Willow Warbler - tick

Thanks to Dave for this latest update.

Friday 20th April 2012

Conditions much better than last time with clear skies and a light South Westerly although ridge itself had what is becoming an ubiquitous haze, but mast was very clear:

Sphinx thing wonders where all the Hirundines are...

Ridge birds heard and seen:

Mallard

Greenfinch

Goldfinch

Chaffinch

Wren

Dunnock

Robin

Blackbird

SongThrush

Green Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Pied Wagtail

Carrion Crow

Magpie

Starling

Jay

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Long-tailed Tit

Wood Pigeon

Feral Pigeon

Goldcrest

Ring-necked Parakeet

Blackcap

Chiffchaff (2)

Willow Warbler (first record for the year in the park)

+ The usual numerous flocks of Wood Pigeons flying on a daily migration south and Black Headed Gull, Herring Gull and Lesser Black Backed Gull, Beddington bound.

Blackcap territories are numerous on the ridge – we think 10 – 12 terriotories, we had fantastic views of a female sunning herself. Willow Warblers were hard to detect, possibly 3,  (well done Gavin) maybe suggesting these are recent arrivals and too knackered to waste energy on full song. Daniel also picked up a singing Willow Warbler in Nunhead Cemetary in the week, will be interesting to see if they stick around (thanks)

No sign of Whitethroats yet but these should be imminent. By all accounts it seems to have been a slower influx than last year. ALSO COMING SOON: Hirundines...surely?!