A Family Visit

We took an afternoon family visit to the Mill Lakes because there was an unusual sunny break in the rain. The park was pretty busy, so aside from close views of a streaky juvenile Great Crested Grebe, there wasn't much about. However, the Leen Pastures was quiet, and a Kestrel calling overhead caught our attention. The calling was quite persistent, and closer investigation by ascending the Railway Embankment - a struggle with a three year old on your shoulders - gave better views. As we reached the top the calling reached a crescendo as two juveniles landed on a third on the Golf Course, about fifty meters away. They continued to play, both in flight and on the ground. This included some great flight views at a height level with us, and in play along the rail tracks. An adult male was keeping a close eye on them, and a possible female was seen too. We also flushed a Green Woodpecker along the embankment and down towards the Leen Pastures before returning to the car.