For many years now Golden Plovers have had a wintering stronghold in the Fairlop area, although numbers fluctuate from year to year. The flock tends to feed on the fields east of Hainault Road during the day, and roosts on the gravel works site on the south side of Painters Road. Sometimes the flock, or smaller groups may move further afield to Hainault Forest, Hainault Recreational Ground, Redbridge Sports Centre, or even Hainault High School. They have occasioanlly been seen elsewhere in the borough. They generally arrive in October, with numbers slowly buuilding up to the end of the year, and disperse north to their breeding grounds at some point during March.
Fairlop Flock Stats: (largest count of the season)
- Winter 2010/2011 - 110 (first 5 arrived 13th November)
- Winter 2009/2010 - 148 (first 4 arrived 8th November)
- Winter 2008/2009 - 200
- Winter 2007/2008 - 150
- Winter 2006/2007 - unknown
- Winter 2005/2006 - 250
- Winter 2004/2005 - 300 (120 still present 8th April)
- Winter 2003/2004 - 200
Other Sightings:
- 26th September 2010, 2 over Wanstead Flats
- 22nd October 2008, 2 in Redbridge Sports Centre
- 4th March 2006, 2 on Wanstead Flats
- 25th November 2004, 1 over Ilford
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