Beddington Farm 27/09
(-) Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) o
Weather forcasts were predicting perfect conditions at the Farm today. Another early start was in order. I arrived at the Farm at 6.30am one problem no wind! After a muddy visit to the lagoons I soon realized that it wasnt going to happen today.
I suggested to John "Badge" Allan that we go looking for Coal tits / migrants along the path. We found a mixed tit flock in the oaks in the bikers field. The area has always looked good for Treecreeper but having searched the farm for 29 years John had not seen one. This species can be found in Beddington Park and Mitcham Common but has a habit of avoiding the Farm.
As I looked through the trees I saw a brown speckled backed bird with white underparts climbing the bark.. I had a double take moment and then lost it... "Treecreeper Its a treecreeper!!" It climbed the bark and moved around the back of the tree... John had not seen it a few tense moments followed then the bird re appeared on a short stumpy branch.....
29 years and it was in the bag I was delighted..... News was circulated a celebratory cigar was lit by John and we walked 100 Acre returning to see the bird again approximately an hour later. More texts and a few regulars attended adding this rare bird to their lists.
Fantastic!! My third Beddington tick in just over a week...
Yearlists
Beddington Farm 116
Holmethorpe CP 087
Totals
:t: = 1 :king: = 13 o

= 10 3

= 11