Stover Country Park in Spring nr Torquay Devon…and the dog problem.

Stover Country Park is one of the many highlights of living in this area. A large lake is surrounded by a forest of tall trees.

Mallard Ducks, Mute Swans And Coots are regular visitors or permanent residents of the lakes.

Here are three additions to the Mallards, Coots and Mute Swans this Spring.

An Indian Runner.

A Chocolate Muscovite.

A Chayuga Duck.

A wooden walkway above the ground was a good spot on the day I visited, for Nuthatches, Robins, Blue Tits, Coal Tits, and Chaffinches.

A small lake held the lovely surprise of a duck family. Most of the ducklings were bright yellow, but there were two tiny brown ones as well. Mum was white with a yellow beak.

The Mute Swans had moved their nest. Their previous nest had been built close to an area where ducks got fed…unfortunately dogs often hurled into the water chasing the ducks. The day we walked the lake the area was empty of water birds. The Swans new nest was well away from the pathway and had a stream going past giving them protection.

Stover is such a lovely place. The only negative is the dog owners disregard for the birds. Notices are placed around the park asking dog owners to keep dogs on a lead. I’ve seen the ducks being chased and one duck family almost killed by two large dogs.

Please dog owners keep your dogs on a lead in this beautiful country park, loved by walkers, photographers and bird & nature lovers.