14 December 2022, WWT London Wetland Centre by Jonathan Hannam

On a sunny but cold day, with snow still on the ground and the air temperature barely above freezing, a group of nine members joined me on a mid- week stroll around Barnes. We started off in the warmth of the Observatory, scanning the few patches of open water amongst the ice. No Goldeneye, but plenty of Pochard and Tufted Duck, with a few Shoveler, Mallard, Gadwall and Teal on the edges. Lapwing were standing on the ice, as were Black- headed Gulls and a few Common Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Peregrine was visible through a scope, perched high up on the hospital tower.
Moving on to the Dulverton hide, we saw a distant Red Kite being mobbed by a Crow and had a close-up view of a Great Crested Grebe. A Reed Bunting popped up into view as we were leaving the hide. On our way to the WWF hide, we looked at the feeders and picked up Blue Tit, Great Tit, Dunnock, and Chaffinch. Once in the hide, we spent some time looking for the Water Pipit that had been reported. That search proved unsuccessful, though we did manage to find a Skylark and a Meadow Pipit. On our way to the Peacock hide, we stopped to scan the edges of the Sheltered Lagoon. We didn’t see a Bittern, but I had a brief view of a Water Rail as it dashed from the edge of the lagoon across the ice to the island.
Once in the Peacock hide, we resumed our search for the Water Pipit. There were quite a few Meadow Pipits flitting around on the Wader Scrape and out onto the ice, their pink legs very visible in the sunshine. Eventually, the Water Pipit was located in a place where it remained in view for long enough for us to note its dark legs and white eye stripe. Also recorded from this hide were Stonechat, Snipe, Wigeon and a Pintail. On the route back to the Visitor Centre, we saw a small mixed flock of Siskin and Goldfinch, a couple of Greenfinch, one Chiffchaff, a group of Redwing and one Fieldfare. A number of Robins, all puffed up to try and stay warm, begged for food. They were obviously very hungry.
Once back at the Visitor Centre, the group went its separate ways. Those that went on to the West Route added Goldcrest, Mandarin Duck and Goldeneye to their list. The combined number of species seen by members was 62.

 

4 December 2022, Pagham Harbour & Farlington Marsh by Mike White

A recurring theme of my trips is extremes of weather, and the trip to Pagham was no exception. We arrived at the Pagham visitor centre to a very brisk easterly wind and a wind-chill temperature that hardly felt above freezing. The feeders held Blue and Great Tits, Dunnocks, House Sparrows, Greenfinches and Chaffinches. When the group was complete, we then drove to Church Norton as I had decided that the exposed spit here was just the placed to be on such a morning!
As we began the walk out Teal, Wigeon, Curlew and Redshank were quickly noted and one of the group saw a Greenshank. Once on the spit we were able to scan the metalwork in the harbour which held good numbers of Grey Plover and Dunlin but just a single Turnstone, a Kingfisher then landed briefly. Two Skylark then flushed and further along we located both Peregrines on “their” island, the size difference between the pair very noticeable. Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Red- breasted Mergansers were seen in the main channel then Rebecca located one of our target birds, the Slavonian Grebe which had been present for about a week. The bird was constantly diving and proved quite difficult to keep track of but eventually everyone had a view. A shingle bank which divides the main channel held good numbers of Dunlin and Grey Plover with smaller numbers of Oystercatcher and Turnstone. Some of the party then saw a few passing Mediterranean Gulls. Unfortunately, we were unable to find either of the Snow Buntings which had been reported.
Unable to face the bitter wind any longer we retraced our steps to the relative shelter of the harbour, noting a group of about twenty Greenfinches busily feeding on the remains of Sea Kale and also a small flock of Woodpigeons. Good numbers of Turnstone were along the tideline. A final scan of the harbour produced a good size flock of Shelduck, many Pintail, five Avocets and a single Ringed Plover. We then retreated to the visitor centre for a warming coffee. Lunch was taken in the hide over- looking the Ferry Pool where Teal, Wigeon and Shovelers were tucked in around the edges. Two Buzzards were located, one of which appeared to have caught a small mammal. A Sparrowhawk was seen flying fast and low across the adjacent field before landing in a tree at the side of pool. It then flew directly at the hide before jinking over the top and possibly catching something on the feeders at the back of the hide.
We then decided to relocate to Farlington Marsh. Entering the marsh by the small information hut we quickly added Black-tailed Godwit and many hundreds of Brent Geese to our list. The geese flocks contained many youngsters, which was good to see. Continuing our walk, a Rock Pipit flew in calling on the sea side of the wall and briefly perched on some seaweed. We then found one of our targets, the Grey Phalarope which had been on the marsh for over a week, our second target, a family of Russian White-fronted Geese proved much more elusive until Peter located some birds, head down and back towards us that didn’t look right for either Canada or Brent Goose. Sure enough when a head popped up he had found our family of geese. Unfortunately, after briefly coming out into the open they walked over the edge of a fold in the marsh and disappeared. Despite waiting for some time, they never reappeared but whilst waiting we were entertained by our final birds of the day, a wonderful pair of Short-eared Owls.

 

23 November 2022, Tolworth Court Farm. Report by Thelma Caine

The members who joined this walk gathered first in the Moated Manor barn and were treated to hot drinks and biscuits by Elliot Newton who gave a very informative introductory talk on the history of Tolworth Court Farm and the proposals for the Rewilding Project. The site is Kingston’s largest green space at 43 ha. We heard that the Moated Manor which once stood on the site is mentioned in the Domesday Book and the ancient species-rich hedgerows pre-date the eighteenth- century Enclosure Act. The rewilding project aims to enhance the site to support a more diverse and abundant wildlife. Ecological surveys are in progress to get a better understanding of the existing ecology. One of the aspects being considered is a mixed grazing regime to restore and enhance the site. While the talk was in progress, flocks of Fieldfares and Redwings were seen flying across the fields.
At the start of the walk we were shown mounds of yellow meadow ants which Elliot advised are among the best in the borough. We went inside the amazing hide, designed and built by Kingston University students which is made of wood, lined inside by straw, and decorated with metalwork. From here we looked out over the small pond where a Heron was feeding. We crossed the road on to the main part of the site and explored the grassland and hedgerows, spotting Kestrel and hearing a Buzzard before returning alongside the Hogsmill River. Elliot pointed out the path of the Roman Road, Stane Street, which once ran through the site and searching the Blackthorn, eventually found an egg of a brown Hairstreak Butterfly!

 

20 November 2022, RSPB Pulborough by Peter Knox

After extensive monitoring of the weather forecasting services. Which indicated it would at best be a wet morning and combining that with the exposed environment of RSPB Cliffe I decided to change the venue to Pulborough. Which would provide some cover if the rain lingered on Sunday. Everybody who signed up for the outing was happy with the change of venue. Six members met up in the carpark, fortunately the early morning rain had passed over. We started our day scanning of the south brook from the centre. The brook was one large lake. We had a distant Marsh Harrier. Two Raven flew close to the centre, and we had a Sparrowhawk which flew across the field below centre landing in a tree for a short while. We also had our first of many Red Kites sightings of the day with many more to come. We moved on down the Zig Zags finding a female Bullfinch showing very nicely.
Our next stop was the Fattengate yard which was busy with a wide range of passerines including Nuthatches. The RSPB staff provide food to attract the birds to this area. We now headed to the West Mead hide. At the hide we had our major find for the day. We saw a White-Tailed Eagle flying toward a tree on boundary of the site chased by a couple of Red Kites. It landed in the tree and the kites gave up hassling it. We next headed towards the Winpenny hide on route we started to see Redwings and Fieldfare. We also saw both male and female Stonechats. In the hide we saw a large flock of Black-Tailed Godwits flying around the brook. Our next destination was the Hanger viewpoint over the north brook which was also in flood. Here we had a couple of Song Thrushes feeding with some Redwings in a hawthorn bush. In one of the clumps of vegetation above the water level we found a single male Reed Bunting. Rebecca did find a distant female Goosander on the swollen river Arun.
On the route back to the centre we found a highly active Goldcrest searching for food which provide good views. We had lunch at the centre and then decided to go to the Rackham viewpoint which overlooks Amberley Wildbrooks. Once again, we had numerous views of Red Kites, Common Buzzards, and Marsh Harriers. Stephen spotted the only Peregrine of the day. We had a couple of Ruffs and in the distance, we had four Little Egrets
Before the daylight disappeared, we went to the water treatment plant at Coldwaltham to see if we could see the reported Black Redstart. We were successful and also had some Chiffchaffs and a Grey Wagtail. We completed the full house of thrushes hearing a Mistle Thrush. We had a good day with no rain, and we accumulated a respectable list of sixty-seven species.

 

23 October 2022, Rainham Marshes RSPB by Rebecca Dunne

Despite the poor forecast, three of us risked it and had a good day. We were only caught in a couple of short, albeit heavy, showers. I’d had to cancel the Farlington walk because the forecast was poor, and only one person signed up, so I was determined to go ahead this time. John, Steve and I donned waterproofs and set off along the Thames path. On the opposite, muddy bank of we could just make out Herring, Black-headed, Greater and Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Redshanks. We looked for Yellow-legged Gulls but couldn’t confirm any. Small groups of Starlings, Meadow Pipits and migrating Redwing flew over and Blackbirds fed in the berry bushes, probably also newly arrived migrants. The tide was coming in fast but we still found Avocets, Teal, Redshank and Curlew in Aveley Bay. At this point dramatic skies and our first shower chased us back to the visitor centre for coffee.
Rainham’s usual circular walk isn’t possible at the moment because major work is needed to the northern boardwalk and sufficient funding and a suitable contractor have not been found yet. This means that you have to walk to Butts Hide then back to the centre, then round to Ken Barret Hide and back to the centre again. Most of Aveley Pools are not accessible so although we knew that Coot, Pintail, Little Grebe and Tufted Duck would almost certainly have been there we couldn’t see them.
Interesting things we did find included two Water Pipits. A lady asked us to identify the birds in a photo she had taken just before we arrived at Purfleet Hide. Needless to say, they had already flown away! However, when we stopped at Butts Hide for lunch, we found them for ourselves, although they were very mobile. 20+ Snipe were seen during the day, including at least 15 out in the open, on the edges on Butts Scrape. Whilst eating lunch we watched four Marsh Harriers and a couple of Buzzard. A beautiful male harrier gave lovely views as it hunted then perched in a bush, near a Buzzard, in front of the A13 flyover. The two Buzzards seemed to be competing to sit on one particular post. As well as these two raptors we saw Kestrels and a couple of Sparrowhawks. One of the Sparrowhawks had unusual, large, white spots in the feathering on its back and we assumed it must be a juvenile. We searched the many pylon tops for a Peregrine but without success. On leaving Butts Hide we retraced our steps past the Shooting Butts and Dragonfly Pool. The reedbeds here are a favoured spot for Bearded Tits and ‘pinging’ plus stationery, peering birders ahead alerted us to their presence. We saw at least seven including a handsome male and a juvenile which came down to the grit tray a few feet in front of us. The photographers amongst you would have loved it! After seeing the Bearded Tits, we left the reserve through the one-way turnstile and took the concrete path which hugs the bank of the river. We were searching for the last in our trio of pipits, Rock Pipits, but first saw a pair of Stonechats. Most of the rocky edge that the Rock Pipits like was covered by the high tide but we still found four birds. Two flew away immediately but two more stayed feeding on the bank, amongst the seaweed which somewhat incongruously mixes with plastic detritus, scrubby plants and anything else that the river washes up.
Back at the Visitor Centre again John and I left Steve on a bench looking over Purfleet Scrape (taking a nap) while we walked round to the Ken Barrett Hide. It was a circuitous route avoiding all the closed off boardwalks and although we added Chiffchaff, Gadwall and Moorhen to our list the walk wasn’t really worth it. Joining Steve on his bench we had one more good look over the marshes and found 3 Fieldfares in a berry bush. It was by now a beautiful afternoon although dark clouds loomed over London. Before heading home, we paid a last visit to the café which now houses the shop as well. Collared Dove became the 54th and last species on my list as I left the car park. The looming clouds soon became torrential rain as we drove home.

 

14-16 October 2022, Norfolk Weekend by Thelma Caine

25 members joined the trip to Norfolk, with Welney and Snettisham the most popular locations for the Friday visits. Wildfowl numbers were noticeably reduced at Welney, with bird flu having a marked effect, but the species diversity was still good. Outside the café, a flock of Tree Sparrows, together with House Sparrows and Goldfinches enjoyed the plentiful supply of seeds at the feeders. A Great White Egret was feeding in a pool on the far side of Lady Fen, with several Little Egrets. On the pool in front of the Member’s hide, we had good views of Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Mallard, Snipe, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwing. Marauding Marsh Harriers resulted a spectacular flight of several hundred Golden Plovers which wheeled in the sky and settled again.
At Nelson-Lyle hide, were a large number of around 100 Ruff and the massed flocks of Golden Plover. At one point, we watched what appeared to be a family group of five Marsh Harriers, hunting and feeding together, and nearby, a Buzzard, tucking into carrion. Kestrels were very active, hunting over the marsh and a Sparrowhawk flashed by overhead. Small numbers of Whooper Swans fed in the fields as well as Mute Swans, Greylag and Canada Geese and a few Grey Herons. We weren’t lucky with Cranes, although about 70 had been reported on the reserve the previous day.
For those who visited Snettisham on Friday, highlights were Hobby, Little Egret, Marsh Harrier, Avocet, Golden and Grey Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Black and Bar-tailed Godwits, Curlew, and good numbers of wildfowl including Greylag and Pink-footed Geese, Shelduck, Wigeon and Teal. On Saturday morning, which dawned bright but breezy, we set off at 7am for the pre-breakfast birdwatch at Holme, where we enjoyed the sight of large skeins of Pink-footed Geese heading for their feeding grounds on the Wash. At least two of our group were lucky enough to spot an early morning Barn Owl flying towards the paddocks. Several Marsh Harriers were hunting over the reserve and small numbers of Curlews gathered on the fields to feed. A few Little Egrets, Redshank and Teal were feeding in the wet channels and small flocks of Meadow Pipits and Linnets flitted overhead, as well as a few newly-arrived Redwings.
After a hearty breakfast, we returned to Holme to explore the NWT and NOA reserves. A seawatch from the beach proved productive with views of a Black-throated Diver, close views of Red-throated Divers, Eiders, a Red-breasted Merganser, Razorbills, Brent Geese and Great Crested Grebe. Further out were one or two Guillemots and several small flocks of Common Scoter. The stiff wind kept numbers of small birds down and there was no bird ringing at the Observatory, but Great Spotted Woodpecker and several Redpolls were spotted among the pines.
The hide by the Broadwater offered shelter and produced good views of Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler and Gadwall. Lapwings and Redshanks probed the muddy banks while birds of prey included Marsh Harriers, Red Kite, Buzzard and Kestrel. At lunch time, the first NWT hide produced close views of two Snipe and briefly a Jack Snipe with them, seen to be much smaller, with a shorter bill. At the back of the pool, a Kingfisher was spotted perching among the reeds but quickly flew off. A Little Grebe stayed in close attendance to a pair of Mallards, snapping up creatures that the ducks disturbed as they rooted through the roots of the reeds. A behaviour sometimes called collaborative feeding.
We moved on to Titchwell on Saturday afternoon. Most of the group headed for the beach in search of Snow Buntings and were rewarded with close views of a small flock. Out on the sand were Oystercatcher, Black and Bar-tailed Godwit, Ringed and Grey Plover, Sanderlings, Dunlin, Curlew and Turnstone as well Black-headed, Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Great Black-backed Gulls. A seawatch here produced more views of Brent Geese, Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver and Razorbills. The wind dropped in the afternoon and the lagoons were very productive as usual, producing great views of a large flock of Golden Plover, and smaller numbers of Ruff, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwits, around 6 Avocets, a single Spoonbill, several Little Egrets and a Great White Egret, stepping elegantly among the reeds at the far end of the lagoon.
Wildfowl here included Teal, Wigeon, Shelduck, Shoveler, several Pintails and an Egyptian Goose. A highlight from the Parrinder hide was a single Spotted Redshank, also seen later flying over, calling. Small numbers of Bearded Tits were active in the reeds, giving brief views as they flitted up. Several Stonechats were seen and passerines also included Cetti’s Warblers (heard) Skylark, Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Siskin, Chaffinch and in the woodland, a Treecreeper.
A small number of our group stayed on until dusk to watch Harriers and Egrets come in to roost in the scrub around Patsy’s Pool and were rewarded not only with around a dozen Little Egrets and 30+plus Marsh Harriers, but also a superb male Hen Harrier, the last bird to come into roost and the highlight of the day! On Patsy’s Pool, Pochard and Tufted Duck were added to the list and a Water Rail was heard squealing.
Sunday was sunny and the wind had dropped considerably, making a very pleasant day for our visit to Cley, where once again, some of the group headed straight to the beach for a seawatch and to look for Snow Buntings. The seawatch again produced good views of Red-throated Divers and Razorbills, and Gannet was added to the list. The Snow Bunting hunt was successful too, with a small flock located at the back of the beach just beyond the East Bank. Those making the walk down the East Bank reported Jack Snipe, Common Snipe and Common Tern amongst others.
Bishop’s hide looking across Pat’s Pool, produced great views of wildfowl including Teal, Wigeon, Shelduck and Shoveler. We once again had good views of Ruff including one with a snow-white head, evidently a male, still with some remnants of summer plumage. Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black- tailed Godwit, Redshank and several Little Egrets, were all feeding in the shallows and several of the group reported two Greenshanks. There were still some dragonflies around and one enterprising Little Egret made a meal of one of them.
Marsh Harriers were hunting over the marsh, with Red Kite, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel also seen during the morning. We had more excellent views of birds from the central hides overlooking Pat’s Pool and Simmonds Scrape, with Curlew and Avocet added to the list of waders. Small numbers of Dunlins scurried around, showing their streaky necks and upper breasts, probing the mud with their slightly downcurved bills, but then a smaller wader with a shorter bill was spotted, running along the far bank, looking very white on the neck and breast and showing two pale scapular bars down the back, a juvenile Little Stint. This was soon joined by another. They were being followed and slightly harassed by two agitated Pied Wagtails -we guessed the Stints were in their territory. A flock of Pink-footed Geese flew in to join Greylags in Eye Field, their high -pitched calls contrasting with the more honking notes of the Greylags. Passerines here included Skylark, Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Stonechat, Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, Cetti’s Warbler (heard) and several glimpses of Bearded Tits.
Jack Snipe was reported by those visiting Snipe’s Marsh, a short distance along the road from the Cley car park, and most of the group got to see one or two birds. Towards the end of the day, one was right out in the open feeding on the mud among cut reeds, bobbing up and down in typical fashion with two Grey Wagtails nearby and also two Robins which were perched in the reeds just above the Jack Snipe and seemed to be benefitting from a supply of invertebrates produced from the probing action of the bird! Some of the group stayed on an extra day, with Common Sandpiper added to the list by those visiting Snettisham, seen on the lagoon from Rotary hide. It was once again a very enjoyable weekend with convivial company and 109 species of birds seen altogether.

 

9 October 2022, Berrylands and Hogsmill NRs by Catriona Coull

Six members joined me at Sterling Walk to make our way to Berrylands and Hogsmill Nature Reserves on a rather dull sometimes breezy day. Bordered by the Tolworth Brook the Berrylands NR had been virtually inaccessible until 2016 when a group of volunteers opened up paths, removed concrete from the embankment, and created a pond. Birds were thin on the ground that day but a Wren and Great Tits made their presence felt. Sadly, we’d just missed the kingfisher reported streaking down the brook.
I showed the party two sites, where the Riverfly Monitoring Initiative (RMI) is carried out monthly by myself and fellow Citizen Scientists, measuring water quality by counting invertebrates and fish present. From Berrylands NR we walked through Elmbridge Meadow then Rose Walk NR, a small parcel of land with bramble thickets and small trees which is home to blackcaps and chiffchaffs in the summer months. Walking under the railway bridge at Berrylands Station we arrived at the Hogsmill Nature Reserve, managed by Thames Water. A large round stretch of water is surrounded by reedbeds and small trees providing a great habitat for water birds, warblers and occasional waders which can be seen from two hides, while the taller trees are good for corvids, pigeons, and smaller raptors. What we did see were Mute Swan, Mallards, Coots, Moorhens and many Black-headed Gulls with a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a Herring Gull.
Tufted Ducks and Little Grebes were also on the water. At the feeding stations beside the hide we spotted House Sparrows and Blue Tits while an unidentified warbler dashed into the reeds. Hopefully the participants of this outing will want to return to this series of interconnected Nature Reserves in the spring and summer when there will be a more lively display of bird life. There is also the monthly ‘Hide Tea’ held every second Friday morning. I might also encourage readers to volunteer with their local ‘friends of’ groups, or become a citizen scientist to help monitor and maintain our habitats for both biodiversity and birds.

 

2 October 2022, Farlington Marsh (The alternative solo trip) by Mike White.

Despite the prevailing monsoon like conditions, I decided to head south for Farlington, all be it with a backup “plan B” in mind. Having avoided the debris left on the road by a vehicle which aquaplaned off into the centre barrier just minutes before I arrived, the car park at Farlington was reached shortly after nine-thirty. The downpour continued with no sign of it easing up, the only people just visible on the marsh were a lone dog walker and a few joggers. I sat in the car surveying the harbour where a few waders were probing the mud and hoped my backup would kick into place. Half an hour passed, and I checked the reports on Bird Guides. Despite the conditions some hardy souls had been out and about and “plan B” was a goer, i.e. the Red-backed Shrike had been reported at RSPB Medmerry. So I set off east along the A.27. Just prior to arriving the rain had eased slightly but still required full wet clothing. Kitted up I walked from the car park towards the hedge where the bird had been reported, no immediate sighting, so I continued further along, still no sign. Reaching the end of the hedge I turned and retraced my steps towards the car park. Crossing the road, I noticed a couple of chaps staring very intently at the road verge approx. 100 yds away. Even better they were now pointing their cameras. Moving to their position I could see the shrike perched on top of some brambles. For the next hour the bird moved back and forth between this area and the car park, most of time giving views down to a few yards. During this hour the rain had ceased, and the sun was breaking through. In my wet gear I was rapidly over-heating. The shrike moved slightly further away, so I returned to the car and removed a few layers. It was time to return to Farlington, so back along the A.27.
Arriving at Farlington the thermometer was showing a balmy 20 degrees and with no wind it was a glorious shirt sleeve afternoon. Walking out towards the main lake Brent Geese, Little Egret, Black-headed and Herring Gulls were noted in the harbour. The lake itself and surrounds held Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Wigeon, Dunlin, Mallard, Shelduck, Pintail, Grey Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Heron and Snipe. The first of several “heard only” Cetti’s Warblers announced itself. Continuing in an anti- clockwise direction many Canada Geese were on the marsh with two Buzzards statue like on fence posts. Over-head a kettle of five Buzzards were enjoying the thermals. Towards the point Stonechats were flitting about and Curlews were probing the ground, whilst two Wheatear were chasing insects with Swallows hawking above. Looking across towards the Langstone Bridge the islands held many Curlew and Oystercatchers whilst Mute Swans and Great Crested Grebes were drifting on the glass-like surface of the water and an Osprey sat atop a distant mooring post. Two Sandwich Tern flew past, occasionally diving to pick a fish from the water. Turning inland towards the “Hut” many Linnet and Meadow Pipit were foraging in the fields, and among the cattle a lone Cattle Egret was very active. The stretch of water in front of the hut held a small flock of Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit and a small selection of duck. A Kingfisher, just about to perch up was disturbed by a Sparrowhawk as it skimmed along the back of the reedbed. Continuing along “The Stream” I picked out the first Gadwall and Shoveler of the day and also a Mediterranean Gull. Returning to my starting point a final scan of “The Lake” gave the usual brief views of a Water Rail. A very good day rescued from a tropical downpour.

 

18 September 2022, Thorney Island by Thelma Caine

Our group of five met up at the Thorney Island car park on a bright but rather breezy morning. Setting off along the public footpath, we soon picked up Cetti’s Warbler, Robin, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff and Common Whitethroat in the surrounding scrub and a Red Kite overhead. House Sparrows were active around the farm buildings and both Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Green Woodpecker flew over as we headed for the harbour. The tide was going out as we reached the perimeter path, giving good views of waders and wildfowl. Mute Swans were gathered in the bay of Emsworth Channel together with at least two Black Swans, clearly a good feeding place, near the marina and cafés! On the exposed mud between the moored boats and in the shallow pools left by the receding tide, were groups of Black-tailed Godwits, Oystercatchers, Redshanks, Dunlin and Turnstones. Curlews and elegant Greenshanks were also probing the mud, and we spotted a few Knot, at least one of which had remnants of summer plumage with a with a slightly peachy-coloured front. As we walked the perimeter path, numerous Swallows flitted over the tree tops, feeding up before migration. A well-marked Buzzard was spotted on a post and several others were seen circling during the walk. Kestrels were also active, hunting over the marsh and fields. Three Snipe flew up as we approached the brackish water channel of Little Deep, and on the fence line were a family group of five Stonechats. Meadow Pipits also flitted up from the grass and alighted on the fence giving good views. The reed fringed lake held good numbers of Wigeon, also Teal, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Coot and Little Grebe and a large flock of Canada Geese fed on the surrounding grassland.
Moving on to the larger water of Great Deep, we spotted a Kingfisher flashing across the water. It alighted briefly on a bramble branch over-hanging the water before speeding back to the narrow channel alongside the path. More Wigeon and Teal were gathered here, Little Egrets probed the far bank, a Heron lurked in the undergrowth and a Sparrowhawk flew low across the water. Beyond the security gate, Rebecca had a brief glimpse of a Lesser Whitethroat before it typically disappeared into a bush. The perimeter path was bordered by large boulders and brick rubble supporting the sea wall. This proved to be a good spot for Wheatears with several seen here. Meadow Pipits also searched for insects in this area. Moving on, we skirted fields with scattered gorse and bramble. Several Skylarks rose from the grass and we found more Stonechats on the fence line and a single Whinchat, gripping on tightly to a swaying bramble branch in the stiff breeze. There were cattle in the fields here but no sign of Cattle Egrets, so we moved on. We clambered down over the boulders on to the beach to find a more sheltered spot for lunch, gazing out over Chichester Harbour. Brent Geese were gathered on the mudflats, seen at some distance. The tide was well out and numerous waders were feeding, many of the same species seen earlier and also several Grey Plovers resplendent still, in summer-plumage, with black face and underparts. The harbour is well-populated by Common Seals and these were lounging in groups, around 40 in all. After lunch we continued a short distance along the path picking up a male Blackcap in the fringing scrub. We returned as the tide began to rise, spotting a number of Sandwich Terns and a few Common Terns, fishing in the bay. Several Linnets came down on to the path and fed among the boulders bordering the beach. When we reached the Great Deep, a small flock of Greenshank had gathered on the muddy shore and a mixed flock of Dunlins and Ringed Plovers flew in, landing on the water’s edge. A large flock of gulls and waders rose in the distance over Thorney Channel, an indication that a bird of prey was around! We had a clear view of a female Marsh Harrier, then not long after, as we scanned across the island, we noticed another large dark bird of prey rising over the marsh. As it turned, we saw it had a white head and underparts -an Osprey! It eventually landed on a post and we could clearly see the distinctive head-pattern albeit at some distance. Another largish bird of prey came into view and landed on a post, so we had both in view at the same time. Initially we thought the second bird could be a juvenile Osprey as it also showed white on the head and neck and had some clear white feathering on the underside of the wings. but it was slightly smaller than the other bird and rather dusky on the breast. The Osprey flew off left and the other bird took its place on the post. It had us puzzled for quite a while but turned out to be a pale-headed Buzzard, revealing its identity when it flew and glided briefly with wings held in a shallow ‘V’.
Before moving on, and having missed out on Cattle Egrets earlier, we spotted two feeding around a small group of cattle in field quite close to the path. By the end of the walk our day’s tally was a 69 species.

 

7 September 2022, Richmond Park (midweek walk) by Rebecca Dunne

Ignore the weather forecast is the lesson from this morning. Our party of eight ended up with warm sunshine, clouds and showers despite the forecast suggesting cool and cloudy, but dry weather until lunchtime. This weather wasn’t ideal for bird watching, especially for small birds, but we still had a pleasant walk with some interesting sightings. It was a shame that I had to point out quite so many places where birds might be found in different circumstances and at different times of year. However, Richmond Park is like many people’s patches, it becomes more interesting as you visit regularly to see how the bird population changes over the year and in different weather conditions.
Starting at Pembroke Lodge we visited Pond Slade, the Upper and Lower Pen Ponds, Lawn Field, Sawpit Plantation, the Cattle Enclosure and Sawyers Hill.
Pond Slade – 2 or 3 Whinchats, Stonechats, a Crow mobbing a Kestrel and great views of the same male Kestrel on last year’s nest tree.
Upper Pen Ponds – 4 Shoveler, Mandarin Ducks, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Mute Swans, Greatcrested Grebes including a juvenile calling incessantly to its parent for food, which promptly flew away, an Egyptian Goose family with 6 small goslings, a Hobby perched in various trees above the reed bed during and after the showers – it didn’t seem inclined to fly off and hunt.
Lawn Field – nothing initially because it was raining but as this cleared a Whinchat, a damp Stonechat and a Great Tit emerged.
Sawpit Plantation – very quiet but plenty of Wrens and Robins heard as the weather brightened.
Cattle Enclosure – again very quiet except for a juvenile and a male Stonechat flying down from the fence to feed on insects they collected from the sandy path. A couple of Swallows.
Sawyers Hill – a Common Whitethroat. Ring-necked Parakeets kept up a constant background squawking
We finished the walk with a visit to the Pembroke Lodge café and sat on the terrace admiring the Jackdaws efforts to grab whatever food they could. You have to hold onto your food out there. I once had a whole Danish pastry snatched when I excitedly pointed out a Raven to a friend!

 

4 September 2022, Cissbury Ring by Thelma Caine

Nine members joined this walk on a day which became increasingly warm and sunny. First birds of note were Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Linnets and a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the trees bordering the Ring. A pair of Kestrels were seen early on and others were seen hunting overhead during the day. As we made our way along the path to the northern tip of the Ring, several Wheatears popped up on the fence line and dropped down again on to the path, including both males and females. We also located Stonechats flitting amongst the brambles. Overhead several Buzzards rose in thermals and we spotted at least two Red Kites at a distance, circling over the hilltops.
Various birds were active amongst the low trees and the berry-laden bushes in the sheltered scrub at the northern end of Cissbury Ring. Here we had excellent views of several Spotted Flycatchers, Redstarts, male and female Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaffs and Goldfinches including several fluffy youngsters with very short tails which looked newly fledged (we thought from a third brood). A Nuthatch was also heard. Across the road, an impressive flock of around 50 Yellow Wagtails were feeding in a field, strutting around amongst the hooves of cattle.
The next field was full of migrant Sand Martins, Swallows and House Martins, all swooping down to catch flies. We made our way to the top of the Ring, adding Stock Dove to the list, then headed down to the southern end for a lunch stop. A brisk southerly breeze kept the birds quiet here, so after lunch, we made our way to the sheltered scrub at the eastern edge of the Ring, finding more Spotted Flycatchers and several Redstarts, including one or two males, flitting between the bushes. We then took the narrow footpath leading to the top of Lychpole Hill to avoid a steep climb, adding Green Woodpecker and Long-tailed Tit to the list and admiring the wildflowers and butterflies along the route, the latter, including Common Blue, Small Heath, Large White, Meadow Brown and Speckled Wood.
The return route below Cissbury Ring is usually a good spot for migrants and on reaching the stony ground above the golf course, we soon came across a group of four or five Wheatears, three of which were perched in a line on the wire fence bordering the path. A fourth bird, which looked a bit smaller, turned out to be a Whinchat, the first of several we encountered along the path. The bushes here held more Spotted Flycatchers, a couple of Stonechats, Whitethroat, Blackcap and glimpses of another Redstart. The tally for the day was 37 species.

 

21 August 2022, Oare Marshes, by Chris Turner

10 members met at Oare Marshes on a sunny Sunday morning. We were all immediately treated to excellent views of the Bonaparte’s Gull, the American celebrity that is now back for its tenth year. Not an easy bird to pick up, the close, prolonged views on the mud gave us all an opportunity to work through the ID features. An amble round the sea wall to the hide also provided 2 Whimbrel, a party of Avocet, Ringed Plover and a Greenshank. Then as we rounded the corner to Faversham Creek we were treated to hundreds of Redshank happily feeding on falling tide. A Sparrow hawk flying low over the East Marsh flushed the roosting Black-Tailed Godwits, along with a single Golden Plover, (oddly the only one we would see this trip).
Lunch in the hide allowed us all to get out of the sun. It was fairly quiet, with the highlights being a party of 4 Ruff and another Greenshank. We had no joy looking for Turtle Dove so we headed around to the west flood. We were rewarded with 4 snipe and a Green Sandpiper.
A little further on we had two Whinchat, and a handful of Yellow Wagtails. Raptors were represented by a showy Kestrel, a distant Marsh Harrier and the briefest of views of a Hobby. A very worthwhile day. 64 species seen

 

10 July 2022, Knepp Wildlands by John Barkham

On a perfect summer’s day, 10 trippers met at the Knepp Estate in West Sussex for a circular walk through the ‘rewilded’ landscape of grassland, scrub and wood. On our walk to the Visitors Centre, we soon sighted a White Stork in flight and was later treated to up to 8 birds circling upward in a kettle – a truly majestic sight. The farm buildings around the Centre had a nesting platform complete with 2 young Storks attended by an adult bringing food. We watched and photographed the nest for several minutes, with the adult lifting off and flying low over our heads, revealing its impressive wingspan. 10 chicks were seen during the day at 4 nests and the site has a record 9 nests in total. All in all, evidence of a very successful reintroduction project.
Continuing our walk, we came across a group gathered around a tree. Up to 5 Large Tortoiseshell butterflies have been discovered breeding on the estate, although they are officially extinct in Britain. These are probably captive-bred releases. We saw one initially in flight and then observed it feeding on sap from the tree.
We ticked other butterfly species on our walk such as Marbled White, White Admiral, and Painted Lady but alas no Purple Emperor. Apparently ‘His Majesty” can be seen in woodland rides in mid-morning and they then retire to patrol the treetops by mid-day. At about 12.00 we had our first sighting, with Rebecca spotting 2 Emperors in a gap between the treetops. We found a shaded area to cool off and eat our lunch. Later in the day we enjoyed multiple sightings of Purple Emperors around various master trees, with 3 seen fairly low in one particular tree.
Free-roaming pigs were seen wallowing in the mud at the edge a pond, but no sight or sound of the Turtle Doves that are known to be breeding on the estate. On Hammer Pond there was a Great Crested Grebe with young and several overflying Barn Swallows. A couple of active Reed Warblers were heard, and one seen in the reed bed on the approach to the pond.
In all, a successful and enjoyable day in the beautiful Sussex countryside!

 

6 July 2022, Tice’s Meadow by Thelma Caine

We had a party of 7 for this walk, though Rebecca and Mike were frustratingly held up for over an hour by an unexpected road closure. Among the first birds were a Collard Dove perched on a telegraph wire, Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing in the tree canopy, Swifts overhead and a Red Kite that drifted into view over the trees. At the first viewpoint over the meadow, a young Kestrel flew overhead, probably from the successful brood raised in the nestbox on the nearby farm. A young Magpie perched up on a post drying out after a cooling bath. Stock Doves flew across the field, showing their distinctive dark border to the wings. Lapwings were feeding on the short turf near the lake, and we could see a good variety of wildfowl on the water including Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Coot and Great Crested Grebe. On the shingle islands were good numbers of breeding Black-headed Gulls and smaller numbers of Common Terns. Cormorants were gathered on the furthest island together with three Little Egrets and a single Grey Heron. Scanning carefully with telescopes, we picked out two Little Ringed Plovers running along the far edge of the island. From Horton’s Mound, we had good views of a Whitethroat rising in song from the bramble scrub and the first of several Reed Buntings. Moving on to the new hide (the access to which was dry for a change) we had closer views of the Gulls, including Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, as well as Terns, wildfowl and Lapwings. A pair of Egyptian Geese were in one of the nesting enclosures and several Common Terns were nesting on top of the Sand Martin ‘bank.’ There was a brief skirmish among a trio of Coots. A single Marsh Frog was making its presence known with a very throaty noise. As we passed the reedbeds, we heard the distinctive song of Reed Warbler and a Greenfinch sang from a tree top. Also among the songsters were Goldfinch, Blackbird and Song Thrush. We stopped by the feeders and added a male Chaffinch to the list, bringing the morning’s tally to 44 species. A rather pale damselfly spotted near the feeder station intrigued us as to ID. From the photograph that Robert took it turned out to be a juvenile, female, drab form, Common Blue Damselfly.

 

26 June 2022, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve by Thelma Caine

The only participants on this trip were Paul Spencer and myself. Arriving just before 9.30, we set off in bright sunshine but with a stiff breeze. Goldfinches were singing in the car park, and we soon picked up House Sparrow, Dunnock, Whitethroat and Wren in the scrub and a Song Thrush was feeding in a grassy field as we headed down Harbour Road. The Visitor Centre hadn’t opened by 9.50, so we went straight to the first hide and had great views here of breeding Black-headed Gulls, Common Terns, Avocets, Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers. We settled down to watch them all and were delighted to spot two Little Terns which flew in from the sea and landed on one of the shingle islands. We saw at least two more Little Terns later, flying along the shoreline carrying fish. The most numerous of the breeding birds from the first hide were Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns with chicks at various stages of development, some quite advanced and other just a few days old. There were smaller numbers of breeding Oystercatchers and Avocets, also with young, some probing to catch their own food, other still being fed by their parents. Other waders on the first pool included Redshanks and a few Curlew plus Little Egret and there were several families of both Shelduck and Greylag Geese. From here, we made our way along the beach road towards Ternery Pool, noting wildflowers including Vipers Bugloss in abundance, Sea Kale, Hedge Mustard and Yellow-horned Poppy. Looking out to sea, numerous Common Terns were out fishing, bringing back food for their young. Skylarks rose in song and Linnets were everywhere in small groups. On Ternery Pool we added both Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe to our list and various ducks including Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and a few Pochard. A Common Gull was seen close to the hide and further out were a breeding pair of Great Black-backed Gulls and several pairs of breeding Herring Gulls. Sadly, we could see numerous bodies of birds scattered around, mostly gulls, that had clearly succumbed to Avian flu. The next lagoon held Mute Swans and numerous Coot as well as more Tufted Ducks and a few Great Crested Grebes, including juveniles. We had good views of Reed Bunting and heard Cetti’s Warbler and Blackcap as we made our way alongside the reed beds, heading towards the barns. We then made our way inland towards Castle Water, finding Long-tailed Tit and a Sparrowhawk which dashed by overhead, our first bird of prey of the day. Castle Water was a hive of activity. To our right was a substantial colony of nesting Cormorants on a wooded island with young still in the nest. With them were several pairs of nesting Little Egrets. Paul then spotted a small wader feeding on the edge of a second island, identifying it as a Green Sandpiper as it suddenly flew, showing its characteristic white rump and darkish wings with no wing-bar. It landed on the next island and was joined by a second bird. Numerous Lapwings were feeding on the mud, together with Redshanks. We had good views of Teal here as well as Tufted Ducks, Gadwall and a few Moorhens. We added Egyptian Geese and Canada Geese to our list too and a Reed Warbler was heard singing near the hide. We then had several different birds of prey in quick succession. Paul spotted a Peregrine which flew over Castle Water and landed in a tree. Then a Buzzard flew up, chased by Crows and soon after, a large group of Lapwings rose in alarm as a Marsh Harrier glided low over the marsh, searching for an easy meal. After Castle Water, we headed across the fields which held Rooks, a small flock of Curlew and Pied Wagtails. In a small patch of scrub, we found a singing Sedge Warbler and another Reed Bunting and added a singing Chiffchaff in the wooded area near the road. On the final walk back to the car park, we spotted a Mistle Thrush on a rooftop, bringing the day’s tally to 65 species.

 

18 June 2022, Ockham Common by Stephen Waters

The annual Nightjar club trip to Ockham common attracted nine members. Four or five Nightjars were seen with a good view of one perched up on a dead tree branch. A single Kestrel was observed doing some late-night hunting. We also saw a roding woodcock. The trip ended in dramatic fashion with some spectacular sheet lightning.

 

12 June 2022, Thursley Common report, by Rebecca Dunne

Birdwatching magazine this month had an article on heathland birds which said ‘when birdwatching in summer heathlands don’t expect to accrue a massive day list! The birds of heathlands are usually a pretty specialised bunch! … Some heaths lie adjacent to bogs and woodland, allowing an increase in species…’That certainly describes Thursley Common and the day we had, which was incidentally excellent. The site consists of extensive areas of open dry heathland, with peat bogs, ponds, boggy pools and ditches, and both pine and deciduous woodland. There are sandy tracks and paths. The seven in our party consisted of regulars Robert and Geoff plus new member Chris who took some beautiful photos of the Redstarts, Ruth Shinebaum and Julie from Ware who were looking to add a couple of heathland birds to their year lists and David, an R&T RSPB member who bumped into us and joined us for the day! Our route took us in a big clockwise loop from the Moat car park around the edge of the boggy area.
Julie wanted a Redstart for her list but we found ten including a male feeding a youngster and a pair taking food to a nest low in a tree trunk near Parish Field. There were plenty of chances to brush up on their song and call. We spent a while sitting on the ground watching the male feed its youngster on low hanging oak boughs and attracted some interest from passing dog walkers who we were able to educate! However, the sight of dogs charging into the vegetation with their owners making no attempt to stop them was a depressing part of the day.
Tree pipits were also required and not long after leaving the car park their distinctive descending call was heard and a bird was located at the top of a distant tree. From the same spot Chris spotted a bird of prey in another distant conifer that materialised into a Hobby and flew off hunting dragonflies. Not much further on and a Curlew was seen stalking through the long grass. It was quick to chase off a Grey Heron which was foolish enough to fly over what was probably its nest site. Three days earlier I saw a pair of Curlews chasing off a Carrion Crow from the same spot. In this first open section before, we entered the woodland, we had Reed Buntings, a Lapwing, Goldfinches, swooping Swallows, a couple of Buzzards, a Kestrel, families of Stonechats and a glimpse of a Dartford Warbler.
Ruth needed Dartford Warblers but wasn’t happy with this view. However, when we stopped for lunch, on what is nicknamed Redstart Mound, two were heard and finally seen right in front of us in a tiny stunted clump of silver birch and conifer. They eventually zipped off along a line of taller heather. We didn’t see any Redstarts in this area and wondered if the devasting wildfire of May 2022 which burnt through here, along with a third of the core of the reserve, may have made it less suitable for Redstarts. The ten we did see tended to be in more mature, open wooded glades. Thursley’s famous boardwalks were also destroyed in the fire so a walk at Thursley now involves a much longer circuit through large areas of woodland. The unfamiliar calls of young birds perplexed us in this section and we spent a long time staring into dense bushes. Treecreepers might have been heard but could that just have been more young birds calling for food? There were definitely Goldcrest here however. It’s quite a different experience from walking the boardwalks over the bogs surrounded by dragonflies but does add a variety of habitats to the walk.
Geoff was determined to get a view of a Chiffchaff and we were eventually able to oblige although Willow Warblers seemed more common in the many young silver birch trees. Linnets were spotted and maybe a couple of Woodlarks but the views were too brief to confirm this. There were definitely Skylarks over on this western side.
After lunch we continued through the more open, dry heathland to Parish Fields. We hoped for Woodlarks or Colin the Cuckoo but all we found was a Pheasant and one lady waiting hopefully for Colin. He apparently, put in an appearance much later in the afternoon. Continuing through the woods that surround the field we found the aforementioned pair of Redstarts taking food to a nest but our presence seemed to deter them so we moved on. Not much further on and Redstarts seven and eight were spotted high up in the trees on the edge of a plantation. The last section of the walk was quieter bird wise but as we followed the telephone wires toward the car park there were yet another pair of Redstarts and another family of Stonechats. We also found a bird watcher in search of East Surrey RSPB group!
I wrote down 37 species for the day which seemed pretty good given what Birdwatching Magazine had to say. Besides it was a good day’s birding with a nice bunch of people.

 

8 June 2022, Norbury Park by Mike White

Our small group set off from the top of Downs Way towards Roaring House Farm, in the adjacent fields were Jackdaw and Wood Pigeons, a Goldfinch flew overhead, whilst the mewing of a Buzzard caused us to look up and see both Buzzard and Red Kite. As we approached the farm we saw the local Swallows, a small population have nested here for many years. A group of Magpies were in the fields and a Stock Dove was also noted. At the bottom of Denshire Hill two Whitethroats were singing and Robin and Song Thrush were added to the total. The fields towards Crabtree Lane held the expected Skylarks but very little else. Refreshments were taken at the viewpoint overlooking the A24 and Box Hill, here we added Chaffinch, Long-tailed Tit and Goldcrest. We then began the return via Juniper Hill Wood and Fetcham Downs, adding Jay, Chiffchaff, Wren, Swift and Blackcap.

 

29 May 2022, Horton Country Park by Paul Spencer

A party of six recorded 40 species of bird on a four-hour circular walk round Horton Country Park with diversions to the Noble Estate and part of Park Farm. As I pointed out a Stock Dove territory in Castle Hill, an unexpected Cuckoo was heard calling somewhere in Butcher’s Grove near houses of Colliers Close in West Ewell. It cuckooed three times and then ten times. There was lots of birdsong but the verdant lush foliage made spotting birds difficult with glimpses of activity including Bullfinch, Blackcap and Chiffchaff seen near Meadow Pond . There were lots of Blue Tit, Great Tit and Robin young to be seen. Common Whitethroat were easier to see and very active in the hedgerows, maybe eight to nine territories all told. Two Swallow darted by, and we circled an unseen Lesser Whitethroat which rattled in the pear /apple orchard area. A Common Buzzard gave superb close views as it soared over Great Oaks. In a horse field covered in buttercups we zoomed in on a beautiful Linnet with a lovely pink breast. I then spotted the local male Peregrine Falcon high in the cloud hunting over Park Farm. It dived in a short rapid stoop against a Common Buzzard which had strayed into its airspace. A pair of Pheasant disappeared in another buttercup laden field.
After a quick stop for flapjack and hot chocolate at the coffee van we watched the female Peregrine feeding a fluffy white peregrine chick on the water tower on the Noble Estate. A baby Roe Deer with mum was a lovely spot. All the party heard a Yellowhammer singing on Park Farm from the boundary path adjacent to Four-acre Wood but only Tony Quinn and Peter Short were fortunate to see this increasingly scarce resident which locally seems restricted to Park and Rushett Farm in very small numbers. Finally, as we drove away, we got outstanding views of a Great Spotted Woodpecker on a post on the green at Copt Gilders.

 

22 May 2022, Dungeness by Peter Knox

A Glossy Ibis and a bag full of Hobbies.
Six members met at the sea watching hide on a sunny and very still morning. Due to the nice weather, there was little bird movement on the sea. All we had was the usual colony of gulls and a few distant Gannets. There was more action in the power station compound with Black Redstarts and Linnets plus Meadow Pipits. We moved on to the bird observatory picking up a Peregrine on the side of the power station and plenty of Sparrows. The observatory provided little except for a few Whitethroats and Stonechats.
Our next port of call was the ARC pool hide which provide excellent views of a male Ring-necked Duck on an island close to the hide. It moved on to the water but still was close to the hide. We also had a nice Marsh Harrier fly over the pool. Some members caught a Kingfisher flying over the pool. The first of the Hobby was seen but it was distant.
Our next step was to head for the centre on route we had up to five Hobbies over the car park. As we drove down the track to the centre, we found a singing Lesser Whitethroat unfortunately it refused to show itself. Lunch was had by the carpark hide from which we had some Ring Plover on the Burrows pits. After lunch we headed around the reserve picking up Dunlin, Chiffchaff, Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers. At one point we found another Lesser Whitethroat which briefly showed itself. Not long after this find Tony called a Glossy Ibis which landed out of sight towards the Denge Marsh road. So, we followed the public footpath towards the road and found the Glossy Ibis in a pool. In the same area we found a number of Bearded Tits moving around a reed bed giving good views. Moving on seeing more Hobbies and a Curlew.
We decided to head off towards Kenardington to look for Turtle Dove, but we had no luck, but had a singing Nightingale which did not show itself. Stephen found a Spotted Flycatcher which flew off before anyone else had a chance to see it. We moved on for a quick stop at the Royal Military Canal finding more of the same. We moved on to Birchett Wood without success on the Turtle Dove front, but we had another no-show singing Nightingale.
The day seemed to have been terribly slow but when I counted the number of species it added up to seventy-three. The weather was great, and we had a good day.

 

15 May 2022, Arne RSPB coach trip with Richmond and Twickenham RSPB, by Rebecca Dunne

Six of our members, plus four who belong to both groups and 31 from R&T RSPB had an enjoyable trip to beautiful Arne RSPB in Dorset. The weather could have been better, both for us and for the birds, but despite drizzle, cloud and a strong breeze between us we notched up 71 species.
The journey took three hours with a stop at Winchester services. As we got closer the weather deteriorated and the volunteer who met our coach was handing out maps in the rain. She valiantly attempted a brief introduction but most people were making for the visitors’ centre, the toilets or the sightings board! Many of us started on Coombe Heath, heading for the impressive new Middlebere Lookout then on to the screen and viewpoint on top of the hill which gave views of Middlebere Channel as the tide went out. Highlights here were 4 spoonbills which woke up and were energetically preening and touching bills, a wheatear right next to us at the viewpoint, a marsh harrier, meadow pipits doing their song flights and some of the many siskins that we saw throughout the day across the reserve. On the mud were a few Shelduck, Curlew and Oystercatcher. Redshank could be seen occasionally flying up from salt marsh. This pattern was repeated on all the tidal areas around the reserve although one group reported Dunlin as well. Paul, Jill and Caroline went up onto the recently acquired Hyde’s Heath area and added Stonechat. Paul saw a Peregrine at some point in the day but I’m not sure where from. During the day Dartford Warblers were heard or glimpsed by a lucky few but for the majority of us they stayed well hidden in the gorse and heather, away from the poor weather. Returning to the central point of the car park and visitors’ centre we stopped at the bird feeders and had excellent views of siskins, including some juveniles. A few people dropped away here for lunch in the warm and dry café!
On the other side of the reserve are the Shipstal trails which cover a huge range of habitats: scrub, farmland, lowland heath, ancient oak woodland, pine and birch forest, sandy beach, acidic pools and the open tidal waters of Poole Harbour where you look across to Brownsea Island and other smaller islets. My group set off around the red route and were cheered up by Swallows swooping over a meadow with Swifts above. Mutiny was threatening in the ranks as it was getting very late for lunch so we split up to find places to eat either in the shelter of the two-storey hide, at various wet benches overlooking the harbour or on the beach. During lunch a very distant Common Sandpiper was found on one of the islands. The 4 Spoonbills were also seen flying away further out into the harbour. Our group reformed at the two-storey hide and the red route back took us further inland and was more sheltered. At last, more birds appeared and we added a pair of Mistle Thrush, more Siskin, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, a calling Cuckoo, a pair of cronking Ravens and the high-pitched calls of Treecreepers. Finally, the weather was also improving and spirits lifted as we reached the café with plenty of time for refreshments. After drying off the seats, a few of us sat outside and watched the bird feeders adding coal tit to our day list. The sun was coming out as we left and it would have been great to go back onto the heath to look for the elusive Dartford Warblers, Woodlarks and Tree Pipits which were no doubt popping up as we drove away!
Species: Blackbird, Blackcap, Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Buzzard, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit, Collared Dove, Common Sandpiper, Cormorant, Cuckoo, Curlew, Dartford Warbler, Dunlin, Dunnock, Feral Pigeon, Firecrest (h), Gadwall, Garden Warbler, Goldcrest, Goldfinch,  Great Black-backed Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Tit, Green Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, House Martin, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Jay, Kestrel, Lesser Black-backed  Gull, Linnet, Little Egret, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Marsh Harrier, Meadow Pipit, Mistle Thrush, Mute Swan, Nuthatch, Oystercatcher, Peregrine, Pheasant, Pied Wagtail, Raven, Redshank, Robin, Rook, Shelduck, Siskin, Skylark, Song Thrush, Sparrowhawk, Spoonbill, Starling, Stock Dove, Stonechat, Swallow, Swift, Treecreeper, Wheatear, Woodpigeon, Wren.

 

11 May 2022, Pulborough Brooks, Lead by Mike White, report by Robert Muller

I must confess to having mislaid Mike’s report for this outing, and in the absence of a copy of the original anywhere, I have accessed my memory to offer this account.
A fair number of members met at this popular RSPB reserve. The day started well with fine views from the Visitor Centre veranda with House Sparrows unconcernedly hopping about the railings in front of us. We had a distant view of a Common Buzzard perched up on a fence.
We stated off by walking the circuit round the wooded heathland trail to the Hail’s View. There were a few dragonflies on or near Black Pond. We got a brief view of Chiffchaff in the high canopy, a Goldcrest amongst the pines and a better view of Whitethroat on a bush in the heath area. We took in the variety of flora on either side of the path, lichen rich woodland to out right, developing heath and scrub to our left. The Bluebells made a fine show among the trees and we observed a range flowers in bloom typical of this habitat on the path edge including Red Campion, Foxglove, Crosswort, Wood Speedwell, Greater Celendine, and Greater Stitchwort . We returned to the visitor centre via the steep path through the ancient Yew trees.
On the zig zag path part of the trail we heard several singing Nightingales. One of these popped up to give a lovely clear view while it sang melodiously. At Fattengates Courtyard we were entertained by a pair of water voles feeding on a generous seed handout.
As we crossed the meadows towards the hides overlooking the wetland areas, we watched a Grey Heron fly slowly overhead. It clouded over, and some rain seemed inevitable. It was rather quiet on the ponds, and we moved from hide to hide adding Lapwing and a few species of duck and goose.
By lunch time the rain became insistent, and we sheltered in the Nettley’s hide looking out over a very wet scene. We had a very good view of Buzzard in a bush in front of the hide and close views of Blackbird and Sedge Warbler through the rain.
Finally. we had to trudge back through the persistent rain to the visitor centre for a warming cup of tea before returning to our cars.

 

4 May 2022, Staines Moor, by Thelma Caine

There was plenty of bird song as our party of eight crossed the railway bridge at the start of the walk with Robin, Wren, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Song Thrush, all prominent early on. A number of Starlings were swooping to catch aerial insects over a field and a small group of House Sparrows flitted along the hedgerow. Arriving on the Moor, we soon spotted a male Kestrel perched on a nearby pylon. As we made our way along the bank of the River Colne, a heat haze began to rise over the sedges on the far side. We scanned the tops of the brambles and hawthorn and soon picked out our first male Reed Bunting as well as several Linnets and a Meadow Pipit. A slightly smaller bird then appeared, a superb male Whinchat showing a bright white eye stripe and orange upper breast, a ‘first’ for several of our group. After this, we crossed the bridge, finding more Reed Buntings and Linnets, then a Sedge Warbler burst into song, rising in flight, before landing back on its bramble bush, giving excellent views of its creamy underparts, eye stripe and bright reddish gape. Another small bird suddenly popped up on the edge of a rustic seat, this time a female Wheatear. Here too we saw a Little Egret along the water’s edge, with several more seen during the morning. After the Kestrel, seen early on, the next raptor of the day was a Red Kite circling overhead. As we followed the Colne, a Snipe flew up suddenly, wheeling away in rapid, twisting flight. Soon after this, another wader flew up from the riverbank, this time a Redshank, showing the white trailing edges to its wings. Skylarks rose in song as we crossed the centre of the Moor and a Meadow Pipit landed on a bush top with a beak full of food for its young. As we reached the next meander of the river, another Little Egret was feeding in the shallows. A Greenfinch sang from the hawthorn scrub, and we had more views of Sedge Warbler. At the far end of the Moor, a Buzzard circled in the sky, then we noticed a smaller bird of prey high up over the tree line – this time a Peregrine. We climbed over a stile to find a new boardwalk at the lower end of the footpath which leads towards Hithermoor Road. We could hear a Cuckoo calling as we made our way along the boardwalk and in the field to the right of the path, a distant Reed Warbler sang from a patch of reeds. Several Blackcaps sang in the hawthorn scrub here and we had good views of a female and glimpses of a male.
A Garden Warbler was also singing prominently but appeared only for an instant before disappearing again into cover. Further along the boardwalk, a Cetti’s Warbler was heard. Several Jays crossed the nearby field and as we were watching two Chiffchaffs in the willows, a bird suddenly appeared overhead, flying quite fast and showing a longish tail. At first, we thought it was a bird of prey, but it called once as it flew, then we realised it was the Cuckoo we had heard earlier. Rebecca spotted Lapwings in the field further along the path, then we made our way back on to the Moor. On the return route, Stock Doves flew across the Moor, and we added Green Woodpecker to the list as well as a pair each of Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush. Overhead three Buzzards were circling together and beyond them, two more Red Kites. Small numbers of Swallows were seen during the morning but there was no sign of Swifts. By the end of the morning, our tally was 49 species.

 

24 April 2022, RSPB Otmoor and Farmoor, by Paul Spencer

I was feeling very excited about going birding in Oxfordshire when Thelma picked me up at Chessington North station at 7.10am . Last year I was supposed to lead the trip but because of Covid restrictions meaning I could not be a passenger Thelma had to lead instead. It felt like a visit to old friends. I counted 18 Red Kites drifting down and across the M40 and A40 on the journey down plus a rookery.
We were joined by old friends Robert Muller, Mike White, Rebecca Dunne and Tony Quinn at the carpark at Otmoor at 8.45 am. As soon as we got out the cars we could hear lots of birdsong including Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warbler. However out attention was drawn to a Grasshopper Warbler reeling somewhere in the scrubby car park field. We got to the reserve entrance gate and eventually had 10 seconds of the Gropper perched singing out in the open. In the next stretch of footpath we had quick views of Bullfinch, heard the first of three Lesser Whitethroat and saw the first of several Sedge Warbler seen doing its parachute jump song flight. Thelma’s keen ears picked up a Garden Warbler and I got an out of focus view of a Cetti’s Warbler as it zoomed into cover before exploding into its song.
Grey Lag Goose, Lapwing and Snipe were spotted in adjacent wet meadow.
We found a male Reed Bunting perched on cattle enclosure on the main RSPB flooded field but the breezy nippy conditions meant the small birds were keeping their head down with Reed Warbler heard but not seen from the reedbed ditches. An unseen Cuckoo was heard in nearby woods and a Curlew called from the MOD ranges.
As the temperature rose butterflies flitted past- Small White. Speckled Wood, Peacock, Comma, Brimstone, Orange Tip and Small Tortoiseshell were noted.
For one moment we thought we had found a couple of Cattle Egrets amongst some cattle but it turned out to be a sleeping cow- although later we did have a Little Egret.
The wet meadow known as Big Otmoor was full of wildfowl and waders some distant some near some obscured by vegetation and terrain. Great views of Shoveler in flight and the Mallard and Gadwall looked really smart but lousy views of, Teal, Pintail, Wigeon and Shelduck and no hoped for Garganey. Were there a couple of Barnacle amongst the Canada? They looked hybridised to me but I may have not got on the right birds. Telescoped views identified Ruff, Oystercatcher and Dunlin (still in winter plumage) whilst Redshank piped up somewhere. Lesser Black Backed Gulls looked mean and were probably looking out for Lapwing chicks or Greylag Goose Goslings or Mallard ducklings. Meanwhile the warming thermals held several Red Kites and Common Buzzard soaring higher and higher. A pair of Kestrel tussled and another Gropper reeled. A splendid Hobby put in the first of several brilliant appearances flashing his red trousers and zooming low and high for insects.
Our late elevenses/early lunch was held in the Wetland watch hide. Here we got close views of Redshank, Grey Heron and Curlew on the flooded meadow and had Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer and Linnet feeding on seed on the ground and in the hedgerow. However, the best bird here were two magnificent Common Crane which appeared and disappeared in the tussocky grass. Mike also got a good view of another Cetti’s Warbler.
After lunch we walked to the first reed bed screen hide. On our way we had fleeting views of a Lesser Whitethroat and on the way back Rebecca had a great view of another Gropper.
From the reed bed hide there were about 45 Gadwall, a Great Crested Grebe and a leucitic male Pochard and some people saw a tricoloured male Marsh Harrier. The harrier later gave itself up to everyone on the return route when it quartered the RSPB field. Yours truly heard a Bittern booming softly thrice, (it sounds like blowing over the mouth of an empty beer bottle) but it remained sedentary to the dense reed beds and no one else heard it.
Mid-afternoon we travelled to Farmoor reservoirs. At first the breezy conditions and water activities looked like we were going to have a slightly disappointing visit. Tony Quinn left us after we had stonking views of a pale lemony Yellow Wagtail plus two Common Terns on buoys. There was no, sign of any Little Gulls or Sand Martin flocks which had been around the days before and although Cormorant and Great Crested Grebe numbered a score a piece it looked quiet with only half a dozen Swallow flying over. The walk to the causeway hide produced some pristine adult Pied Wagtail and another flyover Yellow Wag. Two flighty Common Sandpiper were scoped alternating between the Cormorant and Black Headed Gull platforms and a Grey Wagtail completed the wagtail set.
However, the best bird of the day was eventually found after a persistent search. We had to walk halfway round the southerly reservoir basin to find it as it was hidden by a floating platform and the greyness of the basin wall and reflections off the water did not help. Had we found it, a Great Crested Grebe in flight in the vicinity cast doubt in my mind, but then there it was. The bird in question, a superb immature Great Northern Diver was only about 20 yards from the wall. It was happy snorkelling, head down in water and floating serenely low in the water head up, giving excellent. photo opportunities for both Robert and Mike. It was a bit of hefty beast with its dagger-like grey/white bill, long half collared neck, bumpy head, ‘’Game of Thrones’’ attire and huge feet which occasionally were seen out of the water. It probably gave the closest ever and best views of this species for all present.
At least 73 bird species recorded.

 

13 April 2022, Ockham Common, by John Barkham

12 members met for a morning’s outing at Ockham Common and Wisley Airfield. We walked though tall pinewoods before continuing onto the sandy heathland paths. We soon spotted Coal Tit, Chaffinch and Chiffchaff, which were all singing in full voice. Following the treeline, we picked up Linnet, Song Thrush, a pair of Nuthatch and a very active Green Woodpecker. A Red Kite was frequently seen patrolling the common and was occasionally mobbed by Carrion Crows. The purple heather was in flower and most managed views of a Dartford Warbler, alas only briefly.
We passed the Semaphore Tower at the top of the heath and returned to the car park for a brief stop before continuing to Boldermere Lake. Moorhen, Coot, Pochard, Mallard and Greylag Geese were all seen, plus a Great Crested Grebe. We walked on through the pinewoods and then on to the abandoned runway of the airfield. Numerous Skylark were seen in newly ploughed fields and also in display flight. A narrow strip of undisturbed ground between the ploughed field and the airstrip concrete displayed several spring flowers.
Jim spotted our key target species, Wheatear. We all enjoyed views of 2 males and 1 female. On the return to the car park, Mike and Rebecca picked out a newly arrived Willow Warbler at rest deep in a bush. In all 43 species were seen.

 

3 April 2022 – Barnes WWT by Jonathan Hannam

Seven members joined me on a fine but cold day for a walk around the reserve, which we started by taking the southern route to the Peacock Tower. We had heard the loud song of the Cetti’s Warbler even before we started and that was to become a familiar companion on our trip. Very occasionally we even got a glimpse of one. We also spent some time trying to locate a singing Blackcap, but that too was elusive. On the Main Lake, there were Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Pochard and Wigeon, along with Herring Gulls (mostly immature), Black-headed Gulls and a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls. One surprise was the Oystercatcher that flew over whilst we were in the WWF hide. We later learnt that a pair of Oystercatchers had been around for a few days and that they had settled on one of the islands near the Visitor Centre, so the hope was that they might breed there. We also saw solitary Little Egret and Grey Heron as well as a few Lapwing. About half a dozen Sand Martin were zooming around and investigating their dedicated sand bank. Just before entering the Peacock Tower, we had good views of a Reed Bunting. Once in the tower, we picked out at least three Common Snipe, busy feeding on the Grazing Marsh and were also put onto a Little Ringed Plover which was on the mud flats in the Wader Scrape. A pair of Great Crested Grebe were swimming around on the Main Lake, investigating nest sites. On the way back to the Visitor Centre, we saw Greenfinch and Chaffinch and heard our first Chiffchaff.
After a short coffee break, we headed out on the western route to the Wildside. The only new species seen were Grey Wagtail and Gadwall. However, we did hear more Chiffchaffs and finally had a good view of a male Blackcap. There was a Coot chick with its parents on one of the side ponds and we also got closer views of Great Crested Grebes, including a pair on a nest in the Reservoir Lagoon. Altogether, a pleasant morning with 48 species seen in total.
On the way back from the wildside the stragglers in the group got close views of an unusual Moorhen with an all-yellow bill. Robert pointed out this bird which he had seen on a number of previous occasions over the last two years.

 

27 March 2022, Abberton Reservoir, by Ruth Shinebaum

Nine birding stalwarts rose early, losing an hour’s sleep because of the clock change, and drove through the fog and drizzle to arrive at the Layer Breton causeway at Abberton. They were quickly rewarded with a female Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, a Green Sandpiper and a few ducks including good numbers of Shoveler, though the majority of the Tufted Ducks and Pochards have now moved on. The heronry and tree-nesting colony of cormorants were in full swing, though the only ‘white target’ seen was a single Little Egret, with the Spoonbill not showing itself on the day. The drive round to the other causeway was punctuated by a brief stop to wave at the next ‘white target’ – 10 Cattle Egrets on the nearby farm.
We reconvened on the Layer de la Haye causeway after an adventure involving lost cars, closed parking spots, an inadvisable manoeuvre and a couple of policemen (don’t ask!). From here we had great views of two recently arrived Little Ringed Plovers on the concrete edge of the reservoir and some distant Snipe. We then moved to the Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre to pay our dues, use the loos, and buy any goodies that were deemed necessary.
Responding to recent reports suggesting that the Abberton Church viewing point would enable us to see birds not visible from the visitor centre side of the reservoir, we drove round to the village of Abberton. Almost immediately we could see 4 grebes more or less together, 2 each of two different sizes, 2 Red-Necked Grebes and 2 Slavonian Grebes. Along with a lovely male Scaup, a couple of Goosander and some Goldeneye it showed that not all the wintering wildfowl had yet left. For good measure a Yellowhammer sang and showed itself near the car park. By now it was warm and sunny, and we were on a roll.
Lunch time meant going back to the reserve to eat in the hides and walk the reserve itself, notching up tits, finches and the inevitable singing Chiffchaff. Next was the now open car park at Billets Farm from where we walked to Wigborough Bay at the east end of the reservoir. We found our second summer migrant, a brilliant yellow, Yellow Wagtail in a field which included not only Pied but also some White Wagtails. And then Rebecca won the prize for finding our third summer migrant, the most hidden Garganey ever. A few Ruff from the Billets Farm blind added to our very meagre wader count.
After a much-needed cup of tea at the centre we looked at the small, wooded section at the entrance, which may or may not have given a brief view of Bullfinch. Mike drew our attention to a distant moving white post which turned out to be the neck of a Great White Egret. Here we spotted our only butterfly, a Comma freshly emerged from hibernation. We re-did both causeways to see if anything new had turned up, adding a Peregrine from one and finishing the day with a nice Mediterranean Gull at the other. In total we saw 72 species, or 73 if you count the white/pied wagtail sub-species as two and heard 2 others.

 

16 March 2022, Kempton Nature Reserve, by Mike White

Despite the grey overcast conditions, on the way from the car park to the Paul Jackson hide, our small group were serenaded by one of the harbingers of spring, a chiff-chaffing Chiffchaff. The first of several seen/heard around the reserve. From the hide Tufted Duck, Pochard, Teal, Coot, Moorhen and Black-headed Gulls were on the water. A small flock of about a dozen Lapwing were dotted around on the various islands, whilst a lone Little Egret was also noted. Diligent searching eventually produced a small number of Snipe tucked away in the foliage. The feeder close to the hide had a constant stream of Blue and Great Tits visiting with Dunnock, Robin and Chaffinch collecting any fallen offerings. Making our way to the next hide we encountered a small flock of Greenfinch, a rare bird locally. Small numbers of Redwing were passing overhead, and the only Blackcap of the morning was located. A selection of tits and the ubiquitous Ring-necked Parakeets were on the feeders.
Making our way along the boardwalk we noted Reed Buntings in the reeds around the feeder. We then continued to the North hide, arriving just before the rain! Scanning from the hide we noted more of the previously seen duck species tucked away in the reeds. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls arrived and Little Grebe was added to the list. The now steady rain eased slightly and we chose this time to return to the cars.

 

Sunday 13 March 2022 – Farlington Marshes and ‘The Oyster Beds’, by Rebecca Dunne

250+ Mediterranean Gulls, at least a dozen Red-breasted Mergansers, a couple of Black-necked Grebes, a Greenshank, Dunlin, many Shelduck, Curlew, Avocet, Oystercatcher, a Grey Plover, Little Egret, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Pintail, Teal, flocks of Brent Geese, Kestrel and Buzzard; what’s not to like in a day’s bird watching like that? Seven of us made the effort and were well rewarded.
Despite the initially windy and drizzly weather it was well worth the 2.5 mile walk around the seawall of Farlington Marshes and by lunchtime the sun was out. There may not have been any rarities but some good views of birds at this point in the year when the seasons change. All those Brent Geese yapping and grazing on the mudflats and grassy fields will soon be off north and the single Greenshank, seen dashing about in the shallow water, flew off over Portsmouth. The tide was falling and as more mudflats became exposed the number of waders increased, although some were rather distant. Looking over the wet grassland there were many Wigeon, Shelduck and Curlew along with the Brent and Canada Geese. Once the wind dropped the Skylarks could be more easily heard and seen, a couple of Stonechats zipped along a fence and Meadow Pipits perched briefly on anthills and fence posts giving us false hope of Wheatears! Bearded Tits were heard faintly in reed beds near ‘the hut’ but not located. During our morning’s walk we’d seen groups of 5 and 17 Med. Gulls, sitting with Black-headed Gulls, and were pretty pleased with these numbers. How wrong we were.
After Farlington we moved on to the Oyster Beds on Hayling Island in the full sunshine. The Med. Gulls had to be the stars here. Just on the two islands on the lagoons 220+ of these handsome and confident looking birds stalked around with others wheeling and calling all around. Much discussion ensued as to exactly which cat like calls they were making! (Later, back in front of the car park another 70 loafed on the beach while Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, Turnstones and Redshanks skittered around them.) A couple of Little Grebes hugged the edges of the lagoon. The Oyster Beds gave us better views across Langstone Channel and we were able to confirm that the small groups of Red-breasted Merganser glimpsed from Farlington were in fact just that. A couple of Black-necked Grebes were even more cryptic but walking past the Oyster Beds we got close enough to see that they were starting to gain their summer plumage. We took the inland, old Hayling Billy railway line, path back to the car park and in the scrub and woodland were finally able to add Blue Tit, Great Tit and Long Tailed Tit to our day’s list. We’d had plenty of Greenfinches in the scrub at Farlington but strangely not these tits. As we neared the car park no one was in any doubt about what a Song Thrush sounded like as two sang loudly at each other on either side of the track. The day’s species total was about 61 including a Chiffchaff heard after the others had left. However, I will not count the 15+ Cattle Egrets that I saw coming in to roost at Langstone Mill Pond at sunset, but they were worth waiting for!

 

6 March 2022 – Acres Down, by John Barkham

5 members attended our trip to the New Forest on a day of almost ideal weather conditions to view our target species. We took the short walk from the car park to a viewpoint overlooking the New Forest and were soon treated with excellent flight views of Goshawk. A male and female pair were chasing each other for an extended period and later returned to the air to display over the course of the next couple of hours. Another pair, probably 2 juveniles, were in flight as well and frequently locked talons when they met. A couple of Buzzards were also cruising the sky and a pair of Stonechat kept us company while we watched the show.
We later took a circular walk along the valley floor and heard Firecrest and Woodlark. Dog walkers spooked a Roe Deer in a clearing, causing it to run for cover in the Douglas Fir Trees. Another Goshawk was seen in flight directly above us through the trees.
Continuing our walk, we sighted about a dozen Crossbills in the pines along with 2 Brambling and several Chaffinch and Siskin. We watched the Crossbills in the sunshine for about 20 minutes, enjoying excellent telescope views of these colourful birds as they fed on seeds prised out of the pinecones.

 

27 February 2022 – Moor Green Lakes, by Peter Knox. Sunshine and Goosanders

It was a lovely sunny morning when six club members arrived at the site car park. Very quickly we had our first bird a graceful Red Kite came low over the site. This was to be the first of many sightings. We headed down the path towards the first hide adding a Little Egret to our list. The feeders near the hide provide a sprinkling of bird including Reed Bunting. We moved into the hide. The site liaison officers had kindly provide the access code. Once in the hide we quickly found a group of male and female Goosanders as well as a Shelduck there were also plenty of Wigeon. We moved on to the Blackwater River path first heading west which meant we needed to clamber over a fallen tree blocking the path. Little further on we were able to check some of the other lakes but there was nothing new to be seen. We did find a few Siskins and a Kestrel and a couple of Red Kites. Turning around and heading east for the second hide and some more observation points for some of the other lakes. At the observation points we had more views of Goosanders. We arrived at the second hide which provided excellent views of the lake. Here we found Pochard and more views of Goosander. We are sure that we saw more than twenty Goosander on this visit. Our biggest surprise was a flying flock of twenty Barnacles (feral birds) which eventually landed in a field mainly out of sight. Lucky for us there was a path that allow us better views of these birds. We then gradually moved back to the carpark hearing a Little Grebe on route. On arriving at the car park, we could hear a Nuthatch sing nearby.
Three of us decided to pop into Tice’s Meadow before heading home while rest were homeward bound. Tice’s Meadow provided only few extra birds to our list. The best being a male Goldeneye (a probable escape bird).
It was a nice day feeling like spring had arrived and we had species count of 51 for the day.

 

20 February 2022 – Coach Trip to Welney WWT Norfolk, by Rebecca Dunne

Well, that was quite an adventure! Five of us joined Richmond and Twickenham RSPB for their trip to Welney. Thanks must go to our driver who did a tremendous job in such atrocious driving conditions. However, it turned out to be a very enjoyable day, despite the inclement weather, and although it wasn’t an optimal birdwatching trip people did seem to enjoy themselves. Welney is a place where a whole winter’s day could be spent between the café at one end of the footbridge and the enormous heated main observatory at the other. Some people spent a long time in the café but given its excellent views over Lady Fen who could blame them. Curlew, black-tailed godwits, a female marsh harrier, great and little egrets, flocks of golden plover and lapwing whipped along in the wind along with a variety of ducks were seen from here. Wigeon are the most numerous ducks on the Ouse Washes in winter followed by teal and when the Washes are flooded, as they were on our visit, they move to the drier Bank Farm, which is exactly what we could see from the café’s windows. The other thing worth waiting patiently by the windows for (apart from hot drinks and cake) were tree sparrows taking seed from beneath the feeders with house sparrows and reed buntings.  Nearby dense mounds of bramble were alive with sparrow ‘song’ but they were tricky to see until they popped out to feed.
The main observatory gave expansive views over the flooded, 3 mile long, 1000-acre section of the Ouse Washes that the WWT are responsible for. Those who got there quickly saw two pink footed geese and nine tundra bean geese obligingly nearby, but they took some close observation to separate and flew off before the first swan feed. Huge numbers of predominantly male pochard close were some compensation but not so good for people’s year lists! It was fascinating to watch them diving down to snatch the grain that the dabbling mallards could not reach. We’d seen whooper and mute swans from the coach, but from the Observatory we had much better views of a few of them. By this stage in the winter most of the whoopers are out fattening up in the fields before returning to Iceland. Scanning the Washes during both swan feeds we were pleased to add dunlin, oystercatcher, pintail, a male goldeneye and redshank.
From the observatory most of us battled through the winds along the track that leads past Nelson-Lyle and Lyle hides to Friends hide.  A lucky few were amazed to see a hungry barn owl around Nelson-Lyle hide, on one occasion flying close to the water. A snipe was seen from Lyle hide. Bewick swans are sometimes visible from Friends hide but the 2 distant white blobs were unresolvable. Reedbed Hide to the south of the observatory was well worth a visit, although by mid-afternoon it felt and sounded like it was about to leave the ground Wizard of Oz style. There were four more great white egrets on a far bank (12 were counted on the reserve the next day), a variety of ducks, great and lesser black-backed gulls and the male goldeneye.  A few of us braved the new Lady Fen Loop rather than just looking at it from the café. The 1.5km of very exposed track across the fields is a good place to see hares in better weather. In that wind it was a struggle to walk along but I rather enjoyed the wild Norfolk weather. Flocks of lapwing and golden plover being swept past, along with large numbers of pigeons and corvids, were the main thing to see but a stonechat, a meadow pipit, a pair of flying great white egrets and green woodpecker added extra interest. In the only tiny, sheltered and wooded corner of the Loop there were plenty of blue tits, great tits, chaffinches, greenfinches and blackbirds behaving as if they were in a parallel universe to our wild, wet and windy one. Behind them 8 fieldfares pecked about in dips in the middle of a field.
Most of us finished the day with the 15:30  swan feed where we were told that the reserve was closing once we’d left because of the deteriorating weather. It was blowing towards 60mph as we drove away but there was still one more bird to see. From the left-hand side of the coach a cattle egret was spotted.  A three-egret day is always good… even if it hadn’t been a three-swan day. Despite seemingly poor weather for bird watching, we still found 68 species between us. A day enjoyed and survived together which no one will forget in a hurry.
Species reported:  mute swan, whooper swan, greylag goose, tundra bean goose, pink-footed goose, shelduck, wigeon, gadwall, teal, mallard, pintail, shoveler, pochard, tufted duck, goldeneye, pheasant, cormorant, little egret,  cattle egret, great white egret, red kite, marsh harrier, buzzard, kestrel, moorhen, coot, oystercatcher, golden plover, lapwing, dunlin, ruff, snipe, black-tailed godwit, curlew, redshank, black-headed gull, common gull, lesser black-backed gull, herring gull, great-black backed gull, feral pigeon, stock dove, woodpigeon, collared dove, barn owl, green woodpecker, meadow pipit, pied wagtail, wren, dunnock, robin, stonechat, blackbird, fieldfare, Cetti’s warbler, blue tit, great tit, magpie, jackdaw, rook, carrion crow, starling, house sparrow, tree sparrow, chaffinch, greenfinch, goldfinch.

 

16 February 2022 – Bushy Park, by Mike White

Despite a less than promising forecast I was joined by three members and two guests for this walk. Despite a stiff breeze the weather remained dry with even brief glimpses of the sun. We commenced our walk with a look at the Diana Fountain area. The gull roost contained approximately three hundred Black-headed Gulls and thirty Common Gull. Despite a good search we were unable to locate any other gull species. The only ducks on the water were a pair of Shoveler, which after flying a circuit of the fountain came close enough to give good views of their large broad bills. Continuing towards the Woodland Gardens we checked the trees for the Little Owl, which can sometimes be seen in this area, but without success. Entering the Woodland Gardens we soon saw a pair of Mistle Thrush which gave close views. The ubiquitous Jackdaw, Ring-necked Parakeets and Egyptian Geese were present in numbers.
This first section of the gardens is currently under restoration with large amounts of the invasive Rhododendron Ponticum being removed and the water features being improved. The second section of the gardens proved very productive. We had not gone far when we found a small flock of Siskin which were then joined by Long-tailed Tits and a Wren. A Kestrel flew over and a Nuthatch called. The Nuthatch proved very difficult to see as we were facing into the sun. Whilst trying to get better views a Chaffinch was seen and what were probably the birds of the day, a pair of Treecreepers which gave excellent views as they searched a Silver Birch for insects. Moving on to Waterhouse Pond we found a Grey Heron hunting in the reeds and under the over-hanging shrubbery at the rear we located three pairs of Mandarin Duck. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was also seen here. We then walked a short section of the Longford River before cutting through the wooded area where a Green Woodpecker was noted, and a Song Thrush heard. Leaving the gardens, we turned to look over the Brewhouse Fields. The adjoining river held another pair of Mandarin, at this point a small bird flew from behind us and as it turned the sun illuminated its blue back, a Kingfisher. Turning and walking across the rough grassland we watched another Kestrel make two attempts at catching prey, but without success. The last new species of the morning, a pair of Stonechat, were seen perched up on the bracken. A pleasant morning with a total of 39 species seen, but once again no winter thrushes recorded.

 

6 February 2022 – Blashford Lakes and Blackwater Arboretum, by Peter Knox

Eight members made it to Blashford travelling though wet and very windy weather arriving when the rain had just stopped. Once we had sorted out our gear, we headed for the Woodland hide spending a little time checking trees along the path. Finding our first Siskins with Rebecca also finding Treecreeper, Redwing, Marsh Tit, and a brief view of a Redpoll. We moved on to the hide and quickly found both male and female Brambling which provided excellent views as well plenty of other passerines including Reed Bunting. This is always a hide to spend time in. We then headed for the Ivy South hide. Part of the group were waylaid by a Kingfisher. In the hide we had broad selection of ducks as well as a distant pair of Goosander. Our next stopping was to be the Ivy North hide but on route the rest of the group had the chance to see the Kingfisher and we had more excellent views of the Siskins and other members of the group caught sight of the Redpoll but not the best views. At reaching the next hide we had missed seeing the Bittern by moments. So, we headed back to the carpark where we regrouped before heading to the Tern hide on the Ibsley Water pit and as normal the birds were very distant. We increased our duck species count to include Goldeneye and Pintail.
We had our lunch in the hide and then headed for the most northerly hide which is the Lapwing hide. On route we had excellent views of a highly active Firecrest high in a tree but in the open as well as a Goldcrest. As we moved closer to the hide, we saw a small flock of Redwing moving through the trees. On arriving in the hide, we saw mainly the same species of birds. The best new bird was s female/juvenile Marsh Harrier over the far side of the pit.
We now headed back to the car park via the last hide on the pits the Goosander hide disturbing some Goosanders on one of the inlets on Ibsley Water. We had nothing new from the hide and so we headed back to the carpark. Two members of the group decide to stay at Blashford and enjoy the Woodland hide and the rest headed for Blackwater Arboretum.
On arrival it was windy and gloomy, and we headed for regular place hoping for the Hawfinches, but we were not successful. This is the first time they did not arrive maybe we were slightly late for the weather conditions. The best of the bunch of birds we saw where calling Mistle Thrushes and our old friends Siskins.
We had plenty of good birds, even without having the Hawfinches our species count was 62.

 

30 January 2022 – Lee Valley, by Ruth Shinebaum

Eight members successfully met up at the Fisher Green car park, greeted by squawking Ring-necked Parakeets (regular here now, but not so common as in the Surbiton area) along with a flock of maybe 20 Redwings. We set off walking around Seventy Acres Lake in the direction of recent Smew sightings, but couldn’t find any of the, until now, quite showy birds. Between there and the Grebe hide, we ticked off many of the usual duck species – Mallard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pochard, and a pair of Goldeneye showing nicely but there was a shortage of some expected species such as Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon and Goosander.
We did have a couple of ducky surprises though – a beautiful but obviously escaped silver morph (Carolina) Wood Duck, and an interesting shoveler/mallard cross with an enormous bill. Two of the party saw a Red Crested Pochard female which quickly hid behind an island. En route we also saw a nice flock of Siskin and some lucky observers watched a Cetti’s Warbler for a while.
After lunch by the weir, we walked back to the new Wildlife Discovery Centre for everyone to have a quick peek. A Water Rail was seen here, and whilst waiting outside, the leader saw the regular Kingfisher. Those who were watching a Black-tailed Godwit being chased by Black-headed Gulls were actually watching a Fisher’s Green rarity, which I have since reported. We then walked up to the farm, starting at the rather under-used hide there, giving great close views of Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits on the feeders and of large flocks of Jackdaws and Carrion Crows on the fields. Walking around the farmland we were rewarded with a flock of Fieldfare and a few Stock Doves. Further along we found our target of Brambling in a mixed flock with Chaffinch. It was a good day for raptors too. Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and lots of Red Kite, including 6 rising on a single thermal. Good views of Muntjac and Fallow Deer completed the day with 57 bird species seen.

 

16 January 2022 – Isle of Sheppey, by Chris Turner

Sunday was a beautiful winters day, cold but hardly a cloud or a breath of wind.
With a couple of hours until the high tide there was no desperate rush to get down to the pill box at Shellness. That meant we could wander down the access track to enjoy 50 or so Brambling which formed part of the large wintering finch flock also including some 500 Linnets and perhaps 100 Chaffinch.
I always find it very difficult to estimate numbers of waders, but I do know that the roost was pretty spectacular. The main “flock” was made up of a couple of thousand Dunlin alongside hundreds of Knot and smaller numbers of Grey Plover. As the tide covered the remaining mud banks these were joined by perhaps hundred Curlew, 300 Bar-tailed Godwit and 100 Black-tailed Gotwit. These were topped up by good numbers of Oystercatcher as well as a handful of Sanderling, Redshank and Ringed Plover. As it was so still the “whooshing” of the flocks as they murmurated (do waders murmurate?) sounded for all the world like the waves breaking on the sand. Highlight though was a pristine male Hen Harrier quartering over the salt marsh. Also good to see were the 200 White-fronted geese picked up over the Swale. I think it has been a very good year for these.
All very lovely, but not a lovely as the thought of the seven Shorelark which had been frequenting the beach a mile or so away at Leysdown. I wasn’t very hopeful as the whole place was teaming with dog walkers, but sure enough there they were, largely oblivious to the “normal” visitors, the birders and the paparazzi. I have never had such views of Shorelark and am a little ashamed to say that I rattled off 2,500 photos before I could drag myself away. Wonderful.
It was then time for the third stop – the raptor roost at Chapel Fleet. Perhaps not as many Marsh Harriers I was expecting with just 8 in total. Another Hen Harrier (this time a ring tail) was a good spot, as was a distant Merlin.
I particularly enjoyed the ID tip from one birder in a rival group to another in the group. How do you know it’s a ring tail? Answer. It’s got a ring tail. There was a good flock of Golden Plover, a dozen Corn Bunting and we ended the day with a view of a Barn owl in the gloom.
Seven members and a very respectable 71 species

 

9 January 2022 – Cannons Farm, by Stephen Waters

A select group of members met at the end of Cannons Lane on a bright but chilly morning. We began the walk using public footpaths overlooking the fields full of stubble. A Buzzard perched in a nearby tree giving good views. At first the fields seemed empty, but flocks of thrushes and finches were apparent feeding in the short cut harvested crop. Redwing and Fieldfare were identified. A Bullfinch posed for a short while in the hedge – too short a time for a decent photograph. We walked along the Reads Rest Lane as far as the edge of Banstead Woods but the footpath in the woods was far too waterlogged for further exploration. We returned to cars enjoying the chatter of House Sparrows and plaintive song of Robins.

 

5 January 2022 – Wraysbury Gravel Pits, by Rebecca Dunne

With Christmas and New Year firmly behind us seven people gathered on a chilly but bright and sunny morning in Feathers Lane, Hythe End. Whilst waiting we heard Blackbird and Song Thrush and a Red Kite circled round or was it several Red Kites? Across the road a hidden, scruffy entrance led to a muddy footpath bordered by Colne Brook on the left and one of the many lakes that make up Wraysbury Country Park on the right. The water bodies were formerly Wraysbury and Hythe End gravel pits. Almost immediately we saw about 8 Goldeneye, Tufted Duck and Great Crested Grebe, all looking beautiful in the bright sun, but the standout bird was a male Goosander, it’s dark bottle-green head and deep red bill contrasting with its white body. As we made our way along the lake we saw more Goldeneye, a Grey Heron flying past, a Red Kite and a couple of pairs of Teal which were tucked under the overhanging branches on the far side. Altogether there were about a dozen Goldeneye with one male was already practising his ‘head tossing’ breeding display. Two of us were lucky enough to catch sight of a Kingfisher. It was a matter luck; glancing in the right gap in the tangled trees at just the moment as it flew from one side of the lake and back again. In those overhanging trees and dense vegetation, we heard and saw a Goldcrest. A Chiffchaff also made its way along the river, crossing from bank to bank of the river, along with Blue Tits, Great Tits and a flock of Long Tailed Tits. Small birds were however thin on the ground throughout the morning.
Next, we crossed the river on the seemingly overly sturdy metal bridge. However, it used to be the route out for gravel when the pits were active. We scanned the river but only found a few Robins and tits. On the other side the track passes through a dense scrub of berry bushes. In some years these have been full of winter thrushes but this year we only saw one thrush type bird. It flew rapidly away from a bush of rose hips. Through the next gate and we were into an area absolutely covered in teasels. It looked picturesque but there wasn’t a single goldfinch or much else to be seen until a Snipe shot out of the dense vegetation, calling as it went. Cutting down a rather muddy path to the Sailing Club Lake we found a few Gadwall with some Tufted Ducks and a Common Gull. The area is apparently Ramsar listed for Gadwall. From this point we retraced our steps, and all was going well until half way along the last lake when there was a loud scream and a commotion. Someone had caught their foot in a bramble and fallen into the lake. Luckily help was on hand from his wife and a new member who hauled him out of the freezing water. He was wet from head to toe but otherwise apparently unhurt so we stopped bird watching and made a quick return to our cars so that he could dry out! It was a timely reminder about taking care on walks, especially if birding alone.
28 species: Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Red Kite, Kingfisher, Ring-necked Parakeet, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Cetti’s Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock.