And the bird of the year award goes to...

After a brief discussion in the pub last week, the vote was unanimous:

Long-tailed Duck, Peckham Rye Park, June 3rd 2013 

The Dulwich/Peckham borders may not be a mecca for sexy migrants or indeed, brimming with resident birds of note, but in its patchwork of gardens and parks and the spaces where nature is allowed to flourish, there are still the happy surprises of feathered visitors and familiar hangers-on. Of the former, the Peckham Long-tailed Duck is the undoubted victor and her short visit to a murky puddle in Peckham has already passed into local folklore.

Gavin's ace Pied Flycatcher in April was enjoyed by many as was an insane flock of Willow warblers. Tawny and Little owls were still around and 'the winter of firecrests' at Sydenham Hill Wood's looks set to continue this year. Martin phoned in a late request for Pied Wagtail, but the jury had already decided. Lets hope for more of the same in 2014, that migrant birds return in number and our resident birds continue to have a place to thrive.

For whatever reason, things went a bit quiet for us in the 2nd half of 2013 but we hope to be able to get things going again next year. Until then, thanks for reading and have a very Happy Christmas...cheers

Words/photos (PB)

Long-tailed Duck! Peckham Mega!

Ah, summer in Peckham; Chiffchaff are singing in the trees, Swifts are screaming through the skies and the first Long-tailed Duck of the year has returned...er

It's true.

Here's a photo from this morning of the quite unbelievable female LONG-TAILED DUCK that was spotted on Peckham Rye Park lake this Saturday (1/6):

Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) Peckham Rye Park lake, 3/6/13

GET IN!

While you'd be right to be sceptical of the appearance of this species in London in JUNE, this individual doesn't appear to show any signs of being an escape. It's an odd location for a bird like this, given it should be much further north by now and the lake is like Piccadilly Circus with Canada Geese. But it didn't seem to mind and spent an hour this morning at least drifting around, diving and sleeping. The wings look intact and although it's showing down to 10ft at times, that's not surprising when the lake is barely 50 yards wide anyway. Whatever the providence, there's still a bloody LONG-TAILED DUCK in PECKHAM! Well done to the finder, probably not as easy a spot as you'd think in amongst all the Coot love and crusts.

Naturally, following news going out yesterday, first thing this morning an epic local twitch was in full swing:

L-R: Bin man, man on bike, DC, Martin

A morning to remember.

Thanks to Philip C, John Archer & Richard Bonser
Photo/footage - Peter Beckenham