July - December 2011

(Key – Cx = Crossness, CM = Crayford Marshes, DP = Danson Park, FCM = Foots Cray Meadows, TRW (Thames Road Wetland – Barnes Cray), UCF = Upper College Farm)

Writing this at the end of December I am recalling how different this recent autumn and winter has been to last year. Two very long periods of snow and freezing conditions compared to possibly 3 or 4 frosts this winter. I suspect this might be reflected in the bird sightings of recent weeks and particularly the lack of garden birds noted by a number of Bexley residents, including myself, and also repeated by friends around the country. Brenda and I have recently joined 30 other London residents participating in the Ring-necked parakeet feeding control project being undertaken by a Phd. student at Imperial College (www.projectparakeet.co.uk). This will inevitably impact on other birds using our garden but will hopefully help produce some data that can be put to good use in future. We also helped out with the London wide co-ordinated October roost count of Parakeets, visiting Hither Green Cemetery on 16th October when 8,291 birds came into roost.

Onto the six monthly report which is once again dominated by sightings from the Thames Marshes and Danson Park along with sadly very few from the Bexley RSPB web-site, and the London Birders web-site, Chris Rose (see separate newsletter item from Thames Road Wetland) moves around the Borough mostly on foot and posts his sightings here and has added greatly to the knowledge of some lesser known or watched sites. Stephen Gatley, who regularly watches Foots Cray Meadows sent me some updates for the first half of the year, most relevant for inclusion here is of a female common redstart on the unusually late date of 29th June.

Great crested grebes bred in DP, Southmere Lake and the Glade.

Little egrets were seen regularly on Rivers Cray and Shuttle, 1 over Lewis Road on 18th October and 9 were seen on 28th September on CM. A great white egret was seen on 13th December - CM.

The escape red-breasted goose was last reported with the Canada geese at Hall Place on 19th August.

Egyptian Goose was seen with 4 young on Sidcup golf course and was likely to have bred in the Borough for the first time, highest count was of 13 in Danson Park on 28th July; five were joined by a bar-headed goose at FCM on 23rd November. The only wintering geese have been dark-bellied brents, first on 14th October (3 at CX, 2 at CM): there were further sightings on seven dates in November all along the Thames Marshes with maximum of 16 on the 6th. Two flying over Bexley Woods on 14th December was an unusual inland sighting.

The last Garganey of the year was a juvenile at CX on 25th September. Shelduck peaked at 113 at CX 21st October, wigeon 45 at CM on 5th & 7th December and teal 515 CX on 18th December. Pintail remained an uncommon visitor and all six records came from CM with peak of 7 on 10th November. FCM produced some interesting duck records in November - a drake wigeon 14th/18th, a shoveler from the 11th with 2 on the 18th and 3 gadwall arrived on the 28th – there were 4 pairs of the latter on 27th December.

Two common scoter 27th July on river at CX was most unusual, first goldeneye (female) at CX on 24th August was also very early, a female on 15th November and male 6th December both CM were not unusual. Two sightings of smew, both CM on 16th November and 6th December. A red-breasted merganser seen at CM and CX on 8th November.

A single manx shearwater flew up the Thames on 7th September. A juvenile gannet on the 29th December passing Erith Yacht Club was a surprise.

An immature marsh harrier was seen on 2 dates each in August and October (CM – one in CX also October) and one in November. Just one sighting of a ring-tail hen harrier CM 27th October. The only buzzard records were 1 over Veroan Road and Horsham Road on 2nd and 13th September respectively, one CX 16th September and one over Joydens Wood 15th October. Honey buzzard was seen over CX 16th and another over Welling on 30th September. Often a contentious record, a Goshawk was reported by Graham Nichols (a very experienced birdwatcher) over Bexley woods, being mobbed by sparrowhawks, on 20th October. Only two red kite records, from DP on 29th June and York Road Sidcup 10th September.

Throughout the summer up to 3 hobby continued to be seen mostly on the marshes but one also occasionally over Lewis Road Sidcup and North Cray meadows, with last record from CM on 3rd October. A female red-footed falcon was seen at both CX and CM on 26th July. Kestrels bred at CX and DP. Peregrine continued to be seen each month, like the hobby, mostly over the marshes but also quite often inland with Lewis Road and Marlowe House Sidcup being most likely places. A pair with two young was seen in July at a site in the Borough which suggests probable breeding, perhaps for the first time.

A quail was heard on 20th July (CM). First winter water rails seen FCM (2 on 3rd October) CM 14th, one returned to DP on 23rd November in/around bog garden and was still there on 27th December.

Significant wader sightings, almost exclusively from the low tide Thames or Marshes included exceptional numbers of avocet at CM – 14 on 23rd/24th August, 5 25th September and 6 on 21st November – single figure numbers seen on 16 other dates. The last and only little ringed plover dates were in July CM 1st and CX 30th. Regular ringed plover records every month with 29 on 30th August being highest count. First golden plover (1) occurred CM 24th August followed 2 days later by a flock of 140 with few further records until December when between 72 (8th) and 10 (22nd) were seen. Grey plover occur throughout the winter in much smaller numbers with first (2) at CM on 19th October and peaking 8 on 6th December. One or two sanderling showed up on 4 dates at CM between 23rd July - 25th October. Curlew Sandpiper is an autumn migrant and a single turned up CM 21st July, next was on 2nd September and was recorded on 14 more dates until 7th October, maximum of 3 on 21st September. One little stint CM 28th October. First dunlin (10) occurred CM 22nd July and continued to be seen on odd dates throughout the autumn peaking at 16 on 12th October – later that month wintering birds arrived with c150 CM on 26th October, rising to c400 2 days later and eventually some 1200 were being recorded during December from both CX and CM. Only one single ruff record, 27th September CM. No jack snipe. Maximum 4 common snipe at both CM and CX (southern marsh) and 2 individual records of woodcock in November (8th CM and 25th CX). Black tailed godwit maintained an almost constant presence, 3 at CM on July 10th then single or teen numbers throughout the summer/early autumn but peaking at 300 CM 6th and 315 CX 17th November. Bar-tailed godwit was much scarcer with 4 sightings of 1 or 2 in September (all CX) and 1 of 1 bird CM on 14th November. Two or 3 passage whimbrel occurred most days during July and August with a final flourish of 22 on the 26th at CM.

Two or three curlew present most days CM from early October and a single spotted redshank (very scarce) on 14th and 19th December CM and 6 at CX on 18th. Redshank, like dunlin, built up from small numbers in September (12 CM 24th), to between 100-200 in October, 380 November and dropping down in December to 199 (CX 17th December) and 36 (CM 22nd). Single figure greenshank began passing through from 5th July (2 CM), peaking at 7 (CM 25th August) with last seen on 11th October (2 CX).

A few years ago I would have been surprised to hear that green sandpiper was the most commonly seen sandpiper in the borough. I was aware one or two over wintered along the river Cray, often seen in FCM but it is seen on and around the marshes almost all year long being absent in only May and June this year. Up to 4 have been recorded at CM (22nd December). Common Sandpiper was next most numerous and now also seemingly a winter visitor with maximum 3 at CX 24th October and between 7 and 9 on nine dates in August at CM with just a single bird seen on 3 dates in November and 5 dates in December. There was just one record of wood sandpiper at CM on 3rd August.

Three Arctic skua over CX 16th September (were also seen over York Road) and 5 at CM on 13th October and a juvenile long-tailed skua west along Thames from CM on 7th October.

Most of the commoner gulls were recorded around the Borough, with black-headed being the most numerous. The passage of little gulls this autumn didn’t materialise with just five seen at CM on 23rd August. Up to 25 Common gulls were on Hall Place playing fields in December and c40 on Danson Park lake at the end of the month. Of the larger gulls, usually found along the Thames and specifically the Crayford landfill site, most are not recorded with the exception being the yellow-legged gull which was recorded most days with peak number at CM being 18 on 5th October and 7 at CX 6th November. Mediterranean gull seen on just 4 dates each at CM and CX with 2 also over York Road on 12th July. Caspian gull on just one day in each of November and December at CM.

Common terns were present through July, August and September with the last (12 at CM) seen on the 29th. Sandwich terns were noted on two days of July, August and September, but Arctic tern really only peaked during the latter part of August with 12 at CM on the 26th. Little tern showed on only one date, 5 CM 23rd August. Black tern did much better with 1, 7 and 5 dates in July/August/September peaking with 14 CM 26th August and 7 CX 16th September. A juvenile white-winged black tern at CM on 26th August and an adult and 1st year Roseate tern by the outfall at CX on 25th September. A razorbill on the Thames from CM on 23rd was a rare record.

No turtle doves were recorded this year. I spent a number of evenings at Joydens Wood listening for them along with nightjar, nightingale and tawny owl all without any success.

Great news though, the Barn Owls at CX produced 3 young to fledgling stage and the little owls are still showing at CM though patience is required. This has been a good winter for short-eared owls in the southeast so a single at CM 4 dates in November/December was perhaps not surprising. Chris Rose has been attempting a tawny owl survey during November and early December and has found them calling/hunting in the following sites Martens Grove 18th November/10th December, Lesnes Abbey (near the Abbey ruins) 2nd November and Franks Park 25th November. Other sites checked with negative results included Bursted Wood, Hall Place, Hollyoak Wood, Parish Wood, Sidcup Golf Course and The Warren. We are sure there are more sites for tawny owl but would welcome further visits to suitable sites throughout the year to establish populations.

The last swift was recorded on the 12th August with 12 over CM – are there later records?

After a disappointing start to the year probably due to the harsh winter, kingfishers are making something of a return with individuals being regularly seen along the River Shuttle between Bexley Woods and Haddon Grove. Two regularly at FCM. Occasional sightings the Glade (16th October), DP, Hall Place and also CM/CX. Hopefully with this mild winter numbers will continue to increase.

Lesser spotted woodpecker is very rare in the borough with any records usually coming from FCM so an isolated record from CM on 14th November might have been a migrating bird. Skylarks still hold on, just, a flock of 14 at CX on 21st October was most welcome. There was a large movement of swallows and sand martins through Bexley over 16th and 17th September with the last recorded dates being Sand Martin (9) CX 17th September, Swallow (5) CM 11th October and House Martin (2) CM 21st October. Five house martin nests found on a building in Shearwood Crescent was only known breeding site – can there be more? An adult red-rumped swallow on 8th September at CM.

Surprisingly, meadow pipit is another species under recorded so occasional sightings from York Road and a single record of 52 at CX on 21st October suggested a migratory flock – or were they resident? After an absence during the summer month’s rock pipit made a return on 7th October with 1 at CM (gradually increasing to 7 mid November but usually 3 or 4), water pipit arrived soon after with 1 at CX on 21st October and rarely going above this single figure.

The last of the passage yellow wagtails went through in October (1 CM 7th October) having peaked at 10 on 16th August. A black redstart was at CM from 26th-28th October and another at CX 13th-16th November. Whinchats began passing through on 23rd September with 3 at CX and last on 27th at CM one at FCM on 12th September was a first for this site. Stonechats had been noticeable by their absence during much of the year so a single at CM on 25th September was welcome, further occasional records from CM and CX continued and a pair was still present CM 27th December. Wheatear passage at CM and CX picked up towards the end of August, peaking at 7 at CM on 7th September and last seen there on 26th October, one was found in a Little Heath Road garden on 3rd October.

The first 3 redwing were seen at CM October 12th followed by 3 fieldfares (also CM) on the 21st. Cetti’s warbler bred this year and were heard/seen each month except July at both CM and CX –interestingly one was heard singing on at least 5 dates near Five Arches FCM between 25th July-9th September (a first for this site). A treecreeper was also seen near same site on 5th August, another under recorded species with Bursted Woods being only other recorded site. The last of the summer warblers were seen - sedge warbler 9th September (FCM), reed warbler 12th August (CX), lesser whitethroat 25th September (CM), whitethroat 11th September (CX), garden warbler and willow warbler 11th September (CX), spotted flycatcher 9th September (The Glade). A single yellow-browed warbler was at CM on 20th October. Crests are very under recorded so a Firecrest in St.Paulinas Churchyard (Crayford) on 10th July was of note.

A female bearded tit returned to CM on 1st November with 2 seen on the 17th – 2 further records in December. A single rook on 12th August (CM) and 3 records of 2, 4 and 3 in September reminds us how uncommon this species is in the borough. The first siskins appeared York Road (9th September) and CM on 5th October with 20 at CX on 14th, FCM from 2nd November with further records from Haddon Grove and Danson Park into December. Redpolls came through CM in October with up to 4 by the end of the month, a maximum of 30 on 1st November but only occasional records since, also present FCM from 14th October. A crossbill was seen over Chalk Walk on 5th July and another Joydens Wood 15th October. Up to 3 corn buntings were heard during July and August at CM but have since gone quiet and yellowhammer seen on only the 19th October (2 at CM). A single snow bunting on 8th November was only record this winter.

House Sparrows seem to be making something of a comeback though very local – I regularly have 12 in the garden (from none 4-5 years ago) with a peak of 32 however this figure pales when compared to 105 seen at Northumberland Heath Recreation Ground on 20th December.

As can be seen from the above report, FCM and DP feature a lot but most records come from the Thames Marshes however tucked away are some fabulous records from some much lesser known/watched sites and proves the worth of checking out any garden or piece of open space. Please have a go and let me have the results – it would be much appreciated. Thanks to all those who do submit records, this report wouldn’t be possible without you.

Ralph Todd
December 2011

January – June 2011

(Key – Cx = Crossness, CM = Crayford Marshes, DP = Danson Park, FCM = Foots Cray Meadows, TRW (Thames Road Wetland – Barnes Cray), UCF = Upper College Farm)

Two features dominate the early part of the year – snow and waxwings, the latter occurring on at least 23 dates at 10 different locations. The January snow didn’t seem to bring in the same variety of birds as the November/December fall but the following report suggests how good the bird watching can be if you are prepared to venture out and about in the Borough.

Once again the report is dominated by sightings from the Thames Marshes and Danson Park but it is good to note there are 2 or 3 new regulars filing reports from other locations onto the London Birders web-site (http://Londonbirders.wikia.com/wiki/LatestNews), though the Group’s own site is less well supported. Of particular note are those records from Ian Stewart from his garden and local patches, amazing just what can be seen when recording on a regular basis and particularly if looking up!

Great crested grebe has bred at DP, Southmere Lake and The Glade and little grebe seen with young at TRW on 19th May. Highest count of cormorant was 16 at DP on 19th January declining to just 2 or 3 into February. Mute swan failed to breed at DP, The Glade and TRW where pairs were present, the pair at FCM produced 5 young. Geese were represented by 60 pink-footed on the 1st January, and a single dark-bellied brent on both 14th and 30th (CM); at Cx 6 white-fronts flew south-east on the 21st, a red-breasted goose with a yellow ring, undoubtedly an escape turned up at Cx on 28th March and was relocated on 7th May where it was still being seen at time of writing. A pair of Egyptian geese have been regular at DP but once again failed to breed, whether this is the same pair that did raise 6 young at The Glade (3rd-6th April) is unclear – on the 3rd the family were joined by a third adult.

Maximum high numbers for ducks included 130 wigeon 18th January, 20 teal, 270 gadwall on 5th February (all Cx) and 50 shoveler (DP) 4th Jan. Pintail remain scarce with only 2 sightings (max.2) both in January from CM. At DP pochard made a comeback in January with 11 on 19th but none in other months, tufted duck peaked at 17 on 4th Jan. Unusual records include a marbled duck on the Thames by Belvedere incinerator (10th Jan.), mandarin duck (Cx 7th May) and a pair of wood duck (DP 5th June) (none were ringed and appeared to be wild birds though origin cannot be confirmed). A single drake goosander (DP 31st Jan).

Red kites continue to excite the observers with singles over the marshes in March, April and May, one over Welling 26th march and one over the same Sidcup garden on 26th April and 21st May – lucky observer. Another was over York Avenue on 21st April. A male marsh harrier at CM on 5th Jan. was followed by another on 2 dates in April when a female/imm. was also seen. A ringtail hen harrier also turned up (CM) in January (24th) and another hung around for the last few days of March. Common buzzard occurred on 6 dates (CM) in March (2 on 23rd) and 2 more on 8th April other inland records included up to 3 over York Avenue 24th/25th March and two over Horsham Road on 30th May. A female merlin made one appearance (CM) in each of first 3 months and the first hobbys were seen on the 20th April followed by 3 more sightings that month (CM and Cx) plus five dates in May and 2 in June (CM), one over Chalk Wood (28th April) and Longlands Road Sidcup 11th May. Most peregrine sightings – including occasional pairs - come from the marshes (8 days in Feb. 6 in March (all CM)) though one was seen on Marlow House Sidcup on 12th January and occasional dates in March over York Avenue. The great news is that peregrine has bred in the borough (possibly for the very first time) with two young and parents first seen on June 18th. The only osprey record was from Cx on 22nd April. Kestrels appear to be breeding around Crayford Marshes, UCF, Cx, FCM and possibly The Warren, Bexleyheath.

Wintering water rails remain elusive but up to 3 recorded from CM, one at DP and possibly 2 FCM, a late calling bird from TRW suggests possible breeding – a rare occurrence if confirmed.

Avocet is always a pleasure to record and 1-3 were regular on the foreshore at CM during first 3 months with 11 being highest number (20th Feb). A single on 5th May was latest record.

First little ringed plovers were seen on 13th March (2 at CM) with maximum of 14 on 5th April – most seen near the landfill site. Peak winter number for following were: Ringed plover CM (18 2nd Feb), Golden Plover CM (31 3rd March), Grey Plover Cx (20 30th Jan), Lapwing CM (c500 27th Jan) a single knot CM (7th March), Dunlin CM (c1200 8th Jan) and Cx (c700 18th Jan). A single ruff seen on 10 dates (CM Jan-April.), snipe is surely an under recorded bird – only 2 seen on two dates (CM 21st Feb. and 30th March) though jack snipe only recorded once on 21st Jan (CM). Black-tailed godwit remains only a winter visitor with max. of 155 on 14th Jan (CM) dropping to max. of five in March. Bar-tailed godwit however is a spring migrant with first being seen (16 on 28th and 31 on 29th April CM) and 24 at Cx on 30th April, a few hung on into May. Curlew peaks in winter (up to six in Jan/Feb with 13 on 27th March CM) but the first Whimbrel was seen on 19th April (2 at CM) with continuing records through to mid May (4 on the 5th CM). Redshank peaked at 88 on 5th Feb (CM) and first greenshank seen at Cx on 19th April though CM had the highest number, (6 on 6th May). Green Sandpiper is a winter visitor with birds being present throughout each month peaking at 6 on the 21st February (CM). First of 3 wood sandpiper at Cx was on 12th April with the first at CM on 22nd April and two together on 29th. Common Sandpiper is also hanging around in winter with at least one, sometimes two throughout January (CM) and two at Cx on 22nd Jan. One or two (CM and Cx) up to 13th May. Only inland record was of singles at DP on 4th March where spring birds we noted on 4th and 10th May. A couple of turnstone were seen at CM and Cx during first four months. Sanderlings only arrived in May (CM) with 6 on the 12th, possibly same birds at Cx on 18th and four seen between the two sites on 28th/29th – last one seen CM 8th June.

The Thames and close-by landfill on Crayford Marshes attract a good variety of gulls with between 1-4 Mediterranean, yellow-legged and Caspian being seen in each month. An adult kittiwake on 15th Jan and 28th Feb. was unexpected along the Thames as were 2 adult little gulls at Cx on 20th/21st Jan. Highest count of c200 black-headed gulls and 100+ common gull on the 12th January were at CM. A juvenile Iceland gull was seen at Cx on 26th March. The earliest tern was a Sandwich tern on 10th April (Cx) with only two other sightings of two each (CM 19th April and Cx 4th May) Two common terns were first seen at Cx 3rd April peaking at 150+ CM on 30th – smaller numbers continued to be seen through to early June. Arctic tern occurred in much smaller numbers, 1 each at Cx (25th April) and CM (28th) – three further dates in May with max. 5 on 4th at CM. The now very scarce little tern made just four appearances – first being 1 on 30th April (Cx) and last when six passed CM on 18th May. Nine black terns occurred at Cx on 30th April and six at CM on 4th May.

The little owls appear to be breeding at CM and one was seen flying over Rectory lane FCM on 8th March, same observer heard Tawny Owl near York Avenue on 18th March. The great news is that the Barn owls are back at Cx though breeding has not been confirmed. These are the only owl records for the period.

Kingfishers may have suffered in the bad weather with just very rare sightings of a single from CM (Jan-Feb) and even fewer from FCM, none from DP and one from River Wansunt on 2nd March. Both green and great spotted woodpecker are becoming more widespread and regularly reported from private gardens but also in DP, Hall Place, East Wickham Open Space, The Glade, Lesnes Abbey Woods, Chalk wood, Martens Grove, Bursted Woods, breeding of Great Spotted confirmed from the latter two. Only one record of Lesser Spotted, heard at Chalk Wood on 28th March. The only turtle dove record was of one at Cx on 30th April though same observer had a turtle dove type species flying away from him on 15th January – an extraordinary date but the news of an Oriental Turtle Dove in Oxfordshire which stayed for many weeks adds intrigue to the sighting. The national concern for cuckoo is reflected in the scarcity of records during spring migration with two being seen on 19th April and 10th June (CM) and 2 at Cx on 30th April. Five woodlark were reported from FCM on 21st February along with a single at CM on 1st January this contrasts with the 24 skylarks recorded at the same location on 6th January. The marshes remain the stronghold for this latter species as a breeding record though four singing birds at UCM on 10th May was encouraging and this seems to be the only inland site for this lovely songbird.

The first waxwings (9) of the year turned up in the Russell Close garden of Crossness regular, Ian Miller on 9th January, they returned with additional friends on the 13th February (11), 28 on the 14th and 21 on the 24th. A single bird was recorded flying over CM on 27th January with another 8 turning up to feed on the 13th April these being the last of the winter. The most interesting and prolific site was around Bourne Road/London Road Crayford between the Citroen Garage and the Ghandi Restaurant where between 8th February (39 birds) and 29th March (17 birds) any number up to 160 birds (12th February) were seen on 13 dates. Other locations included – Sutherland Avenue (40 on 3rd Feb), Lydon Ave, Sidcup (20 on 10th and 25 on 24th/25th Feb), Tenby Road (60 on 28th Feb/1st Mar), Stevens Park Welling (40 on 1st March), Oakhampton Crescent (20 on 2nd March), Princes Road Crayford (18 on 3rd March), 15 over Black Prince A2 (7th March) and 2 by the A2/Upton Road junction on 22nd March. Riverside pumping Station Albany Park – 16-40 on 26th March. If you missed waxwings you must have been out of the borough!

The first swifts were recorded on 25th April (2 at CM) and visible migration of 25 over my house in Horsham Road on the 3rd May was exciting. 3 swallows and 2 sand martins at CM on 25th March were the earliest record with only 12 swallows and 6 sand martins being the highest numbers from this site on 26th and 27th April respectively. First inland swallows were 2 on 29th March at the Glade house martins faired even worse, the first arrival being 2 on 6th April (CM) and a maximum of 12 being the highest number from six other dates in May. Stonechats seemed to have taken a battering in the harsh winter with none recorded from Cx to date and probably only one pair on CM. Three Whinchat at Cx on 8th May and a female at CM on 10th

Wrens seem to have not suffered in the cold winter with 17 singing on 23rd April at DP being fairly typical. Wintering fieldfares peaked at 140 on 26th March (CM) with redwings peaking at 60 27th/28th Jan. (CM). Cetti’s warbler stuck it out during the winter with 1 or 2 present on CM throughout peaking at five during April and 4 still present in May that looked good for breeding. At least 2 also present at Cx into April. A female black redstart was seen at CM (20th Feb).

Spring migration continued with the first arrival of yellow wagtail on 28th March, 2 at Cx and 1 CM on 22nd April with singles on 3 and 2 dates in May at Cx and CM respectively. The first wheatear arrived on the 26th March (CM) followed by 2 at Cx on 3rd April. They occurred on a further 14 dates in April and 24 days in May with peak number being an incredible 26 on the 6th April. Tree pipit occurred on only 1 day – 1 each at Cx/CM on 22nd April and only 1 borough record for nightingale (CM 14th April) and ring ouzel (a male CM 9th April). A male common redstart turned up on CM 6th April and a female on 8th May. Grey wagtail seems to have bred at Cx, Hall Place, FCM and along the River Shuttle in Sidcup. A white wagtail was seen CM on 4th April.

Warblers began arriving from the end of March - the first Sedge warbler on 10th April (Cx) then CM on 18th April followed by records of up to 3 on most days into June, a single bird on 2nd May at DP was an exciting find for John Turner. First reed warblers seen on 10th April (at Cx and CM) then seen/heard most days peaking at 18 on 29th April and 24th May and 25 o n 8th June (all CM), a single was reported from DP on 4th May by Peter Newmark, 12 were reported from the TRW on 27th May. Dartford ringing group report a reed warbler, first ringed as an adult at Cx in June 2003 was recaptured on 17th April this year (in addition to 2004,2007 and 2010) – making it probably 9 years old, it is estimated it might have travelled some 79,000kms (49,000 miles) between UK and West Africa (18 times). Whitethroats, by far the most numerous warbler, seen first at CM on 7th April with peaks of 38 on 22nd April and 31 on 10th May. These birds were also in good song and numbers at East Wickham Open Space and UCF (in May). Lesser whitethroat is much more elusive (and scarce) with 2 seen on 14th April (CM) peaking at only 4 at same site though seen/heard most days into June. Also recorded UCF on 10th May. Three garden warblers on 22nd April at FCM was the highest count of this confiding bird which was seemingly in much reduced numbers this year in contrast to blackcap that was well represented across the borough with first male singing CM (14th March) peaking at 20 on 10th April, 4 were seen in York Road on 5th March where a pair were noted on 15th; highest borough count was 25 FCM on 22nd April. Chiffchaff (like blackcap) is now an uncommon winter visitor with 1 noted at CM on 4th January becoming regular during March and peaking at 10 on 7th April, peak count at FCM was 15 on 22nd April. Only 2 records of willow warbler at CM (27th March and 12th May) and 6 at the Glade on 5th April. Spotted Flycatcher continues to give cause for concern with only 1 sighting from Cx on the 8th and 18th May. Goldcrest and Treecreeper are under recorded (or uncommon) species so the pair of the former in York Avenue (March-April) and up to 4 in the Glade and occasional sightings FCM is encouraging. The only treecreeper records were of 2 in Chalk Wood (23rd March), 2 in Joydens Wood 7th June and singles York Avenue 25th March and Bursted Woods 8th June.

Hopes were raised at CM in January when bearded tits were seen on 3 dates (max 4 on 4th) and 2 on 3rd February but no records since, these were followed by a single penduline tit at the same location on the 17th February.

Earlier observations that rook was scarce have been followed up with more regular sightings from CM most months with 6 on 9th February and 14th June however, raven is now becoming the latest must see corvid with 2 seen on 14th June (CM). 19 chaffinches in Norman Road Belvedere on 23rd January was an unusually high count. Buntings of note – a single snow bunting (CM) on 1st January and same month/location an incredible 10 yellowhammer on 24th (7 on 21st and 6 on 19th). Corn bunting probably bred (CM).

My enquiry about roosts produced no direct response but Chris Rose noted 150 starlings gathering in Perry Street Farm on 23rd February and Ian Stewart noted around 150 pied wagtails in March roosting in Tesco Car park (though this is marginally outside the borough).

Thanks again to all those who have submitted records for the period under review.

Ralph Todd
June 2011

July – December 2010

Since I last wrote around 140 species have been seen on the Erith/Crayford Marshes and some 67 in Danson Park. This again suggests what great bird watching can be enjoyed without having to travel too far and just how valuable some habitats are within the Borough. I am grateful to those who watch and submit their records directly to me, via the Group’s web-site or to http://Londonbirders.wikia.com/wiki/LatestNews. In an attempt to try and reduce the length of this report (7 months to cover) I have tried to summarise key species or numbers and direct you to the web sites for the detail.

Whilst outside the area the co-ordinated ring-necked parakeet roost count on 10th October resulted in 5,800 birds at Hither Green Cemetery and 26,000 in South London – no wonder more people are recording them in their gardens.

On the subject of roosts I do have a request. Does anyone know where the woodpigeons roost – each morning I see 100’s flying south/south-westerly over The Warren, Bexleyheath and I wonder where they’ve spent the night? What about other roosts – are there any starling, house sparrow, pied wagtail, corvid, gull or other roosts in the Borough? I’d like to hear if there are please.

(Key – Cx = Crossness, CM = Crayford Marshes, DP = Danson Park and FCM = Foots Cray Meadows)

I am pleased to report that my earlier pessimism about lack of breeding great crested grebe was overturned by reports of successes at Danson Park, The Glade and Southmere Lake. Black-necked grebe off Crayfordness on 28th August was the first record since 1997. Ironically a second occurred on the Thames on 27th December.

Little egrets were recorded each month peeking at 6 on CM in June, August and October but were also seen along the Rivers Cray (FCM) and Shuttle (the Hollies and Bexley). An immature spoonbill at Cx on 24th October coincided with a movement of this species around the South East.

280 greylag geese on 11th September on CM is a particularly high number. The first dark-bellied brent geese (10) were recorded at CM on 29th September with between 1 and 9 on the Marshes on 10 other dates. A pair of Egyptian geese (presumably those seen in DP in the Spring) continued their wanderings being seen at Southmere Lake, CM, DP, The Glade and FCM at least once a month. The 27 Bewick swans that appeared on CM on 3rd December were the 3rd record and the first since 1996. The December snow saw an amazing movement of geese along the Thames/marshes with 16/12 tundra bean on 19th/21st respectively, 3 Barnacle, 8 pink-feet and c28 white-fronted on the 20th.

A single Manx shearwater made a couple of appearances on the Thames (15th September and 2nd October). An adult gannet flying west along the Thames on 30th December was an amazingly late and unusual record (first record since 2006).

A ruddy shelduck was seen from Cx in July and August. First wigeon (4) on 29th September (CM) with highest count since (same site) of c180 on 29th November. A lone male was at FCM on 9th December. Gadwall have been present each month with 140 at Cx on 28th September, 6 in DP on 16th November and 30 at Five Arches on 19th December. 690 teal at Cx on 27th November indicated their winter build up. Last garganey seen at Cx on 26th July. 28 common scoter flew east along the Thames on 27th July seen from Cx and CM and a female was seen on 3 dates in August and another on 13th October. An exceptional count of 110 shoveler, including 30 drakes at DP on 6th December dwarfed the earlier high count of 29 on 28th November, however numbers continued to increase/fluctuate between 190 15th, 160 23rd and 52 on 24th December. Two scaup at Cx on 19th December were followed by 3 on the Thames 29th.

John Turner reflects that a large number of ducklings/goslings are disappearing from DP – presumably predated.

Red-breasted merganser and goosander were seen occasionally on the Thames. Two at FCM on 4th November and a female on 9th December (after the snow) were a first for this site since January 1997.

Raptors were once again well represented – the last hobby seen at CM 26th and Cx (2) on 28th August. Red kite recorded over Bexley Woods 27th July, over the Thames marshes on 17th September on Christmas Day over Erith and Boxing Day over York Avenue. Buzzard, like peregrine, is becoming a regular feature over the marshes. Other sightings included Joydens Wood, Veroan Road (September) and Hall Place in December. A male hen harrier at CM on 9th November made a pleasant change from the occasional sightings of marsh harrier hunting the marshes in all months except October. A single osprey on 2 dates in September.

Water rails have returned to the regular sites – up to 3 on CM, two at FCM (from 27th September) and one at the Bog Garden DP from late November. 23 species of wader seen during the period under review: of note were Wood Sandpiper on 14th August at Cx, Spotted Redshank at CM on 1st December and Avocet seen in each month from CM. Recent harsh weather has brought snipe, jack snipe and green sandpiper back to FCM and a few flocks of lapwing were seen flying over residential areas. Exceptional counts were in November - 300+ Lapwing CX 18th, 26 snipe CM 27th, 230 black-tailed godwit 17th, and in December from CM, 20 grey plover 29th, c1500 dunlin 16th. Both green and common sandpiper seem to be wintering at CM.

Eight species of gull included regular little gull during late July through September at the Cx outfall with 2 on 3rd December at CM being the latest. Both Yellow-legged and Caspian gull were being picked up amongst the many lesser-black backed and herring gulls. Last dates for terns along the Thames in October were – Arctic 3rd, Sandwich 9th and Common 17th - though 2 common terns seen at DP on 20th were extremely late. The passage of black terns was probably most impressive through late July into September with four on the 28th September and the last one on 2nd October – all along the Thames but mostly from the Cx outfall. An amazing record of juvenile pomarine skua flying west along the Thames on 1st December was exceptional for its rarity (second record) and late date.

Barn owl doesn’t appear to have bred this year but one was seen hunting early morning on 27th/28th October over CM where up to two little owls have become a regular sight. A short-eared owl hunted the marshes on 5 dates between September and December. Kingfishers do appear to have suffered during the earlier harsh winter with few sightings from the marshes, the rivers Cray and Shuttle though occasional sightings are heartening. They seem now to be absent from DP.

One or two skylarks hang on at Upper College Farm otherwise the marshes are the best place to see/hear them but an amazing 25 on 31st and 35 on 11th October from Cx and CM respectively might have included migratory birds though c230 on 24th and 80 on 31st December at CM and 20+ at Upper College Farm on 19th were likely harsh weather driven birds. I thought swifts over my garden on 8th September was late but a single over CM on 1st October beat it. Sand martin 18th September, swallow 29th, house martin 15th, yellow wagtail 17th October were other last dates. Sadly there was only one record of turtle dove on the 26th June at Cx.

The first rock and water pipits of the autumn appeared on the marshes on the 11th October and 2nd November respectively. The Erith/Crayford Marshes are certainly the best place to catch up with resident stonechats, which appear to have bred successfully and also whinchat and wheatear, both migratory species and occurring regularly during August/September with the last known dates for them being 27th and 12th October. A male ring ouzel on the 13th October was the last recorded. Winter thrushes were quite abundant – brought further inland by the recent harsh conditions. The earliest dates for Fieldfare were in October - 3 on CM 13th and 12 redwings at Cx on the 9th though a flock of 150 at CM on the 11th was probably more impressive, 15 flew over FCM on the same date. There was an obviously visible movement of fieldfare on 20th October with 100+ passing my garden.

Cetti’s Warbler seemed to follow the national trend by doing rather well on the marshes with one or two being present throughout. The common warblers all seemed to have had a reasonable breeding season and migration produced nothing exceptional though a yellow-browed warbler at CM 21st October was, I believe, a first for the Borough. A Dartford Warbler on the10th December on CM was undoubtedly a harsh weather movement. Both spotted and pied flycatcher made appearances during August and September with 3 spotted and one pied being together at Cx on the 22nd of August. A single spotted flycatcher at DP on 27th August was quickly followed by 2 together on 9th September. A Firecrest was ringed by the Dartford Ringing Group at Cx on 12th June and two were reported from Kelsey Park Farm on 19th November, could these be the same 2 at Franks Park on 28th? Goldcrests really did seem to have suffered after last winter’s snow so it was good that 3 made a return to DP on 9th November seen again on 28th December. Bearded tits might have taken up residence in the reed bed near Crayford Creek/landfill site as two were observed there on the 15th October and up to six have been seen regularly since. An exciting, though brief spell of visible migration was witnessed from Cx on 12th October with two Lapland bunting, 2 brambling, 6 siskin and 2 redpolls going over.

The rook remains a rare bird for Bexley and the only sightings usually come from CM (or the landfill site) however raven could soon be catching up with this elusive corvid as there have been two recent sightings over FCM the most recent being 5th December and also one from CM (13th September and 30th December).

This has been an exceptional winter for waxwings throughout the north and east of the country (over 1000 at Pegwell Bay (13th December) and c500 in B&Q car park in Folkestone 11th) so the 4 that flew east over CM on 7th December were just a small consolation. However, thanks to Graham Nichols walking his dog, he found 35 in the tiny little park at the end of Upton Road South/Parkhurst Road on Sunday 12th December – this increased to 48 during the afternoon and 15 were still present (irregularly) on the 14th reducing to 2 or 3 by the 16th. Between 10-15 flew over Hurst Road/Halfway Street on Christmas Eve and 4 were in London Road, Crayford on 29th.

An example of not needing to venture far for some interesting birdwatching is demonstrated by one person who took advantage of some garden/sky watching during the period of snow in December so added (amongst other species), 8 goosander, 40+ lapwing, 7 golden plover, woodcock, 8 snipe along with small flocks of finches, thrushes – all from his garden in York Avenue, Sidcup.

Finally, a mammal footnote – 2 harbour porpoise off Cx on 18th August and a grey seal off CM on 27th July.

Thank you to all who submit their records and a Happy New Year and good birdwatching in 2011.

Ralph Todd
January 3rd 2011

January - June 2010

Can we forget the severe weather we experienced in January? It certainly brought many birds to gardens with some unusual/unexpected species. It also seems to have decimated the Goldcrest population – how many have you seen one in the Borough this year? Two on Crayford Marshes on 15th January, two in Lamorbey Park on 1st February and 1 Hall Place on 17th March are only records received. I referred last time to the three birders who watch the Thames Marshes almost daily. They (Kevin Jarvis, John Archer and Ian Miller) are really turning up some great birds – the Crossness male Hen Harrier (19th-23rd January), March’s Alpine Swift and Stone Curlew being the most exciting and rarest examples. Other members - Phillip Cliffe, Steve Carter, Eric Brown, Maurice Ewart, Steve and Sandra Shephard, Stephen Ansell, Jackie Foot and Peter Kite have sent in records of their visits to Crossness and elsewhere in the Borough for which I am most grateful. I do urge anyone with a serious interest in local birding to follow their lead. My own BTO Atlas squares plus research for “where to watch birds in Bexley” are producing some surprises. I have occasionally visited Lesnes Abbey Woods, Shenstone Park, Marten’s Grove and Woods, The Warren and found these sites to have enormous potential but I don’t have the time to visit regularly. Perhaps others could adopt them as their local patch and get as much interest from them as John Turner does with his regular visits to Danson Park (recent sightings – Bexley Group Website). The River Shuttle along its length has great potential with seemingly resident Little Egret, Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher. Brenda and I have walked it from Bexley to Parish Wood and had the joy of watching Kingfishers at their nest site in April. Eric Brown posts regular sightings from Haddon Grove, Willersley and Marlborough Parks. It would certainly be interesting to know which species are potentially breeding along the Shuttle. If you have a mind to save travel time and fuel, there are many local sites well worth a regular visit.

For more detailed information about sightings I would urge you to visit the Group’s own excellent web-site www.bexleyrspb.org.uk (recent sightings) and the London Birders web-sites

January - For gull aficionados the Thames marshes are the place to go – Yellow-legged Gulls showed many days with 3 on the 9th and 29th at Crossness and 6 along the Crayford Marshes on several dates. Up to 2 Caspian Gull were around at both sites on several dates late month. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was around the landfill site on Crayford Marshes on 24th and 25th. A Great Skua along the Thames on the 1st was most unexpected. Other exceptional records were 5 Whooper Swans on Thamesmead Golf course on 23rd, two drake Goldeneye on Southmere Lake between 11th-14th, 3 Common Scoter off Belvedere 25th and a fly-over of geese (71 Pink-footed, 2 Tundra Bean and 7 Dark-bellied Brent Geese) at the same location on the 21st. I saw five Woodcock at Foots Cray Meadows on the 8th along with 2 Common Snipe but had to rely on records from Crossness for Jack Snipe (max. 3 on 11th). Crossness also had single Woodcock and a maximum count of 17 Snipe on the 14th. Other waders were male Ruff until 9th at Crossness and up to 3 on Crayford Marsh to the 15th - this site also produced Grey (max. 12 on 10th) and Golden Plover (max. 18 on the 10th). Both Green and Common Sandpipers were at both sites. 210 Black-tailed and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, c850 Dunlin, 155 Redshank, 373 Lapwing; 247 Gadwall, 60 Shoveler, 20 Wigeon, 990 Teal, and 115 Shelduck were impressive, maximum counts from Crossness. Water Rail were seen at Foots Cray Meadows (plus 4 Shoveler and up to 8 Great Spotted Woodpeckers) and in Danson Park (plus 3 Shoveler a max. count of 82 redwing and a single meadow pipit).

February – snow was beginning to be a thing of the past and birdlife returned to something approaching normal though a pair of Scaup at Southmere Lake (18th) were far from the norm. At Crossness two Buzzards (20th) and two Mediterranean Gulls (28th) were amongst the rarest visitors though the Rock and Water Pipits continued to show well all month and 1028 Teal on the river was an exceptional count. Upto 4 Skylarks began singing over Crayford Marshes where Little Owl was regularly seen and six more Brent Geese showed up on the 17th. Over 100 Blackbirds recorded at Lamorbey Park on the 1st was an exceptional number and four Nuthatches on the 4th were also of note. The Warren produced 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 3 Nuthatch on the 13th, on the 25th 3 Skylarks were singing at Upper College Farm where two flocks of Siskin (30 and 20) flew amongst the riverside trees.

March – often a quieter month with some expectation of early spring migrants. Once again Crossness didn’t disappoint with the first Wheatear (17th), singing Cetti’s Warbler (20th), Swallows (3 on 23rd, 30th, 2 on 31st), Willow Warbler (25th-28th), Common Tern (28th and 31st) and Sand Martin (3 on 31st). It was also a month of rarities for this site – an Osprey flew over on 20th beginning a long weekend of extraordinary movement. A Spoonbill flying downriver (21st) contrasting amazingly with 30 Waxwings over the Incinerator seen by John Archer the same day. On the 22nd a Red Kite flew west at 8.40am. The month ended with a big “twitch” when Kevin Jarvis found an Alpine Swift flying over Thamesmead Golf Course - it hung around for a couple of hours, enough time for a few dozen lucky birders to see it. Two Buzzards were also seen whilst they were sky watching. Kevin located a Stone Curlew in the Paddocks on the 30th. No Redwing records occurred after 75 on the 9th. Another Red Kite went over the same site on the 26th.

April – the classic migration month when some birds leave but many arrive. The last Wigeon were seen at Crossness on 7th, and Fieldfares on Crayford Marsh on the 19th. A late Goosander drake and a Grey Plover were on the river on the 11th. At Crossness Common Terns were becoming regular, peaking at c20 on the 24th, Blackcaps peaked at 14 on the 7th, an adult Little Gull on the 6th. Sedge warblers were first heard on the 6th peaking at five on the 24th, Reed Warblers arrived over a week later peaking at 11 on the 24th. Three records each of Cuckoo (first on 15th), Yellow Wagtail (first on 6th) Lesser Whitethroat (3 on 22nd, 5 on 24th), Little Ringed Plover (2 on 23rd and 25th). Other welcome sightings were Whimbrel (max 4 on 25th), male Ring Ouzel, Arctic Tern (21 on 25th), Garganey and Greenshank (25th), six Whinchat (30th) plus Redstart and Hobby. Unexpected were Short-eared Owl on the 16th and Marsh Harrier on the 22nd. Down river at Crayford Marshes much the same was happening plus Cetti’s Warbler seemingly taking up residence: a Tree Pipit flew over on the 23rd, more Greenshanks, Wheatears (4 on the 20th), a second Ring Ouzel, a trickle of House Martins arriving from the 19th – has anyone seen many House Martins?

After a report in February of Tawny Owl calling from Marten’s Grove/Wood I made a visit on the 8th April - had no luck with the owl but did locate 10 singing Blackcap and five Nuthatch along with a good selection of woodland species. A similar list including Song Thrush and the two common woodpeckers was made in close by Shenstone Park. Another Red Kite, this time over the garden in Mayplace Road East on the 19th.

An Egyptian Goose made an appearance at Southmere Lake (possibly the same bird as Graham Nichols found on Danson Park on the last day of March) but one soon became two and took up residence in a tree close to the Park’s boat house and photographed by one lucky couple. John Turner confirmed later the geese had bred. The month ended on a high note for Phillip Cliffe (amongst others) who caught up with a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Chalk Wood and Stephen Gatley who recorded both Raven (27th) and a Golden Oriole (30th) at Foots Cray Meadows.

May – Phillip had an even better start to May when, on the 4th, he spotted two Cranes flying NW over Morrison’s car park in Sidcup (they were seen 35 minutes later over East India Dock). Turtle Dove is something of a rarity these days so we should be grateful for singles on 5th and 8th at Crayford Marsh/Crossness respectively. Seven Black Terns at Crossness on 2nd May are probably now less unusual. Wood Sandpipers passed through on five dates peaking at 4 on 9th at Crossness and the last at Crayford Marshes on the 18th. Female Black Redstart in the Crossness Paddocks on the 9th was a nice find for Steve Carter who is another regular at this site.

Another scarce bird locally is the Corn Bunting but appears to be breeding on the Marshes with up to 3 singing throughout the month. Odd wader records included a Knot on the 8th, 2 Turnstone and 3 Sanderling on th13th and two more on the 23rd.

Nightingale was heard singing opposite Erith Library at 05.20 on the 13th and another adjacent to the River Cray near University Way on the 11th where 13 Lapwing were also seen displaying. Red Kite and Common Buzzard were seen on at least one day each including an inland sighting of the latter over Birkbeck Road Sidcup on the 24th.

June –Hobby seen over Longlands Road Sidcup (1st) and a Quail on Crayford Marsh (14th) were of interest otherwise most species seem to have settled down to breeding with good numbers of Reed Warbler (peak 16), Sedge Warbler (peak 11), Lesser Whitethroats, Common Whitethroat (max. 25), Corn Buntings and skylark – all very positive. It is heartening to see that Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker and Long-tailed Tit are doing well across the Borough and Water Rail might be breeding in at least 3 locations. Sadly it appears Great Crested Grebe might not have bred this year.

Thanks to all who have submitted records and apologies to those I haven’t named – happy birding watching.

Ralph Todd
June 2010

July – December 2009

Sadly, my request for assistance or sharing of news in the Autumn newsletter elicited absolutely no new responses – I hope that just reflects an interest in my project or sharing information rather than what is happening to the birds here in Bexley. Not to be down beat or down hearted a few folk do continue to record what is seen from some areas of the Borough and the past six months since I last wrote have turned up some interesting records.

We didn’t confirm if the nightingales produced young but the piece of land by St. Marys Church is still advertised for development – so keep an eyes or ears open in May 2010. My own three winter BTO Atlas squares have underwent their first survey in December with two each green sandpiper and skylark being of most interest on some horse crazing meadows by Barnes Cray/Bob Dunne Way. The walk along the River Cray from Maiden Lane out to where it meets the Darenth was most enjoyable and produced 37 species. A two hour timed tetrad walk around Upper College Farm (the land between Albany Park and Bexley Cricket Club – also the site of last winter’s shore larks, sadly not recorded this winter - yet) produced 30 species including my first redwings of the winter and a flock of 45 siskins.

Nick Jones did report two buzzards circling over Sidcup in November, possibly the same two seen by Leigh Aldrich over Joydens Wood in October

There are a few dedicated watchers of the River Thames and adjacent marshes at Crossness three of whom each recorded 132 species from there during 2009 – the beauty of a local patch. The highlights (some shared by myself and others from the group) for the last six months were Ruddy Shelduck, 60 common terns and the first Black-headed gull of the autumn ,all in July. Black Tern, Pied flycatcher, Yellow-legged and Mediterranean gull, Garganey, Whinchats and a small passage of 7 waders species including 3 dunlin, 4 ringed plovers, 14 common sandpipers, 1 redshank, 7 oystercatchers and a maximum of 122 lapwing in August. September added Greenshank, 10 Common Sandpipers, Yellow Wagtails and Dartford Warbler (which stayed into October). October produced a juvenile Sabines Gull, 2 Brent geese and a ring ouzel, November saw Caspian gulls make and appearance. The year ended quite spectacularly with 3 little gulls, a great skua, common buzzard, common sandpiper and chiffchaff all on the same day. Also this month were up to two woodcocks, a black redstart, water pipit and rock pipit.

Graham Nichols and John Turner who watch Danson Park regularly turned up a Caspian Gull and a female wigeon in November. John recorded a common tern on 17th June his last sand and house martins on 9th September, and four Siskin at the end of October – all interesting dates to note.

Eric Brown, Maurice Ewart and Peter Kite are amongst one or two other regular Bexley watchers whose records can be found on the Group’s web-site, sadly it seems kingfishers (once common in two or three sites) seem to elude them as it does me – the marshes seem to be the only regular site these days. Good to see Little Egret is now almost resident in the borough with up to six found by Peter at Foots Cray Meadows and one by Eric on the River Shuttle near Willersley Avenue. Like the kingfisher, Water Rail is more elusive these days though one has been seen at Foots Cray Meadows. 10 Fieldfare at Crayford Marshes on 11th November may have been amongst the first seen this winter.

Bexley does really offer some great birdwatching opportunities – Happy Bird watching in 2010.

Ralph Todd