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.