In Sutton today a PEREGRINE was seen flying from the Reed Building to the glass building just north as I got off the 280 bus.
Tuesday 29 December 2009
Saturday 26 December 2009
In other news- 26/12/2009
A trip to Canon's Farm today, at last! The first of the Christmas holidays, mainly because of the ice keeping me to the Downs.
The highlight was the presence of a single male BRAMBLING in the field eastern most field with maybe 50 CHAFFINCHES, though I didn't really count. Also in the same field were about 20 LINNETS. There were about 300 CHAFFINCHES, in total in the whole area (Kevin).
The COMMON BUZZARD remained in 'The Big Field' and showed well to the other four birders there (including Kevin).
15+ YELLOWHAMMERS were also present and some showed well today.
2 NUTHATCHES were noted, one in Banstead Woods and one in the hunting wood (where a single GOLDCREST called).
2 MEADOW PIPITS and at least 3 SKYLARKS were noted together (though many kept popping up and down and they were hence difficult to count) with about another 10 LINNETS and a number of CHAFFINCHES, maybe 30 or so.
A decent count of 5 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS was taken and a single GREEN WOODPECKER was seen as well.
2 KESTRELS were seen at the end of the run of houses at Canon's Lane (where 2 of the GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS were.
2 SONG THRUSHES showed well together with about 10 or so FIELDFARES and up to 20 REDWINGS. 7 MISTLE THRUSHES were in the north eastern most field.
The highlight was the presence of a single male BRAMBLING in the field eastern most field with maybe 50 CHAFFINCHES, though I didn't really count. Also in the same field were about 20 LINNETS. There were about 300 CHAFFINCHES, in total in the whole area (Kevin).
The COMMON BUZZARD remained in 'The Big Field' and showed well to the other four birders there (including Kevin).
15+ YELLOWHAMMERS were also present and some showed well today.
2 NUTHATCHES were noted, one in Banstead Woods and one in the hunting wood (where a single GOLDCREST called).
2 MEADOW PIPITS and at least 3 SKYLARKS were noted together (though many kept popping up and down and they were hence difficult to count) with about another 10 LINNETS and a number of CHAFFINCHES, maybe 30 or so.
A decent count of 5 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS was taken and a single GREEN WOODPECKER was seen as well.
2 KESTRELS were seen at the end of the run of houses at Canon's Lane (where 2 of the GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS were.
2 SONG THRUSHES showed well together with about 10 or so FIELDFARES and up to 20 REDWINGS. 7 MISTLE THRUSHES were in the north eastern most field.
25/12/2009
Christmas day and no birding for once! Something did, however, manage to catch my eye. Flying north over my garden, so without a doubt coming directly from the Downs which is a matter of feet away at all times was a very low GREY HERON. It looked like an immature so it was probably the same bird as the bird that flew south east of the 23rd. A Crow was close on its tail.
Yesterday yet another COAL TIT was calling at Belmont Heights.
Yesterday yet another COAL TIT was calling at Belmont Heights.
Wednesday 23 December 2009
Festive greetings
Wishing everybody a merry christmas and happy new year, and good birding in 2010 and the next decade!
23/12/2009
Another day doing my newly devised winter route was relatively productive.
Briefly calling at the golf course, it was encouraging to see that the workers had kept to their promise and had postponed the undergrowth clearance.
It was also encouraging to hear a FIRECREST calling and eventually pin it down in the thick vegetation near post 678.
A good patch bird was a NUTHATCH that flew in from the adjacent gardens along The Drive (where they are fairly regular, though they rarely stray onto the Downs), called once and was lost to view, never to be seen again! I am fairly sure that you don't get Nuthatches in the east wood, but I'm not 100%; I've never seen them there even though I don't visit that area too often, and the habitat is similar to the rest of the wooded areas at the Downs, where I never see them. So a good bird to see at the Downs.
The other main highlight was 2 LAPWINGS flying relatively low, west. Again, I only saw them as they were flying away, not noticing them when they would have been in a good position for a decent photo. I managed another poor back shot, though it's a slight improvement on Saturday's photo!
Lapwings (the top shot is another of the right and bird and the bottom is another of the left hand bird).
As I was hoping for, and kind of expecting in this weather, a GREY HERON flew over. It flew over the middle of the site, very low, much lower than I've seen any Grey Heron here before and a CARRION CROW was right on its tail. At one point it was just a few feet above the bushes! It was a 1st winter bird and headed roughly south east. Cormorant or Mallard next? (latter being desperately needed for my Downs year list!).
Grey Heron
I was thinking about the dearth of Skylarks this autumn. I have logged one so far this autumn and I think that was back in September, so it was nice that just as I was thinking this I heard a single SKYLARK fly over, it sounded fairly low but I couldn't get onto it. This sort of thing has happened before, I think I must have heard the bird in the distance, subconsciously and this must have started thoughts about them!
5 BULLFINCHES were present together just south of the central enclosure. I didn't manage to sex all of them but I think 2 were females and one was a male, not sure about the other two.
REDWING numbers were similar, perhaps a little down??? FIELDFARES had increased once more with 2 birds flying over the golf course, 5 south of the enclosures that flew off low south west to another part of the site, 4, possibly different birds over the bike track and 8+ feeding in the central and western enclosures (the latter being the one now fenced off and sheep are due tomorrow, weather providing). So in total up to 19 (possibly more) Fieldfares today. Maybe more realistically around 15? With the birds being so mobile it is hard to estimate. A MISTLE THRUSH was present briefly at the north enclosure before flying low south.
Fieldfare
I finally got a ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET! One bird flew fairly low over the golf course today after a recent dearth in these species after the bad weather (even though I thought they wouldn't have been too effected; maybe they have been, or maybe they've just been less mobile in the bad weather?)
A GOLDFINCH was heard in a tree but could not be located at the golf course.
A single GREEN WOODPECKER called at or near the bike track and a single GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER was heard at the south wood where the GOLDCREST was still present, despite being heard-only. At the golf course, a fair distance down the wooded footpath, another GOLDCREST, a female, showed well.
A 1st winter COMMON GULL flew over.
4 JAYS were noted today; 1 at the golf course, 2 at the bike track and 1 at the north wood.
A single SONG THRUSH was seen at the bike track.
Not so many BLACKBIRDS, with 5 or so present. A handful of LONG-TAILED, BLUE and GREAT TITS were present (a huge flock of BLUE and LONG-TAILED TITS was seen in Belmont this a.m.; they were all just streaming into one or two bushes!). Again no sign of the Blackcaps.
CARRION CROWS, MAGPIES and WOODPIGEONS common as always.
IN OTHER NEWS
1 SPARROWHAWK dashed through buildings and trees around St. John's Church, Belmont, this morning.
A GREY HERON was reported over Belmont this a.m., possibly the same bird I saw later on?
One COAL TIT was calling at Burdon Lane where a male GREENFINCH also showed well.
One COAL TIT was calling at The Drive.
Yesterday, after the gathering, I was passing the PIED WAGTAIL roost so had a look to see how many there looked to be in that tree in comparison to last time. It looked packed! In comparison to my count of c.160 I would guess there were perhaps 200 in there.
Briefly calling at the golf course, it was encouraging to see that the workers had kept to their promise and had postponed the undergrowth clearance.
It was also encouraging to hear a FIRECREST calling and eventually pin it down in the thick vegetation near post 678.
A good patch bird was a NUTHATCH that flew in from the adjacent gardens along The Drive (where they are fairly regular, though they rarely stray onto the Downs), called once and was lost to view, never to be seen again! I am fairly sure that you don't get Nuthatches in the east wood, but I'm not 100%; I've never seen them there even though I don't visit that area too often, and the habitat is similar to the rest of the wooded areas at the Downs, where I never see them. So a good bird to see at the Downs.
The other main highlight was 2 LAPWINGS flying relatively low, west. Again, I only saw them as they were flying away, not noticing them when they would have been in a good position for a decent photo. I managed another poor back shot, though it's a slight improvement on Saturday's photo!
Lapwings (the top shot is another of the right and bird and the bottom is another of the left hand bird).As I was hoping for, and kind of expecting in this weather, a GREY HERON flew over. It flew over the middle of the site, very low, much lower than I've seen any Grey Heron here before and a CARRION CROW was right on its tail. At one point it was just a few feet above the bushes! It was a 1st winter bird and headed roughly south east. Cormorant or Mallard next? (latter being desperately needed for my Downs year list!).
Grey HeronI was thinking about the dearth of Skylarks this autumn. I have logged one so far this autumn and I think that was back in September, so it was nice that just as I was thinking this I heard a single SKYLARK fly over, it sounded fairly low but I couldn't get onto it. This sort of thing has happened before, I think I must have heard the bird in the distance, subconsciously and this must have started thoughts about them!
5 BULLFINCHES were present together just south of the central enclosure. I didn't manage to sex all of them but I think 2 were females and one was a male, not sure about the other two.
REDWING numbers were similar, perhaps a little down??? FIELDFARES had increased once more with 2 birds flying over the golf course, 5 south of the enclosures that flew off low south west to another part of the site, 4, possibly different birds over the bike track and 8+ feeding in the central and western enclosures (the latter being the one now fenced off and sheep are due tomorrow, weather providing). So in total up to 19 (possibly more) Fieldfares today. Maybe more realistically around 15? With the birds being so mobile it is hard to estimate. A MISTLE THRUSH was present briefly at the north enclosure before flying low south.
FieldfareI finally got a ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET! One bird flew fairly low over the golf course today after a recent dearth in these species after the bad weather (even though I thought they wouldn't have been too effected; maybe they have been, or maybe they've just been less mobile in the bad weather?)
A GOLDFINCH was heard in a tree but could not be located at the golf course.
A single GREEN WOODPECKER called at or near the bike track and a single GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER was heard at the south wood where the GOLDCREST was still present, despite being heard-only. At the golf course, a fair distance down the wooded footpath, another GOLDCREST, a female, showed well.
A 1st winter COMMON GULL flew over.
4 JAYS were noted today; 1 at the golf course, 2 at the bike track and 1 at the north wood.
A single SONG THRUSH was seen at the bike track.
Not so many BLACKBIRDS, with 5 or so present. A handful of LONG-TAILED, BLUE and GREAT TITS were present (a huge flock of BLUE and LONG-TAILED TITS was seen in Belmont this a.m.; they were all just streaming into one or two bushes!). Again no sign of the Blackcaps.
CARRION CROWS, MAGPIES and WOODPIGEONS common as always.
IN OTHER NEWS
1 SPARROWHAWK dashed through buildings and trees around St. John's Church, Belmont, this morning.
A GREY HERON was reported over Belmont this a.m., possibly the same bird I saw later on?
One COAL TIT was calling at Burdon Lane where a male GREENFINCH also showed well.
One COAL TIT was calling at The Drive.
Yesterday, after the gathering, I was passing the PIED WAGTAIL roost so had a look to see how many there looked to be in that tree in comparison to last time. It looked packed! In comparison to my count of c.160 I would guess there were perhaps 200 in there.
Tuesday 22 December 2009
22/12/2009
I was delighted today to see a FIRECREST along the wooded footpath between post 657 and 678, although upsetting to see cut stems and a burning pile of vegetation just feet away from it. I was pretty sure I heard a separate bird calling nearby, too.
Good news is no further work will be done until the groundsmen get the all clear from Banstead Commons Conservators and Natural England.
3 REDPOLLS flew over the golf course, west of the A217.
A SPARROWHAWK flew across the railway line while another was seen jostling with one of the 20 or 30 CARRION CROWS along Freedown Lane.
Just a thought, it is interesting that I have failed to record any Rose-ringed Parakeets since the snow.
The only other raptor seen today was a single KESTREL which was hovering over the east enclosure between the railway at Sutton Lane.
In the area between the railway and Sutton Lane there were 2 JAYS, a single GOLDCREST that showed well in the south wood, at least 3 male BULLFINCHES which showed well (for Bullfinches anyway) together. It seems to be an excellent time to catch up with one of these beautiful finches locally, with birds grouping up and showing well as they search for food.
Bullfinch
Thrushes were still in evidence with similar numbers of REDWINGS to the past few days and an increase in FIELDFARES, with at least 7 mobile birds in the central enclosure in the area between the railway and Sutton Lane.
Fieldfares
Not exactly a common bird at Banstead Downs, especially settled on the site, were c.6 GOLDFINCHES that dropped down at the edge of the site or maybe into someone's garden.
A single GREEN WOODPECKER perched on a small, bare oak at the western side of the central enclosure was a nice bird. It seemed to love that tree, not flushing, unusually, when a dog walker went straight past it, and when it did flush a bit later on, it soon returned. Green Woodpecker, like Rose-ringed Parakeet has been a little difficult to track down in this icy weather.
Green Woodpecker
IN OTHER NEWS
COAL TITS were vocal locally today. One was very near Banstead Downs Golf Course, calling from a garden along The Drive. Another was singing at the western part of Northdown Road.
Good news is no further work will be done until the groundsmen get the all clear from Banstead Commons Conservators and Natural England.
3 REDPOLLS flew over the golf course, west of the A217.
A SPARROWHAWK flew across the railway line while another was seen jostling with one of the 20 or 30 CARRION CROWS along Freedown Lane.
Just a thought, it is interesting that I have failed to record any Rose-ringed Parakeets since the snow.
The only other raptor seen today was a single KESTREL which was hovering over the east enclosure between the railway at Sutton Lane.
In the area between the railway and Sutton Lane there were 2 JAYS, a single GOLDCREST that showed well in the south wood, at least 3 male BULLFINCHES which showed well (for Bullfinches anyway) together. It seems to be an excellent time to catch up with one of these beautiful finches locally, with birds grouping up and showing well as they search for food.
BullfinchThrushes were still in evidence with similar numbers of REDWINGS to the past few days and an increase in FIELDFARES, with at least 7 mobile birds in the central enclosure in the area between the railway and Sutton Lane.
FieldfaresNot exactly a common bird at Banstead Downs, especially settled on the site, were c.6 GOLDFINCHES that dropped down at the edge of the site or maybe into someone's garden.
A single GREEN WOODPECKER perched on a small, bare oak at the western side of the central enclosure was a nice bird. It seemed to love that tree, not flushing, unusually, when a dog walker went straight past it, and when it did flush a bit later on, it soon returned. Green Woodpecker, like Rose-ringed Parakeet has been a little difficult to track down in this icy weather.
Green WoodpeckerIN OTHER NEWS
COAL TITS were vocal locally today. One was very near Banstead Downs Golf Course, calling from a garden along The Drive. Another was singing at the western part of Northdown Road.
Monday 21 December 2009
21/12/2009
No sign of the Firecrests today at the golf course where I was shocked to find further habitat destruction following the well publicised clearance that took place in February and won the front page of a local newspaper.
I was even more shocked to have found out that the golf course is planning to clear most of the undergrowth along a substantial length of the wooded footpath favoured by the Firecrests. I think that this is a very silly and pointless thing to do, causing disturbance to a rare bird in an area which is not important to the golf course, at the edge of the site. There is absolutely no need for this destruction, even if the Firecrests could find suitable habitat nearby (there is no habitat as good as the wooded footpath nearby anyway, and there is NO QUESTION that it is causing unnecessary disturbance to all wildlife let alone the scarce and sensitive Firecrests) and I am doing everything in my ability to stop it happening.
It was also enlightening to find that checks are NOT done for every piece of management that the golf course plans, but instead the 'conservation' organisations have an agreement which lets the golf club do such things without consultation or the surveying of an area. This questions one of the manager's statements in February that all appropriate checks had been made and they were doing nothing wrong, if I remember correctly.
The most that I have got out of the golf club regarding why they are doing it, other than because they can, is that golfers lose their balls in the undergrowth and 'it's a golf course'. Maybe bad golfers deserve to have trouble finding their balls, surely a scarce wintering bird on the red list is more important (regardless of whether it is in the breeding season or not).
All very upsetting and stressful. The most understanding person I have talked to today about the issue was the head guy of the workforce which were doing the felling! He said that all of the work would be postponed until Natural England and the Banstead Commons Conservators give them the all clear on any sensitive wildlife. I contacted the main man of the Banstead Commons Conservators on the issue to be greeted with complete lack of knowledge of what was going on (shows how organised they are), and he said that all he would agree to do is to send one of his guys down there tomorrow morning to see what was going on. I asked if I could join him (not completely trusting them) and I was answered, rather grumpily, with something along the lines with 'You most certainly can not). I found his attitude unpleasant, as I did with one of the main men at the golf club who said something along the lines of 'We have permission, so we can do whatever we like' and 'there's gonna be more clearance', all said in a pretty smug manner with a little smurk on his face.
Not a good situation for the Firecrests, especially with all this snow and ice. This combination of harsh weather and habitat destruction without much aid from conservation bodies is not conducive to the survival of a tiny, scarce and sensitive passerine bird.
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THE BIRD SIGHTINGS AT BANSTEAD DOWNS TODAY
Sorry for the inaccurate counts, I was busy thinking about the situation at the golf course.
Suffice to say, there was no sign of any Firecrests along the wooded footpath today.
2 male BLACKCAPS were seen together at the bike track which is just west of the railway and at least 3 BULLFINCHES were present there also. I only managed to sex one, a female, not sure what sex the others were.
A SPARROWHAWK was seen at the golf course just east of the A217 and what was probably the same individual was seen jostling in the air with a CARRION CROW in the distance over the golf course, from the main site between the A217 and Sutton Lane.
3 FIELDFARES present at the core site between the railway and Sutton Lane also good numbers of REDWINGS, perhaps 30 or 40 like yesterday, but hard to estimate.
FieldfareNot quite as many BLACKBIRDS as the other day but there were a few around, I really didn't count them but I would guess around 10 or so.
There were probably about 5 ROBINS. There was a handful of TITS including GREAT, LONG-TAILED and BLUE.
Up to 5 MAGPIES were present with 10 or 20 WOODPIGEONS and 5 to 10 or so CARRION CROWS.
Sunday 20 December 2009
In other news- 20/12/2009
Mark Stanley provided me with another impressive batch of sightings from the Banstead Woods/Chipstead area today notching up some good birds and impressive counts.
Close to Chipstead Lane, 5 BULLFINCHES, including a single male, were present.
10 BULLFINCHES were present in one spot along the western edge of Banstead Wood. This is a pretty impressive count for the local area, especially all in one go like that!
A little further on and Mark saw a further pair of BULLFINCHES (possibly the earlier pair, but probably different).
All in all this makes a total of SEVENTEEN BULLFINCHES all in a pretty small area!
Mark also got a couple of other good birds with a flock of 9 eastbound LAPWINGS. There seems to be a bit of a cold weather movement of this wonderful Plover going on at the moment. Mark also recorded a single ROOK which is never common in the local area.
Also seen in the area by Mark today:
2 MISTLE THRUSHES
2 SONG THRUSHES
60+ FIELDFARES
80+ REDWINGS
6 JAYS
5-10 GOLDCRESTS
1 GREY HERON north
40+ BLACKBIRDS
Close to Chipstead Lane, 5 BULLFINCHES, including a single male, were present.
10 BULLFINCHES were present in one spot along the western edge of Banstead Wood. This is a pretty impressive count for the local area, especially all in one go like that!
A little further on and Mark saw a further pair of BULLFINCHES (possibly the earlier pair, but probably different).
All in all this makes a total of SEVENTEEN BULLFINCHES all in a pretty small area!
Mark also got a couple of other good birds with a flock of 9 eastbound LAPWINGS. There seems to be a bit of a cold weather movement of this wonderful Plover going on at the moment. Mark also recorded a single ROOK which is never common in the local area.
Also seen in the area by Mark today:
2 MISTLE THRUSHES
2 SONG THRUSHES
60+ FIELDFARES
80+ REDWINGS
6 JAYS
5-10 GOLDCRESTS
1 GREY HERON north
40+ BLACKBIRDS
Saturday 19 December 2009
19/12/2009
the wooded footpath, post 657A very photographic post for once! Finally got a chance to do some prolonged daytime birding at the Downs and I wasn't disappointed. I was hoping that waterfowl of some description would fly over today given the weather conditions, but I wasn't expecting much so it was a brilliant surprise to catch 6 LAPWINGS as they flew roughly west south west over, in the distance. I managed one or two really dire record shots of 5 of them. This was a nice Banstead Downs tick and puts me on 72 for the Downs and for the 69 year.
Lapwings
It seems that a few other people throughout London have been treated to over-head Lapwings today at sites like the Downs, where they are always exciting.
2 FIRECRESTS remained along the wooded footpath at the golf course and showed well in the snowy bushes there, allowing for some record shots of them in the snow. I am going to try to get a good photo of them soon. I've realised how bad my best one (from last year) is in comparison to my Firecrest shots from the New Forest. SEE THE LEFT OF THE BLOG FOR DIRECTIONS ETC.
Firecrest
Another pleasant surprise came in the same of 4 (almost certainly 4, anyway) BLACKCAPS at the eastern section of the golf course. 1 male was seen at the woodland edge then 3 (1 male, 1 female +1 unsexed) showed together a bit further in, though this gathering could have involved the first individual.
male Blackcap
Redwing
the bike track2 FIELDFARES were in the scrub at the back of the central/east enclosures and 30-40 REDWINGS (very rough) were in the area as a whole.
FieldfareFlyovers, other than the Lapwings, included 1 COMMON GULL and 1 PIED WAGTAIL.
1 MEADOW PIPIT was heard calling at the south end of the eastern enclosure and a pair of BULLFINCHES showed (for once) just south of the central enclosure.
BullfinchLONG-TAILED TITS, BLUE TITS and GREAT TITS were in evidence today.
Long-tailed Tit2 JAYS were noted.
JayWOODPECKERS were represented by singles of both GREEN and GREAT SPOTTED.
MAGPIES, CARRION CROWS and WOODPIGEONS were, as usual, obvious.
BLACKBIRDS were in evidence with between 10 and 20 seen today.
Blackbird (1st winter male)A probable Linnet was heard briefly.
A very enjoyable day in all.
IN OTHER NEWS
1 COAL TIT was calling at Burdon Lane.
Friday 18 December 2009
In other news- 18/12/2009
6 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS over, very near Banstead Downs, at Belmont early afternoon.
In other news- 14/12/2009
Thanks to Mark Stanley for this news from Canon's Farm
1 LITTLE OWL was noted by another observer, and Mark is pretty sure that he saw the bird in flight.
The COMMON BUZZARD remains, it was being seen off by ROOKS. Thrushes included 100+ FIELDFARE and 20+ REDWINGS also 2 MISTLE THRUSHES and a SONG THRUSH. Finches were represented by 25+ LINNET and a flock of 150+ finches, containing CHAFFINCHES and several other unidentified finches.
2 GREY HERONS were standing in the middle of the 'Big Field' and 12 SKYLARK were in the field opposite Canon's Farmhouse.
3 JAYS were seen together in a single bare oak tree.
1 GREEN WOODPECKER was noted and a nice male BULLFINCH showed well.
A single COMMON GULL was seen with a group of BLACK-HEADED GULLS.
Also 3 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over.
1 LITTLE OWL was noted by another observer, and Mark is pretty sure that he saw the bird in flight.
The COMMON BUZZARD remains, it was being seen off by ROOKS. Thrushes included 100+ FIELDFARE and 20+ REDWINGS also 2 MISTLE THRUSHES and a SONG THRUSH. Finches were represented by 25+ LINNET and a flock of 150+ finches, containing CHAFFINCHES and several other unidentified finches.
2 GREY HERONS were standing in the middle of the 'Big Field' and 12 SKYLARK were in the field opposite Canon's Farmhouse.
3 JAYS were seen together in a single bare oak tree.
1 GREEN WOODPECKER was noted and a nice male BULLFINCH showed well.
A single COMMON GULL was seen with a group of BLACK-HEADED GULLS.
Also 3 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over.
Tuesday 15 December 2009
Sutton Pied Wagtail roost again
127 PIED WAGTAILS counted in the roost tree outside of Waterstones yesterday (14/12/2009) afternoon from c.15:58-c.16:20 making an average of 5.8 birds entering the roost per minute. Both the count and the average are down on last time, despite it probably being colder. I could have sworn that some birds that flew onto the rooves to wait to enter the roost didn't enter in the end (I count birds as they enter the tree only), so there were probably more roosting elsewhere?
15/12/2009
A trip to the golf course today produced 2 FIRECRESTS which were showing, though very elusive, near telephone wire pole 678 along the wooded footpath at 16:02, just before dusk. See left side of page for viewing instructions. Also, towards the beginning of the wooded footpath a GOLDCREST called. 1 JAY was present along the wooded footpath. 2 CHAFFINCHES were also noted as well as a showy WREN and a handful of the other usuals.
IN OTHER NEWS
A scattering of birds that just about justify a mention in the notebook, around the Belmont area today.
At Overton Park today a GREY HERON flew low in a west-ish direction and 2 PIED WAGTAILS were present from c.0810 to c.1345 at least.
Nearby, a GREY WAGTAIL was heard flying over Ventor Avenue.
At Burdon Lane, Belmont, 5+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over.
In Belmont Village at the church a single REDWING showed well in one of the bushes viewable from the north end of station road, this is the first showy local individual that I have seen this winter.
IN OTHER NEWS
A scattering of birds that just about justify a mention in the notebook, around the Belmont area today.
At Overton Park today a GREY HERON flew low in a west-ish direction and 2 PIED WAGTAILS were present from c.0810 to c.1345 at least.
Nearby, a GREY WAGTAIL was heard flying over Ventor Avenue.
At Burdon Lane, Belmont, 5+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over.
In Belmont Village at the church a single REDWING showed well in one of the bushes viewable from the north end of station road, this is the first showy local individual that I have seen this winter.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Sutton Pied Wagtail roost
Yesterday (12/12/2009) Kevin McManus and myself attempted a count of the Pied Wagtail roost at Sutton. Birds started coming in at c.16:05 and no new birds arrived after c.16:22. During this c.17 minute period, 160 PIED WAGTAILS (give or take a couple, maybe) flew in to roost in a single tree near Waterstones along Sutton High Street, giving an average of 9.4 birds arriving per minute. A great birding spectacle in the local area.
In other news- Canon's Farm
Yellowhammer
Been there both days of the weekend with Kevin McManus. Saturday was particulary good with mostly good weather and some good local birds.
CANON'S FARM/BANSTEAD WOOD 12/12/2009
Best birds were:
2 BRAMBLINGS- in north eastern most field at edge of Banstead Wood with CHAFFINCHES
1 COMMON BUZZARD feeding in the 'Big Field'
36 YELLOWHAMMERS
158+ FIELDFARES
50-100 REDWINGS
25 SKYLARKS
450 CHAFFINCHES
100+ LINNET
1 LESSER REDPOLL
Also
1+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET
10-20 GREENFINCH (very rough)
c.10 HOUSE SPARROWS
up to 10 GOLDFINCH
c.5 COMMON GULLS
c.30 BLACK-HEADED GULLS (very rough)
10+ HERRING GULLS
50+ STARLINGS (very rough)
c.30 JACKDAWS (very rough)
CARRION CROWS
WOODPIGEONS
MAGPIES
etc
In the more wooded areas the following were noted
2 COAL TIT (1 of which at Banstead Wood)
1+ TREECREEPER
c.5 NUTHATCHES (3 of which at Banstead Wood)
3+ GOLDCRESTS (1+ of which at Banstead Wood)
2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS (1 of which at Banstead Wood)
On the bus, approaching Banstead a female/immature SPARROWHAWK flew in front of the bus and into an alleyway
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CANON'S FARM 13/12/2009
Not quite as good but still an enjoyable day, the Sunday was a bit wetter.
5+ YELLOWHAMMERS
1 COMMON BUZZARD still in the 'Big Field'
1 LITTLE OWL heard near/at edge of BANSTEAD WOOD.
c.250 CHAFFINCHES
c.100 FIELDFARES (very rough)
c.50 REDWINGS (very rough)
6 MISTLE THRUSHES
3 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS
c.20 LINNET (very rough)
1 GREY HERON in field near COMMON BUZZARD's favoured area
10-15 MEADOW PIPITS
1+ SKYLARK
2 GREEN WOODPECKERS
2 GOLDCRESTS
2 REDPOLLS (presumably LESSER)
2+ GOLDFINCH
2+ GREENFINCH
10-20 HOUSE SPARROWS
c.20 STOCK DOVES
also
1+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET
7 COLLARED DOVES together in the residential area at the beginning of Canon's Lane
up to 5 HERRING GULLS
up to 5 COMMON GULLS
c.30 BLACK-HEADED GULLS (very rough)
20-30 STARLINGS
1 ROBIN
1 WREN
2 DUNNOCKS
c.30 JACKDAWS (very rough)
CARRION CROWS
WOODPIGEONS
MAGPIES
etc
At Epsom Downs 1 KESTREL was sitting on a street light also PIED WAGTAIL in car park near the Lunch Box not seen by me, and a handful of BLACK-HEADED GULLS around there.
Friday 11 December 2009
In other news- 11/12/2009
You've probably noticed that there's been even less to report in the few weeks. The birding in the local area has certainly slowed down a lot more!
At Overton Park today 2 PIED WAGTAILS were present as was at least 1 COMMON GULL along with c.30 BLACK-HEADED GULLS. c.10 STARLINGS were feeding on the playing field also.
At Overton Park today 2 PIED WAGTAILS were present as was at least 1 COMMON GULL along with c.30 BLACK-HEADED GULLS. c.10 STARLINGS were feeding on the playing field also.
In other news- 10/12/2009
Near Banstead Downs, at Belmont Pastures this afternoon there was a decent variety of common birds noted considering the site and time of day. I saw more variety than I usually do at the Downs because it doesn't take nearly as long to get there.
The highlight was 3 SONG THRUSHES. 2 sang and showed and the other flew through, calling. Going along with the theme of Thrushes, 1 Fieldfare/Mistle Thrush flew distantly past seen with the naked eye only and 1 MISTLE THRUSH was heard alarm calling at the north end. 3 BLACKBIRDS were noted.
2 DUNNOCKS sang and c.4 WRENS were logged. c.5 ROBINS were active.
4 BLUE TITS, 2 GREAT TITS and 1 LONG-TAILED TIT were noted. 10-15 WOODPIGEONS were present as were 2+ CARRION CROWS (with another 2 flying over).
17 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over (a flock of 10, then 6, then 1) in a roughly easterly direction.
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Next door, this am at Belmont Park a PIED WAGTAIL was feeding along the concrete path there and c.5 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over then also.
The highlight was 3 SONG THRUSHES. 2 sang and showed and the other flew through, calling. Going along with the theme of Thrushes, 1 Fieldfare/Mistle Thrush flew distantly past seen with the naked eye only and 1 MISTLE THRUSH was heard alarm calling at the north end. 3 BLACKBIRDS were noted.
2 DUNNOCKS sang and c.4 WRENS were logged. c.5 ROBINS were active.
4 BLUE TITS, 2 GREAT TITS and 1 LONG-TAILED TIT were noted. 10-15 WOODPIGEONS were present as were 2+ CARRION CROWS (with another 2 flying over).
17 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over (a flock of 10, then 6, then 1) in a roughly easterly direction.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next door, this am at Belmont Park a PIED WAGTAIL was feeding along the concrete path there and c.5 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over then also.
Wednesday 9 December 2009
late news- 05/12/2009
Mark Stanley saw two of the FIRECRESTS at the golf course c.50 yards past post 657 along the wooded footpath on 05/12/2009. They were feeding actively and showing well. He also noted a single MISTLE THRUSH and 10-12 REDWINGS.
09/12/2009
Golf Course today was more productive with 1+ FIRECREST heard and seen briefly near post 1. at 16:07.
c.5 REDWINGS, a WREN and c.5 BLACKBIRDS were seen as well as 1+ ROBIN etc.
Other than that very little else was seen.
IN OTHER NEWS
1 PIED WAGTAIL still at Overton Park. A MISTLE THRUSH was at Belmont Park and c.7 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over there.
c.5 REDWINGS, a WREN and c.5 BLACKBIRDS were seen as well as 1+ ROBIN etc.
Other than that very little else was seen.
IN OTHER NEWS
1 PIED WAGTAIL still at Overton Park. A MISTLE THRUSH was at Belmont Park and c.7 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over there.
08/12/2009
Better weather at the golf course and stayed the usual short amount of time before dark but still saw nothing
IN OTHER NEWS
c.23 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over Burdon Lane
IN OTHER NEWS
c.23 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over Burdon Lane
07/12/2009
Went up to the golf course today and it was raining and getting dark. Didn't stay long and saw nothing.
Sunday 6 December 2009
In other news- 06/12/2009
Went to Epsom Common this afternoon. Contrary to the good range of common birds I was expecting with maybe Mandarin or Yellowhammer etc, it was very, very dead . . . The highlights were a showy CORMORANT on the large stew pond with a GREY HERON there was also a BLACK-HEADED GULL there which saw off another that was thinking of settling. A drake MALLARD swam alongside walkers in the hope of bread. There was also a pair on the small stew pond. 1+ MOORHEN was on the small stew pond and at least 1 other was on the larger one. 2 LESSER (presumed) REDPOLLS flew over the large stew pond as did a single HERRING GULL. A JAY was nearby. 2 MAGPIE, c.5 CARRION CROW and c.2 WOODPIGEON represented the ubiquitous trio. 2+ WRENS and 2 ROBINS were noted. c.5 REDWING were logged and a single FIELDFARE called. 1 COAL TIT, up to 5 LONG-TAILED TITS, 2 or 3 BLUE TITS and 1 or 2 GREAT TITS were seen or heard today. c.20 FERAL PIGEONS flew over as did up to 5 JACKDAWS. Very quiet and disappointing with not even a single Mandarin to add some excitement to the day but it was a pleasant walk with Phil in some lovely weather.
Thursday 3 December 2009
03/12/2009
A bit more exciting today, although birding in general will remain unproductive through till January at least because most of the time I will be visiting after school and by that time there is an appauling amount of light left.
3 FIRECRESTS at the golf course today between telephone wire posts 657 and 678. Viewing details see left and below. 2 birds showed well, reacting to a bit of pishing. They flew from the thick vegetation to the left to the hedge to the right along a garden fence and fed there, showing well. The 3rd bird was heard calling softly from the foliage from where the original 2 came and they responded, calling frantically before eventually flying back.
Also 2 GOLDCRESTS along the wooded footpath near at the row on conifers c.600 metres down and on the right hand side. They were very inquistive and called, even singing at one point, while they flitted here and there, making themselves impossible to get good views of in the dying light.
c.5 REDWINGS were noted and a flock of c.10 LONG-TAILED TITS was nice to see.
ALSO LOGGED
1 BLACKBIRD
1 WREN
1 ROBIN
2 MAGPIES
1 CHAFFINCH
1+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET
IN OTHER NEWS
Not much to report but a single GREY HERON that flew low WSW over Overton Park/Belmont Heights at c.15:10 was the best sighting. 23 REDWINGS flew over Burdon Lane as did c.3 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS.
LATE OTHER NEWS 01/12/2009
In Sutton the pair of PEREGRINES showed well near Sutton Station in the afternoon. Best viewed from the Sutton Station car park. The male afforded good views atop the glass building just north of the Reed Building (the big brownish one). The female was on the usual north east corner of the Reed Building in front of the grey air conditioning pannel just below the top of the main part of the building.
Both the male and the female could be seen well perched up and both of them flew around, giving excellent, low views over the town at least once each, the female giving some lovely calls as she landed.
3 FIRECRESTS at the golf course today between telephone wire posts 657 and 678. Viewing details see left and below. 2 birds showed well, reacting to a bit of pishing. They flew from the thick vegetation to the left to the hedge to the right along a garden fence and fed there, showing well. The 3rd bird was heard calling softly from the foliage from where the original 2 came and they responded, calling frantically before eventually flying back.
Also 2 GOLDCRESTS along the wooded footpath near at the row on conifers c.600 metres down and on the right hand side. They were very inquistive and called, even singing at one point, while they flitted here and there, making themselves impossible to get good views of in the dying light.
c.5 REDWINGS were noted and a flock of c.10 LONG-TAILED TITS was nice to see.
ALSO LOGGED
1 BLACKBIRD
1 WREN
1 ROBIN
2 MAGPIES
1 CHAFFINCH
1+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET
IN OTHER NEWS
Not much to report but a single GREY HERON that flew low WSW over Overton Park/Belmont Heights at c.15:10 was the best sighting. 23 REDWINGS flew over Burdon Lane as did c.3 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS.
LATE OTHER NEWS 01/12/2009
In Sutton the pair of PEREGRINES showed well near Sutton Station in the afternoon. Best viewed from the Sutton Station car park. The male afforded good views atop the glass building just north of the Reed Building (the big brownish one). The female was on the usual north east corner of the Reed Building in front of the grey air conditioning pannel just below the top of the main part of the building.
Both the male and the female could be seen well perched up and both of them flew around, giving excellent, low views over the town at least once each, the female giving some lovely calls as she landed.
02/12/2009
At the golf course 2 probable Firecrests heard between telephone wire poles 657 and 678. Little else noted.
IN OTHER NEWS
MISTLE THRUSHES were evident with singles at Overton Park and Belmont Park at least.
IN OTHER NEWS
MISTLE THRUSHES were evident with singles at Overton Park and Belmont Park at least.
Monday 30 November 2009
30/11/2009
2+ FIRECRESTS called between telephone wire posts 657 and 678 at 15:52 today at the golf course. Viewing details to the left and slightly down. Nothing else of note.
IN OTHER NEWS
11 JACKDAWS flew over Belmont Heights.
IN OTHER NEWS
11 JACKDAWS flew over Belmont Heights.
Saturday 28 November 2009
In other news- 28/11/2009
Yellowhammer
Canon's Farm again with Kevin. Finally found our target YELLOWHAMMERS, a flock of c.15. Also seen today: 3 LESSER REDPOLLS, c.15 SKYLARKS, a handful of MEADOW PIPITS, a GOLDFINCH, c.300 LINNETS in 3 flocks (EDIT I have just been informed that this is a record site count!), 2 KESTRELS (one mobbed by a mass of LINNETS!), a BULLFINCH was heard and perhaps 10 or so HOUSE SPARROWS were around one farm house. FIELDFARES and REDWINGS were obvious with c.40 and 20+ respectively. In the more wooded parts we failed to flush a Woodcock but located 2 of both NUTHATCH and COAL TIT and a GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER called. More to see and much better weather than last time so it was much more enjoyable! It was also nice to meet Steve Gale for the first time.
IN SUTTON HIGH STREET the regular PIED WAGTAIL roost was located, unfortunately we arrived some time after the roost started to gather so couldn't get any idea of a count but birds were certainly streaming in at an average of ten or so per minute. A very impressive sight indeed watching these birds fall from the sky.
Thursday 26 November 2009
26/11/2009
Today there was an improvement in the weather and with it came an improvement in the birding.
The highlight today was 3 FIRECRESTS which were chasing each other around in between telephone poles 657 and 678 (which seems to be the new more precise favoured area). See left for precise instructions.
MORE SPECIES NOTED TODAY
1+ BLACKBIRD
1 GREAT TIT
1 BLUE TIT
1 JAY
c.5 LONG-TAILED TITS
2+ SONG THRUSHES (including 1 singing)
1 GOLDCREST
3 CHAFFINCHES
3+ REDWINGS
1+ ROBIN
IN OTHER NEWS
Little of any note. A PIED WAGTAIL flew over Belmont Heights today where up to 50 BLACK-HEADED GULLS streamed over. BLACK-HEADED GULLS continue to visit Overton Park. GOLDFINCHES today on feeder in private garden Belmont Heights.
The highlight today was 3 FIRECRESTS which were chasing each other around in between telephone poles 657 and 678 (which seems to be the new more precise favoured area). See left for precise instructions.
MORE SPECIES NOTED TODAY
1+ BLACKBIRD
1 GREAT TIT
1 BLUE TIT
1 JAY
c.5 LONG-TAILED TITS
2+ SONG THRUSHES (including 1 singing)
1 GOLDCREST
3 CHAFFINCHES
3+ REDWINGS
1+ ROBIN
IN OTHER NEWS
Little of any note. A PIED WAGTAIL flew over Belmont Heights today where up to 50 BLACK-HEADED GULLS streamed over. BLACK-HEADED GULLS continue to visit Overton Park. GOLDFINCHES today on feeder in private garden Belmont Heights.
25/11/2009
Usual trip to the golf course. At least 1 FIRECREST was still present between telephone wire poles 657 and 678. Access via Burdon Lane. Further access details see left.
Otherwise little of note . . .
Also:
2 ROBINS
1 CHAFFINCH
3 BLACKBIRDS
c.5 REDWINGS
1 WREN
c.5 WOODPIGEON
Otherwise little of note . . .
Also:
2 ROBINS
1 CHAFFINCH
3 BLACKBIRDS
c.5 REDWINGS
1 WREN
c.5 WOODPIGEON
Tuesday 24 November 2009
24/11/2009- local birding remains unproductive
A trip to Banstead Downs Golf Course approaching dusk was even less productive than it has been for the last week or so. Bad weather affects birding here very badly. A single GOLDCREST that was only heard was the best on offer. Otherwise very very little other than the ubiquitous WOODPIGEONS, CARRION CROWS and MAGPIES.
I did see one very unusual bird, though, but the only problem is that I have no idea what it was . . . - it flew from the left of the wooded footpath c.200 metres down and flew fairly low, gliding most of the time but giving the odd 2 or 3 stiff wingbeats on long, pointed wings. I didn't get the profile, bill, tail or any other details other than the overall rich brown colouration. I was considering Common Snipe but this seems unlikely considering the flight and the habitat (despite the damp soil and leaf litter all over the place)
IN OTHER NEWS
15 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over Burdon Lane at c.1535 and there was some over-head BLACK-HEADED GULL passage in the local area towards the end of the day, as usual.
I did see one very unusual bird, though, but the only problem is that I have no idea what it was . . . - it flew from the left of the wooded footpath c.200 metres down and flew fairly low, gliding most of the time but giving the odd 2 or 3 stiff wingbeats on long, pointed wings. I didn't get the profile, bill, tail or any other details other than the overall rich brown colouration. I was considering Common Snipe but this seems unlikely considering the flight and the habitat (despite the damp soil and leaf litter all over the place)
IN OTHER NEWS
15 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over Burdon Lane at c.1535 and there was some over-head BLACK-HEADED GULL passage in the local area towards the end of the day, as usual.
Monday 23 November 2009
23/11/2009
Banstead Downs Golf Course mid-afternoon yielded very little. A handful of REDWINGS were present as was at least one GREENFINCH, 5+ CARRION CROWS and roughly the same number of WOODPIGEONS. No Firecrests in the windy conditions or anything else of note . . .
no other local news today really either, unfortunately.
no other local news today really either, unfortunately.
Sunday 22 November 2009
22/11/2009 (pictures for once!)
At Banstead Downs this afternoon 2+ LESSER REDPOLLS, a BLACKCAP, 3 BULLFINCHES, up to 10 REDWINGS and 1 FIELDFARE were logged as well as a single GREEN WOODPECKER. 5 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over.
This Lesser Redpoll showed quite well but this digi-binned shot in bad light didn't do it justice.
IN OTHER NEWS
I spent the late morning and early afternoon with Kevin McManus at Canon's Farm in mixed (but mostly bad) conditions. Highlights were a 1st winter STONECHAT which showed well, 2 REED BUNTINGS (heard only), 2 LESSER REDPOLLS, 50+ LINNET, about 40 CHAFFINCHES, a single GOLDFINCH, up to ten SKYLARK including 5 together, 1+ MEADOW PIPIT, roughly 10 or so HOUSE SPARROWS and a female KESTREL.
1.: Stonechat 2.: Fieldfare 3.: Kestrel
LATE NEWS 20/11/2009
At Banstead Downs Golf Course after school 2 FIRECRESTS remained. 1 was present and showing very well near post 678 and 1 also showed briefly, but called a lot, near post 3. 11+ GREENFINCHES flew over, 6 ROBINS, 3 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS over, c.10 BLACKBIRDS, 1 DUNNOCK, 3 WRENS, c.10 REDWINGS, c.5 CARRION CROWS.
This Lesser Redpoll showed quite well but this digi-binned shot in bad light didn't do it justice.IN OTHER NEWS
I spent the late morning and early afternoon with Kevin McManus at Canon's Farm in mixed (but mostly bad) conditions. Highlights were a 1st winter STONECHAT which showed well, 2 REED BUNTINGS (heard only), 2 LESSER REDPOLLS, 50+ LINNET, about 40 CHAFFINCHES, a single GOLDFINCH, up to ten SKYLARK including 5 together, 1+ MEADOW PIPIT, roughly 10 or so HOUSE SPARROWS and a female KESTREL.
1.: Stonechat 2.: Fieldfare 3.: KestrelLATE NEWS 20/11/2009
At Banstead Downs Golf Course after school 2 FIRECRESTS remained. 1 was present and showing very well near post 678 and 1 also showed briefly, but called a lot, near post 3. 11+ GREENFINCHES flew over, 6 ROBINS, 3 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS over, c.10 BLACKBIRDS, 1 DUNNOCK, 3 WRENS, c.10 REDWINGS, c.5 CARRION CROWS.
Thursday 19 November 2009
19/11/2009
A quick visit to the northern end of the Downs today. Little of note.
c.10 REDWINGS
1 BLACKBIRD
2 JAYS
7 then c.18 then 1+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS overhead
1+ COMMON GULL overhead
2 CHAFFINCHES
3 BLUE TITS
c.10 LONG-TAILED TITS
c.100 BLACK-HEADED GULLS overhead.
Of interest, opposite Freedown Lane it looks like a small pond may be being built- I will get back to you on this one. If this is true then it would make at least Moorhen and Mallard a lot easier for the Downs.
IN OTHER NEWS
2 or 3 MISTLE THRUSHES Belmont Heights. 1+ PIED WAGTAIL Overton park where 30 or so BLACK-HEADED GULLS early a.m.
Another quiet day overall, unfortunately.
c.10 REDWINGS
1 BLACKBIRD
2 JAYS
7 then c.18 then 1+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS overhead
1+ COMMON GULL overhead
2 CHAFFINCHES
3 BLUE TITS
c.10 LONG-TAILED TITS
c.100 BLACK-HEADED GULLS overhead.
Of interest, opposite Freedown Lane it looks like a small pond may be being built- I will get back to you on this one. If this is true then it would make at least Moorhen and Mallard a lot easier for the Downs.
IN OTHER NEWS
2 or 3 MISTLE THRUSHES Belmont Heights. 1+ PIED WAGTAIL Overton park where 30 or so BLACK-HEADED GULLS early a.m.
Another quiet day overall, unfortunately.
Wednesday 18 November 2009
18/11/2009
A slightly more relaxed after-school trip to the northern part of the core Banstead Downs, to look for Great Grey Shrikes . . . in my dreams . . .
back to the reality of it and the highlights were perhaps 2 or 3 GOLDCRESTS, of which only one showed. There have not been many of these wonderful sprites this autumn/winter, I guess because of the distinct lack of a hint of a north easterly wind. Good numbers of LONG-TAILED TITS were present with 20 or so noted, 3 or so GREAT TITS and at least 1 or 2 BLUE TITS were also thrown into the mix (sorry for the fairly inaccurate counts, I didn't really bother note-taking today).
up to 100 JACKDAWS flew north to roost (still haven't figured where this is yet!). A CARRION CROW that flew over got me going for a second or two as it appeared to have a Rook's bill, but it was, as usual, carrying something and of course the size and structure was wrong. I wonder when I will get a Rook for the Downs? - it's probably worth spending some time in that east wood at dusk!
4 possible Stock Doves and a handful of WOODPIGEONS were seen with good numbers of CARRION CROWS and, I guess, roughly 5 MAGPIES. 11 or so REDWINGS were seen and a possible Fieldfare was heard very briefly with a distant large thrush seen circling, probably a Fieldfare.
Good numbers of BLACK-HEADED GULLS flew over, maybe up to 100(?). One large flock was flying over as I arrived and hadn't yet got my bins out but I managed to pick out at least 2 or 3 COMMON GULLS thrown into the mix . . .
. . . I think that just about sums it up . . .
IN OTHER NEWS
At Overton Park a handful of BLACK-HEADED GULLS were logged but I think numbers have gone down . . . still haven't got that Mediterranean Gull.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Something's gotta break soon . . . if not a Great Grey Shrike then flushing another Woodcock would do . . . or a Mallard flying over; that is a much needed Downs year tick that is starting to become a priority now seeing how few days are left of the year!
back to the reality of it and the highlights were perhaps 2 or 3 GOLDCRESTS, of which only one showed. There have not been many of these wonderful sprites this autumn/winter, I guess because of the distinct lack of a hint of a north easterly wind. Good numbers of LONG-TAILED TITS were present with 20 or so noted, 3 or so GREAT TITS and at least 1 or 2 BLUE TITS were also thrown into the mix (sorry for the fairly inaccurate counts, I didn't really bother note-taking today).
up to 100 JACKDAWS flew north to roost (still haven't figured where this is yet!). A CARRION CROW that flew over got me going for a second or two as it appeared to have a Rook's bill, but it was, as usual, carrying something and of course the size and structure was wrong. I wonder when I will get a Rook for the Downs? - it's probably worth spending some time in that east wood at dusk!
4 possible Stock Doves and a handful of WOODPIGEONS were seen with good numbers of CARRION CROWS and, I guess, roughly 5 MAGPIES. 11 or so REDWINGS were seen and a possible Fieldfare was heard very briefly with a distant large thrush seen circling, probably a Fieldfare.
Good numbers of BLACK-HEADED GULLS flew over, maybe up to 100(?). One large flock was flying over as I arrived and hadn't yet got my bins out but I managed to pick out at least 2 or 3 COMMON GULLS thrown into the mix . . .
. . . I think that just about sums it up . . .
IN OTHER NEWS
At Overton Park a handful of BLACK-HEADED GULLS were logged but I think numbers have gone down . . . still haven't got that Mediterranean Gull.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Something's gotta break soon . . . if not a Great Grey Shrike then flushing another Woodcock would do . . . or a Mallard flying over; that is a much needed Downs year tick that is starting to become a priority now seeing how few days are left of the year!
Tuesday 17 November 2009
17/11/2009
Golf course 15:38-16:42
No sign of the Firecrests along the wooded footpath today but I'm sure they're still around. More variety than yesterday and with good numbers of thrushes.
THRUSHES
10-20 BLACKBIRDS
c.15 REDWINGS
1+ FIELDFARE
c.2 SONG THRUSHES
Many of these and a single JAY were mobbing and alarm calling at a probable TAWNY OWL which called and was followed around by a mass of birds; didn't really see it though and only heard it call once and briefly.
2 GOLDCRESTS were present and a GOLDFINCH sang and showed well at the Burdon Lane entrance to the golf course.
The COAL TIT is still present along the wooded footpath near post 3. c.4 LONG-TAILED TITS were present as well as 1+ GREAT TIT. 2+ MAGPIES and c.10 WOODPIGEONS were present with 6+ CARRION CROWS. A flock of c.10 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over followed by at last one heard only overheard, calling.
19 COMMON GULLS flew over (2 then 17). 1 ROBIN, 3 WRENS and a single DUNNOCK were noted. c.2 CHAFFINCHES were logged.
That about sums it up for the Downs today I think.
IN OTHER NEWS
1 or 2 PIED WAGTAILS at Overton Grange park plus perhaps 30-40 BLACK-HEADED GULLS there in the morning with only 2 or so remaining to mid-day.
No sign of the Firecrests along the wooded footpath today but I'm sure they're still around. More variety than yesterday and with good numbers of thrushes.
THRUSHES
10-20 BLACKBIRDS
c.15 REDWINGS
1+ FIELDFARE
c.2 SONG THRUSHES
Many of these and a single JAY were mobbing and alarm calling at a probable TAWNY OWL which called and was followed around by a mass of birds; didn't really see it though and only heard it call once and briefly.
2 GOLDCRESTS were present and a GOLDFINCH sang and showed well at the Burdon Lane entrance to the golf course.
The COAL TIT is still present along the wooded footpath near post 3. c.4 LONG-TAILED TITS were present as well as 1+ GREAT TIT. 2+ MAGPIES and c.10 WOODPIGEONS were present with 6+ CARRION CROWS. A flock of c.10 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over followed by at last one heard only overheard, calling.
19 COMMON GULLS flew over (2 then 17). 1 ROBIN, 3 WRENS and a single DUNNOCK were noted. c.2 CHAFFINCHES were logged.
That about sums it up for the Downs today I think.
IN OTHER NEWS
1 or 2 PIED WAGTAILS at Overton Grange park plus perhaps 30-40 BLACK-HEADED GULLS there in the morning with only 2 or so remaining to mid-day.
16/11/2009
After-school trip to the golf course today confirmed the continued presence of at least one FIRECREST near telephone wire post number 3. Also at least one GOLDCREST, 4 MAGPIE, 1 GOLDFINCH, 16 WOODPIGEON and 8 CARRION CROWS.
Sunday 15 November 2009
15/11/2009
An enjoyable late morning/early afternoon trip today; and what a beautiful day it was! Today I had the help of Kevin McManus. Full notes were not taken.
The highlight was 6 FIELDFARES, my first for the site of the autumn and much over-due. A (presumably) LESSER REDPOLL flew over and a BLACKCAP called at the rail bridge. Also there were 2 GOLDCRESTS along the wooded footpath at the golf course where there was also a COAL TIT, although no Firecrests were seen today (I'm used to seeing them in the last hour before dusk; maybe they go elsewhere during the day and this is just their roost site?)3 GREEN WOODPECKERS were at the core site. 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS were seen.
IN OTHER NEWS
1 GREEN WOODPECKER near the Downs heard from flat near The Belmont at close range.
The highlight was 6 FIELDFARES, my first for the site of the autumn and much over-due. A (presumably) LESSER REDPOLL flew over and a BLACKCAP called at the rail bridge. Also there were 2 GOLDCRESTS along the wooded footpath at the golf course where there was also a COAL TIT, although no Firecrests were seen today (I'm used to seeing them in the last hour before dusk; maybe they go elsewhere during the day and this is just their roost site?)3 GREEN WOODPECKERS were at the core site. 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS were seen.
IN OTHER NEWS
1 GREEN WOODPECKER near the Downs heard from flat near The Belmont at close range.
Saturday 14 November 2009
In other news- 14/11/2009
At Canon's Farm today in terrible weather there was little of note other than a handful of LINNETS and large numbers of JACKDAWS. 4 MALLARDS flew over a couple of times and a possible Yellowhammer was seen in flight.
In Sutton a female PEREGRINE showed well on the Reed Building before taking flight low over the town affording good views.
In Sutton a female PEREGRINE showed well on the Reed Building before taking flight low over the town affording good views.
Friday 13 November 2009
In other news- 13/11/2009
no time today to go up to the golf course or the core Downs but on the way to school a GREY WAGTAIL was flushed at Belmont Park; not bad on the deck for Belmont. It is likely it is the same bird seen earlier in the week and may winter here. 1+ COMMON GULL+ c.60-70 BLACK-HEADED GULLS still present at Overton Park.
Thursday 12 November 2009
12/11/2009
An after-school trip to the golf course this afternoon produced a new total of 3 FIRECRESTS along the wooded footpath. Two birds were at post 678 with another very vocal individual near post 3. The birds didn't show terribly well today but it was not at all far off the end of the day, the conditions were overcast and it rained fairly lightly on and off.
TO VIEW
Park at the south end of Burdon Lane and enter the immediately obvious golf course. As you enter, you will see a noticeboard almost straight away, on your right; this is also the entrance to the wooded footpath. Walk down the footpath for roughly 300 metres, where the favoured area is found between telephone poles (posts for short) 678 and 3 although the birds have been seen throughout the entire length of the footpath and sometimes in other areas. Contact me at 07928764818 or suttonbirding@surfbirder.com if you have any problems or are short of time and need a hand in pinning down the birds; I rarely go without seeing one on any visit between late October and mid-March, even in poor weather.
ALSO SEEN TODAY
very little of note other than the Firecrests, which are always a treat to see.
6 GOLDFINCHES flew over
11+ WOODPIGEONS were present
5+ CARRION CROWS
1 MAGPIE
IN OTHER NEWS
At 1520, c.18 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over Belmont Heights. At, or just after dusk, a call, or other sound entirely, that sounded just like a Reed Bunting was heard at Chiddingstone Close, Belmont Heights, this sound could have been anything and I highly doubt that it was actually a Reed Bunting.
At Overton Park today at least 1 COMMON GULL was present, though there are probably about 3. Good numbers of, perhaps around 70, BLACK-HEADED GULLS were, as usual, present. Unfortunately, not much else to report!
TO VIEW
Park at the south end of Burdon Lane and enter the immediately obvious golf course. As you enter, you will see a noticeboard almost straight away, on your right; this is also the entrance to the wooded footpath. Walk down the footpath for roughly 300 metres, where the favoured area is found between telephone poles (posts for short) 678 and 3 although the birds have been seen throughout the entire length of the footpath and sometimes in other areas. Contact me at 07928764818 or suttonbirding@surfbirder.com if you have any problems or are short of time and need a hand in pinning down the birds; I rarely go without seeing one on any visit between late October and mid-March, even in poor weather.
ALSO SEEN TODAY
very little of note other than the Firecrests, which are always a treat to see.
6 GOLDFINCHES flew over
11+ WOODPIGEONS were present
5+ CARRION CROWS
1 MAGPIE
IN OTHER NEWS
At 1520, c.18 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over Belmont Heights. At, or just after dusk, a call, or other sound entirely, that sounded just like a Reed Bunting was heard at Chiddingstone Close, Belmont Heights, this sound could have been anything and I highly doubt that it was actually a Reed Bunting.
At Overton Park today at least 1 COMMON GULL was present, though there are probably about 3. Good numbers of, perhaps around 70, BLACK-HEADED GULLS were, as usual, present. Unfortunately, not much else to report!
Tuesday 10 November 2009
10/11/2009
One FIRECREST showed well today at the Golf Course between telephone poles '1' and '3' along the wooded footpath.
TO VIEW
Park at the south end of Burdon Lane. Enter the immediately obvious Golf Course. As you enter, on your right you will see a noticeboard, this is where the entrance to the wooded footpath is. Walk roughly 300 metres down the path, this is the favoured area (between posts '678' and '3', today they were seen more specifically between '1' and '3'). However, the birds can be seen anywhere along the wooded footpath and may visit adjacent gardens on one side and wooded patches on the other etc.
2 GOLDCRESTS showed tightly together near post '3'. 8 ROBINS were active and vocal. 2+ CARRION CROWS and 4+ WOODPIGEONS were noted. 2 WRENS seen including one behaving a bit like a Goldcrest, creeping the tops of some large bushes/small trees. 2 GREAT TITS noted. 1+ BLUE TIT noted. 7 over-head BLACK-HEADED GULLS logged. 3+ BLACKBIRDS along/around the wooded footpath.
Just 10 species noted.
IN OTHER NEWS
2+ JACKDAWS again at Overton Park. 1+ COMMON GULL there with strong numbers of BLACK-HEADED GULLS throughout the day. 1 GREY WAGTAIL was heard in the morning around Belmont Park and presumably the same bird flew low c.north over Belmont Heights from Belmont Park. GOLDCREST y'day Burdon Lane.
TO VIEW
Park at the south end of Burdon Lane. Enter the immediately obvious Golf Course. As you enter, on your right you will see a noticeboard, this is where the entrance to the wooded footpath is. Walk roughly 300 metres down the path, this is the favoured area (between posts '678' and '3', today they were seen more specifically between '1' and '3'). However, the birds can be seen anywhere along the wooded footpath and may visit adjacent gardens on one side and wooded patches on the other etc.
2 GOLDCRESTS showed tightly together near post '3'. 8 ROBINS were active and vocal. 2+ CARRION CROWS and 4+ WOODPIGEONS were noted. 2 WRENS seen including one behaving a bit like a Goldcrest, creeping the tops of some large bushes/small trees. 2 GREAT TITS noted. 1+ BLUE TIT noted. 7 over-head BLACK-HEADED GULLS logged. 3+ BLACKBIRDS along/around the wooded footpath.
Just 10 species noted.
IN OTHER NEWS
2+ JACKDAWS again at Overton Park. 1+ COMMON GULL there with strong numbers of BLACK-HEADED GULLS throughout the day. 1 GREY WAGTAIL was heard in the morning around Belmont Park and presumably the same bird flew low c.north over Belmont Heights from Belmont Park. GOLDCREST y'day Burdon Lane.
Monday 9 November 2009
09/11/2009
Banstead Downs Golf Course 1644-1745
The highlight today was the continued presence of the pair of FIRECRESTS still along the wooded footpath, a little further down than the previous sighting, this time by the telephone pole numbered '3'.
TO VIEW
Park at the south end of Burdon Lane. Walk to the immediately obvious golf course at this end of Burdon Lane. As you enter, you will see a noticeboard on your right. This is the entrance to the wooded footpath. The favoured area is c.300 meters down the wooded footpath between telephone poles '678' and '1'. This time they were seen slightly further on, by telephone pole '3'. The birds can be found anywhere along the wooded footpath and it is possible to find other birds anywhere in the Banstead Downs area for that matter, though the wooded footpath birds are the easily the most reliable.
ALSO NOTED TODAY
1 BULLFINCH
2+ GOLDCRESTS
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
1 GREEN WOODPECKER
7+ WOODPIGEON
4+ CARRION CROW
3 ROBIN
1 DUNNOCK
3 BLACKBIRD
3 CHAFFINCH
1+ GREAT TIT
3 MAGPIE
FLYOVERS
1 LESSER REDPOLL (presumed)
4 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET
1 BLACK-HEADED GULL
1 GREENFINCH
17 species noted.
No recent immediately local news. Other news mentioned here covers Sutton town, Belmont, Banstead, Cheam, Carshalton, Ewell and Epsom only.
The highlight today was the continued presence of the pair of FIRECRESTS still along the wooded footpath, a little further down than the previous sighting, this time by the telephone pole numbered '3'.
TO VIEW
Park at the south end of Burdon Lane. Walk to the immediately obvious golf course at this end of Burdon Lane. As you enter, you will see a noticeboard on your right. This is the entrance to the wooded footpath. The favoured area is c.300 meters down the wooded footpath between telephone poles '678' and '1'. This time they were seen slightly further on, by telephone pole '3'. The birds can be found anywhere along the wooded footpath and it is possible to find other birds anywhere in the Banstead Downs area for that matter, though the wooded footpath birds are the easily the most reliable.
ALSO NOTED TODAY
1 BULLFINCH
2+ GOLDCRESTS
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
1 GREEN WOODPECKER
7+ WOODPIGEON
4+ CARRION CROW
3 ROBIN
1 DUNNOCK
3 BLACKBIRD
3 CHAFFINCH
1+ GREAT TIT
3 MAGPIE
FLYOVERS
1 LESSER REDPOLL (presumed)
4 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET
1 BLACK-HEADED GULL
1 GREENFINCH
17 species noted.
No recent immediately local news. Other news mentioned here covers Sutton town, Belmont, Banstead, Cheam, Carshalton, Ewell and Epsom only.
Friday 6 November 2009
In other news 06/11/2009
A very interesting report came to me late last night of a LARGE RAPTOR SP. fairly low over Belmont shortly after I left for school. It may have just been a Common Buzzard but that would be very ununusal at this time of year, early in the morning and low over.
With both Osprey and Short-eared Owl seen in London yesterday I ponder if it could have been one of those, it could well have actually been the Owl!
Also, at Overton Park today c.11 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS were feeding on a set of bird feeders put outside someone's flat window and c.80 BLACK-HEADED GULLS were present.
With both Osprey and Short-eared Owl seen in London yesterday I ponder if it could have been one of those, it could well have actually been the Owl!
Also, at Overton Park today c.11 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS were feeding on a set of bird feeders put outside someone's flat window and c.80 BLACK-HEADED GULLS were present.
Thursday 5 November 2009
05/11/2009- the Firecrests are back!
I was delighted today to discover 2 FIRECRESTS along the wooded footpath at the Golf Course at 16:25.
Also one crest sp. seen and heard briefly towards the beginning of the wooded footpath.
These are almost certainly the same birds that wintered last year and it was truly superb to see them return, especially following all the habitat destruction.
They were in their favoured area, near the wooden telephone pole number 678.
I am sure that they arrived some days earlier than this, I just haven't really had much of a chance to search for them recently.
TO VIEW THE FIRECRESTS
Park at the south end of Burdon Lane. Walk to the immediately obvious golf course. As you enter, you will almost immediately see a noticeboard on your right. This is the entrance to the wooded footpath. Walk slowly all the way down the footpath, the birds can be found ANYWHERE along here. As I say, the favoured area is approximately 300 metres along the path and roughly between the wooded telephone poles '1' and '678', in the trees and holy on your left as you walk south west along the path.
LAST WINTER
Last year, 2 birds were discovered 31/10/2009 and birds peaked at up to 6 26/01/2009. Around February 2009, the Firecrests more or less disappeared from the golf course but a pair was discovered in the South Wood at the core site of Banstead Downs and at least the male remained until mid-March, singing towards the end of his stay.
ALSO NOTED TODAY
1 COAL TIT
24 GREENFINCHES
c.10 LONG-TAILED TITS
9 WOODPIGEONS
1 CARRION CROW
1+ MAGPIE
1 WREN
2+ BLACKBIRDS
FLYOVERS
2 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS
2 JACKDAWS
2+ BLACK-HEADED/COMMON GULLS seen briefly over
A good number of BLACK-HEADED GULLS today at Overton Park with one or two COMMON GULLS thrown into the mix.
1+ GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER was present in and around the gardens just north west of the golf course.
Also one crest sp. seen and heard briefly towards the beginning of the wooded footpath.
These are almost certainly the same birds that wintered last year and it was truly superb to see them return, especially following all the habitat destruction.
They were in their favoured area, near the wooden telephone pole number 678.
I am sure that they arrived some days earlier than this, I just haven't really had much of a chance to search for them recently.
TO VIEW THE FIRECRESTS
Park at the south end of Burdon Lane. Walk to the immediately obvious golf course. As you enter, you will almost immediately see a noticeboard on your right. This is the entrance to the wooded footpath. Walk slowly all the way down the footpath, the birds can be found ANYWHERE along here. As I say, the favoured area is approximately 300 metres along the path and roughly between the wooded telephone poles '1' and '678', in the trees and holy on your left as you walk south west along the path.
LAST WINTER
Last year, 2 birds were discovered 31/10/2009 and birds peaked at up to 6 26/01/2009. Around February 2009, the Firecrests more or less disappeared from the golf course but a pair was discovered in the South Wood at the core site of Banstead Downs and at least the male remained until mid-March, singing towards the end of his stay.
ALSO NOTED TODAY
1 COAL TIT
24 GREENFINCHES
c.10 LONG-TAILED TITS
9 WOODPIGEONS
1 CARRION CROW
1+ MAGPIE
1 WREN
2+ BLACKBIRDS
FLYOVERS
2 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS
2 JACKDAWS
2+ BLACK-HEADED/COMMON GULLS seen briefly over
A good number of BLACK-HEADED GULLS today at Overton Park with one or two COMMON GULLS thrown into the mix.
1+ GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER was present in and around the gardens just north west of the golf course.
Wednesday 4 November 2009
autumnal summary
Now that November is upon us, I feel it is appropriate to go over another truly rubbish autumn at the Downs . . .
This autumn has been complete PANTS without even a Northern Wheatear to show for my efforts.
It could have been a mega autumn had two possibles, both Warbler species, would show for a teeny bit longer:
the first MEGA that got away, which would be a stunning first for the Downs was a possible Barred Warbler 28/09/2009.
the other was a probable Cetti's Warbler shortly afterwards, 15/10/2009. I am fairly confident that it was one, it's just one of those records where you just didn't get quite a long enough view of claim the bird.
Looking over to the birds that have been confirmed, the highlight must have been the 21/09/2009 BRAMBLING which, to my knowledge, was the first record of the autumn/winter for Surrey and London. It was certainly early.
First dates of classic autumn vis mig species are as follows
SISKIN 12/10/2009
SKYLARK 12/10/2009
REDWING 15/10/2009
01/10/2009 saw a subad/ad GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL fly over and one ad/subad flew over 05/09/2009.
A female REED BUNTING that was present 27/09/2009 was a highlight as was a TREE PIPIT that flew over 10/09/2009. A single, low, south bound COMMON BUZZARD 21/09/2009 was another. GREY WAGTAIL was noted with 1 @ 25/09/2009.
MEADOW PIPITS were noted in small numbers on and off. 2 @ 16/10/2009, 2-4 @ 29/09/2009, 1 @ 28/09/2009, 1 @ 25/09/2009, 1 @ 21/09/2009 and 1 @ 17/09/2009.
GREY HERONS were noted with two over 27/09/2009 and one 24/09/2009 over.
Counts of hirundines peaked at c.48 SWALLOWS and c.45 HOUSE MARTINS 22/09/2009.
LINNETS started appearing in late August and peaked at 11 @ 06/10/2009.
A female PHEASANT flushed at 'South Dartford Scrub' 22/09/2009 was a pleasant surprise. 28/10/2009 a male PHEASANT with a short tail along with a female were flushed at Bikers' followed by a sighting of the male being very obliging in an oak 01/10/2009 at Bikers'.
No COMMON CHIFFCHAFFS were recorded past 01/10/2009. This species peaked at c.9 11/09/2009.
BLACKCAP was last noted reliably 12/10/2009. 5+ @ 30/08/2009 was the peak count of this species.
c.19 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS 03/11/2009 in a single flock was the peak count.
Up to 20 COMMON GULLS 03/11/2009 was a good count for this relatively uncommon fly-over.
A single immature SPARROWHAWK has been seen on and off this autumn.
BULLFINCHES were present on and off. Of interest to the writing date (04/11/2009) there haven't been any noted since 01/10/2009, although there was a significant gap in recording in October. Singles were noted 01/10/2009, 11/09/2009, 10/09/2009, 05/09/2009. Two birds were noted 22/09/2009, 28/09/2009, 29/09/2009.
2+ on both 30/08/2009 and 25/09/2009 were the peak counts.
2 TREECREEPERS and 3 COAL TITS 30/08/2009 were the all time high counts for both species. 3 COAL TITS were also noted 28/09/2009.
Peaks of GREEN WOODPECKERS were 5+ on both 11/09/2009 and 05/09/2009. By the end of September, numbers had dropped and just 1 - 1+ birds were being noted on every visit.
LONG-TAILED TITS numbered c.30 and possibly above this autumn especially towards the end.
CHAFFINCHES were not recorded in great numbers with peak counts of 10+ 22/09/2009 and 10/10/2009 all settled. 7 GREENFINCHES 01/10/2009 was the peak for this species.
06/10/2009 saw the peak of MAGPIES at up to 26, mostly in one gathering.
06/10/2009 saw 200-300 JACKDAWS fly to roost and on the same date 18-19 GOLDFINCHES flew over.
2 COLLARED DOVES over North Enclosure 29/09/2009 was the only record this autumn.
I shan't go into much more now, if I'm in the mood another day I may give some more peak counts purely as they are useful to the recorder.
This autumn has been complete PANTS without even a Northern Wheatear to show for my efforts.
It could have been a mega autumn had two possibles, both Warbler species, would show for a teeny bit longer:
the first MEGA that got away, which would be a stunning first for the Downs was a possible Barred Warbler 28/09/2009.
the other was a probable Cetti's Warbler shortly afterwards, 15/10/2009. I am fairly confident that it was one, it's just one of those records where you just didn't get quite a long enough view of claim the bird.
Looking over to the birds that have been confirmed, the highlight must have been the 21/09/2009 BRAMBLING which, to my knowledge, was the first record of the autumn/winter for Surrey and London. It was certainly early.
First dates of classic autumn vis mig species are as follows
SISKIN 12/10/2009
SKYLARK 12/10/2009
REDWING 15/10/2009
01/10/2009 saw a subad/ad GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL fly over and one ad/subad flew over 05/09/2009.
A female REED BUNTING that was present 27/09/2009 was a highlight as was a TREE PIPIT that flew over 10/09/2009. A single, low, south bound COMMON BUZZARD 21/09/2009 was another. GREY WAGTAIL was noted with 1 @ 25/09/2009.
MEADOW PIPITS were noted in small numbers on and off. 2 @ 16/10/2009, 2-4 @ 29/09/2009, 1 @ 28/09/2009, 1 @ 25/09/2009, 1 @ 21/09/2009 and 1 @ 17/09/2009.
GREY HERONS were noted with two over 27/09/2009 and one 24/09/2009 over.
Counts of hirundines peaked at c.48 SWALLOWS and c.45 HOUSE MARTINS 22/09/2009.
LINNETS started appearing in late August and peaked at 11 @ 06/10/2009.
A female PHEASANT flushed at 'South Dartford Scrub' 22/09/2009 was a pleasant surprise. 28/10/2009 a male PHEASANT with a short tail along with a female were flushed at Bikers' followed by a sighting of the male being very obliging in an oak 01/10/2009 at Bikers'.
No COMMON CHIFFCHAFFS were recorded past 01/10/2009. This species peaked at c.9 11/09/2009.
BLACKCAP was last noted reliably 12/10/2009. 5+ @ 30/08/2009 was the peak count of this species.
c.19 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS 03/11/2009 in a single flock was the peak count.
Up to 20 COMMON GULLS 03/11/2009 was a good count for this relatively uncommon fly-over.
A single immature SPARROWHAWK has been seen on and off this autumn.
BULLFINCHES were present on and off. Of interest to the writing date (04/11/2009) there haven't been any noted since 01/10/2009, although there was a significant gap in recording in October. Singles were noted 01/10/2009, 11/09/2009, 10/09/2009, 05/09/2009. Two birds were noted 22/09/2009, 28/09/2009, 29/09/2009.
2+ on both 30/08/2009 and 25/09/2009 were the peak counts.
2 TREECREEPERS and 3 COAL TITS 30/08/2009 were the all time high counts for both species. 3 COAL TITS were also noted 28/09/2009.
Peaks of GREEN WOODPECKERS were 5+ on both 11/09/2009 and 05/09/2009. By the end of September, numbers had dropped and just 1 - 1+ birds were being noted on every visit.
LONG-TAILED TITS numbered c.30 and possibly above this autumn especially towards the end.
CHAFFINCHES were not recorded in great numbers with peak counts of 10+ 22/09/2009 and 10/10/2009 all settled. 7 GREENFINCHES 01/10/2009 was the peak for this species.
06/10/2009 saw the peak of MAGPIES at up to 26, mostly in one gathering.
06/10/2009 saw 200-300 JACKDAWS fly to roost and on the same date 18-19 GOLDFINCHES flew over.
2 COLLARED DOVES over North Enclosure 29/09/2009 was the only record this autumn.
I shan't go into much more now, if I'm in the mood another day I may give some more peak counts purely as they are useful to the recorder.
In other news 04/11/2009
little of interest and I didn't really get out birding today.
up to 50 GOLDFINCHES over Overton Park mid-afternoon +large numbers of Gulls particularly BLACK-HEADED early a.m. then flew off. Still no sign of Jackdaws but haven't looked properly. Large flock of STARLINGS feeding daily Overton Park. MISTLE THRUSH Belmont Park early a.m. ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS were heard flying over Overton Park this a.m. No recent sign of Green Woodpecker @ Belmont Heights/Belmont Pastures/Belmont Park area.
This is called nuttypatch.blogspot.com . . .
up to 50 GOLDFINCHES over Overton Park mid-afternoon +large numbers of Gulls particularly BLACK-HEADED early a.m. then flew off. Still no sign of Jackdaws but haven't looked properly. Large flock of STARLINGS feeding daily Overton Park. MISTLE THRUSH Belmont Park early a.m. ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS were heard flying over Overton Park this a.m. No recent sign of Green Woodpecker @ Belmont Heights/Belmont Pastures/Belmont Park area.
This is called nuttypatch.blogspot.com . . .
Tuesday 3 November 2009
03/11/2009
Mostly spent at Merlin Pasture today with a brief scan of the main enclosures.
COMMON GULLS seem to have vastly increased recently with c.30 COMMON GULLS over Nonsuch Park, Cheam 01/11/2009 with a possible KITTIWAKE though it probably wasn't one.
This brings me onto today . . .
The COMMON GULLS just kept streaming through this afternoon with up to and possibly above 20 passing over the Downs today +19+ BLACK-HEADED GULLS, 3 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS (2 ad. 1 c.2w) over and 7 HERRING GULLS. No evening wildfowl today as usual.
A flock of c.19 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS passed over NNW +2. probable MISTLE THRUSHES SW.
Also seen today
1 immature SPARROWHAWK
up to 30 LONG TAILED TITS
2+ BLUE TITS
1+ GREAT TIT
c.50 CARRION CROWS pre roost
1 JACKDAW
2 JAY
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
1 GREEN WOODPECKER
6+ REDWINGS
2 WREN
1 GREENFINCH
4 BLACKBIRD
2 ROBIN
2 DUNNOCK
1 CHAFFINCH
2 WOODPIGEON
6+ MAGPIE
An unusually quiet GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER showed well in Belmont today. No sign of the Jackdaws today Overton Park. PEREGRINES still recently Sutton at Reed Building.
COMMON GULLS seem to have vastly increased recently with c.30 COMMON GULLS over Nonsuch Park, Cheam 01/11/2009 with a possible KITTIWAKE though it probably wasn't one.
This brings me onto today . . .
The COMMON GULLS just kept streaming through this afternoon with up to and possibly above 20 passing over the Downs today +19+ BLACK-HEADED GULLS, 3 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS (2 ad. 1 c.2w) over and 7 HERRING GULLS. No evening wildfowl today as usual.
A flock of c.19 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS passed over NNW +2. probable MISTLE THRUSHES SW.
Also seen today
1 immature SPARROWHAWK
up to 30 LONG TAILED TITS
2+ BLUE TITS
1+ GREAT TIT
c.50 CARRION CROWS pre roost
1 JACKDAW
2 JAY
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
1 GREEN WOODPECKER
6+ REDWINGS
2 WREN
1 GREENFINCH
4 BLACKBIRD
2 ROBIN
2 DUNNOCK
1 CHAFFINCH
2 WOODPIGEON
6+ MAGPIE
An unusually quiet GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER showed well in Belmont today. No sign of the Jackdaws today Overton Park. PEREGRINES still recently Sutton at Reed Building.
Monday 2 November 2009
02/11/2009
I am back from my trip to Scilly CLICK HERE FOR REPORT and I'm back to this old rubbish . . .
a brief trip today because of light, which is an increasing problem!
HIGHLIGHTS
8 LINNET
ALSO
8+ ROBIN
c.9 LONG-TAILED TIT
WOODPIGEON
up to 100 CARRION CROWS pre roost
c.5 GREAT TIT
1 DUNNOCK
3 BLUE TIT
6 MAGPIE
3 BLACKBIRD
1 CHAFFINCH
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
1 GREEN WOODPECKER
FLYOVERS
1 ad. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
21+ BLACK-HEADED GULL
. . . and that's about it . . . I'm really going to have a good search for any returning Firecrests at the Golf Course this week.
IN OTHER NEWS
2 JACKDAWS present today at Overton Park. This is a scarce wintering species here. A handful of Gulls worth scanning through.
a brief trip today because of light, which is an increasing problem!
HIGHLIGHTS
8 LINNET
ALSO
8+ ROBIN
c.9 LONG-TAILED TIT
WOODPIGEON
up to 100 CARRION CROWS pre roost
c.5 GREAT TIT
1 DUNNOCK
3 BLUE TIT
6 MAGPIE
3 BLACKBIRD
1 CHAFFINCH
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
1 GREEN WOODPECKER
FLYOVERS
1 ad. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
21+ BLACK-HEADED GULL
. . . and that's about it . . . I'm really going to have a good search for any returning Firecrests at the Golf Course this week.
IN OTHER NEWS
2 JACKDAWS present today at Overton Park. This is a scarce wintering species here. A handful of Gulls worth scanning through.
In other news- 18/10/2009
Epsom Downs
SUTTON AREA MEGA 1 WOODLARK ENE over EPSOM DOWNS at 1626 calling.
Also seen at Epsom Downs
LINNET
SKYLARK
KESTREL
SUTTON AREA MEGA 1 WOODLARK ENE over EPSOM DOWNS at 1626 calling.
Also seen at Epsom Downs
LINNET
SKYLARK
KESTREL
16/10/2009
HIGHLIGHTS
2 ad COMMON GULLS
9 LINNETS
2 MEADOW PIPITS
5 REDWINGS
ALSO
c.10 LONG-TAILED TITS
5 BLUE TITS
3 DUNNOCKS
CARRION CROW
WOODPIGEON
4 GREAT TIT
7+ MAGPIE
1 JAY
2 SONG THRUSH
10-20 JACKDAW
2 ROBIN
1 WREN
FLYOVERS
3+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS
1 FERAL PIGEON
53+ BLACK-HEADED GULLS
c.70 HERRING GULLS
1 ad LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL +probable imm.
(+probable Blackcap subsinging softly)
2 ad COMMON GULLS
9 LINNETS
2 MEADOW PIPITS
5 REDWINGS
ALSO
c.10 LONG-TAILED TITS
5 BLUE TITS
3 DUNNOCKS
CARRION CROW
WOODPIGEON
4 GREAT TIT
7+ MAGPIE
1 JAY
2 SONG THRUSH
10-20 JACKDAW
2 ROBIN
1 WREN
FLYOVERS
3+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS
1 FERAL PIGEON
53+ BLACK-HEADED GULLS
c.70 HERRING GULLS
1 ad LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL +probable imm.
(+probable Blackcap subsinging softly)
Thursday 15 October 2009
15/10/2009 - another one that got away . . .
Late afternoon. No notebook so approximate counts
I spotted a probable CETTI'S WARBLER just NE of the southern bridge on the way back. All I got on it was: a rich brown warbler flying into a bush, I got a view of its head for >1 second and it showed rich brown tones and an obvious eyestripe which seemed to turn up a bit at the back. Frustratingly, after much waiting it refused to show again to be clinched.
I belatedly caught up with my first REDWINGS of the autumn for the site today with at least 10 present on land. There was also a handful of SONG THRUSHES around. Light overhead passage of Gulls with 1 COMMON C.5 BLACK-HEADED +C.10 HERRING. +11 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS NE. 1-2 PIED WAGTAILS c.north.
Little else was seen today. 1 KESTREL +1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 LINNET, 1 GOLDFINCH, C.5 CHAFFINCHES, >5 JAYS etc.
I spotted a probable CETTI'S WARBLER just NE of the southern bridge on the way back. All I got on it was: a rich brown warbler flying into a bush, I got a view of its head for >1 second and it showed rich brown tones and an obvious eyestripe which seemed to turn up a bit at the back. Frustratingly, after much waiting it refused to show again to be clinched.
I belatedly caught up with my first REDWINGS of the autumn for the site today with at least 10 present on land. There was also a handful of SONG THRUSHES around. Light overhead passage of Gulls with 1 COMMON C.5 BLACK-HEADED +C.10 HERRING. +11 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS NE. 1-2 PIED WAGTAILS c.north.
Little else was seen today. 1 KESTREL +1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 LINNET, 1 GOLDFINCH, C.5 CHAFFINCHES, >5 JAYS etc.
12/10/2009
The usual late afternoon visit with a hint of over-head passerine movement including the first SISKIN and the first SKYLARK of the autumn heard over head; these being the birds of most note.
Also today:
CARRION CROW
MAGPIE C.5
LONG-TAILED TIT C.20
JAY 1
GREAT TIT 5
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER 1
WOODPIGEON
GREEN WOODPECKER 1
DUNNOCK 3
BLACKBIRD 2
BLACKCAP 1 male
BLUE TIT C.6
LINNET 1
SONG THRUSH 1 singing +8+ overhead
JACKDAW 6
ROBIN 3
CHAFFINCH 5
SPARROWHAWK 1
flyovers:
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET 4-6
HERRING GULL 8
LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL 1
BLACK-HEADED GULL 21
Also today:
CARRION CROW
MAGPIE C.5
LONG-TAILED TIT C.20
JAY 1
GREAT TIT 5
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER 1
WOODPIGEON
GREEN WOODPECKER 1
DUNNOCK 3
BLACKBIRD 2
BLACKCAP 1 male
BLUE TIT C.6
LINNET 1
SONG THRUSH 1 singing +8+ overhead
JACKDAW 6
ROBIN 3
CHAFFINCH 5
SPARROWHAWK 1
flyovers:
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET 4-6
HERRING GULL 8
LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL 1
BLACK-HEADED GULL 21
Friday 9 October 2009
08/10/2009
Golf course. Late afternoon in very poor weather
Best bird was a single GOLDCREST along the wooded footpath
also 2+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS over
2+ LONG-TAILED TITS
1 COAL TIT
2 ROBINS
1+ BLUE TIT
1 WREN
2 MAGPIES
1 JAY
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER heard just west of site
Other local news:
MEADOW PIPIT heard over Shanklin estate c.0800 + HERRING, COMMON and BLACK-HEADED GULLS at Overton Park/Overton Grange school.
GOLDFINCHES Belmont Heights.
Recently a GREEN WOODPECKER has been heard and seen around Belmont Heights/Overton Park- a scarce bird for that immediate local area.
Wintering PIED WAGTAILS have returned to Overton Park.
A quiet first few days of October it has to be said . . .
Best bird was a single GOLDCREST along the wooded footpath
also 2+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS over
2+ LONG-TAILED TITS
1 COAL TIT
2 ROBINS
1+ BLUE TIT
1 WREN
2 MAGPIES
1 JAY
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER heard just west of site
Other local news:
MEADOW PIPIT heard over Shanklin estate c.0800 + HERRING, COMMON and BLACK-HEADED GULLS at Overton Park/Overton Grange school.
GOLDFINCHES Belmont Heights.
Recently a GREEN WOODPECKER has been heard and seen around Belmont Heights/Overton Park- a scarce bird for that immediate local area.
Wintering PIED WAGTAILS have returned to Overton Park.
A quiet first few days of October it has to be said . . .
06/10/2009
Late afternoon
Highlights
200-300 JACKDAWS c.N / NW to roost
3 HOUSE MARTINS low south through Bikers'#
18-19 GOLDFINCHES (not common in any number at the Downs)
Full list
up to 26 MAGPIES
WOODPIGEON
6+ JAYS
CARRION CROW
1+ GREAT TIT
1 CHAFFINCH
4+ LONG-TAILED TITS
1+ GREEN WOODPECKER
1+ BLUE TIT
1 imm SPARROWHAWK
11 LINNETS
1 DUNNOCK
2 ROBINS
1 KESTREL
Flyovers
32+ HERRING GULLS
c.52 BLACK-HEADED GULLS (inc. tight flock of c.46 c.west)
2 ad/subad LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS
Highlights
200-300 JACKDAWS c.N / NW to roost
3 HOUSE MARTINS low south through Bikers'#
18-19 GOLDFINCHES (not common in any number at the Downs)
Full list
up to 26 MAGPIES
WOODPIGEON
6+ JAYS
CARRION CROW
1+ GREAT TIT
1 CHAFFINCH
4+ LONG-TAILED TITS
1+ GREEN WOODPECKER
1+ BLUE TIT
1 imm SPARROWHAWK
11 LINNETS
1 DUNNOCK
2 ROBINS
1 KESTREL
Flyovers
32+ HERRING GULLS
c.52 BLACK-HEADED GULLS (inc. tight flock of c.46 c.west)
2 ad/subad LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS
01/10/2009- how will October start? . . .
. . . not terribly well, as expected . . .
Highlights
1 male PHEASANT showing well at Bikers'
1 ad/subad GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL
Full list
2 DUNNOCKS
25 LONG-TAILED TITS
11+ BLUE TITS
WOODPIGEON
7 GREENFINCHES
13+ GREAT TITS
1 WILLOW WARBLER
6+ ROBINS (possibly up to 12+, my notes are a bit muddled)
3+ JAYS
6 MAGPIES
1 BULLFINCH
9+ CHAFFINCHES
1 BLACKCAP
1 GREEN WOODPECKER
2 WRENS
3+ JACKDAWS
1+ SONG THRUSH
1+ CHIFFCHAFF
1+ BLACKBIRD
1 imm SPARROWHAWK
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
1 LINNET
Flyovers
3 HERRING GULLS
6 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS
6 FERAL PIGEONS
Highlights
1 male PHEASANT showing well at Bikers'
1 ad/subad GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL
Full list
2 DUNNOCKS
25 LONG-TAILED TITS
11+ BLUE TITS
WOODPIGEON
7 GREENFINCHES
13+ GREAT TITS
1 WILLOW WARBLER
6+ ROBINS (possibly up to 12+, my notes are a bit muddled)
3+ JAYS
6 MAGPIES
1 BULLFINCH
9+ CHAFFINCHES
1 BLACKCAP
1 GREEN WOODPECKER
2 WRENS
3+ JACKDAWS
1+ SONG THRUSH
1+ CHIFFCHAFF
1+ BLACKBIRD
1 imm SPARROWHAWK
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
1 LINNET
Flyovers
3 HERRING GULLS
6 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS
6 FERAL PIGEONS
29/09/2009
Early a.m. (0630-0730):
No sign of possible BARRED WARBLER
2-4 MEADOW PIPITS
2 COLLARED DOVES over north enclosure
8+ LINNETS
2-4 STOCK DOVES
+c.30 FERAL PIGEONS over
1W COMMON GULL over
c.3 CHIFFCHAFFS
5-10 STARLINGS over
1 GREEN WOODPECKER
c.20 HERRING GULLS over
1 BLACK-HEADED GULL over
Late afternoon full species list:
6+ BLUE TITS
c.20 LONG-TAILED TITS
7+ GREAT TITS
6+ MAGPIES
WOODPIGEON
1+ GREEN WOODPECKER
c.7 JAYS
11-14 ROBINS
CARRION CROW
6+ LINNETS
1 KESTREL
2 BULLFINCHES
1 TREECREEPER
3 WRENS
1 CHIFFCHAFF
4 DUNNOCKS
1 BLACKCAP
1 CHAFFINCH
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
1 BLACKBIRD
possible Nuthatch heard north wood.
FLYOVERS
1 ad/subad COMMON GULL
1 ad/subad LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS- 1 NE 4 low SW 3 E
6 JACKDAWS
2 STARLINGS
1 PIED WAGTAIL
2 HERRING GULLS
4 FERAL PIGEONS
1 large gull sp. (imm)
Other local news:
1 MEADOW PIPIT over Belmont Heights
1 SPARROWHAWK over Overton Park pursuing/mobbed by 2-3 GOLDFINCHES over Overton Park
1 CHIFFCHAFF Cudham Close Belmont singing
No sign of possible BARRED WARBLER
2-4 MEADOW PIPITS
2 COLLARED DOVES over north enclosure
8+ LINNETS
2-4 STOCK DOVES
+c.30 FERAL PIGEONS over
1W COMMON GULL over
c.3 CHIFFCHAFFS
5-10 STARLINGS over
1 GREEN WOODPECKER
c.20 HERRING GULLS over
1 BLACK-HEADED GULL over
Late afternoon full species list:
6+ BLUE TITS
c.20 LONG-TAILED TITS
7+ GREAT TITS
6+ MAGPIES
WOODPIGEON
1+ GREEN WOODPECKER
c.7 JAYS
11-14 ROBINS
CARRION CROW
6+ LINNETS
1 KESTREL
2 BULLFINCHES
1 TREECREEPER
3 WRENS
1 CHIFFCHAFF
4 DUNNOCKS
1 BLACKCAP
1 CHAFFINCH
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
1 BLACKBIRD
possible Nuthatch heard north wood.
FLYOVERS
1 ad/subad COMMON GULL
1 ad/subad LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS- 1 NE 4 low SW 3 E
6 JACKDAWS
2 STARLINGS
1 PIED WAGTAIL
2 HERRING GULLS
4 FERAL PIGEONS
1 large gull sp. (imm)
Other local news:
1 MEADOW PIPIT over Belmont Heights
1 SPARROWHAWK over Overton Park pursuing/mobbed by 2-3 GOLDFINCHES over Overton Park
1 CHIFFCHAFF Cudham Close Belmont singing
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