May 30th

Canons Farm

2 Mallards over

1 Common Buzzard

1 Sparrowhawk

2 Pheasants

2 Little Owls calling; North Horse Pasture & Bog field

3 Common Swifts

8+ Skylark

12+ Swallows (mainly over Horse Pasture)

2 House Martins (Broadfield)

2 Whitethroat

4 Blackcap

2 Chiff Chaff

2 Linnets

4 Goldfinches

1 pair Linnets; Canons Farmhouse

2 Yellowhammers

Banstead Woods

1 Whitethroat (scrub)

6 Chiff Chaff

5 Blackcap

Ground Pine, Fames Rough, 30/05/16 (Ian Magness) 

Fly Orchid, Fames Rough, 30/05/16 (Ian Magness)

Observers: Paul Goodman, Ian Magness, Ian Ward

28th May

(Canons farm)
2 House Martins; over Canons Farm
7 Swallows
50 Common Swifts
7 Common Whitethroats

1 Lesser Whitethroat; Lunch Wood
5 Blackcaps
2 Chiffchaffs
1 Collared Dove; singing in Tawny Wd
2 Bullfinches; The Slangs
1 Greenfinch; Tawny Wd
1 Little Owl; calling from North Horse Pasture
1 Kestrel; Harrier field
4 GSWoodpeckers + juvs in Tawny Wd
2 Green Woodpeckers
3 Pheasants
1 Mistle Thrush; Chipstead Mdws
1 Treecreeper; Pages Acre
8 Skylarks
5 Rose ringed Parakeets

5 Goldfinch

6 Linnet
4 Yellowhammer

(Banstead Woods)
4 Rooks; over Fames Rough
2 Bulfinches; Sheep Brow

2 Lesser Whitethroat

1 Tawny Owl

Butterflies only on Fames Rough/ Sheep Brow/ Woodpecker Mdw
3 Green Hairstreaks; 2 Sheep Brow, 1 Woodpecker Mdw
5 Dingy Skippers
4 Brown Argus
1 Small Heath
1 Orange Tip
1 Holly Blue
1 Peacock
1 Speckled Wood
5 Large Whites
5 Small Whites
10+ Brimstones
25+ Common Blues

Observers: Geoff Barter, Ian Magness, Ian Ward

26th May

The following request has come from Sophie:

I’m organizing a Family Nature Day on the 23^rd July at Chipstead Downs, (meeting at Holly Lane Car Park and then doing hourly walks between 10am and 3pm in the Valley Meadows).  I was hoping that ‘The Listers’ might be able to help me, as I’m wanting to create a nature table with all sorts of things including feathers, snail shells, dead insects such as butterflies, stag beetles, dragonfly nymph cases etc. absolutely anything that’s nature related that could be seen locally.  The idea is that parents and children can have a go at identifying the dead things before they go on a walk and then put into practice their new identifying skills.

I live in Purely, so I’m happy to collect any donations for the nature table.

Thank you.

From Sophie

If you can help in any way, please contact Sophie on:

davepettit23@btinternet.com

25th May

Canons Farm - 4 L T TIT, NUTHATCH, CHIFFCHAFF, 3 BLACKCAP, LESSER WHITETHROAT (Slangs), 2 WHITETHROAT, 5 SWALLOW (inc 2 possibly starting to nest at Perrots), 2 GOLDFINCH, 5 LINNET, 2 YELLOWHAMMER, 5+ SKYLARK, 4 SWIFT, S DOVE, PHEASANT, 40+ H GULL, KESTREL (m), BUZZARD, R N PARAKEET

Banstead Woods - L T TIT, NUTHATCH, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 3 BLACKCAP, LESSER WHITETHROAT (Scrub), WHITETHROAT (Scrub), GARDEN WARBLER, BULLFINCH, 2 SWIFT, S THRUSH, G S WOODPECKER, 2 GREEN WOODPECKER (Scrub), 2 MALLARD (m&f - P Pond), 30+ H GULL, KESTREL, BUZZARD

Butterflies  (Fames Rough except where stated)

3+ C BLUE, 4 GREEN HAIRSTREAK (1 WPM), ORANGE TIP, 6 BRIMSTONE (4 Sheep B (3m & 1 f mating)), PEACOCK, 5 S HEATH  (3 SB), 3 GRIZZLED SKIPPER (1 Scrub, 2 SB), 2 DINGY SKIPPER, B ARGUS   

Observers: Duncan Jennings

23rd May

3 yellowhammer singing
10 linnet
1 Kestrel
5 Whitethroat
7 Skylark
23 Swifts
7 Swallows north plus  we now appear to have a pair prospecting Canons fm out buildings so 9 total
Red-legged Partridge was calling from Horse pasture but not seen.

Observers: Geoff Barter

22nd May

Canons Farm

3 Blackcap

2 Chiff Chaff

4 Common Whitethroat

1 Yellowhammer (singing)

5 Linnets

8 Goldfinch

1 Buzzard

1 Green Woodpecker (Lunch Wood)

2 Long tail tits

About 7 breeding pairs of House Sparrows at Canons Farm and Reeds Cottages (probably more at Burgh Heath).

Banstead Woods (area between Perrotts and the scrub and Fames Rough (FR))

1 Garden Warbler still singing at the scrub (nice view)

1 Lesser Whitethroat singing at the scrub

7 Chiff Chaff

6 Blackcap

1 Goldcrest

2 Nuthatch

4 Green Woodpecker

2 Long tail tits

1 Buzzard

Other wildlife:  8 Common Blue (6 Sheep Brow and 2 FR), 3 Dingy Skipper (FR), 3 Green Hairstreak (1 FR and 2 Woodpecker Meadow), 3 Brown Argus (FR), 2 Large White (FR), 2 Orange tip (FR), 1 Green Veined White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, several Small White and several Brimstone. Also Burnet Companion and Mint Moths at FR.

Observers: Paul Goodman

21st May

Banstead Woods: 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Hither Field), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Scrub)

Other wildlife: White Helleborine now in flower at Fames Rough

White Helleborine, Fames Rough, 21/05/16 (Ian Magness)

Observers: Ian Magness, Ian Ward

17th May

Canons Farm: 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 KESTREL, 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 2 LITTLE OWL (Stoney Nob, Broad Field), 10 SWIFT, 15 SWALLOW, 6 SKYLARK, 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 7 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 4 BLACKCAP, 2 JAY, 6 LINNET, GREENFINCH, 2 YELLOWHAMMER

Banstead Woods: 1 MALLARD (Piddly Pond), 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 2 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Scrub), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Scrub), 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 

Observers: Ingrid Allan, Geoff Barter, David Campbell, Steve Gale

16th May

CANONS FARM - 1 RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE (Horse Pasture), CHIFFCHAFF, 3 BLACKCAP, 7 WHITETHROAT, 3 SWALLOW, 4 GOLDFINCH, 5 LINNET, YELLOWHAMMER, 7 SKYLARK, 35+ STARLING (inc 20+ Juv's), 4 SWIFT, PIED WAGTAIL, G S WOODPECKER, GREEN WOODPECKER, 3 S DOVE, C DOVE, 2 PHEASANT (m&f), MALLARD (m), H GULL, LITTLE OWL (Bog Field), KESTREL, SPARROWHAWK, BUZZARD, 4 R N PARAKEET

BANSTEAD WOODS - 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 BLACKCAP, 2 SWALLOW, ROBIN (fledged Juv), GOLDFINCH, BULLFINCH, MISTLE THRUSH, 2 JAY, G S WOODPECKER, S DOVE, 1 CUCKOO, 3 MALLARD (m - P Pond), H GULL, TAWNY OWL, BUZZARD, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Scrub)

OTHER WILDLIFE - Butterflies - HOLLY BLUE, GREEN HAIRSTREAK, 3+ BRIMSTONE, 2 ORANGE TIP, SMALL WHITE, SMALL HEATH, GRIZZLED SKIPPER, DINGY SKIPPER, 2+ PEACOCK, RED ADMIRAL

Dingy Skipper, 16/05/16 (Duncan Jennings)

Observers: Geoff Barter, Duncan Jennings, Ian Ward

15th May

Banstead Woods
2 singing Lesser Whitethroats; 1 Holly Lane Mdws 09:40, 1 The Scrub noon
1 singing Garden Warbler; The Scrub
c22 Blackcaps
c12 Chiffchaffs
4 Common Whitethroats
2 Swallows
2 Swifts
1 Bullfinch; Orchard area
1 pair Linnets; The Scrub
5 Coal Tits
4 Treecreepers
4 Long tailed Tits
1 Mistle Thrush; Orchard area
1 Kestrel; HLM

2 Roe Deers; Estate side

Butterflies on wing;
Dingy Skippers, Green Hairstreaks, Brimstones, Small Whites, Large White, Holly Blues, Green veined white.

Canons Farm

Sparrowhawk

5 Common Whitethroat

4 Yellowhammers

8 Skylark

2 Goldfinch

2 Blackcap

3 Swallows

30+ Starlings (with juveniles – confirmed breeding by at least 3 pairs)

10+ House Sparrows (1+ juveniles, confirmed breeding)

Observers: Paul Goodman, Ian Pratley, Ian Ward

14th May

Canons Farm

2 RED KITE,

1 Lapwing flew E over GBF 10:47
1 Bullfinch; Tawny Wd
4 Skylarks; 2 GBF, 2 Poultry
1 Common Buzzard; Pheasant field
2 Kestrels; 1 Perrotts farmhouse, 1 Pipit Meadows
1 Pheasant; Lunch Banks
2 Swallows; Pheasant field
1 Common Whitethroat; Poultry
3 Blackcaps; 2 Ruffett Wd, 1 Tawny Wd
2 Chiffchaffs;Tawny Wood
2 Long tailed Tits; Tawny Wd
2 Stock Doves - singing- 1 Tawny Wd, 1 Ruffett Wd
1 Coal Tit; Ruffett Wd
1 GSWoodpecker;,Ruffett Wd
c15 mixed Goldfinch/Linnet flock; Perrotts farmhouse

1 Red Admiral; Poultry
1 Holly Blue; Tawny Wd

Banstead Woods
1 Garden Warbler; singing in The Scrub
1 Lesser Whitethroat; singing in The Scrub
2 Common Whitethroats; 1 The Scrub, 1 S Woodpecker Mdw
3 Mallards; all males Piddly Pond
1 Pheasant; Hither
2 Mistle Thrushes; 1 Hither, 1 Fames Rough
1 Greenfinch; Sheep Brow

2 Grizzled Skippers; Sheep Brow
15 Dingy Skippers
1 Small Heath; Sheep Brow
4 Green Hairstreaks; 1 S Woodpecker Mdw, 2 Sheep Brow, 1 Fames Rough
6 Brimstones
2 Small Whites
1 Large White
1 Holly Blue
1 Orange Tip

Observers: Amanda Crenol, Ian Magness, Ian Ward

12th May

No reported sightings

11th May

No reported sightings.

10th May

No reported sightings

9th May

No reported sightings

8th May

Weather: ESE f2-3, sunny, dry and hot.

(Banstead Woods)
1 Hobby; circling over The Scrub 11:14 (93rd species this year)
4 Common Whitethroats; 1 HLM, 2 Valley Mdws, 1 S Woodpecker Mdw
c23 Blackcaps (all singing)
c19 Chiffchaffs ( all singing)
c12 Stock Doves
4 Common Buzzards
2 Kestrels: 1 HLM, 1 Hither
6 Nuthatch
4 Treecreeper
3 Mallards; all males on Piddly
2 Mistle Thrushes; Orchard area
2 Bullfinch; The Scrub
4 Jay
4 Green Woodpecker
6 Long Tailed Tits
1 GSWoodpecker

c40+ Brimstones
2 Orange Tips
3 Large Whites
3 Small Whites
5 Speckled Woods
3 Peacocks
3 Red Admirals
3 Green Hairstreaks; 1 S Woodpecker Mdw, 2 Sheep Brow
30+ Dingy Sipper (Fames Rough)
c12 Dingy Skippers; Sheep Brow
2 Grizzled Skippers; Sheep Brow
1 Small Copper; Hither
1 Holly Blue; Hither
4 Burnet Companion moths; Sheep Brow

Observers: Darragh Culley, Paul Goodman, Ian Magness, Ian Ward

7th May

Weather: ESE f1-3, mainly sunny, dry and warm.

Canons Farm: 5 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 1 CUCKOO (Ruffett Wood), 5 SKYLARK, 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 5 SKYLARK, 2 WHITETHROAT

Other wildlife: the years first Small Heath was on the wing at Fames Rough, where a number of Green Hairstreaks were also on show.

Cowslips, 07/05/16 (Ian Magness)

Observers: Ian Magness, Tasha Preston

6th May

No reported sightings

5th May

Weather: SSE f2-3, sunny, dry and warm.

Cannons Farm: 9 MALLARD, 5 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 SPARROWHAWK, 2 KESTREL, 3 COMMON SWIFT, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 6 SKYLARK, 6 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Slangs), 2 BLACKCAP, 4 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 LINNET, 6 YELLOWHAMMER

Green Hairstreak, The Scrub, 05/05/16 (Steve Gale)

Other wildlife: One of the Fames Rough Fly Orchids is now in flower, and an increase in butterfly numbers included a Small Copper (Fames Rough) and 2 Green Hairstreak (Scrub)

Fly Orchid, Fames Rough, 05/05/16 (Steve Gale)

Observers: Geoff Barter, Steve Gale

4th May

No reported sightings

3rd May

Weather: Wind NW f2-3, sunny, dry and warming up at last.

The years first Garden Warbler was found in Lunch Wood.

Canons Farm: 8 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 SPARROWHAWK, 2 KESTREL, 2 GREEN WOODPECKER, 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 1 CUCKOO (calling from Death Pit), 9 COMMON SWIFT, 1 SWALLOW, 3 SKYLARK, 1 NORTHERN WHEATEAR (Reeds Rest Bottom), 4 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Slangs), 1 GARDEN WARBLER (Lunch Wood, 92nd species this year), 3 BLACKCAP, 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 2 JAY, 15 MAGPIE, 6 LINNET, 2 YELLOWHAMMER

Observers: Geoff Barter, Steve Gale

2nd May

Weather: Wind SW f2-4, sunny morning then clouding up. Dry and fairly warm.

Canons Farm: 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 KESTREL, 2 PHEASANT, 2 COLLARED DOVE (Tawny Wood), 1 COMMON SWIFT, 1 SWALLOW, 1 PIED WAGTAIL, 2 MISTLE THRUSH (Pipit Meadow), 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT (Slangs), 5 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 2 BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFCHAFF

Banstead Woods: 5 MALLARD, 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 2 PHEASANT, 3 LBB GULL, 4 GREEN WOODPECKER, 4 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 7 STOCK DOVE (all singing), 1 COLLARED DOVE (Hither Field), 8 SWALLOW (all flew NW), 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 19 BLACKCAP, 17 CHIFFCHAFF, 4 TREECREEPER, 1 BULLFINCH (Scrub)

Observers: Ian Ward

1st May

Weather: After a calm start, SW f1-3, sunny and feeling a bit warmer.

Canons Farm: 1 CORMORANT (west), 2 GREYLAG GOOSE (low north), 5 MALLARD, 6 COMMON BUZZARD, 2 SPARROWHAWK, 1 KESTREL, 16+ PHEASANT, 1 TAWNY OWL (calling, appropriately enough, from Tawny Wood), 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 3 GREEN WOODPECKER, 5 STOCK DOVE, 1 COMMON SWIFT, 3 HOUSE MARTIN (hawking above Burgh Heath residential), 4 SWALLOW (all north), 7 SKYLARK, 1 NORTHERN WHEATEAR (Skylark Field), 4 COMMON WHITETHROAT, 1 BLACKCAP, 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 7 LINNET, 2 YELLOWHAMMER

Ground Pine, Fames Rough, 01/05/16 (Steve Gale)

Other nature: At Fames Rough both Ground Pine and Cut-leaved Germander are starting to show, not yet in flower. Also a large patch of Goldilocks Buttercup by the horse stable bordering Chipstead Meadow.

Observers: Steve Gale