Alexandra Park, Hastings
29th May 2006, MondayNow that the leaves have opened, it is possible to note the remarkable variety of trees in this beautiful park, and to appreciate the foresight of its Victorian creators.
The soundscape this morning was dominated by Robins, Wrens & Blackbirds. Blue Tits, which in winter are hard to count are now hard to see, as they harvest caterpillars high in the canopy. A few young are already out of the nest, and far more Great Tits, pale and fluttering to be fed. Newly-fledged Starlings in shrill packs probe the mown roadside verges and streaky young Greenfinches squat on the park pathways, waiting for their parents.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers were at four sites - two with noisy nests - and Goldcrests singing stridently in more than a dozen conifers, while busy Treecreepers were adept at discovering and dismembering moths hiding in bark.
A colourful m Grey Wagtail sat on the Bucks Hole outflow, and presumably the same was later singing over Harmer’s Pond.
Of 10 Blackcaps, 6 were in the scrub which now covers the old paddock to the west of the park, and a Whitethroat was singing there too.
A Hawfinch was clicking in the tall treetops up towards the road bridge.
At the Swannery pond, the majority of 25 Black-headed Gulls were sub-adults, so I guess the whole group are passing non-breeders rather than commuters from Pett or rye nest sites. The 20 Herring Gulls were however nearly all gleaming adults, come in no doubt from nearby rooftops, taking a break from their role as Public Enemy No 1 to wash their plumage silvery clean. A lone LBB Gull joined them.
In the sky above the Shornden end of the park circled just 2 Swifts and 1 House Martin - are they so scarce in St Leonards, or just doing something else?