Nonsuch Park

From Londonbirders

My main local patch is Nonsuch Park, in Cheam. I been birding there for a few years now and have found some interesting birds at the site. I pay Nonsuch a visit once every week or so, usually on a Saturday.

Habitats Nonsuch Park is made up of about four different habitats: Woodland Grassland Scrub Gardens Sub-habitats Ponds Short grassland

The woodland areas get your usual woodland/garden birds, the gardens have a similar selection of species only they are usually easier to find and show better (mainly because it is a smaller area and dogs aren't allowed in them). The grassland gets few interesting birds, the only notable species are Kestrels (juveniles show at very close quarters in August) and Green Woodpeckers. Scrub sees Warblers in the summer and Fieldfares and Redwings in the winter. The ponds have breeding Moorhen, I have seen a group of about ten Mallards there too (almost all males) and apparently a pair of wintering Teal! The best short grassland areas are the no dogs areas which often turn up rare birds. Other short grassland areas like Cheam Park get huge Gull flocks.

Best finds Best finds at Nonsuch have included: Lesser-spotted Woodpecker (by me) Long staying juvenile Hobby (by me and Phil Wallice) Northern Wheatear (by Phil Wallice) Dartford Warbler (by unknown) Woodcock (by unknown)

David Campbell