Stoke Newington Birds

Stoke Newington Birds has moved......

2011-02-25T15:52:00.002Z

..... and the complete guide to the birds of Stoke Newington Reservoirs can now be found at the dedicated website snrbirds.org.uk

We've moved!

2008-03-14T19:53:00.000Z

Stoke Newington Birds is now integrated into the bigger, better and more comprehensive Hackney Wildlife - www.hackneywildlife.org.uk .

Thanks to all visitors and thanks for your comments over the past couple of years. In time, a full photgraphic and seasonal / annual archive will be built up, again incorporated into our new home.

HWG are seeking your input to make the latest news section as comprehensive, up-to-the-minute and borough-wide as possible. Please send us your sightings, photographs, drawings etc., and we'll publish as much as we can. Sightings and photos will recieve credits and will be passed on to the relevant recording organisations.

email us at info@hackneywildlife.org.uk

5th March 2008

2008-03-05T22:50:00.000Z

Stoke Newington West Reservoir MJP, PR
sunny, brisk NW.

Very little to report except the usual suspects, although the pair of breeding Grey Wagtails are showing especially well on the boardwalk in front of the cafe, and loafing gull numbers are still high, with c200 Black-headed, c40 Common, 8 Lesser Black-backs and a 7 Herrings.

4th March 2008

2008-03-04T16:29:00.000Z

Back after a long weekend of musical activities in Herfordshire and Wales, which provided brief opportunities to enjoy the local countryside and its birds - the highlights being a particularly strong showing of Red Kites along a stretch of the M40 near Oxford, where at least 50 birds performed close by in the sunshine, along with numerous Common Buzzards en route; large numbers of winter thrushes (with flocks of several hundred birds) along the Welsh / English border; a couple of hours in the Forest of Dean, with various locally common species (Nuthatches, Bullfinches, Treecreepers etc.); and a drive home through the night brightened up by several Barn Owls.

two sites today:

Walthamstow Marshes 1100-1250 MJP, JA
mainly bright with sunny intervals, cold. blustery N.

Little Owl - 1
Jackdaw - 1W
Fieldfare - c60
Redwing - c30
Meadow Pipit - 6
Siskin - 1 over

A distinctly wintery feel on the marshes today, with the hope of the first spring migrant (e.g. an early Sand Martin or Wheatear) seemingly remaining a vain one; with cool weather and northerly winds forecast for the next few days, it may be a while yet before such heart-lifters make it into the local area, but the anticipation grows....

Abney Park Cemetery

nothing of note, but the common spp. continue their spring-influenced activities, with Great Spotted Woodpeckers being especially hard to avoid.

Nothing of note elsewhere in the local area either, with the usual suspects at the Reservoirs (common wildfowl, Reed Buntings, Grey Wagtails, good numbers of the commoner gull spp.) and Clissold Park (Shovelers and Pochards on the lake, a few Redwings and the now omnipresent Rose-ringed Parakeets in the trees).

29th February 2008

2008-02-29T17:09:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1050-1240 MJP
o/c, dull, coll. blustery W.

Fieldfare - c45
Redwing - c35
Meadow Pipit - c12

Abney Park Cemetery 1300-1450 MJP

little to report, but three pair of Stock Doves paired up and various common species nest-building / hole prospecting.

28th February 2008

2008-02-29T16:21:00.001Z

BTO Atlas recording throughout Stoke Newington today, completing the late winter visit. Nothing out of the ordinary, but all the regular sites covered, and an opportunity to visit several smaller, less obvious sites.

(from the top: Canada Geese at the West Reservoir; Reed Bunting along the New River path East Reservoir; Shovelers in Clissold Park; male House Sparrows, Moorhen and Rose-ringed Parakeet in Clissold Park; Dunnock, Robin and Stock Dove in Abney Park Cemetery.)

25th & 26th February 2008

2008-02-26T17:32:00.000Z

26th Feb - Walthamstow Marshes 1045-1230 MJP, JA
bright, mainly sunny; brisk WSW.

Jack Snipe - 1
Common Snipe - 27
Fieldfare - 52
Redwing - 3
Linnet - pair
Stock Dove - 7
Stonechat - 1 female
Reed Bunting - 2
Meadow Pipit - 16

(Fieldfares in the Horse Field. Numbers are down slightly from last last week, but are still high.)

An excellent late winter / early spring day on the marshes, mainly thanks to the Bombcrater Field. Lacking the cattle which are often employed to graze this fenced-off, marshy field, in recent months I've occasionally walked within its boundaries to count numbers of Common Snipe, which from this season's experience are apparently omnipresent during the winter months in this area. From the field's perimeter, none can be seen, and it's hard to imagine such a small, disturbed, urban site attracting such numbers.

Limiting my own contribution to disturbing the field to once every few weeks in the winter (and never in the summer, when ideally the gates and open-plan fencing around the field would be sealed off), between 2 and 20 Common Snipe have been present, with high single figures being the norm. Today's surprisingly high count of 27 is possibly the result of a combination of last night's heavy storms, and the time of year (when birds are en route between wintering and breeding grounds). To flush a single Jack Snipe from the same field, near the ponds - an area first for me, after several years hoping for one - was an unexpected bonus.

(It's worth pointing out that, while the field isn't private, too much disturbance of course isn't a good thing for the wildlife there. Today will probably be my last walk through the field for several months, and views of most species can be obtained from the perimeter fence. Indeed, of the range of species which might be expected as 'specialities' of the field - including Stonechat, Whinchat, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail and Reed Bunting - almost all my better views have come from the open, public land surrounding it on all sides.)

Abney Park Cemetery 1300-1450 MJP

little to report except for the common breeding species, although two pairs of Stock Doves were present at suitable nest-holes.

(from the top - Woodpigeon, Song Thrush, Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker)

25th Feb - Stoke Newington Reservoirs MJP
a brief visit from the north-east corner of the ER.

Great Black-backed Gull - 1 ad.
Blackcap - 1 singing
Jackdaw - 3 over
Grey Wagtail - 2

Dungeness, Kent - 24th February 2008

2008-02-26T16:43:00.002Z

A fine Sunday out of the city and onto the coast with Paul C, with bright, often sunny skies and a brisk westerly wind.

Highlights on or over the sea included a Black-throated Diver, double figures of Red-throated Divers, several hundred auks moving east (the majority of those positively IDed being Guillemots, but Razorbill also recorded), c250 dark-bellied Brent Geese moving east often close in, plenty of Gannets, Great Crested Grebes, Kittiwakes and the commoner gulls, and small numbers of Eider, Common Scoter and Goldeneye at sea.

On the land (and freshwater), highlights included a very smart adult winter Slavonian Grebe, about a dozen pristeen Smew giving great views on the RSPB reserve (including at least four drakes), six Goosander and c35 Goldeneye amongst the impressive numbers of the commoner ducks (especially Wigeon and Shoveler), the Peregrines kindly indulging in pair-bonding directly overhead, four singing Cetti's Warblers and a single singing Chiffy, a cream-crown Marsh Harrier and a very tolerant female Merlin.

(from the top: ad. winter Guillemot with abnormally-shaped bill, a group of Smew, a male Goldeneye feeling the effects of a warm spring day, a female Marsh Harrier panicking a Lapwing flock, female Goosander with male Smew, adult Kittiwake, and Slavonian Grebe)

22nd & 23rd February 2008

2008-02-26T16:38:00.000Z

22nd Feb - Walthamstow Marshes 1000-1130 MJP

Meadow Pipit - 22
Common Snipe - 2
Greylag - c20

gorse in bloom, Walthamstow Marshes

23rd Feb - Abney Park Cemetery

Siskin - 2 feeding in treetops near Church St. entrance

19th February 2008

2008-02-19T17:02:00.001Z

Clapton Common 1400-1430 MJP

Mediterranean Gull - 1 ad.

15th & 17th February 2008

2008-02-18T03:36:00.001Z

17th February: Abney Park Cemetery
sunny, clear.

Blackcap - male in song

15th February: Walthamstow Marshes

Fieldfare - 89
Redwing - 42
Little Grebe - 2
Meadow Pipit - 12
Grey Wagtail - 3

Colt's-foot, Walthamstow Marshes

Adult Grey Heron, Lea Navigation

15th February: Stoke Newington Reservoirs

Red-crested Pochard - pair (long stayers)
Grey Wagtail - 3
Reed Bunting - 2
Kingfisher - 1

12th February 2008

2008-02-12T17:10:00.000Z

two local sites covered today, on a clear, sunny, mild and spring-like day (after the fog had cleared):

Hackney Marshes 1100-1300 MJP
Fog clearing, then bright and sunny. little wind.

Teal - 66
Gadwall - 19
Brambling - 2
Green Sandpiper - 1
Siskin - 2
Kingfisher - 2
Fieldfare - 10
Redwing - 5
Kestrel - 1
Sparrowhawk - 1
Grey Wagtail - 1
Green Woodpecker - 2
GS Woodpecker - 2

Abney Park Cemetery 1330-1500 MJP
mild, sunny.

Blackcap - 1 male, in song
Coal Tit - 1 male, in song

Entertaining birding at both sites. I rarely get the chance to cover the whole of Hackney Marshes, but with the time to do so today and the weather being so beautiful, I walked the length of the river from bridge to bridge, and the variety and quality of late winter/early spring species were a pleasure.

Highlights included: the wintering Teal along the river, which offer great views as they tolerate disturbance on all sides, and feed / loaf happily just a few metres from the path; two Kingfishers; a Green Sandpiper on the mud towards the southern end; winter thrushes feeding along the edge of the wood, on the playing fields; and winter finches, in the form of two Bramblings, feeding with Chaffinches, and two Siskins in the treetops.

In Abney, a male Blackcap sang from the northern perimeter, showing well, and a hundred metres or so south, a Coal Tit sang from the conifers behind the chapel. It's the first time this year we've come across either species, and the spring-like day was enhanced by the songs of both.

11th February 2008

2008-02-11T16:53:00.000Z

Clissold Park 1300-1400 MJP
sunny, mild.

Shoveler - 14
Pochard - 15
RR Parakeet - 3
Little Grebe - 2

Local update, February 2008

2008-02-10T14:22:00.000Z

Aside from expected seasonal occurences locally (Redwings in Clissold Park, Reed Buntings and Water Rail at the Reservoirs, etc.), the late winter continues to be fairly quiet in the local area.

The pair of Red-crested Pochards continue their stay at the East Reservoir (with as many as 32 free-flying birds currently present in Regent's Park), where a Lesser Redpoll and a Yellow-legged Gull were also reported on the 8th (TB).

Clissold Park still has a female Brambling with a small Chaffinch flock, last seen on the 8th in St. Mary's Old Church Yard (at the south-east corner of the park), where Goldcrests are omnipresent and in song at one of several traditional breeding sites in the area. They are also ubiquitous in Abney Park Cemetery, where the first Peacock butterfly of the year was present on the 8th.

A Mediterranean Gull has been seen regularly over the last few months with Black-headed Gulls at Clapton Common, often present in pre-roost gatherings (PR). A rare bird in the area, this is only the second record in recent years.

8th february 2008

2008-02-08T22:07:00.002Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1100-1230hrs MJP
sunny, mild. light/ mod W.

Redshank - 1
Stonechat - pair
Snipe - 4+
Meadow Pipit - 12

Abney Park Cemetery 1300-1500hrs MJP
cond. as above

Peacock butterfly - 1 (first of the year in the area)
Goldcrest - 4
Stock Dove - 2

6th February 2008

2008-02-08T22:07:00.001Z

Clissold Park 1330-1500 MJP
mild, o/c. mod sw.

Brambling - 1f (with 5 Chaffinches, St. Mary's Old Churchyard)
RR Parakeet - 4
Goldcrest - 4
Shoveler - 16
Pochard - 14
Redwing - 2 (deer enclosure)
Little Grebe - 2

Also this morning:
Camley Street LWT: Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrests, Kingfisher.

January 2008 update

2008-01-31T12:54:00.000Z

Having been away for much of January, I've done little watching locally, but (as is to be expected at this time of year) there's been very little to report.

The Reservoirs have been quiet but for the adult Great Black-backed Gull (present since December 2007), an odd Green Sandpiper and a pair of Red Crested Pochards last week. (The latter are regular in autumn, but unpredictable at other times of year).

Clissold Park has held a Brambling, feeding with a small Chaffinch flock, in the deer enclosure for the last week or so. Although a regular occurence in the area, especially in the late autumn and early winter, very few tend to hang around.

Coverage of all local sites will increase, and a more concerted effort from myself and other local observers will hopefully produce a more accurate winter picture.

Mark

New England, U.S. - January 2008 (8)

2008-01-30T02:24:00.000Z

Quabbin Reservoir, Western Mass.

Less than 20km north-west of Warren (the idyllic rural village where we were based for much of the trip) lies the Quabbin Reservoir, a huge, man-made waterbody providing water supplies for much of Mass., including Boston. After an overnight storm left a good 30cm of snow on the ground, we drove to the nearest entrance of the reservoir the following day, by the old police atation at the Quabbin's South-west tip.

The temperature and wind chill dictated a brief visit, but it couldn't have been scripted any better. Within a minute or so of getting out of the car, we were looking at a ridiculously accomadating adult Bald Eagle perched in a tree overlooking the frozen water's edge... The species is something of a local speciality, and although the chances were slim at best, I was hoping to catch up with one. Having an adult at such close quarters was a treat indeed.

Even with serendipity guiding the trip, the next events were far from expected. Being aware that this year was a Grosbeak Year in New England (ie, a rare winter when this beautiful sub-arctic species ventures further south than usual and 'invades' the northern fringes of the U.S.), it was one of the few species I was very much hoping to come across; but the nomadic nature of Grosbeak flocks dictates that luck and timing are everything, and it was with heavy doses of both that I looked up and temporarily away from the Eagle to find a flock dropping into a fruiting tree immediately in front of us.

For the best part of 15 minutes they devoured the fruit, almost oblivious to my presence only a couple of metres away; and after spoiling us with perfect views, they were off, high over the reservoir to the north.

Pine Grosbeaks, Western Mass.

New England, U.S. - January 2008 (7)

2008-01-30T02:17:00.000Z

Rhode Island - 3

Less than 100 metres from our accomadation in North Kingston (15 miles or so suth of Providence), this large, mainly frozen pond produced another highlight of the trip - a family of wonderfully tame Otters.

New England, U.S. - January 2008 (6)

2008-01-30T01:57:00.000Z

Rhode Island - 2

We spent a couple of days on the southern coast of Rhode Island, and despite the sub-zero temperatures, we struck lucky with quantity and quality.

male King Eider in breeding plumage, Point Judith. After methodically sifting through the thousands of Common Eiders off the point with no luck, we checked the bay just around the corner, to the south of the lighthouse - and there amongst a few Long-tailed Ducks, RB Mergansers, GN Divers and Common Seals, this bird stole the show.

Belted Kingfisher, Ningret Reserve

Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Chafee Reserve, near Point Judith. Acting like a Lanceolated Warbler, this wholly unexpected and beautiful little bird ran through the grass, hid under ice overhangs in the drainage channels in the saltmarsh, and generally did its best to elude us until we finally got conclusive views. As far as we can tell from field guides, it was several hundred miles out of range..... perhaps the best find of the trip.

New England, U.S. - January 2008 (5)

2008-01-30T01:41:00.000Z

Rhode Island - 1

We spent a couple of very enjoyable days on the southern coast of Rhode Island, and despite the sub-zero temperatures, we struck lucky with quantity and quality.

Glaucous Gull, Galilee

Hooded Mergansers, Ninigret Reserve

male Bufflehead, Ninigret Reserve

Double-crested Cormorant, Galilee

New England, U.S - January 2008 (4)

2008-01-30T01:34:00.000Z

Garden Birds - 4

A selection of common species in the garden and surrounding area in rural Western Mass., New England.

American Robins

White-throated Sparrows

New England, U.S. - January 2008 (3)

2008-01-30T01:28:00.000Z

Garden Birds - 3

A selection of common species in the garden and surrounding area in rural Western Mass., New England.

Tufted Titmice

White-breasted Nuthatch

Common Redpolls

New England, U.S. - January 2008 (2)

2008-01-30T01:22:00.000Z

Garden Birds - 2

A selection of common species in the garden and surrounding area in rural Western Mass., New England.

Dark-eyed Juncos (of the Slate-colored race)

Blue Jays

New England, U.S. - January 2008 (1)

2008-01-30T00:51:00.000Z

Garden Birds - 1

A selection of common species in the garden and surrounding area in rural Western Mass., New England.

male House Finches

Black-capped Chickadees

Downy Woodpecker

American Goldfinch

male Cardinal

AWOL for the rest of January!

2008-01-07T17:00:00.000Z

...on account of three weeks in New England, USA. We'll be spending time in Mass., Rhode Island, Cape Cod and New York, and we'll be stealing as many hours as possible to get out and do some birding. All being well (and if we see anything...!) I'll be posting photos and notes while we're away.

7th January 2008

2008-01-07T16:54:00.000Z

two sites:

Walthamstow Marshes 1030-1230 MJP
o/c, cold. blustery W.

Snipe - 23
Stonechat - 3
Little Egret - 1 (NW)
Fieldfare - 37
Redwing - 15
Meadow Pipit - 20
Linnet - 2

(from the top: Fieldfares, female Stonechat, and mixed thrush flock - all from the marshes)

Abney Park Cemetery 1300-1450 MJP

Goldcrest - 4
Stock Dove - 5
Long-tailed Tit - c15

3rd January 2008 (1)

2008-01-04T11:58:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1030-1200 MJP
o/c, cold. mod E.

Stonechat - 2
Meadow Pipit - 22
Redwing - 8
Fieldfare - 12
Linnet - 2

2nd January 2008

2008-01-02T15:02:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1030-1230 MJP
cold, o/c. mod NNW.

Stonechat - 2 (pr)
Meadow Pipit - 15
Lesser Redpoll - 2
House Sparrow - 23
Teal - c25 over (inc. partial albino)
Gadwall - 12 over

Above: Meadow Pipit, today. Below: Cormorant wrestling (and eventually losing) with prey on the canal by the marshes, 21st December. Any ideas on the fish sp.?

above: Lapwing (one of 5) from the marshes on 17th Dec.

above: Stonechat, from Flamborough, christmas eve.

Filey Dams LNR, 27th December 2007

2007-12-30T20:17:00.000Z

In addition to the posting below, we took a couple of hours out a few miles NW of Flamborough to visit Filey Dams LNR, a nice little wetland reserve on the edge of the town.

Nothing unusual to report, but a few Common Snipe, eight Gadwall, a Shelduck, over a hundred Teal, ubiquitous Tree Sparrows and a couple of good photo opportunities:

Flamborough Head, 24th - 27th December 2007

2007-12-28T21:45:00.000Z

Back home for Christmas, and a few early morning walks on the Head. Not much around of any note, but for the healthy passerine flocks feeding on the newly-landscaped, superb Northcliffe Marsh (to the top of the class, Mr. Baines....); at least 30 Snow Buntings and three Lapland Buntings were the distinctly seasonal highlight.

(all photos from South Landing beach)

The Naze, 20th December 2007

2007-12-28T21:23:00.000Z

A whirlwind trip out to Essex for a night, and then a full day's walking out on the Naze under clear blue skies and watery winter sunshine. Without another soul around, we walked around the scrub and reserve area, before setting off along the beach, with the saltmarsh on one side and the shingle, mud and sand on the other, to Stone Point.

Always a pleasure, especially under such perfect midwinter conditions, and the tide was on our side for getting close to the various wader, wildfowl and gull species (as well as resting Grey Seals). Waders were especially numerous, with good numbers of all the regular wintering species, including Grey Plovers, Dunlins, Sanderlings, Bar-tailed Godwits, Curlews, Ringed Plovers, Lapwings, Golden Plovers, Turnstones, Redshanks, Oystercatchers and Knot; Wildfowl were also well represented, with the always entertaining Brents in their thousands being the pick.

Other highlights included at least nine Little Egrets, four Med Gulls, and four Corn Buntings with the finch flocks on the set-aside - the first time I've come across the latter species at the Naze.

13th - 24th December (update)

2007-12-24T10:19:00.000Z

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.

12th December 2007

2007-12-12T14:04:00.002Z

Walthamstow Marshes 0930-1215 MJP
sunny, clear, frost thawing. light variable wind.

one of seven Meadow Pipits this morning, most of which were preening in treetops.

Two of at least 29 siskins this morning, a very high count for the site. Many of the finches were feeding in mixed groups in the trees and bushes along the western edge of the sewage works, just south of the car-park. The siskins kept mainly to themselves (but for a few errant Goldfinches), gave excellent views and remained faithful to the row of trees by the footpath. The Bramblings, meanwhile, were feeding with Chaffinches just a few metres south of the car-park.

It's been an especially good autumn for Siskins in the area, with small numbers pretty much guaranteed during each visible migration watch, some birds dropping in to feed; movements have continued throughout Nov and Dec, and the species has been regularly present at the Reservoirs, as well as occuring with more regularity in Abney Park and Clissold Park. Middlesex Filter Beds has held between 2 and sixteen on each visit during the last few weeks, and today's relative bonanza at the marshes continues the pattern.

Little Owl - 1
Siskin - 29+
Brambling - 2+
Chaffinch - 25
Goldfinch - 35
Greenfinch - 15
Stonechat - pair
Meadow Pipit - 7
Redwing - 11
Fieldfare - 2
Water Rail - 1

Recent Photographs 3: mid-November - mid-December 2007

2007-12-10T16:21:00.000Z

More photos taken during the autumn at local patches, the following coming from mid-November to mid-December.

male Shoveler, Clissold Park, 14th November

Grey Wagtail, Hackney Marshes (River Lea), 15th November

male Teal, Hackney Marshes (River Lea), 29th November

male Stonechat, Walthamstow Marshes, 5th December

Recent Photographs 2: mid-October - mid-November 2007

2007-12-07T17:52:00.000Z

18th October 2007

Walthamstow Marshes

26th October 2007

Long-tailed Tits, Stoke Newington reservoirs

Rose-ringed Parakeets, Clissold Park. Up to seven were regularly seen in the park during the autumn, the first sign of colonisation in the borough.

Recent Photographs 1: late September to mid October 2007

2007-12-07T17:30:00.000Z

A selection of photos from local sites. (All are taken on the date and at the location specified).

26th September 2007

Black-headed Gull & Moorhen, Clissold Park

Adult Little Grebe, Clissold Park. The breeding pair successfully raised two broods this year.

30th September 2007

Comma in the garden, near Stoke Newington Common

10th October 2007

Cormorants, Clissold Park

11th October 2007

Lapwing, Stoke Newington Reservoirs - a scarce migrant in the area.

Male Stonechat, Walthamstow Marshes

1st - 7th December 2007 - update

2007-12-07T16:39:00.000Z

As for much of the last month, I've been visiting various local sites of late, for the sake of peace and variety; also as for much of the last month, there's been little to report locally (either from Stoke Newington sites or those in the lower Lea Valley described in the last post), but plenty of variety provided by the commoner winter species.

5th December

Walthamstow Marshes: 3 Stonechats (2m, 1f), 3 Skylarks, 5 Meadow Pipits, 1 Brambling with flock of c20 Chaffinches (small field immediately right of riding centre)

6th December

Walthamstow Marshes: 2 Stonechats, 3 Skylarks, 2 Reed Buntings, 10 Meadow Pipits, 4 Fieldfares, c20 Redwings, c20 Mistle Thrushes, c30 Goldfinches, c35 Chaffinches, 14 Teal & 9 Gadwall over

Middlesex Filter Beds NR: 2 Chiffchaffs

7th December

Abney Park Cemetery: 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrests, c20 LT Tits

28th - 30th November 2007

2007-11-30T15:02:00.000Z

selected highlights from the last three days:

28th Nov:

Abney Park Cemetery: 4 Redwings, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Stock Doves
Middlesex Filter Beds NR: 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Goldcrests & c30 Long-tailed Tits, also 5 Siskins
Hackney Marshes (River Lea): f Peregrine & c85 Fieldfare over, 25 Teal, 8 Gadwall & 2 Little Grebes on the river, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Siskins

29th Nov:

Middlesex Filter Beds: 16 Siskins, 1 Chiffchaff
Hackney Marshes (River Lea): pair Bullfinch, 3 Siskins, 3 Redwings, 26 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 1 Kingfisher
Stoke Newington Reservoirs: Chiffchaff, Water Rail, 12 Common Gulls, 9 Herring Gulls, c150 BH Gulls, c25 Gadwall, 37 Pochard, 7 Shoveler

30th Nov:

Abney Park Cemetery: 3 Redwings, 2 Goldcrests, c20 long-tailed Tits, f Sparrowhawk

And so November grinds to an overcast, dull halt. For the last couple of weeks I've been visiting several other local sites just for the sake of variety, and it's been well worth it. Middlesex Filter Beds NR, and the River Lea at Hackney Marshes, are two attractive sites just south of the Lea Bridge Road, and just east of the Lea navigation canal. Both are well hidden, are unfortunately rarely covered by local birders, and along with Waterworks NR (which lies just beyond the river to the east) and Walthamstow Marshes NR (just to the north) represent an patchwork oasis amidst the industrial and urban sprawl of the east end.

Back in Stoke Newington, the last couple of weeks have been fairly quiet, with little of note to report since the Cetti's on the 11th (perhaps the bird of the year for the reservoirs); there are, however, traditional late autumn migrants / winter visitors around, with finches and thrushes from the continent being well represented lately. Siskins are a pleasantly regular presence, Lesser Redpolls and Bramblings are regular at this time of year (albeit in small numbers), and a pair of Bullfinches at the reservoirs on the 26th were a just reward for dedicated, early morning visible migration watches. Redwings and Fieldfares continue to move through the area (with small numbers using the Cemetery, the park and the reservoirs for feeding).

Wildfowl numbers have risen at the reservoirs, with Pochard and Gadwall numbers embellished by recent arrivals. Chiffchaffs are also dotted around suitable habitats, always a pleasure to see in the dark days of winter. Wader records, however, remain almost non-existent; the high water levels at both reservoirs, and the lack of any interesting flyovers this autumn, leaves the present tally for the season at one Common Snipe and a couple of Lapwings.

(Once again, apologies for the lack of photographs on the site lately. technical problems have meant that all my shots from October and November remain un-uploaded still.... when the problem is resolved, I'll post a series of entries containing the highlights.)

15th - 27th November 2007

2007-11-28T14:22:00.000Z

A summary of records of the last ten days or so:

15th Nov

Middlesex Filter Beds: Chiffchaff, 1 Brambling, 4 Siskins (MJP)
Hackney Marshes (river Lea side): 16 Teal, 3 Grey Wagtail (MJP)
Clissold Park: 3 Goldcrests, 5 Pochard, 3 Little Grebes (MJP)

16th Nov

Clissold Park: 2 RR Parakeets, 2 Grey Wagtails, 6 Pochards, 3 Little Grebes (MJP)

26th Nov

Abney Park Cemetery: 5 Siskins, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Stock Doves (MJP)

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: East Res - 34 Redwing (WNW), 44 Fieldfare (WNW), 9 Siskin, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Bullfinch (SE) 109 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 21 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 129 BH Gull, 9 LBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull. west Res - 32 Pochard, 15 Gadwall, 19 Tufted Duck (LP)

27th Nov

Abney Park Cemetery: 4 Redwings, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Stock Doves (MJP)
Middlesex Filter Beds NR: mixed passerine flock included 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Goldcrests & c30 Long-tailed Tits, also 5 Siskins (MJP)
Hackney Marshes (River Lea): f Peregrine & c85 Fieldfare over, 25 Teal, 8 Gadwall & 2 Little Grebes on the river, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Siskins (MJP)

12th & 13th November 2007

2007-11-13T15:03:00.000Z

A walk in Clissold Park on each day:

12th:
5 RR Parakeets, 4 Pochard, 3 Little Grebes, c10 Mistle Thrushes, c 20 Goldfinches

13th:
3 RR Parakeets, 2 Redwings, 8 Pochards, 4 Shoveler, c15 Greenfinches, c20 Goldfinches, 4 Little grebes, c15 Mistle Thrushes

11th November 2007

2007-11-11T17:40:00.000Z

Stoke Newington Reservoirs 1320-1540 MJP
o/c, mild. light to mod NW.

Cetti's Warbler - 1
Siskin - 7
Chiffchaff - 2
Water Rail - 1
Common Gull - c25
LBB Gull - c30
BH Gull - c250
Herring Gull - 12
Gadwall - 29
Little Grebe - 5

An afternoon session on patch, and well worth it. After Laurence (Pitcher) heard and briefly saw what he strongly suspected to be a Cetti's Warbler on the north bank of the ER four days ago, Paul (Robinson) and I spent the afternoon (til dusk) staking out the spot in the hope of a vocal burst or glimpse, but with no luck; likewise the following morning, when Laurence and I tried brief luring with phrases of call and song via an MP3 player and speakers.

So it was a pleasant surprise (having temporarily forgotten about it) when the bird rattled out an unmistakable call, the first of three phrases within half an hour (between 1415 & 1445). A brief view was a bonus, albeit in flight and for no more than a couple of seconds, thanks to one of the resident foxes darting into the reeds where the bird was hidden. Evidently pretty mobile (the bird was present on the other side of the ER, 180 degrees from Laurence's initial suspected record), hopefully it'll stick around for a while.

A new species for the site and the area, and a nice bonus in these dark and tempestuous days.

8th November 2007

2007-11-08T15:05:00.000Z

three sites today:

Stoke Newington Reservoirs 0655-0900 MJP, LP, TB
o/c. mod NW.

Water Rail - 2
Fieldfare - 14
Redwing - 18
Meadow Pipit - 2
Sparrowhawk - 2
Reed Bunting - 2

Walthamstow Marshes 1050-1215 MJP
bright, some sun; mod NW.

Skylark - 2
Meadow Pipit - 8
Fieldfare - 9
Mistle Thrush - 22
Linnet - 4
Pied Wagtail - c30
Grey Wagtail - 3

Clissold Park 1300-1450
o/c, showers. mod, gusty NW.

Shoveler - 2
Pochard - 6
Little Grebe - 3

Another quiet day in the area, with visible migration very limited this week, and little else grounded to report.

7th November 2007

2007-11-07T17:08:00.000Z

four sites covered today:

Walthamstow Marshes 1000-1120 MJP

Fieldfare - 12
Redwing - 1
Mistle Thrush - c25
Meadow Pipit - 6
Brambling - 1
Linnet - 5

Abney Park Cemetery 1145-1215 MJP

Redwing - 2
Goldcrest - c7
Long-tailed Tit - c15

Clissold Park 1220-1310 MJP

Redwing - 3
Shoveler - 1
Pochard - 5
Goldcrest - c3
Little Grebe - 2

Stoke Newington reservoirs 1330-1540 MJP, PR

Kingfisher - 1
Gadwall - c30
Redwing - 2
Common Gull - 18+
BH Gull - c400

Laurence also had 8 Redwings, 4 Chaffinches, 1 Brambling, 2 Greenfinches, 11 Goldfinches, 10 Starlings, 1 Siskin (all WNW), 1 Chiffchaff, and 1 Water Rail at SNR this morning.

1st - 6th November 2007 (update)

2007-11-07T16:51:00.000Z

still ill, so I haven't been out anywhere near as much as I hoped at this time of year - unfortunately, standing in the wind at 6.30 in the morning isn't part of the medical advice insisted upon..... but, I've made it out every couple of days in some capacity, and there's been little of much note to report locally.

working backwards from the start of the week:

Walthamstow Marshes, 1st November:
12 Meadow Pipits, 1 Skylark, 4 Linnets, 1 Jackdaw

Clissold Park, 2nd November:
14 Mistle Thrushes, 4 Little Grebes, 3 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, Red Admiral

Clissold Park, 6th November: m Blackcap, 2 Goldcrests, 5 Pochards

There were 5 Wigeon & 3 Teal reported from SNR on the 6th.

31st October 2007

2007-10-31T11:23:00.000Z

Stoke Newington Reservoirs 0700-0850 MJP
o/c. light W.

visible migration

Woodpigeon - 533
Starling - 295
Goldfinch - 65+
Chaffinch - 38
Siskin - 12
redpoll - 1
Brambling - 1
Redwing - 49
Fieldfare - 18
Jackdaw - 3
Skylark - 3
Meadow Pipit - 2

also:

Water Rail - 1
Sparrowhawk - 2
Goldcrest - c12
Common Gull - 4

Walthamstow Marshes 0930-1100 MJP
sunny, mild. light W.

Skylark - 14
Meadow Pipit - 10
Linnet - 4
Fieldfare - 3
Redwing - c20
Woodpigeon - c80

An entertaining morning's skywatching at the Reservoirs, with good numbers of late autumn migrants moving; Woodpigeons, Starlings, Chaffinches and Goldfinches were especially numerous, with a noticeably strong movement of the latter species. Siskins made it into double figures, a rare event on patch, and three Skylarks were, at last, the first of the autumn.

Goldcrests were liberally scattered, and the Water Rail remains faithful to the southern fringe of the East Res.

26th October 2007

2007-10-27T20:28:00.000Z

SN Reservoirs 0730-0930 MJP
Dull, mild, o/c. light NE.

Water Rail - 1
Kingfisher - 1 (new river west)
Redwing - 22 (mainly NW)
Fieldfare - 5 (E)
redpoll - 2 (E)
Chaffinch - 7 (NW)
Song Thrush - 8
Long-tailed Tit - 20
Common Gull - 5

Clissold Park

RR Parakeet - 7 (highest count yet... )
Coal Tit - 1
Goldcrest - 3
Redwing - 31
Mistle Thrush - 9
Jackdaw - 1
Common Gull - 3
Goldfinch - 10

Waterworks NR

Water Rail - 1
Fieldfare - c10
Redwing - c25
Teal - 1 female
Chiffchaff - 3

24th October 2007

2007-10-24T09:26:00.000Z

SN Reservoirs 0730-0930 MJP, PR
o/c, dull, mild, light NE.

Siskin - 2
Common Snipe - 1
Redwing - 33
Woodpigeon - 64
Meadow Pipit - 1
Jackdaw - 1
Common Gull - 2
Chaffinch - 11
Goldfinch - 7
Song Thrush - 8
Fieldfare - 2
Gadwall - 51

A quiet morning's skywatching, despite conditions being pretty much perfect. Today's highlight was a Common Snipe, flushed from the New River path, which is the first of the autumn.

22nd October 2007

2007-10-23T15:04:00.000Z

Clissold Park 1200-1300 MJP

Siskin - 2 (with Goldfinches, deer enclosure)
RR Parakeet - 1
Shoveler - 10

haven't been out very often this week due to lingering illness, but according to the other dedicated locals, there hasn't been much to miss..... although Tony and Laurence had a productive morning's visible migration on the 19th, with:

5 Siskin (NW), 40 Jackdaw (W), c60 Chaffinch (NW), c60 Redwing (NW), 44 Fieldfare (NW), c200 Woodpigeon (W), 7 RN Parakeet, 3 Reed Bunting.

18th October 2007

2007-10-23T14:51:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1100-1245 MJP
sunny, little cloud. light NW.

Bullfinch - 1 male (brit-type, northern scrub)
Skylark - 9 (5 down, 4 N)
Rook - 1W, with
Jackdaw - 3
Stonechat - 2
Fieldfare - 52
Redwing - 4
Meadow Pipit - 16
Brambling - 1 (with finch flock n horse field)
Alba Wagtails - 46 (horse field)
Linnet - 17
Goldfinch - 12
Chaffinch - 15

A good day on the marshes, although due to illness, I probably missed most of the birds present..... the male Bullfinch was particularly good, as was the first Rook in the area this autumn, and good numbers of Fieldfares, finches, pipits and wagtails.

17th October 2007

2007-10-17T13:33:00.000Z

two sites today:

SN Reservoirs 0730-0930 MJP, LP, PR
cold, cloud clearing (then clear and sunny) after heavy rain previously. mod N.

visible mgration:

House Martin - 1 (W)
Siskin - 2+ (W)
Lesser Redpoll - 1 (E)
(probable Mealy) Redpoll - 1 (E)
Chaffinch - 13 (mainly W)
Redwing - 2
Mistle Thrush - 10
Reed Bunting - 2 (in from E)
Greenfinch - 7
Common Gull - 1

also 1 Chiffchaff

Harder work and noticeably colder than of late, but still a respectable array of species moving (if in very small numbers).

Walthamstow Marshes 1100-1250 MJP

Meadow Pipit - 7
Linnet - 3

16th October 2007

2007-10-16T13:39:00.002Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1050-1250
dull, mild, o/c. light/mod NW.

Fieldfare - 3 (first of year)
Swallow - 2 (south)
Meadow Pipit - 5
Redwing - 10
Jackdaw - 2

Clissold Park 1315-1450 MJP

Shoveler - 7
Pochard - 5
Little Grebe - 4

first day out in the field after a few days illness, and all the better for it; a mild, pungent autumnal day at both localities.

12th October 2007

2007-10-16T13:39:00.001Z

Clissold Park

Rose-ringed Parakeet - 1
Pochard - 5

11th October 2007

2007-10-16T13:37:00.000Z

SN Reservoirs 0710-0950 MJP, TB
mild, bright (after cloudy night).

visible migration:

Lapwing - 1
Redwing - 69
Chaffinch - 59
Meadow Pipit - 17
Lesser Redpoll - 5
Siskin - 4
Linnet - 2
Brambling - 1 (S)
Jackdaw - 2 (E)
Reed Bunting - 4 (2E, 2 down)
Alba Wag - 15
Grey Wag - 3
Goldfinch - 8
Song Thrush - 16

also 3 Chiffchaffs (two singing), & 3 Goldcrests

a relatively entertaining morning of overhead passage, and despite no particularly large numbers, a varied selection of species involved. The Lapwing, which hung around for 15 mins or so, was the first for a while, and the variety (and nice views) of finches dropping in and going over was again pleasing.

Walthamstow Marshes: 1100-1250

Stonechat - 5
Skylark - 2
Meadow Pipit - 17
Reed Bunting - 5
Linnet - 7

10th October 2007

2007-10-10T14:02:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1100-1300 MJP
misty, o/c, sunny breaks. light/mod NE.

Little Owl - 1
White Wagtail - 1
Stonechat - 2(m & f)
Skylark - 2
Meadow Pipit - 21
Grey Wagtail - 3
Linnet - 7

Clissold Park 1350-1500 MJP

Jackdaw - 3 east
Little Grebe - 5
Goldcrest - 5
Pochard - 7

Abney Park Cemetery

Chiffchaff - 1
Coal Tit - 2

Back out after a long weekend with my band up north, which included a stopover (and a 'homecoming' show!) at my old manor, Flamborough; sadly not timed to coincide with the recent Brown Flycatcher (found by an still justifiably ecstatic friend of mine, who celebrated in style at the show - stand up RB), but managed to steal a couple of hours in the field and relocate a Blyth's Reed Warbler in the bay, and a cracking male Red Backed Shrike at Thornwick.

Still minus internet after moving house this week, but recent photos will appear on this page within the next few days.

4th October 2007

2007-10-04T11:34:00.000Z

two sites:

SN Reservoirs 0645-0915 MJP, LP
mild, mainly bright; patchy cloud early, then sunny. light W.

visible migration:

Rock Pipit - 1
Meadow Pipit - 35
Brambling - 8
Siskin - 13
Redpoll - 2
Chaffinch - 92
Greenfinch - 20
Goldfinch - 22
Grey Wagtail - 13
Yellow Wagtail - 1
alba Wagtail - 39
Song Thrush - 17
Mistle Thrush - 24
Redwing - 12
House Martin - 2
Swallow - 1
Reed Bunting - 5 (3 over, two down)

also:
Peregrine - 1 female
Reed Warbler - 1
Wigeon - 1
Kingfisher - 1
Chiffchaff - c6 (inc. a dull, greyish bird with wing bars).

Walthamstow Marshes 1000-1200 MJP
sunny, warm. light W.

Skylark - 2
Meadow Pipit - 16
Willow Warbler - 1 singing
House Martin - 2
Siskin - 3
Linnet - 5

An enjoyable and varied morning at the Reservoirs, where arriving in time for dawn (as is often the case at this particular time of year) brought rewarding results overhead. After a dull and cloudy start, the sun gradually broke through, and by 0730 the skies were mainly sunny; much of the flyover activity, again as is usually the case, was early on, the majority of birds moving between 0700 and 0800.

Particularly impressive were finches and wagtails, with record site counts this morning for Chaffinch, Siskin, alba and Grey Wagtail - the latter including two small groups, a surprising occurence. Flyover Bramblings, Siskins and redpolls were also all the first of the autumn. Pipits were also on the move, with the autumn's first Rockit and Mipits moving in small numbers. Thrushes were out in force, with many Blackbirds down in the scrub, and Redwings, Song & (especially) Mistle Thrushes moving and often dropping into cover.

Otherwise, late migrants included another Yellow Wagtail and a Reed Warbler, and single Peregrine, Kingfisher and Wigeon were all present.

3rd October 2007

2007-10-03T14:03:00.002Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1100-1230 MJP
mild, humid, o/c, bright. no wind.

Stonechat - 4
Siskin - 2
Linnet - 1
Swallow - 12
Meadow Pipit - 31
Grey Wagtail - 6
Chiffchaff - 6

also, 7 Red Admirals, 3 Meadow Browns, 1 Green-veined White

A surprisingly warm, bright and pleasant session on the marshes, with reasonable signs of migration and a nice array of butterflies so late in the season.

2nd October 2007

2007-10-03T14:03:00.001Z

Clissold Park 1300-1450 MJP
dull, drizzly.

Chiffchaff - 2
RR Parakeet - 1
Meadow Pipit - 3
Swallow - 2

28th September 2007

2007-09-28T08:12:00.000Z

SN Reservoirs 0630-0830 MJP, LP
o/c, cool, bright spells. mod NE.

Redwing - 68
Chaffinch - 72
Song Thrush - 23
Mistle Thrush - 12
Meadow Pipit - 3
Starling - c70
Swallow - 1
Sand Martin - 2
House Martin - 2
Chiffchaff - 4
Blackcap - 1
Wigeon - 5

A productive morning's skywatching (at last!), with conditions ideal and the classic common autumn migrants on the move, to varying degrees. Thrushes moved over in force, with Redwings dominating (after yesterday's first record of the autumn at the marshes), and Chaffinches were also numerous; almost all flyovers headed west and north west.

27th September 2007

2007-09-27T15:01:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1030-1200 MJP
mainly bright, o/c. blustery NE. cold.

Stonechat - 3 (ad male & 2 imm males, cow field)
Redwing - 8 west
White Wagtail - 1
Yellow Wagtail - 1
Grey Wagtail - 2
Pied Wagtail - 10
Stock Dove - 5
Meadow Pipit - 20
House Martin - 6
African Grey Parrot - 1
Sparrowhawk -3 (2 high and south-west)
Chaffinch - c15

A cold, autumnal and blustery day on the marshes, with the winds from the north-east and the temperature low. The weather system lends itself perfectly to continental drift migration, and the east coast is surely the place to be, with the winds veering easterly off the lower edge of a high pressure over Scandinavia - perfect conditions for finding quality birds on the coast. However, being trapped in London, you make the best of it, and today's haul showed more interesting movements than of late.

Three Stonechats in the cow field were fresh in, a fine selection of wagtails in the horse field included both White and Yellow, Meadow Pipits were dropping in while watching and at least 20 were present, both grounded and over, and the first Redwings of the year - eight west, calling - were a pleasure to hear again.

26th September 2007

2007-09-27T14:55:00.000Z

three sites covered today:

Walthamstow Marshes 1030-1200hrs MJP
blustery W, o/c, cold, mainly bright.

African Grey Parrot - 1 (perilously associating with the Kestrel family)
Meadow Pipit - 16
House Martin - c40
Clissold Park 1300-1450 MJP
Yellow Wagtail - 1 over
Meadow Pipit - 1 over
Shoveler - 1
Little Grebe - 5
plus new broods of Mallard & Moorhen.

Abney Park Cemetery
15 Long-tailed Tits & 2 Stock Doves

Geldeston Road
Tawny Owl calling from back gardens, early hours

24th September 2007

2007-09-24T12:51:00.000Z

SN Reservoirs 0630-0840 MJP, LP
initially windy (SW), dull & overcast. see below...

Peregrine - 1 adult male, caught pigeon, then flew SE
Water Rail -1
Reed Warbler - 1
Sedge Warbler - 1
House Martin - c40, tight flock south
Wigeon - 1
Chiffchaff - 2
Shoveler - 43
Pochard - 17
Tufted Duck - 46
Gadwall - 20
Little Grebe - 6
GC Grebe - pair with three young chicks

What began as a dull, grey, windy morning on patch turned into something of an unexpected adventure at around 0740, when out of the blue, the SW wind intensified to gale force, the sky blackened, the torrential rain was horizontal and Laurence and I clung onto an Oak tree for the longest minute I've experienced for years....

Birds were (predictably, given the conditions) limited to say the least, and visible migration was non-existent but for a tight, fast-moving and evidently very sensible flock of House Martins, which flew clean through just prior to the storm. The male Peregrine gave great views, and the Water Rail showed in the same corner.

20th September 2007

2007-09-21T10:51:00.000Z

First day out and about in the neighbourhood in over a week (on account of a trip to Corfu - see last post), and three sites covered:

Stoke Newington Reservoirs 0630-0845 MJP, LP
mild, o/c. mod WSW.

Water Rail - 1
Jackdaw - 1
Reed Warbler - 1
Blackcap - 1
Chiffchaff - 8
Meadow Pipit - 1 south
Reed Bunting - 2
Mistle Thrush - 10

Walthamstow Marshes 1200-1330 MJP
o/c, odd showers and sunny ints. mild. mod SW.

Greenland-type Wheatear - 1(horse field)
Yellow Wagtail - 2
Meadow Pipit - 3

Clissold Park 1400-1550 MJP

Firecrest - 1 (with mixed flock in NE corner of park)
Chiffchaff - 3
Little Grebe - 4

A good day all round, with quality (if not quantity) at all three sites. The reservoirs were hard work, and visible migration remains practically non-existent, but the first Jackdaw of the autumn and a single Meadow Pipit at least served to of things to come. Chiffchaffs were more numerous than of late, and a Water Rail feeding along the NW corner of the ER was the first of the autumn and the highlight of the morning.

The marshes were also fairly quiet, but for a Greenland Wheatear in the horse field - on size, stance and colouration, the bird has evidently made a transatlantic crossing as the first part phase of its migration, which is always a real marvel.

A walk in the park also yielded an unexpected gem in the form of a Firecrest, which moved through (and gave views down to a couple of metres) with a mixed flock of tits, finches and warblers; the third individual in the park this autumn, which is a great strike rate.

north-west Corfu, 10th - 18th September 2007

2007-09-21T10:19:00.000Z

A last minute, cheap package trip with my partner Amity to the north-western coast of Corfu. more details to follow, but for now, a few photos from the trip.

10th September 2007

2007-09-21T10:15:00.000Z

Stoke Newington Reservoirs 0640-0930 MJP, LP

1m Wigeon, c35 Shoveler, c45 Gadwall, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, c6 Chiffchaff, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow, 1 Kingfisher.

Also, on Rectory Road: 2 almost-fledged House Martin young still being fed in the nest by parents, on corner of Evering Road.

7th September 2007

2007-09-07T21:35:00.000Z

Clissold Park 1815-1900 MJP, AJD
warm, still, sunny.

Firecrest - 2
Goldcrest - 3

Spot the sprite in these lousy photos.....

Back from three days in Wales, playing shows and camping in the Black Mountains, in time to catch the warm evening sunshine in Clissold Park, and not one but two Firecrests. One was reported earlier in the day by the cafe, and Laurence (Pitcher) strongly suspected a second bird was present, calling nearby; this evening, it took less than a minute to locate both birds, feeding together in the Yew a few metres in from the Park's Church Street entrance. Both gave great views, calling regularly and remaining very approachable despite a lot of disturbance nearby. (Thanks to Laurence for the tip off.)

After a lovely couple of days surrounded by the best of Wales' birds and countryside, come Monday I'm out on Corfu for a week or so; while it's a productive time over here re: migration, well, I think I'll probably cope.

4th September 2007

2007-09-04T11:41:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1030-1210 MJP
bright, high cloud, some sun. cool mod N.

Redshank - 1 NE, calling
Yellow Wagtail - 1 NW
Lesser Whitethroat - 2
Common Whitethroat - 1
Chiffchaff - 2 singing
House Martin - c30
Swallow - 3 N

Not a great deal to report regarding passerine migrants on the marshes, with the cow field bereft of e.g. Whinchats and Yellow Wagtails (perhaps as a result of recent mowing in half the field), and few warblers etc in the scrub. But, a flyover Redshank, calling loudly and heading north-east, was another surprise wader this year.

Laurence (Pitcher) covered the Reservoirs this morning, and had 2 Sedge Warblers, c10 Reed Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Yellow Wagtail (south), 4 Linnets (west), 1 Hobby (east), and 1 Teal.

3rd September 2007

2007-09-03T10:23:00.000Z

Stoke Newington Reservoirs 0645-1040 MJP, TB
high cloud, some sun. mod NNW.

Redstart - 1 male
Spotted Flycatcher - 3
Lesser Whitethroat - 1
Common Whitethroat - 1
Blackcap - 1
Garden Warbler - 2+
Sedge Warbler - 5
Reed Warbler - 5
Willow Warbler - 6
Chiffchaff - 4
Common Tern - 1(high, NW)
House Martin - 37
Sand Martin - 4
Swallow - 1
Wigeon - 1
Gadwall - c30
Shoveler - c25
Little Grebe - 2
Sparrowhawk - 2

up on patch shortly after dawn, and as promised by overnight showers, migrant passerines were rich and varied. Missed the Redstart by a few minutes (I was over on the East Res at the time) and failed to connect after a lengthy search with Tony, but enough variety to soften the fall; indeed, watching all eight common spp. of warbler within an hour is a treat anywhere, let alone in central London.

Three Spot Flys and a Blackcap were along the southern flank of the ER, Common and Lesser Whitethroats were along the New River path west (as was the Redstart), Garden Warblers were there and also along the northern flank of the ER, Sedge Warblers were scattered liberally amongst the reeds of the ER, Reed Warblers were, as is often the case at this time of year, pretty much anywhere, and Phylloscs were scattered, but mainly along the New River west.

A Common Tern high and NW was the first for a while, all three hirundines moved through, the Wigeon is the first of the autumn, and dabbling duck numbers are high.

Flamborough Head, 28th - 31st August 2007

2007-08-28T21:06:00.000Z

Flamborough Head, 28th - 31st August 2007

28th
Several days back home for the first time in many months, and straight onto the head soon after arrival at lunchtime; with early autumn drift migration occuring along the coast over the previous few days, and conditions remaining promising, it was hard to resist. The first port of call was Thornwick Pools, an area of extensive set-aside containing some mixed scrub, two recently man-made scrapes and bordered by intermittent hawthorn hedges.

Almost immediately treated to a Red-backed Shrike and a Barred Warbler, in the very same gnarled hawthorn; in fact, while trying to photograph the (surprisingly skulking) shrike, the Barred Warbler almost magically appeared in the same frame, albeit only for a couple of seconds. Also present in this small but fruitful newly created habitat were several Yellow Wagtails, Willow Warblers and many finches (mainly Goldfinches and Linnets), as well as a flock of Tree Sparrows, which remain a comfortingly common presence on the Head. Single Dunlin and Common Sand were on the pools, and a Tree Pipit flew overhead.

On the outer Head, the area of set-aside down Old Fall Hedge was also buzzing with new arrivals; 16 Wheatears and four Whinchats were in the field, nine common and one Lesser Whitethroat were in the hedge, and two Snipe and single Golden Plover flew over.

A late evening seawatch under the fog station produced a varied, if fairly typical, haul of passing seabirds: Shearwaters offered some good close views, with Manxies and (especially) Sooties hanging around off the tip and moving south; Skuas were less prevalent, but Arctic, Pom and Bonxies passed south and harassed some of the many hundreds of terns moving through. Otherwise, the three common tern spp. were out in force, and a trickle of Little Gulls passed before the light faded.

29th - 30th

With conditions clearing and the wind veering back into the westerly half, walks on the 29th & 30th were pleasant but hardly exciting; Holme's Gut (a scrubby gulley between North Landing and Thornwick Bay, well known for producing good birds and now managed by the YWT) held a selection of passerines early on, including several Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler, four Common Whitethroats, a Blackcap and a Whinchat. South Landing, meanwhile, held three Lesser Whitethroats, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Knot on the beach. The Shrike and Barred Warbler remained at Thornwick Pools (unfortunately constantly disturbed by rampaging twitchers), and two Ruff considered putting down before moving south. A full cliff walk on the 30th produced very little in warm sunshine, but for a Whinchat at Northcliffe.

27th August 2007

2007-08-27T10:32:00.000Z

Stoke Newington Reservoirs 0720-1030 MJP
bright, some clouds, sunny breaks. light WNW.

Spotted Flycatcher - 1
Yellow Wagtail - 1
Common Gull - 1 2nd s.
Garden Warbler - 2-3
Common Whitethroat - 1
Willow Warbler - 8
Chiffchaff - 2
Sedge Warbler - 1
Reed Warbler - c10
Kingfisher - 1
House Martin - 14
Swallow - 1
Sand Martin - 1
Rose-ringed Parakeet - 3
Shoveler - 36
Pochard - 21

A pleasant morning on patch, with a good variety of migrant passerines on show. The pick of the bunch today was the autumn's first Spotted Flycatcher at the Reservoirs, although a Yellow Wagtail over was only the second record in the area this autumn (after yesterday's house flyovers), and the Garden Warblers showed well (in what is becoming the most productive autumn for this species at the site).

Other warblers provided a healthy back-up, a second summer Common Gull was unusual, and dabbling duck numbers are high (probably as a consequence of the extensive weed on the ER).

26th Ausust 2007

2007-08-26T20:15:00.000Z

Stoke Newington Common (near)
sunny, warm.

Yellow Wagtail - 2 over the house, 0800
Swallow - 1 over

other recent reports from local sites include the almost-as-clockwork early autumnal appearance of Red-crested Pochards at the Reservoirs, and Common Sandpiper and Garden Wabler still present.

24th August 2007

2007-08-24T11:13:00.000Z

two sites:

Walthamstow Marshes 0930-1050 MJP
mild, o/c. light/mod NE.

Yellow Wagtail - 24
Whinchat - 4
Meadow Pipit - 1
Willow Warbler - 2
Common Whitethroat - 1
Sedge Warbler - 1
Swift - 250+
House Martin - 16
Pied Wagtail - 43
Starling - c370
Mistle Thrush - 13 (over)

Another morning of dull skies and winds from the north-east quarter after a night of heavy rain, and another relatively entertaining haul of grounded migrants (but oh, to be on the coast...). Three Whinchats remain in the cow field, where a single Meadow Pipit also put down; a small scattering of warblers is an improvement on the last couple of weeks, the Pied Wagtail flock on the mowed, south field numbered 43, and a huge, swirling tower of Swifts hawked noisily above the filter beds.

But the highlight of the day was the loose flock of Yellow Wagtails in the cow field, having more than trebled in size since yesterday. Having waxed on this page some months ago about hopes of Whinchat, Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail in the cow field come the autumn, this week has provided all three, with numbers of the latter way exceeding expectations.

Clissold Park 1330-1500 MJP
humid, o/c (but a little brighter), still.

Willow Warbler - 9+
Reed Warbler - 4
Chiffchaff - 2
Blackcap - 2
Common Whitethroat - 1
Goldcrest - 10+
Long-tailed Tit - 16+
Chaffinch - 18
Little Grebe - 4
Sparrowhawk - 1
Swift - 4+
House Martin - 5

A very entertaining walk in the park, on account of a rich and varied feeding flock of passerines moving slowly along the northern edge of the park and around the lakes; conditions were ideal, with the showers ending, the wind dropping entirely and the air becoming very warm and muggy, and full of insects. The size and variety of the flock was indicative of migrants - having been driven down by the conditions and wind of the last couple of days - enjoying the first extended opportunity to refuel.

a few photos from yesterday (Whinchat from the Marshes, Magpies and Roe deer from Clissold Park):

23rd August 2007

2007-08-23T18:39:00.000Z

two sites today:

Stoke Newington reservoirs 0700-0915 MJP, PC, LP
o/c, intermittent drizzle. light / mod NNE.

Common Sandpiper - 1
Common Tern - 1
Willow Warbler - 7
Reed Warbler - 6
Blackcap - 3
Goldcrest - 8
Shoveler - 20
House Martin - c40
Sand Martin - 3
Sparrowhawk - 3

Nothing particularly spectacular at the reservoirs today, but a feeling of migration being well underway with Willow Warblers, hirundines and other bits and pieces having dropped in under stormy night skies or moving through.

Walthamstow Marshes 0930-1130 MJP
cond. as above.

Yellow Wagtail - 8
Whinchat - 4
House Martin - 15
Sand Martin - 1
Grey Wagtail - 2
Stock Dove - 25
Starling - c300
Goldfinch - c45
Linnet - 2

Again, a strong sense of migratory movement in dark, often drizzly conditions - it was the turn of the cow field to produce the goods today, and while nothing quite lived up to the Stone Curlew of the day before yesterday, the presence of no less than eight Yellow Wagtails and four Whinchats was easily enough to keep entertained.

21st August 2007

2007-08-21T10:05:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 0900-1040 MJP
o/c, intermittent drizzle, dull. light NNE.

Stone Curlew - 1
Northern Wheatear - 1
Lesser Whitethroat - 1
House Martin - 12
Swift - 5
Stock Dove - 13
Starling - c250
Goldfinch - 30
Linnet - 5

What was turning out to be a good week from a local birding perspective (Hobby, Yellow-legged Gull and Common Buzzard are all uncommon in the area) just got a great deal better, with a surprise find to say the least - a Stone Curlew quietly sheltering from the drizzle in a patch of weed in the Horse Field.

Happy enough with flushing a Wheatear from the path, I decided to try and get a few photos, and so scanned the Horse Field from the main raised track, which runs immediately alongside it. Pausing briefly at a tussock in the centre of the field (the rest of the field is closely cropped by horses), a strangely familiar head protruded from the weeds.... a comedy eye-rubbing moment followed before the bird briefly came into full view, allowing a few passable digi-binned photos before scuttling back into the tussock. An unexpected and memorable treat, and a clear frontrunner for bird of the year at a local level.

I left at 0945, when the bird was still sheltering in the same spot, although how long it would remain in the area is questionable, with so much disturbance close by.

For those who want to try and see the bird, the horse field is immediately north and adjoining the riding centre, and best viewed from the central raised track. Grid Ref: TQ 3548 / BNG 8720

(click on photos to enlarge)

Otherwise, the Wheatear was a pleasure, if a little more expected, the finch flock is back up to a healthy level, and the sole warbler of the day was an immature Lesser Whitethroat at the southern end of the marshes.

Back at the other local patches, Tony Butler saw 2 Whimbrel at SN Reservoirs this morning (like last year's Black-tailed Godwit, they circled and attempted to put down, but the water levels are too high), and the autumn's first Spotted Flycatcher was reported from Clissold Park.

17th Aug photos

2007-08-20T22:18:00.001Z

A few photos from Walthamstow Marshes on the 17th. Just about managed to catch the back end of the Marsh Harrier as it soared low and north; it would've been easy to get much better pictures as the bird came by surprisingly closely, but in those brief situations, a decision has to be made between (hopefully) nice photos or a conclusive ID, and with a large raptor moving through at some speed, the latter was the more sensible option.

20th August 2007

2007-08-20T16:25:00.000Z

Two good walks, two good birds....

Walthamstow Marshes 0940-1120 MJP

Yellow-legged Gull - 1 ad.
Lesser Whitethroat - 1
House Martin - 5
Sedge Warbler - 1

SN Church Street & area 1400-1720 MJP

Hobby - 1 ad. (over Church St./Abney Park south entrance)
Mistle Thrush - flock of 21 (Clissold Park)
Blackcap - 1 (Clissold Park)

Two good walks, two good birds....

The usual route to the marshes, through Millfields Park, was brightened up by an adult Yellow-legged Gull feeding with the gull flock, around the cricket square. Presumably the same bird flew NE, a few hundreds metres away over the marshes, 20 minutes later. Otherwise the marshes are pretty quiet at the moment, with most of the breeding passerines having dispersed, and the finch flock minimal at best.

A walk in Clissold Park was equally quiet, but on the way home along Stoke Newington Church Street, a pause to talk to a friend proved fortuitous, with a cracking adult Hobby coming in from the west and arching low parallel to the street, giving very close view before disappearing behind the trees of Abney Park's southern entrance.

17th August 2007

2007-08-17T15:20:00.001Z

Two sites:

Walthamstow Marshes 1100-1250 MJP
o/c, some sun. light/mod NW.

Marsh Harrier - 1
Stonechat - 1 imm.
House Martin - c50
Swift - 8
Sand Martin - 2
Pied Wagtail - 27
Linnet - 4
Grey Heron - 3
Starling - c260

Great views of the Harrier, which came in fairly low from the SE and drifted steadily NNW, over the centre of the marsh, harrassed by a small cloud of hirundines and several Carrion Crows. Also the first Stonechat of the autumn, a pale immature on the central marsh. Hirundines, particularly House Martins, were feeding overhead and moving through in good numbers, as they have been for several days in the area. Swifts are evident, albeit in small numbers, after the main departure last week; the substantial flock of Pied Wagtails, meanwhile, was no doubt attracted onto the playing field by the freshly-mown grass. Warblers are presently all but absent, with the majority of breeders and juveniles evidently already gone.

Clissold Park 1315-1500 MJP

House Martin - 30
Swallow - 1
Swift - 5
Little Grebe - 2 ads with 3 new young

16th August 2007

2007-08-16T10:09:00.002Z

Stoke Newington Reservoirs 0815-1020 MJP, TB
mainly sunny, some cloud; mod (occ. blustery) NW.

Garden Warbler - 1
Lesser Whitethroat - 1
Willow Warbler - 10 (inc. 1 very grey bird, & 2 singing)
Chiffchaff - 1
Reed Warbler - 13
House Martin - 25
Sand Martin - 3
Grey Wagtail - 2
Goldcrest - 4
Goldfinch - 25
Shoveler - 23
Gadwall - 8
Pochard - c25
Tufted Duck - c40
Sparrowhawk - 1

After a period of generally warm, settled weather, heavy storms and strong winds have arrived during the last 48 hours, especially overnight; with this in mind, and with the sun shining early, a couple of hours at the Reservoirs seemed worthwhile in the hope that a scattering of migrants may have been grounded. And so it was - an entertaining morning, with a good cast of passerines supported by steadily increasing duck numbers.

Warblers were especially good, with cracking close views of both Garden Warbler (in the scrub to the south of the ER) and Lesser Whitethroat (in the bushes between the New River east and the Res). Willow Warblers were out in force, with most feeding actively in the willows between the New River east and the northern bank of the ER.
Reed Warblers are almost everywhere, especially where berries abound.Hirundines were hawking insects over the water, with 25 House Martins and 3 Sand Martins present. Two Swifts were also recorded.

8th August 2007

2007-08-08T12:16:00.000Z

Stoke Newington Reservoirs 0830-1200 MJP, TB
warm, mainly sunny. light N.

Garden Warbler - 2
Blackcap - 5
Willow Warbler - 1
Reed Warbler - 8
Common Tern - 3
Shoveler - 34
Pochard - 20
Gadwall - 8
Tufted Duck - c45
Ruddy Duck - 5
Swallow - 1
Sand Martin - 1
Grey Wagtail - 4
Swift - 10
Black-headed Gull - c40
LBB Gull - 12
Herring Gull - 3

The first time up at the reservoirs this month, and in all likelihood, the first of many. The expanse of algae-covered mud around the edge (and extending into the centre) of the East Reservoir is potentially productive - while no waders were present today, the possibility of something interesting appearing has risen a hundred fold; how long Thames Water intend to maintain the low water level is anybody's guess, but a few weeks would be very welcome.....

The mud and surrounding shallows attracted gulls, a Common Tern, many Shovelers and other ducks to ground, and is presently perfect for waders, wagtails etc. A deterrent this morning along the eastern edge (although Mute Swans and Canada Geese were very tolerant) were the family of five foxes, sunbathing, playfighting and throwing around mud-filled plastic bags.....

3rd - 5th August 2007

2007-08-07T00:49:00.000Z

several sunny days at last, with little to report from walks in the park and cemetery:

3rd - Clissold Park: adult Common Gull, 1 Blackcap, 4 Little Grebes

5th - Abney Park Cemetery: Coal Tit, 2 House Martins

this fish, approx. 70cm long, is frequenting the western lake in Clissold Park - any ID ideas?

1st August 2007

2007-08-01T14:24:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1030-1230
sunny, warm, light W.

c50 Goldfinches, 4 Reed Buntings & 10 Linnets in one flock (growing by the day presently), 7 Common Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, c35 House Martins, 2 Common Terns, c200 Swifts.

also, a single Swallow north over the house this afternoon.

31st July 2007

2007-07-31T21:42:00.000Z

Three sites covered today, on a what seemed like the first truly warm, sunny day in weeks....

Stoke Newington Reservoirs 0750-1000hrs

3 Common Terns, 12 Gadwall, 18 Pochard (plus fully grown brood of 7 on New River), 2 Shoveler, c16 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Grey Wagtails, 1 Swallow

Walthamstow Marshes 1030-1230hrs

Garden Warbler (again singing from near southern bridge), 3 Sedge Warblers, 9 Common Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 12 Linnets, 35 Goldfinches, 1 Common Tern, c150 Starlings

Clissold Park 1400-1540hrs

1 Common Tern, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Little Grebes, 1 Blackcap

26th, 27th, 28th & 29th July 2007

2007-07-30T11:48:00.000Z

an update of the last few days:

26th - Walthamstow Marshes: 9 Sand Martins, 1 Meadow Pipit, 6 Linnets, family party of 4 Kestrels, c300 Starlings, 50 Black-headed Gulls inc. several juvs.

27th - Clissold Park: 2 Common Terns, 4 Little Grebes (2 ad, 2 juv), 2 Grey Herons, 1 Goldcrest.

28th - Walthamstow Marshes: 20 Linnets, 30 Goldfinches, 2 Common Terns, 2 Sparrowhawks, c60 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls inc. 1 juv.

29th - Walthamstow Marshes: Garden Warbler singing (by southern bridge), juv Willow Warbler, 4 Sedge Warblers, 5 Common Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 12 Linnets, 5 Reed Buntings & 32 Goldfinches in flock, 6 Common Terns, 5 Song Thrushes.

and a few shots from the last few days (the Terns are from Clissold Park, the rest from the marshes):

24th July 2007

2007-07-24T11:58:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1030-1150 MJP
sunny, warm. light/mod W.

Hobby - 1
Common Tern - 3
Garden Warbler - 1 singing
Willow Warbler - 1
Common Whitethroat - 16
Sand Martin - 5
House Martin - c30
Goldfinch - 35, in single flock
Greenfinch - 10, -"-
Linnet - 8, -"-
Starling - 250

A pleasant day on the marshes after being away for the best part of a week in and around Oslo (Nutcrackers, Goldeneyes, Green Sandpipers, Fieldfares, Redwings and other expected local breeders all present and correct); within a minute or two of arriving over the bridge, a Hobby bulleted through, and unsuccessfully attacked the feeding finch flock in the central field before heading east. The third sighting at the site this year, and the first post-breeding record.

Warblers are still very much in evidence, with all the usual species present, as well as a Garden Warbler in song by the ice rink. The finch flock has grown, no doubt on account of the excellent habitat presently available.

some recent butterfly shots from today, and the 17th: -

mid-July (summary)

2007-07-24T11:56:00.000Z

As expected at this time of year, visits to the usual sites during mid-month provided little of note to report, but for the expected breeding species and their fledged young, and a few signs of 'autumn' migration beginning.

Walthamstow Marshes continues to entertain, especially regarding butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies (more of which soon, with recent photos to follow); otherwise, notable sightings included a second record of Little Egret, again a pair, on the 12th (with two Common Gulls on the same day), a small movement of House Martins on the 17th, when at least 60 moved through in an hour, and single Swallow and Lesser Whitethroat on the same day. Finch flocks continue to enjoy the meadow-like habitat of the open areas, and Black-headed Gulls are again omnipresent.

Stoke Newington sites remain very quiet, with little more than the regular presence of up to three Common Sandpipers (and one Green on the 20th) at the Reservoirs. However, with the first post-breeding movements and dispersals beginning to filter through, efforts at the Reservoirs and elsewhere will step up accordingly, so hopefully it won't be too long now before slightly more interesting reports appear on this site.....

11th July 2007

2007-07-11T16:41:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 0930-1100 MJP
o/c, drizzle. mod W.

Little Egret - 2 ad's
Linnet - 12
Goldfinch - c30
Lesser Whitethroat - 1
Black-headed Gull - 12

At last, Little Egrets graced the marshes with their presence while I happened to be around, and looking skyward....

early July 2007 (summary)

2007-07-10T18:55:00.000Z

Regular visits to the marshes and the park over the last ten days or so produced little of note (hence laziness in updating the site), but the marshes in particular are full of life. Presently the entire Central Marsh (including the Bombcrater Field) is transformed into an unspoilt and extensive grass and wildflower meadow, with butterfly numbers (and species) providing easily enough to enjoy, as well as dragonflies, and various passerines exploiting the feeding bonanza available.

The Northern Marsh is equally wild and colourful, with extensive sedge and reed covering most of the area; there seems to be Reed Buntings and Sedge Warblers everywhere presently, and Common Whitethroats are perhaps the commonest species at the site. Seeing seven species of breeding warbler on most occasions this summer is really a pleasure at such an urban site.

Hirundines are pleasingly ubiquitous at the marshes, with several pairs of Sand Martin using drainage pipes as artificial nesting sites along the canal, and up to 30 House Martins (most likely from a nearby colony at the sewage works) usually present; Swift numbers vary between 50 and 250, depending on the weather and conditions.

Finches are beginning to flock again, and Black-headed Gulls are drifting back into the area, sure signs of 'autumn' movements taking over from any remaining late-spring occurences. The park, meanwhile, naturally has very limited appeal from an avian perspective especially at this time of year, but the lakes at least provide habitat and very close views for breeding Pochard, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard, Canada Goose and Mute Swan, as well as omnipresent Common Tern, Grey Heron and Cormorant. A singing Sedge Warbler a few days ago was a rare occurence on site.

The Reservoirs continue to produce very little, through a combination of lack of quality coverage and the time of year, a Common Sandpiper last week being the only notable (if expected) record. Swifts seem particularly numerous this year, and as I write (from the house, near Stoke Newington Common) at least a hundred are circling overhead.

27th & 28th June 2007

2007-06-28T23:10:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes MJP
both days: sunny spells, o/c, light to mod W.

Common Tern - 2 (28th)
Meadow Pipit - 1 (28th)
Linnet - 8 (28th), 3 (27th)
Lesser Whitethroat - 1 (both)
Common Whitethroat - 16 (28th)
House Martin - c20 (28th), 5 (27th)
Sand Martin - c8 (both)
Reed Bunting - 5 (28th), 3 (27th)

25th June 2007

2007-06-28T23:04:00.000Z

Clissold Park 1300-1430 MJP
mild, o/c. mod nw.

Goldcrest - 3 (ad & 2 juvs)
Blackcap - 1
House Martin - 3
Pochard - 7

21st June 2007

2007-06-22T11:38:00.000Z

Stoke Newington Reservoirs 0650-0850 MJP
warm, bright, mod E.

Common Tern - 3
Black-headed Gull - 12
House Martin - 3
Sand Martin - 2
Reed Warbler - c25
Sedge Warbler - 7
Grey Wagtail - 1
Gadwall - 4
Pochard - 11, pair with 2 young

Walthamstow Marshes 1100-1250 MJP

Linnet - 3
Reed Bunting - 3 pairs breeding
Sand Martin - 15 inc. breeders
Swallow - 1
House Martin - c20
Swift - 100
Lesser Whitethroat - 1

19th June 2007

2007-06-22T11:35:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1030-1200 MJP

Common Tern - 2
Sand Martin - 3/4 pairs breeding in drainage pipes

Clissold Park

Common Tern - 1
Blackcap - 2
House Martin - 3

15th June 2007

2007-06-22T11:32:00.000Z

Clissold Park 1300-1450 MJP

Common Tern - 1
House Martin - 2
Sparrowhawk - 1

14th June 2007

2007-06-14T21:20:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1130-1310 MJP
v humid, o/c, some bright spells. no wind.

Common Tern - 1
Swift - c300
House Martin - 40
Sand Martin - 10

also today: A Rose-ringed Parakeet flew over the house, the fifth or sixth record for the homestead.....

13th June 2007

2007-06-13T16:05:00.000Z

Walthamstow Marshes 1115-1315 MJP
humid, o/c, bright spells. light variable wind.

Turtle Dove - 1
Swift - 300+
House Martin - c20
Sand Martin - c15
Linnet - 16 (mostly juveniles)

Despite not posting for a while, as mentioned below I've covered Clissold Park, Abney Park Cemetery, and Walthamstow Marshes regularly over the last few weeks; but, despite best efforts, unfortunately there's been essentially nothing to report. The breeding season is of course in full swing, however, and changes in pressure have encouraged huge numbers of Swifts to feed over the area of late. But that's been about it.....

However, at last, today provided a fine and unexpected record. A Turtle Dove, flushed from a path in the northern third of the marshes, spent a while in the north copse before flying over the fence into the Reservoirs compound. Breeding species and numbers provide entertainment at these quietest of times, and Linnets, as well as various warbler species (especially Common Whitethroats) appear to have done especially well so far this year.

early june update

2007-06-04T21:51:00.000Z

Apologies to regular visitors for the lack of activity over the last few weeks, and indeed during the spring as a whole; other, more pressing (and important) priorities have taken over most of my time of late. Somewhat ironically, completing an Ornithology HND over these last few weeks has involved very limited time out with the birds, but with the end in sight, normal service should be resumed within a week or two.

Thankfully (for me anyway) it's been a very quiet spring in the area, and so I haven't missed too much as I glance disconsolately out of the study window......

The only notable reports from the last couple of weeks, in the Stoke Newington area anyway, was of a Lapwing at the East Reservoir, and a Peregrine over, on the 6th June. Both species are recorded on average a few times each year.

Otherwise, regular visits to Clissold Park and the Cemetery have produced little of note, with most records relating to the expected breeding species.

18th May 2007

2007-05-18T18:00:00.000Z

Clissold Park 1200-1350 MJP
warm, sunny. mod/gusting SW.

Blackcap - 3
Canada Goose - pair with 4 young
Swift - c20

(otherwise as is.)

17th May 2007

2007-05-18T17:52:00.000Z

two sites:

Walthamstow Marshes 1100-1300 MJP
o/c, some sun, occ. showers, very humid. light/mod W.

Cuckoo - 2
Garden Warbler - 1 (singing from north scrub)
Common Tern - 1 (fishing along the canal)
Common Whitethroat - at least 13 singing males
Lesser Whitethroat - 2
Sedge Warbler - 4 singing males
Sand Martin - 10
Blackcap - 5
Reed Warbler - 1
Willow Warbler - 5
Chiffchaff - 2
Swift - c200
Linnet - 5

Clissold Park 1300-1445 MJP
showers, o/c. very warm. light/mod W.

Swallow - 3
Blackcap - 3
Chiffchaff - 1
Pochard - 13 (+ 5 young)
Swift - 50
Goldcrest - juveniles again present

16th May 2007

2007-05-16T18:03:00.000Z

Clissold Park 1500-1645 MJP
dull, damp, showers. light W.

Goldcrest - adult with two juvs
Pochard - 12 (excluding young)
House Martin - 2
Blackcap - 2
Little Grebe - pair with 2 young, plus a third adult

13th, 14th & 15th May 2007

2007-05-16T13:19:00.000Z

13th -
near Stoke Newington Common: 13 Swallows and a male Reed Bunting over the house, between 1900-1930.

14th -

Clissold Park: Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps, 10 Pochard (exc. brood of 8 young, inc. 1 f on nest), c50 Swifts;
Abney Park Cemetery: Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcaps, 7 Jays, f Sparrowhawk.

15th -

Walthamstow Marshes: f Yellow Wagtail, c160 Swifts, 20+ Sand Martins, 12 House Martins, 1 Swallow, all the usual warblers (inc. Lesser Whitethroat), 8 Linnets (excl. breeding pair).

The low-pressure dominated, dull & often wet conditions continue; but for a Yellow Wag in the Bombcrater Field on the marshes and a flock of Linnets on the south field, very little of note to report, except spontaneous concentrations of hirundines brought together, and down, by sharp showers.

11th May 2007

2007-05-11T17:00:00.000Z

Clissold Park 1500-1700 MJP
changeable, odd showers. Mod W.

Chiffchaff - 1
Blackcap - 3
Pochard - 9
Swift - c60
Little Grebe - pair with 3 young

The changeable, cooler, windier conditions of the last week, reverting back to a more typical spring cycle of low pressure systems moving east over the country from the Atlantic, have probably compounded the already very quiet spring in the area. Although, because of other temporary constraints, I've put less time in over the last couple of months, the lack of noteworthy records - i.e. notable counts, local scarcities, visible migration - has made hard work of it lately.

Visible migration over the area (our preferred vantage points being the East Reservoir and Clissold Park) has been almost non-existent this spring, in sharp contrast to the relative bounty of quality and quantity of last autumn; interesting in itself, and it'll be fascinating to see how skywatching goes this autumn.
Not that there isn't still time for a decent raptor....