A Visit to Verulamium Park

4th November 2026

Getting near the start of the birding winter so time for a visit to Verulamium Park to see what was going on. First stop was the river Ver by the main lake and boating lake in search of Kingfishers, but no luck there. However, I did stumble across a rather smart Grey Wagtail by the bridge by the boating lake, so grabbed a few shots. What stunning birds!!!

I then checked the River Ver further downstream where it runs south of the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub, but still drew a blank. So no Kingys today, although I am aware that a couple have been seen over the last few days.

So now for the long haul up the slope to The Cathedral to see if the Peregrines are still in residence. All I can say is it is lucky I am still young and fit.................well, one out of two ain't bad!!!! The Peregrines were indeed in residence, but the light was a bit challenging.

They do like an overflow pipe.................

.....................and a sheltered ledge....................

.....................and another overflow pipe.....................

...........................and somewhere to eat your dinner. Not much left of this prey item!!!!!

Well, at least the Peregrines are in residence and will hopefully produce more falconets in the spring. The presence of Kingfishers varies each year so hopefully still time for one or two individuals to set up a winter territory on the River Ver and perform for all.