A last minute query...

[Big Rob]

I'm off to London tomorrow for some birding, and at the moment all I know for certain is that I'll be doing the Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens area. Does anyone have any suggestions as for good places to go that I can get to on the tube/buses? Cheaper the better really, as I'm currently feeling the pinch!

Cheers.

[shrikebirder]

WWT- bittern and others (london birders)

[Thing]

However, WWT does cost to get into (£8?) if you are not a member.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens is popular for many anyway...

[Londonbirder]

Crossness Nature Reserve has all year round Squacco Herons and waders.

[London Birder]

Crossness Nature Reserve has all year round Squacco Herons and waders.

All year round Squacco Herons? Care to elaborate?

[Londonbirder]

Look at this London Birder (it's about the Squacco Heron): Click Here (http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/crossness-squacco.html)

[London Birder]

yep, I know a Squacco Heron (singular) was there, I was the bloke who relocated it; far from being present year-round it was present for about a week and a half

[Big Rob]

Ha, I think if they were all year round, I'd definately be heading off there this week!

[Nick Tanner]

you could always try for the Ring-billed Gull on the Isle of Dogs if your trip coincides with low tide, mid morningish: after an eyeful of owls in Kensington Gardens leave the park and take the Central Line tube from Lancaster Gate to Bank, then take a Docklands Light Railway train from Bank to Island Gardens, turn left outside the station and take the first right after about 100 yards by the church, this is Glenaffric Avenue; at the end you will see a slipway, take the path to the left of this and follow it to the raised viewing area, the RBG has been reliably loafing on the foreshore here for the past few weeks

Nick

[Big Rob]

Cheers Nick, I may well have a look if I make it in tomorrow. Does anyone know if the Owls are visible throughout the day, or just early morning time (if at all)? Obviously, the one time I found the tree, there was nothing to be seen, so I'm unsure as to when they appear, and probably can't get into London until half 10 at the earliest.

[Big Rob]

Loads of issues today meant I couldn't get out anywhere birding, most interesting thing I saw was a Greenfinch on the way to a meeting! Hopefully will get to have another try on Sunday.