Down by the River Chor

[Jed Kirkham]

Talking with David & Keith on Thursday they mentioned the possibility of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the woods of the River Chor, in Astley Pk and behind the MG/Nissan dealerships. I had a mooch around there starting at 0630hrs, down by the River behind the dealerships and at 0645 heard a Woodpecker drum 4 times about 100-150m away N, probably in the park. This one sounded too deep for an LS and there was a slight fade at the end of the drumming too. I didn't hear it drumming again, didn't hear calls, nor see any Woodpeckers. Finished at 0730hrs
Walked up through the park to the pond to check the Mute Swan on its nest. Of note a Dipper in the River approx. 150m from the road.
Other birds, many singing and nest-building: Mistle & Song Thrush, many Nuthatch, Great, Blue, and Coal tits, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Jay, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Dunnock, Wren, Magpie, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. Also on the pond: Canada Geese, Coot, Moorhen and Mallard.