Trip reports
Local walk around Cedars & Theobalds Parks, Cheshunt
Green Woodpecker, RSPB Images
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Overnight rain and heavy morning showers did not bode well. But at 9.45 the rain stopped and at 10.05 just as we set off, the sun came out and shone down on us throughout the walk.
The walk started from the picturesque Cedars Park, its extensive parkland and formal gardens have a wide variety of mature trees with an attractive landscaped pond. There is also a small pets' corner and a tea room, which is open from March to November. Historically, the site is best known for its association with James I and Theobalds Palace, which was once a favoured residence of the monarch. Unfortunately, most of the buildings were demolished and the materials sold off, shortly after James's son, Charles I, was defeated by the Parliamentarians in the Civil War.
Further information on Theobalds and Cedars Park can be found on the website: www.theobalds.info/
Now the autumn leaves have fallen it was a little easier to see some of our common woodland birds, such as Great Spotted Woodpecker and Redwing but the highlight of the day, was close views of a delightful Grey Wagtail. This was seen running around and feeding amongst the many puddles that had formed on the footpath. The latter part of the route followed the New River Path, which overlooks large arable fields, that have, for several years now, been a favourite wintering area for flocks of Golden Plover. Alas, the birds had moved on but four species of gull were identified amid the crops and a small flock of Lapwing.
33 species of bird were recorded:
Little grebe, cormorant, grey heron, mallard, pheasant, moorhen, coot, lapwing, common gull, black-headed gull, herring gull, lesser black-backed gull, woodpigeon, green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, meadow pipit, grey wagtail, pied wagtail, wren, robin, blackbird, redwing, mistle thrush, long-tailed tit, blue tit, great tit, magpie, jackdaw, carrion crow, jay, chaffinch, greenfinch and goldfinch.
Other wildlife:
Grey squirrel and rabbit.
Many thanks to Mike for leading this walk.