New patch

Having just joined The Northumbria Natural History Society i thought i would explore my new patch Gosforth Park Nature Reserve.

When i arrived i was the only one there ahhh bliss. The birds were singing and the bees were buzzing and the butterflies were fluttering. The sun shone through the woods giving it a ethereal feeling.



With map in hand (its a big place you know )i set off around the reserve. It wasn't long before i heard a bird calling that i did not recognise. It didn't take me long to trace the critter. Twas a Nuthatch the first time i have heard one call. The woods were alive with Great Tits and Blue Tits calling from every tree almost.

I was told that there are still Red Squirrels in the woods but are seldom seen now. I must of had my lucky pants on because within about 10 minutes i saw one.




Happy Red Squirrel

I watched Red for a good 20 mins it was quite happy in its tree chewing on its food.

I then went on when something caught my eye. There standing to my left was a large Roe Deer watching me with suspicion. He stood for a couple of minutes before leaping off into the woods.


Big Lad

As i walked deeper into the woods i kept getting brief flashes of white rumps melting into the woods. Deer seemed to be all around me.

I came across this fungi yet another new one to me but do not know the name of it yet.


Looks past its best

The path led to a screen over looking the lake at the racecourse end of the reserve. Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs could be heard calling and it wasn't long before i got my first year tick for the said Warbler


View from the screen

Following the path i came across another five Deer. They didn't seem that bothered by my presence and continued feeding allowing me to get some close up shots of them.










Beautiful

I left them be as i didn't want to disturb them and continued on me way.

I then went to one of the hides over looking the other end of the pond. A Water Rail could be heard Sharming deep in the reeds. On the man made island five Swallows sat on the wire.




The walk was coming to an end but i did hear a Grasshopper Warbler Chirruping away in the reeds unfortunately i couldn't see it.

So as i neared the entrance this Peacock Butterfly caught my eye sunbathing.



And to end the day a Jay called from high up in the trees giving me brief glimpse.

A fantastic peaceful start to my new patch to which i will return many times.