1 Registered Charity No 207076 THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS
BEXLEY LOCAL GROUP
RSPB NEWSLETTER No.71 Spring & Summer 2014
Dear Member, Welcome to this edition of the Bexley Local RSPB group newsletter. I would like first of all to thank everyone who made our Christmas Raffle a success again by selling £1776 worth of tickets. Special thanks to Diane Lelliott for organising this fundraising event. Some of our new members might be asking themselves questions. Why am I receiving this newsletter? What is the role of a local group? Everyone who becomes a member of the RSPB within our catchment area automatically Come to our annual becomes a member of this local group at no extra cost. Spring Fair We as a local group promote and represent the RSPB in the local community, by fundraising SATURDAY and undertaking conservation work. We also provide a warm, friendly welcome and an 3 May 2014 opportunity to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm and interest in birds and 10am – 1pm the environment at our indoor meetings and on our field trips. You could assist by providing items we can sell at our Spring Fair. If you have At the Freemantle Hall items you can donate please contact me and I High Street, Bexley. will make arrangements to collect them. You could also become a member of our 200 club for Seedlings, Annuals, Shrubs, just £1 a month. This has proved to be a great Trees, Preserves, fundraiser! Details of how to become a member can be found within our newsletter. Arts & Crafts, Our coach trips are proving to be very popular, Tombola, Refreshments etc. with most trips full and with waiting lists. Our indoor meetings attendance however has been Plus RSPB Goods and Crafts falling. In order to find out why, there is a small survey in this newsletter which I hope you will Admission….30p take a few minutes to complete and respond. Please return to me at 57 Garland Road Plumstead SE18 2PP or on line at Children Free (Continued on page 2)
Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the RSPB 2 Registered Charity No 207076 [email protected]. BEXLEY LOCAL GROUP I am pleased to report that we now have a ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING website again where you can find details of all The Annual General Meeting will take place on our upcoming events, field trips and indoor Friday 9 May 2014 starting at 7.45 at meetings .It can be found at the following Hurstmere School Sidcup. address http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bexley/. I wish to announce that Maureen Thompson has AGENDA decided to resign as Group Treasurer at the end 1. Introduction of the financial year now that she has moved out 2. Minutes of last year’s meeting of the area. Maureen has served in this role since 3. Leader’s Annual Report 2000 and we wish to thank her for her 14 years 4. Vote on acceptance of the Annual Report of service in this vital position. A local group is 5. Financial Report and 200 Club Accounts not allowed to operate without a treasurer. 6. Vote on the acceptance of the Financial Fortunately Alan Mayes has agreed to take over Report 2013/2014 the position as from 1 April this year and we 7. Election/re-election of Committee Members thank him for stepping up. Consequently we 8. Any Other Business shall now need a volunteer to take over the role N.B. Matters to be raised under A.O.B. must be of INDOOR MEETINGS ORGANISER. This submitted to the committee at least 21 days position needs to be filled quickly in order to before the date of the AGM start the booking of speakers this year for the 2015/16 programme. Working Parties In addition we still need two more volunteers, one to take over the role of FIELD TRIP Fancy doing something practical ORGANISER and another for the role of for wildlife? SPRING AND AUTUMN FAIRS Need some healthy exercise? ORGANISER. Please contact Stuart Banks who Our Group has been providing practical assistance will be able to give you more information about to the North Kent RSPB reserves for many years, these roles. tackling a variety of practical tasks designed to I would like to thank Linda Blackett who has improve habitats for wildlife including birds and volunteered to take over as our Group Sales water voles. Organiser and we welcome her as the most Work at your own pace, no previous experience recent addition to the committee. I would also necessary, tools and instruction provided. like to thank Ralph Todd for sharing the load of Meet at Northward Hill RSPB Reserve leading trips. Saturday mornings We will be attending several fairs again this 27 Sep 14 ∙ 17 Jan 15 summer. If you would like to volunteer to help 18 Oct 14 ∙ 21 Feb 15 run our stall or even offer your services as a member of the committee please contact Stuart 15 Nov 14 ∙ 21 Mar 15 For more details call – Banks online at [email protected] or by Bob Parker on 01322 665849 telephone on 020 8854 7251 or 077914 73569.
Stuart Banks Enamel Pin Badges
RSPB enamel pin badges continue to be a real PLEASE NOTE OUR money-spinner for the society and we have our NEW WEBSITE own local co-ordinator – Linda Blackett. http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bexley/ Linda is looking for assistance with collecting boxes in various areas so if you think you could help give her a call on – 01322 435339
Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the RSPB 3 Registered Charity No 207076
BEXLEY LOCAL GROUP MEMBERS SURVEY
Please tick one or more answers to each question
1 Do you attend indoor meetings? a) Every meeting b) Frequently c) Occasionally d) Never
2 What determines your reason for non attendance? a) Price of entry b) Location c) Time d) Subject of talk e) Speaker f) Other
3 Would you attend a midweek daytime meeting? Yes No
4 Would you be interested in a mini bird watching break in the UK? a) 1 night b) 2 nights c) 3 – 4 nights d) Longer
Please make comments / suggestions in the box below
The completed survey can be sent to me at stuartbans @ hotmail.co.uk or posted to 157 Garland Road, Plumstead, London SE18 2PP Stuart Banks
AUTUMN FAIR – SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2013
The Freemantle Hall was full of stalls packed with a wide variety of items for sale. The doors opened to a dry and warm day and there was the usual early rush of customers to grab the bargains to be found on the RSPB stalls and the various craft stalls. This event could not take place without our willing volunteers. We are grateful to our new sales co-ordinator Linda Blackett and her husband Graham who ran the RSPB sales, Jackie Tappenden for selling our bird food, John and Jeanna Turner who were selling raffle tickets and pin badges, Diane Lelliot and Tony Banks who were selling all the white elephant goods and Leslie Warner who was running the tombola. Thanks also to Frances Banks and Anna Staples who ran the book stall, Ken Saxby who was greeting everyone as they arrived and Jean, Alison and Alan Mayes who ensured that everyone’s refreshments needs were satisfied. Martin Burke was also on hand to set out the tables and assist everyone. Thanks also go to those members who were able to donate goods to sell at the fair. We made a healthy profit of just under £400 slightly down on the previous year. The biggest money spinners were the tombola (£87.50), the refreshments (£76.45) and commission from the craft stalls (£65.00). Stuart Banks
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 4 Registered Charity No 207076
LAMORBEY PARK - INCLUDING THE GLADE
Lamorbey Park has its origins in medieval times but a house was first built here in around 1495 by Thomas Sparrow or Lamienby, the deputy Reeve of the manor of Bexley. The next house on the site, built by Sparrow’s daughter and spouse was called Lamienby - Goldwell from which the name Lamorbey is derived. The present house and grounds date from the 1800’s with many of the trees dating from this period. The house became a hotel from 1910-1946 and an adult education college until the 1980’s with the buildings now used by the Rose Bruford College. The grounds were made smaller by the re-siting of Sidcup Golf Course (from Sidcup Place) which was then itself halved in the 1950’s with the construction of Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School and Hurstmere School, giving the park its present size of around 57 hectares. The present nine-hole golf course is bisected by the River Shuttle which supplies two lakes and a marshy area within the course boundary. The Shuttle Riverway skirts the course between Burnt Oak Lane and Penhill Road, passing through Dene Wood and along the river for a short way. Within Lamorbey Park, the area known as The Glade includes the main lake, at one time a swimming pool. The lake has been naturalised in the last twenty years and supports several fish species including eels. Water vole tracks have been discovered. Around the lake many species of native and introduced tree and shrub are well established, many being, hundreds of years old and a couple of areas of untended scrub exist around the south of The Glade and in the private grounds. The Dell is a small sunken area, much loved by young sledgers in winter, which was formerly an attractive floral display and a collection of evergreen shrubs. The Pine Walk forms the old drive to the house from Halfway Street and is, as the name suggests, dominated by pines. Being a small patch, Lamorbey Park does not have an impressively large amount of wildlife but my research has unearthed around 105 species of bird. I have personally recorded 85 species myself, all seen in the last four years (although I have been visiting longer!). In terms of breeding birds, the lake supports mallard, moorhen, coot, Canada geese and since 2010 Egyptian geese with great crested grebe usually breeding but not in 2013. Around 30 species breed away from the water including, for the first time, in 2013, jackdaw. The common garden and woodland species breed here including good numbers of goldcrests and coal tits and single pairs of nuthatch and treecreeper but sadly migrant breeders are few with just chiffchaff and blackcap confirmed this year. Kingfishers breed along the Shuttle, possibly within the patch boundaries and are seen all year round. Tawny owl and sparrowhawk are probably breeders and stock dove is another recent addition. Passage migrants include wheatear, willow and garden warbler, lesser and common whitethroat (both past and potential breeders) common tern, meadow pipit, hobby, spotted flycatcher (another former breeder), swallow and house martin with flyover buzzards and peregrines recorded in most months. Winter visitors include little grebe, little egret, redwing, fieldfare, siskin, lesser redpoll, snipe, firecrest (last two winters) and occasional rarities for “the patch” such as waxwing, goosander and reed bunting. The area has had its share of oddities too, a male pheasant in 2012 near Burnt Oak Lane, lesser white-fronted, bean and bar headed geese, wood duck and, perhaps the oddest of all, a Bahamas pintail have all been recorded and I have had reports of barn owl and bittern from non-birders. Other wildlife include introduced great crested newts and marsh frogs with the more usual common frogs and toads, several bat species including possible noctule, plenty of insects including southern hawker dragonfly and green hairstreak butterfly and the usual urban mammals. Lamorbey Park is situated 5 minutes from Sidcup rail station and the main access points are along Hurst Road (both served by 229 bus), Halfway Street opposite the sorting office (51, 229, 286) and Burnt Oak Lane by the Youth Club/College entrance. Limited parking is available in the area for free but the Sidcup Leisure Centre has a fee paying car park. The Shuttle Riverway skirts the northern part of the park. Disabled access to this is not great but the rest of the park has a tarmac path. There are no facilities within the park but plenty just outside where you just might see another bird flying around if you look up. With thanks to IAN STEWART. If you have a local patch you would like to write about please forward your article by JUNE for the next edition.
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 5 Registered Charity No 207076
ROOSTS IN BEXLEY
I was alerted by Steve Carter that whilst waiting for the coach for the group’s trip to Blashford Lakes he observed 20 pied wagtails leaving a tree in Bexleyheath Market Square. I followed this up in the late afternoon of 22 November and counted a staggering 292 birds arriving – first alighting onto the adjacent roofs (Carpetright/Barclays). Then as darkness began to fall they moved into the scarlet oak, next to the brightly illuminated Christmas tree despite all the activity of the adjacent bus queues, hundreds of shoppers and hundreds of students just feet away. On the 25 November there were 245 arriving at the roost. On 1 December another observer counted 166. On 9 December I made a return visit and noted small flocks of birds in the air, approaching the tree but not landing. I moved for a different angle only to find a sparrow hawk perched at the top centre of the tree and acting aggressively to any approaching wagtail. Not surprisingly I saw only 36 brave birds enter, mostly in twilight. Perhaps the raptor had left unnoticed. On 11 December only 21 birds entered – the roost had clearly moved, but to where? I checked the area on a few subsequent evenings to no avail. Whilst I’d been watching this roost, Ian Stewart had noted at the Ruxley Tesco Supermarket, pied wagtails were leaving a prominent silver birch in the morning. On 3 December I braved the cold and rain and the hundreds of shoppers to see how many wagtails might enter the roost adjacent to the car park entrance. As darkness fell, birds began to settle on the supermarket roof – I recorded 161 moving from the roof to the tree – it was too dark to see if any remained on the roof. So there are at least two pied wagtail roosts in the Borough. A small house sparrow roost had been reported building up in the bushes adjacent to the Family Proceedings Court/Sainsbury Car Park Bexleyheath with 35 on 1 October. However, it wasn’t until walking to Bexleyheath Broadway to view the wagtails that I noted the fabulous chirruping of house sparrows in those bushes. I also noted these birds had arrived at their roost earlier than the wagtails so I took up a position with my trusty clicker and began counting. On 22 November 186 birds entered the roost but only 72 on the 25th. At the same time scaffolding was being erected around the building but on 19 December there were still 72 birds present. Other probable house sparrow roosts include one in Perry Street of around 45 birds and also by Gravel Hill School though it is possible this could be a pre-roost to the Broadway roost. Ian Stewart has had up to 50 sparrows in his garden hedges. He also noted c200 sparrows flying west over York Avenue on 7 October. Starlings are famous for their roosts but we don’t seem to have located a specific site yet though 580 gathered at Thames Road Wetland on 1 December and over a 160 at Perry Street Farm on 14 November but where the final roost was we have yet to establish. The Hither Green Cemetery roost of ring-necked parakeets is well known and can number anything between 2,500 and 5,500 depending on season but these birds also form pre-roosts. 216 were seen leaving Bursted Woods on 2 October and in Danson Park there were 290 on 10 October, 495 on 30 October and 292 on 18 November. There were also 278 in The Glade on 31 November. In addition around 1000 were seen flying over York Avenue on 17 September and 182 over Hall Place on 1 October. Were these all heading to Hither Green? These roosting sites, particularly those for house sparrows are important habitats in themselves and sparrow hawks apart, should be treasured and nurtured like any other special habitat. Any information would be very much appreciated and followed up.
Ralph Todd
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 6 Registered Charity No 207076
COACH TRIP REPORTS
Minsmere RSPB Reserve - 20 October 2013 This is a tricky time of year for predicting what birds are going to be around but decisions on venues have to be made many months in advance and Minsmere can usually provide a variety of species. The weather forecast for the day threatened a lot of rain but we managed to dodge the two heavy showers which came early on. The group that accompanied me was taken to the North Hide which offered only quite distant views of a variety of ducks and waders so we found our way out onto the North Wall which cuts through the large reed beds. Part way along the path a squeal from the reeds on the left betrayed the presence of a water rail and almost immediately Stuart Banks, our RSPB Group Leader, spotted another water rail to the right, lurking at the foot of the reeds but giving good views to all. Reaching the dunes behind the beach we had a look out to sea and found the waves seemingly devoid of bird life but a small flock of ducks flying from the north drew our attention to more ducks among the waves which, in classic style, were only visible as they rode over the crests. This is a situation that I find very frustrating but our eventual identification of scoters mixed with wigeon was confirmed later by others. The East Hide offered some good birds, in particularly a group of handsome black tailed godwits busily wading and feeding. Many ducks were in eclipse plumage, so size and shape was as important as colour in trying to sort them out. Turning right at The Sluice we scanned the grazing land to the south, looking for the shrike that had been reported in that area, but we could only find mute swans and geese, including a number of barnacles. Is it me or are barnacle geese turning up more frequently and in a greater variety of locations these days? Heading back inland we went to the South Hide where we had a bite to eat and added green sandpiper to our list before following a side path into the reed beds where a small brownish bird fed on the path. Though we had plenty of opportunity to study its plumage we remained slightly puzzled having gone through various possibilities but wondered if it might have been a twite. Stuart managed to get some good photos with a view to sorting it out later so we didn’t worry too much. On our way to the Island Mere Hide we paused to watch a score of red dragonflies perching on a wooden bench, presumably attracted by the heat, while countless more flew in the sunshine over the tree fringed grass behind - really quite special. A number of marsh harriers and some great white egrets were studied from the Island Mere Hide before we headed back to the visitor centre for a very welcome drink prior to boarding our coach for a relaxed drive back. All in all we had another successful day. Leader Tony Banks
Blashford Lakes, Hampshire Wildlife Trust - 17 November 2013 Apart from a couple of late cancellations the coach was well filled for our trip to this reserve just a little north of Ringwood. Happily the rain kept away for the day but I’m afraid the recent mild weather may have accounted for the non-appearance of the bramblings that had been such a feature of our previous visit here. The reserve’s hides aren’t too big but as usual our party split into smaller groups so we managed to fit in quite comfortably to survey the birds on offer. The Woodland Hide offered some very close views of nuthatches among the finches and tits on the feeders. Spilt seed also attracted a very cute bank vole which scurried about on the ground below to the delight of those who saw it. The Ivy South and the Ivy North Hides were visited in turn and a good selection of birds was observed including goldeneye and a yellow legged gull which stood on a piece of timber so that we could check its leg coloration. The green sandpipers were a little less cooperative here as they patrolled the far banks but all managed to “scope” at least one of them.
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 7 Registered Charity No 207076
Between hides we located a flock of siskins in the tree tops as is quite usual, and Diane Lelliot again used her undoubted skills to find a tree creeper. Lunch for our group was taken in and around the Education Centre where both the coffee machine and the bird feeders were busy. During the afternoon we crossed the road and found our way to the Tern Hide in search of goosanders, a number of which we found sitting on the bank of Ibsley Water. Both males and females were present and they gave an excellent show of their walking (shuffling) and swimming skills at quite close range, which in my experience at least is pretty rare. All in all it was a good dry day with a few special birds to boot. Leader - Tony Banks
WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire - Sunday 19 January 2014 Sometimes we can manage without bothering to think why things are the way they are. With rain and flooding in the news every day we managed to pick a sunny day to travel to Gloucestershire, to the first reserve of the Wildfowl Trust (now the WWT). I didn’t waste time thinking why it was sunny I just enjoyed brilliant views of thousands of birds. Of course there are times when it is good to ask why? If someone identifies a bird for you it’s good to ask “why?” because that’s one of the ways in which we learn, and if you carry a bird guide then get it out and check that you can see why. At this point I have to confess to leading some of our group astray with a dunlin that I had convinced myself was a little stint, and only when it was joined by three of its mates did I realize my mistake. We did get onto the stint, with the assistance of an obviously better birder, but it made me think hard. In my defence I do try to make sure that our group gets to see as many birds as possible, but that’s no excuse for cutting corners. A recurring problem during our visit was having too many birds to look at, but some definitely stood out from the crowd including the cranes which were seen flying, preening, feeding, and from the Holden Tower hide, “dancing” as a part of their courtship display. Golden plover flocks were huge, as were the lapwing flocks, and they both made an impressive site, on the ground and wheeling through the air, lit to perfection. It was also nice to have really close views of many wildfowl which are usually unapproachable, even if it was through the windows of the Peng observatory. These birds included the Bewick’s swans that were a feature of Peter Scott’s studies, and which visit in good numbers each winter. Out on the Severn big flocks of roosting birds included barnacle geese, but these were very distant views even with a telescope. Common birds like greenfinch, goldfinch and great spotted woodpecker made a lovely sight on the feeders outside the Kingfisher hide, and close by at the Zeiss hide a water rail finished off our day in style thanks to Harry Halstead. I am pretty sure all enjoyed their day and special thanks must go to our driver Len (L.S. Travel) who whisked us there and back through the traffic, in relaxed fashion, as usual. Leader - Tony Banks
15% discount at Cotswold The national chain of stores selling outdoor clothing, footwear and camping equipment are still offering a 15% discount to members of our Group at all their outlets. Our nearest Cotswold store is at Nugents Shopping Park, Cray Avenue, Orpington – about 300 yards from St Mary Cray Station. The full 15% discount is only available to Bexley Local Group RSPB members quoting Account number AF-BRSPB-D5. If you say you are an RSPB member you will only receive 10% discount. You may also order by phone (Tel. 01689 885560) or online at www.cotswoldoutdoor.com We have specimen catalogues for you to browse at indoor meetings. The level of discount offered depends on the amount of sales against our account number during the year, so do consider taking advantage but DO NOT PASS IT ON TO NON BEXLEY MEMBERS.
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 8 Registered Charity No 207076
A QUESTION OF CROWS………. My garden has started to become a scene from the Alfred Hitchcock film, The Birds! Over the past few months, I have noticed an influx of these black and menacing-looking birds in large numbers, often seen hunched up and sitting in groups of six or more on the tops of chimneys and tree tops, crowing and squawking. Their gathering is more intense in the early morning, when they seem to sit in a line, facing in one direction looking towards an area of very tall poplars on the opposite side of the road. They look like ominous, satanic sentinels on guard, threatening to attack anything that flies their way. Smaller birds dare not go near this coven. With a wing span of 98cm it is a little intimidating to be in my garden if they fancy a visit. The Corvidae family has landed and has driven out the more delicate of the species. With this shift of territorial stake-out, crows have now established a strong hold in my garden, noisily swooping on any unsuspecting creature including the neighbour’s cat. What puzzles me is why they have taken a liking to the surrounding gardens and mine in particular? There used to be a large colony of crows which dominated the poplars in gardens opposite but now seem to have a preference for this side of the road. Perhaps it’s gang warfare? Are they keeping watch on their rivals in the poplars? Do they just like my banana bread on the bird table or will it be ‘murder on the dance floor’? Does anyone have an explanation for this strange behaviour or has it happened in your garden too? Sue Wieck, Longlands, Sidcup. If you have an article that would be of interest please forward it BY JUNE for the next edition.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BEXLEY BIRD REPORT Little egrets are now seen throughout the borough with 11 at Crayford Marshes in September. A great white egret flew over York Avenue in October. Egyptian geese continue to move onto inland waters with young at The Glade and Danson Park. A single dark bellied brent goose was on the Thames in October and a lone barnacle goose was at Hall Place in November and Crossness in December. A female garganey was at The Glade in August and a juvenile was seen at Crossness in September. Shelduck bred at Crossness in July and the highest winter count there was 45 in December. Wigeon returned to Crossness in September with a maximum of 40 at Crayford Marshes in December. Gadwall peaked at 130 in December at Crossness but the first were recorded at Foots Cray Meadows on 12 November and also in Danson Park in December. Teal were seen at Danson Park and Thames Road Wet lands in November. All other records were from the Thames Marshes peaking at 1070 in October. Two shovelers were at Crossness in August peaking at 32 in November and small numbers were at Foots Cray Meadows. Pochards remain the most elusive duck in the borough the only records being at Danson Park in September and November. The first water rail was seen in September at Foots Cray Meadows and Thames Road Wetlands while the Danson Park bird appeared in November. Two red kites were seen over York Avenue in July and a male hen harrier was seen over there in November. Marsh harriers occurred over Crossness in July and Crayford Marshes in August and December. Buzzards are seen occasionally as fly- overs with three over Crayford Marshes in September and single sightings over a number of other locations. A single buzzard in Danson Park in November was, as far as I know, the first record of a perched bird in the borough. Hobbys were seen regularly at Crossness in September while the only breeding records of kestrels are from Bourne Road, Bexley and Crossness. Peregrines bred with three young at one site and possibly at a second. Little ringed plovers probably bred on the Thames Marshes as young were seen. Ringed plovers bred at Crossness with juveniles seen in July and a peak of 35 at Crayford Marshes in October. Two golden plover were seen at Crayford Marshes in August with numbers building up to 213 in November, whilst there was a lone grey plover here in December and lapwing numbers peaked at circa 1000 in December. A single little
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 9 Registered Charity No 207076 stint was at Crayford Marshes in October whilst curlew sandpipers were recorded at Crossness in September and Crayford Marshes in October. The highest count of dunlins was 1400 at Crayford Marshes in December. Snipe is a secretive bird with a maximum of six at Crayford Marshes and seven at Crossness in September. Black-tailed godwits peaked at 300+ on Crayford Marshes in November whilst bar-tailed godwits are much rarer with one at Crossness and three at Crayford Marshes in August. The only whimbrel records were at Crossness in July and August. A spotted redshank is wintering on the Thames foreshore again. Greenshank passage began in July and peaked at ten on Crayford Marshes in September. Green sandpipers have been seen from July until December on the marshes together with common sandpipers which were seen in December. One of the main highlights was the adult Bonaparte’s gull at Crossness in July whilst Mediterranean gulls were recorded in July on passage at Crossness and a little gull was there in July. The floods saw black- headed gulls at inland sites with 692 at Hall Place in December. Yellow - legged gulls were at Crayford Marshes in July, August and September and Crossness in July whilst the only inland record was from Danson Park in September. There was only one record of a Caspian gull at Crossness in October. There were four records of sandwich terns from Crossness from August to October whilst August was the peak month for common terns with 100+ at Crayford Marshes. Black terns were seen in August at Crossness and Crayford Marshes. There was only one record of a cuckoo, seen at Crayford Marshes in July and a nightjar was seen over Bexley flying towards Bexleyheath. The little owls remain at Crayford Marshes and tawny owls were heard at Ruxley, Hillview Cemetery and York Avenue. A barn owl was seen at Crayford Marshes in December. The only confirmed breeding of a kingfisher was on the River Cray though individuals were seen on other sites. Danson Park seems to be the only site where green woodpeckers are regularly recorded. The marshes remain the stronghold for skylarks peaking at Crossness with 15 in December. The last sand martins were seen in September, whilst swallows left later in the month but the last was in October. House martin movement was in mid - September with over 200 at Crossness and The Glade with many hundreds over York Avenue. The marshes are the prime location for meadow pipits with 40+ at Crayford Marshes in October whilst the first rock pipit was seen at Crayford in October. There were only two records of yellow wagtails both at Crossness but grey wagtails continued to do well being seen at Foots Cray Meadows, Bexley Woods and Crossness. There was one record of a redstart from Chalk Wood in September and two of black redstarts one in October by Chalk Wood and the other on the Thames Footpath in December. Whinchats were seen from August till October on the marshes whilst stonechats were seen there from September until the end of the year. Wheatears were noted from September until October. Eight mistle thrushes were seen at Foots Cray Meadows in July but winter thrushes have been much lower this winter. The first fieldfares were at The Glade and the first redwings over York Avenue in October. Fieldfares peaked at 82 at Crossness in December whilst 500+ redwings were seen over York Avenue in October. Cetti’s warblers are now a regular feature of the marshes and also present at Thames Road Wetland. The last record for sedge warbler was at Thames Road Wetland in August whilst that for reed warblers was at Crayford Marshes in September. The last dates for other warblers were lesser whitethroat in August, common whitethroat in September both at Crayford Marshes and willow warblers at Crossness in September. Blackcaps and chiffchaffs are now regular overwintering birds. Treecreepers are most elusive but one was seen twice at Foots Cray Meadows in July. A single brambling was seen in York Avenue in October and two flew over there in November whilst goldfinches peaked at Crayford Marshes in October. The first siskins were seen in October in Foots Cray Meadows where lesser red polls were recorded in November and December. Linnets have been confined to the marshes with a peak of 45 at Crayford Marshes in July. Crossbills were only seen as fly overs at Bexleyheath and Sidcup. Reed buntings were seen at Crossness but peaked at eight in December on Crayford Marshes whilst this site has the only records for corn buntings. With thanks to Ralph Todd. For a full transcript of his report please see the Bexley RSPB web-site or The Greener Bexley web-site.
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 10 Registered Charity No 207076
NEWS FROM THE NORTH KENT MARSHES JANUARY 2014 The winter so far has been mild and the heavy rainfall is welcome to us, wetting the marshes as we desire for the wintering waders and wildfowl. None of our reserves suffered from the extremes of flooding that impacted some parts of the county. Following our best year ever for breeding lapwing we are keen to see the reserves retain their good condition to build on those numbers this spring. A new electric fence was installed at Shorne Marshes and this will keep foxes away from nesting lapwing and redshank. Electric fences are expensive and highly labour intensive to install and this has been a significant accomplishment for the reserve. The reserve is now also benefitting from last year’s work to improve the hydrology and the view from Shorne Fort is currently one of a shimmering wetland habitat. A dark cloud hangs over the marshes however, since an option to build a new Thames crossing through Shorne remains on the table. Last autumn the government ruled-out the Swanscombe Peninsula, giving a green light to the Paramount Pictures theme park. Option C, a tunnel or a bridge around the area of Shorne is the most expensive and environmentally damaging but would create potential regeneration in North Kent that Option A, centred on the existing Dartford crossing, will not. The RSPB continues to receive material to infill the pools at Cliffe Pools, and 16,000 cubic meters of appropriate dredged sediment were flumed into Flamingo Pool last autumn. This immediately attracted 10,000 dunlin onto the reserve to feed on the new shallows which begs an interesting question – are dunlin using a sense of smell to locate ideal feeding habitat? In general birds have little or no sense of smell, so how did the largest number of dunlin ever recorded at the reserve congregate on the site within two days of the opportunity presenting its self? Cliffe Pools just keeps on surprising us. Last winter 10,000 black-tailed godwits arrived on the reserve out of the blue, (nearly a third of the UK wintering population.) So far this year their numbers have been low (90), but in their stead 720 shoveler were present on 5 January. This total is four times the threshold for national significance and double that of the international threshold. The largest single congregation was 460 on Flamingo Pool. A new livestock fence at Cliffe will allow us to manage grazing to improve new areas for breeding waders. At Northward Hill the new scrapes attracted breeding avocet to the reserve for the first time and in good numbers. From Gordon’s Hide I saw three ruffs last autumn and a resident kingfisher also likes to perch there. We will be providing a branch of encouragement. Bringing birds closer to people was precisely our intention and we are indebted to Gordon Allison’s family for making this possible. Work is ongoing to blend the hide and its approaches into the landscape. With the help of the Thursday volunteers a considerable amount of ride widening has continued in the wood, this lets the light back in and improves the variety of vegetation, invertebrates and therefore the quality of habitat for birds. Following a routine inspection by our Buildings Manager the old barns were identified as unsafe. Removal of the barns was the most cost-effective solution and this happened just before the severe gales that would likely have brought them down the following week! We liaised with Natural England regarding the badger sett, which was not disturbed, and we installed four new owl boxes, one in the walnut tree next to the barns, which was immediately taken up by the owls. The patch was then rabbit proofed with a new fence and a cover crop for turtle doves sown. Over Christmas, the large store of hay adjacent to the area was set alight and required six fire appliances to extinguish it. The hay is vital to keep the livestock fed whilst they are housed and can't be out on the marsh during the winter. The new fence and field was damaged by tractors hastily moving bales out of harms way. We hope something of the crop will come through. Breeding turtle doves have diminished across the region and last year the only pair on an RSPB site was at Lydden Valley – great news for that new project near Sandwich. In the future, the hay will be stored in the farmyard. Bird ringing continued at Northward Hill throughout the year as part of scientific monitoring and a monthly public event. BTO volunteers Roger Kiddie and Andrew Harris (plus others) will continue with this project in 2014 – check the Northward Hill website for dates. Firecrest was an autumn highlight and new for the
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 11 Registered Charity No 207076 reserve. There were six common redpoll (from Scandinavia), and a chiffchaff was ringed on New Year’s Eve! In east Kent, Great Bells Farm enjoyed an excellent breeding season with lapwing on the site throughout the year in numbers that the former arable land would never have sustained. The RSPB was pleased that Lodge Hill, on the Hoo Peninsula, was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England (NE) due to the presence of more than 1% of the UK breeding population of nightingales and also rare grassland. This followed many years of work with the BTO, Wildlife Trust and N.E. Medway Council subsequently withdrew their Core Strategy that targeted the site for the development of 5,000 homes. The site is owned by the MOD and the RSPB will continue to monitor very closely the proposed future of the site. In June the Davies Commission visited RSPB Northward Hill on a fact-finding tour ahead of their interim report on aviation, which was published just before Christmas. The RSPB welcomed the decision against floating airports in the Thames estuary and that Lord Foster’s proposal for the Isle of Grain was not short- listed, but the latter was not ruled out either. The commission will look at the detail of the Foster proposal and decide whether to shortlist it in the autumn. Rolf Williams – Communications Officer – Kent For a complete version of this report please see the Bexley RSPB web-site.
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Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 12 Registered Charity No 207076
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EVENTS
Coach trips leave promptly from outside Bexleyheath Library in Townley Road. Please bring suitable clothes and footwear for the expected weather conditions bearing in mind that some destinations will have limited shelter. In most cases it will be necessary to bring food and drink for the day. If in any doubt call the trip leader for information. Once at the venue you are free to do your "own thing" but the leader will be pleased to guide you for all or part of the day and help with bird identification. Beginners to bird watching are especially welcome and sharing of telescopes as well as knowledge is always in evidence. Equipment may be available on loan for the day. (Please call to check). Non-RSPB members are welcome on all trips but a small entrance charge may apply at RSPB reserves. We reserve the right to change the destination of coach trips at short notice because of circumstances beyond our control. Car Trips are open to all, and beginners are especially welcome. Equipment may be available on loan. If the weather is inclement and the trip looks doubtful please ring the named leader to check if it is on. Children and Grandchildren? Although our Group does not have a children’s section we do welcome accompanied young people at all of our events, and half fares are available for under 16’s on our coach trips. Some of the venues for our field trips can be challenging, particularly in the winter, but we can advise on the suitability of each. If you are in any doubt contact the trip leader named in the programme. Indoor Meetings - All meetings are held at Hurstmere School, Hurst Road, Sidcup beginning at 7:45p.m. There is plenty of car-parking space within the school grounds and the 229 bus stops nearby. Doors usually open at 7:15p.m. As well as enjoying the illustrated talk you may purchase raffle tickets, seeds and nuts and book coach trips. At present we maintain a small RSPB sales stall with cards etc. and RSPB goods may be ordered, saving the postage and packing charge. The atmosphere is friendly and informal with an opportunity to exchange information and seek advice both before the talk and during the interval with tea and biscuits. Admission charges – RSPB Member - £3.50 Non-Member - £4.50 Under 16’s - 50p. Mobility Impaired Access - As a Group we welcome people of all abilities to our events. At some venues however facilities may be basic or non-existent and access may be difficult or impossible for those who are mobility impaired. If you require further information please call the trip leader. Working Parties - Working parties usually take place on the North Kent RSPB reserves, (mainly Northward Hill) and provide an opportunity to do some worthwhile practical conservation work whilst gaining an insight into the workings of a reserve and some healthy exercise! “Rough” clothes and stout footwear are advised due to the nature of the work. Tools, and instruction in their use, will be provided. The tasks usually run from 9:00 until 12:00 so you may want to bring a drink and snack. Our usual meeting place is the field car park at Northward Hill. From the A289 take the first road on the left for High Halstow and then turn right at the Red Dog pub. After about half a mile turn left into Clinch Street, which leads into Decoy Hill. The car park is at the bottom of the hill, on the left. For further information and to confirm the meeting place call Bob Parker on 01322 665849
Please Note - IF YOU RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST EVENT IN THE PROGRAMME PLEASE ACCEPT OUR APOLOGIES. WE RELY ON VOLUNTEERS FOR DISTRIBUTION AND CANNOT THEREFORE GUARANTEE DELIVERY WITHIN SET TIME-SCALES. (The Committee)
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 13 Registered Charity No 207076
Thursday 13 March 2014 Danson Park 09:30 - 12:00 A local bird walk that is suitable for beginners exploring the lake and its surrounding parkland. Meet at the stables car park. Leader – Ralph Todd
Friday 14 March 2014 Dungeness RSPB Reserve – Its Birds and Its wildlife Heather Chantler Heather was a primary school teacher before she joined the RSPB in 2001. Based at Dungeness, Heather is the lifelong learning education officer for Dungeness RSPB and Child, Safety and Welfare Officer for the SE region.
Saturday 15 March 2014 Dungeness RSPB Reserve, Kent 09:45 - 14:45 This reserve can be relied upon to provide interesting birds at all times of the year and in March we may see lingering winter visitors like smew, as well as early summer migrants like sand martins, wheatear and little ringed plovers. Meet in the car park by the visitor centre (toilets, shop and hot drinks) access to which is off the Lydd to Dungeness road. Leader – Ralph Todd
Tuesday 25 March 2014 Foots Cray Meadows 9:30 - 12:00 A local bird walk that is suitable for beginners visiting the River Cray and the surrounding meadows. Meet in Leafield Lane. Leader – Ralph Todd
Friday 11 April 2014 Bulgaria – A Birder and Botanists Dream Ann Scott Until her retirement, Ann was employed by the RSPB as a Senior Wildlife Advisor. She has travelled widely in both Britain and abroad. Ann makes a welcome return to share her experiences of the diverse wildlife of Bulgaria.
Saturday 19 April 2014 Oare Marsh, K.W.T Reserve, Nr Faversham ME13 0QA 09:30 - 13:30 With spring migration underway we will be looking for more unusual waders like whimbrel, sandpipers and stints around the pools, while birds like reed warbler, lapwing and redshank get into breeding mode. Meet in the car park at the far end of Church Road, Oare. Leader – George Kalli
Friday 9 May 2014 AGM and Social Evening
Sunday 18 May 2014 Pagham Harbour RSPB Reserve, Sussex 8:00 - 19:00 A spring/summer visit here is a change for our group and we would hope to find a variety of birds including waders and ducks in the harbour and on the sea, with (hopefully) breeding little terns and ringed plovers on the shingle. The reed beds, scrub and fields bordering the harbour are regular haunts of smaller birds like bearded tits and linnets while buzzards usually appear at some time during the day. Leader – George Kalli
Sunday 22 June 2014 Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk 07:30 - 19:15 Being a flagship RSPB reserve with a fantastic range of habitats and facilities for visitors Minsmere has become a regular venue for our trips especially in summer with bitterns and marsh harriers in the reed beds plus waders, ducks and gulls breeding on the scrape. Leader – Ralph Todd
Friday 12 September 2014 Wings over the Reeds David Garner David has worked as a voluntary warden on a National Nature Reserve near to his home in Cambridgeshire. His talk will give us a general introduction to some of the birds, both common and not so common, at Woodwalton Fen NNR and a brief look at the Great Fen Project.
Saturday 20 September 2014 Oare Marshes KWT Resreve, Nr. Faversham, Kent 09:00 - 13:00 No apologies for returning to Oare during what we hope will be another interesting migration period. Quite often close views of small waders like stints are possible even from the roadside here so this is a site that all local birders should be familiar with. Meet at the reserve car park by the Watch House at the end of Harty Ferry Road. Leader – Ralph Todd
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 14 Registered Charity No 207076
Friday 10 October 2014 Wild Turkey - Birds, Butterflies, Mammals and Flora Martin Davies Martin is the RSPB Head of International Funding Development. Although a zoologist by training, he is an all round naturalist and photographer. The talk is not about the American bird or the Bourbon Whiskey, but a survey of the astonishing diverse wildlife on this bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa.
Saturday 25 October 2014 Titchfield Haven NNR, Hampshire 07:30 - 19:00 This can be a tricky time of year for birders when we are between seasons, but Titchfield should offer some interesting birds both on and off the reserve which is located by the Solent. Past visits have featured some rarities but a variety of gulls, waders, ducks, geese and raptors should definitely be on offer. There are excellent facilities here including hides and a very good café. Group Admission £3.50 (£1.95 kids) Leader – TBC
Friday 14 November 2014 Wildlife of East Sussex Ian Rumley-Dawson Ian is one of our popular speakers. He is a widely travelled and experienced lecturer who has been actively involved with the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and the Sussex Wildlife Trust. His talk tonight will cover the birds, wildlife and nature reserves of his home county.
Sunday 16 November 2014 Snettisham RSPB Reserve Norfolk 07:30 - 19:00 Snettisham is located on the eastern shore of the Wash, an area of sea and sand that plays host to huge numbers of waders and wildfowl during the winter. With a bit of luck we will find interesting birds on both sides of the sea-wall as the fresh water pools, overlooked by some hides, are often visited by ducks like goldeneye and scaup, and roosting waders. Please be aware that this reserve has very limited facilities and group members will need to bring all refreshments they require for the day. Also shelter is very limited so warm, and properly waterproof clothing is a basic requirement. Many areas along the east coast, including Snettisham, have suffered damage during recent storm-surges so our visit will only be finally confirmed much closer to the date Leader – Tony Banks
Friday 12 December 2014 Birds of the North Norfolk Coastal Path Jonathan Forgham Jonathan is a retired primary school teacher and an enthusiastic ornithologist. He returns tonight to show us the birds he has encountered on the North Norfolk Coastal Path.
Saturday 20 December 2014 Rainham Marshes RSPB Reserve 09:45 - 13:45 Rainham Marshes, our nearest RSPB reserve, has interesting birds to offer at any time of the year but December is a great time for geese and ducks (with or without stuffing), small birds on the feeders, and perhaps a peregrine falcon hunting its own Christmas lunch. Meet in the reserve car park accessed from New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, Essex. Leader – Ralph Todd
Sunday 18 January 2015 Cley NWT Reserve, Norfolk 07:30 - 19:15 The Cley Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve is in an ideal position to attract a good variety of waders and wildfowl. The pools and marshes are a short walk from the very good visitor centre which overlooks them. The beach is just a little further, giving us the chance of eiders, scoters, mergansers and divers on the sea. Good visitor facilities including food, charge for admission for non-members (approx. £5) Many areas along the east coast, including Cley, have suffered damage during recent storm-surges so our visit will only be finally confirmed much closer to the date. Leader – TBC
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 15 Registered Charity No 207076
COACH TRIP BOOKING FORM
Formal applications for the autumn/winter trips will be accepted from 1 March. Please call Diane Lelliot on 020 8850 9705 to check availability before posting - 1) A completed form (photocopy page to avoid spoiling your newsletter) or letter with full details 2) A cheque (made payable to RSPB Bexley Local Group). No Place is Confirmed Without Payment 3) A stamped & addressed envelope for the return of tickets to:- Diane Lelliot, 51 Holbeach Gardens, Sidcup, DA15 8QW. Please send me tickets for the following coach trips - (Under 16’s go Half Price!)
Sunday 18 May 2014 Pagham Harbour, Sussex ( ) Tickets @ £16 Sunday 22 June 2014 Minsmere, RSPB, Suffolk ( ) Tickets @ £16 Saturday 25 October 2014 Titchfield Haven, NNR, Hampshire ( ) Tickets @ £17 Sunday 16 November 2014 Snettisham, RSPB, Norfolk ( ) Tickets @ £17 Sunday 18 January 2015 Cley, NWT, Norfolk ( ) Tickets @ £17
(Please note – The fare increase to £17 from October. A small supplement might be applied if costs rise significantly)
Names – OF ALL PASSENGERS please Total - £
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Address.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Post Code……………………………Tel.………………………………………………………………………….
200 CLUB We have raised nearly £3000 for the benefit of the North Kent Reserves. To date we have 127 members. Thank you so much to those who have helped raise this money. The draw takes place every month at our indoor meeting and the winners are published in our newsletter and on the website. If you would like to support this worthy cause please complete the form below and return it to me, the promoter: Sandra Sheppard, 4 Dorset Avenue, Welling, Kent DA16 2PX ------Cut------Bexley Local RSPB Group 200 Club Application for New Members
Name……………………………………………………………………………………………………......
Address...………………………………………………………………………………...Post Code……………….
I wish to apply for ( ) entry/entries to the RSPB Bexley Local Group 200 Club and enclose my cheque for £ (£12 or a multiple thereof).
Cheques should be made payable to RSPB Bexley Local Group.
Signed……………………………………..Date ……………………………………………………………...... ------Cut------
(Complete both forms fully in BLOCK CAPITALS please) The RSPB Bexley Local Group would like to keep your details to send you further information about group activities and the work of the RSPB. If you want to amend or update your details or you do not want us to use them in the way stated please contact me at the above address.
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members 16 Registered Charity No 207076
200 Club Winners Christmas Draw Winners 2013 September 2013 1st £200 26016 Mrs S. Turner-Brown 1st John Turner, 2nd G P Phillips, 3rd Martin Burke 2nd £100 20787 Mrs D Black October 2013 3rd £50 27582 Mr T Minns st nd 1 Stuart Banks, 2 Frances Banks, 4th £50 09156 Mr S.Banks rd 3 Trevor Rafter 5th £10 29151 R.Shone November 2013 th st nd 6 £10 09831 Mrs Saker 1 Mrs E M Wraight, 2 Mrs J Needham, th rd 7 £10 09106 Mr R.Jackson-Jones 3 Bernard Leahy 8th £10 18491 Mrs Wallace December 2013 th st nd 9 £10 14227 Mr Taylor 1 Mrs Jean Mayes, 2 Michael Everett, 3rd Jonathan Rooks Congratulations to all our winners. January 2014 1st Mrs R Davies, 2nd Raymond Scott, 3rd Eric Brown Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this a successful fundraising event.
Group Contact Details
Group Leader Campaigns Organiser - Martin Burke Membership - Stuart Banks Tel 07886785470 [email protected] Tel 0208 8547251 Mobile 07791473569 [email protected] 200 Club Promoter - Sandra Sheppard Tel 0208 3037463 Treasurer - Alan Mayes (from 1/4/14) [email protected] and Newsletter Records Mobile 07922255133 Working Party Organiser - Bob Parker Tel 01322 665849 Mobile 07974309775 Minutes Secretary - Rosemarie McLavy Tel 01322 401564 Draw Promoter & Coach Seat Bookings - [email protected] Diane Lelliot Tel 0208 8509705
Group Sales Organiser – Linda Blackett Non-committee volunteers and Pin Badge Box Coordinator Tel 01322 435339 Peanuts & Seeds - Jackie Tappenden [email protected] Tel 0208 3046306 Mobile 07963 188269
Field Trip and Coach Bookings Organiser - Newsletter Production - Steve Ansell Vacancy Tel 01322 275955
Fairs Organiser - Vacancy Trip Leaders - George Kalli Tel 0208 854 8385 Indoor Meeting Organiser - Vacancy Tony Banks Tel 0208 8593518
Newsletter Editor & Newsletter Distribution - S/E London & North Kent RSPB Rep. - John Turner Ralph Todd Tel 01322 528335 Tel 0208 3038930 [email protected] [email protected]
Membership of the Bexley Local Group is automatic for RSPB Members