Saturday 31 March 2012

From SE26 to Scandinavia

Friday 30th March, 0630, cool w/slight Easterley breeze, hazy (but improving)

A better morning on the ridge than the last outing. Birds seen or heard in the viewpoint scrub: Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Starling, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Jay. Blackcap and Chiffchaff territories have doubled since last week, two singing males apiece now.

Flyovers:
Canada geese, Greylags, Mallard, Song Thrush, Woodpigeon, Feral pigeon, Herring gull, Black-headed gull, Redwing (8).

Dave and Gavin report the latter were pretty flighty and restless...zugenruhe? It's a beautiful idea describing the 'anxiety' or nervousness displayed immediately prior to undertaking migration. These sexy thrushes will no doubt soon be swapping SE26 for Scandinavia. Of the gulls, the Herrings were observed in singles and doubles, largely moving NW (to the river?). Worth mentioning the Woodies too - c120 all in, groups moving SE. It was suggested this is a daily 'phenomenon'; the birds moving out to forage in fields on the suburban/Kent fringe (thanks Gavin).

Park life: Mistle Thrush, Nuthatch, Green Woodpecker, RN parakeet.

Thanks to Dave and Gavin for this update. Here's the BBC weather picture for the middle of next week, looks like we're stuck with northerlies for the most but you never know what'll chance them. COMING SOON (to a park near you): Swallow, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat.



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