Watch-out for Wildlife at Chandos Park

Egyptian Geese are handsome, slightly dramatic-looking “geese” seen in the park, by the ponds and brook. Surprisingly they are not really geese. They are actually more closely related to ducks (specifically shelducks), but “Egyptian duck” just doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it?

They were considered special in Ancient Egypt, where they showed up in tomb paintings and temple art. They were even linked to the earth god Geb. Unlike many geese, Egyptian geese don’t migrate. Once they find a good spot with water, open grass, and a few safe nesting places, they tend to stick around all year.

They’re also known for being bold. Egyptian geese are protective of their space and won’t hesitate to chase off other birds — even ones bigger than themselves. Instead of building nests on the ground, they’ll use tree cavities, rooftops, or even old nests left behind by other large birds. When the fluffy chicks hatch, they sometimes have to make a brave little leap down to the ground. Don’t worry — they’re built for it and usually bounce back just fine.

You might also notice their striking “eye patches” — those dark brown markings around their eyes look almost like eyeliner. It gives them a slightly theatrical expression that’s hard to miss.

And if you hear loud honking, it’s probably the female — she’s much more vocal than the male, who tends to sound raspier and quieter by comparison.

If you have ever seen a swirling cloud of birds moving like smoke across the sky in the park, you’ve probably been watching Common starling. Here in the UK, they’re one of our most familiar and remarkable birds.

Although they can look black from a distance, starlings shimmer with greens and purples in sunlight, dotted with pale speckles. In autumn and winter, they gather in huge flocks and perform breathtaking murmurations before settling to roost. 

In Britain, many starlings stay all year, especially in towns and cities. But in autumn we’re joined by birds from northern and eastern Europe escaping colder weather — which is why winter flocks can be so large.

They’re noisy and wonderfully musical. Their song is a fast mix of whistles, clicks and rattles, and they’re talented mimics too. In spring, males sing enthusiastically to attract a mate.

Starlings nest in holes — in trees, buildings or nest boxes — lining them with grass and feathers. Their chicks hatch helpless, and both parents work hard bringing insects and worms. Within about three weeks, the young are ready to leave the nest and soon join the growing flocks.

Sadly, starlings have declined in recent decades and are now on the UK’s Red List. So when you hear their chatter or see a murmuration overhead, it’s well worth stopping to enjoy the show.

We’re fortunate to have a nesting pair of Mallards who can sometimes be seen quietly by the brook. They are a shy pair and prefer to keep to the edges, so if you do spot them, watching calmly from a distance helps them feel safe and settled in their chosen home.

Mallards are found all across Britain. Many stay here all year round, but in autumn and winter we’re joined by birds arriving from northern and eastern Europe, escaping colder weather. That’s why numbers can seem higher in the colder months.

The male (drake) is easy to spot with his glossy green head, yellow bill and neat white neck ring. The female is beautifully mottled brown, perfect camouflage while she’s nesting. The classic loud “quack” usually comes from her — the male’s call is much softer and raspier.

In spring, the female builds her nest on the ground, often hidden in long grass, under shrubs or sometimes surprisingly far from the water. She lines it with soft down feathers to keep the eggs warm. Once the ducklings hatch, they leave the nest within a day and follow their mother to water. Mallard chicks are quick learners. They feed themselves almost straight away on tiny insects and plants, but they rely on their mother for warmth and protection. She will guard them fiercely from crows, gulls and other threats. Within a couple of months, the ducklings grow their flight feathers and become independent.

So if you’re walking past the outdoor gym and hear a raucous chatter or see flashes of bright green in the trees, you’re witnessing one of the park’s liveliest residents — bold, noisy, and full of character.

If you hear loud chattering squawk coming from the treetops whilst in the park — that’s probably a Parakeet. These bright green parakeets have made themselves at home in towns and parks across southern England, including ours. They don’t migrate, so once they find a good patch of trees, they stay all year round.

The males are easy to spot with their glossy green feathers, red beaks, and the thin black ring around their necks. Females and young birds are slightly duller, but equally lively. Their calls are loud and unmistakable — a mix of screeches, squawks, and constant chatter that carries across the park.

In spring, parakeets look for holes in old trees to nest in, and sometimes that leads to funny little disputes. Our outdoor gym area, with its trees nearby, is a popular spot, and visitors have often noticed them quarreling with squirrels over who gets the best nest hole. The parakeets are bold and persistent, while the squirrels are equally determined — it’s a noisy little battle high in the branches!

Once the eggs hatch, both parents work hard feeding the chicks a mix of seeds and fruit. The young parakeets grow quickly and leave the nest in about six to eight weeks, ready to join the local flock and explore the park.

White egrets are elegant, long-legged wading birds that are occasionally seen in local parks, particularly near ponds, lakes or slow-moving streams. In the UK, the species most commonly observed are the Little Egret and increasingly the Great Egret, both of which have expanded their range in recent decades.

Egrets feed mainly on small fish, amphibians, insects and crustaceans. They hunt patiently, standing still in shallow water before striking quickly with their sharp bills. In parks, they may also forage along grassy banks for worms and small invertebrates.

During the breeding season, egrets develop delicate ornamental plumes on their backs, which play a role in courtship displays. Males typically choose a nesting site and perform displays to attract a mate, stretching their necks and raising their plumes. Once paired, both parents help build the nest.

Egrets usually nest in colonies, often high in trees near water, sometimes alongside herons or cormorants. The nest is a simple platform of sticks. The female lays several eggs, and both parents share incubation duties. After hatching, the chicks are fed regurgitated fish and are carefully guarded until they are strong enough to fledge.

Migration patterns vary. Some egrets in Britain remain year-round, particularly in milder southern areas, while others may disperse or move southwards in winter. Their increasing presence in local parks reflects broader changes in climate and habitat, allowing these striking white birds to become a more familiar sight than they once were.

Wood pigeons are among the most familiar birds in local parks across the UK. Larger and bulkier than feral pigeons, they are recognised by their soft grey-pink colouring, white neck patches and bright white wing flashes that show clearly in flight.

Feeding: They feed mainly on seeds, grains, leaves and buds. In parks they are often seen quietly grazing on lawns, nibbling grass shoots and clover, or searching beneath trees for fallen seeds. Their ability to digest tougher plant material helps them thrive year-round in both urban and rural areas.

Nesting: Their nests are simple, rather flimsy platforms of twigs placed in trees, hedges or thick shrubs. Despite looking sparse from below, they are usually strong enough to support the eggs and growing chicks. Wood pigeons can breed over a long season, often raising several broods from early spring through summer.

Mating and Courtship: Males perform a distinctive display flight, rising steeply before gliding down with wings spread. On branches, they puff out their chest feathers, bow and coo softly to attract a mate. Pairs are generally monogamous for the season and sometimes longer.

Eggs and Chicks: The female usually lays two white eggs. Both parents share incubation, which lasts just under three weeks. After hatching, the chicks are fed “crop milk,” a nutrient-rich secretion produced by both parents. As they grow, this is mixed with softened seeds. The young typically leave the nest at around four weeks old.

Calls and Movement: Their gentle, rhythmic cooing — often heard echoing through parks — is one of the most recognisable bird calls. In much of the UK they are resident all year, though numbers can increase in autumn when migrants from northern Europe arrive.

Adaptable and calm around people, wood pigeons are now a constant presence in many green spaces, adding movement and soft birdsong to the everyday park landscape.

When you are in the park, you will almost certainly spot the Eastern grey squirrel scurrying up trees or leaping between branches. Introduced from North America in the 19th century, these clever little mammals are now a familiar part of UK parks.

Grey squirrels are busy year-round, but you’ll see them most in the mornings and late afternoons. They spend a lot of time gathering food, especially in autumn when they bury nuts and seeds for later. Their bushy tails help them balance and even act like a parachute when they jump between branches.

Spring is an exciting time in the park, as squirrels begin their courting season. Males chase females through the trees, performing acrobatic leaps and chases to show off their strength and agility.

Squirrels are also a little feisty. Near the outdoor gym and tree areas, they’re sometimes seen squabbling with parakeets over nesting holes, making the trees a noisy place of playful disputes.

Female squirrels build nests, called dreys, in tree forks or dense branches. They usually have two litters a year, with the babies staying in the nest for about six weeks before venturing out with their mother to learn climbing, jumping, and foraging.