Woolmer Pond/Forest, 30/04/25

Being the final day of the month, I went down to Woolmer again to see if I could push my month total just a bit higher. I was on 72 and would have liked to get to 75. On the pond, everything usual was again present, although there were no Black-headed Gulls. The two Greylag Geese flew in, and one landed pretty close to the perimeter fence.

Nothing else was on the pond, and the army were set up in the cottage grounds, so I went to look at what was on the field. A Red Kite was on the ground, presumably eating/guarding some prey, but nothing else was there.

I then settled down for some lunch, a not-so-cleverly planned scorching hot tomato soup. Normally, a great idea, but coupled with the immense heat, it didn't work so well! 

Heading into the woods, a Buzzard flew up from the ground, and a Whitethroat was calling. Again, nothing of note turned up there, so I thought I might check the woods behind Range 1. On the way, a Heron flew over, and seemed to be even circling!

A Nuthatch and a Greenfinch were all that was there, but a bit further on, the two Hobbies were again flying about for a while before heading off towards the pond. 

I headed back over to the cottage, but the army were still there, and would be for the rest of my time at Woolmer today. Deciding to try and cover as much ground as possible, I set off in the opposite direction to before, biking towards the side of Woolmer nearer to the A3. One of the Greylags was with some Canada Geese on the pond. 

    All that came from the excursion was a Willow Warbler singing. The flags were then put down, so I went into the forest, up the hill and then down into the middle. Two Woodlark and a Tree Pipit were singing, and after a bit more exploration of the area, all that could be found were a few Stonechat, a circling Raven and a Dartford Warbler. 

Making it back to the cottage, I was at 46 species for the day, but didn't have much hope of 50. Two Stock Doves that flew over were nice, and a Teal was on the pond- 48 now. A Jay flew out over the road, another new one for the day, but I needed to leave, so I had one last look out over the pond, and there it was, my 50th species for the day- the Egyptian Goose. 

Overall, although nothing at all of interest showed up, the long time spent did reflect in the total of 50 species for the day, a tally that is becoming harder as the winter waterfowl move off the pond. Sadly, though, I didn't manage the month total of 75, ending on 73.