Sat 30 Apr 2011: No reported sightings.
(Beddington SF: 11 Greenshank, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Curlew flew SE.) Sutton Birding on Twitter (photos on Peter Alfrey's blog - click here )
(late a.m. 2 Swifts over South Merstham.) Graham James
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Fri 29 Apr 2011: a.m. 1 (poss.2) COMMON SANDPIPER (1 M.West, then possibly a second at WC1 (PK)), 1m SHELDUCK (M.West), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 45 TUFTED DUCK (M.Lake), 2 TEAL (pair Spynes), 2 GADWALL (pair Moors), 6 STOCK DOVE, 1 GREY WAGTAIL (M.West, then sewage works), 2 REED WARBLER (1 Spynes, 1 Moors), 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 21 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 GARDEN WARBLER, 5 BLACKCAP, 25+ SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW (PK), 1 (poss.2) HOUSE MARTIN, 1 KESTREL. Ian Kehl, Paul Kerry & Graham James
STOCK DOVE (G. James)
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Thurs 28 Apr 2011: (09.25hrs. A Cuckoo at N.Ridge, returned at 11.01hrs (photo below).) Richard Bartlett
17.10hrs. 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over M.Lake, seen from South Merstham). Graham James
06.40hrs-10.40hrs. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 2 TEAL (pair Spynes), 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), 10 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 6 SWALLOW, c70 SAND MARTIN, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 BLACKCAP, 16 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 1 COAL TIT (calling N of Spynes), 2 BULLFINCH, 9 LINNET, 4 REED BUNTING, 1 YELLOWHAMMER. Graham James
CUCKOO (R. Bartlett)
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Weds 27 Apr 2011: (14.08hrs. An Arctic Tern at Bough Beech Reservoir.) Birdguides
(14.10hrs. 1 Swift over South Merstham). Graham James
a.m. 1 TURTLE DOVE (headed NNE over Spynes cycle path at 07.33hrs - GJ), 2 GARDEN WARBLER (M23 end of Spynes), 13 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 BLACKCAP, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 11 MUTE SWAN, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (WC2), 1 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 2 TEAL (Spynes), 1 COMMON SNIPE (M.West - latest local spring record by 9 days), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 6 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2 SPARROWHAWK, 1 SWALLOW, c20 SAND MARTIN, 2 YELLOWHAMMER. Graham James & Paul Kerry
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Tues 26 Apr 2011: (A Black Kite reported at Bough Beech Reservoir at 18.10hrs.) Birdguides
(Roger 'Dodge' Browne's videoof yesterday's Common Crane at Beddington (click here), plus some superb photos of the bird on Peter Alfrey's (here) and Johnny Allan's (here) blogs.)
(06.00hrs. A Cuckoo briefly at N.Ridge.) Richard Bartlett
(Matt Farmer flushed a Hoopoe at Leith Hill at 06.25hrs this morning.)
p.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 GARDEN WARBLER. Gordon Hay
16.35hrs. 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over M.Lake, drifted NW over South Merstham). Graham James
early p.m. 1 SHELDUCK, 1m POCHARD, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, 2 REED WARBLER, 2 REED BUNTING (all Spynes), 1 SKYLARK, 3 SWALLOW, 40+ SAND MARTIN. Matt Farmer
06.35hrs-12.30hrs. 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 1 SWIFT (M.West), 40+ SAND MARTIN, 4 SWALLOW, 3 HOUSE MARTIN, 12 MUTE SWAN, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (M.West), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 1m GADWALL (M.West), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 6 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 6 BLACKCAP, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 21 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 3 MISTLE THRUSH (1 cricket pitch, 2 sheep paddocks), 1 GOLDCREST (Chil.Ponds), 3 BULLFINCH, 2 REED BUNTING (Spynes), 3 YELLOWHAMMER. (62 species noted.) Graham James & Paul Kerry
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Mon 25 Apr 2011: (Beddington SF: c13.356hrs. A COMMON CRANE circled over and then headed N. c13.50hrs. The COMMON CRANE returned and then drifted E.
c13.55hrs. The COMMON CRANE returned again and headed NW.) Johnny Allan
(06.05hrs. A Cuckoo briefly at N. Ridge.) Richard Bartlett
Bird Race (more of a crawl, just three contestants - the judge rules it to be a no contest!):
In addition to Ian's sightings: 1 MISTLE THRUSH (N. Church), 2 NUTHATCH (N.Cemetery), 2 HOBBY, 10 COMMON BUZZARD, 3 SPARROWHAWK, 2 KESTREL, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 1 BULLFINCH (74 species noted). Gordon Hay
06.00hrs-15.45hrs. at least 2 HOBBY (over landfill, with poss. another 2 seen), at least 4 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 SPARROWHAWK (N. Ridge), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (WC1), 2 TEAL (pair Spynes), 3 SHELDUCK (Spynes/M.West), 1 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1+ LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (over), 5+ STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (M.West), 2 HOUSE MARTIN, 2+ SWALLOW, 1 REED WARBLER, 2 GARDEN WARBLER, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 10+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 NUTHATCH (1 N. Churchyard, 1 N. Ridge). (63 species noted.) Ian Kehl
10.00hrs-14.40hrs. Highlights: 5 MUTE SWAN, up to 4 SHELDUCK, 1m SHOVELER (WC2), 1+ STOCK DOVE, 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 4 BLACKCAP, 1 SEDGE WARBLER (Middle Pit), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (N of Middle Pit), 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 KESTREL, 1 RED KITE (13.29hrs-13.38hrs - the 9th bird this year), 1 HOBBY, 2+ COMMON BUZZARD, 1+ SPARROWHAWK, 1 REED BUNTING, 1 SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, c30 SAND MARTIN, GOLDCREST (Spynes), 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP), 1 BULLFINCH. (60 species noted.) David Campbell
Bird racers GORDON and IAN ------------------------------GARDEN WARBLER (G. James)
(still smiling despite the lack of rarities!)
RED KITE (D. Campbell)
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Sun 24 Apr 2011: (06.15hrs. A Cuckoo at N.Ridge for a few minutes.) Richard Bartlett
a.m. 1 SWIFT (over M.Lake - first for year), 1 RINGED PLOVER (Spynes sandspit - first for year), 1 SHOVELER, 2 BLACK-HEADED GULL. Gordon Hay
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Sat 23 Apr 2011: (Unconfirmed report of 3 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER - M23 end of Spynes.) reported to Gordon Hay & Des Ball by unknown observer
(16.10hrs. A Red Kite over Cockshot Hill, Reigate heading in direction of local patch.) Simon Elson
(p.m. 3 House Martins over South Merstham.) Graham James
(A Cuckoo at Nutfield Ridge at 05.10hrs for 15-20 mins.) Richard Bartlett
p.m. 2 MEADOW PIPIT (Moors). Gordon Hay
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Fri 22 Apr 2011: (09.45hrs. A possible Glaucous or Iceland Gull flew S over Banstead Woods.) David Campbell
(A Cuckoo calling at N.Ridge at 07.40hrs.) Richard Bartlett
evening. 1 CUCKOO (flew behind chicken barns to N of Middle Pit), 1 COMMON SNIPE (M.west), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC1), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (over), 1 SPARROWHAWK. Gordon Hay
06.30hrs-11.30hrs. 2 GREENSHANK (M.West 08.45hrs-09.15hrs, flew off S - first for year), 1 CURLEW (over WC2 11.22hrs, attempted to land at WC1 and then circled WC mound trying to land before heading off W - GJ), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.Lake, then WC1), 3 COMMON SNIPE (Moors - GH), 2 LAPWING (M.West), 2 COMMON TERN (1 over Spynes, 1 at M.Lake - GJ), 4 BLACK-HEADED GULL over Spynes), 4 SHELDUCK (M.West), 1m SHOVELER (WC2), 2 TEAL (Spynes), 1 GADWALL (GH), 1m PHEASANT (Moors - GH), 10 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 2 GARDEN WARBLER, 17 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 5 BLACKCAP, c50 SAND MARTIN, 3 SWALLOW, 1 PEREGRINE (over landfill - GJ), 4 COMMON BUZZARD, 1f SPARROWHAWK, 1 LITTLE OWL (near Glebe Lake - GH), 8 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 3 BULLFINCH, 3 YELLOWHAMMER, 1m REED BUNTING. Gordon Hay & Graham James
GREENSHANKS (G. James)
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Thurs 21 Apr 2011: 06.35hrs-13.15hrs. 1 TURTLE DOVE (on path along S side of Spynes at 09.30hrs for about 10 mins. - first for year & earliest local spring record by 2 days), 1 COMMON TERN (perched on boat mast at M.Lake early p.m. - first for year), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Middle Pit), 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 12 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 2 SEDGE WARBLER (1 N bank Spynes, 1 in scrub by S path Spynes), 4 BLACKCAP, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 SHELDUCK (M.West), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 2 TEAL (Spynes), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LITTLE OWL (flew from oaks by overflow pond, Spynes), 1 HOUSE MARTIN (M.West), c30 SAND MARTIN (M.West), 1 COAL TIT (M.CP car park), 1 BULLFINCH (Middle Pit), 1m YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes). Graham James & Paul Kerry
More photos & videos on Local Photos blog.
TURTLE DOVE (G. James)----------------------------------TURTLE DOVE (G. James)
TURTLE DOVE (P. Kerry) ----------------------------------COMMON TERN (P. Kerry)
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Weds 20 Apr 2011: (a.m. 1f Whinchat and singing Grasshopper Warbler at Canons Farm, Banstead.) David Campbell
p.m. 2 HOBBY (together high over Spynes at 14.15hrs - first for year), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (Spynes), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 SPARROWHAWK. (No sign of Dunlin). Gordon Hay
early p.m. 1 GARDEN WARBLER (M.West), 1 DUNLIN (M.West), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (hedge by M.Farm), 1 SHELDUCK (M.West), 1 REED WARBLER (Spynes), 1 YELLOWHAMMER (Spynes), 60+ SAND MARTIN (M.West), 2 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 COAL TIT (heard conifers by Aqua Sports boatyard), 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 WILLOW WARBLER. Matt Farmer
07.45hrs. 1 PEREGRINE (flew over M23 and over Spynes). Matt Farmer
06.35hrs-11.05hrs. 1 DUNLIN (summer-plumage M.West), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (middle Pit - first for year & earliest local spring record by one day), 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 BLACKCAP, 13 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (M.CP -hedge by M.Farm), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (on jetty M.Lake - PK), 4 COMMON SNIPE (3 Moors, 1 M.West), 1 TEAL (M.West), 1 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 1m BULLFINCH. Graham James & Paul Kerry
DUNLIN (G. James)___________________________ GARDEN WARBLER (G. James)
COMMON SANDPIPER (P. Kerry)
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Tues 19 Apr 2011: 06.30hrs-11.50hrs. 1f PEREGRINE (took Woodpigeon at N.Ridge - GJ), 4 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 SPARROWHAWK, 1m KESTREL, 1 SHELDUCK (M.West), 4 TEAL, 2 GADWALL (Spynes), 3 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 3 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 8 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 2 SKYLARK (over E end of Spynes), 30+ SAND MARTIN (M.West), 1 HOUSE MARTIN (M.West - GH), 2 SWALLOW (on wires Chil.Farm - GJ), 3 WHEATEAR (2m & 1f M.Farm), 4 REED WARBLER (1 WC1 - GH, 3 Spynes), 1 SEDGE WARBLER (M.Lake), 22 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (heard SE corner Spynes), 11 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 GOLDCREST (conifers behind Aqua Sports Centre), 1 COAL TIT (path between Chil.Ponds), 3 ROOK (1 over M.Farm, 2 N.Ridge) 2 BULLFINCH, 2 YELLOWHAMMER. Gordon Hay & Graham James
More photos on Local Photos blog.
WHEATEAR (G. James) ----------------------------------------SWALLOW (G. James)
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Mon 18 Apr 2011: (The Raven was also seen yesterday mid-p.m. over Batts Hill/Wray Common, Redhill/Reigate.) email from Tom Cahalane
late p.m. 1f HEN HARRIER (flew N over M.CP at 19.28hrs - 3rd site record), 4 GREEN SANDPIPER (2 Spynes, 2 M.West), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 3 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 5 SWALLOW, c120 SAND MARTIN. Gordon Hay
06.30hrs-11.40hrs. 2 WHEATEAR (1m & 1f M.Farm), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit), 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 BLACKCAP, 14 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1m SHELDUCK, 1m SHOVELER (WC2), 1 TEAL (M.West), 5 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 4 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), c20 SAND MARTIN, 1m BULLFINCH, 1 REED BUNTING, 1 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). (Also 1m Roe Deer M.Farm). Graham James & Paul Kerry
WILLOW WARBLER (G. James)
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Sun 17 Apr 2011: (07.10hrs. c65 Waxwings at Canons Farm, Banstead) Roy Weller
(2 Oystercatchers at Buckland SPs to early evening at least.) Sutton Birding on Twitter
14.30hrs-16.45hrs. 1 RAVEN (flew fairly low over Moors calling and headed NW towards Reigate Hill - first spotted by SJ - 1st site record), 4 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 SHELDUCK (over WC1), 2 GADWALL (Spynes), 2 TEAL (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER (WC2), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (WC2), 1f WHEATEAR (M.Farm), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit),2 BLACKCAP, 6 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 CHIFFCHAFF. Sue & Graham James
06.35hrs-11.00hrs. 1 RED KITE (drifted over M.CP heading NW), 3 COMMON BUZZARD (together over landfill), 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 2 SHELDUCK (1m Spynes, then M.West, then pair at Moors), 3 GADWALL, 1m SHOVELER (Moors), 2 TEAL (pair WC1), 5 COMMON SNIPE (2 M.West, 3 Moors), 2+ GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 3 LAPWING (2 M.West, 1 Moors), 2 PHEASANT (1m & 1f grass field S of Spynes), 16+ STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 30+ SAND MARTIN (mainly at colony M.West), 1f WHEATEAR (M.Farm), 1 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 15+ COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (Middle Pit), 5+ BLACKCAP, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (oaks to N of Middle Pit), 1 TREECREEPER (with food M.CP), 1f BULLFINCH (M.east). Ian Kehl
a.m. 1 RED KITE (drifted NW over sewage works at c09.40hrs - GH - drifted NW over Sth. Merstham at 09.45hrs + 1 Common Buzzard 09.50hrs - GJ), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit & oaks to N of Middle Pit), 1m WHEATEAR (M.Farm), 1 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 BLACKCAP, 3 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 5 COMMON SNIPE (GH), 2 LAPWING (M.West), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 2 SISKIN (over WC - GH), 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes, then M.West), 1 TREECREEPER (GH), 1f BULLFINCH (Middle Pit), 1m GREY WAGTAIL (M.West - GH). Gordon Hay & Graham James
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Sat 16 Apr 2011: (14.40hrs. 1 Cuckoo calling at Nutfield Ridge, also the male Common Redstart still present this morning.) Richard Bartlett
(early p.m. Beddington SF: 2 COMMON CRANES flew N calling.) message via Johnny Allan
(10.00hrs. Beddington SF: 1f Marsh Harrier flew N.) Peter Alfrey
(07.25hrs. 2 Ring Ouzels opposite Oaks Park, Carshalton in deer field.) Johnny Allan
(07.00hrs. 25+ Waxwings in Canons Wood, Canons Farm, Banstead and Grasshopper Warbler present again just south of Lunch Wood, Canons Farm mid-morning.) David Campbell
late report: 10th Apr 2011: 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL (sewage works). Des Ball
mid-p.m-late p.m.. 1 COMMON REDSTART (seen very briefly near conifers by WC mound, not relocated - first for year), 1 DUNLIN (M.West), 5 WHEATEAR (3m & 2f M.Farm), 1 MEADOW PIPIT (over WC2), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (over WC/Moors), 1m SHELDUCK, 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 4 TEAL, 2 GADWALL, 1 GOLDCREST (M.CP car park). Gordon Hay
11.00hrs-13.00hrs. 2 BULLFINCH (pair N of M.West), COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 BLACKCAP (pair), 2+ CHIFFCHAFF, 2 LINNET (pair), GREAT CRESTED GREBE (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), 1 HERRING GULL (over Spynes), GREY HERON (over), 1 REED WARBLER (heard Spynes reedbed), several REED BUNTINGS. Peter Emery
07.10hrs-08.55hrs. 3 WHEATEAR (1m & 2f M.Farm), 1 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 BLACKCAP, 12 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 GREAT CRESTED GREBE (M.West), 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 2 TEAL (M.West) 2 GADWALL (Spynes), 6 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), c25 SAND MARTIN (M.West), 14 LINNET (Spynes/Middle Pit), 1f BULLFINCH (Spynes), 1m REED BUNTING (Spynes), 3 YELLOWHAMMER (Spynes/M.Farm). Graham James
CHIFFCHAFF (G. James) ----------------------------------BLACKCAP (G. James)
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Fri 15 Apr 2011: (A Grasshopper Warbler at Canons Farm, Banstead this morning.) David Campbell
(A male Common Redstart at Nutfield Ridge today - just outside the recording area, also a Red-legged Partridge in car park at Nutfield.) Richard Bartlett - photos on Local Photos blog
evening. 2 LITTLE EGRET (flew SE over M.east/M.Farm at 19.00hrs), 3 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West). Paul Kerry
06.35hrs-12.40hrs. 1 RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE (M.Farm - GJ -first for year), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit - found by PK, also seen & heard by Matt Farmer & GJ - first for year), 5 WHEATEAR (2m & 3f M.Farm), 2 SHELDUCK (pair over Spynes), 2 GADWALL (Spynes), 6 TEAL (M.West), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 2 COMMON SNIPE (1 Spynes, 1 M.West), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 LAPWING (M.West), 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), 3 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 6 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 10 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 BLACKCAP, 11 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 1 ROOK (M.Farm), 1 BULLFINCH, 1 YELLOWHAMMER. Graham James & Paul Kerry
More photos and video clips on Local Photos blog.
RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE (G. James)------------------------WHEATEARS (G. James)
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Thurs 14th Apr 2011: p.m. 3 WHEATEAR (1 1st/s m & 2f M.Farm), 3 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1m SHOVELER (M.West), 6 TEAL, 1m KESTREL, c50 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm). Gordon Hay
early p.m. 2 WHEATEAR (1m & 1f M.Farm), 1 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 3 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 1 COAL TIT (M.Farm), 3 COMMON BUZZARD. Matt Farmer
06.35hrs-10.30hrs. 1 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 3 WHEATEAR (1m & 2f M.Farm), 1 BARNACLE GOOSE (escape Spynes), 2 CANADA X BARNACLE hybrids (similar to Richardson's Goose - escapes Spynes), 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes, then WC2), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 3 TEAL (M.West), 2 GADWALL (M.West), 1m SHOVELER (M.West), 3 LAPWING (M.Farm), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (from WC mound), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 5 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), c30 SAND MARTIN (M.West), 6 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 5 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 TREECREEPER (M.CP car park), 2 BULLFINCH (M.CP), 2 REED BUNTING (Spynes), 1 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm). Graham James & Paul Kerry
BARNACLE GOOSE & hybrids (G. James)
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Weds 13 Apr 2011: (A Wood Warbler singing at Pages Acre, Canons Farm to 11.40 hrs at least.) messages from David Campbell & Johnny Allan
p.m. 1 SHELDUCK, 2 TEAL, 2 GADWALL, 1m POCHARD, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 3 LAPWING, 2 COMMON BUZZARD, c50 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW. Gordon Hay
a.m. 4 WHEATEAR (1 ad.m & 2f M.Farm, 1f WC mound), 1 REED WARBLER (Spynes reedbed - first for year & earliest local spring record by 7 days), 3 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 COMMON SNIPE (M.West), 1 LAPWING M.West), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Lake), 2 BLACK-HEADED GULL (over WC1), 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 12 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 9 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 9 BLACKCAP, 6 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 5 SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN (Spynes), c30 SAND MARTIN, 1 TREECREEPER (with nesting material M.CP car park). Graham James
More photos and video clips on Local Photos blog.
WHEATEAR female (G. James) --------------------------WHEATEAR male (G. James)
TREECREEPER (G. James) ------------------------------------WREN (G. James)
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Tues 12 Apr 2011: p.m. 1m KESTREL, 1m SPARROWHAWK, 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 5 HOUSE MARTIN, 4 SWALLOW, c70 SAND MARTIN, 81 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 4 GREEN SANDPIPER, 1m POCHARD (Spynes), 1m SHOVELER, c70 TUFTED DUCK (inc. 32 Glebe Lake), 1 MALLARD with 3 young (Middle Pit - 2nd brood this year), 1 COOT with 2 young (1st brood this year) 1 NUTHATCH (N. Churchyard), 1 COAL TIT (N.Churchyard). Gordon Hay
06.30hrs-11.15hrs. 1 RED KITE (flew low N over M.Farm/Spynes at 07.55hrs- GJ), 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 2 GADWALL, 1 TEAL, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 COMMON SNIPE (Spynes), 2 SKYLARK (M.Farm, 12 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 MISTLE THRUSH (M.West), 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 3 SWALLOW, c30 SAND MARTIN, 1 HOUSE MARTIN (Paul), 12 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 6 BLACKCAP, 8 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 REED BUNTING, 2 YELLOWHAMMER. Graham James & Paul Kerry
RED KITE (G. James)
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Mon 11 Apr 2011: mid-p.m. 1 CUCKOO (calling from woods on patch side of A25 - first for year and earliest local spring record by 3 days). Richard Bartlett
13.00hrs. 1m 1st/s WHEATEAR (WC mound). Neil Randon
early p.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 3 HOUSE MARTIN (all WC lagoons). Matt Farmer
06.40hrs-12.10hrs. 1 SEDGE WARBLER (Spynes reedbed), 13 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 10 BLACKCAP, 15 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 7 TEAL, 2 GADWALL, 1m POCHARD (Spynes), 6 SHOVELER, 1 EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Spynes), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 COMMON SNIPE (Moors), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC1), 6 GREEN SANDPIPER (5 M.West, 1 Spynes), up to 11 COMMON BUZZARD (inc. 5 together over landfill), up to 3 KESTREL, 5 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 3 LITTLE OWL (1 M.Farm, 2 oaks S of Spynes), c40 SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW (GH), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (GH), 3 SKYLARK, 1 MEADOW PIPIT (over WC mound), 1 SPARROWHAWK, 9 LINNET, 3 BULLFINCH, 2 YELLOWHAMMER. (66 species seen). Graham James & Gordon Hay
More photos & video clips on Local photos blog.
SEDGE WARBLER (G. James) -------------------------COMMON WHITETHROAT (G. James)
LITTLE OWLS (G. James)----------------------------------WHEATEAR (N. Randon)
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Sun 10 Apr 2011: (A male Hen Harrier flew N at Canons Farm, Banstead this morning.) message from David Campbell
p.m. 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL (sewage works). Des Ball
p.m. 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), c50 SAND MARTIN (M.West), 1 BLACKCAP (M.West), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (M.east), 1 PHEASANT (heard M.Farm), 1 COMMON BUZZARD. Kevin Guest
06.35hrs-11.10hrs. 1m 1st/s WHEATEAR (Moors, short grass area near WC mound), 2 SHELDUCK (pair flew W from Moors), 1m POCHARD (Spynes), 4 GADWALL, 6 TEAL, 6 SHOVELER, 3+ GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 COMMON SNIPE, 4 GREAT CRESTED GREBE (inc. 1 on nest), 3 COMMON BUZZARD (together), 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL, 3+ SKYLARK (M.Farm), 25+ STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 1m PHEASANT (heard Chil.Farm), 25+ SAND MARTIN (M.West), 6 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3+ WILLOW WARBLER. Ian Kehl & Gordon Hay
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Sat 9 Apr 2011: (A Ring Ouzel and a Wheatear at Canons Farm, Banstead this morning and a male Common Redstart at Banstead Woods plus a Black Redstart this afternoon.) David Campbell
17.40hrs-19.10hrs. 7 GREEN SANDPIPER (Spynes sandspit), 1 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 6 BLACKCAP, 2 SWALLOW, c30 SAND MARTIN (M.Lake), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 6 TEAL, 2 GADWALL, 2 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 BULLFINCH. Graham James
a.m. 1 RED KITE (flew low over South Merstham heading SW and over M.Lake at 06.40hrs), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 SPARROWHAWK, 1 KESTREL, 6 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West) (No sign of Ring Ouzel at M. Farm). Graham James
early a.m. 1m RING OUZEL (horse paddocks, M.Farm - first for year & 6th site record), 1 RED KITE (low over M.Lake c06.40hrs), 1m YELLOW WAGTAIL (over horse paddocks M.Farm - first for year), 2 SHELDUCK, 4 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 SPARROWHAWK, 1 KESTREL, 10 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (WC2), 5 SHOVELER, 42 GADWALL, 5 TEAL, 1 COMMON SNIPE, 1 COAL TIT (N of Middle Pit), 1 GOLDCREST (singing in conifers behind Aqua Sports), 2 LESSER REDPOLL (over), 4 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 BLACKCAP, 4 CHIFFCHAFF. Gordon Hay
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Fri 8 Apr 2011: evening. 1 BULLFINCH, 1 MISTLE THRUSH (both Spynes). Paul Kerry
p.m. 1m POCHARD. Gordon Hay
a.m. In addition to earlier sightings: 1 COMMON BUZZARD (low over N.Marsh), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 TREECREEPER (1 Chil. Lane, 1 M.CP). Paul Kerry
06.35hrs-11.40hrs. 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 7 SHOVELER, 3 TEAL, 1 LAPWING (M.West), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 COMMON SNIPE (Moors), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 SPARROWHAWK, 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 2 SWALLOW, c30 SAND MARTIN, 1 SKYLARK, 11 CHIFFCHAFF, 5 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 7 BLACKCAP, 2m BULLFINCH, 14 LINNET, 2 REED BUNTING. Graham James
COMMON WHITETHROAT (P. Kerry)
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Thurs 7 Apr 2011: (A very probable Common Crane flew south yesterday over Colley Hill!) Colin Hutchinson via Dave Harris at SBC
early a.m.- early p.m. 1m SHELDUCK (Spynes), 6 GADWALL, 2 TEAL, 4 SHOVELER, 1f MALLARD (with 5 young M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 6 COMMON SNIPE (3 Spynes, 3 Moors), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), c60 SAND MARTIN (M.West), 1m PHEASANT (by Aqua Sports centre, M.CP - PK), 5 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 SPARROWHAWK (N.Ridge), 2 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 5 WILLOW WARBLER, 9 CHIFFCHAFF, 9 BLACKCAP, 1 LESSER REDPOLL (Cormongers Lane conifers), 5 BULLFINCH, 7 LINNET, 3 YELLOWHAMMER. (A newly-dead Badger amongst the sheep at N.Ridge - no obvious signs of injury!) Paul Kerry & Graham James
early a.m.1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Middle Pit), 7 BLACKCAP, 5 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 BLACKCAP, 7 GREY HERON (over), 2 LESSER REDPOLL (M.CP), 4 YELLOWHAMMER. (No sign of Black Redstart.) Gordon Hay
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Weds 6 April 2011: (1m Ring Ouzel, 2m & 1f Common Redstart & 10 Wheatears plus a Short-eared Owl at 20.20hrs at Canons Farm, Banstead today.) David Campbell et al
19.00hrs. 1f/imm BLACK REDSTART (still present at sheep paddocks, M.Farm). Neil Randon
early a.m. 1f/imm BLACK REDSTART (sheep paddocks, M.Farm), 1f WHITE WAGTAIL (horse paddocks, M.Farm), 1 COAL TIT (nr horse paddocks), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 COMMON WHITETHROAT (M.east), 3 COMMON SNIPE (M.east), 2 BULLFINCH (pair M.West), 1f SPARROWHAWK, 4 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 8 BLACKCAP, 2 SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW. Matt Farmer
06.40hrs-13.15hrs. 1f/imm BLACK REDSTART (still at sheep paddocks, M. Farm to 11.35hrs at least), 1 LITTLE EGRET (flew E from Moors), 3 COMMON WHITETHROAT (M.east), 12 WILLOW WARBLER, 9 CHIFFCHAFF, 7 BLACKCAP, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 1 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 2 SHOVELER (M.Wwest), 3 GADWALL, 1 LITTLE OWL (M.Farm), 2 SWALLOW, c60 SAND MARTIN (M.West), 1 COMMON BUZZARD (N.Ridge), 2 SPARROWHAWK (pair displaying N.Ridge), 1 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 MEADOW PIPIT (over WC mound), 2 GOLDCREST (M.CP), 1 COAL TIT (by Chil. Ponds), 2 YELLOWHAMMER (M.Farm), 2 REED BUNTING. Graham James
More photos and video on Local Photos blog.
BLACK REDSTART (G. James)
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Tues 5 Apr 2011: (12.15hrs. An Osprey over Godstone slowly drifting S and 2000+ Stock Doves in field off Coopers Hill Road, Nutfield early p.m.) Gordon Hay
(08.06hrs. 1m Ring Ouzel still at Legal & General playing field at Canons Farm, Banstead. Also a male Wheatear by Reads Rest Lane, Canons Farm at 12.26hrs.) David Campbell
p.m. 1f/imm BLACK REDSTART (sheep paddocks, M.Farm), 1m WHEATEAR (M.Farm). Jerry Blumire
p.m. 1f/imm BLACK REDSTART (sheep paddocks, M.Farm - found by GH - first for year), 1m WHEATEAR (M.Farm), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 SPARROWHAWK (M.West), 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Spynes), 2 SHOVELER, 2 TEAL. Gordon Hay, Graham James, Neil Randon & Paul Kerry
p.m. 200+ SAND MARTIN, c25 SWALLOW (all M.Lake), 3 PHEASANT (1m & 2f Chil.Farm), 1 GOLDCREST (singing in conifers behind Aqua Sports Centre), 8 BLACKCAP. Gordon Hay
a.m. 1m PEREGRINE (over WC, headed S over landfill at 08.05hrs), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (M.West), 5 SHOVELER, 2 GADWALL, 1 LAPWING (Spynes), 2 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 2 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), c70 SAND MARTIN (c60 WC2), 5 SWALLOW, 6 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 CHIFFCHAFF, 5 BLACKCAP, 2 REED BUNTING, 1 YELLOWHAMMER. Graham James
More photos and video on Local photos blog.
BLACK REDSTART (G. James)-------------------------WHEATEAR (P. Kerry)
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Mon 4 Apr 2011: (20.20hrs. A Barn Owl again at Canons Farm, Banstead.) message from David Campbell
early p.m. 1f WHITE WAGTAIL (near dung heaps M.Farm), 1m GREY WAGTAIL (M.West), c110 SAND MARTINS, 5 SWALLOW, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (hedge by horse paddocks M.Farm), 1 LITTLE OWL (Chil.Farm). Gordon Hay
a.m. 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Spynes/Middle Pit), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West). Neil Randon
06.55hrs-12.25hrs. 1 CURLEW (N.Ridge - flew from area by pool, headed towards Gatton at c10.45hrs), 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (Spynes/Middle Pit near cycle track - first for year & earliest local spring record), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West), 5 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 3 SNIPE, 2 LAPWING, 1m RED-CRESTED POCHARD (of unknown origin WC1), 2 SHELDUCK (pair M.West), 5 SHOVELER, 4 GADWALL, 2 TEAL, 4 WILLOW WARBLER, 10 CHIFFCHAFF, 9 BLACKCAP (inc. 2f), 2 LITTLE OWL, c20 SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW (PK), 2 SPARROWHAWK, 2 COMMON BUZZARD, c20 LINNET (WC mound), 2 YELLOWHAMMER. Graham James & Paul Kerry
early a.m. 1m RED-CRESTED POCHARD (of unknown origin WC1). Matt Farmer
COMMON WHITETHROAT (G. James)
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Sun 3 Apr 2011: (Male Ring Ouzel and f/imm Black Redstart at Canon's Farm, Banstead). David Campbell
07.05hrs-11.20hrs. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West - first for year), 1m 1st/s WHEATEAR (WC mound), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 2 SHELDUCK (pair M.West), 8+ GADWALL, 8 TEAL, 3 POCHARD (2m & 1f Spynes), 5 SHOVELER , 5 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 3 COMMON SNIPE (2 Spynes, 1 Moors), 2 LAPWING (Spynes), 4 COMMON BUZZARD (over Moors), 1 SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 6+ SAND MARTIN, 15+ CHIFFCHAFF, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 12+ BLACKCAP, 1 (poss. 2) TREECREEPER (M.CP). (55 species seen) Ian Kehl
a.m. 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (M.West - first for year), 5 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 1 TAWNY OWL (mobbed and flushed from bushes by A25, opposite Laporte works entrance), 1m 1st/s WHEATEAR (WC mound), 2 LAPWING, 2 COMMON SNIPE, 2 WILLOW WARBLER (1 M.east, 1 by railway WC), c20 BLACKCAP, 15 CHIFFCHAFF, c50 SAND MARTIN, 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 4 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 NUTHATCH (heard N.Ridge), 1 GOLDCREST, 8 TEAL, 6 GADWALL, 7 SHOVELER. Gordon Hay
c08.45hrs. 1 PEREGRINE (flew high N over N. Ridge.) Richard Bartlett
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Sat 2 Apr 2011: (13.35hrs. 2 Ring Ouzels at Canon's Farm, Banstead.) messages from Johnny Allan & David Campbell
p.m. 1m 1st/s WHEATEAR (still at short-grass area Moors), 54 SAND MARTIN, 5 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 COAL TIT (near Mill Cottage by M23), c160 STOCK DOVE (over - local movement). Gordon Hay
mid-p.m. 1m 1st/s WHEATEAR (Moors, still at short-grass area), 1 GREY WAGTAIL (WC1), 2 TEAL (WC1), 11 SHOVELER (WC1), 1 LAPWING (over WC mound). Graham James
mid-p.m. 1m 1st/s WHEATEAR (Moors, short grass area by WC mound - first for year), 1 LITTLE EGRET (Moors), 44 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 1 ROOK (landfill), 1 LAPWING (over WC mound). Thomas & Jerry Blumire
06.45hrs-09.15hrs. 3 SHELDUCK (2 flew high W over Moors, 1m Spynes), 5 GREEN SANDPIPER (together in bay at M.West), 13 SHOVELER, 5 GADWALL, 1 2nd/w GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (M.Lake), 1 KINGFISHER (M.Lake), 1 SPARROWHAWK, c25 SAND MARTIN (mainly M.West), 10 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER (M.east), 3m BLACKCAP (M.CP). 8 JAY. Graham James
WHEATEAR (G. James) ------------- -------------------- WHEATEAR (J. & T. Blumire)
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Fri 1 Apr 2011: late p.m. 1 TREECREEPER (M.West). Paul Kerry
early p.m. 1 RED KITE (over Middle Pit, drifted off S), 2 SHELDUCK (Spynes), 5 SWALLOW (M.West), 25+ SAND MARTIN (M.West), 1 WILLOW WARBLER (M.West), 1 POCHARD (Spynes), 1 KESTREL, 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 5 STOCK DOVE, 1 SKYLARK (all M.Farm), 3 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFCHAFF. Matt Farmer
a.m. 1 RED KITE (flew NNE over M.Farm/Spynes carrying food item at 08.32hrs), 1m PEREGRINE (over M.Lake at 08.10hrs - GH), 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 LITTLE EGRET (GH), 2 SHELDUCK (pair Spynes), 11 SHOVELER, 4 GADWALL, 4 POCHARD (Spynes), 3 TEAL (1 M.West, 2 over), 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (WC2), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (M.West), 1 LAPWING (M.West), 16+ SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 1 LITTLE OWL (oaks S of Spynes), 1 SKYLARK (M.Farm), 2 STOCK DOVE (M.Farm), 1 MISTLE THRUSH (M.CP), 1 REDWING (GH), 4m BLACKCAP, 3 WILLOW WARBLER, 12 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 LESSER REDPOLL (GH), 4 GOLDCREST (GH), 1 TREECREEPER (GH), c35 LINNET (WC mound), 1m BULLFINCH, 1 COMMON SNIPE (GH p.m.), 1 PHEASANT (GH p.m.). (69 species seen) Gordon Hay & Graham James
RED KITE (G. James) -
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