Vince Halley-Frame

From Londonbirders

I started birding at Dagenham Chase in my early teens, and i started listing there in 1988 which was also the year that i started out on the twitching scene.In my early patchwork days i was introduced to the late Ken Barrett with whom i shared many great times and info with, the place will never be the same without him.I have seen 166 species at Dagenham Chase from a patchlist of roughly 192 species. The best birds that i have found over the years include, Slavonian Grebe (displaying pair ),3 imm Whooper Swans( together ),3 Honey Buzzards,3 Red Kites,Kittiwake, 2 Quail, Sum Plum 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 214 species,Grey Phalarope at Rainham on the 12th January 2007 being the latest addition. My British list is currently 470 species,the latest addition being Scops Owl on the 18th June 2006. My foreign birding is limited to just three trips, Canada (Pelee ), Lesbos and USA (Arizona ).PATCHLIST 2007:Highlights away from the predictable,23rd Jan 2 Common Buzzards displaying,28th Jan Male Firecrest,31st Jan Red Kite,11th Feb Fem Mandarin and Ad Med Gull,14th Feb Peregrine. March latest: Chiffchaff 1st,Jackdaw 2nd,Blackcap 17th,Pheasant 21st. TOTAL: 77 inclusive of Feral Pigeon.