Surrey Birding

[The Devil Bird]

Hi all,
This thread is intended to be a basis for discussion for anyone interested in birds and birding in Surrey, don't know if it will kick off but feel free to join in.
Best wishes,
TDB

[Surreybirder]

Hi, David,
Sorry this thread doesn't seem to have taken off! There is a Surreybirders Yahoo group, but I don't know whether it's the sort of thing that would interest you.
I live in SE Surrey (a rural bit) and have a good local patch that I'm also doing for the BTO atlas. Best birds on my tetrad so far have been tawny, little, barn owls and green sandpiper, stonechat and LSW (59 sp for TQ34R). I flushed a woodcock in a neighbouring tetrad on a day that was otherwise pretty boring.
Ken

[Zenzero]

Maybe this thread should be moved to "The Local Patch" section where all the similar threads are, it might attract more attention there. I know I looked there first and was surprised not to find one and it was only cos this got bumped the other day that I noticed it.

Anyway here's something to put in it:
10 Goosanders (incl 7 drakes) on Painshill Park Lake, Cobham this afternoon.

[Surreybirder]

It's always worth keeping an eye on: http://www.sbclub.ukonline.co.uk/recent.html
The flock of finches at Banstead, for example, is pretty impressive.
Ken

[The Devil Bird]

I thought this thread was dead and buried- was just passing idea- perhaps I should have started a discussion then it would have kicked off.
Are Bramblings are still there? I live about a mile or two away so I am quite interested.
Another point of (old) news is the Spoonbill at Beddington SF in early December- last week there was a Med Gull there and there has been a Glaucous Gull there too.

Does anyone know a reliable site for Redstart in Surrey?

[Zenzero]

I thought this thread was dead and buried- was just passing idea- perhaps I should have started a discussion then it would have kicked off...
...Does anyone know a reliable site for Redstart in Surrey?

Nope, I resurrected it ;)

Thursley Common used to be pretty good for Redstarts, but it's probably changed a bit since the fire; Redstart Alley's not called that for nothing. Also near the Moat and elsewhere.

If not here then Hankley Common nearby or Frensham Commons, also Chobham Common sometimes but that had its own fire last year.


Thanks for the link Surreybirder. SBC website seems to have changed since I last looked at it. I put that in my favourites.

[Joe Ray]

PM one of the mods and ask them to put this thread in the Local Patch forum.

[paulwfromtheden]

I thought this thread was dead and buried- was just passing idea- perhaps I should have started a discussion then it would have kicked off.
Are Bramblings are still there? I live about a mile or two away so I am quite interested.
Another point of (old) news is the Spoonbill at Beddington SF in early December- last week there was a Med Gull there and there has been a Glaucous Gull there too.

Does anyone know a reliable site for Redstart in Surrey?

Went to Epsom Common yesterday, super morning, lots of woodland birds including Bullfinch, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Redwing, Fieldfare. Heard a Water Rail as well.

[The Devil Bird]

Went to see the Kingsley Hoopoe- but missed it! Then on to Thursley Common for half an hour- not much apart from a Woodcock which my freind and I flushed! Lifer for me because I don't actually go to the Surrey Commons as much as I should.
This year I am targeting woodland birds like Redstart, Wood Warbler, Nightjar, Woodcock etc so I willl making a few visits to the commons.

[Clive Watson]

Nightjar and Woodcock should be easy enough at dusk in late May at Thursley or Frensham, or Chobham Common where I go. Redstart I've seen at Thursley or Frensham in early May, there seem to be reasonable numbers in Surrey. Wood Warbler I think will be far more difficult, it might have virtually gone from Surrey now, I don't know any reliable sites.

I'll try and contribute to this when I can, I haven't actually got out yet this year due to illness. I'd also be interested in hearing others' sightings. By the way I believe the new Birds of Surrey book is now out, but I haven't seen it yet.

[Dave Harris]

Is it out, and it's bloody marvelous! Cost £35 (which ain't bad as it's nearly 700 pages). Details on Surrey Bird Club web site, publications page.

[Zenzero]

It's a must-have book, it looks really good, and is much bigger than I thought it would be.

[The Devil Bird]

700 pages!!! That's pretty good- I will order it soon.
I read about Ashdown forest and it said you get a few Wood Warbler there- it would be hard though- might as well just try for them in Wales this spring.

[The Devil Bird]

Found this forum- you probably already are members but I prefer this to yahoo email groups: www.birders-online.co.uk

[Ruby]

Does anyone know a reliable site for Redstart in Surrey?

Thursley Common is still good for Redstart after the fire - or at least, it was last summer....

I would have thought any of the W Surrey heathland habitat would be worth a go...

[Clive Watson]

Found this forum- you probably already are members but I prefer this to yahoo email groups: www.birders-online.co.uk


I have to admit I rarely look at this site because I hate the way the sightings scroll through so that if you miss something, you have to wait for it to come all the way round again.

Back to Redstarts, does anyone know any specific info on where they might be at Chobham Common?

[cornishbirder]

700 pages!!! That's pretty good- I will order it soon.
I read about Ashdown forest and it said you get a few Wood Warbler there- it would be hard though- might as well just try for them in Wales this spring.
this spring try the Devils Punchbowl @ Hindhead for Wood wblr

[Surreybirder]

I have to admit I rarely look at this site because I hate the way the sightings scroll through so that if you miss something, you have to wait for it to come all the way round again.

Back to Redstarts, does anyone know any specific info on where they might be at Chobham Common?

Hi, Clive, I have to admit that I'm quite a fan of the site
a) because if you log on you can check all the day's sightings (withoug scrolling) and you can even click on 'scarce birds' removing all the blue tits etc
b) because I enjoy the patchlist challenge
c) because it keeps a cumulative list of all the species seen in Surrey during the year
d) because you can compare your sightings with those of other keen patch-listers
e) all the sightings get sent to the county recorder and thus on to the county database.

Apart from that it's pretty useless :-O

[Surreybirder]

Is it out, and it's bloody marvelous! Cost £35 (which ain't bad as it's nearly 700 pages). Details on Surrey Bird Club web site, publications page.

Hi, Dave,
Welcome to Birdforum. You keep popping up all over the place ;)
My name - Surreybirder - seems rather pretentious when I compare how little I do compared with you. At the time I joined it seemed a natural link with Surreybirders Yahoogroup. Perhaps it's time I changed it!
Couldn't agree with you more about "Birds of Surrey" - I cannot imagine any birder in Surrey wanting to be without it.
To whet the appetite, there are 4 pages on wood warbler. There is a list of 70sites where the species has been seen in the breeding season between 1970 and 2000. Curiously, Devil's Punchbowl doesn't seem to be one of them (though it's possible that it is under a different name (Hindhead?). The map suggests that the main sites are concentrated in the extreme SW of the county with a fair scattering of records in mid-southern Surrey.
Ken

[Zenzero]

PM one of the mods and ask them to put this thread in the Local Patch forum.


Unless anyone objects, I'll act on this suggestion.
Anyone?

[The Devil Bird]

Go on then Zenzero.

[Surreybirder]

I'm interested that a county now counts as a 'local patch' but there are lots of other county threads there, so why not!
Ken

[Zenzero]

It's in its new slot... I hope people will post in it from time to time.

Goosanders at Painshill Lake have now increased to 17 incl 12 drakes.

[Zenzero]

The Rookery at Polesden Lacey was just getting active again on Saturday. BTW If anyone has trouble finding Marsh Tit, they are an absolute banker at Ranmore Common nearby.

There used to be a Rookery near Brooklands, between Byfleet and New Haw (can't be many Rookeries inside the M25). You could see the birds on lampposts in Tesco car park or foraging in the grassy bits in the centre of Brooklands. The nests were in trees in Oyster Lane. This seems to have disappeared now - I don't recall seeing any Rooks for about 5 years or so.
I'm guessing that it relocated nearby and they forage elsewhere, maybe to the other side of the M25?

[paulwfromtheden]

The Rookery at Polesden Lacey was just getting active again on Saturday. BTW If anyone has trouble finding Marsh Tit, they are an absolute banker at Ranmore Common nearby.

There used to be a Rookery near Brooklands, between Byfleet and New Haw (can't be many Rookeries inside the M25). You could see the birds on lampposts in Tesco car park or foraging in the grassy bits in the centre of Brooklands. The nests were in trees in Oyster Lane. This seems to have disappeared now - I don't recall seeing any Rooks for about 5 years or so.
I'm guessing that it relocated nearby and they forage elsewhere, maybe to the other side of the M25?

Yes, I go to Ranmore Common quite a lot, Marsh Tits are often the most common tit around.

[The Devil Bird]

Used to get Rooks at Nonsuch Park a few years ago but gone now.

[Johnny Allan]

Rooks started breeding in Beddington Park a couple of years ago but not last year. They still get on the landfill at Beddington in small numbers so may do so again some time.

[Zenzero]

The River Mole flooded into Painshill lake yesterday and has turned the normally clear water thick with mud. The Goosanders appeared to have left, however there were two drakes back this afternoon, but there must be almost zero visibility under water. They weren't doing any fishing.

[Zenzero]

Several Rooks were present in Tesco CP, Brooklands today. In fact it looked very like they were considering nesting on the very tall clustered lighting pylons - each one had a pair of Rooks "occupying" it.

Also: Pair of Egyptian Geese with 2 tiny young at Painshill Lake, Cobham.

[JohnnyH]

No sign of the Shrike at Thursley this morning although I was told that it was around early on before flying towards Hankley. Other sightings included 3 Buzzards, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Reed Bunting, Woodlark, Lesser Redpoll, Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

John.

[The Devil Bird]

Now I (The Devil Bird0 am under the name of DCampbell because I have been unable to log in for some reason and birdforum ignored my request for help to log in.

Every day apart from Thursday this week I have been going to Banstead Downs, which is across the road from my house (you can see it from our place!) and the highlights so far have been Goldcrest, Green Woodpecker and Bullfinch.
I know that you get Firecrest, Little Owl, Lesser Whitethroat, Dartford Warbler (!), Yellowhammer, Woodcock, Woodlark and Skylark there as well as many Warblers.
I am definitely going there more often!

[kevinguest]

David

I have regularly seen Wood Warbler at the Devils Punch bowl at the viewpoint behind the cafe. You will hear them before you see them but patience will give you good views of this bird.

I had Marsh tit at Ranmore today.

Regards

Kevin

[paulwfromtheden]

David

I have regularly seen Wood Warbler at the Devils Punch bowl at the viewpoint behind the cafe. You will hear them before you see them but patience will give you good views of this bird.

I had Marsh tit at Ranmore today.

Regards

Kevin

Well done on the Marsh Tit at Ranmore Kev, glad they are still around.

[kevinguest]

Paul

Cheers, third Surrey VC tick of the year. I like the idea of local birding (Beyond Beddington Farm) No sitting in traffic jams for hours as I did for the White Crowned Sparrow.. I suppose my carbon footprint will improve as well!

Regards

Kevin

[Zenzero]

Several Woodlarks singing round both ponds at Frensham on Tuesday.

[dr_david_king]

I had a Marsh Tit today at Ranmoor Common - thanks for the pointer. Overall Ranmoor Common doesn't seem to have a lot of birdlife. A number of blue tits and great tits, but just before leaving had the MT and in same tree there was a Treecreeper - and a couple of minutes later had a Nuthatch.

- Dave.

[The Devil Bird]

RE: Wood Warblers, I have found a site for them. Apparently you get them on passage just across the road... haha I'm gonna be there a lot this spring.

[Clive Watson]

Spent a couple of hours at Thursley on Tuesday. Two Woodlark on the burnt area, which was a little disappointing, there's room for two hundred. Otherwise really cold, bleak and miserable. A couple of Stonechats and a couple of distant Buzzards, plus the Great Grey Shrike apparently still present (didn't see it).

[The Devil Bird]

5 singing Willow Warblers and 5 singing Chiffchaffs at Banstead Downs this morning, plus a male Blackcap in my garden which is basically next to it.

[The Devil Bird]

A lot of migrants coming in at the moment. The grasshopper warbler at barnes look interesting. I think they'll have past through in a day or two.

Just finished a new project. Click here (http://www.freewebs.com/suttonbirding).

[Surreybirder]

I like your new site, David.
Migration has been slow so far down here in Lingfield. Main recent birds of interest were peregrine, little egret, tawny owl (perching on top of a silver birch in full view), little owl (three sites) and quite a few swallows (30 at Hedgecourt Lake yesterday).
Ken

[Zenzero]

Did a quick trip to Chobham Common this pm.
National Grid are refurbishing the main Pylon Line south of the M3 and (technically) all the footpaths that cross under it are closed 8 am - 6 pm until 25th June. Site notices do not say anything about whether this includes weekends or not.

No sign of any Redstarts in the small area I was able to visit, but the habitat looks as right as it could be.

[Clive Watson]

I also went looking for Redstarts on Chobham Common today and I also failed to find any. I'm not convinced there are any to be found. Easy enough at Thursley of course, but I'm hoping to get some more local to me.

[The Devil Bird]

Got Lesser Whitethroat and whitethroat at Beddington SF yesterday, today got Whitethroat at Banstead Downs.

[kevinguest]

Hi everyone

Does anyone know where the Southcombe car park is on the Devils punchbowl?

Crossbills have been recently reported on SBC.

Regards

Kevin

[The Devil Bird]

Kevin. After a bit of searching I can't find details of the car park. I'll let you know if I do.
Did you see the Firecrest at Mitcham after I went?

[kevinguest]

Kevin. After a bit of searching I can't find details of the car park. I'll let you know if I do.
Did you see the Firecrest at Mitcham after I went?

David

The Firecrest was not seen again that evening.

I have been unable to trace the carpark. Roger and I asked local people during our visit but no one had heard of it.

Regards

Kevin

[Zenzero]

I also went looking for Redstarts on Chobham Common today and I also failed to find any. I'm not convinced there are any to be found. Easy enough at Thursley of course, but I'm hoping to get some more local to me.

Birds of Surrey says "intermittent reports" from Chobham 1994-2004. So they are present sometimes, possibly only on passage though.

What's Horsell Common like? I've never been there but have passed it many times. Also Whitmoor Common - Nightjars there at least.

[Clive Watson]

Yes, I've been leafing through my Birds of Surrey too. I find it hard to believe there are Redstarts at Pirbright/Bisley but none at Chobham, it's only a few miles away and there is some decent-looking habitat. Trouble with the whole Pirbright area is the restricted access, I've never found a good access point. As regards Horsell, I drive past it every day but never really look for birds there, it's much more disturbed by dog walkers and others than Chobham. I believe it has, or had, Nightjars but I can't really tell you much more than that.

[Zenzero]

...Trouble with the whole Pirbright area is the restricted access, I've never found a good access point...

There is access to Ash Ranges (Pirbright Common SW of Pirbright village) when the red flags aren't flying. Trouble is there is nowhere you can find the times from.
However from past experience, they are open during the long holidays, eg Christmas, Easter etc.
Not sure about the other ones but maybe. It's a long weekend coming up so maybe they will be open. But you have to go there to find out.

I was told by a horse rider some years ago that the red flags come down about 4-30pm most days so they should be open most late afternoons & evenings.

None of this is guaranteed and the info may be out of date. Maybe someone else knows. I'll ask on the Surrey/Hants/Berks Borders thread.

Surrey Wildlife Trust are apparently grazing cattle there now.

It's a lovely place with some great views. Definitely Redstarts there.
Access either at the main gate at the range near Henley Park Lake off the A 324.
I found it easier to park on the other side of the common on the minor Road just SE of the railway by the railway tunnel.

[Clive Watson]

Thanks for this info. I've been in at the Dolleyshill entrance point before, when I was under the impression that there were still Groppers at Whitepatch Bottom, before I realised that the info was way out of date. I'll try the Henley Park Lane area again.

[Zenzero]

Best to have a backup plan to visit elsewhere in case the flags are still flying

[Zenzero]

I just found this. It implies that only 4 weeks per year are the ranges open full time, so I guess that is the 2 weeks at Christmas and the 2 weeks at Easter

Ash Ranges
The range danger area (RDA) is ring fenced and out of bounds to the public when the red flags are flying indicating that he ranges are operational and it dangerous to enter the RDA. In effect creating an out of bounds area 7days week between 07.30 and 16.30 approx 48 weeks of the year. Details of times when the ranges are not operational can be obtained from the range office on a daily basis. When the flags are taken down each day live firing stops and the area is open for full managed public access controlled within the terms of the Byelaws. There are few public rights of way within the Ash Area.

http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/sccwebsite/sccwspages.nsf/LookupWebPagesByTITLE_RTF/Agenda+-+24+April+2006?opendocument

[Clive Watson]

Well, a walk around the Henley Park area still failed to reveal any Redstarts, despite loads of fantastic-looking habitat. In fact there was virtually nothing to be seen, one or two Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, and a pair on nesting Coal Tits were the highlights. At least 4 Mandarin on Henley Park Lake.

At Thursley, at least 4 Woodlark on the burnt area and 2 Redstarts in the woods near the cricket pitch. Also Cuckoo and Willow Warbler. No Redstarts in the Moat car park though, where I've seen them before.

[Clive Watson]

On Surrey Bird Club website : report of female Subalpine Warbler on Chobham Common, 200m east of Jubilee Mount car park.

[Zenzero]

Well, a walk around the Henley Park area still failed to reveal any Redstarts, despite loads of fantastic-looking habitat. In fact there was virtually nothing to be seen, one or two Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, and a pair on nesting Coal Tits were the highlights. At least 4 Mandarin on Henley Park Lake ...

If you visit again, you might have some success on the higher ground in the Scragley Hill area. Either walk up the long main track past Henley Park range,
or on the other side of the common park at Tunnel Hill on the verge, SU 912550 and walk the other way. It's a shorter walk.
There is also a parking area where the two minor roads join SU 918556, but it should be OK on the verge.

If you get Google up, select maps, zoom in and switch to satellite view and you'll see. No need to download Google Earth first (at least I don't think so).

[Zenzero]

Visited Thursley: Nice to see the little heather plants regrowing after the fire.

3-4 singing Woodlarks, 2 male Cuckoos, displaying Tufties on Pudmore, only saw one Redstart (in Redstart Alley).
Didn't find a Tree Pipit which was unusual, probably there but I missed it.
Three Hobbies, lots of Large Red Damselflies. Didn't see any lizards today.

[paulwfromtheden]

Little Tern at Beddington on Saturday at 15:45. Cracking bird. Flew in from NE, circled the 'submarine' and exited SW.
Did anyone get any news of it after that?

[Clive Watson]

Had a flock of about 50 Crossbills at Frensham Little Pond yesterday, at the back of the pond where it joins the King's Ridge. They hung about for a while and I was able to get a few reasonable shots (and a lot of rubbish ones). They've got to be immigrants surely, we don't normally get such numbers in Surrey. Didn't see any juveniles.

It's interesting watching them feed, they don't so much feed a the tree as dismantle it, ripping off whole cones and dropping them to the floor. Bizarrely, whilst watching them a Kingfisher shot through the top of the trees in between them, making an unusual same-field-of-view double!

Didn't see any Spotted Flycatchers though, which is what I mainly went for. Anyone know exactly where the hang out at Frensham (or anywhere else?)

[kevinguest]

Clive

Do you know if the Crossbill are still at Frensham? Crossbill are still missing from my list. If so I will take a trip down there.

Regards

Kevin

[Clive Watson]

I was able to follow them for about 20 minutes and they were feeding actively, but as is normally the way with Crossbills, eventually they flew off and I lost them. There's no shortage of suitable habitat round there and they make plenty of noise as they fly round so it's quite possible that they could be refound. They were quite mobile but not particularly shy when settled so I might try and get some better photos at the weekend (especially if they get reported again!)

[kevinguest]

Clive

Thanks for the information you may well see me there at the weekend... Just in case!

Regards

Kevin

[Zenzero]

Firecrest singing, Ranmore Common on Saturday in tall alien conifer resembling a Yew, maybe Douglas fir or Western Hemlock, also in Oaks nearby. Couldn't see it though - frustrating!

Approx TQ132507 on bridle path between Yew Tree Farm and the Scout camp. (not the hard forest road - it diverges south west from the forest road)

[The Devil Bird]

Had Woodlark, at least 5 Dartford Warbler and a Cuckoo calling at Thursley today. No Redstarts, though the only likely habitat I searched for them in was the woods around the cricet pitch, had no idea where this car park is where you are meant to see them. Could anyone offer any likley spots for Redstart there? Also, I need sites for Tree Pipit in Surrey.
thanks,
David

[JohnnyH]

David,

You're better off parking at the Moat which is off the Thursley Road driving from Elstead. From the car park head across the boardwalk over the bog & turn right at the end of the boardwalk. You will walk through a small island of pines, Redstarts can be seen here or continue on & at the end of that path turn left. You will walk through another avenue of pines, this is another good area for Redstarts & Tree Pipits. Past the Pines you will see a footpath that goes over the hill, (Shrike Hill), Redstarts can also be found here. I think that should be enough for you to be going on with, bear in mind that the birds may not be singing at this stage having already mated & in the process of raising young.

Cheers,

John.

[paulwfromtheden]

Firecrest singing, Ranmore Common on Saturday in tall alien conifer resembling a Yew, maybe Douglas fir or Western Hemlock, also in Oaks nearby. Couldn't see it though - frustrating!

Approx TQ132507 on bridle path between Yew Tree Farm and the Scout camp. (not the hard forest road - it diverges south west from the forest road)

Four Dartford Warblers at Chobham today as well. Also at least 3 Garden Warblers singing in the trees by the car park if anyone needs them for their 2008 list.

[Epsomsalt]

Had Woodlark, at least 5 Dartford Warbler and a Cuckoo calling at Thursley today. No Redstarts, though the only likely habitat I searched for them in was the woods around the cricet pitch, had no idea where this car park is where you are meant to see them. Could anyone offer any likley spots for Redstart there? Also, I need sites for Tree Pipit in Surrey.
thanks,
David

Hi David,
I saw a few tree pipits last weekend at frensham Little Pond - on the walk from the small car park / layby through to the Pond.
Cheers,
Chris

[cooky]

I have just found this thread so sorry for late reply. I find the best access point to Ash Ranges is the bridge hill entrance on the road between Mytchett and Brookwood the flags are normlly down in the evenings but often later than 4.30 I think they might start taking the flags down at 4.30 but its a long way round. I visited last week and heard at least 2 nightjars and saw one. The flags are also quite often down on bank holidays and I had a good day on the 4th of May seeing a male Redstart near to bridge hill plus good views of 2 Cuckoos, a Wheatear, Dartfords, Tree Pipets and Woodlark.

[The Devil Bird]

A couple of nights ago had fantastic views of Nightjar at Chobham + loads of Woodcock.
Thanks for the advice epsomsalt and JohnnyH- I will give it a go in a couple of weeks.

[Epsomsalt]

hi David,

Just had a look at your new website -coming along very nicely! If you are still looking to find a Mandarin a short trip to epsom Common might be worthwhile - there were a couple there the week before last - on the first (smaller) pond.

Cheers,
Chris

[David S.]

Has anyone here spent time at Limpsfield Common/the High Chart? I understand it's one of the few places near me where nightjar can be found (although I guess it may be getting a little late in the year to see them now, perhaps?) Would be interested in knowing if anyone has ever seen them there recently and, if so, what locations are best.

Was on holiday near Minsmere last week and went on a guided walk to find them. Heard lots but didn't see any: I think it's just served to whet my appetite!

Thanks

David

[Surreybirder]

Hi, David,
I used to live near Oxted and we used to see nightjar on the High Chart each spring. Unfortunately the trees have grown much taller there now and I don't think they've been there for about four years.
Paine's Hill, just over the border in Kent, used to be a good spot.
If I were you I would contact the East Surrey RSPB group. There are several top birders among them and they know the area like nobody else.
I'm sure you know Bill Oddie's trick of waving a couple of white handkerchiefs around your head to attract the nightjars?
I've twice been lucky enough to accidentally flush one in daylight but that is only likely to happen in prime habitat such as Ashdown Forest or the New Forest or Thursley or Frensham.
HTH
Ken

[paulwfromtheden]

Hi, David,
I used to live near Oxted and we used to see nightjar on the High Chart each spring. Unfortunately the trees have grown much taller there now and I don't think they've been there for about four years.
Paine's Hill, just over the border in Kent, used to be a good spot.
If I were you I would contact the East Surrey RSPB group. There are several top birders among them and they know the area like nobody else.
I'm sure you know Bill Oddie's trick of waving a couple of white handkerchiefs around your head to attract the nightjars?
I've twice been lucky enough to accidentally flush one in daylight but that is only likely to happen in prime habitat such as Ashdown Forest or the New Forest or Thursley or Frensham.
HTH
Ken

Chobham common has reasonable numbers; but it is getting very late, and they will have young, so may be best to leave it until early June next year...

[David S.]

Thanks Ken and Paul. The East Surrey RSPB group sounds like a very good idea - I'll definitely check it out. I've just ordered the Birds of Surrey book too: hopefully this will have lots of up to date locations for the many birds I have yet to see!

David

[Surreybirder]

Thanks Ken and Paul. The East Surrey RSPB group sounds like a very good idea - I'll definitely check it out. I've just ordered the Birds of Surrey book too: hopefully this will have lots of up to date locations for the many birds I have yet to see!

David

It's a great book - almost too much info!!
Ken

[Johnny Allan]

It's a great book - almost too much info!!
Ken

It certainly is an interesting and informative read but I must say that I find the inclusion of bird records from outside the Watsonian Vice County (Spelthorne), irritating and, in some cases, confusing. As with all monumental works, there are other problems (such as the out of date atlas maps), but, all in all, if you're a Surrey birder or interested in Surrey birds, you shouldn't be without a copy

Kind regards

Johnny Allan

[Surreybirder]

Biologically speaking, I agree. VC17 is what I count for my Surrey list.
I feel guilty using 'Surreybirder' now that other Surrey birders have joined Birdforum! There were only a few thousand members when I joined and it seemed more appropriate then! Perhaps I should get it changed to Lingfield Birder ;)
Ken

[The Devil Bird]

1 probable Crossbill seen briefly and heard calling at Nonsuch Park yesterday also 1 Hobby and 1 Common Gull (adult summer) there.
Green Woodpecker families showing well as usual and a male Sparrowhawk flushed about 30 Ring-necked Parakeets which then flew round and round screeching for about 10 minutes. 2+ juvenile Sparrowhawks in the wood- still slightly downy.
Peregrine has been regular again at the Reed Building, Sutton this week.
I'm heading out to check for the Crossbill again now, but it probably won't be there.

[kevinguest]

David

I did not find the Crossbill last night... Thank you for letting me know one was about.

Regards

Kevin

[Zenzero]

Perhaps I should get it changed to Lingfield Birder ;)
Ken

Doesn't have the same ring to it.

[Surreybirder]

Doesn't have the same ring to it.

True!
Just beginning to see signs of return migration here with common sand and green sand passing though yesterday.

[The Devil Bird]

Sorry to hear you missed it. I have decided not to tick it, I wish I recorded the call and got a picture to confirm it though! I checked this morning and this evening for it and couldn't find it.

David

I did not find the Crossbill last night... Thank you for letting me know one was about.

Regards

Kevin

[Zenzero]

Well, a walk around the Henley Park area still failed to reveal any Redstarts, despite loads of fantastic-looking habitat. In fact there was virtually nothing to be seen, one or two Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, and a pair on nesting Coal Tits were the highlights. At least 4 Mandarin on Henley Park Lake...


I see from the cover of the latest Birding Surrey that you found your Redstarts north of the Hogs Back.
But there are at least 3 different locations called Pirbright Common.

Nice job Clive.

[JohnnyH]

Crippling views of the juv Black Tern at Frensham this morning, watched it circling the pond feeding / resting for about an hour awesome stuff.

John.

[Zenzero]

Flock of c40 Siskins knocking around Painshill a couple of days ago.
Thick Fog this morning.

[Johnny Allan]

Two Honey Buzzard east over Tadworth at 15:15 today (per Mike Spicer)

[The Devil Bird]

1 female Firecrest showing extremely well at Banstead Downs Golf Course today (31/10/2008) from 0905-1017 at least when I left. Good patch bird. Also a Bullfinch on site and 4 Fieldfares+2 Skylarks+7 Redwings over as well as an assortment of commoner stuff.

[Duck_Pond]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but have any of you locals visited the reservoirs at Staines?

I have to collect my brother from Heathrow on a morning next week, and figured that I'd rather take a mooch around the lakes, than sit in a very expensive car park at the airport, waiting.

Not sure how much time I'll get, but if anyone has any ideas of good spots to head to, it'd be handy. :t:

[Surreybirder]

Staines Res. is a popular birding spot (though it can be cold and windswept. It's very handy for Heathrow (and you don't need to be dressed for boggy conditions). You can find out maps etc on Fatbirder http://www.fatbirder.com/links_geo/europe/england_greater_london.htmlor other sites. I personally prefer Wraysbury gravel pits which is also near Heathrow but it could be very muddy at the moment.
Ken

[The Devil Bird]

Standard Staines res is the easiest and most accessible of the reservoirs with the most birders on my experience. There's been a Great Northern Diver hanging around those reservoirs for a while so keep an eye out for it.

[Duck_Pond]

Cheers :t:

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Can anyone point me in the right direction for the Banstead firecrests? I will be spending Christmas there and do not know the area at all.
Thanks!

[paulwfromtheden]

Can anyone point me in the right direction for the Banstead firecrests? I will be spending Christmas there and do not know the area at all.
Thanks!

Head for Banstead Golf Club. As you face the clubhouse, there is a path off to the left which takes you past the putting green. The path forks left towards the first tee, take the RIGHT fork and the Firecrest(s) are along the path.
You need a PDA/mobile phone to play the call.
Good luck

[The Devil Bird]

To get to the golf course from Banstead village, get on the A217 towards Sutton, at the roundabout, take the first exit, turn first left (very soon after the roundabout) and turn left again, ahead of you is the golf course. Park either at the club house or the road. Take the wooded footpath and slowly walk along there. If you have a tape, they respond well. Recently they (2-3) have favoured the first 100m or so of the footpath, though they do range to the far end of the footpath.

I will PM you my mobile number and can easily pop over to show you them if you want.

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Thanks for the info and PMs

[bitterntwisted]

It is an alarmingly small world Marcus. I too will be in Surrey for Christmas from Leeds, and came on here for directions to the Firecrests and also the Hawfinches at Bookham Common!

If anyone can narrow the Hawfinch search also I would be very grateful.

Thanks,
Graham

[kevinguest]

Graham

I saw a Hawfinch today near Bookham Railway Stn. If you drive past the station on your right and take the next right which leads down to a small car park on the common. The Hawfinch are seen in the area in front of the car park. Keep checking the tops of the trees and im sure you will eventually see one.

Regards

Kevin

[Surreybirder]

I note that a waxwing was seen in Godstone on 24th. Has anyone seen any since then in Surrey?
Ken

[Clive Watson]

As far as I'm aware this is the only Waxwing that has so far been seen in Surrey.

Just wondered how the Christmas visitors to Surrey got on with the Firecrests and Hawfinches. I decided not to go local twitching today, but it didn't really work out. I went looking for Goosander at Papercourt and Bouldermere but didn't see a single one. Anyone seen any locally?

Did find a few Brambling with a load of Chaffinches near the disused Wisley Airfield. I'll have to go for those Firecrests and Hawfinches soon.

[bbsbirder]

[QUOTE=Clive Watson;1366055]
I decided not to go local twitching today, but it didn't really work out. I went looking for Goosander at Papercourt and Bouldermere but didn't see a single one. Anyone seen any locally?

Hi Clive,

I did see 2 female Goosnder on the 22nd December at Cuttmill Ponds (SU912457). They were on 'The Tarn' lake but most often seen on the Cuttmill Pond itself. The ponds seem a regular wintering area.

Kevin

[The Devil Bird]

I saw a Goosander fly over Beddington SF on the 21st Dec.

Iceland Gull and Bullfinch at Beddington SF today...

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

I went looking for the crest on three occaisons over the period 29/30. Big thanks to David for taking the time out to help me. The birds showed best on the morning over the 29th, but it was too dark for good pictures although the views were outstanding. After the initial 5 minutes of great views the bird never responded to the calls on subsequent visits although with perseverence it could be found easiest in the slightly cleared area presumably because this is the narrowest section in the strip for birds feeding in a circuit.

Thanks for the help, especially Devil Birder!

[cooky]

Great Grey Shrike today on Ash Ranges approx 200m up track from Bridge Hill entrance SU913543. I believe the flags are down until the 11th

[JohnnyH]

The Shrike was showing well at Ash Ranges this morning in the same area as yesterday. Also at least 3 Dartfords & a male Stonechat.

John.

[David S.]

Heard a rumour from another birder at Bough Beech today that a small flock of waxwings were in a residential garden in Caterham just yesterday. Anyone heard this too or able to verify?

Thanks,

David

[David S.]

Heard a rumour from another birder at Bough Beech today that a small flock of waxwings were in a residential garden in Caterham just yesterday. Anyone heard this too or able to verify?

Thanks,

David

I connected with what I suspect could have been these same birds in Warlingham this morning. Magical birds and lifers for me. An experience I'll never forget.

David

[SurbitonStu]

Would it be possible to link Multimap or similar pages as to where these places are... The Ash Ranges amd Bough beech are double dutch to me..

Thanks

Stu

[Surreybirder]

Bough Beech is in Kent and therefore 'foreign' ;)

http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/sccwebsite/sccwspages.nsf/LookupWebPagesByTITLE_RTF/Surrey+Interactive+Map#
is useful for looking up places in Surrey.
Ken

[Mal92]

Hi
I've recently posted the Surrey Checklist on my free, non-commercial website www.printablebirdchecklists.homestead.com

If anyone would like to take a look and let me know if there are any omissions, discrepancies or errors, I would be most grateful.

Regards

Mal

[Surreybirder]

I did a casual walk through four tetrads in Mercer's Country Park (also known as Holmethorpe sandpits and/or Spyne's Mere) today. TQ25V, W, TQ35A, B.
It was pretty productive - a lot more so than my 'local patch'. I added 11 species to my year list (I haven't been out of Surrey so far in 2009).
Highlights included: little egret, rose-ringed parakeet, shelduck, barn owl, little owl, greylag geese, goldeneye, gadwall, teal, ruddy duck (well I like them!), pochard, little grebe, skylark... I didn't count the total no. of species but it was probably c50 - with the emphasis on non-passerines.
The best bird for me was the barn owl as I've only ever seen one in Surrey before. I was actually looking for a little owl as some years ago I saw (on more than one occasion) a little owl roosting in a crack in an oak tree. I pointed my bins in the right direction and was really surprised to see a barn owl in exactly the same place. I was almost as surprised when, having phoned my wife to share this news, I then saw a little owl in the same tree!
A very satisfying morning in calm, sunny weather (at least 5deg C)!
Back home my wife spotted a circling sparrowhawk - another year tick!
Ken

[Johnny Allan]

Hi
I've recently posted the Surrey Checklist on my free, non-commercial website www.printablebirdchecklists.homestead.com

If anyone would like to take a look and let me know if there are any omissions, discrepancies or errors, I would be most grateful.

Regards

Mal

Hi Mal,

a fantastic job but you've included birds from Middlesex (Spelthorne). The area covered by the Surrey Bird Club is the Watsonian Vice County. Details here:

http://www.diporglory.co.uk/page7.html

And here:

http://www.sbclub.ukonline.co.uk/index.html

Boundaries of counties change, and much of Surrey is now actually Greater London, but the Vice Counties remain constant. Vice Counties were created for, and are essential to, continuity in recording flora and fauna.

Keep up the good work.

Kind regards

Johnny Allan
__________________
www.diporglory.co.uk

ps what source are you using ?

[Nick Tanner]

Bonaparte's Gull, Jan 29th 1983 and Desert Wheatear, Apr 13th and 14th 1989, both from Barn Elms Res (now the Wetlands Centre), the DW was well twitched but the gull was a seen by a single observer

Nick

[Mal92]

Thanks Nick, I'll add those tomorrow.

Mal

[bbsbirder]

Hi
I've recently posted the Surrey Checklist on my free, non-commercial website www.printablebirdchecklists.homestead.com

If anyone would like to take a look and let me know if there are any omissions, discrepancies or errors, I would be most grateful.

Regards

Mal

Hi Mal,

Crag Martin seen at Tice's Meadow on 22nd October 2006.

Kevin

[Mal92]

Thanks Kevin, I'll amend the list now

Cheers

Mal

[JohnnyH]

4 Black Necked Grebes showing well on the South Basin at Staines this morning & Bittern giving amazing views from the Peacock Tower at Barnes this afternoon.

John.

[Clive Watson]

I go away for a few days and something good turns up on my doorstep. I did see the Knaphill Waxwings this morning at about 8:00 but they flew off literally as I was getting out of the car, so no photos. If anyone wants to have a look for them, take Sparvell Road off the A322 just north of the Sainsbury's/Homebase junction, go right to the end and they were in the big tree directly in front of you. The grid reference from Sunday puts them a bit further down the footpath so they must move around a bit.

[JohnnyH]

No posts on here for a while so to get things going again, went for the White Winged Tern at Staines this evening. What a stunning bird! showing down to 30ft ish on the North Basin, feeding enthusiastically & getting bullied occasionally by the Black headed Gulls. Cracking tick for me!

John.

PS just realised this is my 500th post, yay me!

[Kev23]

I went also, Wed eve. Great to compare it with the dozen or so black terns there (Both species lifers for me). The biggest rarity for me at Staines to spot would be the sun however; no matter what time of year, it's always gloomy and cold when I go!

Worth it for these birds though...

Kev

[The Devil Bird]

I went for the Tern on monday, to the anger of my parents when they found out I'd been sneaking off to Staines on my own. Stunning bird. Nice London tick although it's not in Surrey.

[Johnny Allan]

Hi there,

I'm trying to find out which Counties still use the Watsonian Vice County system to record birds in and which go by whatever the political boundary may change to (and why).

The Watsonian Vice County system was set to accurately record and compare historical and modern data and it seems that there can be/is confusion when some counties no longer use this system whilst others do. Does anyone in your county have a view on this ? Discussion here if anyone has a comment:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=142074

ps this is not about getting more or less county ticks, more a question about uniformity in recording.

Johnny Allan

[JohnnyH]

Nice morning at Thursley, great views of Redstart & spent hours watching the Hobby's hawking Dragonflies over Pudmore & returning to nearby perches to despatch their kills.

John.