Redbridge Birdwatching / London Birdwatching

November 12, 2008

LITTLE OWL

Little Owl, Wanstead Flats - April 2009 (Paul Ferris)

Little Owl: Resident Breeding

There are a few pairs of Little Owls breeding in the Fairlop and Hainault Forest area. Also birds are regularly seen on Wanstead Flats. The elusive and nocturnal nature of this species, especially during winter makes it difficult to confirm how established the species is in the borough. Although I would estimate that there are at least 5 pairs.

Latest Sightings:

2010: 7 adult birds

Aldborough Hatch Equestrian Centre: 2 - breeding pair seen daily
Five Oaks Lane Scrubland: 1 - recorded on 5 dates
Hainault Forest CP: 2 - recorded once
Wanstead Flats: 1 - recorded on 17 dates
Wanstead Rugby Club: 1 - seen regularly

2009: 5 adult birds

Aldborough Hatch Equestrian Centre: 2 - breeding pair seen daily
Hainault Lodge Nature Reserve: 1 - recorded on 2 occasions
Wanstead Flats: 2 - (recorded on 8 occasions)

TAWNY OWL

Tawny Owl: Resident Breeding

Tawny Owls can be heard all year round in Hainault Forest, Claybury Park, Wanstead Park and Bush Wood. Several pairs breed in the borough

Latest Sightings:

2010: 10 sightings so far

January 4th - 1 in Bush Wood
February 4th - 1 in Wanstead Park
March 4th - 1 in Claybury Park
April 22nd - 1 in Hainault Lodge Nature Reserve
July 16th - 2 in Wanstead Park
August 9th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
August 12th - 2 in Fairlop Waters CP
November 1st - 1 on Wanstead Flats

2009: 19 sightings

20th December 2009, 1 in Wanstead Park
9th November 2009, 1 female in Wanstead Park
29th September 2009, 1 in Hainault Forest
11th August 2009, 1 in Bush Wood
27th June 2009, 1 in Wanstead
11th June 2009, 1 in Claybury Park
10th June 2009, 1 in Claybury Park
22nd April 2009, 2 in Claybury Park
22nd March 2009, 1 in Hainault Forest
22nd March 2009, 1 in Wanstead Park
21st March 2009, 1 in Knighton Wood
10th March 2009, 1 in Bush Wood
5th March 2009, 1 in Hainault Forest
24th February 2009, 1 in Claybury Park
23rd February 2009, 1 in Claybury Park
23rd February 2009, 1 in Wanstead Park
14th February 2009, 1 in Claybury Park
2nd Janaury 2009, 1 in Bush Wood

Historical Information:

The Renger at Bush Wood, Wanstead reported that the Tawny Owls bred in 2009 sucessfully fledging 3 Owlets.
7 pairs of Tawny Owl were reported as having bred in Hainault Forest in 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis
In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in the London area' it states the dense woodland holds 8 breeding pairs

SPARROWHAWK

Male Sparrowhawk, ilford Garden, June 28th 2010 - MCondon

more Sparrowhawk Pics

Sparrowhawk: Resident Breeding

Sparrowhawks can be seen flying over any inch of the borough, but are more commonly seen in Wanstead Park, Bush Wood, Claybury Park and Hainault Forest. At least 5 pairs breed in the borough, but the number is probably at least double that.

2010 Sightings: 32 birds present

Bush Wood: 1 (recorded on 3 dates)
Claybury Park: 2 (recorded on 12 dates)
Fairlop Gravel Works: 2 (recorded on 13 dates)
Fairlop Waters: 2 (recorded on 9 dates)
Five Oaks Lane Scrubland: 2 (recorded on 8 dates)
Hainault Farm: 2 (recorded on 2 dates)
Hainault Forest C: 2 (recorded on 6 dates)
Hatch Forest: 2 (recorded on 2 dates)
Knighton Woods: 1 female (recorded once)
Roding Valley Park, South Woodford: 3 (recorded on 26 dates) (breeding confirmed)
Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge: 1 (recorded on 13 dates)
South Park: 3 (recorded on 7 dates) (breeding confirmed)
Valentines Park/Gants Hill: 3 (recorded on 52 dates (breeding confirmed)
Wanstead Flats: 5 (recorded on 103 dates)
Wanstead Park: 3 (recorded on 45 dates) (breeding confirmed)
Urban Flyovers: 8 other occasions

2009 Sightings: 28 birds present

Bush Wood: 2 (recorded on 3 dates)
Claybury Park: 2 (recorded on 19 dates)
Eagle Pond: 1 male (recorded once)
Fairlop Gravel Works: 2 (recorded on 2 dates)
Fairlop Waters: 2 (recorded on 18 dates)
Hainault Forest: 5 (recorded on 3 dates)
Hatch Forest: 1 (recorded once)
Knighton Woods: 1 (recorded once)
Roding Valley Park, South Woodford: 1 (recorded on 6 dates)
Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge: 2 (recorded on 10 dates)
South Park: 1 (recorded on 5 dates)
Valentines Park/Gants Hill: 3 (recorded on 27 dates) (breeding confirmed)
Wanstead Flats: 2 (recorded on 13 dates)
Wanstead Park: 3 (recorded on 16 dates)
Urban Flyovers: 6 other sightings

Historical Information:

In 2003 the late Mike Dennis reported that there were 4 breeding pairs in Hainault Forest

KESTREL

more Kestrel Photos

Kestrel: Resident Breeding

Kestrels can be seen anywhere in the borough, although they are best seen over the farmland around Fairlop and Hainault. They also frequent Claybury Park, Roding Valley Park, Wanstead Flats, and the verges of the A406.

There are probably between 5 and 10 breeding pairs in the borough.

2010: up to 29 birds present

Claybury Park: 1 (recorded on 2 dates)
Eagle Pond: 1 (recorded on 1 date)
Fairlop Gravel Works: 4 (recorded on 44 dates) (breeding confirmed)
Fairlop Waters CP: 3 (recorded on 38 dates)
Five Oaks Lane: 3 (recorded on 12 dates)
Hainault Farm: 3 (recorded on 9 dates)
Hainault Forest CP: 1 (recorded on 2 dates)
Hainault Lodge NR: 1 (recorded once)
Knighton Woods: 1 (recorded on 1 date)
Roding Valley Park, South Woodford: 1 (recorded on 10 dates)
Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge: 2 (recorded on 18 dates)
Valentines Park: 2 (recorded on 6 dates)
Wanstead Flats: 4 (recorded on 90 dates)
Wanstead Park: 2 (recorded on 15 dates)

2009: up to 22 birds present

A406 Verges: 1 (recorded on 3 dates)
Claybury Park: 2 (recorded on 8 dates), breeding confirmed
Eagle Pond: 1 (recorded once)
Fairlop Gravel Works: 2 (recorded on 14 dates)
Fairlop Waters CP: 4 (recorded on 65 dates), breeding confirmed
Hainault Farm: 1 (recorded once)
Hainault Forest CP: 1 (recorded on 3 dates)
Loxford Allotments: 1 (recorded on 2 dates)
Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge: 1 (recorded on 12 dates)
Roding Valley Park, South Woodford: 2 (recorded on 2 dates)
Wanstead Flats: 3 (recorded on 10 dates)
Urban Flyovers: 3 records

Historical Information

in 2003, the late Mike Dennis reported that there were 2 breeding pairs in Hainault Forest Country Park.

HOBBY

Resevoir Wood, Wansted Park (Aug 2010) - Paul Ferris

Hobby: Summer Visitor & Passage Migrant, (Occasional Breeding Bird)

Hobbies can be seen during Migration, especially at Fairlop Waters. But they also sometimes breed in Wanstead Park, Fairlop area and Hainault Forest.

Latest Sightings:

2010: 126 (Breeding confirmed in Hainault Lodge, and suspected elsewhere)

April 20th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
April 23rd - 1 at Fairlop Waters CP
April 26th - 1 in Wanstead Park
April 27th - 2 at Woodford Green
April 27th - 2 over Wanstead
April 29th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
May 8th - 1 at Fairlop Waters CP
May 10th - 1 over Ilford
May 13th - 1 over Wanstead Flats
May 15th - 1 in Wanstead Park
May 20th - 2 over South Woodford
May 23rd - 1 over South Woodford
May 23rd - 1 over Woodford Green
May 23rd - 1 over Valentines Park
May 26th - 2 males at Forest Park Crem, Hainault
May 28th - 1 at Fairlop Waters CP
June 6th - 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
June 15th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
June 17th - 1 west from Bush Wood
June 20th - 1 at Hainault Forest CP
June 21st - 1 at Fairlop, Hainault Road
June 22nd - 1 on Wanstead Flats
June 22nd - 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works
June 22nd - 1 over Woodford Bridge
June 28th - 1 in Wanstead Park
July 1st - 1 over Gants Hill
July 4th - 1 in Wanstead Park (seen 3 times)
July 8th - 2 at Wanstead Flats
July 11th - 3 on Wanstead Flats
July 14th - 2 on Wanstead Flats
July 18th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
July 24th - 1 over Wanstead Flats
July 26th - 1 into Hainault Lodge Nature Reserve
August 1st - 2 over Wanstead, Windsor Road
August 3rd - 1 in Wanstead Park (carrying food)
August 5th - 1 in Wanstead Park
August 6th - 4 in Wanstead Park (Resevoir Wood, family)
August 7th - 1 in Wanstead Park (Resevoir Wood)
August 8th - 2 in Wanstead Park (Resevoir Wood)
August 13th - 1 in Wanstead Park
August 13th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
August 14th - 1 on Wanstead Park
August 15th - 1 in Wanstead Park
August 16th - 1 in Wanstead Park
August 16th - 1 in Wanstead Flats
August 17th - 1 in Bush Wood
August 19th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
August 19th - 4 in Wanstead Park (Resevoir Wood)
August 20th - 2 in Wanstead Park (Resevoir Wood)
August 21st - 1 in Wanstead Park
August 21st - 1 male at Fairlop Gravel Works
August 22nd - 2 on Wanstead Flats (Long Wood)
August 22nd - 1 in Wanstead Park
August 23rd - 1 in Wanstead Park
August 25th - 2 in Bush Wood
August 28th - 3 in Wanstead Park
August 28th - 2 on Wanstead Flats
Augsut 29th - 1 in Wanstead Park
Augsut 29th - 1 at Fairlop Waters
August 29th - 1 male at Fairlop Gravel Works
August 30th - 2 on Wanstead Flats
August 30th - 3 in Wanstead Park
August 31st - 3 in Wanstead Park
September 1st - 1 on Wanstead Flats
September 1st - 1 juv at Fairlop Waters (stables)
September 7th - 2 on Wanstead Flats
September 9th - 2 on Wqnstead Fltas
September 10th - 1 over Gants Hill
September 10th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
September 11th - 1 at Fairlop Waters
September 11th - 1 at Wanstead Flats
September 11th - 1 on Wanstead Park
September 12th - 2 at Fairlop Waters
September 12th - 3 on Wanstead Flats
September 13th - 3 on Wanstead Flats
September 16th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
September 19th - 1 on WAnstead Flats
September 19th - 1 on Wanstead Park
September 20th - 1 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubalnd
September 20th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
September 21st - 1 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubalnd
September 21st - 1 on Wanstead Flats
September 22nd - 1 on Wanstead Park
September 22nd - 2 at Wanstead Flats
September 23rd - 1 at Wanstead Flats
September 24th - 2 at Wanstead Flats
October 3rd - 1 over Wanstead Park
October 3rd - 1 over Wanstead Flats
October 8th - 1 over Five Oaks Lane Scrubland

2009: 54 Sightings

Breeding confirmed at Fairlop (1 fledged), and Bush Wood (2 fledged)
First Arriving Bird - 20th April

Sightings:

21st September 2009, 2 at Fairlop
20th September 2009, 2 at Fairlop (including a juvenile)
19th September 2009, 1 at Fairlop
17th September 2009, 1 at Fairlop
16th September 2009, 1 at Claybury Park
14th Septmber 2009, 2 in Wanstead Park
14th September 2009, 1 at Fairlop
13th September 2009, 2 in Wanstead Flats
12th September 2009, 2 at Fairlop
12th September 2009, 2 on Wanstead Flats
8th September 2009, 1 in Wansead Park
8th September 2009, 1 at Fairlop
7th September 2009, 1 over Wanstead Flats
6th Septmeber 2009, 2 at Fairlop
6th September 2009, 1 over Wanstead
5th September 2009, 2 at Fairlop
4th September 2009, 1 at Fairlop
31st August 2009, 1 at Fairlop
30th August 2009, 2 at Fairlop
28th August 2009, 2 at Fairlop
27th August 2009, 1 at Fairlop
25th August 2009, 1 over Gants Hill
25th August 2009, 1 at Fairlop
24th August 2009, 1 at Wanstead Flats
13th August 2009, 1 over Hainault
11th August 2009, 1 at Bush Wood
8th August 2009, 1 in Wanstead Park
5th August 2009, 1 over Wanstead
6th July 2009, 1 in Wanstead Park
18th July 2009, 1 at Fairlop
10th June 2009, 1 at Fairlop
31st May 2009, 1 at Wanstead Park
14th May 2009, 2 in Wanstead Park
13th May 2009, 1 male at Fairlop
11th May 2009, 1 over Wanstead
10th May 2009, 1 pair at Fairlop
8th May 2009, 2 in Bush Wood
8th May 2009, 1 in Wanstead Park
1st May 2009, 1 on Wanstead Flats
29th April 2009, 1 over Wanstead Flats
23rd April 2009, 1 seen distantly from Fairlop
20th April 2009, 1 in Wanstead Park

Historical Information:

In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in the London area' it states that there is a chance of seeing Hobby from May-August in Hainault Forest

November 11, 2008

WOOD SANDPIPER

Wood Sandpiper: Rare Passage Migrant

Latest Sightings:

2nd July 2010, 1 at Wanstead Flats (Alexandra Lake)
16th June 2010, 1 at Fairlop Waters (Scrape)
15th June 2010, 1 on Wanstead Flats (Alexandra Lake)
11th August 2009, 1 on Wanstead Flats (Alexandra Lake)
15th August 2006, 1 at Fairlop Waters (Scrape)
28th April-2nd May 2004 - 2 at Fairlop Waters

LITTLE STINT

Little Stint: Rare Passage Migrant

Latest Sightings:

13th September 2008, 1 at Fairlop Waters
31st August-6th September 2003, 1 at Fairlop Waters

BLACK NECKED GREBE

Fairlop Waters, Sept 2010 (NTwyford)

Black Necked Grebe: Occasional Passage Migrant

Latest Sightings:

1st-11th September 2010, 1 on Fairlop Waters Boating Lake
29th October 2009, 4 on Fairlop Waters Boating Lake
18th September 2008, 1 on Fairlop Waters Boating Lake
17th April 2008, 4 on Fairlop Waters Boating Lake
29th August 2004, 1 on Fairlop Waters Boating Lake

Historical Sightings:

1 on Shoulder of Mutton Pond, Wanstead Park after a storm with a Gannet (date unknown)

HONEY BUZZARD

Honey Buzzard: Very Rare Visitor

Latest Sightings:

16th September 2010 - 1 over Wanstead Flats (south)

Historical Information:

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

HEN HARRIER

Hen Harrier: Very Rare Visitor

Latest Sighting:

No sightings reported from the last 3 years.

Historical Information:

A female was present on Hainault Farm, Fairlop sometime during 2005
Hen Harriers 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 there had been 2 records of Hen Harrier (prior to this date) at Fairlop Waters

WHITE FRONTED GOOSE

White Fronted Goose - Rare Winter Visitor

Latest Sightings:

2010: December 22nd, 100+ flying over Wanstead Flats
2007: December 3rd-11th, 1 juvenile on Wanstead Flats (after a storm)

Historical Information:

White Fronted Geese were reported in 2003 as being a Winter Visitor to Hainault Forest by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

BARNACLE GOOSE

Barnacle Goose, Wanstead Flats - June 2009 (Sally Hammond)

Barnacle Goose - Rare Visitor (with most sightings probably being from the UKs 1000 strong ferel population)

2010 Sightings: 6 sightings

February 5th - 1 on Woodford Bridge Pond
May 23rd - 1 in Valentines Park
June 4th - 1 on Wanstead Flats
June 13th - 1 at Fairlop Waters CP
October 31st - 1 on Wanstead Flats
December 11th - 1 on Wanstead Flats

Previous Sightings:

2009: 12th-18th June, 1 on Wanstead Flats (Alexandra Lake)
2005: 8th April, 1 at Fairlop Waters

Historical Information:

Barnacle Geese are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis. Although their origin is unconfirmed.

BRENT GOOSE

Brent Goose - Rare Winter Visitor

Latest Sightings:

2010:

January 21st - 5 seen flying North East over Wanstead Flats
February 12th-21st - 1 (Dark Bellied) at Fairlop Waters with the Canada Geese (on the field to the east of the fishing lake)

Historical Information:

Brent Geese are reported as having been present at least five times at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis.
An Adult Brent Goose was present at Fairlop Waters on the 29th January 1991, and a first winter bird was in the area during Spring 1991 seen at Fairlop Waters, Hainault Forest as well as in Chigwell and Buckhurst Hill

PINK FOOTED GOOSE

Pink Footed Goose - Rare Winter Visitor

Latest Sightings:

31st October 2008 - A flock were heard flying high over Ilford

Historical Information:

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

MOORHEN

Moorhen, Wanstead Park - March 2009 (JLethbridge)

more Moorhen pics...

Moorhen: Resident Breeding (common)

Moorhens are very common on almost all of the lakes and ponds in the borough, as well as along the River Roding.

At least 50 pairs breed in the borough, although it is difficult to census, as several females often lay their eggs in one nest.

2010 Winter Stats: 291 (37 more than 2009, peak count at each site)

Fairlop Waters - 65
Valentines Park - 41
Roding Valley Park - 35
South Park - 29
Wanstead Park - 28
Hainault Forest CP - 18
Eagle Pond - 16
Woodford Bridge Pond - 15
Wanstead Flats - 14
Goodmayes Park - 10
Woodford Green Ponds - 6
Knighton Woods - 6
Whitehall Plain - 2
Claybury Park -2
Westwood Road RG - 2
Happy Valley - 2

2009 Winter Stats: 254

Fairlop - 53
Wanstead Park - 41
Roding Valley Park - 33
Valentines Park - 32
Hainault Forest - 20
South Park - 20
Woodford Bridge Pond - 15
Goodmayes Park - 10
Wanstead Flats - 8
Knighton Wood - 8
Eagle Pond - 5
Other - 9

COOT

Coot, Wanstead Park - December 2009 (JLethbridge)
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more Coot pics...

Coot: Resident Breeding.

Coots are very common on most of the lakes and ponds in the borough with over 500 present. Around 50 pairs breed in the borough.

2010: Breeding:

first brood (2), Valentines Park - April 24th
104 pairs were known to have bred in the borough

2010 Winter Stats: 596 (45 more than 2009, peak count at each site)

Wanstead Park - 185
Fairlop Waters - 119
Valentines Park - 90
Eagle Pond - 65
South Park - 56
Wanstead Flats - 35
Goodmayes Park - 28
Hainault Forest - 16
Claybury Park - 2

2009 Winter Stats: 551

Wanstead Park - 152
Fairlop Waters - 120
Valentines Park - 115
Eagle Pond - 45
South Park - 40
Goodmayes Park - 31
Hainault Forest - 25
Wanstead Flats - 20
Other - 3

LITTLE GREBE

Little Grebe, Wanstead Park - Winter 2009 (JLethbridge)
'

more pics of Little Grebe (click here)

Little Grebe: Resident Breeding

Little Grebes are resident all year in the borough, and around 10 pairs breed here each year. The best place to see them is Heronry Pond in Wanstead, where up to 12 have been seen on one day. They are also usually present at Valentines Park, South Park and at several locations around Fairlop, where they move from lake to lake and onto the gravel works sites.

2010 Breeding Pairs: 13

Fairlop Gravel Works, north side - 2 pairs
Fairlop Gravel Works, south side - 3 pairs
Fairlop Waters, Lagoon - 2 pairs
Valentines Park, Boating Lake - 1 pair
Wanstead Flats, Alexandra Lake - 1 pair
Wanstead Park, Heronry Pond - 2 pairs
Wanstead Park, Shoulder of Mutton Pond - 2 pairs

2010 Winter Stats: 30 (1 more than 2009, peak count at each site)

Fairlop - 14
Wanstead Park - 12
Valentines Park - 1
South Park - 1
Wanstead Flats - 1
River Roding, Ilford - 1

2009 Winter Stats: 29

Wanstead Park - 12
Fairlop - 6
South Park - 2
Valentines Park - 4
Hainault Forest - 2
Roding Valley Park - 3

MUTE SWAN

Mute Swan, Wanstead Park - Jan 2010 (JLethbridge)

click pic for more local Swan photos

Mute Swan: Resident Breeding (common)

Mute Swans are resident at 10 locations in the London Borough of Redbridge: Eagle Pond, Farilop Gravel Works, Fairlop Waters, (present on all water bodies), Goodmayes Park, Hainault Forest, Roding Valley Park, South Park, Valentines Park, Wanstead Flats (present on Alexandra Lake, occasionally on Jubilee Pond), Wanstead Park, (present on all lakes and ponds) .

8-12 pairs breed annually, and around 50 birds may be present in the borough during the winter.

STATISTICS

2010 Breeding: 10 pairs confirmed to have bred (total of 48+ cygnets)

Fairlop Waters (lagoon) - hatched only 1 cygnet
Goodmayes Park - hatched at least 1 cygnet
Hainault Country Park - hatched 2+ cygnets
Roding Valley Park (south woodford) - hatched 6 cygnets
South Park - hatched 5 cygnets
Valentines Park (Boating Lake) - hatched 8 cygnets
Wanstead Flats (Alexandra Lake) - hatched 4 cygnets
Wanstead Park (Ornamental Waters) - hatched 6 cygnets
Wanstead Park (Perch Pond) - hatched 8 cygnets
Wanstead Park (Shoulder of Mutton Pond) - hatched 7 cygnets

other failed attempts:

Fairlop Gravel Works (South) - pair present, and nest building - nest flooded by works
Valentines Park (Ornamental Lake) - pair began nest building, but abandoned it.
Fairlop Gravel Works (North) - pair present throughout but did not nest this year

2010 Winter: 53 (largest count at each site between Jan/March)

Eagle Pond - 5
Fairlop Waters - 10
Fairlop Gravel Works - 4
Goodmayes Park - 2
Hainault Forest CP - 4
Roding Valley Park - 2
South Park - 2
Valentines Park - 8
Wanstead Flats - 8
Wanstead Park - 8

2009 Breeding: (9 pairs, hatching 33 cygnets at least 20 of which survived to adulthood)

Fairlop Gravel Works, north side: (1 cygnet)
Fairlop Waters CP, boating lake: (6 cygnets)
Fairlop Waters CP, fishing lake: (3 cygnets)
Hainault Forest: (2 cygnets)
South Park: (3 cygnets)
Valentines Park: (6 cygnets)
Wanstead Park, Shoulder of Mutton Pond: (3 cygnets)
Wanstead Park, Perch Pond: (5 cygnets)
Wanstead Park, Ornamental Waters: (4 cygnets)

2009 Winter (Jan-March): (maximum count of 42 birds)

Eagle Pond - 6
Fairlop Waters - 12
Fairlop Gravel Works - 4
Goodmayes Park - 2
Hainault Forest - 2
South Park - 4
Valentines Park - 4
Wanstead Flats - 2
Wanstead Park - 6

GREYLAG GOOSE

Greylag Goose at Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats - Feb 2010 (Jlethbridge)

more Greylag Goose pics

Greylag Goose: Resident Breeding

The Greylag Geese population is dwarfed by its Canadian cousins in the borough, but it is still healthy. Many of the parks have small numbers of Greylag Geese 'hanging around' on the fringes of the Canada Goose flocks, a few pairs breeding in the borough.

2010 Winter Count: 95 (51 more than 2009, peak count at each site)

Fairlop Waters - 56
Wanstead Flats - 13
Valentines Park - 11
South Park - 6
Wanstead Park - 4
Hainault Forest - 3
Goodmayes Park - 1
Eagle Pond - 1

2009 Winter Count: 44 (largest counts)

Fairlop Waters - 17
Wanstead Flats - 11
Goodmayes Park - 8
South Park - 6
Hainault Forest - 1
Valentines Park - 1

CANADA GOOSE

21 goslings! (May 2010, Alexandra Park - PFerris)

more Canada Goose Photos

Canada Goose: Resident Breeding (common)

There is a very healthy population of about 800 Canada Geese in the borough. They can be found on almost all of the lakes and ponds, and the fields and farmland around Hainault and Fairlop. The Council consider them to be a pest due to the high numbers, the amount of poo they leave and the fact feeding the geese have contributed to the increase in rat numbers in some of the parks; therefore numbers are sometimes controlled by egg-pricking. Nevertheless, the geese are having the last laugh as their numbers remain strong, and their poo remains everywhere.

2010 Winter Flocks: 1089 (249 more than 2009, peak count at each site)

Fairlop Waters - 390
Wandstead Flats - 200
South Park - 200
Hainault Forest - 104
Goodmayes Park - 74
Eagle Pond - 62
Valentines Park - 39
Woodford Bridge Pond - 11
Wanstead Park - 8
Claybury Park - 4
Woodford Wells Ponds - 2

2009 Winter Flocks: 845 (largest counts)

Fairlop Waters - 172
Wanstead Flats - 230
South Park - 146
Hainault Forest - 91
Eagle Pond - 74
Goodmayes Park - 55
Valentines Park - 33
Wanstead Park - 20
Woodford Bridge Pond - 12
Woodford Green Ponds - 12

GREAT CRESTED GREBE

Hainault Forest CP, March 2010 - Marc Rossiter

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more Great Crested Grebe photos

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Great Crested Grebe: Resident Breeding (common)

Great Crested Grebe numbers fluctuate throughout the year. They are most common at Fairlop Waters where in the late autumn as many as 15 can be seen on the main lake. They spread out a little wider in late winter or early spring and between 1 and 5 pairs breed in the Borough (most likely at Fairlop Waters).

2010 Breeding: 5 pairs

South Park - 1 pair
Valentines Park - 1 pair
Hainault Forest - 1 pair
Fairlop Waters - 2 pairs

2010 Winter Stats: 9

Fairlop Waters - 3
Wanstead Park - 2 (The Basin)
Hainault Forest - 2
Valentines Park - 2

Incomplete Historical Breeding Records

Eagle Pond: 2005 - 1 pair
Hainault Forest: 2003 - 2 pairs
Fairlop Waters: 2009 - 1 pair
Fairlop Waters : 2008- 1 pair
Valentines Park: 2008 - 1 pair
Wanstead Park: 2007 - 1 pair (4 chicks)

RED BREASTED MERGANSER

Red Breasted Merganser: Rare Winter Visitor

Latest Sightings:

December 1st 2010, 1 female at Fairlop Waters
March 31st 2004, 1 male on Farilop Waters

Historical Information:

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

GARGANEY

Garganey: Rare Passage Migrant

Garganey are occasionally seen during migration.

Latest Sightings:

2010:

March 19th, 1 female at Fairlop Gravel Works

2009:

April 23rd, a pair at Wanstead Park

2006:

May 16th-June 14th, 1 male at Valentines Park

2005:

April 14th, 1 male at Fairlop Waters
August 27th-28th, 1 juvenile at Valentines Park

2002:

April 3rd, 1 in Wanstead Park

MALLARD

male Mallard, Connaught Water - March 2010 (APerrin)

(Connaught Water is just outside the borough)
more Mallard photos

Mallard Duck: Resident Breeding

Like in most of the UK, Mallard Ducks are common and widespread, taking advantage of every drop of water in the borough. Numbers swell in the winter. Up to 100 pairs breed in the borough.

2010: Breeding:

1st Brood - April 14th, Valentines Park (9 ducklings)

2010 Winter Numbers: 915

Valentines Park - 161
Roding Valley Park - 145
Wanstead Park - 84
Woodford Bridge Pond - 80
Fairlop Waters - 74
Wanstead Flats - 69
Westwood Road RG - 65
Hainault Forest - 62
Goodmayes Park - 56
South Park - 41
Eagle Pond - 27
Claybury Park - 22
Knighton Wood - 19
Woodford Green Ponds - 6
Hatch Forest - 2
Broadmead Estate Drain - 2

2009 Winter Numbers: 615

Valentines Park - 116
Wanstead Park - 69
Woodford Bridge Pond - 60
Goodmayes Park - 60
Fairlop Waters - 55
Wanstead Flats - 50
Roding Valley Park - 50
Westwood Road RG - 49
Hainault Forest - 33
South Park - 30
Eagle Pond - 20
Woodford Green Ponds - 16
Knighton Wood - 8

TUFTED DUCK

Tufted Duck, South Park - March 2010 (Russ Sherriff)

more Tufted Duck photos

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Tufted Duck: Resident Breeding

Tufted Duck are present all year round on many of the ponds and lakes in the borough, with 5-10 pairs breeding. In winter numbers vary, but usually swell to several hundred birds.

2010 Breeding: 7 pairs known to have bred

2010 Winter Numbers: up to 332 (peak counts Jan-March)

Fairlop Waters - 109
Wanstead Park - 50
Eagle Pond - 49
Valentines Park - 41
South Park - 38
Wanstead Flats - 16
Hainault Forest - 14
Goodmayes Park - 11
Claybury Park - 4

2009 Winter Numbers: up to 359 (peak counts Jan-March)

Fairlop Waters - 100
Wanstead Park - 78
Eagle Pond - 72
Valentines Park - 49
Goodmayes Park - 47
South Park - 40
Hainault Forest - 12
Wanstead Flats - 10
Knighton Wood - 1

SHELDUCK

Shelduck: Winter Visitor
A small number of Shelduck have wintered on the gravel works site at Fairlop for the past few years, and a pair even bred there at least once (a few years ago). Single birds occasionally move the the private lake on Hainault Farm behind Fairlop Waters (known as the 'scrape') when disturbed by workmen or noise at the gravel works.

2009/2010 winter sightings:

Fairlop Gravel Works: 6 present (Nov 19th-July 18th)
Flyover Sightings: on 6 dates over the borough

2008/2009 winter sightings:

Fairlop Gravel Works: 5 present January 1st-June 23rd
Flyover Sightings: on 1 date over the borough

Historical Information:

Shelduck are reported as having been present (at least five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

TEAL

Teal: Winter Visitor

Up to 100 Teal winter at Fairlop Waters, preferring the pivacy of the lagoon and the various pools on the gravel works, from July-March they are pretty much guarenteed here, the first few returning Winter Visitors may arrive as early as June. Small numbers of Teal may also turn up anywhere else in the borough, but sightings on the other ponds, lakes, and rivers are more random.

Wintering Numbers:

2010 (Jan-March)- 98

Fairlop - 87
Wanstead Park - 8
Roding Valley Park - 2
Wanstead Flats - 1

Arrival Dates:

last 'winter sighting' - May 1st (although the majority left in March)
first returning bird - June 8th (only absent for 38 days!)

2009 (Jan-March)- 103

Fairlop - 98
South Park - 2
Wanstead Park - 2
Roding Valley Park - 1

RUDDY DUCK

March 2010 - by Russ Sherriff (location withheld due to risk of cull)

more Ruddy Duck Pics

Ruddy Duck: Resident, Occasional Breeding

Although Redbridge Council does not cull Ruddy Ducks, I have been informed by their conservation office that it does take note of sightings and forwards them on to DEFRA who may take action accordingly; therefore current records of Ruddy Ducks are not posted on this site. Any Birder that is interested in seeing Ruddy Ducks can contact me by email. The records below are historical Ruddy Duck sightings in locations where the birds are no longer present.

Sightings:

2nd January 2010, 1 male at Fairlop Waters
28th September 2007, 1 male in Wanstead Park
16th September 2007, 1 male in Wanstead Park
14th July 2007, Male on Heronry Pond, Wanstead Park
19th May 2007, 1 at Fairlop Waters
21st April 2007, 1 at Fairlop Waters
8th January 2007, 1 female at Fairlop Waters
20th May 2006, Male on Heronry Pond, Wanstead Park
7th May 2006, Pair on Heronry Pond, Wanstead Park
5th September 2005, a pair on Wanstead Park
26th June 2005, 3 on Eagle Pond
30th December 2004, 1 male on Fairlop Waters
11th April 2004, A pair on Heronry Pond, Wanstead Park
24th July 2003, 7 at Valentines Park
2nd May 2001, 3 in Wanstead Park

Historical Breeding Records: (where breeding does not currently occur)

2009, no records of breeding, although non breeding birds remained at undisclosed site
2008, a pair bred, (site undisclosed due to cull)
2007, a pair bred (site undisclosed due to cull)
2005, a pair on Heronry Pond, Wanstead Park
2004, a pair on Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats
2001, a pair on Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats raised 3 young.

Historical Information:

In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'where to watch birds in the London area' it states that Ruddy Ducks have been seen displaying on the lake in Hainault Forest CP in spring

November 10, 2008

POCHARD

male Pochard, Valentines Park, March 2010 (Russ Sherriff)

click pic for more local Pochard photos
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Pochard: Resident Breeding (more common in winter)

Over 100 Pochard winter in the borough from October to March, small numbers on non-breeding individuals may remain throughout the year and breeding occurs in small numbers.

2010 Breeding:

Fairlop Gravel Works, 1 pair with 8 ducklings

2010 Winter Stats: 115 (24 less than last winter, peak count at each site)

Wanstead Park - 19
Valentines Park - 24
Fairlop Waters - 48
Hainault Forest - 11
Wanstead Flats - 5
South Park - 4
Eagle Pond - 3
Goodmayes Park - 1

2009 Breeding Records:

Fairlop Gravel Works, 1 pair with 6 ducklings.
South Park, 1 pair with 6 ducklings.
Valentines Park, 1 pair hatched 8 ducklings, but all were sadly 'crow-feed'.

2009 Winter Stats: up to 139

Wanstead Park - 70 (mostly on Heronry Pond)
Fairlop Waters - 41 (mostly on the gravel works, also boating lake and fishing lake)
Hainault Forest CP - 10
Wanstead Flats - 7 (Jubilee Pond)
South Park - 5
Eagle Pond - 3
Goodmayes Park - 2
Valentines Park - 1

GADWALL

male Gadwall, Wanstead Park - Feb 2006 (copied from Wanstead Wildlife)

Gadwall: Winter Visitor (common)

About 100 Gadwall winter in the borough, and are commonest from October to March on Fairlop Gravel Works, Fairlop CP fishing lake and Wanstead Park. Smaller numbers may be present on any of the lakes or ponds in the borough, and a handful of non-breeding birds may be seen any at time of the year.

2010 Winter Stats: 84 (46 less than 2009, peak count at each site)

Wanstead Park - 38
Fairlop Waters - 31
Eagle Pond - 9
Wanstead Flats - 4
Valentines Park - 2

2009 Winter Stats: up to 129

Fairlop Waters CP - 40
Fairlop Gravel Works - 34
Wanstead Park - 40
Valentines Park - 9
Wanstead Flats -4
Eagle Pond - 2

SHOVELER

Shoveler (male), Valentines Park - December 2009 (Peter Warne)

more photos of Shoveler - all taken in the borough

Shoveler: Winter Visitor

Over 100 Shoveler winter in the borough are fairly common on many of the lakes and ponds in the borough, especially Fairlop Gravel Works, Wanstead Park, Wanstead Flats, Eagle Pond and Hainault Forest. Small numbers of non-breeding birds may remain through the summer. The best place to see Shoveler in the borough is Eagle Pond, Snaresbrook Road.

2010 Winter Stats: up to 152

Fairlop - 56 (mostly on the gravel works)
Eagle Pond - 46
Wanstead Flats - 22
Wanstead Park - 14
Valentines Park - 6
Knighton Woods - 5
Hainault Forest - 2
South Park - 1

2009 Winter Records: up to 126

Fairlop Waters - 30
Hainault Forest - 30
Wanstead Flats - 22
Eagle Pond - 22
Wanstead Park - 16
Knighton Wood - 4
Valentines Park - 2

WATER RAIL

Water Rail, Perch Pond, Wanstead Park - Feb 2006 (copied from Wanstead Wildlife)

Water Rail: Winter visitor

A few Water Rails overwinter in the borough, especially in Wanstead Park, but they have also been recorded in Fairlop Waters, Roding Valley Park, Valentines Park and Hainault Forest.

Sightings:

Winter 2010/2011: 4 birds present

Fairlop Waters: 1 (1 sighting, 26th Dec)
Roding Valley Park: 1 (1 sighting, 20th Dec)
Wanstead Park: 2 (12 sightings, 14th Nov-Jan)

Winter 2009/2010: 4 birds present

Fairlop Gravel Works: 1 (1 sighting, 2nd Nov 2009)
Fairlop Waters: 1 (2 sightings, Jan 10th-13th)
Roding Valley Park: 1 (1 sighting, Jan 17th)
Wanstead Park: 1 (17 sightings, Jan 8th-26th March)

Winter 2008/2009: 3 birds present

Wanstead Park: 1 (7 sightings, 5th Jan-20th March)
Fairlop Gravel Works: 1 (1 sighting, Jan 31st)
Fairlop Waters: 1 (2 sightings, Jan 1st-24th)

GREEN SANDPIPER

Green Sandpiper: Winter Visitor / Passage Migrant

Green Sandpipers are usually present at Fairlop Gravel Works during Winter and Migration. The over-wintering season of this bird is longer than any other species, as generally Green Sandpipers do not build nests, but use disgarded thrush nests (and similar) in trees!!!... Also, the females tend to only hang around for 7 days after the chicks hatch, leaving the rest of the job to the 'single parent father'. Therefore returning females may arrive back as early as mid June!

Sightings:

2010 - Fairlop Area Peak Count for each month:

January - 2
February - 4
March - 5
April - 3 (last winter sighting on 25th April)
May - 0
June - 3 (first returning birds on the 16th June)
July - 11
August - 13
September - 6
October - 9
November - 1
December - 2

2010 - Wanstead Flats: 2 sightings

Sepember 5th - 1
October 23rd - 1

2009 - Fairlop Area Peak Count for each month:

January - 4
February - 4
March - 6
April - 3 (last winter sighting on April 19th)
May -
June - 4 (first returning bird on June 22nd)
July - 3
August - 7
September - 2
October - 8
November - 2
December - 1

2009 - Wanstead Flats: 3 sightings

2nd August - 1
9th August - 1
16th August - 1

RED CRESTED POCHARD

Red Crested Pochard pair, WAnstead Park - Jan 2009 (JLethbridge)

Red Crested Pochard: Occasional Visitor

Red Crested Pochards have showed up in several of the boroughs parks, although there is nowhere in the borough where they are resident, or even regular.

Latest Sightings:

2009:

January 9th-Febraury 12th, a pair at Wanstead Park
November 12th, 1 male at Fairlop Waters

2008:

October 15th-18th, 1 male at Fairlop Waters

2006:

September 24th, 1 female in Valentines Park

2005:

May 26th, 1 on Fairlop Waters

2004:

January 16th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters

EGYPTIAN GOOSE

Egyptian Goose, Valentines Park - Feb 2009 (T Shearman)

more photos

Egyptian Goose: a few resident birds, others visit occasionally

There are 2 0r 3 pairs of Egyptian Geese that are resident at Valentines Park in Ilford, and Wanstead Park. (the first pair arrived in 2009. Other Egyptian Geese have showed up in many of the boroughs parks on occasion).

2010:

Valentines Park: 2-5 adult birds resident all year (1 pair had 2 failed breeding attempts)
Wanstead Park: 2 birds resident from 12th November
Wanstead Flats: the birds from Valentines/Wanstead Park visit on occasion
Fairlop Gravel Works: July 7th, 1 flew over

2009:

Wanstead Park: 5 on Jan 23rd-24th, 2 remained until May 23rd, moving between Wanstead Park, Flats, and Golf Course, before moving to...
Valentines Park: 2 (a pair) resident from May 23rd-Dec 31st)

2008:

29th October, 1 in Wanstead Park

2004:

28th April-1st May, 2 at Fairlop Waters

Historical Sightings:

1974-1976, 2 on Wanstead Park for a few years.
Egyptian Geese are also reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

SMEW

Smew: Rare winter visitor

Latest Sightings:

13th November 2006 - Female on Ornamental Waters. (PS)

Historical Information:

Smew are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis
There are a few records of Smew on Fairlop Waters Boating lake in the 1980s and early 1990s

WIGEON

Wigeon: Winter Visitor (uncommon)

Wigeon may turn up on any of the larger ponds or lakes in the borough at winter, although they do not have any regular haunt anymore. Before the Gravel extraction began in the Fairlop area, they were a more regular Winter visitor, especially during harsh weather, when up to 570 were reported during one winter.

Latest Sightings:

2010:

January 1st-17th, up to 53 at Fairlop Waters
January 26th, 1 pair at Fairlop Waters CP
February 6th, 1 pair at Fairlop Waters CP
February 14th, 11 at Fairlop Waters CP
March 9th, 1 male at Fairlop Gravel Works
March 13th, 7 at Fairlop Gravel Works (4m, 3f)
March 13th, 5 at Fairlop Waters CP (3m, 2f) lagoon
March 14th, 8 at Fairlop Gravel Works (5m, 3f)
March 15th, 2 at Fairlop Gravel Works (1m, 1f)
March 21st, 1 at Fairlop Waters
March 23rd, 3 at Fairlop Waters
July 5th, 2 at Fairlop Gravel Works (1m, 1f)
July 7th, 3 at Fairlop Gravel Works (1m, 2f)
September 4th, 1 male at Fairlop Waters (Boating Lake, eclipse)
September 25th, 1 female at Wanstead Park
September 25th, 4 at Fairlop Gravel Works
September 30th, 1 female at Fairlop Gravel Works
October 3rd, 1 male at Wanstead Flats (Alexandra Lake)
November 10th, 1 male at Valentines Park
November 16th-18th, 1 female at Wanstead Park
November 28th, 1 pr at Wanstead Park
December 8th, 2 males at Wanstead Park
December 14th, 2 at Wanstead Park
December 16th, 4 at Wanstead Park
December 18th, 2 male at Wanstead Park
December 21st, 3 at Wanstead Park
December 24th, 3 at Fairlop Waters
December 26th, 4 at Fairlop Waters
December 27th, 30 at Fairlop Waters

2009:

September 14th-17th, 6 at Fairlop Waters
December 21st-31st, 4 at Fairlop Waters

2008:

September 14th, 2 at Fairlop Waters
September 26th-October 4th, 1 male in Wanstead Park
October 31st-November 6th, 1 in Valentines Park

2007:

September 29th-October 13th, 3 in Wanstead Park.

2006:

September 17th, 1 at Hainault Forest
December 24th, 1 at Fairlop Waters

2005:

January 1st-16th, 6 at Fairlop Waters
February 13th, 4 at Fairlop Waters

LAPWING

over Wanstead Flats (May 2010) - J Lethbridge

Lapwing: Resident Breeding

Lapwings can be seen at Fairlop Waters throughout the year, although during the autumn and winter numbers swell from the few that remain present all summer to breed, to several hundred or even thousand. The flock usually 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. There are also usually some birds present around the boating lake, especially in the evenings. 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, particularly during very bad weather.

Confirmed Breeding Stats

2010: 4 pairs nested at Fairlop Gravel Works (2 north, and 2 south of Painters Road)
2009: 3 pairs nesting at Fairlop Gravel Works (1st brood hatching 4 chicks on the 13th May)

Fairlop Flock Stats: (largest available count)

Winter 2010/2011 - 220
Winter 2009/2010 - 532
Winter 2008/2009 - 560
Winter 2007/2008 - 200
Winter 2006/2007 - 150
Winter 2005/2006 - 250
Winter 2004/2005 - 656
Winter 2003/2004 - 650

Sightings away from Fairlop:

20th December 2010, 41 over Wanstead Flats
19th December 2010, 4 over Claybury Park
8th December 2010, 4 over Wanstead Flats
7th December 2010, 11 over Wanstead Flats
4th December 2010, 1 over Woodford Green
4th December 2010, 1 on Hainault RG
28th November 2010, 1 over Wanstead Park
18th November 2010, 1 over Wanstead Flats
9th November 2010, 9 over Wanstead Flats
9th October 2010, 4 over Wanstead Flats
8th October 2010, 1 over Wanstead Flats
11th July 2010, 1 over Wanstead Flats
10th July 2010, 1 over Wanstead Flats
18th May 2010, 2 over Wanstead Flats
7th February 2010, 3 over Wanstead Flats
22nd December 2009, 1 over Wanstead Flats
21st December 2009, present in Hainault Forest
21st December 2009, 1 on Broadmead Playing Field, Woodford Green
20th December 2009, 20 in Fairlop Primary School Field, Hainault
20th December 2009, 40 over Woodford Green
20th December 2009, 6 on Wanstead Flats
19th December 2009, 12 over Wanstead Park
19th December 2009, 1 over Wanstead
26th April 2009, seen near Hainault Golf Course
10th January 2009, 3 on Wanstead Flats

GOLDEN PLOVER

Golden Plover: Winter Visitor

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

BUZZARD

Buzzard over Wanstead Flats, April 2009 (JLethbridge)
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Buzzard: Regular Passage Migrant

Buzzards are recorded flying over usually during migration times, sightings seem to be increasing and during 2009 at least 2 sightings at Fairlop were of perched birds.

2010 Sightings: 54

January 17th, 1 flying south over Wanstead Park
February 7th, 1 over Eagle Pond
March 11th, 1 at Fairlop (Hainault Farm) (perched, then hunting)
March 13th, 1 at Hainault Forest CP
March 17th, 1 at Fairlop (Hainault Farm)
March 21st, 1 over Valentines Park
March 28th, 1 over Wanstead
April 5th, 1 over Hainault
April 13th, 1 over Wanstead
April 19th, 1 over Wanstead
April 21st, 1 over Wanstead Flats
April 22nd, 1 over Wanstead
April 23rd, 1 over Fairlop Waters
April 27th, 1 over Woodford Green
May 5th, 1 over Wanstead Park
May 12th, 1 over Valentines Park
May 13th, 1 over Wanstead Flats
May 22nd, 4 over Wanstead
May 23rd, 1 over Wanstead Flats
May 23rd, 2 over Woodford Green
June 6th, 1 over Wanstead Park
June 27th, 2 over Fairlop Stables
June 27th, 1 over Fairlop Gravel Works
July 17th, 2 over Fairlop Waters
July 31st, 1 on Hainault Farm (hunting, low)
August 8th, 1 at Fairlop Waters (Stables, perched on a post)
August 10th, 1 over Wanstead Flats (NE)
August 17th, 1 over Claybuary Park
August 31st, 1 over Fairlop Waters
September 2nd, 1 over Gants Hill
September 3rd, 1 over Wanstead Flats
September 4th, 1 over Wanstead Flats
September 16th, 1 juv at Fairlop Gravel Works (landed)
September 16th, 2 adult on Hainault Farm (perched)
September 20th, 1 adult at Hainault Farm
September 21st, 1 over Ilford
September 21st, 1 at Five Oaks Lane Scrubland
October 7th, 1 at Ashton Playing Fields, Woodford Bridge
October 10th, 1 on Hainault Farm
October 11th, 1 over Wanstead Park
October 21st, 1 over Wanstead Flats
October 24th, 1 over Ashton Playing Fields
November 9th, 1 over Wanstead Flats
November 28th, 1 over Ashton Playing Fields
November 29th, 1 over Wanstead Park
December 22nd, 1 on Hainault Farm (perched)
December 27th, 1 at Fairlop Waters

2009 Sightings: 25

13th December 2009, 1 over Hainault
6th December 2009, 1 over Wanstead Park
5th December 2009, 1 over Wanstead Park
4th November 2009, 1 low over Fairlop (fields) (was perched on the ground)
21st September 2009, 1 over Fairlop
20th September 2009, 1 over Wanstead Flats
20th September 2009, 1 at Fairlop (in a tree)
19th September 2009, 3 over Fairlop
19th September 2009, 1 over Wanstead
26th April 2009, 1 over Hainault Forest
24th April 2009, 1 over Wanstead
23rd April 2009, 1 over Gants Hill
23rd April 2009, 1 over Wanstead (possibly same bird as above)
13th April 2009, 2 over Fairlop
8th April 2009, 1 over Wanstead Flats
5th April 2009, 1 over Wanstead Park
5th April 2009, 1 over Fairlop Waters
4th April 2009, 1 over Wanstead Park
19th March 2009, 1 over Newbury Park
15th March 2009, 1 over Wanstead Flats
13th March 2009, 1 over South Woodford
22nd February 2009, 1 flying high over Redbridge Roundabout

LITTLE EGRET

Little Egret, Whitehall Plain, Feb 2010 - Andrew Perrin

click photo for more Little Egret pics

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Little Egret: 1 or 2 Resident, others visit or fly over.

Little Egrets have now established residential status in the borough, as sightings are becoming increasingly common, especially along the River Roding, but they have also been seen in Fairlop Waters, Wanstead Park and in Hatch Forest and Whitehall Plain along the River Ching.

Latest Sightings:

2010: up to 28 birds (recorded on 88 dates)

Claybury Park: 1 (recorded once)
Fairlop Waters/Gravel: 2 (recorded on 5 dates)
Five Oaks Lane Scrubland: 4 (recorded once)
Hatch Forest: - 1 (recorded on 2 dates)
Muslim Cemetery, Hainault: 1 (recorded once)
Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge: 4 (recorded on 24 dates)
Roding Valley Park, South Woodford: 4 (recorded on 11 dates)
South Park: 1 (recorded once)
Valentines Park: 1 (recorded on 2 dates)
Wanstead Flats: 2 (recorded on 5 dates)
Wanstead Park: 5 (recorded on 34 dates)
Whitehall Plain: 2 (recorded once)

2009: up to 19 birds (recorded on 49 dates)

Roding Valley Park, Woodford Bridge: 2 (recorded on 29 dates)
Roding Valley Park, South Woodford: 2 (recorded on 2 dates)
Fairlop Waters/Gravel: 2 (recorded on 6 dates)
Wanstead Park: 7 (recorded on 9 dates)
Wanstead Flats: 1 (recorded on 2 dates)
South Park: 1 (recorded once)

GOSHAWK

Goshawk: Rare Visitor

Goshawk often pass through, and sometimes linger in nearby Epping Forest for sometime. A lot of the sighings over the last few years may well be an escaped bird that has been recorded from Edmonton to Epping Forest

Latest Sightings:

2010: 10 sightings

March 20th, 1 male at Fairlop Gravel Works
April 5th, 1 female at Woodford Green
April 6th, 1 male at Fairlop Gravel Works
April 21st, 1 in Woodford Green
August 7th, 1 in Wanstead Park
August 13th, 2 in Wanstead Park
September 17th, 1 male on Wansead Flats
December 8th, 1 male at Woodford Green
December 27th, 1 male in Wanstead Park

2009: 6 sightings

29th November 2009, 1 male over Woodford Green
3rd May 2009, 1 female through Woodford Green (no jessies)
23rd April 2009, 1 over Wanstead Park (escaped bird)
30th March 2009, 1 at Fairlop (escaped bird)
29th March 2009, 1 over Claybury Park (probable escaped bird)
3rd March 2009, 1 flew low and south over Whitehall Plain at 11.25am. A Goshawk, possibly the same one, was also seen at 12.15 in central London at St. James' Park, although there is some speculation that this is an escaped bird.

2008:

30th July 2008, 1 flew over Wanstead.

PEREGRINE FALCON

Peregrine Falcon: Uncommon Visitor

2010: 17 sightings

26th January, 1 through Wanstead Park
24th February, 1 female through Valentines Park
26th March, 1 female at Fairlop Gravel Works
19th April, 1 over Wanstead
6th May, 1 over Wanstead Flats
24th May, 1 in Wanstead Flats
24th May, 1 in Clayhall
5th June, 1 over Ilford
16th June, 1 juvenile in Clayhall
7th July, 1 at Wanstead Flats
16th July, 1 over Wanstead Flats
18th August, 1 over Wanstead Flats
22nd August, 1 on Wanstead Flats
21st September, 1 on Wanstead Flats
30th October, 1 over Gants Hill
7th November, 1 over Gants Hill
27th December, 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works

2009: 6 sightings

25th July 2009, 1 juv at Fairlop Gravel Works, perched on ground
3rd July 2009, 1 over Barking Abbey Playing Fields, Ilford
22nd April 2009, 1 over Wanstead
5th April 2009, 1 over Wanstead Park
2nd April 2009, 1 in Ilford (unconfirmed)
17th January 2009, 1 Juvenile at Fairlop Gravel Works

previous sightings:

25th April 2008, 1 over Wanstead
16th February 2008,1 flying east over Wanstead Park
9th August 2007, 1 at Fairlop Waters
7th November 2006, 1 in Valentines Park
25th August 2005, 1 in Fairlop Waters
13th January 2003, 1 over Ilford
1st January 2003, 1 over South Woodford
24th October 2002, 1 at Fairlop Waters

MERLIN

Merlin: Occasional Winter Visitor

Latest Sightings:

2010: 8 sightings

January 6th, 1 male through Claybury Park
March 11th, 1 male at Fairlop (Hainault Farm)
September 11th, 1 on Wanstead Flats
October 9th, 1 male in Valentines Park
November 1st, 1 female on Wanstead Flats
December 13th, 1 male at Fairlop Waters
December 24th, 1 at Fairlop Waters
December 29th, 1 at Hatch Forest

2009: 5 sightings

4th November 2009, 1 male at Fairlop
26th March 2009, 1 female at Fairlop
25th February 2009, 1 taking prey in Claybury Park.
21st February 2009, female Merlin through Fairlop Waters.
31st January 2009, 1 in Winston Way, Ilford

Historical Information:

According to the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'Where to watch birds in the London area'. Fairlop Waters recorded its first sighting of Merlin in Janaury 1995

November 09, 2008

MARSH HARRIER

Marsh Harrier: Rare Visitor

Latest Sightings:

18th January 2009, 1 female put up the lapwing, thrush and pigeon flocks on the field to the east of Hainault Road in Fairlop.
25th August 2008, 1 female at Fairlop Waters

Historical Information:

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

GOLDENEYE

Goldeneye: Rare Winter Visitor

Latest Sightings:

2010:

January 14th, 1 female in Wanstead Park (Basin)
February 27th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters (Boating Lake)
November 27th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters (Boating lake)

2009:

January 1st-4th, 1 male at Fairlop Waters (remaining from Dec 2008)
November 14th-December 20th, 1 female at Wanstead Park (1st since 1985)

2006:

December 12th-26th, 1 male at Fairlop Waters

2005:

February 13th, 1 at Fairlop Waters
April 8th, 1 juvenile male at Fairlop Waters
November 19th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters

Historical Information:

9th January 1985, 1 at Eagle Pond
9th January 1982, 1 at Wanstead Park
20th November-24th December 1977, 1 on Wanstead Flats
Goldeneye are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

GOOSANDER

Goosander: Occasional Winter Visitor

Latest Sightings:

2010:

January 13th, 1 female on Ornamental Waters, Wanstead Park
November 7th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters
November 8th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters
November 9th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters
November 10th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters
November 13th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters
November 15th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters
November 27th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters
December 1st, 3 females at Fairlop Waters
December 2nd, 2 at Fairlop Waters (1m, 1f)
December 4th, 2 at Fairlop Waters
December 5th, 1 at Fairlop Waters
December 6th, 1 at Fairlop Waters
December 12th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters

2009:

January 4th, 1 female at Fairlop Waters
December 20th, 1 male over Wanstead Flats

2008:

November 23rd, 5 on Fairlop Waters Boating Lake
December 30th, 2 at Wanstead Park
December 31st, male on Fairlop Waters Boating Lake

Historical Information:

Goosander are reported as having been present (at least five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis

MANDARIN DUCK

Mandarin Duck: Resident Breeding Bird

As on most of the ponds in Epping Forest, the Mandarin Duck has become a resident and breeding bird in Knighton Wood, Woodford (pictured). Numbers fluctuate, but unless the pond is frozen over you are pretty much guarenteed to find them there outside breeding season when they are elusive, (and of course they breed in tree holes). They have also occasionally been seen elsewhere in the borough. There are also 3 pairs of pinioned birds at Valentines Park that are very tame, taking bread from the hand.

photo by Peter Warne, Feb 2009

more photos of Mandarin

Knighton Wood Stats:

2010/2011 Winter - up to 14 seen
2009/2010 Winter - up to 20 seen
2008/2009 Winter - up to 15 seen

Other Sightings:

November 3rd 2010 - 1 male at Wanstead Park
April 25th 2010 - 1 male in Hainault Forest
April 6th 2010 - 1 male in Hatch Forest (river Ching)
March 17th, 2010 - 2 in Hatch Forest (river Ching) (1m, 1f)
11th January 2010, 2 at Hainault Forest (1m, 1f)
21st April 2009, 1 male at Hainault Forest CP
29th October 2008, 1 female in Valentines Park
22nd July 2007, 1 male at South Park
15th April 2005, 1 male in Wanstead Park
20th February 2005, 1 male in Valentines Park

BARN OWL

Barn Owl: Rare visitor

Latest Sightings:

August 16th 2010, 1 at Five Oaks Lane, Chigwell
March 1st 2010, 1 at Five Oaks Lane, Chigwell
February 24th 2009, 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works, hunting.
November 2008, 2 at Fairlop Riding School (Aldborough)
October 2008, 1 at Fairlop
November 5th 2007, 1 at Fairlop Waters.

Historical Reports:

There were a long time breeding pair on Hainault Farm, 1 bird died in 2005, and the remaining bird lived alone on site until December 2009, when it was found dead.
The foreman at Fairlop Quarry reports that Barn Owls regularly perched on their sign posts at dusk as they were locking up, for several years until late December 2009
Hainault Forest - Barn Owls are reported as being a former breeding bird.
In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'Where to watch birds in the London area', it states that there have been a 'handful' of sightings of Barn Owl at Farilop Waters.

November 06, 2008

WHITE STORK

White Stork: Rare Vagrant

Latest Sightings:

5th May 2009, 1 flew NW over Gants Hill
(no other sightings known of)

GREAT WHITE EGRET

Great White Egret: Rare Vagrant

Sightings

11th June 2010, 1 flying low, north, over South Woodford
5th April 2009, 1 flying high over Ilford Golf Course.

November 02, 2008

SPOTTED CRAKE

Spotted Crake: Rare Vagrant (Migration)

Latest Sightings:

2nd April 2009, 1 at Fairlop Gravel Works

November 01, 2008

COMMON ROSEFINCH

Common Rosefinch: Rare Vagrant

Historical Information:

Londons 4th ever Common Rosefinch was recorded in Hainault Forest in September 1994

SPOTTED REDSHANK

Spotted Redshank: Rare Vagrant

Latest Sightings:

none recorded for many years

Historical Information:

In the 1997 edition of Dominic Mitchells 'Where to watch birds in the London area', Spotted Redshank are listed as a 'passage wanderer' at Fairlop Waters.

October 02, 2008

FAIRLOP LIST

The Fairlop Waters Area List stands at 199 species

Great Northern Diver
Little Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Slavonian Grebe
Black-necked Grebe
Cormorant
Shag
Glossy Ibis
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Mute Swan
Bewick's Swan
White-fronted Goose
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Brent Goose
Egyptian Goose
Shelduck
Mandarin
Wigeon
Gadwall
Teal
Mallard
Pintail
Garganey
Shoveler
Red-crested Pochard
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Scaup
Long-tailed Duck
Common Scoter
Goldeneye
Smew
Red-breasted Merganser
Goosander
Ruddy Duck
Red Kite
Marsh Harrier
Hen Harrier
Sparrowhawk
Goshawk
Buzzard
Osprey
Kestrel
Merlin
Hobby
Peregrine
Red-legged Partridge
Grey Partridge
Quail
Pheasant
Pallas' Sandgrouse
Water Rail
Spotted Crake
Moorhen
Coot
Crane
Oystercatcher
Avocet
Little Ringed Plover
Ringed Plover
Golden Plover
Grey Plover
Lapwing
Knot
Sanderling
Little Stint
Temminck's Stint
Dunlin
Ruff
Jack Snipe
Snipe
Woodcock
Black-tailed Godwit
Bar-tailed Godwit
Whimbrel
Curlew
Spotted Redshank
Redshank
Greenshank
Green Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper
Mediterranean Gull
Little Gull
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Herring Gull
Yellow-legged Gull
Glaucous Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Kittiwake
Sandwich Tern
Common Tern
Arctic Tern
Little Tern
Black Tern
Razorbill
Stock Dove
Feral Pigeon
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Turtle Dove
Ring-necked Parakeet
Cuckoo
Barn Owl
Little Owl
Tawny Owl
Long-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Swift
Alpine Swift
Kingfisher
Wryneck
Green Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Skylark
Sand Martin
Swallow
House Martin
Richard's Pipit
Tree Pipit
Meadow Pipit
Rock Pipit
Water Pipit
Yellow Wagtail
Grey Wagtail
Pied Wagtail
Wren
Dunnock
Robin
Black Redstart
Redstart
Whinchat
Stonechat
Wheatear
Ring Ouzel
Blackbird
Fieldfare
Song Thrush
Redwing
Mistle Thrush
Cetti's Warbler
Grasshopper Warbler
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler
Melodious Warbler
Dartford Warbler
Lesser Whitethroat
Whitethroat
Garden Warbler
Blackcap
Yellow-browed Warbler
Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler
Radde's Warbler
Wood Warbler
Chiffchaff
Willow Warbler
Goldcrest
Firecrest
Spotted Flycatcher
Pied Flycatcher
Bearded Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Marsh Tit
Coal tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Nuthatch
Great Grey Shrike
Jay
Magpie
Jackdaw
Rook
Carrion Crow
Hooded Crow
Starling
House Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Chaffinch
Brambling
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Siskin
Linnet
Lesser Redpoll
Common Redpoll
Crossbill
Bullfinch
Lapland Bunting
Snow Bunting
Yellowhammer
Reed Bunting
Corn Bunting