May 20th 2010

Barkingside, Cravel Gardens:

• 3 Goldfinches on a TV arial (Tony Leaderman)

Bush Wood:

• pair of Mistle Thrushes collecting food (presumably for young) on the edge of Bush Wood (THarris)

Fairlop Gravel Works:

• 4 Mute Swan, 20+ Adult Canada Goose and 9 goslings visible (others still on nests)
• 18 Mallard, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Shelduck, 5 Coot, Moorhen
• Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail (heard)
• 2 Grey Heron, 6+ Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank
• 2 Swallow
• 2 Stock Dove,
• 5 Magpie, many Carrion Crows and LEsser Black backed Gulls
• Linnet (DEH)

Ilford, garden:

• female Sparrowhawk through the garden (Barbara J)

South Woodford, garden:

• YOUR HELP NEEDED: The 1 remaining Blure Tit chick is still going strong. The mum is calling a lot around in the garden - whether she's trying to get the father back or trying to attract another male I don't know. Anyway, some flies are starting to show interest in the nest (presumably because of the dead chicks that are in the box) and I was wondering whether I should take the dead bodies out to avoid disease. What do you all think? Please leave your oppinions/suggestions in the comments box on todays entry... I am worried about causing unnecessary upset but they will start decomposing soon - although I've no idea how long it takes. (PGordon)
• Hobby (over, pm) (PGordon)

Wanstead Park:

• Reed Warbler singing by Shoulder of Mutton Pond (PFerris)
• 3 Great Crested Grebes (2 on perch Pond, 1 on Heronry)
• family of 7 Long Tailed Tits (fledged) in the Old Sewage Works (THarris)

Barking Park: (just outside the borough)

• 178 Carrion Crow, family Mistle Thrush, 3pr Stock Dove, Great Crested Grebe nest (HV)

Chingwell, Pudding Lane: (just outside the borough)

• pr Little Owl (8pm)

Leytonstone, Station: (just outside the borough)

• Buzzard (over) (Gary James)