Lest we forget
The corner of a foreign field that is forever England
Cuckoo
Yellow Wagtail
Turtle DoveAfter weeks of drought, the weather looked a bit threatening when the class was about to start, but we went ahead anyway! The morning started well with a distant Cuckoo heard from the car park. I managed to spot this and ensure everyone managed to find the bird in their binoculars. It was the first Cuckoo one participant had ever heard, whilst another had never seen one before. We then checked an unpromising industrial area, where a Lesser Whitethroat was belting out its unimpressive song. It gave brief views, but wasn’t seen clearly by all participants. We walked past the North Lake & reached a path with reeds to the left of us where Reed Warblers chuntered through their monotonous songs. At this moment there was a brief striking bubbling sound and a female Cuckoo flew away from the reeds giving brief views. A climb up & down a steep incline, which must have once overlooked the Humber, was most noticeable for its butterflies: at least 3 Orange-tips, a Speckled Wood and a Green-veined White. Along the ‘Path of Brian’ 2 Sedge Warblers were heard, and one gave very good views. More Reed Warblers were singing, and a Reed Bunting called briefly. The walk around South Lake resulted in a Great Crested Grebe, but we couldn’t spy the 3 youngsters. We then had a short walk along the old railway line where we saw Linnets, Whitethroats and a very confiding Willow Warbler. Here we also saw 2 Cuckoos following one another, but they were leaving the area we were studying. Long-tailed Tits were heard, but they failed to come into the open. We returned to South Lake for refreshments and another Cuckoo was spotted in a bare Ash tree. This then flew across South Lake, and one participant was able to follow it the whole way with his binoculars. Overall it was a very successful morning with more than 30 species either seen or heard!
Speckled Wood
Whitethroat
Cuckoo
Sedge Warbler
Lesser Whitethroat
A 7.5 mile walk from Kelsey Gardens along local footpaths with an East Riding Council leader.
Booking essential - phone 01482 395321 or online at www.eastriding.gov.uk/events
Adults £2, Children and Over 60's £1.50, Family Ticket £6 (2 adults and 3 children)
Saturday May 7th at 10.30am
Taster Bird watching session with local expert Michael Flowers
Sunday May 15th at 10.30am
Taster Bird watching session with local expert Michael Flowers
For both these events it is essential to book in advance. Phone Ian on 07973909026. There is a small charge.
No dogs please.
Bring your binoculars and learn how to identify the birds around Kelsey Gardens
The second Saturday morning of every month sees the Hull Model Boat Club on South Lake. If you would like to sail your own boat or just watch everyone else you are sure of a warm welcome.
Hot and cold food and drinks are available at all events.
This is John Towle paddling his wooden canoe at Kelsey Gardens recently. John, a carpenter, made the canoe himself. He also makes wooden paddles to order. He can be contacted through his own blog at 
