An update of recent sightings in the area, a little late owing to festive laziness.... Merry Christmas and a happy new year year to all, and expect a bigger and better 'Stoke Newington Birds' early in 2008.
13th December
Walthamstow Marshes: Little Egret (briefly down in bombcrater field, then west), Little Owl, 23 Meadow Pipits, 7 Linnets, 5 Siskins, 2 Stonechats, 2 Sparrowhawks
17th December
Walthamstow Marshes: 5 Lapwings (2 down in bombcrater field), 1 Little Owl, 1 Stonechat, 19 Fieldfares, 7 Redwings, 2 Linnets, 3 Meadow pipits, 8 Stock Doves
Hackney Marshes (River Lea)/ Middlesex Filter Beds NR: Redshank (appeared to put down at Waterworks NR), 12 Siskins, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Redwings, 14 Gadwall over, 5 Teal
21st December
Walthamstow Marshes: 3 Goldeneye NNW (m & 2f), 10 Gadwall N, 2 Teal N, 4 Stonechats, 1 Chiffchaff, 25+ Meadow pipits, 3 Siskins, 5 Linnets, 7 Fieldfares
Abney Park Cemetery: Tawny Owl (mobbed, but sleeping)
At the reservoirs, at least one Water Rail is present, and yesterday (23rd) Tony recorded several Wigeon and an adult female Red-crested Pochard; otherwise, but for common and expected species, it's very quiet locally.