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......
Kathy, if you haven't seen the ring-necked parakeets, they are here to stay and worth seeing. I have seen them in Windsor great park and Hyde park. I enjoy London for the theatre/ shopping/ art exhibitions etc. but then like to come home to peace and quiet.
Hi Blackbird, I see you like your boats, me and my partner have done a lot of boating, had to give it up for a while until our youngest gets a bit older, we traded the boat in for a caravan for the time being, I have to say it was difficult giving it up, there is nothing like it is there being out on the water, I think once its in your blood thats it , it's got a hold of you and its not letting go. We started off with a 13ft dinghy, then got a little shetland cabin cruiser, but to be honest I prefered the dighy your closer to the water its suprising how different that feels, you probably know what I mean. I did have an embarrasing trip out in the dinghy, it was a warm sunny day, enjoying a bottle of wine, listening to classic fm, passing under the Bridge at wroxam, (you get an awfull lot of people gathering there watching the boats), and there was us in our little dinghy and the next tune to come on the radio, Rule Brittania (brittania rules the waves), I didn't know what to do, should I quickly turn it off or pretend I hadn't noticed, all I will say is I've never been so embarrased.
There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed.
Hi Brenda
Thank you for your recommendation {big smile}
I have mentioned the trip to Dave and he thinks it would be good to see the Ringed Necked Parakeets when their is a lack of foliage on the trees.
They are fast movers so it is not the easiest to see them the best of times.
Yes, London shopping is good, and there are some great places to visit. We go to a wildlife Exhibition once a year and it is another great place to met like minded bird watchers {we have done that already}
Like you say it is a one off trip then your mind closes down to peace and quiet once more.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Unknown said: Kathy, if you haven't seen the ring-necked parakeets, they are here to stay and worth seeing. I have seen them in Windsor great park and Hyde park. I enjoy London for the theatre/ shopping/ art exhibitions etc. but then like to come home to peace and quiet.
Ditto Sparrow! I avoid over crowded towns and cities at all cost! That's why I love to holiday up in Scotland where I might not see another person all day!! Not that I'm at all antisocial!! Lol!!
It doesn sound as though you had a lovely day though Kath! Amazing what wildlife is about even in the busiest of locations! Fortunately there are enough 'green spaces' to accommodate all sorts of creatures! Love the magpie! :-) (Can't see the last pic posted at the mo though...)
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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Hi MarJus
Thank for your reply.
Scotland is beautiful and open. There are lots of Reserves to visit, and the human population is less there than in South England. That is something I do miss, the open space and the scenary. I have to say public commuting in England is easier than Scotland in the long run.
I had a super day out, and it is nice to go to another area which is new and pristine to me and Dave. I am in the midst of making enquiries about Alexandra Park at the moment - love to pop back for a visit or two. It is easy to travel to by public transport too. Lots of interesting birds, and BoP's to be seen.
At Alexandra Park, it was amazing how the Crows and the Magpies got up so close and personal to us, so that makes me think they are fed by members of the public. They are not afraid of people at all. Never experienced the trust in the Crow family like this before.
MarJus: I have reposted the last picture so I hope that you can see it now.
Rockwolf said: Ditto Sparrow! I avoid over crowded towns and cities at all cost! That's why I love to holiday up in Scotland where I might not see another person all day!! Not that I'm at all antisocial!! Lol!! It doesn sound as though you had a lovely day though Kath! Amazing what wildlife is about even in the busiest of locations! Fortunately there are enough 'green spaces' to accommodate all sorts of creatures! Love the magpie! :-) (Can't see the last pic posted at the mo though...)