NewsJan2006

From Londonbirders

Jan 31 2006

  • London Wetland Centre, 1 Bittern, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Shelduck, 80 Redwing, 1 Rock Pipit (John Gowland).
  • Firecrest at Osier Marsh, Sewardstone, 11.54hrs with Long-tailed Tits in silver birches near wood and steel hide, half-way along boardwalk (Martin Shepherd).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: 1m Mandarin, 15 Gadwall, 31 Shoveler, 1 Kestrel, 3 Little Grebe, 7 Pied Wagtail, 6 singing Mistle Thrush and 5 Coal Tit; also a Common Gull in full juvenile plumage (Des McKenzie).
  • King George's Park, Wandsworth: Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail along the Wandle, 14 Redwing and 10 Linnet on playing fields and a mixed flock of Siskin, Goldfinch and Greenfinch in alders (Martin Honey).
  • Trent Park: 9 Goosander (4m, 5f) with 2 pair displaying; 1 Kingfisher, 4 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 6+ Siskin, 1 GC Grebe (Pete Lowman).

Jan 30 2006

  • Walthamstow Marsh: m Stonechat, m Reed Bunt, 3 Mipit, 3 Grey Wag, 4 Little Grebe (2 singing), m Great Spot drumming, Black Swan (David Callahan).
  • Surrey Docks: 105 Tufted Duck, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Great Black-backed Gull on the Thames, 1 Stock Dove north across the Thames, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff (buddlieah scrub along Canada Water and Surrey Water canal), at least 170 House Sparrow (102 in the vicinity of Alfred Salter school, Archangel Road), c.35 Goldfinch and c.25 Siskin at Russia Dock Woodland (Des McKenzie).
  • Peregrines (2) on Tate Modern tower, west side (Alan Lewis).
  • Regents Park: Goosander female flew off at 7.50am, 33 Gadwall (record number) and Yellow-legged Gull (Tony Duckett).
  • Trent Park: 9 Goosander (5m,4f), 1 G.C.Grebe, 2 Gadwall, 3 Pochard (Pete Lowman).

Jan 29 2006

  • Lesser Spotted Woodpecker - 1 male Gilbert's Slade, Snaresbrook, near clearing (Steven Swaby).
  • Lesser Spotted Woodpecker - 1 female Bushy Park, far end of Woodland Gardens towards Duke's Head Passage entrance (Mike Wheeler).
  • Chiffchaff at Bowyers Water; 12 Goosanders moving between North Met Pit and Ashley Pit. 10 Siskins (Martin Shepherd).
  • Short-eared Owl, over Chafford Hundred from my garden (David Darrell-Lambert).
  • Waxwing, 5 at Thorndon CP in beech plantation in the Old Park area towards Hatch Farm (Birdguides).
  • Peregrine, 1 (thought to be a male) flew west over Paddington Green at 16.41hrs (Des McKenzie).
  • 6 Bewick's Swan south west over the London Wetland Centre; also Bittern, Jack Snipe. 80 Wigeon and good numbers of Teal , Shoveler and Tufted Duck ~ It's world wetland day so free entry today only (John Arbon).
  • Also Shelduck and 1 Jack Snipe at london wetlands centre (Vincent Palfi).
  • Waxwing, 6 at Putney in St. John's Ave (Birdguides).
  • Smew, four redheads at Bedfont Lakes CP on the north lake (Birdguides).
  • Bittern at Amwell GP's in reeds to the left of the hide, viewed from the bridge; also 2 Smew and Little Egret (Birdguides).
  • Spotted Redshank at Tyttenhanger GPs on the northernmost pit with Greenshank and 2 Green Sandpipers & adult Caspian Gull on the main pit roosting on the spit on the east side (Birdguides).
  • Lapwing, 27 NW @ 11am, 2 Nuthatch near first animal enclosures & N. end of Conservation Area, 20+ Redwing, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 12 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Pied Wagtail at Wood Green Res/Alexandra Park (Bob Watts).
  • Golden Plover, c250 at Woodoaks Farm, Maple Cross. Also, c100 Lapwing and c60 Jackdaw (Roger Dewey).
  • Trent Park: 5 Goosander (2m, 3f), 1 G.C.Grebe, 2 Gadwall (Pete Lowman).
  • 3 Water Pipits, Jack Snipe , Whooper Swan and Siskin, London Wetlands Centre (Nigel Biggs, Tom Shannon).
  • Goosander (8) on Summerhouse Lake at Bentley Priory (Alan Lewis).
  • Gadwall, 12 on River Misbourne, Denham (Roger Dewey).
  • Redshank, 48 at Bow Creek, also 2 Shelduck and c.120 Teal, nearby 1 Peregrine on Millennium Dome (Nick Tanner).
  • Smew (m), North Met Pit & Chiffchaff, Cheshunt Lake, River Lee Country Park (Fraser Simpson).
  • 5 Smew (4 drakes + 1 redhead), Grange Waters (Dave Morrison).

Jan 28 2006

  • Smew: Wraysbury Gravel Pits - two females at far end of right hand pit from Hythe End Bridge, and two more females on pit nearest to Wraysbury Station. Also Bullfinch(pair)and Water Rail (Mike Wheeler)
  • Male Blackcap in garden, Enfield Lock. Common Buzzard at Galleyhill Wood (Martin Shepherd)
  • Fishers Green: 1 Water Rail, 1 Common Snipe from the Bittern Watchpoint (Ian Rose).
  • Ingrebourne Valley: 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Jack Snipe, 6 Common Snipe, 1 Water Rail, 1+ Brambling plus many Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and Chaffinch near horse paddock; 4 Stonechat and many Skylark on the tip along with c.50 Lesser Redpoll (no accurate count made); also lots of Golden Plover and Fieldfare on surrounding fields (Des McKenzie, Nick Tanner).
  • Bittern, 2 at Amwell GPs from watchpoint late afternoon plus 3 drake and 3 redhead Smew (Birdguides).
  • London Wetland Centre: 1 Bittern, 1 Shelduck, 1 Rock Pipit (John Gowland).
  • Redwing, 2 at Priory Park, Hornsey (Bob Watts).
  • Smew, drake and 2 redheads at Bedfont Lakes CP; also Red-breasted Merganser (Birdguides).
  • Shelduck at Brent Res, also Greylag Goose, 4 Siskins & 4 Fieldfares (Andrew Self).
  • Green Sandpiper, Kingfisher (2), Snipe (2), at Stoke Newington reservoirs (G. James).
  • 1 female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (2 female & 1 Male) 4 Nuthatch, 20+ Goldfinch, 20+ Redwings, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Kestrel, all in or around Thornet Wood in Jubilee Country Park, Bromley, Kent (Barry Wooding).
  • Ring-billed Gull, adult at Isle of Dogs on R.Thames again this afternoon from the slipway at end of Glenaffric Avenue (Birdguides).
  • Little Egret at Morden Hall Park this morning at TQ260687 by the white house on the lake viewable from public footpath (Birdguides).
  • Spotted Redshank at Tyttenhanger GPs (Birdguides).
  • 2 Drake Scaup, 10 Black Tailed Godwit, calling Chiffchaff and 40 Siskins at Barking Outfall (Dave Morrison).
  • 2 Jack Snipe, 27 Avocet, 7 Grey Plover and 24 Curlew at West Thurrock (Dave Morrison)
  • Smew, pair at Ruislip Lido mid-afternoon on south end of the lake (Birdguides)
  • Black Redstart (pair) at East India Dock Basin (Panda)
  • 1 Little Grebe,2 Great Crested Grebe,4-5 Cormorant, 3 Mute Swans (2 Adult & 1 Juv), 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Shoveler (2 Male & 2 Female), 2-3 Pochard, Common Gull,1 Imm Herring Gull,1 Male Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redwing & Fieldfare, Siskin at South Norwood Lake, Croydon (Ernie Thomason)

Jan 27 2006

  • Bittern, Viewed from Peacock Tower in reeds at left of WWF Hide, London Wetland Centre (Suwon Nicholls)
  • Waxwing, 6 at Putney opposite HSBC Bank this morning, c.200m from Putney High St. towards East Putney tube station (Birdguides).
  • Red-breasted Merganser, 2 at Staines Reservoirs on North Basin, also group of 14 Black-necked Grebes together by the south tower (Ken Purdey).
  • Dark-bellied Brent Goose at Tyttenhanger GPs on the main pit mid-morning only; also Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank & 2 Green Sandpipers (Birdguides).
  • Redwing, 70+, Rose Garden Slopes, Alexandra Palace Park (M. Conway).
  • Regents Park: Goosander female on NE arm of the lake 7.30am (Tony Duckett).
  • Trent Park: 4 Goosander (2m, 2f), 2 Kingfisher, 1 G.C.Grebe (not annual at this site), 25+ Siskin (Pete Lowman).
  • Hawfinch, 1+ at Lee Valley CP in scrub around car park at Turnford Brook (Birdguides).
  • 1 Bittern, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Dunlin and 11 Siskins at the London Wetland Centre (Brendan Spooner)

Jan 26 2006

  • Mandarin, pair at St James's Park (Andrew Self).
  • Shoveler, 19 at Kensington Gardens, also 3 Little Grebe (Des McKenzie).
  • 2 Shoveler, 12 Common Gull, 2 Long tailed Tit, 10 Greenfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 1 Grey Heron at Victoria Park (Bob Watts & Phil Hissey).
  • Regents Park: Goosander female present in NE arm of lake at 9.00am flew off shortly afterwards. Relocated asleep on the island opposite the Holme at 11.30am. Also present 18 Gadwall, 16 Mandarins, 12 Red crested Pochards, 1 pair of Pintail, Common Teal and Euro Wigeon, Redwings are present along canal slopes.
  • 3 Water Rails, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Grey Wagtails @ Stoke Newington Reservoirs (Mark Pearson).
  • Trent Park: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 20 Chaffinch, 30+ Redwing (Pete Lowman).
  • Smew, 6 at Bedfont Lakes CP on New Lake (Ken Purdey).
  • Water Pipit, 2 at Staines Moor at southern end by A30 (Steve Spooner).
  • Black-necked Grebe, 3 at Staines Res (Steve Spooner).
  • Smew, 2 redheads at Thorpe Park on pit opposite entrance (Steve Spooner).
  • Goosander, c10 at Walton Res (Steve Spooner).
  • Waxwing, 5 at Putney, No.131 Upper Richmond Road.
  • Smew, male & redhead, Goosander female and Water Rail at Ruislip Lido (Steve Pash).

Jan 25 2006

  • 2 Jack Snipe, 22 Common Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 1 Bittern, 1 Rock Pipit at the London Wetland Centre (John Gowland).
  • Hawfinch, pair at Ashtead Common at the back of the Wells Estate Epsom from 12.05-12-35hrs (Andrew Pearce).
  • Hawfinch at Lee Valley CP at Turnford Brook west of railway in scrub by footbridge (Birdguides).
  • 3 Snipe, 14 Goldeneye inc. 3 displaying drakes, Redwing, 45 Gadwall, 4 GbbGull, Black Swan at Walthamstow Reservoirs (David Callahan).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: 92 Mute Swan (mainly Round Pond), 24 Shoveler, 1 Nuthatch and 1 Treecreeper (Des McKenzie).
  • 3 Stonechat (2 male, 1 female) and 4 Bullfinches, Minet Country Park Yeading (next to visitor centre) (M. Goodall).

Jan 24 2006

  • Mediterranean Gull, first-winter at Cheshunt GP, also 4 Smew (Adam Wilson).
  • Stock Dove, 18-20 at Kensington Gardens (Des McKenzie).
  • East Barnet: 2 Ring-necked Parakeet (Pete Lowman).
  • Black Redstart (1 male and 1 Female) @ East India Dock Basin (Pete and Andy Fallan).
  • 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Snipe, 4 Teal, 3 Water Rail, 1 Chiffchaff @ Stoke Newington reservoirs (Mark Pearson).
  • Ring-billed Gull, the regular adult was on a barge on the Thames at Greenwich until 14.30hrs; also an adult Little Gull there (Focalpoint).
  • Grey Wagtail - Blackfriars bridge at low Tide (Alan Lewis).
  • Beverley Brook: 1 Treecreeper, 50+ Redwing, 2 Egyptian Goose (Lee Walther).
  • Grand Union Canal @ Johnson's Lock , Mile End Park; 1 Chiffchaff (Phil Hissey).
  • Woodcock, Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill Fields at 18.30hrs (Paul Angus).
  • 1 Male Pheasant, Paddock car park Alexandra Palace Park 12.30pm. Could be an escapee from Farmers market held weekly ?? (Michael Conway).

Jan 23 2006

  • Scaup, f/imm at Island Barn Res (Steve Spooner).
  • Bittern and 50 siskin at the London Wetland Centre (John Gowland).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: Bullfinch, 1 calling from Hudson Memorial enclosure, also 12 Gadwall, 17 Shoveler and a Nuthatch at the Peter Pan feeders (Des McKenzie).
  • East India Dock Basin: Black Redstart, 2 Shelduck, 3 Little Grebe and a Peregrine nearby on the Millennium Dome (Richard Harrison).
  • Regents Park: Woodcock 8.10am flew low over Queen Mary's and appeared to land, also 20 Redwings, pair of Teal and Wigeon (Tony Duckett).
  • Knot at Dagenham Chase on The Slack with Lapwings & Golden Plovers till 3.52pm when flew south (Vince Halley-Frame).
  • Med Gull, 2nd winter at Stoke Newington Res also 1 Snipe both on East Res mid morning (Chris Langsdon).
  • 1+ Hawfinch still at Turnford Brook car park, Lee Valley, showing well at 2pm (RBA).
  • Trent Park: 5 Goosander (4m,1f), 2 Kingfisher, 3 Gadwall (Pete Lowman).
  • Beech Farm: 5 Grey Partridge, 1 Little Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl (Mark McManus).
  • Black-necked Grebe, 14 at Staines Res (Ken Purdey).
  • Waxwing, 6 at Putney, No.131 Upper Richmond Road at 11:30 (Suwon Nicholls).
  • Smew, 7, one drake at Bedfont Lakes CP, on North Lake; also a drake Goldeneye (Birdguides).

Jan 22 2006

  • Common Buzzard at Balls Wood, Herts. Chiffchaff and Common Sandpiper at Lea Park Way, Brimsdown. (Martin Shepherd)
  • Ring-billed Gull, adult at Isle of Dogs on a barge on south bank of R.Thames c.100m downstream of Lovell's Wharf at 13.40 (Nick Tanner).
  • Med Gull, 1st W showing extremely well at the north end of Wood Green Reservoir, Alexandra Park till 10:35am at least, often perched on the orange lifebelt sign on bank between Tunnel Res & main res (Bob Watts).
  • Jack Snipe, London WWT showing from Peacock Hide (Adrian de Leiros), also Bittern at 4.30pm from Peacock tower by WWF hide (Y. Simmonds & M. Howes).
  • Green Sandpiper at Stoke Newington reservoirs, also Snipe (2) (TeRNS)
  • Waxwing, 5 at Putney at Junction St Johns Avenue and Putney Hill at the top of a tree in the grounds of Fairlawns flats 8.40-9.15am (Liz & Roger Ackroyd).
  • Bittern at Lee Valley CP climbing reeds on right of right-hand channel from the Bittern Viewpoint at 16.37; also 2 Hawfinch at Turnford Brook car park west of railway in scrub by footbridge & drake Smew & female Goosander on North Met Pit (Fraser Simpson).
  • Mediterranean Gull, 1st-winter at Wandsworth Park on River Thames (Birdguides).
  • Black Redstart (1M, 2F) at East India Dock Basin, also Pintail (M) and Common Sandpiper at Lower Lea Crossing (Stuart Harrington).
  • Dartford Warbler, wintering bird at Minet Country Park in rough grassland with a pair of Stonechat (Mark McManus).
  • Black-tailed Godwit, 1 still at Tyttenhanger with Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Green Sandpiper (Mark McManus).
  • Rainham Marshes: Dartford Warbler, Ruff, 24 Pintail, Black Redstart and 5 Short Eared Owls (Dave Lambert, Dave Morrison).
  • Med Gull (1st Winter) at Coppermill Lane Filter Beds, Walthamstow, also at the Reservoir 10+ Goldeneye, 2 Common Sandpipers and 4 Shelduck (Paul White)
  • Smew, 3, including 2 drakes at Stocker's Lake; also 5 Goosander (Birdguides)
  • 3 Bullfinch in the conservation area Alexandra Palace park, also 1 Kingfisher conservation pond Alexandra Palace (M.Conway).
  • Firecrest still at south end of Pool River Linear Park, Catford, in ivy-covered trees on railway bank just south of where the footpath/cycleway passes under the railway (John Archer)
  • Smew, 11 including 2 drakes at Wraysbury GPs; also 8 Goosander (Birdguides)
  • White-headed Duck, adult drake at Broadwater GP (Birdguides)
  • Water Rail, London WWT from Peacock Hide (Suwon Nicholls)

Jan 21 2006

  • 3 Common Buzzards and Woodcock at Galleyhill Wood. 10 Lesser Redpolls at Aimes Green. Peregrine at Cornmill Meadows (Martin Shepherd)
  • Hawfinch, 2 showing extremley well in Turnford Carpark Cheshunt, From dawn till 8.30am at least. Also Smew, Goosander and Bittern in the nearby area (John Murray).
  • Northern Bottlenose Whale off Battersea Bridge at midday, see photo [1] (Andrew Self).
  • Bittern at London Wetland Centre, also Jack Snipe & Kingfisher (John Gowland).
  • Waxwing, 5 at Putney in St John's Avenue at 08:00, briefly at No.125 Upper Richmond Road at 14:00 (Birdguides).
  • Black-tailed Godwit at Tyttenhanger GPs at the north end of the fishing lake, also Spotted Redshank and Greenshank, Mealy Redpoll see photo [2] and 4 Green Sandpipers (Birdguides).
  • Adult Yellow-legged Gull, Brent Reservoir (Tom Shannon, Nigel Biggs).
  • Green Sandpiper, 2 at Stoke Newington reservoirs. Also Water Rail (Birdguides).
  • 2 Egyptian Geese on island feeding on bread thrown by members of public at South Norwood Lake.
  • Red-crested Pochard, drake at Wraysbury GPs; also 3 Smew (Birdguides).

Jan 20 2006

  • Jack Snipe at London Wetland Centre (John Gowland)
  • Northern Bottlenose Whale in the Thames, swam past Westminster bridge earlier, then up to Battersea Bridge (BBC website). Still present off Battersea Park 4.15pm (John Archer).
  • White-headed Duck at Broadwater GP at 13:30 (Robin Dryden).
  • Spotted Redshank at Tyttenhanger GPs on main pool this morning plus Greenshank, Ringed Plover and a Green Sandpiper (Birdguides.)
  • Waxwing, 4+ at Putney by the junction of Putney Hill/St John's Avenue (Birdguides).
  • 1st w Med Gull on reservoir plus Stonechat at Alexandra Park late afternoon (Gareth Richards).
  • Presumed Sacred Ibis east over M25 at Staines at 4.50pm (RBA).
  • 7 Black-necked Grebes Staines Res + Water Pipit (RBA).
  • TrentPark: 3 Goosander (2m,1f), 60+ Goldfinch (Pete Lowman).
  • 2 Egpytian Geese on island feeding on bread thrown by members of public & 2 Siskins feeding on waterside alders at South Norwood Lake.
  • 2 Mealy Redpoll at Tyttenhanger. At Willows Farm by the underpass, they have been present for several days (Mark McManus)
  • Smew, 4 including 2 drakes at Amwell GPs; also adult Mediterranean Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull and up to 13 Little Egret (Birdguides)
  • Bittern at Stocker's Lake on the shore this afternoon near the island in the river coming from Inn's Lake (Birdguides)


Jan 19 2006

  • Waxwing at Potters Bar by 127 Sunnybank Road (Birdguides)
  • 12 Yellowhammer at St Lawrence Farm, Bumbles Green (Peter Lambert).
  • Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Galleyhill Wood (Peter Lambert).
  • 370 Golden Plover at Cornmill Meadows and male Stonechat (Peter Lambert).
  • 3 Bittern at London London Wetland Centre; also 2 Shelduck, Siskins and Kingfisher.
  • Siskin, flock of c.30 still in King George's Park, Wandsworth, feeding in Alders between Forster's Way and allotments (Martin Honey).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: 91 Mute Swan, 313 Greylag Goose, 5 Gadwall, 19 Shoveler, 147 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebe, 162 Coot, 488 Black-headed Gull, 58 Common Gull, 15+ Ring-necked Parakeet, 10 Pied Wagtail, 30 Robin, 10 Mistle Thrush, 4 Goldcrest, 36 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Coal Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper and 42 Magpie; also 1 escapee Emperor Goose, possibly from the St. James's Park collection (Des McKenzie).
  • East India Dock Basin (13:30hrs) - wood copse by lock - suspected Eastern European Chiffchaff - Siberian? - another witness present fom Kent Birders. Also, 2 female and 1 male Black Redstart, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Little Grebe, many Teal etc (Mike Goodall).
  • Smew, 2 drakes at Connaught Water; also 7 Mandarin and Red-crested Pochard (Birdguides).
  • Black-necked Grebe, 7 at Staines Reservoirs, also Water Pipit (Birdguides).
  • Hawfinch at Lee Valley CP at Turnford Brook west of railway in scrub by footbridge (Birdguides).
  • Waxwing, 2 at Epsom in Horton Lane by Moat Garden Centre. Park in Horton CP car park (Birdguides).
  • Trent Park: 3 Goosander (2m,1f), 4 Gadwall, 15 Mandarin and 70+ Redwing (Pete Lowman).

Jan 18 2006

  • Water Pipit, 12 at Staines Moor (Adam Cheeseman)
  • Smew, pair at Thorpe Park on pit adjacent to A320 opposite park @13.00 View from layby on souhtbound A320 (Geoff Barter).
  • Waxwing, 2 at Epsom on Horton Lane nr Horton CP car park @ 15.30 (Geoff Barter).
  • 2 Bittern at the London Wetland Centre from Peacock hide (John Arbon).
  • Osier Marsh, Sewardstone: Firecrest seen at 13.35, at start of boardwalk near rusty hide over main pool (Martin Shepherd).
  • White Stork at Romford reported on a rooftop just north of Chadwell Heath railway station at 08:15 (Birdguides).
  • Waxwing, 5 at Putney at the junction of St John's Avenue and Putney Hill by Fairlawns Flats at 11:45 (Birdguides).
  • Walthamstow Res: 3 Common Sand, Redwing, Goldeneye (1m,3f,5imm), 2 Shelduck, Grey Wag and Black Swan (David Callahan).
  • Staines Res: Water Pipit feeding on causeway with Meadow Pipits, 2 Reed Bunting and Pied Wagtails, Black-necked Grebe on north basin (Robin Dryden).
  • Goosander, redhead present Regents Park from 1st light until 7.50am also 26 Redwings, ad Yellow-legged Gull and pair of Teal. Check www.regentsparkbirds.blogspot.com for locations (T. Duckett).
  • Hawfinch, 2 showing well this morning at Turnford Brook car park, Cheshunt (Mark Mcmanus).
  • 50+ Redwing, 5 Fieldfare, 3 Siskin, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker with various finches and tits feeding in a mixed flock next to the Beverley Brook, Kingfisher seen as well. (Barnes) approx 400m along footpath from the River Thames (Lee Walther)
  • Caspian Gull, two 1st-winters at Beddington SF, also 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and an adult Mediterranean Gull (Birdguides)
  • Hawfinch, 2 at Lee Valley CP in Turnford Brook car park (Birdguides)

Jan 17 2006

  • Siskin, 12 in King George's Park, Wandsworth - plus 7 Redwing on playing fields or feeding in cotoneaster opposite 75 Kimber Road (Martin Honey).
  • Waxwing, 5 at Putney at junction of St John's Avenue/Putney Hill by Fairlawns flats (Birdguides).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: 1m Brambling beneath feeders in the Peter Pan enclosure between 10.00hrs and 10.10hrs, also, 15 Gadwall, 3 Ruddy Duck, at least 12 Stock Dove and 5 singing Song Thrush (Des McKenzie).
  • East India Dock Basin, 2 Black Redstart, 2 Gadwall, 20+ Teal, 2 Little Grebe and 1 male Blackcap (Richard Harrison).
  • Water Pipit, 8 at Rainham Marshes RSPB in small bay beyond barges also 2 Rock Pipits (Birdguides).
  • Ring-billed Gull, adult at Isle of Dogs on the River Thames opposite Lovell's Wharf at 14.00 (Birdguides).
  • Waxwing, 2 at Epsom in Horton Lane by Old Moat Garden Centre, still there @14.30, park in Horton CP car park (Birdguides).
  • Bittern, 2 at London Wetland Centre, Main lake (Vincent Palfi).
  • Also 2 Snipe (Wildside Hide - on shore to right) and 3 Pintail(Dulverton Hide) at London Wetland(Mike Goodall)
  • Trent Park: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Goosander (2m,1f) and 12 Mandarin (Pete Lowman).
  • Caspian Gull, adult and 1st-winter at Beddington SF; also 6 Yellow-legged Gulls (5 adults and 3rd-winter) and adult Mediterranean Gull (Birdguides).
  • Hawfinch, 1+ at Turnford Brook in Turnford Brook car park (Birdguides).
  • Jack Snipe at Rye Meads RSPB from Cranham Hide (Birdguides).

Jan 16 2006

  • Redpolls, (10: 8 Mealy, 2 Lesser) at Hollow Ponds, Leyton Flats, Snaresbrook, feeding in birches (Steven Swaby).
  • Alexandra Park - 1st w and 2nd w Med Gull, feeding on and around cricket pitch late p.m. (Gareth Richards).
  • London Wetland Centre - 150 Wigeon, also Shelduck and Snipe (John Arbon).
  • Waxwing, 2 at Epsom in Horton Lane by Old Moat Garden Centre (Birdguides).
  • Waxwing, 5 at Putney at Putney Hill/St.John's Avenue junction by Fairlawns Flats (Birdguides).
  • Hawfinch, 2 at Turnford Brook, Cheshunt in Turnford Brook car park (Birdguides).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens - 8 Gadwall, 9 Shoveler, 15 Pochard, 132 Tufted Duck, 6 Little Grebe, 46 Common Gull, 9 Stock Dove, 1-2 Redwing, 10+ Mistle Thrush and 31 Magpie (Des McKenzie).
  • East India Dock Basin, 30+ Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great BB Gull, 1 Peregrine visible across river on Millennium Dome (Richard Harrison).
  • Peregrines (2) on the Tate Modern Tower, North side at 1.00pm (Alan Lewis)
  • Trent Park - 5 Goosander (3m,2f), 70+ Goldfinch, c80+ Redwing (Pete Lowman)
  • Smew, 5, including three drakes at Belhus Woods CP on the conservation lake (Birdguides)

Jan 15 2006

  • Bittern, 2 at Amwell GPs roosted in the reeds left of the hide from 16:30 (Birdguides).
  • Bittern at London Wetland Centre showing from Peacock hide (Birdguides).
  • Woodcock, 5 Mandarins and 51 Siskins in Totteridge Valley (John Colmans, Ian Ellis).
  • Hawfinch at Broxbourne Woods, Ermine Street car park, Goose Green. Watched for 2 mins at 11.55 sitting in hedgerow bordering track to East Herts Equestrian Centre (Martin Shepherd).
  • Waxwing, 6 at Junction of St John's Avenue & Putney High Street this morning (Jennifer Hayden).
  • Smew, five, including four drakes at Belhus Woods CP on conservation lakes (Birdguides).
  • Little Egret, 1 feeding in River Wandle, Middleton Road, Carshalton (C. Lodge).
  • Bow Creek - 1m Pintail, 28 Redshank and 1 Common Sandpiper (Nick Tanner).
  • Victoria Park - 120+ Goldfinch and 50+ Siskin (Nick Tanner).
  • Spotted Redshank at Tyttenhanger GPs, see photo: [3] also Greenshank, at least 2 Mealy Redpolls and 7 Lesser Redpolls (Birdguides).
  • Waxwing, 2 at Epsom in Horton Lane by Moat Garden Centre (Birdguides).
  • Hawfinch, 1+ at Lee Valley CP by Turnford Brook car park early afternoon plus 2 Bitterns at North Met Pit and a Mealy Redpoll at Fishers Green (Birdguides).
  • Yellow-legged Gull, adult at Brent Res (Andrew Self).
  • Mediterranean Gull, adult and 1st-winter at Alexandra Park on Wood Green Reservoir (Dominic Mitchell).
  • Black-necked Grebe, 7 at Staines Reservoirs (Birdguides)
  • Dartford Warbler at Beddington SF, also 2 Water Pipits and 6 Green Sandpiper, please view only from the perimeter fence (Birdguides)

Jan 14 2006

  • Common Buzzard, late morning over B194 near Galleyhill Wood (Martin Shepherd).
  • Marsh Tit at Wintry Wood, Epping Forest, this morning (Martin Shepherd).
  • Waxwing, 6 at Putney by No.125 Upper Richmond Road (Birdguides).
  • Waxwing, 2 at Epsom in Horton Lane by entrance to Horton CP (Birdguides).
  • White-headed Duck, drake at Broadwater GP plus 5 Smew including 4 drakes (Birdguides).
  • Short-eared Owl, 2 at Rainham Marshes RSPB off Ferry Lane, also 4 Water Pipits on the stone barges & 190 Black-tailed Godwit (Birdguides).
  • Spotted Redshank, at Tyttenhanger GPs on fishing pit (Birdguides).
  • Hawfinch, 2 at Lee Valley CP in Turnford Brook car park this afternoon, also Bittern showing very well from causeway at north end of North Met Pit at dusk (Birdguides).
  • Smew, three drakes at Amwell GPs; also Little Egret (Birdguides).
  • Mediterranean Gull, adult at Beddington SF, also Little Egret and 3 Green Sandpipers (Birdguides)
  • Bow Creek - 1m Pintail and 36 Redshank (Des McKenzie, Nick Tanner).
  • East India Dock Basin - 2 Shelduck, 30+ Teal, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Common Snipe and c.20 Greenfinch (Des McKenzie, Nick Tanner).
  • Surrey Docks - 88 Tufted Duck, c.15 Redwing, 150+ House Sparrow (at least 100 along Archangel Road), c.20 Greenfinch, 15+ Siskin and 1 Lesser Redpoll (Des McKenzie, Nick Tanner).

Jan 13 2006

  • Siskin, small flock of c.30 in Alders behind Cannons Sports Centre, King George's Park, Wandsworth, plus 16 Linnet on playing fields (Martin Honey).
  • Waxwing at Garston in Peregrine Close, opposite No.56 (Birdguides).
  • Waxwing, 2 at Epsom in Horton Lane (Birdguides).
  • White-headed Duck, drake at Broadwater Lake (Joan Thompson)
  • 10 Goosander, 2 Kingfisher plus roost of 100+ Goldfinch. Trent Park ( R. Callf)

Jan 12 2006

  • Little Egrets, 11 at Amwell GP, also 1 Buzzard, 3 Smew (2 males) and 7 Redpolls (Peter Lambert).
  • Waxwing, 6 at Putney at the St John's Avenue/Putney Hill junction in trees by Fairlawns Flats in morning and by No.131 Upper Richmond Road this afternoon (Birdguides).
  • Waxwing, 2 at Epsom near the Horton Lane/Abbots Avenue junction this morning by the Tennis Centre (Birdguides).
  • Waxwing at Watford in a private garden (Birdguides).
  • Siskin, King George's Park extension, Wandsworth, 10 feeding in Alders by River Wandle near Forster's Way (Martin Honey).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens - 1m Mandarin, 15 Gadwall, 21 Shoveler, 2 Fieldfare and 36 Redwing (Des McKenzie).
  • White-headed Duck, drake at Hilfield Park Reservoir viewed from the footbridge at TQ153955 (Birdguides).
  • Smew, four drakes at Belhus Woods CP on the lake by the M25 (Birdguides).
  • Bittern at Barnes WWT from Peacock Tower, also Pintail and Snipe (Benjamin Epstein).
  • 2-3 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers (1 female), 3 Male Bullfinch in woodland near Thornet Wood Car Park, also 1-3 Fieldfare, 30+ Redwings, 1 Meadow Pipit in Southborough Lane stables field near Blackbrook Lane Car Park, Jubilee Country Park, Bromley Common (Ernie Thomason).
  • Brambling (female), 7 Goosander and Kingfisher at Trent Park (R.Callf, Pete Lowman).
  • Smew, 4 redheads at Wraysbury GPs on Hythe Lake, also Scaup (Birdguides).
  • Dartford Warbler at Minet CP, overwintering female/immature still present at north end associating with Stonechats. Also a Jack Snipe flushed mid-morning near the Information Centre (Birdguides).
  • White-headed Duck, drake at Broadwater GP this afternoon (Birdguides).
  • Stockers Lake: Red-crested Pochard (8) including 6 drakes, Wigeon (63), Smew (6) including 3 drakes, Goosander (5) including 4 drakes.
  • Little Egret feeding the shallows of the River Colne and adjacent lake, also 42 Siskin (Paul Lewis).

Jan 11 2006

  • Bittern at Bedfont Lakes CP (Birdguides).
  • Waxwing, 6 at Putney in trees on Upper Richmond Road (Birdguides).
  • East India Dock Basin: 2 Black Redstart and 2 Little Grebe. Nearby, on the Bow Loop by Tate & Lyle there seems to be 2 (two) Ring-billed Gulls (?) However the ring on both birds is not jet black and they both have a white with light grey feintly speckled head; also 23 Redshank (Mick Goodall).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens - 8 Gadwall, 13 Shoveler, 5 Little Grebe, at least 43 Blackbird and 3 Redwing (Des McKenzie).
  • West Thurrock - 69 Black Tailed Godwit, 1,400 Dunlin, 14 Avocet, 19 Curlew, 2 Jack Snipe, 400 Redshank and a Rock Pipit (Dave Morrison).
  • Beech Farm -1 Barn Owl and 1 Short-eared Owl, also 150 Golden Plover and 6 Bullfinch.
  • White-headed Duck at Broadwater (G Westley).
  • Waxwing, 2 roosting at junction of Horton Lane and Abbots Avenue, Epsom. TQ192618 (Colin Manville)
  • Mediterranean Gull, second-winter at Palmers Green in Broomfield Park at TQ305928 (Birdguides)
  • Spotted Redshank at Tyttenhanger GPs, also Greenshank (Birdguides)

Jan 1 2006

  • Adult Yellow-legged Gull, Hampstead Heath, on the first Hampstead Pond, coming from Hampstead Heath BR station, at 11.15am for 10 minutes (Paul White).
  • Waxwing, 6 at Putney in St John's Avenue near junction with Putney Hill, opposite Marlin House; flew towards Upper Richmond Road (Birdguides) and were again at the St John's Avenue/Putney Hill junction by Fairlawn Flats at around 1.00pm (Peter Newmark).
  • Peregrine, 2 North side of Tate Modern tower 1.00pm onwards (Alan Lewis).
  • Bittern, showing well from Peacock Tower at Barnes WWT from 3.00pm (Peter Newmark).
  • Smew, 10 at Wraysbury GPs including 4 drakes plus 2 drake Red-crested Pochards (Birdguides).

Jan 9 2006

  • Waxwing, 6 at Putney around the Putney Hill/St. John's Avenue junction in trees by Fairlawns Flats (Birdguides).
  • Red-breasted Merganser, female type at Banbury Reservoir (Peter Lambert).
  • Cheshunt GP, 1 Bittern showing well and climbed up the reeds at 4pm (Peter Lambert).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: Yellow-legged Gull, a 4th-wint type on the Serpentine near the Dell Restaraunt with Herring Gulls; also present 10 Gadwall, 11 Shoveler, 1f Ruddy Duck, 5 Stock Dove, 1 Redwing, 10 Mistle Thrush and c.25 Chaffinch (Des McKenzie).
  • Black Redstart, 1 at East India Dock Basin NR (Richard Harrison).
  • Black-necked Grebe, 8 at Staines Res, also 3 Water Pipit (Ken Purdey).
  • Green Sandpiper at Stoke Newington west reservoir (TeRNS).
  • Med Gull, second-winter at Palmers Green in Broomfield Park (Roy Beddard). Photos show beyond any doubt that this is the same bird which has frequented Wood Green Reservoir, Alexandra Park (Bob Watts).
  • Waxwing at Sidcup in gardens in Montpelier Road (Birdguides).
  • Black Redstart, two at East India Dock Basin including a singing male, also Kingfisher and a male Blackcap there and two Peregrines across the Thames on the Millennium Dome (Nick Tanner).
  • Caspian Gull, adult at Beddington SF, also adult 4th-winter and 3rd-winter Yellow legged Gulls and 3 Mediterranean Gulls (Birdguides).

Jan 8 2006

  • 6 Goosander, 3 males,1 redhead Smew, 7 Goldeneye mixed, Hollyfield Lake, Lee Valley (JP Elmes).
  • Water Pipit, 8 at Rainham Marshes RSPB from Riverside car park this morning; also 3 Rock Pipit (Birdguides).
  • London Wetland Centre: two Bitterns, one in the same place as yesterday and one in reed bed channels, Water Rails, Fieldfare and Redwing (small flock in car park area), Siskin around site generally (John Arbon).
  • Waxwing, 6 still present on St Johns Avenue, Putney (Adrian de Leiros).
  • Med Gull, adult at Swanscombe Marshes; also 5+ Rock Pipit, 94 Black-tailed Godwit and 9 Brent Geese flew west at 09:20 (Birdguides).
  • Black-necked Grebe, 5 at Staines Reservoirs on North Basin (Birdguides).
  • Smew, 6 at Thorpe Park, 3 drakes and 2 redheads on pit opposite the entrance and a redhead on the waterski area (Birdguides).
  • Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, male just south of Pavilions Bar, Alexandra Park @ 13:15, also c 40 Redwings (Bob Watts).
  • Brambling, 1 female and 6 Lesser Redpolls at Potters Crouch in Sunflower field on Ragged Hall Lane (Mark McManus).
  • Spotted Redshank at Tyttenhanger GPs on fishing pit; also 5 Goosander on Main Pit (Birdguides).
  • Scaup, female at Wraysbury GPs on Heron Lake this afternoon; also 3 drake Goosander (Birdguides).
  • Bittern, 2 at Bedfont Lakes Country Park, also 5 Smew inc 1 drake and 2 Egyptian Geese (Adam Cheeseman).
  • Bittern at North Met pit @ 4 pm, also 3 Smew plus pair of Smew on Hook’s Marsh Pit (others reported on Holyfield Lake) (David Bradshaw, Birdguides).

Jan 7 2006

  • Ring-billed Gull, the regular adult again today, 50 metres east of the slipway at the end of Glenaffric Avenue opposite Lovell's Wharf until 13.50hrs at least (Nick Tanner).
  • Gunpowder Park - 10 Linnets, 1 Green Wood, 6 Teal, 6 Lapwings (over) 2 Stonechat, 5 Meadow Pipits & 2 Kestrel (Chris and Pete Langsdon).
  • Fishers Green Area - 1f Bullfinch, 40 Lapwing on 70 acre, c50 Siskins (Chris and Pete Langsdon).
  • North Met Pit - 1 Bittern climbing to top of reeds at 4:15 (Chris & Pete Langsdon).
  • Bittern at London Wetland Centre showing from peacock hide plus Jack Snipe on main lake also Siskin 30+ on site 9 waterrail see on site (John Arbon).
  • Waxwing, 6 at Putney on St. John's Ave on the right approaching from Putney Hill (Birdguides).
  • Spotted Redshank at Tyttenhanger GPs, also Greenshank and 2 Green Sandpiper at the Fishing Lakes (Birdguides).
  • Redwing, 8 in Salway Park, Woodford Green (Steve Howey).
  • Stockers Lake - 60 Siskins, 1 Water Rail, 1m Bullfinch, 5m Red Crested Pochard, 1 Redpoll, 5m & 2f Goosander, 1m & 5f Goldeneye, 1 Chiffchaff (John & Phil Palmer).
  • Bittern at Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve, also adult Little Gull (Birdguides).
  • Mediterranean Gull, two adults at Beddington SF, also 4 adult and 3rd-winter Yellow-legged Gull (Birdguides).
  • Smew, five males and 13 redheads at Thorpe Park on pit adjacent to A320 opposite park. View from layby on souhtbound A320 (Birdguides).
  • Goosander, 8 including 4 drakes at Nazeing GPs (Birdguides).
  • Smew, four including 2 drakes at Amwell GPs (Birdguides).
  • Red-crested Pochard, two drakes and 5 female/juveniles at Stoke Newington Reservoirs on the West Reservoir viewed from the New River Path (Birdguides).
  • Smew, three drakes and 2 redheads at Belhus Woods CP on lake nearest to M25 (Birdguides).
  • Mealy Redpoll at Tyttenhanger GPs by Willow Farm (Birdguides).
  • Little Egret at Cassiobury Park at cress beds plus 100 Siskins (Birdguides).
  • Blackcap, male in Sunny Hill Park, Hendon (Fraser Simpson).

Jan 6 2006

  • Kumlien's Gull, possible 1st-winter bird at Beddington SF; also 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull and 3rd-winter Yellow-legged Gull (Birdguides)
  • Ring-billed Gull, adult at Isle of Dogs on the Thames opposite Lovell's Wharf at 12:30 (Birdguides).
  • Waxwing, still present at Putney at the junction of Putney Hill and St John's Avenue (Birdguides).
  • Smew, five drakes and 13 redheads at Thorpe Park on the pit opposite the entrance to Thorpe Park (Birdguides).
  • Smew, four drakes and 3 redheads at Belhus Woods CP on the lake by the M25 (Birdguides).
  • Crossbill, 8 in Black Park, again in larches by the heath (Robin Dryden).
  • Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Trent Park, in the trees in the animal sanctuary (Pete Lowman).
  • Goldcrest 2, Long-tailed Tit 10+ in Tower Hamlets Cemetery (Bob Watts).
  • Firecrest at Osier Marsh, Gunpowder Park working undergrowth by second viewpoint, also pair Stonechat, Little Owl, 2 Treecreeper on Sewardstone Marsh, and 3m 1f Goosander and Water Rail on R Lea (David Callahan).
  • Smew, 7 including 5 drakes at Wraysbury GPs; also drake Red-crested Pochard & 7 Goosander (Birdguides)
  • Short-eared Owl, 2 at Frogmore GPs over rough ground (Birdguides)

Jan 5 2006

  • Waxwing, 6 at the junction of Putney Hill and St. John's Avenue, Putney (RBA).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: 7 Siskin NW, also 88 Mute Swan, 13 Gadwall, 17 Shoveler and 50+ Common Gull (Des McKenzie).
  • Green Sandpiper and Snipe at Stoke Newington west reservoir (TeRNS).
  • Leyton Waterworks - 1 Peregrine opp Riding School, 12 Gadwall, 25 Goldfinch in flock (Graeme Harper).
  • Crossbill, 8 at Black Park feeding in Larches next to the heathland, also 5 Mandarin on the lake (Mark McManus).
  • Smew, 6 (1 drake) at Thorpe Water Park (Pete Naylor & Dave Morris).
  • Goosander, 4 at Wraysbury GP on BA sailing pit (Pete Naylor & Dave Morris),plus 4 Goosander (2m,2f) on Blenheim Anglers pit with 2 Smew (redheads) and 2 Smew on Village Pit (m/f) (Robin Dryden).
  • Goosander, 7 at Wraysbury Res (Pete Naylor & Dave Morris).
  • Short-eared Owl 1, at Rainham Marshes, 2 Pintail & 2 Water Pipit (Peter Lambert).
  • Black-necked Grebe, 6 at Staines Res, also of interest a slightly aberrant male Wigeon close to causeway which in all respects looked like perfectly normal Wigeon, except that it had extensive white markings on the cheeks (Birdguides, Pete Naylor & Dave Morris).
  • Spotted Redshank at Tyttenhanger GPs on the fishing pit (Birdguides).
  • Ring-billed Gull still opposite Lovell's Wharf on the Isle of Dogs, until 12.30pm (David Callahan). Also 6 Linnet at Mudchute City Farm.

Jan 4 2006

  • Staines Res - 4 Black-necked Grebe, 3 Smew and a Water Pipit (RBA); reports of an American Wigeon appear to be erroneous and probably relate to a hybrid.
  • Ring-necked Parakeet, c.15 at Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens, also 11 Gadwall (Des McKenzie).
  • Mediterranean Gull, 1st-winter at Alexandra Park on Wood Green Reservoir briefly @ 0840.(Dominic Mitchell).
  • Spotted Redshank at Tyttenhanger GPs, also Greenshank and Green Sandpiper (Birdguides).
  • Long-eared Owl, 3 at Beddington SF; also 2 Little Egret, 3 adult Med Gulls and 6 Yellow-legged Gulls. Please only view from perimeter fence (Birdguides).
  • 2 Snipe, 22 Lapwing, 1 Stonechat and c16 Meadow Pipits at Wormwood Scrubs (David Lindo).
  • Brambling (Male) in trees in the animal sanctuary adjacent to the old tennis court, Trent Park..Also 2 Goosander lower lake (Pete Lowman).
  • Common Buzzard (1) at Beech Farm; also Golden Plover (150), Stonechat (4), Fieldfare (130) (Mark McManus).
  • Short-eared Owl (2) at Frogmore GP near Park St.; also Golden Plover (50), Yellowhammer (20) (Mark McManus).
  • Firecrest, 2 at Stocker's Lake on causeway between Stocker's Lake and Bury Lake (Birdguides).
  • Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 2 at Cassiobury Park (Birdguides).

Jan 3 2006

  • Ring-billed Gull, the regular adult again at the Isle of Dogs today, 50m East of Glenaffric Avenue, till 13.45hrs when it flew off toward Cubitt Wharf; also 2 Shag there (Focalpoint).
  • Spotted Redshank at Tyttenhanger GP; also Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, Common Buzzard and Kingfisher (Birdguides, Mark McManus).
  • Green Sand at Walthamstow Reservoirs, plus fem Goosander, fem Goldeneye, Kingfisher, 14 Lapwing, 44 Ruddy inc. 1 escaped prob. ssp. ferruginea or black-headed morph, 3 Fieldfare (David Callahan).
  • Smew (1 drake & 5 redheads) at Thorpe Park on Pit opposite entrance at 13:00 (Bill Haines).
  • Lesser spotted woodpecker, Church Wood, Trent Park ( Pete Lowman).
  • Bittern at London WWT seen at 14.00 swimming across channel through reedbed, also 1 Dunlin, Jack Snipe, Kingfisher, 1 female Stonechat, 116 Lapwing and c.30 Siskin (Martin Honey).
  • Black Redstart, imm male at East India Dock Basin NR, 30m east of the lock gates (Birdguides).
  • Stonechat, male near the earth mounds adjacent to Wood Green reservoir in Alexandra Park (Marianne Taylor).

Jan 2 2006

  • Black Redstart, 3+ in small 'copse' and adjoining wasteground at East India Dock Basin 2.30pm (Dave Jordan).
  • Ingrebourne Valley: Bittern at Berwick Ponds flying down reedbed at 9.30am, Dartford Warbler on Albion Tip associating loosely with 3 Stonechats; also Chiffchaff and 5 Cetti's Warblers (Dave Morrison).
  • Green Sandpiper at Stoke Newington west reservoir (TeRNS).
  • Bittern at Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve; also Green Sandpiper (Birdguides).
  • Long-eared Owl, 2 at Beddington SF; also 3 Mediterranean Gull, Water Pipit, 5 Yellow-legged Gull and 5 Green Sands (Birdguides).
  • Smew, pair at Belhus Woods CP on Conservation Lake (Birdguides).
  • Black-necked Grebe, 6 at Staines Reservoirs, also Water Pipit (Birdguides).
  • Smew, four drakes and 5 redheads at Thorpe Park (Birdguides).
  • London Wetland Centre: Kingfisher, Sparrowhawk [m&f], Stonechat [f], Siskins with Goldfinches, Jack Snipe with Common Snipe, one Dunlin, Pintail {m) plus all all the usual birds (Y. Simmonds).
  • Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (1), Stonechat (2), Little Owl (1) at Horsenden Hill (Andrew Culshaw).
  • Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in Woodside Park N12, along Folly brook (Ian Ellis).

Jan 1 2006

  • Ring-billed Gull, regular adult at the Isle of Dog's nr. Glenaffic Ave till 08.55hrs when it flew off toward Cubitt Wharf (Focalpoint).
  • Avocet, 10 at West Thurrock, also 2 Grey Plover, 2 Jack Snipe, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 14 Curlew, c1,000 Dunlin, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Siskin, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls (David Darrell-Lambert, Peter Lambert, Dominic Mitchell, Roy Beddard).
  • Merlin at Rainham Marshes, also 370 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Grey Plover, Curlew, 2 Water Pipits, 3 Short-eared Owls, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Caspian Gull, 1 Yellow Legged Gull & 2 Stonechats (David Darrell-Lambert, Peter Lambert, Dominic Mitchell, Roy Beddard, John Palmer, Andrew Self).
  • Little Egret at Morden Hall Park until 10.30am, flew off west over Morden (Malcolm Riddler).
  • 1 female Stonechat, 8 Siskin feeding with 2 Goldfinch and 1 Kingfisher at London WWT 11am (Adrian de Leiros).
  • 8 Smew (4 males), Chertsey, on pit by A320 opposite Thorpe Park entance, plus 2 Egyptian Geese & Red-necked Grebe (Jim + Tony Sweetland, Birdguides).
  • 6 Black-necked Grebe at Staines Reservoir (Jim + Tony Sweetland).
  • 8 Smew (3 males) at Wraysbury GPs (Jim + Tony Sweetland).
  • Yellow-legged Gull (adult), also Green Sandpiper at Stoke Newington Reservoirs (Birdguides).
  • Black Redstart, Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher and two Peregrines at East India Dock Basin, also drake Pintail and 11 Redshank nearby at Bow Creek (Nick Tanner).
  • Smew, 2 drakes and a redhead at Amwell GP, also 6+ Little Egrets, adult Med Gull & 6 Goldeneyes (Andrew Self).
  • Spotted Redshank at Tyttenhanger GP; also Greenshank (Birdguides).
  • Smew, six including 4 drakes at Belhus Woods CP on Conservation Lake (Birdguides).
  • Whooper Swan, 2 over Isleworth south from the Osterley Park direction at midday (Birdguides).
  • Firecrest Catford, outside Wickes in industrial estate opposite Catford Station where riverside footpath/cycleway goes under railway line. Also 2 Siskins Ladywell Fields and 25 Fieldfares Pool River Linear Park (John Archer)
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