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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.