Allestree Park

Our visit to Allestree Park was bathed in warm autumn sunshine with just a light breeze, perfect for a gentle stroll.

We set off from the car park, proceeding in a clockwise direction around the perimeter of the park, effectively skirting the golf course. The path leading from the car park was through a wooded section comprising of mainly deciduous trees. One or two crows were seen but the woods were generally quiet and still had a full canopy of leaves. A few robins could be heard but were difficult to spot.

Allestree Park lake.

We proceeded along the path until we reached the park lake. All the usual culprits were present, mallard, tufted duck, coot, moorhen, great crested grebe, and a number of black-headed gulls. A lot of the waterfowl looked like they were this years progeny, not having all the distinctive features of their parents. There were a number of tufted duck decoys out on the lake too, presumably there to attract live birds. 

Tufted duck

We carried on around the lake and along a path adjacent to a number of back gardens. This area was much more lively with garden type birds, blue and great tits, starlings, hedge sparrows, robins, jackdaws and blackbirds. A few grey squirrels were also spotted, they looked like they were preparing for winter. There were plenty of fallen seeds about, including sweet chestnuts. 

Carrion crow

Further along we came across a number of magpies, their distinctive grating chatter carried on while we observed them. It looked like two separate families were engaging in a stand off. Eventually we made our way out onto the upper edge of the park, with beautiful commanding views over our green, and very pleasant land. We saw wood pigeons, more magpies, a fleeting glimpse of a grey wagtail, and we spotted common buzzards soaring above the tree line. Every now and again we could hear the distinctive cat like mewing of the buzzards.

Magpie

We eventually found our way around to the golf clubhouse, seeking some refreshment, only to find it was closed. Instead, we decided to go to the nearby Little Eaton garden centre cafeteria, a lovely way to end our visit.

The tally; 18 species

Carrion crow, mallard, coot, tufted duck, great crested grebe, black-headed gull, moorhen, jackdaw, blue tit, great tit, robin, magpie, blackbird, starling, hedge sparrow, grey wagtail, wood pigeon and common buzzard.