RING NECKED DUCK

Ring Necked Duck: Rare Vagrant

Historical Information:

• A female bird, was discovered by Howard Vaughn and his father during a WeBs count on 20th Feb 1999 in Valentines Park and remained there until the 8th May. At the time, it was the 4th year out of the last five that this species had graced metropolitan Essex waters. (Essex Bird Report 1999)

CATTLE EGRET

Cattle Egret: Rare Vagrant

Historical Information:

• 1 was present on the lagoon at Fairlop Waters for a brief period in 2003
  
• 1 is reported as having been present in Wanstead Park, sometime in the late 1990's - no further information at present

RED BREASTED FLYCATCHER

Red Breasted Flycatcher: Rare Vagrant

Historical Information:

• 1 is reported as having been located in Wanstead Park in the late 1960's or early 1970's - no further information available at this time.

SANDWICH TERN

Sandwich Tern: Rare Migrant

Latest Sightings:

• 30th July 2009, 1 over Woodford Green

Historical Information:

• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'Where to watch birds in the London area', it states that though irregular, Sandwich Terns have been recorded in April/May on passage at Fairlop Waters.

LAPLAND BUNTING

Lapland Bunting: Rare Migrant

Latest Sightings:

• October 9th 2010, 1 over Wanstead Flats
• October 8th 2010, 1 over Wanstead Flats
• October 18th 2010, 1 over Wanstead Flats
• October 20th 2010, 1 over Wanstead Flats
• October 22nd 2010, 1 over Wanstead Flats
  
  

Historical Information:

• A Lapland Bunting was recorded at Fairlop Waters on 2 dates in December 1990

HOODED CROW

Hooded Crow: Rare Vagrant

A Hooded Crow has been recorded at Fairlop Waters, although at present i have no further information on this sighting.

RADDES WARBLER

Radde's Warbler: Rare Vagrant

A Radde's Warbler has been recorded at Fairlop Waters, on October 1st 2000, it was seen by very few observers but it was the best ever autumn for this species in the UK with 7 present at Spurn, East Yorks on the same day as the Fairlop individual (info courtesy of Nick Tanner)

DARTFORD WARBLER

Dartford Warbler: Rare Vagrant

Sightings:

• 6th November 2009, 1 male present on Wanstead Flats
  
• 31st October-2nd November 2009, 1 male on Wanstead Flats
  

Historical Information:

• A Dartford Warbler was recorded at Fairlop Waters in October 1994

BEARDED TIT

Bearded Tit: Rare Vagrant

Historical Information:

• In the 1997 edition of Domonic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in London area', Bearded Tits are listed as being a scarce autumn visitor to Fairlop Waters

RICHARDS PIPIT

Richards Pipit: Rare Vagrant

Historical Information:

• In May 1992 a Richards Pipit has been recorded at Fairlop Waters
• In September 1987 a Richards Pipit was recorded at Fairlop Waters

GLAUCOUS GULL

Glaucous Gull: Rare Vagrant

A Glaucous Gull has been recorded at Fairlop Waters, although at present i have no further information on this sighting.

SHAG

Shag: Rare Vagrant

Historical Information:

• A Shag has been recorded at Fairlop Waters as mentioned in the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'Where to watch birds in the London area' although at present i have no further information on this sighting.

SLAVONIAN GREBE

Slavonian Grebe: Rare Vagrant

Latest Sightings:

• 20th December 2009, 1 at Fairlop Waters

Historical Records:

• A Slavonian Grebe has been recorded at Fairlop Waters, as mentioned in the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'Where to watch birds in the London area' although at present i have no further information on this sighting.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER

Great Northern Diver: Rare Vagrant

Historical Information:

A Great Northern Diver has been recorded at Fairlop Waters, as mentioned in the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'Where to watch birds in the London area' although no date is noted.

LONG TAILED DUCK

Long Tailed Duck: Rare Vagrant

A Long Tailed Duck has been recorded at Fairlop Waters, although at present I have no more information on this sighting.

GLOSSY IBIS

Glossy Ibis: rare vagrant

The first and only record of this bird was seen flying high (west), over Hainault Farm/Fairlop Plain on April 22nd 2010

COMMON CRANE

Common Crane: Rare Vagrant

Latest Sightings:

• 13th October 2003, 1 over Fairlop Waters at 15.05

RED THROATED DIVER

Red Throated Diver: Rare Winter Visitor (very rare)

Latest Sightings:

• 1st December 2002, 1 at Wanstead Park

ALPINE SWIFT

Alpine Swift: Rare Vagrant

Sightings:

• 27th April 2003, 1 at Fairlop Waters

HOUSE SPARROW

male House Sparrow (Wanstead) - JLethbridge

more House Sparrow Pics...

House Sparrow: Resident Breeding

House Sparrows, although facing a national decline, are still present in good numbers in the borough. Listing all the sightings would not be possible, although it is my intention to cencus the population sometime soon.

STARLING

Starling, Wanstead Garden (JLethbridge)

more pics here..

Starling: Resident Breeding

Starlings are common throughout the borough, and can be seen in most urban areas, as well as in the parks and woodlands. In Autumn and Winter they congregate into large flocks. Listing all the sightings would not be possible.

TREE SPARROW

Tree Sparrow: Rare Visitor

This one time breeding bird has all but vanished from the area.

Latest Sightings:

• none reported in 2009

Historical Information:

• Tree Sparrows are reported as having been present (at least five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis
• The Birding in London Website suggests that Tree Sparrows from Middlesex Fitler Beds have sometimes made their way to Valentines Park.

GOLDFINCH

Goldfinch: Resident Breeding

Goldfinches are present in good numbers in the borough, especially during the winter. The number of breeding pairs is unknown at present.

ARCTIC REDPOLL

Arctic Redpoll: Rare Winter Visitor

Latest Sightings:

• none in 2009

Historical Information:

• Arctic Redpolls are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

JAY

Valentines Park, March 2010 - Russ Sherriff

Jay: Resident Breeding

Jays are increasing in number in the borough as they become more adaptable to urban living, they can now be seen in most of the parks and woodland areas in the borough. It would not be possible to list all the sightings.

2010 - Estimated Population: 103 (based on the peak count from each site)

ROOK

Rook: Occasional Visitor

Most Rook Sightings are flyovers, however although there are no rookeries in the borough, they are slightly more common around the north eastern extent of the borough (Hainault Forest)

Latest Sightings:

• 2nd October 2010, 100+ over Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• 17th September 2010, 4 over Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• 5th September 2010, 50 at Car Boot Sale Field, Chigwell/Collier Row
• 3rd September 2010, 1 over Five Oaks Lane
• 13th August 2010, 100+ at Car Boot Sale Field, Chigwell/Collier Row
• 19th January 2010, 7 over Hainault Forest
• 12th November 2009, 50+ present over Hainault Forest
• 1st November 2009, 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• 29th March 2009, 2 at Hainault Forest CP

CARRION CROW

South Park, Aug 2010 - R Sherriff

Carrion Crow: Resident Breeding (common)

Carrion Crows are very common throughout the borough. They also flock, especially out of the breeding season, when over 100 birds can be seen together on Wanstead Flats, and almost as many in Valentines Park.

MAGPIE

Magpie, Wanstead Flats - Feb 2010 (Jonathan Lethbridge)

click here for more Magpie Pics

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Magpie: Resident Breeding (common)

Magpies are very common throughout the borough. Listing them would be an arduous task!

GREAT GREY SHRIKE

Great Grey Shrike: Rare Vagrant

Red Backed Shrikes are very rare vagrant visitors

Latest Sightings:

• no records post 2003
  

Historical Information:

• Great Grey Shrikes are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis
• Great Grey Shrike has been recorded at Fairlop Waters, but I have no information concerning this sighting.
  

RED BACKED SHRIKE

Red Backed Shrike: Rare Vagrant

Red Backed Shrikes are very rare nowadays, having been a one time breeding bird in the area many years ago.

Latest Sightings:

• no records post 2003

Historical Information:

• Red Backed Shrikes are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

GOLDEN ORIOLE

Golden Oriole: Rare Vagrant

Latest Sightings:

• 13th May 2009, 1 in Woodford Green
• 12th May 2003, 1 in Hainault Forest

Historical Information:

• Golden Orioles are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

WILLOW TIT

Willow Tit: Rare Visitor

Like in much of the South East, Willow Tits have all but disappeared from our borough, having once bred in the forests.

There are no reported sightings since 2003 at least.

Historical Information:

• Willow are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis since his records began.

GOLDCREST

click photo for more Goldcrest pics..

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Goldcrest in Valentines Park, March 2010 (Russ Sherriff)

Goldcrest: Resident Breeding

Goldcrests are resident, and breed in many of the parks and woodland areas in the borough. Their numbers are swelled in the winter when they are much more visible, although the prolonged freeze in early 2010 has had a bad effect on their numbers and at the beginning of the year less than 20 were present in the borough, but numbers picked up hugely after the autumn fall.

2010 population: (peak count at each site) - 83 birds

• Bush Wood - 2
• Claybury Park - 6
• Fairlop Waters - 8
• Five Oaks Lane Scrubland - 3
• Goodmayes Park - 1
• Hainault Forest - 3
• Hainault Lodge NR - 4
• Hatch Forest - 3
• Knighton Woods - 4
• Roding Valley Park - 1
• South Park - 2
• Valentines Park - 3
• Wanstead Flats - 7
• Wanstead Park - 22
• Garden Sightings - 14

WATER PIPIT

Water Pipit: Rare Vagrant

Latest Sightings:

• 29th-30th March 2009, 1 at Fairlop

Historical Information:

• Rock Pipits are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis
• 1 previous record at Fairlop Waters (date unknown)

ROCK PIPIT

Rock Pipit: Rare Vagrant

Latest Sightings:

• 20th October 2010, 1 over Wanstead Flats
• 22nd April 2010, 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• 4th October 2009, 2 at Fairlop Gravel Works
  

Historical Information:

• Rock Pipits are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis
• Alan Bell reports having seen Rock Pipit before at Fairlop (dates unknown)
  

WOODLARK

Woodlark: Rare Vagrant

Latest Sightings:

• 2010: December 20th - 4 passed through Wanstead Flats

Historical Information:

• Woodlarks are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

RED RUMPED SWALLOW

Red Rumped Swallow: Rare Vagrant

Sightings:

• none since 2003 at least

Historical Information:

• Red-Rumped Swallows are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

HOOPOE

Hoopoe: Rare Vagrant

Latest Sightings:

• June 16th 2010 - 1 at Fairlop Waters

Historical Information:

• Hoopoes are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

NIGHTJAR

Nightjar: Rare Vagrant

Latest Sightings:

• May 2009, 1 in Wanstead Park

Historical Information:

• Nightjars are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

LONG EARED OWL

Long Eared Owl: Rare Visitor

Recent Sightings:

• none reported since 1997 at least

Historical Records:

• A 'handful' of sightings of Long Eared Owls have been reported at Fairlop Waters as recorded in the 1997 edition of 'Where to Watch Birds in the London Area, by Dominic Mitchell'

COLLARED DOVE

photo by Jonathan Lethbridge, April 2010 (Wanstead)

(click for more Collared Dove Pics)

Collared Dove: Resident Breeding

Considering Collared Doves have only been resident in the UK for a short time, (60 years) they are doing remarkably well. They are common throughout the borough. But are best seen at South Park, or Goodmayes Park, where they congregate on the islands, sometimes in impressively large numbers. Or on the lamp columns on Aldborough Road North (Aldborough Hatch) where up to 30 may be present.

Listing all the sightings, would be a full time (unpaid) job.

WOOD PIGEON

Wood Pigeon: Resident Invasion! (no rooftop is complete without one)

Wood Pigeons are taking over the world, and this is no more visible anywhere than here in Redbridge where in the winter the flock at Fairlop Waters can include over 1000 birds.
It is really not necesarry to list all the sightings of Wood Pigeons, if you want to see one. There is a 2 step formula that guarentees a sighting.

1) Open your eyes
2) Look outside

RAZORBILL

Razorbill: Rare Vagrant

Historical Information:

• There is one record of a Razorbill that turned up at Fairlop Waters in December 1988, but don't expect to see another one. (although it goes to show, anything is possible)

BLACK TERN

BlackTern: Rare passage Migrant

Latest Sightings:

• October 5th 2010 - 5 juvenile birds at Fairlop Waters Boating Lake, (early am - 5pm)
  

Historical Information:

• Black Terns are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis
• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'Where to watch birds in the London area', it states that though irregular, flocks of up to 11 Black Tern have been recorded in April/May on passage at Fairlop Waters.

LITTLE TERN

Little Tern: Rare passage Migrant

Latest Sightings:

• none since 2003 at least

Historical Information:

• Little Terns are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis
• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'Where to watch birds in the London area', it states that though irregular, Little Tern have been recorded in April/May on passage at Fairlop Waters.

LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL

Lesser Black Backed Gull, Wanstead Flats - March 2010 (Emma Charles)

click here for more LBBGull Pictures

Lesser Black Backed Gull: Resident Breeding

Like Herring Gulls, Lesser Black Backed Gulls are less common in the borough than in surrounding boroughs that border the River Thames, and they are also far less common here than Black Headed Gulls and Common Gulls in winter, however, there are usually at least a few in most winter Gull flocks, and probably between 100-200 present in total. Non breeding birds and juveniles may flock at Wanstead Flats or Fairlop Gravel Works during the breeding season. A few pairs are known to nest on commercial roofs around Ilford.

Larger numbers can be seen flying overhead to roost.

2010 Winter Numbers: (largest count) - incomplete so far

• 
  

HERRING GULL

Herring Gull: Resident (more common in Winter)

Herring Gulls are less common in the borough than in surrounding boroughs that border the River Thames, and they are also less common here than Black Headed Gulls and Common Gulls, however, there are usually at least a few in most Gull flocks, particularly outside the breeding season. Non breeding birds and juveniles may flock at Wanstead Flats or Fairlop Gravel Works during the breeding season

Larger numbers can be seen flying overhead to roost.

2010 Winter Numbers: (largest count) - incomplete

• 
  

LITTLE GULL

Little Gull: Rare Vagrant

Latest Sightings:

• 17th August 2009, 1 over Woodford Castle

Historical Information:

• Little Gulls are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

BAR TAILED GODWIT

Bar Tailed Godwit: Rare Passage Migrant

Latest Sightings:

• none since 2003 (at least)

Historical Information:

• Bar Tailed Godwits are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis
• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'Where to watch birds in the London area', Bar Tailed Godwit are listed as a 'passage wanderer' at Fairlop Waters.

STONE CURLEW

Stone Curlew: Rare Vagrant

Historical Information:

Stone Curlews are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

AVOCET

Avocet: Rare Vagrant

Historical Information:

• Avocet are reported as having been present on rare occasion in the 'Where to Watch Birds in the London Area', by Dominic Mitchell, published in 1997. It is unknown if there have been any sightings since then.

QUAIL

Quail: Rare Migrant

Latest Sightings:

• 11th May 2003, 1 in Hainault Forest

Historical Information:

Quail are reported as having been present around Hainault Forest (less than 5 time) pre 2003 by the late Mike Dennis.

BERWICKS SWAN

Bewick's Swan: Rare Winter Visitor Sightings:

• 2010: December 3rd - 17 flew over Fairlop Waters

Historical Information:

• Bewicks Swans are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

W BUNTING

Snow Bunting: Rare Vagrant

Sightings:

• 4th March 2004, 1 at Fairlop Waters

BLACK REDSTART

Black Redstart: Rare Visitor

Sightings:

• April 11th 2010 - 1 female at Fairlop Gravel Works
• April 2008, 1 female seen in a Redbridge garden
• 18th October 2007, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 14th January 2004, 1 at Fairlop Waters

Historical Information:

• Black Redstarts are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis
• In the 1997 edition of Domonic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in London area', Black Redstarts are listed as being a scarce migrant visitor to Fairlop Waters
• Dennis Eccleson reports his third garden sighting in April 2008, the other sightings were sometime previous to this (near Redbridge Roundabout).
  

WHITE WAGTAIL

White Wagtail: Vagrant

This is the european race of Pied Wagtail, and as such is not counted in the tally as a seperate species, but the listings below may be of interest.

Sightings:

• 25th April 2010, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 18th April 2010, 3 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• 11th April 2010, 2 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• 9th April 2010, 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• 2nd April 2010, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 28th March 2010, 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• 18th April 2009, 1 over Wanstead Flats (unconfirmed)
• 11th-13th April 2009, 3 at Fairlop
• 18th April 2008, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 4th May 2004, 2 at Fairlop Waters
• 10th April 2004, 1 at Fairlop Waters

TURTLE DOVE:

Turtle Dove: Uncommon Passage Migrant

1 pair of Turtle Doves are reported as having bred at Hainault Forest in 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis, and were considered to be a Resident Breeding Bird then. It is not known if they have bred since 2003. They are occasionally seen on migration.

sightings 2010: 4 so far

• May 8th - 2 over Wanstead Flats
• May 19th - 1 in Wanstead Flats
• September 25th - 1 over Wanstead Flats
  

sightings 2009: 6

• 3rd September 2009, 1 over Wanstead Flats
• 19th May 2009, 1 over Woodford Green
• 12th May 2009, 1 over Fairlop
• 10th May 2009, 2 over Woodford Green
• 9th May 2009, 1 over Wanstead Park

REED WARBLER

Reed Warbler: Summer Visitor (Breeding) /Passage Migrant

Small numbers of Reed Warblers breed in the borough (2 or 3 pairs). Mostly along the River Roding, where they are more common further south as the river widens, and the reeds increase, and also in the Gravel Works Site in Fairlop.

2010 Sightings: 85 so far

• April 28th, 1 in Fairlop Waters CP
• May 4th, 1 male at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 6th, 1 at Wanstead Flats (Alexandra Lake)
• May 15th, 2 at Fairlop Waters
• May 17th, 4 at Fairlop Gravel Works (north)
• May 17th, 1 at Wanstead Park (Sewage Works)
• May 17th, 1 at Wanstead Park (Shoulder of Mutton)
• May 19th, 1 at Wanstead Park (Shoulder of Mutton)
• May 20th, 1 at Wanstead Park (Shoulder of Mutton)
• May 21st, 5 at Fairlop Gravel Works (north) (3m, 2f)
• May 25th, 1 at Wanstead Park (Shoulder of Mutton)
• May 26th, 1 at Wanstead Park (Shoulder of Mutton)
• May 27th, 1 at Wanstead Park (Shoulder of Mutton)
• May 27th, 1 at Wanstead Park (Sewage Works)
• May 28th, 5 males at Fairlop Gravel Works (north)
• May 29th, 1 male at Wanstead Park (Shoulder of Mutton)
• May 31st, 5 at Fairlop Gravel Works (4m, 1f)
• June 1st , 1 male at Wanstead Park (Shoulder of Mutton)
• June 6th, 1 male at Wanstead Park (Shoulder of Mutton)
• June 8th, 9 at Fairlop Gravel Works (4 male, 3 female, 2 fledgelings)
• June 15th, 1 male at Wanstead Park (Shoulder of Mutton)
• June 16th, 1 male at Fairlop Waters (reed line nr lagoon)
• June 17th, 3 at Fairlop Gravel Works (2 male, 1 juv)
• June 18th, 1 male at Wanstead Park (Shoulder of mutton)
• June 18th, 1 male at Fairlop Waters (Boating Lake)
• June 18th, 1 at Roding Valley Park, South
• June 19th, 1 at Roding Valley Park, North
• June 23rd, 6 at Fairlop Gravel Works (4m)
• June 27th, 6 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• June 30th, 10+ at Fairlop Gravel Works (6 singers)
• July 8th, 3 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• July 10th, 1 at Fairlop Waters (boating lake)
• July 18th, 1 in Wanstead Park
• July 24th, 2 at Fairlop gravel Works
• July 24th, 1 in Wanstead Park
• August 5th, 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• September 3rd, 1 in Wanstead Old Sewage Works
• 
  

2009 Sightings: 13 sightings

• 30th August 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 18th July 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 2nd July 2009, present at Fairlop
• 21st June 2009, 1 in Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge
• 14th June 2009, 1 in Claybury Park
• 8th June 2009, 1 in Claybury Park
• 1st June 2009, 2 on the River Roding, Ilford
• 15th May 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 14th May 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 10th May 2009, 2 at Fairlop
• 9th May 2009, 1 in Wanstead Park

Breeding Stats:

• 2009: 1 pair on the River Roding, near Bluebell Avenue Ilford, IG1
• 2009: 1 pair in Fairlop Gravel Works

Historical Information:

• Reed Warblers are reported as being a former or occasoinal breeding bird in Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

NIGHTINGALE

Nightingale: Summer Visitor

Latest Sightings:

• August 22nd 2010, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• July 11th 2010, 1 at Roding Valley Park (south)
• June 2nd 2010, 1 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• May 23rd 2010, 1 in Five Oaks Lane, Scrubland
• April 25th 2010, 1 in Wanstead Park
• 1st May 2009, 1 in Fairlop Waters
• 10th May 2007, 1 in Hainault Forest

Historical Information:

• in May 2008, Nightingales were seen for about 2 weeks in Claybury Park, breeding was unconfirmed.
  
• in 2003 2 pairs of Nightingales were reported by Mike Dennis as breeding in Hainault Forest and were thought to breed regularly, however, it is unclear if they have bred in susbequent years as records are slim since his passing.
• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in the London area' it states Nightingales were only an infrequent migrant

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER

Grasshopper Warbler: Rare Passage Migrant

Sightings:

• 4th July 2009, 1 at Fairlop Waters
  
• 12th May 2009, 2 at Fairlop Waters
  
• 25th-29th April 2009, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 22nd April 2007, 1 at Hainault Forest
• 24th April 2005, 1 at Fairlop Waters

Historical Information:

• Grasshopper Warblers are reported as being a former or occasoinal breeding bird in Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis
• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in the London area' it states that they have been heard 'reeling' in spring and early summer, but that they did not breed.

BLACK HEADED GULL

winter plumage Black Headed Gull, Wanstead Flats - March 2010 (JLethbridge)

more pics of Black Headed Gull

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Black Headed Gull: Winter Visitor (a few remain all year)

Black Headed Gulls are very common throughout the Borough in winter when they flock in most of the parks, and fields in the Borough. There may be several thousand present in winter, and a few non breeding birds remain throughout.

Winter Populations: (based on the peak count at each site during Jan-March)

• 2010: 4508 birds
  

MISTLE THRUSH

click photo for more pics

Mistle Thrush: Resident Breeding

Mistle Thrushes are common throughout the borough, in the parks, woodlands and residential areas too. The best place to see them is in Valentines Park, where up to 12 have been seen on the playing field.

2010 Estimated Population: 85 birds (based on the peak count from each site)

BLACKBIRD

male Blackbird, Gants Hill garden - May 2009 (Alan Thomas)

click here for more blackbird pics

Blackbird: Resident Breeding Bird (common)

Blackbirds are common everywhere in the borough.

BLUE TIT

Blue Tit, nest prospecting in a Woodford Green garden - Jan 2010 (MBraun)

Blue Tit Photos

Blue Tit: Resident Breeding (common)

Blue Tits are a common and familiar sight and sound throughout the borough, in parks, woodlands, gardens, and anywhere else!. Several hundred pairs breed in the borough, and therefore listing the sightings would be a full time job.



Historical Information:

• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in the London area' it states that census work showed that there were 80 Breeding pairs in Hainault Forest

CHAFFINCH

Chaffinch: Resident Breeding

Chaffinches are common in all the parks in the borough. The exact number of breeding pairs is unknown.

Historical Information: (incomplete)

2006 Breeding Stats:

• Wanstead Park, 4 singing males (20th May, TH)
• Gilberts Slade, 1 singing male (17th May)

2003 Breeding Stats:

• Hainault Forest, 40 pairs

GREAT TIT

Great Tit: Resident Breeding (common)

Great Tits are a common and familiar sight and sound throughout the borough, in parks, woodlands, gardens, and anywhere else!. Several hundred pairs breed in the borough, and therefore listing the sightings would be a full time job.

Historical Breeding Stats. (incomplete)

2006 Breeding Stats:

• Wanstead Park, 51 singing males (20th May, TH)
• Gilberts Slade, 46 singing males (17th May)

Historical Information:

• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in the London area' it states that census work showed that there were 60 Breeding pairs in Hainault Forest

GARDEN WARBLER

Garden Warbler: Summer Visitor (Breeding, but Uncommon)

2010 sightings: 35 so far

• April 25th - 1 in Hainault Forest CP
• April 25th - 1 in Wanstead Flats
• April 26th - 1 in Wanstead Park (Sewage Works)
• May 1st - 1 in Wanstead Flats
• May 15th - 1 at Fairlop Waters
• May 24th - 2 males at Hainault Forest CP
• May 28th - 1 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• May 29th - 1 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• June 12th - 1 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• June 22nd - 2 in Wanstead Park
• July 1st - 1 male at Hatch Forest
• July 5th - 1 male at Fairlop Gravel Works
• July 6th - 1 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• July 11th - 3 in Roding Valley Park (south) (2 juv)
• July 13th - 1 male in Wanstead Park
• July 18th - 2 in Wanstead Park
• July 19th - 2 in Wanstead Park
• August 8th - 2 in Wanstead OSW
• August 13th - 1 at Five Oaks Lane, Scrubland
• August 22nd - 1 in Wanstead OSW
• August 26th - 1 in Wanstead Flats
• August 27th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
• August 28th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
• August 29th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
• August 30th - 1 in Wanstead Old Sewage Works
• September 1st - 2 on Wanstead Flats
• September 13th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
  

2009 Sightings: 12

• 12th September 2009, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 4th September 2009, 1 in Fairlop Waters
• 30th August 2009, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 16th August 2009, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 21st June 2009, 1 in Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge
• 12th May 2009, 1 in Fairlop
• 10th May 2009, 1 in Hainault Forest
• 9th May 2009, 2 in Wanstead Park
• 8th May 2009, 1 in Wanstead Park
• 3rd May 2009, 1 in Wanstead Flats
• 22nd April 2009, 1 in Fairlop

Historical Sightings: (incomplete)

2008 Sightings:

• 1st September 2008, 1 in Wanstead Flats
• May 2008, seen for a few weeks in Claybury Park
• 27th April 2008, 1 in Hainault Forest

2006 Sightings:

• 22nd April 2006, 1 in Fairlop Waters
• 20th May 2006, 4 in Wanstead Park (singing males)

2004 Sightings:

• 1st May 2004, 1 st Fairlop Waters

2003 Breeding Stats:

• Hainault Forest - 17 pairs

SONG THRUSH

Valentines Park, March 2010 - Russ Sherriff

Song Thrush: Resident Breeding Bird (Common)

In spite of a national decline, Song Thrushes still hold a healthy population in our borough. They can be heard in all of the parks, woods and flats late into the evening.

Historical Breeding Stats:

• 2006: Wanstead Park, 10 singing males, 20th May

ROBIN

click below for more photos of local Robins

Robin at Hatch Forest - March 2010 (Andrew Perrin)

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Robin: Resident Breeding Bird (Common)

Robins are a common and familiar sight in all of the woodland areas, parks and gardens in the borough. Severel hundred pairs breed here.

Historical Breeding Records: (incomplete)

• 2006: Wanstead Park, 67 singing males (20th May)

DUNNOCK

Dunnock: Resident Breeding

Dunnocks are common breeding birds, and are present throughout the borough in all the parks and woodland areas.

Historical Breeding Stats: (incomplete)

• 2006: Wanstead Park, 8 singing males (20th May)
• 2006: Gilberts Slade, 6 singing males (17th May)

WREN

Hatch Forest, Woodford Green - March 2010 (APerrin)

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Wren: Resident Breeding Bird (Common)

Wrens are common in all the parks, woodlands and gardens in the borough. Severel hundred pairs are thought to breed here.

Historical Breeding Stats: (incomplete)

• 2006: 89 singing males in Wanstead Park (20th May)

CUCKOO

Cuckoo: Uncommon Summer Visitor/Passage Migrant

In 2010 up to 7 cuckoos were present in the scrubland south of Five Oaks Lane, between Hainault Golf Course and Collier Row. This is a really exciting discovery for this nationally struggling species. Other than at this site, Cuckoo are usually an annual passage migrant, with one or 2 sightings each year at Fairlop, Wanstead, and Hainault Forest/Golf Course

2010 Sightings: 35

• April 18th - 1 at Hainault Golf Course
• April 25th - 1 at Hainault Forest CP
• April 27th - 1 in Wanstead Park/Golf Course
• April 27th - 1 at Fairlop Waters CP
• April 30th - 1 at Hainault Forest CP
• May 9th - 1 over Wanstead
• May 23rd - 1 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland (possibly 2)
• May 27th - 7 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland (4m, 3f )
• May 29th - 4 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland (3m, 1f)
• June 2nd - 1 male at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• June 3rd - 4 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland (3m, 1f)
• June 5th - 2 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland (1m, 1f)
• June 6th - 3 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• June 12th - 4 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland (3m, 1f)
• June 14th - 2 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• October 11th - 1 over Wanstead Flats
  

2009 Sightings: 9

• 27th September 2009, 1 at Fairlop (juvenile)
• 26th July 2009, 1 over Wanstead Flats
• 25th May 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 23rd May 2009, 2 at Fairlop
• 10th May 2009, 1 in Hainault Forest
• 8th May 2009, 1 over Wanstead Park (possibly 2)
• 2nd May 2009, 1 in Roding Valley Park
• 25th April 2009, 1 in Hainault Forest

Previous records

• 22nd April 2007, 2 in Hainault Forest
• 13th May 2006, 1 in Fairlop Waters
• 13th May 2006, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 6th May 2006, 1 in Wanstead Park
• 27th April 2005, 1 in Fairlop Waters
• 18th May 2004, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 23rd April 2003, 1 at Fairlop Waters

Historical Information:

• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in the London area' it states the dense woodland holds breeding Cuckoos
• 2 pairs of Cuckoo are reported as having bred at Hainault Forest in 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis, and were still considered to be a yearly Breeding Bird then. It is not known if they have bred since 2003.

SWALLOW

Swallow: Summer Visitor (Breeding)

Swallows breed in a few locations in the Borough, particulary in the farmland around Fairlop and Hainault, but are more widespread during migration, where severel hundred can be seen passing over Wanstead Flats, or congregating arond Fairlop Waters.

The best place to see Swallows in the borough is at Aldborough Hall Riding School on Aldborough Lane North, where several pairs nest in the barns.

Spring Arrival Dates

• 2010: March 30th - 3 at Fairlop Waters
• 2009: March 30th - 2 at Fairlop Waters

Latest Records:

• 2010: November 2nd - 1 over Wanstead

SEDGE WARBLER

Wanstead Park, July 2010 (JLethbridge)

more Sedge Warbler pics

Sedge Warbler: Summer Visitor/Migrant

Sedge Warblers can be seen a little more widespread on Migration, but are only known to breed in the Gravel Works site in Fairlop.

2010 Sightings: 36

• April 22nd - 1 at Fairlop Waters (fishing lake)
• April 27th - 2 at Fairlop Gravel Works (north)
• May 4th - 2 males at Fairlop Gravel Works (north)
• May 8th - 2 males at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 15th - 3 male at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 17th - 2 at Fairlop Gravel Works (north)
• May 21st - 3 males at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 28th - 2 males at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 31st - 3 at Fairlop Gravel Works (2m, 1f)
• June 8th - 1 male at Fairlop Gravel Works
• June 17th - 2 males at Fairlop Gravel Works
• June 19th - 1 at Roding Valley Park, north
• June 21st - 1 at Roding Valley Park, north
• June 23rd - 3 at Fairlop Gravel Works (2m)
• June 27th - 1 singing at Fairlop Gravel Works
• June 30th - 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• July 18th - 3 in Wanstead Park (river Roding (2juv))
• July 31st - 2 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• August 5th - 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• 
  

2009 Sightings: 16

• 28th June 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 8th June 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 3rd June 2009, 1 singing at Fairlop
• 2nd June 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 29th May 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 21st May 2009, 3 at Fairlop
• 15th May 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 14th May 2009, 2 at Fairlop
• 13th May 2009, 3 at Fairlop
• 10th May 2009, 2 at Fairlop

Historical Breeding Records:

• 2010, Fairlop Gravel Works - 3 pairs
• 2010, Wanstead Park - 1 pair
• 2010, Roding Valley Park - 1 pair
• 2009, Fairlop Gravel Works - 2 pairs
• 2006, Wanstead Park - 1 pair (unconfirmed)

RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE

Red Legged Partridge: Resident Breeding (scarce now though)

RLPs are thought to breed in the farmland around Hainault Forest and Fairlop, although sightings are few and far between these days. The last known sighting was autumn 2008

Sightings:

• 19th July 2009, 1 in Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge
• 31st October 2008, Fairlop Gravel Works
• 16th March 2006, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• 14th September 2004, 3 at Fairlop Waters
• 21st May 2004, 2 at Farilop Waters

Historical Information:

• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'Where to watch birds in the London area', it states that around 6 pairs of Red Legged Partridge were breeding in the Fairlop Area at that time.
• The same book also indicates that Red Legged Partridges can be seen in nearby Hainault Forest (surrounding farmland)

BLACK SWAN

Black Swan: Rare Visitor (escaped origin)

An increasing number of Black Swans are present in the UK, after escaping from Wildfowl Collections. As they are not (yet) considered a British Bird, they are not counted in the Redbridge Total

Sightings:

• 5th-15th November 2006, Wanstead Park

LESSER WHITETHROAT

Lesser Whitethroat: Sumer Visitor (breeding)/Passage

2010: 150 sightings

• April 14th, 1 singing in Wanstead Park
• April 15th, 1 singing in Wanstead Park
• April 15th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• April 16th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• April 18th, 4 on Wanstead Flats
• April 18th, 1 in Wanstead Park
• April 19th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• April 20th, 3 on Wanstead Flats
• April 21st, 3 on Wanstead Flats
• April 22nd, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• April 23rd, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• April 24th, 3 on Wanstead Flats
• April 24th, 1 in Claybury Park
• April 25th, 4 males on Wanstead Flats
• April 25th, 1 in Valentines Park
• April 25th, 1 in Fairlop Waters
• April 26th, 1 in Wanstead Flats
• April 27th, 1 on Hatch Plain
• April 28th, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• April 28th, 1 in Wanstead Park
• April 29th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• May 1st, 1 at Wanstead Flats
• May 6th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• May 8th, 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 11th, 1 in Wanstead Park
• May 13th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• May 19th, 2 at Fairlop Waters
• May 23rd, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• May 28th, 2 in Roding Valley Park (central)
• May 29th, 1 in Wanstead Park (Sewage Works)
• June 2nd, 4 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland (2m, 2f)
• June 22nd, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• June 30th, 1 in Wanstead Old Sewage Works
• July 1st, 1 male on Wanstead Flats
• July 3rd, 1 at Wanstead Flats
• July 17th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• July 18th, 1 juvenline in Wanstead Park
• July 20th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• July 24th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• July 27th, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• July 31st, 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• August 8th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• August 9th, 3 on Wanstead Flats
• August 11th, 2 on Wanstaed Flats
• August 13th, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• August 14th, 1 in Wanstead OSW
• August 14th, 2 in Wanstead Flats
• August 15th, 1 in Wanstead OSW
• August 15th, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• August 16th, 3 in Wanstead OSW
• August 16th, 1 in Wanstead Flats
• August 17th, 5 on Wanstead Flats
• August 19th, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• August 20th, 3 in Wansetad OSW
• August 21st, 3 in Wansted Park
• August 21st, 4 on Wanstead Flats
• August 22nd, 10+ on Wanstead Flats
• August 22nd, 1 in Wanstead Park
• August 23rd, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• August 23rd, 1 in Wanstead Park
• Augsut 26th, 1 in WAnstead Flats
• August 27th, 3 on Wanstead Flats
• August 28th, 2 in Wanstead Old Sewage Works
• August 28th, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• August 29th, 1 in Wanstead Park
• August 29th, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• August 30th, 4 on Wanstead Flats
• August 30th, 4 in Wanstead Old Sewage Works
• August 31st, 1 in Wanstead Park
• August 31st, 1 in Wanstead Flats
• September 1st, 3 on Wanstead Flats
• September 3rd, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• September 5th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• September 7th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• September 8th, 3 on Wanstead Flats
• September 10th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• September 12th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• September 12th, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• September 13th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• September 15th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• September 16th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• September 17th, 1 on Wanstead Fltas
• September 17th, 1 at Five oaks Lane Scrubland
• September 18th, 1 on Wanstead Fltas
• September 21st 1 at Five oaks Lane Scrubland
• September 21st, 1 on Wanstead Fltas
• September 25th, 1 on Wanstead Park
• September 28th, 1 on Wanstead Fltas
• September 29th, 1 on Wanstead Fltas
• October 4th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• October 6th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 
  

2009: 43 sightings

• 21st September 2009, 3 on Wanstead Flats
• 19th-20th September 2009, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 12th-13th September 2009, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 10th September 2009, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 5th September 2009, 2 at Fairlop Waters
• 31st August 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 29th August 2009, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 28th August 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 23rd August 2009, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• 16th August 2009, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• 10th August 2009, 3 on Wanstead Flats
• 23rd June 2009, 1 at Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge
• 21st June 2009, 1 in Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge
• 14th-16th June 2009, 1 in Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge
• 25th May 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 25th May 2009, 1 at Claybury Park
• 10th May 2009, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• 10th May 2009, 3 in Wanstead Park
• 9th May 2009, 2 in Wanstead Park
• 8th May 2009, 2 in Wanstead Flats
• 3rd May 2009, 2 in Wanstead Park
• 2nd May 2009, 1 in Claybury Park
• 29th April 2009, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 25th April 2009, 2 on Wanstead Flats
• 22nd-23rd April 2009, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 19th April 2009, 2 at Fairlop Waters

Historical Sightings:

• 24th September 2008, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 1st September 2008, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 15th August 2008, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 13th July 2008, 1 at Fairlop
  
• 24th April 2008, 4 at Fairlop Waters
• 23rd April 2008, 2 at Wanstead Park
• 20th April 2008, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 26th August 2006, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 13th April 2007, 1 at Fiarlop Waters
• 1st May 2006, 2 at Farilop Waters
• 22nd April 2006, 2 at Fairlop Waters
• 3rd August 2005, 1 in Aldersbrook
• 1 May 2005, 5 at Fairlop Waters
• 24th April 2005, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 17th September 2004, 1 in Hainault Forest
• 24th April 2004, 1 at Fairlop Waters
• 23rd April 2003, 1 at Fairlop Waters

2008 Breeding Stats:

• Claybury Park, 1 pair (unconfirmed)

2006 Breeding Stats:

• Gilberts Slade, 1 singing male (17th May)

2003 Breeding Stats:

• Hainault Forest, 4 pairs

Historical Information:

• 1974, attempted to breed in Wanstead Park, but eggs were stolen

SAND MARTIN

Sand Martin: Summer Visitor/Passage Migrant

Sand Martins are not known to breed in the borough any more, although, it has been presumed that there is local breeding in surrounding boroughs, as flocks of over 100 have been present at Wanstead and Fairlop through the breeding season in some years.

2010 sightings:

• March 23rd - 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• March 31st - 1 at Fairlop Waters
• April 2nd - 1 at Wanstead Park
• April 4th - 1 at South Park
• April 5th - 6 at Wanstead Park
• April 5th - 2 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• April 7th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
• April 7th - 8 at Fairlop Gravl Works
• April 7th - 70 at Fairlop Waters
• April 11th - 1 over Wanstead
• April 13th - 24 over Wanstead (NE)
• April 14th - 2 over Wanstead Flats
• April 16th - 11 over Wanstead Flats (North)
• April 19th - 4 over Wanstead Flats
• April 19th - 40 at Fairlop Waters CP
• April 20th - 13 over Wanstead Flats
• April 22nd - 40 at Fairlop Waters CP
• April 23rd - 3 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• April 24th - 2 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• April 25th - 1 over Wanstead Flats
• April 26th - 1 over Wanstead Flats
• April 26th - present at Fairlop Waters
• April 27th - 7 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• April 29th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
• April 30th - 40 at Fairlop Waters CP
• May 6th - 1 over Wanstead Flats
• May 8th - 40 at Fairlop Waters CP
• May 9th - 4 at Fairlop Waters CP
• May 10th - 33 over Wanstead Park (Basin)
• May 11th - 24 in Wanstead Park
• May 13th - 10 in Fairlop Waters CP
• May 13th - 4 over Wanstead Flats
• May 16th - 2 at Wanstead Park
• May 25th - 6 on Wanstead Flats
• May 28th - 2 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 3oth - present at Fairlop Waters
• June 3rd - 4 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• June 8th - 6 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• June 14th - 5 at Fairlop Waters
• June 15th - 5 on Wanstead Park
• June 17th - 1 at Wanstead Flats
• June 19th - several at Fairlop Waters CP
• June 22nd - 1 in Wanstead Park
• June 30th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
• July 1st - 1 on Wanstead Flats
• July 2nd - 2 on Wanstead Flats
• July 8th - 1 at Wanstead Park (Basin)
• July 8th - 2 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• July 9th - 4 on Wanstead Flats
• July 12th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
• July 17th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
• July 22nd - 14 over Wanstead Flats (S)
• August 6th - 5 in Wanstead Park
• August 6th - 10 at Fairlop Waters
• August 9th - 8 at Wanstead Park
• August 13th - 20 at Wanstead Park
• August 14th - 20 at Wanstead Park
• August 15th - 6 at Wanstead Park
• August 16th - 30 at Wanstead Park
• August 16th - 1 on Wansted Flats
• August 20th - 5 in Wanstead Park
• August 21st - 1 on Wansted Flats
• August 21st - 7 in Wansted Park
• August 22nd - 5 at Fairlop Waters
• August 22nd - 5 on Wanstead Flats
• August 22nd - 4 in Wanstead Park
• August 23rd - present in Wanstead Park
• August 25th - 100 at Fairlop Waters
• August 26th - 30 at Valentines Park
• August 27th - 2 on Wanstead Flats
• August 29th - 50 on Wanstead Park
• August 29th - 10 on Wanstead Flats
• August 29th - present at Fairlop Waters
• August 29th - 20 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• August 30th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
• August 30th - 8 in Wanstead Park
• August 31st - 5 on Wanstead Flats
• September 1st - 12 in Wanstead Park
• Septmber 5th - 4 on Wanstead Flats
• September 11th - presnet at Fairlop Waters
• September 12th - 5 at Fairlop Waters
• September 19th - 1 on Wanstead Fltas
• September 19th - 20 in Wanstead Park
• September 20th - 1 on Wanstaed Flats
• September 27th - 10 on Wanstead Flats

2009 Sightings:

• 17th September 2009, 8 at Fairlop
• 1st September 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 30th August 2009, 100 at Fairlop Waters
• 28th August 2009, 50 at Fairlop Waters
• 25th August 2009, 50 at Fairlop Waters
• 20th August 2009, 14 at Fairlop
• 12th July 2009, 6 at Fairlop
• 8th July 2009, 2 at Wanstead Park
• 21st June 2009, present at Fairlop
• 3rd June 2009, 4 at Fairlop Works
• 29th May 2009, 1 at Fairlop
• 9th May 2009, 3 over Wanstead Park
• 6th May 2009, over Wanstead Park
• 26th April 2009, 1 in Wanstead Park
• 22nd April 2009, 4 at Fairlop
• 9th-19th April 2009, 2 at Fairlop
• 18th April 2009, 2 at Wanstead Park
• 4th April 2009, 2 at Fairlop
• 3rd April 2009, 7 at Fairlop
• 2nd April 2009, 2 at Fairlop
• 1st April 2009, 1 over Fairlop Waters
• 31st March 2009, 1 over Fairlop Waters
• 29th March 2009, 1 over Fairlop Waters
• 21st March 2009, 1 at Fairlop Waters

GREEN WOODPECKER

juvenile, Woodford (pGordon)

click for more Green Woodpecker Pics

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Green Woodpecker: Resident Breeding

Green Woodpeckers are common in all the parks and woodland areas in the borough. The number of breeding pairs is not known, but is likely to be above 20.

During 2010 we are taking note of the maximum number of Green Woodpeckers counted at each site to try to estimate the boroughs population.

Estimated Population: based on the peak count from each site:

• 2010: 85 birds (plus 5 visiting gardens)

Historical Information:

• In 2009, 5 pairs bred in Bush Wood
• In 2003, a record 15 pairs were recorded breeding in Hainault Forest alone!
• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in the London area' it states there were about 12 breeding pairs

SWIFT

Swift: Summer Visitor (Breeding)

Swifts are a familiar sight and sound over the borough from May to late August.

2010

• March 26th - 1 over Fairlop Waters CP
• April 19th - 12 over Fairlop Waters CP
• April 20th - 11 over Fairlop Waters CP
• April 22nd - 40 at Fairlop Waters CP
• April 23rd - 4 at Fairlop Waters CP
• April 24th - 1 over Wanstead Flats
• April 25th - 4 at Valentines Park
• April 25th - 1 onver Wanstead Park
• April 26th - 3 over Wanstead Flats
• April 26th - 6 over Wanstead Park
• April 26th - 1 over The Birbeck, Woodford Green
• April 26th - present at Fairlop Waters
• April 27th - 2 over Roding Valley Park (central)
• April 28th - 4 over Valentines Park
• April 29th - 8 over Gants Hill
• April 29th - 45 over Wanstead Flats
• April 29th - 1 over Barkngside
• April 29th - 20 over Fairlop Waters CP
• April 30th - 2oo+ at Fairlop Waters CP
• April 30th - 25 at Wanstead Park
• April 30th - 2 over South Woodford
• May 1st - 10 over Gants Hill
• May 1st - 8 over Wanstead Flats
• May 4th - 3 over Ilford
• May 4th - 50 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 6th - 4 at Wanstead Flats
• May 8th - 1 over South Woodford
• May 8th - 4 over Wanstead Flats
• May 8th - c200 at Fairlop Waters
• May 9th - 3 over South Park
• May 9th - 1 over Seven Kings Park
• May 9th - 100+ at Fairlop Waters CP
• May 10th - 100 over Wanstead Park (Basin)
• May 10th - 10 at Fairlop Waters
• May 12th - 20 over Valentines Park
• May 13th - 20 in Fairlop Waters
• May 13th - 20 on Wanstead Flats
• May 14th - 17 at Wanstead Park
• May 14th - 5 over Valentines Park
• May 15th - present over Claybury Park
• May 15th - present over Wanstead Park
• May 16th - 8 over Valentines Park
• May 16th - present over Wanstead Park
• May 16th - 1 over Hainault (FF Community Garden)
• May 17th - 3 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 17th - present at Wanstead Park
• May 18th - 40 at Fairlop Waters
• May 19th - present in Woodford Green (nesting in roof)
• May 23rd - 2 over Hainault
• May 23rd - good numebrs over Wanstead Park
• May 23rd - 12 over Valentines Park
• May 25th - 4 over South Park
• May 26th - 6 over Barkingside, Gearies (2 nests)
• May 26th - 4 over Ilford, garden
• May 26th - 5 over Valentines Park
• May 26th - loads over Wanstead Park
• May 26th - loads over Wanstead Flats
• May 26th - 20 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 26th - 50 at Fairlop Waters
• May 27th - 2 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• May 27th - 40 at Wanstead Park
• May 28th - 10 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 28th - 20 at Fairlop Waters
• May 29th - 200 at Fairlop Waters CP
• May 30th - 5 at Valentines Park
• May 30th - present at Fairlop Waters
• May 31st - c30 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• May 31st - 3 at Valentines Park
• May 31st - 40 at Wanstead Flats
• June 2nd - 6 at Valentines Park
• June 3rd - 30 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• June 4th - 10 at Valentines Park
• June 4th - 20 at Wanstead Flats
• June 6th - 6 at Valentines Park
• June 6th - present at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• June 7th - 5 over Valentines Park
• June 8th - 50 at Fairlop Waters CP
• June 9th - 100 over Wanstead Flats
• June 9th - 7 at Valentines Park
• June 11th - 2 at Valentines Park
• June 12th - 2 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• June 13th - 19 at Valentines Park
• June 14th - 3 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• June 14th - c100 at Fairlop Waters CP
• June 14th - c20 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• June 15th - 30 in Wanstead Flats
• June 16th - c20 at Fairlop Waters
• June 16th - lost over Claybury Park
• June 17th - 2 over Roding Valley Park, central
• June 17th - 20 at Wanstead Flats
• June 18th - 12 at Roding Valley Park, central
• June 18th - c500 at Fairlop Waters
• June 19th - several at Roding Valley Park, north
• June 19th - several hundred at Fairlop Waters
• June 20th - several Hundred at Fairlop Waters
• June 20th - 14 at Valentines Park
• June 20th - c100 at Wanstead Flats
• June 21st - 20 over Roding Valley Park, central
• June 22nd - 100 over Wanstead Flats
• June 22nd - 100 over Wanstead Park
• June 22nd - several in Woodford Bridge
• June 22nd - several in Roding Valley Park, central
• June 26th - 30 at Aldborough Riding Stables
• June 27th - 30 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• June 27th - 45 at Valentines Park
• June 28th - 10 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• June 30th - 30 on Wanstead Flats
• June 30th - present in Wanstead Park
• June 30th - 10 at Gants Hill
• July 1st - 30 at Wanstead Flats
• July 1st - 10 over Hatch Forest
• July 2nd - 100 over Wanstead Flats
• July 3rd - present over Wanstead Flats
• July 4th - 19 over Valentines Park
• July 4th - present over Wanstead Flats
• July 6th - 100 on Wanstead Flats
• July 6th - 100 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
• July 7th - present on Wanstead Flats
• July 8th - 20 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• July 8th - present in Wanstead Park
• July 9th - present over Woodford Green, Mayfield Ave (breeding)
• July 9th - 100+ over Wanstead Flats
• July 11th - 40 on Wanstead Flats
• July 11th - 15 over Roding Valley Park (south)
• July 11th - 6 in Valentines Park
• July 12th - presnet over Wanstead Flats
• July 13th - 20 in Roding Valley Park (north)
• July 13th - 6 in Roding Valley Park (central)
• July 13th - 4 over Wanstead Flats
• July 13th - 6 in Wanstead Park
• July 14th - 25 over Redbridge
• July 14th - 30 over Wanstead Flats
• July 17th - present over Wanstead Flats
• July 18th - 10 over Wanstead Flats
• July 18th - 20 over Valentines Park
• July 20th - 12 over Roding Valley Park (central)
• July 20th - 67 over Wanstead Flats
• July 21st - 40 over Wanstead Flats
• July 22nd - 40 over Wanstead Flats
• July 24th - 110 over Wanstead Park
• July 25th - 2 in Valentines Park
• July 26th - 2 in Roding valley Park centrel
• July 26th - few over Valentines Park
• July 27th - 6 at Roding Valley Park (central)
• July 27th - 19 on Wanstead Flats
• July 28th - 4 at Fairlop Gravel Works
• July 29th - present at Roding Valley Park central
• July 30th - present at Roding Valley Park central
• August 1st - 30 over Ilford Town Centre
• August 3rd - 19 over Wanstead Park
• August 4th - 12 over Gants Hill
• August 6th - 9 over Wanstead Flats
• August 7th - 30 over Wanstead Flats
• August 7th - 3 at Claybury Park
• August 8th - 3 at Wanstead Flats
• August 11th - 3 in Wanstead Park
• August 11th - 9 on Wanstead Flats
• August 11th - 1 over Gants Hill
• August 15th - 5 over Wanstead Park
• August 16th - 4 at Wanstead Park
• August 16th - 2 over Gants Hill
• August 17th - 4 over Gants Hill
• August 21st - 5 at Fairlop Waters
• August 24th - 1 over Gants Hill
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2009 Spring Arrival Dates

• 25th April 2009, 9 over Wanstead Flats
• 25th April 2009, 1 over Hainault Forest
• 25th April 2009, 20 over Fairlop Waters
• 25th April 2009, 4 over Gants Hill
• by May there were many Swifts over the Borough, including in some places, flocks of 70-100

HOUSE MARTIN

Wanstead Flats, (collecting nest material) July 6th (Paul Ferris)

House Martin: Summer Visitor (Breeding)

House Martins are widespread accross the borough, although numbers have reduced over recent years. Large numbers congregate around Fairlop Waters in the evenings with Sand Martins and Swallows, particularly in late summer and early autumn, prior to return migration.

2010:

• First Sighting: April 7th - 3 at Fairlop Waters CP
• Last Sighting: October 17th - 3 at Wanstead Flats

2009 Spring Arrival:

• 4th April 2009, first arrivals at Fairlop Waters

GREENFINCH

male Greenfinch, Woodford green garden (PWarne)

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(click here for more Greenfinch Pics)

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Greenfinch: Resident Breeding

Greenfinches are common throughout the borough, and can be seen in most of the parks, and gardens. They are especially present in South Park, Ilford, where up to 60 have been seen (in 2009).

COMMON GULL

Common Gull, Wanstead Flats - Feb 2010 (JLethbridge)
more Common Gull photos

Common Gull: Winter Visitor

Common Gulls are present in large numbers in Winter, usually over 1000 in the Borough during the winter. A few may linger during other seasons.

Estimated Winter Population: based on the peak count from each site during Jan-March

• 2010: 1529 birds

LONG TAILED TIT

Long Tailed Tit, Wanstead Park - Feb 2010 (JLethbridge)

more photos of Long Tailed Tit
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Long Tailed Tit: Resident Breeding

Long Tailed Tits are common in all the parks and woodland areas in the borough, numbers swell during the winter. Listing all the sighings would be impossible.

Historical Information: (incomplete)

2003 Breeding Stats:

• Hainualt Forest, 30 Pairs

2001 Breeding Stats:

• Wanstead Park, 3 pairs

1997 Breeding Stats:

• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in the London area' it states breeding Long Tailed Tits were 'widespread in Hainault Forest

TREECREEPER

Treecreeper: Resident Breeding

Apparently Treecreepers are breeding in Hainault Forest, Knighton Woods and Claybury Park, but sightings are few and far between.

2010: Treecreeper Census: 11

• Claybury Park - 4
• Five Oaks Lane - 1
• Hainault Forest - 1
• Hatch Forest - 2 (breeding confirmed)
• Knighton Woods - 2
• Wanstead Park - 1

2009: Treecreeper Census: 10

• Claybury Park - 5
• Hainault Forest - 1
• Knighton Woods - 3
• Wanstead Park - 1

BULLFINCH

Bullfinch: Occasional Visitor

It is not known if this elusive bird has a resident population in the borough anymore, although there is some indication that there may be resident pairs at Wanstead Old Sewage Works, Claybury Park, and Five Oaks Lane Scrubland, but sightings are not consistent enough to give clarification.

2010: 15 birds (recorded on 25 dates)

• Claybury Park: 2 - recorded on 2 dates
• Five Oaks Lane: 5 - recorded on 6 dates (2m, 2f, 1 juv) - breeding confirmed
• Hainault Forest CP: 2 - recorded on 1 date
• Roding Valley Park: 1 - recorded on 5 dates
• Valentines Park: 2 - recorded on 1 date
• Wanstead Park: 4 - recorded on 9 dates
• Garden Sightings: 1

2009: 5 birds (recorded on 12 dates)

• Claybury Park: 2 - recorded on 4 dates
• Roding Valley Park: 1 - recorded once
• Wanstead Park: 2 - recorded on 7 dates

PINTAIL

Pintail: Rare Winter Visitor

Latest Sightings:

2009:

• September 14th, 1 juvenile on the lagoon at Fairlop Waters CP

2004:

• October 3rd, 1 at Fairlop Waters

Historical Information:

• A pair of pinioned Pintail were introduced onto the fish pond in Valentines Park in Autumn 2009, by the end of the year only the female remained, (the male was probably fox-food), however the female is still present as of 10th February 2010
  
• Pintail are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

JACKDAW

Jackdaw, Wanstead - Sept 2009 (JLethbridge)

Jackdaw Photos
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Jackdaw: Resident Breeding

Jackdaws are present in very good numbers in Wanstead Park and Hainault Forest (up to 100 at each location), Hainault Lodge Nature Reserve, where there are over 30, and less commonly anywhere else in the borough. The flock in Wanstead Park has dramatically increased over the last 10 years, in the year 2000 only 5 birds were seen. Jackdaws are expanding their territory over the borough, frequenting Valentines Park, and much of Ilford and Woodford Green in small numbers during 2010.

2010 Estimated Population: - 230 birds (based on peak counts from each site)

• Five Oaks Lane: 20
• Hainault Forest CP: 83
• Hainault Lodge NR: 14
• Ilford/Valentines Park: 12
• Wanstead area: 80
• Woodford Green area: 21
• Other smaller numbers have been recorded widespread on occasion
  
  

Historical Information: (incomplete)

• 2001: Bred for the first time in Wanstead Park, near Northumberland Avenue

RING NECKED PARAKEET

Ring Necked Parakeet, Wanstead Park - March 2009 (Roy Woodward)

Ring Necked Parkeet photos

Ring Necked Parakeet: Increasingly Common Visitor - perhaps Resident now.

Ring Necked Parakeets, otherwise known as Rose Ringed Parakeets are increasing in London and the South East, until 2009 they were occasional visitors in the borough, but during 2009 they seemed to take up residence in Wanstead Park, although no pair has yet been confirmed to breed...

2010 population: peak count from each site - 91 birds

• Hainault Golf Course: 1
• Hatch Forest: 18
• Roding Valley Park: 1
• Valentines Park: 7
• Wanstead Flats: 45
• Wanstead Park: 19

2009 population: peak count from each site - 66 birds

• Eagle Pond: 3
• Fairlop Waters: 1
• South Park: 1
• South Woodford Garden: 2
• Valentines Park: 2
• Wanstead Flats: 27
• Wanstead Park: 30

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER

Great Spotted Woodpecker, Woodford Green garden, January 2010 (PWarne)
more Great Spotted Woodpecker photos

Great Spotted Woodpecker: Redsident Breeding

Great Spotted Woodpeckers are present in most of the parks and woodland areas in the borough. There are over 20 pairs breeding in the borough. (possibly a lot more) They are best seen in Claybury Park, Hainault Forest, Wanstead Park, Bush Wood, Knighton Wood and Reeds Forest, but are also common in smaller numbers in Valentines Park, South Park, Fairlop Waters and many other areas.

Estimated Populations (based on the peak count at each site)

• 2010: 74 birds (plus 20 visiting gardens)
  
  
  

Historical Information:

• In 2009, 5 pairs bred in Bush Wood
• In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in the London area' it states there were about 16 breeding pairs

PIED WAGTAIL

juvenile Pied Wagtail, Valentines Mansion (yes, inside) - May 2010 (TLachar)

more Pied Wagtail pics

Pied Wagtail: Resident Breeding (Common)

Pied Wagtails can be seen anywhere in the borough, urban or rural. It would not be possible to list all the sightings. Outside of the breeding season they flock at dusk, particularly in Ilford Town Centre, and in the spring and summer at Fairlop Gravel Works, where over 100 may be seen together.

GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL

Great Black Backed Gull: Occasional Winter Visitor

Greater Black Backed Gulls are uncommon in the borough, as they are largely coastal, or estuary birds, but they do appear from time to time. The majority of our sightings are in the Fairlop area, as well as amongst the large winter gull flock on Wanstead Flats.


2010: 75 sightings so far

• Fairlop Gravel Works - 6 sightings
• Fairlop Waters CP - 5 sightings
• Hainault RG - 1 sighting
• Wanstead Flats - 62 sightings
• Wanstead Park - 1 sighting

2009: 17 sightings

• Fairlop Gravel Works - 13
• Wanstead Flats - 3
• South Park - 1

BRAMBLING

Brambling: Occassional Winter Visitor and migrant

Brambling (male, winter) Gants Hill garden, April 2009

pic by Tajinder Lachhar

2010: 27 sightings so far

• January 8th 2010 - 1 in a Wanstead garden
• January 10th 2010 - 1 in Claybury Park
• February 10th 2010 - 1 female in Knighton Woods
• October 9th - 2 over Wanstead Flats
• October 10th - 4 over Wanstead Flats
• October 18th - 7 over Wanstead Flats
• October 19th - 1 over Wanstead Flats
• October 20th - 1 over Wanstead Flats
• October 22nd - 1 over Wanstead Flats
• October 25th - 4 over Wanstead Flats
• October 26th - 2 over Wanstead Flats
• October 26th - 1 over Wanstead
• October 29th - 1 over Wanstead Flats

2009: 6 sightings

• 12th April 2009, 1 nr Claybury Park
• 1st-2nd April 2009, 1 male in Gants Hill (garden)
• 12th February 2009, 3 in Roding Valley Park
  

Historical Information: (incomplete)

07/08 Winter Sightings:

• 22nd April 2008, 4 in Woodford Green
• 22nd March 2008, 2 in Woodford Green
• 3rd March 2008, 1 in Woodford Green
• 19th February 2008, 2 in Woodford Green
• 14th February 2008, 2 in Woodford Green
• 25th January 2008, 1 in Woodford Green
• 20th December 2007, 1 in Fairlop Waters

06/07 Winter Sightings

• 16th March 2007, 6 in Woodford Green
• 8th March 2007, 10 in Woodford Green
• 25th Febraury 2007, 1 in Woodford Green
• 20th February 2007, 1 in Woodford Green

05/06 Winter Sightings:

• 10th February 2006, 1 in Woodford Green

03/04 Winter Sightings:

• 18th January 2004, 3 at Fairlop Waters