blog move

Seeing as content on this blog has shifted more and more to general local birding rather than just Banstead Downs, I thought it best to change the theme of the whole blog a bit here because it doesn't really work currently.

New site: suttonbirding.blogspot.com

MEGA local COMMON (MEALY) REDPOLLS

Common (Mealy) Redpoll (bottom right) with Lesser Redpolls

At Headley Heath, currently associating with c.400 LESSER REDPOLLS are double figures of COMMON (MEALY) REDPOLLS. Park at the car park opposite the cricket pitch and walk directly outwards beyond the open stony area. You will hear the birds calling so they will be easy to locate. Thankfully, there are quite a few Mealies and they are easy to pick out. Yesterday I also saw 15+ MEADOW PIPITS there.

MEGA local WAXWINGS

A flock of 5 WAXWINGS were discovered on Friday at Shawley Crescent, off Tattenham Way, Epsom Downs by Grant Prater. I got there early on Saturday morning to find an additional 6 birds making the flock total 11. The birds were still present yesterday though disappeared for a while after a SPARROWHAWK flew through.

They were reported to still be present this morning though it is rumoured this was only briefly.

Yesterday at least 2 LESSER REDPOLLS and at least 1 SISKIN also flew over the site.

Firecrest still present on Saturday

Just heard that someone was up at Banstead Downs Golf Course on Saturday and managed to find that one of the FIRECRESTS was still present then.

recent highlights

Since August the local area has been fairly quiet until recently when some local MEGAs have appeared, mainly at Canons Farm. On Saturday 6th November a CORN BUNTING was at Canons Farm but proved elusive, there were also 2 BLACK REDSTARTS there on that date. A couple of days later on Monday 8th November a stunning male HEN HARRIER roosted there and was seen to depart the roost and fly strongly east the next morning. On Wednesday 10th a SHORT-EARED OWL was found hunting at Canons Farm with a BARN OWL (which was out for its third consecutive night), a BLACK REDSTART was also seen a short while before dusk that afternoon.

Two of the FIRECRESTS were seen again at Banstead Downs Golf Course along the wooded footpath at the west side of the site on Saturday 6th November. There has been more habitat destruction at the site, but we'll go into that again later.

LOCAL MEGA COMMON QUAIL Canons Farm Sat +Sunday singing in field south of Canons Farmhouse though VERY elusive

Big flock of CROSSBILLS at Banstead Downs 30/07/2010

On Friday a flock of 19 COMMON CROSSBILLS flew west to the golf course at Banstead Downs at 6.05pm. This represents the third record of the species in the local area this summer.They could not be relocated but a HOBBY flew NE and 16 HOUSE MARTINS, 90-100 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS, 2 adult BLACK-HEADED GULLS flew over. Also a LINNET, a COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3+ GREEN WOODPECKERS and 5 juvenile CHIFFCHAFFS.

01/08/2010

At Epsom Downs today a juvenile GREEN WOODPECKER showing well as well as a male KESTREL performing well in flight. Also about ten or so BLACK-HEADED GULLS, mostly moulting adults, around the kiosk. Also BARN SWALLOW, BLACKCAP heard and 2 juv CHIFFCHAFFS heard.

24/07/2010

GREEN WOODPECKER flew from Banstead Downs to Downs Road then to Pelton Avenue/The Belmont early morning, probably a juvenile. Also from my Belmont window: imm ROBIN, lots of JAYS.

In Sutton at least one PEREGRINE around the Reed building.

15/07/2010

At Banstead Downs:

2 CHIFFCHAFFS
c.17 HERRING GULLS over
GREEN WOODPECKER
GREENFINCH over
COMMON SWIFTS

06/07/2010

COAL TIT heard by the entrance to Kingswood Drive near Shanklin, Sutton/Belmont.

01/07/2010

Belmont Pastures MEGA: 2 COAL TITS (1 singing male) 10.50am-1.09pm.

COMMON WHITETHROAT still Banstead Downs by Belmont bus station.

27/06/2010

Secret local site: 1 singing male EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR and c.4 WOODLARKS also male TAWNY OWL, YELLOWHAMMER, fem SWALLOW, HERRING GULL etc. All around dusk.

26/06/2010

Garratts Lane, Banstead: COAL TIT

My garden, Belmont: BLACKCAP heard singing

24/06/2010

singing male COMMON WHITETHROAT still Banstead Downs by the Belmont bus station.

At the golf course and horse stables at the top of Fairlawn Road, Belmont:

9+ HOUSE MARTINS
JACKDAW
COMMON SWIFT
GOLDFINCH
PIED WAGTAIL
BLACKBIRD
BLACKCAP - 1 heard then male seen with food
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET
2 CHIFFCHAFFS
3+ GREENFINCHES
2 STOCK DOVES
SONG THRUSH
DUNNOCK
GREEN WOODPECKER
JAY
COMMON WHITETHROAT
WREN

23/06/2010

The usual COMMON WHITETHROAT at Banstead Downs singing again (heard from my bedroom window) in the early morning by the bus station at Belmont

21/06/2010

3+ PEREGRINES still behind Sutton Station.

20/06/2010

4+ PEREGRINES still on buildings behind Sutton Station.

CROSSBILLS at Canons Farm

Yesterday 6 COMMON CROSSBILLS flew over, calling, at Ruffett Wood at Canons Farm near Banstead at 5.02pm. There was nothing else out of the ordinary present but the expected, and pleasant, supporting cast included a NUTHATCH, a TREECREEPER, 2 juv SWALLOWS and 5 YELLOWHAMMERS including 3 males. An adult BLACK-HEADED GULL flying overheard was also noteworthy. There was a large flock of STARLINGS moulting from juvenile to 1st winter plumage near the derelict barns.

Today a GREEN WOODPECKER flew from Banstead Downs to Downs Road then to Pelton Avenue; not the sort of bird that usually strays that far into Belmont. Also 1+ PEREGRINE was present on the Reed building near Sutton Station.

CROSSBILL over Belmont

Today at 3.08pm on the way back home from popping into school to do some coursework I saw and heard a COMMON CROSSBILL flying SW over Chiddingstone Close, Belmont Heights. More local news from recent weeks to come soon.

19/06/2010

The most excitement locally was in Sutton high street where a GREY WAGTAIL called and was seen near Morrison's, flying from rooftop to rooftop.

An even more exciting sight was that of 5 PEREGRINES (presumably 2 adults +3 freshly fledged juveniles) flying around the Reed building and the adjacent glass building near Sutton Station c.16.15. 2 birds were observed food passing; because it was the much larger of the two birds that passed the food to the other, I'm guessing that this was the adult female passing to a young male. Not everybody gets to enjoy this sort of sight while waiting for the bus home after some Father's Day shopping.

18/06/2010

PEREGRINE, probably fem, early evening on railing at top of glass building north of Reed building near Sutton Station.

12/06/2010

fem PEREGRINE on the glass building north of the Reed building near Sutton Station this still evening.

Peregrine still present 11/06/2010

One PEREGRINE today on top of the main part of the Reed building behind Sutton station late morning today. Also a male BLACKCAP singing near the Shanklin estate Belmont/Sutton.

Shrike has truly gone

Another, more thorough, search with Phil Wallace this evening through all suitable habitat around Scratch Wood again revealed no sign of the Red-backed Shrike. The bird has well and truly gone. The singing male LESSER WHITETHROAT was still present and showed well (in Lesser Whitethroat standards) briefly. Also present was a BULLFINCH, a pair of KESTRELS, a fly-over GREY HERON and a handful of ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS (including a juvenile).

Shrike vanishes after clear night

Johnny Allan, Grant Prater and the finder of the bird were on site before Kevin McManus and I this morning and they had found no sign of yesterday's male Red-backed Shrike.

Kevin and I had a relatively brief search ourselves but also found nothing before checking areas of suitable habitat at Canons Farm and Banstead Woods in the hope that it had relocated there or finding another but alas we found nothing. I will check once more this evening with Phil Wallace. The singing male LESSER WHITETHROAT was still present.

***MEGA-ALERT*** local male RED-BACKED SHRIKE showing well

photos by Mark Stanley

I received a text message from Johnny Allan late afternoon informing me that at Woodmansterne/Banstead a male RED-BACKED SHRIKE had been reported west of Lakers Rise.

I made a few phone calls to cancel dinner and arrange a very short lift over there with Phil Wallace, we were quickly joined by Mark Stanley and the three of us split up to search the site. After Phil left to go to a rehearsal, Mark and I re-checked the area that Mark had already briefly searched. I noticed a wire fence and thought it would be worth checking for the bird. Leaning over to view the other side of the fence/hedgerow I saw a smallish bird fly up from the ground and perch in a bush along the fence. It was in bad light and the bird was obscured but I could make out a dark mask. We waited for the bird to change position; it flew again to the ground, catching a beetle or something and revealed itself to be the Shrike.

We crawled under the fence and got better views of the bird. Keeping low and slowly approaching it, the views got better and better, especially as it came closer to us on its own accord. Johnny Allan soon arrived and got good views of the bird too. At 8.21pm we all went home happy.

Also present was a singing male LESSER WHITETHROAT which at some points was mobbing and alarm calling at the Shrike, a PEREGRINE (Mark) and a male BULLFINCH. 2 RED KITES were reported over Chipstead on the Surrey Bird Club website.

Mark got some good photos which he said he would let me use so I will put them up here when I recieve them. The bird really was a stunner and showed very well; definitely worth going up there.

DIRECTIONS

Park at Lakers Rise off Chipstead Way and walk west parallel to the south edge of Scratch Wood. You will hit a wire fence, this is the fence that the bird was showing on. Best views were achieved by ducking under the fence and viewing the west side of it. I'd be happy to provide more help/directions if you get lost if you text/ring 07928764818.

Local Nightjars! 02/06/2010

My 3rd attempt at a local site for Nightjars this evening and Kevin McManus and I were relieved to hear a bird churring briefly. The churring got more and more intense and at 8.50pm, while it was still very light the NIGHTJAR flew out of the scrub and directly past us, offering brief but excellent views!

This is a very difficult bird to see in the London area and all sites like this one are kept rather hush hush.

Also present were 2 male YELLOWHAMMERS, one of which sang and performed a threat display towards the other, 3 WILLOW WARBLERS (one with food) and 2 MALLARDS as well as several SONG THRUSHES.

01/06/2010

A walk around Belmont today revealed a singing GOLDCREST at The Gallop. I wandered up the path that leads to Oaks Park at the top of Fairlawn Road and the biggest surprise was stumbling upon a male PHEASANT which called and I later flushed as I walked further up, this is the closest Pheasant I've ever seen to home. Also, it was nice to see that HOUSE MARTINS and BARN SWALLOWS are breeding close to home with about 5 or 6 of the former and a single of the latter. A GREY HERON flying west towards Banstead Downs was also nice to see. Also present was a singing male COMMON WHITETHROAT, a SONG THRUSH and a BLACKCAP.

I was impressed by the habitat up here with the golf course, horse fields and hedgerows. Pheasant, Grey Heron, House Martin and Swallow during a twenty minute walk in the drizzle at 8pm just up the road from home isn't bad for Belmont and I will make more visits including one tomorrow morning.

26/05/2010

At Banstead Downs today 2 BLACKCAPS, COMMON SWIFT, 6+ COMMON CHIFFCHAFFS, GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 3 family groups of LONG-TAILED TITS as well as a pair of adults together, 2 WILLOW WARBLERS, 3+ COMMON WHITETHROATS, c.5 SONG THRUSHES, mating pair of WOODPIGEONS, 1+ JACKDAW, ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET over, GREEN WOODPECKER and possible Garden Warbler heard singing briefly.

24/05/2010

At least one HOUSE SPARROW calling at 'Merlin Pasture', Banstead Downs this morning. House Sparrow is not an easy bird at Banstead Downs in my experience so it was a nice patch tick on the way to school.

23/05/2010

The COMMON WHITETHROAT was still singing at 'Merlin Pasture' at Banstead Downs also 5 COMMON SWIFTS over my garden and my parents reported a JAY in the the garden this afternoon.

22/05/2010

Banstead Downs 6.06pm-7.17pm GOLDCREST singing and showing well, COAL TIT heard (one of the birds from my garden), COMMON WHITETHROAT still 'Merlin Pasture' and another 2 birds throughout the site, 7+ COMMON SWIFTS, 2 COMMON CHIFFCHAFFS, 5 STARLINGS over, 3 HERRING GULLS over, several family groups of LONG-TAILED TITS, 1+ GREEN WOODPECKER, 3 WILLOW WARBLERS, BULLFINCH, lots of JACKDAWS +CARRION CROWS got up but couldn't locate a bird of prey (which this behaviour might indicate), SONG THRUSH, 2 BLACKCAPS.

In Belmont a HERRING GULL over St. John's Church and a BLACKCAP was singing in my garden.

18/05/2010

MISTLE THRUSH singing still Belmont Park and another showing well at Overton Park. My notebook says 'Whitethroat still Bel. Past.', indicating Belmont Pastures. It's been a while since the 18th of May and I don't remember every single Common Whitethroat that I see but I would imagine I meant 'Merlin Pasture' which is the open area of Banstead Downs near the bus station, as I've dubbed it, where there has been a singing male lately. Common Whitethroat is not a common bird at Belmont Pastures although I do remember seeing a pair including a singing male collecting nesting material there about two years ago.

16/05/2010

While waiting for the S1 at the north end of Banstead Downs this morning I noted the following:

JACKDAW 2-4 over Downs, calling
COMMON WHITETHROAT still north end of Downs
MISTLE THRUSH heard singing Belmont Park
several COMMON SWIFTS over my flat
GOLDCREST Downs Road near my Flat singing

15/05/2010

At Banstead Downs the COMMON WHITETHROAT was still present at the Belmont end near the bus station.

14/05/2010

A COMMON WHITETHROAT near the bus station at the Belmont end of Banstead Downs on the way to school this morning also 2 singing male BLACKCAPS on the way to school through the Shanklin area. Also c.10 COMMON SWIFTS later in the day around my flat.

13/05/2010

In Belmont today at my gran's garden I was surprised to see a KESTREL fly low roughly west, a bird that is not often seen over Belmont.

4 GOLDFINCHES, 5 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS, 2+ HOUSE SPARROWS.

12/05/2010

In the evening at Banstead Downs the following species were noted:

BLACKCAP 5
GOLDFINCH 1
WILLOW WARBLER 2
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET 1
MISTLE THRUSH 1
SONG THRUSH 3
GREEN WOODPECKER 1+
COMMON WHITETHROAT 2
JAY 2

12/05/2010

About 25 COMMON SWIFTS over my school mid afternoon on the way out, probably the biggest group that I've seen together anywhere so far this spring.

11/05/2010

MISTLE THRUSH still Belmont Park. Another MISTLE THRUSH flew over my school while I was playing football.

07/05/2010

A GOLDFINCH over my Belmont garden today.

07/05/2010

On the way to school today I picked up a YELLOW WAGTAIL that flew roughly north/north east over Hulverstone Close. Also on the way to school a MISTLE THRUSH was at Belmont Park.

In my Belmont garden a BLACKCAP was singing and one of the resident COAL TITS was calling away as usual in the early morning.

On the way back from school, via Sutton, the male PEREGRINE was on the Reed Building.

06/05/2010

At least one ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET over Belmont garden (not my one) today also c.3 GOLDFINCHES there. At MY Belmont garden one of the COAL TITS was still calling.

02/05/2010

Singing BLACKCAP Cheam Park. At my Belmont garden 2 COLLARED DOVES, displaying male GREENFINCH, 2 COAL TITS, female COMMON BLACKBIRD, 2 immature HERRING GULLS over.

As would be expected for the site, the car park around the kiosk at Epsom Downs yielded a charming male PIED WAGTAIL which showed well, albeit briefly.

01/05/2010

At Banstead Downs in one set of bushes a GARDEN WARBLER was singing along with 2 of the site's 3 BLACKCAPS and 1 of the site's 2 LESSER WHITETHROATS that day. Also 2 COMMON WHITETHROATS, 3 WILLOW WARBLERS (2 singing), 2 singing male COMMON CHIFFCHAFFS, 9+ COMMON SWIFTS and a probable Sand Martin roughly west.

6 COMMON SWIFTS circling over my flat early afternoon. No further sign of these. They were certainly the local breeding birds but haven't settled into their routine yet. They spend much of the beginning of their stay hawking over the north end of Banstead Downs before staying closer to Belmont when they begin to nest (I'm not 100% sure where exactly that is).

29/04/2010

2 drake MALLARDS over the BP station A217 southbound this afternoon. 7 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS over Belmont garden (not mine) where 5+ GOLDFINCHES showed well along with a very tame ROBIN.

25/04/2010

At the pond at Burgh Heath 3 MOORHENS, 2 CANADA GEESE, 20 MALLARDS, single GREY HERON, PIED WAGTAIL (male) and JACKDAW.

22/04/2010

singing male MISTLE THRUSH Belmont Park. Belmont 5 GOLDFINCHES in garden (not mine) and 3 HERRING GULLS and a ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET over.

21/04/2010

I was very surprised to look out of my window and get stunning views of a GARDEN WARBLER, my first of the year, which showed well feeding in sycamores in my garden, just outside the window for a few minutes before flying to the car park. Also a female COMMON BLACKBIRD with nesting material went to bush.

19/04/2010

my first LESSER WHITETHROAT of the year, a singing male at Banstead Downs also present: 2 WILLOW WARBLERS, 2+ BLACKCAPS and 3 COMMON CHIFFCHAFFS. Female KESTREL hunting over main open area and a GREEN WOODPECKER seen well.

MISTLE THRUSH singing male Belmont Park.

17/04/2010

BLACKCAP singing my Belmont garden. Singing MISTLE THRUSH Belmont Park.

15/04/2010

GREY HERON over Belmont. BLACKCAP singing my Belmont garden.

14/04/2010

Banstead Downs COMMON CHIFFCHAFF male singing near Belmont Bus Station.

08/04/2010

Belmont my garden COAL TIT calling.

02/04/2010

singing COAL TIT my Belmont garden. 3 HOUSE SPARROWS (2 males) Belmont Pastures showing well.

31/03/2010

GREY HERON low over Belmont breifly 15.00. BLACKCAP singing Hulverstone Close. GOLDFINCH Banstead Downs +brief distant raptor; probably big female Sparrowhawk.

27/03/2010

The first WILLOW WARBLER of the year was singing near 'The Mound' today also 3+ CHIFFCHAFFS in the area. 3+ BULLFINCHES, 1 GREEN WOODPECKER and 1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER were also present along with 3 SONG THRUSHES and 1+ MISTLE THRUSH.

A male BLACKCAP was singing in my Belmont garden early this morning.

I would give you details of the sightings over the last few days but I foolishly left my wallet, notebook and coat at school over the weekend.

no sign of Barn Owl

I have had one or two brief looks for the Barn Owl reported along Fir Tree road recently but have not found it, although this does not surprise me. There seems to be plenty of habitat nearby that the bird probably hunts if it sticks around and I think it was pure luck that the observer caught the bird hunting along such a suburban road that night. Will post it up here straight away if I do see it.

10/03/2010

1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
1 BULLFINCH
1 GREENFINCH

2 PIED WAGTAILS (male +female) showing well on field at Overton Park c.08.10am where 4 COMMON GULLS have been present with the good numbers of BLACK-HEADED GULLS recently.

08/03/2010

My first Banstead Downs SISKIN of the year flew north, calling this afternoon and appeared as if it could have landed in the northern wood between Sutton Lane and the railway line. Also 1 GOLDFINCH and 1 GREENFINCH.

At Hulverstone Close today, a BLACKCAP was calling in vegetation along the railway (one also called at Overton Grange School 04/03/2010)

05/03/2010

A singing GOLDCREST today was the highlight. Also present were at least 3, possibly 5+ BULLFINCHES, 1 REDPOLL south over, 20+ JACKDAWS, 1 GREEN WOODPECKER and 1 SONG THRUSH. Kevin McManus reported a GREY HERON flying over the northern part of the site while he was waiting for a bus.

Blast from the past . . . Banstead Downs, Banstead, Sutton and Belmont

I have been thoroughly scanning through the Birds of Surrey by J. Wheatley to find species to add to the Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods systematic list; while doing so, I have found some interesting records from Banstead Downs and the local area.

A Collared/Black-winged Pratincole (!!!) flew over Banstead Downs on 14/09/1971

A Lesser Grey Shrike (!!!) was at Banstead Downs on 21/05/1956

Birdcatchers reported that some Twite had been taken at Banstead Downs in 1895 and they were a regular winter visitor with Linnets

Stonechats bred at Banstead Downs in 1933

Nightingales, Wood Warblers and Grasshopper Warblers used to breed at Banstead Downs

A Wryneck was present about 8 years ago at Banstead Downs

Ring Ouzel recorded at Belmont Downs (no longer existant but next to Banstead Downs)

A Quail was at Belmont in 1938

Mediterranean Gull has been seen at Belmont

In 1907 a Quail was in a turnip field near Banstead

Ringed Plover, Whimbrel and Curlew have been recorded at Banstead

In 1933 and 1954, Barn Owls bred at Banstead

In 1948 and 2004 Merlins were seen at Banstead Downs

Cirl Buntings used to breed at Banstead

A Corn Bunting was seen at Banstead Downs by the train station in summer 1918

Short-eared Owls have been seen at Banstead and Sutton

A pair(s) of Red-backed Shrikes bred at Banstead between 1933 and 1934

A spring fall of 24 Red-backed Shrikes at Sutton on 20th May 1933 is the highest count for Surrey

Puffins were picked up in Banstead gardens 01/11/1909 and 20/11/1934

No good recent records but I hope to change that

Barn Owl alert

A BARN OWL was seen on the night of 2nd/3rd March near Banstead Downs along Fir Tree road between the A217 crossroad and The Driftbridge. This is the latest in a chain of recent reports in the Banstead area, with a bird reported along Holly Lane in late 2009 and another at Banstead Downs near the prisons in spring 2009.

This latest bird may well be be lingering in the area and could be feeding in the fields north of this road that does not look particularly attractive to Barn Owls at all. Considering this locality and the fact that the spring 2009 bird was seen as a car was driving along Freedown Lane (note that the prisons keep raptors and owls, one of their Eagle Owls ended up in my car park a few years ago!)

04/03/2010

At the Downs today, the first CHIFFCHAFF of the year was calling at the bike track (this must be a migrant fresh in, as I have not seen any there this winter), 3+ BULLFINCHES were present and a ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET flew over. Singles of GREAT SPOTTED and GREEN WOODPECKERS were present, singles of both GOLDFINCH and GREENFINCH flew over. 3+ JAYS were present and an unknown, but not very large, number of JACKDAWS flew over. 3 REDWINGS were at the bike track.


Nearby, at Belmont Park, a MISTLE THRUSH was present and 5 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over.

03/03/2010

A SPARROWHAWK and singles of both GREAT SPOTTED and GREEN WOODPECKERS today.

25/02/2010

Two FIRECRESTS in the south wood today along the wooded footpath that goes east to west through the wood and 4+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over.

24/02/2010

A FIRECREST was present today along the wooded footpath at Banstead Downs Golf Course, between posts 3 and 1 but on the golf course side of the vegetation on the left hand side, as you walk south, if you know what I mean. Access via Burdon Lane, Belmont.

I met up with Lee (the maintenance manager at the golf course), Ralph Hobbs from Natural England and John Peacock from the Banstead Commons Conservators after school this afternoon to discuss the Firecrests and management of the site in consideration of them.

Today seemed to be near-perfect timing as the weather was much better than the previous few afternoons and the first singing bird of the year was performing for all to hear (though seeing it was a bit more of a problem! - it was a lot more elusive than usual).

In the end, everyone was pretty happy to agree to cut back some of the holly at the edge which was starting to protude into the golf course in early October or late September. If the birds do breed then this will be a time of minimal disturbance, and if they don't and they leave for the summer (more likely) then they will probably not be back by then.

Obviously, seeing as they have started to sing it seems appropriate to start to withhold news of their presence soon (and my policy is to stop releasing news in March, anyway) and it would be great if anyone who does visit could not release news past, say, next week.



Between Sutton Lane and the golf course 3 SONG THRUSHES were present as well as a GREEN WOODPECKER.


In Sutton a PEREGRINE was on the Reed Building this morning and it, or another, was seen later in the day on the glass building north of it.

Firecrests

The FIRECRESTS have still been present recently, though I haven't seen them since the 09/02/2010. Here are the recent reports:

• 21/02/2010 2 still present
• 15/02/2010 1 still near post 657
• 12/02/2010 1 still near post 1
  

23/02/2010

Today I made a brief trip with a combined visit to the golf course and the core site between the railway and Sutton Lane.

3+ SONG THRUSHES were in/around the current sheep pen (2 singing) and good numbers of JACKDAWS were heard going to roost in the distance.

22/02/2010

Sorry for the lack of posting recently, last week I was on half term and really should have spent some time on the Downs but I didn't visit once, instead I spent all of my time over at Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods!

Banstead Downs

2 BULLFINCHES were at the Merlin Pasture also 4 GOLDFINCHES there. Something made all of the passerines alarm call excitedly, I don't think I've ever heard birds alarm so intensely!

09/02/2010

2 FIRECRESTS showed well together along the wooded footpath, just before post '3' from just before 4pm to 4.20pm or so. Also 1 REDPOLL sp. flew over there. A GOLDCREST called from an isolated conifer at the bike track (this being a Banstead Downs year tick) and a BULLFINCH flew over, calling, at the main site between the railway and Sutton Lane. At least two ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS were heard, but not seen, flying over the golf course as I arrived.

I met a very entertaining and pleasant man called Brendan whol finally connected with the birds after something like his 3rd or 4th attempt. He reported seeing a BLACKCAP near where the Firecrests were showing, a couple of weeks ago.

At Belmont Park this morning, on the way to school, I enjoyed excellent views of a female SPARROWHAWK as it sat at relatively close range on an isolated twig between bouts of trying to get at something that was hiding in a clump of holly. Possibly the best views I have had of a Sparrowhawk, my favourite raptor.

08/02/2010

GOLDFINCH was a Banstead Downs year tick today. Very quiet today with very little of note, 1 GREENFINCH and 1 JAY being the only other slightly noteworthy species.

A large flock of c.30 GOLDFINCHES (many singing) were at Overton Park today as were 2 PIED WAGTAILS.

Peregrine still in Sutton

Yesterday one PEREGRINE was seen on the building just north of the Reed Building, in Sutton.

Sutton Peregrine still present yesterday

Yesterday (03/02/2010) I saw a PEREGRINE atop the Reed Building, just behind the train station, in Sutton. Good to see that they are still around.

04/02/2010

At the golf course a FIRECREST was present (heard only) along the wooded footpath near post 1. SPARROWHAWK (1w male) flew past, very close to me, at the railway bridge. 1 STOCK DOVE flew over and this was a Banstead Downs year tick for me (31). I am pretty sure that I saw a Green Woodpecker breifly in the current sheep enclosure (where there are currently 10 sheep grazing). 2 JAYS were noted and 3+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over.

A FIRECREST was reported yesterday along the wooded footpath at 2pm between post 657 and 678 and also the previous day near post 678.

02/02/2010

A MISTLE THRUSH flew over Shanklin, Belmont, today.

At the Downs a DUNNOCK was subsinging and 2 SONG THRUSHES were present along with 2 BULLFINCHES, 120+ JACKDAWS to roost. 6+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over and 2 JAYS and a GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER were present.

Little of note on 03/02/2010 because of the poor weather.

01/02/2010

In the local area, the walk to school produced a couple of surprises, a BLACKCAP at Hulverstone Close, calling and seen with the naked eye, and a GREEN WOODPECKER heard calling at Overton Park by the school, just before I went in. On the 29th January, 17 GOLDFINCHES were in a tree there, many singing.

In the afternoon I did the usual winter after-school walk at the golf course. I heard a probable Firecrest briefly but couldn't locate it. A single JAY was present there and a ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET flew over. Somebody again reported a FIRECREST at 1.20pm 20 metres beyond the post labelled 657. Good to see that somebody else is regularly working Banstead Downs, I hope they will find me something good in spring.

I cut across the A217 to the main part of the site where 1+ SONG THRUSH was present as well as 1-2+ BULLFINCHES, 3 JAYS and a singing CHAFFINCH, quite early. One female was also noted (and one was along Burdon Lane). 2 adult COMMON GULLS flew over and a GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER called. 40 JACKDAWS flew to roost.

31/01/2010 Banstead

A GOLDCREST sang in an isolated conifer near Marks and Spencers along Banstead high street late this afternoon, not too far off dusk. For today's Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods sightings click here.

Yesterday, Kevin reported a COAL TIT singing near The Belmont still and a FIRECREST also came through on the pager as being at post 657 along the wooded footpath that day (one was also reported c.20 metres past the noticeboard on the 28th at 1.50pm).

30/01/2010

While waiting for the S1 bus, by the Downs a MISTLE THRUSH showed well, providing me with my 30th bird for 2010 for the Downs.

In Sutton c.80-100 PIED WAGTAILS roosted near Waterstones but the count didn't go as planned so wasn't accurate. I took a photo of the settled birds and will do an accurate count from there, soon.


Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods was alright today, check out the Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods wiki for more.

28/01/2010

A BULLFINCH was present at the Downs today and up to 100 JACKDAWS flew north, close to dusk. A JAY was noted and 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS were seen.

27/01/2010

DUNNOCK was a patch year tick for me at the Downs as was COMMON GULL, bringing me to a measly 29, this is because I have only really visited after school.

26/01/2010

Popped up to the golf course today, not expecting much, and that's just what I got. I can't wait for spring.

A single ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET flew over and a GREENFINCH was heard. Even commoner stuff logged included 3 BLACKBIRDS, 2 MAGPIES, 4 GREAT TITS (1 singing), 1 ROBIN, 22+ WOODPIGEONS, 2 WRENS (a belated Banstead Downs year tick, putting me on a meagre 27, I still need lots of common stuff, worst is Dunnock!) and 1 JAY.


In the local area 1+ COMMON GULL was still at Overton Park with BLACK-HEADED GULLS and a PIED WAGTAIL was in Belmont at the entrance to the Crescent. A COAL TIT sang near The Belmont pub and a CHAFFINCH was along Burdon Lane. An unknown number of ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS were heard flying over Burdon Lane.

25/01/2010

Went over to the Downs today. Didn't see much though did get FERAL PIGEON which was a belated Banstead Downs 2010 year tick. 1 GREEN WOODPECKER showed well in the western enclosure (where the sheep have now arrived) and there were 2 JAYS, TITS included singles of BLUE and GREAT with 5-10 LONG-TAILED TITS that showed well. 1-2 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS flew over.

For now onwards I won't be putting Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods sightings on this site, they can now be found at canonsfarm.wikia.com.

garden excitement 22/01/2010

At about 1.20 this afternoon mum alerted me to a huge number of birds in our Belmont garden, next to Banstead Downs. This included a party of LONG-TAILED and BLUE TITS. More significant, however, was a GOLDFINCH that was thinking about visiting the feeders before flying off, though I didn't see it. This species very rarely lands near the garden and if it does it never gets this far in! Also, REDWINGS very rarely come to the garden but several were feeding on the lawn for a brief period before flying off with the 60 or 70 that were lurking nearby (there was also a BLACKBIRD). Also 8 CHAFFINCHES were feeding at the bottom of the bird table and a couple more were up in the trees. Very odd! Loads of birds of species that wouldn't normally associate all staying for the same short period of time. I'm off to Manchester now! Back on Monday.

21/01/2010

Met local birder Andrew and two birders accompanying him at the golf course today. They very soon got me onto 2 FIRECRESTS which showed well along the wooded footpath before post 657, it's been a very long time since I've seen them this near to the beginning of the footpath.

Very little else around. Along The Drive 2 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS called and one flew east from Burdon Lane where one or two COAL TITS were singing and 2 JACKDAWS flew over.



A GREY WAGTAIL at Hulverstone Close this afternoon on the journey from school to the golf course also 1 or 2 PIED WAGTAILS at Overton Park where good numbers of BLACK-HEADED GULLS which included at least 1 COMMON GULL.

20/01/2010

At the golf course: 1 REDPOLL over, 5 GREAT TITS, 2 BLUE TITS, 2 ROBINS, 1 MAGPIE, 3 CARRION CROW, 8+ WOODPIGEONS, 1+ CHAFFINCH, 7 HERRING GULLS over, 1+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET over, 2 BLACKBIRDS, 1 singing SONG THRUSH.

Nearby 2 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS over Belmont Park/Pastures.

19/01/2010

A single FIRECREST was reported on R.B.A. at 13:15 in holly in the garden between posts 678 and 1 along the wooded footpath at the golf course today but I could not locate it.

BLACKCAP was heard in Belmont today. At the Downs, at the golf course nothing special was seen. Best was 2 SONG THRUSHES . . . others noted were 2 ROBINS, 4 GREAT TITS, 1+ LONG-TAILED TIT, 2+ CHAFFINCHES, 2 CARRION CROWS, 2 SONG THRUSHES as well as 1+ singing nearby along The Drive, c.12 WOODPIGEONS, 3 BLACKBIRDS and 1 MAGPIE.

Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods 18/01/2010

Went to the site again today, but with Phil Wallace this time. Patch year ticks were KESTREL and COLLARED DOVE (a female and a big flock of 10-20 respectively).

More notable were reasonable local counts of SKYLARK and YELLOWHAMMER with totals of 40 and 19+ respectively. 2-3 (on second thoughts, it could have just been one; if it was, it had a pretty big range) SPARROWHAWKS. The only other raptor was the female KESTREL already mentioned.

Banstead Woods got me a WOODCOCK, but Phil unfortunately missed it.

2 MEADOW PIPITS were seen flying from the Yellowhammer Field to the Buzzard (aka Big) Field.

WOODPECKERS were represented by 4 GREAT SPOTTEDS (2 of which were drumming against each other) and 3 GREENS.

A GOLDCREST was singing and a single TREECREEPER was noted as were 3 COAL TITS and 4-6 NUTHATCHES. 3 BULLFINCHES were heard or seen. 2 MISTLE THRUSHES were present and there, as always, were good numbers of FIELDFARES and REDWINGS.

20+ COMMON GULLS were counted along with c.8 BLACK-HEADED GULLS and 2+ HERRING GULLS. These Gull counts only count those using the site, not those flying over the site.

Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods 17/01/2010

Had a good day today with LITTLE OWL being the highlight. 7 ROOKS was also good as was a female SPARROWHAWK. Other patch year ticks were HOUSE SPARROW, SONG THRUSH, PIED WAGTAIL, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and STOCK DOVE.

Other notable species included 1 YELLOWHAMMER, 1 LESSER REDPOLL, c.15 SKY LARKS, 1 MEADOW PIPIT, 3 BULLFINCHES, 5 NUTHATCHES, c.5 COAL TITS, 2+ MISTLE THRUSHES, a drumming GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, a single GREEN WOODPECKER and 2+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS. There were also good numbers of FIELDFARES and REDWINGS.

My Canon's Farm and Banstead Wood 2010 year list is now on 46.

16/01/2010

A Banstead Downs year tick with LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL today also 2+ BULLFINCHES.

15/01/2010 the Heron lands!

Had a bit of a surprise when I found an adult GREY HERON which was on deck on the Merlin Pasture. It even stayed there long enough for me to photograph it, before it was flushed and it flew off roughly west. This is quite unusual for the Downs.

Also 3 LESSER REDPOLLS, 2+ BULLFINCHES, and a handful of JACKDAWS.

photos from Carshalton Ponds 10/01/2010

A few photos from my recent trip to Carshalton Ponds, which produced two or three of decent birds for my immediate local area.

Little Egret
Common SnipeEgyptian Goose

Egyptian GooseLittle Grebe

Grey Wagtaildrake Tufted Duck
Robin
Grey Heron

Interesting report from Cheam and good news for the Firecrests

I had a look on the Londonbirders wikia page this afternoon and saw an interesting report from an unnamed observer. Most surprising was the sighting of a single MARSH HARRIER. Other good reports included 2 WOODCOCKS and a male PEREGRINE.

Also reported were 5 SPARROWHAWKS, a single BLACKCAP, JAY, SONG THRUSH, GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER also 'FIELDFARES and REDWINGS yesterday'.

I wonder if all this refers to Nonsuch Park, Cheam (or perhaps Priest Hill or Howell Hill); seems more than likely.

Also good news on the Firecrests, I have been contacted by someone from Natural England who is very concerned with the issue and has told the site manager to stop work in that area. He seems very knowledgeable on birds and very understanding of them, which is very good.

He was not only concerned about the Firecrests, but he also wanted to keep track of the other birds on the Downs and asked me if I could provide him a list of the rough number of breeding pairs of each species on the site.

I am not sure how accurate the list will be when I meet him in February to discuss the Firecrests, the site and the other birds that inhabit it, but I am very keen to do an accurate and thorough breeding survey of as much of the site as possible this year. It should be a very interesting and exciting project for me.

garden 13/01/2010

A single male BLACKCAP made an appearance in my garden this afternoon, brightening up my day at home.

I have put out lots of food including apples so am hoping for something else a bit unusual to make a visit.

Yesterday at Banstead Downs, 3 FIELDFARES were present still.

11/01/2010

Little at the Downs today, with a brief after school visit just before dusk. I managed GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER as a Banstead Downs year tick, making 20. 1 individual heard calling in the north wood. Also at least one ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET over and 3+ FIELDFARES and a handful of JACKDAWS leaving to roost. Little of note really.

Carshalton Ponds 10/01/2010

Hoping for something like a Jack Snipe along the Wandle from Carshalton Ponds to Wilderness Island this afternoon and made an attempt at counting the waterbirds.

I failed to locate a Jack Snipe, but did find 3 COMMON SNIPE, which isn't bad (1 was near the 3rd bridge at the ponds and 2 were near the entrance to Wilderness Island). Other highlights included a LITTLE EGRET along the Wandle at the entrance to Wilderness Island where there was a pair of KINGFISHERS (possibly making a total of 4 if the other two birds further back towards the Ponds were different). An extremely showy EGYPTIAN GOOSE, another decent bird for the Ponds, was present at the top of the main waterfall.

A single LITTLE GREBE was present just beyond the bridge at Carshalton Ponds where there were 2 GREY WAGTAILS and 250-300 BLACK-HEADED GULLS which were accompanied by a single 2nd winter HERRING GULL which looked a bit exhausted. I was disappointed that I did not find a Mediterranean Gull.

The resident GREY HERON was present near the main waterfall and, as usual, showed extremely well.

MALLARDS numbered at 36+, mainly at the Ponds. This number includes some ornamental type birds with the exception of only the obvious white ones.

11 TUFTED DUCKS were at the Ponds.

14+ COOTS were noted along with 20+ MOORHENS.

c.48 CANADA GEESE were counted, all at the Ponds.

2 MUTE SWANS were at the Ponds.

6 JACKDAWS were seen.


The area may be worth more time with species like Smew and Common Scoter having been recorded in the past.

I did get some photographs today but my computer is in a bit of a mood at the moment so I'm using my dad's laptop, which I will not put my photographs on, to avoid confusion.

Sutton

Still no proper birding due to the conditions and my sinuses but got stunning views of both the male and the female PEREGRINES on the western face of the Reed Building this afternoon, easily viewed from the bus stops near the station. They were both side by side, allowing excellent size comparisons.

A single FIELDFARE flew south east by the building, roughly level with it and a PIED WAGTAIL was showing well near "All-Bar-One".

window watch

From my window late this afternoon, a SPARROWHAWK flew low to Banstead Downs and a FIELDFARE flew to Banstead Downs then returned and spent a few moments in a tree in my garden. A bit of a scarcity in the garden.

No Plovers of any kind though . . .

Mark Stanley keeps the counts coming

Mark Stanley informed me of a count of 33+ BULLFINCHES in the Banstead Woods area yesterday (07/01/2010), a very impressive count, made up of groups of 7, 12 and 14 birds.

Also of great interest, Mark reported a BARN OWL on the north side of Holly Lane, Banstead at 08:30, also yesterday. When/if I get the chance, I'll have a wander down there.

cold weather affects local birds

Today (08/01/2010) I noticed a couple of displaced birds in the Sutton area. First off a GREY WAGTAIL, a winter female/1st winter, was feeding along the grass verge and around the bottoms of trees and a bench near Gatton Close, seen from teh 280 bus.

In the Sutton CBD a solitary exhausted migrant REDWING showed extremely well as it sat in one of the few bare, small trees and occasionally dropped onto the pavement. This is the tamest and most ubran Redwing I've ever seen. Also 2 FIELDFARES moved north there.

No sign of any Peregrines on the Reed Building today, but I only checked the western and northern faces of the building and glanced at the glass building just north.

I've been affected by the cold weather too, staying warm inside with bad sinuses and, too my frustration, not being able to check the Downs or Canon's to grab a bit of the cold weather movement action, Golden Plover being my main target.

I'm about to have a skywatch from my window by the Downs and will let you know.

05/01/2010

2 FIRECRESTS still this afternoon between posts 1 and post 678 along the wooded footpath at Banstead Downs Golf Course.

04/01/2010

My first proper trip of the decade to the Downs and I am pleased to report that 2 FIRECRESTS were still present as twilight swept over the North Downs. They were ranging a few metres either side of post 678 along the wooded footpath.

Not much else of note present. A SPARROWHAWK flew low over the wooded footpath hotly pursued by at least 1 CARRION CROW. 1 GREEN WOODPECKER called, a JAY was seen along the wooded footpath and a SONG THRUSH was flushed at the entrance of the wooded footpath, walking back home.

Also a handful of REDWINGS around, a couple of CHAFFINCHES and a single GREENFINCH flew over. LONG-TAILED and BLUE TIT were noted.

Adding to the 5 basic species seen from my window on New Year's Day, my Banstead Downs 2010 year list has now risen to 18 species.

Firecrests staying into the new decade

Roger Unite is reporting the continued presence of the pair of FIRECRESTS into 2010 at Banstead Downs Golf Course on 01/01/2010. They were just beyond post 678 and showing well.

Epsom Downs 03/01/2010

A very showy PIED WAGTAIL present in the car park at Epsom Downs today also 10 or 20 BLACK-HEADED GULLS present.

Sutton 03/01/2010

PEREGRINE still on the Reed Building this afternoon.

Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods 02/02/2010

Starting my Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods 2010 year list . . .

COMMON BUZZARD still in the Big Field also one viewed distantly over the south end of the Chipstead Valley
2 or 3 WOODCOCKS flushed from the south end of Banstead Woods
BLACK-HEADED GULL - many present and flying over
COMMON GULL - several present and flying over
HERRING GULL - small numbers flew over
ROCK DOVE - several birds present
WOODPIGEON - good numbers
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET - a handful
GREEN WOODPECKER - 1 over Yellowhammer field
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER - 4+
SKYLARK 17+ (6+ then 11 then probably involving same birds; 3 or so in Big Field)
MEADOW PIPIT - 9+ birds flew from Yellowhammer field to Big Field
WREN - small scattering
DUNNOCK - one at west side of Yellowhammer field
ROBIN - a scattering of birds
BLACKBIRD - several around
FIELDFARE - good numbers
REDWING - good numbers
MISTLE THRUSH - a couple
GOLDCREST - 2
LONG-TAILED TIT - several
BLUE TIT - several
GREAT TIT - several
COAL TIT - 3
NUTHATCH - 5+
TREECREEPER - 1+ Banstead Woods
JAY - several birds
MAGPIE - a handful
JACKDAW - a handful
CARRION CROW - common
STARLING - small flocks here and there
CHAFFINCH - very roughly 200 or so in the Big Field
GREENFINCH - small numbers
GOLDFINCH - small numbers
LINNET - small numbers
LESSER REDPOLL- 3+ in Banstead Woods
BULLFINCH - 2 at the south end of Banstead Woods
YELLOWHAMMER - 6+ in the usual field south east of the derelict farm buildings

38 species recorded

nearby 01/01/2010

From my window, just off Banstead Downs on New Year's Day I recorded ten species before going off to do some proper birding

MAGPIE
WOODPIGEON
BLACK-HEADED GULL
CARRION CROW
HERRING GULL
COLLARED DOVE
BLUE TIT
ROBIN
STARLING
BLACKBIRD

Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods 31/12/2009

1 COMMON BUZZARD still in the Big Field
5+ YELLOWHAMMERS
TREECREEPER
GOLDCREST
2+ MEADOW PIPITS
KESTREL
5 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS
5+ ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS

Canon's Farm and Banstead Woods 30/12/2009

WOODCOCK flushed twice from south end
8+ YELLOWHAMMERS
GREY HERON in Big Field
4 NUTHATCHES
5+ LINNETS
2 COAL TITS
GREEN WOODPECKER
GOLDCREST
TREECREEPER
2 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS
PIED WAGTAIL over