Dr David Trousers Smith
Dr Dave Trousers Smith
FYI I found a dead water shrew a few years back near small pond between tices meadow and Tongham GP. One for the Surrey Mammal Atlas
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Tice's Meadow and Tongham GP, Surrey (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter RJSeargent
- Start date
FYI I found a dead water shrew a few years back near small pond between tices meadow and Tongham GP. One for the Surrey Mammal Atlas
Tri-Counties Birder
AKA The Portland Naturalist
Who did you report it to David?
Kevin told me that the warden of the Blackwater Valley had not heard of any records in the valley before!
Dr David Trousers Smith
Dr Dave Trousers Smith
Monday 7th Jan 2013 highlights...in haste.
2 egyptian geese
1 barn owl
2 green sand
1 jack snipe
8 snipe
between 0720 and 1120
2 egyptian geese
1 barn owl
2 green sand
1 jack snipe
8 snipe
between 0720 and 1120
RJSeargent
Birding at the taxpayer's expense. Head down, bin
Following Dave Smith's returning Barn Owl this morning the bird was present again this afternoon at 1635hrs. An hour's walk earlier produced GBB Gull (1 3W?), LBB Gull (60+), H Gull (7), YL Gull (1 ad), Pochard (11), T Duck (17), Wigeon (3), Teal (7). Also; Water Rail (1), Grey Wagtail (1), Skylark (1), Meadow Pipit (3), Siskin (6), L Redpoll (3), Fieldfare (15) and Redwing (1).
Good to meet up with Dr Dave again this morning . He had been at Tices before first light and got Barn Owl ,first sitting this year. We also got 2 Green Sandpiper flying upstream , and all the usuals.
On the mound this evening with Rich S that lovely site of Barn Owl 16 35 again over meadow.
I have collected Barn Owl ,Kestrel and Tawny Owl pellets from the back of Kiln but cant remember who wanted them . Give me a shout if you want them.
Rich.
p
On the mound this evening with Rich S that lovely site of Barn Owl 16 35 again over meadow.
I have collected Barn Owl ,Kestrel and Tawny Owl pellets from the back of Kiln but cant remember who wanted them . Give me a shout if you want them.
Rich.
p
Dave,
After your walk around Tices this morning is there any ideas and advice you can give us. We all know its your baby and how much you love the place. Your input would be most wecome.
Rich H.
Dr David Trousers Smith
Dr Dave Trousers Smith
Good question - I don't think I reported because at the time (I suspect 5-10 years ago) I didn't realize how good a record it was. I am not sure I even noted it down. I know how bad this is now - just being honest.
I submitted some non-avian records (plus avian records) to Surrey Wildlife Trust to support the 2009 SNCI (Site of Nature Conservation Importance) application.
I submitted some non-avian records (plus avian records) to Surrey Wildlife Trust to support the 2009 SNCI (Site of Nature Conservation Importance) application.
Dr David Trousers Smith
Dr Dave Trousers Smith
Management Plan
Rich,
I think you, Kevin and everyone else are doing a great job - was great to hear about and see all the improvements made. It's improving every time I visit. Congrats to everyone. It's great to hear about all the birders visiting the site.
My first visit the the broad area was in c. 1996 to twitch a little egret! I cycled from college. (I didn't know about the ring-billed gull at Tongham GP on 2nd October 1996). Twitches for ring-necked duck (winter 2000/2001) and garganey to Tongham GP followed. My notes in 2002 from Tongham GP include ring ouzel, wood duck and ruddy duck - but it was the flock of golden plovers and wintering redshank (I think John Clark found these) that highlighted the site's potential. So from this early start to now is a great story (also highlights that Tongham GP also potential for scarce birds).
There is potentially a lot I could say - but perhaps it would be easier that I pop back at some point to discuss (perhaps over a beer!).
In general terms, the biodiversity action plan (BAP) you already have is a great start. The most important thing will be to get the management plan right and I am more than happy to help with this if needed. I suspect there are a few other people who could help too.
I also think it's important to accept that things change and as such the BAP and management plan should probably be reviewed on an annual basis on the back of evidence collected from animal and plant surveys. It might be a survey highlights the presence of an animal or plant of conservation interest and as such management may need to be tweaked to benefit them.
Have you thought of a bio-blitz day or days? I was hoping to pop back this spring / summer to survey for amphibians, reptiles, bats and grasshoppers.
Re records - do they also go to the Surrey Biological Records Centre, Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group, Surrey bat group, etc etc? There may be development pressure in the future (particularly in the area of land between Tices and Tongham GP), and the records may save the site or ensure appropriate mitigation by developers. The SNCI status should stop the site being designated a SANG (suitable alternative natural green space) because the extra disturbance might adversely affect the breeding birds.
I also think the recreational value (to birders, local community, dog walkers, other natural history enthusiasts) and potential education value may need to be considered. If people value it - they are more likely to look after it.
A bioblitz day may highlight the site for invertebrate, plant, bat and other natural history enthusiasts - and perhaps a big sit in spring / autumn might attract other bird watchers to the site (would also be fun).
Anyway - how about we get together some time to discuss?
Dave
p.s. if the Tices birders fancy a foray into Kent for a day's birding let me know. Last year managed to find crane, great-white egret, rough-legged buzzard, continental coal tit and purple sandpiper (on a muddy pool) to name a few.
Rich,
I think you, Kevin and everyone else are doing a great job - was great to hear about and see all the improvements made. It's improving every time I visit. Congrats to everyone. It's great to hear about all the birders visiting the site.
My first visit the the broad area was in c. 1996 to twitch a little egret! I cycled from college. (I didn't know about the ring-billed gull at Tongham GP on 2nd October 1996). Twitches for ring-necked duck (winter 2000/2001) and garganey to Tongham GP followed. My notes in 2002 from Tongham GP include ring ouzel, wood duck and ruddy duck - but it was the flock of golden plovers and wintering redshank (I think John Clark found these) that highlighted the site's potential. So from this early start to now is a great story (also highlights that Tongham GP also potential for scarce birds).
There is potentially a lot I could say - but perhaps it would be easier that I pop back at some point to discuss (perhaps over a beer!).
In general terms, the biodiversity action plan (BAP) you already have is a great start. The most important thing will be to get the management plan right and I am more than happy to help with this if needed. I suspect there are a few other people who could help too.
I also think it's important to accept that things change and as such the BAP and management plan should probably be reviewed on an annual basis on the back of evidence collected from animal and plant surveys. It might be a survey highlights the presence of an animal or plant of conservation interest and as such management may need to be tweaked to benefit them.
Have you thought of a bio-blitz day or days? I was hoping to pop back this spring / summer to survey for amphibians, reptiles, bats and grasshoppers.
Re records - do they also go to the Surrey Biological Records Centre, Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group, Surrey bat group, etc etc? There may be development pressure in the future (particularly in the area of land between Tices and Tongham GP), and the records may save the site or ensure appropriate mitigation by developers. The SNCI status should stop the site being designated a SANG (suitable alternative natural green space) because the extra disturbance might adversely affect the breeding birds.
I also think the recreational value (to birders, local community, dog walkers, other natural history enthusiasts) and potential education value may need to be considered. If people value it - they are more likely to look after it.
A bioblitz day may highlight the site for invertebrate, plant, bat and other natural history enthusiasts - and perhaps a big sit in spring / autumn might attract other bird watchers to the site (would also be fun).
Anyway - how about we get together some time to discuss?
Dave
p.s. if the Tices birders fancy a foray into Kent for a day's birding let me know. Last year managed to find crane, great-white egret, rough-legged buzzard, continental coal tit and purple sandpiper (on a muddy pool) to name a few.
mattytheduke
Well-known member
Hi Dave
I whole-heartedly agree with you, it's about getting people enthused about the place, combined with an increase knowledge of the true ecological value of the site. I think increased surveying/ringing/guided walks, etc can all only be positive things, and of course may hopefully encourage the next generation of birders/naturalists. From my own experience with helping with the Heron Wood Community day last year there are enough kids living locally who would potentially be keen to be involved in the future. I'm currently just about to get involved with a Surrey Bird Club initiative to encourage more young people into birding, so happy to link it in with that, or help in any other way I can.
Likewise we have discussed a 24 hour 'Springwatch' event which I think could raise awareness and interest.
Exciting times for Tice's!
Matt.
p.s. Also very much up for beer/Kent trip if everyone else is!
I whole-heartedly agree with you, it's about getting people enthused about the place, combined with an increase knowledge of the true ecological value of the site. I think increased surveying/ringing/guided walks, etc can all only be positive things, and of course may hopefully encourage the next generation of birders/naturalists. From my own experience with helping with the Heron Wood Community day last year there are enough kids living locally who would potentially be keen to be involved in the future. I'm currently just about to get involved with a Surrey Bird Club initiative to encourage more young people into birding, so happy to link it in with that, or help in any other way I can.
Likewise we have discussed a 24 hour 'Springwatch' event which I think could raise awareness and interest.
Exciting times for Tice's!
Matt.
p.s. Also very much up for beer/Kent trip if everyone else is!
Dave,
Great you take such an intrest with Tices being so far away now . Glad that Mum still lives so local. Lets fix a date in Feb if you can for a beer and sandwich to discuss. Bio- Bitz Days ,that just the good idears we want hear from you as well. We have started Sean s Moth Traping Nights and Steve Bailey s Bat Walks and Wild life Walks next one being the 2 nd March.
I am sure there are some Tices Birders licking there lips for a trip down to your neck of the woods.
Thank you for your input.
Rich H.
Great you take such an intrest with Tices being so far away now . Glad that Mum still lives so local. Lets fix a date in Feb if you can for a beer and sandwich to discuss. Bio- Bitz Days ,that just the good idears we want hear from you as well. We have started Sean s Moth Traping Nights and Steve Bailey s Bat Walks and Wild life Walks next one being the 2 nd March.
I am sure there are some Tices Birders licking there lips for a trip down to your neck of the woods.
Thank you for your input.
Rich H.
RJSeargent
Birding at the taxpayer's expense. Head down, bin
Barn Owl again tonight eventually flying over the mound and south. Dave, thanks for all your comments, as Matt has suggested we have already planned a 24 hour springwatch and we could maybe combine this with some botanists, entomologists and anyone interested in Amphibians and Mammals. Food for thought and I would suggest that we speak to Steve Bailey and try and get some experts in for the day. Beer and Kent seem a great idea.
RJSeargent
Birding at the taxpayer's expense. Head down, bin
The second Barn Owl less early evening. A Green Sandpiper calling from the stream and upwards of 17 Teal, 8 Shoveler and 6 Wigeon on the workings. A number of Snipe left from the edge of the reed bed just after dusk.
Tri-Counties Birder
AKA The Portland Naturalist
Had a very quick look at Tongham GP just now. Loads of wildfowl on it, might be worth a closer look and accurate counts.
Whilst there though, heard a Waxwing, and found c15 birds in a tree in the middle of the grounds of the school next door (so, technically in Hants). Looked like they were flying down to feed somewhere, but didn't want to spend too long looking through bins into a school!
Whilst there though, heard a Waxwing, and found c15 birds in a tree in the middle of the grounds of the school next door (so, technically in Hants). Looked like they were flying down to feed somewhere, but didn't want to spend too long looking through bins into a school!
mattytheduke
Well-known member
Nice one, Sean.
That hedgerow alongside Connaught School was where I stumbled across c.100 Waxwings on 1st Jan '11. I noticed the other day that there aren't many berries in that hedge itself but they've obviously found some food nearby!
Matt.
That hedgerow alongside Connaught School was where I stumbled across c.100 Waxwings on 1st Jan '11. I noticed the other day that there aren't many berries in that hedge itself but they've obviously found some food nearby!
Matt.
This morning Water Rail calling from the reed bed a White Wagtail with 15 Peid Wagtail and Meadow Pipit around settling pond Grey Wagtail in stream with Little Egret . This evening Barn Owl what a lovely end to the day to see it . It was flushing Snipe as it quartered the meadow and also sure Jack Snipe up and down again but to dark to call it .
Rich.
Rich.
RJSeargent
Birding at the taxpayer's expense. Head down, bin
A cracking morning's walk in a winter wonderland. The adult Yellow-legged Gull was again showing well along with LBB Gull (7), C Gull (3), H Gull (3) and at least 50 BH Gull. Lots of wildfowl in the margins and most of the water is still ice free. Meadow Pipits were present in good numbers as were Fieldfare and Redwing. At least half a dozen Siskin in amongst the Goldfinch and Lesser Redpoll (3).
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