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(→Tuesday 2nd June)
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*Limehouse: 3 Oystercatcher east @ 11.34 towards Canary Wharf (PH).
*Limehouse: 3 Oystercatcher east @ 11.34 towards Canary Wharf (PH).
*Margravine Cemetery: 70+ Starlings inc. juvs grazing & more on the way, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1m + Juv(s) (Nathalie Mahieu).
*Margravine Cemetery: 70+ Starlings inc. juvs grazing & more on the way, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1m + Juv(s) (Nathalie Mahieu).
 +
*Thorney Park(Richings Park): 2 Dunnock,5 Greenfinch,3 Chiffchaff,22 Common Terns,1 Reed Bunting,1 Blackcap,4 L T Tits,1 Cormorant,1 R N Parakeet,5 Reed Warblers, 1 Song Thrush singing.(Sue Giddens).
===Tuesday 2nd June===
===Tuesday 2nd June===

Revision as of 11:25, 3 June 2009


Please do not post details of scarce breeding birds (those included in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, amended 2000). Any such reports will be removed. Please list rarest sightings at top rather than alphabetically. Note that records submitted here may be added to the LNHS database for use in the London Bird Report; by posting your news here you are agreeing to have your records copied by the LNHS recorders.

Wednesday 3rd June

  • East India Dock: 6 Sand Martin, 4 Shelduck, 6 Common Tern (although still only one on eggs) (Paul Hyland).
  • Limehouse: 3 Oystercatcher east @ 11.34 towards Canary Wharf (PH).
  • Margravine Cemetery: 70+ Starlings inc. juvs grazing & more on the way, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1m + Juv(s) (Nathalie Mahieu).
  • Thorney Park(Richings Park): 2 Dunnock,5 Greenfinch,3 Chiffchaff,22 Common Terns,1 Reed Bunting,1 Blackcap,4 L T Tits,1 Cormorant,1 R N Parakeet,5 Reed Warblers, 1 Song Thrush singing.(Sue Giddens).

Tuesday 2nd June

  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe, 15 Tufted Duck,12 Ring-necked Parakeet,7 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 7 Great Spotted Woodpecker (4Juv)1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch, 4 Swift,(John Watson)
  • Staines Res: Black Tern north basin, mid morning (KLP).
  • Earls Court: Common Buzzard soaring over Empress State Building c11:00hrs (Des McKenzie)
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Collared Dove NW 0757, Common Tern over 1045 (2nd site record).
  • Limehouse: up to 25 House Martins where there are usually only 4-6 ? (Paul Hyland)
  • Hampstead Heath: 1030-1300. Large numbers of Swifts (but no Hobby!) over Parliament Hill. Kingfisher, Common Tern, Dabchick on Highgate Ponds. Blackcap, female Whitethroat (where I have previously seen a male), Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Treecreeper, G-S & Green Woodpeckers, Mistle Thrush, pr Kestrel (Sash Tusa)
  • Brent Res: Black Tern reported on Birdguides.
  • Alexandra Park: Daytime: 2 common Terns south (David Callahan); Raptorwatch from obs 1745-1845: Hobby, 2-3 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 2 Painted Ladies (Bob Watts), Sand Martin along New River in NR Village, 2 Common Tern WG Res (John Murray).
  • Bloomsbury: Red Kite low strongly north over Lincoln Inn Fields 1834 (Jonathan Dean).
  • Margravine Cemetery: 1 Swallow, 8 Swift (Nathalie Mahieu).

Monday 1st June

  • Erith: Ruddy Shelduck on Thames foreshore, opposite Rainham tip @ 12.30pm (Kev Jarvis per JA).
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Song Thrush singing still from Plane Wood @ 8am, also 4 Swift, very few painted Ladies cv last week, just 2 seen Scrapyard Meadow @ 8am (Bob Watts).
  • Camden Town: pair of Lesser black backed gull chicks on a roof top. Hampstead Heath: Hobby at 10am and Willow Warbler at Sanctuary pond. Pair Egyptian Geese with 3 downy chicks at Kenwood pond, first time they bred here. Song Thrushes still singing in Kenwood (Michael Mac).
  • Thorney Lake, 1m S of Little Britain Lake: 2 Cuckoo (m, f), 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler (John Palmer).
  • Forty Hill, Enfield: 3(ad,2juvs) Nuthatch (Robert Callf).
  • Gospel Oak, Red Kite flew NW over Estelle Road at 1635hrs (Pete Mantle)
  • Brent Reservoir: Black Tern evening (RBA).

Sunday 31st May

  • Beechwood Avenue (Greenford): Hobby over low (Neil Anderson)
  • Broadwater GP: 2 Shelduck, 1 Hobby & 3 Oystercatcher (Simon Buckingham).
  • Crossness: Ruddy Shelduck (prob ad female) on River Thames viewable from lighthouse/Golf Centre all day; 1st summer Mediterranean Gull flew east off golf centre @ 08.30, 2 ad summer Med Gulls flew north over Thames by golf centre @ 11.40, 2 Sanderling in evening, 4 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank (John Archer, Richard Bonser).
  • Woolwich Ferry: 1st summer Med Gull late afternoon (John Archer).
  • Walthamstow Reservoirs: Ring-necked Parakeet, Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Little Egrets (inc 12 recently fledged juveniles), Lapwing (N), Cuckoo, singing Grey Wagtail and Chiffchaff, 2 Egyptian Geese, 8 Painted Ladies, 5 Common Blue, first Banded Demoiselle of the year. (David Callahan)
  • Hornsey: Saker-type hybrid thermalled then SW over station 0940 (John Murray). Swallow NW 0930 (Bob Watts).
  • Brent Res: Ringed Plover on close mud all morning, Bar-headed Goose, 12 Common Blues on transect, only 2 Painted Lady (Brent Birders).
  • Barking Outfall: 5.30 to 8.00am, Ruddy Shelduck associatting with Shelducks, 7 Oystercatchers, Common Tern, 2 Sandwich Terns east, 3 Common Sandpipers together, 3 Grey Wagtails and a pair of Gadwall.(Dave Morrison)
  • Harmondsworth Moor: Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler (John Palmer)
  • West Drayton(single lane bridge to Thorney)2 Grey Wagtails on bridge wall.(Sue Giddens)
  • Ham House, Petersham: Red Kite flying north 14.30(Hugh Bradshaw).
  • Paddington Green: Peregrine over c10:15hrs (Des McKenzie).
  • Acton Town Station: Grey Wagtail (Michael Robinson)

Saturday 30th May

  • Rainham Marshes: Tawny Pipit/Richard's Pipit flew over boardwalk and shooting butts towards Wennington Marsh at 06.35 (Dave Morrison).
  • Brent Reservoir: Little Tern flew in at 08.50, investigated tern rafts briefly, flew down the res, then back, then off over South Bank trees, flying South, also 34 Common Terns and 34 Mute Swans more than normal+c15 Painted Lady (Andrew Verrall, Mike H).
  • Cross Ness: Knot on River Thames by the golf centre late a'noon (Richard Bonser) and 2nd-summer Y-l Gull by the outfall in evng (John Archer).
  • Alexandra Park: 3 Jackdaw NE, Common Tern WG Res (Bob Watts).
  • Hornsey: Hobby flew low west over Nightingale Lane @ 0957 (Bob Watts).
  • St Pancras & Islington Cemetery: Pair Bullfinch (Bob Watts).
  • Long Running, Epping Forest: Up to 5 Woodcocks roding (or 5 sightings involving at least 3 and up to 5 birds) (Alan Thomas, Tajinder Lacchar, and Alan Hobson)
  • Claybury Park: Kestrel, Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 4 Stock Doves, Mistle Thrush (Alan Hobson)

Friday 29th May

  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler still singing this morning at 06.30, Oystercatcher over at 07.00 (Mike Oakland); Savi's Warbler also calling and briefly (probably) seen at 20:15 (David Howdon).
  • Rotherhithe: 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 2nd-summer) off Greenland Pier 16:50-17:20 when drifted off east; also 2 Sand Martins north and 5+ Common Terns (Richard Bonser).
  • South Norwood Lake: Great Crested Grebe, 8 Tufted Duck, 12 Ring-necked Parakeet, 1m Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker + 3 juv, Nuthatch, 3 singing Blackcap, 2 singing Chiffchaff, 30+ Painted Lady (John Watson).
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Song Thrush (scarce here) singing from wood just north of Cantrell Field but sadly no sign of Whitethroat (moved on or predated?) (Bob Watts).
  • Alexandra Park: pair of Jackdaw landed in oak behind scrub 0705 and then flew low NE (a future addition to the park's breeding avifauna?), Sand Martin until 6pm at least WG Res (Bob Watts).
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, Ringed Plover, 2 Shelduck (Steve B)
  • Willows Farm Pool: 2 Oystercatchers, 29 Canada Geese, 14 Greylag Geese, Swallows collecting mud for nest building (Steve B).
  • Park Farm, Enfield: 1 Red-legged Partridge; 3 juv Magpie (Robert Callf).
  • Battersea Park Lake: 3 pair Gadwall with young 13, 5 and 4, 3 female Pochard with young 2, 3 and 5, 1 Great Crested Grebe sitting well hidden, 3 pairs Greylag Geese with goslings, many Heron's fledging, 4+ Painted Ladies in my front garden (Michael Mac).
  • Woolwich Common: pr Bullfinch, 9 Painted Lady (Des McKenzie).
  • Wandle Delta Creek. 3 recently fledged Grey Wagtail with adults. 5+ Painted Ladies. (Michael F)

Thursday 28th May

  • Tower Bridge: 14:20 2 Common Terns flew West, 14:50 a large dark, broad square-winged bird (raptor?) circling over City Hall went off South. 80+ Painted Ladies nectaring on Lavendar in Potters Field (Paul Whiteman).
  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 12 Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Jay, 12 Ring-necked Parakeet, 6 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1m Sparrowhawk, c20 Swift, 14 Painted Lady (John Watson).
  • Alexandra Park: 2 Hobbies circling over Wood Green Res then south at 12:50, plus pr Little Grebes and 4 Painted Ladies (David Callahan).
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Whitethroat still 8am but no sign 1pm (9th day), 5 Swifts. 120+ Painted Ladies Scrapyard Meadow, 20+ near main entrance - both conservative estimates, also Linnet 145pm (1st for site) (Bob Watts).
  • East India Dock: Collared Dove (copse), 2 Shelduck, 5 Sand Martin, Common Whitethroat, 2+ Reed Warbler, 4 Common Tern (reserve) + 2 west on Thames, Stock Dove, 61 Black-headed Gulls + 2 Painted Lady (Paul Hyland).
  • Paddington Green: Common Tern west 08:12hrs, 2pr Goldfinch, 38 Painted Lady W/NW in 2hrs 15mins (some quite high) (Des McKenzie).
  • Saxon Lake (British Airways Site), Heathrow: 2 Chaffinch, 3 Reed Warblers, 5 Reed Buntings, 1 Jay, 1 Common Gull, 10+ House Martins, 2 Long T Tits, 1 Pr Mute Swans +6 Cygnets and 4 Painted Lady (Sue Giddens).
  • Staines Res: 1 Shelduck 4 Gadwall (Sue Giddens).
  • Regents Park: Garganey still present, Common Tern, 7 Reed Warblers, Painted Lady's moving steadily northish from 8.30am at an average of 1 a minute (Tony Duckett).
  • Hammersmith Bridge: 2 Hobbies flew high north at 10.00am (Tony Duckett).
  • Town Park, Enfield: 1 Common Tern, fishing, Carr's Basin (Robert Callf).
  • Boxer's Lake, Enfield: 4(3m,1f) Pochard; 1 Kingfisher; 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Robert Callf).
  • River Roding, Woodford Bridge: Little Egret (Alan Hobson)

Wednesday 27th May.

  • Raynes Park: Red Kite - one circling low to the north east of the Station at 08.40 (N. Batten per AS)
  • South Norwood Lake:pair Great Crested Grebe,pair Common Tern, Tufted Duck, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker + 3 juv,12 Ring-necked Parakeet, 30+Swift, 4 House Martin, 2 Song Thrush, 4 House Sparrow,(John Watson)
  • M25 western stretch: Red Kite low W over J11 (Chertsey exit) at 06.50. (Andy Culshaw)
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Whitethroat still (Bob Watts).
  • Alexandra Park: small flock of c10 Teal quickly north-west along the New River at 11:15am (David Callahan, Ian Lycett); Common Tern (Res) (DC).
  • East India Dock: 2 Common Whitethroat, 2 Shelduck, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Common Tern, Song Thrush, Reed Warblers (Paul Hyland).
  • Thames at Vauxhall: no sign of recently reported Iceland Gull between 07:30hrs-09:30hrs; c20 Swift over (Des McKenzie).
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: 2 Dunlin, Hobby. (SB)
  • Margravine Cemetery: Great Spotted Woodpecker +juv in nest (prob. hatched around 13th May), first juv Starling (Nathalie Mahieu)
  • Rotherhithe: 2 Sand Martins and c.30 Black-headed Gulls by the Old Salt Quay pub, single pairs of Common Tern still on Canada Water and Surrey Water and a single Swallow with House Martins over Surrey Water (Richard Bonser).
  • Boxer's Lake, Enfield: 1 male Pochard; 13(9m,4f) Tufted Duck; 1 Swallow (Robert Callf).

Tuesday 26th May.

  • Crossness: Black Tern off golf centre @ 10.45am (RBA).
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Whitethroat still present, 20+ Painted Ladies (Bob Watts).
  • Alexandra Park: Little Grebe (eastern end of Wood Green Res), 200+ Swifts, 6 Painted Ladies. (David Callahan). Common Tern Res @ 7am (Bob Watts).
  • Little Britain (Cowley): 1 Eygptian Goose,4 Swifts, 3 House Martins,1 Sand Martin,6 Heron,2 Wren,1 Gadwall,Flock of Long Tailed Tits,1 Pr Mute Swans+ 5 Cygnets,1 Chiffchaff singing.(Sue Giddens)
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: Wheatear, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Hobby. (Steve B)
  • East India Dock: 2 Common Tern, 1 Swift, 5 Sand Martin,3 Painted Ladies. (Gary A James).

Monday 25th May.

  • Brent Res: Redshank flew in at 09.45 (Andrew Self & Andrew Verrall)
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: singing Chiffchaff, pair of Egyptian Geese, pair of Common Tern courtship feeding, c70 Swifts, 10 Sand Martins, 2 House Martins, c50 Painted Lady through, mainly west (30 at res, 20+ in Stoke Newington 1300-1530) (Mark Pearson Hackney Wildlife)
  • Alexandra Park: 4 Jackdaw low SE towards Hornsey, Common Tern (Bob Watts).
  • South Norwood Lake, pair Great Crested Grebe, pair Common Tern,1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Ring-necked Parakeet, Chiffchaff, Blackcap,(2 pairs Great Spotted Woodpecker at nest holes feeding young) 1 Nuthatch,c12 Swift, 1 House Martin, 5 House Sparrow,(John Watson & Gavin Hawgood)
  • Bentley Priory: Mandarin with 3 chicks, Mute swan with 7 cygnets, Greater Spotted Wood peckers feeding young. Lesser whitethroat, 6 swifts, 3 singing chiffchaffs, large groups of Blue and great tits with fledglings. 3 painted ladies and one young dead grasssnake. Alan Lewis
  • Claybury Park: 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Stock Doves, Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 3 Long Tailed Tits, 2 Chiffchaffs, Whitethroat, Jay, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Grey Heron (Alan Hobson)

Sunday 24th May.

  • Saxon Lake (Harmondsworth): 2 Reed Warblers,3 Reed Buntings,1 Heron,1 Common Gull,2 Dunnocks,5 House Martins,1 Greenfinch,1Pr Mute Swans +6 Cygnets.(Sue Giddens)
  • Alexandra Park: Female Whinchat flew in from south and alighted west perimeter of Cricket Pitch @0935, though flighty and flushed to ash near recycling bins a few minutes later by dog walker. No sign 1120. Common Tern main res 8am joined briefly by 4 more, then these 4 flew east and original bird 0815 at least. 12+ Painted Ladies (Bob Watts, Andrew Gardener).
  • Chiswick Eyot: Garden Warbler singing 1030hrs (Jonathan Dean)
  • Wormwood Scrubs: 4 Little Egret NE, 1 Common Buzzard SE, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, c3 Swallow & 1 Jackdaw (The Scrubbers et al)
  • Kentish Town: Purple Heron flew SE over Arctic Street at 1350 (Pete Mantle)
  • Tate Modern: 6 Sterna Terns east along river (views too brief and naked eye), 2 Coot, 4 Black-headed Gulls, Grey Wagtail, c25 Painted Lady N & W upriver and along embankment (Mark Pearson)
  • Paddington Green: Ring-necked Parakeet, several broods of Starling, 6 Painted Lady west (Des McKenzie).
  • Cornwall Gdns / Gloucester Road: Tawny owl calling over rooftops at 11pm (Neil Millar).
  • Stapleford Tawney: Spotted Flycatcher, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Kestrel, 3 Goldfinches, Pied Wagtail, Swallow (Alan Hobson)
  • Navestock: Turtle Dove, Green Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Swallow (Alan Hobson)

Saturday 23rd May.

  • Staines Res: Bar-tailed Godwit (FJM per AS)
  • Rainham Marshes RSPB: 1st-sum Med Gull target pools, 1 Ruff target pools, 1 Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plover, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Hobby, 4 Common Tern, 2+ Cetti's Warbler, c20 Little Egret, 5 Redshank, 1 Kestrel. 2 Spotted Flycatcher seen prior to my arrival (Jonathan Dean).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: 0930-1630 - male Peregrine a.m., c100 Swifts, a handful of all three hirundines, four Painted Lady in the LWT garden p.m. (Mark Pearson et al Hackney Wildlife).
  • Trent Park: Pair Bullfinch between Southgate & Cockfosters tube stations, Mandarins: 2m Camelot Moat, 3m 3f Forty Hill inc fenmales with six and three ducklings, Lesser Whitethroat (h) Lavender Hill Cemetery (Bob Watts).
  • Alexandra Park: Pair Jackdaw low and into Blandford Hall 0935 (prospecting?) (Bob Watts).

Friday 22nd May.

  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler still and singing showing on and off between 06:00hrs and 07:30hrs; use Hooks Marsh car park and walk to post 24 on southwest side of lake to view (Birdguides).
  • Bromley: Honey Buzzard flew WNW at 14:20 (Birdguides)
  • London Wetland Centre: 27 Pochard, 2 Little Egret (SE along the Thames), 2 vocal Water Rail, 6 Redshank, 17 Common Tern (inc 7 which appear to be sitting on eggs), pr Black Headed Gull, 60 Herring Gull (Thames), 22 Stock Dove (playing fields adjacent to entrance), 120 Swift early a.m., 60 Sand Martin, 8 House Martin, 40 Jackdaw (inc 12 high south), 8 singing Sedge Warbler, 44 singing/calling Reed Warbler, pr Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, 7 singing Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, also Painted Lady (LWC website).
  • Alexandra Park: 2 Swallows north @ 0707 (Bob Watts).
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Whitethroat still singing from Scrapyard Meadow - Cantrell Field (Bob Watts).
  • Limehouse to Canary Wharf (on foot): 3 Common Tern, 2 Sand Martin, 3+ House Martin, singing Blackcap, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail (Richard Harrison).
  • East India Dock: Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, 7 Common Tern, 3 Sand Martin, 2 Long-tailed Tit + 2 juvs (Paul Hyland).
  • Brent Res: Little Egret 1 in from SW, off East 09.35, 28 Common Terns, 2 Swallows N (Andrew Verrall).
  • Thorney Park (Richings Park): 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Jay, 1 Swallow flew over, 1 Wren, 1 Cormorant (Sue Giddens).
  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe,1 Cormorant, 12 Tufted Duck, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker,2 Jay, Nuthatch, Blackcap, Chifchaff,c10 Swift, 1 House Martin, House Sparrow, (John Watson & Gavin Hawgood)
  • Stoke Newington - Reservoirs: Lesser Whitethroat, c150 Swifts, 12 Sand Martins, 1 Swallow, 5 House Martins, 2 Common Terns, c80 Starlings (inc. many juvs) in LWT garden; - Abney Park Cemetery: Red Kite over 1330 (TB), Hobby low and chasing swifts 1800 (MJP); - Clissold Park: 4 Common Pochard, 5 Tufted Ducks, Little Grebe. (MJP, TB, LP)
  • Gladstone Park: Cuckoo flew NE at 1645 (Thom Shannon)
  • Gordon Square, near UCL: Great Spotted Woodpecker (Alan Hobson).

Thursday 21st May.

  • Walthamstow: probable Red-rumped Swallow flew over towards Banbury Reservoir at 13:45 (Birdguides)
  • Vauxhall Bridge: 1st w/s Iceland Gull feeding on Thames sand bank with Herring and Lesser Black Back Gulls at 18.00 (Stuart Darbyshire)
  • Limehouse: Ad Kittiwake east along Thames at 18.42 (Paul Hyland).
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Whitethroat still singing. Also Painted Lady (Bob Watts).
  • Rainham Rspb: 4 Dunlin, 8 Oystercatcher & Cuckoo by 9am (John Murray).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: pr Egyptian Goose, 2 Common Tern, c40 Swift, 8 House Martin, Swallow west, Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler (warblers singing), Spotted Flycatcher in trees by old police house, 2 Painted Lady (Des McKenzie, Roy Sanderson).
  • Brent Res: Oystercatcher flew in at 9.30 (Andrew Haynes, Andrew Verrall).
  • Vicarage Farm, Enfield: 2 Lapwing, flew W; 2 singing male Skylark; 3(2m,1f) Yellowhammer (Robert Callf).
  • East India Dock: Jay, Oystercatcher (Paul Hyland).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: a.m. - Common Whitethroat singing, c100 Swifts, small numbers of hirundines; p.m. - singing Garden Warbler, Common Tern, 4 Egyptian Geese (all West Res) (Mark Pearson Hackney Wildlife).
  • Regents Park: Garganey still present, Little Owl (Tony Duckett). Garganey still coming to bread this pm (R.stead).
  • London Wetland Centre: Kestrel, Hobby SW, Oystercatcher, 17 Lapwing (4 broods visible), 7 Redshank, 12 Common Tern, 60 Swift, 52 Sand Martin, Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher (Wildside) (LWC website).
  • Rotherhithe: Sparrowhawk over Greenland Dock early evng (Richard Bonser).

Wednesday 20th May.

  • Selsdon Wood LNR: Male & Female Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard soaring overhead, Many Blackcaps singing, Long Tailed, Coal, Marsh, Great & Blue Tits, (Ernie Thomason)
  • Beddington SF: 6 Shelduck, Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow-legged Gull (2s/4s), 1s Iceland Gull, 3 Common Tern (Dip or Glory).
  • Totteridge Valley: 2 Red Kites drifting SE around 9.45am; also Spotted Flycatcher, plus the usual suspects; 1 Painted Lady. (John Colmans)
  • Rainham Marshes: 1s Kittiwake west past Stone Barges 08:20hrs (Birdguides).
  • Rotherhithe: Nightingale singing at Durrands Wharf along Thames Footpath in morning (RBA). No sign of Nightingale 8-8.30pm but Common Tern east (John Archer).
  • London Wetland Centre: fem Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Hobby, 5 Lapwing broods, Curlew, 6 Redshank, 12 Common Tern, 2 Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, Linnet south (LWC website).
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: m Whitethroat (1st for yr) singing from south end Cantrell Field in sycamore 8am & still present 1245, also 2m H Sparrow estate opposite (Bob Watts).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: c80 Swifts, 15 Swallows north (+ 10 more sticking around), 5 Sand Martins, many House Sparrow fledglings out of the nest on Bethune Road (Mark Pearson & Tony Butler Hackney Wildlife).
  • Stamford Hill: Hobby hunting low, 1805-1810, Peregrine circling (MJP, IB)
  • Abney Park Cemetery: All five Tawny Owl family members very active after dark (MJP, TB e al)
  • East India Dock: 4 Shelduck, Blackcap, 3 Common Whitethroats, 4+ Reed Warbler, 2 Sand Martin, 8 Common Tern (Paul Hyland).
  • South Norwood Lake: Great Crested Grebe, 12 Tufted Duck, 1m Mandarin, Ring-necked Parakeet, 4 Swift, 2 House Martin, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcap, Chiffchaff (John Watson).
  • Alexandra Park: Common Tern west, singing Goldcrest (David Callahan). 2 Jackdaws west 0703 (breeding at nearby Queens & Highgate Woods).
  • Pymmes Park, Edmonton: 1 pr Little Grebe; 1 male Pochard; 1 Green Woodpecker; 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Robert Callf).
  • Vauxhall Park (Inner London): 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Oval: 1 male Peregrine (Michael Mac).
  • Margravine Cemetery: cacophony of fledged Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits (Nathalie Mahieu).
  • South Bank (SE1): Reed Warbler singing from dense vegetation on river side of ITV Studio/Gabriel's Wharf this morning (Bill Haines).
  • Wormwood Scrubs: 1 Hobby worrying Swifts for c5 mins over Scrubs Lane at 3pm, also 5 Jackdaw, c3 Swallow & a House Martin in the morning, plus usuals (David Lindo).
  • Shepherds Bush: 1 Hobby high heading SE at 4pm (David Lindo).
  • Pittville Gardens (SE25): m House Sparrow in garden (1st in years!) (Gavin Hawgood).
  • Gordon Square, near UCL: Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Mistle Thrushes (Alan Hobson).
  • River Roding, Woodford Bridge: Little Egret (Alan Hobson)

Tuesday 19th May.

  • Beddington SF: 2 Shelduck, Common Sandpiper, 3w Yellow-legged Gull, 1w/1s Iceland Gull, Common Tern (Dip or Glory).
  • London Wetland Centre: 2 Shelduck, Hobby, Peregrine, 3 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 55 Sand Martin, 7 Blackcap, Chiffchaff (LWC website).
  • South Norwood CP: Great Crested Grebe, Whinchat, singing Garden Warbler (CroydonBirders).
  • Brickfields Meadow (Woodside): Common Tern at lake 18:30hrs (CroydonBirders).
  • Broadwater GP: 2 Shelduck (Simon Buckingham).
  • Alexandra Park: 2 Swallow north 0933 (Bob Watts); Swallow over Wood Green Res 13:40 (David Callahan).
  • Finsbury Park: an incomplete survey logged following singing warblers; 5 Blackcaps, 2 Common Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, plus 2 pairs of Little Grebes (incl 1 young), pair of Egyptian Geese. 1 GSW (Ian Bradshaw).
  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Ring-necked Parakeet, 1 Pied wagtail, 4 singing Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch (John Watson).
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: 2 Common Sandpiper, Dunlin (Steve B).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: UnID'ed large raptor SE at speed 1500, 2 Common Terns, 100+ Swifts, 15 House Martins, 5 Sand Martins, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Common Pochard (Mark Pearson & Tony Butler Hackney Wildlife).
  • Staines Res: Mediterranean Gull south basin - late evening (KLP).
  • Barons Court: 10 Swift (screaming) (Nathalie Mahieu).
  • Gordon Square, near UCL: 2 Sparrowhawks overhead, alternately gliding in harmony and duelling (Alan Hobson).

Monday 18th May.

  • Broadwater GP: Oystercatcher (Simon Buckingham).
  • Beddington SF: Hobby, 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad/2s), 1w/1s Iceland Gull (Dip or Glory).
  • Crossness: 2 Black Terns east this morning, 2 Little Egret over, 2 1s Mediterranean Gull at incinerator outfall, 2 Wheatears, singing Garden Warbler still (Kev Jarvis per JA).
  • Thorney Park (Richings Park): 1 Green Woodpecker, 12+ Swifts, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Cuckoo calling, Grey Heron, 19 Common Terns, 1 R N Parakeet, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff calling, 1 Song Thrush singing (Sue Giddens).
  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Cormorant, 8 Tufted Duck, 9 Ring-necked Parakeet, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch, 6 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Swallow, c12 Swift, 4 House Martin (John Watson).
  • Walpole Park (Ealing): Hobby south, 3 singing Blackcap (Des McKenzie).
  • Wanstead Flats: 2 Grey Heron over, Little Grebe, 5 Greylag, 2 Eygptian Geese, Sparrowhawk, mixed flock of ~200 Herring & LBB Gull (early am at least), 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, Green Woodpecker, 10+ Skylark, 2 Jackdaw (J Lethbridge).
  • Rainham Marshes: 2 Oystercatcher, Whimbrel, Little Gull, 200 Swift (ELBF).
  • Wanstead Park: Mute Swan + brood of 7, 5 Little Grebe, GC Grebe, 5 Song Thrush singing, 3 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff (J Lethbridge).
  • Queen Elizabeth II Res: m Peregrine hunting Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Dunlin through (SBC).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: 2 Egyptian Geese, c100 Swifts, c20 House Martins, 2 Sand Martins, 5 Swallows (Mark Pearson & Tony Butler Hackney Wildlife).
  • Stocker's Lake: fem Cuckoo (mid-p.m.) showing interest in singing Reed Warblers, 100+ Swifts, House Martins (Stocker's Lock House), several Blackcaps & Garden Warblers (HertsBirding).
  • Gloucester road just south of Kensington Gardens: vocal grey wagtail been around for couple of days around Cornwall Gardens. Calling this morning (Neil Millar).

Sunday 17th May.

  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler singing to 09:15hrs at least (seen at 07:10hrs) (Birdguides).
  • London Wetland Centre: 1s Caspian Gull, Kestrel, 18 Lapwing (4 broods), 3 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 18 Common Tern, 50 Swift (LWC website).
  • Brent Reservoir: 1 Oystercatcher on rafts (Brent Birders).
  • Beddington SF: 2 Egyptian Goose, 3 Shelduck, Common Buzzard, Hobby (Dip or Glory).
  • Holmethorpe SP's: 2 Little Egret, 2 Common Tern, Turtle Dove (SBC).
  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 10 Tufted Duck, c12 Swift, 3 Swallow, 4 House Martin, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch (John Watson & Gavin Hawgood).
  • East India Dock Basin: early a.m. - 3 Oystercatchers south, singing Reed Bunting (David Callahan); 2 Shelduck, 20 Tufted Duck, female Sparrowhawk, 105 Black-headed Gull (all 1st-summer), 9 Common Tern, Sand Martin, Song Thrush, 1+ Reed Warbler, 2 Common Whitethroat, Blackcap (Nick Tanner).
  • Limehouse Basin: male Pochard (Nick Tanner).
  • Waterworks NR (Lea Valley Wildlife Fair): Cetti's Warbler, Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs, Little Grebe brood, Swallow, lots of swifts and martins (David Callahan).
  • Staines Res: Mediterranean Gull 2 late evening, Common Tern 90+, Wigeon 2 (REI, FJM, KLP).
  • Addington Hills: 3 Stock Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, 21 singing Wren, 39 singing Robin, 17 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 6 singing Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff (2 carrying food), 4 Jay (CroydonBirders).
  • HydePark/Kensington Gardens (4-6pm) 42 species: Highlights: 2 Sand Martins (Round Pond), c100 Swifts, Spotted Flycatcher (trees around where owls have been), singing Chiffchaff (lakeside trees by Buck Hill), 2 singing Treecreeper, Shoveler, fast-maturing young Egyptian Geese and Red-crested Pochards (Neil Millar).

Saturday 16th May.

  • Brent Reservoir: Spoonbill roosting by island in front of 2nd hide in eastern marsh this morning (Andrew Haynes). Spoonbill flew from 2nd hide at 2.40pm but did not pass the 1st hide and thus must have departed East; also 1 Lapwing and several Common Terns (John Murray & Chris Freddi).
  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler singing 05:45hrs; from Hooks Marsh car park walk to Post 24 on south-west side of lake to view (Birdguides).
  • Crossness: 2 Kittiwakes (ad + 1st summ) east @ 10.15, Garden Warbler singing, Wheatear (John Archer, Richard Bonser, Kev Jarvis, Ian Miller).
  • Rotherhithe: 2 adult Kittiwakes off Greenland Pier @ 11:35 before drifting off east (Richard Bonser).
  • London Wetland Centre: Hobby, 2 Dunlin, Common Sandpiper (LWC website).
  • Vicarage Farm, Enfield: 1 Red Kite, flew S, 10:57 BST (Robert Callf & Robin White).
  • Trent Park: 1 female Mandarin Duck + 4 ducklings, Dew Pond; 2(m&f) Tufted Duck, Lower Lake; 1 Common Tern, Lower Lake; 2 (ad,juv) Pied Wagtail, Uni-lawns (Robert Callf & Robin White).
  • Regents Park: drake Garganey still present, Kestrel 4 young, 167 Herring Gulls 5.40am, 6 G Sp Woodpeckers feeding young (Tony Duckett).
  • Regents Canal (north of park): m&f Mandarin + 5 young, Lesser Whitethroat (D Holden)
  • Alexandra Park: Hobby 1005 (Bob Watts, Andrew Gardener, Gerry Rawcliffe, Stuart Harrington).
  • Teddington: Red Kite over at 6.10pm, mobbed by crow. Viewed from Teddington Park (Mike Wheeler)
  • Cornmill Meadows: Shelduck,Hobby, Cetti's Warbler, several Hairy Dragonfly, Painted Lady nearby (Neil Anderson)
  • Walthamstow Res. Lockwood: Drake Garganey and 1 Common Sandpiper this a.m. (Paul Whiteman)
  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, Tufted Duck, 2 Lesser Blacked-backed Gull, c15 Swift, 1 House Martin, 6 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Nuthatch, Ring-necked parakeet, 2 Long-tailed Tit, House Sparrow (John Watson & Gavin Hawgood).

Friday 15th May.

  • Beddington SF: 10 Common Sandpiper, 1w/1s Iceland Gull, Turtle Dove (Dip or Glory).
  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler again this morning. (Rare Bird Alert)
  • Barking Bay: 2 Curlew Sandpiper reported yesterday p.m. (Birdguides).
  • Broadwater GP: Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper & LRP (Simon Buckingham).
  • Rainham RSPB: 21 Grey Plover, 8 Dunlin, 26 Sanderling, 3 Whimbrel, 12 Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, 7 Turnstone, Little Gull, 16 Black Tern, 2 Little Tern, 11 Arctic Terns (Birdguides); 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Ringed Plover, 7 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2nd-summer Little Gull on Purfleet Scrape. No sign of reported Curlew Sandpiper in Aveley bay (John Murray & Chris Freddi).
  • South Harrow Tube Station: 3 Grey Wagtails, 8 Common Swifts (Alex Massey).
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Peregrine SE from Scrapyard Meadow 0811 & 2 Kestrels but no sign of yesterday's Reed Warbler (Bob Watts).
  • Victoria Embankment Gardens (Charing Cross WC2): male Lesser Whitethroat feeding and singing at Waterloo Bridge side (Hugh Bradshaw).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: Greenshank briefly on West Res before flying north this a.m. (Tony Butler per MJP); 3 Common Sandpipers on West Res (MJP Hackney Wildlife).
  • Holmethorpe SP's: Knot (1st site record) (SBC).
  • Paddington Green: Green Sandpiper on flooded garage roof at Adpar Street 06:17hrs, flew (vocal) and landed on grass at nearby children's play area (previously had Common Sandpiper on this roof!) (Des McKenzie).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: Dunlin at southern edge of Round Pond but flushed at 07:05hrs; m Shoveler, Common Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern, c30 Swift (but soon departed), Swallow north, 9 House Martin, Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff (Des McKenzie).
  • Star Street (W2): singing Grey Wagtail (Des McKenzie).
  • Queen Elizabeth 11 Res: 3 Dunlin, Sanderling (SBC).
  • Walthamstow Res: m Garganey still present, Sanderling on Lockwood Reservoir early a.m. (Birdguides).
  • Alexandra Park: 13:00 - Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and more distant unidentified large-looking (cough) Accipter all circling and drifting NE, plus Sand Martin going N; Peregrine later seen carrying a rat-sized and shaped prey item flying south towards Wood Green pursued by a Lesser Black-backed Gull then circling high above old light turret [15:50 to 16:00 pm] (David Callahan). Common Sand (1st for yr) south end Wood Green Res 1800-1930 at least (Bob Watts, John Murray, Gaz Richards).
  • King George V Res: Little Egret, Black Tern, 2 Arctic Tern (Birdguides).
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, Common Sandpiper, 2 Shelduck (Steve B).
  • Willows Farm Pool: Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 18 Greylag, Pied Wagtail (Steve B).
  • Inner Temple Gardens (Fleet Street EC4): at least 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Chaffinch (singing), 2 Goldfinch, Pied wagtail collecting food (Hugh Bradshaw).
  • Molesey Heath: Spotted Flycatcher (SBC).
  • Canary Wharf (South Dock): 1 Common Tern (Dave Morris).
  • Staines Res: 6 Avocet north basin mid-afternoon, still present late evening, also Yellow Wag and Wheatear (KLP).
  • Trent Park: 3(m,f & juv) Pied Wagtail, Uni-lawns - juv recently fledged (Robert Callf).
  • Parkside Farm, Enfield: 3 Lapwing (Robert Callf).
  • Vicarage Farm, Enfield: 1 singing male Yellowhammer; 1 Painted Lady (Robert Callf).
  • Cornmill Meadows: Greenshank on main pool at 10.00am; another Greenshank or possibly the same bird on the Goosefield, Fisher’s Green, at 12.00 (Mike Oakland).
  • London Wetland Centre: 7 Whimbrel in front of the WWF hide 0930 only then seen off by Egyptian Goose, also 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin c1410-c1440 near gull loafing spot, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, + GBBGulls, Common Terns etc (David Campbell).
  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 18 Ring-necked Parakeet, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Swallow, 6 Swift, 7 House Sparrow,(John Watson)

Thursday 14th May.

  • Duketts Common: Osprey headed low east over Turnpike Lane station at 18:35 (J.Murray).
  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler singing this morning at 10.15 (Mike Oakland).
  • Beddington SF: Red Kite north-east, Ringed Plover, 6 Common Sandpiper, 1w/1s Iceland Gull, Sandwich Tern on lake then north-east (Dip or Glory).
  • Staines Res: no sign of White-winged Black Tern or Black Terns this a.m. but Little Tern at South Basin (Birdguides).
  • King George V Res (permit access): Black Tern this a.m. (Birdguides).
  • Queen Mother Res (permit access): Sanderling this a.m. (Birdguides).
  • Queen Elizabeth II Res: Grey Plover, Dunlin, Sanderling, Little Tern north 0636 (SBC).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens (Oystercatcher Bird Race 06:30hrs-08:10hrs): 52 spp (with an additional 2 spp prior to 06:30hrs), highlights: m Shoveler, Common Sandpiper, pr Common Tern (copulating), 2 Tawny Owl (calling and flying from tree to tree), c10 Swift, 3-4 House Martin, Grey Wagtail, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler (Buck Hill), 6 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, 3 Treecreeper, Linnet over; also Budgerigar and a Maiden's Blush (Des McKenzie, John Archer, Michael Waite).
  • Holmethorpe SP's: 2 Dunlin (SBC).
  • Walton Res: 2 Dunline (SBC).
  • Alexandra Park: m Bullfinch flew from east towards Lower slope/Scrub @ 0710 (Bob Watts).
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Reed Warbler singing from Lockhart Field opposite Scrapyard Meadow from hedge backing onto houses @ 8am and still present 1230(my 2nd site record), also 6 Swifts, 2 House Martins (Bob Watts).
  • Regent's Park: m Garganey still at north end of lake by blue bridges (Birdguides) plus Common Sandpiper, pr Common Terns, ad Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Swallows, 4m Reed Warblers (Tony Duckett).
  • Brent Reservoir: Sanderling still 630am at least (Andrew Self), gone by 8.30, no Black Terns, 5 Common Sands, Common Buzzard mobbed by Crow, circling S-SE 12.30-12.35 (Brent Birders).
  • Walthamstow Res: Lockwood: drake Garganey, 1+ Arctic Tern north @ 1250, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 LRP, c4 Common Sandpipers. West Warwick: 4 Sandwich Terns flew in @ 1350 and landed on island, Common Sandpiper. Hobby over south of site. (John Archer, Mike Waite, Paul Whiteman).
  • Barking Riverside: 2 Curlew Sandpipers flushed from sea wall at high tide, Grey Plover (Dominic Coath & Natural England Oystercatcehr Bird Race team per JA).
  • Bromley-by-Bow: Reed Warbler singing, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, 3 Stock Dove, 1 ad Great Black-backed Gull, c18 Sand Martin, 3 Swifts 2 Coot broods, juv Robin, 2 Long-tailed Tits (S.Fisher)
  • Hampstead Heath: Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Swifts. Treecreeper pair carrying food to nest site, Stock Dove visiting nest hole, Kingfisher carrying food at Sanctuary Pond (Sash Tusa).
  • Ferny Hill Farm, Enfield: 1 singing male Reed Bunting (Robert Callf).
  • Cross Ness: Grey Plover this a'noon on the incoming tide west of Thames View golf centre; also a Sanderling with 3 Dunlin there before flying off east at c.2:50pm (Richard Bonser).
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: 2 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Hobby (Steve B).
  • Willows Farm Pool: Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 18 Greylag Geese (Steve B).
  • Dulwich: 3 Common Buzzard high heading north 18.30 (Dave Clark).
  • Walpole Park (Ealing): 2 Moorhen broods, c5 Ring-necked Parakeet, c15 Swift, Mistle Thrush attending nest, singing Blackcap, 2 singing Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit (Des McKenzie).
  • London Wetland Centre: Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Hobby, 18 Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew north-east, 8 Redshank, 11 Common Tern, 2 Yellow Wagtail north, Whinchat, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroat (LWC website).
  • East India Dock NR: 2 Whimbrel (1 north, 1 west), 2 Common Sandpiper, Gt Crested Grebe, 6 Stock Dove (Gary A James).
  • Holloway N7: Ring-necked Parakeet overhead towards west @ 19:30 (Adrian Platt).
  • Barnsbury Street N1: Great Spotted Woodpecker calling from TV aerial @ 1030 (Adrian Platt).
  • Queensway W2: a Peregrine flew over Westbourne Grove W2 at Queensway at 19.30 heading towards Paddington Station. It appeared to have a full crop. (David Lindo)

Wednesday 13th May.

  • Broadwater GP: 10 Black Tern, 2 Sanderling & 3 LRP (Simon Buckingham).
  • Staines Res: ad (or 2nd S) White-winged Black Tern still present, also 13 Black Terns, Turnstone & 3 Ringed Plovers (per FJM/Birdguides)
  • Woodford Green: male Golden Oriole singing in private garden between 05:45 and 06:15 along Abbotsford Gardens (Birdguides)
  • Amwell GP: three Black Terns at 06:15 but flew off high to the south at 07:05, then seven at 07.30; also 3 Little Egrets and 12 Arctic Terns flew south (Birdguides)
  • Beddington SF: Grey Plover early AM (per JA)
  • Rainham Marshes RSPB: four Sanderling in Aveley Bay this morning; 7 Black Terns flew east and one over Aveley Pools mid-morning; also Little Gull and 14 Grey Plover (Birdguides)21 Sanderline, 21 Grey Plover, 5 Barwit, Whimbrel, 7 Turnstone, with 15 Black tern, 2 Little Terns & 6 Arctic Terns thru (BW per RBA).
  • Brent Res: Sanderling still present 17.00, 2 Dunlin, 7 Common Sands, 2 Lapwing, 2 Ringed Plovers & 6 Black Terns flew east at 17.00 (Brent Birders)
  • Walthamstow Reservoirs: two Little Terns this morning; also a Black Tern and 21 Arctic Terns, all at Banbury Res (Pete Lambert/Paul Whiteman per LondonBirders); hepatic Cuckoo (Paul Whiteman per LondonBirders yahoo group); Sanderling, Grey Plover, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover & 5 Common Sandpiper on Lockwood; Sandwich tern & 5 Arctic tern through. Black tern & Little Tern still on Banbury & Little Tern on the deck on East Warwick. Hobby hunting swifts over No5 & L.whitethroat by entrance (John Murray); 1-2 Dunlin also on Lockwood (David Callahan).
  • Crossness: Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlin, c30 Common Terns (John Archer).
  • Finsbury Park Station: Common Whitethroat singing adjacent to end of platforms 1/2 (Ian Bradshaw. Present since at least Saturday 9th May (Bob Watts, D Holden).
  • East India Dock: 12 Common terns east only birds of note (Paul Hyland).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: a.m. - Saker-type Falcon chased by Carrion Crow low over East Res, with jesses, 1000 (perhaps same bird as last month), Shelduck, 6+ Common Terns, c150 Swifts, 12 House Martins, 10 Swallows; p.m. - Hobby (1430), 250+ Common Swifts, c50 House Martins, c50 Swallows, 3 Sand Martins, 7 Common Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 12+ Common Terns (Mark Pearson, Jamie Partridge, Tony Butler Hackney Wildlife).
  • Vauxhall: Common Sandpiper on southern shore of the Thames c. 300m upstream from Vauxhall Bridge 09:30 (Andy Holden)
  • Dulwich Park: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 singing Blackcaps, 4 Little Grebe (2 mating, 2 courting) + 1 flyover Oystercatcher (Dave Clark)
  • Bloomsbury: 3 'Commic' Tern west c07:40hrs (Des McKenzie).
  • Park Farm, Enfield: 1 Little Owl, being mobbed by other birds; 1 singing male Garden Warbler (Robert Callf)
  • Trent Park: 2(m&f) Mandarin Duck + 4 ducklings, Dew Pond; 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, drumming, Rough Lot; 1 singing male Garden Warbler; 8(4ad,4juv) Long-tailed Tit, 'Old Golf Course' (Robert Callf).
  • Vicarage Farm, Enfield: 1 Lapwing, flew S; 4 Skylark; 2 Swallow; 1 female Whinchat,(the fifth bird of the spring here) (Robert Callf & Robin White).
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: 4 Black Tern, 4 Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 4+Redshank, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover. Steve B)
  • Willows Farm Pool: 2 Redshank, Little ringed Plover, Ruddy Shelduck, 19 Greylag, 22 Canada Geese, Herring Gull, LBB Gull, Pied Wagtail. (Steve B)
  • Alexandra Park: 3 Swallows, singing Goldcrest, 200+ Swifts, c40 House Martins. (David Callahan) Note that there are significant numbers of Goldcrests (8+) resident in Avenue Gardens opposite Alexandra Park station (Mike Benyon)
  • Dagenham Chase LNR: Common Sandpiper on the slack + singing Sedge Warbler by visitor centre car park. ( V.Halley-Frame ).
  • Chiswick Eyot (whilst out jogging): pair Egyptian Geese with 3 chicks; 2 Common Sandpiper; large mixed flock of swifts and hirundines (Jonathan Dean).
  • Little Britain Lake: 1 Cuckoo (m) 08:00 (John Palmer).
  • Thorney Lake: 3 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap 08:00 (John Palmer).
  • Baker's Wood near Denham, Fulmer Lane, adjacent M25: 1 Bullfinch 18:00 (John Palmer).

Tuesday 12th May.

  • Staines Res: ad (or 2nd S) White-winged Black Tern still on North Basin from the causeway to 15:40hrs at least (Birdguides); still present till 2015hrs at least, often showing well, on the N basin (Rob Innes).
  • Rainham Marshes RSPB: imm Spoonbill early morning before flying north 07:00hrs, Dartford Warbler; also Barnacle Goose, 4 Avocet, 3 Grey Plover, 2 Sanderling, 10 Whimbrel (Birdguides); 1s Little Gull on Purfleet Scrape, Dunlin (J Lethbridge).
  • Alexandra Grove N4: Whimbrel overhead calling, late pm - nocturnal migrant (D Holden)
  • Beddington SF: 1w/1s Iceland Gull; Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper (Dip or Glory).
  • Brockley: Osprey flew south over station at 1pm (RBA).
  • Holmethorpe SP's: Whimbrel flew west 07:17hrs (SBC).
  • Regent's Park: drake Garganey still at the north end of the lake by the blue bridges this morning (Birdguides).
  • Brent Res: 4 Ringed Plovers on mud still present mid-evening (Brent Birders).
  • Stratford / Greenway: 2 Grey Wagtails (P Fallan)
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Swallow south @ 1233, RN Parakeet heard yesterday (Bob Watts).
  • Pembury Estate, Hackney: 5 Swallows north, fledged Great Spots, c 40 Swifts (Mark Pearson).
  • Walthamstow Reservoirs: 1 Hobby (No.1), 1 Oystercatcher (Lockwood), 35 Common Terns, 6 Shelduck, 1 Egyptian Goose, 4 Sedge Warbler, 200+ Swift, Little Egret (Paul Cook).
  • London Wetland Centre: Shelduck, m Sparrowhawk, m Peregrine, Lapwing pair with two young (5 additional birds on eggs), Common Snipe, 6 Redshank, Common Sandpiper, 8 Common Tern, singing Collard Dove, 50+ Swift, 50+ Sand Martin, 2 Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff (LWC website).
  • Trent Park: 1 singing Treeceeper, Rough Lot (Robert Callf).
  • South Norwood Lake: 2 Cormorant , pair Great Crested Grebe, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail, c6 Swallow, 12+ House Martin, c20 Swift, 1m Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpecker, 6 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Nuthatch, House Sparrow, Ring-necked Parakeet (John Watson).
  • Limehouse: 6 Common Terns East along Thames @17.40 (Paul Hyland)
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: c250 Common Swifts, 10 House Martins, 3 Sand Martins, 2 Swallows (Mark Pearson & Jamie Partridge)
  • Horsenden Hill: 2 Little Egret (flying N @ approx 20:00), 1 Yellow Wagtail (Andy Culshaw and David Howdon)
  • River Roding, Woodford Bridge: Little Egret (Alan Hobson).

Monday 11th May.

  • Staines Res: ad White-winged Black Tern on south basin, scared off by Marsh Harrier at 11.00 (per FJM); Present continuously on N basin until at least 1655hrs, on N basin (Chris Jones et al). Still 20:19 at least & showing very well (dark outer primary coverts suggest 2nd summer?); also 5 Little Terns through (J.Murray); 8 Little Tern (Birdguides); 10 Swift.
  • Beddington SF: Spoonbill & juv Iceland Gull still on the large lake 12:25hrs; Spoonbill flew off NE early PM (Birdguides/per JA).
  • Osterley Park: hunting Hobby pair, Lesser Whitethroat, Little Owl, Skylark over E paddocks (Tom Smith).
  • South Park (lford): male Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, pr Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch, Stock Dove Daniel Erickson-Hull
  • East India Dock: Hobby over low heading north east at 08:50 (site tick), Song Thrush, 4 Reed Warbler, 2 Sand Martin, 7 Common Tern, 2 Whitethroat, m Reed Bunting, 2 Sparrowhawks (Paul Hyland).
  • Wanstead: Hobby pursued by crow over garden (J Lethbridge).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: Hobby over for 5 mins, c110 Swift (several pairs copulating), 4 Sand Martin, c30 House Martin, 9 Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw pursued south by Carrion Crow; also 48 Mute Swan (plus four cygnets), 8 Egyptian Goose (plus 6 goslings), 2m Gadwall, 5 Red-crested Pochard (plus 5 ducklings), 12 Pochard, 3 juv Great Crested Grebe, pr Lesser Black-backed Gull (copulating), 8 Stock Dove, 2 singing Goldcrest, 2 Long-tailed Tit broods, singing Treecreeper; 4 Speckled Wood (Des McKenzie).
  • Finsbury Park: Hobby west 0700 (D Holden).
  • London Wetland Centre: 2 Shelduck, Little Egret, 4 Common Buzzard NW, Hobby, Peregrine, Common Sandpiper, 6 Swallow west/NE, 2 Chiffchaff, Linnet north (LWC website).
  • Park Farm, Enfield: 1 singing male Garden Warbler (Robert Callf).
  • Vicarage Farm, Enfield: 1 ad male Sparrowhawk; 1 Kestrel; 1 singing male Cuckoo; 11+ Swift; 2 Swallow; 1 House Martin; 3 Linnet; 1 male Yellowhammer (Robert Callf).
  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe, 12 Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Heron, 6 singing Blackcap, 1 singing Common Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Song Thrush, c30 Swift, 1 Pied Wagtail, 8 House Sparrow (John Watson).
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: 2 Ringed Plover, 4 Redshank, 6 Blackcap, Garden Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler,Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Kingfisher, Little Owl, Little Grebe, 11 L B B Gull. (Steve B)
  • Willows Farm Pool: Little ringed Plover, Redshank, Ruddy Shelduck, 2 Shelduck, 2 Herring Gull, 14 Greylag Geese, Swallows collecting mud for nest building. (Steve B)
  • Alexandra Park: Hobby low west over south end Cricket Pitches @ 1833 amongst c50 Swift, c20 House Martins, also 2 Swallows (Bob Watts).
  • Elthorne Waterside & area: 2 Hobbies over, 2 Garden Warblers, 7 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Linnets (NPS)
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: c100 Swifts, smattering of all three hirundines, Sedge Warbler, 8 Common Terns, plus the usuals (Mark Pearson Hackney Wildlife).
  • Rotherhithe: Sand Martin south over Stave Hill, 2 drk Pochard Surrey Water and pairs of Common Terns on Surrey Water and Canada Water (Richard Bonser).
  • Croham Hurst: Tawny Owl calling 22:20hrs (CroydonBirders).

Sunday 10th May.

  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler still singing this a.m.; from Hooks Marsh car park walk to Post 24 on the southwest side of the lake to view (Birguides).
  • Banstead Downs: Wood Warbler singing and showing well along footpath opposite 109 Downs Road (DC)also Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and common warblers (KJM, DKC)
  • Walton on Thames: Red Kite east over my back garden heading towards Walton Res 1110 (DMH). Presumably the same bird seen at about 1100hrs from the S bank of Queen Mary Res, drifting SE (Rob Innes).
  • Finsbury Park: Red Kite east 1000 (D Holden).
  • Launders Lane (Rainham): Osprey over fishing @ 7.50pm (Shaun Harvey, Martin Blow).
  • Colne Valley (mainly around West Hyde): 9+ Hobby, 3 Common Buzzard, 1 Red Kite flew west from Harefield towards Maple Cross (12.55-13.05hrs) (Andrew Moon).
  • Belhus Woods CP; 3 Mute Swan, 64 Greylag Goose, 78 Canada Goose, pr Wigeon, 20 Mallard, pr Garganey, 25 Tufted Duck, 3 Ruddy Duck, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 22 Coot, 2 Redshank, 2 Common Tern, 2 Cuckoo, 8 Swift, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 13 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 6 Reed Warbler, 15 Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, 20 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Reed Bunting (ELBF).
  • Regents Park: drake Garganey still present, pr Shelducks, 1f 2m Peregrines high overhead at 11.30am, Turtle Dove west, 2 Collared Doves NW, 5m Reedw Warblers, 1m Greater Whitethroat (Tony Duckett).
  • Bedford's Park: fem Whinchat (ELBF).
  • Harold Hill: Cuckoo (ELBF).
  • Rainham Marshes: 9 Little Egret, 7 Hobby, 6 Whimbrel (ELBF); 2 Wheatears, 4 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, Common Sandpiper (Alan Hobson)
  • Virginia Quay, just West of EIDB: 07:30-09:00 Singing Lesser Whitethroat, Mistle Thrush, Linnet, Reed Warbler, Peregrine, Oystercatcher, Common Tern (Paul Whiteman).
  • Richmond Park: 5 Wheatear, Greenland subsp- 4 riding ring & 1 sidmouth slope (were present yesterday evening); Whinchat- gorse enclosures; Garden Warbler- hawthorn valley (Hugh Bradshaw, Jan Wilczur, Franco)
  • Manor Park Cemetery: male Garden Warbler singing, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, Green Woodpecker, male Whitethroat singing from near railway line, Long-tailed Tit (S.Fisher).
  • Fairlop: Common Sandpiper 1 on island of main lake, 2 LRP, 2 Hobby, 1 Shelduck on Gravel Pits (Steve Bacon), fem Whinchat, Northern, Wheatear, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler (ELBF).
  • Staines Res (early mornin): Greenshank N basin, Arctic Tern S basin, still a pair of Wigeon S basin (Rob Innes).
  • Alexandra Park: 5 Jackdaw north (Bob Watts).
  • Hornsey: Hobby headed NW @ 1208 over garden towards Alexandra Park then SE towards Hornsy @ 1225 (Bob Watts).
  • Elthorne Waterside: 1 Common Buzzard W, 1 Hobby, 2 Common Terns, c.30 Swifts, 1 Kingfisher, 9 Swallows NW, 1 Whinchat, 7 Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Garden Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 4 Linnets (NPS).
  • Wetland Centre: 2 Little Egret (1 flew off NE 1315hrs, the other still om main lake 1500hrs), Hobby, 1+ LR Plover, 1 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6+ Redshank, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, c30 Swift, c10 Common Tern, several of each Blackcap, Sedge and Reed Warbler (Jonathan Dean).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: 0945-1800 - Ruddy Shelduck east 1440 with Shelduck, Hobby 1430-1435, dark morph Common Buzzard east 1520-1530, 10 Common Terns, c90 Swifts, c12 House Martins, 7 Swallows, 6 Gadwall, 7 Common Pochard, pr Shoveler, 17 Tufted Ducks, plus the usuals; expected breeders include at least 8 singing Reed Warblers, singing Sedge Warbler, 5 singing Blackcaps, Grey Wagtails carrying food, pair displaying Little Grebes, 2 pairs GC Grebe at nests (and two more otherwise), 3 pairs Reed Bunting, Kestrels at nest site (Mark Pearson & Tony Butler Hackney Wildlife).
  • 10 Acre Wood/surrounding area (Hillingdon): Hobby altercating with crow at 12ish, pr Hobby hunting 13.15, Kestrel, 2 singing Stock Dove, c10 Swift, 3 Swallow, pr Skylark, Garden Warbler, c10 blackcap, c10 Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler (all warblers singing), c10 Rook, c10 Jackdaw, pr Lesser Redpoll, Linnet, Small Copper, m Common Blue, Red Admiral, m Brimstone + dozens commoner species, 10 Banded Demoiselle, 10 Large Red Damselflies (Neil Anderson).
  • Greenford CP: 4 Swift, 10 Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 16 Blackcap, Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff (all warblers singing), m Linnet (Neil Anderson).
  • South Norwood Lake, pair Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 15 Tufted Duck, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 singing Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Swift, 7 House Sparrow, 1 singing Common Whitethroat (John Watson).
  • Stocker's Farm: 2 Oystercatcher (Andrew Moon).
  • Beddington SF: 2 Egyptian Goose, Little Egret, c6 Common Buzzard, Hobby, Common Sandpiper, 2 Arctic Tern briefly then south, 1 Hobby c6 Common Buzzard 1 Common Sandpiper (Dip or Glory).
  • Holmethorpe SP;s: Little Egret, 2 Hobby, 2 Common Tern, Northern Wheatear (SBC).
  • Horsenden Hill/Perivale Wood: 1 Whinchat, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Redpoll sp. N at 06.00, 2 House Martin, 12+ Swift; good selection of butterflies inc. 2+ Common Blue; 3 Small Yellow Underwing (Andy Culshaw, David Howdon).
  • Walthamstow Reservoirs: Cuckoo (singing m + calling f) (Fraser Simpson).
  • Trent Park: 1 singing male Cuckoo, 'New Fields'; 1 singing male Lesser Whitethroat; 3 singing male Common Whitethroat; 2 singing male Garden Warbler (Robert Callf).
  • Vicarage Farm, Enfield: 1 male Whinchat, 11:45 - 12:15 BST (My second of the spring here); 1 male Yellowhammer (Robert Callf).

Saturday 9th May.

  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: Red-rumped Swallow feeding over East Res 1845-1855, then over West Res 1900-1920 with Swifts (Mark Pearson). No sign from 19:30hrs; swifts all very high (J.murray).
  • Beddington SF: 2 Egyptian Goose, m Marsh Harrier south-west, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1w/1s Iceland Gull, Arctic Tern west, Garden Warbler (Dip or Glory).
  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler still singing 05:00hrs (Birdguides) - from Hooks Marsh car park walk to Post 24 on southwest side of lake to view.
  • Amwell GP's (Lee Valley): 2 Dunlin, Whimbrel north (Birdguides).
  • Selsdon Park: Tawny Owl mobbed by Mistle Thrushes, Jays and Magpies (CroydonBirders).
  • Wanstead Flats (06.30 - 09.00): male Garden Warbler singing, 2 singing Lesser Whitethroat, 2 (pair of) Whinchat in Broom, 1 Turtle Dove flew north, Skylark and Meadow Pipit displaying, 1 male Reed Bunting. River Roding near City of London Cemetery: male Reed Warber singing from Hawthorn at c.8am. (S Fisher)
  • Alexandra Park: Whinchat on the mound in south-east corner of cricket pitch 11:20hrs (Birdguides); Common Tern south 1.30pm (David Callahan).
  • London Wetland Centre: 23 Pochard, m Sparrowhawk, m Kestrel, Hobby, 6 Redshank, still 3 young Lapwing plus 4 prs incubating, Dunlin, 14 Black-headed Gull SW, 8 Common Tern, 40 Swift, 60+ Sand Martin, 5 Swallow north, 10+ Sedge Warbler, c30 Reed Warbler, 3 Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, 6+ Blackcap, Chiffchaff (all warblers singing); also 5 spp of bat recently (Serotine, Common and Soprano Pipistrelle, Daubenton’s and Leisler’s Bat); recently trapped moths include Brimstone, Flame Shoulder, Pale Prominent and Shuttle-shaped Dart (LWC website).
  • Staines Res (a.m.): two Little Terns, two Arctic Terns, first-summer Mediterranean Gull, Whimbrel, Turnstone, Wigeon, male Greenland Wheatear (Rob Innes, Bob Warden, Ken Purdey).
  • Trent Park: 3 singing male Garden Wabler; 1 female Pale Tussock; 1 Small Copper -my first of the year! (Robert Callf & Robin White).
  • Vicarage Farm, Enfield: 1 singing male Cuckoo (Robert Callf).
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: 4 Wheatear, Cuckoo, 9 Common Tern, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Buzzard, Lesser Whitethroat (Steve B).
  • Regents Park: drake Garganey still present, Little Owl, Kestrels are feeding young, 3m Reed Warblers (Tony Duckett). Garganey coming to bread! (R.Stead).
  • Paddington Green: Kestrel in area, ad type Great Black-backed Gull south, 3 Swift (Des McKenzie).
  • Holmethorpe SP's: Little Egret, 2 Common Tern (SBC).
  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe with 1 juv on back, 2 Cormorant, 4 Black-headed Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 8 Ring-necked Parakeet, 6 singing Blackcap, 4 singing Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Pied wagtail + 1 juv, 3 Common Swift (John Watson & Gavin Hawgood).
  • Crossness: Among the usual suspects; whinchat(f) and hobby on southern marshes (P. Grin)
  • Twickenham (Thames Path): Hobby, male Red-crested Pochard (D Holden)
  • Richmond Park: 5 Wheatear (2m 3f) (at least 2 Greenland subsp)1f Whinchat - all near riding ring (Hugh Bradshaw)

Friday 8th May.

  • South Weald CP: Black Kite briefly at 4.43pm being mobbed by about 200 Jackdaws over woods North East of main lake, also 3-4 Common Buzzard in the air late afternoon. (V.Halley-Frame).
  • Rainham RSPB: Whimbrel, Ringed Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit & Oystercatcher all from the visitor centre in the rain!; Marsh Harrier (f) over Ferry Lane at @ 11:56 (John Murray), 2 Ringed Plover, 25 Dunlin, 6 Whimbrel, 4 Redshank, 350 Swift, 100 Sand Martin, Whinchat, 3 Northern Wheatear (ELBF).
  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler still singing; in sallows briefly at 06:45 but not viewable; from Hooks Marsh car park walk to Post 24 on southwest side of lake to view (Birdguides).
  • Beddington SF: Little Egret, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 brief Arctic Tern south, Turtle Dove SE, fem Whinchat (Dip or Glory).
  • London Wetland Centre: m Peregrine, 3 young Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 7 Redshank, 6 Common Tern, 30 Swift, 50 Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail north, 2 singing Garden Warbler, 3 singing Common Whitethroat (LWC website).
  • Regent's Park: drake Garganey still at the north end of the lake by the blue bridges (Birdguides) plus 2 Sand Martins, Garden Warbler, Greater Whitethroat (Tony Duckett).
  • Osterley Park: Lesser Whitethroat singing but not seen; first Swifts of the year; f Whinchat, f Wheatear, Nuthatch. (Tom Smith)
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: 0700-1030hrs - Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat, c200 Common Swifts, c50 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins, 3 House Martins, 3 Common Terns, 5 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Blackcaps; 1500-1830hrs - female Peregrine, 2 GBB Gulls, c200 Common Swifts, 10 Swallows, 40 House Martins, 30 Sand Martins (Mark Pearson & Tony Butler Hackney Wildlife).
  • Wormwood Scrubs: 1 Whinchat, 1 Northern Wheatear, c7 Sand Martin north, c10 Swallow, c10 Swift, 1 Collared Dove, 2 singing Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler & 1 Great Black-back (Rob Ayers, David Lindo & Roy Nuttall).
  • Roundwood Park: 5 Swift, singing Lesser Whitethroat (Des McKenzie).
  • Wanstead Flats & Park: 2 singing Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Cuckoo north over park, 1 Hobby over, c70 Swifts, c40 Swallows, singing Garden Warbler near River Roding, Willow Warbler, pair of Wheatear (S.Fisher).
  • Bush Wood, Wanstead: 2 Hobby, 30+ Swift, + 2 Mistle Thrush in my garden, which were a tick (J Lethbridge).
  • Wanstead Park (7-8pm): GC Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 2 pr Canada Geese with young (5 & 2), Hobby over the Plain, RN Parakeet over Heronry, 20+ Swift, 4 Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail (by Roding pumphouse), Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler (Roding), 10+ Blackcap, 8 Whitethroat, ~50 Jackdaw (J Lethbridge).
  • Mayesbrook Park: m Peregrine, 100 Swift, 20 Swallow, 40 Sand Martin, 4 House Martin, Blackcap (Paul Hawkins), Common Sand, Whitethroat pm (PH).
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: Wheatear, 4 Common Tern, 3 Redshank, 2 Selduck, c50 Sand Martin, House Martin, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 8+ Linnet. (Steve B).
  • Willows Farm Pool: 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Redsank, 16 Greylag Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, 2 Herring Gull, Pied Wagtail, 5 Swallows (Steve B).
  • Vicarage Farm, Enfield: 1 Tree Pipit; 1 House Martin; Swifts (Robert Callf & Robin White).
  • Alexandra Park: Sand Martin Wood Green Res @ 1800-1830 with c50 Swifts, 10+ House Martins (Bob Watts).
  • River Roding, Woodford Bridge: Little Egret (Alan Hobson).

Thursday 7th May.

  • London Wetland Centre: m Garganey, pr Lapwing with 3 young plus 4 prs incubating, 5-6 Redshank, Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Tern, 40+ Swift, 4 Swallow north, 3 Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcap, Chiffchaff (warblers singing), 2 family parties of Long-tailed Tit, singing Coal Tit, also Hairy Dragonfly (yesterday), Blue-Tailed, Common Blue, Azure and Large Red Damselflies (LWC website). 3 summer plumage Dunlin, plus 12 Common Tern at dusk (Martin Honey).
  • Bedfords Park Area: Black Kite reported again flying over road to Bedfords Park, then flew towards the M25 ( no time given ). ( R.B.A ).
  • Rainham Marshes: still at least 1 ad Spoonbill present this a.m. (LondonBirders Yahoo group).
  • Seventy Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler still singing early morning but not seen. Also 1 Little Egret (Roy Woodward).
  • Buckhurst Hill / Loughton: Red Kite low SW over Valley Hill at 6.50pm - right outside my flat! (David Bradnum).
  • Staines Res: 2 Arctic Tern, 3 Dunlin, Red Kite west late morning (KLP).
  • Queen Mother Res: two Whimbrel on the bank south of the sailing club this morning (Birdguides)
  • Alexandra Park: 2 Common Tern present 7am (Bob Watts). Lapwing @ 1812 from SE over Wood Green res then SW (only 2nd site record for year), 30+ Swifts, 12+ House Martins, 27 Pochard (25 Boating Lake - 21 male, 4 female, pair - Wood Green Res) (Bob Watts).
  • Bedfont Lakes CP: Peregrine, 6 Herring Gull, 7+ Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Linnet, Garden Warbler. (Adam Cheeseman)
  • Rotherhithe: 5 Common Terns (pair on Surrey Water, pair on Canada Water & one on the river), drake Pochard Globe Pond, 1 GS Woodpecker Russia Dock Wood & 29 Black-headed Gulls on the river (Richard Bonser).
  • East India Dock: 2 Whimbrel north @ 10am, 4 Common Sandpiper (west @9.45am, stopped on mud by dome), 6 Swift, 10+ Common Tern, 2 Wheatear (yard), 2 Blackcap, Whitethroat, 3 Shelduck, 4 Greylag, 9 Canada Geese (2 pairs with young, (1 in reserve, 1 on Thames)), 3 Shelduck (Paul Hyland, Gary A James).
  • Tower Hamlets Cemetery: Peregrine over Scrapyard Meadow, Willow Warbler Chestnut Glade (Bob Watts, Paul).
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: 4 Northern Wheatear on grass field north of main pit (HertsBirding); also 2 Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, 3+ Redshank, 3 Shelduck, Ruddy Shelduck (our pet now)! 2 Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, shed loads of Whitethroat, c50 Sand Martin, Swift, Swallow present (Steve B).
  • Crownhill Road (NW10): 23 House Sparrow (12 dust-bathing) (Des McKenzie).
  • Fulham Sands End (Thames Path): House Sparrow at least 2 fledglings (Nathalie Mahieu).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: Common Sandpiper (West Res, 1st of year), pair of Shelduck (a.m.), 6 Common Terns (inc. pair 'defending' moored boat, West Res), 20 Sand Martins, 10 Swallows, c80 Swifts, 4 pairs GC Grebe (two on each res), 8 Gadwall, 4 Common Pochard, drake Shoveler (Mark Pearson & Tony Butler Hackney Wildlife)
  • Ruislip Lido: 2 Common Tern, LRP, Grey Wagtail, Reed Warbler, Hobby & dozens of Swifts, Cuckoo & Garden Warbler on Poors Field (Steve Pash)..
  • Colne Brook (near Yiewsley GP's): 1 Cetti's Warbler singing, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff (Roger Dewey).
  • Wanstead Park: Pr Canadas with 5 Goslings, Herring Gull, 7 Swift, Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Jackdaw (J Lethbridge)
  • Beddington SF: 3 Shelduck, 4 Common Sandpiper, fem Northern Wheatear (Dip or Glory).
  • Holmethorpe SP's: Dunlin (SBC).
  • Queen Elizabeth II Res: 3 Common Sandpipers, 8 Northern Wheatear (SBC).
  • Mayesbrook Park: Hobby flew south, Whitethroat, 12 Swift, Sand martin.(Paul Hawkins)
  • Thorney Park: 1 Blackcap,3 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler,17 Swift and 3 swallows flew over,5 Common Tern on raft,1 R N Parakeet.(Sue Giddens)

Wednesday 6th May.

  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler still present and singing 06:00hrs but not viewable; also 4 Hobby - from Hooks Marsh car park walk to Post 24 on southwest side of lake to view (Birdguides). Singing until at least 21.00.
  • Rainham Marshes: 3 Spoonbills (2 ads, 1 imm) on Aveley Marshes at 13:00, also Marsh Harrier - reserve closes 17:00hrs but view from seawall (Birdguides); 2 adult Spoonbills by white fence still at 6:40pm & immature on target pools; adults flew towards silt lagoons at 6:50pm & immature flew around target pools twice at 7pm before settling on small pool at wennington marsh where it showed well, also Turtle Dove flew low over vistor centre (John Murray).
  • Staines Res (late evening): still three Kittiwakes (two 2CY and a 3CY), also single Arctic Tern, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper (Rob Innes).
  • London Wetland Centre: fem Sparrowhawk, m Kestrel, Hobby, pr Lapwing with 2 young, 2 Common Snipe, 6 Redshank, Common Sandpiper, 2 Black-headed Gull, ad Yellow-legged Gull, 6 Common Tern, singing Lesser Whitethroat, 3 singing Common Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler (1 singing) (LWC website).
  • Queen Mother Res (permit access): Whimbrel on the bank south of the sailing club this a.m. (Birdguides).
  • Alexandra Park: Peregrine flew north and landed on transmitter 0703 but then lost to view, also Common tern Wood Green Res, Swallow north, Linnet west 0650-0710 (Bob Watts).
  • Beddington SF: Shelduck, Peregrine, 3 Common Sandpiper, Arctic Tern (Dip or Glory).
  • Queen Elizabeth II Res: 3 Dunlin (SBC).
  • Walton Res: 16 Shelduck, feral m Pintail, Dunlin (SBC).
  • Wanstead Park: Sand Martin and 2 Swift over the basin at 9.30am (J Lethbridge).
  • East India Dock: House Martin, 5 Sand Martin, 4 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Shelduck, 2 Canada Geese with 4 goslings, 4 Common Tern (Paul Hyland).
  • Brent Res: 2 Dunlin still, Common Sandpiper (Roy Beddard, Andrew Haynes, Andrew Verrall).
  • Queen Mother Resr: Whimbrel on the bank south of the sailing club this morning (Birdguides)
  • Hampstead Heath: singing Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat, 15+Swifts feeding and single Swallow W over P.Hill, Kingfisher too (Pete Mantle).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: 6 Common Terns, c150 Common Swifts, 25 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins, 10 House Martins, etc (Mark Pearson & Tony Butler Hackney Wildlife).
  • Fairlop: 2 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, GCGrebe, LGrebe, 2 Grey Heron, 6 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 3 Snipe, Common Sandpiper, GWP, Pheasant, pr Meadow Pipit, 4 Yellow Wagtail (including one with a dark head), Whitethroat (Daniel EHull) Fairlop Sightings.
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: Shelduck, m Ruddy Duck, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, lots of Common Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler (HertsBirding).

Tuesday 5th May.

  • Bedford's Park: Black Kite flew east 17:25hrs (Birdguides).
  • Valentine's Park: White Stork north-west over Gant's Hill at 1530 (Birdguides).
  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler still singing (but not showing) to 11:30hrs at least; from Fisher's Green car park walk to south-west side of lake and view by post 24 (Birdguides). Began singing again 20:57 but distant and not seen (Ian Ellis / Brian Demby).
  • Staines Res: 4 Kittiwake - south basin, 2 Wigeon (KLP,BW).
  • Regent's Park: Wood Warbler in sycamores by bandstand, drake Garganey still (RBA); 2 Herring Gull nests, pr Common Terns, Swifts, Sand Martin, 10 Swallows, 8 House Martins, Sedge Warbler, 4m Chifchaffs, 2 Reed Warblers (Tony Duckett).
  • Brent Res: 2 Dunlin, 2 Wood Sandpiper, Snipe, LRP, Lapwing (A. Self, A. Haynes, A. Verrall), 2 Wood Sandpiper still present at 1900hrs, also Stock Dove on mud (Nigel Biggs & Thom Shannon).
  • King George V Dock (North Woolwich): Black-necked Grebe (ELBF).
  • London Wetland Centre: fem Sparrowhawk, m Kestrel, m Peregrine, 4pr Lapwing on nests (3 young still), Oystercatcher west, 6 Redshank, 7 Great Black-backed Gull (flew off north), 9 Common Tern, 10 Swift, 60 Sand Martin, 15 House Martin, 22 singing Reed Warbler, singing Lesser Whitethroat, 2 singing Common Whitethroat (LWC website).
  • Beddington SF: 2 Shelduck, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper, Cuckoo (Dip or Glory).
  • East India Dock: 2 Wheatear, 3 Reed Warbler, Blackcap, 4 Common Tern (Paul Hyland).
  • Copse Wood (Ruislip): Cuckoo, 2 Garden Warbler, male Bullfinch (Dick Middleton).
  • Deane Park Rec Ground (S. Ruislip): 1 Hobby late morning then another or same bird seen c40 minutes later hunting (including "hovering" before going into a steep dive), also 4+ Swift over N (Bill Haines).
  • Mayesbrook Park: Common Sandpiper, Garden Warbler, 21 Swift NW, 11 Sand Martin SE, pair of Shelduck.(Paul Hawkins)
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: 0900-1140 - Common Buzzard 0928 for 20 mins, drifted SE; Common Tern, 230+ Common Swifts, small numbers of all three hirundines, plus the usuals (Mark Pearson Hackney Wildlife); 1600-1830 - at least 250 Common Swifts, c30 House Martins, c20 Swallows, c20 Sand Martins, 4 Common Terns (MJP)
  • Paddington Green: Peregrine west 14:00hrs, 2 Swift, 3 House Martin, singing Grey Wagtail (Des McKenzie).
  • Thorney Park: 1 Sparrowhawk flew over, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Heron, 2Gt C Grebes, 3 Common Terns, 2 Swifts flew over (Sue Giddens).
  • Little Britain: 3 Egyptian Geese, 3 Wren, 2 Greylags, 1 Jay, 4 Cormorants, Canada Geese (Sue Giddens).
  • Bedfont Lakes CP: m Pheasant. (Adam Cheeseman)

Monday 4th May.

  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler still singing (but not showing) 07:00hrs - singing again at noon but elusive; from Fisher's Green car park walk to south-west side of lake and view by post 24 (Birdguides).
  • Weald Bridge: Black Kite north 08:45hrs (Birdguides).
  • Alexandra Park: Osprey low north @ 0832, Hobby @ 0808 SE over Wood Green Res & New River Village, c30 Swallows north 0745-1040, 30+ Swift, 10+ House Martin, Common Tern SE 0745 (Bob Watts, Gaz Richards, Andrew Gardener, Alan Gibson).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: 0800-1040 - Red Kite low and north 0816-0819, 3 Lapwings in at 0820, remaining on mud, 2 Common Terns, c25 Swallows through, c70 Common Swifts, 4 House Martins, 2 Sand Martins, 2nd W GBB Gull, c10 Reed Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, plus the usuals (Mark Pearson & Jamie Partridge Hackney Wildlife); 1300-1700 - m & f Peregrine, c200 Common Swifts, c40 Swallows, smaller numbers of both Martins, 6+ Common Terns, Lapwings still present, 4 Blak-headed Gulls (Laurence Pitcher & Mark Pearson).
  • Twickenham: Red Kite over at 15:00hrs mobbed by Rook (Birdguides).
  • Holmethorpe SP's: Red Kite WNW 1630, Northern Wheatear (SBC).
  • Bookham Common: Red Kite south 12:20hrs (SurreyBirders).
  • Amwell GP's: Wood Sandpiper right of the main viewpoint and showing well p.m. but flew north-west at 17:16hrs (Birdguides).
  • Greenford CP: c10 Swift, 2 Swallow, 8 singing Whitethroat, 6 singing Blackcap, singing Willow Warbler, calling Chiffchaff, pr Linnet (Neil Anderson).
  • Bedfont Lakes CP: Common Sandpiper, Cuckoo, Yellow Wagtail, Lapwing, 9+ Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 6+ Blackcap, 5+ Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Greylag Goose, 4+ Skylarks, 4+ Linnet, 5 Common Tern, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Swift 20+, House Martin, Sand Martin, Swallow. (Adam Cheeseman + Martin Gray).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: Hobby west c11:00hrs, 14 Swallow north, 8 House Martin, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, 7 Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler (warblers singing); also 7 Egyptian Goose (plus 6 goslings), 2m Gadwall, Mallard (2nd brood), m Shoveler, 2m Red-crested Pochard, brood of 3 Great Crested Grebe, fem Sparrowhawk, Lesser Black-backed Gull (killed a Feral Pigeon), 21 Herring Gull, 12 Stock Dove (4 singing), Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Mistle Thrush (inc a bird carrying food to nest), Goldcrest, Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper, 4 Chaffinch (Des McKenzie).
  • Tyttenhanger GP's: 2 Wheatear (f), Cuckoo, 2 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Shelduck, 3 Common Tern, (Swift, Sand Martin, Swallow present in small numbers), Garden Warbler, Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler (Steve B).
  • Richmond Park: Cuckoo by Pen Ponds (Birdguides).
  • Beddington SF: 2 Greylag Goose, Hobby, 2 Common Sandpiper (Dip or Glory).
  • East India Dock NR: Ringed Plover (east down Thames 10.35), 1 Wheatear (m), 2 Swift (not easy here), 3 Swallow, Peregrine, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Reed Warbler (Gary A James); pm - Little Ringed Plover (in front of Dome), 5 Swallows (south), 2 Sand Martins, 2 Common Terns (no nests yet!), 9 GBB Gulls (David Callahan).
  • Wraysbury Res: Brent Goose in south-east corner this afternoon, Whimbrel (permit only) (Birdguides).
  • Regents Park: drake Garganey, 18 Stock Doves, 2 Swifts, 10 swallows, 7 House Martins, 3 recently fledged Mistle Thrushes, 4m Chiffchaffs, 14m Blackcaps, 2 Reed Warblers (Tony Duckett)

Sunday 3rd May.

  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): Savi's Warbler still singing 06:00hrs but no further sign by 08:25hrs but singing again at 19:05hrs; from Fisher's Green car park walk to south-west side of lake and view by post 24 (Birdguides); continued singing till 9pm at least, also several Hobbys hunting in the area, 2 Cuckoos, Garden Warbler & Nightingale (J.murray & C.Freddi).
  • Staines Res (evening): Red Kite -> SW at 1925hrs, Oystercatcher two -> W at 1800hrs, Whimbrel N basin, Arctic Tern 3, Shelduck 11, Wigeon 2 (Rob Innes, Dave Morris, Ken Purdey).
  • Weald CP: probable Black Kite flew NW at 11.45 (Birdguides)
  • Rainham Marshes: Whimbrel on flood near the visitor centre; also a Common Sandpiper on the nearby Thames Foreshore (Birdguides).
  • Beddington SF: 2 Greylag Goose, 2 Shelduck, 2 Common Sandpiper, Raven east mobbed by gulls (Dip or Glory).
  • Richmond Park: Whimbrel NW 10.10, 2 Common Terns N, Cuckoo calling, 25+ Swift, m Whinchat, 2 Wheatear (ad male+ 1st year bird), 7 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 11 Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, c15 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler (all warblers singing) (Neil Anderson)
  • Brent Res: 2 Greenshank over (at 08.12 & 9.25), also c100 Swifts (Andrew Self)
  • Crossness: Black-tailed Godwit, Hobby, Whinchat, Wheatear, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Jackdaws (John Archer).
  • Holland Park (dawn chorus 05:30hrs-08:00hrs): 27 species including 2-3 Swift, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit (passerines singing); also c5 Ring-necked Parakeet and the ever present Blue Peafowl (Des McKenzie).
  • Paddington Green: Hobby low east 17:50hrs (Des McKenzie).
  • South Norwood Lake (dawn chorus 05:30-08:30): pair Great Crested Grebe, pair Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Sandpiper, 12 Tufted Duck, 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Wagtail, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron, Chiffchaff,Common Whitethroat, Ring-necked Parakeet, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Nuthatch, 1 Kestrel, 2 Common Swift, 1 House Martin, House Sparrow,Collared Dove,Stock Dove, (John Watson & Gavin Hawgood).
  • Wormwood Scrubs: singing Sedge & Garden Warbler, 2 singing Willow Warbler, c3 singing Lesser Whitethroat, c11 Whitethroat - down on previous years, 3 Common Tern over, 1 Stock Dove, c5 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 1 Jackdaw plus fledgling Blackbird and Long-tailed Tit seen (David Lindo & Roy Nuttall).
  • Alexandra Park: Tree Pipit north 0855, 2 Sand Martin north 0754, c25 Swallow, 5+ Swift, 12+ House Martin, 3/4 singing Whitethroat (Bob Watts, Andrew Gardener), Sand Martin Wood Green Res early pm (Gaz Richards).
  • Walthamstow Reservoirs: pair Oystercatchers, Cuckoo, Common Sandpiper, Willow Warbler, 200+ Swifts, c26 Shelduck, 56+ Common Terns, c30 Sand Martins, 3 Shoveler, 19+ Whitethroat, Pheasant, 14 Swallows, Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 pairs Little Egret (David Callahan).
  • Hackney Marshes/Waterworks NR: 3 Common Tern, 5 Swallow, House Martin, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, many Whitethroats and Blackcaps (Gary A James).
  • Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: probable Sandwich Tern over Serpentine but flew away before clinched, c20 House Martin, at least 2 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, Common Tern(Bob Watts per DMc).
  • Wanstead Park: 7 Little Grebe, 3 GC Grebe, pr LBB, 2 Ring-necked Parakeet, 19 Swift, 2 House Martin, Swallow, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, GS Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 10+ Whitethroat, 8 Blackcap, 11 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler (all warblers singing), 5 Greenfinch, Goldfinch, 10+ Chaffinch, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Jackdaw (J Lethbridge).
  • Wanstead Flats area am: Garden Warbler singing near Bush Wood, 2 Swift, 3 House Martin, 2 Swallow through, 2 Egyptian Geese (S Fisher)
  • Regents Park: Garganey drake, Red Kite 8.25 east, 6 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1m White Wagtail, 2 Greenland Wheatears, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler (Tony Duckett).
  • Osterley Park: 2 Wheatears (Tom Smith)

Saturday 2nd May.

  • 70 Acres Lake: singing Savi's Warbler still present at 04:30hrs (David Darrell-Lambert per Nick Tanner), showed reasonable pre 6am (Bob Watts); heard again at c09:30 (by others) and still present and reeling at 11:30hrs (Birdguides), also distant Common Buzzard, m Kestrel, at least 4 Hobby (Des McKenzie et al).Savi's Warbler present to 18:50 hours at least reeling and showing continuously for last 15 minutes, also female Marsh Harrier from 18:25 to 18:40 when it drifted north (Nick Tanner); still singing at 20:45hrs (Birdguides). 7 Hobby in air simultaneously early pm with 10+ in area, Buzzard Galleyhill Wood (Bob Watts).
  • Harmondsworth: possible Great White Egret north over the M25/M4 junction this morning (Birdguides).
  • Walthamstow: possible Common Crane (or White Stork) flew north-west towards the reservoirs from Leyton 13:54hrs (Birdguides).
  • Ruislip: at 16.40 a Harrier (probably Montagu's) was circling high over my garden before heading NE. It was mobbed by a Sparrowhawk for a while (Steve Pash). Might be what I saw while waiting at Turnham Green station around 3pm, South, circling upwards (Nathalie Mahieu)
  • Brent Reservoir: Spring Birdcount - 69 species including pair Egyptian Geese, Hobby, 42 Common Terns, Yellow Wagtail & 89 singing warblers of 8 species (Brent Birders).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: 0700-1000hrs - 8 Common Terns, 5+ Reed Warblers, 4 Common Pochard, 5 Gadwall, c30 Swifts, 5 House Martins (also successful first night moth-trapping, updates daily on the site for now onwards) (Mark Pearson Hackney Wildlife); 1400-1700 - Common Whitethroat, 8 Common Terns, c35 Swallows through, c50 Common Swifts, c10 Sand Martins, c5 House Martins (MJP, LP et al)
  • Scadbury Park: Nightingale singing and showing occasionally on edge of Spring Shaw this morning and afternoon up until 17:30 at least. TQ458707 (Birdguides).
  • Beddington SF: Shelduck, Common Buzzard, Peregrine, 2 Yellow Wagtail, m Whinchat (Dip or Glory).
  • Crossness: 1s Mediterranean Gull on Thames foreshore viewable from Thamesview Golf Centre (Birdguides).
  • London Wetland Centre: m Sparrowhawk, m Kestrel, Hobby south, first 2 Lapwing broods (total of 6 young), 6 Redshank (though a couple of unseen birds may be incubating), 3 Common Tern, at least 15 singing Sedge Warbler, 3 singing Common Whitethroat.
  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe, pair Lesser Black-backed Gull, pair Common Tern, pair Grey Wagtail, 1 singing Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Collared Dove, Nuthatch, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, House Sparrow (John Watson & Gavin Hawgood).
  • Vicarage Farm, Enfield: 1 male Whinchat, 13:42 - 14:00 BST; 2 Swift (Robert Callf).
  • Wanstead Flats: 1 Yellow Wagtail on northern playing field early am, 10 Swift 6 Swallow 4 House Martin through, 7 Whitethroat, 4 Little Grebe, c14 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit (2 displaying) (S. Fisher)
  • Regents Park: drake Garganey, pr Common Terns, 4 Swifts, 1 Swallow, 4 House Martins, 2 Common Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroats, Reed Warbler, 3m Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler (Tony Duckett).

Friday 1st May.

  • 70 Acres Lake (Lee Valley): singing Savi's Warbler for its second day, singing on and off all morning (Andrew Self); use Fishers Green car park, view from Post 24 on south-west side of lake; still singing intermittently at 1pm (RBA); present again 19:10hrs (Birdguides) Seen briefly perched near small grey post among reeds and shortly afterwards in dark green reeds singing,from viewpoint a little further round from post 24, also Peregrine at top of Pylon finishing off it's meal of a Common Tern that it had caught.(James Anderson); 8 Hobbies, Common Buzzard, Red Kite (LondonBirders Yahoo group); all this bar the kite, plus Garden Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warblers, Nightingale, 2 Cuckoos, 26+ Common Terns, 2 Swallows, 8+ Swifts, and Chinese Muntjac until 20:30 (DAvid Callahan).
  • Northolt, over A40: Hobby heading north at 07:00 (John Palmer).
  • Tyttenhager GP's: Whimbrel still in sheep field north of Main Pit early afternoon (Birdguides), plus 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3+ Redshank, Oystercatcher, 6 Common Tern, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler (Steve B).
  • Queen Elizabeth II Res (permit access): 1w Mediterranean Gull through, Sandwich Tern from 08:35hrs-09:00hrs (Birdguides).
  • London Wetland Centre am: Hobby, 2 LRP's, 8 Redshank, 1 2nd cal year Yellow-legged Gull, 8 Swifts, 8 House Martins, c. 50 Sand Martins, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 m Whinchat, 8 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 18 singing Sedge Warblers, only 14 Singing Reed Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler (NPS).
  • Wanstead: Hobby over Bush Wood, 7 Swifts over my garden (J Lethbridge).
  • Alexandra Park: singing Song Thrush, Swallow, Common Swift, c15 House Martins, fem Sparrowhawk (David Callahan), 2 Whitethroat (Mike Benyon).
  • Bromley-by-Bow area: 2 Reed Warbler on territory, 2 singing Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Common Tern south down canal, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Peregrine, Long-tailed tit carrying food, 14 Sand Martin (S.Fisher).
  • South Norwood Lake: pair Great Crested Grebe, 2 Common Tern, 5 singing Blackcap, 4 singing Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker,, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Collared Dove, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 9 Ring-necked Parakeet, 4 House Sparrow (John Watson).
  • Beddington SF: Common Tern (Dip or Glory).
  • Rainham Marshes: at least 1 Hobby hawking over field in centre of the reserve today (Birdguides).
  • Wimbledon Common: 2 Arctic Terns at Rushmere for 10 minutes this morning (David Wills).
  • Stoke Newington Reservoirs: singing Common Whitethroat, 3 Blackcaps, c25 Common Swifts, small numbers of all three hirundines (Mark Pearson Hackney Wildlife).
  • Camley Street Natural Park: 2 Blackcaps, Sparrowhawk (MJP)
  • Dagenham Chase LNR: brief visit by my standards but male Wheatear, 2-3 Common Tern and Hobby ( V.Halley-Frame ).


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