December

I had another superb day's wildlife spotting at Willsbridge today, 17th December.

I joined my pal Jerry in the park just after 10am, and armed with cameras and long lenses we headed to the north eastern end, dropping nuts and seeds on the fence posts. The usual bluetits, great tits and the resident male robin soon put in an appearance. We walked along the path to St Anne's church car park where there is a large weeking willow. There is often plenty of bird activity around this area and we were immediately rewarded with several goldfinches and a bullfinch. Just about to head back, we spotted a treecreeper climbing the trunk of the willow.

Walking back towards Willsbridge we saw a songthrush and several dunnocks. Dropping more nuts and seeds on the posts on the way back, we had to chase away a rather cheeky squirrel to prevent it hoovering up the bird food.

Continuing along past the quarry, we saw a great spotted woodpecker. Keeping quiet, we watched it for several minutes until it gradually drifted northwest up the hill.

I said to Jerry "A treecreeper and GS woodpecker. What a great morning. All we need now a grey wagtail and a dipper to round it off."

Jerry's comment was "Of all the places we go to see wildlife, we get the best variety at Willsbridge, and it's even better because we can get close." And I think this is one of Willsbridge's strengths. Because it is a suburban reserve with regular walkers then the wildlife has become accustomed to people.

As if to order, the grey wagtail appeared, darting over the roof tiles of Mill Cottage, and we also saw a single dipper in the brook between the garden and Willsbridge Hill.

Finally, as I left Jerry at the Long Beach Road car park, I walked home along the path adjacent to the car park and spotted a tiny goldcrest in the trees. A wildlife reserve is really something special when even the car park has something to offer!

Cheers,
Mike.