Field Meeting Reports 2024
Holmethorpe Lagoons Nature Reserve & Mercers Lake, Merstham Sunday 8 December 2024
Still in the grip of Storm Darragh, 17 intrepid Surrey BC members braved the elements for a damp and windy walk round this excellent Reserve bringing together gravel pits, lakes, streams, farmland, reedbeds, scrub and water meadows. Our thanks to Ian Kehl and Gordon Hay, who guided us superbly and found some excellent birds, as always. From the car park we had Tufted Duck, Coot, Little Grebe, Mallard and a pair of Great-crested Grebes, all on Mercers Lake. My usual request to Gordon to find us the regular Little Owl as we walked across the fields to Spynes Mere yielded a Barn Owl instead – cowering in a hole in an oak tree close to our path – what a start! As we headed to the look-out at Spynes Mere, a group of very small finches flew up calling – a nice small flock of Siskins. Sadly no Water Rails squealing but Redwings and a Song Thrush were calling from the hedgerow scrub. A large number of birds greeted us at the Mere including Mute Swan, a pair of Egyptian Geese, Gadwall, a single Shoveler, Teal, Pochard and a good number of Tufted Duck. On the island there were 25 Lapwings which all lifted off in unison as a Sparrowhawk came over our heads to rain havoc on the lake occupants. After a good half an hour of watching, we headed back, beyond the car park towards the farm before crossing the road to the cricket club. The field we crossed had some interesting passerines including 3 Yellowhammers, 8 Skylarks, a Reed Bunting and Pied Wagtail. The Barn Owl had remained in situ, still shivering from the cold. A beautiful Redwing sat in a bush in the field by the farm giving great views as we continued across the road and walked along Chilmead Lane. Relatively quiet along this track but a Common Buzzard and Kestrel were seen and a Collared Dove was added to the list. The main track around Holmethorpe Moors was flooded so we made our way as far as we could picking up Goldcrest, Cetti’s Warbler, a calling Treecreeper and a very showy Grey Wagtail. Saying farewell to our excellent and attentive leaders, we walked through the paths around the south side of Mercers lake back to the car adding Ring-necked Parakeet, a few Cormorants and a Grey Heron. Despite the expectation of a tough outing given the elements, it turned out to be a brilliant morning, with a total of 55 species:
| Mute Swan | Eurasian Coot | Common Kestrel | Song Thrush |
| Egyptian Goose | Northern Lapwing | Ring-necked Parakeet | Redwing |
| Northern Shoveler | Black-headed Gull | Common Magpie | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Gadwall | European Herring Gull | Eurasian Jackdaw | Fieldfare |
| Eurasian Wigeon | Great Black-backed Gull | Carrion Crow | European Robin |
| Mallard | Little Grebe | Eurasian Blue Tit | Dunnock |
| Eurasian Teal | Great Crested Grebe | Great Tit | House Sparrow |
| Common Pochard | Great Cormorant | Eurasian Skylark | Grey Wagtail |
| Tufted Duck | Grey Heron | Cetti’s Warbler | Pied Wagtail |
| Feral Pigeon | Eurasian Sparrowhawk | Long-tailed Tit | European Goldfinch |
| Stock Dove | Common Buzzard | Goldcrest | Eurasian Siskin |
| Common Woodpigeon | Western Barn Owl | Eurasian Treecreeper | Yellowhammer |
| Collared Dove | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Eurasian Wren | Common Reed Bunting |
| Common Moorhen | Eurasian Green Woodpecker | Common Starling | Holmethorpe |
Andy Harding
Canons Farm, Banstead Wednesday 20 November 2024
A new venue for Surrey Bird Club, Canons Farm has been avidly watched by a group of birders over the last 10 years with superb patch ticks including Dotterel, Hen Harrier, Brambling, Hobby and Short-eared Owl. 11 Club members took the 3.5 mile circular walk across farmland with intriguing areas of woodland and thankfully well-managed hedgerows (an excellent spot for breeding Yellowhammers, although sadly none seen on this walk). There is an excellent map on the Canons Farm blog: https://cfbwbirds.blogspot.com with all the fields and areas named. Walking along the path with the old barns to our right we had various passerines flitting in front of us, mainly Wren, Dunnock, Robin and a single Chaffinch. As we walked out on to Broadfield West, a few Skylarks flew up, soon to be joined by quite a flock of some 30 birds. As we continued across this field and along the southern edge of Lambert’s Field, a high pitched call was heard by some and a small bird was seen feeding mid-height in some pines. The Merlin app helped with the identification of a Firecrest. Passing Ruffett Wood and then heading south towards Perrott’s Farm, we had both Fieldfare and Redwing fly over, being able to tell the considerably greater size of the Fieldfare and different flight pattern. Nuthatches were calling from the wood along with Blue, Great and Coal Tits, all being able to make out the differing calls. We made a slight detour and headed into Banstead Woods which was disappointingly quiet; so we gradually headed back to the cars with Broadfield East on our right. This area proved very productive with a Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Jay and Green Woodpecker all giving excellent views.
A very enjoyable walk with excellent company with, in total, 30 species seen:
| Common Pheasant | Common Kestrel | Great Tit | European Robin |
| Feral Pigeon | Ring-necked Parakeet | Eurasian Skylark | Dunnock |
| Stock Dove | Eurasian Jay | Common Firecrest | Pied Wagtail |
| Common Woodpigeon | Common Magpie | Eurasian Nuthatch | Meadow Pipit |
| European Herring Gull | Eurasian Jackdaw | Eurasian Wren | Common Chaffinch |
| Red Kite | Carrion Crow | Redwing | European Goldfinch |
| Common Buzzard | Coal Tit | Eurasian Blackbird | |
| Green Woodpecker | Eurasian Blue Tit | Fieldfare | Canons |
Andy Harding
Oare Marshes & Isle of Sheppey Sunday 10 Nov 2024
A firm favourite with Surrey Bird Club, 15 members headed over to Oare Marshes, North Kent for the morning with some making a day of it also taking in Harty Marshes on Sheppey and ending at the RSPB Raptor Viewpoint.
After doing some rapid SBC lapel badge sales, we stopped off to scan the River Swale at low tide, with our young birder Jack immediately pointing out 4 Bearded Tits behind us in the reeds! Plenty to see with usual waders and gulls – Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank and Dunlin with gulls in the form of Black-headed, Common, Herring and 2 Great Black-backed. The ubiquitous Shelduck were scattered all along the mudflats on both banks.
A lone Sandwich Tern was expertly identified on one of the buoys. As we made our way along the road to the East Flood look-out, Cetti’s Warbler, Water Rail, Reed Bunting and Wren all made themselves known within the reeds – a great opportunity to hone our song and call identification skills. Marsh Harriers were spotted regularly quartering the distant fields.
As we reached the East Flood we were greeted by the overhead arrival of 8 Spoonbills! What a sight as they circumnavigated the outer edge of the water-body before choosing a spot to settle. Great views were had by all. The usual wildfowl were in evidence – Shoveler, Coot, Moorhen, Eurasian Teal, Gadwall, Mallard together with a significant number of winter-plumaged Black-tailed Godwits feeding in mid-water. Behind us, high above the fields, a flock of c.200 Golden Plover flew in one large flock, occasionally catching the sunlight to show some beautiful golden tones. Making our way to the East Flood hide we heard some cronking above and 4 Ravens passed overhead. Little new to report there but as we walked to the far corner of the Reserve to overlook Faversham Creek, some of our group got distracted by something in the reeds. Everyone was then treated to superb views of 3 or 4 Bearded Tits at very close quarters. What a bird!
As if this was not enough, a weird croaking call signalled the pass-by of a resplendent Eurasian Bittern, flying low over the reed directly in front of us. You wouldn’t get a better view of a flying Bittern – an unexpected addition! We did see it a couple of times as it tried to settle into the reeds.
Lower down the “wow” factor, we managed to identify a Rock Pipit, having already seen a few Meadow Pipits, but managed to pick out its much greyer tones and darker legs. At the 2nd hide overlooking the Swale we started to see the movement of Dark-bellied Geese off the river and into the surrounding fields. About 20 Avocets were counted on the mudflats.
A superb morning with 60 species being seen.
11 of the group remained for the afternoon as we drove round to the Isle of Sheppey, parking at St.Thomas the Apostle Church and walking down towards the Swale from the opposite bank to the morning (this walk takes you into the western entrance to The Swale National Nature Reserve, but we didn’t venture that far). It was well worth a visit with some superb additions to our day list with up to 7 Western Cattle Egrets in amongst the cattle (as you would expect!) with an accompanying cast of both Little and a single Great White Egret. Again Marsh Harriers were active with both Common Buzzard and Kestrel showing. We had good views of both Redwing and Fieldfares in the fields and more passerines with Linnet, Goldfinch, Chaffinch together with a pair of Stonechat.
Final stop was the chilly RSPB Raptor Viewpoint. With all parts of the compass covered with our scopes we waited in anticipation of what might pass us by on their way to roost. The reliable flock of 30+ Corn Buntings were in the bushes and on the telegraph wires with both Cetti’s and Water Rail calling from the reeds in front.
A Green Sandpiper called and flew past us (a good tick) as we watched the Marsh Harriers, Buzzards, Kestrels and a lone Peregrine wheel about looking for the last meal before sun down. Steve called it, and in the distance, but coming our way, was a resplendent male Hen Harrier – one of the specialities of Sheppey. Superb! Sadly no owls although Louise had 3 Barn Owls on post as she drove back towards the local pub for an early tea. At the 3 venues we saw a total of 74 species with 60 being seen at Oare Marshes in the morning (not marked below) with additional birds at Harty Marshes (shown below with a “*”) and at the RSPB Capel Fleet Raptor Viewpoint (shown with a “+”):
| Dark-bellied Brent Goose | Grey Plover | Great White Egret * | Common Starling |
| Greylag Goose + | Eurasian Golden Plover | Grey Heron | Song Thrush |
| Mute Swan | Northern Lapwing | Western Marsh Harrier | Redwing |
| Mallard + | Eurasian Curlew | Hen Harrier + | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Common Shelduck | Black-tailed Godwit | Common Buzzard * | Fieldfare |
| Northern Shoveler | Common Redshank | Green Woodpecker | European Robin |
| Gadwall | Dunlin | Common Kestrel | European Stonechat |
| Eurasian Wigeon * | Black-headed Gull | Peregrine Falcon + | Dunnock |
| Eurasian Teal | Common Gull | Common Magpie | Pied Wagtail |
| Common Pheasant | European Herring Gull | Eurasian Jackdaw | Meadow Pipit |
| Stock Dove | Great Black-backed Gull | Rook + | Rock Pipit |
| Common Woodpigeon | Sandwich Tern | Carrion Crow | Common Chaffinch * |
| Collared Dove * | Little Grebe | Common Raven | European Greenfinch |
| Water Rail | Great Crested Grebe | Eurasian Blue Tit | Common Linnet |
| Common Moorhen | Great Cormorant | Great Tit | European Goldfinch |
| Eurasian Coot | Eurasian Spoonbill | Bearded Tit | Corn Bunting + |
| Green Sandpiper + | Eurasian Bittern | Common Chiffchaff + | Common Reed Bunting |
| Pied Avocet | Little Egret | Cetti’s Warbler | |
| Eurasian Oystercatcher | Western Cattle Egret * | Eurasian Wren | Sheppey |
Andy Harding
RSPB Otmoor Wednesday 23 October 2024
A dry and relatively warm autumnal day in Oxfordshire greeted 9 SBC members. This is an exciting Reserve with a great variety of bird species, particularly surprising given its location in the heart of England. Whilst waiting in the car park, we all had great views of both male and female Bullfinches. Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Robin and a Blackbird were also added.
The first long path, bordered by high scrub and hedgerow, had small birds flitting along the vegetation – turning out to be mostly Reed Buntings, intermingled with Wren, Goldfinch, a Chiffchaff and Dunnock. A Kingfisher flashed past on the other side of the hedge – to be seen much better later. At the feeders there was a feeding Pheasant along with Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits and a female Chaffinch . Looking over the first wet meadow, we all were taken with the huge amount of activity as we stood for probably 20 minutes -skeins of Canada Geese, a family of Mute Swans, small flocks of Mallard and Gadwall, much larger flocks of Lapwings with Golden Plovers flying a layer above, showing their golden plumage in the sunlight. Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and a distant Peregrine were all noted as was the continual pig-squealing call of the Water Rail (they were conspicuous by their calls throughout the Reserve). Cetti’s Warblers were also evident despite none of us getting even a glimpse. What we did see was a resplendent Kingfisher posing on an overhanging bush, which some but not all of us saw. On the non-avian list were Roe and Fallow Deer, Grey Squirrel, Brown Rat, Common Darter and Red Admiral.
As we made our way along the straight path towards the only hide, we also had a pair of Little Egrets, an increasing number of Common Snipe (the largest a flock of up to 8 birds), Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. At the intersection of the paths, we managed to find a spot to overlook the flooded field where the plovers had been flying over – both the Lapwings and Golden Plovers were gathered in the field allowing us superb views through scopes of these beautiful and enigmatic birds. One very observant member of the group spied a raptor on a bare tree at the back of the field – turning out to be a very late Hobby, which given the number of dragonflies still airborne, was perhaps understandable. We had two screens to visit with views over open water – the first was fairly limited in terms of birds with just Coot, Shoveler, Gadwall, Cormorant and Little Egret; the second was more interesting with a Great White Egret showing very well and en route we had a very showy Kestrel, a small family of Stonechats, a pair of Wigeon and a second Hobby.
We gradually made our way back, via the Wetlands Hide, to the car park without adding to our excellent species tally. A great morning’s birding with 59 species being identified
| Greylag Goose | Northern Lapwing | Common Magpie | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Canada Goose | Common Snipe | Eurasian Jackdaw | Fieldfare |
| Mute Swan | Black-headed Gull | Rook | European Robin |
| Egyptian Goose | Lesser Black-backed Gull | Carrion Crow | European Stonechat |
| Northern Shoveler | Great Cormorant | Eurasian Blue Tit | Dunnock |
| Gadwall | Little Egret | Great Tit | Grey Wagtail |
| Eurasian Wigeon | Great White Egret | Eurasian Skylark | Pied Wagtail |
| Mallard | Grey Heron | Barn Swallow | Meadow Pipit |
| Eurasian Teal | Western Marsh Harrier | Common Chiffchaff | Common Chaffinch |
| Common Pheasant | Red Kite | Cetti’s Warbler | Eurasian Bullfinch |
| Stock Dove | Common Kingfisher | Long-tailed Tit | European Greenfinch |
| Common Woodpigeon | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Eurasian Wren | Common Linnet |
| Water Rail* | Common Kestrel | Common Starling | European Goldfinch |
| Eurasian Coot | Eurasian Hobby | Song Thrush | Common Reed Bunting |
| European Golden Plover | Peregrine Falcon | Redwing | Otmoor |
| (*heard) |
Andy Harding
Beddington Farmlands Sunday 6 October 2024
Firstly, a huge thank you to Charlie Owens, Warden at Beddington Farmlands, who gave up his Sunday morning to escort us around the Reserve – his insight, passion and knowledge was appreciated by all.
19 SBC members met at the Mile Road gate. After a scan over both South and North Lakes, picking out an array of wildfowl (Canada Geese, Mute Sawans with cygnets, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Eurasian Teal and Tufted Duck) we made our way along the path to the east of the North Lake to the new hide. There had been a report of a Marsh Harrier the day before, so we were all delighted to find the raptor, being “escorted” by various corvids, as it scanned the wildfowl for an easy meal. A juvenile bird, it showed well for some 20 minutes giving us time to check out any other birds which were flushed by its presence – Lapwings were especially skittish as was a Common Snipe.
Despite being early October, Barn Swallows and large number of Western House Martins filled the air over the Lakes. Both Little and Great Crested Grebes were on the North Lake, the latter not a common bird on the Reserve. We scanned the Wet Grasslands for waders, but none were showing although a Green Sandpipers was disturbed as we walked along the outlet channel.
Over the Mound, we picked out some very obliging Stonechats on vantage points along the path. Skylarks (a real specialty of the Reserve) were in good voice and easy to locate, counting 10 as we walked to the Phase III area. A good number of jackdaws, Stock Doves and Meadow Pipits were also in the grassed areas. A good variety of gulls were on the scrapes – Black-headed, Herring and Lesser Black-backed with both Little Egret and Grey Heron seen hunting in the shallows. As we walked back to the Mile Road gate a very obliging and tame, well-conditioned Red Fox walked contentedly along the fence line in front of us.
A real privilege to be taken on a tour around this iconic and famous Surrey Reserve by Charlie, during which we managed to see 47 species:
| Canada Goose | Common Snipe | Eurasian Green Woodpecker | Cetti’s Warbler |
| Mute Swan | Green Sandpiper | Common Kestrel | Long-tailed Tit |
| Northern Shoveler | Black-headed Gull | Ring-necked Parakeet | Common Starling |
| Gadwall | European Herring Gull | Common Magpie | European Robin |
| Mallard | Lesser Black-backed Gull | Eurasian Jackdaw | European Stonechat |
| Eurasian Teal | Little Grebe | Carrion Crow | Dunnock |
| Tufted Duck | Great Crested Grebe | Eurasian Blue Tit | Pied Wagtail |
| Stock Dove | Great Cormorant | Great Tit | Meadow Pipit |
| Common Woodpigeon | Little Egret | Eurasian Skylark | Common Linnet |
| Common Moorhen | Grey Heron | Barn Swallow | European Goldfinch |
| Eurasian Coot | Western Marsh Harrier | Western House Martin | Common Reed Bunting |
| Northern Lapwing | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Common Chiffchaff |
Andy Harding
Pagham Harbour & Medmerry Saturday 21 September 2024
A fantastic day of birding, at a fabulous Reserve – with good weather, the tides in our favour and a great group of people. Meeting 26 SBC members at the Visitor Centre, the plan was to work our way up the west side of the Reserve via the hide overlooking the Ferry Pool, to reach Church Norton and then the sea and the reedbed at The Severals.
The Ferry Pool never disappoints with a good array of wildfowl and waders – most notable being Avocets, Black-tailed Godwits, Common and Green Sandpipers and a pair of Spotted Redshanks. Red Kite, Common Buzzard and Kestrel were also in the immediate area. A Whinchat was seen by some of the group near the feeders, which was an excellent find.
Up the west path, seeing farmland birds on one side (Wheater, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Raven, Red-legged Partridge and superbly plumaged Yellowhammers – one of the star birds of the trip) and estuarine on the other (Pintail, Wigeon, Shelduck, Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew) until we reached the shingle spit at Church Norton. With the tide out the mudflats were attracting a huge variety of birds with a chance to identify Mediterranean from Black-headed Gulls, Whimbrel from Curlew and Bar-tailed from Black-tailed Godwits.
The sea and The Severals didn’t yield anything other than Great Crested Grebes, so we headed back via the cemetery at Church Norton. More of the same on the way back but stopped off to recheck the Ferry Pool. Our timing was perfect as a Peregrine stopped down and scattered all the feeding birds – a great sight with the Peregrine failing to find its prey.
After lunch, 9 of the group headed to Medmerry. It is a reasonable walk from the car park through the farmland to the path to the Stilt Ponds. It was quiet on the way, but as we got close to the ponds and the sea, some great birds were found. A Great White Egret was disturbed from a reedbed and flew towards the sea giving us great views. As we got close to the ponds, a large white bird caught our eye – a Spoonbill which was very obliging giving us great views. Behind us we heard the peep-peep of a Kingfisher, who buzzed around the saltmarsh. Waders were not so plentiful but had Redshank, Lapwing, Common Sandpiper and a Greenshank, with raptors in the form of Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard and Kestrel.
A superb day’s birding with an excellent group of people, and a total of 77 species being seen across the two Reserves (* RSPB Medmerry only)
| Canada Goose | Bar-tailed Godwit | Grey Heron | Common Chiffchaff |
| Common Shelduck | Black-tailed Godwit | Western Marsh Harrier | Cetti’s Warbler |
| Gadwall* | Common Sandpiper | Red Kite | Common Starling |
| Eurasian Wigeon | Green Sandpiper | Common Buzzard | Long-tailed Tit |
| Mallard | Common Redshank | Common Kingfisher* | Eurasian Blackcap |
| Northern Pintail | Spotted Redshank | Eurasian Green Woodpecker | Common Whitethroat |
| Eurasian Teal | Common Greenshank* | Common Kestrel | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Common Pheasant | Dunlin | Peregrine Falcon | European Robin |
| Red-legged Partridge | Black-headed Gull | Eurasian Jay | Whinchat |
| Feral Pigeon | Mediterranean Gull | Common Magpie | European Stonechat |
| Stock Dove | European Herring Gull | Eurasian Jackdaw | Northern Wheatear |
| Common Woodpigeon | Great Black-backed Gull | Rook | Dunnock |
| Common Moorhen* | Lesser Black-backed Gull* | Carrion Crow | House Sparrow |
| Eurasian Coot | Sandwich Tern* | Common Raven | Meadow Pipit |
| Pied Avocet | Little Grebe | Eurasian Blue Tit | Common Chaffinch |
| Eurasian Oystercatcher | Great Crested Grebe | Great Tit | European Goldfinch |
| Grey Plover | Great Cormorant | Sand Martin | Yellowhammer |
| Northern Lapwing | Spoonbill* | Barn Swallow | |
| Whimbrel | Little Egret | Western House Martin | |
| Eurasian Curlew | Great White Egret* | Willow Warbler |
Andy Harding
Hersham Bird Ringing Group Saturday 3 August 2024
13 members were treated to an excellent and very informative morning with the Hersham Bird Ringing Group based at the Queen Mary Reservoir, Ashford.
We were first shown some of the birds the Group had caught just before we arrived, including young Blackcaps, a Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and a fairly aggressive juvenile Blue Tit! Surprisingly Blackcaps were currently the most abundant bird to be caught. It was a real privilege to see up close the difference between a Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler – the much yellower plumage of the juvenile Willow Warbler self-evident. After a very informative briefing as to the history of the Group, how data is collected and recorded, changing bird numbers over the years and answering a myriad of questions, we were taken on a tour of the site visiting a number of mist net positions.
(Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blue Tit: Gail Huckle)
We were treated to the site of the adult Hobbies (recently nested) harassing a Red Kite over the Reservoir as we walked the site. Returning to the Ringing Station, further birds were collected and processed. Those caught and ringed were Eurasian Blue, Tit, Great Tit, Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Common Reed Warbler, Eurasian Wren, Robin and Dunnock.
(Common Whitethroat, Great Tit, Eurasian Wren and Dunnock: Jack Taylor)
We finished our morning with a walk up the steps to view the Reservoir – what a view! Other than the Hobbies (which were ever present), we had a Common Sandpiper close by with Mute Swans, Great Crested (many) and Little Grebes, rafts of Tufted Ducks and Coots and a large group of Egyptian Geese on the far bank.
A very enjoyable morning. Huge thanks to Tony Beasley and his colleagues at the Hersham Bird Ringing Group for giving up their time and imparting their knowledge and expertise. Whilst this was not a usual birding trip, for the record, we recorded 30 species during the morning:
| Canada Goose | Eurasian Coot | Eurasian Hobby | Eurasian Blackcap |
| Mute Swan | Common Sandpiper | Common Magpie | Common Whitethroat |
| Egyptian Goose | Black-headed Gull | Carrion Crow | Eurasian Wren |
| Mallard | Herring Gull | Eurasian Blue Tit | European Robin |
| Tufted Duck | Lesser Black-backed Gull | Great Tit | Dunnock |
| Little Grebe | Great Cormorant | Common Reed Warbler | Common Linnet |
| Great-crested Grebe | Red Kite | Willow Warbler | |
| Feral Pigeon | Great spotted Woodpecker | Common Chiffchaff |
Andy Harding
Papercourt Saturday 6th July 2024
20 people met in the Tannery Lane Car Park on a blustery and showery morning.
We walked back down the lane, with a ploughed field to our right, and, scanning the field, could see Stock Doves feeding and a single Red-Legged Partridge hunkered down on the ground, avoiding the wind.At the end of the path, we walked through the trees to our right, seeing a Red Kite gliding over the field through the trees. Turning down the path to the left we were sheltered from the wind, and the sun was warming; a woodpecker could be heard in the trees to our left, and looking into the private area we saw a rather obscure bird sunning itself in the branches of a tree. On closer inspection (with a scope) it turned out to be a Jay.
We reached the sailing club and lake, and could immediately see what looked like an extended family of Egyptian Geese on the shore, with birds of various ages. Continuing along the path, Common Terns were seen flying by, as well as a Kestrel hovering and later perched conveniently on a nearby post. There was a good view of a singing Whitethroat, and Canada Geese and Great Crested Grebe were seen on the lake. Moving onto the path, perpendicular to the lake, we walked towards Papercourt Lock.
Kestrel Gail Huckle
Swifts and Goldfinches were seen flying around and overhead, and a sharp-eyed member spotted a juvenile Green Woodpecker sitting on the ground in the field to our right. Looking upwards, a large-winged bird was seen circling, and closer inspection revealed a grey heron on the wing.
Nearing the lock area, there were Chiffchaffs in the nearby bushes and a Buzzard was seen being attacked by two Crows and ejected from nearby trees. Swallows and House Martins were skimming the field to our right and a couple of Reed Buntings made a brief appearance in bushes to the left. Walking over the bridge by the lock a Grey Wagtail took to the wing, and somebody was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Kingfisher as it flashed past and into a canal-side tree. On the final leg of the walk between the River Wey and Papercourt Meadows, the weather deteriorated a little but we were lucky to catch sight of a solitary Stonechat perched on grass stem deep in the meadow. Overall, an enjoyable walk with 34 species seen.
| Green Woodpecker, | White throat | Canada Goose, | Egyptian Goose, |
| Kingfisher, | Red Kite, | Common Buzzard, | Carrion Crow, |
| Jackdaw, | Reed Bunting, | Stonechat, | Red-legged Partridge, |
| Stock Dove, | Woodpigeon, | Chiff Chaff, | Swift, |
| House Martin, | Swallow, | Mallard Duck, | Tufted Duck, |
| Great Crested Grebe, | Jay, | Starling, | Grey Wagtail, |
| Grey Heron, | Goldfinch, | Kestrel, | Common Tern, |
| Herring Gull, | Coot, | Moorhen, | Wren, |
| Blue Tit, | Great Tit. | ||
Ed Hilton
Thursley Common Wednesday 19th June 2024
With the lack of Nightjar sightings at our May outing, it was decided to make amends with a further visit in mid-June, when the Thursley Nightjars would be in full song and active before nightfall. Incredibly we had 42 attendees, keen to hear and see these crepuscular and extraordinary birds on one of the most iconic Surrey heaths. Almost immediately, a very distant Hobby was identified with scope views through the trees – a great spot! Later at the top of Shrike Hill, better views of this superb summer falcon were also had.
Taking the same route as the May outing, circumventing the main bog, and heading to the back of Shrike Hill via the sandy paths, the air was full of the Willow Warbler’s descending and slightly melancholy song. Most of the group managed to first hear and then see the skulking Dartford Warblers and fortunately two very obliging Tree Pipits sang from clear vantage points. Walking over Shrike Hill and along the boardwalk through Pine Island, we stopped off at Pudmore Pond for any wildfowl and, possible waders, but other than the usual Canada Geese, Mallard and Tufted Duck there was nothing notable.
Stepping off the boardwalk, we all stood expectantly, along the sandy path close to the telegraph lines and within 10 minutes, the first Nightjar started churring. It wasn’t long before wing clapping and frog-like grunts helped locate the bird, moving through and behind the nearby trees. We were then all treated to some great views of probably up to four birds working their way around the woodland, over the path and bog into nearby trees where better views could be had.
My personal highlight was the unexpected Curlew flying high above us going into the Common, just before nightfall. An excellent evening’s birding with, despite only 20 species being seen, most of the target Surrey heathland birds being found.
| Canada Goose | Eurasian Curlew | Barn Swallow | European Robin (h) |
| Mallard | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Willow Warbler | European Stonechat |
| Tufted Duck | Eurasian Green Woodpecker | Common Chiffchaff | Tree Pipit |
| Common Woodpigeon | Eurasian Hobby | Dartford Warbler | Common Linnet |
| Eurasian Nightjar | Carrion Crow | Eurasian Wren | European Goldfinch |
Andy Harding
Newlands Corner Friday 17th May 2024
In seemingly perfect weather for an undulating walk in the Surrey Hills, 17 people set off towards St Martha’s Church from Newlands Corner car park.
At our first stop just below to take in the view, we saw several Whitethroat as well as a smart pair of Linnets, a “chinking” Chaffinch and the ever-present Chiffchaff. At the bottom, we heard the faintest hoo-woo of a Tawny Owl, possibly an owlet, from the dense scrub and the first of many singing Blackcap. Descending through a cereal field, towards New Barn Farm, we observed several singing Skylarks ascending into blue skies. A distant bird took flight from the field & on closer inspection by the group, consensus was reached that it was a Lapwing, in fact a pair were then seen together back on the ground -an unexpected sight here and a patch first for me! Walking through the grounds of the farm and its out-buildings, we saw House Sparrows and a pair of Pied Wagtail, both species appearing to have nests in the corrugated roof of a barn. It was unusual to not see hirundines here, which are normally flitting about & perching on telegraph wires.
Heading upwards again now and onto a sandy bridle path with pines on the left and a scrubby, rabbit-filled field to the right. A Stock Dove was spotted perched in an old oak and, further along, a noisy flock of Starlings swirled around some more farm buildings. Crossing White Lane, we began the long climb up St Martha’s Hill. Against a backdrop of more singing Blackcap, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Robin was the sound of a singing Firecrest. Pausing to try to catch a glimpse, it was evident that two Firecrests were singing either side of the path, claiming their territories & warning each other away. Eventually the group had clear views of one Firecrest in a pine, continuing to sing as it searched for food. Climbing further and with the village of Chilworth coming into view below, some of the group had a good view of a perched Mistle Thrush, commonly seen and heard in this location.
The churchyard of St Martha’s at the very top of the hill afforded us a welcome pit stop, a spectacular view and glimpses of another Whitethroat, Goldfinches overhead and a distant, soaring Buzzard. Revived and rested, we began our descent through Rhododendrons and briefly paused for a very good view of a smart, male Blackcap. As the woods turned from deciduous to coniferous, we heard our first Goldcrest, a solitary Coal Tit and then another singing Firecrest. Further along, as we returned back across White Lane, a kerfuffle in the trees was revealed to be two Firecrests and the group were all able to see them at very close range, as well as our only view of hirundines – two Swallows flying overhead. Climbing the path back up to Merrow Downs, edged by newly laid Hawthorn hedge, we saw a hovering Kestrel and another distant Buzzard.
Emerging out onto the chalk grassland slope below Newlands Corner offered another stunning viewpoint to the South, and the sounds of chattering Whitethroat and singing Blackcap. Leaving open ground and entering the cool, shady woods, another Firecrest encounter amongst the first of the ancient Yew Trees. Our hopes for a possible sighting of Marsh Tit, Bullfinch or even a Hawfinch did not bear fruit; so we made our final descent through mixed woodland and on to the Yew Tree Project boardwalk for some “forest bathing”. Finally, a Nuthatch is heard amongst the Tits, a vocal Song Thrush and more Blackcaps as we made our way back up to the car park.
The total tally of species seen (or heard (*) was 36 :
| Lapwing | Wood Pigeon | Stock Dove | Blackcap |
| Pheasant* | Skylark | Wren* | Chiffchaff |
| Blue Tit | Great Tit | Coal Tit | Song Thrush |
| Mistle Thrush | Blackbird | Jay | Magpie |
| Jackdaw | Carrion Crow | Goldcrest | Firecrest |
| Nuthatch* | House Sparrow | Swallow | Pied Wagtail |
| Goldfinch | Buzzard | Red Kite | Kestrel |
| Starling | Whitethroat | Linnet | Chaffinch |
| Robin | Dunnock | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Tawny Owl* |
Clare Harrington
Thursley Common Thursday 9th May 2024
With 23 intrepid birders out for an evening’s stroll around the magnificent Thursley Common, thoughts were for Nightjars, Woodcock, Dartford Warblers, Redstarts and Tree Pipits. Sadly not all the iconic heathland birds showed but nevertheless we all enjoyed a very successful walk. Heading our customary “right” at the base of the boardwalk, taking an anti-clockwise route to the rear of Shrike Hill, over the top and then settling near the main boardwalk to hopefully see our main quarry – the Eurasian Nightjar.
The birdsong was superb with Willow Warblers, Common Redstarts, clicking Stonechats and the repetitive song of the Chiffchaff ringing out. Stopping to look over the heathland, we all managed views of both singing and displaying Woodlark (we had up to six around the Common) and the elusive Dartford Warbler – now quite common at Thursley, but still a real thrill to locate one. As we were about to head up behind Shrike Hill, someone shouted “Cuckoo” and sure enough the falcon-like silhouette moved across the sky and just above the woodland canopy – great spot given it wasn’t calling. Very good views of Tree Pipit and Woodlark were had and some managed to find the unusually shy Common Redstart.
We got to the Nightjar spot slightly early; so we headed to Pudmore Pind via the boardwalk, and picked out Canada and Egyptian Geese, Mallard, Tufted Duck and Eurasian Coot. Sadly despite a long wait, we clearly had mis-timed our visit by a few days as no Nightjars appeared or were heard and disappointingly the normally guaranteed Woodcock also failed to show.
This did not stop everyone having a great visit and meant an excuse for a further visit in June. An excellent evening’s birding with 30 species being seen.
| Canada Goose | Grey Heron | Barn Swallow | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Egyptian Goose | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Willow Warbler | European Robin |
| Mallard | Common Kestrel | Common Chiffchaff | Common Redstart |
| Tufted Duck | Eurasian Jay | Eurasian Blackcap | European Stonechat |
| Common Pheasant | Carrion Crow | Common Whitethroat | Tree Pipit |
| Common Woodpigeon | Eurasian Blue Tit | Dartford Warbler | European Goldfinch |
| Common Cuckoo | Woodlark | Eurasian Wren | |
| Eurasian Coot | Eurasian Skylark | Mistle Thrush |
Andy Harding
RSPB Pulborough Brooks Saturday 20th April 2024
A full morning of birding with some Surrey Bird Club members attending the RSPB-organized Dawn Chorus meeting at 04.30hrs; the main group then meeting at 08.30hrs for a full walk around this fantastic reserve. Other than a Cuckoo calling just after 5am, all birds heard and seen on the early excursion were later seen (or heard) later in the morning.
The stars of the show were the Nightingales, who not only performed beautifully singing from the scrub along the Zig-Zag path but almost in all locations around the reserve, and showed really well as evidenced by the photo. Scanning the South Brooks from the viewpoint by the Visitor Centre, we could make out a Great Egret, together with displaying Lapwings, noisy Black-headed Gulls, both Canada and Greylag Geese, and Shelduck busying themselves in the fringes.
Splitting into two groups from the bottom of the Zig-Zag, so as not to overload the hides, everyone got to see a majority of the birds listed. Despite the increasingly chilly weather, the summer migrants were now on the reserve in force with the warblers and Nightingales singing continually – Chiffchaff, , Common Whitethroat, Eurasian Blackcap, Sedge Warbler togetrher with the ubiquitous Cetti’s Warbler (even allowing a few glimpses of one in amongst the scrub.
From West Mead and Winpenny Hides, there were still good numbers of wildfowl about with Shelduck, Teal, Egyptian Geese (with young), Gadwall, a pair of very late Pintail and Tufted Duck, with a good number of displaying Redshank calling over the scrapes and meadows. It was heartening to find 3 pairs of Avocet on the reserve, with one seen on a nest. Few other waders were seen apart from the summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwit from Hanger Viewpoint and 3 Ringed Plovers from Winpenny.
Raptors were represented by a superb Kestrel hovering in the wind directly in front of one group at Hanger, with a female Marsh Harrier together with a number of Common Buzzards and Red Kites seen around the trails. Sadly neither the resident Peregrine nor the pair of White-tailed Eagles were present (enough reason to arrange another visit in the winter). It wasn’t just the warblers and Nightingales that filled the airways with song – Linnets, Greenfinch Dunnock, Blue, Great and Longtailed Tits, Robin, Wren and Blackbird all were in full voice and showing really well.
Three regulars were also seen by some – the Stonechat pair between Winpenny and West Mead, Reed Buntings at Netley’s Hide, the male Grey Wagtail by the pond at the bottom of the Zig-Zag and the Adders in the enclosed area by the Visitor Centre.
So many birds and sounds on the Reserve that know everyone had a very enjoyable morning with 65 species being seen or heard (h).
| Greylag Goose | Common Ringed Plover | Rook | Song Thrush |
| Canada Goose | Northern Lapwing | Carrion Crow | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Mute Swan | Black-tailed Godwit | Eurasian Blue Tit | European Robin |
| Egyptian Goose | Common Redshank | Great Tit | Common Nightingale |
| Common Shelduck | Black-headed Gull | Eurasian Skylark | European Stonechat |
| Northern Shoveler | Herring Gull | Sedge Warbler | Dunnock |
| Gadwall | Great Cormorant | Sand Martin | House Sparrow |
| Mallard | Little Egret | Barn Swallow | Grey Wagtail |
| Northern Pintail | Great Egret | Common Chiffchaff | Pied Wagtail |
| Eurasian Teal | Grey Heron | Cetti’s Warbler | Common Chaffinch |
| Tufted Duck | Western Marsh Harrier | Long-tailed Tit | European Greenfinch |
| Common Pheasant (h) | Red Kite | Eurasian Blackcap | Common Linnet |
| Common Woodpigeon | Common Buzzard | Common Whitethroat | European Goldfinch |
| Common Cuckoo (h) | EurasianGreenWoodpecker (h) | Goldcrest | Common Reed Bunting |
| Common Moorhen | Common Kestrel | Eurasian Nuthatch | |
| Eurasian Coot | Common Magpie | Eurasian Wren (h) | |
| Pied Avocet | Eurasian Jackdaw | Mistle Thrush | PULBOROUGH |
Andy Harding
Dukes Warren, Leith Hill – Thursday 10th April 2024
For a mid-week walk it was great to have 22 members attend our first walk round beautiful Dukes Warren at the top of Leith Hill. Immediately on reaching the Coldharbour cricket club, we had superb views of a Woodlark feeding in the outfield, along with Song Thrush, Blackbird and Linnet. Taking the path behind the cricket clubhouse (great location for Ring Ouzel in the autumn), we were greeted by the beautiful sound of Willow Warblers singing from the alders and pines with their characteristic gentle, descending song.
As we were all remarking on their song, chattering birds overhead signalled the arrival of a large family group of Common Crossbills. Providing fantastic views, everyone got to see the beautiful colours of the male (red) and female (green) alongside the much duller brown juveniles. Over the course of the walk we counted 54 birds within the single group.
A Cuckoo was heard intermittently from within the valley but distant. Birdsong was everywhere with one bird taking centre stage – the Woodlark with a beautiful fluty song. counted up to six birds singing continually with a few taking to the skies with their almost bat-like flight We took the loop walk and were also rewarded with Stonechat, Common Buzzard (2), Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Siskin.
Probably the highlight was at the end of the walk, when we heard the Cuckoo again with one of the group locating the bird on the top of a tree – everyone getting great views of it. An excellent morning’s birding with 30 species being seen or heard (h)
| Mallard | Common Kestrel | Long-tailed Tit (h) | Eurasian Robin |
| Common Pheasant | Eurasian Jay | Eurasian Blackcap | European Stonechat |
| Stock Dove | Carrion Crow | Goldcrest | Common Chaffinch |
| Common Woodpigeon | Coal Tit | Eurasian Nuthatch | Common Linnet |
| Common Cuckoo | Eurasian Blue Tit | Eurasian Treecreeper (h) | Common Crossbill |
| Great Cormorant | Woodlark | Eurasian Wren | Eurasian Siskin |
| Common Buzzard | Willow Warbler | Song Thrush | |
| Great Spotted Woodpecker | Common Chiffchaff | Eurasian Blackbird | LEITH HILL |
Andy Harding
Hayling Oyster Beds – Saturday 9th March 2024
On a dry and bright morning, 11 birders travelled over “the bridge” to visit the famous Hayling Island Oyster Beds along the Hayling Billy Trail. For those that arrived early, a Little Egret greeted them along the immediate shoreline with Dark bellied Brent Geese, Mallard and Wigeon in the expanse of water in front of the car park, known as Bridge Lake.
Onto the Hayling Billy Trail and scanning the huge Langstone Harbour, we immediately were in awe as to the sheer number of birds to be seen. Large flocks of Red Knot, Dunlin and Grey Plover were wheeling around over the Harbour supplemented by smaller but very active groups of Turnstone, Oystercatcher and Redshank. High above, the continual characteristic call of the Mediterranean Gull (out-numbering the Black-headed Gulls considerably) added to the amazing experience.
A pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were close-in giving excellent views, with a small group of Wigeon and a couple of Great Crested Grebes in their breeding finery, close by. In al,l we saw around 8-10 of the mergansers during the walk
A superb spot saw us all focus on a large black and white bird some way out – a Great Northern Diver! We watched it for some time – continually diving then stopping to stretch and preen. This was one of three we saw around the harbour.
It was clear that most of the wildfowl had left but we still were able to admire the elegant Pintail at close quarters with a few still not having made the move to their breeding grounds. Further along the trail, someone found a Curlew; within the same vicinity, a Whimbrel was first heard overhead and then located, allowing us to compare the two birds almost in the same field of vision. We all could easily make out the Whimbrel with its more slender and slightly smaller body, a shorter bill but most noticeably the light brown median crown-stripe.
At this spot we were able to also pick out a single Greenshank and up to four Bar-tailed Godwits (noting the lack of a white wing-bar unlike the Black-tailed) and also seeing the difference in size of the Dunlin compared to the Red Knot.
The bird of the day was the very obliging female Long-tailed Duck which performed beautifully for us at very close quarters in front of the hordes of Mediterranean and Blackheaded Gulls, all arguing over the best sites! Passerines were actually hard to come by but we did have 4 or 5 Chiffchaffs, two very noisy Cetti’s Warblers and some good views of Greenfinches. Heard but not seen were a Water Rail, Wren, Dunnock and a Green Woodpecker. Almost back to the car park and in the final inland pool, a pair of Teal were seen along with a couple of Moorhens.
A truly great morning’s birding at a great location with a huge number birds, and with some great sightings coupled with superb company. We all agreed Hayling Island was to become a regular venue for the future calendar. An excellent morning’s birding with 47 species being seen or heard (h).
| Dark-bellied Brent Goose | Water Rail (h) | Black-headed Gull | Common Chiffchaff |
| Mute Swan | Common Moorhen | Mediterranean Gull | Cetti’s Warbler (h) |
| Eurasian Wigeon | Eurasian Oystercatcher | Common Gull | Long-tailed Tit |
| Mallard | Grey Plover | Herring Gull | Eurasian Wren (h) |
| Northern Pintail | Whimbrel | Great Black-backed Gull | Common Starling |
| Eurasian Teal | Eurasian Curlew | Great Northern Diver | Redwing |
| Long-tailed Duck | Bar-tailed Godwit | Great Cormorant | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Red-breasted Merganser | Common Redshank | Little Egret | European Robin (h) |
| Little Grebe | Common Greenshank | Green Woodpecker (h) | Dunnock |
| Great Crested Grebe | Ruddy Turnstone | Common Magpie | European Greenfinch |
| Feral Pigeon | Red Knot | Carrion Crow | European Goldfinch |
| Common Woodpigeon | Dunlin | Eurasian Blue Tit | HAYLING OYSTER BEDS |
Andy Harding
Unstead Wetlands Nature Reserve & Cutt Mill, Puttenham – Wednesday 21st February 2024
On a dreadfully wet morning, 12 intrepid Surrey Bird Club members and guests braved the elements to take in the superbly-managed and award-winning reserve at Unstead Wetlands. Our thanks to Janet Pizzey to taking us on a very insightful and informative tour of the reserve showcasing the excellent improvements in terms of the fantastic new wetland area and the associated viewing platform along with the on-going tree planting.
Meeting in the adjoining Thames Water treatment plant (again thanks to Janet for arranging for Thames Water to permit us access), we first took in the northern part of the Reserve looking over the River Wey water meadows. Canada Geese, Coot, a male Gadwall, a pair of Mandarins and a pair of Egyptian Geese with a brood of about 10 goslings was a very good start.
We stopped off at the beautifully equipped hide and feeding station, in the hope of seeing both Water Rail and Firecrest, but sadly neither obliged but did get great views of Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tit, plus Tufted Duck, Little Grebe and more Gadwall. Strolling back to overlook the new wetlands, Janet was able to provide an in-depth description of the earthworks funded by Thames Water and how the water levels were maintained on this part of the reserve. In the newly planted area we all got to see both Reed Bunting and Chiffchaff, and from the new platform we got very good views of the gulls and wildfowl on the mosaic of waterways. A Red Kite, Kestrel and Great Spotted Woodpecker were seen from this viewpoint.
In total 35 species were seen which was an excellent tally given the challenging weather conditions.
A majority of the party then headed off to Cutt Mill, Puttenham to (hopefully) catch up with Goosander, Mandarin Duck and potentially Kingfisher – well, 2 out of 3 was not bad! A group of 4 Goosanders was almost immediately seen heading off over the forest, which we thought might be end of our luck but thankfully we had another 6 females (red heads) on the main pond (Warren Pond). In our short walk we managed 9 species, bringing our total for the morning to 40 species:
Heading to Cutt Mill Pond (next to the large house) from the car park, we were very privileged to watch about 100 or so Siskins feeding voraciously in the alders above Suffield Lane between the two main lakes – what a sight! At the lake, there was a very good array of wildfowl with Mandarin Duck (3), Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Eurasian Teal and Tufted Duck. A walk around Warren Pond gave us good views of both the Goosanders and 3 Great Crested Grebes, who were starting to get into their breeding finery.
| Canada Goose (u) | Little Grebe (u) | Common Kestrel | Song Thrush (u) |
| Egyptian Goose (u) | Great Crested Grebe (cm) | Common Magpie (u) | Eurasian Blackbird (u) |
| Mandarin Duck (u/cm) | Stock Dove (u) | Eurasian Jackdaw (u) | European Robin (u) |
| Northern Shoveler (cm) | Common Woodpigeon (u) | Carrion Crow (u) | Dunnock (u) |
| Gadwall (u/cm) | Common Moorhen (u) | Eurasian Blue Tit (u) | Pied Wagtail (u) |
| Mallard (u/cm) | Eurasian Coot (u) | Great Tit (u) | Common Chaffinch (u) |
| Eurasian Teal (cm) | Black-headed Gull (u) | Common Chiffchaff (u) | European Greenfinch (u) |
| Tufted Duck (u/cm) | Great Cormorant (u) | Long-tailed Tit (u) | European Goldfinch (u) |
| Goosander (cm) | Red Kite (u) | Goldcrest (u) | Eurasian Siskin (cm) |
| Common Pheasant (u) | Great Spotted Woodpecker(u) | Eurasian Wren (u) | Common Reed Bunting(u) |
Andy Harding
RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve – Sunday 4th February 2024
A new venue for the 2024 calendar and, with the introduction of car-sharing, we were able to get 17 members and guests to the Reserve as sustainably as we could – a feature of the field outings going forward. With the weather mild, overcast, but breezy our expectation was for a decent morning of birding – we were not let down.
Starting in an anti-clockwise direction, we scanned the nearby pools from the Visitor Centre path noting a good array of wildfowl with Mallard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon, Little Grebe and 3 Pintails (including an exquisite male in the main channel). Both Canada and Greylag Geese were prevalent across the reserve.
A female Kestrel was seen on a distant bush (great spot!) as we made our way to the Ken Barrett Hide, noting Redwings, Blue & Great Tits,and a singing Song Thrush and Dunnock. At this extensive hide, where we all got a seat (including some cushions!) we got excellent views of the key wildfowl, with a smart male Pochard stealing the show. Far away a female / immature Marsh Harrier was seen quartering the field near the wind turbines – one of at least 5 seen during our walk.
A long straight walk to the next hide gave us time to scan both the reed beds and the marsh / pools along this route. A singing Cetti’s Warbler, seemingly only feet from the path, characteristically did not give itself up despite 17 pairs of eyes looking intensely. Again good numbers of wildfowl to be seen together with a very active flock of Lapwing supported by a couple of Curlew, a group of Starlings and a few Fieldfares.
At the next hide, which was stunning with windows in all directions, we were able to scan all points picking up a number of Marsh Harriers including a handsome male, and eventually 3 Common Snipe were located skulking at the edge of reed fringe. As we made our way up to the Thames path, we had excellent views of a pair of Stonechat and two Meadow Pipits on the wire fencing.
A wild walk back to the car park in a strong westerly wind was worth the effort picking up 2 Rock Pipits, 4 Reed Buntings including 2 males, 5 Redshanks and on the south side of the Thames amongst the gulls, 5 feeding Avocets.
A thoroughly enjoyable morning at an impressive London reserve with some excellent sightings and equally excellent company. An excellent morning’s birding with 52 species being seen or heard (h)
| Greylag Goose | Common Woodpigeon | Great Cormorant | Song Thrush (h) |
| Canada Goose | Collared Dove | Redwing | Western Marsh Harrier |
| Common Shelduck | Common Moorhen | Common Kestrel | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Northern Shoveler | Eurasian Coot | Common Magpie | Fieldfare |
| Gadwall | Pied Avocet | Eurasian Jackdaw | European Robin (h) |
| Eurasian Wigeon | Northern Lapwing | Carrion Crow | Stonechat |
| Mallard | Eurasian Curlew | Eurasian Blue Tit | Dunnock |
| Northern Pintail | Common Snipe | Great Tit | House Sparrow |
| Eurasian Teal | Common Redshank | Eurasian Skylark | Pied Wagtail |
| Common Pochard | Black-headed Gull | Cetti’s Warbler (h) | Meadow Pipit |
| Tufted Duck | Herring Gull | Long-tailed Tit | Rock Pipit |
| Little Grebe | Great Black-backed Gull | Eurasian Wren (h) | European Goldfinch |
| Stock Dove | Lesser Black-backed Gull | Common Starling | Common Reed Bunting |
Andy Harding
WWT London Wetlands Centre – Sunday 7th January 2024
As is traditional, the first field outing of the year was to the London Wetlands Centre.
37 members and guests were keen to start their birding year with an excellent opportunity to see a good number of species in close proximity of the pathways and hides. Of particular note was the anticipation of seeing the reported Eurasian Bittern and male Bearded Tit – so we collectively decided to visit the Wildside first, giving us all the best opportunity of seeing these birds – we were not disappointed!
Walking through the captive collection, we passed through the gate into The Wildside and started out at the Headley Discovery Hide. A good selection of waterbirds was immediately identified including the usual wildfowl (Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Egyptian & Greylag Goose) along with a 10+ Lapwings on a shingle island – with the light as it was, we were able to see their impressive wispy crests. The sight of a pair of Shelduck, in the sun, was also good to see.
Continuing to the Wildside Hide, we were immediately rewarded with the sight of the Bittern within the reeds on the opposite bank. Initially difficult to pick it out, it showed reasonably well for about 5 minutes before disappearing into the reedbed. As quickly as the Bittern disappeared, a shout of “Bearded Tit” had us, en masse, moving to the other side of the hide. For some, they got good views of the moustached head markings of the male bird. Unfortunately it did not stay around long enough for everyone to get a view despite us hanging around the reedbed channel for a while.
Heading back to the Visitor Centre, we had superb views of a dozen Siskins, who were feeding in the alders.
Walking the South Route we stopped off at the feeding station and got good views of Chaffinch, Dunnock, Great & Blue Tit (and a Brown Rat). On a tour round the Sheltered Lagoon, we had both Great Crested Grebe and Pochard, together with three very obliging Kestrels who “followed” us from ahead.
Spending a good amount of time in the Peacock Hide, there were a lot of birds to identify – Egyptian Goose, Wigeon, Shoveler, Grey Heron together with the opportunity to study the difference between the numerous Black-headed and Common Gulls.
A very observant member of the group managed to find and identify a pair of Stonechats flitting in the scrub on the Wader Scrape. And an equally observant Surrey birder caught sight of the local Peregrine hunting over the Reserve, causing havoc for many of the birds – we had some great views.
Wandering back after a good morning’s visit, we were treated to the sight of three Reed Buntings – first heard and then seen in the reeds bordering the pathway.
Many thanks to Steve Paveley for his superb photographs.
A very enjoyable walk with 42 species being seen.
| Greylag Goose | Tufted Duck | Grey Heron | Long-tailed Tit |
| Canada Goose | Great Crested Grebe | Common Kestrel | Common Starling |
| Mute Swan | Feral Pigeon | Peregrine Falcon | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Egyptian Goose | Common Woodpigeon | Ring-necked Parakeet | European Robin |
| Common Shelduck | Common Moorhen | Common Magpie | Stonechat |
| Northern Shoveler | Eurasian Coot | Eurasian Jackdaw | Dunnock |
| Gadwall | Northern Lapwing | Carrion Crow | European Greenfinch |
| Eurasian Wigeon | Black-headed Gull | Eurasian Blue Tit | Eurasian Siskin |
| Mallard | Common Gull | Great Tit | Common Reed Bunting |
| Eurasian Teal | Great Cormorant | Bearded Tit | |
| Common Pochard | Great Bittern | Cetti’s Warbler |
Andy Harding