We end March 2011 with 102 species seen so far this year, which equals the number of species seen by the end of March 2010. The target to reach by the end of April is 121 species.
Thurs 31 Mar 2011: (An Osprey reported at Weirwood Reservoir this morning.)
late p.m. 4 COMMON SNIPE (Spynes), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (M.east). Paul Kerry (more photos on local photo blog)
Brief visit mid-a.m. 3 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC2 - inc. one with black ring on right leg), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), c25 SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 9 SHOVELER (WC1), 4 TEAL (over), 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 prob. sinensis CORMORANT (ad. in full breeding plumage). Graham James a.m. 3 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC2), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 6 SWALLOW (5 M.West, 1 WC), c25 SAND MARTIN, 1m BLACKCAP (M.CP).
LITTLE RINGED PLOVERS (G. James) _______________________________________________________________
Weds 30 Mar 2011: (A Sandwich Tern reported at Sevenoaks WR today.)
p.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 2 POCHARD (pair Spynes), 7 GADWALL, 1 WILLOW WARBLER. (Also a Peregrine stooping after prey between Redhill and Reigate this p.m.)Gordon Hay
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (G. James)-----------NUTHATCH (G. James) _______________________________________________________________________
Tues 29 Mar 2011: 19.20hrs. 2 AVOCET (still M.West), 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER, 1 GREY WAGTAIL (all M.West). Paul Kerry (more of Paul's and David's photos on Patchsnaps blog)
late p.m. 2 AVOCET (still M.West), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 1m RED-CRESTED POCHARD (of unknown origin), 15 SHOVELER, 7 GADWALL, 4 TEAL, 2m POCHARD (Spynes), c20 SAND MARTIN, 3 HOUSE MARTIN, 6 SWALLOW, c40 REDWING, 3 FIELDFARE, c20 CHIFFCHAFF, 8 BLACKCAP, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 SEDGE WARBLER. Gordon Hay
late p.m. 2 AVOCET (M.West). Des Ball
16.00hrs. 2 AVOCET (still M.West), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 1 WILLOW WARBLER. Neil Randon 14.30hrs. 2 AVOCET (still M.West), 5 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 LAPWING (pair displaying), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (heard WC1).
13.45hrs. 2 AVOCET (still at M.West), 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 SAND MARTIN, 1 COMMON BUZZARD.
12.10hrs. 2 AVOCET (still on M.West), 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (WC1), 7+ SWALLOW, 3+ SAND MARTIN. David Campbell
11.20hrs. 2 AVOCET (still present on M. West), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 1 NUTHATCH (M.West), 2 BLACKCAP (1 M.West, 1 M.Farm), 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1m POCHARD (Spynes). Matt Farmer
10.20hrs. 2 AVOCET (still present at M.West). John Benham
a.m. 2 AVOCET (08.45hrs-10.00hrs at least, M.West Pit - viewable from metal gate - found by Paul Kerry - first for year & 6th site record, the last being Mar 20 2005), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair M.West), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (1 Spynes, 1 M.West), 2 TREECREEPER (M.CP car park), 2 BLACKCAP, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 SWALLOW, c10 SAND MARTIN, 1 HOUSE MARTIN (hirundines all M.West), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (low M.West heading E). Paul Kerry, Gordon Hay, Neil Randon & Graham James
early a.m. 1 SEDGE WARBLER (eastern end WC1 - earliest local spring record by nine days). Matt Farmer
More photos & video - click here
AVOCETS (G. James) _______________________________________________________________________
Mon 28 Mar 2011: mid-p.m. 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 4 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 3 COMMON BUZZARD, 4 SHOVELER, 15 TEAL, 12 GADWALL, 1m BLACKCAP (M.CP), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (M.CP), 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 1 LESSER REDPOLL (M.CP), 1f REED BUNTING (M.CP), 8 LINNET (WC mound), 1f BULLFINCH (Middle Pit). Graham James
p.m. 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 8 SHOVELER, 16 TEAL. Gordon Hay a.m. 1 WILLOW WARBLER. Jerry Blumirea.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (flew E from Moors), 1m BLACKCAP (M.CP), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West). Paul Kerry a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (Moors, one later at Spynes), 6 TEAL, 13 SHOVELER, 1 PINTAIL-type hybrid (WC1), 2 GADWALL, 1 2nd/w GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Lake), 3 COMMON SNIPE (Spynes), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 1m BLACKCAP (M.CP), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (M.CP), 9 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GOLDCREST (M.CP), 2 REED BUNTING (Spynes). Graham James
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL --CORMORANT (poss. P.c. sinensis) WC1 (G. James)_______________________________________________________________________
Sun 27 Mar 2011: a.m. 1 RED KITE (Spynes, heading N at 10.05hrs), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over M.Farm, poss a second bird heading E over Moors), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (car park by WC entrance), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors/WC1), 5 BLACKCAP (3 seen, 2 heard), 3 LITTLE OWL (1 M.Farm, 2 oaks S of Spynes), 1 HOUSE MARTIN (near Willow Wood - first for year), 2 SAND MARTIN (near Willow Wood), 1 SWALLOW (over Moors), 12 TEAL, 5+ SHOVELER, 3 POCHARD (Spynes), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 8+ GADWALL, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 3 GREEN SANDPIPER (1 Spynes, 2 M.West), 2 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 6+ LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), 1 ROOK (over Spynes), 15+ CHIFFCHAFF, 25+ LINNET (WC mound - Ian), 5 MEADOW PIPIT, 2 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 SISKIN (over WC entrance - Gordon). Gordon Hay & Ian Kehl
a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 1 HOUSE MARTIN (Willow Wood - first for year & equals earliest local spring record), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (M.West), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (car park by WC entrance), 2+ SAND MARTIN, 3 BLACKCAP (2m & 1f near Hallands Cottage, Nutfield Marsh Road), 3 GREEN SANDPIPER, 3 POCHARD, 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 2 LESSER REDPOLL, 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP - Gordon), c40 LINNET (Gordon), 4 FIELDFARE (Gordon), 2 BULLFINCH. Gordon Hay, Ian Kehl & Graham James
(At least 2 Mealy Redpoll with flock of c10 Lesser Redpoll at Walton Heath close to car park by B2032.) Steve Gale ________________________________________________________________________
Sat 26 Mar 2011: p.m. 3 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (1 WC1, 2 M.West), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (by flooded path at W end of M.CP), 15 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 SWALLOW, 1 SAND MARTIN, 2 SHELDUCK, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER, 1 COMMON BUZZARD, c80 BLACK-HEADED GULL (heading E), 1 COMMON GULL, 200+ HERRING GULL (landfill), 1 LESSER REDPOLL (WC). Gordon Hay
p.m. 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC1), 1 PINTAIL-type hybrid (Moors), 1 CHIFFCHAFF (WC1), 8 SHOVELER, 4 TEAL, 10 GADWALL, 1 COMMON SNIPE, 1 FIELDFARE, 1 TREECREEPER (all Moors), c30 LINNET (by WC mound), 1 poss. sinensis CORMORANT (WC1). Graham & Sue James
(15.50hrs. 1 Common Buzzard flew NE over Nutfield Road, South Merstham, mobbed by Carrion Crows.) Graham & Sue James
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (G. James)--CORMORANT (poss. P.c. sinensis) (G. James)________________________________________________________________________
Fri 25 Mar 2011:
(Probable ringtail Hen Harrier seen again early a.m. at Canon's Farm, Banstead by Paul Herne.) David Campbell1 WILLOW WARBLER (M.CP - first for year & equals earliest local spring record). Des Ball
p.m. 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (sand bar between Middle Pit & M.West), 2 SHELDUCK, 3 POCHARD, 12 TEAL, 4 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West). Gordon Hay
06.15hrs-13.00hrs. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Fordbridge), 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (briefly Spynes), 1 SWALLOW (headed N over N.Ridge - first for year & equals earliest local spring record), 1 SAND MARTIN (over Spynes), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 17 TEAL, 2 POCHARD (Spynes), 4 SHOVELER (WC1), 9 GADWALL (Moors), 1 PINTAIL-type hybrid (Moors - orange tones on flanks and bill colour & pattern suggest Wigeon genes present), 3 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 COMMON SNIPE, 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 2 LITTLE OWL (1 M.Farm, 1 oaks to S of Spynes), 3 SKYLARK (2 M.Farm, 1 over N.Ridge), 12 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GOLDCREST, 2 BULLFINCH, 15 LINNET, 12 REED BUNTING, 5 YELLOWHAMMER. Graham James
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (G. James)- --LITTLE OWL (G. James) _______________________________________________________________________
Thurs 24 Mar 2011:
(A male Marsh Harrier circled Beddington SF then flew N this afternoon.)Sutton Birding on Twitter(a.m. 1 Red Kite flew NW and at c12.00hrs 1 Red Kite drifted S over Beddington SF.) Johnny Allan
(5 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers at Canon's Farm, Banstead early this morning.) David Campbell
late p.m. 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC2 island), 2m RED-CRESTED POCHARD (WC1 - of unknown origin), 10 LINNET, 1 PINTAIL-type hybrid (Moors pools), 1 LITTLE EGRET. Jerry Blumire
p.m. 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1 LAPWING. (No sign of LRP on Spynes). Gordon Hay
12.35hrs. 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Spynes sandspit). John Benham
06.10hrs-11.10hrs. 2 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 BRAMBLING (M.CP), 1m BLACKCAP (M.CP-Gordon), PINTAIL-type hybrid (Moors), c20 GADWALL, c22 TEAL, c20 SHOVELER, 2 POCHARD (pair Spynes), 5 COMMON SNIPE (2 Moors, 3 M.West), 4 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Lake), 3 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 SPARROWHAWK, 1m KESTREL, 3 LITTLE OWL (2 in oaks S of Spynes, 1 M.Farm), c10 SKYLARK, 1 SAND MARTIN (flew E over WC mound), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (M.West), 1 MEADOW PIPIT, 2 MISTLE THRUSH, 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GOLDCREST, 9 LESSER REDPOLL, 1 SISKIN (over), 2 BULLFINCH (pair M.CP), c8 YELLOWHAMMER. Gordon Hay & Graham James
LITTLE EGRETS (G. James))---____-----------___-----BRAMBLING (G. James) ______________________________________________________________
Weds 23 Mar 2011:
p.m. 1 PINTAIL-type female hybrid, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (both at Moors pool east of cycle path near railway line), 1 KINGFISHER (WC ditch). Graham Jamesearly p.m. 1 PINTAIL-type female, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER - first for year, 1 LITTLE EGRET (all Moors), 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 TREECREEPER. Matt Farmer
late a.m. 2 BLACKCAP (W end of M.CP), 1 LESSER REDPOLL, 1 GOLDCREST (both M.CP car park). Neil Randon
06.55hrs-11.00hrs. 2 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair M.West), 1m BLACKCAP (W end of M.CP), 9 SHOVELER, 11 TEAL, 2 GADWALL, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (low over M.West), 1f SPARROWHAWK (over M.West), 2 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 3 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 5 LESSER REDPOLL (M.CP), 8 LINNET (over WC mound), 1f BULLFINCH (Middle Pit). Graham James
early a.m. 2 LITTLE EGRET (Moors, near Fordbridge), 1 BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 REDWING (all S side of M.CP), 2 MEADOW PIPIT, 2 REED BUNTING. Matt Farmer
CHIFFCHAFF (G. James)-------------------------------- ---BLACKCAP (G. James)
PINTAIL-type female (G. James)
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (G. James)____________________________________________________________
Tues 22 Mar 2011:
p.m. 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 2 KESTREL (distant, displaying - only the 2nd record this year!), 2 POCHARD (pair Spynes), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 7 COMMON GULL, 12 TEAL, 4 GADWALL, 2 SHOVELER, 2 LESSER REDPOLL (M.CP). Gordon Hay06.55hrs-12.15hrs. 1m BRAMBLING (M.CP, perched in tree briefly near main entrance - first for year), 2 BLACKCAP (pair along S side of M.CP - first for year), 1 PEREGRINE (over Moors), 1 LITTLE EGRET (WC1/Moors), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 6 SHOVELER, 13 GADWALL, 11 TEAL, 2 POCHARD (pair Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (M.West), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.Farm), 1 KINGFISHER (Fordbridge), 1m PHEASANT (Chil.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 4 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 3 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Farm), 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 4 BULLFINCH, 4 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Graham James
PEREGRINE (G. James) ________________________________________________________________________
Mon 21 Mar 2011:
(6 Bramblings on garden feeders at Nutfield Ridge.) Richard Bartlett17.30hrs-19.05hrs. 2 LITTLE EGRET (WC1/Moors), 2 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), c30 RING-NECKED PARAKEET (by sewage works), 6 GREAT CRESTED GREBE (M.Lake), 1 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1 COMMON SNIPE (calling over M.Farm at dusk). (Also 2 Pipistrelle Bats & 1 Common Toad.) Graham James
p.m. 3 SAND MARTIN, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER. Gordon Hay
p.m. 2 WIGEON (pair M.West). John Benham
early p.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 SHOVELER, 1 REED BUNTING, 1 COAL TIT (over). (Also 2 Brimstones & 1 Comma.) Matt Farmer
13.05hrs. 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over M.Lake) & 14.25hrs 2 COMMON BUZZARD (over M.Lake). Graham James
c09.50hrs. 1 ringtail HEN HARRIER (flew north over South Merstham from direction of WC - first for year & 2nd site record). Graham & Sue James (possibly seen distantly by David Campbell at Canon's Farm, Banstead 30 minutes later.)
06.10hrs-08.20hrs. Thick mist. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Fordbridge), 1 WATER RAIL (WC1, along bank by path between lagoons), 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BULLFINCH pair M.CP), 2m YELLOWHAMMER. Graham James
BRAMBLINGS with Chaffinches (R. Bartlett)________________________________________________________________
Sun 20 Mar 2011: (A Barn Owl at Canon's Farm, Banstead at 19.05hrs) David Campbell
(A distant probable Red Kite to south of Nutfield Ridge, heading E.) Richard Bartlett
(A Yellow Wagtail at Beddington SF today.) Peter Alfrey
late a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET, 11 TEAL, 10 SHOVELER, 11 GADWALL, 26 TUFTED DUCK, 8 MALLARD, 3 LITTLE GREBE, 5 GREAT-CRESTED GREBE, 1 GREY HERON, 1 REED BUNTING, 1 MEADOW PIPIT, 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 COMMON BUZZARD (all WC/Moors). Thomas & Jerry Blumire
14.045hrs- 16.45hrs. 1 PEREGRINE (on kill at WC1), 1 LITTLE EGRET (WC1), 2 COMMON BUZZARD (flew high S), 1 KINGFISHER (WC1), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 2 CHIFFCHAFF (calling M.CP), 1 HOUSE SPARROW (M.CP), 1 REED BUNTING (Spynes). Peter Emery
09.15hrs. 5 SAND MARTIN (WC1 -first for year). Dennis Moore
06.55hrs-11.05hrs. 1 LITTLE EGRET (WC1), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (over M.West), 14+ SHOVELER (2 Middle Pit, 12+ Moors), 1f POCHARD (Spynes), 6+ SNIPE (4+ Spynes, 2 Moors), 15+ TEAL, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 2 COMMON GULL, 30+ COOT (inc. 2 nests at Moors pools), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 10+ BLACKBIRD (inc. 1f with nesting material), 1 REDWING, 7+ CHIFFCHAFF, 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 15+ LESSER REDPOLL (over and in hedgerow between M. Farm & M.West), 1m YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm, singing on ground). Ian Kehl
early a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors, near Fordbridge), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over Spynes), 1f POCHARD (Spynes), 4 GADWALL (2 M.Lake, 2 Spynes), 2 SHOVELER (pair Middle Pit), 1 LAPWING (over M.West), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 8 COMMON SNIPE (Spynes), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 BULLFINCH, 1 REDPOLL sp. (over WC entrance), 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP). Graham James
early a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors, near Fordbridge), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1 KINGFISHER (WC1), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1f POCHARD (Spynes), 4 GADWALL (2 M.Lake, 2 Spynes), 25 SHOVELER, 1 LAPWING (over M.West), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 8 COMMON SNIPE (Spynes), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 BULLFINCH, 1 REDPOLL sp. (over WC entrance), 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP). Gordon Hay
PIED WAGTAIL female (G. James)----LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL with damaged leg (G. James)_____________________________________________________________
Sat 19 Mar 2011: (10.55hrs. 1 SAND MARTIN flew NW over South Merstham & 1 COMMON BUZZARD over at 15.35hrs.) Graham James
p.m. 1 RED KITE (over N.Ridge at 12.25hrs, drifted off S), 2 PEREGRINE (pair towards Reigate Hill, seen from N.Ridge), 11 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 2 STOCK DOVE, 2 ROOK, 1 NUTHATCH (calling N.Cemetery), 1 MEADOW PIPIT, 2 TUFTED DUCK (on N.Ridge pool). Gordon Hay
1 RED KITE. Des Ball
06.15hrs-08.20hrs. 2 LITTLE EGRET (WC1/Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair flew W over M.CP), 4 GADWALL, 7 SHOVELER, 6 TEAL, 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 WATER RAIL (Fordbridge), 3 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 12 COMMON SNIPE (2 Moors, 10 Spynes - 5 on island, 5 by north bank), 2 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2 LITTLE OWL (in same tree M.Farm), 1 MEADOW PIPIT (WC2 island), 6 CHIFFCHAFF. Graham James
GREYLAG GEESE (G. James)-----LINNET (G. James)
(Two singing Willow Warblers at Headley Heath this afternoon.) p.m. mid-morning. 3 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 CHIFFCHAFF (M.CP), 2 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 4 REDWING (M.CP), 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (M.east), 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes). Jerry Blumire More photos - click here (Three Stonechats at Canon's Farm, Banstead today.) c15.00hrs. 1 1st/w WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 4 GOLDCREST (2 by Middle Pit, 2 along N side M.CP). Neil Randon 
LITTLE EGRETS (G. James) -_COMMON BUZZARD Sth. Merstham (G. James)______________________________________________________________
Fri 18 Mar 2011: (c07.20hrs. 2 Black-tailed Godwit flew S at Beddington SF.) Kevin Guest, Roger Browne, Grant Prater
16.00hrs. 2 DUNLIN (still on Spynes). Jerry Blumire
c14.00hrs. 2 DUNLIN (still present on Spynes sandspit), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (M.West). Gordon Hay
07.10hrs-09.20hrs. 2 DUNLIN (both winter-plumage, Spynes sandspit), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1 COMMON SNIPE (Spynes), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 6 SHOVELER (Moors), 8 TEAL (2 Moors, 6 M.West), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (flew E over M.West), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 15 REDWING (M.CP), 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 32 LINNET (WC mound), 13 LESSER REDPOLL (M.CP), 1 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Graham James
More photos - click here
DUNLIN (G. James) ________________________________________________________________________
Thurs 17 Mar 2011: (For those of you who are following Johnny Allan's attempt to break his own Surrey Year List record, Johnny has added a link to his 2011 Surrey Year List on his blog at http://surreybirding.blogspot.com/)
late p.m. 4 LITTLE EGRET (3 flew off toward Gatton at 17.55hrs, one remained on Moors behind WC1 - new local record count), 1m RED-CRESTED POCHARD (unknown origin WC1), c550 JACKDAW (over in small groups to roost at Nutfield Ridge). Jerry Blumire
a.m. 3 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 11 CHIFFCHAFF (7 M.CP, 4 Spynes/M.West), 10 SHOVELER (8 Moors, 2 Spynes), 5 GADWALL (1 Moors, 4 M.Lake), 4 TEAL (2 Spynes, 2 M.West), 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Lake), 2 LAPWING M.West), 1 KINGFISHER (WC ditch), 1m SPARROWHAWK (M.West), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 5 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), c10 REDWING, 4 BULLFINCH (pair M.CP, pair Middle Pit), 3 REED BUNTING. Graham James 
Weds 16 Mar 2011: (c08.15hrs. A Grey Plover flew SE at Beddington SF - also 1st/w Iceland Gull and Redshank still present.) message from Johnny Allan
late p.m. 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 4 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER (all Middle Pit), c2000 BLACK-HEADED GULL, c350 HERRING GULL, 3 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (all M.Lake), c125 FIELDFARE (inc. 96 Spynes), 2 LITTLE OWL (1 M.Farm, 1 heard oaks S of Spynes), 1 TREECREEPER (dead tree by cycle track N of Spynes). Gordon Hay
p.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Lake), c400 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 3 CHIFFCHAFF. Gordon Hay
07.05hrs-08.35hrs. 1 REDSHANK (WC1 - flew from bank by WC mound at 07.20hrs, circled WC1 calling and flew off east, could not be relocated - first for year), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1 COMMON SNIPE (Spynes), 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Lake), 5 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.West), c30 REDWING, 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 1m BULLFINCH, 3 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Graham James
__________________________________________________________________________
Tues 15 Mar 2011: (The 1st/w Iceland Gull and a Redshank at Beddington SF today.) Johnny Allan
late p.m. 3 LITTLE EGRET (WC/Moors). Jerry Blumire
14.00hrs-17.00hrs. 2 LITTLE EGRET (Moors). 2 SHELDUCK ,1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (all M.West), 2 CHIFFCHAFF (1 M.West, 1 M.CP), 13 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2 GOLDCREST (M.CP), 2 COMMON SNIPE (Moors). Kevin Guest
a.m. 2 LITTLE EGRET (WC1/Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 15 SHOVELER (Moors), 6 POCHARD (M.West), 2 GADWALL, 4 TEAL, 2 KINGFISHER (1 heard WC1, 1 M.West by sand cliff), 12 GREYLAG GOOSE, 7 CANADA GOOSE, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 10 MUTE SWAN, 4 LAPWING (briefly M.West), 9 COMMON GULL (M.West), 2 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (ad & 2nd/w M.Lake), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1 GOLDCREST (M.CP), 1 TREECREEPER (oaks N of Middle Pit), 4 BULLFINCH (2 pairs), 4 REED BUNTING, 4 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Graham James
______________________________________________________________
Mon 14 Mar 2011: (A 1st/w Iceland Gull and a Mediterranean Gull on North Lake at Beddington SF today.) messages from Kevin Guest & Johnny Allan
p.m. 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 2 WIGEON (pair M.West), 1 COMMON BUZZARD, c20 COMMON GULL, 17 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2 SISKIN. Gordon Hay
early p.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (by WC1), 7 SHOVELER, 1 TEAL, 1f POCHARD (WC1), 1 CHIFFCHAFF (in song by M.CP entrance), 1 STOCK DOVE (over), 2 GREY WAGTAIL (on WC path). Matt Farmer
a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (WC1/Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1m PINTAIL (of very dubious origin - flew from Moors, circled WC lagoons, flew of SW - appeared to be in poor plumage with short tail and is probably the now free-flying bird from Frenches Ponds, Redhill - will not be added to year list), 15 SHOVELER, 5 TEAL, 3 GADWALL, 10 GREYLAG GOOSE, 9 CANADA GOOSE, 5 COMMON SNIPE (2 Moors, 3 Spynes), 3 GREY HERON, 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Lake), 9 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 18 HERRING GULL, 5 COMMON GULL, c150 BLACK-HEADED GULL (all WC1), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KINGFISHER (WC1), 2 LITTLE OWL (in same tree M.Farm), 2 SKYLARK, 19 PIED WAGTAIL, 13 REDWING, 1 FIELDFARE, 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GOLDCREST, 1 TREECREEPER (oaks to N of Middle Pit), 6 REED BUNTING, 2 YELLOWHAMMER. Graham James 
TREECREEPER (G. James)
Sun 13 Mar 2011: (13.56hrs-16.05hrs at least. A Golden Plover in field S of farmhouse at Canon's Farm, Banstead.) David Campbell
a.m-p.m. 2 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 JACK SNIPE (at c10.30hrs), 1 COMMON SNIPE, 1 KINGFISHER (WC, then along brook to M.CP). Simon Elson
07.05hrs-11.05hrs. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes, then M.West, then Moors), 3 CHIFFCHAFF (1 seen, 2 more heard), 1 COMMON SNIPE (Spynes), 3+ LAPWING (inc. one displaying), 15+ SHOVELER (Moors), 17+ GADWALL, 23+ TEAL, 1m POCHARD (Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (over Spynes), 1 GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL (M.Lake), 4 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), 6+ COMMON GULL (Spynes), 1f PHEASANT (Moors), 2 LITTLE OWL (1 M.Farm. 1 oaks S of Spynes), 10+ REDWING (Moors), 37+ FIELDFARE (Moors), 2 GREY WAGTAIL (pair sewage works), 1m LINNET (Middle Pit), 2+ REED BUNTING (Spynes). Ian Kehl
a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 9 WAXWING (over heading W near sewage works), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes, then M.West, then Moors), 2 KINGFISHER (WC), 25 SHOVELER (Moors), 2 POCHARD, 14 GADWALL, c20 TEAL, 1 COMMON SNIPE, 4 REED BUNTING, c50 FIELDFARE, 6 LESSER REDPOLL, 2 CHIFFCHAFF (near Spynes), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (pair sewage works), 1 LAPWING (M.Farm), 1f SPARROWHAWK, 6 GOLDCREST. Gordon Hay _________________________________________________________________________
Sat 12 Mar 2011: (Tawny Owl added to year list - see yesterday's post.)
06.15hrs-08.35hrs. 3 LITTLE EGRET (2 Moors, 1 WC ditch), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1 CHIFFCHAFF (singing M.West), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (WC2), 9 SHOVELER (Moors), 9 TEAL, 3m POCHARD (M.West), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 1 LAPWING (over M.CP), 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Lake), 3 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 17 REDWING (M.CP), 2 BULLFINCH, 2 REED BUNTING, 2m YELLOWHAMMER (1 Spynes, 1 M.Farm). (No sign of White-fronted Goose.) Graham James 
(had just mated on island WC2) (G. James) 
SHELDUCK (G. James)----------------------------YELLOWHAMMER (G. James)
Fri 11 Mar 2011: 22.30hrs. 1f TAWNY OWL (calling from patch side of A25 at N.Ridge - first for year.) Richard Bartlett
early p.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (over), 1 STOCK DOVE (over), 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GOLDCREST, 21 REDWING, 11 RING-NECKED PARAKEET, 1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 4 GREEN WOODPECKER. Matt Farmer
a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1 CHIFFCHAFF (M.CP), 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 11 GREYLAG GOOSE, 5 CANADA GOOSE, 4 SHOVELER (Moors), 10 TEAL, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.Farm), 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Lake), 1m PHEASANT (Chil. Farm), 1 STOCK DOVE (Willow Wood), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 MEADOW PIPIT (WC mound), 2 LITTLE OWL (1 oaks S of Spynes, 1 M.Farm), 6 REDWING, 3 LESSER REDPOLL (M.CP car park), 2 SISKIN (M.CP), 1 GOLDCREST (N of Middle Pit), 3 REED BUNTING, 1 YELLOWHAMMER. (No sign of White-fronted Goose.) Graham James 
CHIFFCHAFF(G. James) ----------------------------LESSER REDPOLL (G. James) 
REED BUNTING (G. James)------------------------------STOCK DOVE (G. James)
Thurs 10 Mar 2011: a.m. 1 1st/w WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (field S of Spynes, then Spynes, very flighty), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 1 CHIFFCHAFF (M.CP), 2 LITTLE OWL (1 M.Farm, 1 oaks S of Spynes), 5 SHOVELER, 13 TEAL, 2 POCHARD, 1 SKYLARK, 1 GREY WAGTAIL (over), 3 BULLFINCH, 1 REED BUNTING. Graham James
06.00hrs-09.15hrs. 1 1st/w WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (field S of Spynes), 4 CANADA GOOSE, 22 GREYLAG GOOSE, 2 JACK SNIPE (flew over Moors near wooden bridge by landfill site), 3 COMMON SNIPE, 2 MEADOW PIPIT, 2 LITTLE EGRET, (all Moors), 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 GOLDCREST (all M.CP), 10+ PIED WAGTAIL (sewage works), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER, 2 SHELDUCK (all M.West), 3 REED BUNTING (1 Moors, 2 Spynes), 1 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Neil Randon 
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (G. James)
Weds 9 Mar 2011: (A Little Ringed Plover and a Wheatear at Beddington SF this morning.) message from Johnny Allan
p.m. 1 ad. MEDITERRANEAN GULL (M.Lake - first for year.) John Benham
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (K. Guest)----------WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (K.Guest)
CHIFFCHAFF (K. Guest)-------------------------WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (D. Campbell)
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (K. Guest)
early p.m. 1 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (on Spynes, before flying back to grass field to south with Greylags), 2 SHELDUCK (M.West), 3 TEAL (Spynes), 11 LONG-TAILED TIT, 1 FIELDFARE (M.Farm), 21 MOORHEN (together at M.CP). Matt Farmer More photos - click here 07.10hrs-10.45hrs. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 19+ GADWALL, 29+ SHOVELER, 18+ TEAL, 3 POCHARD (M.West), 5 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 COMMON SNIPE (Moors), 7 LAPWING (Spynes), 6+ COMMON GULL, 40+ LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (28+ Spynes, 12+ N.Ridge), 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (N.Ridge), 2 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2+ FIELDFARE (Cormongers Lane), 4+ REDWING (Moors), 1 ROOK (landfill site), 4+ SISKIN (Moors), 2 GOLDCREST (1 M.CP, 1 Moors). Ian Kehl (3 Black-tailed Godwit over Beddington SF today.) Peter Alfrey
11.35hrs. 1 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (back on grass field S of Spynes.) Kevin Guest
10.40hrs. 1 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (moved with Greylags onto Spynes). Gordon Hay
06.40hrs-10.05hrs. 1 1st/w WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (with Greylag Geese grass field S of Spynes - first for year & 8th Holmethorpe record - subject to acceptance by SBC), 1 RED KITE (heading NNW over M.east at 09.05hrs - first for year & 20th Holmethorpe record), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 1 CHIFFCHAFF (singing S side of M.CP), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 8 SHOVELER, 13 TEAL, 2 GADWALL, 3 POCHARD, 5 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 SKYLARK, 16 REDWING, 1 FIELDFARE, 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 COMMON SNIPE (Spynes), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (over Spynes), 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 1 LESSER REDPOLL (M.CP), 3 SISKIN (M.CP), 32 LITTLE GREBE (M.West), 1m BULLFINCH (M.CP), 1 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 2 REED BUNTING (Spynes). Graham James
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (G. James) 
RED KITE (G. James)
Tues 8 Mar 2011: a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors & WC ditch), 3 JACK SNIPE (over Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes, then M.West), 1 CHIFFCHAFF (in alder by flood plain near sewage works - first for year), c30 SHOVELER, 5 GADWALL, 8+ TEAL, 3 POCHARD, 7 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 9 COMMON SNIPE (2 Moors, 2 Spynes, 5 M.West), 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Lake), 1m SPARROWHAWK, 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 3 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 9 MEADOW PIPIT (2 over WC mound, 7 Moors), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (over WC mound), 5 GOLDCREST, 2 BULLFINCH (pair M.east), 4 LINNET, c30 GOLDFINCH (Moors), 6 SISKIN (over), 5 REED BUNTING, 4 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Gordon Hay & Graham James 
Mon 7 Mar 2011: (Johnny Allan's Dip or Glory website for Beddington is up and running again. Link to it is in the right-hand column.)
a.m. 22 WAXWING (flew across Moors at c7.50hrs from direction of industrial estate and landed in poplars by landfill site near wooden bridge for about 30 mins), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 3 SHELDUCK (1m M.West, pair Spynes), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 27 SHOVELER, 3 POCHARD, 9 TEAL, 13 GADWALL (Moors), 5 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (M.West), 15 MUTE SWAN, 1 COMMON BUZZARD (perched M.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 18 FIELDFARE, 3 REDWING, 1 COAL TIT (in conifer by horse paddocks, M.Farm), 2 REED BUNTING. Graham James
More photos and video - click here 
WAXWING (G. James)---------------------------------WAXWING (G. James) 
LITTLE EGRET (G. James)--------------------------------LITTLE OWL (G. James) _________________________________________________________________________
Sun 6 Mar 2011: 1 PEREGRINE (over M.West at c11.35hrs), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 4 POCHARD, 20+ TEAL, 2 COMMON SNIPE, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 3 GOLDFINCH, 11 COMMON GULL, 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, 7 LAPWING, 3 PIED WAGTAIL, c15 MUTE SWAN. Alex Bowes (Alex's blog - click here)
Sat 5 Mar 2011: p.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 1m RED-CRESTED POCHARD (unknown origin - WC1), 11 WIGEON (8m & 3f M.West), c20 SHOVELER, 6 GADWALL, c30 TEAL, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 LAPWING, c80 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), 52 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 70+ REDWING (N.Marsh), 2 MISTLE THRUSH (N.Marsh), 7 LINNET (4 by WC mound, 3 Spynes), 2 TREECREEPER, 1 MEADOW PIPIT (over). Gordon Hay
Fri 4 Mar 2011: p.m. 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 5 SHOVELER, 1 POCHARD, 10 TEAL, 15 STOCK DOVE, 1 LITTLE OWL (calling S of Spynes). Gordon Hay
a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (over WC mound, landed at Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 6 SHOVELER (WC1), 2 GADWALL (Spynes), 2 POCHARD (1f WC2, 1m M.West), 10 TEAL (8 M.West, 2 Moors), 19 GREYLAG GOOSE, 7 CANADA GOOSE, 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (M.West), 17 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 11 COMMON GULL, 4 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 3 REDWING, 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 1 GOLDCREST (hedge by M.West), 9 SISKIN (M.CP), 4 BULLFINCH, c15 GREENFINCH, 2m REED BUNTING (Spynes). Graham James
a.m. 80 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 2 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (N.Ridge). Gordon Hay 
SISKIN (G. James)--- -------------------------------LITTLE OWL (G. James)
Thurs 3 Mar 2011: 13.30hrs. 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 SHOVELER, 2 TEAL (all Moors), 1 COMMON SNIPE (WC1). Simon Elson
p.m. 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 2 SHOVELER, 1f POCHARD, 1 COMMON SNIPE, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 1 SPARROWHAWK (all Spynes/M.West). Gordon Hay
early p.m. 50+ SISKIN, 1 LESSER REDPOLL, 7+ GOLDCREST, 4 TREECREEPER (together - equals local record count), 2 COAL TIT, 3 REDWING, 1 GREEN WOODPECKER (all M.CP), 23+ PIED WAGTAIL (sewage works). Matt Farmer _________________________________________________________________________
Weds 2 Mar 2011: (16.50hrs. A female Sparrowhawk over South Merstham heading NE and following, but not actively hunting, a tight group of c15 'probable' Waxwings at considerable height.) Graham James
11.00hrs. 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over WC lagoons). Simon Elson
a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (flew from Moors to WC ditch), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 7 SHOVELER, 3 TEAL, 2 POCHARD, 26 GREYLAG GOOSE, 4 CANADA GOOSE, 5 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 7 SISKIN (M.CP), 1 ROOK (landfill), 1 BULLFINCH, 1 REED BUNTING (Spynes). Graham James
early a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET, 10 SHOVELER (WC lagoons). Matt Farmer 
Tues 1 Mar 2011: p.m. 2 SHELDUCK (pair M.West), 4 POCHARD, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (M.West), c30 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 1 GREY WAGTAIL (over). Gordon Hay
a.m. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 7 SHOVELER, 11 TEAL, 1 POCHARD, 2 GADWALL, 11 MUTE SWAN, 3 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 12 GREYLAG GOOSE, 2 CANADA GOOSE, 3 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), c30 REDWING (M.CP), 1 FIELDFARE (M.Farm), 1 GOLDCREST (M.CP), 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP car park), 2 BULLFINCH. Graham James ____________________________________________________________________
