Easy birding close to the city centre
This canal-feeder reservoir, although heavily used for recreation, has sprung a few surprises over the years. There is always the chance of a decent find, particularly during inclement weather. There are records of Ferruginous Duck, Black-throated and Great Northern Divers, while recent winters have attracted Iceland and Caspian Gulls and recently, a great local rarity: Spotted Redshank. PETE HACKETT
WHERE TO WATCH
1 The reservoir is surrounded with broadleaved woodland, which attracts Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Coal Tit, Treecreeper and Nuthatch. Song and Mistle Thrush breed, while there is a chance of Brambling during autumn.
2 The narrow end of the reservoir has breeding Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Coot and Moorhen, while Kingfisher can sometimes be seen perched in the willows.
3 From the car park (currently closed to cars) good elevated views can be had. Terns pass through in spring, with Common being the most regular, but Arctic and Black Terns are annual too, while there is always the possibility of Little Gull. During spells of rain or freezing weather in winter scarcer ducks or grebes have turned up. Herring and Lesser Black-backed represent the larger gulls but Caspian Gull has been recorded, along with Iceland and Glaucous, on occasion.
4 Along the dam, check for Rock Pipit and Wheatear in autumn, while the small sandy bay by the sailing club attracts Common Sandpiper if water levels allow, with Sanderling also taking a liking to that area during May.
This large block of ancient woodland is noted for its wide range of deciduous trees including Wild Cherry, Hornbeam and Lime; favoured seed food of the Hawfinch, which formerly resided here, but is now relegated to an occasional winter visitor. A few pairs of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers are still present. The woodland section is linked to Cassiobury Park where riparian habitat along the River Gade adds wetland species including Water Rail, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail. PAUL TRODD
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Mature deciduous woodland supports a range of resident species, including Long-tailed Tit, Green, Great and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Brambling and Jay. Check conifers for the calls of Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and an outside chance of Firecrest and Crossbill. Hooting Tawny Owls are active at dusk, while Woodcock are sometimes flushed from damp rides.
2 Open farmland and the golf course yields mixed flocks of Goldfinch, Linnet and Chaffinch around field margins, plus a chance of Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer, Stonechat and Reed Bunting. Occasional flocks of Black-headed and Common Gulls, Lapwing, corvids, Stock Dove, winter thrushes and Starling drop in to feed. Scan surrounding woodland for Buzzard, Red Kite and Sparrowhawk displaying over the canopy.
3 Check the old watercress beds for a chance of Grey Heron, Little Egret, Kingfisher, Moorhen, Water Rail, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Grey and Pied Wagtails. Snipe are sometimes noted, while there is an outside chance of a Water Pipit. Hedgerows support flocks of tits and finches that may also harbour a wintering Blackcap. Stands of trees along the water course are a haunt of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.
4 The weir along the River Gade is a good spot for a feeding Grey Wagtail or a passing Kingfisher while the margins attract Moorhen, Water Rail, Grey Heron and Little Egret. Riverside trees support roving flocks of tits and finches including Long-tailed Tit and Bullfinch, plus Jay, spotted woodpeckers, Nuthatch and Treecreeper. Check Alders for a chance of Lesser Redpoll and Siskin among the Goldfinches. Adjacent parkland resonates to the sound of Mistle Thrush and Ringnecked Parakeet.
Gunnersbury Triangle is a small nature reserve, run by the London Wildlife Trust, sandwiched by three railway lines. It was saved from planned development thanks to a public inquiry. It is a little gem of unspoilt woodland that birds and small mammals take advantage of.
ABIGAIL HAMILTON-THOMPSON
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Upon entering the reserve, pass by the herb garden, small pond and main pond. Look here for wagtails and a variety of damselflies. The pond was dug out by volunteers in 1986. The natural walkways and footpaths guide the visitor around this quiet reclaimed site, with a few seats available to enjoy the setting. Formerly allotments in the 1940s, the ‘triangle’ has blossomed ever since.
2 As you get further into the woodland of sheltered birch and willow, listen for the familiar tapping noises of excavating Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. The sound of the city here is dampened by the foliage allowing visitors to tune into the bird song. Blackcaps and a nesting pair of Sparrowhawks are also a familiar sight on this reserve, as well as your traditional urban birds such as Jay, Robin and Long-tailed Tit.
3 As you round the site back towards the start through the acid grasslands meadow, look out for species that may be attracted to the fruits from the blackberries, Blackthorn and Hawthorn, with birds such as the Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Chiffchaff and Dunnock.