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| 1cy ♂ Pied Wagtail |
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| 1cy Common Buzzard |
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| Adult ♂ Yellowhammer |
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
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
6th October
45 Redwings arrived at Banstead Woods, where seven Meadow Pipits and a Chiffchaff were the only other obvious migrants.
Duncan Jennings
Duncan Jennings
5th October
A Peregrine, two Northern Lapwings and 23 grounded Canada Geese highlighted at the farm, where the first four Redwings of the autumn were also seen along with a fly-over Grey Heron, three Stonechats, five Chiffchaffs, two Skylarks, two Meadow Pipits, 60 Linnets and a Common Gull.
Andy Downing and Graham Harris
Andy Downing and Graham Harris
4th October
The highlight at Banstead Woods was two Rooks, although migrants there were thin on the ground with just two Chiffchaffs and a Meadow Pipit. A Bullfinch and a Common Buzzard were among the local birds seen there.
A Brimstone and a Speckled Wood represented the butterflies.
Duncan Jennings
A Brimstone and a Speckled Wood represented the butterflies.
Duncan Jennings
3rd October
Stonechats at Canons Farm increased to six. Overhead flew a Grey Heron. In addition, there was a Willow Warbler, four Swallows, six Skylarks, three Meadow Pipits and seven Chiffchaffs there. Local birds seen included two Yellowhammers and three Common Buzzards.
Paul Goodman and Natasha Preston
Thank you to all contributors for your continued and valuable submissions, the new data entry system is very helpful for quickly transferring the information straight into the CFBWBG database.
Remember, all sightings of any species are of great value and go straight into our files, even if they do not make it onto the blog under the new format (the entries are a compromise between writing time, readability and comprehensiveness, so what gets a mention will vary as you may have noticed).
Some submissions continue to come through as manual text in emails, which is fine, but please remember it saves several minutes and makes it more likely that the blog will be updated promptly if the 'Submit records' page on the blog is used).
Thanks, and good birding - DKC
Paul Goodman and Natasha Preston
Thank you to all contributors for your continued and valuable submissions, the new data entry system is very helpful for quickly transferring the information straight into the CFBWBG database.
Remember, all sightings of any species are of great value and go straight into our files, even if they do not make it onto the blog under the new format (the entries are a compromise between writing time, readability and comprehensiveness, so what gets a mention will vary as you may have noticed).
Some submissions continue to come through as manual text in emails, which is fine, but please remember it saves several minutes and makes it more likely that the blog will be updated promptly if the 'Submit records' page on the blog is used).
Thanks, and good birding - DKC
2nd October
A male Stonechat was around Harrier Field. Other migrants at the farm included a Blackcap, four Chiffchaffs, 75 Linnets, 10 House Martins and 100 Swallows. A first-winter Common Gull was on the Legal & General sports field.
Darragh Culley and Paul Goodman
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| First-winter Common Gull with Black-headed Gull, Legal & General sports field, Darragh Culley |
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| ♂ Stonechat, Harrier Field, Darragh Culley |
30th September
Red Kites occasionally make an appearance in the autumn, but three flying southeast over the farm was particularly noteworthy. In addition, two Hobbies were seen: an adult hawking over The Scrub and a juvenile on the barns at Perrotts Farm. 22 Skylarks were over Broadfield. Other sightings across the recording area included 11 Chiffchaffs, 260 House Martins, 19 Swallows, a Pied Wagtail and 12 Meadow Pipits.
Insects at Banstead Woods included two Brown Hairstreaks, a Common Darter, a Brown Argus and two Small Coppers, while the farm had a Small Tortoiseshell.
Geoff Barter, Paul Goodman, Duncan Jennings and Ian Ward
Insects at Banstead Woods included two Brown Hairstreaks, a Common Darter, a Brown Argus and two Small Coppers, while the farm had a Small Tortoiseshell.
Geoff Barter, Paul Goodman, Duncan Jennings and Ian Ward
29th September
Three Stonechats on site included a pair in Hither Field and a female at Reads Bottom. A Grey Heron flew over Hither Field. A Sand Martin flew through Green Belt Field, where there was a Mistle Thrush. Five Chiffchaffs were counted at Banstead Woods and three Yellowhammers were present around Infront George Field. 36 Swallows and 54 House Martins passed through the recording area.
Duncan Jennings, Ian Magness, Qasim Syed and Ian Ward
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| Stonechat, Reads Bottom, Qasim Syed |
28th September
The farm had three Meadow Pipits, four House Martins, four Chiffchaffs and eight Skylarks, plus a Yellowhammer and a Sparrowhawk. A gathering of 500+ Woodpigeons filled the fields. Seven Common Buzzards were counted across the recording area.
Geoff Barter
Geoff Barter
26th September
The male Stonechat continued its stay in Hither Field. Four House Martins flew over the farm and a Pied Wagtail was seen there.
A Red Admiral was the only butterfly.
Geoff Barter
A Red Admiral was the only butterfly.
Geoff Barter
24th September
The male Stonechat remained in Hither Field, where five Meadow Pipits were feeding. A Grey Heron, six Rooks, 30 House Martins, a Swallow and four Common Buzzards were seen over Banstead Woods. Ruffett Wood had a Blackcap.
Two Southern Hawkers patrolled Piddly Pond. Butterflies at Banstead Woods included a Small Copper and a Small Tortoiseshell.
Paul Goodman and Ian Ward
Two Southern Hawkers patrolled Piddly Pond. Butterflies at Banstead Woods included a Small Copper and a Small Tortoiseshell.
Paul Goodman and Ian Ward
23rd September
Sightings at the farm included five Meadow Pipits, seven Chiffchaffs, 40 Swallows, a Yellowhammer, three Skylarks, two Little Owls, four Common Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel.
Paul Goodman, Duncan Jennings and Ian Magness
Paul Goodman, Duncan Jennings and Ian Magness
22nd September
A male Stonechat was found in Hither Field, where there were five Meadow Pipits. Also at Banstead Woods were 20 House Martins, three Chiffchaffs, two Bullfinches, a Hobby and three Common Buzzards.
Butterflies at Banstead Woods included two Commas, a Speckled Wood, two Small Coppers and three Brown Argus.
Duncan Jennings
Butterflies at Banstead Woods included two Commas, a Speckled Wood, two Small Coppers and three Brown Argus.
Duncan Jennings
21st September
A southbound Yellow Wagtail passed over and seven Meadow Pipits were seen, along with 40 Linnets, a Skylark, a Chiffchaff and 27 Swallows on site and five Common Gulls on the Legal & General sports field.
Andy Downing and Ian Magness
Andy Downing and Ian Magness
20th September
At Banstead Woods, sightings included 10 House Martins, two each of Chiffchaff and Blackcap, plus Goldcrest and Common Buzzard.
Duncan Jennings
Duncan Jennings
19th September
A loose gathering of chats at Reads Bottom comprised of a single Whinchat and three Stonechats. 25 Swallows, 16 Meadow Pipits, five Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps and 1,100 Woodpigeons were also noted.
Steve Gale
Steve Gale
18th September
A quick check around the vicinity of Canons Farmyard in the early hours, before the Banstead Country Fayre, revealed a Grasshopper Warbler creeping around at the base of the holly bush at the Watchpoint. Other sightings at the farm included a Grey Wagtail, a Siskin, 38 Meadow Pipits, two Rooks, 30+ House Martins, 56+ Swallows, a Blackcap and at least seven Chiffchaffs. From our Fayre stall in Holly Lane Meadow, we clocked nine Cormorants as they flew north (six and three) and a Hobby. A Willow Warbler was noted at The Scrub.
Stoney Nob hosted a Brown Hairstreak.
Thanks to Ian, Janice, Paul, Linda, Phil, Yvonne and Mike for their valuable help on the stall today.
David Campbell, Darragh Culley, Paul Goodman, Ian Pratley, Phil Wallace, Ian Ward et al
Stoney Nob hosted a Brown Hairstreak.
Thanks to Ian, Janice, Paul, Linda, Phil, Yvonne and Mike for their valuable help on the stall today.
David Campbell, Darragh Culley, Paul Goodman, Ian Pratley, Phil Wallace, Ian Ward et al
15th September
15+ House Martins flew over Banstead Woods, where five Common Buzzards, a Kestrel and two Chiffchaffs were also seen.
The Woods also held two Brown Hairstreaks, eight Brown Argus and two Small Coppers.
Duncan Jennings
The Woods also held two Brown Hairstreaks, eight Brown Argus and two Small Coppers.
Duncan Jennings
13th September
A party of five Whinchats livened up Skylark Field and six Meadow Pipits at the farm were the first of the autumn. Eight House Martins and 100+ Swallows buzzed around overhead and Linnets built to 50. The Woods had a trio of Hobbies, including a juvenile, and 11 Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap were to be found across the recording area.
A report of a Common Lizard in Valley Meadows possibly represents our first record. Four Southern Hawkers and three Common Darters were at the Woods where a late Silver-washed Fritillary was on the wing, along with a set of other butterflies including a Painted Lady, two Small Coppers, 20 Brown Argus, three Small Heaths and a Brimstone.
Geoff Barter, Steve Gale and Duncan Jennings
A report of a Common Lizard in Valley Meadows possibly represents our first record. Four Southern Hawkers and three Common Darters were at the Woods where a late Silver-washed Fritillary was on the wing, along with a set of other butterflies including a Painted Lady, two Small Coppers, 20 Brown Argus, three Small Heaths and a Brimstone.
Geoff Barter, Steve Gale and Duncan Jennings
Targets for the year
Ian Magness has combed through the year list, which stands on 96, and identified the glaring gaps to fill by the year's end. In a roughly descending order of likelihood, they are as follows:
Spotted Flycatcher (urgent, find one soon before it's too late!)
Reed Bunting
Golden Plover
Common Snipe
Barn Owl
Common Crossbill
Black Redstart
Curlew
Osprey
Marsh Tit
Mute Swan
And who knows what else might turn up? A healthy year list is on the cards. Golden Plover is particularly overdue, with no records for a couple of years.
Spotted Flycatcher (urgent, find one soon before it's too late!)
Reed Bunting
Golden Plover
Common Snipe
Barn Owl
Common Crossbill
Black Redstart
Curlew
Osprey
Marsh Tit
Mute Swan
And who knows what else might turn up? A healthy year list is on the cards. Golden Plover is particularly overdue, with no records for a couple of years.
12th September
Highlights at the farm included a Willow Warbler, five House Martins, 50 Swallows, two Black-headed Gulls, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Skylark, Pied Wagtail and six Linnets. Four Chiffchaffs were in Banstead Woods, plus two Nuthatches.
Geoff Barter
Geoff Barter
11th September
A Northern Wheatear paraded around Hither Field, where four Linnets were seen. The farm had four Rooks, a Pheasant and a Sparrowhawk.
Josh Burch and Ian Magness
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| Northern Wheatear, Hither Field, Josh Burch |
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| Northern Wheatear, Hither Field, Ian Magness |
10th September
An incredible record came in the form of 25 Bar-tailed Godwits which were seen from Hither Field as they flew southwest at 07:30. This represents the second record for the area, following one over the farm in September 2012. Three Sand Martins flew over Hither Field, where there was a Blackcap and two Chiffchaffs. A Yellow Wagtail, 15 Swallows and seven more Chiffchaffs were at the farm. Four Pied Wagtails and 60 Linnets were seen on the Legal & General grounds. The CFBW Year List now stands on 96.
A Comma and three Red Admirals were noted at the farm.
Darragh Culley and Ian Ward
A Comma and three Red Admirals were noted at the farm.
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| Seven of the Bar-tailed Godwits (Darragh Culley) |
9th September
Bird of the day was a Sand Martin over the farm, where two House Martins, 50 Swallows, two Chiffchaffs and a Common Whitethroat were also migrants. 30 Linnets and two each of Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk were noted there, too.
Butterflies were represented by two Speckled Woods, a Red Admiral and two Small Whites.
Geoff Barter, Paul Goodman and Duncan Jennings
Butterflies were represented by two Speckled Woods, a Red Admiral and two Small Whites.
Geoff Barter, Paul Goodman and Duncan Jennings
8th September
An excellent day of southwesterly movement at the farm included six Yellow Wagtails, two Common Swifts, 80 House Martins and 420 Swallows. A northbound flock of seven Cormorants, a visit by a Northern Lapwing and the sight of a juvenile Peregrine terrorising the Woodpigeon flocks added further interest, confounded by a count of six Common Buzzards. Grounded passerine migrants across the recording area comprised of nine Chiffchaffs, a Common Whitethroat and two Blackcaps.
Three Brown Hairstreaks were reported, as were two Small Coppers, 13 Brown Argus, 10 Small Heaths, 17 Meadow Browns, 16 Speckled Woods, a Comma and a Red Admiral.
Steve Gale and Duncan Jennings
Three Brown Hairstreaks were reported, as were two Small Coppers, 13 Brown Argus, 10 Small Heaths, 17 Meadow Browns, 16 Speckled Woods, a Comma and a Red Admiral.
Steve Gale and Duncan Jennings
7th September
Hither Field attracted a Whinchat and the rest of the Woods sector offered four Chiffchaffs and two Blackcaps, plus two Bullfinches and three Common Buzzards.
Insects included two Migrant Hawkers, four Southern Hawkers, a Common Darter, five Brown Argus, two Red Admirals, two Common Blues, 20+ Meadow Browns, two Brimstones, 18+ Speckled Woods and a Small Tortoiseshell.
Ian Ward
Insects included two Migrant Hawkers, four Southern Hawkers, a Common Darter, five Brown Argus, two Red Admirals, two Common Blues, 20+ Meadow Browns, two Brimstones, 18+ Speckled Woods and a Small Tortoiseshell.
Ian Ward
6th September
A dark morph juvenile Honey-buzzard represented the third patch record. Other migrants at the farm included a Willow Warbler, two Chiffchaffs, 60 Swallows, two Common Whitethroats and a Blackcap. Seven Mallards flew over while a Yellowhammer and 21 Linnets were noted.
Geoff Barter
Geoff Barter
4th September
A Grey Wagtail and a Common Swift were notable at the farm, where two Willow Warblers were migrants, along with 42 Swallows and a House Martin. Also present were two Common Buzzards, a Common Whitethroat, eight Blackcaps, up to 14 Chiffchaffs and four Bullfinches.
A Brown Hairstreak was seen in Circle Field. 10 Speckled Woods were also out, as were four Meadow Browns and a Green-veined White.
Steve Gale and Ian Ward
A Brown Hairstreak was seen in Circle Field. 10 Speckled Woods were also out, as were four Meadow Browns and a Green-veined White.
Steve Gale and Ian Ward
3rd September
A September record of Common Swift is always notable, so five being seen during our Autumn Migration Tour was pretty special. Other highlights included two Northern Wheatears in Poultry Field and, overhead, minima of 20 House Martins and 100 Swallows. Six Common Buzzards were logged across the patch.
Paul Goodman et al
Paul Goodman et al
2nd September
Six House Martins flew south over Fames Rough and a Swallow was also noted over the Woods, where there were four Blackcaps, two Common Whitethroats, three Bullfinches, a Kestrel and a Common Buzzard.
A Brown Hairstreak, six Brown Argus, Small Copper and two Small Heaths were among the butterflies.
Duncan Jennings
A Brown Hairstreak, six Brown Argus, Small Copper and two Small Heaths were among the butterflies.
Duncan Jennings
1st September
It was a great early autumn day at the farm, with a first-winter male Common Redstart, a Yellow Wagtail and a Red Kite backed up by 10 Common Buzzards, two Hobbies, four Sparrowhawks, two Little Owls, 200 Swallows, 12 House Martins, three Common Whitethroats, three Blackcaps, 15 Blackcaps, a Willow Warbler, 50 Linnets and three Yellowhammers.
The edge of Pages Acre played host to a Purple Hairstreak and eight Speckled Woods were counted. A Silver-washed Fritillary was at Banstead Woods.
Geoff Barter, Steve Gale and Paul Goodman
The edge of Pages Acre played host to a Purple Hairstreak and eight Speckled Woods were counted. A Silver-washed Fritillary was at Banstead Woods.
Geoff Barter, Steve Gale and Paul Goodman
31st August
A vigil at the farm produced a four Sand Martins, around 10 House Martins, a Hobby and around 100 Swallows of particular note.
Geoff Barter and Duncan Jennings
Geoff Barter and Duncan Jennings
Join our Autumn Migration Tour, Saturday 3rd September
Meet at
Canons Farmhouse, led by Paul Goodman. Starts 09:00, ends
12:00. Possibility of Common Redstart, Spotted
Flycatcher, Wheatear, Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail and a variety of other migrants.
30th August
A good day of hirundine movement at the farm, with three Sand Martins, 25+ House Martins and 350+ Swallows. Two Rooks there are also worth mentioning. It was just local birds at Banstead Woods, with seven Common Buzzards, a Kestrel, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and two Bullfinches of interest.
A Clouded Yellow, two Brown Hairstreaks, three Small Heaths, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Red Admiral and 26 Brown Argus, 2 Common Darters and a Southern Hawker were also logged among the butterflies and odonata.
Geoff Barter and Duncan Jennings
A Clouded Yellow, two Brown Hairstreaks, three Small Heaths, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Red Admiral and 26 Brown Argus, 2 Common Darters and a Southern Hawker were also logged among the butterflies and odonata.
Geoff Barter and Duncan Jennings
29th August
The highlight of a session at the Woods was a Great Black-backed Gull over Valley Meadows at 11:37. A Hobby was clocked as it circled high over Holly Lane Meadow, where a Collared Dove was noteworthy. A Rook flew over Hither Field and a Mistle Thrush was in Fames Rough while six Bullfinches were counted.
Four Brown Hairstreaks included two at The Nuttery and a male Chalkhill Blue was still out in Valley Meadows, representing the pick of the lepidoptera. Circle Field had a Common Darter.
Ian Ward
Four Brown Hairstreaks included two at The Nuttery and a male Chalkhill Blue was still out in Valley Meadows, representing the pick of the lepidoptera. Circle Field had a Common Darter.
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| Common Darter, Circle Field, Ian Ward |
28th August
Green Belt Field had a Northern Wheatear and there were also two Swallows and a Common Whitethroat at the farm.
Single Brown Hairstreaks were spotted on the east side of Ruffett Wood and along Slangs. A female Common Darter was in Circle Field.
Ian Ward
Single Brown Hairstreaks were spotted on the east side of Ruffett Wood and along Slangs. A female Common Darter was in Circle Field.
Ian Ward
27th August
Four Whinchats flicked from the Harrier Field hedgerow and 60 Swallows fed at the farm. A Common Buzzard was seen at Fames Rough and there were two Bullfinches in The Scrub.
A Clouded Yellow frequented Hither Field and other Banstead Woods butterflies included two Silver-washed Fritillaries, 15 Speckled Woods, a Small Copper, a Holly Blue and 15 Brown Argus. At the farm, a Painted Lady was notable. A Migrant Hawker was also noted.
Paul Goodman, Ian Magness, Ian Ward
A Clouded Yellow frequented Hither Field and other Banstead Woods butterflies included two Silver-washed Fritillaries, 15 Speckled Woods, a Small Copper, a Holly Blue and 15 Brown Argus. At the farm, a Painted Lady was notable. A Migrant Hawker was also noted.
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| Holly Blue, The Nuttery, Ian Magness |
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| Migrant Hawker, Perrotts by Wood, Ian Ward |
Paul Goodman, Ian Magness, Ian Ward
26th August
A Red Kite flew over the farm where 55 Swallows and a Rook also headlined. One Black-headed Gull fed at Legal & General.
There were also 11 Speckled Woods there.
Duncan Jennings
There were also 11 Speckled Woods there.
Duncan Jennings
25th August
Highlights at Banstead Woods included two Swallows, four Chiffchaffs, three Blackcaps and four Bullfinches.
Butterflies there included a Small Heath and six Brown Argus.
Paul Goodman
Butterflies there included a Small Heath and six Brown Argus.
Paul Goodman
24th August
A Yellow Wagtail flew over Slangs and a Northern Wheatear frequented Reads Bottom. There were three Willow Warblers at the farm, too, plus a southwesterly movement of 62 Swallows and a Little Owl present. A Hobby was seen over Holly Lane Meadow and the Woods also held a Tawny Owl, a Sparrowhawk, two Common Buzzard, four Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap and a Bullfinch.
Two Clouded Yellows and a Brown Hairstreak were seen at the farm. Another Brown Hairstreak was at the Woods, as was a Silver-washed Fritillary, a Peacock, 15 Brown Argus, a Brimstone and a Common Darter among the insects.
Geoff Barter, Steve Gale, Duncan Jennings, Ian Magness and Ian Ward
Two Clouded Yellows and a Brown Hairstreak were seen at the farm. Another Brown Hairstreak was at the Woods, as was a Silver-washed Fritillary, a Peacock, 15 Brown Argus, a Brimstone and a Common Darter among the insects.
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| Northern Wheatear at Reads Bottom (Ian Magness) |
Geoff Barter, Steve Gale, Duncan Jennings, Ian Magness and Ian Ward
23rd August
A Rook was seen at Banstead Woods, along with five Swallows, two Chiffchaffs and a Kestrel. The farm had a Little Owl and a potentially interesting Chiffchaff.
A Clouded Yellow was notable in the butterfly department, as was a Purple Hairstreak, a Silver-washed Fritillary and two Brown Argus.
Geoff Barter, Duncan Jennings
A Clouded Yellow was notable in the butterfly department, as was a Purple Hairstreak, a Silver-washed Fritillary and two Brown Argus.
Geoff Barter, Duncan Jennings
20th August
Two Whinchats had arrived in Hither Field and the Woods sector also held a Common Whitethroat and a Kestrel. A group of 14 House Martins passed over the farm, where three Bullfinches and singles of Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard and Kestrel were noted.
Ian Ward
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| Whinchat in Hither Field |
Ian Ward
17th August
A Great Black-backed Gull flew northwest over the farm, where three Swallows were seen. Also at the farm, a Treecreeper was in Pages Acre and a Common Whitethroat was present along with two each of Chiffchaff and Blackcap, plus four Common Buzzards, a Pheasant, a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk. 500+ Woodpigeons gathered in the stubble.
Two Holly Blues were the best of the butterflies.
Geoff Barter
Two Holly Blues were the best of the butterflies.
Geoff Barter
16th August
The Woods held singles of Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Nuthatch and Bullfinch, while a Black-headed Gull flew over.
It was a great day for butterflies, headlined by a late Marbled White, two Silver-washed Fritillaries, eight Chalkhill Blues and 14 Brown Argus. Odonata included three Southern Hawkers and two Common Darters.
Duncan Jennings
It was a great day for butterflies, headlined by a late Marbled White, two Silver-washed Fritillaries, eight Chalkhill Blues and 14 Brown Argus. Odonata included three Southern Hawkers and two Common Darters.
Duncan Jennings
15th August
A Peregrine flew northwest over Canons Farmhouse. A Willow Warbler and eight Swallows were also at the farm, along with a Pheasant, four Common Buzzards, two Kestrels, five Stock Doves, two Rooks, a Common Whitethroat, four Greenfinches, eight Goldfinches, five Linnets and two Bullfinches. At Banstead Woods, a Black-headed Gull flew over and two Green Woodpeckers, two Blackcaps and a Common Whitethroat were noted.
Among the butterfly sightings, two Holly Blues were seen at Canons Farm and three Speckled Woods were in Banstead Woods.
Geoff Barter
Among the butterfly sightings, two Holly Blues were seen at Canons Farm and three Speckled Woods were in Banstead Woods.
Geoff Barter
14th August
A Tree Pipit flew south over Valley Meadows at 17:07 and other birds in the Banstead Woods sector included a Pheasant, a Sparrowhawk, two Common Buzzards, a Kestrel, five Green Woodpeckers, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, seven Chiffchaffs, four Blackcaps, a Common Whitethroat, a Song Thrush, three Nuthatches, seven Goldfinches and three Bullfinches.
Butterflies there included 10+ Chalkhill Blues, two Small Heaths, a Green-veined White, a Peacock and two Brown Argus.
Paul Goodman and Ian Ward
Butterflies there included 10+ Chalkhill Blues, two Small Heaths, a Green-veined White, a Peacock and two Brown Argus.
Paul Goodman and Ian Ward
13th August
A Little Owl was noted by Poultry Field. Migrants over Banstead Woods comprised of a Common Swift and nine Swallows, while other birds there included a Pheasant, two Common Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk, a Pied Wagtail, two Chiffchaffs, four Blackcaps and three Bullfinches.
Among the butterflies in the Banstead Woods sector was a Painted Lady, two Brown Argus and a Small Copper. A Southern Hawker hunted along Woodpecker Meadow.
Observations and photographs by Ian Ward
Among the butterflies in the Banstead Woods sector was a Painted Lady, two Brown Argus and a Small Copper. A Southern Hawker hunted along Woodpecker Meadow.
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| female Common Blue |
 |
| Green-veined White |
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| Brown Argus |
Observations and photographs by Ian Ward
9th August
Birds at Canons Farm included a House Martin, nine Common Swifts, six Swallows, four Common Buzzards, a Kestrel and a Linnet. Another Kestrel was at Banstead Woods, where two Chiffchaffs and a Nuthatch were seen.
The Woods sector also had three Silver-washed Fritillaries, eight Chalkhill Blues, a Marbled White, two Small Coppers, a Brown Argus two Small Heaths among a healthy array of butterflies. Two Southern Hawkers patrolled Piddly Pond.
Duncan Jennings
The Woods sector also had three Silver-washed Fritillaries, eight Chalkhill Blues, a Marbled White, two Small Coppers, a Brown Argus two Small Heaths among a healthy array of butterflies. Two Southern Hawkers patrolled Piddly Pond.
Duncan Jennings
8th August
Two Swallows, four Common Buzzards, two Yellowhammers, a Kestrel and a Little Owl represented the avian highlights at the farm.
Butterflies included three Red Admirals.
Observer: Geoff Barter
Butterflies included three Red Admirals.
Observer: Geoff Barter
7th August
Three Willow Warblers were around Infront George Field and four Swallows flew south. A Little Owl was showing at Stoney Nob. Other birds at the farm included a Common Buzzard, three Chiffchaffs, two Yellowhammers and four Common Whitethroats.
Observer: Paul Goodman
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| Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Holly Lane Meadow, 24th July 2016 (Sophie Pettit) |
6th August
There were seemingly two Cuckoos around Reads Bottom, an adult female and a juvenile, a Bullfinch was at Tattenham Meadow and four Chiffchaffs and two Blackcaps were counted at the farm, as were two Yellowhammers.
A Holly Blue and an Essex Skipper were the best of the butterflies noted.
Observers: Ian Magness and Ian Ward
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| Cuckoo, Reads Bottom, Ian Magness |
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| Juvenile Cuckoo, Reads Bottom, Ian Ward |
A Holly Blue and an Essex Skipper were the best of the butterflies noted.
Observers: Ian Magness and Ian Ward
5th August
A Cuckoo was found at Reads Bottom and Horse Pasture hosted a Garden Warbler. The first Northern Wheatear of the autumn was also at the farm, as were four Common Swifts and six Swallows.
Butterflies on show in Banstead Woods included three Silver-washed and one Dark Green Fritillary, 12 Chalkhill Blues, four Brown Argus, three Essex Skippers, a Small Skipper and a Marbled White.
Observers: Paul Goodman, Duncan Jennings, Ian Magness and Ian Ward
Butterflies on show in Banstead Woods included three Silver-washed and one Dark Green Fritillary, 12 Chalkhill Blues, four Brown Argus, three Essex Skippers, a Small Skipper and a Marbled White.
Observers: Paul Goodman, Duncan Jennings, Ian Magness and Ian Ward
3rd August
10 Common Swifts flew south at the farm and 20+ Swallows were active around Canons Farmhouse.
Observer: Geoff Barter
Observer: Geoff Barter
30th July, Canons Farm/Banstead Woods
| Sparrowhawk | 1 CF |
| Common Buzzard | 2+ BW |
| Common Swift | 10 BW |
| Green Woodpecker | 7 BW |
| Great Spotted Woodpecker | 2 BW |
| Chiffchaff | 6 BW, 1 CF |
| Common Whitethroat | 2 BW |
| Robin | 1 juv BW |
| Goldfinch | 2+ BW |
| Bullfinch | 1+ Tawny Wood, 3+ Pages Acre, 2 BW |
| Essex Skipper | 3 BW |
| Small Skipper | 1 BW |
| Large Skipper | 3 BW |
| Brimstone | 1 BW |
| Marbled White | 10+ BW |
| Green-veined White | 3+ BW |
| Small White | 4+ BW |
| Large White | 3+ BW |
| Comma | 1 BW |
| Peacock | 1 BW |
| Silver-washed Fritillary | 6 BW |
| Meadow Brown | BW (common) |
| Gatekeeper | BW ( common) |
| Ringlet | 2 BW (scrub) |
| Common Blue | 1 BW |
| Chalkhill Blue | 3 BW |
| Brown Argus | 4 BW (Fames Rough_ |
Observer: Paul Goodman
31st July, Canons Farm
| Sparrowhawk | 1 |
| Kestrel | 2 |
| Chiffchaff | 2 |
| Common Whitethroat | 2 |
| Yellowhammer | 1 |
| Essex Skipper | 1 |
| Small Skipper | 1 |
| Small/Essex Skipper | 2 |
| Green-veined White | 1+ |
| Small White | 2 |
| Large White | 1 |
| Comma | 2 |
| Red Admiral | 4 |
| Small Tortoiseshell | 2 |
| Speckled Wood | 3 |
| Meadow Brown | 200+ (especially at L&G) |
| Gatekeeper | 60+ (especially at L&G) |
| Ringlet | 3 |
Observer: Paul Goodman
30th July, Canons Farm
| Kestrel | 1 |
| Common Swift | 1 |
| Green Woodpecker | 1 |
| Great Spotted Woodpecker | 2 |
| Swallow | c25 low over Broadfield/Harrier field & Horse Pasture |
| Chiffchaff | 1 |
| Common Whitethroat | Adult with juvs by Canons farmhouse |
| House Sparrow | 40+ in the Horse Pasture area |
| Yellowhammer | 2 singing birds, 1 North Horse Pasture, 1 Harrier field |
| Essex Skipper | 8 |
| Small Skipper | 4 |
| Small/Essex Skipper | 11 |
| Marbled White | 1 in Circle field |
| Green-veined White | 1 |
| Small White | 3 |
| Large White | 5 |
| Red Admiral | 2 by Canons farmhouse |
| Peacock | 100+ Caterpillars by Canons Farmhouse |
| Meadow Brown | 150+ along pathways only; Canons Farm>Circle field>Broadfield>Read Rest Cottages |
| Gatekeeper | c35 |
| Ringlet | 3 |
28th July, Canons Farm/Banstead Woods
A Cuckoo was at Canons Farm. Other sightings:
Observer: Geoff Barter
| Common Buzzard | 4 CF |
| Kestrel | 1 CF |
| Herring Gull | 8 CF |
| feral Rock Dove | 7 CF |
| Woodpigeon | 20 + CF |
| Green Woodpecker | 1 L&G |
| Magpie | 3 CF |
| Carrion Crow | 12 CF |
| Coal Tit | 1 BW |
| Skylark | 3 CF |
| Swallow | 1 CF |
| Chiffchaff | 4 BW |
| Blackcap | 1 BW |
| Starling | 3 CF |
| House Sparrow | 15+ RR Cottages |
| Goldfinch | 6 CF |
| Linnet | 2 CF |
| Brimstone | 2 BW |
| Large White | 5 CF |
| Comma | 2 CF |
| Red Admiral | 3 CF |
| Meadow Brown | 50+ CF/BW |
| Gatekeeper | 2 CF |
| Ringlet | 10 CF |
Observer: Geoff Barter
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