islington
BIRDWATCHING
 The
group makes trips to look at birds, with occasional
meetings to learn and discuss.Group Coordinator: Derek Harwood (click to contact) |
| When Two visits a month. One will be
more of a local visit, the other may be further
afield. So one should be shorter in duration, the
other longer, generally.
|
| Where Good places to look at birds and
enjoy nature in or near London and slightly
further afield.
|
The iU3A Birdwatching group was established
in December 2014, and we now have over fifty signed up
members, ranging from complete beginners to a few with
several years' experience of birdwatching. However,
generally there are no more than about six on each visit.
New members are welcome, whatever their level of
expertise. We also welcome anyone with a broad interest in
nature, wildlife or other aspects of the countryside which
they would like to share or extend. Group members share
ideas they have for outings, and we do our best to follow
up all of them.
The emphasis is very much on getting out and
enjoying nature and birds in particular. We may also have
a few indoor meetings from time to time to share
experiences and perhaps also to hear expert speakers. It
depends entirely on what the group would like.
If you want to join the group and you are
already a iU3A member then you can sign up through Beacon
here. If you are not a member of
Islington U3A then you need to join that firstly. Go to
the Join Us web page and
download the Membership form.
Other
Information
British Bird List If you want to
print out a list for use during your visits to allow
ticking off what you see then the list is here.
Or to see what we've spotted on our previous
visits:
2017-18 look here
2018-19 look here
2019-20 look here.
To help plan your own trips, or to inspire suggestions for our visits, you might want to look at the London Bird Club Wiki here. To enjoy our bird visits to the maximum you will need decent binoculars (8×25 or 8×42 or 10 x 42 or 10 x 50 are good). The first number tells you the magnification (ie 8 or 10 times bigger), the second number is the size of the 'objective' (larger) lens which determines the amount of light (sharpness) of the image. Bigger numbers also mean bigger weight. There are also two forms — porro prism (offset lenses) or roof prism (in-line lenses). Porro type are generally cheaper but larger/heavier.
Appropriate footwear and rain gear if the weather threatens. Each of our visits will have a maximum of 10 participants (but normally we are a lot less than that).
Birds on the Edge — see here for information of birds at risk. To read the quarterly magazine from WWT, click here.
Also see the following link here to the local RSPB web page regarding their recent visits (to be updated).
To follow what the London Wildlife Trust are up to have a look here.
If you want to hear some particular bird song or call try using this site: here.
And to end, just a bit of humour, have a look at this video clip here. And another one: here.
What can you see in your back garden? See some goldfinches here.
Blogs
This is a new section to provide some learning material in bite-size easy format. They are in no particular order.
Thurrock Thameside: never the best time of year for birdwatching we thought as we set off from East Tilbury — a hot day, loads of vegetation, no migratory birds — but it turned out rather well. It's a bit of a trudge in, over three miles, but we passed some interesting old gravel pits (with low water levels following the drought) with great open skies. Having reached the Reserve Centre for refreshments we were initially disappointed as the tide was in. However it was on the turn and as the water level quickly dropped we were soon viewing avocets, shelduck, egrets, in great quantities. A count overall of 37 was quite a surprise but shows what can be achieved even at this time of year. It could have been higher if we'd been able to verify the various sightings of birds of prey. We would have then added a falcon, buzzard and sparrowhawk.
Fisher Green, Cheshunt: on a very hot day, we returned after a year since our last visit, to the Lee Valley. We started from Cheshunt and weaved our way to the Discovery Centre at Fisher Green. Never the best time of year (too much foliage) and with the heat the birdlife, sensibly, was hiding in the shade. However we still had a reasonable count and it was very tranquil. But after our picnic at the Discovery Centre it was time for the humans to head for shade as well with another weave through the various paths and canalside back to Cheshunt.
Brent Reservior: we tried again to reach the Welsh Harp and this time trains were running. Not many came, possibly due to the very hot weather. One hide was locked but the other (in the North end) was open. A reasonable range of 'spots' was achieved.
Regent's Park: the hot weather meant a change of plan and a visit back to Regent's Park.
Woodberry Downs: we returned for our monthly local visit to our most local reserve. The highlights at this time of year are terns and reed warblers — many noisy reed warblers! With the number of them, these normally elusive birds could be spotted, unlike the Cetti's warbler which as always was heard but not spotted. Always a good stroll with a good cafe at the end.
Rainham Marshes: this day was hot, but with a bit of a northerly breeze, so was perfect. Rainham is always a good visit but this time proved particularly successful with 45 species spotted. Whitethroat was a good spot but also nice seeing the marsh harriers dive bombing the gulls.
Regents Park: strangely a low turnout but for those attending a good visit with 37 different birds including a woodpecker and a rare visitor, not seen for two years there, an Iberian Chiffchaff — we came across a small group of twitchers who’d rushed to see and hear it and pointed it out to us. How about that!
Rye Meads: we'd failed to get to
this RSPB reserve for our last visit due to travel
disruption but we were keen to try again this time and
catch the kingfisher at fledgling time. And we were not
disappointed. We had to wait patiently for 40 minutes
before suddenly there was a quick flash of iridescent
blue and a pose for us on a branch just in front of the
hide. Well worth the wait. Thanks to Jenny for the
photos. Even if we hadn't seen the kingfisher it would
have been a good visit with 40 species spotted. A
special welcome also to the two new group members!
Walthamstow Wetlands: due to disruption on the train line we didn't go to Rye Meads in April but instead diverted to Walthamstow Wetlands. However, it turned out as a very good visit with 39 species being spotted — our highest count at this location.
Woodberry Downs: we hadn't been back to our most local reserve for some time. And it actually was quite productive with 18 species being ticked off. Nothing too unusual but our first seasonal chiffchaffs and cetti's warblers. Even the humble dunnock caused a stir when we thought it might be something more exotic.
Thames Southside: a new location for us to visit, this turned out rather well. We travelled to Abbeywood, and from there had a bit of urban walking but through parkland to South Mere. An interesting spot with some good ducks. From there it was a short further walk down to the Thames. Immediately we were presented with mudflats full of shelduck and teal in the tens, if not quite the hundreds, stretching as far as the eye could see. We moved east with a continual view of teal and shelduck. The old Victorian buildings of the Crossness Sewage Treatment plant proved an interesting backdrop whereas the new modern plant provided a constant whiff. However it also provided at one point a warm outflow which was a hot spot for birds and very close up for great viewing. The highlights here were godwits, curlew, oystercatchers, sandpipers apart from many types of ducks. After that we turned inland through Crossness Nature Reserve to Morgan's for lunch, then afterwards we walked out to Belvedere station. A count of 35 is by itself one of our record highs, but in addition the high numbers that we saw made it a great day out.
Stoker's Lake: a nice sunny day for eight of us to visit Stoker's. We were rewarded with our highest spot count at this location — 31. Which included a goldeneye!
Walthamstow Wetlands: we hadn't been here for a while but it proved to be a welcome return. The weather helped, a lovely clear day. Good to have new group members with us. The highlight was spotting the peregrine falcon — often seen here but not at our last visit. Great debate about a fleeting LBJ but we concluded it was a greenfinch (now on the amber at risk list).
Brighton: this was our our annual pilgrimage (excluding the Covid years) to see the starling murmurations. This year the weather was better than previous years, cold but no rain or high winds. To start the visit we all enjoyed a good fish lunch at the Regency then killed some time in the Lanes or otherwise, waiting for dusk. We waited patiently on the Main Pier as, first just a few, then more of the starlings, gathered and started their weird swooping dance. Apparently they do it as they love it. Or some say it's to build up body heat before they settle down for the night. Whatever the reason it is a spectacular sight. The numbers were probably down on previous years, and the duration also seemed shorter. However, still a remarkable sight. Within half an hour the sights were gone and they were all roosting and we headed for our home.
Barnes Wetlands: we hadn't been to this WWT reserve for a while and with Hammersmith Bridge still closed getting there is a bit trickier. However it was worth it — with 35 species being spotted. Reed bunting was possibly the rarest sighting. Lots of widgeon and teal. We'll not leave it so long until we return again.
Chingford, Connaught Water: this was a pleasant walk via the Visitor Centre to the lake at the edge of Epping Forest. As we walked through the Forest we spotted a few things but it was as we circumnavigated the lake that we saw most. Never before have we seen so many mallards! Or even mandarin ducks (18). But the highlights were spotting a pair of goosander and then a kingfisher. Service was a bit sporadic at the cafe but nevertheless we enjoyed the mince pies.
Thurrock, Essex: this always proves to be a slow burner of a visit. It starts slowly as we walk from Tilbury East, but our sightings slowly accumulate and we always end up with a high count. As we did for this visit. There weren't many ducks on the many gravel pits that we weaved around. Plenty of teal and tufties. Many goldfinches and long tailed tits. Some saw a kestrel briefly. Weather was cold but dry. Unfortunately the tide was in; it's always better when the tide is out and more mudflats exposed. On the way to the Centre identification (with the help from others) of a stonechat was a high spot. From the warmth of the Centre activity wasn't that great (apart from a greenfinch on the feeder) but many shelducks started to gather and appear as the tide ebbed. 34 was our final count as we walked out to Stanford-le-Hope.
Camley
Gardens: eventually this reserve has opened again
after its major visitor centre refurbishment. A group of
us were keen to see the new facilities and hoped that
the grounds hadn't been disturbed by the building works.
We were not disappointed. It's a small space but you can
lose yourself and not realise you are in the middle of a
big city. The heron seemed oblivious to us. A place to
pop into even if you have just 10 minutes to spare when
at King's Cross.
Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, October: not the best time of year to visit with no migratory birds and too much foliage on the bushes. However, we enjoyed the trip and were glad to see that one of the hides had been rebuilt. There was plenty of what we did see teals, lapwings, even curlews — with a count of 23 species overall. The weather was also kind to us.
Wanstead,
September: on a glorious September day 11 of us
went to this destination. We'd not been to Wanstead
'Park' before, only the 'Flats', which hadn't proved
particularly rewarding; so it had been some time since
the group visited Wanstead. Our leaders Janet and Alison
(Alison's last before moving to NI) took us along the
'canal' and passed the perch, heronry and Shoulder of
Mutton ponds. Great debate about the ducks. Teal at this
time of year? Was it a water rail (or cross rail...)? We
passed the grotto and the Temple (nothing remaining of
the original manor house). Great photo framing of a
heron, egret and swans. We'd heard that a hobby had been
sighted but try as we could, only closely resembling
pigeons were spotted. A good snack at the 'Hut' and then
a stroll back to the station. We won't leave it so long
before we return for another visit.
Woodberry Downs, September: five of us had a pleasant return visit to Woodbury wetlands. Four walked as a group and the fifth person, a late arrival, caught us up at the end and had the delight of seeing a green woodpecker, which the rest of us missed. Other highlights of the 28 species seen were reed and willow warblers and great crested grebe. We ended at the cafe, now open, enjoying coffee and cake to wish Alison T well for her move to Ireland.
Rainham, August: We were glad to get out, back to one of our favourite locations. Of course like all reserves at this time of year and with the reserve being shut for a long time there was a lot of foliage growth everywhere, making spotting a bit harder. However, we still made a count of 37 species, the water rail probably being the highlight. We thought we'd seen the marsh harriers, for they are often seen here, but in the end collectively decided we hadn't — just more gulls. On our way back to the visitor centre via the estuary we did get some good sightings of many avocets and black tailed godwits. A good ending to a good visit.
Olympic Park, August: Seven of us met at Highbury and took the Overground to Stratford where we decided we would begin by travelling to Bow Creek to catch the tide as low as possible. We didn’t see wading birds at Bow Creek as the tide was too high (low tide was at 7.00am). Afterwards we returned to Stratford and visited the Waterglades area. Our one excitement was seeing a water rail in the water glades at Olympic Park, though no woodpeckers, which we have seen there before. The weather was mainly kind: we had a bit of rain at Bow Creek and then an extremely heavy shower when we were safely on the Jubilee Line.
Brent Reservoir/Welsh Harp, July: Five of us went to this part of North London and we saw 24 species. It's a little bit of green and blue space tucked in between urban spread. We were lucky in that the first hide (before the bridge) was locked, but we met the key-holder on our return, and he let us (two, then three) in.
Fisher Green, Lee Valley, July: There is a new Discovery Centre at Fisher Green which we thought we'd go and take a look at, and see some birds on the way. From Cheshunt station we were straight into the Lea Valley Park and we strolled to the centre. It is very smart with a tower to give good views over the scrape. From there after our picnic lunch we took a different route back to Cheshunt.
Clissold Park and Abney Cemetery, June: From the main house we strolled down to the ponds and then on to Abney cemetery. Always an interesting place but not too good for bird spotting: too much growth between the headstones and mausoleums.
Stoker's Lake, June: We headed out to Rickmansworth and Stoker’s Lake. It's a bit of a trek to actually get there and disruption on the Met line didn't help. But it was a sunny afternoon and it was a pleasant stroll along the Grand Union canal to the lake. We found a quite tranquil spot on the north side this time. Nothing too startling spotted but with a count overall of 24. Certainly plenty of sounds but too much greenery now to spot where many of the songs were coming from.
Regent's Park, May: We always have a successful visit to this easy-to-reach destination. Of course there is the extra attraction of the foreign enclosure to see some more exotic or different birds. But even for British birds the count was a healthy 33.
Thurrock Thameside, May 2021: We always seem to get rain when we visit Thurrock. However, it was only a bit of drizzle this time. It's always something of a trek in from East Tilbury but we saw a few interesting things and heard lots more. There were plenty of swifts about and also house martins. While we'd expected the Centre to be still partly closed (due to Covid precautions) it was actually basically fully open, so that was a bonus. The tide was in however so we didn't see so many estuary birds as we have previously from the Centre, but the greenfinch on the feeder was a highlight. It was a smartish walk out before any more rain came in but our count kept creeping up, including a stonechat, ending in a healthy 30. Not bad!
Walthamstow Wetlands, April 2021: With the end of Lockdown 3 we were about to get out again. We kept it simple and just returned to this local reserve. But, as we were a biggish group all keen to get out and about again, we had a very good count. Many eyes make light works (or something).
Walthamstow Wetlands, December 2020: Although we were in Tier 3 we were keen to get out for some fresh air and it certainly was a bit breezy. As we were a bit early for the opening of the Wetlands we diverted to The Paddock on the other side of the road. This piece of overgrown ground has been through a bit of a makeover (either by local volunteers or maybe by local developers putting some money into this green space), and it seemed a good place for longtailed tits. In the Wetlands we didn't see anything spectacular but the count ended up as 26, which is quite reasonable.
Two Tree
Island, Leigh on Sea: Luckily
Essex is Covid Tier 2 also so we could travel out to
this good birding location. We are never disappointed
with Two Tree Island — it's only a question of how good
it will be. The weather threatened rain but 10 of us set
off from Leigh-on-Sea station along the creek to the
bridge on to Two Tree. Even at this early point we
always start to get a feel for how good the visit will
be, and this time at the bridge we immediately spotted
many teal, a couple of redshanks, an egret and a curlew.
So things were looking good. We knew the hot spot would
be at the western end of the island at the lagoon so we
tried not to linger too long on the way out; but the
cries of the curlews and redshanks kept us popping to
the creek bank to see what was there. Not the quantities
we've seen in the past but still the variety. Reaching
the lagoon we were not disappointed. Avocets, lapwings,
greenshanks, snipe and godwits were all there. We
managed to tear ourselves away and turned to head back.
The Benfleet creek offered us good sightings of more
curlews, a few sanderlings and some brent geese. Not to
mention all the regular more normal sightings. Apart
from a very light shower the rain stayed away and the
Golf Café was open to end the visit with a bacon roll.
Bliss!
Rye Meads: It was good to get back to this RSPB reserve following their reopening. However, soon we were less happy when we discovered that only three of the hides were open and these had such restrictive entrance limits that we didn't get into any. The other problem, not encountered previously here, was the number of mosquitoes around. For those in shorts (to appreciate the late summer sun) we were an attractive meal for them. Not getting into the hides meant we couldn't view some of the large lagoons and hence this limited our sightings. We were in two minds about turning back and giving up but we thought we would do the complete circuit, going through the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust's section. This proved to be a wise decision — the quantity of midges was less and we had our best sighting over this back section, including three (or was it four) marsh harriers swooping down and round. Then some saw the local Kestrel as well, so we ended with a respectable 20 species sightings. The meal deals at the local pub also changed it from a dubious start to a good day out.
Previous Visits
For a record of our other visits you can see the reports by the following links:
2019/20 here
2018/19 here
2017/18 here
2016/17 here
2015/16 here
2017-18 look here
2018-19 look here
2019-20 look here.
To help plan your own trips, or to inspire suggestions for our visits, you might want to look at the London Bird Club Wiki here. To enjoy our bird visits to the maximum you will need decent binoculars (8×25 or 8×42 or 10 x 42 or 10 x 50 are good). The first number tells you the magnification (ie 8 or 10 times bigger), the second number is the size of the 'objective' (larger) lens which determines the amount of light (sharpness) of the image. Bigger numbers also mean bigger weight. There are also two forms — porro prism (offset lenses) or roof prism (in-line lenses). Porro type are generally cheaper but larger/heavier.
Appropriate footwear and rain gear if the weather threatens. Each of our visits will have a maximum of 10 participants (but normally we are a lot less than that).
Birds on the Edge — see here for information of birds at risk. To read the quarterly magazine from WWT, click here.
Also see the following link here to the local RSPB web page regarding their recent visits (to be updated).
To follow what the London Wildlife Trust are up to have a look here.
If you want to hear some particular bird song or call try using this site: here.
And to end, just a bit of humour, have a look at this video clip here. And another one: here.
What can you see in your back garden? See some goldfinches here.
Blogs
This is a new section to provide some learning material in bite-size easy format. They are in no particular order.
- Seeing Red (redwings, redstarts & redshanks) here
- Preying (identifying between birds of prey) here
- Gulling About (or more about gulls) here
Monday 10 October, Epping Forrest:
we’ll return to Chingford and the south corner of
Epping Forest, visiting Warren Pond and Connaught
Water. Two to three miles walk in total. Meet
outside Highbury & Islington station by 9.10
to get to Walthamstow in time to catch the 9.48 to
Chingford, arrives 10.02. Chingford is in Zone 5
(Freedom Pass applies). We’ll aim to back to the cafe
near Chingford at the end of the walk by about
1.00-1.30pm in time for late lunch/snack. No need to
book, but if you’re travelling at a different time or
by other means to Chingford please e-mail or text the
leader: Janet Drake ejanetdrake@googlemail.com.
07980223872
Friday 21 October, Walthamstow Wetlands: this will be a local outing to Walthamstow reservoirs which are five minutes walk from Tottenham Hale station along Ferry Lane. We'll meet outside Tottenham Hale tube station by 10.00am. Walthamstow Reservoirs are an important part of the system for supplying London's water. Some of them are quite 'hard-edged' and not so great for birds. Others are much softer-edged and there are islands and so forth, so that overall it's a very good place for birds. We'll see a good variety of ducks, herons, cormorants, kingfishers if we're lucky, and some other species including perhaps some less common ones. For the visit, you can stop to look at birds almost from the entrance but there is also a walk of about a mile and a half round the best bits for birds. You can do as much or as little as you like and stay for as much or as little time as suits you. However we'll probably finish by 12.30pm and then it's a choice if you want to stay for coffee or lunch. No need to book, but if you’re travelling at a different time or by other means please e-mail or text the leader: Janet Drake ejanetdrake@googlemail.com. 07980223872
Friday 11 November, Rye Meads: this is an RSPB reserve but entry is normally free (you can make a donation). You can hire binoculars there for a small sum. There are toilets there. At the reserve the terrain is mostly level, the paths may be a little muddy if there's been rain, but ordinary 'sensible' shoes will be fine. Maximum walking distance is about two miles in all. We expect to see and hear a good range of woodland and water birds.
Meet by 9.45am outside Tottenham Hale train station — for the 9.55 train to Rye House which takes about 25 mins. If you have a Freedom Pass, you can buy a Zone 6 extension off peak day return from Enfield Lock to Rye House for about £4.75 with a Senior Rail card, £7.20 without one. We should be finished at the reserve by 2.00pm so you can depart then or some of us will probably cross the road to the pub at the end for lunch. Trains back are every 30 minutes (20 and 50 past the hour). Just turn up on the day if you want to attend.
Monday 28 November: details to follow
Other provisional dates:
Later dates in 2022 and 2023 yet to be fixed.
Recent VisitsFriday 21 October, Walthamstow Wetlands: this will be a local outing to Walthamstow reservoirs which are five minutes walk from Tottenham Hale station along Ferry Lane. We'll meet outside Tottenham Hale tube station by 10.00am. Walthamstow Reservoirs are an important part of the system for supplying London's water. Some of them are quite 'hard-edged' and not so great for birds. Others are much softer-edged and there are islands and so forth, so that overall it's a very good place for birds. We'll see a good variety of ducks, herons, cormorants, kingfishers if we're lucky, and some other species including perhaps some less common ones. For the visit, you can stop to look at birds almost from the entrance but there is also a walk of about a mile and a half round the best bits for birds. You can do as much or as little as you like and stay for as much or as little time as suits you. However we'll probably finish by 12.30pm and then it's a choice if you want to stay for coffee or lunch. No need to book, but if you’re travelling at a different time or by other means please e-mail or text the leader: Janet Drake ejanetdrake@googlemail.com. 07980223872
Friday 11 November, Rye Meads: this is an RSPB reserve but entry is normally free (you can make a donation). You can hire binoculars there for a small sum. There are toilets there. At the reserve the terrain is mostly level, the paths may be a little muddy if there's been rain, but ordinary 'sensible' shoes will be fine. Maximum walking distance is about two miles in all. We expect to see and hear a good range of woodland and water birds.
Meet by 9.45am outside Tottenham Hale train station — for the 9.55 train to Rye House which takes about 25 mins. If you have a Freedom Pass, you can buy a Zone 6 extension off peak day return from Enfield Lock to Rye House for about £4.75 with a Senior Rail card, £7.20 without one. We should be finished at the reserve by 2.00pm so you can depart then or some of us will probably cross the road to the pub at the end for lunch. Trains back are every 30 minutes (20 and 50 past the hour). Just turn up on the day if you want to attend.
Monday 28 November: details to follow
Other provisional dates:
Later dates in 2022 and 2023 yet to be fixed.
Crossness: we
returned to the south side of the Thames and used the
new Elizabeth line to get quickly to the start point
at Abbeywood. We walked through Southmere Park to see
the ducks on the Mere, then cut down to the Thames
Path on the estuary. The tide was out so we were
greeted with the sight of many birds feeding on the
mudflats. Not only were there many shelducks and
lapwings but also many godwits. We strolled along east
past Crossness pumping station (holding our noses)
before turning inland through Crossness Nature Reserve
to the pub for a late lunch then home. A good count of
36 including sparrowhawk and kestrel. We even beat the
rain home.
Woodberry Downs: our local visit this month was to this favourite reserve. Water levels still seemed low as we strolled around the reservoir. Not too many woodland birds were spotted but a good range of ducks, including many grebes (small and great crested). There were also many pochards (reminding us of Chris's work on their migration paths) but with widgeon also there, providing an identification challenge.
Woodberry Downs: our local visit this month was to this favourite reserve. Water levels still seemed low as we strolled around the reservoir. Not too many woodland birds were spotted but a good range of ducks, including many grebes (small and great crested). There were also many pochards (reminding us of Chris's work on their migration paths) but with widgeon also there, providing an identification challenge.
Thurrock Thameside: never the best time of year for birdwatching we thought as we set off from East Tilbury — a hot day, loads of vegetation, no migratory birds — but it turned out rather well. It's a bit of a trudge in, over three miles, but we passed some interesting old gravel pits (with low water levels following the drought) with great open skies. Having reached the Reserve Centre for refreshments we were initially disappointed as the tide was in. However it was on the turn and as the water level quickly dropped we were soon viewing avocets, shelduck, egrets, in great quantities. A count overall of 37 was quite a surprise but shows what can be achieved even at this time of year. It could have been higher if we'd been able to verify the various sightings of birds of prey. We would have then added a falcon, buzzard and sparrowhawk.
Fisher Green, Cheshunt: on a very hot day, we returned after a year since our last visit, to the Lee Valley. We started from Cheshunt and weaved our way to the Discovery Centre at Fisher Green. Never the best time of year (too much foliage) and with the heat the birdlife, sensibly, was hiding in the shade. However we still had a reasonable count and it was very tranquil. But after our picnic at the Discovery Centre it was time for the humans to head for shade as well with another weave through the various paths and canalside back to Cheshunt.
Brent Reservior: we tried again to reach the Welsh Harp and this time trains were running. Not many came, possibly due to the very hot weather. One hide was locked but the other (in the North end) was open. A reasonable range of 'spots' was achieved.
Regent's Park: the hot weather meant a change of plan and a visit back to Regent's Park.
Woodberry Downs: we returned for our monthly local visit to our most local reserve. The highlights at this time of year are terns and reed warblers — many noisy reed warblers! With the number of them, these normally elusive birds could be spotted, unlike the Cetti's warbler which as always was heard but not spotted. Always a good stroll with a good cafe at the end.
Rainham Marshes: this day was hot, but with a bit of a northerly breeze, so was perfect. Rainham is always a good visit but this time proved particularly successful with 45 species spotted. Whitethroat was a good spot but also nice seeing the marsh harriers dive bombing the gulls.
Regents Park: strangely a low turnout but for those attending a good visit with 37 different birds including a woodpecker and a rare visitor, not seen for two years there, an Iberian Chiffchaff — we came across a small group of twitchers who’d rushed to see and hear it and pointed it out to us. How about that!
Rye Meads: we'd failed to get to
this RSPB reserve for our last visit due to travel
disruption but we were keen to try again this time and
catch the kingfisher at fledgling time. And we were not
disappointed. We had to wait patiently for 40 minutes
before suddenly there was a quick flash of iridescent
blue and a pose for us on a branch just in front of the
hide. Well worth the wait. Thanks to Jenny for the
photos. Even if we hadn't seen the kingfisher it would
have been a good visit with 40 species spotted. A
special welcome also to the two new group members!Walthamstow Wetlands: due to disruption on the train line we didn't go to Rye Meads in April but instead diverted to Walthamstow Wetlands. However, it turned out as a very good visit with 39 species being spotted — our highest count at this location.
Woodberry Downs: we hadn't been back to our most local reserve for some time. And it actually was quite productive with 18 species being ticked off. Nothing too unusual but our first seasonal chiffchaffs and cetti's warblers. Even the humble dunnock caused a stir when we thought it might be something more exotic.
Thames Southside: a new location for us to visit, this turned out rather well. We travelled to Abbeywood, and from there had a bit of urban walking but through parkland to South Mere. An interesting spot with some good ducks. From there it was a short further walk down to the Thames. Immediately we were presented with mudflats full of shelduck and teal in the tens, if not quite the hundreds, stretching as far as the eye could see. We moved east with a continual view of teal and shelduck. The old Victorian buildings of the Crossness Sewage Treatment plant proved an interesting backdrop whereas the new modern plant provided a constant whiff. However it also provided at one point a warm outflow which was a hot spot for birds and very close up for great viewing. The highlights here were godwits, curlew, oystercatchers, sandpipers apart from many types of ducks. After that we turned inland through Crossness Nature Reserve to Morgan's for lunch, then afterwards we walked out to Belvedere station. A count of 35 is by itself one of our record highs, but in addition the high numbers that we saw made it a great day out.
Stoker's Lake: a nice sunny day for eight of us to visit Stoker's. We were rewarded with our highest spot count at this location — 31. Which included a goldeneye!
Walthamstow Wetlands: we hadn't been here for a while but it proved to be a welcome return. The weather helped, a lovely clear day. Good to have new group members with us. The highlight was spotting the peregrine falcon — often seen here but not at our last visit. Great debate about a fleeting LBJ but we concluded it was a greenfinch (now on the amber at risk list).
Brighton: this was our our annual pilgrimage (excluding the Covid years) to see the starling murmurations. This year the weather was better than previous years, cold but no rain or high winds. To start the visit we all enjoyed a good fish lunch at the Regency then killed some time in the Lanes or otherwise, waiting for dusk. We waited patiently on the Main Pier as, first just a few, then more of the starlings, gathered and started their weird swooping dance. Apparently they do it as they love it. Or some say it's to build up body heat before they settle down for the night. Whatever the reason it is a spectacular sight. The numbers were probably down on previous years, and the duration also seemed shorter. However, still a remarkable sight. Within half an hour the sights were gone and they were all roosting and we headed for our home.
Barnes Wetlands: we hadn't been to this WWT reserve for a while and with Hammersmith Bridge still closed getting there is a bit trickier. However it was worth it — with 35 species being spotted. Reed bunting was possibly the rarest sighting. Lots of widgeon and teal. We'll not leave it so long until we return again.
Chingford, Connaught Water: this was a pleasant walk via the Visitor Centre to the lake at the edge of Epping Forest. As we walked through the Forest we spotted a few things but it was as we circumnavigated the lake that we saw most. Never before have we seen so many mallards! Or even mandarin ducks (18). But the highlights were spotting a pair of goosander and then a kingfisher. Service was a bit sporadic at the cafe but nevertheless we enjoyed the mince pies.
Thurrock, Essex: this always proves to be a slow burner of a visit. It starts slowly as we walk from Tilbury East, but our sightings slowly accumulate and we always end up with a high count. As we did for this visit. There weren't many ducks on the many gravel pits that we weaved around. Plenty of teal and tufties. Many goldfinches and long tailed tits. Some saw a kestrel briefly. Weather was cold but dry. Unfortunately the tide was in; it's always better when the tide is out and more mudflats exposed. On the way to the Centre identification (with the help from others) of a stonechat was a high spot. From the warmth of the Centre activity wasn't that great (apart from a greenfinch on the feeder) but many shelducks started to gather and appear as the tide ebbed. 34 was our final count as we walked out to Stanford-le-Hope.
Camley
Gardens: eventually this reserve has opened again
after its major visitor centre refurbishment. A group of
us were keen to see the new facilities and hoped that
the grounds hadn't been disturbed by the building works.
We were not disappointed. It's a small space but you can
lose yourself and not realise you are in the middle of a
big city. The heron seemed oblivious to us. A place to
pop into even if you have just 10 minutes to spare when
at King's Cross.Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, October: not the best time of year to visit with no migratory birds and too much foliage on the bushes. However, we enjoyed the trip and were glad to see that one of the hides had been rebuilt. There was plenty of what we did see teals, lapwings, even curlews — with a count of 23 species overall. The weather was also kind to us.
Wanstead,
September: on a glorious September day 11 of us
went to this destination. We'd not been to Wanstead
'Park' before, only the 'Flats', which hadn't proved
particularly rewarding; so it had been some time since
the group visited Wanstead. Our leaders Janet and Alison
(Alison's last before moving to NI) took us along the
'canal' and passed the perch, heronry and Shoulder of
Mutton ponds. Great debate about the ducks. Teal at this
time of year? Was it a water rail (or cross rail...)? We
passed the grotto and the Temple (nothing remaining of
the original manor house). Great photo framing of a
heron, egret and swans. We'd heard that a hobby had been
sighted but try as we could, only closely resembling
pigeons were spotted. A good snack at the 'Hut' and then
a stroll back to the station. We won't leave it so long
before we return for another visit.Woodberry Downs, September: five of us had a pleasant return visit to Woodbury wetlands. Four walked as a group and the fifth person, a late arrival, caught us up at the end and had the delight of seeing a green woodpecker, which the rest of us missed. Other highlights of the 28 species seen were reed and willow warblers and great crested grebe. We ended at the cafe, now open, enjoying coffee and cake to wish Alison T well for her move to Ireland.
Rainham, August: We were glad to get out, back to one of our favourite locations. Of course like all reserves at this time of year and with the reserve being shut for a long time there was a lot of foliage growth everywhere, making spotting a bit harder. However, we still made a count of 37 species, the water rail probably being the highlight. We thought we'd seen the marsh harriers, for they are often seen here, but in the end collectively decided we hadn't — just more gulls. On our way back to the visitor centre via the estuary we did get some good sightings of many avocets and black tailed godwits. A good ending to a good visit.
Olympic Park, August: Seven of us met at Highbury and took the Overground to Stratford where we decided we would begin by travelling to Bow Creek to catch the tide as low as possible. We didn’t see wading birds at Bow Creek as the tide was too high (low tide was at 7.00am). Afterwards we returned to Stratford and visited the Waterglades area. Our one excitement was seeing a water rail in the water glades at Olympic Park, though no woodpeckers, which we have seen there before. The weather was mainly kind: we had a bit of rain at Bow Creek and then an extremely heavy shower when we were safely on the Jubilee Line.
Brent Reservoir/Welsh Harp, July: Five of us went to this part of North London and we saw 24 species. It's a little bit of green and blue space tucked in between urban spread. We were lucky in that the first hide (before the bridge) was locked, but we met the key-holder on our return, and he let us (two, then three) in.
Fisher Green, Lee Valley, July: There is a new Discovery Centre at Fisher Green which we thought we'd go and take a look at, and see some birds on the way. From Cheshunt station we were straight into the Lea Valley Park and we strolled to the centre. It is very smart with a tower to give good views over the scrape. From there after our picnic lunch we took a different route back to Cheshunt.
Clissold Park and Abney Cemetery, June: From the main house we strolled down to the ponds and then on to Abney cemetery. Always an interesting place but not too good for bird spotting: too much growth between the headstones and mausoleums.
Stoker's Lake, June: We headed out to Rickmansworth and Stoker’s Lake. It's a bit of a trek to actually get there and disruption on the Met line didn't help. But it was a sunny afternoon and it was a pleasant stroll along the Grand Union canal to the lake. We found a quite tranquil spot on the north side this time. Nothing too startling spotted but with a count overall of 24. Certainly plenty of sounds but too much greenery now to spot where many of the songs were coming from.
Regent's Park, May: We always have a successful visit to this easy-to-reach destination. Of course there is the extra attraction of the foreign enclosure to see some more exotic or different birds. But even for British birds the count was a healthy 33.
Thurrock Thameside, May 2021: We always seem to get rain when we visit Thurrock. However, it was only a bit of drizzle this time. It's always something of a trek in from East Tilbury but we saw a few interesting things and heard lots more. There were plenty of swifts about and also house martins. While we'd expected the Centre to be still partly closed (due to Covid precautions) it was actually basically fully open, so that was a bonus. The tide was in however so we didn't see so many estuary birds as we have previously from the Centre, but the greenfinch on the feeder was a highlight. It was a smartish walk out before any more rain came in but our count kept creeping up, including a stonechat, ending in a healthy 30. Not bad!
Walthamstow Wetlands, April 2021: With the end of Lockdown 3 we were about to get out again. We kept it simple and just returned to this local reserve. But, as we were a biggish group all keen to get out and about again, we had a very good count. Many eyes make light works (or something).
Walthamstow Wetlands, December 2020: Although we were in Tier 3 we were keen to get out for some fresh air and it certainly was a bit breezy. As we were a bit early for the opening of the Wetlands we diverted to The Paddock on the other side of the road. This piece of overgrown ground has been through a bit of a makeover (either by local volunteers or maybe by local developers putting some money into this green space), and it seemed a good place for longtailed tits. In the Wetlands we didn't see anything spectacular but the count ended up as 26, which is quite reasonable.
Two Tree
Island, Leigh on Sea: Luckily
Essex is Covid Tier 2 also so we could travel out to
this good birding location. We are never disappointed
with Two Tree Island — it's only a question of how good
it will be. The weather threatened rain but 10 of us set
off from Leigh-on-Sea station along the creek to the
bridge on to Two Tree. Even at this early point we
always start to get a feel for how good the visit will
be, and this time at the bridge we immediately spotted
many teal, a couple of redshanks, an egret and a curlew.
So things were looking good. We knew the hot spot would
be at the western end of the island at the lagoon so we
tried not to linger too long on the way out; but the
cries of the curlews and redshanks kept us popping to
the creek bank to see what was there. Not the quantities
we've seen in the past but still the variety. Reaching
the lagoon we were not disappointed. Avocets, lapwings,
greenshanks, snipe and godwits were all there. We
managed to tear ourselves away and turned to head back.
The Benfleet creek offered us good sightings of more
curlews, a few sanderlings and some brent geese. Not to
mention all the regular more normal sightings. Apart
from a very light shower the rain stayed away and the
Golf Café was open to end the visit with a bacon roll.
Bliss! Rye Meads: It was good to get back to this RSPB reserve following their reopening. However, soon we were less happy when we discovered that only three of the hides were open and these had such restrictive entrance limits that we didn't get into any. The other problem, not encountered previously here, was the number of mosquitoes around. For those in shorts (to appreciate the late summer sun) we were an attractive meal for them. Not getting into the hides meant we couldn't view some of the large lagoons and hence this limited our sightings. We were in two minds about turning back and giving up but we thought we would do the complete circuit, going through the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust's section. This proved to be a wise decision — the quantity of midges was less and we had our best sighting over this back section, including three (or was it four) marsh harriers swooping down and round. Then some saw the local Kestrel as well, so we ended with a respectable 20 species sightings. The meal deals at the local pub also changed it from a dubious start to a good day out.
Previous Visits
For a record of our other visits you can see the reports by the following links:
2019/20 here
2018/19 here
2017/18 here
2016/17 here
2015/16 here
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