Monday 18 March 2013

Here we go again...


Crystal Palace ridge and mast, 06.23am this morning...no Wheatears

First session of the spring up at the ridge this morning. Had been looking forward to it after the recent switch to southerlies but, in keeping with the general picture, there was little to get too excited about just yet, unless you're especially fond of chaffinches (and who isn't really?) Conditions were good with clear views as far as the North Downs in the distance, there was a light southerly breeze and a wintry sunrise to welcome us back.  Back in position at the ridge, here's what unfolded over the course...

(0625-0815) Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove (1 over S), Feral Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Jay (1), Magpie, Starling (c30 over SE), Song Thrush (4-5), Blackbird (5), Blue Tit (3), Great Tit (3), Coal Tit (1 heard), Long-tailed Tit (5), Greenfinch (6), Goldfinch (4), Chaffinch (20+), Robin, Wren, Dunnock (4), Pied Wagtail (2 over N), Goldcrest (2), Green Woodpecker (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Ring-necked Parakeet.

Also in the park:

Mallard, Canada Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull (over), Common Gull, c22 Black-headed Gull, 5+ Shoveler, c5 Tufted Duck.

Small movements of Chaffinch (3x flocks of c8) S/SE were noted heading over, with 2 Pied Wagtails going the opposite way. The usual flocks of gulls lolled back and forth between east and west. Good to hear several Song Thrush in full song along the line of scrub on the ridge, with several Dunnocks and numerous scolding robins and blackbirds also demonstrating what an important area for wildlife this is in the park.

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) Crystal Palace Park, 18/3/13
This cold weather looks like continuing for a week at least but it won't be long before spring warblers start returning. Things might be late this year but they won't be far away...stay tuned.

The majestic Crystal Palace National Athletics stadium with attendent grass munchers (bloody cut backs)
Team Ridge: Dan, Dave, Lisa
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This blog is done by a friendly bunch of birders from South London who get out and about whenever they can. We really love our parks and green spaces and all those weeds coming through the cracks. We always love to hear about new sightings...or old ones...or wildly speculative ones, so feel free to drop us a line below. Or get in touch at southlondonbirds@gmail.com if you want to gossip, bitch or buy us beer.

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