The year took a quiet leave with no eleventh hour additions for the year list, which rather frustratingly sits on 99 species. More intense observer coverage should build a higher total in 2017. The fields at Canons Farm continued to hold good numbers Fieldfares and Redwings today, at 150 and 50 respectively, along with 30 Linnets and a few Chaffinches. A Mistle Thrush was noted in Pages Acre and there were still 10 Yellowhammers in Broadfield. One of the juvenile Common Buzzards was seen. In the Banstead Woods sector, seven Meadow Pipits were still in Hither Field.
Happy New Year!
Paul Goodman, Ian Magness and Ian Ward
30th December 2016
The approachable juvenile Common Buzzard, two Skylarks, two Fieldfares, 15 Redwings, a Bullfinch and a Yellowhammer were at the farm.
In the evening, a Tawny Owl was heard hooting near the Rambler's Rest.
David Campbell and Duncan Jennings
In the evening, a Tawny Owl was heard hooting near the Rambler's Rest.
David Campbell and Duncan Jennings
29th December 2016
A quiet day in Banstead Woods for birds but a couple of interesting insect observations, with a Buff-tailed Bumblebee seen and the second Brown Hairstreak egg to be found recently.
Duncan Jennings
Duncan Jennings
27th December 2016
Notables in the Banstead Woods sector were two redpolls and a Siskin. A Fieldfare, eight Redwings and seven Song Thrushes were also noted there, along with a Greenfinch, a fly-over Common Gull and the usual suite of woodland residents, including nine Bullfinches.
An evening walk at the farm produced a Woodcock, at least one Barn Owl along Reads Rest Lane, a ♂ Tawny Owl hooting around Lambert's Field and a Little Owl. In addition, a Meadow Pipit roosted again in Horse Pasture and a small number of Fieldfares and Redwings were around, while the popular juvenile Common Buzzard was still hanging around Reads Rest Cottages. Another ♂ Tawny Owl was heard in the middle of Banstead Woods.
David Campbell and Ian Jones
An evening walk at the farm produced a Woodcock, at least one Barn Owl along Reads Rest Lane, a ♂ Tawny Owl hooting around Lambert's Field and a Little Owl. In addition, a Meadow Pipit roosted again in Horse Pasture and a small number of Fieldfares and Redwings were around, while the popular juvenile Common Buzzard was still hanging around Reads Rest Cottages. Another ♂ Tawny Owl was heard in the middle of Banstead Woods.
David Campbell and Ian Jones
26th December 2016
Bird of the day was a Grey Wagtail heard high over Piddly Pond. Singles of Common Buzzard and Meadow Pipit and two Bullfinches were also in the Banstead Woods sector. 40 Skylarks, two Yellowhammers, two Common Buzzards and just 25 Linnets were at the farm, along with a few Fieldfares and Redwings. In the evening, the two Barn Owls spent a long time quartering Owl Meadow, where a Meadow Pipit roosted.
David Campbell, Ian Magness and Ian Ward
David Campbell, Ian Magness and Ian Ward
25th December 2016
Season's greetings! A semi-purposeful count of the over-flying gulls yielded the highlight of an adult Great Black-backed Gull flying south, along with 730 Herring Gulls by 10:15 and three Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Two Siskins flew over the Banstead Woods sector. Back at the farm, singles of Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail flitted over. Other birds recorded at the farm included two of the wintering juvenile Common Buzzards, two Sparrowhawks, an adult ♂ Kestrel, six Common Gulls, 200 Fieldfares, 100 Redwings, two Rooks, 30+ Chaffinches, 200 Starlings, 200 Linnets, two Bullfinches, two Greenfinches and a Yellowhammer.
David Campbell, Ian Magness and Ian Ward
David Campbell, Ian Magness and Ian Ward
24th December 2016
Highlights at the farm this morning were an adult Great Black-backed Gull and a/the Red Kite overhead. In the evening, two Woodcocks flew over: one at Poultry Field and another by Piddly Pond. 66 Woodpigeons were obviously moving northeast and thrushes feeding in the fields included 300 Redwings and 80 Fieldfares. A Mistle Thrush was heard in Ruffett Wood and three Rooks foraged in Broadfield. 30 Skylarks and 200 Linnets were logged in the sector, as were two Common Buzzards, two Sparrowhawks, an adult ♂ Kestrel, three Bullfinches and two adult Common Gulls. Hither Field held five Meadow Pipits and two Bullfinches were in the Harholt Plantation.
We wish a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas to everybody.
David Campbell and Ian Ward
We wish a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas to everybody.
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| Red Kite (adult) |
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| Song Thrush (1cy) |
Another new map!
Hopefully this one is both easier on the eye and for understanding - if you have any comments, please email us
22nd December 2016
A routine mild and sunny winter day at the farm, with the most unusual sightings being just a fly-over Lesser Black-backed Gull and two Mallards. Seeing the winter thrushes feeding in the fields was a continued pleasure, with at least 200 Redwings and 70 Fieldfares counted. On the east side of Horse Pasture, one of the Little Owls made a brief appearance. A Rook, nine Yellowhammers, 33 Skylarks, two Sparrowhawks, a Kestrel, four Bullfinches, four Greenfinches, 60 Linnets, 12 Song Thrushes and a Pied Wagtail were among the other birds logged in the sector. A first-winter Common Gull was a reminder that we have seen very few of this age of the species so far this season.
David Campbell (photo), Duncan Jennings and Linda Mount
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| Redwings, Legal & General |
David Campbell (photo), Duncan Jennings and Linda Mount
21st December 2016
Highlights at Canons Farm included a Rook, 70 Fieldfares and 10 Yellowhammers.
Duncan Jennings
Duncan Jennings
20th December 2016
A decent day by December standards at the farm produced fly-overs of two Ravens, a 1st-calendar-year Mute Swan (the 100th species recorded this year) and a Red Kite. A modest but noticeable northeastward push of Woodpigeons was also evident, with around 450 counted by mid-morning. Having exhausted the supply of berries along Slangs, most of the thrushes were feeding in the crop fields surrounding Canons Farmhouse, with estimates of 250 Redwings and 150 Fieldfares, as well as 11 Song Thrushes. Hither Field retained its seven Meadow Pipits and eight redpolls flitted around the edge of the Harholt Plantation. It was encouraging to count 12 Yellowhammers back at the farm, while two Rooks were associating with the other corvids in Broadfield. The east side of Horse Pasture offered views of a Little Owl while two of both Common Buzzard and Kestrel were seen at the farm. Sixty Linnets buzzed around but there were only 10 Skylarks. Further sightings at the farm included three ♂ Pheasants, five Common Gulls, 19 Stock Doves, six Greenfinches and three Bullfinches.
David Campbell
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| 1cy Mute Swan |
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| Raven |
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| Red Kite |
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| Redwing |
David Campbell
18th December 2016
A flock of 45 redpolls in the birches by the northern entrance to the Harholt Plantation was the highlight of the day. Hopefully the birds will stick around for a while so that they can be properly scrutinised and perhaps even grow in number. Banstead Woods also held a Fieldfare, 18 Redwings, eight Bullfinches, a juvenile ♂ Sparrowhawk and a typical selection of other common species. Seven Meadow Pipits were in Hither Field and 60 Fieldfares were in Green Belt Field.
David Campbell (photo) and Ian Ward
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| Lesser Redpolls |
30th November-17th December 2016
Thank you for all the records over the last couple of weeks or so, they have all been safely stowed in the database. Here is a quick roundup of the most significant sightings; business as usual will hereafter be resumed:
A Red Kite flew east over the farm on 16th and the adult female Peregrine returned to Stoney Nob on 5th and it, or another, flew over Hither Field on 10th. The three wintering Stonechats in the Banstead Woods sector remained, with the pair in Hither Field being seen on 10th and the female in Holly Lane Meadow noted on 13th. A Woodcock was flushed from Banstead Woods on 3rd and seven Meadow Pipits gathered in Hither Field on 10th. A redpoll flew over the farm on 30th, as did a Lesser Black-backed Gull on 16th. Further records from worth mentioning from Canons Farm included peaks of 75 Fieldfares on 3rd, 40 Skylarks on 5th and 17th, three Mistle Thrushes on 10th, 60 Linnets on 16th and six Yellowhammers on 17th, as well as a lone Rook on 10th. 130 Redwings in the Harholt Plantation on 1st was the highest count received for the species.
Geoff Barter, Paul Goodman, Duncan Jennings (photo 1), Ian Magness (photos 2-3) and Ian Ward
A Red Kite flew east over the farm on 16th and the adult female Peregrine returned to Stoney Nob on 5th and it, or another, flew over Hither Field on 10th. The three wintering Stonechats in the Banstead Woods sector remained, with the pair in Hither Field being seen on 10th and the female in Holly Lane Meadow noted on 13th. A Woodcock was flushed from Banstead Woods on 3rd and seven Meadow Pipits gathered in Hither Field on 10th. A redpoll flew over the farm on 30th, as did a Lesser Black-backed Gull on 16th. Further records from worth mentioning from Canons Farm included peaks of 75 Fieldfares on 3rd, 40 Skylarks on 5th and 17th, three Mistle Thrushes on 10th, 60 Linnets on 16th and six Yellowhammers on 17th, as well as a lone Rook on 10th. 130 Redwings in the Harholt Plantation on 1st was the highest count received for the species.
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| Red Kite, Canons Farm, 16th December |
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| Common Buzzard, Reads Rest |
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| Song Thrush, Canons Farm |
Geoff Barter, Paul Goodman, Duncan Jennings (photo 1), Ian Magness (photos 2-3) and Ian Ward
29th November 2016
The two Barn Owls were still at Canons Farm. A Woodcock was inadvertendly flushed from Harholt Plantation (The Scrub). The pair of Stonechats were again in Hither Field. A Bullfinch, two Fieldfares and two Redwings were also seen in the Banstead Woods sector. Two Yellowhammers were noted at the farm.
Geoff Barter and Duncan Jennings
Sorry, but there will be no updates till at least 14th December - please continue to submit your records and they'll be caught up on upon my return to the country - DKC
Geoff Barter and Duncan Jennings
Sorry, but there will be no updates till at least 14th December - please continue to submit your records and they'll be caught up on upon my return to the country - DKC
New map
A 'prototype' of a new map covering extra sub-sites and incorporating updated names (in light of discovering official/historical/local names as well as making an effort to be make other names more relevant to the local area) has now been uploaded to the Map page. It also plots public rights of way. This is very much a work in progress, so please let us know what you think via email.
Also please note that after tomorrow evening there will be no updates till at least 14th December unless any group members would like to volunteer to post updates during this period
Also please note that after tomorrow evening there will be no updates till at least 14th December unless any group members would like to volunteer to post updates during this period
28th November 2016
In the evening, both Barn Owls were seen again as they patrolled Harrier Field. A group of five redpolls were seen between Piddly Pond and The Scrub and a singleton flew over the farm. Five Siskins were showing well around the larches near the Reads Rest Lane entrance to Banstead Woods.
Other sightings from the Canons Farm sector included a Pheasant, three Common Buzzards, a Common Gull, 50 Skylarks, 50 Fieldfares, 30 Redwings, a Mistle Thrush, two Pied Wagtails, a Meadow Pipit, a Bullfinch, four Greenfinches, 100 Linnets, 40 Goldfinches and seven Yellowhammers. The Banstead Woods sector held a Common Buzzard, 10 Redwings and three Bullfinches among a typical assortment of woodland birds.
Geoff Barter, David Campbell (photos), Duncan Jennings and Phil Wallace
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| juvenile Common Buzzard, Reads Rest Cottages |
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| adult ♂ Yellowhammer, Infront George Field |
Other sightings from the Canons Farm sector included a Pheasant, three Common Buzzards, a Common Gull, 50 Skylarks, 50 Fieldfares, 30 Redwings, a Mistle Thrush, two Pied Wagtails, a Meadow Pipit, a Bullfinch, four Greenfinches, 100 Linnets, 40 Goldfinches and seven Yellowhammers. The Banstead Woods sector held a Common Buzzard, 10 Redwings and three Bullfinches among a typical assortment of woodland birds.
Geoff Barter, David Campbell (photos), Duncan Jennings and Phil Wallace
27th November 2016
A late (wintering?) Chiffchaff and a Lesser Redpoll were noted in Pages Acre and a Grey Wagtail flew over Wood Lane. Come the evening, the Barn Owl was seen in the usual area and two Little Owls were calling. In Banstead Woods, the female Stonechat was still in Holly Lane Meadow. A reasonable number of Fieldfares and Redwings were enjoying the ample supply of berries along Slangs and using Lunch Wood as a refuge, conservative totals for each being 75 and 60 respectively. Other sightings in the Canons Farm sector included a Pheasant, a Common Buzzard, two adult Common Gulls on the Legal & General sports field with 115 Black-headed Gulls, three Kestrels, 15 Jays, a Rook, 17 Goldcrests, just 16 Skylarks, 35 Long-tailed Tits, 13 Song Thrushes, two Pied Wagtails, a Meadow Pipit, three Bullfinches, four Greenfinches, 200 Linnets, 60 Goldfinches and eight Yellowhammers. Further sightings over in the Banstead Woods half of the patch were two Common Buzzards, a Kestrel, 12 Fieldfares, 50 Redwings, five Bullfinches and a Greenfinch.
Jack Barnes, David Campbell (photos 3-6), Nick Gardner, Ian Magness and Ian Ward (photos 1-2)
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| Herring Gulls squabbling, Banstead Woods |
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| ♀ Stonechat, Holly Lane Meadow |
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| Fieldfare, Slangs |
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| Kestrel, Canons Farm |
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| Kestrel, Canons Farm |
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| Common Gull, Legal & General |
Jack Barnes, David Campbell (photos 3-6), Nick Gardner, Ian Magness and Ian Ward (photos 1-2)
26th November 2016
Five Lapwings appeared in Infront George Field mid-afternoon; a treat considering the species' scarcity in our recording area so far this year. In the late afternoon, one of the Barn Owls quartered Harrier Field and a Woodcock was seen to drop in there; two Little Owls and a Tawny Owl were also heard at the farm in the twilight. Six Siskins were seen in Banstead Woods, including three still around the larches near the Reads Rest Lane entrance. Four Mistle Thrushes included two in each sector. Four Meadow Pipits were seen over Broadfield and two more flew over the Woods. Three Rooks included two over Fames Rough and one at the farm. As many as 150 Redwings busied themselves by gorging on berries and sub-singing in Banstead Woods.
Other sightings included a hen Pheasant, seven Bullfinches and a Greenfinch in the Banstead Woods sector and two Pheasants, a Common Buzzard, a Kestrel, 60 Skylarks, 50 Fieldfares, 40 Redwings, two Pied Wagtails, a Bullfinch, a Greenfinch, 75 Linnets, 50 Goldfinches and eight Yellowhammers at the farm.
David Campbell (Mistle Thrush and Treecreeper photos), Darragh Culley, Paul Goodman, Ian Magness (Lapwing photo) and Ian Ward
Other sightings included a hen Pheasant, seven Bullfinches and a Greenfinch in the Banstead Woods sector and two Pheasants, a Common Buzzard, a Kestrel, 60 Skylarks, 50 Fieldfares, 40 Redwings, two Pied Wagtails, a Bullfinch, a Greenfinch, 75 Linnets, 50 Goldfinches and eight Yellowhammers at the farm.
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| Lapwing, Infront George Field |
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| Mistle Thrush, Sheep Brow |
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| Treecreeper, Banstead Woods |
David Campbell (Mistle Thrush and Treecreeper photos), Darragh Culley, Paul Goodman, Ian Magness (Lapwing photo) and Ian Ward
25th November 2016
A decent day for finches in Banstead Woods was headlined by a female Brambling feeding busily with Chaffinches in an ash tree between Piddly Pond and The Scrub. Three Siskins had discovered a convenient tree hollow from which to drink by the larches near the Reads Rest Lane entrance and said larches drew in a Lesser Redpoll. Two Stonechats, a male and a female, looked at home in Hither Field and a pair of Mallards paraded around Piddly Pond. A Rook flew over the east side of the Woods and six Bullfinches were counted in the sector. Highlights at the farm were limited to a Meadow Pipit, five Rooks and six Common Gulls.
Other sightings included two Common Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, 40 Skylarks, 12 Fieldfares, three Redwings, a Pied Wagtail, 150 Linnets and a Yellowhammer at the farm; additional sightings at Banstead Woods included a Pheasant, a Common Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, three Fieldfares, four Song Thrushes, three Redwings.
David Campbell (photos), Paul Goodman and Duncan Jennings
Please note there will be no updates from 30th November to 15th December, unless any group members are willing to take the reigns and post brief key updates for a couple of weeks..?
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| ♂ Siskin, Banstead Woods |
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| ♂ Chaffinch, Reads Rest Cottages |
Other sightings included two Common Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, 40 Skylarks, 12 Fieldfares, three Redwings, a Pied Wagtail, 150 Linnets and a Yellowhammer at the farm; additional sightings at Banstead Woods included a Pheasant, a Common Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, three Fieldfares, four Song Thrushes, three Redwings.
David Campbell (photos), Paul Goodman and Duncan Jennings
Please note there will be no updates from 30th November to 15th December, unless any group members are willing to take the reigns and post brief key updates for a couple of weeks..?
24th November 2016
A blustery day, with a Siskin feeding in trees along the Short Route in Banstead Woods and a redpoll heard flying over there being the highlights. Two Rooks were feeding with the other corvids in Broadfield. Two Mallards flew over the farm, where a Meadow Pipit remained and three Pied Wagtails flew over. Thrushes included around 20 Fieldfares and 60 Redwings at the farm and 10 more of the latter in Banstead Woods. Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls passed overhead and Linnet numbers at the farm increased to around 500. The approachable juvenile Common Buzzard maintains its residence around Reads Rest Cottages and one of the Barn Owls was still on site, as were at least six Yellowhammers.
A late Comma was seen in Banstead Woods.
Please note there will be no updates from 30th November to 15th December, unless any group members are willing to take the reigns and post brief key updates for a couple of weeks (which would be appreciated)
Geoff Barter and David Campbell
A late Comma was seen in Banstead Woods.
Please note there will be no updates from 30th November to 15th December, unless any group members are willing to take the reigns and post brief key updates for a couple of weeks (which would be appreciated)
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| juvenile Common Buzzard |
23rd November 2016
Limited coverage at the farm produced nothing 'better' than two Mistle Thrushes and five Meadow Pipits. The fog tempted a few gulls onto Legal & General in the morning, including a single Common Gull among 52 Black-headed and 19 Herring Gulls. An influx of Blackbirds was quantified as a minimum of 50 birds.
Two Little Owls were heard in the evening, which is when the wind chose to pick up and a blank was drawn on the Barn Owl vigil which was maintained until nearly 17:00.
The only other birds to report from the farm were two Pheasants, two Common Buzzards, a Kestrel, 50 Fieldfares, five Redwings, five Song Thrushes, two Pied Wagtails, a Bullfinch, a Greenfinch, 175 Linnets and three Yellowhammers.
Jack Barnes, David Campbell and Ian Magness
Two Little Owls were heard in the evening, which is when the wind chose to pick up and a blank was drawn on the Barn Owl vigil which was maintained until nearly 17:00.
The only other birds to report from the farm were two Pheasants, two Common Buzzards, a Kestrel, 50 Fieldfares, five Redwings, five Song Thrushes, two Pied Wagtails, a Bullfinch, a Greenfinch, 175 Linnets and three Yellowhammers.
Jack Barnes, David Campbell and Ian Magness
22nd November 2016
Yes, today was also a bit grotty. Some observers braved the conditions, though, but nothing new of great consequence was discovered. A female Stonechat was in the fairly unusual location of Holly Lane Meadow, one of the Barn Owls was quartering the meadows north of Reads Rest Lane from 16:08 (an addition for DJ) and at least 60 Skylarks convened as a single flock.
Otherwise, the 'tame' juvenile Common Buzzard continued to frequent Reads Rest Cottages and a Pheasant, a Sparrowhawk, two Little Owls and a Pied Wagtail were at the farm. Additional sightings from the Banstead Woods sector included two Common Buzzards, a Fieldfare, a Song Thrush, five Redwings and a Bullfinch.
Geoff Barter, Steve Gale and Duncan Jennings
Otherwise, the 'tame' juvenile Common Buzzard continued to frequent Reads Rest Cottages and a Pheasant, a Sparrowhawk, two Little Owls and a Pied Wagtail were at the farm. Additional sightings from the Banstead Woods sector included two Common Buzzards, a Fieldfare, a Song Thrush, five Redwings and a Bullfinch.
Geoff Barter, Steve Gale and Duncan Jennings
21st November 2016
Another unpleasant day and a bit of a write-off for birding. The best the farm had to offer were 14 Rooks, a Mistle Thrush, a Meadow Pipit and a Pied Wagtail; other sightings there included two Common Buzzards, 25 Stock Doves, a Kestrel, 50 Skylarks, 30 Fieldfares, three Song Thrushes, 20 Redwings, 200 Linnets and five Yellowhammers.
David Campbell
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| 1cy ♂ Pied Wagtail |
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| 1cy Common Buzzard |
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| Adult ♂ Yellowhammer |
20th November 2016
The dingy, chilly conditions didn't stop a Red Kite drifting over in the afternoon. A redpoll, a Rook and nine Mallards also flew over. Two Barn Owls put on a good show as they quartered the meadows, the first one emerging at 16:20; meanwhile, four Little Owls and a Tawny Owl proclaimed themselves.
Otherwise, birds at the farm included two Pheasants, a Sparrowhawk, three Common Buzzards, a Common Gull, 30 Stock Doves, 10 Goldcrests, 30 Fieldfares, a Song Thrush, 15 Redwings, a Mistle Thrush, a Meadow Pipit, 110 Linnets and seven Yellowhammers.
David Campbell (photos) and Paul Goodman
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| Red Kite |
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| Barn Owl |
Otherwise, birds at the farm included two Pheasants, a Sparrowhawk, three Common Buzzards, a Common Gull, 30 Stock Doves, 10 Goldcrests, 30 Fieldfares, a Song Thrush, 15 Redwings, a Mistle Thrush, a Meadow Pipit, 110 Linnets and seven Yellowhammers.
David Campbell (photos) and Paul Goodman
19th November 2016
One of the Firecrests was still in Pages Acre (an addition for IGM) and a small influx of Siskins was noticeable, with six feeding in a birch in Banstead Woods and a further three flying over the farm. Two Mallards whizzed over the farm. Machinery moving in Skylark Field late in the afternoon attracted an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, around 80 Black-headed Gulls and 22 Herring Gulls to pitch down; earlier on, an adult Common Gull was quartering.
Other sightings at the farm included two Sparrowhawks, four Common Buzzards, 20 Stock Doves, around 60 Skylarks, 13 Fieldfares, two Redwings, four Song Thrushes, a Mistle Thrush, two Pied Wagtails, a Meadow Pipit, three Greenfinches, 70 Linnets and three Yellowhammers.
The Woods held six Bullfinches and another Common Buzzard.
A Red Admiral flew along the edge of Pages Acre.
David Campbell (photo), Ian Magness, Qasim Syed and Ian Ward
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| Adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, Skylark Field |
Other sightings at the farm included two Sparrowhawks, four Common Buzzards, 20 Stock Doves, around 60 Skylarks, 13 Fieldfares, two Redwings, four Song Thrushes, a Mistle Thrush, two Pied Wagtails, a Meadow Pipit, three Greenfinches, 70 Linnets and three Yellowhammers.
The Woods held six Bullfinches and another Common Buzzard.
A Red Admiral flew along the edge of Pages Acre.
David Campbell (photo), Ian Magness, Qasim Syed and Ian Ward
18th November 2016
The highlight of the day came when two vocal Firecrests, a male and a female, performed well at the north end of the eastern flank of Pages Acre. A redpoll and two Mallards overflew the farm and a Brambling was heard above Fames Rough. The Barn Owl was still at the farm.
Eight Meadow Pipits were at the farm and another in Hither Field, two Bullfinches were at The Scrub while another Bullfinch, four Pheasants, two Little Owls, two Greenfinches, eight Skylarks, an adult Common Gull, 55 Linnets, a Pied Wagtail, four Yellowhammers and four Kestrels were at the farm. As for thrushes, around 20 Fieldfares and 55 Redwings were at the farm and a further six and one respectively were in the Woods. Treecreepers included one in Tawny Wood and three in the vicinity of Piddly Pond while three Common Buzzards were represented by a single at The Scrub and two at the farm.
Geoff Barter and David Campbell (photos)
Eight Meadow Pipits were at the farm and another in Hither Field, two Bullfinches were at The Scrub while another Bullfinch, four Pheasants, two Little Owls, two Greenfinches, eight Skylarks, an adult Common Gull, 55 Linnets, a Pied Wagtail, four Yellowhammers and four Kestrels were at the farm. As for thrushes, around 20 Fieldfares and 55 Redwings were at the farm and a further six and one respectively were in the Woods. Treecreepers included one in Tawny Wood and three in the vicinity of Piddly Pond while three Common Buzzards were represented by a single at The Scrub and two at the farm.
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| Firecrest, Pages Acre |
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| Common Buzzard, Reads Rest Cottages |
Geoff Barter and David Campbell (photos)
15th November 2016
Sightings from Banstead Woods included two Stonechats in Woodpecker Meadow, as well as a Sparrowhawk, three Fieldfares and 30 Redwings.
Duncan Jennings
Duncan Jennings
14th November
Another evening session during which it was too cloudy to see any special lunar events but sticking it out was worth it for the Barn Owl, which emerged a little later than last night, at 17:15 and began to quarter Horse Pasture. Four Little Owls were heard and local birds noted included two Pheasants and singles of Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Yellowhammer.
David Campbell and Phil Wallace
David Campbell and Phil Wallace
13th November
Eight angry Goldcrests were among the birds betraying the roost site of a Tawny Owl in, appropriately enough, Tawny Wood today. Thrushes at the farm included a single Mistle Thrush, at least 80 Fieldfares and perhaps 10 Redwings. The caravan site held a Pied Wagtail and in Hither Field were six Meadow Pipits and a Kestrel; two Bullfinches were elsewhere in the Woods sector. At 16:55, the Barn Owl was seen quartering Horse Pasture and at least six Little Owls were vocal at dusk.
Regular birders, please note: The texting system (or rather my phone) is broken again, so any urgent news will be disseminated via the Twitter feed
David Campbell, Phil Wallace and Ian Ward
Regular birders, please note: The texting system (or rather my phone) is broken again, so any urgent news will be disseminated via the Twitter feed
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| Tawny Owl in Tawny Wood (Ian Ward) |
David Campbell, Phil Wallace and Ian Ward
11th November
It was a pleasant, near-calm day that produced some reasonable birding. Highlights included singles of Reed Bunting and Cormorant over the farm and two Stonechats in Hither Field, where a Grey Heron flew over. A brief listening session at the farm in the evening produced six Little Owls, a Tawny Owl and a Barn Owl. Also of some note were three Rooks, four Common Buzzards and a scattering of around 40 Skylarks at the farm (plus two more over the Woods, where the species is uncommon) and around 470 Starlings, many of which were moving west in small flocks and surely of continental origin. Winter thrushes remain relatively thin on the ground, with 33 Fieldfares and two Redwings at the farm, and around 20 more of the latter feeding in the Woods. Three Meadow Pipits, two Pied Wagtails and 50 Linnets were at the farm, Lunch Wood had a Bullfinch and two more were heard around The Scrub.
David Campbell (photos), Paul Goodman and Ian Jones
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| Common Buzzard, Lunch Wood |
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| ♂ Great Spotted Woodpecker, Legal & General |
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| Kestrel, Infront George |
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| Little Owl |
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| Pied Wagtail |
David Campbell (photos), Paul Goodman and Ian Jones
10th November
A reasonable gathering of thrushes at the farm included 40+ Fieldfares and 100+ Redwings. Three Yellowhammers, 12 Linnets, three Goldcrests, four Common Gulls, a Common Buzzard and a Pheasant were also seen. Over at Banstead Woods, a Skylark was noteworthy and a Sparrowhawk was also seen.
Paul Goodman and Duncan Jennings
Paul Goodman and Duncan Jennings
8th November
Sighings at the Banstead Woods sector included 45 Fieldfares, five Redwings and a Sparrowhawk.
Duncan Jennings
Duncan Jennings
6th November
A male Brambling was seen as it called atop a tree on the edge of Hither Field. Elsewhere in the Banstead Woods sector was a Fieldfare and three Redwings. Three Common Buzzards and two Kestrels were at the farm.
Paul Goodman and Natasha Preston
Paul Goodman and Natasha Preston
5th November
A Grey Heron flew over the farm, where 200 Jackdaws, six Skylarks, three Fieldfares, a Mistle Thrush, 100 Linnets and two Yellowhammers were also logged.
Paul Goodman
Paul Goodman
1st November
The Banstead Woods sector had five Fieldfares, five Redwings, a Pheasant and a Bullfinch.
Duncan Jennings
Duncan Jennings
30th October
A male Stonechat and 22 Meadow Pipits were in Hither Field. Around 180 Redwings and a Pheasant were also seen in the Banstead Woods sector.
Duncan Jennings
Duncan Jennings
29th October
10 Canada Geese were at the farm, where five Fieldfares, 25 Redwings, a Mistle Thrush, a Common Buzzard, seven Skylarks, 20 Long-tailed Tits, 10 Linnets and a Yellowhammer were seen in addition.
Paul Goodman
Paul Goodman
28th October
Banstead Woods had eight Redwings, a Pheasant, a Common Buzzard and five Bullfinches.
The male Brimstone was still out and a Southern Hawker was at Piddly Pond.
Duncan Jennings
The male Brimstone was still out and a Southern Hawker was at Piddly Pond.
Duncan Jennings
27th October
At Banstead Woods were four Common Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk and four Redwings.
Also there was a male Brimstone and a Red Admiral.
Duncan Jennings
Also there was a male Brimstone and a Red Admiral.
Duncan Jennings
25th October
Banstead Woods held 45 Redwings and singles of Pheasant and Sparrowhawk.
A late Brown Hairstreak was also at the Woods.
Duncan Jennings
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Apologies for the tardiness of updates in recent days - I've been away in Edinburgh and Mallorca. By the way, thanks again for all of the submissions, together you have gathered over 1,700 records for the patch since the beginning of August. Of interest, we've heard of the presence of Small Blue and White-letter Hairstreak in the BW area this summer - DKC, webmaster
A late Brown Hairstreak was also at the Woods.
Duncan Jennings
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Apologies for the tardiness of updates in recent days - I've been away in Edinburgh and Mallorca. By the way, thanks again for all of the submissions, together you have gathered over 1,700 records for the patch since the beginning of August. Of interest, we've heard of the presence of Small Blue and White-letter Hairstreak in the BW area this summer - DKC, webmaster
24th October
A Wood Warbler heard calling by the estate at Banstead Woods might represent the latest ever record for the London Bird Club recording area. Two House Martins overheard there were also good value for the time of year and 26 Goldcrests in the BW sector was a nice count. A Peregrine flew over the Woods, perhaps the regular CF bird and two Common Buzzards were noted.
Arjun Durra
Arjun Durra
23rd October
At the farm, the Greylag Goose remained among the clan of Canada Geese which had bolstered in number to 78 and brought with them the two hybrid geese once more. Two Stonechats and a Meadow Pipit were in Hither Field, where four Skylarks overflew, while 15 Redwings and three Bullfinches were elsewhere in Banstead Woods.
Banstead Woods had a Red Admiral.
Paul Goodman and Duncan Jennings
Banstead Woods had a Red Admiral.
Paul Goodman and Duncan Jennings
22nd October
A Reed Bunting, a notable bird for our recording area, was found among a flock of Chaffinches (for which the overall count was 40+) and Yellowhammers, amid which was also a Brambling. 20 Fieldfares also arrived at the farm, where a late-ish Chiffchaff was also seen and the Greylag Goose was seen in the fields again with 30 Canada Geese. The feeding opportunities for the adult female Peregrine clearly had not been exhausted, either, as she was still around. In addition, 10 Skylarks, two Pied Wagtails, 25 Linnets, 15 Goldfinches and two Yellowhammers were seen at the farm.
Darragh Culley and Natasha Preston
Darragh Culley and Natasha Preston
21st October
A Lapwing paid a visit to Skylark Field and a Stonechat was near the Watchpoint while 65 Canada Geese visited again. Eight Yellowhammers were seen, along with at least 16 Skylarks and a Meadow Pipit.
Paul Goodman and Natasha Preston
Paul Goodman and Natasha Preston
20th October
Singles of Kestrel, Meadow Pipit and Bullfinch were recorded at Banstead Woods.
Duncan Jennings
Duncan Jennings
19th October
A Greylag Goose and 66 Canada Geese 'graced' the fields at Canons Farm. The adult female Peregrine's residence was extended and a late Swallow flew through. Other birds seen included three Pheasants, a Sparrowhawk, four Common Buzzards, a Kestrel, 22 Skylarks, a Pied Wagtail, three Meadow Pipits and six Yellowhammers.
Geoff Barter
Geoff Barter
16th October
The adult female Peregrine continued her reign of terror at the farm where 25 Skylarks, six Meadow Pipits, three Common Buzzards and 70 Linnets were logged. The Common Gulls flew north there, too.
Natasha Preston and Ian Ward
Natasha Preston and Ian Ward
15th October
A Brambling was heard over the farm, where three Stonechats, the adult female Peregrine and three Mistle Thrushes also made for highlights. 180 Linnets and 15 Yellowhammers were counted at the farm. Two more Stonechats were in Hither Field and elsewhere in the Banstead Woods sector were four Chiffchaffs, a Rook, four Meadow Pipits, seven Bullfinches and a Pheasant.
A Southern Hawker buzzed around Piddly Pond and two Brimstones were about the Woods.
Andy Downing, Natasha Preston and Ian Ward
A Southern Hawker buzzed around Piddly Pond and two Brimstones were about the Woods.
Andy Downing, Natasha Preston and Ian Ward
14th October
Eight Meadow Pipits were at Banstead Woods where local birds seen included a Common Buzzard and a Treecreeper.
Paul Goodman
Paul Goodman
11th October
Notable sightings at Banstead Woods included two Common Buzzards, a Kestrel, three Goldcrests, two Chiffchaffs, five Redwings, two Pied Wagtails, three Meadow Pipits and two Bullfinches.
Duncan Jennings
Duncan Jennings
9th October
A Blackcap and four Chiffchaffs were noted at Banstead Woods, where two Stonechats and 14 Meadow Pipits were around Hither Field and a Pied Wagtail flew over. Also at the Woods were 43 Redwings, three Bullfinches. Canons Farm had three Stonechats still, five Swallows, 20 Redwings, 120+ Linnets and Pied Wagtail. Five Common Buzzards were counted across the recording area.
Singles of Brown Hairstreak and Red Admiral were at Banstead Woods.
Duncan Jennings, Ian Magness and Ian Ward
Singles of Brown Hairstreak and Red Admiral were at Banstead Woods.
Duncan Jennings, Ian Magness and Ian Ward
8th October
An intruiging report concerned a Barn Owl at Stoney Nob. A Greylag was again with 45 Canada Geese at the farm, where four Stonechats remained. Four Swallows seen were getting a little on the late side and three Pied Wagtails, four Meadow Pipits, 100 Linnets, two Little Owls, two Chiffchaffs, 10 Skylarks, three Yellowhammers and two Common Buzzards were seen at the farm. A Willow Warbler was a nice late record at The Scrub.
Andy Downing, Paul Goodman and Ian Magness
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| Kestrel, Canons Farm (Shaun Ferguson) |
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| Stonechat, Canons Farm (Shaun Ferguson) |
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| Common Buzzard, Canons Farm (Shaun Ferguson) |
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| Common Buzzards, Canons Farm (Shaun Ferguson) |
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| adult ♂ Sparrowhawk, Canons Farm (Shaun Ferguson) |
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| Carrion Crows, Canons Farm (Shaun Ferguson) |
Andy Downing, Paul Goodman and Ian Magness
7th October
Two Brown Hairstreaks on the wing were at the farm.
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| Adult Peregrine, Stoney Nob (Duncan Jennings) |
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| Canada Geese, Canons Farm (Duncan Jennings) |
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| Two Canada/Greylag hybrids with Canada Geese, Canons Farm (Duncan Jennings) |
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| Greylag (right), two hybrid Canada/Greylags and Canada Geese, Canons Farm (Duncan Jennings) |
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| Canada Geese, Canons Farm (Duncan Jennings) |
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| Canada Goose, Canons Farm (Duncan Jennings) |
Duncan Jennings