A week of wonder!

On the 6^th my father and I went to Valentines Park.  We were walking around the lake when I heard a Goldcrest singing from a stand of conifers.  We waited only a little while before the tiny little bird popped up.  After standing there for ten minutes we noticed that the Goldcrest kept coming back to the same branch, I then realized it was going in with food. There was only one conclusion, it must have a nest in the branch! And I saw my first Stock dove!

On the 12^th we went to Rainham  Marshes, I saw my first Sedge Warbler there, making his chattering song! In the woodland area we came across a sunbathing Wren, a family of Reed warblers and a Whitethroat.  All together we saw 36 species of bird! The Spoonbill had been my goal bird, I was gutted to find out it was at LWC Barnes. 

Today, the 13^th, my uncle Iain, my Father and I went to Wat Tyler Country Park. By the time we got into the hide we had already seen 20 species of bird. We went in the hide and to my surprise saw eleven Avocets lined up on an island! It was a long way away, but looking through my scope I could make out a fluffy grey thing with one of the adults, which I think was a chick! Considering I had never seen one before I was extremely happy! Other birds from the hide: a Lapwing with three chicks, Mallard, Greylag Geese, Teal, Cormorant, Reed Warbler etc etc…

By the time we left we had seen 37 species of bird, better than Rainham! It’s a brilliant reserve and we’re thinking of going there again for the free guided walk.