Stoke Newington Reservoirs 0730-1130hrs MJP
o/c, showers, brighter spells. light S, gusting mod.
Rook - 2 east
Jackdaw - 8 west
Lesser Redpoll - 3 west
Meadow Pipit - 13 mainly sw
Siskin - 1
Barn Swallow - 11 sw
Sand Martin - 3 s
House Martin - 2 s
Chiffchaff - 2
Blackcap - 1
Sparrowhawk - 3-4
Wigeon - 1
Carrion Crow - 40+
Greenfinch - 50+
a good morning for visible migration, especially corvids - two Rooks flying west are the first of the year of this locally very rare bird, with eight Jackdaws soon after and good numbers of Carrion Crows. Other migrants evident, with hirundines and finches both moving.
The day was however overshadowed by the discovery of dead and dying swans, of the same family group on the New River west. The birds were victims of human cruelty and if anyone has any information, please leave a message here. Warm thanks to Clare, the fantastic RSPCA Inspector.