Petworth House

On our second day staying with Wendy and Michael we drove out to Petworth House (yes, another midweek national trust visit!!). The house itself is really good, with an excellent interactive guide. Rather than the usual headphones with a droning voice you get an iphone in a case and a series of videos explaining the house, its history and artefacts. Not just one actor but lots of the local experts as well. Best example I think I've seen of the type.
In the gardens there were the usual cc's etc in the bushes, as well as a pair at least of spotted flycatchers showing very well.

The extensive park had deer although they never got close. The lake was good for hirundines, mainly swallows but also house martins and a very few sand martins, feeding up before heading off south. The rather autumnal feel to the weather fitted the first few mushrooms of the season, including this large set on a rotting old stump, looking a bit like Yorkshire puddings.

Oh, and we had another cream tea!!