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).
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Saturday, 30 January 2010
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.
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.
Friday, 29 January 2010
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.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
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.
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.
Monday, 25 January 2010
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.
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.
Friday, 22 January 2010
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.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
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.
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.
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.
Monday, 18 January 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
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.
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.
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.
Also 3 LESSER REDPOLLS, 2+ BULLFINCHES, and a handful of JACKDAWS.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
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 Snipe
Egyptian Goose
Egyptian Goose
Little Grebe
Grey Wagtail
drake Tufted Duck
Robin
Grey Heron
Little Egret
Common Snipe
Egyptian Goose
Egyptian Goose
Little Grebe
Grey Wagtail
drake Tufted Duck
Robin
Grey HeronInteresting 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.
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.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
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.
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.
Monday, 11 January 2010
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.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, 9 January 2010
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".
A single FIELDFARE flew south east by the building, roughly level with it and a PIED WAGTAIL was showing well near "All-Bar-One".
Friday, 8 January 2010
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 . . .
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
05/01/2010
2 FIRECRESTS still this afternoon between posts 1 and post 678 along the wooded footpath at Banstead Downs Golf Course.
Monday, 4 January 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, 3 January 2010
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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