FORT HENRY at EXTON
with TERRY MITCHUM
Saturday 8th March 9.30am
TWELVE members assembled on a sunny spring morning by the higher of these attractive lakes dating from the 18th century. On the top lake were several Gadwall, Tufted Ducks and Coot plus a pair of Mute Swans and a Grey Heron. Red Kites were overhead present our visit, giving close views as they soared low overhead.
Making our way south on the footpath along the eastern side of lower lake A Barn Owl nest box on a large Beech tree was pointed out. This has been used by Kestrels in the last two years. More wildfowl were seen including 140 Wigeon, 30 Gadwall, several Tufted Ducks, 17 Mute Swans and two pairs of Greylag Geese. A pair of Little Grebes played hide-and-seek, with everyone eventually seeing these delightful visitors. Buzzard and Sparrowhawk were added to the raptor list along with a Kestrel, perched on a dead tree brought down by winter storms. A singing Reed Bunting was found and several Mallard were flushed from the North Brook by the moat of the lost village of Horn.
Returning past a young plantation on the western side of lower lake, the extensive recent hedge planting across the estate was noted before we entered the mature woodland by Fort Henry, an 18th century stone-built summerhouse. Here we heard Coal Tit and Chiffchaff with a vocal Raven, seen in flight, and a singing Treecreeper, watched as it flitted from tree to tree. After a pleasant walk in unseasonally mild weather the group dispersed at 11.30am.