushing at each other, arching backwards and flaring their crests.  Eight Snipe crouched among brown and streaked vegetation at the base of the lake island, difficult to spot, doubtless more present.  A Jay flew to lakeside bushes, dropping down into long grass, possibly to hunt for buried acorns.  At least six Coot are still on the lake, almost certainly adults and youngsters from the summer's two breeding pairs.  At least 90 Canada Goose grazed on the central grass area, near 20 Rook feeding with at least two Jackdaw.  More than 250 Black-headed Gull rested on the grass, alongside at least 15 Herring Gull and 12 Lesser Black-backed Gull, the birds being periodically disturbed by Crow and Magpie.  I left them to it, for a hot coffee in hotel reception.  Undisturbed.   

(NB  Dunstall Park is a commercial site.  Access is restricted).