Talk:Recent

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17th December

Southern CP - selected - Water Rail, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Blackbird, Robin, Black-headed Gull, Grey Wagtail

Furneaux Pelham - selected - Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Fieldfare, Green Woodpecker

Albury - selected - Nuthatch, Grey Wagtail

Little Hadham - Barn Owl at Bridgefoot again - see 12.12 da

16th December

Upwick - Farnham road - 2 x Common Buzzard in normal field - Mick East

15th December

Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost - 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mallard , 2 Pheasant, 1 Water Rail, 1 WOODCOCK (initially flushed from wet patch under trees at south end , of main marsh area, then twice in light at dusk), 614 Wood Pigeon (in), Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit (over), 2 Fieldfare (in), 39 Jackdaw (S), 5 Reed Bunting (in), 1 Yellowhammer (over) - chris Dee

14th December

SAL (08:50-09:45) - 2 Mute Swan, 18 Mallard, 21 Teal, 1F Pochard, 1F Tufted Duck, 25 Coot, 1 WOODCOCK (came out of plantation at top of hill as I arrived), 3 Common Snipe, c.20 Lapwing (flew W), c.50 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull (SW), 3 Stock Dove, 1 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare - Mike Harris

Upwick - Farnham road - Common Buzzard in normal field - Mick East

St. Michael's Mead Lake - Tufted Duck (1 male) : on lake. Water Rail (1) : squealing from somewhere in the Typha bed. Grey Wagtail (1) : flew out from sluice. - Chris Swan

12th December

Dane Park, B/S - Goldcrest (2) Feeding in ornamental cherry tree, right next to pavement. - Chris Swan

Much Hadham - selected. Great spotted Woodpecker 3, Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 1, Jay, Barn Owl, Common Buzzard da

10th December

Stansted Airport Lagoons - selected. 2 Bullfinch, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Common Snipe, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Teal,1 Tufted Duck (fem) da

Hatfield Forest - selected. Marsh Tit, Great spotted Woodpecker, 24 Gadwall, 38 Black-headed Gull, 1 Great Crested Grebe, Little Owl, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk da

9th December -

Hatfield Forest - selected. Marsh Tit, Song Thrush in Tree Reserve, Nuthatch, Squeaking ice, 4 Fallow Deer, 1 Great Crested Grebe da

7th December

Farnham West - Juv Merlin from Essex into Herts - Mick East

Trims Green (10:00-11:00) - 270 Golden Plover, 1000+ Wood Pigeon, 40 Fieldfare, 10 Yellowhammer

1 Brown Hare - Mike Harris

Sawbridgeworth - Goldcrest - Kevin Hanrahan

Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:10-16:40) - 4 Cormorant (S), 1 Grey Heron, 40 Canada Geese (in field East of road near the Station, one bird with Red Darvic), 4 Mallard (S), 2 Kestrel, 2FF Pheasant (in), 2 Water Rail, , 1 WOODCOCK (in to feed), 129 BH Gull (S), 44 Common Gull (S), 1 Stock Dove, 145 Wood Pigeon (in, 105, 20, 20), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 1 LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER (flew into central Alders from Wood across river), 3 Meadow Pipit (in), 10 Redwing (3E, 2S, 5 in), 1 Mistle Thrush, 23 Fieldfare (7N, 4NE, 3S, 7W, 2 in), 114 Jackdaw (S), 61 Rook (S), 8 Chaffinch (3N, 4S,1E), 6 Bullfinch (4S, 1E, 1W), 43 Reed Bunting (in), 2 Yellowhammer (NE) - Mike Harris & John Slee.

6th December

St Michaels Mead pond aka the lake at Southern Country Park - From the North side railings: - Water Rail 2, Siskin at least 1 amongst Goldfinches, JACK SNIPE 3, Tufted Duck - Resident drake joined by second, Sparrowhawk - Fem hunting over - Graeme J Smith

5th December

Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:20-16:10)- 1 juv Cormorant (S), 1 Common Buzzard (W at dusk, the small D/ph bird), 4 Pheasant (in), 1 WOODCOCK (flushed from the area of recently cut juncus in the old horse paddock, between the Reedbed and the road), 177 BH Gull (S), 12 Common Gull (S), 1Ad LBB Gull (S), 90 Wood Pigeon (roost in Kecksy's Bridge Wood - very poor count), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit (heard only), 8 Redwing (1W, 7 in), 1 Fieldfare (W), 70 Jackdaw (S), 2 Starling (W), 1 Chaffinch, 12 Greenfinch (SW), 22 Reed Bunting (in). - Mike Harris

Tednambury Marsh roost,(14:45-16:10) - 5 Cormorant (SW), 2 Grey Herons (singles N), 2m Sparrowhawks, 1m Kestrel, 1 Pheasant (in), 3+ Water Rails, 322 Black-headed Gulls (SW), 71 Common Gulls (SW), 21 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (SW), 1 Herring Gull, 11 Stock Doves, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 11 Meadow Pipits (in), 7 Fieldfare (W), 1 Redwing (W), 44 Magpies (in), 2 Jays, 18 Jackdaws (SW), 12 Greenfinch (10S, 2 in), 1 Goldfinch (N), 1 Siskin, 17 Yellowhammers (in), 3 Reed Buntings (in) - Stephen Patmore

a couple of mornings this week (7:20 ish)about 20Pied Wagtails roosting in the reeds at the bridge where the Stort goes under the Hatfield Heath road. - John Slee

1st December

Albury Lodge - Barn Owl, sitting on road sign to 'Upwick' - Mick East

29th November

St John's Pelham - 5M 4F Mandarin Duck in old moat - Mick East

28th November

Furneaux Pelham North - Barn Owl 06:30 - Mick East

27th November

Sawbridgeworth Station 7:25 - Grey Wagtail 1 high over, Siskin a couple calling over.- John Slee

25th November

Spellbrook - Woodcock. Flew into wood next to Hayter carpark from west at 0700 Hrs. Bird flushed from stream at lunchtime. My 100th species of the year in Trims Green and Spellbrook! Still no Barn Owl despite second sighting at Trims by another Hayter employee - Graeme J Smith

23rd November

Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex) - BH Gull, Common Gull LBB Gull, Common Buzzard on ground, Grey Heron - Mick East

22nd November

SAL (08:35-09:15) - 3 Little Grebe, 1 Mallard (in), 1M Teal, 1F Tufted Duck, 24 Coot, 4 BH Gull (N), 7 Common Gull (N), 2 Stock Dove, 1 Collared Dove, 2 Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Redwing, 9 L T Tit, 1 Starling, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Bullfinch, 4 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris

Farnham - Upwick Road (Essex) - BH Gull, Common Gull LBB Gull, 40+ Lapwing - Mick East 19th November

Two Tawny Owl Records. TL42W by Red White and Blue on 5th November. One calling at 2015. TL42V at All Saints Close one calling at 0430 on 19th November. da

Spellbrook - Sparrowhawk 1 female, Siskin 3(maybe 4) in Alder at bottom of Hayter drive, Goldfinch roost not exceeding 50 birds, Greenfinch roosting behind canteen easily numbering over 100 birds - Graeme J. Smith

14th November

SAL (08:15-08:55) - 2 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 17 Mallard, 1F Teal, 1F Tufted Duck, 26 Coot, 1 Common Snipe, 28 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 9 Redwing, 23 Fieldfare, 6 Magpie, 2 Jay, 3 Starling, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Bullfinch

SLRS (09:15-09:35) - 2 Mallard (over), 1F Sparrowhawk, 2 Ad LBB Gull, 1 BH Gull, c.40 Skylark (in field west of railway), 2 Meadow Pipit, 4 Fieldfare, 65 Redwing (19,40,4,2 all drifting south locally), 5 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Reed Bunting

No Chaff was dumped this year, which has certainly kept the Finch numbers down. - Mike Harris

14th November

Tednambury Marsh roost - singing male CETTI'S WARBLER, though it is not very vocal - singing just twice at 16:05 & 16:15. 1 Grey Heron (in), 2m Sparrowhawks, 1m & 1f Kestrel, 5 Pheasants (in), 6 Water Rails, 162 Black-headed Gulls (SW), 26 Common Gulls (SW), 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (SW), 12 Stock Doves, 170 Woodpigeons (roosting in wood to S), 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 13 Meadow Pipits (in), 2 Grey Wagtails, 12 Pied Wagtails (E), 11 Fieldfares (7in, 4S), 8 Redwings (W), 5 Goldcrests, 3 Jays (in?), 84 Magpies (in), 127 Jackdaws (SW), 64 Rooks (SW), 3 Starlings (W), 7 Greenfinch (3N, 4S), 5 Goldfinch (10N, 5S), 3 Siskin (S), 2 Bullfinch, 39 Yellowhammers (in), 10 Reed Buntings (in) - Stephen Patmore

13th November

Albury North - Barn Owl over road near Cut Throat Lane. - Mick East

12th November

Spellbrook (west) - Peregrine 1 Imm female SE overhead at 1020 hrs. this bird is a herts first for me - GJS

11th November

Albury NW - 300+ Fieldfare, 150+ Redwing, 200+ Chaffinch - Mick East

10th November

Bishops Stortford - Brambling 1 over my house SW at 0700hrs - GJS

9th November

Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:10-16:30) - 1 Cormorant (S), 1 Grey Heron (N), 2 Mallard, 1 Common Buzzard (worrying the Pigeon roost), 3 Kestrel (2M, 1F), 7 Pheasant (4M, 3F), 163 BH Gull (S), 13 Common Gull (S), 2 LBB Gull (S), 230+ Wood Pigeon (Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 1 Collared Dove (E), 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Redwing (S including a tailess bird that had me head-scratching!), 5 L T Tit 447 Jackdaw (S. An excellent total, probably funnelled low into the valley due to the strong headwind), 16 Rook (S), 19 Starling (18S, 1NE), 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 6 Greenfinch, 5 Siskin (S), 14 Reed Bunting (in - it will be interesting to see how long it will take for numbers to recover) - Mike Harris

SLRS 08:00-09:30 - f Gadwall and f Teal on the scrape, Lapwing 1 + 30 over, c50+BHG in the area, LBBG 1, Snipe 1, Skylark 1 flock of 20, Mipit 5, Yellowhammer c30, Chaffinch c30, Reed Bunting 2, Goldfinch, Goldcrest 1, Bullfinch heard, Redwing lots, Fieldfare 1, Cormorant 1, Jay, Kestrel 1 - John Slee

8th November

SAL (08:25-09:25) - 3 Little Grebe, 16 Mallard, 7 Teal, 1M Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck (injured F and 1M), 2 Kestrel (1M & distant hovering bird), 26 Coot, 30+ BH Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 11 Stock Dove, 1 WOODLARK (flew south calling at 09:15 - towards HF), 2 Grey Wagtail (a pair, much courtship and some singing), 2 Meadow Pipit , 224 Redwing (W), 15 Fieldfare (W), 3 Jay, 3 Chaffinch, 11 Greenfinch, 4 Goldfinch (S), 2 Siskin, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris

7th November

Tednambury Marsh roost,(14:45-16:45) - GREAT WHITE EGRET flew SW to the west of the Railway line at 16:05.

Also of note, a male PEREGRINE flew SE at 15:36, and at least one male CETTI'S WARBLER was in the central marsh area - calling frequently and singing on at least three occasions during the afternoon. 4 Little Grebes, 16 Canada Goose (E), 1m Sparrowhawk, 1f Kestrel, 3+ Water Rails, 4 Snipe, 591 Black-headed Gulls (SW), 15 Common Gulls (SW), 1ad Lesser Black-backed Gull (SW), 22 Stock Dove (S), 150 Woodpigeons (roosting in wood to S), 1 Kingfisher, 10 Meadow Pipits (in), 10 Pied Wagtails (S), 6 Blackbirds (in), 4 Fieldfare (S), 31 Redwing (17E, 14W), 6 Goldcrests, 3 Jays, 45 Magpies (in), 118 Jackdaws (SW), 13 Rooks (SW), 220 Starling (W), 5 Chaffinches (S), 15 Greenfinches (8S, 3N, 4W), 19 Goldfinches, 4 Siskins (S), 1 Linnet (W), 1 Bullfinch (in?), 16 Yellowhammer (14in, 2S), 22 Reed Buntings (20in, 2S) - Stephen Patmore

4th November

Michaels Mead Pond (Southern Country Park) - Water Rail 2, Jack Snipe 1 up and down quickly while waiting for rail to appear, Canada goose 42, Tufted Duck 1 usual male - GJS

2nd November

Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (14:50-16:45)- 1 Grey Heron , 2 Mute Swan (S), 8 Mallard (S), 1 Falcon (sp.) Bird was first seen flying directly away from me into the sunset. I could not get anything on it except that it had something long and thin trailing stiffly behind it. It was not hanging down so presumably not jesses. Possibly a radio transmitter ariel? If not maybe a twig or piece of straw? 1 Water Rail, 3 Pheasant (in), 127 BH Gull (115 S, 12 E), 2 Common Gull (E/SE), 500+ Golden Plover (4W then a huge flock circling over Trims Green at dusk), 1 Common Snipe (Still no Jack's), 2 Stock Dove, 2 Collared Dove (1N, 1E), 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Skylark (N), 29 Redwing (6 in, 20N, 2S, 1E), 25 Fieldfare (6 in, 14W, 2S, 2N, 1E), 2 Mistle Thrush (N), 1M STONECHAT (Ringed on right leg, one of Chris's last years birds?), c.10 Long tailed Tit, 2 Jay, 10 Rook (S), 130 Jackdaw (S), 28 Starling (9N, 10E, 7W, 2SW), 7 Chaffinch (4N, 1W, 2S), 7 Greenfinch (5N, 2W), 1 Goldfinch (SE), 2 Bullfinch (E), 65 Reed Bunting (in)

1 Pipistrelle type. - Mike Harris

Just to perk up the Song Thrush numbers. We have had at least six for most of October and still today. Its the snail quality but mainly yew berries. The fruit does not stay in the body for long and the slabs are covered in squashed squits. We have had a few Redwing come through but they are in the minority. About ten Blackbirds and non possessive Mistle Thrush make up the thrushes. We do not remember these numbers before. One Greenfinch will change colour to Grosbeak pink if it carries on. And the constant flying from one cover to another! Robin and Wren and Dunnock are resident and 2 Blue Tit and some Great Tits are not flocking. Collared Dove and Crow are still here. Woodpigeon seem to have gone off somewhere. Jay and Magpie visit. da

1st November

SAL (08:10-09:30) - Most movement N/NW into headwind. 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron(E), 7 Mallard (No sign of injured F Tufted), 23 Coot, 20 Golden Plover (N), 1 Lapwing (in from S), 99 BH Gull (N), 8 Common Gull (N), 3 LBB Gull (N), 5 Herring Gull (S unusual here lately), 2 Green Woodpecker, 38 Skylark (3S and a flock of 35 NW), 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit, 10 Long tailed Tit, 1 Goldcrest, 31 Redwing (N/NW), 247 Fieldfare (N/NW), 5 Jay (W at low level)), 20 Starling, 15 Chaffinch (NW), 8 Greenfich, 9 Goldfinch, 3+ Siskin (1 in scrub and two unseen calls overhead)

Also 1 Common Buzzard at Hatfield Heath at 08:00.

Trims Green (09:45-10:00) - 1 Cormorant (circling fishing pools), 218 Golden Plover, 6 Lapwing, 164 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, , 5 Grey Partridge (in Field west of Tharbies, south of the road)

Generally there are small numbers of Redwing all around Sawbridgeworth in the bushes. I even had six birds flying down Bell Street at 07:30 Mike Harris

Hatfield Forest Lake - Siskin 30 by the side of the path next to lake leading to the shell house - Pete Duxon

Hadham Ford - wood pigeons 5000+, corvids 100's, skylarks 10 east and constantly calling, LBBG 3 north, BHG 1 north, finch/bunting flocks (green, chaff, gold + yellowhammer and reed), many small flocks, max number 30, sparrow hawk 1, kestrel 2, FEMALE BLACKCAP! 1 in hedgerow, fieldfare 150+, redwings 300+ (local and moving west), pied wagtail 2, common buzzard 1, linnet 10, mallard 2 - Jono Forgham

31st October

Trims Green - merlin seen today just before 7 around trims cottages and pond at spellbrook junction, a brief flypast of hayter at 1015 (ish) and was sat on the new farm building during my lunch break. finished work at 1500hrs but could not find bird anywhere

30th October

Trims Green - male Merlin hunting from arrival at 1610 until we left at 1640 as we kept losing it in the darkness. bird flew past us on numerous occasions a few times within 30 yards! Pulled up in a few trees between persuits allowing a few (probably rubbish) photos - GJS

29th October

Trims Green - Golden Plover 76, Stonechat 1 male on road side 100 yards west of rhino entrance, Redwing 20+ west, Fieldfare 7 west, Cormorant 1 north, finches... lots at farm buildings mostly yellowhammer and chaffinch but uncounted due to accident

Hayter, spellbrook (west) - Fieldfare 189 (60 locals, 24 south, 105 west), Redwing 175 (63 south-west, 42 west, 70 locals), Sparrowhawk 1 fem hunting over, Blackbird 17 on the lawn at once with fieldfare! - GJS

28th October

Trims Green - Golden Plover 86

Spellbrook (west) - Chaffinch 160 west, Redwing arriving everywhere with exactly 200 noted today, 1 Fieldfare (my 1st), 4 REDPOLL west - GJS

27th October

Trims Green - new farm building clear of mist, masses of black-headed gulls, goldfinch, greenfinch, chaffinch, mipits and skylark this morning also 6 linnet, 10 house Sparrow, 20+ common gulls, 1 kestrel,1 REED BUNTING, 14 yellowhammer and 1 cormorant north

Spellbrook West - Redwing 25 (13W, 12 locals)

Honeysuckle Cl B/S - Sparrowhawk 1 male hunting over - GJS

26th October

Sawbridgeworth - Merlin. Parsonage Lane immediately flushed a male merlin which flew in front of the car, characteristically low, before heading into the first hedge running north south on the northern side of the lane before the sharp righthand bend towards the second handcar dealership - Jono Forgham

Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (15:30-17:15) - 1 Grey Heron (N), 12 Mallard (S), 1F Sparrowhawk (into Spill Timbers Wood), 1 Kestrel (E at dusk), 4 Pheasant (in), 48 BH Gull (S), 1 Common Gull (S), 6 LBB Gull (S), 24 Golden Plover (E), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 150 Wood Pigeon roosting in Kecksy's Bridge Wood), 3 Stock Dove, 7 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare (in), 4 Blackbird (all at height, 2S, 1E, 1W), 6 Meadow Pipit (in), 237 Jackdaw (S), 7 Rook (S), 5 Starling (SW), 2 Chaffinch, 6 Greenfinch (5S, 1N), 5 Siskin (in), 36 Reed Bunting (in)

Also 1 very large Bat (sp.) hunting over the Marsh, along with 2 Pipistrelle sized Bats. It had about an 8" wingspan and had a very straight line of flight at good height, except when diving down on insects. - Mike Harris

25th October

SAL (08:35-09:50) - 1 Little Grebe, 15 Mallard, 1M Gadwall, 1F Tufted Duck, 28 Coot, 1 Water Rail (A proper poser!), 1 Green Sandpiper, 41 BH Gull, 1Ad LBB Gull, 3 Green Woodpecker, 19 Skylark (mainly W), 4 Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 7 Meadow Pipit (S), 12 Redwing (7 in, 5W), 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Jay, 17 Starling (W), 9 Chaffinch (W), 2 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 4 Yellowhammer - Mike Harris

Albury North - Commom Buzzard - Mick East

24th October

Much Hadham, over golf course, Westland Green - 1000's wood pigeons (lare influx over the last few days with the winter wheat coming through), 1000+ corvids, skylarks 5+, sparrow hawk 2, long tailed tits 50+, goldcrests 10+, marsh tit 2 (only 3rd record this year for my patch!), great tit 15+, blue tit 15+, jay 2, magpie 4, redwings 50+, fieldfares 5, song thrush 1, linnets 10+, yellowhammers 15+, goldfinches 10+, chaffinches 25+ increase, GBBG 2, LBBG 25, BHG 1, stock dove 2, mallard 2 high and heading north west, grey partridge 11, pheasant loads (pens just been opened for November shoot), blackbirds 20+ increase, bullfinch 2, dunnock 1, house sparrow 65+, moorhen 1, collared dove 20+, tawny owl 1, nuthatch 1, green woodpecker 5+, GSW 2, starlings 50+, wren 10+, robin 10+ - Jono Forgham

23rd October

Fair Lady Wood(FP) - Common Buzzard 2 over woods - Mick East

22nd October

Redericks Lane - Common Buzzard, Three together in thermal at 14:15. 1 left Southwards later. - Anita & Lisa Harris

Common Buzzard soaring over Twyford Fields lunchtime (1250pm). Dave Sampson

Smaller garden tit flock this morning just with Blue Tits and Goldcrest Other birds - Jay, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wren, Greenfinch - da

21st October

All Saints Close, B/S. lunchtime - FIRECREST - David Arch With flock including Coal, Long-tailed, Great and Blue Also Sparrowhawk almost as per usual resting in tops of local trees before next movement down the slope. Also, Kingfisher at River at Grange Paddocks. da

Upwick - Farnham road - BH Gull 50, Common Gull 14, LBB Gull 7 - Mick East

Trims Green - probable merlin - DS, GJS

19th October

SLRS - Chaffinch, Goldfinch & Yellowhammer on meadow, Reedbunting (f) 2 Kestrel,1Redwing,2 Jay, corvids all over, Gn wood pecker(h), GSW, usual Magpies, Robins Wrens etc, 5 Moorhen on near dry scrape, 2 BHG, 1LBBG, River held c15 Long Tailed Tits in Willows also Great & Blue Tits, 1 Kingfisher flying close to far bank toward morings. - Kevin Hanrahan

18th October

Coploe Hill - immature Osprey flew SW between 10:25-10:35am. 07:05-11:05am were 4069 Redwing, 2345 Fieldfares and 1339 Chaffinches - all west. - Stephen Patmore

Much Hadham - 200+ redwings in fields between Little and Much Hadham. goldcrest 3 in the garden bullfinch 2, 1 male leucistic jackdaw, now becoming darker in the primaries and still accepted by jackdaws and rooks, but not magpies. chiffchaff 2, pied wagtails (small movement west), tawny owl 4+ calling at dawn and dusk, LTT's everywhere in groups up to 16. - Jono Forgham

Biggins Farm (08:25-09:55) - Main movement (All West) 31 Skylark, 11 Meadow Pipit, 1 Alba Wagtail, 290 Fieldfare, 569 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing/Song Thrush, 55 Starling, 40 Chaffinch, 11 Greenfinch, 32 Linnet

Also presumed feeding locally: - 9 Mallard (W), 53 Golden Plover (24,10,16,3), c.200 Lapwing (N) 2 BH Gull (W), 3 Common Gull (W), 1 LBB Gull (W), 2000+ Wood Pigeon (not migrants - just blogging around in vast flocks trying to avoid the myriad of Pigeon shooters!) 1 Little Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrest , 1 Reed Bunting (SW), 6 Yellowhammer (W)

Trims and noted a few Lapwing scattered around and about 60 Golden Plover on the airfield (S). A flock of seven Redwing landed in the Cow field tree and a tight party of 50 Fieldfare went through at 10:15 but after that it quietened down.

Sawbridgeworth Marsh Roost (16:50-18:30) - 2 Grey Heron (S), 5 Mallard, 4 Canada Goose (N), 36 BH Gull (SSW), 7 Common Gull (SSW), 11 LBBB Gull (SSW), 2 Common Buzzard (W at dusk), 2 Sparrowhawk (Imm M & Ad F), 3 Pheasant (in), 2 Stock Dove (E), 1 Collared Dove (E), 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Meadow Pipit (in), 3 Fieldfare (S), 1 Redwing (in), 37 Starling (20E, 1W, 16E), 115 Jackdaw (S), 14 Chaffinch (W), 4 Greenfinch, 36 Reed Bunting (in), Also a Muntjac calling from the middle of the Reedbed at dusk! - Mike Harris

17th october

Spellbrook (west) - 13 redwing SW (4, 2, 7) in the 30 mins before work, Little Owl calling

Trims Green - Golden Plover 40+ on South field - gjs

16th October

Spellbrook (west) - only 2 Redwing this morning

Stortford Park Farm (west) - Skylark 43 south, Meadow Pipit c.15 on site, Yellowhammer 12+, Linnet 3 - gjs

Golden Plover and Lapwing in brief flight estimated at 50 of each just north of Pole Hole Farm on road from High Wych to Pye Corner in TL41L - da - submitted to Bird Atlas for Green and Gold survey

14th October

Michaels Mead Pond (Southern Country Park) - Water Rail coming to water inlet, showing from railings - gjs

Trims Green - 82 Golden Plover counted on ground south of east west road and west of Shingle Hall - too early for Green and Gold survey - da

13th October

Michaels Mead Pond (Southern Country Park) - Water Rail coming to water inlet, showing from railings - gjs

Coploe Hill - Hawfinch One flew SW over Coploe Hill at 07:40am today.

Yesterday, a dutch/belgian ringed adult Mediterranean Gull in fields near the viewpoint. - Stephen Patmore

12th October

Patmore Heath - Buzzard, 6 buzzards circling at height, drifting north. Then one alone, much lower staying local. - keith watts

Little Hadham - 2 wanders in the misty mornings this weekend. Highlight was 6 lesser redpolls high, heading west. 80th sp for my patch. Common buzzard showed well, low over Ash Valley G.C. clubhouse. A local bird, recognisable by the primary and secondary colouring. Also:- bullfinch 2, 1 m, Green woodpecker several, GSW 1, linnets, yellowhammers, greenfinches (plenty), BHG 7 south west noon, Tawny owl (4+ calling 6.00 - 6.30 am today), Little owl 1 calling 6.30am today, skylark 3 west, corvids (100's), jays 15+, goldcrests 3, blackcap (1 singing!), kestrel, plus usual fare.

Plus - migrant hawker 1, common darter females 3, comma 3, peacock 3, small white 2, BRIMSTONE 1 male in Chapel Lane, hornets 25+ on footpath off Chapel Lane - Jono Forgham

11th October

SAL (07:40-09:00) - 3 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron (W), 2 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag Goose (S at 08:44 with Canada's - did they show up at the Forest?), 7 Canada Goose (S at 08:44), 16 Mallard, 1F Tufted Duck, 1 Sparrowhawk (W), 1M Kestrel, 16+ Moorhen, 26 Coot, 1 Snipe, 36 BH Gull (min), 4 Common Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 5 Stock Dove (N), 60 Wood Pigeon (NE), 9 Collared Dove (5W,4N at height), 1 Kingfisher (H), 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 G S Woodpecker, 6 Skylark (S), 4 Meadow Pipit (S), 4 Alba Wagtail (S), 1 Yellow Wagtail (S), 4 Grey Wagtail, 4 Redwing (SW), 5 Blackbird (All SW at extreme height, presumed continental birds), 51 Jackdaw (W, 16 + 35 at height - local birds from the Forest not counted), 45 Starling (W/NW 6,8,3,2,17,3,6), 19 Chaffinch (W), 9 Linnet (S), 4 Goldfinch (S), 6 Greenfinch (S), 1 Siskin (S), 5 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer

Trims/Allens Green (15:45-16:30)- 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 126 Golden Plover (70,43,6,7), c.150 BH Gull, 11 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull (fuscus type, superb Adult seen on the deck down to 50M), c.500 Wood Pigeon, 10+ Stock Dove, 1 Little Owl (calling loudly throughout visit), 50+ Starling - Mike Harris

SLRS - Rock Pipit this mornin. It was with 2 Meadow Pipits, and was sturdier with a dark sturdier bill, legs had a pinkish tinge but were not bright pink; the back was a dark grey-brown, and the streaking on the breast was heavy like it had run in the wash, not the fine streaking of the Meadow Pipits. In some lights it appeared to be yellowish on the vent. otherwise:- Snipe 10, Lapwing 2, Moorhen 18, Sparrowhawk 2, Green Woodpecker 1, GSW 1, Bullfinch c5, a mixed flock of Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, and Chaffinch was at Feakes Lock - c30 in total Meadow Pipits and Skylark - single moving overhead. - John Slee

10th October

Walk in from Thorley Church to spellbrook along farm paths in the dark 0500-0600hrs - Little Owl 1

Spellbrook (west) - (0710-0730) Kestrel 1 - local, Cormorant 3 (2 juvs, 1 ad) - all over together North-East, Pied Wagtail 6 onto roof from North-West, Mistle Thrush 4 All East their usual first light appearance, Mallard 5 West, Greenfinch 6 West, Chaffinch 2 West (1405-1430) LESSER REDPOLL 1 - In the siskin alder at entrance to hayter. After a few minutes the bird had a quick look round the silver birch then flew east. Only my second of the species around Stortford in six and a half years, Chaffinch 25 an amazing increase, Greenfinch 54 between spellbrook farm and Trims Green in 3 groups (17, 8, 29), Great Spotted Woodpeckers still very vocal on north edge of hayter land

Trims Green - Skylark 20+ an increase, Yellowhammer 2, Meadow Pipits 5 (2, 3), Common Buzzard 1 local, Kestrel 1 female, Black-backed Gulls c100 in the field next to Thorley church with LBBGs, Lesser Black-backed Gulls c.20 see above, Woodpigeon - flock of c.350 birds was the largest noted today, Sparrowhawk 2 (1 imm low south... about a yard off the ground, 1 adult male spooking all but one brave/stupid chaffinch from around the new farm building.... stopped for sometime in closest tree giving plenty time to appreciate this awsome predator), Linnet 7 - Very low numbers present due to hunting Sparrowhawk, Pheasant - An all-green job was on the opposite side of the road to Blounts - GJS

9th October

Thorley Church to spellbrook 0500-0600hrs - Little Owl 2 One from thorley church grounds and another from 'thorley?' wood, Redwing 1 South, Mistle Thrush 1 Singing from church grounds

Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Bullfinch 2, Black-headed Gull 19 (1 N, 1S, 17N), Mistle Thrush 3 - over East. presumed loacal roosting bird as they've been passing over each morning, Redwing 1 east with mistle thrush again, Greenfinch 31 west in 2 groups, Goldfinch 12 west, Mallard 3 west, Sparrowhawk 1 Female. Still hanging around North perimeter of hayter land (8th day), Jay 3(4) locals, Great Spotted Woodpecker 3 (2 male, 1 female), Common Buzzard 2 locals (Ad and Juv), Chaffinch 13 (8, 5) all south-west, Skylark - several calling on fields to the north

Four adjoining fields, 500 yards north from hayter at 1530hrs - Woodpigeon c.650 Jackdaw c.270 eventually leaving east Rook 35-40, Black-headed Gull 25-30, Starling c.50, Meadow Pipit 1, Skylark 7 (6, 1) - more detail on my blog - Graeme J Smith

8th October

Thorley Church to spellbrook in the dark 0500-0600hrs - Little Owl 2, Tawny Owl 1

Hayter, Spellbrook (west) - Grey Wagtail 1, Chiffchaff 1 Singing, Mallard 37 west in 25 mins, Goldfinch 45-50 west, Greenfinch c.70 west, Chaffinch 11 (8W, 3E), Jackdaw c.250 just north of Hayter at 0730hrs, 41 east at lunch, Mistle Thrush 4 over East, Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 west, Coal Tit 2(3) Calling, Goldcrest 3 (2, 1), Pied Wagtail 7 (3 locals, 4 west), Yellow Wagtail 1 over west, Harlequin Ladybird Seemingly very active with 5 landing on/near me, Canada Goose 2 over low east with more calling from field to west but all gone by lunchtime, Bullfinch 1 female, Jay 5 (3 SW, 2 Local), Redwing 6 SW, Black-headed Gull 37 NE, Kestrel 2 M+F, Yellowhammer 1

Trims Green - Golden Plover 27 on south field, Linnet 33, Meadow Pipit 14, Lapwing 120+ restless at mathams pit, Skylark c.15, Common Buzzard 1 Local - GraemeJS

7th October

Sawbridgeworth Station (06:25-06:33) - The following overhead in the darkness, 1 Redwing , 1 Song Thrush, 2+ Jackdaws, Plenty of Robins singing both east and west of the platforms. - Mike Harris

River Stort, Riverside Building site - Kingfisher, up and down river several times. - Mick East

Trims Green - Golden Plover few callng in the dark, Blackbird 4 alarming birds on arrival was a surprise considering i've not really seen/heard many recently

Spellbrook (west) - Redwing 2 over E, Mistle Thrush 6 (2S, 4E), Little Owl 1 calling from hayter car park just before first light, Blackbird six birds heard calling/alarming beween car park and hayter entrance. a remarkable increase from the usual two, Green Woodpecker 1, Long-tailed tit 50+ (largest flock: 32), Kestrel female with kill, Great Spotted Woodpacker 1 female, Starling c.40 SW, Songthrush 3 - trying to settle in tall trees in wood adjoining main car park but were very nervous, carrying on South after a little while

Stortford Park Farm (west) - Blackbird four in 'stonechat corner' was another surprise, Meadow Ppit 20+ grounded, Yellowhammer 7, Linnet 8, Chaffinch 2 South - GraemeJSmith

6th October

Coploe Hill - 4 Pintail (S), 1f Hen Harrier, 1m Marsh Harrier, 1 Osprey, 1f Merlin, 1f Peregrine 1adult Mediterranean Gull, 5 Tree Sparrows, 68 Redpolls, 1 Crossbill - Stephen Patmore

Trims Green - Meadow Pipit 3, Black-headed Gull 30+, Lesser Black-backed Gull 5+, Common Gull 2 Red-legged Partridge 9

Spellbrook (west)- Mistle Thrush 2, Jay 4 locals, Black-headed Gull 20+ North, Lesser Black-backed Gull 3 North, Greenfinch 12, Goldfinch 22 South, Pied Wagtail 3 On roof still, Common Buzzard 2 South, Coal Tit 13 (8, 5) Amongst two Long-tailed flocks, Treecreeper 2 With Blue Tits, Goldcrest 3, Sparrowhawk 1 Female still hunting around the car park during first light, Kestrel 1 Female with a kill, grounded on North-West field, Herring Gull 1 Graeme J Smith

4th October

SAL (08:20-09:20) - 5 Little Grebe (decrease), 14 Mallard, 1F Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Mute Swan, 30 Coot, 18 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 6 LBB Gull (W), 1 Snipe, 8 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 GS Woodpecker, 1 Skylark (W), 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipit (S), 4 Mistle Thrush, 1 Phyllosc (sp.), 3 Goldcrest, 27 Starling (Locals? - 8W,4W,8N,5S,2S), 1 Greenfinch (S), 1 Goldfinch (S), 1 Chaffinch (S), 5 Reed Bunting

Trims Green (09:35-09:50) - The field east of the entrance to Lysander park was full of birds, but were continually being spooked. Very rough estimates as follows:- 25 Golden Plover , 70 Lapwing, 30 LBBG, 100 BHG, 200 Starling

West Road, Sawbridgeworth

A low, tight flock of 31 Redwing flew SW at 09:55. - Mike Harris

Coploe Hill,(07:00-09:00 & 11:15-12:00)

4 Cormorants (S), Grey Heron (W), Mute Swans (S), 8 WIGEON (S), 5 Mallard (S), 7 Golden Plover (SE), 8 Black-headed Gulls (W), 18 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (W), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (W), 35 Skylarks (S), 64 Meadow Pipits (S), 1 ROCK PIPIT (S at 08:20am), 7 alba Wagtails (S), 2 Blackbird (W), 12 Song Thrush (S), 21 Redwing (S), 2 Mistle Thrush (S), 2 Jays (N), 155 Starlings (S/W), 29 Chaffinches (W), 66 Greenfinches (S), 307 Goldfinches (S/W), 6 Siskins (S), 1 Redpoll sp (N), 137 Linnets (S/W), 9 Reed Buntings (S)

Also:

5 Common Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks, 5 Kestrels, 49 Red-legged Partridges, 146 Lapwings, 1ad MEDITERRANEAN GULL (in ploughed field c.11:15-12:00), 157 Black-headed Gulls, 8 Common Gulls 1 Scandinavian Herring Gull (an absolute monster, presumed argentatus), 126 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 38 Collared Doves (record Coploe count!), 2 Chiffchaffs, 25+ Yellowhammers - Stephen Patmore

16:30 ploughed field E of the Tharbies/Trim's Green field.

Golden Plover 330 - some still with remnants of black bellies. Lapwing c100, Starling c100, BH Gull c50

Lysander Park - Red Legged Partridge 8

earlier, 1 Common Buzzard south over Sawbridgeworth - John Slee

Hatfield Forest - Buzzard (1) Present on and off all day whilst we were coppicing in Collins Coppice. Heard in a.m. and seen at 4.00 p.m. being mobbed by 2 crows. - Chris Swan

3rd October

SLRS - 3 Snipe, 250+ Jackdaw flying West to roost. c.25 mixed Finches feeding in freshly harvested fields East of lay-by. Only Green and Chaffinch identified. - Mike Harris

2nd October

Spellbrook (west) - Sparrowhawk 1 south, Jay 5, Meadow Pipit 2 south, Grey Wagtail 3 (one was south), Pied Wagtail 7 on roof, Yellow Wagtail 4 on roof leaving eventually west, Songthrush 1 south, Redwing 2 south, Skylark 4 North over Hayter, Herring Gull 1 North, Golden Plover 6 west, Kestrel 1 female

Trims Green - Lapwing c.120 above south airfield, Golden Plover 2 (+) calling from ground but not seen - Graeme J Smith

1st October

Stortford - Redwing 1 south over house at 0705hrs - GJS

30th September

Spellbrook - Chiffchaff 1 still singing, TEAL 1 west

Trims Green - Starling 150+ Graeme J Smith

29th September

Trims Green - Golden Plover 80. Two flock of 50 and 30 joining up and circling above site. I don't know if they took off or were looking to land

Spellbrook (west) - single siskin in silver birch at entrance to hayter

Southern Country Park (Michaels Mead Pond) - Canada Goose 21, Small Tortoiseshell, SMALL COPPER - Graeme J.Smith

B/S College Playing Fields - Green Woodpecker (3) - Chris Swan

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