Pete Lambert Wrote Yesterday:
Did manage walks round the Marsh since my last report on 22 December, but didn't manage to find time to send details round. Here's a quick summary.
Wednesday 22 December.
Snow and ice still on the ground and saw 5 shoveler, all males. Two were standing on the ice on the Lee Navigation just south of Stonebridge Lock, while the other three were feeding in the channel just east of this Lock. Probably 3 separate chiffchaff calling at various places around the Marsh. Finally a record 21 gadwall seen from the Chalk Bridge in the channels NE and E of the bridge.
Friday 24 December.
17 fieldfare flew high west over Clendish Marsh at 9.04am, there was a green sandpiper feeding in Pymmes Brook just north of the bridge by the Gasometer at WM West and a female shoveler just north of the Green Bridge. Then as I left the Marsh at 10.39, loads of crows called over the houses east of me as they chased a buzzard NW over the houses and on over Banbury Reservoir.
Monday 27 December.
Very gloomy as I walked towards the Marsh and very icy underfoot. As a result, on the footpath east of Wild Marsh East by the allotments at 8.31am, I was looking down at my feet rather than up in the sky when I heard the long trill of a waxwing! Looked up to see two "starling-like" shapes going west overhead and on across Wild Marsh East. Got my bins on them, but only saw one bird from behind, and couldn't then see colour of plumage. Waxwing somewhere, and probably these two birds were them, but couldn't be sure. Interestingly, other movement as well with a jackdaw East over WM East at 8.54am and 5 lapwing east over WM West at 10.59. 4 shovelers in the channel east of Stonebridge Lock and 14 redwing east at Stonebridge Wood. Three different goldcrests seen.
Thursday 30 December.
A much quieter day with all the ice and snow gone from the ground, although most of the Lee Navigation still frozen. 3 male shoveler still in the channel east of Stonebridge Lock and a single mistle thrush (a rarity here) flew SE over Clendish Marsh, perching in the trees by the allotments and singing briefly before flying on SE towards the reservoirs. This made my 10th species of bird singing this morning - wren, robin, song thrush, mistle thrush, wood pigeon, dunnock, great tit, chaffinch briefly, and then collared dove and starling on my way too and from the Marsh. Is this because the days are getting longer now?
DMC
Friday 31 December 2010
Wednesday 22 December 2010
Tuesday Report - unusual sighting
Pete Lambert wrote yesterday:
My usual routine is to visit the Marsh on Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, but this week a change to my routine so that I could be at my grandson's Carol Concert yesterday. So it was unusual for me to be over the Marsh on a Tuesday and I was rewarded by an unusual bird - at 8.32am a single black-tailed godwit flew west over Clendish Marsh! These birds don't usually stray far from the coast and this one will have a long way to go west over Tottenham before it reaches the coast.
Not a lot around otherwise, a single male pheasant (dark necked) sitting on a fence inside the Allotments, 2 redwings calling from trees at Stonebridge Wood, plus a goldcrest here with long-tailed tits. 12 gadwall seen from the Chalk Bridge in the channel NE of the bridge and 13 teal in the channel near the Green Bridge. Single lapwing north over the east channel at WM East.
DMC
My usual routine is to visit the Marsh on Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, but this week a change to my routine so that I could be at my grandson's Carol Concert yesterday. So it was unusual for me to be over the Marsh on a Tuesday and I was rewarded by an unusual bird - at 8.32am a single black-tailed godwit flew west over Clendish Marsh! These birds don't usually stray far from the coast and this one will have a long way to go west over Tottenham before it reaches the coast.
Not a lot around otherwise, a single male pheasant (dark necked) sitting on a fence inside the Allotments, 2 redwings calling from trees at Stonebridge Wood, plus a goldcrest here with long-tailed tits. 12 gadwall seen from the Chalk Bridge in the channel NE of the bridge and 13 teal in the channel near the Green Bridge. Single lapwing north over the east channel at WM East.
DMC
Tuesday 21 December 2010
Areas of Tottenham Marsh - names on aerial views
Sadly I had to miss the December Bird Survey (suffering with the 'bug' that's going around and not up to battling with all the snow & ice) so I thought I'd publish the maps with the names of the various areas.
So now when Pete reports a Firecrest near Chalk Bridge, or refers to WM West, you'll know where they are!
Debbie
P.S. To view larger versions of the maps: Right Click on a map and choose Open Link in New Window, then you can Left Click to get a magnified image so the names are easier to read.
So now when Pete reports a Firecrest near Chalk Bridge, or refers to WM West, you'll know where they are!
Debbie
P.S. To view larger versions of the maps: Right Click on a map and choose Open Link in New Window, then you can Left Click to get a magnified image so the names are easier to read.
Sunday Report
Pete Lambert wrote yesterday:
Out this morning crunching through thick snow on my way to join the monthly bird survey of the Marsh, it was nice to see 2 male goosanders feeding in the channel by the Banbury Reservoir. They were just south of the path leading to the East Bridge, so in Walthamstow Reservoir rather than Tot. Marsh, but nice to see. On Wild Marsh East there were 3 pheasants near the west channel. Two were definitely males (neither with white neck collars), the third one I just saw briefly, so could have been male or female. Distant views from the Green Bridge of what looked like a female shoveler in the channel. Met up with the reduced survey team and as we all set out, found a snipe sitting in Pymmes Brook just south of the bridge. Birds were a bit thin on the ground on Clendish Marsh which I helped to survey with Ray and Peter, but we turned up 4 chiffchaffs along the Brook and 2 goldcrests. The highlight though was a flock of 30 skylarks which went SE calling at 10.10. We then went on to survey Stonebridge Wood which was almost dead until we saw another flock of skylark, about 40 this time, going SE again at 11.04.
After a warming cup of tea, I walked back along the towpath and saw a water rail walking along the edge of the channel east of the Lee Navigation, by the barges. Probably this was the same bird that David Cotteridge and Janice had seen from the Green Bridge earlier. Immediately after a peregrine came SE over Stonebridge Wood and on across the Lockwood Reservoir. When I reached the Green Bridge another 5 skylarks flew SE calling, making 75 in total. Walking out of the Marsh by the East Bridge, 4 ducks came shooting high over WM East - they were wigeon! One male and 3 females, these were my first for this year. So I returned home cold, but glad I'd made the effort.
DMC
Out this morning crunching through thick snow on my way to join the monthly bird survey of the Marsh, it was nice to see 2 male goosanders feeding in the channel by the Banbury Reservoir. They were just south of the path leading to the East Bridge, so in Walthamstow Reservoir rather than Tot. Marsh, but nice to see. On Wild Marsh East there were 3 pheasants near the west channel. Two were definitely males (neither with white neck collars), the third one I just saw briefly, so could have been male or female. Distant views from the Green Bridge of what looked like a female shoveler in the channel. Met up with the reduced survey team and as we all set out, found a snipe sitting in Pymmes Brook just south of the bridge. Birds were a bit thin on the ground on Clendish Marsh which I helped to survey with Ray and Peter, but we turned up 4 chiffchaffs along the Brook and 2 goldcrests. The highlight though was a flock of 30 skylarks which went SE calling at 10.10. We then went on to survey Stonebridge Wood which was almost dead until we saw another flock of skylark, about 40 this time, going SE again at 11.04.
After a warming cup of tea, I walked back along the towpath and saw a water rail walking along the edge of the channel east of the Lee Navigation, by the barges. Probably this was the same bird that David Cotteridge and Janice had seen from the Green Bridge earlier. Immediately after a peregrine came SE over Stonebridge Wood and on across the Lockwood Reservoir. When I reached the Green Bridge another 5 skylarks flew SE calling, making 75 in total. Walking out of the Marsh by the East Bridge, 4 ducks came shooting high over WM East - they were wigeon! One male and 3 females, these were my first for this year. So I returned home cold, but glad I'd made the effort.
DMC
Saturday 18 December 2010
This week on the Marshes
Pete Lambert wrote today:
Monday 13 December 2010
Monday 13 December 2010
Another Monday and another foggy day in London Town (and memories of Julie London for those who can remember back that far). So little seen overhead and lots just heard. A male pheasant (one with no white collar on its neck) was sitting high in the trees along the west side of the west channel at WM East - perhaps it roosted there overnight. Two redwings calling from the top of trees along the Lee Navigation near Stonebridge Lock and 2 egyptian geese (the droopy pair) by the Centre. A fox walked through WM West with something in its mouth, then from the Chalk Bridge I could see eleven gadwall in the channel that goes east. A cormorant that flew up from the Lee Navigation had a 'silver' head that I mostly only see at the start of the breeding season, hope they're not going to start breeding again already. A nice looking male goosander was feeding in the channel just north of the Sandpiper Bridge.
Friday 17 December 2010
As a contrast, no fog but very cold and also cloudy so the light wasn't very good for spotting birds. (What would birdwatchers do if they didn't have the weather to complain about!) Same pair of egyptian geese at the Centre but nothing much else until I was near the Chalk Bridge when a single linnet flew south calling, from the trees right at the north of Wild Marsh West. Standing on the Chalk Bridge I could see fifteen gadwall feeding in the channel NE of the bridge. Finally, at the SE corner of WM East, waiting for a glimpse of a reed bunting I could hear calling, I then heard a bullfinch call from the trees several times. Hung around but no sight of either bird. Is the bullfinch the same one we saw earlier I wonder?
DMC
DMC
Friday 10 December 2010
Friday Sightings
Peter Lambert wrote today:
Over the Marsh early this morning and no mist this time so I could see birds flying over. A bit of a change to my last walk on Monday morning. Was wondering if I might see the woodcock that both George and Terry have now seen flying around and thinking that if I did this would make my year total for the Marsh 100 birds. (In fact, when I got home and checked my records I found I'd already seen a woodcock over the Marsh in January this year, when we had the other cold snap!)
A small wader flew silently down the side of the Lockwood Reservoir as I walked in from Blackhorse Road. May have been a green sandpiper, but it was too gloomy still to see any plumage details, so without any calls, it remains a mystery. Nine redwings flew SE calling over WM East and on over the houses as I approached the Marsh. A pheasant called from the west side of WM East as I walked over the East Bridge but I didn't see it, then 3 goosander shot north over the bridge and vanished. I could hear a fieldfare calling as I reached the Sandpiper Bridge and then it flew out of the trees just east of the bridge and went off N. As I walked down the side of the west channel, a couple of teal flew up. A collared dove came high NE at the Green Bridge and there were six tufted duck in the channel there and one little grebe, then 5 teal shot SE from the channel towards the Lockwood Reservoir. The Lee Navigation was still frozen and there were another 11 tufted duck in the channel plus a female teal. Two egyptian geese still by the Centre (looked like LIttle and Large) seemingly unworried by the Lee being frozen over.
Crossing the bridge over Pymmes Brook to Clerndish Marsh, there were 3 pied wagtails, 1 grey wagtail and 1 meadow pipit on the concrete in the channel. Clendish Marsh continues to be very quiet with just a sparrowhawk going NE as I finished my circle round the Marsh. But there were 12 mute swans in Pymmes Brook, an unusually high number, perhaps refugees from the frozen Lee.
On to the Pond and Stonebridge Wood (also very quiet), but then at 8.48am the highlight - a duck came W over the Marsh, circled and went back towards the reservoirs, it was a female goldeneye! My first goldeneye record since 2005 and my 100th species for the year! Soon after I heard a green sandpiper calling and the call seemed to go SE, but I couldn't see the bird. On to the open part of WM West bouyed up by my goldeneye, I found a grey wagtail in Pymmes Brook by the bridge to Northumberland Park, plus four teal on the concrete with the usual mallards. And a few minutes later, heard redwing calls and 28 small thrushes flew high NW - all redwings I assume.
3 high flying swans looked like worth checking, but they were all mute swans rather than anything more exotic. Reached the Chalk Bridge at 9.18am and heard a 'zit, zit' call like a goldcrest but different. Waited searching for movement and a small bird came up in the elders just east of the bridge - a firecrest! In the bins for a second before it flew off, this is presumably the same bird that George saw on 5 December (and maybe the same bird I saw in October?).
Would have been hard to improve on the morning after that. but it was nice to see a female goosander fly N over WM East as I left the Marsh.
DMC
Over the Marsh early this morning and no mist this time so I could see birds flying over. A bit of a change to my last walk on Monday morning. Was wondering if I might see the woodcock that both George and Terry have now seen flying around and thinking that if I did this would make my year total for the Marsh 100 birds. (In fact, when I got home and checked my records I found I'd already seen a woodcock over the Marsh in January this year, when we had the other cold snap!)
A small wader flew silently down the side of the Lockwood Reservoir as I walked in from Blackhorse Road. May have been a green sandpiper, but it was too gloomy still to see any plumage details, so without any calls, it remains a mystery. Nine redwings flew SE calling over WM East and on over the houses as I approached the Marsh. A pheasant called from the west side of WM East as I walked over the East Bridge but I didn't see it, then 3 goosander shot north over the bridge and vanished. I could hear a fieldfare calling as I reached the Sandpiper Bridge and then it flew out of the trees just east of the bridge and went off N. As I walked down the side of the west channel, a couple of teal flew up. A collared dove came high NE at the Green Bridge and there were six tufted duck in the channel there and one little grebe, then 5 teal shot SE from the channel towards the Lockwood Reservoir. The Lee Navigation was still frozen and there were another 11 tufted duck in the channel plus a female teal. Two egyptian geese still by the Centre (looked like LIttle and Large) seemingly unworried by the Lee being frozen over.
Crossing the bridge over Pymmes Brook to Clerndish Marsh, there were 3 pied wagtails, 1 grey wagtail and 1 meadow pipit on the concrete in the channel. Clendish Marsh continues to be very quiet with just a sparrowhawk going NE as I finished my circle round the Marsh. But there were 12 mute swans in Pymmes Brook, an unusually high number, perhaps refugees from the frozen Lee.
On to the Pond and Stonebridge Wood (also very quiet), but then at 8.48am the highlight - a duck came W over the Marsh, circled and went back towards the reservoirs, it was a female goldeneye! My first goldeneye record since 2005 and my 100th species for the year! Soon after I heard a green sandpiper calling and the call seemed to go SE, but I couldn't see the bird. On to the open part of WM West bouyed up by my goldeneye, I found a grey wagtail in Pymmes Brook by the bridge to Northumberland Park, plus four teal on the concrete with the usual mallards. And a few minutes later, heard redwing calls and 28 small thrushes flew high NW - all redwings I assume.
3 high flying swans looked like worth checking, but they were all mute swans rather than anything more exotic. Reached the Chalk Bridge at 9.18am and heard a 'zit, zit' call like a goldcrest but different. Waited searching for movement and a small bird came up in the elders just east of the bridge - a firecrest! In the bins for a second before it flew off, this is presumably the same bird that George saw on 5 December (and maybe the same bird I saw in October?).
Would have been hard to improve on the morning after that. but it was nice to see a female goosander fly N over WM East as I left the Marsh.
DMC
Thursday 9 December 2010
Firecrest Spotted!
Pete Lambert sighted a Firecrest in bushes East of Chalk Bridge this morning. This is one of a number of Firecrest sightings on the marsh over the last week or two.
DMC
DMC
Monday 6 December 2010
Monday sightings
Pete Lambert wrote today:
Returned from the snowy and icy wastes of the North Norfolk coast and back to Tottenham Marsh this morning - to find the Lee Navigation frozen and a lot of mist, so not much seen overhead. And didn't make contact with George's two star birds of Sunday - a fircrest at "pond site" with tit flock, and a woodcock at WM East!
Still gadwall north of the East Bridge at WM East (a startling 13 by the time I left the Marsh) and teal in the west channel. A linnet heard calling overhead going north, but not seen. Four redwings up calling from the trees at the west channel and off west. On Clendish Marsh at 8.25am, 8 fieldfare flew west, then a little egret flew north over Pymmes Brook and there was a grey wagtail and a meadow pipit on the concrete in the channel at the bridge.
Chiffchaff at the Gas Bridge at the NW of WM West. Sparrowhawk shot south by the Lee Navigation and there were 2 little grebes in one of the few open patches at the Lee, under a willow. Standing on th Green Bridge I heard a brambling call. Sounded like it was in the trees there, but I couldn't see it and it didn't call again. On WM East a snipe flew SE calling.
DMC
Returned from the snowy and icy wastes of the North Norfolk coast and back to Tottenham Marsh this morning - to find the Lee Navigation frozen and a lot of mist, so not much seen overhead. And didn't make contact with George's two star birds of Sunday - a fircrest at "pond site" with tit flock, and a woodcock at WM East!
Still gadwall north of the East Bridge at WM East (a startling 13 by the time I left the Marsh) and teal in the west channel. A linnet heard calling overhead going north, but not seen. Four redwings up calling from the trees at the west channel and off west. On Clendish Marsh at 8.25am, 8 fieldfare flew west, then a little egret flew north over Pymmes Brook and there was a grey wagtail and a meadow pipit on the concrete in the channel at the bridge.
Chiffchaff at the Gas Bridge at the NW of WM West. Sparrowhawk shot south by the Lee Navigation and there were 2 little grebes in one of the few open patches at the Lee, under a willow. Standing on th Green Bridge I heard a brambling call. Sounded like it was in the trees there, but I couldn't see it and it didn't call again. On WM East a snipe flew SE calling.
DMC
Monday 22 November 2010
Monday sightings
Pete Lambert wrote today:
Disturbed a green woodpecker from the edge of the east channel at WM East as I arrived today. It flew into trees at WM East. Four gadwall in the channel north of the East Bridge, 3 males, one female. Walking along by the West channel, again heard 'gip' calls that sounded like water rail but didn't see it. 2 redwings high W calling as I waited for a glimpse of the water rail. Sparrowhawk west over Lee Navigation as I walked down the towpath and 2 egyptian geese at the Centre (Droopy pair).
Nothing much on Clendish Marsh but 7 siskins flew NE at 08.47 calling, then 3 fieldfares went high W -without calling. Reached WM West where there was a grey wagtail on the concrete in Pymmes Brook by the path to Northumberland Park Station. Stopped there as I heard longtailed tits calling - found a goldcrest there and heard a chiffchaff calling behind me, but then heard a bullfinch calling from the trees at the channel. It flew up and went north a little way - a female bullfinch - but then flew off E still calling. Given the few records we get here, it's likely this is the same female seen first just over a week ago.
Walking S from the Chalk Bridge I saw 3 little grebes on the Navigation and 2 in the channel as well. A single reed bunting flew NE calling over WMEast as I left - don't seem to be many of these around at the moment on the Marsh. Finally as I walked out to Blackhorse Lane, a female goosander flew S by the side of the Lockwood Reservoir and came down at High Maynard Reservoir.
DMC
Disturbed a green woodpecker from the edge of the east channel at WM East as I arrived today. It flew into trees at WM East. Four gadwall in the channel north of the East Bridge, 3 males, one female. Walking along by the West channel, again heard 'gip' calls that sounded like water rail but didn't see it. 2 redwings high W calling as I waited for a glimpse of the water rail. Sparrowhawk west over Lee Navigation as I walked down the towpath and 2 egyptian geese at the Centre (Droopy pair).
Nothing much on Clendish Marsh but 7 siskins flew NE at 08.47 calling, then 3 fieldfares went high W -without calling. Reached WM West where there was a grey wagtail on the concrete in Pymmes Brook by the path to Northumberland Park Station. Stopped there as I heard longtailed tits calling - found a goldcrest there and heard a chiffchaff calling behind me, but then heard a bullfinch calling from the trees at the channel. It flew up and went north a little way - a female bullfinch - but then flew off E still calling. Given the few records we get here, it's likely this is the same female seen first just over a week ago.
Walking S from the Chalk Bridge I saw 3 little grebes on the Navigation and 2 in the channel as well. A single reed bunting flew NE calling over WMEast as I left - don't seem to be many of these around at the moment on the Marsh. Finally as I walked out to Blackhorse Lane, a female goosander flew S by the side of the Lockwood Reservoir and came down at High Maynard Reservoir.
DMC
Saturday 20 November 2010
November Bird Survey
Last weekend was the FoTM monthly bird survey and as we set out Dave Ch. described the weather as 'dreich' - a good Scottish word for the overcast and damp conditions.The autumn colours were subdued in the poor light (as seen in my photo).
Soon after we set out I glimpsed a bird in a tall tree and saw a 'black cap' but then another glimpse looked more like a chaffinch. Dave then caught a sight of it and suggested female bullfinch. We were fairly sure that was the correct call and realised it would be a 'write in' i.e. it was not listed on the record sheets we use for the survey.
We knew we would be quizzed on our identification so were pleased when the light briefly improved and we had a clear view and she flew off showing her white rump. Later on as we returned near the area, I heard the soft single note call which bullfinches make - very satisfying.
There were still many robins (39) singing and calling, and dunnocks (20) were singing too.
A few tit flocks were seen containing - long tailed (23), blue (25) and great (9). Other notable birds were grey wagtails (2), little grebes (2), great spotted (3) and green (1) woodpeckers.
However, the bullfinch was definitely the bird of the day!
Debbie
Friday 19 November 2010
Tottenham Marsh Thursday 18 Nov
Pete Lambert wrote yesterday:
It was dry when I left home but began to rain as I reached WM East. Could see some gadwall feeding in the channel N of East Bridge, looked like 3 pairs. Siskin called overhead as I walked by the west channel but I couldn't see it, but I could see the three fieldfare that flew calling high NW and on over WM West. Surprised to see a pair of gadwall in the channel south of the Green Bridge - was that eight gadwall?
Pair of egyptian geese at Centre (Droopy pair), then another pair in Pymmes Brook just south of bridge to Car Park. May not have been Little and Large, but the third pair. These have no distinguishing features that I can see. Will try and get photo next time. One redwing called from the bushes at the Car Park and flew out. Clendish Marsh very quiet, except for a chiffchaff calling from Pymmes Brook.
Rain stopped after an hour and on WM West I saw a sparrowhawk chased out of the poplars along the Lee Navigation by a crow. Then I heard a green sandpiper call and saw it come high NW over the pylon wires before coming down to Pymmes Brook. From the bridge at the Gasometer I could see it standing on the concrete.
From the Chalk Bridge I could see a little egret feeding in the channel NE of the bridge. Walking down the towpath, north of the Green Bridge I heard what might have been a water rail calling. It wasn't giving the obvious squealing call but a call that I hear as "gip,gip". This is more like some moorhen calls so I'm never completely sure about my ID until I see the bird. Stood on the Green Bridge looking north to where the calls were coming from but couldn't see the bird. Did see three teal there (1 male). Walking home through WMEast at 9.48, suddenly saw four goosander come up over the east channel by the East Bridge and vanish north. A few minutes later, three of them returned and circled over the north end of the Marsh before disappearing behind the trees. Seven gadwall now in the east cahannel, four of them male.
DMC
It was dry when I left home but began to rain as I reached WM East. Could see some gadwall feeding in the channel N of East Bridge, looked like 3 pairs. Siskin called overhead as I walked by the west channel but I couldn't see it, but I could see the three fieldfare that flew calling high NW and on over WM West. Surprised to see a pair of gadwall in the channel south of the Green Bridge - was that eight gadwall?
Pair of egyptian geese at Centre (Droopy pair), then another pair in Pymmes Brook just south of bridge to Car Park. May not have been Little and Large, but the third pair. These have no distinguishing features that I can see. Will try and get photo next time. One redwing called from the bushes at the Car Park and flew out. Clendish Marsh very quiet, except for a chiffchaff calling from Pymmes Brook.
Rain stopped after an hour and on WM West I saw a sparrowhawk chased out of the poplars along the Lee Navigation by a crow. Then I heard a green sandpiper call and saw it come high NW over the pylon wires before coming down to Pymmes Brook. From the bridge at the Gasometer I could see it standing on the concrete.
From the Chalk Bridge I could see a little egret feeding in the channel NE of the bridge. Walking down the towpath, north of the Green Bridge I heard what might have been a water rail calling. It wasn't giving the obvious squealing call but a call that I hear as "gip,gip". This is more like some moorhen calls so I'm never completely sure about my ID until I see the bird. Stood on the Green Bridge looking north to where the calls were coming from but couldn't see the bird. Did see three teal there (1 male). Walking home through WMEast at 9.48, suddenly saw four goosander come up over the east channel by the East Bridge and vanish north. A few minutes later, three of them returned and circled over the north end of the Marsh before disappearing behind the trees. Seven gadwall now in the east cahannel, four of them male.
DMC
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Monday report - New Record for the Year
Pete Lambert wrote yesterday:
Felt like winter this morning, with frost on the ground and a low mist over the Marsh and the channels.
Walking in on the footpath from Blackhorse Lane, saw a fieldfare in the trees round the Reservoir and a little egret feeding in the channel there. Neither records for Tottenham Marsh itself, but both were the only ones I saw in my three hour walk out this morning. My only redwing of the morning went west over the houses and down to WM East, calling. On to WM East itself and there were three gadwall feeding in the channel north of the East Bridge (although by the time I'd left there were six gadwall here, four males and two females). Green woodpecker flew up near the west channel by the Sandpiper Bridge and went south down the Lee Navigation.. As I walked south along the channel, two female goosanders flew north and two pheasants shot SE across the channel and into cover. Nearer the Green Bridge I heard redpoll calls and the calls went SE but I never saw the bird (or birds). South down the towpath to Stonebridge Lock produced three goldcrests, one on the west bank of the Navigation and two together on the east bank further down.
Outside the Centre at Stonebridge Lock there were two egyptian geese (the Droopy pair) and then another two in Pymmes Brook just south of the bridge to Clendish Marsh. This didn't look like "Little and Large", so may be the third pair that's around. Fourth goldcrest of the morning was in the trees at the SW of Clendish Marsh. Walking down the towpath from the Chalk Bridge I saw a female goosander fly north over the Navigation - perhaps the third of the morning? But the golden moment was at WM East on my way out when I heard a bullfinch call from the SE corner. Walked back and saw a female bullfinch fly up calling, lost it in the trees at the south end. This is my first bullfinch record for the year bringing my year total to 99 species! (Maybe this is the bird seen by David Chapman and Debbie on WM West yesterday.)
DMC
Felt like winter this morning, with frost on the ground and a low mist over the Marsh and the channels.
Walking in on the footpath from Blackhorse Lane, saw a fieldfare in the trees round the Reservoir and a little egret feeding in the channel there. Neither records for Tottenham Marsh itself, but both were the only ones I saw in my three hour walk out this morning. My only redwing of the morning went west over the houses and down to WM East, calling. On to WM East itself and there were three gadwall feeding in the channel north of the East Bridge (although by the time I'd left there were six gadwall here, four males and two females). Green woodpecker flew up near the west channel by the Sandpiper Bridge and went south down the Lee Navigation.. As I walked south along the channel, two female goosanders flew north and two pheasants shot SE across the channel and into cover. Nearer the Green Bridge I heard redpoll calls and the calls went SE but I never saw the bird (or birds). South down the towpath to Stonebridge Lock produced three goldcrests, one on the west bank of the Navigation and two together on the east bank further down.
Outside the Centre at Stonebridge Lock there were two egyptian geese (the Droopy pair) and then another two in Pymmes Brook just south of the bridge to Clendish Marsh. This didn't look like "Little and Large", so may be the third pair that's around. Fourth goldcrest of the morning was in the trees at the SW of Clendish Marsh. Walking down the towpath from the Chalk Bridge I saw a female goosander fly north over the Navigation - perhaps the third of the morning? But the golden moment was at WM East on my way out when I heard a bullfinch call from the SE corner. Walked back and saw a female bullfinch fly up calling, lost it in the trees at the south end. This is my first bullfinch record for the year bringing my year total to 99 species! (Maybe this is the bird seen by David Chapman and Debbie on WM West yesterday.)
DMC
Friday 12 November 2010
Friday 12th Sightings
'Little and Large' 'Droopy' PairStill windy this morning, but started well with a perched redpoll! Redpoll called overhead as I was walking towards the Sandpiper Bridge and came down by the Lee Navigation. Walked over the bridge and found it 2 or 3 metres away sitting in an elder. Best views I've had for sometime, as usual records here are hearing them overhead and catching a glimpse of the bird as it flies over.
After my mention the other day of no teal in the channel at WM East, today a male teal was cruising there, seen from the Green Bridge. Arrived at Stonebridge Lock to find two egyptian geese but this wasn't Little and Large. Took photos and I'll see if good enough to send to David Chapman (They are - See above DMC), but one has whitish head and drooping right hand wing, which is a bird I've seen before (and have named "Droopy" - not very original, but quite descriptive). I am guessing this is a different pair (the "Droopy pair" for short), rather than it's Large with a new partner of Droopy - but who knows!
Few groups of redwings flying over. A group of seven SW calling and 2 SE calling, plus two other groups of small thrushes which didn't call but I presumed were redwings (I've never recorded groups of song thrushes flying). 6 of these NW, then later 2 SW.
When I got to the Chalk Bridge over the Lee Navigation, on my way home, a female goosander appeared up from the channels east, then flew off high N over Banbury Reservoir. Going out from WM East over the East Bridge, I found 4 gadwall in the channel (2 male, 2 female), the first record this month.
Finally, I checked all the starlings flying overhead, trying to spot waxwings (they are said to have a similar shape in flight), but no luck. I've never found my own waxwings, only ever seen some that others have reported, so fingers crossed.
DMC
Thursday 11 November 2010
Latest sightings
Pete Lambert reports on his visit yesterday:
Almost a week since my last visit to the Marsh on 4 Nov., so I was pleased as I walked down the footpath from Blackhorse Lane to the Marsh to see a goosander fly low north over the channel east of WM east. A female (or immature) bird, this was my first record of the autumn/winter. Later, a mistle thrush flew West over WM East, only my fourth record this year. A little egret was feeding in the channel East of WM East and a reed bunting (female/imm) was calling from a bush on Clendish Marsh.
I still haven't seen any returning teal or water rail in the channels, although Michael saw some teal last week. And still no wintering stonechats! I hear that at Wormwood Scrubs it's the same story, so perhaps something has affected the population that usually returns to London for the winter. Last winter was a cold one but I've looked at my records for the 1990s and there were wintering stonechats every winter during that decade, so perhaps there's another explanation.
DMC
Almost a week since my last visit to the Marsh on 4 Nov., so I was pleased as I walked down the footpath from Blackhorse Lane to the Marsh to see a goosander fly low north over the channel east of WM east. A female (or immature) bird, this was my first record of the autumn/winter. Later, a mistle thrush flew West over WM East, only my fourth record this year. A little egret was feeding in the channel East of WM East and a reed bunting (female/imm) was calling from a bush on Clendish Marsh.
I still haven't seen any returning teal or water rail in the channels, although Michael saw some teal last week. And still no wintering stonechats! I hear that at Wormwood Scrubs it's the same story, so perhaps something has affected the population that usually returns to London for the winter. Last winter was a cold one but I've looked at my records for the 1990s and there were wintering stonechats every winter during that decade, so perhaps there's another explanation.
DMC
Monday 1 November 2010
Latest Update
Pete Lambert Wrote today:
Peregrine flew north over WMWest at 9.10, perhaps heading for the Waste Disposal chimney at Angel Road. More movement with a flock of about 45 fieldfares SW over Clendish at 8am (my first big group so far). Also c80 redwings SW at about 7.40 plus a few odd ones later. Invisible birds heard overhead included siskin at 7.20 and skylark at 9.20. Met up with 'the two' goldcrests along the towpath. My two egyptian geese (Little and Large) back at Centre again. Disturbed one little egret feeding in the west channel at WMEast.
Saw a person watching the 'open' areas on Clendish who I also saw last Thursday. Once again s/he was on the opposite side of the Marsh to me so I wasn't able to speak to them - house sparrow counting?
The shoveler I reported Sat, were the first of the year for me, bringing my count for 2010 to 98 (99 if you want to count the escaped canary).
DMC
Peregrine flew north over WMWest at 9.10, perhaps heading for the Waste Disposal chimney at Angel Road. More movement with a flock of about 45 fieldfares SW over Clendish at 8am (my first big group so far). Also c80 redwings SW at about 7.40 plus a few odd ones later. Invisible birds heard overhead included siskin at 7.20 and skylark at 9.20. Met up with 'the two' goldcrests along the towpath. My two egyptian geese (Little and Large) back at Centre again. Disturbed one little egret feeding in the west channel at WMEast.
Saw a person watching the 'open' areas on Clendish who I also saw last Thursday. Once again s/he was on the opposite side of the Marsh to me so I wasn't able to speak to them - house sparrow counting?
The shoveler I reported Sat, were the first of the year for me, bringing my count for 2010 to 98 (99 if you want to count the escaped canary).
DMC
Sunday 31 October 2010
Saturday sightings
Pete Lambert wrote yesterday:
More typical October passage this morning.
Some jackdaws: One NW over Wild Marsh East at 8.20am, 15 high W over WMWest at 8.30, one S over WMEast at 9.12, 4 high E over WMWest at 9.41 and 4 high SE over WMWest at 9.46 (same as earlier ones?)
Siskins: one calling over WMEast at 8.18, another calling over the towpath at 9.43 - neither seen.
11 redwing S over WMWest at 9.06 and skylark calling over WMWest at 9.23 - not seen.
Also 3 fieldfares in the trees north of Pond which flew off west and ring-necked parakeet heard calling again at Clendish Marsh - again not seen. Finally the unusual sight of 4 shoveler flying high SE over WMWest (towards the Lockwood Res) at 9.45. Still no stonechats.
DMC
More typical October passage this morning.
Some jackdaws: One NW over Wild Marsh East at 8.20am, 15 high W over WMWest at 8.30, one S over WMEast at 9.12, 4 high E over WMWest at 9.41 and 4 high SE over WMWest at 9.46 (same as earlier ones?)
Siskins: one calling over WMEast at 8.18, another calling over the towpath at 9.43 - neither seen.
11 redwing S over WMWest at 9.06 and skylark calling over WMWest at 9.23 - not seen.
Also 3 fieldfares in the trees north of Pond which flew off west and ring-necked parakeet heard calling again at Clendish Marsh - again not seen. Finally the unusual sight of 4 shoveler flying high SE over WMWest (towards the Lockwood Res) at 9.45. Still no stonechats.
DMC
Tuesday 26 October 2010
Latest Sightings - Tuesday 26th
Peter Lambert wrote today:
Back to Tottenham Marsh today to find autumn passage still in operation. One brambling calling over WM East at 7.45 which I didn't see, then a second over Clendish Marsh at 8.25 which I did see, although not close enough to see any plumage details. (Terry saw a female brambling along the Navigation Towpath on 20 Oct.). Also my first fieldfares of the autumn, groups of 8, then 6, then 23 all going west calling but then a group of 3 came down to the trees just north of the pond. One or two redwings going west calling as well and 2 siskins south over Clendish Marsh Car Park at 8.05. But where are the stonechats???? Usually see these from mid-Sept. I've still not seen any, and there don't seem to be any resident ones anywhere.
Finally, the 2 egyptian geese (Little and Large) are gone and either a single is back or it's "Large" and "Little" has left him/her.
DMC
Back to Tottenham Marsh today to find autumn passage still in operation. One brambling calling over WM East at 7.45 which I didn't see, then a second over Clendish Marsh at 8.25 which I did see, although not close enough to see any plumage details. (Terry saw a female brambling along the Navigation Towpath on 20 Oct.). Also my first fieldfares of the autumn, groups of 8, then 6, then 23 all going west calling but then a group of 3 came down to the trees just north of the pond. One or two redwings going west calling as well and 2 siskins south over Clendish Marsh Car Park at 8.05. But where are the stonechats???? Usually see these from mid-Sept. I've still not seen any, and there don't seem to be any resident ones anywhere.
Finally, the 2 egyptian geese (Little and Large) are gone and either a single is back or it's "Large" and "Little" has left him/her.
DMC
Saturday Stonechat
While out on Simon Whiteman’s ‘Walk and Talk’ on Saturday, our party spotted a male stonechat, showing well on Wild Marsh East. He was to the right of the path, by the Lea diversion, about half way up from green bridge. My first of this year and a much less common sight on the marshes than the previous few years.
Not much else about. One Grey wag, little egret by relief channel and a large flock of starlings forming over the gasometer.
DMC
Not much else about. One Grey wag, little egret by relief channel and a large flock of starlings forming over the gasometer.
DMC
Wednesday 13 October 2010
FoTM October Bird Survey
On arrival at the Waterside Centre
at the start of the survey, it has become a common occurence to see the Egyptian geese that have taken a liking to the shiny pump by the canal edge (these two are the Little & Large referred to by Pete!).
Not sure if they are admiring themselves, or think they have found some more friends.
There have been easterly winds bringing in some new birds.
Here are some totals that David Cottridge added up at the end of the survey:-
Skylark 34There seemed to be robins everywhere - numbers probably boosted by some shyer continental visitors.
Meadow Pipit 7
Robin 54
Redwing 19
Fieldfare 3
Linnet 3
Goldcrest 1
Siskin 2
Brambling 9
Reed bunting 2
Common Sandpiper 2
Just to show we do look at other wildlife on the marsh, here is a photo of a black lipped snail
Tuesday 12 October 2010
Last few Days on the Marshes
Lots of bird movement at the moment. Pete Lambert gives a report of his sightings of the last few days:
Thursday 7 October.
Short walk round Wild Marsh East and up and down towpath produced my largest ever movement of jackdaws.
7.58 27 jackdaws SW calling over houses east of Marsh and on
8.12 About 45 jackdaws S over WMEast
8.17 26 jackdaws S over WME
8.24 27 jackdaws S over WME
(Total of 125 in 30 minutes!)
9.23 5 jackdaws SW WME
9.38 11 jackdaws SW over houses east of WME
9.45 33 jackdaws SW over houses and Lockwood Res and on to Marsh.
Total of 174.
Otherwise 3 little egrets in channel at East Bridge, WMEast, 4 little grebes on Lee near Chalk Bridge. Lbb gull flew down to Lee Navigation and came up with crab in beak! Had one long claw on RHS of body (crab that is) - mitten crab?
Sat 9 October
While walking round Lockwood Res in morning I had my first redwings of the autumn going W and over WM West. Then flock of about 40 calling redwings came down into trees on WM East (11.25am).
Sun 10 October
Before survey, 2 green sandpipers up from channel east of WM East (from East Bridge), 2 jackdaws W and 2 male pheasants on WM East together - one with white neck ring one with all dark neck. First brambling of autumn calling overhead (not seen) and 2 skylarks west calling.
After survey, first siskin of the autumn E over WM East.
Mon 11 October
7.54am Huge flock of calling jackdaws over houses east of Marsh - estimated about 150 birds! Flew SW over Lockwood Res and then over Tot Marsh in distance.
8.12am About 25 jackdaws SW in same direction. Possibly more birds in total than on Thursday!
Brambling calling again over WME but not seen. 3 redwings W.
At Clendish Marsh 8 skylarks NW at 8.45 calling.
9.17, 6 more skylarks high NW at WMWest (where David Cottridge saw redstart 15min later!)
Crest calling at Lee near firecrest site, but sounded like goldcrest - vanished.
9.45, single redpoll (first of autumn) flew east calling over WME.
DMC
Thursday 7 October.
Short walk round Wild Marsh East and up and down towpath produced my largest ever movement of jackdaws.
7.58 27 jackdaws SW calling over houses east of Marsh and on
8.12 About 45 jackdaws S over WMEast
8.17 26 jackdaws S over WME
8.24 27 jackdaws S over WME
(Total of 125 in 30 minutes!)
9.23 5 jackdaws SW WME
9.38 11 jackdaws SW over houses east of WME
9.45 33 jackdaws SW over houses and Lockwood Res and on to Marsh.
Total of 174.
Otherwise 3 little egrets in channel at East Bridge, WMEast, 4 little grebes on Lee near Chalk Bridge. Lbb gull flew down to Lee Navigation and came up with crab in beak! Had one long claw on RHS of body (crab that is) - mitten crab?
Sat 9 October
While walking round Lockwood Res in morning I had my first redwings of the autumn going W and over WM West. Then flock of about 40 calling redwings came down into trees on WM East (11.25am).
Sun 10 October
Before survey, 2 green sandpipers up from channel east of WM East (from East Bridge), 2 jackdaws W and 2 male pheasants on WM East together - one with white neck ring one with all dark neck. First brambling of autumn calling overhead (not seen) and 2 skylarks west calling.
After survey, first siskin of the autumn E over WM East.
Mon 11 October
7.54am Huge flock of calling jackdaws over houses east of Marsh - estimated about 150 birds! Flew SW over Lockwood Res and then over Tot Marsh in distance.
8.12am About 25 jackdaws SW in same direction. Possibly more birds in total than on Thursday!
Brambling calling again over WME but not seen. 3 redwings W.
At Clendish Marsh 8 skylarks NW at 8.45 calling.
9.17, 6 more skylarks high NW at WMWest (where David Cottridge saw redstart 15min later!)
Crest calling at Lee near firecrest site, but sounded like goldcrest - vanished.
9.45, single redpoll (first of autumn) flew east calling over WME.
DMC
Wednesday 6 October 2010
Firecrest plus
Peter Lambert wrote today:
Dragged myself out from sick bed for first visit to Marsh for two weeks. Dry when I left but rain started as I entered Wild Marsh East from Walthamstow. 3 little egrets feeding in the channel by East Bridge and chiffchaff calling. Down by west channel to Green Bridge where I met Philip (+ little dog). He said he'd been hoping to see me as he saw a barn owl over West Marsh at 7.05pm yesterday.(!) Also saw pair of stonechats on same Marsh. (Plus a merlin seen at Mansfield Park - near W'm Girling - recently.) Walked with him down to Stonebridge Lock where a grey wagtail flew SW over Lee Nav. Then left him for a walk round Clendish Marsh. Meadow pipit up calling plus dunnock singing were only things of note.
Pair of egyptian geese at Centre (one smaller than other - call them Little & Large). Female blackcap at Stonebridge Wood (north of pond).
By 9.54am, am near Electric Building on WM West when I pick up 2 large falcons over north end. They chase and call, going SE a bit, then go west towards Gasometer where I lose sight of them. One was adult peregrine, other less of a 'mask' on face - could have been juv peregrine or some hybrid. Searched Marsh for Philip's stonechats - no sign of them. Walked south down east towpath from Chalk Bridge seeing 4 little egrets now in channel east. About 10.25, just north of Green Bridge (Next to white boat called Lady Helen) I hear what sounded like singing goldcrest in field maples there. Wait (dry by now) as goldcrests scarce this year at Marsh. Find crest at top of trees but it's firecrest! First record for Marsh (for me). Vivid black and white eyestripes, kept singing (no end down turn of song, like goldcrest has). Sent out texts but then relocated it in same place -really close views at times, but always inside trees so no good for photo. As it's my birthday tomorrow, I'll consider this an early birthday present!
DMC
Dragged myself out from sick bed for first visit to Marsh for two weeks. Dry when I left but rain started as I entered Wild Marsh East from Walthamstow. 3 little egrets feeding in the channel by East Bridge and chiffchaff calling. Down by west channel to Green Bridge where I met Philip (+ little dog). He said he'd been hoping to see me as he saw a barn owl over West Marsh at 7.05pm yesterday.(!) Also saw pair of stonechats on same Marsh. (Plus a merlin seen at Mansfield Park - near W'm Girling - recently.) Walked with him down to Stonebridge Lock where a grey wagtail flew SW over Lee Nav. Then left him for a walk round Clendish Marsh. Meadow pipit up calling plus dunnock singing were only things of note.
Pair of egyptian geese at Centre (one smaller than other - call them Little & Large). Female blackcap at Stonebridge Wood (north of pond).
By 9.54am, am near Electric Building on WM West when I pick up 2 large falcons over north end. They chase and call, going SE a bit, then go west towards Gasometer where I lose sight of them. One was adult peregrine, other less of a 'mask' on face - could have been juv peregrine or some hybrid. Searched Marsh for Philip's stonechats - no sign of them. Walked south down east towpath from Chalk Bridge seeing 4 little egrets now in channel east. About 10.25, just north of Green Bridge (Next to white boat called Lady Helen) I hear what sounded like singing goldcrest in field maples there. Wait (dry by now) as goldcrests scarce this year at Marsh. Find crest at top of trees but it's firecrest! First record for Marsh (for me). Vivid black and white eyestripes, kept singing (no end down turn of song, like goldcrest has). Sent out texts but then relocated it in same place -really close views at times, but always inside trees so no good for photo. As it's my birthday tomorrow, I'll consider this an early birthday present!
DMC
Thursday 16 September 2010
latest sightings
Pete lambert wrote today:
Single whinchat on Clendish Marsh at the south end again (perhaps the same as one seen Wed by George). Cetti's warbler singing from channel just east of Stonebridge Lock (not heard it there before), juvenile shelduck flew north over WMEast from Lockwood Res (bit odd, they all disappeared in July), 2 gadwalls in channel at west of WM East (just north of 'sluice gate') and a kingfisher sitting on the lip of the Lee Navigation before flying to more normal perch in willow and catching a fish. More meadow pipits calling as they flew southerly.
DMC
Single whinchat on Clendish Marsh at the south end again (perhaps the same as one seen Wed by George). Cetti's warbler singing from channel just east of Stonebridge Lock (not heard it there before), juvenile shelduck flew north over WMEast from Lockwood Res (bit odd, they all disappeared in July), 2 gadwalls in channel at west of WM East (just north of 'sluice gate') and a kingfisher sitting on the lip of the Lee Navigation before flying to more normal perch in willow and catching a fish. More meadow pipits calling as they flew southerly.
DMC
Tuesday 14 September 2010
Wheater and more besides..
Pete Lambert wrote yeasterday:
Caught up at last with George's record of an autumn wheatear on Clendish Marsh this morning - probably because George was standing next to me at the time! It flew off to the Lockwood Res. We also saw a whinchat there, and a male reed bunting - a bit hard to find reed buntings lately on the Marsh. Several meadow pipits flying over calling, all going south.
After George had left me, I saw 3 yellow wagtails flying high south calling, over the WM West, near the north end. Then when I'd left the WM East and was walking down 'my' footpath east of the Marsh, a hobby appeared over the allotments there. It drifted west over WM East where it appeared to catch and eat something from its feet. Then it drfited off north over WME.
DMC
Caught up at last with George's record of an autumn wheatear on Clendish Marsh this morning - probably because George was standing next to me at the time! It flew off to the Lockwood Res. We also saw a whinchat there, and a male reed bunting - a bit hard to find reed buntings lately on the Marsh. Several meadow pipits flying over calling, all going south.
After George had left me, I saw 3 yellow wagtails flying high south calling, over the WM West, near the north end. Then when I'd left the WM East and was walking down 'my' footpath east of the Marsh, a hobby appeared over the allotments there. It drifted west over WM East where it appeared to catch and eat something from its feet. Then it drfited off north over WME.
DMC
Saturday 11 September 2010
Spotted Flycatchers plus
Peter Lambert wrote today:
Blowy and gloomy walk round today, so pleasant surprise to see a spotted flycatcher flit in trees at NW of Stonebridge Wood - NW of Pond. Flushed a sedge warbler at N end of Wild Marsh West - one of those with pale crown stripe suggestive of aquatic warbler, but just a juv. (?) sedge. About 55 hirundines flew SW at 9.10am, too far away (and too gloomy) to identify. 2 meadow pipits SW across Clendish Marsh, which settled. 2 gadwall and 2 little egret in east channel at WMEast - seen from East Bridge. Kingfisher on post in west channel at WME too. Grey wagtail at WMW, in Pymmes Brook just north of Gasometer Bridge.
DMC
Blowy and gloomy walk round today, so pleasant surprise to see a spotted flycatcher flit in trees at NW of Stonebridge Wood - NW of Pond. Flushed a sedge warbler at N end of Wild Marsh West - one of those with pale crown stripe suggestive of aquatic warbler, but just a juv. (?) sedge. About 55 hirundines flew SW at 9.10am, too far away (and too gloomy) to identify. 2 meadow pipits SW across Clendish Marsh, which settled. 2 gadwall and 2 little egret in east channel at WMEast - seen from East Bridge. Kingfisher on post in west channel at WME too. Grey wagtail at WMW, in Pymmes Brook just north of Gasometer Bridge.
DMC
Monday 6 September 2010
Latest sightings
Peter Lambert reported this morning:
Apart from the single whinchat on Clendish Marsh, there were 2 teal feeding in the channel on the east side of WMEast (north of the bridge to Walthamstow) when I came in this morning. Later, a cetti's warbler singing along channel at west of WME. George saw 3 whinchat Saturday morn at Clendish Marsh and a wheatear there on Friday.
DMC
Apart from the single whinchat on Clendish Marsh, there were 2 teal feeding in the channel on the east side of WMEast (north of the bridge to Walthamstow) when I came in this morning. Later, a cetti's warbler singing along channel at west of WME. George saw 3 whinchat Saturday morn at Clendish Marsh and a wheatear there on Friday.
DMC
Saturday 4 September 2010
Saturday morning - Coal Tit?
Pete Lambert wrote earlier:
Amazingly quiet today. Expected flycatchers and whinchats sitting watching me, but nothing. Highlight was one-that-got-away. On WMW just north of cafe heard what sounded like a coal tit singing. Walked back to where it seemed to be - nothing. I've never recorded a coal tit here (or at Walthamstow) so it'd have been a mega discovery - if I could have discovered it! Saw a weasel - I think my first this year.
DMC
Amazingly quiet today. Expected flycatchers and whinchats sitting watching me, but nothing. Highlight was one-that-got-away. On WMW just north of cafe heard what sounded like a coal tit singing. Walked back to where it seemed to be - nothing. I've never recorded a coal tit here (or at Walthamstow) so it'd have been a mega discovery - if I could have discovered it! Saw a weasel - I think my first this year.
DMC
Saturday 28 August 2010
Winchats plus
I made a quick visit this morning to try and spot the winchats. Although I saw none, I bumped into Pete Lambert who had seen 2 early in the morning. He had also seen 2 Yellow wagtails flying over and a hobby. While we were talking he aslo spotted a raptor on top of one of the pylons skirting the Lee Navigation. Although it was against the sun Pete thought it was a young peregrine, as he managed to see the marking when the sun briefly retreated behind a cloud.
He also reports that spotted flycatchers had been seen by another birder in Stonebridge wood during the week.
So things hotting up!
DMC
He also reports that spotted flycatchers had been seen by another birder in Stonebridge wood during the week.
So things hotting up!
DMC
Friday 27 August 2010
Winchats
Peter Lambert spotted 3 winchats today on Clendish Marsh. Looks like the autumn migration has started. Hopefully lots more intersting birds moving through in the coming weeks.
DMC
DMC
Wednesday 18 August 2010
August Bird Survey photos - Gadwall & Kingfisher
Not sure if these three gadwall are related to those reported by Pete but it was good to see them on the Lee navigation.
We were two short on our August bird survey (some feeble excuse about getting married!) so Janice and I were on our own on East Marsh. So we felt very privileged when a kingfisher did a fly-by under Green Bridge, stopped, perched on a nearby branch then dived and caught a fish.
We only had our compact cameras so the images are not brilliant. Janice's photo sets the scene, my blurry cropped photo shows where the kingfisher is in case you can't see it!
Some passing cyclists were suitably impressed - the orange of the kingfisher's breast really shone out.
I've also added a photo of a fishing heron.
Debbie
P.S. Thanks for emailing the photo, Janice.
Belated July bird survey photo - Coots nesting?
These coots had obviously decided that this canal boat was not going anywhere.
I know coots nest in some very unsuitable places but I really don't think they have enough room here!
Debbie
Monday 16 August 2010
August Bird Survey
Although August is a very quiet birding month yesterday's survey managed to provide a rare sighting on the marshes of a spotted flycatcher. Good views were had from the park bench on the top path at the far north end of Wild Marsh East. On an otherwise quiet day other highlights included a kingfisher and Kestrel. Family groups of blackcaps, whitethroats and long-tailed tits were also seen.
Full results will be posted later.
DMC
Full results will be posted later.
DMC
Saturday 14 August 2010
Sparrowhawk family
Pete Lambert spotted 4 sparowhawks by the relief channel on Tuesday. By the calls it appears at least 2 were young birds. This would appear to be the family of the pair that were nesting nearby.
DMC
DMC
Gadwall Family
A pic from Pete Lambert of some young gadwall. Good to see that the pair that have been on the Lee for a while have successfully bred.
DMC
Friday 16 July 2010
Recent Sightings of Snakes and Weasals
I've Re-printed below an email from Michael R detailing some recent sightings of interest:
David
I meant to tell you of two recent grass snake sightings. One reported to me by George last Thursday (I think) from a friend of his, seated on the bench in front of the small copse of trees/bushes at the NW gasometer end of Wild Marsh W and seeing one in the afternoon sun just beside the path. A very reliable witness, I'm assured, who knows his mammals and reptiles.
The other was by me last Saturday at ca.12.30; a vivid green snake basking on the bank of the Stonebridge Wood pond when I surprised it, or vice versa, and it slithered into the water with an elegant wriggle and wiggle. I suspect, given the spatial separation of half a mile, they were certainly not the same snake. Mine was an adult perhaps 2ft long, no more, but with brilliant markings on the head in the bright midday sun.
Also, in the preceding week, I saw my 3rd weasel of the year crossing the Pymmes Brook Bridge at S Lock. It took refuge in a bolt cavity under one of the two concrete beams lying between the roadway and palings either side of the bridge. When I peered down at ground level, the better to clock it, a flash of cherry blossom brown whizzed past my nose and undulated into the undergrowth beside PB embankment on the car park side.
The interesting aspect here is the number of weasel sightings by various people there have been in the past 12 months. I had had a zero record till this March, for instance, and now with three in 4 months I feel not so much favoured as encouraged that the mustelid population must be on the increase. Likewise I'd like to think with grass snakes.
Incidentally, you may already know that there have been a couple of reports on the pheasant family groups: both in WMW, one by a dog owner whose rottweiler flushed the adults with many poults, and the other who saw a hen pheasant with several young in the same central WMW area. These were three weeks ago, I seem to recall. Sorry for not being a true recorder!
Michael
David
I meant to tell you of two recent grass snake sightings. One reported to me by George last Thursday (I think) from a friend of his, seated on the bench in front of the small copse of trees/bushes at the NW gasometer end of Wild Marsh W and seeing one in the afternoon sun just beside the path. A very reliable witness, I'm assured, who knows his mammals and reptiles.
The other was by me last Saturday at ca.12.30; a vivid green snake basking on the bank of the Stonebridge Wood pond when I surprised it, or vice versa, and it slithered into the water with an elegant wriggle and wiggle. I suspect, given the spatial separation of half a mile, they were certainly not the same snake. Mine was an adult perhaps 2ft long, no more, but with brilliant markings on the head in the bright midday sun.
Also, in the preceding week, I saw my 3rd weasel of the year crossing the Pymmes Brook Bridge at S Lock. It took refuge in a bolt cavity under one of the two concrete beams lying between the roadway and palings either side of the bridge. When I peered down at ground level, the better to clock it, a flash of cherry blossom brown whizzed past my nose and undulated into the undergrowth beside PB embankment on the car park side.
The interesting aspect here is the number of weasel sightings by various people there have been in the past 12 months. I had had a zero record till this March, for instance, and now with three in 4 months I feel not so much favoured as encouraged that the mustelid population must be on the increase. Likewise I'd like to think with grass snakes.
Incidentally, you may already know that there have been a couple of reports on the pheasant family groups: both in WMW, one by a dog owner whose rottweiler flushed the adults with many poults, and the other who saw a hen pheasant with several young in the same central WMW area. These were three weeks ago, I seem to recall. Sorry for not being a true recorder!
Michael
Tuesday 29 June 2010
More Gad News
A female Gadwall with 7 young was spotted yesterday by George on the Lea, just south of the Chalk Bridge. They may well be the offspring of the pair in the photo (see archive) taken by Pete Lambert in May.
DMC
DMC
Monday 14 June 2010
More on the Common Rosefinch
I was lucky enough to go back with Ray and Jamie to where Ray had heard the Rosefinch singing (well heard, Ray!). We had good views of this 1st summer male singing out in the open on its favourite bush by Pymme's Brook at around 10.30am.
Unfortunately when I took this photo the bird had already disappeared back into the undergrowth and although it continued to sing it was difficult to see.
As the news spread, birders started arriving.
After I left, I heard that the Rosefinch flew across to the first main scrubby patch next to the road (south of the car park) and later flew back to the area it had originally been in, before flying back to the scrub by the road (around 4pm).
There are reports that it has been heard singing again this morning.
Not only is this a first for Tottenham Marshes, it is also a first for the Lea Valley.
Debbie
Common Rosefinch on Clendish Marsh!
Yesterday's Monthly Bird Survey resulted in Ray and Jamie coming across a Common Rosefinch in bushes on Clendish Marsh, 100 m south of the car park. It appeared to be first summer male.
After providing good views in the morning, it continued singing sporadically most of the afternoon hidden in ground level scrub. Around 40 birders arrived during the afternoon, but was still not showing up to the time I left around 3.00pm.
I will update if I get any more information on subsequent sightings.
DMC
After providing good views in the morning, it continued singing sporadically most of the afternoon hidden in ground level scrub. Around 40 birders arrived during the afternoon, but was still not showing up to the time I left around 3.00pm.
I will update if I get any more information on subsequent sightings.
DMC
Monday 17 May 2010
Ye Gads!
A fine pair of gadwall seen today on the Lee just north of Green Bridge. Thanks to Pete Lambert for the picture.
DMC
Spotted Flycatcher
Pete Lambert sighted a Spotted Flycatcher this morning. It was in the trees edging the Pymmes Brook, just north of the bridge to Wild Marsh Triangle.
Seem to remenber one was seen on the marshes about the same time last year?
DMC
Seem to remenber one was seen on the marshes about the same time last year?
DMC
May Bird Survey
A quick round up of the May Bird Survey.
On the Warbler front. Large number of Blackcaps and Common Whitethroats, a good number of Chiff Chaffs, a few Sedge Warblers and Reed Warblers and one Garden Warbler present on a bright, warm morning. Sadly, Willow Warblers not present in Stonebridge Wood this May, as compared to the 3 singing males there last year. However, the Cetti's Warbler is still singing near by the bridge to Wild Marsh Triangle.
Long-tailed Tits breeding succesfully, with 2 recently fledged family groups spotted and another feeding young on the nest.
A lone Lapwing, an uncommon marsh visitor, was sighted flying over Clendish Marsh.
Full results to follow in the near future.
DMC
On the Warbler front. Large number of Blackcaps and Common Whitethroats, a good number of Chiff Chaffs, a few Sedge Warblers and Reed Warblers and one Garden Warbler present on a bright, warm morning. Sadly, Willow Warblers not present in Stonebridge Wood this May, as compared to the 3 singing males there last year. However, the Cetti's Warbler is still singing near by the bridge to Wild Marsh Triangle.
Long-tailed Tits breeding succesfully, with 2 recently fledged family groups spotted and another feeding young on the nest.
A lone Lapwing, an uncommon marsh visitor, was sighted flying over Clendish Marsh.
Full results to follow in the near future.
DMC
Friday 30 April 2010
Marsh Harrier over Marshes
Some intersting recent sighting on the Marshes from Lol Boldini.
27/4/10. 11.40am Tottenham marshes/Lockwood res: F/imm Marsh Harrier soaring high & to the East 8+ Whitehroat, 10+ Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler, f Sparrowhawk, 2 Lapwing S
@ 18.30 pm, Arctic Tern N @ 18.40 (+ 3 other 'probables'), also weasel & 5 sp of butterfly
Check out the full report at Lol's excellent blog at http://walthamstowwildlife.blogspot.com
DMC
27/4/10. 11.40am Tottenham marshes/Lockwood res: F/imm Marsh Harrier soaring high & to the East 8+ Whitehroat, 10+ Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler, f Sparrowhawk, 2 Lapwing S
@ 18.30 pm, Arctic Tern N @ 18.40 (+ 3 other 'probables'), also weasel & 5 sp of butterfly
Check out the full report at Lol's excellent blog at http://walthamstowwildlife.blogspot.com
DMC
Sunday 25 April 2010
Cetti's Warbler on site
Heard a Cetti's Warbler singing on the edge of Pymmes Brook by the bridge into the West Marsh Triangle. Not heard one there before. Hopefully establishing territory?
DMC
DMC
Friday 23 April 2010
Latest Migrants
Text from Pete Lambert this morning to say 2 Whinchats and singing Garden Warbler on Wild Marsh East and a Wheatear on Clendish Marsh.
DMC
DMC
Tuesday 6 April 2010
More New Arrivals
Peter Lambert heard the first singing sedge warbler of the year on Wild Marsh East. Also, saw a Peregrine. There have been a few sightings of a peregrine on the marshes over the last few weeks.
The bird survey on Sunday 11th should hopefully bring in a few more new arrivals for this year's list.
DMC
The bird survey on Sunday 11th should hopefully bring in a few more new arrivals for this year's list.
DMC
Friday 26 March 2010
Summer Migrant Update
Peter Lambert recorded 2 sand martins over the Lee, 2 singing willow warblers and 1 singing Blackcap.
Eyes peeled over the weekend for more arrivals!
DMC
Eyes peeled over the weekend for more arrivals!
DMC
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Wheatear on Clendish Marsh
Peter Lambert sighted a male wheatear on Clendish marsh this morning. He also had a singing willow warbler on Wild Marsh East
More signs the spring migration has begun.
DMC
More signs the spring migration has begun.
DMC
Thursday 18 March 2010
Spring Has Arrived - It's Official!
Spring comes to Tottenham Marshes. Peter Lambert spotted 5 Sand Martins flying over the Marshes this morning. The first summer migrants seen this year.
DMC
DMC
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Cetti's Warbler sighting
Peter Lambert spotted a tail-less Cetti's Warbler near Sandpiper Bridge this morning. It was also singing. Michael Ruggins heard one earlier in the winter. Maybe this winter presence on the marshes will lead to breeding on site this spring?
DMC
DMC
Wednesday 3rd March 2010
Here are a couple of fine pictures by David Cottridge of the Lesser Redpoll's seen this week in the car park at Stonebridge Lock.
Tuesday 2 March 2010
Dusky Warbler
A new picture of the Tottenham Marshes' resident Phylloscopus fuscata. David Cottridge took this splendid picture in the far corner of Wild Marsh East on Thursday 18th Feb. No reports of the Dusky Warbler on Monday. Will publish any new sighting information as it comes in.
If anyone would like to join this blog and contribute wildlife sightings from the Tottenham Marshes and environs, e-mail info@tottenhammarshes.org
DMC
Friday 26 February 2010
2/21/10
On a very rainy morning we started the survey by making a trip to the relief channel near Lockwood Reservoir to look for the Dusky Warbler. A few of us had a brief glimpse around 9pm and reports from members who returned later suggested it was showing intermittently throughout the morning, in spite of the heavy rain. Hopefully have some new photos from David Cottridge to post soon.
Other points of interest from the survey were as follows: Water rail showing from Green Bridge, 6 meadow pipits, 1 reed bunting on Wild Marsh East and a goosander in the relief channel near Lee Diversion. A few redwings and a great spotted woodpecker in Stonebridge Wood and 4 Chiff-chaffs by the Pymmes Brook on wild marsh south. Full results to follow soonish.
DMC
2/16/10
I heard from David Cottridge today that Lol Boldini located a Dusky Warbler in allotments opposite Lockwood Reservoir on Sunday 14th and it has also been seen on following days. This is the first Dusky Warbler ever recorded in the London Area. It is present in the scrub on the east side of the Flood Relief Channel on Wild Marsh East .
This picture was taken on Monday by RoyWoodward and 'borrowed' from. Uk400ClubRareBirdAlert. I Hope they don't mind? Link for the story and more images:
http://uk400clubrarebirdalert.blogspot.com/2010/02/first-dusky-warbler-of-2010-and-first.html
More news to follow
cheers
DMC
2/17/10
David Cottridge wrote yesterday:
The bird was present today, but viewing it was extremely difficult due to persistent rain and the nature of the species which is quite skulking. Fleeting glimpses were obtained of the bird. It is an unusually late date for this species which usually arrives in UK around about late October and it is my belief that this bird arrived in this country last autumn and has remained here. This species would normally winter in northern India and the foothills of the Himalayas where I have observed many. I believe that this bird will remain for a while.
5/28/09
A few interesting sightings from the last 2 weeks.
Peter Lambert spotted a winchat and spotted flycatcher last week. The latter in Stonebridge Wood.
This week, Peter spotted a hobby on Clendish Marsh and David Cottridge saw a little egret and a pair of pheasants - maybe a breeding pair? There is also a pair of common terns sitting regularly on one of the posts on Stonebridge Lock, opposite Waterside Centre. Might also be preparing to breed.
Lots of butterflies species now apparent - comma, speckled wood, orange tip, brimstone, painted lady, small tortoiseshell etc.
If you would like to contribute to the blog (or have forgotten how to use it) please send me a message at contact@tottenhammarshes.org cheers David Chapman
4/23/09
Dear All
Just thought members might be interested in these Hackney wildlife sites, if they don't already know them. TERNS is the Stoke Newington reservoirs and Abney park Cemetery group and Hackney Wildlife are the general Hackney group. They have had some amazing sightings in recent years. Hope some of them blow north to the marshes!
Whilst on the Hackney theme. Visited the Hackney filter bed reserve today. Lesser Whitethroat singing and showing very well opposite where we had our FoTM stall at last years Wildlife show. Reed and Cetti's (heard but not seen) in the beds themselves, and sand martins using the nesting site. Amazed such a fine spot gets such little use. I was one of only 3 people on the site.
Terns site: http://www.geocities.com/ternsorg/
Hackney Wildlife: http://www.hackneywildlife.org.uk/
best David (the one not in Lesbos)
4/7/09
On Sat 4 April, male wheatear on Clendish Marsh and first willow warbler of the year singing at Wild Marsh West. Common sandpiper in channel going east just south of Chalk Bridge, together with a pair of gadwall and one shelduck.
Today, Tuesday 7 April, more singing willow warblers all over the place. Pair of gadwall in same place as above. One swallow south over Wild Marsh East.
4/2/09
Have just set myself up to join blog (Thursday eve 2 April). Visited Tottenham Marsh Monday 30 March and found a female goosander just north of the Sandpiper Bridge (the new one), as well as 3 little egrets feeding in this channel. 2 jackdaws south east over Clendish Marsh and blackcap singing on Wild Marsh West.
Tuesday 31 March produced a female wheatear on Clendish Marsh and 2 sand martins over the Green Bridge.
Not been over since, hoping to be there Sat am.
Pete Lambert
On a very rainy morning we started the survey by making a trip to the relief channel near Lockwood Reservoir to look for the Dusky Warbler. A few of us had a brief glimpse around 9pm and reports from members who returned later suggested it was showing intermittently throughout the morning, in spite of the heavy rain. Hopefully have some new photos from David Cottridge to post soon.
Other points of interest from the survey were as follows: Water rail showing from Green Bridge, 6 meadow pipits, 1 reed bunting on Wild Marsh East and a goosander in the relief channel near Lee Diversion. A few redwings and a great spotted woodpecker in Stonebridge Wood and 4 Chiff-chaffs by the Pymmes Brook on wild marsh south. Full results to follow soonish.
DMC
2/16/10
I heard from David Cottridge today that Lol Boldini located a Dusky Warbler in allotments opposite Lockwood Reservoir on Sunday 14th and it has also been seen on following days. This is the first Dusky Warbler ever recorded in the London Area. It is present in the scrub on the east side of the Flood Relief Channel on Wild Marsh East .
This picture was taken on Monday by RoyWoodward and 'borrowed' from. Uk400ClubRareBirdAlert. I Hope they don't mind? Link for the story and more images:
http://uk400clubrarebirdalert.blogspot.com/2010/02/first-dusky-warbler-of-2010-and-first.html
More news to follow
cheers
DMC
2/17/10
David Cottridge wrote yesterday:
The bird was present today, but viewing it was extremely difficult due to persistent rain and the nature of the species which is quite skulking. Fleeting glimpses were obtained of the bird. It is an unusually late date for this species which usually arrives in UK around about late October and it is my belief that this bird arrived in this country last autumn and has remained here. This species would normally winter in northern India and the foothills of the Himalayas where I have observed many. I believe that this bird will remain for a while.
5/28/09
A few interesting sightings from the last 2 weeks.
Peter Lambert spotted a winchat and spotted flycatcher last week. The latter in Stonebridge Wood.
This week, Peter spotted a hobby on Clendish Marsh and David Cottridge saw a little egret and a pair of pheasants - maybe a breeding pair? There is also a pair of common terns sitting regularly on one of the posts on Stonebridge Lock, opposite Waterside Centre. Might also be preparing to breed.
Lots of butterflies species now apparent - comma, speckled wood, orange tip, brimstone, painted lady, small tortoiseshell etc.
If you would like to contribute to the blog (or have forgotten how to use it) please send me a message at contact@tottenhammarshes.org cheers David Chapman
4/23/09
Dear All
Just thought members might be interested in these Hackney wildlife sites, if they don't already know them. TERNS is the Stoke Newington reservoirs and Abney park Cemetery group and Hackney Wildlife are the general Hackney group. They have had some amazing sightings in recent years. Hope some of them blow north to the marshes!
Whilst on the Hackney theme. Visited the Hackney filter bed reserve today. Lesser Whitethroat singing and showing very well opposite where we had our FoTM stall at last years Wildlife show. Reed and Cetti's (heard but not seen) in the beds themselves, and sand martins using the nesting site. Amazed such a fine spot gets such little use. I was one of only 3 people on the site.
Terns site: http://www.geocities.com/ternsorg/
Hackney Wildlife: http://www.hackneywildlife.org.uk/
best David (the one not in Lesbos)
4/7/09
On Sat 4 April, male wheatear on Clendish Marsh and first willow warbler of the year singing at Wild Marsh West. Common sandpiper in channel going east just south of Chalk Bridge, together with a pair of gadwall and one shelduck.
Today, Tuesday 7 April, more singing willow warblers all over the place. Pair of gadwall in same place as above. One swallow south over Wild Marsh East.
4/2/09
Have just set myself up to join blog (Thursday eve 2 April). Visited Tottenham Marsh Monday 30 March and found a female goosander just north of the Sandpiper Bridge (the new one), as well as 3 little egrets feeding in this channel. 2 jackdaws south east over Clendish Marsh and blackcap singing on Wild Marsh West.
Tuesday 31 March produced a female wheatear on Clendish Marsh and 2 sand martins over the Green Bridge.
Not been over since, hoping to be there Sat am.
Pete Lambert
3/4/09
Just in case some of you didn't get the news. A woodlark was spotted by Peter Lambert on Clendish Marsh on Tuesday March 3rd.
David
David
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