Bins in the Lake

We have had a spate of bins being thrown in the lake every bin near the lake is now in the lake. It once  again mindless vandalism they have thrown rubbish out of the bin all over the paths what sort of pleasure they get from that no one knows

Contractors have been putting in data cables to the cafe and a right cock up they have made of it as you can  see they took the trench right next to the trees cutting the roots so that will do them good. They then worked out they had to go further down the back to get to the cafe so then went at right angles as they will have to pull a cable through the pipe it will be hard work.

 

Happy Xmas to all our readers

Kestrel and other wildlife

We have seen new wildlife in the park this week like the kestrel up near the bandstand and the playing fields.

Latin name

Falco tinnunculus

Family

Falcons and allies (Falconidae)

Where to see them

Kestrels are found in a wide variety of habitats, from moor and heath, to farmland and urban areas. The only places they do not favour are dense forests, vast treeless wetlands and mountains. They are a familiar sight, hovering beside a motorway, or other main road. They can often be seen perched on a high tree branch, or on a telephone post or wire, on the look out for prey.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Small mammals and birds

The Greylag goose was seen for an odd day he did that last year popped in for a short while

Latin name

Anser anser

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Where to see them

Greylag geese are easily seen in lowland areas of the UK all year, sometimes even in suburban parks with lakes but especially on low-lying grassy fields in river valleys. Wild ones, however, are found mostly north of the Solway and can be seen at RSPB nature reserves such as Mersehead (Dumfries & Galloway), Vane Farm (Fife) and Loch of Strathbeg (Grampian) from September to April. Wild breeding greylags can be found at Forsinard (Caithnes & Sutherland).

When to see them

All year round in the south; mostly September to March or April where wild visitors appear in the north.

What they eat

Grass, roots, cereal leaves and spilled grain

A young female Wagtail with a yellow head was very tame around the lake

This is a winter scene at the park with a frozen lake and note all the rubbish thrown on the ice. Over the last couple of weeks we have had more bins in the lake than we have had on land

Swans Return

The swans are laying hide and seek they have not been seen for a few weeks. This week they returned and now they seem to have gone again. So lets hope they are just on their hols and come back for next year.

Friends meeting Monday 10th 5:30 at the lodge

Frozen Lake

 

The first time this year the lake has been frozen I didnt think it had been that cold but it was frozen over today. This brings the problems of kids messing about on the ice like we had last year. There was some young kids stamping on the ice today and its very dangerous if you see anything stupid like this if need be phone the Police before they get killed.

The swans are still missing and have been gone for a few weeks now lets hope they come back soon.

Following on from last year’s work on developing Crewe Park as an educational resource MMU PGCE primary students will be able to undertake a special short project in the New Year.  This will involve students meeting in the park for an introductory visit and talk,by other park staff/friends (Elaine and Linda)to lead this, on Monday 28^th January pm (1-3 approx).  This would then be followed up by students working with a class of children from one of the local schools on Wednesday 30^th January, morning or afternoon  - (perhaps half a group in each session).  The students will have devised science based activities to work on with the children in the park – appropriate to the age range of the children.  This would then have the possibility of being followed up in the school on Monday afternoon 4^th February.  We are hoping that students will produce a scheme of work of which they will have delivered a small part, and make contributions to the Crewe Park website, if you think this is appropriate. 

Xmas Lantern parade

Some yobs have had fun this week throwing every dust bin they can find into the lake and smashing signs I counted at least 5 bins in the lake. The swans have left again but they seem to be going then often returning a few days later

Buzzard in the Park

The bowling hut has had the window ledges put back on after kids had wrecked it it been a while but its all done now.

A  Buzzard  has been around the park this week

Family

Hawks, vultures and eagles (Accipitridae)

Overview

Now the commonest and most widespread UK bird of prey. It is quite large with broad, rounded wings, and a short neck and tail. When gliding and soaring it will often hold its wings in a shallow 'V' and the tail is fanned. Birds are variable in colour from all dark brown to much paler variations, all have dark wingtips and a finely barred tail. Their plaintive mewing call could be mistaken for a cat.

Where to see them

Greatest numbers in Scotland, Wales, the Lake District and SW England, but now breeding in every county of the UK. Found in most habitats particularly woodland, moorland, scrub, pasture, arable, marsh bog and villages. May even be seen in towns and cities including Glasgow. Look for birds soaring over wooded hillsides in fine weather, or perched on fence posts and pylons. In some areas they are known as the tourists’ eagle, often being mistaken for this larger bird of prey.

When to see them

All year round. Birds soar, display and call most in spring.

What they eat

Small mammals, birds and carrion. And even earthworms and large insects when other prey is in short supply.
Autumn In The Park, On Film.
Last Sunday myself, Pretty Little Trio & Sarahs Wedding Exchange put our talents togeather and headed for Queens Park, renowned as one of the finest Parks in the North West. A traditional Victorian Park with 45 acre walkways, band stands, trees, crown green bowling, 4 1/2 acre ornamental lake, grassed areas, memorials and lakeside pavillion. A fantastic Autumn Sunday had by all.

Pink footed Goose

A pink footed goose has been at the park this week its one we havent seen before.

Latin name

Anser brachyrhynchus

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Overview

The pink-footed goose is a medium-sized goose, smaller than a mute swan but bigger than a mallard. It is pinkish grey with a dark head and neck, a pink bill and pink feet and legs. This species does not breed in the UK, but large numbers of birds spend the winter here, arriving from their breeding grounds in Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland. Numbers in England are on the increase, particularly in Norfolk, probably due to better protection at winter roosts.

Where to see them

Large estuaries, such as on the east Scottish coast, The Wash, the Ribble and the Solway, or on surrounding farmland where birds go in the day to feed.

When to see them

They arrive in the UK in October and depart in April.

What they eat

Grain, winter cereals, potatoes and grass.

Many of the trees on the main drive way have been damaged in the same way more mindless vandalism

Bonfire Night

The park has been busy this week with preparation for bonfire night with the bonfire being built out of pallets on the main grass area. Fireworks have been placed on the south side of the lake ready.

Walking around the park this caught my eye on the wall outside over the bridge by the gold club anyone know what its all about let us know

Jax the Alaskan Malamute has decided he owns a bench in the park now. He is now 6 months old and is over 5st and expected to make 6-8 st when full grown as he has a long way to go yet. He loves everyone so its a penny a stroke LOL

Robin ready for Xmas

There has been nothing happening in the park this week a few kids around due to the holidays but as the weather has been cold very few people about. So all we have this week is a squirrel who comes and eats out of your hand. The Robin was out and about and the picture look very Xmasy  just to remind us winter is near with the clocks going back this week its seems more like winter

Bridge repaired

The Main Broadwalk Bridge has now been repaired and fully open lets hope it stays that way.  The Friends AGM took place on Tuesday and the full details can be seen here

We have had some nice days recently considering its October with the last 3 Sundays being sunny. But Autumn is well and truly with use and the scenes change from day to day so we have a few pictures of the best Autumn trees at this time of year

Cormorant returns

The Cormorant has returned to do a spot of fishing this week and perched up high in the trees it does look a bit like a monster from a distance. Also back this week is the Mandarin duck in all its finery. 

The landscape changes daily as Autumn roles on with some nice colours to be seen here its a the tree by the Burma Island bridge

 

Friends of Queens Park
3rd AGM
Tuesday, 16th October 2012
West Lodge, 5.30pm

1 Chairman’s update for last year

2 Secretary's update over last year

3 Treasurer's report for last year

4 Fund Raisers report for last year

5 Fund Raising Position – nominations for position requested

6 Confirmation of Officers – Any changes called for?

 

The meeting will commence with a brief Lottery bid update
followed by AGM only – no other business

We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your support

New Wildlife at the park

Some surprise visitor to the parks wild life this week first the had the cormorant pear this week its not a very good picture as you can see it was throwing it down.

A large and conspicuous waterbird, the cormorant has an almost primitive appearance with its long neck making it appear almost reptilian. It is often seen standing with its wings held out to dry. Regarded by some as black, sinister and greedy, cormorants are supreme fishers which can bring them into conflict with anglers and they have been persecuted in the past. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers. It has been seen a few days fishing in the lake

The Abacot Ranger duck   was originally produced in the UK, was even described in Feathered World's 'Ducks' (1926) - and then disappeared from the UK record. Fortunately for this attractive breed, the Germans developed the 'silver wild-colour' to perfection and maintained the Abacot Ranger or Streicher as a popular breed on the continent until its re-discovery as a distinctive breed in the UK in the 1980s.The ducks are particularly attractive. They have a 'hood' of fawn-buff feathers  (hence the name 'hooded ranger') and a creamy white body beautifully streaked and marked with colour. Like their relatives - the Campbells and Harlequins - they are very good layers. These two appeared this week and are very tame and will eat out your hand.

Autumn roles on and the first tree by the lake is now dropping leaves like mad and other trees are changing colour fast so winter is on its way. Having said that Today Sunday has been lovely as the son was out and you didnt need a coat or a brolly 

The week the rain came down

All we have had this week is rain rain and more rain. On Monday the park was awash the main drain at the bottom of the lake was forcing the grid off as the water gushed out and that's some water flow

The stream in Coronation Walk was going at full belt and it was nice to see it flowing even if we had to get soaked to see it. There has only been a few idiots like me and other dog owners who have to take there dogs out in the park.

The idiots did manage to come to the park and vandalize things of coarse I wonder who it was that wrote all over the band stand any guess? Lewis and Dillion are now banned from the park.

Vandals Strike Again

The Herons have been on site again this week and one is perching in a tree. They often do that but its very rare for them to do it in the park.

We have been hit by vandals again this week when they ripped all the stones off the wall at the bottom of the lake and threw them all in the lake. They then smashed others further up and smashed the stones as well.

Lodge roof repaired

The lodge porch roof had to  be repaired this week after the original contractor went bust and the tiles started falling off as they had stuck them on instead of nailing them on nailing them.The wood has been made for the damaged bridge so that should be repaired in the near future.

An old picture of the lodge

Two Herons on the lake again most of the week with this young one wandering  about a lot not were they normally go

Baby Squirrel Stops work

A crazy time this week when the gardener called me over to help as a baby squirrel had gone inside his mower as he was cutting the grass. How he didnt get cut is a miracle as you can see above he was right inside.

We got him out and he sat on your hand and didnt want to move I had to keep and eye on him while the mowing was finished in case he went under again. Sadly a few days latter we found his body.

The flowers in the main drive are now at there best which is a shame as any time now they have to come up to put in winter bedding. Coronation walk has been tidied up this week as well

Ducks

There has been nothing happening in the park this week. We have had two Herron onsite most of the week one seems to be a baby one as he is landing close to people normally we only see them on the islands. Above he is by the lake at Tipkinder end

The strange duck above is on the lake he is a Mandarin Cross Mallard. Is head is Mandarin while his body is Mallard. Several other duck have been seen this week which havent been seen for a while the include split beak(he has a split beak as the name suggest). Leg puller he grabs the back of your legs if you dont feed him and whistler he makes a strange sound

Autumn is Here

Autumn is on its way the guide is one of the first trees in Crewe to show its here is this one in the park that starts changing colour and its started showing it here. So soon we will have some  Autumn colours in the park.

Herons have been back this week a bit different as two have been here and not staying on the normal island but getting closer to people and landing on the grass which they never normally do. It  look like one may be a young one finding his way around. The one above was on Burma Island and its rare to get close for a photo.

A big fun day this week with lots of crowds in the park for all sort of free activities like climbing, Zorb balls go carts. It was a nice day for once and the park was full 

Bowling Hut

Once again the Bowling hut has come under attack from vandals as they tried to smash the doors down this week. The window is broken and the door locks were also broken as they tried to force the door open. Today there was  tar on the windows. If anyone sees anything Dial 101 and report it straight away while there is still a park standing

It was raining in the park so we sheltered under the bowling hut you have to remember this is a £650,000 hut not a shed from the market. Look at the 4 photos put into one the windows have a big gap under them the wood is splitting like nothing on earth not just little cracks but big uns all over. It not been up that long next time you go take a close look the joins in the wood ar eigdy pigly a kid at school could make better joints. At this rate it will fall down in a short time. if it was a shed you would take it back for a refund. The reason the kids could shack the door is because the bolt hole is to sizes to big so it has lots of play in it. The good old bowlers left it open last night as they couldnt get the door shut Well Done lads