Manor Farm Country Park

Wednesday 30th January 2013

Today's exercise was to be taken geocaching at Manor Farm Country Park near Botley - www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm   As we have recently had even more rain, the footpaths were even more muddy/sloppy/slippy (if that is possible) than I can remember.  I am thinking of auditioning for the next series of Dancing on Ice, as I am now sliding and gliding beautifully on the soft sinking mud- I just need to perfect a spin - no doubt that will come! 

One of the first stops was along the Hamble River.

We then walked along some 'footpaths', please supply your own captions! - These footpaths have widened somewhat.

Even the sheep were walking along squelching mud and water up their legs with each step but it didn't seem to bother them.

We walked 3.5 miles, found 7 caches and saw;

• Buzzard
• Jay
• Grey Squirrels
• Robins (thousands!) - Dogs (thousands)
• Magpies
• Crows
• Wood pigeons
• Blackbirds
• Sheep



Riverside Park - Bitterne Park

Tuesday 29th January 2013

In less than perfect weather we had a quick blast of fresh air and wind at Riverside Park in Southampton.  It was drizzling with rain and there was a coldish wind blowing off of the river Itchen.  Despite this there were a few birds about, swans, black headed gulls, moorhens, coots and mallards. 

Caching - Burley

Monday 28th January 2013

We went geo-caching at Burley in the New Forest this morning.  As usual the forest was waterlogged and muddy but it didn't stop us caching - in fact we found cache number 700 today.  It was a bit nippy walking across the heath and it tried to rain on and off but otherwise it was a good 3 mile walk.  There wasn't anything much to report on the nature notes and observations today apart from more mud and water.

Hawk Conservancy

Sunday 27th January 2013

This afternoon we had a good afternoon at the Hawk Conservancy at Weyhill in Hampshire - www.hawkconservancy.org .  I was surprised that there were a fair few visitors considering we are still in the depths of winter.  We mainly went to see the fantastic birds of prey flying demonstrations.  The seating was out in the open and there was a cold wind so it was a good job we were wrapped up well. The birds flown included, a snowy owl, black kites (about 8 at one time), a harris hawk, a sea eagle and a white headed vulture (with an absolutely massive wingspan). The birds flew over our heads and across a very large open meadow (which apparently in the summer is full of wild flowers).  The demonstration was superb and the lady from the Hawk Conservancy that was commentating gave us lots of facts and background info on the birds.  I can thoroughly recommend a visit. 

RSPB Garden Birdwatch

Saturday 26th January 2013

Today we took part in the RSPB Garden Birdwatch, with fairly good results for us.  This is what we will submit online.

Seen between 9.05 and 10.05am (the most seen at one time of each species).

• 2 Blackbirds
• 9 Wood Pigeons
• 9 Jackdaws
• 5 Starlings
• 1 Rook
• 4 Sparrows
• 1 Dunnock
• 4 Greenfinches
• 1 Great Tit
• 9 Goldfinches
• 3 Blue Tits
• 1 Blackcap
• 1 Pied Wagtail
• 1 Wren
• 1 Chaffinch

Red Legs

Friday 25th January 2013

There has been a pair of red-legged partridges around our housing estate for a few months now and today they came visiting.  They had a look and peck around our back garden and found a good source of kibbled sunflower seeds under the bird feeder.  In the excitement of seeing something so unusual I took a couple of photos - they aren't great but at least it's possible to see what they are.  It gave the wood pigeons something to look at!

Wellies - An Update!

Sunday 20th January 2013

Just an update on my new wellies (bought on January 1st) - they have come into their own in the snow over the last few days - I love them!