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.

2 comments:

  1. Had you considered whether the unidentified bird you saw could be a Woodcock, David?

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  2. It crossed my mind but I ruled this out based on the long, pointed wings and jizz.

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