SOUTH EAST
BEDFORDSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Black Redstart was at Leighton Buzzard. Hawfinches included 28 at Woburn Park, 10 at Old Warden, eight at Woodbury Hall, four at Wrest Park, two at Priory CP and one at The Lodge. Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia – for enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970; www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk
BERKSHIRE
at HIGHLIGHTS: Wishmoor Bottom The Parrot (to 17th). Crossbills A Great remained Grey Shrike 20th-22nd). was at Cow Down, West Ilsley (2nd & DINTON PASTURES CP: There was a Bittern (9th-11th), Shelduck, two Ferruginous Ducks (3rd-17th), a Water Rail (11th), two Oystercatchers (15th-24th), five Jack Snipe (25th-26th), a Mediterranean Gull (24th-25th) and three Hawfinches. LEA FARM GP: Highlights included a Brent Goose, three Shelducks, a Water Rail, two Oystercatchers, and a Mediterranean Gull (24th). LOWER FARM GP: There were two Black-necked Grebes, four Shelducks, a Mediterranean Gull (2nd-24th) and Caspian Gull (1st-20th). MOOR GREEN LAKES: There were two Shelducks, an Oystercatcher, Dartford Warbler (12th) and Hawfinch (3rd-18th). THEALE GP: Highlights included three Black-necked Grebes, a Smew (6th), two Red-crested Pochards (14th-24th), a Water Rail (21st), two Oystercatchers and a Mediterranean Gull (7th-11th). WOOLHAMPTON GP: There was a Great Northern Diver (1st-2nd), Shelduck (7th) and Oystercatcher (25th). OTHER SITES: A Pintail was at Fleethill Farm (19th). Two Mediterranean Gulls were at Queen Mother Reservoir (16th). A Hen Harrier was at Bury Down (16th). Firecrests were at Whiteknights Park, Reading (1st-15th), Sandhurst (5th) and Finchampstead (18th-25th). Hawfinches were at Basildon Park (five), Mortimer (three), Streatley (12), Greenham Common, Pangbourne Meadow, Padworth College (eight) and Newbury. Marek Walford (www.berksbirds.co.uk)
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Cattle Egret was again at Linford (4th-28th), as was a Great White Egret (11th-26th), also being seen at Willen Lakes (4th). An Iceland Gull was at Calvert (1st-4th & 15th and 15th), as was a Glaucous Gull (19th). A Long-eared Owl was at Wing (1st) and a Short-eared Owl was at Grendon Underwood (15th). A Bearded Tit was still at Calvert (15th). Hawfinches were reported from 13 sites, with 25 at Stowe (4th) and 19 at Hambleden (4th). CALDECOTTE LAKE: There were three Ruff (28th), Yellow-legged Gulls (18th, 20th & 28th) and two Caspian Gulls (18th, 20th & 28th). CALVERT LAKES: There was a Bittern (17th & 21st), Mediterranean Gulls (19th-23rd & 27th), five Yellow-legged Gulls (3rd) and Caspian Gulls (all month, with four, 3rd). COLLEGE LAKE: There was a pair of Red-crested Pochards (13th) and a Firecrest (17th). GALLOWS BRIDGE: There was a Merlin (4th) and a Curlew (18th). LINFORD: There was a Bittern (18th) and a Ringed Plover (27th). LITTLE MARLOW GP: There were Mediterranean Gulls (25th & 27th), a Yellow-legged Gull (25th), Caspian Gulls (17th & 25th) and five Hawfinches (from 23rd). OTHER SITES: A Bittern was at Marsworth Reservoir (4th). A long staying Pink-footed Goose was at Gayhurst Quarry (11th-16th). Twenty-two Pintail were at Foxcote Reservoir (19th) and one at Tongwell (4th). Merlins were at Olney (14th) and Lodge Hill (17th). Dunlin were at Newton Leys (28th) and Rowsham (28th). A Jack Snipe remained at Stony Stratford (to 12th), with two there (6th). Tree Sparrows were at Stoke Goldington (nine, 21st) and Upper Tove Valley (four, 4th). There were 20 Brambling at Horsleys Green (21st). Adam Bassett (www.bucksbirdclub.co.uk)
HAMPSHIRE
BLASHFORD LAKES: Ibsley Water held a Thayer’s Gull (2nd-26th), Iceland Gull (1st-9th), Ring-billed Gull (2nd-27th), two Caspian Gulls and seven Yellow-legged Gulls. Also there was a Lesser Scaup (3rd-4th), two Black-necked Grebes, a Water Pipit (3rd and 17th) and Merlin (15th). A Ferruginous Duck was on Kingfisher Lake (5th-9th). A Bewick’s Swan was on Ibsley Water (5th) and Harbridge (7th-8th). The Great White Egret was reported sporadically. LYMINGTON-MILFORD-ON-SEA: A Glossy Ibis was at Sturt Pond (27th-28th). An Iceland Gull was at Keyhaven (2nd-4th). Five Spoonbills were in the area. The Red-necked Grebe and three Slavonian Grebes remained offshore. Three Whitefronts remained at Keyhaven, with a Bittern there (4th & 10th). There were three Marsh Harriers, a Merlin, Short-eared Owl, 16 Avocets, seven Ruff, a Purple Sandpiper, eight Spotted Redshanks and two Jack Snipe. Milford-on-sea logged a Great Northern Diver (13th), Shag (11th) and Purple Sandpiper (27th). LANGSTONE HARBOUR: Farlington Marshes held two Garganeys (28th), a Marsh Harrier, 33 Avocets, a Short-eared Owl (19th-21st), Merlin (17th & 20th) and Water Pipit (17th & 23rd). Langstone Harbour had a Long-tailed Duck (2nd-7th & 15th-19th), Great Northern Diver (1st), with two (17th), three Slavonian Grebes (1st) and 18 Black-necked Grebes. On Hayling Island, Sandy Point had a Red-throated Diver (18th), Black-throated Diver (18th-19th), two Great Northern Divers (18th) and a Merlin (19th). Three Black Redstarts were at Eastoke. A Cattle Egret was at Warblington (7th-18th). HILL HEAD-HAMBLE: A Bittern was at Titchfield Haven (16th-24th), with a Ruff (10th & 18th) and five Water Pipits (18th). A Black-throated Diver was off Hill Head (17th-19th), with Great Northern Diver (19th) and three Avocets (8th). The Black-throated Diver was also off Stubbington (16th & 19th) and Hook-with-warsash (27th). Great Northern Divers were at Hook-with-warsash, Hamble Estuary and Lee-on-the-solent. OTHER SITES: Tidpit Down held the Thayer’s Gull (5th-21st), two Caspian Gulls (8th-16th) and five Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Grey Shrikes were at Milkham Bottom (4th-6th), Vereley Hill (11th), Markway Inclosure (25th) and Crab Tree Bog (27th). Merlins were at eight sites. The Lepe area had a Spoonbill (25th) and Great Northern Diver (24th-28th). Black Redstarts included four at Gosport, three at Old Portsmouth, one at East Meon and two at Fratton. Two Waxwings were at Bramshill Plantation (11th), with singles at Hartley Wintney (11th) and North Camp, Farnborough (14th). Southampton Water held a Long-tailed Duck (4th-26th) and Great Northern Diver (3rd, 10th & 25th). Great White Egrets were in the Moorcourt/skidmore area (15th, 18th & 25th), Fishlake Meadows (18th), with two (24th), and Broadlands (21st). Two Bewick’s Swans flew over Alresford Cressbeds (24th), where there were eight Water
Pipits. A Hen Harrier was at Alresford Pond (7th & 17th). Tom Jordan
HERTFORDSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: Three Parrot Crossbills remained at Broxbourne Woods (to 10th). There were 137 Hawfinches at Wormley West End, 35 at Knebworth Woods and 20 at Tyttenhanger. Smaller numbers were at many sites across the county including Broxbourne Woods, Bramfield, Upper Kitching, Langley Wood, and Great Gaddesden. Five Smew were at Amwell and one at Bowyers Water. A Water Pipit remained at Rye Meads, as did the Common Scoter at Hilfield Park Reservoir. Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia – for enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970; www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk
KENT
HIGHLIGHTS: A male Pine Bunting was at Chamber’s Wall (17th-19th). The adult Long-billed Dowitcher was still at Oare Marshes NR (1st-24th at least), with up to seven Water Pipits also there. Capel Fleet had a possible Rough-legged Buzzard (4th), plus 60 White-fronted Geese and three Whooper Swans. Dungeness NNR had a juvenile Glaucous Gull throughout, a first-winter Caspian Gull (1st-19th at least), a Black Redstart (6th & 15th), and three passing Velvet Scoters (18th). Dungeness RSPB had a Slavonian Grebe throughout, a juvenile Glaucous Gull throughout, up to five Smew, a juvenile Black-throated Diver (3rd-24th), 14 Bewick’s Swans (4th), three Bitterns (4th), a juvenile Shag (15th), a second-winter Iceland Gull (24th), and one or two Great White Egrets.
SURREY
HIGHLIGHTS: Forty Golden Plovers flew over Clandon Woods (28th). The Eastern-race Lesser Whitethroat remained in a Richmond garden. Sightings of Hawfinches continued, including 50 at Merrow Downs towards the end of the month. Mealy Redpolls were at the London Wetland Centre and Thorncombe Street. LONDON WETLAND CENTRE: Highlights included a Bittern, Caspian Gull and Jack Snipe. STAINES RESERVOIRS: The American Horned (Shore) Lark remained at Staines Reservoir. A Black-necked Grebe and Scaup were also there. OTHER SURREY WATERWAYS: Beddington SF had Caspian Gull (6th) and both Glaucous and Iceland Gulls (27th). Fifteen Brent Geese flew over Hedgecourt Lake (23rd). OTHER SITES: Three Water Pipits were on Staines Moor (7th). A Waxwing appeared at North Camp railway station (14th). A Black Redstart was at Morden Hall Park (25th), when two Ruff visited Thursley Common. Red-legged Partridges were at Thorncombe Street (4th and 27th). Westcott and Leatherhead had Firecrests. Peter Bryant
SUSSEX
EAST SUSSEX: A Bluethroat was around Willingdon Levels, Eastbourne for much of the month, with a few Water Pipits also there. Horse Eye Level had a Hen Harrier (2nd-25th), a Great White Egret and two White-fronted Geese (2nd), and a Short-eared Owl (17th). Three Lapland Buntings were at East Guldeford Level (4th), with one (17th), and two (24th). Hawfinches were at Weir Wood Reservoir, Barcombe Cross, Salehurst, Sheffield Park, Burwash, Fletching, Arlington, North Chailey, Newick, Crowborough and Beckley. A Black Guillemot was at Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne (4th-28th). A Glaucous Gull was at Fairlight Cove (9th), and one was at Rye (10th), A Great White Egret was at Rye Harbour NR (12th), and four (18th). A White-fronted Goose was at Pett Level (12th). A Short-eared Owl was at Norman’s Bay (19th). Twelve White-fronted Geese were at Pett Level (22nd). A Red-throated Diver was on West Rise Marsh, Eastbourne (24th-26th). A first-winter drake Scaup was at Rye (28th). Six Waxwings were reported from Crowborough (28th). A first-winter Caspian Gull was at Newhaven (28th). WEST SUSSEX: Arundel WWT had a Ruddy Shelduck and three Hawfinches (4th). A Temminck’s Stint was at Pulborough Brooks RSPB (4th-25th at least). Two Ruddy Shelducks were at Pulborough Brooks RSPB (5th), a ringtail Hen Harrier (9th), and a Hawfinch (11th). A Kumlien’s Gull was reported from Widewater Lagoon (14th), plus a Red-breasted Merganser. Four Bewick’s Swans were at Burpham (2nd). A Long-tailed Duck was at Pagham Harbour LNR (2nd-21st), and there were two Spoonbills (22nd). A ringtail Hen Harrier was at The Burgh (22nd), and there were three Short-eared Owls (28th). Up to 26 Slavonian Grebes were off Selsey Bill (16th), and a Great Northern Diver was around Church Norton, with three off the Bill (17th). Five Velvet Scoters were off Church Norton (9th-20th). Hawfinches were at Slaugham Furnace Pond, Kingley Vale NR (40-plus), Crawley, Arundel, Pulborough, Sullington, Worth Abbey, Rewell Wood, Knepp Castle Estate, Midhurst, Sharpthorne, Warnham, Wakehurst Place, Angmering and Westdean Woods.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: An American Wigeon was at March Farmers (from 11th). The Nene Washes also held a Rough-legged Buzzard (17th) and Iceland Gull (11th). A Ring-necked Duck was at Chain Corner (from 18th). The Ouse Washes also had a Scaup and Iceland Gull (18th). The Rough-legged Buzzard remained near Thorney Toll. Five Hen Harriers roosted at Wicken Fen. Grafham Water held two Scaup and an Iceland Gull (4th). Twelve Smew were at Meadow Lane GP, with four at Needingworth Quarry Lakes (25th) and one at Bainton GP (18th-20th). Scaup were at Milton CP and Meadow Lane GP. There were 24 Eurasian White-fronted Geese at Fen Drayton Lakes (to 4th). Two Iceland Gulls were at Waterbeach and Cottenham. Sixteen Hawfinches were at Wimpole Hall. A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Stirtloe STW. Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia – for enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970; www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk
ESSEX
METROPOLITAN ESSEX: Walthamstow Reservoirs logged a Little Bunting, Serin and Scaup. King George V held a Scaup, Smew, 18 Goosanders and two Slavonian Grebes. Two Smew were in the mid Lee Valley. A Bittern was at Seventy Acres. Caspian Gulls were at Eagle Pond, Creekmouth and Thames Barrier Park, where a Ring-billed Gull was seen. A Glaucous Gull was at Walthamstow filter beds and Orient Way Tip. Iceland Gulls roosted at Nazeing and Creekmouth. Gallions Reach had two Kittiwakes, 22 Scaup, a Jack Snipe and Sanderling. The bad weather brought 860 Lapwings over Wanstead Flats. There were 46 Avocets at West Thurrock Marshes. A Great White Egret was at Warren Gorge. There were 220 Siskins at Hooks Marsh. Hawfinches included 12 at Thorndon CP and seven in Ongar Park Wood. Firecrests were at four sites. Siberian Chiffchaffs were at Cornmill Meadows and Creekmouth. A Dartford Warbler was in Theydon Bois. MID ESSEX: Abberton Reservoir held eight Smew, four Scaup, a Slavonian Grebe, two Great White Egrets, three Little Stints, 20 Goosanders, a Ring-necked Duck and Black-necked Grebe. Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes were off Brightlingsea. The Hythe hosted two Water Pipits. Black Redstarts were at Essex University and East Mersea. A Short-eared Owl was at Cudmore Grove. A Great White Egret was at Boreham Meads, with two near Heybridge. The Glossy Ibis ranged from Old Hall Marshes, via West Mersea to Geedon Saltings. The Blackwater held eight Great Northern Divers, two Red-throated Divers, 110 Great Crested Grebes, three Slavonian Grebes, two Black-necked Grebes, a Red-necked Grebe, 37 Red-breasted Mergansers, 37 Goldeneyes, three Long-tailed Ducks, six Common Scoters and two Shags. A Purple Sandpiper and Dartford Warbler were at Goldhanger. Another Dartford Warbler was at Wivenhoe. Old Hall Marshes had a Hen Harrier and 26 Marsh Harriers. Twelve Hawfinches remained around Brazted Park. NORTH ESSEX: Hatfield Forest held 74 Hawfinches. Five Waxwings were in Harwich. Thirteen Snow Buntings were at Jaywick. The Stour had a Great Northern Diver and three Slavonian Grebes. The Naze had a Black Brant, Firecrest, Purple Sandpiper and two Short-eared Owls. Frinton logged 164 Red-throated Divers. RAINHAM MARSHES: Highlights included 312 Black-tailed Godwits, 37 Avocets, Oystercatchers, three Turnstones, Snipe, a Jack Snipe, Yellow-legged Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Caspian Gull, Iceland Gull, Goldeneye, five Marsh Harriers, a Merlin, Red Kite, Firecrest, Bearded Tit and Black Redstart. SOUTH EAST ESSEX: Southend logged all three divers, 141 Great Crested Grebes, a Slavonian Grebe, 20 Mediterranean Gulls and 13 Kittiwakes. Bowers Marsh had 10 Barnacle Geese, a Little Stint, three Bramblings and a Slavonian Grebe. A Whimbrel, Merlin and Spotted Redshanks were at Fobbing. Water Pipits were at four sites. There were 727 Avocets and a Twite at East Tilbury. A Great Northern Diver was off Gunners Park. Wallasea held two Whooper Swans, a Pinkfoot, four Whitefronts, two Black Brants, 11 Shore Larks, a Merlin, two Hen Harriers and two Short-eared Owls. A Red-necked Grebe was at South Fambridge. A Merlin was at Canewden. Hawfinches were at Westley Heights (three), Pound Wood (four) and Langdon Hills (two). Howard Vaughan
NORFOLK
HIGHLIGHTS: Twenty Parrot Crossbills were at Santon Downham. A flock of Crossbills at Horsford Woods was thought to include a Parrot Crossbill. Five Coues’s Arctic Redpolls were at Kelling, with two at Letheringsett and one at Whitlingham CP (27th). Twelve Shore Larks were at Holkham Bay, with four at Holme (9th-12th) and 11 at Happisburgh. A Great Grey Shrike was at Wighton (from 26th). A Glossy Ibis was at Great Yarmouth (1st-17th) and Breydon Water (24th-25th). The Rough-legged Buzzard remained at Haddiscoe Island. Iceland Gulls were at Buxton and Cley. The Glaucous Gull remained at Mundesley, with another seen occasionally in Norwich. Two tundra Bean Geese were at Ringstead, with another at Welney (18th & 25th). The Black Brant was again at Cley. Titchwell Marsh RSPB logged 17 Long-tailed Ducks, along with a Black-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver. BREYDON: Maxima included 4,250 Pinkfeet, 39,300 Wigeon, 2,000 Teal, 272 Gadwall, 144 Pintails, 825 Shovelers, 219 Mallards, 156
Bewick’s Swans, a Whooper Swan, 308 Mute Swans, 3,369 Avocets, 42 Oystercatchers, 12,000 Golden Plovers, 45 Grey Plovers, 12,000 Lapwings, 49 Knot, 5,000 Dunlin, 1,077 Curlews, 1,500 Black-tailed Godwits, 994 Redshanks, two Green Sandpipers, a Spotted Redshank, two Woodcocks and 97 Mediterranean Gulls. Peregrines, Marsh Harriers and Buzzards were seen daily, with seven sightings of Merlin and four of Hen Harrier. Five Short-eared Owls, five Rock Pipits, eight Snow Buntings and a Stonechat were noted. CLEY AREA: Highlights included two Hen Harriers, a pale-bellied Brent Goose, Great Northern Diver, Lapland Bunting, Caspian Gull, Water Pipit, Bittern and Little Stint. NOA HOLME BIRD OBSERVATORY: Maxima included 2,500 Pinkfeet, 1,000 Wigeon, 300 Golden Plovers, 1,000 Lapwings, four Stonechats, four Rock Pipits, 27 Twite, five Pintails, 45 Common Scoters, 16 Red-breasted Mergansers, 29 Red-throated Divers, two Great Northern Divers, seven Fulmars, 55 Great Crested Grebes, 60 Fieldfares, two Gannets, eight Snipe, two Grey Partridges, four Bullfinches, seven Eiders, two Long-tailed Ducks, two Bearded Tits, six Siskins, seven Guillemots, a Slavonian Grebe, Mediterranean Gull, Razorbill, Red Kite, Kingfisher, Bittern, Ruff, Peregrine, Merlin, Cetti’s Warbler, Redwing, Blackcap, Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Woodcock, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank and Water Rail. NOA REDWELL MARSH: Highlights included a Barn Owl, 79 Wigeon, 52 Teal, nine Redwings, six Fieldfares, four Bullfinches, five Snipe, a Spotted Redshank, six Redshanks, a Black-tailed Godwit and 114 Curlews. Pete Allard, Sophie Barker (Norfolk Ornithlogists’ Association, www.noa.org.uk) and Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia – for enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970; www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk
SUFFOLK
HIGHLIGHTS: The Coues’s Arctic Redpoll remained at Hazelwood Common, with another seen at Covehithe (21st). Three Parrot Crossbills stayed at Upper Hollesley Common, with 20 remaining near Santon Downham. The Glossy Ibis remained at Minsmere and Eastbridge, and then moved to Leiston (28th). A Long-tailed Duck was off Minsmere and Dunwich. Two Smew were at Minsmere. Trimley Marshes held three tundra Bean Geese and six Greenland Whitefronts. A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Levington STW. Four Waxwings were at Felixstowe (26th-27th). Two Great Northern Divers were on the River Orwell. A Black-throated Diver was at Lake Lothing (8th). A Glaucous Gull ranged between Southwold and Sizewell. An Iceland Gull was at Tuddenham St Mary and Lackford Lakes (from 17th). Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia – for enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970; www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk