Surrey Birding (1 Viewer)

[RJSeargent]

The maximum number of Goosnader this week is now 31. Cutt Mill appears to be a major pre-roost location although I would love to know where the main roost is. Marsh Tit has now been confirmed in the location although it wasn't a surprise to hear this; the main area appears to be the walkway between The Tarn and the Warren Pond.

Rich

 

[Surrey_Ed]

I went to Cutt Mill on Tuesday - over 20 Goosander on the House Pond (mainly females). No luck with the Firecrest or Yellow-legged Gull though.

 

[DST]

RFI on the Goosanders at Cutt Mill. I note they are described as gathering pre-roost. What time do they turn up and when do they leave? Are they ever there in the mornings? Any help gratefully received.

Thanks, D

 

[Tri-Counties Birder]

RFI on the Goosanders at Cutt Mill. I note they are described as gathering pre-roost. What time do they turn up and when do they leave? Are they ever there in the mornings? Any help gratefully received.

Thanks, D

Yes, there are some there throughout the day. I saw 8 last Saturday at 12:00.

 

[RJSeargent]

RFI on the Goosanders at Cutt Mill. I note they are described as gathering pre-roost. What time do they turn up and when do they leave? Are they ever there in the mornings? Any help gratefully received.

Thanks, D

The largest numbers are mid afternoon and then tend to decrease before last light. I reported 7 or so at 1630 last Saturday but there had been 27 in the afternoon. Birds were very flighty yesterday at around 1430 and were on both ponds.

Rich

 

[JohnnyH]

No time for proper birding today but did have Yellowhammer & Skylark around the football pitch at Seale this morning whist watching my son play.

John.

 

[Tri-Counties Birder]

Got a third hand report of a Bittern at Stoke Meadows, Guildford, this afternoon. Apparently it flew around at 17:00, but I don't know anything more.

 

[DST]

The largest numbers are mid afternoon and then tend to decrease before last light. I reported 7 or so at 1630 last Saturday but there had been 27 in the afternoon. Birds were very flighty yesterday at around 1430 and were on both ponds.

Rich

Many thanks Sean & Rich,

D

 

[RJSeargent]

No time for proper birding today but did have Yellowhammer & Skylark around the football pitch at Seale this morning whist watching my son play.

John.

Looked for Yellowhammer there this morning to no avail. Might try later.

Rich

 

[RJSeargent]

No sign of the Shrike this afternoon at Thursley and little else in the rain. Surprisingly, given the downpour, two Woodlarks were singing. 101st species in Surrey and 149th in the UK this year.

Rich

 

[RJSeargent]

There is still a pair of Wood Duck on Homewood Lake, Chertsey. These are presumably the birds which bred and produced 3 young last year. This species is a Cat E bird. Still, a useful addition to the Surrey Avi-fauna and one I have seen on and off since moving to the area in 1995. A beautiful bird.

BOURC Cat E

Species that have been recorded as introductions, transportees or escapees from captivity, and whose British breeding populations (if any) are thought not to be self-sustaining.

Rich

 

[RJSeargent]

A short Tour de Surrey today to bag some birds not yet on my Surrey Year List. First stop Longside Lake where I disturbed a female Sparrowhawk before finding my target bird, a first winter drake Smew. Next stop Barnes with hope of finding a Bittern but to no avail. I did find my second target bird, Cetti's Warbler with two singing, one by the WWF Hide and the other adjacent to the Hidden Lagoon. Returning to Farnborough I walked around Seale with the hope of finding Yellowhammer but sadly couldn't locate. I was surprised to hear four and see one Woodlark on the path to the Sands.

Rich

 

[JohnnyH]

Returning to Farnborough I walked around Seale with the hope of finding Yellowhammer but sadly couldn't locate.

Hi Rich,

Try Wanborough for Yellowhammer, come down via the A31 & just after the sharp bend past the village scan the hedgerows to your right.

Cheers,

John.

 

[RJSeargent]

Returning to Farnborough I walked around Seale with the hope of finding Yellowhammer but sadly couldn't locate.

Hi Rich,

Try Wanborough for Yellowhammer, come down via the A31 & just after the sharp bend past the village scan the hedgerows to your right.

Cheers,

John.

John,

thanks. First light trip tomorrow!

Rich

 

[Surrey_Ed]

If you're after Yellowhammer then Clock Barn Farm & Tuesley Farm near Busbridge (my patch) should produce results, although i'd also say that Wanborough is your best bet.

 

[kevinguest]

Holmethorpe CP 19/2

Oystercatcher on Mercers West late pm.... Thanks Gordon and Graham for phone call.

Kojak

 

[RJSeargent]

Many will know of the debate as to whether or not Willow Tit survives in Surrey. There have been consistent reports of this species in Forest Green with birds visiting a bird feeder. I have been to this location previously and seen only Marsh Tit but today following a three hour tetrad survey saw one individual on the said bird feeder which was confirmed as the bird called before alighting. Identification of this species is fraught with many pitfalls and the call is possibly one of the best ways to confirm.

In total I saw a minimum of 5 Marsh Tit at the same location.

A happy man!

Rich

 

[kevinguest]

Richard

John Allan and I staked out the feeders at Forest Green today but were not successful in seeing Willow Tit which is a shame as this remains a Surrey VC tick for me.

I did however get some pics of some regular species and witness the demise of a Blue Tit at the hands of a very skillful Sprog.

Many thanks to our hosts who looked after us during our visit.

Regards

Kojak

 

[RJSeargent]

Richard

John Allan and I staked out the feeders at Forest Green today but were not successful in seeing Willow Tit which is a shame as this remains a Surrey VC tick for me.

I did however get some pics of some regular species and see the demise of a Blue Tit at the hands of a very skillful Sprog.

Many thanks to our hosts who looked after us during our visit.

Regards

Kojak

Kojak,

don't give up mate! Rich tells me you only saw two Marsh Tits which is a surprise given the numbers around. The call yesterday was unmistakeable and I have played back a number of time to confirm what we heard. Fully aware that this could be seen as a suspect sighting given the lack of reports of Willow Tit and I remained sceptical until yesterday. I am going back on Thursday for another look-see. There will be ringer down soon to ring in the location and touch wood he might pull something out of the bag.

Rich.

ps. Nice pics

 

[kevinguest]

Richard

I wont give up on this one.... I have only been once and I certainly do not expect to connect with every bird I go for.. That would take away the challenge factor!!.... Fingers crossed I will strike next time.....

Regards

Kojak