Want to learn more about local birds and how to take part in bird surveys?
The SDBWS carries out summer and winter bird surveys at 5 Elmbridge Commons sites including the Esher Common SSSI and Molesey Heath and at Home Park including the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. Joining a bird survey team is a great way to learn more about our local birds as well as contributing to knowledge about bird populations. If you are able to identify common birds and would like to learn how to take part in surveys, with training provided by experienced members of a survey team, please contact Thelma Caine for more details – email thelmacaine512@btinternet.com.
Take a look at our Facebook page Surbiton Bird Watchers to see some of the wonderful pictures of birds taken by members on our regular outings. Join us at www.facebook.com/groups/surbbirds/ and share your pictures too. You’ll also find notice of our outings, meetings and other events as well. If you see any bird you can’t name then take a pic, post it and our experts are sure to identify it.
Island Barn Reservoir
Island Barn Reservoir in West Molesey is one of the best bird watching sites in the area. The Surbiton & District Birdwatching Society has an affiliation with the Island Barn Sailing Club as Associate Members. This enables a limited number of members of the SDBWS to access the reservoir for birdwatching. We have an Island Barn Members Group through which access is arranged. The Members Group pays a subscription to the Sailing Club, currently £150 per annum, with the fee shared among the group members. If you are interested in joining the group, please request a membership form from alicesdbws@martinhwatson.co.uk
Newsletters by email
The Newsletter is now available by email a few days before the meeting. It is recommended that this option is taken as it provides colour and saves the Society money.
Records sub-committee – a plea to all members
A recent study of SDBWS records has shown that several sites in the Society’s recording area, which over the years have produced worthwhile sightings, no longer appear to be visited regularly by Society members. Below is a list of species you might expect to see during a birding year at three adjoining sites close to Epsom.
| Site + Grid Ref | Target Birds |
|
Epsom Common TQ 190 650 |
Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Pheasant, Woodcock, Stock Dove, Cuckoo, Tawny Owl, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, FieIdfare, Redwing, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Siskin, Linnet, Redpoll, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer |
|
Rushett Farm TQ 173 608 |
Kestrel, Hobby, Pheasant, Lapwing, Stock Dove, Skylark, Swallow, Fieldfare, Redwing Chaffinch, Brambling, Linnet, Redpoll, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting |
|
Stew Ponds TQ 183 609 |
Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Canada Goose, Mandarin Duck, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Water Rail, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Reed Bunting |
As the table shows, you don’t have to travel far to see good birds! Other worthwhile sites not covered on a regular basis are:
|
Richmond Park (southern section) TO 198 717 |
Hampton Filter Beds TO 130 693 |
| Barwell Court and Winey Hill TQ 169 630 |
Prince’s Coverts TQ 160 610 |
|
Fieldcommon (TQ 127 665) and its associated sites |
If you live close to any of these ‘forgotten’ sites, please think about visiting them, the more frequent the better, and submit your records.