Scarlet Elf CupThis week's trip to Golden Acre Park was a popular one with a nearly full minibus meeting up with 4 cars. We started the day by walking to Paul's pond. Some of the group had not been here for many years and were pleasantly surprised at how it had been developed. Our leader Marilyn set an unusually fast pace for BEES and some of us were lagging behind looking at fungi. Our first and best fungi of the day was the scarlet elf cup. We also noted turkeytail, lumpy bracket and dead man's fingers. On our return leg from the pond there was a shower but it wasn't heavy or prolonged and it didn't spoil the day and once this passed we did get some sunny spells. 
Snowdrops
Most of the group then made their way to Adel Dam Nature Reserve where we tarried in the first hide for lunch. We saw a good range of birds including mandarin, nuthatch and greater spotted woodpecker. A lone rat also put in an appearance under the bird feeders. The path to the second hide was very muddy and only the most intrepid chose to brave the conditions. 
Mandarins
In the afternoon the group dispersed - some wandered around the park and spent time in the cafe, some sat and chatted in the sun and others went on a bird hunt. A red kite and a buzzard were sighted. There were numerous tufted duck on the lake as well as greylags and mallards. Redwing were seen on the periphery of the park along with goldfinch and mistle thrush. A jay was also spotted.
The first celandine of the year was noted and there were beautiful displays of snowdrops.
A lovely early Spring day out. Sue