Lowther Gardens and Witch Wood

It had rained quite heavily overnight and although no rain fell during the day the trees and woodland leaves remained damp all day.  The sun shone periodically but the dampness remained making it constantly feel like it had only just stopped pouring down.  In my short time birding I have noticed that the moment when the rain breaks and sun seeps through is the time when birds really become active, especially woodland birds.  I only visit Lowther Gardens occasionally whilst out birding, usually looking for some wintering thrushes but have never found it place with much going on (bird wise).  Today I was pleasantly surprised.  I stood in the centre of the crazy golf course just behind the bowling green and took in the activity.  Dozens of Long-tailed Tits moving through along with, Blue Tit's, Great Tits, Chaffinches, Dunnocks, Wrens, Nuthatches, Collared Doves, Wood Pigeons, Blackbirds and Goldfinches.  Okay these are common garden birds but it was the volume (and how close they were) that I found fascinating.
Witch Wood was also a hive of activity.  Again large numbers of Long-tailed Tits moving through, at one point I managed a count of 25.  Jay and Goldcrest also put in an appearance - the place was just teeming with activity.  A truly enjoyable day; no scope, no flask, no rarities, no stress - just boots and bins.

Witch Wood