December 31, 2008

HAINAULT FOREST

Situated on the north east edge of the borough, this Country Park comprises ancient woodland, with open fields and a lake. There is also a cabin serving hot snacks, and a rare breeds farm. Hainault Forest has become too known for what USED to breed here (Red Backed Shrike, Willow Tit, Wryneck, Wood Warbler, Redpoll, Corn Bunting), But their absence, though regretable should not deter you from birding here as many surprises await!

All year: Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Pheasant, Stock Dove, all 3 Woodpeckers in good numbers, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer.

Winter: Small numbers of common wildfowl with occasional rarity, Golden Plover & Lapwing flocks (from nearby Fairlop Waters), Redwing, Fieldfare, Woodcock, Kingfisher, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and occasional Waxwing, Common Redpoll, Hawfinch.

Passage: Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Turtle Dove, Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear, Whinchat, Ring Ousel, Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher

Summer: Hobby, possible Cuckoo. Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler.

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