Cuerden Valley Park - 31st October 2009

A dawn walk with the dogs up to Cuerden Valley Park saw nothing out of the ordinary but a great variety across the area. Thrushes were around in various numbers with 2 flocks of Redwing 25+ and a small flock of Song Thrush and a few odd ones scattered around. The usual Tit flocks moving around though no sign of any Long-Tailed, Siskin 10+ up by the main lake and Bullfinch and Chaffinch near the M6 bridge. Robin and Wren numbers were quite high as well as a large flock of Goldfinch and the odd Dunock. Corvids were also around in numbers mostly due to the large evening roost in the woods, Rook, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie and a single Jay showing across the park. The Tawny Owl was calling for the second time this week when I visited last night and 2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker were showing well together in the woods this morning. 3 Roe Deer in one of the paddocks and a total count of 8 Grey Squirrel in various parts of the park also 2 Great Crested Grebe in winter plumage along with the usual Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and single Canada Goose on the lake.