Vince Halley-Frame
From Londonbirders
I started birding at Dagenham Chase in my early teens, and started listing there in 1988. At the time of posting this profile,(31st Dec 05) i have seen 165 species at Dagenham Chase from a total list of about 192 species recorded. The best birds that i have found over the years include, Slavonian Grebe(pair),3 Whooper Swans,(imm),3 Honey Buzzards,3 Red Kites,Kittiwake, 2 Quail, Water Pipit, Several Ring Ouzels, Marsh Warblers (breeding),and Red-backed Shrike. My worst omission is Oystercatcher, in 2005 i missed one by 2 minutes ! I have also seen the only two official rarities recorded at Dagenham Chase, Great Snipe and Pine Bunting. For all my effort over the years i have yet to find an official rarity on site, it will probably happen when i least expect it!. My current London list is 213 species,Female Montagu's Harrier at Rainham and Great White Egret at Berwick Reservoir (17th July 06 ) being the latest additions. My foreign birding is limited to just three trips, Canada, Lesbos and USA, and my world list is less than 1000 species.