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.

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