Hi there
The weather was so lovely on Sunday just past, (we where going to go on Saturday but not to be) so we decided to go to Alexander Palace to visit the Dinghy Show for the yearly festival.
We went by train from Bedford to Kings Cross station. The trip on the train involved a lot of looking around to see if there where any birds of interest to take note of. I noticed many birds where in flocks. At one stage we saw 6 Magpies together on top of a tree. The tree just bent over with the combination of the birds weight. Quite comical to watch.
There was lots of Woodpigeons, Rooks, Crows, and Gulls in the newly ploughed fields searching for food. We past a Rookery, and there where too many birds to mention. I am sure it was the one situated on the A421 close to Marston Vale country Park. It has well over 100 nests according to a recent count
It was good to see the Marston Country Park from a different angle from the train for a change We could see The Piling lake, Stewartby Lake, along with the famous 'Stewart' brick chimneys, and all the areas of water closeby. Lots of water birds where moving around. I only wish I could see what species where around but with no binoculars that was literally impossible. Never mind! {smiles}
Dave said that he would have loved to see some March Hare's boxing but no joy at all. We looked far and wide over the open fields but no luck there ...the train was just to place to see them.
We arrived at Kings Cross, and we had get another train to Woodend station. We alighted from the train and walked up to the Alexandra Palace. A walk through Alexandra Park was the the cards and we had a look around to se if any bird life was apparent to us. They where hidden to us.
Alexandra Palace...... What an imposing building, with an interesting history attached, and the area of land attached to the building itself.. A building as large as this sitting on top of a hill it gave the building a feeling of grandeur.
It was a climb to get to the top of the hill, and what a view across London. We felt although we where on top of the world.
We went to the 'Dinghy Show, and got some bits and pieces for our holidays in Spain. A Rash Vest, and a Spray Top for our sailing. At the end of the day we went back through the Alexandra Park to be confronted by some Magpies and Crows and they where so unafraid of us. I would think that they are fed by members of the public so they are unafraid of people. Maybe a good thing or not however a person looks at the matter.
I also see there is a Alexandra Park Ornithology Group so I will investigate that a little more, and contact them. I see that they do a yearly walk in August. There are some great bird sightings I would love to participate with this group as soon as the opportunity arises.
I will see if the group do one this year and I will happily attend anytime (oh yes and the April walk at Marston Vale too) busy busy busy!!!! so much to see and talk about.... that is what it is all about enjoying interests.
Anyway we has a great day out and we enjoyed it a lot. Some pictures to follow......
Alexandra Palace
A dinghy with a tent attached ... love it - luxury
A cheeky Magpie
The same cheeky Magpie
The area and the Nature Reserve
Regards
Kathy and Dave
This is the second attempt at a post. You are right the views over London from there are amazing and the hill going up on the bus is really steep, very unexpected the first time I went. I usually get the bus up from the tube station, but will have to venture outside more next time.
Thanks for sharing your day
Sarah
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bramble67/
hi Sarah
Thank you for your kind comments about my day.
You can see for miles across London city. We did not know enough about the buses and decided to walk from Woodside Train Station and it was not too far at all.
I read up some history about the place. Most the area around is worth a walk about anytine, There seems to be a lot to do with disused railway lines turned into public access. Must come back and have another look about when we are not tied to another event.
I will contact bird bodies to see about the August walk about for 2010. Another picture of the view ....
A picture of the view and it goes on for miles
Hi Kathy, I live on other side of London so know buses well. there is a free bus that goes up from the station when there is an event on. You can see the London eye from there, and you can also see Alexandra Palace from the London eye.
I would be interested in the August event if you manage to find details so please keep me posted,
Thanks Sarah
Hi Sarah
i will do about the August event {smile}
Have contacts so I will make enquires asap.
bramble67 said: Hi Kathy, I live on other side of London so know buses well. there is a free bus that goes up from the station when there is an event on. You can see the London eye from there, and you can also see Alexandra Palace from the London eye. I would be interested in the August event if you manage to find details so please keep me posted, Thanks Sarah
Hi Blackbird,
You had a lovely day out to a place I have never been. In fact it must be 30 years since I was last in London! Thanks for sharing your day. Lovely photos, and a very cheeky magpie.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Hi Sparrow
Dave is introducing me to all the delights of London at the moment. There is lots to do and see.
Not mad about the place, as it is too populated for me - but Dave tries to keep me happy with visits to different events so I am happy with that - Yearly Art Exhibitions, shopping, Wildlife Reserves whatever...
We like to get out and about and that is what life is all about. Nothing worse than vegetating in the house all day every day.
Dave wants to take me to see the Ringed Necked Parakets in Hyde Park yet! They are something else so I have been told.
Hi Kathy,
I'm a bit of a country bumpkin I'm afraid. Cities fill me with horror. Too many people. Too much traffic. Far too much noise.
It wouldn't do if we were all the same.
I feel the same way as yourself. Dave does not understand my uncluttered view of life.
Rubbing shoulders with too many strangers is not my thing either, and never will be - so stifling eeek!!!
Everyone is forced into another persons space and to me that will not do.
Very true what you say, it does take all sorts to make the world
Susan H said: Hi Kathy, I'm a bit of a country bumpkin I'm afraid. Cities fill me with horror. Too many people. Too much traffic. Far too much noise. It wouldn't do if we were all the same.