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Tues 1 Jun 2010: 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 YELLOWHAMMER. Neil (on Surrey Birders website)
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Weds 2 Jun 2010: (16.42hrs. 1 Hobby circled over Sth. Merstham, headed towards M.Lake.) Graham
a.m. 1 HOBBY (Moors), 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake, then WC lagoons), 2 (poss. 3) LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 2 SHELDUCK (with 8 young, Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (WC2), 11 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes, on island), c40 SWIFT, 6 SAND MARTIN, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 GARDEN WARBLER, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 12 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 BLACKCAP, 3 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1m BULLFINCH, 9 SONG THRUSH, 12 HOUSE SPARROW (horse paddocks, M.Farm), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1 REED BUNTING (Spynes), 1f KESTREL (Spynes), 3 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 3 LINNET (M.east). (58 species noted.) Graham
HOBBY (Graham)
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Thurs 3 Jun 2010: early p.m. 1 HOBBY (hawking over WC lagoons and Moors), 1m SHOVELER, 6 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 SAND MARTIN, 2 BLACKCAP, 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT. Matt
a.m. 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC2, presumably the same bird later at Spynes), 13 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1m BLACKCAP, 2 GARDEN WARBLER, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 REED WARBLER (2 Spynes, 1 WC1), 2 LITTLE OWL (1 M.Farm, 1 oaks S of Spynes), 1 SKYLARK, 2 SHELDUCK (still with 8 young, Spynes), 1m REED BUNTING, 3 LINNET, 2 GREY WAGTAIL over Spynes), 10 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 2 LAPWING (Spynes), 5 SWIFT, 3 SAND MARTIN. Graham
LITTLE OWL (Graham)
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Fri 4 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
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Sat 5 Jun 2010: evening. 2m POCHARD (WC1), c12 SAND MARTIN, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW. Graham & Sue
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Sun 6 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
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Mon 7 Jun 2010: a.m. Brief visit. 2 SKYLARK, 1m YELLOWHAMMER (all M.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 1 BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 4 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 1f SHELDUCK (over M.West, heading for Spynes). Graham
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Tues 8 Jun 2010: 16.40hrs. 1 COMMON BUZZARD escorted by 5 crows flew over N.Ridge and onto the patch. Richard
a.m. 6 SKYLARK (all in song flight), 1 SWALLOW. Graham
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Weds 9 Jun 2010: 11.30hrs. 2 SHELDUCK with 6 young (Spynes). Simon Elson
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Thurs 10 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
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Fri 11 Jun 2010: a.m. 1 COMMON TERN (over WC lagoons). Matt
a.m. 23 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (21 Spynes, 2 WC - new record count, the previous being 21 on 5th Jan 2010), 2 SHELDUCK (with 8 young, Spynes), 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 1 COMMON TERN (WC2), 4 LAPWING, c70 SAND MARTIN, c40 SWIFT, 1 HOUSE MARTIN. Gordon
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Sat 12 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
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Sun 13 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
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Mon 14 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
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Tues 15 Jun 2010: p.m. 1m SHOVELER (WC), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC), 3 GADWALL (Moors), 21 LAPWING (M.West), 17 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 2 REED WARBLER (Moors), 8 young SHELDUCK (Spynes), family party BLACKCAP (by M.West). Gordon
1 TREECREEPER (M.CP car park). Paul
10.30hrs–12.30hrs. 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Chilmead orchard), 2 LAPWING (pair Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair with young, Spynes), 2 MUTE SWAN (pair with 4 young, Spynes), EGYPTIAN GEESE, TUFTED DUCKS, MALLARDS, GREEN WOODPECKER (cricket pitch), 1 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), KESTREL (over M.West). Simon Elson
early a.m. 1 CHIFFCHAFF (M.CP), 1m BLACKCAP (M.CP), 3 SKYLARK, 1m PHEASANT (all M.Farm), 6 LINNET (by Mill Cottage). Graham
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Weds 16 Jun 2010: 1 'COMMIC' TERN (M.Lake). Paul
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Thurs 17 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
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Fri 18 Jun 2010: 07.30hrs-09.30hrs. 1 (poss. 2) GARDEN WARBLER (Spynes/M23), 3 BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT (inc. 2 juv), 12 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 2 MISTLE THRUSH, 6 STOCK DOVE, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes), 30+ SWIFT, 25+ SAND MARTIN, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 3 LINNET. Paul
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Sat 19 Jun 2010: 06.05hrs-08.25hrs. 65+ TUFTED DUCK (inc. 35+ on M.Lake), 1 LITTLE OWL (sheep paddocks, M.Farm, carrying food - begging calls of young heard), 70+ SWIFT, 11+ SAND MARTIN, 6+ HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 5+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 10+ EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes, still with 8 young), 6+ LAPWING (Spynes/M.West), 1m KESTREL (WC), 2+ CHIFFCHAFF, 5+ BLACKCAP, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes). Ian
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Sun 20 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
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Mon 21 Jun 2010: a.m. 1 RED KITE (flew E over Nutfield Road at 10.35hrs, between Mill Lane & Chilburton Drive, heading for patch-Graham), 1 HOBBY (Moors/WC1), 1 KESTREL, 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over N.Downs), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC2), 1m SHOVELER (WC2), 18 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (two on WC2 flew to join 16 birds on Spynes), 2 LITTLE OWL (ad. & juv., sheep paddocks, M.Farm), 26 GREYLAG GOOSE (Spynes), 2 SHELDUCK (with 8 young, Spynes), 2 MUTE SWAN (with 4 young, Spynes), 13 LAPWING (M.West/Spynes), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake), 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 5 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 GREEN WOODPECKER, 3 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, c10 SWIFT, 1 SWALLOW, c8 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 YELLOWHAMMER (heard M.Farm), 2 JAY (feeding on cherries M.CP). Paul & Graham
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Tues 22 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
(Visit to Cuckmere, Rye & Dungeness - 2 Red-footed Falcons, Bittern, Purple Heron, Spotted Redshank, etc. at http://kerryandjames.blogspot.com/) Paul & Graham
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Weds 23 Jun 2010: a.m. 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake), 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 1 COMMON BUZZARD, c10 HOUSE MARTIN (WC lagoons, collecting mud and flying to eaves on house at WC development). Paul
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Thurs 24 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
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Fri 25 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
(Evening visit to Old Lodge NR - Nightjars, Woodcocks, Spotted Flycatcher at http://kerryandjames.blogspot.com/) Paul & Graham
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Sat 26 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
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Sun 27 Jun 2010: a.m. 2 COMMON TERN (M.West), 24 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (new record count), 4 young SHELDUCK, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes), 66 LAPWING, 4 GREEN WOODPECKER (2 pairs with young), 80+ HERRING GULL, 7 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 10 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 1 GARDEN WARBLER. Gordon
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Mon 28 Jun 2010: 1 HOBBY (over N.Ridge, headed towards patch). Richard
07.10hrs-10.20hrs. 1m SHOVELER (WC2), 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake), 37 LAPWING, 2 SHELDUCK (pair with 5 young, Spynes), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 12 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 BLACKCAP (2m & 1f/juv.), 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 1 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 2 SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 8 SWIFT, 19 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 3 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 2 HERRING GULL (Spynes), 6 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER (inc. 2 juv.), 3 GREEN WOODPECKER (inc. 1 juv.), 1m YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1 REED BUNTING (Spynes). Graham
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Tues 29 Jun 2010: No reported sightings.
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Weds 30 Jun 2010: a.m. 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (briefly at WC2), 2 COMMON TERN (M.Lake), 1 HOBBY (Spynes - Paul), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm - Paul), 3m & 1f BLACKCAP (Paul), 7 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 SHELDUCK (with only 3 young, Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (WC2), 17 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes, one moving to WC2),1m YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 31 LAPWING (30 Spynes, 1 WC2), 53 COOT (WC1, inc 4 broods of young), c12 SAND MARTIN, 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes), 1 KESTREL (Spynes), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (N.Downs, seen from WC mound). Paul & Graham
LITTLE OWL (Paul)
(more of Paul's photos of this bird at http://patchsnaps.blogspot.com/)
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May 2010
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Sat 1 May 2010: 10.15hrs-12.00hrs. 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 2 REED WARBLER, 1f WHEATEAR (M.Farm), 3+ CHIFFCHAFF, 30+ SWIFT, 10+ COMMON WHITETHROAT. Paul
a.m. 4 SHOVELER (3m & 1f Moors), 5 GADWALL (Moors), 1m SHELDUCK (Moors), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (Moors), 70+ SWIFT, 30+ SWALLOW (over sewage filter beds), c20 SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, 6 BLACKCAP, 15+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 SEDGE WARBLER (1 M.Lake by flooded path, 1 WC1), 4 REED WARBLER, 4 LAPWING, 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1 SPARROWHAWK, 2 PHEASANT (pair M.Farm), 4 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm). Ian & Graham
WHEATEAR (Paul)------------------------------------------------- SHELDUCK (Graham)
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Sun 2 May 2010: early a.m. 1 HOBBY, c70 SWALLOW, c25 HOUSE MARTIN, c40 SAND MARTIN, c10 REED WARBLER, 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 5 SHOVELER, 1 MALLARD with brood of 12 young (Spynes), 1 CUCKOO. Gordon
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Mon 3 May 2010: late a.m.-p.m. c350 HOUSE MARTIN, c100 SWIFT, c75 SAND MARTIN, c40 SWALLOW, 1 COMMON TERN. Steve
a.m. 1 imm./female MARSH HARRIER (over landfill site being mobbed by corvids, drifted off to E - Gordon - 6th site record and 3rd local sighting of this species this year), 2 COMMON TERN (briefly on raft at M.Lake early a.m. - Gordon), 1 HOBBY (over Spynes/M.Farm), 4 SHOVELER (3m & 1f), 5 GADWALL (4m & 1f), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1m SHELDUCK (Moors), 24 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 6+ BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT (1 Spynes, 1 Chilmead Lane, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 REED WARBLER, 1 SEDGE WARBLER (WC1), 150+ SWIFT, 50+ SWALLOW, c20 SAND MARTIN, c15 HOUSE MARTIN, 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm), 1m GREY WAGTAIL (Moors), 1f KESTREL, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (flew N over Spynes). Gordon & Graham
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Tues 4 May 2010: evening. 2 COMMON TERN (on raft M.Lake), 3 ad. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), c350 SWIFT, c30 SWALLOW, c20 HOUSE MARTIN, c40 SAND MARTIN. Gordon
a.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1m GADWALL (WC1), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (by flooded path at western end of M.Lake), 3 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 4 BLACKCAP (including the one perched in the hedge by the cycle track N of Spynes with the strange song), 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 SKYLARK (M.Farm), c150 HOUSE MARTIN, c40 SWALLOW, c40 SAND MARTIN, c30 SWIFT, 4 LINNET, 6 GREENFINCH, c20 HERRING GULL (over). Graham
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Weds 5 May 2010: p.m. 3 GADWALL (2m & 1f), 2 (poss. 3) SHELDUCK, 5 HOUSE MARTIN, c6 SWALLOW, 30+ SWIFT. Gordon
early p.m. In addition to this morning's sightings: 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes) 2 BULLFINCH (pair). Matta.m. 1 SEDGE WARBLER (by flooded path at western end of M.Lake), 4 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 9 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 6 BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1m GREY WAGTAIL (Moors), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes), c80 SWIFT, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, c10 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW. Graham & Paul
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Thurs 6 May 2010: a.m. 2 COMMON TERN (M.Lake, flew length of lake before heading towards landfill - Graham), 1 HOBBY (over M.CP car Park - Paul), 3 REED WARBLER, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 BLACKCAP, 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, c20 SWIFT, c8 SWALLOW, c20 SAND MARTIN, 6 HOUSE MARTIN, 1m SHOVELER (Moors), 1m GADWALL (M.West), 1 SHELDUCK (Moors, later seen flying over M.Lake towards M.east), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 BULLFINCH (M.West - Paul). Paul & Graham
JAY (Paul)
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Fri 7 May 2010: 2 WHIMBREL (together at M.West 13.10hrs before both walked out of sight), 1 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1m PHEASANT (M.West), 1f SPARROWHAWK (over). Matt
a.m. 2 WHIMBREL (M.West, on spit viewable from metal gate 10.45hrs to 12.40hrs at least - one found by Graham, 2 found together later by Paul), 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West - Paul), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), c80 SWIFT, c30 SAND MARTIN, c10 SWALLOW, 10 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (NE corner of Spynes), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 4 REED WARBLER (3 Spynes reedbed, 1 pond by orchard at Cormongers Lane), 7 BLACKCAP (inc. 2 females), 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 14 STOCK DOVE, 2 SKYLARK, 1f BULLFINCH (M.West - Paul). Paul & Graham
WHIMBREL (Paul)
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Sat 8 May 2010: evening. 1 RINGED PLOVER (M.West - found by Gordon - first for year), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 2 COMMON TERN (on raft M.Lake), 1 HOBBY (over M.CP), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West). Gordon & Graham
a.m. 6 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (5 Spynes, 1 M.West), 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (1 Spynes, 1 M.West), 3 REED WARBLER (2 Spynes reedbed, 1 M23 end of Spynes), 3 BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 12 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1m YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 2 LAPWING, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), 4 BLACK-HEADED GULL (M.West), 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL (low over M.West - Gordon), c100 TUFTED DUCK (Gordon), 4 RED-CRESTED POCHARD (3m & 1f M.West, escapes - Graham), 2m SHOVELER (Moors - Gordon), 1 SHELDUCK (Moors - Gordon). Gordon & Graham
RINGED PLOVER (Graham)
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Sun 9 May 2010: p.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (M.West), 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL (still by flooded area of Moors behind WC1), 4 COMMON SANDPIPER (3 WC1, 1 M.West), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, c50 SWALLOW, c120 SAND MARTIN, c100 SWIFT, c15 HOUSE MARTIN. Gordon
08.45hrs-11.00hrs. 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1m BULLFINCH, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 SKYLARK, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 8+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3m BLACKCAP, 25+ SWIFT, 50+ SWALLOW/SAND MARTIN, 4 LINNET. Paul
05.55hrs-09.15hrs. up to 5 COMMON SANDPIPER (2 M. Lake, 1 M.West, 2 WC1), 1m LAPWING (displaying M.Farm), 15+ HOUSE MARTIN, 15+ SWALLOW, 10+ SAND MARTIN, 10+ SWIFT, 15+ COOT (inc. one brood 3 small young at Moors), 8+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm), 1m LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes), 7 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK (pair over M.West), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 2 SHOVELER (pair Moors), 4 YELLOW WAGTAIL (1m & 3f by flooded area of Moors behind WC1), 1 imm. CORMORANT (WC1), 1m GREY WAGTAIL (Moors). Ian
early a.m. 4 YELLOW WAGTAIL (1m & 3f by flooded area of Moors behind WC1, best viewed from Cormongers Lane), up to 5 COMMON SANDPIPER (2 M.Lake, 2 WC1, 1 M.West), 2 SHOVELER (pair Moors), 7 GADWALL, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, c20 SWALLOW, c25 SAND MARTIN, c20 SWIFT. Gordon
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Mon 10 May 2010: 13.45hrs-16.30hrs. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 BULLFINCH, 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER, 1 SHELDUCK, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 2 REED WARBLER, 5+ BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 10+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 40+ SWIFT, 60+ SWALLOW/SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN. Paul
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Tues 11 May 2010: c30 HOUSE MARTIN, c120 SAND MARTIN, c100 SWIFT, c25 SWALLOW, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 SHELDUCK, 1 CANADA GOOSE with 4 young. Gordon
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Weds 12 May 2010: p.m. 1 HOBBY (N.Ridge), 1 GADWALL, 2 broods of LONG-TAILED TIT (M.CP & M.West), 1 new brood of COOT (Spynes). Gordon
a.m. 4 CHIFFCHAFF, c8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit - Paul), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit - Paul), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 3 REED WARBLER (2 Spynes, 1 by wooden bridge on landfill side of Moors), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West - Paul), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 5 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (3 Spynes, 2 heading E), 2m SHOVELER (Spynes). Paul & Graham
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Thurs 13 May 2010: 2 SHOVELER (pair Moors), 5 GADWALL (4m & 1f), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 4 REED WARBLER, 2 BULLFINCH (pair Spynes), 1 new brood of 7+ young MALLARD at WC1, (1 possible White Wagtail near Aquasports Centre). Gordon ____________________________________________________________
Fri 14 May 2010: mid-p.m. 1 RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 1 HOBBY (over WC1 and then perched in tree near Cormongers Lane). Brian Dougherty
a.m. 1 OSPREY (flew in from north towards pits at 09.40hrs mobbed by corvid, circled trying to shake off corvid before gaining considerable height and heading back north over North Downs - viewed from WC mound - 12th site record), 1 KESTREL, 1m SPARROWHAWK, 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 4 BLACKCAP, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), c8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (N bank hedge of Middle Pit towards M.West), 2 BULLFINCH (pair M.CP), 1 NUTHATCH (Nutfield churchyard - Paul), 1 LAPWING (over M.Farm), c30 SWIFT (inc. pair mating in flight), 6 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (WC1), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (WC1). (1 possible White Wagtail on short grass area between Aquasports Centre and Mercers Farm). Paul & Graham
BLACKCAP (Graham)
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Sat 15 May 2010: 06.45hrs-09.35hrs. 1 CUCKOO (calling in oak on S bank of Spynes), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 2 LITTLE EGRET (over M.Farm together, heading in direction of Moors), 7 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (4 Spynes, 3 over heading E), 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 17 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 8 REED WARBLER (6 Spynes reedbed, 1 Middle Pit, 1 M23 end of Spynes), 2 GARDEN WARBLER (1 NE corner of Spynes, 1 NW corner of Middle Pit), 3 SWALLOW, c15 SWIFT, c10 SAND MARTIN, 2 BULLFINCH (m & f M.east), 7 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm), 5 RING-NECKED PARAKEET, 1 MISTLE THRUSH (Spynes), 2 CORMORANT (Spynes), 2 LAPWING (M.West). Graham
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Sun 16 May 2010: a.m. 1 HOBBY (perched on fence by flooded area between WC1 & Moors), 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake), 5 GADWALL (4m & 1f), 1m SHOVELER, 2-3 LAPWING, 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (M.east), 15 MUTE SWAN, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 KESTREL, 8 REED WARBLER, 4 GARDEN WARBLER, 1 GREY WAGTAIL (Moors), 2 BLACK-HEADED GULL, c8 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Gordon
05.30hrs-08.45hrs. 1 COMMON TERN (on buoy M.Lake), 1 CUCKOO (tree N of Middle pit calling, then flew to tree at M.Farm), 1m MANDARIN (SW corner of M.West), 30+ GREYLAG GOOSE (inc 2 broods of 4 & 6), 8+ CANADA GOOSE (inc 1 brood of 2), 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 4 GADWALL (3m & 1f flood area of Moors by WC1), 1m SHOVELER (WC1), 20+ COOT (inc 1 brood of 2 Spynes reedbed), 1m LAPWING (displaying over M.Farm), 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes, then flew W), 1 KESTREL (Moors), 6+ SWIFT (inc. 1 pair mating on the wing), 4+ REED WARBLER (3+ Spynes reedbed, 1 eastern end of Spynes), 2 (poss.3) GARDEN WARBLER (2 eastern end of Spynes, 1 more 'possible' heard), 8+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 8+ BLACKCAP. Ian
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Mon 17 May 2010: very early a.m. 1 RED KITE (over Glebe House at 05.20hrs - 17th site record, ten of which have been since 30 Aug 2008), 16 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1m SHOVELER (WC1), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT. Gordon
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Tues 18 May 2010: No reported sightings.
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Weds 19 May 2010: No reported sightings.
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Thurs 20 May 2010: 1 HOBBY (feeding on insects over Moors & WC1 11.45hrs-12.00hrs), 2 GADWALL (pair Moors, on flooded area by WC1), 2 GREY HERON (same area). Simon Elson
a.m. 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake), 1 KINGFISHER (M.Lake, the first one seen since 14 Mar.), 5 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (NW corner of Middle Pit), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit, flew to Spynes), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BLACKCAP, 4 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks to S of Spynes), 64 GREYLAG GOOSE (M.Farm), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm). Paul & Graham
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Fri 21 May 2010: a.m. 1m YELLOW WAGTAIL (flew over Willow Wood/M.Farm calling and heading for horse paddocks but could not relocate), 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 5 BLACKCAP, 9 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 4 REED WARBLER (3 Spynes reedbed, 1 at pool by orchard/conifers Cormongers Lane), 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (M.West), 5 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1 LAPWING (over Spynes), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 2 SAND MARTIN (Spynes), 5 SWALLOW (inc. nesting pair at Chilmead Farm), 2 first-summer BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 2 REED BUNTING (Spynes), 1 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 COMMON BUZZARD (over North Downs, seen fron N.Ridge), 1 unidentified raptor over Reigate Hill, seen from N.Ridge. came a bit closer but still too far away for positive ID. Deep, elastic wing-beats, protruding head, broad wings, shorter-tailed and much larger than Sparrowhawk. Did not have flap-flap-glide flight of Sparrowhawk. Graham
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Sat 22 May 2010: 1 HOBBY (hunting over Moors at 14.03hrs), 2 GREY HERON, 1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, many COMMON WHITETHROATS. Simon Elson
06.35hrs-08.30hrs. 1 LAPWING (M.West), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 3 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 4 GREY HERON (over Spynes), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.Lake, at bottom of slipway), 1 SWALLOW (over), 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake (over heading E, presumably the same bird returned and perched on buoy 30 mins. later), 1 SKYLARK (in song flight Chilmead Farm). Graham
COMMON SANDPIPER (Graham)
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Sun 23 May 2010: p.m. 41 HERRING GULL (M.West, on spit), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes sandspit), 1m POCHARD (Spynes), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (S bank of Spynes), 12 ROOK (N.Ridge, inc. 2 pairs with 4 young - Gordon), 1 (poss. 2) SPARROWHAWK (N. Ridge), up to 5 COMMON BUZZARD (seen from N.Ridge), 2 SWALLOW. Graham, Sue & Gordon
05.35hrs-08.50hrs. 15+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 8+ BLACKCAP, 2 (poss. 3) GARDEN WARBLER (2 singing M23 end of Spynes, poss. another singing by sandtrack to N of M.CP), 3 COMMON SANDPIPER (together Spynes sandspit), 1m LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Moors, flooded area to S of WC1), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 5 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1m POCHARD (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (M.West), 5+ CORMORANT (WC1), 1 CUCKOO (m calling in bush S of Middle Pit, same bird later in Willow Wood), 3 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 SWALLOW (M.Farm), 4 PIED WAGTAIL (inc. m & 2 juv. Moors pools), 50+ STARLING (mainly Moors, inc. many juvs.). Ian
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Mon 24 May 2010: 16.05hrs. 1 COMMON BUZZARD circling over Sth. Merstham, came from direction of local patch. Graham
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Tues 25 May 2010: (early p.m. 1 RED KITE over Flower Farm, Godstone.) Gordon
p.m. 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes), 1f SHELDUCK (Spynes), 2 GADWALL (pair Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (M.West), 3 LAPWING, 2 GARDEN WARBLER. Gordon
a.m. 1 RED KITE (circling over N.Downs NNW of M.West at 09.16hrs - 17th site record and the 6th bird seen this year), 2 COMMON BUZZARD (N.Ridge), 1 HOBBY (Moors), 1 COMMON TERN (WC2), 1 CUCKOO (over calling M.Farm), 1 (poss. 2) COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 1 SHELDUCK (over Spynes), 7 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 81 GREYLAG GOOSE (M.Farm), 11 CANADA GOOSE (M.Farm), 1 LAPWING (over M.east), 8 SAND MARTIN, c20 SWIFT, 5 REED WARBLER (4 Spynes reedbed, 1 WC1), 5 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 6 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 REED BUNTING (Spynes), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 6 GOLDFINCH. Paul & Graham
COMMON TERN (Graham)------------------------------------HOBBY (Graham)
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Weds 26 May 2010: No reported sightings.
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Thurs 27 May 2010: 1 SHELDUCK with 9 young (reported by reliable source to have been at Water Colour lagoons today). Simon Elson
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Fri 28 May 2010: a.m. 1m SHOVELER (WC1), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.CP, in tree by main entrance), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes with 8 young), 10 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (7 Spynes, 3 over heading E), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes), 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BLACKCAP, 7 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 80+ SWIFT, 15+ SAND MARTIN, 1 TREECREEPER (Moors, trees by landfill site), 1 SPARROWHAWK (N.Ridge), 69 GREYLAG GOOSE (M.Farm), 10 CANADA GOOSE (M.Farm), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm). Paul & Graham
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Sat 29 May 2010: p.m. c250 SWIFT, c40 SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, 1f MANDARIN (WC1), 1 HOBBY (perched Moors by WC1), 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake), 2 SHELDUCK with 8 young (Spynes), 1m GADWALL (Spynes), c200 HERRING GULL (landfill site), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (over), first brood of 5 young MUTE SWAN, 3 new broods of COOT, 1 LINNET feeding young (Middle Pit), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT. Gordon
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Sun 30 May 2010: No reported sightings.
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Mon 31 May 2010: 06.45hrs-10.30hrs. 1 DUNLIN (Spynes sandspit, then flew to WC2 island), 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (1 Spynes with Dunlin, then flew to WC2 island and joined a second bird), c70 SWIFT, c30 SAND MARTIN, 4 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 3 BLACKCAP, 7 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 3 LAPWING (Spynes), 5 CORMORANT (WC1 inc. 1 probable sinensis race) 74 GREYLAG GOOSE (M.Farm), 16 CANADA GOOSE (M.Farm), 2 SHELDUCK (with 8 young at Spynes), 7 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 4 GADWALL (1 pair WC1, 1 pair M.West), 1 MISTLE THRUSH (over M.Farm), 1 LITTLE GREBE (with 2 young at WC1), 1 HOBBY (Gordon), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (Gordon), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm - Gordon), 2f BULLFINCH. Gordon & Graham
DUNLIN (Graham)
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Sat 1 May 2010: 10.15hrs-12.00hrs. 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 2 REED WARBLER, 1f WHEATEAR (M.Farm), 3+ CHIFFCHAFF, 30+ SWIFT, 10+ COMMON WHITETHROAT. Paul
a.m. 4 SHOVELER (3m & 1f Moors), 5 GADWALL (Moors), 1m SHELDUCK (Moors), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (Moors), 70+ SWIFT, 30+ SWALLOW (over sewage filter beds), c20 SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, 6 BLACKCAP, 15+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 SEDGE WARBLER (1 M.Lake by flooded path, 1 WC1), 4 REED WARBLER, 4 LAPWING, 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1 SPARROWHAWK, 2 PHEASANT (pair M.Farm), 4 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm). Ian & Graham
WHEATEAR (Paul)------------------------------------------------- SHELDUCK (Graham)
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Sun 2 May 2010: early a.m. 1 HOBBY, c70 SWALLOW, c25 HOUSE MARTIN, c40 SAND MARTIN, c10 REED WARBLER, 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 5 SHOVELER, 1 MALLARD with brood of 12 young (Spynes), 1 CUCKOO. Gordon
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Mon 3 May 2010: late a.m.-p.m. c350 HOUSE MARTIN, c100 SWIFT, c75 SAND MARTIN, c40 SWALLOW, 1 COMMON TERN. Steve
a.m. 1 imm./female MARSH HARRIER (over landfill site being mobbed by corvids, drifted off to E - Gordon - 6th site record and 3rd local sighting of this species this year), 2 COMMON TERN (briefly on raft at M.Lake early a.m. - Gordon), 1 HOBBY (over Spynes/M.Farm), 4 SHOVELER (3m & 1f), 5 GADWALL (4m & 1f), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1m SHELDUCK (Moors), 24 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 6+ BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT (1 Spynes, 1 Chilmead Lane, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 REED WARBLER, 1 SEDGE WARBLER (WC1), 150+ SWIFT, 50+ SWALLOW, c20 SAND MARTIN, c15 HOUSE MARTIN, 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm), 1m GREY WAGTAIL (Moors), 1f KESTREL, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (flew N over Spynes). Gordon & Graham
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Tues 4 May 2010: evening. 2 COMMON TERN (on raft M.Lake), 3 ad. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), c350 SWIFT, c30 SWALLOW, c20 HOUSE MARTIN, c40 SAND MARTIN. Gordon
a.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1m GADWALL (WC1), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (by flooded path at western end of M.Lake), 3 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 4 BLACKCAP (including the one perched in the hedge by the cycle track N of Spynes with the strange song), 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 SKYLARK (M.Farm), c150 HOUSE MARTIN, c40 SWALLOW, c40 SAND MARTIN, c30 SWIFT, 4 LINNET, 6 GREENFINCH, c20 HERRING GULL (over). Graham
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Weds 5 May 2010: p.m. 3 GADWALL (2m & 1f), 2 (poss. 3) SHELDUCK, 5 HOUSE MARTIN, c6 SWALLOW, 30+ SWIFT. Gordon
early p.m. In addition to this morning's sightings: 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes) 2 BULLFINCH (pair). Matta.m. 1 SEDGE WARBLER (by flooded path at western end of M.Lake), 4 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 9 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 6 BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1m GREY WAGTAIL (Moors), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes), c80 SWIFT, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, c10 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW. Graham & Paul
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Thurs 6 May 2010: a.m. 2 COMMON TERN (M.Lake, flew length of lake before heading towards landfill - Graham), 1 HOBBY (over M.CP car Park - Paul), 3 REED WARBLER, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 BLACKCAP, 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, c20 SWIFT, c8 SWALLOW, c20 SAND MARTIN, 6 HOUSE MARTIN, 1m SHOVELER (Moors), 1m GADWALL (M.West), 1 SHELDUCK (Moors, later seen flying over M.Lake towards M.east), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 BULLFINCH (M.West - Paul). Paul & Graham
JAY (Paul)
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Fri 7 May 2010: 2 WHIMBREL (together at M.West 13.10hrs before both walked out of sight), 1 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1m PHEASANT (M.West), 1f SPARROWHAWK (over). Matt
a.m. 2 WHIMBREL (M.West, on spit viewable from metal gate 10.45hrs to 12.40hrs at least - one found by Graham, 2 found together later by Paul), 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West - Paul), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), c80 SWIFT, c30 SAND MARTIN, c10 SWALLOW, 10 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (NE corner of Spynes), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 4 REED WARBLER (3 Spynes reedbed, 1 pond by orchard at Cormongers Lane), 7 BLACKCAP (inc. 2 females), 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 14 STOCK DOVE, 2 SKYLARK, 1f BULLFINCH (M.West - Paul). Paul & Graham
WHIMBREL (Paul)
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Sat 8 May 2010: evening. 1 RINGED PLOVER (M.West - found by Gordon - first for year), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 2 COMMON TERN (on raft M.Lake), 1 HOBBY (over M.CP), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West). Gordon & Graham
a.m. 6 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (5 Spynes, 1 M.West), 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (1 Spynes, 1 M.West), 3 REED WARBLER (2 Spynes reedbed, 1 M23 end of Spynes), 3 BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 12 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1m YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 2 LAPWING, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), 4 BLACK-HEADED GULL (M.West), 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL (low over M.West - Gordon), c100 TUFTED DUCK (Gordon), 4 RED-CRESTED POCHARD (3m & 1f M.West, escapes - Graham), 2m SHOVELER (Moors - Gordon), 1 SHELDUCK (Moors - Gordon). Gordon & Graham
RINGED PLOVER (Graham)
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Sun 9 May 2010: p.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (M.West), 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL (still by flooded area of Moors behind WC1), 4 COMMON SANDPIPER (3 WC1, 1 M.West), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, c50 SWALLOW, c120 SAND MARTIN, c100 SWIFT, c15 HOUSE MARTIN. Gordon
08.45hrs-11.00hrs. 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1m BULLFINCH, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 SKYLARK, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 8+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3m BLACKCAP, 25+ SWIFT, 50+ SWALLOW/SAND MARTIN, 4 LINNET. Paul
05.55hrs-09.15hrs. up to 5 COMMON SANDPIPER (2 M. Lake, 1 M.West, 2 WC1), 1m LAPWING (displaying M.Farm), 15+ HOUSE MARTIN, 15+ SWALLOW, 10+ SAND MARTIN, 10+ SWIFT, 15+ COOT (inc. one brood 3 small young at Moors), 8+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm), 1m LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes), 7 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK (pair over M.West), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 2 SHOVELER (pair Moors), 4 YELLOW WAGTAIL (1m & 3f by flooded area of Moors behind WC1), 1 imm. CORMORANT (WC1), 1m GREY WAGTAIL (Moors). Ian
early a.m. 4 YELLOW WAGTAIL (1m & 3f by flooded area of Moors behind WC1, best viewed from Cormongers Lane), up to 5 COMMON SANDPIPER (2 M.Lake, 2 WC1, 1 M.West), 2 SHOVELER (pair Moors), 7 GADWALL, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, c20 SWALLOW, c25 SAND MARTIN, c20 SWIFT. Gordon
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Mon 10 May 2010: 13.45hrs-16.30hrs. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 BULLFINCH, 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER, 1 SHELDUCK, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 2 REED WARBLER, 5+ BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 10+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 40+ SWIFT, 60+ SWALLOW/SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN. Paul
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Tues 11 May 2010: c30 HOUSE MARTIN, c120 SAND MARTIN, c100 SWIFT, c25 SWALLOW, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 SHELDUCK, 1 CANADA GOOSE with 4 young. Gordon
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Weds 12 May 2010: p.m. 1 HOBBY (N.Ridge), 1 GADWALL, 2 broods of LONG-TAILED TIT (M.CP & M.West), 1 new brood of COOT (Spynes). Gordon
a.m. 4 CHIFFCHAFF, c8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit - Paul), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit - Paul), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 3 REED WARBLER (2 Spynes, 1 by wooden bridge on landfill side of Moors), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West - Paul), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 5 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (3 Spynes, 2 heading E), 2m SHOVELER (Spynes). Paul & Graham
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Thurs 13 May 2010: 2 SHOVELER (pair Moors), 5 GADWALL (4m & 1f), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 4 REED WARBLER, 2 BULLFINCH (pair Spynes), 1 new brood of 7+ young MALLARD at WC1, (1 possible White Wagtail near Aquasports Centre). Gordon ____________________________________________________________
Fri 14 May 2010: mid-p.m. 1 RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 1 HOBBY (over WC1 and then perched in tree near Cormongers Lane). Brian Dougherty
a.m. 1 OSPREY (flew in from north towards pits at 09.40hrs mobbed by corvid, circled trying to shake off corvid before gaining considerable height and heading back north over North Downs - viewed from WC mound - 12th site record), 1 KESTREL, 1m SPARROWHAWK, 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 4 BLACKCAP, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), c8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (N bank hedge of Middle Pit towards M.West), 2 BULLFINCH (pair M.CP), 1 NUTHATCH (Nutfield churchyard - Paul), 1 LAPWING (over M.Farm), c30 SWIFT (inc. pair mating in flight), 6 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (WC1), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (WC1). (1 possible White Wagtail on short grass area between Aquasports Centre and Mercers Farm). Paul & Graham
BLACKCAP (Graham)
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Sat 15 May 2010: 06.45hrs-09.35hrs. 1 CUCKOO (calling in oak on S bank of Spynes), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 2 LITTLE EGRET (over M.Farm together, heading in direction of Moors), 7 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (4 Spynes, 3 over heading E), 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 17 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 8 REED WARBLER (6 Spynes reedbed, 1 Middle Pit, 1 M23 end of Spynes), 2 GARDEN WARBLER (1 NE corner of Spynes, 1 NW corner of Middle Pit), 3 SWALLOW, c15 SWIFT, c10 SAND MARTIN, 2 BULLFINCH (m & f M.east), 7 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm), 5 RING-NECKED PARAKEET, 1 MISTLE THRUSH (Spynes), 2 CORMORANT (Spynes), 2 LAPWING (M.West). Graham
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Sun 16 May 2010: a.m. 1 HOBBY (perched on fence by flooded area between WC1 & Moors), 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake), 5 GADWALL (4m & 1f), 1m SHOVELER, 2-3 LAPWING, 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (M.east), 15 MUTE SWAN, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 KESTREL, 8 REED WARBLER, 4 GARDEN WARBLER, 1 GREY WAGTAIL (Moors), 2 BLACK-HEADED GULL, c8 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Gordon
05.30hrs-08.45hrs. 1 COMMON TERN (on buoy M.Lake), 1 CUCKOO (tree N of Middle pit calling, then flew to tree at M.Farm), 1m MANDARIN (SW corner of M.West), 30+ GREYLAG GOOSE (inc 2 broods of 4 & 6), 8+ CANADA GOOSE (inc 1 brood of 2), 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 4 GADWALL (3m & 1f flood area of Moors by WC1), 1m SHOVELER (WC1), 20+ COOT (inc 1 brood of 2 Spynes reedbed), 1m LAPWING (displaying over M.Farm), 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes, then flew W), 1 KESTREL (Moors), 6+ SWIFT (inc. 1 pair mating on the wing), 4+ REED WARBLER (3+ Spynes reedbed, 1 eastern end of Spynes), 2 (poss.3) GARDEN WARBLER (2 eastern end of Spynes, 1 more 'possible' heard), 8+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 8+ BLACKCAP. Ian
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Mon 17 May 2010: very early a.m. 1 RED KITE (over Glebe House at 05.20hrs - 17th site record, ten of which have been since 30 Aug 2008), 16 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1m SHOVELER (WC1), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT. Gordon
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Tues 18 May 2010: No reported sightings.
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Weds 19 May 2010: No reported sightings.
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Thurs 20 May 2010: 1 HOBBY (feeding on insects over Moors & WC1 11.45hrs-12.00hrs), 2 GADWALL (pair Moors, on flooded area by WC1), 2 GREY HERON (same area). Simon Elson
a.m. 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake), 1 KINGFISHER (M.Lake, the first one seen since 14 Mar.), 5 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (NW corner of Middle Pit), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit, flew to Spynes), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BLACKCAP, 4 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks to S of Spynes), 64 GREYLAG GOOSE (M.Farm), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm). Paul & Graham
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Fri 21 May 2010: a.m. 1m YELLOW WAGTAIL (flew over Willow Wood/M.Farm calling and heading for horse paddocks but could not relocate), 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 5 BLACKCAP, 9 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 4 REED WARBLER (3 Spynes reedbed, 1 at pool by orchard/conifers Cormongers Lane), 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (M.West), 5 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1 LAPWING (over Spynes), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 2 SAND MARTIN (Spynes), 5 SWALLOW (inc. nesting pair at Chilmead Farm), 2 first-summer BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 2 REED BUNTING (Spynes), 1 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 COMMON BUZZARD (over North Downs, seen fron N.Ridge), 1 unidentified raptor over Reigate Hill, seen from N.Ridge. came a bit closer but still too far away for positive ID. Deep, elastic wing-beats, protruding head, broad wings, shorter-tailed and much larger than Sparrowhawk. Did not have flap-flap-glide flight of Sparrowhawk. Graham
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Sat 22 May 2010: 1 HOBBY (hunting over Moors at 14.03hrs), 2 GREY HERON, 1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, many COMMON WHITETHROATS. Simon Elson
06.35hrs-08.30hrs. 1 LAPWING (M.West), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 3 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 4 GREY HERON (over Spynes), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.Lake, at bottom of slipway), 1 SWALLOW (over), 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake (over heading E, presumably the same bird returned and perched on buoy 30 mins. later), 1 SKYLARK (in song flight Chilmead Farm). Graham
COMMON SANDPIPER (Graham)
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Sun 23 May 2010: p.m. 41 HERRING GULL (M.West, on spit), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes sandspit), 1m POCHARD (Spynes), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (S bank of Spynes), 12 ROOK (N.Ridge, inc. 2 pairs with 4 young - Gordon), 1 (poss. 2) SPARROWHAWK (N. Ridge), up to 5 COMMON BUZZARD (seen from N.Ridge), 2 SWALLOW. Graham, Sue & Gordon
05.35hrs-08.50hrs. 15+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 8+ BLACKCAP, 2 (poss. 3) GARDEN WARBLER (2 singing M23 end of Spynes, poss. another singing by sandtrack to N of M.CP), 3 COMMON SANDPIPER (together Spynes sandspit), 1m LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Moors, flooded area to S of WC1), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 5 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1m POCHARD (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (M.West), 5+ CORMORANT (WC1), 1 CUCKOO (m calling in bush S of Middle Pit, same bird later in Willow Wood), 3 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 SWALLOW (M.Farm), 4 PIED WAGTAIL (inc. m & 2 juv. Moors pools), 50+ STARLING (mainly Moors, inc. many juvs.). Ian
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Mon 24 May 2010: 16.05hrs. 1 COMMON BUZZARD circling over Sth. Merstham, came from direction of local patch. Graham
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Tues 25 May 2010: (early p.m. 1 RED KITE over Flower Farm, Godstone.) Gordon
p.m. 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes), 1f SHELDUCK (Spynes), 2 GADWALL (pair Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (M.West), 3 LAPWING, 2 GARDEN WARBLER. Gordon
a.m. 1 RED KITE (circling over N.Downs NNW of M.West at 09.16hrs - 17th site record and the 6th bird seen this year), 2 COMMON BUZZARD (N.Ridge), 1 HOBBY (Moors), 1 COMMON TERN (WC2), 1 CUCKOO (over calling M.Farm), 1 (poss. 2) COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 1 SHELDUCK (over Spynes), 7 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 81 GREYLAG GOOSE (M.Farm), 11 CANADA GOOSE (M.Farm), 1 LAPWING (over M.east), 8 SAND MARTIN, c20 SWIFT, 5 REED WARBLER (4 Spynes reedbed, 1 WC1), 5 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 6 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 REED BUNTING (Spynes), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 6 GOLDFINCH. Paul & Graham
COMMON TERN (Graham)------------------------------------HOBBY (Graham)
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Weds 26 May 2010: No reported sightings.
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Thurs 27 May 2010: 1 SHELDUCK with 9 young (reported by reliable source to have been at Water Colour lagoons today). Simon Elson
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Fri 28 May 2010: a.m. 1m SHOVELER (WC1), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.CP, in tree by main entrance), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes with 8 young), 10 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (7 Spynes, 3 over heading E), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes), 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BLACKCAP, 7 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 80+ SWIFT, 15+ SAND MARTIN, 1 TREECREEPER (Moors, trees by landfill site), 1 SPARROWHAWK (N.Ridge), 69 GREYLAG GOOSE (M.Farm), 10 CANADA GOOSE (M.Farm), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm). Paul & Graham
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Sat 29 May 2010: p.m. c250 SWIFT, c40 SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, 1f MANDARIN (WC1), 1 HOBBY (perched Moors by WC1), 1 COMMON TERN (M.Lake), 2 SHELDUCK with 8 young (Spynes), 1m GADWALL (Spynes), c200 HERRING GULL (landfill site), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (over), first brood of 5 young MUTE SWAN, 3 new broods of COOT, 1 LINNET feeding young (Middle Pit), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT. Gordon
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Sun 30 May 2010: No reported sightings.
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Mon 31 May 2010: 06.45hrs-10.30hrs. 1 DUNLIN (Spynes sandspit, then flew to WC2 island), 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (1 Spynes with Dunlin, then flew to WC2 island and joined a second bird), c70 SWIFT, c30 SAND MARTIN, 4 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 3 BLACKCAP, 7 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 3 LAPWING (Spynes), 5 CORMORANT (WC1 inc. 1 probable sinensis race) 74 GREYLAG GOOSE (M.Farm), 16 CANADA GOOSE (M.Farm), 2 SHELDUCK (with 8 young at Spynes), 7 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 4 GADWALL (1 pair WC1, 1 pair M.West), 1 MISTLE THRUSH (over M.Farm), 1 LITTLE GREBE (with 2 young at WC1), 1 HOBBY (Gordon), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (Gordon), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm - Gordon), 2f BULLFINCH. Gordon & Graham
DUNLIN (Graham)
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April 2010
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Thurs 1 Apr 2010: p.m. 1f GOLDENEYE (M.West), 2 SHELDUCK, 6 TEAL, 2m GADWALL, 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 17 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 1 MEADOW PIPIT, 1 KESTREL, 1 SPARROWHAWK. Gordon
a.m. 1f GOLDENEYE (M.West), 1f SPARROWHAWK (M.east). Simon Elson
a.m. very quiet. 2 SWALLOW, 1 SAND MARTIN, 2m SHOVELER (Moors), 6 TEAL (4 M.West, 2 Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over Spynes), 10 GREYLAG GOOSE (flood plain by sewage works), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over N.Downs), 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 1m PHEASANT, 2 LINNET, 2 REED BUNTING (Spynes reedbed). Graham
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Fri 2 Apr 2010: 15.15hrs-17.30hrs. 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm), 41+ STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 5 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 2 TEAL (pair Spynes), 5 CORMORANT (Spynes), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (1 Spynes, 1 WC lagoons), 1m KESTREL (M.east), 2 REDWING, 6+ SWALLOW, 20+ SAND MARTIN, 5+ CHIFFCHAFF, 1 BLACKCAP (heard M.CP). Ian
a.m. c40 SAND MARTIN, c20 SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 5m BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 19 CHIFFCHAFF, c12 GADWALL, 6 SHOVELER, 8 TEAL, 1f GOLDENEYE (M.West), c12 GREYLAG GOOSE, 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over Spynes), 2 SHELDUCK (flying E, seen from Moors), 2 COMMON BUZZARD (together over landfill), 3 COMMON GULL (1 ad. & 2 1st-year, Spynes), 1m SPARROWHAWK, 1 KESTREL, 1 LITTLE EGRET (Willow Wood), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (over), c15 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1m & 1f PHEASANT (M.Farm), 7 LINNET, 2 MISTLE THRUSH, 6 REDWING, c45 GOLDFINCH (Moors), 11 RING-NECKED PARAKEET, 1 COMMON SNIPE (near Willow Wood), 2 MEADOW PIPIT (heard). Gordon & Graham
LITTLE EGRET (Graham)
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Sat 3 Apr 2010: p.m. 1 WILLOW WARBLER, c10 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BLACKCAP (m & f, M.CP), 5 SWALLOW, c40 SAND MARTIN, 1f WIGEON (M.West), 4 SHOVELER (Moors), 3 TEAL, 124 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm). Gordon
a.m. 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 HOUSE MARTIN. Steve
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Sun 4 Apr 2010: mid-p.m. Female FERRUGINOUS DUCK (still present at Moors near railway line, but did not show for the first half hour, then kept distant and elusive, keeping close to overhanging branches, it was still present when we left at 15.30hrs), 2 COMMON BUZZARD (over Moors). Graham & Sue
late a.m. 1f FERRUGINOUS DUCK (flooded area of Moors near railway line - new site tick.) Ian (also seen by Gordon, Graham, Johnny Allan, Frank Prater, Steve, Jerry & Thomas.)
a.m. 11+ SWALLOW, 10+ CHIFFCHAFF, 2m BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER (singing M.CP), 20+ STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2 PHEASANT (m & f M.Farm), 8 TEAL (3 pairs Spynes, 1 pair Moors), 3 COMMON SNIPE (1 M.West, 2 Moors), 5+ SAND MARTIN, 13 GADWALL, 1f GOLDENEYE (now thought to be a possible 1st-w male, M.Lake), 4m SHOVELER (Moors). Ian & Gordon
FERRUGINOUS DUCK (Graham)
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Mon 5 Apr 2010: a.m. 7 SHOVELER (6m & 1f Moors), 16 GADWALL, 12 TEAL, 2 MANDARIN (m & f flew over M.Lake), 2 SHELDUCK (WC, then Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew W over M.east), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (WC1-Gordon), 2500 JACKDAW (left roost at Nutfield Ridge-Gordon), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (M.Farm), 1 SPARROWHAWK, 3 LITTLE OWL (1 M.Farm, 1 oaks S of Spynes, 1 hedge to E of Spynes), 1 COAL TIT (heard Nutfield Churchyard-Gordon), 6 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 12 BLACKCAP (11m & 1f), 5 BULLFINCH, 1m YELLOWHAMMER, 2 SKYLARK, c65 SAND MARTIN, c20 SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN. Gordon, Ian & Graham
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Tues 6 Apr 2010: a.m. 3 COMMON SNIPE, 2 MEADOW PIPIT, 1 SWALLOW, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 KESTREL, 12 GADWALL, 1 SHOVELER (all Moors/WC lagoons). Thomas, Jerry & Gordon
a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (over WC mound heading towards Moors), 1f LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC mound, then same bird at M.West), 1 1st-w male GOLDENEYE (WC1.took off, then relocated at M.Lake), 2 SHELDUCK (m.& f Spynes), 4 SHOVELER (3m & 1f Moors), 4 GADWALL (2 Moors, 2 M.West), 1m TEAL (M.West), 1 KESTREL (over WC mound), 1 SPARROWHAWK (over WC2), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (high over WC mound, headed towards landfill), 2 MEADOW PIPIT (over WC mound), 2 MANDARIN (flew in from N and landed briefly on top of dead tree in hedge by cycle path N of Spynes before flying off towards M.Lake), 4 EGYPTIAN GEESE (flew E at M.east), 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 BLACKCAP, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 BULLFINCH, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes), 5 LINNET. Graham & Gordon
MANDARIN (Graham)
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Weds 7 Apr 2010: a.m. 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Spynes - first for year, earliest local spring record, the previous earliest being 8 Apr 1987). Neil
a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (over WC1, flew E), 4 WIGEON (2m & 2f circled over WC lagoons, relocated at M.West), 3m SHOVELER (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (m & f Spynes), 2 GADWALL (M.West), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (over M.CP, flew E), 16 SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 4 WILLOW WARBLER, 4m BLACKCAP, 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 SPARROWHAWK (over Spynes), 3m REED BUNTING (1 WC1, 2 Spynes), 2 LITTLE OWL (same tree, M.Farm sheep paddocks), 1 SKYLARK, 1m PHEASANT, 23 STOCK DOVE (all M.Farm), 4 GREY HERON, 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 1 GREEN WOODPECKER, 7 JAY, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (over), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes). Graham
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Thurs 8 Apr 2010: evening. 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 6 GADWALL, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 20 CORMORANT (all Spynes/M.West area). Gordon
early p.m. 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 3m BLACKCAP, 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 SWALLOW (all Spynes/M.West area). Matt
12.15hrs, 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (NW corner of Spynes Mere, by path). Neil
07.15hrs-12.00hrs. 5 SHOVELER (4m & 1f Moors), 7 GADWALL (Moors), 1m TEAL (Moors), 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 7 CANADA GOOSE, 8 GREYLAG GOOSE, 10 MUTE SWAN, 5 COMMON SNIPE (2 Moors, 3 M.West), 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 6 MEADOW PIPIT (Moors), 2m REED BUNTING, 9 CHIFFCHAFF, 9 BLACKCAP (7m & 2f), 5 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (over Moors), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), c30 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 4 RING-NECKED PARAKEET, 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 2 BULLFINCH (m & f), 1 LAPWING (Spynes), 1 COAL TIT (Spynes, by volunteers car park), 1f KESTREL, 2 SPARROWHAWK. (54 species noted) Graham
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Fri 9 Apr 2010: late p.m. 5m SHOVELER, 2 GADWALL (all Moors). Gordon
early p.m. 4 LAPWING, 5 COMMON SNIPE, 64 STOCK DOVE (on newly ploughed field), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 4 GADWALL, 2 TEAL. Gordon
1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (singing by cycle path at Middle Pit, M.east), 3 COMMON SNIPE (M.West). Neil
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Sat 10 Apr 2010: 05.45hrs-08.10hrs. 1 LITTLE EGRET (over WC lagoons, flew to Moors), 2 GADWALL (pair WC2), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1m TEAL (M.West), 1 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 2 LAPWING (1 M.Farm, 1 M.West chasing off all fly-over corvids), 57 RING-NECKED PARAKEET (over WC lagoons in small groups, all heading E), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit, M.east), 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 9m BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1m YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes), 4 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 1m PHEASANT (Spynes), 2 LINNET (pair Middle Pit, M.east). 15 SONG THRUSH. Graham
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Sun 11 Apr 2010: 2 COMMON BUZZARD (over WC mound). Neil
a.m. 8 SHOVELER (7m & 3f Moors), 4 TEAL (2 Moors, 2 M.West), 14 GADWALL (8 Moors, 6 Spynes), 35 TUFTED DUCK (Glebe Lake), 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (WC lagoons), 5 GREYLAG GOOSE (on nests Spynes), 1 (possibly 2) GREEN SANDPIPER (1 WC lagoons, then 1 Spynes), 1 LAPWING (on territory M.West), 25 SAND MARTIN (M.West), 8 SWALLOW (M.West), 1 ROOK (M.Farm), 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 4 COMMON BUZZARD (inc. 2 together, N.Ridge), 1 NUTHATCH (N.Ridge), 2 COAL TIT (pair N.Ridge), 2 GOLDCREST (pair N.Ridge), 18 BLACKCAP (inc. 2f), 22 CHIFFCHAFF (new site record count), 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 CARRION CROW nests, 6 MAGPIE nests. (68 species). Gordon
06.35hrs-10.00hrs. 8+ BLACKCAP, 7+ CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (heard near Spynes), 10+ SAND MARTIN (M.east), 10+ SWALLOW (M.east), 6+ STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2 ROOK (M.Farm), 1 SPARROWHAWK (over M.West), 10+ GADWALL, 4 TEAL (1 pair Middle Pit, 1 pair Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1 LAPWING (M.east), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (Spynes), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 12+ SHOVELER (Moors, 5 flew of high to NE). Ian
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Mon 12 Apr 2010: evening. 1 WATER PIPIT (short grassed area of Moors near railway line - site year tick, only 8th site record, the last being 22-30 Mar 2003), 5 COMMON SNIPE, 1m KESTREL (all Moors), 1000+ JACKDAW (landfill site). Gordon
evening. 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (over WC lagoons heading for Moors). Jerry
approx 15.30hrs. 1 OSPREY (headed over Sth. Merstham from Mercers CP, flew fairly low NW (appeared to be following several imm. Herring Gulls) - first for year & 11th site record). Graham & Sue (first spotted by Sue)
early a.m. 6 SHOVELER (Moors), 3 GREYLAG GOOSE (over M.CP), 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1 LAPWING (Spynes), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (hedge to N of Middle Pit), 12m BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 CHIFFCHAFF. Graham
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Tues 13 Apr 2010: early p.m. 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (hedge to N of Spynes), 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 4 TEAL (2m & 2f M.West), 2 SHOVELER (M.West), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (Spynes), 2 LAPWING, 2 BLACKCAP, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1f KESTREL. Gordon
a.m. 5 SHOVELER (4m & 1f Moors), 7 GADWALL (4m & 3f Moors), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 1f SHELDUCK (Spynes), 4 SKYLARK, 1 YELLOWHAMMER, c150 CARRION CROW, c200 JACKDAW (all M.Farm), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over Spynes), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 2 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Spynes, with possibly another 2 at Middle Pit), 9 CHIFFCHAFF, 6m BLACKCAP, 2f BULLFINCH (M.CP & M.east), 1 SWALLOW, 8 SAND MARTIN, 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks to S of Spynes), 2m REED BUNTING (Spynes reedbed), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over M.West, flew in from North Downs), 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP). (No sign of Water Pipit at Moors). Graham
early a.m. 5 BLACKCAP, 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 WILLOW WARBLER. Gordon
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Weds 14 Apr 2010: evening: 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 1m SHELDUCK, 1 LAPWING, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (all Spynes), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (singing along hedge by cycle path between Middle Pit & M.Farm - first for year, found by Gordon, also the earliest local spring record, the previous being 15 April 2007), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit), 1 SKYLARK, 6 ROOK, 65 STOCK DOVE, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 2 LITTLE OWL (all M.Farm), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE , 2 COMMON SNIPE, 1 MEADOW PIPIT (all Moors), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (WC), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over landfill), 2 SWALLOW, c25 SAND MARTIN, 2 MISTLE THRUSH (Nutfield Marsh), 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL (flying W over M.east - first for year, found by Gordon). Gordon, Neil & Graham
a.m. Brief visit. 2 LINNET (WC mound), c1000 JACKDAW, c800 CARRION CROW, 2 ROOK (all landfill site), 1 COMMON SNIPE, 6 SHOVELER (5m & 1f), 4 GADWALL (2m & 2f), 13 MUTE SWAN, 2 GREYLAG GOOSE, 1m BLACKCAP (all Moors). Graham
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Thurs 15 Apr 2010: p.m. 12 PIED WAGTAIL, 1 TEAL, 3 SHOVELER, 3 COMMON SNIPE, 5 LINNET. Gordon
p.m. 3 LAPWING (over), 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 SAND MARTIN, loads of LITTLE GREBE (all Spynes/M/West area). Ken Noble
mid-p.m. 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes). Graham
10.00hrs-12.00hrs. 1 SHELDUCK (flew from Moors and landed on WC1), 4 SHOVELER (2 pairs (Moors). Simon Elson
10.30hrs-12.30hrs. 2 LAPWING (displaying Spynes), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 1m KESTREL, 1 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 2 SPARROWHAWK (displaying to N of Spynes), 2 SAND MARTIN (Spynes), 1 YELLOWHAMMER, 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Spynes), 12 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 6 BLACKCAP. Graham
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Fri 16 Apr 2010: a.m. 17 MUTE SWAN, 4m SHOVELER (Moors), 4 GADWALL (3m & 1f Moors), 1m SHELDUCK (M.West), 1m TEAL (M.West), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (WC1 -flew to Moors, 1 Spynes), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 MEADOW PIPIT (in song flight over Moors), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1f SPARROWHAWK (over M.Farm), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC mound)12 CHIFFCHAFF, 18 BLACKCAP (13m & 3f plus Gordon had 2 more at N.Ridge). 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 SWALLOW, 9 SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN (over Willow Wood), 9 DUNNOCK, 3 LINNET. Graham
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Graham)
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Sat 17 Apr 2010: 19.30hrs. 4 RED-CRESTED POCHARD (WC2-of very dubious origin), 3 WILLOW WARBLER, c10 CHIFFCHAFF, 10 BLACKCAP, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (hedge N of Middle Pit), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (flew from Moors), 4 SHOVELER (3m & 1f Moors), 6 TEAL (4 Moors, 2 M.west), 2 COMMON SNIPE (1 Moors, 1 M.West), 3 BLACK-HEADED GULL (over), 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 SPARROWHAWK. Gordon
early- mid p.m. 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (singing from hedge on N bank of Middle Pit, M.east), 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BLACKCAP, 2 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1m KESTREL (over M.east), 2 LITTLE EGRET (Moors). Graham & Sue, joined at WC mound by Ken Noble
mid-p.m. 1m WHEATEAR (WC mound), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors). Des Ball
early p.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West - first for year), 4 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 7 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 10 BLACKCAP. Gordon
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Sun 18 Apr 2010: (Unconfirmed report of 1m & 1f Wheatear at M.Farm.)
evening. 3 RED-CRESTED POCHARD (WC2 - escapes), 1 LITTLE EGRET (WC ditch), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (M.Farm), 7 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (1 Spynes, 1 WC lagoons), 10 SWALLOW. Gordon
early a.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.Lake-Ian), 1 1st-summer male WHEATEAR (horse paddocks, M.Farm then, presumably the same bird, on field M.Farm), 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 12 BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 5+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 4 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1 SHELDUCK (flew W over M.CP), 4 MANDARIN (2m & 2f over M.Farm, appeared to land in tree, but not relocated, possibly flew onto brook), 4 TEAL (pair M.West, pair Moors), 1m SHOVELER (Moors), 7 GADWALL, 5 COMMON SNIPE (4 M.West, 1 Spynes), 3 LAPWING (M.West), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 3 BULLFINCH (2m & 1f M.east), 30+ SAND MARTIN, 5 SKYLARK (2 M.Farm, 3 over M.east), 3 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1 KESTREL, 1 LINNET, 3 ROOK (M.Farm), 2 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 2 HERRING GULL (1 Chilmead Farm, 1 Moors). Gordon, Ian & Graham
WHEATEAR (Graham)
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Mon 19 Apr 2010: early p.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 4 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 7 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 10 BLACKCAP. Gordon
a.m. 1f WHEATEAR (WC mound), 1 LITTLE EGRET (flew over WC mound heading for Moors), 8 SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 10 BLACKCAP, 3 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Spynes), 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 LINNET, 1m BULLFINCH, 1f SPARROWHAWK, 1m KESTREL, 2 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 5 HERRING GULL, 2 ROOK (M.Farm), 3 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (Spynes), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 1 LAPWING (Spynes), 2 LITTLE OWL (in same oak S of Spynes), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm). (1 possible Garden Warbler singing at M23 end of Spynes Mere.) Graham
WHEATEAR (Graham)
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Tues 20 Apr 2010: evening. 1 female COMMON REDSTART (by path near WC car park - found by Des Ball - first for year), 1 SWIFT (over WC car park - first for year), 4 GADWALL (over), 2 WHEATEAR (1m & 1 1st-summer m or female WC mound - found by Des Ball, moved to WC1 bank), 1 SHELDUCK (briefly WC1 - Gordon), 2m SHOVELER (Gordon). Des, Gordon, Tom & Graham
p.m. 2m YELLOW WAGTAIL (M.Farm, flew towards Spynes), 1 HOBBY (over Willow Wood, heading for M.Farm - first for year), 40+ SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 3 HOUSE MARTIN, 4 SEDGE WARBLER (3 in bushes around Spynes reedbed, 1 behind Aqua Sports boatyard), 130 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 LAPWING, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes - no sign of Dunlin). Gordon
09.00hrs. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes sand spit - no sign of Dunlin), 1 MEADOW PIPIT (over), Gordon
early a.m. 1 DUNLIN (Spynes sand spit), 2 SEDGE WARBLER (singing Spynes reedbed and Middle Pit in SE corner), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 7-9 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 REED BUNTING (Spynes), 2 TEAL, 2 GADWALL (all M.West), 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 BLACKCAP (4m & 1f), 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BULLFINCH, 2 JAY, 20+ SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 2 STOCK DOVE, 2 ROOK (over). Matt
early a.m. 1 summer-plumaged DUNLIN (Spynes sand spit, up to 08.05 at least - first for year), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (singing from bushes by Spynes reedbed - first for year), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC2), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors, in breeding plumage), 1m SHOVELER (WC1), 2 GADWALL (pair WC1), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew W Spynes), 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 7 BLACKCAP, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1m PHEASANT (Chilmead Farm), 5 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 SWALLOW, 8 SAND MARTIN, 1m BULLFINCH, 1m REED BUNTING, 1m YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Graham
DUNLIN (Graham)------------------------------------COMMON REDSTART (Graham)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Graham)---------------------- -----WHEATEARS (Graham)
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Weds 21 Apr 2010: Approx 17.40hrs. 1f COMMON REDSTART (still showing at same spot behind SWT car park), 5 SWIFT (over Willow Wood. Jerry
16.30hrs-17.15hrs. 1f COMMON REDSTART (still showing at same spot behind SWT car park). Graham
p.m. Brief visit. 1f COMMON REDSTART (behind SWT car park by WC entrance), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 4 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 BLACKCAP, 5 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes). Gordon
early p.m. 1f COMMON REDSTART (very elusive in scrub behind SWT car park by WC entrance), 1f WHEATEAR (to right of short-grassed area of Moors), 4 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1m PHEASANT (Moors), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 SHELDUCK (WC lagoons), also 1 Grass Snake out in full view on the Moors path. Matt
08.30hrs-11.15hrs. Highlights: 2f WHEATEAR (WC mound), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over M.Farm), 1 SWIFT, 1f SPARROWHAWK (all M.Farm), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (M.east), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes). Andrew Pearce
a.m. 1f WHEATEAR (WC mound), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC lagoons), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER, 6 WILLOW WARBLER, c70 SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN. Jerry
a.m. 1f COMMON REDSTART (yesterday's bird still present by the closed path to the rear of the SWT car park by the Water Colour entrance - refound about 10.00hrs), 1f WHEATEAR (WC mound), 3m SHOVELER (WC lagoons then flew to Moors), 1m GADWALL (WC1), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 10 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 5 BLACKCAP, c70 SAND MARTIN, 3 HOUSE MARTIN, 5 SWALLOW, 1 SKYLARK, 6 STOCK DOVE, 1 MISTLE THRUSH (all M.Farm), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes). Graham
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Thurs 22 Apr 2010: a.m. 2 GADWALL (pair WC1), 3 TEAL (2m & 1f Moors), 11 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 18 BLACKCAP (including 3f), 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 4 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (1 in hawthorn at viewing point at M.CP, 1 perched singing in willow by Spynes reedbed - first for year), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes reedbed), 1m YELLOWHAMMER, 1 SKYLARK (all M.Farm), 3 SWIFT, 3 HOUSE MARTIN (all over Willow Wood), 5 SWALLOW, 9 SAND MARTIN, 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 3 COMMON BUZZARD (soaring together over M.West). (No sign of Common Redstart.) Graham
REED WARBLER (Graham)
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Fri 23 Apr 2010: evening. 2 WHEATEAR (1m & 1f on Moors by WC mound), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC2), 1m SHELDUCK (WC2). Jerry
a.m. 3 SEDGE WARBLER (1 singing WC1, 1 seen and heard by Spynes reedbed, 1 in bushes in water at M.Lake by flooded path), 1 REED WARBLER (heard singing at Middle Pit, Mercers east), 9 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 10 BLACKCAP, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, c15 SWIFT (high over M.Lake), 6 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 2 WHEATEAR (m & f WC mound, then flew over to Moors), 2m SHOVELER (Moors), 2 GADWALL (m & f WC1), 2 TEAL (m & f M.West), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew N over Moors), 4 HERRING GULL (one on Chilmead Farm), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 2 LAPWING (M.West), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 5 JAY, 1m KESTREL, 5 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes reedbed). Graham
WHEATEAR (Graham)
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Sat 24 Apr 2010: 10 COMMON TERN. Des Ball
1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 3 BLACKCAP (2m & 1f Spynes), c5 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1m WHEATEAR (Moors), 1 REED BUNTING (Spynes), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over M.Farm), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Spynes), 16 GREYLAG GOOSE (M.east area), 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm), 1 SHELDUCK (WC), 3 GREAT CRESTED GREBE (WC), 1 KESTREL, 5 GADWALL (Moors), 27 TUFTED DUCK (WC), 26 HERRING GULL (Spynes). Kevin
1 COMMON TERN (flew lowish over M.West and Spynes then off N - first for year), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Spynes, in bushes behind reedbed), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes sandbar), 2 LAPWING, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL, c80 HERRING GULL, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 1 KESTREL (all Spynes), 7 HOUSE MARTIN, 4 SWALLOW, 1 LINNET (all WC), 1m WHEATEAR (short grassed area of Moors near WC mound). Jerry
a.m 16 SWIFT, 1 LINNET, 1 Canary sp. (N of boating lake. It was trilling away and had brilliant yellow on its wings), 1 BULLFINCH, 2 LONG-TAILED TIT, 3 COMMON BUZZARD, 10 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 LAPWING (displaying), 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 4 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 REED WARBLER, 1 KESTREL, 1 LITTLE EGRET (perched in tree on island, Spynes). Ken Noble
06.20hrs-12.10hrs. 12 BLACKCAP, 12 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 GARDEN WARBLER (hedge by brook between M.Farm & M.West), 1 REED WARBLER (in bush Spynes reedbed), 8+ CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (S bank Spynes), 4 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 3 STOCK DOVE, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (calling on top of dead tree by cycle path N of Spynes), 5 GADWALL, 2m SHOVELER (Moors), 1m WHEATEAR (short grassed area of Moors near WC mound), 1 LAPWING (displaying), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 1 young brood of COOT (Spynes), 3 CORMORANT, 3 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 GOLDCREST (Nutfield Church car park), 2 SPARROWHAWK (m & f N.Ridge), 25 HERRING GULL (heading S), 1 COMMON BUZZARD. (54 species seen). Ian
a.m. 1 HOBBY, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 GARDEN WARBLER (first for year), 70+ HERRING GULL (mainly adults, M.West), 11 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.West), 3 BLACK-HEADED GULL (over), 1 REED WARBLER. Gordon
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Sun 25 Apr 2010: Bird race day. Highlights: 1 GREENSHANK (over -Thomas - first for year), 1 WHIMBREL (over -Des Ball- first for year), 1f MARSH HARRIER (near M23 - Gordon - 5th site record), 2m WHEATEAR, 4 COMMON TERN, 2 MANDARIN, 5 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 1 CUCKOO (heard - first for year), 10 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 HOBBY, 1 GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (by stile between M.CP & M.Farm - Neil - first for year & 9th site record). A total of 88 species reported today.
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Mon 26 Apr 2010: evening. 24 ROOK (landfill site), 1m WHEATEAR (short grassed area of Moors near WC mound), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC), 2m SHOVELER (WC), 8 GADWALL (WC & Moors). Gordon
17.50hrs. 2 WHIMBREL (flew N over Sth. Merstham from local patch). Graham
early a.m. 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 REED WARBLER, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 6 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 6 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 BLACKCAP (all Spynes/M.West area). Matt
a.m. 1m SHELDUCK (WC2, then Moors), 1m WHEATEAR (short grassed area of Moors near WC mound), 15 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (heard), 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 BLACKCAP, 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 15 SWIFT, c25 SAND MARTIN, 6 SWALLOW, 1m PHEASANT (Chilmead Farm), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 4 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2m GADWALL (Spynes), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (1 Spynes, 3 flew E), 1 pair MALLARD with brood of 5 young (M.West), 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes, one later moved to WC1). Graham & Paul
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Tues 27 Apr 2010: evening. 1f YELLOW WAGTAIL (sewage works), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 2 SPARROWHAWK, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes). Gordon
a.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC1), 1m WHEATEAR (short grassed area of Moors near WC mound -possibly 'Greenland' race leucorhoa), 1m SHELDUCK (on bank of brook at Moors), 4 RED-CRESTED POCHARD (3m & 1f WC1, escapes), 3 GADWALL (2m & 1f, WC1), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over Spynes), 3 LAPWING (displaying M.West), 1 SAND MARTIN (only hirundine seen), 4 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 3 REED WARBLER (2 Spynes, 1 WC1), 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 GARDEN WARBLER, 8 BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 BULLFINCH (m & f Middle Pit), 2m REED BUNTING, 2m YELLOWHAMMER, 1 pair GREYLAG GOOSE (with 3 young, Spynes). Graham
GARDEN WARBLER (Graham)
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Weds 28 Apr 2010: early p.m. 20 SWIFT, 12 SAND MARTIN, 4 HOUSE MARTIN (all WC lagoons), 1 SKYLARK, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 LINNET, 2 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 LITTLE OWL (all M.Farm), 2 GARDEN WARBLER, 1 REED WARBLER, 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 BLACKCAP, 6 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 SHELDUCK (all Spynes/M.West). Matt
a.m. 1 CUCKOO (across M.West, appeared to land in oaks by metal gate), 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West, then presumably the same at M.Lake), 4 RED-CRESTED POCHARD (3m & 1f WC1, escapes), 2m SHOVELER (Moors), 3 GADWALL (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Moors), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (heading E), 2 GREYLAG GOOSE with 7 young (Spynes), 10 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (1 WC1, 1 Spynes reedbed), 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 6 BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 SWALLOW, c10 SWIFT, c10 SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 4 LAPWING (M.West), 1m PHEASANT (Chilmead Farm). Paul & Graham
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Thurs 29 Apr 2010: early p.m. 1 PEREGRINE, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 REED WARBLER. Gordon
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Fri 30 Apr 2010: p.m. 1 HOBBY (hunting over M.east), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 4 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 1 TREECREEPER (M.east), c80 SWIFT, c60 SAND MARTIN. Gordon
a.m. 3 COMMON TERN (2 over Spynes heading W, 1 over WC heading N), 1 WHEATEAR (M.Farm - Graham), c80 SWIFT, c10 SAND MARTIN, 4 SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 2m BLACKCAP, 3 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (Middle Pit, then Spynes reedbed), 4m & 1f RED-CRESTED POCHARD (WC1, escapes), 2 GADWALL (WC1), c20 HOUSE SPARROW (M.Farm), 4 LAPWING (displaying M.Farm), 3 COMMON SANDPIPER (2 M.West, 1 M.Lake - Paul), 3 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1f SPARROWHAWK, 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit - Paul). Paul & Graham
early a.m. 1 WHEATEAR (M.Farm), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (M.east), 2 MANDARIN (over), 3 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 1 TREECREEPER (Spynes), 3 SHOVELER (2m & 1f displaying Moors), 3 GADWALL. Gordon
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Thurs 1 Apr 2010: p.m. 1f GOLDENEYE (M.West), 2 SHELDUCK, 6 TEAL, 2m GADWALL, 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 17 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 1 MEADOW PIPIT, 1 KESTREL, 1 SPARROWHAWK. Gordon
a.m. 1f GOLDENEYE (M.West), 1f SPARROWHAWK (M.east). Simon Elson
a.m. very quiet. 2 SWALLOW, 1 SAND MARTIN, 2m SHOVELER (Moors), 6 TEAL (4 M.West, 2 Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over Spynes), 10 GREYLAG GOOSE (flood plain by sewage works), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over N.Downs), 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 1m PHEASANT, 2 LINNET, 2 REED BUNTING (Spynes reedbed). Graham
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Fri 2 Apr 2010: 15.15hrs-17.30hrs. 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm), 41+ STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 5 GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 2 TEAL (pair Spynes), 5 CORMORANT (Spynes), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (1 Spynes, 1 WC lagoons), 1m KESTREL (M.east), 2 REDWING, 6+ SWALLOW, 20+ SAND MARTIN, 5+ CHIFFCHAFF, 1 BLACKCAP (heard M.CP). Ian
a.m. c40 SAND MARTIN, c20 SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 5m BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 19 CHIFFCHAFF, c12 GADWALL, 6 SHOVELER, 8 TEAL, 1f GOLDENEYE (M.West), c12 GREYLAG GOOSE, 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over Spynes), 2 SHELDUCK (flying E, seen from Moors), 2 COMMON BUZZARD (together over landfill), 3 COMMON GULL (1 ad. & 2 1st-year, Spynes), 1m SPARROWHAWK, 1 KESTREL, 1 LITTLE EGRET (Willow Wood), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (over), c15 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1m & 1f PHEASANT (M.Farm), 7 LINNET, 2 MISTLE THRUSH, 6 REDWING, c45 GOLDFINCH (Moors), 11 RING-NECKED PARAKEET, 1 COMMON SNIPE (near Willow Wood), 2 MEADOW PIPIT (heard). Gordon & Graham
LITTLE EGRET (Graham)
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Sat 3 Apr 2010: p.m. 1 WILLOW WARBLER, c10 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BLACKCAP (m & f, M.CP), 5 SWALLOW, c40 SAND MARTIN, 1f WIGEON (M.West), 4 SHOVELER (Moors), 3 TEAL, 124 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm). Gordon
a.m. 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 HOUSE MARTIN. Steve
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Sun 4 Apr 2010: mid-p.m. Female FERRUGINOUS DUCK (still present at Moors near railway line, but did not show for the first half hour, then kept distant and elusive, keeping close to overhanging branches, it was still present when we left at 15.30hrs), 2 COMMON BUZZARD (over Moors). Graham & Sue
late a.m. 1f FERRUGINOUS DUCK (flooded area of Moors near railway line - new site tick.) Ian (also seen by Gordon, Graham, Johnny Allan, Frank Prater, Steve, Jerry & Thomas.)
a.m. 11+ SWALLOW, 10+ CHIFFCHAFF, 2m BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER (singing M.CP), 20+ STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2 PHEASANT (m & f M.Farm), 8 TEAL (3 pairs Spynes, 1 pair Moors), 3 COMMON SNIPE (1 M.West, 2 Moors), 5+ SAND MARTIN, 13 GADWALL, 1f GOLDENEYE (now thought to be a possible 1st-w male, M.Lake), 4m SHOVELER (Moors). Ian & Gordon
FERRUGINOUS DUCK (Graham)
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Mon 5 Apr 2010: a.m. 7 SHOVELER (6m & 1f Moors), 16 GADWALL, 12 TEAL, 2 MANDARIN (m & f flew over M.Lake), 2 SHELDUCK (WC, then Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew W over M.east), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (WC1-Gordon), 2500 JACKDAW (left roost at Nutfield Ridge-Gordon), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (M.Farm), 1 SPARROWHAWK, 3 LITTLE OWL (1 M.Farm, 1 oaks S of Spynes, 1 hedge to E of Spynes), 1 COAL TIT (heard Nutfield Churchyard-Gordon), 6 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 12 BLACKCAP (11m & 1f), 5 BULLFINCH, 1m YELLOWHAMMER, 2 SKYLARK, c65 SAND MARTIN, c20 SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN. Gordon, Ian & Graham
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Tues 6 Apr 2010: a.m. 3 COMMON SNIPE, 2 MEADOW PIPIT, 1 SWALLOW, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 KESTREL, 12 GADWALL, 1 SHOVELER (all Moors/WC lagoons). Thomas, Jerry & Gordon
a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (over WC mound heading towards Moors), 1f LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC mound, then same bird at M.West), 1 1st-w male GOLDENEYE (WC1.took off, then relocated at M.Lake), 2 SHELDUCK (m.& f Spynes), 4 SHOVELER (3m & 1f Moors), 4 GADWALL (2 Moors, 2 M.West), 1m TEAL (M.West), 1 KESTREL (over WC mound), 1 SPARROWHAWK (over WC2), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (high over WC mound, headed towards landfill), 2 MEADOW PIPIT (over WC mound), 2 MANDARIN (flew in from N and landed briefly on top of dead tree in hedge by cycle path N of Spynes before flying off towards M.Lake), 4 EGYPTIAN GEESE (flew E at M.east), 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 BLACKCAP, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 BULLFINCH, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes), 5 LINNET. Graham & Gordon
MANDARIN (Graham)
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Weds 7 Apr 2010: a.m. 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Spynes - first for year, earliest local spring record, the previous earliest being 8 Apr 1987). Neil
a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (over WC1, flew E), 4 WIGEON (2m & 2f circled over WC lagoons, relocated at M.West), 3m SHOVELER (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (m & f Spynes), 2 GADWALL (M.West), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (over M.CP, flew E), 16 SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 4 WILLOW WARBLER, 4m BLACKCAP, 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 SPARROWHAWK (over Spynes), 3m REED BUNTING (1 WC1, 2 Spynes), 2 LITTLE OWL (same tree, M.Farm sheep paddocks), 1 SKYLARK, 1m PHEASANT, 23 STOCK DOVE (all M.Farm), 4 GREY HERON, 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 1 GREEN WOODPECKER, 7 JAY, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (over), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes). Graham
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Thurs 8 Apr 2010: evening. 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 6 GADWALL, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 20 CORMORANT (all Spynes/M.West area). Gordon
early p.m. 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 3m BLACKCAP, 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 SWALLOW (all Spynes/M.West area). Matt
12.15hrs, 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (NW corner of Spynes Mere, by path). Neil
07.15hrs-12.00hrs. 5 SHOVELER (4m & 1f Moors), 7 GADWALL (Moors), 1m TEAL (Moors), 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 7 CANADA GOOSE, 8 GREYLAG GOOSE, 10 MUTE SWAN, 5 COMMON SNIPE (2 Moors, 3 M.West), 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 6 MEADOW PIPIT (Moors), 2m REED BUNTING, 9 CHIFFCHAFF, 9 BLACKCAP (7m & 2f), 5 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (over Moors), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), c30 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 4 RING-NECKED PARAKEET, 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 2 BULLFINCH (m & f), 1 LAPWING (Spynes), 1 COAL TIT (Spynes, by volunteers car park), 1f KESTREL, 2 SPARROWHAWK. (54 species noted) Graham
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Fri 9 Apr 2010: late p.m. 5m SHOVELER, 2 GADWALL (all Moors). Gordon
early p.m. 4 LAPWING, 5 COMMON SNIPE, 64 STOCK DOVE (on newly ploughed field), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 4 GADWALL, 2 TEAL. Gordon
1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (singing by cycle path at Middle Pit, M.east), 3 COMMON SNIPE (M.West). Neil
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Sat 10 Apr 2010: 05.45hrs-08.10hrs. 1 LITTLE EGRET (over WC lagoons, flew to Moors), 2 GADWALL (pair WC2), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1m TEAL (M.West), 1 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 2 LAPWING (1 M.Farm, 1 M.West chasing off all fly-over corvids), 57 RING-NECKED PARAKEET (over WC lagoons in small groups, all heading E), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit, M.east), 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 9m BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1m YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes), 4 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 1m PHEASANT (Spynes), 2 LINNET (pair Middle Pit, M.east). 15 SONG THRUSH. Graham
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Sun 11 Apr 2010: 2 COMMON BUZZARD (over WC mound). Neil
a.m. 8 SHOVELER (7m & 3f Moors), 4 TEAL (2 Moors, 2 M.West), 14 GADWALL (8 Moors, 6 Spynes), 35 TUFTED DUCK (Glebe Lake), 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (WC lagoons), 5 GREYLAG GOOSE (on nests Spynes), 1 (possibly 2) GREEN SANDPIPER (1 WC lagoons, then 1 Spynes), 1 LAPWING (on territory M.West), 25 SAND MARTIN (M.West), 8 SWALLOW (M.West), 1 ROOK (M.Farm), 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 4 COMMON BUZZARD (inc. 2 together, N.Ridge), 1 NUTHATCH (N.Ridge), 2 COAL TIT (pair N.Ridge), 2 GOLDCREST (pair N.Ridge), 18 BLACKCAP (inc. 2f), 22 CHIFFCHAFF (new site record count), 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 CARRION CROW nests, 6 MAGPIE nests. (68 species). Gordon
06.35hrs-10.00hrs. 8+ BLACKCAP, 7+ CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (heard near Spynes), 10+ SAND MARTIN (M.east), 10+ SWALLOW (M.east), 6+ STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2 ROOK (M.Farm), 1 SPARROWHAWK (over M.West), 10+ GADWALL, 4 TEAL (1 pair Middle Pit, 1 pair Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1 LAPWING (M.east), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (Spynes), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 12+ SHOVELER (Moors, 5 flew of high to NE). Ian
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Mon 12 Apr 2010: evening. 1 WATER PIPIT (short grassed area of Moors near railway line - site year tick, only 8th site record, the last being 22-30 Mar 2003), 5 COMMON SNIPE, 1m KESTREL (all Moors), 1000+ JACKDAW (landfill site). Gordon
evening. 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (over WC lagoons heading for Moors). Jerry
approx 15.30hrs. 1 OSPREY (headed over Sth. Merstham from Mercers CP, flew fairly low NW (appeared to be following several imm. Herring Gulls) - first for year & 11th site record). Graham & Sue (first spotted by Sue)
early a.m. 6 SHOVELER (Moors), 3 GREYLAG GOOSE (over M.CP), 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1 LAPWING (Spynes), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (hedge to N of Middle Pit), 12m BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 CHIFFCHAFF. Graham
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Tues 13 Apr 2010: early p.m. 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (hedge to N of Spynes), 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 4 TEAL (2m & 2f M.West), 2 SHOVELER (M.West), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (Spynes), 2 LAPWING, 2 BLACKCAP, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1f KESTREL. Gordon
a.m. 5 SHOVELER (4m & 1f Moors), 7 GADWALL (4m & 3f Moors), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 1f SHELDUCK (Spynes), 4 SKYLARK, 1 YELLOWHAMMER, c150 CARRION CROW, c200 JACKDAW (all M.Farm), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over Spynes), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 2 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Spynes, with possibly another 2 at Middle Pit), 9 CHIFFCHAFF, 6m BLACKCAP, 2f BULLFINCH (M.CP & M.east), 1 SWALLOW, 8 SAND MARTIN, 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks to S of Spynes), 2m REED BUNTING (Spynes reedbed), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over M.West, flew in from North Downs), 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP). (No sign of Water Pipit at Moors). Graham
early a.m. 5 BLACKCAP, 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 WILLOW WARBLER. Gordon
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Weds 14 Apr 2010: evening: 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 1m SHELDUCK, 1 LAPWING, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (all Spynes), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (singing along hedge by cycle path between Middle Pit & M.Farm - first for year, found by Gordon, also the earliest local spring record, the previous being 15 April 2007), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit), 1 SKYLARK, 6 ROOK, 65 STOCK DOVE, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 2 LITTLE OWL (all M.Farm), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE , 2 COMMON SNIPE, 1 MEADOW PIPIT (all Moors), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (WC), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over landfill), 2 SWALLOW, c25 SAND MARTIN, 2 MISTLE THRUSH (Nutfield Marsh), 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL (flying W over M.east - first for year, found by Gordon). Gordon, Neil & Graham
a.m. Brief visit. 2 LINNET (WC mound), c1000 JACKDAW, c800 CARRION CROW, 2 ROOK (all landfill site), 1 COMMON SNIPE, 6 SHOVELER (5m & 1f), 4 GADWALL (2m & 2f), 13 MUTE SWAN, 2 GREYLAG GOOSE, 1m BLACKCAP (all Moors). Graham
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Thurs 15 Apr 2010: p.m. 12 PIED WAGTAIL, 1 TEAL, 3 SHOVELER, 3 COMMON SNIPE, 5 LINNET. Gordon
p.m. 3 LAPWING (over), 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 SAND MARTIN, loads of LITTLE GREBE (all Spynes/M/West area). Ken Noble
mid-p.m. 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes). Graham
10.00hrs-12.00hrs. 1 SHELDUCK (flew from Moors and landed on WC1), 4 SHOVELER (2 pairs (Moors). Simon Elson
10.30hrs-12.30hrs. 2 LAPWING (displaying Spynes), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 1m KESTREL, 1 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 2 SPARROWHAWK (displaying to N of Spynes), 2 SAND MARTIN (Spynes), 1 YELLOWHAMMER, 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Spynes), 12 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 6 BLACKCAP. Graham
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Fri 16 Apr 2010: a.m. 17 MUTE SWAN, 4m SHOVELER (Moors), 4 GADWALL (3m & 1f Moors), 1m SHELDUCK (M.West), 1m TEAL (M.West), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (WC1 -flew to Moors, 1 Spynes), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 MEADOW PIPIT (in song flight over Moors), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1f SPARROWHAWK (over M.Farm), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC mound)12 CHIFFCHAFF, 18 BLACKCAP (13m & 3f plus Gordon had 2 more at N.Ridge). 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 SWALLOW, 9 SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN (over Willow Wood), 9 DUNNOCK, 3 LINNET. Graham
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Graham)
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Sat 17 Apr 2010: 19.30hrs. 4 RED-CRESTED POCHARD (WC2-of very dubious origin), 3 WILLOW WARBLER, c10 CHIFFCHAFF, 10 BLACKCAP, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (hedge N of Middle Pit), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (flew from Moors), 4 SHOVELER (3m & 1f Moors), 6 TEAL (4 Moors, 2 M.west), 2 COMMON SNIPE (1 Moors, 1 M.West), 3 BLACK-HEADED GULL (over), 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 SPARROWHAWK. Gordon
early- mid p.m. 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (singing from hedge on N bank of Middle Pit, M.east), 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BLACKCAP, 2 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1m KESTREL (over M.east), 2 LITTLE EGRET (Moors). Graham & Sue, joined at WC mound by Ken Noble
mid-p.m. 1m WHEATEAR (WC mound), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors). Des Ball
early p.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West - first for year), 4 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 7 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 10 BLACKCAP. Gordon
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Sun 18 Apr 2010: (Unconfirmed report of 1m & 1f Wheatear at M.Farm.)
evening. 3 RED-CRESTED POCHARD (WC2 - escapes), 1 LITTLE EGRET (WC ditch), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (M.Farm), 7 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (1 Spynes, 1 WC lagoons), 10 SWALLOW. Gordon
early a.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.Lake-Ian), 1 1st-summer male WHEATEAR (horse paddocks, M.Farm then, presumably the same bird, on field M.Farm), 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 12 BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 5+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 4 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1 SHELDUCK (flew W over M.CP), 4 MANDARIN (2m & 2f over M.Farm, appeared to land in tree, but not relocated, possibly flew onto brook), 4 TEAL (pair M.West, pair Moors), 1m SHOVELER (Moors), 7 GADWALL, 5 COMMON SNIPE (4 M.West, 1 Spynes), 3 LAPWING (M.West), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 3 BULLFINCH (2m & 1f M.east), 30+ SAND MARTIN, 5 SKYLARK (2 M.Farm, 3 over M.east), 3 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1 KESTREL, 1 LINNET, 3 ROOK (M.Farm), 2 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 2 HERRING GULL (1 Chilmead Farm, 1 Moors). Gordon, Ian & Graham
WHEATEAR (Graham)
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Mon 19 Apr 2010: early p.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 4 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 7 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 10 BLACKCAP. Gordon
a.m. 1f WHEATEAR (WC mound), 1 LITTLE EGRET (flew over WC mound heading for Moors), 8 SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 10 BLACKCAP, 3 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Spynes), 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 LINNET, 1m BULLFINCH, 1f SPARROWHAWK, 1m KESTREL, 2 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 5 HERRING GULL, 2 ROOK (M.Farm), 3 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (Spynes), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 1 LAPWING (Spynes), 2 LITTLE OWL (in same oak S of Spynes), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm). (1 possible Garden Warbler singing at M23 end of Spynes Mere.) Graham
WHEATEAR (Graham)
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Tues 20 Apr 2010: evening. 1 female COMMON REDSTART (by path near WC car park - found by Des Ball - first for year), 1 SWIFT (over WC car park - first for year), 4 GADWALL (over), 2 WHEATEAR (1m & 1 1st-summer m or female WC mound - found by Des Ball, moved to WC1 bank), 1 SHELDUCK (briefly WC1 - Gordon), 2m SHOVELER (Gordon). Des, Gordon, Tom & Graham
p.m. 2m YELLOW WAGTAIL (M.Farm, flew towards Spynes), 1 HOBBY (over Willow Wood, heading for M.Farm - first for year), 40+ SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 3 HOUSE MARTIN, 4 SEDGE WARBLER (3 in bushes around Spynes reedbed, 1 behind Aqua Sports boatyard), 130 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 LAPWING, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes - no sign of Dunlin). Gordon
09.00hrs. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes sand spit - no sign of Dunlin), 1 MEADOW PIPIT (over), Gordon
early a.m. 1 DUNLIN (Spynes sand spit), 2 SEDGE WARBLER (singing Spynes reedbed and Middle Pit in SE corner), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 7-9 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 REED BUNTING (Spynes), 2 TEAL, 2 GADWALL (all M.West), 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 BLACKCAP (4m & 1f), 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BULLFINCH, 2 JAY, 20+ SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 2 STOCK DOVE, 2 ROOK (over). Matt
early a.m. 1 summer-plumaged DUNLIN (Spynes sand spit, up to 08.05 at least - first for year), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (singing from bushes by Spynes reedbed - first for year), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC2), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors, in breeding plumage), 1m SHOVELER (WC1), 2 GADWALL (pair WC1), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew W Spynes), 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 7 BLACKCAP, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1m PHEASANT (Chilmead Farm), 5 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 SWALLOW, 8 SAND MARTIN, 1m BULLFINCH, 1m REED BUNTING, 1m YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Graham
DUNLIN (Graham)------------------------------------COMMON REDSTART (Graham)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Graham)---------------------- -----WHEATEARS (Graham)
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Weds 21 Apr 2010: Approx 17.40hrs. 1f COMMON REDSTART (still showing at same spot behind SWT car park), 5 SWIFT (over Willow Wood. Jerry
16.30hrs-17.15hrs. 1f COMMON REDSTART (still showing at same spot behind SWT car park). Graham
p.m. Brief visit. 1f COMMON REDSTART (behind SWT car park by WC entrance), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 4 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 BLACKCAP, 5 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes). Gordon
early p.m. 1f COMMON REDSTART (very elusive in scrub behind SWT car park by WC entrance), 1f WHEATEAR (to right of short-grassed area of Moors), 4 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1m PHEASANT (Moors), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 SHELDUCK (WC lagoons), also 1 Grass Snake out in full view on the Moors path. Matt
08.30hrs-11.15hrs. Highlights: 2f WHEATEAR (WC mound), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over M.Farm), 1 SWIFT, 1f SPARROWHAWK (all M.Farm), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (M.east), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes). Andrew Pearce
a.m. 1f WHEATEAR (WC mound), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC lagoons), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER, 6 WILLOW WARBLER, c70 SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN. Jerry
a.m. 1f COMMON REDSTART (yesterday's bird still present by the closed path to the rear of the SWT car park by the Water Colour entrance - refound about 10.00hrs), 1f WHEATEAR (WC mound), 3m SHOVELER (WC lagoons then flew to Moors), 1m GADWALL (WC1), 2 TEAL (pair M.West), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 10 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 5 BLACKCAP, c70 SAND MARTIN, 3 HOUSE MARTIN, 5 SWALLOW, 1 SKYLARK, 6 STOCK DOVE, 1 MISTLE THRUSH (all M.Farm), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes). Graham
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Thurs 22 Apr 2010: a.m. 2 GADWALL (pair WC1), 3 TEAL (2m & 1f Moors), 11 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 18 BLACKCAP (including 3f), 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 4 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (1 in hawthorn at viewing point at M.CP, 1 perched singing in willow by Spynes reedbed - first for year), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes reedbed), 1m YELLOWHAMMER, 1 SKYLARK (all M.Farm), 3 SWIFT, 3 HOUSE MARTIN (all over Willow Wood), 5 SWALLOW, 9 SAND MARTIN, 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 3 COMMON BUZZARD (soaring together over M.West). (No sign of Common Redstart.) Graham
REED WARBLER (Graham)
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Fri 23 Apr 2010: evening. 2 WHEATEAR (1m & 1f on Moors by WC mound), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC2), 1m SHELDUCK (WC2). Jerry
a.m. 3 SEDGE WARBLER (1 singing WC1, 1 seen and heard by Spynes reedbed, 1 in bushes in water at M.Lake by flooded path), 1 REED WARBLER (heard singing at Middle Pit, Mercers east), 9 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 10 BLACKCAP, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, c15 SWIFT (high over M.Lake), 6 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 2 WHEATEAR (m & f WC mound, then flew over to Moors), 2m SHOVELER (Moors), 2 GADWALL (m & f WC1), 2 TEAL (m & f M.West), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew N over Moors), 4 HERRING GULL (one on Chilmead Farm), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Spynes), 2 LAPWING (M.West), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 5 JAY, 1m KESTREL, 5 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes reedbed). Graham
WHEATEAR (Graham)
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Sat 24 Apr 2010: 10 COMMON TERN. Des Ball
1 WILLOW WARBLER (Spynes), 3 BLACKCAP (2m & 1f Spynes), c5 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1m WHEATEAR (Moors), 1 REED BUNTING (Spynes), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over M.Farm), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Spynes), 16 GREYLAG GOOSE (M.east area), 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 1m PHEASANT (M.Farm), 1 SHELDUCK (WC), 3 GREAT CRESTED GREBE (WC), 1 KESTREL, 5 GADWALL (Moors), 27 TUFTED DUCK (WC), 26 HERRING GULL (Spynes). Kevin
1 COMMON TERN (flew lowish over M.West and Spynes then off N - first for year), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Spynes, in bushes behind reedbed), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes sandbar), 2 LAPWING, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL, c80 HERRING GULL, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 1 KESTREL (all Spynes), 7 HOUSE MARTIN, 4 SWALLOW, 1 LINNET (all WC), 1m WHEATEAR (short grassed area of Moors near WC mound). Jerry
a.m 16 SWIFT, 1 LINNET, 1 Canary sp. (N of boating lake. It was trilling away and had brilliant yellow on its wings), 1 BULLFINCH, 2 LONG-TAILED TIT, 3 COMMON BUZZARD, 10 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 LAPWING (displaying), 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 4 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 REED WARBLER, 1 KESTREL, 1 LITTLE EGRET (perched in tree on island, Spynes). Ken Noble
06.20hrs-12.10hrs. 12 BLACKCAP, 12 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 GARDEN WARBLER (hedge by brook between M.Farm & M.West), 1 REED WARBLER (in bush Spynes reedbed), 8+ CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (S bank Spynes), 4 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 3 STOCK DOVE, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (calling on top of dead tree by cycle path N of Spynes), 5 GADWALL, 2m SHOVELER (Moors), 1m WHEATEAR (short grassed area of Moors near WC mound), 1 LAPWING (displaying), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 1 young brood of COOT (Spynes), 3 CORMORANT, 3 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 GOLDCREST (Nutfield Church car park), 2 SPARROWHAWK (m & f N.Ridge), 25 HERRING GULL (heading S), 1 COMMON BUZZARD. (54 species seen). Ian
a.m. 1 HOBBY, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 GARDEN WARBLER (first for year), 70+ HERRING GULL (mainly adults, M.West), 11 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.West), 3 BLACK-HEADED GULL (over), 1 REED WARBLER. Gordon
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Sun 25 Apr 2010: Bird race day. Highlights: 1 GREENSHANK (over -Thomas - first for year), 1 WHIMBREL (over -Des Ball- first for year), 1f MARSH HARRIER (near M23 - Gordon - 5th site record), 2m WHEATEAR, 4 COMMON TERN, 2 MANDARIN, 5 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 1 CUCKOO (heard - first for year), 10 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 HOBBY, 1 GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (by stile between M.CP & M.Farm - Neil - first for year & 9th site record). A total of 88 species reported today.
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Mon 26 Apr 2010: evening. 24 ROOK (landfill site), 1m WHEATEAR (short grassed area of Moors near WC mound), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC), 2m SHOVELER (WC), 8 GADWALL (WC & Moors). Gordon
17.50hrs. 2 WHIMBREL (flew N over Sth. Merstham from local patch). Graham
early a.m. 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 REED WARBLER, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 6 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 6 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 BLACKCAP (all Spynes/M.West area). Matt
a.m. 1m SHELDUCK (WC2, then Moors), 1m WHEATEAR (short grassed area of Moors near WC mound), 15 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (heard), 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 BLACKCAP, 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 15 SWIFT, c25 SAND MARTIN, 6 SWALLOW, 1m PHEASANT (Chilmead Farm), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 4 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2m GADWALL (Spynes), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (1 Spynes, 3 flew E), 1 pair MALLARD with brood of 5 young (M.West), 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes, one later moved to WC1). Graham & Paul
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Tues 27 Apr 2010: evening. 1f YELLOW WAGTAIL (sewage works), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 2 SPARROWHAWK, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes). Gordon
a.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC1), 1m WHEATEAR (short grassed area of Moors near WC mound -possibly 'Greenland' race leucorhoa), 1m SHELDUCK (on bank of brook at Moors), 4 RED-CRESTED POCHARD (3m & 1f WC1, escapes), 3 GADWALL (2m & 1f, WC1), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over Spynes), 3 LAPWING (displaying M.West), 1 SAND MARTIN (only hirundine seen), 4 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 3 REED WARBLER (2 Spynes, 1 WC1), 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 GARDEN WARBLER, 8 BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 BULLFINCH (m & f Middle Pit), 2m REED BUNTING, 2m YELLOWHAMMER, 1 pair GREYLAG GOOSE (with 3 young, Spynes). Graham
GARDEN WARBLER (Graham)
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Weds 28 Apr 2010: early p.m. 20 SWIFT, 12 SAND MARTIN, 4 HOUSE MARTIN (all WC lagoons), 1 SKYLARK, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 LINNET, 2 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 LITTLE OWL (all M.Farm), 2 GARDEN WARBLER, 1 REED WARBLER, 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 BLACKCAP, 6 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 SHELDUCK (all Spynes/M.West). Matt
a.m. 1 CUCKOO (across M.West, appeared to land in oaks by metal gate), 2 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West, then presumably the same at M.Lake), 4 RED-CRESTED POCHARD (3m & 1f WC1, escapes), 2m SHOVELER (Moors), 3 GADWALL (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Moors), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (heading E), 2 GREYLAG GOOSE with 7 young (Spynes), 10 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (1 WC1, 1 Spynes reedbed), 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 6 BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 SWALLOW, c10 SWIFT, c10 SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 4 LAPWING (M.West), 1m PHEASANT (Chilmead Farm). Paul & Graham
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Thurs 29 Apr 2010: early p.m. 1 PEREGRINE, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 REED WARBLER. Gordon
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Fri 30 Apr 2010: p.m. 1 HOBBY (hunting over M.east), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 4 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 1 TREECREEPER (M.east), c80 SWIFT, c60 SAND MARTIN. Gordon
a.m. 3 COMMON TERN (2 over Spynes heading W, 1 over WC heading N), 1 WHEATEAR (M.Farm - Graham), c80 SWIFT, c10 SAND MARTIN, 4 SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 2m BLACKCAP, 3 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (Middle Pit, then Spynes reedbed), 4m & 1f RED-CRESTED POCHARD (WC1, escapes), 2 GADWALL (WC1), c20 HOUSE SPARROW (M.Farm), 4 LAPWING (displaying M.Farm), 3 COMMON SANDPIPER (2 M.West, 1 M.Lake - Paul), 3 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1f SPARROWHAWK, 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit - Paul). Paul & Graham
early a.m. 1 WHEATEAR (M.Farm), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (M.east), 2 MANDARIN (over), 3 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 1 TREECREEPER (Spynes), 3 SHOVELER (2m & 1f displaying Moors), 3 GADWALL. Gordon
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