London Birding.

[London Birder]

Much the same as other recent threads, thought I'd start this one for the London recording area (20 miles in every direction from St. Pauls Cathedral) ... sightings, info exchange, site gen etc ...

sightings from yesterday (May 25th) include:

*possible Great White Egret (not confirmed nor relocated) east over Chafford Hundred at 06.51hrs.

*Osprey south over The Wetland Centre at 11.20hrs.

*Garganey at Valentines Park.

[paulwfromtheden]

Much the same as other recent threads, thought I'd start this one for the London recording area (20 miles in every direction from St. Pauls Cathedral) ... sightings, info exchange, site gen etc ...

sightings from yesterday (May 26th) include:

*possible Great White Egret (not confirmed nor relocated) east over Chafford Hundred at 06.51hrs.

*Osprey south over The Wetland Centre at 11.20hrs.

*Garganey at Valentines Park.

Hobby on Beddington SF last night
Greenshank on Beddington SF last night

[Gavin Haig]

Nice one, Des. About time too.

Look forward to being gripped off wholesale on my old stamping ground. Since I've moved there have been Waxwings just by my old house (doubtless in or over the garden!) and the recent Staines Bluethroat was quite painful.........

[London Birder]

Nice one, Des. About time too.

Look forward to being gripped off wholesale on my old stamping ground. Since I've moved there have been Waxwings just by my old house (doubtless in or over the garden!) and the recent Staines Bluethroat was quite painful.........

you're not wrong Gavin, couldn't get out for it myself and still need the beasty for London ..

edit: one or two faces you may recognise in this Gavin, from a small soiree we decided to have last Saturday >

http://www.piczo.com/londonbirders?cr=6&rfm=y

[London Birder]

the Valentines Park Garganey is now thought to be an escapee !

not sure why

[POP]

the Valentines Park Garganey is now thought to be an escapee !

not sure whyMy dear boy are you sure that the people in the picture are not the escapees,rather than the bird.

POP

[London Birder]

good quezzie POP ... I suppose said Garganey must be ringed or some such, don't remember any wildfowl collection there when RN Duck turned up ...

good site for LSW's

[Andrew]

.......yesterday (May 26th)..........
Oh dear, lost a day. Dunno where I am these days! ;)

[London Birder]

did that to see if you were paying attention ..

[Gavin Haig]

My dear boy are you sure that the people in the picture are not the escapees,rather than the bird.

POP
Indeed!! Can't believe that any of this bunch of obvious reprobates could possibly be a birder. Where are their Barbour jackets??

Can't say I recognise any, officer, the light wasn't too good. 3:-)

[London Birder]

yeah pretty messed up looking bunch huh, sobriety reigned all too briefly ..

[London Birder]

May 28th.
*Totteridge Valley > 3 Red Kite NE 09.05hrs.
*Finchley > Red Kite west 18.53hrs.
*Ingrebourne Valley > m Garganey.

May 29th.
*Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve > Golden Oriole.
*Warlingham > Red Kite west 08.12hrs.

[adw73uk]

Great thread - keep it coming, very useful for newcomers like me....... Full name of site would be useful though (if it's not a secret) - e.g. where is Beddington SF, Warlingham etc...

[Grousemore]

Great thread - keep it coming, very useful for newcomers like me....... Full name of site would be useful though (if it's not a secret) - e.g. where is Beddington SF, Warlingham etc...

...you'd be better off not knowing (bandit-country) ;)

[London Birder]

plus it's hard birding in top hats and fog you couldn't see a Zebra in at 10ft

edit: adw, the kites were just flyovers but if you want site gen for anything on the deck let me know, I don't even charge much!

[paulwfromtheden]

Great thread - keep it coming, very useful for newcomers like me....... Full name of site would be useful though (if it's not a secret) - e.g. where is Beddington SF, Warlingham etc...

http://www.diporglory.co.uk/ for Beddington SF, best place near me a by a country mile.

[London Birder]

a quiet few days ...

June 1st.
*Yellow-legged Gull > a 2nd-s at the Wetland Centre ..

smattering of waders elsewhere, nothing earth shattering ..

[London Birder]

June 3rd.
*Red Kite > north over Dagenham 10.10hrs.
June 4th.
*Montagu's Harrier > at Rainham Marshes, not heard much more on detail as yet, think it's a fem.

[DJW]

Birdguides reported a Nightjar churring and showing well in Teddington last night!!

Regards

Dave

[London Birder]

June 6th.

*Monty's reported again this a.m. from Rainham ...

[London Birder]

June 6th.
*Nightjar > reported for its 10th day (approx) from Cromwell Road, Teddington. Showed well on the evening of the 6th from 10pm, churring, wing-clapping, flying around observers, landing on cars and road and hawking insects under street lamps (lampost no: 120 is a favoured spot).

June 7th.
*Red Kite > 5 over Leyton (no time component yet).
*Nightjar > again this evening, as above .. churring from 9.11pm then showing well in flight and perched from 9.20pm.

[adw73uk]

June 7th.
*Red Kite > 5 over Leyton (no time component yet).


Is that 5(!) red kites over Leyton?

[London Birder]

sure is ...

[esmondb]

June 6th.
*Nightjar > reported for its 10th day (approx) from Cromwell Road, Teddington. Showed well on the evening of the 6th from 10pm, churring, wing-clapping, flying around observers, landing on cars and road and hawking insects under street lamps (lampost no: 120 is a favoured spot).

June 7th.
*Red Kite > 5 over Leyton (no time component yet).
*Nightjar > again this evening, as above .. churring from 9.11pm then showing well in flight and perched from 9.20pm.
http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/96032/sort/1/cat/500/page/1

[London Birder]

interesting pic Esmond, may be worth letting Dom Mitchell have a copy for the LBR ...

[paulwfromtheden]

interesting pic Esmond, may be worth letting Dom Mitchell have a copy for the LBR ...

Kingfisher Beddington SF 8/6/06
5xLRP Beddington SF 8/6/06
2xmale Ruddy Duck Beddington SF 8/6/06
2xCommon Tern Beddington SF 8/6/06

Couldn't see the Hobbys though or the LEO that has been seen (but I'm a bit dubious about that anyway)

[esmondb]

One more for those who were there tonight

http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/96147

[London Birder]

showing well tonight, as can be seen from above!

[London Birder]

June 9th.

*Spoonbill > Rainham Marshes, reserve open 10-4pm on Sat.
*Common Crane > NW over Tower Hamlets at 1.50pm.

[London Birder]

June 10th.

*Spoonbill > Walthamstow Res; colour-ringed; appears to be the Rainham bird relocated.
*Nightjar > Teddington bird still showing well to all-comers.

[London Birder]

June 11th.
*Great White Egret > north over Archway at 4.30pm (also Red Kite over earlier).

June 12th/13th/14th
*Nightjar > Teddington bird still present, showing well

[London Birder]

June 17th.

*Spoonbill > recent bird refound again at Walthamstow Res (East Warwick) between 12.15 and 3pm at least.
*Nightjar > still available.

[London Birder]

June 18th 2006.

*Spoonbill > present again and showing well on East Warwick island, Walthamstow Reservoirs (to 16.00hrs at least).

[London Birder]

June 19th 2006.

*Avocet > pair with four young at London Wetland Centre .. only the second time this species has successfully bred in the London area :t:

[Gavin Haig]

Des - how about getting a bit of a blog going on this thread (if you have the time)?? I, for one, would enjoy reading the ups and downs of Inner London birding. Bet I'm not alone...........

Been birding in Hyde Park once that I can remember - looking for a reported Alpine Swift (mid-80's?). Didn't see it, of course. Didn't see anything in fact.....

[London Birder]

thought about doing it Gavin as posting my latest Greylag count here would probably see me ostracised, bit grimly quiet at HPKG currently and the lads at Regents already have one up and running, may blog HPKG come autumn though ... very few others watch IL unfortunately ... don't even remember that swift being reported!

[Gavin Haig]

.....may blog HPKG come autumn though ... very few others watch IL unfortunately ... don't even remember that swift being reported!
Hope you do....look forward to it......

Found the Alpine Swift reference in tattered notebook:

'Tues. May 4th, 1985 Hyde Park

Weather: W with very heavy continuous rain! (19:45 - 20:30)

Abortive search for prob. Alpine Swift seen at lunch time! Nothing else of note here.

Swift c.20
House Martin 6+
Swallow 3 or 4'

An inspirational visit! I'd forgotten about the weather - no chance really, eh?!

[Andrew]

I'd follow the blog too Des.

[London Birder]

ta for this detail Gavin, certainly passed me by ... I'll let RFS have it at some point just out of interest with your permission (local stalwart, he compiles the central Royal Parks reports bar Regent's, wrote a worthy 'pull-together the strings' avifauna on the site some 10 years back featured in some Max Nicholson London birdy memoirs) ... as for the record, I suppose one could turn up there as easily as any London site, I'll probably score one before Whinchat! ... the heath bird this spring was hardly a million miles away ... *sigh*


Hope you do....look forward to it......

Found the Alpine Swift reference in tattered notebook:

'Tues. May 4th, 1985 Hyde Park

Weather: W with very heavy continuous rain! (19:45 - 20:30)

Abortive search for prob. Alpine Swift seen at lunch time! Nothing else of note here.

Swift c.20
House Martin 6+
Swallow 3 or 4'

An inspirational visit! I'd forgotten about the weather - no chance really, eh?!

[Gavin Haig]

Can't recall who gave me the the gen at the time, but guess would be either AVM, PN or the late RBH....no idea who the original observer was, probably some jogger with sweat in his eyes. Sounds like string anyway, especially as I didn't see it!

Only reason I would have tried for it, despite extremely unpromising weather, was because I was trying for a London Year List. London traffic is a big hairy dissuader when it comes to twitching in the Smoke.........

[London Birder]

Can't recall who gave me the the gen at the time, but guess would be either AVM, PN or the late RBH....no idea who the original observer was, probably some jogger with sweat in his eyes. Sounds like string anyway, especially as I didn't see it!

Only reason I would have tried for it, despite extremely unpromising weather, was because I was trying for a London Year List. London traffic is a big hairy dissuader when it comes to twitching in the Smoke.........

well, there's no other reason to be on that site as you will see if you follow > http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/HPKG/
.. you asked for it

[Gavin Haig]

well, there's no other reason to be on that site as you will see if you follow > http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/HPKG/
.. you asked for it
Can only get better!! 3:-)

[London Birder]

lol .. harsh ... very harsh

[Jos Stratford]

well, there's no other reason to be on that site as you will see if you follow > http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/HPKG/
.. you asked for it

Go for it Des, darn good read, even if no darn good birds :))

[Andrew]

Looking forward to the first bird.

What are the odds before Des cracks and starts with Feral Pigeon? ;)

[London Birder]

what's acheivable with a little intelligent habitat creation >

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/5103034.stm

not bad for a site not much more than a stones throw from Big Ben ..

[Grousemore]

not bad for a site not much more than a stones throw from Big Ben ..

...are you an Estate Agent by any chance?

Good news though, used to visit regularly and saw some good birds there.

[London Birder]

...are you an Estate Agent by any chance?

not even in a former life, though I've come close ...

[London Birder]

a reasonably quiet few days ..

June 25th.
*Black-necked Grebe > 3 on north basin of Staines Res.

June 26th.
*Black-necked Grebe > 3 on north basin of Staines Res.
*[Eagle Owl] > a ringed bird in a private garden in Thornton Heath.

[London Birder]

June 28th and 29th.
*Black-necked Grebe > still 3 on the north basin of Staines Res on both dates ...

bring on the waders ..

[colonelboris]

June 28th and 29th.
*Black-necked Grebe > still 3 on the north basin of Staines Res on both dates ...

bring on the waders ..

Not sure I believe you...
Last time I was informed of those b***ers being at Staines res, I decided to have a look and there wasn't one of the b***ers in sight...
And it cost me £9.00 on the train from Blackwater, only some 15 miles away - that's almost a taxi fare! :storm:

[London Birder]

such is life ..

[colonelboris]

I may be about in London in the next month or so with some time to spare - any suggestions on somewhere interesting and easy for the tube where I can do a bit of spotting?

[London Birder]

'spose I'd recommend the Wetland Centre at Barnes (£7+ entrance fee, tube to Hammersmith then short bus ride), don't really like the place myself but it is a nice site with usually a fair bit to see .. by next month it should have a nice array of waders

[colonelboris]

Thanks!
Don't know how things'll be next month - any recommendations for somewhere free as well?

[London Birder]

maybe one of the West London reservoirs to luck in on waders .. or if you fancy a bit of birdfinding in an excellent and criminally underwatched area try yomping around Thamesmead in SE London (hard area to work however) but stacks of potential (will be working it like a nutter next year myself) ...

[adw73uk]

maybe one of the West London reservoirs to luck in on waders .. or if you fancy a bit of birdfinding in an excellent and criminally underwatched area try yomping around Thamesmead in SE London (hard area to work however) but stacks of potential (will be working it like a nutter next year myself) ...

I live very close to Thamesmead and though I keep meanig to give it a go I always find myself heading further up the Thames estuary. This post has given me the kick I need to try it out when I have a bit of free time later on this summer.

I'll let you know how I get on...........

[London Birder]

adw73uk ..... do it, I urge you ... from Tripcock Park east to Crossness NR (and outfall) and Erith Marshes, there's more 'quality' occurs there then ever gets found, of that I'm convinced ..

[London Birder]

July 2nd.

*Red Kite > north over Rainham Marshes at 09.10hrs and (possibly the same bird) over the silt lagoons at 10.25hrs.

[London Birder]

July 13th.

*Black-necked Grebe > 4 at Staines Res.
*Little Egret > 10 in the Ingrebourne Valley and a single at East India Dock Basin.
*Buzzard sp > N over Alexandra Park at 15.30hrs.

[MSA]

maybe one of the West London reservoirs to luck in on waders .. or if you fancy a bit of birdfinding in an excellent and criminally underwatched area try yomping around Thamesmead in SE London (hard area to work however) but stacks of potential (will be working it like a nutter next year myself) ...

Must say I admire anyone who works any of the London parks regularly - I recall going to see a Pied-billed Grebe at (I think it was ) South Norwood, and received a mixture of looks ranging from people who thought I was a nutter to those who would cut my hand off to nick my ring! Mind you, I was suited and booted (had a few clients in the city in those days).

[London Birder]

the parks can turn up some real surprises, not least that PB Grebe which was ridiculously viewable ... but you need to be handy with the fisticuffs just in case ;-) hardest birders in the land

[colonelboris]

One day, I'll have to come up to Staines Res again (quite a walk from the Station...) and have a look for those grebes...
Saw a load of those ring-necked parakeets there last time - more common than wood pigeons and magpies in those parts.

[paulwfromtheden]

Black Tailed Godwits on Beddington SF, Hobby showing well yesterday.
Saw two Red Kites last week-end, a first for Beddington SF as far as I'm aware.

[London Birder]

One day, I'll have to come up to Staines Res again (quite a walk from the Station...) and have a look for those grebes...
Saw a load of those ring-necked parakeets there last time - more common than wood pigeons and magpies in those parts.

if ever you fancy a jolly out that way Tony give me a shout, hate the place myself as I always seem to be greeted with horizontal rain but by God it's turned up some nice bits and bobs ... if you think there's a few parakeets round that way you should try Esher Rugby Club where they number 1,000's ... literally.

[London Birder]

for any London lurkers (or others) ... London Birders Bevvy this coming Tuesday (18th) at Met Bar adjoining Baker Street underground from c.5pm onwards, much frivolity guaranteed, good beer as well.

[colonelboris]

if ever you fancy a jolly out that way Tony give me a shout, hate the place myself as I always seem to be greeted with horizontal rain but by God it's turned up some nice bits and bobs ... if you think there's a few parakeets round that way you should try Esher Rugby Club where they number 1,000's ... literally.

Staines Res is a fair way from a decent cafe... Only been once and it was ridiculously sunny for January day, so I ended up boiling in my old RAF gretcoat (never been in the RAF, just got it to cope with the rain in Glasgow...)
I've got Monday-Wednesday off next week - is that any good?

[London Birder]

see how I'm fixed but next week a bit iffy as littleun breaks up from school, maybe a run out later in the autumn when it fills up with waders?

[colonelboris]

Sounds good.

[London Birder]

July 17th.

*Great White Egret > Rainham Marshes, viewable from seawall ... later relocated to Berwick Reservoir, Berwick Ponds Road to 7.55pm when it flew of NE.

*Marsh Harrier > Rainham Marshes.

*Caspian Tern > unconfirmed report of one present on the main lake at The Wetland Centre before leaving the site toward the SE (don't know time component yet).

[dbradnum]

Time of Caspian Tern was 1035.

Hoping the GWEgret will stick - I may be able to get down there tonight. If I do, then I'll be spending some time checking the river for any large, carrot-billed flypast terns...

[London Birder]

was hoping the same for a run out tomorrow, seen heading off tonight, hopefully refound in the morning.

[Gavin Haig]

.....seen heading off tonight........
Heading off? SW?? Never thought I'd be begging for London cast-offs, but GW Egret?! Caspian Tern?!?

Dec 19th 2004 - Common Crane flies S down Axe Valley just before dusk. That morning, at a golf course in Theydon Bois, a Common Crane was seen heading off S or SW, clutching a map of E Devon. So there is a long and well established history of London birds abandoning the smoke for some proper habbo......

[London Birder]

lol, well Gav, fingers crossed for you ... bloody shame the tern wasn't confirmed and refound.

[colonelboris]

With any luck, I'll be at Dinton tomorrow.
I'll let you know if they stop off there...

[London Birder]

July 18th.

*Black-necked Grebe > still 3 at Staines Res.

*Great White Egret > reported this morning as being present in the Berwick Ponds area up to 21.00hrs at least last night, so may have returned having flown yesterday evening, and may well still be in the area.

*Little Egret > 14 in the Ingrebourne Valley.

*Ring-billed Gull > adult (returning for its 10th year), Isle of Dogs, on Thames foreshore opposite the Cutty Sark, flew towards Lovell's Wharf at 13.10hrs.

[Karl J]

wotcha , good thread this one.

ventured up to hyde park / kensington a couple of times this year and found it a fascinating place. incredible really considering theres what almost amounts to a motorway right next to it

anyhow ... Barnes wetland centre.... any cycle parking facilities there ?

[London Birder]

can't answer that myself Karl, only just invested in a bike ... have a squint at their website.

glad you enjoyed HPKG, still ticking over down there

[dbradnum]

anyhow ... Barnes wetland centre.... any cycle parking facilities there ?Karl,

I'm about 99% certain there are cycle racks on site, though I can't remember for definite.

I'm sure one of the staff on site would be able to find you somewhere safe to lock a bike if they've made a glaring oversight and failed to allocate cycle storage space...

Caspian Tern reported there a couple of days ago - you'd be very popular in London if you popped down and relocated it! ;)

[Karl J]

yer i did but it doesn't say , well not that i could see anyhow

plenty of directions by car... :-C

maybe i'll ring them up tomorrow

edit - cheers David

[esmondb]

Karl,

I'm about 99% certain there are cycle racks on site, though I can't remember for definite.

I'm sure one of the staff on site would be able to find you somewhere safe to lock a bike if they've made a glaring oversight and failed to allocate cycle storage space...

Caspian Tern reported there a couple of days ago - you'd be very popular in London if you popped down and relocated it! ;)
There are a number of cycle racks and cages where you secure your bike. You can use your bike lock to secure the cage, meaning you can also store your cycling gear with it.

[London Birder]

nice to see a few faces at last nights bevvy (you know who you are) ... Chris, are you philosophical or just common ;)

[London Birder]

July 19th.

*Black-necked Grebe > 5 at Staines Res.

[London Birder]

July 20th.

First confirmed breeding of Little Egret in the London area, three (possibly four) young.

A much anticipated addition to our breeding birds, nice to finally see it happen.

*Spoonbill > imm circling over Station Road, Redhill, moved off S at 09.30hrs.

[London Birder]

July 21st.

*Black-necked Grebe > still 5 at Staines Res.

*Ring-billed Gull > ad at the end of Glenaffic Avenue, opposite Lovell's Wharf (Isle of Dogs) again this morning.

*[Monk Parakeet] > the Mudchute Farm (Isle of Dogs) colony now numbering 17+ and thought to have bred.

[London Birder]

July 22nd.

*Red-backed Shrike > m at Croxley Common Moor (Watford).

nice one Dave ...

July 23rd.

*Purple Sandpiper > one reported briefly at Staines Res around 19.50hrs.

*Ring-billed Gull > ad on Thames foreshore at end of Glenaffric Avenue (Isle of Dogs), opposite Lovell's Wharf at 19.18hrs at least.

*Red-backed Shrike > m again at Croxley Common Moor (Watford).

July 24th.

*Red-backed Shrike > m still at Croxley Moor Common (Watford).

*Ring-billed Gull > ad again at 07.00hrs this a.m. on Thames foreshore at end of Glenaffic Avenue (Isle of Dogs), opposite Lovell's Wharf.

[MarcellC]

Just arrived in London this morning - damn sight hotter than northern Rwanda!! Good weather for a few cold ones though B (: B (:

Looks like I may have to pop down the Thames a few times while I'm here and then of course some of the parks.

Cheers
Marcell

[London Birder]

July 25th.

*Ring-billed Gull > ad at end of Glenaffric Avenue (Isle of Dogs), opposite Lovell's Wharf at 19.15hrs.

of interest:

*Silver-washed Fritillary > 1 at Tower Hamlets Cemetery for its 5th day.

July 26th.

*Red Kite > circling over Pimlico at 12.25hrs.

*Red-backed Shrike > m still at Croxley Common Moor (Watford).

[London Birder]

July 27th.

*Mediterranean Gull > juv at RB Gull site (also juv Yellow-legged Gull there but no sign of RBG today).

*Red-backed Shrike > still at Croxley Common Moor (Watford).

[London Birder]

July 28th.

*Red-backed Shrike > still at Croxley Common Moor (Watford).

wader passage picking up and various sightings of Litlle Egret and Peregrine.

[deborah4]

Great thread LB - just checked out your blog too - was OK til I saw the '10 pints of Lager and a Chicken Tandori mate' pic and then .. well and then .. guess I'm speechless for a change

[London Birder]

appreciated Deb, have to admit to having been neglecting the blog, even when I attend to it.
-----------
July 29th:

*Great White Pelican > erm, don't ask me ... 1 (unknown origin *laughs*, I know nothing about it) over Dryhill Lane nr. J5 of the M25 at 10.30hrs.

*Ring-Billed Gull > Isle of Dogs ~ ad on foreshore 50yrds east of Glenaffric Avenue slipway until 13.12pm when it was pushed off by a rising tide.

*Red-backed Shrike > m at Croxley Common Moor (Watford).
-----------
July 30th:

*Ring-billed Gull > Isle of Dogs ~ ad on River Thames opposite Lovell's Wharf at 12.50hrs.

*Red-backed Shrike > m at Croxley Common Moor (Watford).
-----------
July 31st:

*Red-backed Shrike > m at Croxley Common Moor (Watford).
-----------
August 1st:

*Whimbrel > 13 circled King George VI Reservoir then SW at 09.15hrs (thought I'd mention it).

*Red-backed Shrike > m at Croxley Commo Moor (Watford).
-----------
August 2nd:

*Green Sandpiper > 32 at Beddington SF (thought I'd mention these as well).

*Red-backed Shrike > m at Croxley Common Moor (Watford).
-----------

[kevinguest]

Black Tailed Godwits on Beddington SF, Hobby showing well yesterday.
Saw two Red Kites last week-end, a first for Beddington SF as far as I'm aware.

Paul

I believe Red Kites have appeared on three previous occassions this year. One was seen on 26/05/03 viz 2003 Bird Report. I'm not sure about 04/05 and earlier years.My first Red Kite was on 03/04/06.
Johney Allan's website diporglory.co.uk has a summary of all time sightings.

Hope this info is useful.

Kevin

[kevinguest]

[QUOTE=London Birder]Much the same as other recent threads, thought I'd start this one for the London recording area (20 miles in every direction from St. Pauls Cathedral) ... sightings, info exchange, site gen etc ...

Have only just found this thread so here are my Beddington Farm sightings for 06/08 :-

3 juv Greenshank
1 juv LRP
21 Green Sandpiper
3 Common Sandpiper
1 Snipe
3 Little Owl
1 Hobby

3 - 5 Clouded Yellow Butterflies

Little Owl puts my yearlist at 101 for the site.

These sightings will be posted on Johnny Allan's website. I will continue to post if this information is useful to your thread..

Regards

Kevin

[dbradnum]

I will continue to post if this information is useful to your thread..Definitely useful - go for it! It's interesting to know what's on the move inland, and multiple Clouded Yellows anywhere in the UK is certainly a pretty decent record.

[clive w]

Please keep going with these reports as a new birder in the west london area i find them a great help

[kevinguest]

Please keep going with these reports as a new birder in the west london area i find them a great help

Here are my Beddington Farm Sightings from 4.30pm until dusk today:-

1 juv Greenshank
26 Green Sandpiper
3 Common Sandpiper
1 Redshank
1 juv LRP
2 Snipe
3 Lesser Whitethroat
1 Willow Warbler
3 Swallow

Regards

Kevin

[kevinguest]

Here are my Beddington Farm Sightings 09/08 5pm to dusk:-

3 juv Greenshank
23 Green Sandpiper
3 Common Sandpiper
1 Redshank

[kevinguest]

Here are my Beddington Farm Sightings 11/08 5pm to 8pm:-

I did not walk the North section of the site today

1 Greenshank (Flight)
3 Green Sandpiper
2 Common Sandpiper
1 Redshank
1 Hobby
1 Peregrine

Dipped a Juv Med Gull earlier in the day. For full days sightings see Johnny Allan's website www.diporglory.co.uk

[Joe Ray]

This thread should be moved at once to Ruffled Feathers! and Des, PLEASE stop those abbreviations

[kevinguest]

My Beddington Farm Sightings 12/08 6am to 5pm

Spotted Crake x1
Greenshank x2
Common Sandpiper x3
Green Sandpiper x12
Snipe x2
Hobby x1

[kevinguest]

Beddington Farm 13 - 17 /08

Spotted Crake not seen in last few days.

Wood Sandpiper x3 have been mobile on the site for four days (found by Johnny Allan). I caught up with x2 today on the Lake thanks to a call from Johnny and a truck dodge and dash down Mile Road!!
Greenshank x2 Regularly seen on 100 Acre.

Green Sandpiper numbers vary each day on Scrape, 100 Acre and main Lake.

Common Sandpipers numbers up to 6 seen over the site.

Snipe appear irregularly on islands on Lake.

[aythya_hybrid]

Just to ressurect this:

Barred Warbler showed OK at around 4pm this afternoon at East India Dock Basin, in a silver birch along the NE corner of the basin. Apparently only the 2nd record for London.

[aythya_hybrid]

Barred Warbler still showing today, apparently.

Garganey showing very well at London Wetland Centre, in front of Wildside Hide. Not too much else around, though.

[dbradnum]

Just to ressurect this:

Barred Warbler showed OK at around 4pm this afternoon at East India Dock Basin, in a silver birch along the NE corner of the basin. Apparently only the 2nd record for London.Presumably that's for "Inner London"? I know there are several other records within the LNHS recording area, which is usually taken as the London list.

[aythya_hybrid]

Presumably that's for "Inner London"? I know there are several other records within the LNHS recording area, which is usually taken as the London list.

I have to confess I have no firm evidence to support this claim, it was just what some other guy there told me.

[dbradnum]

I have to confess I have no firm evidence to support this claim, it was just what some other guy there told me.Fair play - I've no evidence about whether the basin is actually in the Inner London area, either! ;)

[stew the smew]

hi southern-types, I notice this thread is a bit inactive so i'm hoping somebody notices!

i've recently found myself in london which is shock to the system coming from northumberland. i've been wanting to check out rainham marshes and was wondering if the shrike that is currently there is on the reserve?

i noticed it's been reported into the late evening the last couple of days but notice also that the reserve closes at 5.30pm.

also if there are any kind folks who go out around the walthamstow reservoirs/stoke newington area and wouldn't mind me tagging along could you let me know.

i've had a look around part of the reservoirs but could could really do with a local to give me the lo-down on these and any other decent local areas.

also, i have a car if anybody wants to get out but isn't mobile.

cheers

stew

[Viv Connett]

The shrike is along the sea wall in bushes by the entrance to the landfill, not on the reserve itself. If the car park is open you can park in there and follow the signs for (I think) the river path, at some point you will need to climb over the fence to get to the track from which it is best seen. It was showing extremely well last Saturday afternoon when we saw it, quite happy to sit up on bushes.

[Ruby]

Hi,

Yes. I saw this bird today....

As mentioned, start walking along the path by the sea-wall and keep going until the path does a 90 deg bend to the right by the entrance to the dump. You can scramble up and over the bank there OK, and the Shrike was seen on bushes by the bank - there are 2 buddleia which it particularly seems to favour.

Also seen today - 1 or possibly 2 Clouded Yellows and a lot of Small Heath butterflies.

[stew the smew]

fence climbing not a problem... i'm a geordie!

lovely picture ruby.

thanks for the replies. got down to rainham around 4ish today and it it was still showing well intermittently when i left at 6.

also whinchat on the path and little egret on the reserve.

[Ruby]

Glad you got it Stew....

Interesting that you should see a Whinchat - when I was walking back, I saw a bird flick down from a bush.... it was at a fair distance and only a glimpse, but my first thought was 'Whinchat'.

I gave it a couple of minutes and didn't see it again, but it could well have been the same bird I reckon.....

Here's another photo - for some reason pics of this bird seem to react particularly badly to being chopped to 800*600...maybe this one will stand up to it a bit better than the previous one...

[stew the smew]

Hi Ruby,

I nearly trod on the whinchat, not sure who was more startled! it was on the top path about 50 yards down from where the shrike is. It flew over the road to the reserve and into the bushes in field by the firing range. it was a female or juvenile.

While I was watching the shrike a huge cargo ship sailed seawards, it would have made an excellent photo.

The area looks like it should be a good migrant spot and the river looks promising too, just a pity it took nearly an hour and a half to get there from Stoke Newington!

[Dick_Shane]

Relocated my post to Gardening bit.

[SPF]

Dear all,
I was wondering what Hampstead is like for birding and if there is a particular good route to take around it to encompass it all (does Hampstead come into the London birding thread?- I'm from the NE myself and always have trouble working out what's London, Greater London and south of Darlington). In addition, should I add my spots on the Welsh Harp to this thread? That's sort of becoming my local patch and I'm unsure where to add it.
Thanks,
SPF

[Gavin Haig]

Dear all,
I was wondering what Hampstead is like for birding and if there is a particular good route to take around it to encompass it all (does Hampstead come into the London birding thread?- I'm from the NE myself and always have trouble working out what's London, Greater London and south of Darlington). In addition, should I add my spots on the Welsh Harp to this thread? That's sort of becoming my local patch and I'm unsure where to add it.
Thanks,
SPF

As far as the London Bird report is concerned, 'London' is everything within 20 miles of St Paul's Cathedral, so Hampstead Heath and Brent Res are well within that boundary (and so is virtually all of the M25 I think). It would be nice to see this thread come to life a bit.........

[On-Firecrest]

I could/should be goiing up to rainham to marshes next saturday.
Am i likely to see much in the way of short eared owls, dark legged pipits or winter grebes?
thanks in advance.

[TomSmith]

I was wondering what Hampstead is like for birding and if there is a particular good route to take around it to encompass it all

It's famous for being Bill Oddie's local patch, and he seems to like it there. The book "Where to watch birds in the London area" covers it pretty thoroughly, although it's a few years old now.


edit: It would be nice to see this thread come to life a bit.........

I agree!

[SPF]

Hampstead 9am. Overcast until I got of the bus and then, typically, it started to rain.

Grey heron, starlings, dunnock, robin, blackbirds, flocks of tits in the trees (great, blue, great, long-tailed, willow or marsh (unable to make a clear identification due to light)), chaffinch, house sparrow, magpie, carrion crow, jay (only one- out of interest, has anyone seen jays flock together or are they solitary? You see magpies, crows, jackdaws, rooks etc together), song thrush, wren, cormorants, tufted ducks, coots, moorhen, black-headed gulls, Canada geese, mute swans (which some fully grown juveniles but with identical to adults but with grey beaks), mallards and a pair of ring-necked parakeets (there is also a small community of these around the Welsh harp).

In addition, amongst the pigeons, they was a white and black one (I’d have said a type of pigeon/dove) which deep red tissue around the beak and eye, similar appearance to what is seem on a turkey but no where near as pronounced.

It's famous for being Bill Oddie's local patch, and he seems to like it there. The book "Where to watch birds in the London area" covers it pretty thoroughly, although it's a few years old now.

edit:

I agree!

I’ve just ordered it from Play, much appreciated.

Hopefully, if I ever work out how to use my camera properly, I’ll be adding the odd photo for you aid in identification.

I also hope this thread comes to life a bit more. I admit, I see the Durham on and am a tad envious.

Catch you later ,
SPF

[TomSmith]

Actually I have a question related to "Where to watch birds...": what do people think about the red-crested pochards at Pen Ponds in Richmond Park? I was delighted when I first saw them, only to be told sniffily by WTWB that their "origins are generally treated with suspicion". Given that the book is now 10 years old and that as far as I know RCPs live for 7-8 years, should they still be treated with suspicion?

[dbradnum]

I could/should be goiing up to rainham to marshes next saturday.
Am i likely to see much in the way of short eared owls, dark legged pipits or winter grebes?
thanks in advance.

(Scandinavian) Rock and Water Pipits should both be OK along the seawall; there's been one particularly smart pale Water about in the last month or so. If you don't get any luck along the seawall from the visitor centre, try driving back west along the A13 for one junction, and turn off onto Ferry Lane then Coldharbour Lane. Just before a security barrier, turn right down to a carpark by the river, overlooking the famous stone barges - pipits are often present here. Best to visit on a fairly high tide.

Short-eared Owls are also best from this end of the site in late afternoon, viewing north over the silt lagoons just before the security barrier. Be sure to park sensibly here, since there's a fair amount of heavy traffic in this industrial area.

Pretty much no chance of winter grebes; they tend to be on the reservoirs rather than by/on the Thames. There's a few BNGs on Staines in West London at the moment, I think.

In general, check out the following sites for up-to-date birding news:
East London incl Rainham: http://www.elbf.co.uk/birdsightings.htm
All of London: http://editthis.info/londonbirders/LatestNews

Hope this helps

[On-Firecrest]

thanks for that david, i dont think there's any problem with my parking unsensibly as i'm only 15 ;). Rock or water pipit would both be lifers for me so thanks again.

[SPF]

London Wetlands- 10am
It was cold, very cold.

Just a complete list: Piedwagtail, blackbird, song thrush, carrion crow, ring-necked parakeet, mallard, collared dove, coot, grey heron, moorhen, tufted duck, magpie, siskin, blue tit, great tit, green woodpecker, corn bunting, little grebe, great-creasted grebe, shoveler, cormorant, teal, ruddy duck, lapwing, black-headed gull, jackdaw, robin, chaffinch, gadwell, wigeon, pochard (one had a really pale blue beak), peregrine falcon, bittern, wren, long-tailed tit, great spotted woodpecker, canada geese, kestrel, dunnock and starling.

Highlights- a juvenille kestrel sat about 10 feet from a path just sat watching the world, close up viewing of grey herons and, even though it was only a few seconds, the peregrine flying around the peacock hide. Unfortunately the bittern wasn't the greatest view.

All in all a good day out, even with the cold weather.

[On-Firecrest]

I managed a trip out to rainham marshes today and i saw the barnacles and the rock and water pipits. Trip report on my blog...eventually...;)

[On-Firecrest]

link to the trip report... cant believe i forgot to stick it in...D'oh http://youngbirders.blogspot.com/2007/12/3-ticks-and-dip.html

[aythya_hybrid]

Jack Snipe and Water Pipit both showing well from the Peacock Tower around 3pm yesterday at the Wetland Centre. Garganey was present early but had vacated the premises before my arrival.

[SPF]

I went to the Welsh Harp this morning and someone has smashed, not only the door, but one of the walls from the hide overlooking the Waterfowl part. This hide is normally locked. I’ve emailed, hopefully, the relevant people.

As I walked this morning for an hour or so and saw my first Goldcrest among a flock of long-tailed tits. The normal diverse collection of waterfowl was about (Gadwell, Teal, Shoveller, Tufted duck, Great-crested grebe, Canada geese, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and Mute swan) with high numbers Grey Heron (>6) but only one cormorant (there is normally ~100, will they have just moved on to another inland site?). There was also a duck I could not identify; I’ve been trough Collins, Sterry, RSPB book and even November’s issue of Birdwatcher for it’s female duck ID insights but nothing 100%; the bird was sleeping and had a white face patch on the side and the rest of it’s head was black and the body itself was a reddy grey pattern on a white background (I hope that makes sense!). Among the woodland and scrub there was the usual suspects of finches and tits (Gold, Chaff, Great and Blue), 2 green woodpeckers, dunnocks, wrens, robins and a redwing amongst the song thrushes and blackbirds and a female kestrel hunting .

Hopefully, I’m off to either Rainham or Richmond Park tomorrow. I also keep meaning to head over to Wormwood Scrubs. Has anyone been recently?

[TomSmith]

There was also a duck I could not identify; I’ve been trough Collins, Sterry, RSPB book and even November’s issue of Birdwatcher for it’s female duck ID insights but nothing 100%; the bird was sleeping and had a white face patch on the side and the rest of it’s head was black and the body itself was a reddy grey pattern on a white background (I hope that makes sense!).

A winter-plumaged Ruddy Duck? (p69 in my Collins)

[SPF]

That's the closest I got as well espicially with the face patch but the tail was more like a tufted/pochard, i.e horizontal (probably should have aded that from my notes); i thought a possible hybrid since I've seen a few of the tufted/pochard/ferruginous mixes. Even the ducks stump me at times, even considering that they ae normally just sitting on the water!

[TomSmith]

That's the closest I got as well espicially with the face patch but the tail was more like a tufted/pochard, i.e horizontal (probably should have aded that from my notes); i thought a possible hybrid since I've seen a few of the tufted/pochard/ferruginous mixes. Even the ducks stump me at times, even considering that they ae normally just sitting on the water!

Ruddy ducks can hold their tails down just as much as up, and vice versa for tufted ducks; it's probably best to assume you've seen a proper species rather than a hybrid unless you're very convinced otherwise... (Especially with ferruginous ducks which are rare vagrants in this country anyway!) In any case this certainly sounds like a RD.

[SPF]

(Scandinavian) Rock and Water Pipits should both be OK along the seawall; there's been one particularly smart pale Water about in the last month or so. If you don't get any luck along the seawall from the visitor centre, try driving back west along the A13 for one junction, and turn off onto Ferry Lane then Coldharbour Lane. Just before a security barrier, turn right down to a carpark by the river, overlooking the famous stone barges - pipits are often present here. Best to visit on a fairly high tide.


Cheers for the info; I saw the pipits this afternoon. It some how took us nearly 4 hours to walk aross the sea wall and back; I didn't get the chance to see the barnacle geese but hopefully next weekend.

[SPF]

Ruddy ducks can hold their tails down just as much as up, and vice versa for tufted ducks; it's probably best to assume you've seen a proper species rather than a hybrid unless you're very convinced otherwise... (Especially with ferruginous ducks which are rare vagrants in this country anyway!) In any case this certainly sounds like a RD.

Yeah, your probably right. I'll try to get up again soon and see if I can see it again.

[dbradnum]

Cheers for the info; I saw the pipits this afternoon. It some how took us nearly 4 hours to walk aross the sea wall and back; I didn't get the chance to see the barnacle geese but hopefully next weekend.

Good stuff, SPF - glad the details proved to be useful. Hopefully the Barnies will stay a while longer, cracking birds.

[level seven]

I plan to visit the London Wetland Centre next week. Has anyone been recently? The website mentions Bitterns. I should be so lucky I suppose! I'll be more than happy to see the usual suspects, not having been before, but if there's anything out of the ordinary around at the minute that would be a bonus.

Thanks.

[Dryocopus]

I plan to visit the London Wetland Centre next week. Has anyone been recently? The website mentions Bitterns. I should be so lucky I suppose! I'll be more than happy to see the usual suspects, not having been before, but if there's anything out of the ordinary around at the minute that would be a bonus.

Thanks.



Have a look here
http://www.wwt.org.uk/news/173/sightings.html

Reports the recent sightings.
Bittern has been showing well on some days! Even flying across the main lake!

Variety of passerines...and gulls...and ducks....!!

[esmondb]

I've been twice in the last couple of weeks - both times had great views of a peregrine hunting over the main lake - both times between 2.30 pm and 3pm.

[JohnnyH]

Hi Graham,

I popped up to the London Wet this morning, had nice views of 3 Lesser Redpolls, no sign of the Mealies reported earlier this week. Ditto with the Bittern, had 2 possible fly over Water Pipits from the Peacock Tower along with a Snipe & all the usual suspects. Nice place to visit, particularly during the week when it's quiet!, even if nothing rare shows.

Cheers,

John.

[mekon]

Hi Graham,

Also, you're pretty much guaranteed to see and hear Ring-Necked Parakeets around the main entrance and feeders, in case you havent been around these parts for some years!

You should definately visit the Peacock Tower. Commanding views, and there are always people in there to fill you in on the day's sightings

M

[paulwfromtheden]

Hi Graham,

I popped up to the London Wet this morning, had nice views of 3 Lesser Redpolls, no sign of the Mealies reported earlier this week. Ditto with the Bittern, had 2 possible fly over Water Pipits from the Peacock Tower along with a Snipe & all the usual suspects. Nice place to visit, particularly during the week when it's quiet!, even if nothing rare shows.

Cheers,

John.

Hi Johnny,
Was there on Sunday (along with 5 million other people). The locals reckon the Bittern has gone. There were a pair a Water Pipits visible from the Peacock Tower as well, so quite likely that was what you saw.

[aythya_hybrid]

Decent day at the LWC today.

A fairly scraggy eclipse drake garganey was showing well on the wader scrape and latterly the reservoir lagoon until mid afternoon. Was hanging out with some teal and calling and displaying at times.

Bittern also showing from Headley Hide. 2 Water Pipit, Water Rail etc.

[Johnny Allan]

Decent day at the LWC today.

A fairly scraggy eclipse drake garganey was showing well on the wader scrape and latterly the reservoir lagoon until mid afternoon. Was hanging out with some teal and calling and displaying at times.

Bittern also showing from Headley Hide. 2 Water Pipit, Water Rail etc.

Were there many gulls there jonathan ? Following reports of 7 Caspian Gulls at Barnes one sunday and 3 the following week, I did two sundays and a weekday there recently (including high tide), but didn't see many large gulls at all (cp 5,000+ at my local patch).

Johnny Allan

[aythya_hybrid]

Hi Johnnny.

Only about 10 or so large gulls actually on the deck, which was a bit odd given the high afternoon tide. Weekends are usually better as gulls that normally use the football pitches are pushed onto the reserve. Like you say, there was a purple patch about a few weeks back, but it seems to have dried up now, and I'm not really sure whu. Had 2 Casps and 3 YLGs there one sunday about a month ago, but since then almost no large gull action.

[JohnnyH]

very ples few hours at the London Wet this morning until late morning virtually had the Peacock Tower to myself. Water Pipit & stunning drake Garganey showing really well.

John.

[level seven]

Hi Graham,

Also, you're pretty much guaranteed to see and hear Ring-Necked Parakeets around the main entrance and feeders, in case you havent been around these parts for some years!

You should definately visit the Peacock Tower. Commanding views, and there are always people in there to fill you in on the day's sightings

M
Thanks mekon, also to Dryocopus, esmondb and JonnyH. Apologies for not acknowledging your replies sooner.

I had a very good afternoon there in great weather. I see what you mean about the parakeets - I'd seen some in Battersea park last year but not in such numbers.

I just missed out on a Water Pipit but got very good views of a Green Woodpecker, not such a common bird up here. The views from the tower hides were great - a real haven in the middle of London.

[DJW]

Something of a surprise in the communal gardens of my flat in Enfield - a female Black Redstart!

Dave

[Johnny Allan]

Hi there, being a gull enthusiast (we get thousands at Beddington), I was intrigued by the claim of seven Caspian Gulls (3 x 1st winter, 4 x 2nd winter), at Barnes WWT on Sunday January 20th. I have never heard of so many Caspian Gulls anywhere in Britain and in the nine years since the first was reported at Beddington, there has only been one day when three birds have been claimed and only a handful when two birds have been seen.

I am a member of the WWT, making about a dozen visits to Barnes each year and it has never struck me as a place that is particularly good for large gulls. I wanted to find Caspian Gulls for myself at Barnes but had to wait two weeks until I had the opportunity to get over on a Sunday. I spent five hours there, either side of high tide, but there were only about 50 large gulls present, mostly Herring and no Caspian Gulls. I can't say I was surprised (my colleagues and I having to sort through thousands of gulls at Beddington to find the odd Caspian now and then). I tried five more times on different days of the week but could only find one Yellow-legged Gull in my six visits.

On monday March 24th, 6 x 1st winter Caspian Gulls and 1 x 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull were reported at "Barnes at London Wetland Centre WWT on river Thames", and on the next day 2 x 1st winter Caspian Gulls and 5 x 1w Yellow-legged Gull, again, on the river. Could I have been looking in the wrong place ?

I had also heard a report of a Herring Gull with a "bi-coloured bill", thought to be a possible candidate for a smithsonianus, so contacted my colleague, Franko Marievic, for some more info. It turns out that the gulls on the river there are on the other side from Barnes WWT so I met up with Franko and we did a three hour stint up to low tide today (30th). At most, there were about 60-70 large gulls along that stretch, mostly Herring Gull with a few Lesser-black Backed and a handful of Greater-black Backed. Unsurprisingly, no Caspian or Yellow-legged Gulls. I made a brief visit to Barnes WWT on the way home but there were few gulls there.

Later on, back at home, I received a phone call from another colleague who had seen online that 5 x 1st winter and 1 x 2nd winter Caspian Gulls plus 1 x 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull had been claimed at Barnes WWT this morning. I find this incredible and I must say that I'm surprised that none of these birds got onto the river.

Has anyone out there experienced these high counts of Caspian Gull at Barnes WWT or on the river there ? Does anyone know if any pictures of these birds exist ?


Johnny Allan

[London Birder]

London Area Reports: Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November 2008:

*(Dark-bellied) Brent Goose > unringed adult at Kensington Gardens on 30th (present since 20th).

*Common Scoter > long-staying female at Walton Res still present on 30th.

*Great Northern Diver > wintering bird still at Staines Res on 30th.

*Black-necked Grebe > 11 on the northern end of William Girling Res on 30th.

*Mediterranean Gull > adult at Rainham Marshes on 29th (also 350 Black-tailed Godwit and Water Pipit) // German-ringed adult (for its second winter) at Kensington Gardens on 30th (also day-roosting Tawny Owl)

*Caspian Gull > 3rd-winter at London Wetland Centre on 29th (also Water Pipit and abietinus Chiffchaff - no sign of reported Serin over weekend).

*Barn Owl > 1 at Holmethorpe SP's (also Yellow-legged Gull).

*Long-eared Owl > 3 at Beddington SF on 29th (also 2 Water Pipit) and 2 there on 30th (also Water Pipit).

*Firecrest > 1 at Queen Mary Res on 29th (also Woodcock) // 1 at Perivale Wood on 30th.

*Hawfinch > 1 east with Fieldfares at 09:25hrs over Thamesview Golf Course, Crossness on 30th (also 34 Black-tailed Godwit).

Apologies for ommisions/errors.

[London Birder]

Hi Johnny

Another one there on Saturday I see.

Since your original message, have any photos ever materialised of these claimed gulls?

I've looked regularly at online sources and yet to see one. Surely some punter owns a digicam over there!

Atb,

[POP]

Hi Johnny

Another one there on Saturday I see.

Since your original message, have any photos ever materialised of these claimed gulls?

I've looked regularly at online sources and yet to see one. Surely some punter owns a digicam over there!

Atb,

Well Des how lovely to see you back again,steward this really calls for a large snifter.

POP

[Andrew]

Yes, good to see your name back in action Des.

[London Birder]

Yes, good to see your name back in action Des.

Many thanks Andrew.

Today's London Haul (1st December 2008):

**Arctic Redpoll**
The big county bird of the day (equally so for Essex birders I imagine). An adult male exilipes (Coues's) at Thorndon CP (see Rare Birds Arctic Redpoll thread). A possible female also present, as well as some 400 Mealy Redpoll !

*Red-breasted Merganser > the female at Queen Elizabeth II Res remains the only one reported.

*Great Northern Diver > wintering bird still at Staines Res.

*Caspian Gull > 2 adults at Rainham Marshes (also a new Dartford Warbler and 2 Bearded Tit).

*Long-eared Owl > 2 at Beddington SF.

*Scandinavian Chiffchaff > a bird which may be an abietinus is still present.

*Firecrest > singles at Bow Creek Ecology Park and the Ingrebourne Valley.

[London Birder]

December 2nd 2008:

*Arctic Redpoll*
The adult male exilipes at Thorndon CP was seen at 07:40hrs with 400+ Mealy Redpoll.

Smew > a redhead at Amwell GP's.

Great Northern Diver > wintering bird at Staines Res.

Red Kite > 1 over Richmond Park.

Merlin > 1 at Rainham Marshes (also 150 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Water Pipit).

Mediterranean Gull > 1st-winter at Nazeing GP's and a regular adult at Clapton Common.

Ring-billed Gull > the regularly returning adult (since 1996) at Isle of Dogs: c100yds NE of Glenaffric Avenue slipway at low tide mid-morning.

Long-eared Owl > 3 at Beddington SF.

Short-eared Owl > 1 at Richmond Park

Cetti's Warbler > 2 at Cheshunt GP's.

Firecrest > 1 at Sydenham Hill Woods and a female at Banstead Downs GC.

Raven > a report of one in a plane tree with crows in Bloomsbury, Inner London!

Apologies for errors/omissions.

[London Birder]

December 3rd 2008:

*No sign of the Thorndon CP Arctic Redpoll today*

Red Kite > 1 over Esher c08:20hrs.

Mediterranean Gull > the German-ringed adult still at Kensington Gardens and an adult at Brent Res (following a 2 week absence).

Ring-billed Gull > a 2nd-winter reported from Hampstead Heath #2 pond between 11:30hrs and 12:15hrs but becoming mobile.

Long-eared Owl > still 3 at Beddington SF.

Short-eared Owl > 1 still at Richmond Park.

Black Redstart > a 1st-winter bird in the East India Dock area.

Firecrest > 3-4 at Abney Park Cemetery (wintering) and singles at Banstead Downs GC and Regent's Park.

Serin > 1 at Rainham Marshes still (also 2 Water Pipit, 3 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Bearded Tit).

Mealy Redpoll > c60 at Thorndon CP were considered primarily this spp.

Apologies for errors/ommisions

[Hedge Witch]

Such a good idea for a thread I thought I'd try and breath some life into it. Not sure where all these sites are, so apologies if some are too far afield:

Rainham (Ferry Lane area) 1 adult Med Gull, 5 Common Sandpipers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Yellow legged Gull, 3+ broods of Little Grebe, 3 Kestrel (2 juvs) (S. Fisher)Also Turnstone over Reserve.

St George Wharf, Vauxhall - 1 adult Med Gull with large green ring with lettering AHUK on left leg.

Brent Res: Greenshank, Green Sand, 3 Lapwing & 4 Common Sands.

Parkside Farm/Res, Enfield: 1 Gadwall,('eclipse' or immature?); 3(ad, 2 juvs) Green Woodpecker; 1 juv Great Spotted Woodpecker, feeding on ground; 1 juv Reed Bunting.

Trent Park: 1 fem/imm Common Crossbill, calling, perched on dead branch, overlooking Upper Lake, 10:41 BST.

Vicarage Farm, Enfield: 1 juv Cuckoo; 1 Sand Martin, flew N.

Tyttenhanger GP's: Marsh Harrier (fem over NE), 2 Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper.

Willows Farm: Egyptian Goose, 6 Greylag Geese, 25 BH Gull.

Rainham G/Pits: 8 Pochard, brood of 5 also, 33 Greylag Geese and 11 Mistle Thrush.

Berwick Res: Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpipers, 40 House Martins, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Common Terns, 100 Lapwing and Little Egret.

Fairlop Waters:Painters Lane Gravel Pits 1 Black-tailed Godwit Flew SW 9AM + 1 Green Sandpiper,1 Common Sandpiper on silt beds. Common Tern Main boating Lake 1 Hobby over.

[bedfontbirder]

Sunday 19 July

* Saunders Ness, Isle of Dogs: Juvenile Med Gull at low tide this afternoon, also Common Sandpiper, two ad Common Gulls and a first-summer, 25 Lesser Black-backs (four juvs), five Herring Gulls (at least two juvs), one third-summer Great Black-back, c 40 black-headed gulls. (Sean Huggins)
* Brent Res: Greenshank, 3 Lapwing & 3 Common Sands (Brent Birders).
* Rotherhithe: adult Yellow-legged Gull on barges off Greenland Pier 7.45pm, 10 Common Tern (2 juvs), adult Common Gull, 200+ Bh Gulls, 15+ LBB Gulls (2 juvs) & 4 Sand Martins (Richard Bonser, Bas van der Bogaard).
* Regent's Park: Little Owl juv (only the second sighting this year), 52 Egyptian Geese, ad Yellow-legged Gull, 2m Chiffchaff (Tony Duckett).
* Queen Mary Res: 108 GC Grebes (all ads), fem + 9 young Shelduck, 3 Black-tailed Godwits SE, 11 Common Sandpipers, 1 4cy 1 2cy Yellow-legged Gulls, 7 Common Terns (NPS)

[htcdude]

Wahey another Middlesex birder! :-)

I'm hopefully going to make my first visit to one or more of the reservoirs over at Staines/Stanmore area I'll post an update when I do :-)

[Hedge Witch]

Wahey another Middlesex birder! :-)

I'm hopefully going to make my first visit to one or more of the reservoirs over at Staines/Stanmore area I'll post an update when I do :-)

Great stuff Dude ;)

Cross Ness LNR: Turnstone still at sewage outfall late morning (RBA)
Brent Res: Green Sand, 2 Common Sands & 3 Lapwings (Brent Birders)
MI6 Building, Vauxhall: 2 Common Sand on mud exposed by low water on Thames 8.30am (Stuart Darbyshire)
Pitshanger Allotments: 2 Swallows over, 3 Crossbills w @ 09.40 (NPS)
East India Dock Basin NR: 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Gt Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Sand Martin, lots of young common species feeding in the copse. (Gary A James).
Alexandra Park: Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 10+ Whitethroat, 5+ Blackcap, 2 Sand Martins low west 0834 all Cricket Scrub, juvenile Common Tern being fed Tunnel Res (Bob Watts, Andrew Gardener, Gabriel Jamie, Alan Gibson).

[htcdude]

Ah well I did go.... got down there before work...I realise now I will need a scope next time I go :-)

Fortunately someone was able to lend me theirs, but not a lot there. Usual Coots, Tuftys, Common Tern, Canada Goose, BH Gull, 100's of Swifts alongside House Martin, Sand Martin, & Swallow. A pair of Shelduck with young and 1 Common Sandpiper.

Also a Sparrowhawk feasting on something. So 2 lifers for me, hopefully some more next time!

Oh I went back in the evening and there was even less there :-)

[htcdude]

Lovely moning yesterday up at Staines Reservoir.

Highlights for me where a pair of Dunlin (adult with juv.) and a single Lapwing. Also some Yellow-legged Gulls parched on the adjacent reservoir.

Others, who had scopes, had seen Shoveler, Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper before I arrived. (I really should get a scope for that place!)

The usual collection of Tufted Ducks, BH Gulls, Mallard, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe and Pied Wagtail.

Only bird of prey was a Kestrel and another which I couldn't make out because it was too far away and I don't have a scope! GRRRRRR!!!

[aythya_hybrid]

As many of you will know, it suddenly all kicked off at Barnes Wetland Centre today, with the juvenile Purple Heron being very showy on the grazing marsh from 1pm until at least 1730. Also 3 Wood Sands on main lake islands and 2 Garganey.

After more than a few medicore visits to the site since moving to the area two years ago, this was a much-appreciated red letter day!

[gareth_blockley]

I appreciate this is considered to be somewhat sensitive, but its worth a bash.

Does anyone have any info. on the status of Black redstarts in London this year?
I was in the Blackfiars area this week, an area I know has had them in the recent past, so spent some time searching for them. I didnt see any but saw a Peregrine (assumed female by size) fly high over the area.

Does anyone have any tips on regular wintering sites? I know East India dock has been a good place.

Cheers
Gareth

[htcdude]

Staines Reservoir pretty quiet this morning but got my first sighting of a Wheatear :-)

A nice flock of Lapwing down there still, seems to grow a little each week.

Female Sparrowhawk on the pathway hiding behind a bush looking to pounce on something.

A lonely female Teal made it's appearance along with a handful of female Shoveler

A pair of Greenshank have been seen recently...it's only a matter of time before I see them for myself :-)

Also the Black Tern's turned up again last week.

[Vespa]

I appreciate this is considered to be somewhat sensitive, but its worth a bash.

Does anyone have any info. on the status of Black redstarts in London this year?
I was in the Blackfiars area this week, an area I know has had them in the recent past, so spent some time searching for them. I didnt see any but saw a Peregrine (assumed female by size) fly high over the area.

Does anyone have any tips on regular wintering sites? I know East India dock has been a good place.

Cheers
Gareth

Hi Gareth,
Not sure if you got anywhere with this - but I noticed the following a few weeks go...

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=148845&highlight=black+redstart