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A walk around Priory Park. Bedford – 13th December 2009
At the weekend Dave and I had a fabulous walk around Bedford for some fresh air, and time together, and a bit of bird watching in our local area. It was sunny and bright so it was the perfect day for a bit of exercise, and a two hour walk.
We set off from the house, and headed towards Barkers Lane (near the allotments). Dave wanted to show me the short cut to the back of Tesco’s (now I do not need to go along the busy Goldington Road when I need to go to Tesco so that is a blessing)
Once at Barkers Lane, we walked along the public footpath we could see it was a great little gem of a haven for birds. I have never seen so many House Sparrows in my life. The dense edges by the public footpath where full of Sparrows chirping, along with Blackbirds, Robins, Magpies, Starlings, and a lot of Finches. A Flock of Long Tailed Tits moves along the head playing follow my leader with Blue tits There was an endless tinkling of Goldfinches as they flew overhead in the sky, and landed in the nearest Trees. Two Collared Doves decide to cuddle up to each other while sitting in a bough of a tree.
We made our way to Tesco, then continued walked along Riverside Drive and we headed towards Priory Park. We wanted a cup of coffee, and a sit down at Priory Marine Beefeater. Just as we made our way into the car park another flock of Long Tailed Tits fluttered about in the Tree right above our heads.
We then made our way along one of the trails at Priory Park and took a few pictures of various berries that I will post in a separate thread for ID purposes. Some Fungus was growing on the bark of an old Tree stump.
Once at Priory Park close to the Boating Lake we noted that a few birds where around including immature and mature Black Headed Gulls (one gull had a ring on), Canada Geese, Mallards, and Mute Swans. A Cormorant flies past us over the surface of the river. It flew very low, its flight looked more laboured for that reason. We took some pictures of the Gulls, as they stood in a row at the edge of the Great River Ouse. We took an assortment of other pictures.
Once two hours passed by, we made our way back home as we had other things to do. We went out in the car to do some weekly shopping and as we reached the junction at the end of the A428 (St Neot's Road). I looked at the embankment, and there was a Buzzard sitting on the grass. It looked as if it had caught something, and was eating it. Wow if only I was walking and had my camera at the same time {wishing here a whole lot}. Now that would have made a great photo.
Anyway it was a productive day, and I really enjoyed my walk about a whole lot. I will repeat this trip anytime as it is very enjoyable to be out and about in the countryside.
Pictures to follow
Pictures 1,2 and 3 Canada Geese
Pictures 4 and 5 Moor Hen
Picture 6, 7 and 8 Black Headed Gull
Note Picture 6 Black Headed Gull has metal ring
Note picture 8 is an immature Black Headed Gull
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Thanks Kathy, once again lovely photograghs and account of your walk. I have never seen a gull which has been ringed, so that is a new one for me. I especially like the photo of immature Black Headed Gull, which shows the feathers so clearly but as you know I love sea birds, wadersetc.
Another splendid report Kathy and great photos too!! Always good to go for a local walk!!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Brilliant report, Kathy, and those are wonderful pictures.
Warning! This post contains atrocious spelling, and terrible grammar. Approach with extreme edginess.
Hi Brenda
Thank you for your kind comments. I have never seen a ringed Gull either so it is a bit more unusual - the ringing must have been done when the bird was a chick.
THe picture of thr immature BHG looks so different to the mature BHG adult so it just goes that gulls are not the easiest subject at the best of times.
Hi MarJus
Thank you for your kind remarks about my report
Hi Heron
Thank you so much for your compliaments.
Really appreciated everyone.