a North West Surrey Local Group million voices for nature newsletter

Web site: www.nwsurreyrspb.org.uk Winter 2010 Group Leaders: Dave and Mary Braddock Newsletter Editor: Peter Hambrook (For contact details please see the last page of this newsletter)

Leaders’ Spot

Hello All,

I expect like me you are trying to walk off the excesses of the recent celebrations. Now that winter is truly here there is nothing better than a brisk walk on a sunny, frosty morning or better still why not come and join us on one of our friendly weekend or mid-week outdoor meetings?

It seems to be a Waxwing year with hundreds of these gems around the country. Have you seen any yet? The berry trees at your local supermarket car park are a good place to start.

The ash cloud is now, hopefully, a fast fading memory and I fully expect our group trip to Spain this spring to go ahead albeit a year later than originally planned. The summer and early autumn was sadly dominated by the BP oil spill. Forget the politics of who is to blame because we are all guilty. We all use oil in its various forms and guises. The Brown Pelican has in recent times been removed from the Endangered Species List, now because of the oil spill it looks like it will be going back on it. Mary and myself saw loads of these fantastic birds fishing when we went to Florida a few years ago - just shows how fragile the planet is and it does not take a lot to unbalance it.

From now on the cutbacks planned by the government in the autumn will be starting to take effect. We are not sure fully how this will affect the RSPB but with over 315,000 Letter to the Future signatures we are a resilient bunch. An upside to the economic woes is that the proposed River Severn tidal barrage has been shelved (hopefully for good) due to the cost. Now we are just waiting for the outcome of the enquiry into the proposed Lydd Airport development which is due in a few weeks. Hopefully a similar outcome will be the result.

As a small group, the Committee is always looking at ways to reduce costs and to make sure we do things in a cost effective way so that more money can be sent off to the RSPB. Our biggest outgoings are indoor speakers, postage and newsletter printing. Speaker fees have rocketed in the last few years, mainly due to fuel costs. Several of our members have sponsored or part sponsored one of our evening talks which helps massively to keep the costs down. Are you able to help in this way? Another member picks up the uncollected newsletters and posts them himself to save us spending money on postage.

Now, due to the electronic age, it is possible for you to receive the newsletter either by email or by us putting it on the website for you to download. Quite a few members have opted to receive the newsletter this way which is very encouraging as this will reduce printing costs substantially. If you are happy to opt in this way please send me a current email address and I will add it to the e-newsletter database and when we go live with it I will let you know.

We have been very pro-active doing various events and activities since I last wrote, raising funds and memberships for the RSPB and gaining memberships for our group as well - more inside. Dave Braddock

WELCOME!

A very warm welcome to the following new group member: Julia Jones (Pyrford).

Also welcome back to former members who have now re-joined: Ann Wood (Addlestone); Margaret Binstead (Addlestone); Judith Carratu (East Molesey)

We look forward to meeting you at our indoor and outdoor events.

To help you decide ….. Further to Dave‟s comments above about an electronic version of the newsletter on the web site, we expect it to be in colour, both in general presentation and for the photos. Because of the need to scroll down, we will use a single column format here which is easier to read on screen but will extend the newsletter by a couple of pages.

The email version will be more restrained but with photos in colour and basically as you see it in this edition. It will be in *.pdf format to keep the size to around 1Mb, so you will need Adobe Reader to view it. This is available online as a free download and we will provide a link either in the email or on the web site, or probably both. It will be either 14 or 16 pages in length as normal. You will be able to print this if required, whereas the web version would use a lot of ink for the coloured areas if printed. Peter Hambrook

Local Group News

Recent Outings Witley Common and Farlington Marshes, Sunday 27th June 2010 An early start found four of the group arriving at the Devils Punchbowl, Hindhead at 06.40. The aim was to try and track down the elusive Wood Warbler, before meeting the group at Witley for the official start at 09.30. Heading down into the woodland we could hear Chaffinch, Wren and Chiffchaff singing all around us. Great and Blue Tit were present in good numbers while several Song Thrush could be seen along the path. Nuthatch appeared to be everywhere with at least six birds being seen. These appeared to be in pairs and were seen chasing each other through the trees.

As I mentioned, the target species here was the Wood Warbler but unfortunately the bird remained elusive, with only a couple of snatches of song being heard. Birds of note that we did see were a single Spotted Flycatcher, a juvenile Tawny Owl and a pair of Firecrests. Returning to the cars at 08.40 we moved on to Witley Commons arriving just before 09.00. Parking in the Witley Centre Car Park, it is worth noting that this area is in fact split into two equally sized commons. Milford Common is on one side of the Witley Centre (back along the entrance road and out on to the common) and Witley Common is on the other side.

The intention was to only cover the Witley Common end but unfortunately during the walk I took a wrong turn and we ended up covering Milford Common as well – oops!! Anyway, it was a pleasant walk and in the end did not overly extend the planned time visiting the site. Birds, as is so often the case on Surrey‟s Commons, can be difficult to find and today was to be no exception. However, we managed good views of Nuthatch, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Whilst a small number of Swift were spotted overhead and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie and Stock Dove were seen in flight. Arriving back at the cars, half of the group headed for home – to watch a world cup football match involving England and Germany, whilst the rest of us headed for our final stop – Farlington Marshes.

Farlington is an under watched site that over the years has produced a good number of rarer species including Spotted Crake, Wilson‟s Phalarope and, on several occasions, Wryneck. We were not expecting anything rare today but just a good mix of waders, gulls, terns and warblers. The first action on reaching Farlington was to have lunch. This was a pleasant affair and very welcome, especially to those that had visited the Punchbowl. After lunch we headed off on the circular route around the sea wall to see what was to be found. Reaching the first fresh water pool, we scanned the assembled waders which included Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank. Reed and Sedge Warbler could be seen in the reeds on the water‟s edge and Swallow were in the air overhead.

Moving on, Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Greenfinch flitted around us whilst Common and Sandwich Tern were seen over the reserve. Reaching the halfway point we spotted a very sad looking Brent Goose (must have heard how the football was going!) which did not look too healthy. Scanning the rocky islands out in the bay we could see Little Egret, Curlew and Cormorant. A gull flying overhead gave a very distinctive call and immediately we got onto a full summer plumaged Mediterranean Gull. This was quickly joined by another and then two more. Following their flight we saw them land on one of the rocky islands amongst approximately a dozen other adult birds. Are they breeding at Farlington? This we could not answer as no youngsters could be seen but what are breeding on these rocky islands are Little Tern. I have never seen Little Tern at Farlington before but over 40 adult terns were on one island and at least two young terns could be seen being fed by their parents.

Continuing on back towards the cars, we added Whitethroat, Swift, Common Sandpiper and Reed Bunting to our growing list. At around 17.00 we reached the cars and set of for home – a good days birding, with over 65 species seen throughout the day Frank Clark

Fingringhoe Wick and Abberton Reservoir, Sunday 18th July 2010 Both these sites are in Essex and have not been visited by the group for some time. In fact, I had not visited Fingringhoe Wick before and was looking forward to the visit. Thanks to Geoff Allen for assisting me in getting the group around the reserve. Fingringhoe Wick is only four miles south of Colchester and was formally gravel pits adjacent to the River Colne. However, gravel extraction has not happened for many years and the reserve, run by the Essex Wildlife Trust, has been transformed to a site with very varied habitat. Scrub covers much of the reserve and in spring is home to good numbers of breeding Nightingale. A fresh water lake compliments the scrubby areas and the River Colne, particularly at low tide, provides habitat for feeding waders and waterfowl.

Arriving at the site at 09.20, we registered at the visitors centre and then set of onto the reserve. The lake on the left of the path contained Coot with youngsters, Moorhen, Mallard, Little Grebe and a single female Tufted Duck with two small chicks. RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 2 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 Green Woodpecker, Whitethroat and Turtle Dove were seen as we continued down the path towards the River Colne. The tide was out and the exposed mud held excellent numbers of Curlew, Redshank, Black-Tailed Godwit, Avocet and Shelduck. On the way to visit the first of the hides, we added Bullfinch to our list, with Reed Warbler, Little Egret and Linnet following them onto the list from the hide itself. The second hide added Lapwing, Whimbrel and Cormorant. Finally on the way back to the cars, we picked up 2 singing male Chiffchaff. We decided to have lunch in the pleasant surroundings of Fingringhoe Wick before leaving at 13.00 to visit Abberton Reservoir.

Abberton reservoir is a large reservoir south of Colchester, about six miles west of Fingringhoe Wick. It covers an area of 1240 acres and is largely concrete banked. However, this is all changing as work is underway to deepen the reservoir. The concrete banks are being removed and the area around is being hollowed out with new banks being built further back to create the larger reservoir. What long term effect this will have on the birdlife is uncertain – the deeper water may drive away many of the ducks that are found here in winter, particularly the dabbling species. However what is clear, is that in the short term the disruption is considerable. The water level is low and around the visitor centre, which I believe will disappear under water when the new reservoir is filled, the hide and many of the trees have been removed. As a result our visit to the centre was cut short as the area was almost bird-less.

We then moved onto the two causeways that cross over the southern end of the reservoir. Here the area is less disturbed and Coot (1250+), Moorhen, Gadwall (200+), Mallard, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Pochard and Red-Crested Pochard (2) were present. With the lower water level, exposed mud provided feeding areas for waders. These included Little Egret, Black-tailed Godwit (200+), Lapwing (39), Greenshank (3), Oystercatcher (3), Wood Sandpiper (1), Green Sandpiper (1), Common Sandpiper (1) and Little Ringed Plover (3). Other notable birds were Mute Swan and Cormorant. I hear you asking why? Well there were over 200 Mute Swan present and Cormorant numbers were counted at approximately 223. This is a low number for Cormorant as I have recorded over 600 birds at this site before – which actually was one of the first sites in the UK to record Cormorants breeding in trees.

At 16.30 we returned to the cars and headed for home. In total we recorded 43 species at Fingringhoe Wick and 45 species at Abberton Reservoir. Thanks for the good company, to those of you who attended this day trip. Frank Clark

Mid-week Walk at Staines Reservoirs,Thursday 12th August 2010 Weather: Cool and overcast with a moderate NW wind. 20C Some nine of us, all group members this time, attended and soon headed up the sloping path to the causeway that bisects the reservoirs. On reaching the top, a scan of the nearby banks revealed a group of three common sandpipers but nothing else of note nearby. However, way out on the south basin a surprisingly large group of probably 100+ swifts was hawking insects low over the water, accompanied by a similar number of swallows, although these were more scattered, sometimes coming close to us. One or two house martins could also be identified as they flashed their white rumps.

As we started to walk towards the western end of the causeway some of us had a brief view of a wheatear as it flew away from us along the water‟s edge, while a scan of both basins revealed a large number of cormorants, tufted ducks and coots. Scattered amongst them were a few pochards, gadwalls, mallards and great crested grebes but no sign of the black-necked grebes. We eventually picked up three of these distantly on the north basin, along with a little grebe. On the south basin, meanwhile, Graham had found a juvenile black tern and several common terns and we also found a juvenile little gull, while the path ahead was overrun with pied wagtails, which had obviously enjoyed a good breeding season. It was at about this point that we were all woken up by Graham‟s shout of „peregrine!‟, rapidly amended to „No - hobby‟ as one of these small falcons shot past us no more than thirty feet away in hot pursuit of a swift. Very dramatic! We eventually found two hobbys and after enthralling us with several close passes they conveniently landed on a nearby pylon for inspection, when we could see that one appeared less dark, slightly brownish, so was possibly a youngster. Now at the western end, we scanned the shore for waders but only found a couple of lapwings, a few eclipse plumage shovelers, a single Arctic tern, picked out by Geoff, and juvenile black-headed gulls. However we did find another black-necked grebe and this one eventually came within about a hundred yards of us, allowing close study of its well-moulted neck feathers, just displaying a hint of the breeding plumage of orange and gold. Another interesting addition at this end of the reservoir was the most enormous tern raft that I have ever seen, roughly 20 feet by 10 feet. This hasn‟t been used this season as it was still moored close in to the bank but should provide plenty of accommodation next summer – if the black-headed gulls and cormorants don‟t take it over.

Heading back to the car park, we were again diverted by a hobby, this time flying past about 20 feet away carrying what appeared to be a swift that, sadly, wasn‟t going to make it to Africa. The final spectacle of the day was, however, reserved for the cormorants, a flock of 107 of which flew along the eastern edge of the reservoir. This is probably the highest number of this species that I have seen in the air together. Peter Hambrook Rye Harbour , Sunday 22nd August 2010 Situated in East Sussex this reserve is run by the East Sussex County Council and is designated a SSSI. A large shingle beach guards a number of water filled pits, areas of marsh and some scattered woodland. There are now five hides situated around the reserve, which are easy to reach on the flat well laid out paths.

The group which consisted of 15 members met in the reserve car park at 09.30. Setting off in the light rain, which was to remain with us for most of the day, we walked down the east side of the reserve. This is generally a productive part of the reserve as the marshes and scrapes around the wader pools, to the right of the path are usually bustling with waders, whilst the river side can be good for wagtails and smaller migrants. Today RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 3 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 was no exception and on the scrapes, shingle areas and river side we managed to see Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Sanderling and nine Little Stints. These small waders, which are smaller than a Dunlin, are passage migrants. They have a shorter, straighter bill than the Dunlin and generally have blackish legs. During passage the Rye Harbour reserve is as good a place as any to find this delicate wader. In this area we also had the first of our 37 Yellow Wagtails, 11 Wheatear, a single Whinchat and countless Linnet.

As we turned right to walk along the beach path we had several winter-plumaged Sandwich Terns fly over our heads in the direction of the tern pool. As the sky darkened again for another shower, we quickly headed for the new hide that looked over a previously difficult to view pool. A large wader that we had seen fly over us earlier was still present on the pool as we entered the hide and we were able to identify it as a Greenshank. Other than two further Greenshank and a few Mallard there was not much to see on this pool so we walked over to the first hide that overlooks the Ternery Pool. The usual ducks including Tufted Duck, Mallard and Pochard were present, as were a number of noisy Little Grebes. This was to be our lunch stop and a chance to dry off a bit, whilst continuing our watch on the east side of the Ternery pool. We added Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Shelduck, Whimbrel and our one and only Redshank to our list – very unusual for this species as over a hundred are usually present at this time of year.

After lunch, we headed to the Tern Hide on the north of the Ternery Pool. As we reached the hide, the heavens opened again with some extremely heavy rain and the few stragglers at the back of the group got very wet – I wasn‟t laughing honestly!! Scanning the group of assembled terns on the small islands we picked up 20+ Common Terns, four Sandwich Terns and a juvenile Little Tern that was being feed every so often by a pair of adults. It was at this point that Dave and I simultaneously picked out a tern that was slightly different. It was an adult bird that was the same size as the Common Tern but this one had a much whiter underside – the accompanying Common Tern were showing varying elements of grey on their undersides. It also had a white forehead with a black bill, bright red legs and showed very dark carpal bars on the wings. Putting all this together, we agreed that this was a winter plumage Roseate Tern. Terns were coming and going throughout our time in the hide and in total we had four Roseate Terns on the ground at the same time, a good number for one of our rarer tern species. Another bird of interest from this hide was a Spotted Redshank that was moulting from its dark summer plumage into its much greyer winter plumage. Leaving the hide, I had planned to carry on to Long Pit and then continue to Castle water. However, at this point the group decided to split up. A number of the more hardy members of our group did continue on the planned route but several very wet and uncomfortable members of the group wished to go back to the cars and proceed home. Being one of the drivers, I joined the group going back to the cars. However, we did have one more stop on route and that was to have a quick look at what was on the beach / sea. Several Curlew were present amongst the other waders on the beach and we picked out a third year Caspian Gull amongst the Herring & Lesser Black-Backed Gulls. Returning to the cars, we added Lapwing and Grey Heron on the wader scrapes, reaching the cars around 15.30 and heading home.

What of the other part of the group? They managed to stay dry as no more rain fell whilst they were out!! In addition they added an eclipse male / female Garganey to their list. In total we managed a total of around 60 species for the day.

Thanks to all who attended and made it a pleasant but slightly wet walk. Frank Clark

Mid-week Walk at the London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Wednesday 15th September 2010. Weather: Dry but overcast with a cool westerly wind. 20C Having battled through some unusually heavy traffic, 13 of us made it to Barnes, hoping to see some migrants passing through. As normal we made our way towards the Peacock Tower first, via the other hides en route. At this stage some of the party were tempted away to watch Alan Titchmarsh open a new area of wildflower garden - even managing to have a brief chat with him I understand.

As it was still quite early in the autumn there weren‟t too many wildfowl present with shoveler numbers being highest, reported as over 90, and also around 16 wigeon. There were also small numbers of gadwall, mallard and tufted duck. Snipe were found on the main lake and on the wader scrape with nine being reported and lapwings were also quite numerous. A single ringed plover was also on the scrape.

Numerous house martins were hunting around the Peacock Tower and they were joined by one or two swallows and sand martins. While watching a young green woodpecker on the marsh a brightly coloured passerine was noticed in bushes nearby and this proved to be a male whinchat – my first for the year. It was very distant but we were able to get better views later from the Wildside hide. Other sightings during the morning were of several migrant/southern hawker and ruddy darter dragonflies.

After a leisurely lunch, those of us that decided to stay on headed through the collection birds to the Wildside but without adding much of interest, although a little grebe did give close views. Electing to return to the Centre via the „Summer Route‟, we weaved our way past the numerous small pools but they were surprisingly empty of birds with just the occasional coot, moorhen or tufty being seen. Nearing the Centre once again we passed the pen holding the smew and goldeneye and it was interesting to see them in „eclipse‟ plumage, with all the normally handsome drake smews looking like females or young and the male goldeneyes also sporting a gingery head with the green feathers starting to break through and the white cheek patch also just starting to reappear.

All in all a pleasant stroll round with only the whinchat of real note. We left at around 15:30 hoping for an easier journey home before the rush hour started. Peter Hambrook RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 4 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654

Portland Bill & Radipole Lake, Sunday 26th September 2010 Portland is a long limestone island that sticks out approximately five miles into the English Channel. Joined to the mainland by Chesil Beach, the island has a good mix of habitats, including steep cliff faces, quarries, ancient field systems and areas of dense scrub. Located in Dorset, this is probably the furthest day trip that I have put on our monthly programme and as a result, I was not sure what the attendance would be like. Fortunately a good weather forecast saw 17 of us meet in the Bill Car Park at 09.30. In fact a number of the group were there earlier, as some had decided to make a weekend of it and had spent the Saturday night in local hotels. Others, including ourselves, had left at the crack of sparrows.

Walking to the Bill lighthouse, a number of the group were wrapped up in woolly gloves and hats as a strongish wind was blowing from the north, making it feel quite cold. Wind, when sea watching, is generally good but unfortunately today, it was blowing the wrong way. For good sea watching at the Bill you really need the wind blowing from the south. This pushes the seabirds closer to shore making them easier to see and more importantly, to identify. Sea birds of interest included Razorbill, Guillemot, Shag, a couple of Cormorants, Gannet, a few Common Scoter and a distant Great Skua (Bonxie).

What was to be the main talking point was the number of small passerine birds that were observed coming ashore, against the wind. These included Pied Wagtails and an occasional Rock Pipit, not so unexpected at this time of year. However, what was most surprising and equally puzzling was the number of summer migrants coming ashore. The majority of these birds were Swallows (over 30 birds) but at least two Chiffchaff were also seen making landfall. If it had been early April, you would have expected this. However, in late September, with the wind blowing the right way, these birds should have been migrating south and not travelling north!! Theories included bad weather ahead and the birds had turned around before going too far or confused juvenile birds. However, the most likely explanation was that the birds had been moving west to east, planning to make the shortest water crossing possible between England and France, say around the Kent coast. Having been pushed out to sea by the strong wind, they were moving back ashore to continue their journey east.

After approximately an hour, we had a quick coffee break to allow the group to warm up and then we headed off around the surrounding fields. The fields, hedges and scrub can hold an amazing number of migrants at times. In the spring it is often the first land fall and in autumn it is generally the last chance to feed before heading south. Today there was nothing of great note but we found Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Whinchat and an unidentified large warbler that was seen only very briefly in flight, as it whizzed over our heads – never to be seen again. With good numbers of smaller birds, raptors are generally not far behind and we saw Peregrine (juvenile bird), Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. On the way back to the cars, we passed the bird observatory and the little quarry to the right of the lighthouse and gardens. This has in the past been a good location for a favourite bird of mine, the Little Owl. I was looking at the main quarry face, when Peter who was standing next to me called Little Owl. Looking at where Peter was pointing, the bird was actually in the lowest part of the quarry but showing very well against the mud face. It was now time to get back to the cars and have a spot of lunch, with some of us heading to the café for the obligatory Dorset Apple Cake (warm) with a large helping of clotted cream – yum but not good for the figure!!

After lunch, our next stop was Radipole Lake RSPB reserve, where we arrived at 14.00. Found in the heart of Weymouth, the reserve is almost completely surrounded by the town. A former estuary of the River Wey, the tidal influence disappeared with the building of the Westham Bridge at the southern end of the reserve. Habitat within the reserve includes shallow lagoons, reedbeds and rough meadows. Birds found here include the usual duck species and various waders including Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin. The star bird found on this reserve is the Cetti‟s Warbler. An elusive bird with a loud explosive call, this is generally considered to be one of the better sites for actually seeing them, with some of the group managing to do just that.

The last bird of interest was an escapee that is never going to reach these shores on its own volition. The fact that one wing was clipped was also a certain giveaway. The bird was an Australian Shelduck!! An attractive bird in its own right, it was nice to see but definitely not tickable. Heading home, we popped into Lodmoor RSPB reserve for an hour, adding Little Egret, Spoonbill, Greenshank and Common Sandpiper to our day list of nearly 70 species. Thanks to all those that made the effort to attend this outing. Frank Clark Mid-week Walk at Dorney Wetlands, Thursday 7th October 2010 Weather: Beautiful day – fine, sunny and calm 18C Ten of us made the trip to the Jubilee River, just west of Eton on a perfect day of unlimited visibility, which was all the more appreciated following the persistent wet weather of the previous few days. The rain had resulted in rather high water levels and thus little room for any waders, so even lapwing were not present but there were plenty of other delights.

Shortly after leaving the car park we found a large group of mute swans, mainly adults, with a few dominant individuals trying to clear „their‟ stretch of water but with no hope of success. We were also treated to several take-offs, landings and fly-bys at close range by this most elegant of birds. Shame that as none of us had a camera! A kingfisher put in a very brief appearance, which most of us missed, several water rails could be heard squealing from cover and our friend from last year, the presumed escaped ferruginous duck, was seen in the same area as before. A grey wagtail was also seen flying past by a few of the group and a Cetti‟s warbler and a chiffchaff were heard. As we came to the first of the bridges we noticed several jays shuttling to and fro, stocking up their larders for the winter, and we were to see many more during the morning. RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 5 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 There were quite few ducks around and gadwall, tufted, mallard and pochard were all noted, as were several little grebes and great crested grebes, a few cormorants, greylag and Canada geese and the usual coots and moorhens. Some of the group also had skylark here.

Crossing this first bridge we followed a path between a hawthorn and bramble hedge on one side and one of the areas planted up with native trees and shrubs on the other. There were plenty of berries here and it will no doubt be good for thrushes later in the year. We also saw red admiral, peacock and small copper butterflies in this vicinity. Moving on, we climbed the small hill that gives superb views through 360o from Windsor Castle and Eton College in the east, past Bracknell to the south, Maidenhead to the west and the M4 and suburbs of Slough to the north. Nestling (if that is the right term) next to the motorway is the sewage works at Slough and although a bit distant we could see a group of shovelers and some teal there, while Geoff managed to somehow pick out a snipe at extreme range. Having been scanning the skies for some time in the hope of finding the local red kites (and misidentifying a grey heron as such briefly!) we eventually picked one up fairly close, incongruously flying in front of some factory chimneys, and also a kestrel. A pair of sparrowhawks were involved in what appeared to be some sort of pair bonding close to the M4, circling together, with a singleton nearby. It was educational to see the size difference between the large female and the much smaller male. Amazingly we then spotted another pair doing the same thing over towards Eton - five sparrowhawks in about ten minutes. A distant red kite heading towards Windsor was possibly the same bird as earlier. Several great spotted woodpeckers were in this area, including two flying together, plus a green woodpecker and several fairly distant small birds including meadow pipits, goldfinches and linnets. We were just about to leave when we noticed a buzzard heading towards us and we were treated to close views of this dark-phase individual as it flew over only a hundred feet or so above us.

Crossing the river again by the second bridge we paused briefly to check out the gulls with Geoff picking up a single common gull amongst the black-headed flock and another kestrel gave us a close demonstration of its hovering skills while Ray and I cursed our lack of cameras! Having had a most enjoyable morning, we headed back to the cars, with some of us then heading for the nearby „Walled Garden‟ garden centre for some lunch in the café, which was enjoyed outside - although we had to make sure that we didn‟t sit under the horse chestnuts which would shed the odd conker or two from time to time! For us the birding had not quite finished - as a we returned to the car park to leave we heard a buzzard calling and were treated to another low fly past, following which our attention was drawn to a chiffchaff and a party of long-tailed tits flying between nearby trees. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable morning and a much needed boost to the spirits after the recent grey skies and rain. Peter Hambrook Titchfield Haven and Farlington Marshes, Sunday 31st October 2010. Led by Geoff Allen. Weather: Overcast with some light rain showers, winds from the north but mild. Titchfield Haven is a good mixture of fresh water lakes, woodland and open areas. It has long been a favourite of the North West Surrey Group and can be very productive. I arrived at the site with Dennis and Mick at the early hour of 7.30. This was intended as we like to get a bit of sea watching in. There were Turnstones flying back and forth, Brent Geese (sadly no Black Brants), Redshank, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Little Egret and a couple of Mediterranean Gulls. The rest of the group, a total of 12, started to arrive just after 9.00 and by 9.30 we were ready to start the day‟s bird watching. We spent about half an hour on the beach adding nothing more to the list but making sure everyone got on to the Mediterranean Gulls. We then booked into the reserve. The second feeding station has been improved by the introduction of a large pool, and, for those new to bird watching, a plastic(?) woodpecker nailed to one of the posts (unknown species). We reached the first hide in light rain to find the lake nearly devoid of any birds, just two mallards. However, we did not have long to wait before a few more duck turned up, plus a moorhen and then a sparrowhawk flew past and a Water Rail put in a brief appearance but, best of all, a Kingfisher was found sitting in the reeds, then slowly got closer giving us splendid views. We moved off to the second hide where we had a good view of the first of the days Common Buzzards, this one sitting on a post. Apart from a few Canada geese and Barnacles there was little else to see so we moved off to the third hide, encountering a mixed flock of tits en route. When we got to the hide it was again quiet just adding Black-tailed Godwits, Pheasant and a flock of mixed gulls. On checking the time, decisions had to be made as to whether we go round to the other side or let Alan be fed. Feeding Alan won.

After lunch we had a talk and decided to move off to Farlington Marshes. Despite a bit of a struggle we managed to get all the cars parked legally and, as we were about 30 minutes before the scheduled time in the programme, we scanned the exposed mud before eventually setting off. The tide was well out as we walked to the first scrape where we found Mallard, Teal, Water Rail, Snipe and Wigeon. On the mud there were Avocet, Grey Plover, Little Grebe and Curlew. We moved off at a leisurely pace for a change and reached the corner where we came across our second Common Buzzard in the fields with Canada Geese and a couple of white geese, which could have been confused with Snow Geese but were, in fact, of the farmyard variety. A little further on Ron picked up what was probably the bird of the day - a Short-Eared Owl. This gave us all very good views both near and far and stayed hunting for longer than we had time to stay, and was enjoyed by all in the group. We reluctantly moved off and at the next corner, by the Farlington Marsh sign, Peter picked up a Peregrine Falcon sitting on a post, which Diane (poppet) got her tongue tied around and called it a „Teragrine‟. There were also Red-breasted Mergansers on the sea plus a large flock of Dunlin flying around, also many Brent Geese but yet again I could find no Black Brant. Not being Frank I failed to count them but then it was more leisurely. At this point Neil and Ron left us to make their way home while the rest of us carried on round the marshes. Just before the return track we found a Ruddy Shelduck. This was presumably the bird that had been reported on the Saturday in Portsmouth. We then headed off to the information shack to look at the notice board, but had seen most of what was on there and as the light was by now beginning to fade we moved off to the cars. A good day, if a little wet, but 60 species for the day is good. Thanks to all who turned up, your company was much appreciated. Geoff Allen RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 6 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 Mid-week Walk at Riverside Park Burpham, Tuesday 9th November 2010 Weather: Cool and windy with some light rain for a time. 10C A select group of nine of us braved the threatened rain for the walk around this small area squeezed between the busy A3 and the Wey Navigations. After a heavy overnight downpour it was distinctly squishy underfoot but nothing that walking boots couldn‟t handle.

We firstly headed for the Wey Navigations and scanned the fields opposite for pipits, geese and anything else that cared to show itself. There was quite a bit of flooding in this low-lying area and we picked up several ducks, including wigeon and teal flying in, as well as a small flock of Canada geese headed by two greylags, and made a note to take a closer look on the way back.

Moving on, we took the boardwalk up towards the lake, encountering a green woodpecker and a jay en route. A large group of tufted duck were the main occupants of the lake, together with a few coot, mallard and several mute swans. Two of the immature swans came out of the water hoping for food and proved to be not quite as mute as their name suggests, uttering several low calls of exasperation when they realised we had come without any goodies for them. This was a call that I cannot recall hearing before. While we were having this interaction with the swans we spotted three Egyptian geese lurking on the island.

Heading towards the Wey across the open grassland we spotted a further green woodpecker and a roe deer but with no luck on the hoped for water pipit, however we did see a few fieldfares and what were probably migrant blackbirds – young males with black beaks. As we approached the lock we became aware of a large group of pied wagtails sitting on wires and in bushes adjacent to the sewage works, with around 20 seen, together with a few chaffinches and black-headed gulls. We thought we were going to miss out on grey wagtail but Les spotted one on a low branch and we all had good views when it flew over to a water outfall pipe. Making our way back along the canal towpath, we had hoped for siskins in the alders but it was probably a little early in the winter, however Les spotted a goldcrest hovering around a pine tree‟s branches and most got at least a glimpse of this species, which has been a bit scarce since the hard winter. There were also a number of long-tailed tits in the same area. A distant flock of what appeared to be finches drew our attention to a hovering kestrel and large groups of starlings were also evident.

Moving back towards the car park, we stayed on the tow path this time to get a better view across the flooded fields. There we found good numbers of wigeon, teal, mallard, Canada geese and black-headed gulls as well as a couple of lesser black-backed gulls and further Egyptian geese. Another grey wagtail was seen by the weir and the final birds of the morning were a great-spotted woodpecker and a mixed flock of blue tits, great tits and chaffinches that had decided to gather in a bush on the edge of the allotments. Thanks to all for their company and braving the less than ideal conditions. Peter Hambrook Pulborough Brooks RSPB Reserve, Sunday 28th November 2010 Found in the Arun Valley in Sussex, this RSPB Reserve was established in 1989. Since conception, this 170-ha reserve has become one of the most important wetland reserves in southern England. By managing the water levels and controlling the grazing, using Highland cattle, the wet grassland is now home to many species of breeding and wintering birds. Add to this, areas of drier grassland, hedgerows and deciduous woodland and you have a site that is worth a visit at any time of year. Key species throughout the year include breeding Nightingales, Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat (in the summer months). Huge numbers of waterfowl including Bewick‟s Swan in the winter, with resident species including Marsh Tit, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (very rare), Bullfinch and Yellowhammer.

It was a cold, crisp, frosty morning as 13 of our group arrived on site for the 09.30 meet, in the car park adjacent to the well-equipped visitors centre (with its nice warm café – more of that later)!! As the group assembled, a small number of us scanned the reserve from the car park. From this quick scan, it became quite apparent that much of the open water was actually frozen – not much good for the wildfowl we had come to see. However, it was also very noticeable that there was a very large number of black Fallow deer on the reserve. Amongst the trees in the car park, we were able to watch a small flock of Lesser Redpoll feeding actively on the seed heads of the Birch and Alder trees. A small winter finch, approximately the size of a Blue Tit, this acrobatic bird is always a pleasure to see.

Checking in to the reserve and having a quick watch by the feeders in front of the visitors centre, the number of small birds moving around between the trees and feeders was incredibly high. Numbers counted in this small area included 14 Great Tits, 22 Blue Tits and five Robins. Add to this Blackbird, Nuthatch, Marsh Tit and Chaffinch and you get an idea of just how many birds there were relying on the feeders to keep them alive in this early winter cold spell. Beginning our walk around the two mile circular footpath that takes in two view points and four hides, this reserve is one that always seems to change each time you visit and today I noticed that work had been carried out to thicken the hedgerow on the east side of the reserve, whilst I personally recorded House Sparrow on the reserve for the first time.

Arriving at the Jupp‟s Viewpoint / Nettley‟s Hide area, the small patch of ice free open water held good numbers of Teal and Wigeon interspersed with smaller numbers of Shoveler, Mallard and Pintail. Black-tailed Godwit and a solitary Green Sandpiper were also trying to take advantage of the open water, feeding at the edges of the ice. At the back of the reserve a large mixed flock of Canada Geese, Greylag Geese and five Barnacle Geese (origin unknown) were being watched closely by a very hungry and cold looking fox. You could almost see its thought processes – which one could I catch for lunch?? The final birds of interest in this area were a fly-past by four Common Snipe. Moving on to the Hanger View Point, we had good views of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Fieldfare, Redwing, a distant Buzzard and a solitary Dunlin. Continuing on around the reserve, we added Grey Heron to our list as well as a pair of fleeing Bullfinches, which disappeared rapidly over a hedge in front of us - the prominent white rump being the key identification feature for this species. Arriving back at the car park, it was time for lunch. This was a leisurely affair, with some of the less hardy sneaking off to the café for soup and coffee!! RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 7 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 The afternoon began with a walk around the newest part of the reserve, where the RSPB have begun restoring the heathland, adjacent to the main car park. Unfortunately, birds were noticeable by their absence in this part of the reserve but we did add Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Wren and Treecreeper to our list. Returning to the car park, we headed off to Greatham Bridge to see if there were any Bewick‟s Swan in the surrounding fields and to also watch out for the resident Barn Owl. Arriving at the bridge it was evident that bird life was negligible, as the whole area was frozen solid. It was also only 14.15 at this point and too early for any self- respecting Barn Owl. With the frozen water and fields, I did not see the point in going for the planned walk and decided that maybe we should call it a day. At this point a large raptor was seen pursuing a small wader. This turned out to be a Peregrine chasing a Snipe!! What followed was an amazing life and death chase. Just as we thought the snipe was a goner, it twisted out of the way of the Peregrine‟s talons and shot off in another direction. This continued for over five minutes, with the Snipe evading capture at least eight times. As both birds circled higher and higher, the Snipe seemed to understand that if it kept above the Peregrine, it could avoid the talons. However, as it disappeared from view, the chances of the tiring Snipe avoiding the inevitable were not good.

At this point half the group departed for home and the other half, including myself, set off for the warm café at Pulborough for hot drinks and cake!! This was only to kill some time until we could come back to the bridge to look for the Barn Owl! After a pleasant Hot Chocolate and Lemon Drizzle Cake, we did return to the bridge but the Barn Owl decided not to show. Never mind. Thanks to all those that made the effort to attend this outing on such a cold day. Frank Clark Recent Indoor Meetings Not everyone can make all our indoor meetings so these brief summaries will give you a feel for those that you missed. Reports are by Brian Shreeve unless otherwise stated.

Ethiopia : its landscapes, people and wildlife by Martin Davies. Wednesday 22nd September 2010 If anyone needed persuading that they should visit Ethiopia for its wildlife then this illuminating presentation by the former Head of the RSPB‟s International Funding Unit was the way to do it. It is pertinent to mention that Martin is a co-organiser of the British Birdwatching Fair held annually in August at Rutland Water, because profits from this year‟s Birdfair will help to fund research into the status and conservation management of the endangered birds of southern Ethiopia. I suspect that many in the audience were as surprised as I was at the slides showing the diverse nature of this poor country. Landscapes were characterised by high mountain ranges, deserts, forests and hot soda lakes. The lifestyle of the Ethiopian farmer is quite primitive and the problem nowadays, said our speaker, is how to reconcile wildlife conservation with the requirements of the rural population for food and the wood they use as fuel.

And so to the birds. About 1000 species can be found in Ethiopia and photographs included the magnificent lammergeier, paradise flycatcher, pied kingfisher, white-backed vulture, dusky turtle dove and groundscraper thrush. There were raptors such as tawny and steppe eagles and migrants like black kite, black stork and bald ibis. Many species are endemic: thick-billed raven, Abyssinian longclaw, wattled ibis (often seen in flocks of 100 or more) and Prince Ruspoli‟s turaco (the bird pictured on 2010 Birdfair merchandise) for example.

The talk also included shots of the spectacular Blue Nile falls and the 500 year old mud wall paintings in the nearby Coptic monasteries. From the typical African landscape of flat-topped acacias and dry grassland of the Rift Valley Martin showed us some lovely pictures of lilac-breasted and Abyssinian rollers. There were greater and lesser flamingos photographed beside the soda lakes with curlew sandpipers and little stints. Accompanying the fishermen of this region we saw white pelicans and white-breasted cormorants. There were also huge nests of the Hamerkop, and maribou storks with their capacious neck pouches. I remember too malachite and woodland kingfishers (the latter eat insects such as grasshoppers), goliath heron, white-browed sparrow-weaver and a shot of barn swallows massed on telephone wires with a single carmine bee- eater.

Martin is a zoologist and was clearly equally at home with the local mammals as with the birds. He showed us pictures of the endemic Swayne‟s hartebeest, mountain nyala, Gelada baboon (nicknamed the bleeding heart baboon because of the bare red skin areas on its chest), a lesser kudu with an oxpecker on its back, a pretty dik-dik hiding in the bushes and the star of them all, the superb beisa oryx.

Finally, a word about two National Parks mentioned during the talk. In the Awash NP we noted crowned hornbills (acting as beaters for carmine bee-eaters!), Lichtenstein‟s sand grouse and Kori bustard. And in the Bale NP, Rouget‟s rail and white-backed black tit. But best of all perhaps, in this Afro-alpine region, at 14000 feet, on the top of the world as Martin called it, you can see the rare and beautiful Abyssinian wolf. Ethiopia is the only place in which it can be found in all the world. Wonderful.

What’s that raptor? by Keith Offord. Wednesday 27th October 2010 An evening to remember. This was an absolute gem of a talk illustrated with beautiful and at times stunning photographs. The identification of birds of prey can be difficult because, as Keith said, sightings may be brief and distant, calls are infrequent, they are often seen only as silhouettes and overall they are not common. Furthermore, because there is so much variation in plumage, and plumage can look so different at odd angles and in varying lights, the use of colour as an aid to identification should be used with great caution. Some important factors to consider when trying to identify these birds, we were told, include the following: place of sighting (in the west of the country, particularly in forested areas, a bird that at first glance might appear to be a buzzard could be a goshawk); habitat (if it is moorland, it may be a merlin); tail shape (a deeply forked tail suggests a red kite); position (a raptor on a post might be a kestrel or a buzzard but is unlikely to be a sparrowhawk); and whether or not the bird is a colonial breeder (like lesser kestrels), a fast flier with long pointed wings (like a hobby), or very slim-bodied (like a Montagu‟s harrier). Soaring (like a buzzard), hovering (like a kestrel), or stooping (like a peregrine) are also significant markers.

In his interesting and informative overview of our resident and some of the other European raptors, from our smallest falcon (the merlin) to the majestic golden eagle and including the graceful lammergeier, Keith pointed out the field marks which are specific to each individual species. Never rely on the one single picture often found in bird books, he cautioned. Much better to concentrate on shape and demeanour – the “jizz” of the bird - and flight pattern. During Keith‟s presentation I was reminded of the words of wisdom in Collins Bird Guide which is generally considered to be one of the best on the market: “Do not hope for or pretend reliable identification of all birds of prey in the field – ever”. In view RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 8 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 of the difficulties in identifying members of this magnificent group of birds with any confidence, I thought this advice well worth bearing in mind.

Birds and landscapes of Norfolk by Chris Ward. Wednesday 24th November 2010 I suspect that for many people Norfolk is perceived as a rather quiet place tucked away somewhere on the east coast, but for serious birdwatchers it is a county second to none. In addition to the residents and common migrants, the number of rarities recorded here over the years is truly astonishing. The reason, of course, is habitat: the north coast, the Fens, the Wash, Breckland, the Broads, not to mention the many acres of farmland – all together provide a refuge for an incredible variety of species. And although not all these sites were mentioned, it was in this vein that Chris shared his enthusiasm with us for some of the birds and well-known haunts of wildlife to be found in this part of the country. His presentation began with slides of Roydon Common (excellent for birds of prey in winter and nightjars and woodlarks in summer) and then he took us on a virtual journey along the north coast and through the eastern parts of the county before returning to the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust Reserve at Welney. Photographs I enjoyed included skeins of pinkfeet flying in at dawn to feed on sugar beet fields (Snettisham); sanderling and purple sandpiper at Hunstanton; a young spoonbill with its pale yellow bill and bearded tits at Titchwell; Brent geese at Morston; a pectoral sandpiper (Kelling) and the now famous rarity, the white-crowned sparrow at Cley. Many will know that this little bird attracted twitchers from all over the country just over two years ago; what they may not know is that the generosity of those twitchers (they voluntarily donated £6378) has paid for a new stained glass window which overlooks the twitching site and which includes an image of the sparrow in the local church of St Margaret‟s. As might be expected, there were also slides of bitterns (their number in the county has increased from 11 booming males in 2002 to 89 in 2010 we were told), avocets and marsh harriers.

I was very pleased to see that one port of call was Wheatfen Broad owned by the Ted Ellis Trust. The Reserve is a fitting memorial to local naturalist Ted Ellis who died in 1986 after living in a remote cottage here for 40 years and whose work has led to the survival of its rich but fragile ecology. It is a beautiful place where swallowtail butterflies can be seen. Interesting also to learn that the tiny goldcrest pictured at Blakeney was once known locally as the “herring spink” (because of immigrant birds taking refuge on herring boats) or “woodcock pilot”. Another interesting but rather sad fact we were given concerns Pallas‟s warbler and the yellow-breasted bunting; the first recorded British sightings were of birds shot (I believe at Blakeney Point, which was a favourite haunt of Victorian bird collectors) in the 19th century. There were slides of a Dartford warbler feeding its young; snow buntings at Winterton; stone curlews; a spotted crake; a lovely wryneck in the sunlight; whooper and Bewick‟s swans at Welney – I could go on. Suffice to say that the presentation ended with pictures of glorious sunsets, some with beautiful silhouettes (of oystercatchers, for example). In the end we ran out of time, for it was almost 10 o‟clock when Chris finished. Not surprising really, when you consider the wealth of birds and wildlife sites that can be found in this amazing county.

FORTHCOMING OUTDOOR MEETINGS February WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes (finish by 15:30) Tue Mid-morning until mid-afternoon. Winter wildfowl. 8th We will cover about a mile and a half around the site. Meet in car park at 10:00 or at reception at 10:10. GR: TQ 228770. WWT members bring membership card. Sun West Wittering 27th All day by car. Meet at the west end of the car park at East Head at 09:.30. GR: SZ 766984. Winter wildfowl, divers waders and seabirds are all possible. March Wraysbury Gravel Pits Wed Half day trip for winter wildfowl. Meet at 10:00 at Hythe End 9th (cul-de-sac off mini roundabout from M25 Junction 13). GR: TQ 019727. Sun Lee Valley Country Park 27th All day by car. Meet at the Fishers Green car park (end of Stubbins Hall Lane) at 09:30 GR: TL 377031. We will be looking for early migrants, waders, Bittern and waterfowl. April Papercourt Thu Half day by car. Meet at car park south of Newark Bridge 14th (on B367) at 10:00. Looking for breeding birds and the earlier migrants during a roughly three mile walk along the Wey Navigation and by the boating lake GR: TQ 039573. Sat 16t h -- Trip to Extremadura, Spain Sat 23rd Now fully Booked. May Dungeness, ARC Pits & RSPB Reserve Sun A full day by car. We will be looking for migrants and 8th seabirds. Meet at the old lighthouse car park at 09:00 GR: TR 088169. Early risers at “The Patch” at 08:00. Late risers can meet at the ARC Pits car park at 11:00, opposite the entrance to the main reserve, or at the reserve centre in the afternoon meeting at 13:00 GR: TR 062196. Tue Bookham Common 10th Half-day by car for breeding birds and early butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Meet at the Hundred Pound Bridge car park at 10:00, accessed via Cobham (turn at Waitrose junction) and Downside GR: TQ 121567 Sun Lakenheath Fen, Weeting Heath and Wicken Fen 22nd A full day by car. Meet at the reserve car park at 08.30 GR: TL 722864. We will look for Golden Oriole, Hobby and warblers. Then onto Weeting Heath for Stone curlew and Spotted Flycatcher. Time permitting; we will spend the afternoon at Wicken Fen, Britain‟s oldest nature reserve GR: TL 561705.

FORTHCOMING INDOOR EVENTS February WILDLIFE OF THE NORTH DOWNS Wed by Robert Canis 23rd A new lecture by a wildlife expert and Royal Photographic Society gold medallist. March THE WONDERS OF BIRD MIGRATION by John Wed Buckingham 23rd A fascinating talk on one of the great mysteries of the natural world.

RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 9 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 April NEW ZEALAND BIRDS: SEABIRD FEAST, Wed LANDBIRD FAMINE by John Eyre 27th An opportunity to learn about the unique birdlife to be found in this part of the world. May SPRING FAYRE, Shepperton Village Hall 09:00–13:00 Sat Our main fund raising event - helpers wanted! Bric-a- 14th brac, homemade cakes and your spare garden plants are needed. Wed ANIMAL ARCHITECTURE by John Tyler 25th A tribute to the fantastic building skills of creatures great and small.

GROUP ACHIEVEMENTS Recent Events Street Collections 2010 The 10th April and 19th June saw a willing band of volunteers at the Two Rivers Shopping Centre in Staines armed with collecting tins. The weather was kind to us on both days and despite the economic recession we managed to collect £260 and £189 respectively. On the Saturday of our Spring Fayre both Mary and Hannah collected a further £38 in Shepperton High Street, making the total for the year £487.

I would like to thank our team of collectors for this wonderful effort and if anyone else can spare an hour of their time to help, please ring Marion Sharps on 01784 244665 or email [email protected]. Marion Sharps Feed the birds Event Saturday 23rd October saw Simon, Mick, Hannah and myself running the Feed the Birds event at Longacres Garden Centre again. This is one of our favourite venues as we always get a warm and friendly welcome from the management and staff. We managed three new memberships for the RSPB and also raised £115 for RSPB Funds.

Thanks go to Simon for organising the Event, my fellow workers for their help and to the management and staff of Longacres. Dave Braddock.

Email Address Changes Please note new email addresses for Alan and Angela Pugh on last page.

IN THE SOUTH EAST

Dungeness Bird Highlights. August Undoubtedly the biggest bird event of the month was the news that the family of purple herons successfully fledged two chicks. This is the only instance of this species ever having successfully bred in Britain. The first fledgling left the nest on August 3rd with the second following a few days later. The female remained until the 30th of the month but the male and both chicks left the reserve within a few days of fledging.

It is now confirmed that bitterns nested this year within the same Denge Marsh reedbed system as the purple herons. The great white egret also continued its stay. In all 24 species of wader were seen during August with avocet, little stint and wood sandpiper being of particular note, in addition to the previously reported buff-breasted sandpiper. From 22nd onwards common terns passed through in good numbers with a few Sandwich and Arctic terns in attendance. Single black terns were seen on several days with three on 31st.

Passerines on the move towards the end of the month included redstart, whinchat, wheatear, lesser whitethroat, willow warbler, chiffchaff and spotted and pied flycatchers. September Two juvenile red-breasted mergansers appeared in front of the Visitor Centre on the afternoon of 26th and a black-throated diver was found on New Diggings on 28th. By far the most unexpected event, however, was the sudden arrival of a flock of 18 glossy ibis on the afternoon of the 13th, having left their previous home in Devon the same morning. Although a couple of these birds normally visit every year, a flock of this size is unheard of in Britain but they only remained for a few days before heading off again. A juvenile spoonbill was seen on the ARC site on the 28th. Early in the month, two wrynecks were feeding along the paths near Hooker‟s pits and Denge Marsh, allowing some extraordinarily close views to within just a couple of metres. Birds of prey seen in September included an osprey flying over the ARC site on the 15th, a merlin on several days and the odd record of honey buzzard. Sightings of common buzzard also appear to be becoming more regular.

Less common visitors included two pectoral sandpipers seen on the ARC pit late in the month and an aquatic warbler seen briefly in the bushes near the Hanson-ARC hide on 10th. All the main three hirundines were recorded in high numbers throughout the month, particularly sand martins, several thousand being present during the first half. Other migrants moving through in good numbers included yellow wagtail, redstart, whinchat and wheatear and from mid-month chiffchaffs seemed to be everywhere with a maximum of 35 recorded on 17th.

RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 10 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 October Goldfinch, siskin, chaffinch, brambling and redpoll were all recorded in good numbers throughout the month. A peak count of eight passage migrant ring ouzels was made early in the month, being joined later by song thrushes, blackbirds, redwings and fieldfares. The waxwing invasion that began across the country from mid-month did not pass Dungeness by – two birds flew over Burrowes pit on 24th , a single bird flew over the willow trail on the morning of 25th followed by a flock of 20 over Boulderwall Farm later in the day and another two birds were seen on 26th although none actually landed. The most unusual October arrival was a juvenile barred warbler present 2nd - 4th. The first penduline tit of the season was seen on the 23rd.

A rough-legged buzzard was seen on the 13th, while other raptors included peregrines, hobbies, merlins and hen harriers. A single short-eared owl was noted on the 3rd and another was seen on the 7th.. Others of note included a pair of long-tailed skuas and one Arctic on the 6th and two juvenile red-breasted mergansers present for the first week of the month. Bitterns were seen around the Denge Marsh and Hooker‟s pits areas, with the resident summer birds being joined by migrants escaping the colder winters of eastern and northern Europe. The great white egret remained although it was often seen away from Denge Marsh, typically on the islands of Burrowes pit. Gadwall, wigeon, teal, pintail, shoveler and mallard all increased in numbers and the first goldeneye was spotted (14th).

November The rarity highlight of the month was the brief visit by a red-flanked bluetail in the gorse bushes at the end of Dengemarsh Road on Saturday 6th. The first Bewick‟s swans of the season (a flock of 12) were seen at the ARC site on 10th and the long-awaited arrival of the first winter smew finally took place on the 26th November. Two goosanders were seen on Burrowes pit late in the month and up to three black-necked grebes and three bitterns at Denge Marsh.

Water rails were exceptionally vocal during the month, though hard to see. Marsh harriers are now seen in increasingly large numbers on the reserve, with up to six seen together, a sure sign of their increasing success as a breeding bird both on the reserve and in the local area. Four pairs are known to have successfully nested at Dungeness this year, making 2010 the best year since breeding took place for the first time in 2007. Winter is often a good time for seeing birds of prey. Merlin and kestrel occur regularly during the winter and are easy to observe when perched on fence posts or in leafless bushes. Hen harriers and short-eared owls appear occasionally and barn owls can be seen near Boulderwall Farm at dusk.

Goldcrests, firecrests, stonechats and chiffchaffs were seen throughout the month. From mid-month an influx of finches was very noticeable with flocks of goldfinches feeding across the reserve and siskins and redpolls passing overhead. The feeders in the car park almost guaranteed close views of tree sparrows and reed buntings and occasionally winter visitors such as brambling could be seen.

Other wildlife and management news August Bee transects carried out on site revealed two species, Bombus sylvarum and Bombus ruderatus, that have not been recorded on site for almost 30 years as well as more regular species, Bombus humilis and Bombus muscorum, which have been recorded in unusually high numbers this year. Their success is, in part, down to the dedicated work that has taken place at Dungeness over the last few years to improve the quality of forage plants. Another less familiar invertebrate species, the wasp spider Argiope bruennichi, also appears to be becoming more established at Dungeness. September Once the breeding season for birds has ended, the laborious but necessary task of clearing willow growth begins. This is a vital part of the management plan to protect the various sensitive habitats of Dungeness from scrub incursion and September saw work carried out on various important areas of the reserve, including the clearing of scrub from the islands on Burrowes pit and around the Water Tower pits. Removal of willow from the reedbeds alongside the Hanson-ARC hide will secure the availability of valuable nesting and feeding habitat for water rail and bittern. This summer‟s successful breeding of both purple herons and bitterns shows the importance of maintaining good quality, extensive reedbed systems and an audit conducted in September showed these habitats at Dungeness to be in extremely good health, providing the ideal habitat for many different species, including water voles and various invertebrates, as well as birds. Water vole surveys conducted this year, have shown this endearing mammal to be present in good numbers and clearly indicate that its range and population is increasing year on year. October October saw an invasion of tiny amphibians, with sightings on many of the paths, in the hides and even inside the Visitor Centre! Across the whole reserve, thousands of newts have been migrating away from the pools in which they hatched and making their way to hibernation sites. They can be found hiding under stones and logs, sometimes piled on top of one another in amazing numbers. There are two species at Dungeness, the smooth newt and the great crested newt. Contrary to popular belief, adult newts spend most of their lives on land and not in water. Newts only spend around three months in hibernation at Dungeness as the climate here is relatively mild, so in late February or March they will return to their ponds in time for the breeding season. November Small mammal surveys took place at the end of the month to ascertain which species were present on the reserve and in what numbers. Five of the six ground-living small mammals from Kent were found, including two species of shrew, the pygmy and common and three species of rodent - the bank vole, the field vole and the wood mouse. Small mammals have the unfortunate distinction of being near the bottom of the food chain so can be a good indicator of the health of an ecosystem and also determine bird of prey populations, particularly kestrel and barn owl. Vole numbers naturally crash every few years and it is possible that 2010 was a crash year. Although both vole species were recorded, they were in very small numbers and were absent from numerous, apparently ideal, habitats. This could also explain why the barn owls at Boulderwall Farm only raised one chick this year compared to three in 2009. Also, the kestrels were seen bringing in an abnormally high number of lizards, an animal not normally featuring in their diet.

RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 11 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 Pulborough Brooks Bird News By 20 December very few birds were using the frozen and snow-covered brooks apart from two flocks of lapwings totalling around 220 birds. Most of the wildfowl was confined to the river. A raven flew over, a barn owl hunted the riverbank and there were numerous redwings and fieldfares in the hedgerows. A white- tailed eagle visited Amberley Wildbrooks on 11th/12th, the first in Sussex since 1961. Also in the area over that weekend were three ruff, five curlew, one merlin, one hen harrier, two buzzards and a sparrowhawk. On 9th four white-fronted geese appeared late in the day and also of note were two red kites, a peregrine in the usual tree at the Hanger viewpoint, several snipe and six or seven grey partridges. A redshank and a green sandpiper were seen on the 8th along with treecreeper, nuthatch, goldcrest, marsh tit and bullfinch in woodland near Jupp‟s viewpoint on the 7th. Over a foot of snow fell overnight 1st/2nd December making access to the hides fairly difficult. On 30th November somewhere between 1000-2000 jackdaws and crows gathered near the West Mead hide before going to roost in the woodland. Two Bewick‟s swans were on the North Brooks on 25th with a single the next day. A short-eared owl was being seen most afternoons in front of Little Hanger hide and up to 300 black-tailed godwits and the odd ruff, golden plover, dunlin or little stint could be found amongst the wigeon, teal and lapwing. About 80 black-tailed godwits were on North Brooks on 19th, while about 25 lesser redpolls were in birches at the start of the nature trail on the 15th. Going back to October, 125 pintails were on the North Brooks on the 28th. The last few summer migrants – swallows, a blackcap and a chiffchaff were still to be found on the 14th, although the latter two may be over-wintering birds - they could have made the wrong choice! Perhaps better informed were four adult Bewick‟s swans that arrived on the 12th October, an extremely early arrival date for this species. A late ring ouzel dropped by 4th/5th. Birds of note in September were a hobby on the 29th, peregrines had arrived for the winter by 27th and a firecrest was with a mixed tit flock on the 25th when a yellow wagtail could also be found with the cattle. A curlew sandpiper lingered until the 14th - a 10 day stay. Recent Management News Apart from the monthly WeBS counts, new water control structures have been installed on site. The new sluices should give better control over the water levels, which will help ensure the best possible conditions for the birds. On the 26th October six Highland cows were moved onto 'the triangle'. This is the most easterly section of the reserve which was fenced earlier in the year to contain livestock. Getting cattle onto the whole of the heath, this being the final part, has been the culmination of several year‟s work for many staff, volunteers and contractors. The cattle didn't hang about, getting stuck into the birch seedlings, bramble and coarse grasses right away. They will help maintain the condition of the heath for a wide variety of wildlife in the long term.

Events Published at the time of going to press were: Thursday 27 January - Wildlife Walkabout Saturday 29 January - Birdwatching for Beginners (for adults) Sunday 30 January - Ducks for Beginners (for adults) www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/p/pulboroughbrooks/events.aspx for the latest information.

Farnham Heath Wildlife News This August was wet, so there were lots of fungi out early. Similarly ,the woodlarks had already formed small flocks before the beginning of September, and will move off the heaths for the winter. Passage migrants have also been much in evidence, with wheatear and a small party of spotted flycatchers moving through in late August.. The tree pipits and nightjars have gone after, hopefully, a successful nesting season.

The heathland birds haven't completely deserted the heath - there are still stonechats around. Some butterflies have had a good year. Grayling seems to be among them – in early September it was impossible to go for a walk on the heathland areas and NOT see a grayling. Management News It was hoped to start on restoring another 12.5 ha. of the site in late September. This will be the last major block of heathland restoration on the part of the reserve that's open to the public.

Conservation tasks take place every Friday starting at 09:45 and monthly on Sundays at 10:00. If you are interested in helping, please contact the Warden, Mike Coates, at the contact number below.

The above items are courtesy of the reserve newsletters and web sites, which you can access via www.rspb.org.uk.

Would you like to help? There is conservation activity involving all sites, so if you are interested in getting involved, please check their web sites (see above) or, if you are not online, give them a call: Pulborough 01798 875851 and Farnham 01252 795632. Dungeness is probably a bit too far for most people to consider but if interested their number is 01797 320588.

RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 12 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 FROM THE QUILL

Participants: David and Mary, Geoff K., Brian, Peter, Mick, Sally, Terry, Elizabeth, Frank, Dennis, Geoff A., Alan and Marion, Neil

A weekend away for the group to a place many of us had never been to before was the backdrop to these few days on the Lincolnshire coast. It proved to be an enjoyable weekend but as ever, what follows is my view, particularly on the Friday and Monday, when the different members of the party travelled separately. In my case, I came north on the Friday with Dave and Mary which was the usual slightly chaotic, entertaining and ultimately rewarding experience.

Friday Having travelled via the now traditional Olympic breakfast at the Mildenhall roundabout, our first stop in a birding sense was the new RSPB reserve at Frampton Marsh. When I say new, I believe the reserve has been open for eighteen months or so and whilst Frampton will develop incredibly over the next few years, not least with a massive reedbed, it was still a genuinely enjoyable morning walking the paths overlooking the new scrapes and open grassland. Every piece of water seemed to hold little grebes and waders too were present in small numbers; green sandpiper, common sandpiper, dunlin, black-tailed godwit, common snipe, greenshank (always a favourite with me) and a single little stint. The grassland also held decent numbers of curlew and one distant barn owl. The highlight in many ways was sitting in a hide overlooking the sand martin bank. Besides still having at least one family in the nest, and three young martins visible in the nest entrance being fed by the parents, we also had the pleasure of seeing a kingfisher land on the bank itself. The martins didn‟t seem too impressed and „buzzed‟, the kingfisher for a short while. In the end we left at about the same time as the kingfisher, driven from the hide by an incredibly noisy little group of three local birders. We have a sadly well-deserved reputation for being noisy in hides and elsewhere but we had nothing on this group, although it should also be said that the volunteers at Frampton were incredibly friendly and helpful during our time on the reserve. Later, we spent some time trying to string a Montagu‟s harrier from what proved to be a female marsh harrier and also had a go at turning common buzzards into honey buzzards. A pair of peregrines and a young hobby completed the raptor count, with the former particularly brilliant as they tumbled about the sky in what looked a lot like play and it certainly looked like a lot of fun.

We moved on to RSPB Frieston Shore, another few miles up the coast, and there bumped into Alan and Marion. Frieston was quiet but, like Frampton, looks like a great spot for the winter, particularly with the tide up. Of the remainder of the group, a number were at Rutland water getting decent views of Osprey (just a bit jealous of that) but we now headed further into Lincolnshire towards Gibraltar Point past a roadside sex shop (really) and into Skegness through which we had to go to find the one road along the coast and into Gibraltar Point. It‟s fair to say there is something of a contrast between Skegness, which is a typical British seaside resort at, shall we say, the budget end of the market and the reserve on which we were to spend the next two days.

Gibraltar Point is a wide open expanse of marsh, pools and scrub bordering the north side of the wash with its tidal mudflats and saltmarsh adding another dimension. The reserve is run by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and in the right conditions, looks ideal for migrants and as the winter progresses, I imagine large numbers of wildfowl will dominate the landscape. Our accommodation was on the basic side, being an education centre designed for poor students, but more than adequate for our purposes and it should be said right away, we were looked after fantastically well by Hannah and Barbara (anyone remember the cartoons?) with the food being incredible; always a key consideration for NW Surrey!

Having arrived on time (no one else apart from Alan and Marion did so), we settled into to find that due to a small miscommunication, we should all have brought towels and bed linen (nobody had) and whilst Hannah managed to find sufficient bedding, towels were a bit short and Mary and Dave drove bravely into Skegness and purchased a pack of three towels for £10 from Scooby‟s, a high class emporium in the town centre. The other members of the party now drifted into the centre having struggled across the county (Lincolnshire‟s roads are not great at 5.00 on a Friday) with Geoff, Brian and Peter last in whilst the rest of us were having dinner. It was good to get everyone together and after a short evening walk for some, a glass or two of single malt for others, we were ready for sleep and an early start next morning. Saturday When I said early, I really meant early as we were out before dawn albeit as the sky was relatively light. And what a sky, indeed I would describe it as a skyscape; a line of dramatic beautiful clouds to the north and clearer skies looking east coupled with a low mist just to add to the scene. We headed for an area of scrub where the LWT had a ringing hut where we were to meet Tim, an LWT warden, to see what he had pulled out of his mist nets. In the event, not much had emerged from the nets with a small number of blue tits (VERY feisty characters indeed in the hand), a dunnock and most interestingly, a couple of male blackcaps.

After an excellent breakfast, we then set out through a small belt of trees to the first of a pair of pools/scrapes past some very handsome, entirely black sheep. The first small complex of pools is known as Jackson‟s Marsh and was perhaps most interesting for a small number of black-tailed godwit and larger numbers of curlew in the fields behind. Walking a little further, we then came to a slightly larger set of pools known as Tennyson‟s Sands. A pair of avocets livened up these pools and across both sets of pools, we also had small numbers of teal, mallard and a pintail. Leaving Tennyson‟s, we had a brief chat with yet another incredibly helpful LWT warden, checked out two more pools (and added green sandpiper and greenshank in the process) before spending a little time in the thick of the scrub finding, sadly, very little. The weather was almost RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 13 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 too good with clear skies and rising temperatures and, as pleasant as that was, the weather was not bringing in the migrants. We had lunch back at the reserve centre in the rear garden and set off in the afternoon with a different objective, walking back through the scrub but this time, heading to the beach for a bit of sea-watching. The sea-watch produced eider, common scoter, gannet and Sandwich tern. Bird of the day was found by Alan (no fan of sea-watching it seems) and the trip‟s first Arctic skua hove into view, typically chasing the local gull population across the sky. Looking along the line at this point, it was hard not to notice that half the party had sat down and taken to chatting rather than birding; we looked more like a Darby and Joan trip to Skeggy than a birding group!

Anyway, having decided nothing more was likely from the beach, we trooped down to an area called the spit from which we had a decent view over the wash, gradually filling up as the tide came in. Highlight here was probably an admittedly distant view of a knot flock on the wing in typically mind boggling fashion where you know that they must collide with each other but somehow they don‟t. Otherwise, this spit gave us a few of the common waders such as redshank, turnstone, ringed plover, grey plover and oystercatcher. I left the group a little early at this point with Mary and on the way back, almost trod on a shrew; tiny, furry, grey and really rather sweet. One or two of the group led fearlessly by Frank thought they could go a different way back to the centre (they couldn‟t) but otherwise, we all made our way back for dinner (wonderful of course) before coming out again for a brief late evening stroll. This produced no further birds and we retired to the lounge/library where some played cards, a few drank a dram or two and some of us looked at a number of old RSPB Birds magazines, including the first ever copy. How times have changed! Sunday A number of us took separate pre-breakfast walks this morning with Geoff finding a whinchat and Frank returning from his walk looking very thoughtful indeed and eventually discussing a possible Hudsonian whimbrel. The walk after breakfast, back to Jackson‟s Marsh, produced no funny looking whimbrels but did turn up two spoonbills. These two looked initially like they might fly over but in the event, spiralled impressively down onto the pool where one did what spoonbills do best and fell asleep. Having seen a number of these birds over the years, they are still a very welcome sight and that ridiculous bill is still one of nature‟s wonders. Across the rear of the marsh, we spent some time following a fabulously elegant marsh harrier which in turn, seemed very conscious of a rather pale looking common buzzard sat in amongst a belt of trees.

Tennyson‟s produced nothing different from the previous day and we headed back towards the scrub area although the Fenland Lagoon brought a kingfisher for some of the group before we bumped into Tim (our ringer from the previous morning) driving a tractor down one of the paths. One or two of the group had caught up with a redstart at this point and the area also held a common whitethroat where the previous day, three of us had seen a lesser whitethroat. Another sadly fruitless search through the scrub followed before lunch, again in the garden of the reserve centre. The afternoon saw us back at beach for a sea-watch. I have to admit at this point that I do share Alan‟s views on the business of sea-watching and in due course, having been blown about and sand blasted to no great purpose (although we did see a little tern) , I abandoned the group and strolled off towards the spit in the hope of a little wader action on the mudflats. In the event, I was still a bit early for the incoming tide but in due course, the rest of the group, bar Alan and Marion who had gone in search of the morning‟s kingfisher (successfully as it turned out) joined me and just to prove what sea-watching can bring, we were treated to one the sea‟s ocean wanderers. The sea itself was pretty choppy with a good wind but through it all, displaying stunning grace and control over the waves, came a sooty shearwater. The view was in the middle distance but to see these birds in their element, displaying complete mastery of that element, gliding and turning seemingly amongst the waves, was definitely a highpoint.

Apart from the shearwater, the birds were as yesterday from the spit although the spoonbills from the morning also joined us. Mick, carrying all his new gear (scope, tripod, bins and digiscoping kit) decided to try out the digiscoping on a close dunlin (which are actually very attractive birds close up) and having not quite lined things up well enough, managed an excellent photograph of a nearby rock, perfectly focussed as Mick was keen to point out. That was more or less it for the afternoon however and whilst many of us took a long after dinner walk (with the only additional tick for the list being the nature bloke from the One Show), the weekends birding around the reserve was finished.

It is fair to say that we didn‟t get the migrants that we hoped for but it is not difficult to see what such a reserve could produce and indeed did produce in the weeks leading up to our arrival. A return visit with a little more luck would definitely be worth considering. Monday As I was travelling back with Dave and Mary, who needed to be at RSPB HQ by 9.00 to star in some sort of film promotion, all three of us were up early on the Monday. The male Braddock decided at this point to remove all of the breakfast cutlery and chairs from the „other table‟ and replace them with what looked to me like drinking cups for babies. This incident seems to have caused some upset for the half of our party thus affected (given some threatening texts received later in the day) but in truth, we were on the road long before anyone was up, so that was all right then! Being „on the road‟ with Dave and Mary can be interesting and certainly the phrase from Mary „it‟s not about being (driving) aggressive‟ as she dropped down a gear to blast past an annoyingly slower car, was perfectly timed.

I took a short walk around the Lodge reserve whilst Dave and Mary were doing their pieces to camera, adding spotted flycatcher and grey wagtail in the process and also noting the amount of work going on to return much of the reserves to heathland. I did also have the curious sight of a male pheasant patrolling underneath one of the RSPB feeders and seemingly trying to keep all the great tits away from it.

A number of the group headed around the wash to Holme in Norfolk to successfully tick off red-necked phalarope and red-backed shrike.

RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 14 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 So ended another trip away for the group and whilst not full of birds, it was full of good company, the odd laugh and the expectation of returning to Gibraltar Point for another go in the future. Neil Bew

World Wanderers

Norway and Beyond by Fred Chandler That was the title of our cruise to Spitsbergen which started in the third week of July 2010. Leaving Dover in the late afternoon, the North Sea did not produce much in the way of sightings until the next day - Common Scoter, Arctic Skua, quite a few Gannets (mainly juveniles), some Kittiwakes and two Slavonian Grebes.

Our first port of call was Stavanger and as we docked a number of Common Terns were observed together with a few Hooded Crows and four species of gull, plus a number of House Sparrows. On a guided walk 24 species were noted, the most interesting being a Treecreeper which flew on to a tree trunk only about four feet away - oh where was my video camera - in my back pack! It stayed for quite a while but I had to keep up with the group! Leaving Stavanger, some 37 Shags were seen along the rocky coast line. Next was Floro. Not a lot around the town but a boat trip to the Island of Kinn was a little better. There we had excellent views of a White-tailed Sea Eagle and managed to get some interesting footage on my DVD camcorder. Our next port was Leknes and on the way there were numerous sightings of Fulmar and a Great Skua, two Arctic Skuas and a few Kittiwakes plus a couple of Oystercatchers. A coach tour of the Lofoten Islands produced Hooded Crows, Raven, Goosander, Arctic Terns and a nesting colony of Kittiwakes (on window sills mainly). White Wagtails, Chiffchaff,

Spitsbergen Area Fieldfare and Peregrine were at a village called „A‟. On the return journey to the ship Black Guillemot, Eider and Hooded Crows were noted. We lost count of the number of Magpies seen so far! Later in the day as we left Leknes for Longyearbyen a Long-tailed Skua flew alongside the ship for quite a while (oh yes - the camera was in the cabin!).

We were now in the Land of the Midnight Sun - plenty of time for bird watching! At sea the next day and approaching Longyearbyen, Glaucous Gulls, Brunnich‟s Guillemots, Little Auks, Puffins, Black Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Arctic Terns and a few Fulmars appeared. What a start to Spitsbergen! A coach tour provided us with numerous Barnacle Geese, Glaucous Gulls, Snow Buntings, Black Guillemots and nesting Arctic Terns, plus sightings of Reindeer and Moose. Hanging up outside a trapper‟s hut was a Ptarmigan, regrettably dead. Calls for another trip to the Cairngorms - never seen a live one yet.

Moving on to the next port, Ny Alesund, similar species were seen but with an increasing number of Little Auks. At Ny Alesund we had to keep within certain limits and were accompanied by armed guards because of a potential threat from a passing Polar Bear (it didn‟t turn up). Nesting Arctic Terns, Barnacle Geese (including many juveniles), Purple Sandpipers, Snow Buntings and Long-tailed Ducks were observed but the icing on the cake was an Ivory Gull! This I was able to video on two occasions. Enquiring as to why there were not many birds about one of the armed guards said that it had been a poor year in the whole area and most had already dispersed (Ny Alesund is 79 degrees North).

Our next part of the journey took us to the Polar Ice Field and literally into the ice by some one and a half to two miles. It was a wonderful experience in brilliant sunshine at between 22:00 and midnight. The ice can only be described as spectacular and needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. We were at 80 degrees North and just under 600 miles from the North Pole. We even had an Arctic white rainbow effect. It was sad to have to leave the area and move on to Magdalena Bay. As we came into the bay Little Auks appeared and after counting 500 plus I gave up counting - well it was time for breakfast! As we cruised round the bay 11 different species were noted, but nothing new. All around us were glaciers coming right down to the sea and in the mountains we could see many auks flying to and from their nesting sites. Leaving the bay some nine hours later we made our way overnight to Tromso and en route we came across many Common Dolphins and four whales, believed to be Northern Right Whales. We passed Bear Island which was alive with birds but nothing we had not already seen.

Tromso saw us arriving in lovely sunny and warm weather - the locals said it was the warmest day since August 2007 (it was 24o C) and the driest and sunniest since May this year. They asked us if we could stay! Another guided walk in the afternoon produced Scaup with two juveniles and a Red-throated Diver with one juvenile plus eight Crossbills and a nesting colony of Arctic Terns. Onwards South to Molde in heavy rain and low cloud, which later in the journey cleared and we found a juvenile White-tailed Sea Eagle flying alongside the ship for quite a while. This time I was at the ready with my camcorder and got some good footage. Our day in Molde involved a day coach tour. For the first four or so hours it was in torrential rain but the scenery through the mountains was spectacular. This trip produced House Martins, Swallows, Swifts and a Rock Pipit as well as other more expected species and on a short ferry trip two Harbour Porpoises were seen. Last port of call before heading back to Dover was Bergen, where we added five more common species to the list. Overall it was an exciting and very interesting cruise with a final species tally of 67.

RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 15 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 Birder’s Column

What’s been about locally? These reports are mostly taken from the Surrey Bird Club‟s excellent web site www.sbclub.ukonline.co.uk/sightings.html which is updated daily with the latest sightings in Surrey. Others come from personal sightings, reports on other web sites and the Birdguides email notifications.

August - December Sightings Red kites: only perched birds listed as they are now quite common. Waxwings: These have been reported from many local areas in good numbers. As they only stay as long as there are berries left it is best to check the various web sites for the latest information, such as Bird Guides (members only), Berkshire Bird News: http://www.berksbirds.co.uk/birdnews.asp or Surrey Bird Club http://www.sbclub.ukonline.co.uk/recent.html. Albury Two waxwings visited on 10th December. Ash Ranges A whinchat was noted on 26th August, an osprey was seen perched in a tree on 20th October and a great grey shrike was present on 13th and 14th November. Banstead, Canon’s farm Three golden plover flew over on 12th August and a quail was calling in a field of rape on 28th/29th August. A redstart was reported on 2nd October, six golden plover flew over on the 4th and up to three black redstarts were present 10th October – 10th November. A brambling was seen on 10th October and 6th November, with a corn bunting on the latter date. A male hen harrier roosted overnight 8th/9th November and on the 10th both short-eared and barn owls were seen, while the 24th November produced a mealy redpoll. Banstead Downs Golf Club The firecrests are back, with two on the 6th November and one on both 24th and 26th. An osprey flew over Banstead Woods heading south on 12th September. Berrylands/Hogsmill Sewage Farm A wood sandpiper visited 4th - 15th September. Betchworth Two ravens were seen on 4th September and one from nearby Brockham on the 17th August. Bletchingley A corn bunting was reported on 5th October. Boldermere Held a 1st winter yellow-legged gull on 30th October. Bookham Common Two hawfinches are present this winter, first being reported on 28th November and twice seen from the hotel car park. Bracknell Large parties of waxwings (up to 80) could be found around berry-rich housing estates in southern Bracknell at World‟s End Hill and Forest Park in late November and early December. Busbridge Up to 20 crossbills have been seen here between 29th September and 11th November. Ravens flew over during October (6th & 8th). Camberley, Wishmoor Bottom A great grey shrike was reported between 10th – 18th October. Chessington A honey buzzard flew over east on 5th September. Chobham Common Three mealy redpolls and 100 lesser redpolls were by the memorial cross on 24th November. Claygate, Esher Seven waxwings were present on 3rd December. Coldharbour, Dorking A firecrest was reported on 21st/28th October and 40 brambling on 1st November. Cutt Mill Pond, Puttenham A red-necked grebe was present on „The Tarn‟ 18th – 24th November. Dinton Pastures – White Swan Lake Up to three bitterns were roosting in the reed bed at the north end in early December. Mid-late afternoon is best for viewing. - Lavell’s Lake A bittern was present up to 14th December at least, with some food being provided due to iced-up conditions. Dorney Wetlands/Jubilee River Both short-eared and barn owls were here in early December, also up to three bearded tits (usually near to weir) and the escaped ferruginous duck. A bittern moved in during the snowy weather. Epsom Downs An osprey flew over on 31stAugust and a group of up to 14 waxwings were present 19th – 24th November. Frensham Common A great grey shrike was present on King‟s Ridge and at the Little Pond 23rd October – 24th November. A black tern was at Great Pond 15th – 23rd August and another was at Little Pond 8th – 12th September. An osprey flew over Great Pond on 13th September and another one was present on 30th September. Two firecrests were together at the west end of Great Pond on 4th November. Seven crossbills were at Little Pond on 4th November, with a bittern on 8th December and a great white egret flew north over the Outlet Pond on 27th November.

RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 16 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 Guildford Three ring ouzels passed through Pewley Down on 12th October. Two waxwings were at the University on 5th December and 10 were near the station on the 9th December. Headley Heath Several mealy redpolls were with up to 400 lesser redpolls 22nd – 25th November. Heathrow Airport A ringtail hen harrier was noted 18th/19th October. Hindhead, Devil’s Punchbowl Twenty brambling were reported on 21st October and a snow bunting on 13th November. Hinchley Wood, Esher A short-eared owl flew low over the Scilly Isles on 8th November. Island Barn Reservoir Black-necked grebes was present 17th August – 6th September, a juvenile Arctic tern 17th – 21st August, a whinchat (18th) with another on 8th September, six common terns (21st), a juvenile little gull (22nd) and a greenshank 29th August – 2nd September. A goldeneye was present on 13th October, with a yellow-legged gull and three redshanks on 18th October. On the 9th November a Caspian gull was reported, with another in the roost on 8th December. A velvet scoter first recorded on 10th November stayed until the 16th but a red-necked grebe was a two day stayer 12th/13th November and a red-breasted merganser was present 13th – 18th November. Other November visitors were a yellow-legged gull (15th and 18th), a pair of pintail (17th) and a Brent goose 21st. Early December produced a little gull (3rd/4th), three dunlin (3rd) and 16 barnacle geese (6th). Jacobswell Ten waxwings were in a private garden on 7th December. King George VI Reservoir A juvenile sanderling was present on 1st September. Then on to October with a goosander (17th), Brent goose, yellow-legged gull, rock and water pipits (18th), with two of the latter still present on 10th December. November brought a velvet scoter and common scoters, the former staying until at least 10th December and the latter until the 5th. A great northern diver (14th) stayed until 4th December. Other early December birds were 13 dunlins, two sanderling, a black-tailed godwit and two knot(4th), a female type scaup and a grey plover joined them (5th) and stayed until the 10th when a knot and five dunlin were also noted. London Wetland Centre Barnes Winter regulars started arriving during October with the first jack snipe on 10th and up to two subsequently. The first bittern and rock pipit were noted on 14th and two water pipits were seen on 22nd, with up to five bitterns and a rock pipit present throughout and all the above still present to 9th December at least.

Migrants passing through in August included greenshanks (15th, 22nd and 30th), a black-tailed godwit and a little egret (22nd), a honey buzzard and an osprey over heading south (25th), when a Sandwich tern and a tree pipit were on site. On the 30th a grey heron was seen to kill and eat a smallish brown bird, which on investigation was found to be a corncrake! Up to three garganeys could be found between 30th August and 13th September. On the last day of August both a red kite and a black kite flew over. Into September with a Montagu‟s harrier over and three marsh harriers (3rd), up to three black terns (4th – 10th), up to seven ruff (6th-19th) an osprey over (5th), a peregrine (6th) and up to three tree pipits (8th, 11th, 13th). Three curlews flew over east and 13 wigeons arrived (11th), two dunlins and two swifts (13th), up to four Cetti‟s warblers (16th September – 13th November), a wood warbler and 17 yellow wagtails over heading south (17th) with further yellow wagtails (21st & 25th), a crossbill over (21st), a hobby (25th). The month closed with a juvenile white-winged black tern (26th), a firecrest, two ring ouzels and a curlew (28th) and a raven over north, a merlin, a short-eared owl, ring-ouzel, three golden plovers and three bramblings (30th). During October ring ouzels continued to move through (until 11th), and an Arctic tern went through (5th). A firecrest and a whinchat were noted (6th), grey plovers over (8/9th) and six white-fronted geese over (9th), bramblings (12/13/17th), a Lapland bunting over (15th), peregrine (17th/23rd/27th), wheatear (19th), three goosander (22nd) and a little egret (24th) rounded off the month. November kicked off with an early morning 1st winter ring-billed gull (1st). Between 6th and 16th up to three bearded tits were seen on several occasions, a curlew visited (8th) when a kittiwake also flew over west and a shelduck dropped in the next day and up to four could be seen occasionally until 8th December. A 2nd year yellow-legged gull was noted on the 18th and on the 20th four pintail were seen, last being reported on the 24th. Three mealy redpolls (23rd) had reduced by one the following day, while four little egrets were a one day wonder (26th), when a black redstart was seen and stayed until the 28th, when a goosander was also seen. The month was concluded with a woodcock (30th). Early December movements were 16 eiders over (1st), a 3rd winter Caspian gull (4th), a Lapland bunting and six waxwings over (5th), a goosander again (7th) and three waxwings over (9th), when a dunlin also visited. Moor Green Lakes December sightings: Two barns owls roost in the box at the back of the new workings, a pair of red-crested pochard were present on Colebrook Lake North (13th/14th). On 8th December good numbers of goosanders were found on Horseshoe and Grove Lakes and on the pits south of the Blackwater River. We also had a lesser spotted woodpecker and a couple of goldeneyes. Papercourt Three goosander were on the sailing lake on 5th December and two on the Wey Navigations on the 11th when a raven also flew over. Polesden Lacey Two ravens were reported on 12th September. Queen Elizabeth II Reservoir Autumn migration produced a varied selection of species including turnstone, Arctic tern, little gull, 16 common terns, whimbrel, whinchat, sanderling, up to 18 yellow wagtails, white wagtail, ringed plovers, up to six wheatears, dunlin, greenshank, oystercatcher, ruff, four little terns and a hobby. From mid-October the winter visitors started to arrive with redwing, rock pipit, pintail, up to RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 17 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 nine goosanders, Mediterranean gull, yellow-legged gull and shelduck all appearing. Amongst the regulars were black-necked grebes from 16th September and up to two peregrines from 20th September. A short-eared owl circled briefly on 19th November before drifting off to the south Queen Mary Reservoir August/September birds included three little egrets, redstart, 31 black terns, a juvenile Arctic tern and little gull and four yellow wagtails. Winter visitors started to arrive from mid-October and included a red-breasted merganser, a kittiwake and a merlin over, rock pipit, firecrest, black- throated diver, a 1st winter drake scaup, two curlews and a goosander. Ranmore Common Held three ravens on 5th September. Raynes Park Station A pied flycatcher was seen on 23rd August. Richmond Park A redstart was in Holly Lodge enclosure on 1st September, a red kite passed through on 17th October and a female ring ouzel was in Holly Lodge Paddocks on 21st October. Riverside Park/Stoke Lake Winter arrivals were 10 waxwings on 29th October and a water pipit on 20th November. St.Martha’s Over in September were an osprey (6th) and two ravens (29th). Staines Moor Autumn migration produced 28 yellow wagtails and 20 lesser whitethroats on 22nd August, an osprey over (23rd) and two whinchats (25th) plus two more on 2nd October. A Cetti‟s warbler was noted on 15th September. Lapland buntings were noted on 30th September (one) and 10th October (two over) and also a golden plover over on the latter date, plus the first water pipit (9th). A visit in fog on 19th November found a flock of about 15 fieldfares feeding on hawthorn berries and two little grebes on the river. Staines Reservoirs As usual, black-necked grebes were present throughout the period and peregrines came hunting occasionally. Autumn migration brought a dunlin, Arctic tern, little gull, black terns (maximum 25 on 23rd September), marsh harrier over, Mediterranean gull, ruff, six greenshank over, turnstone, up to four Sandwich terns, two ringed plovers, seven late swifts (8th September), two early goldeneyes (20th September), yellow wagtails and a common scoter (26th September). Winter arrivals included a drake red-breasted merganser (9th October), another common scoter, hen harrier over, rock pipit, kittiwake over, scaup (11th November), great northern diver over, spotted redshank, red-head smew (4th December), two golden plovers and a common sandpiper. Of particular note was an obliging Lapland bunting on the causeway 18th – 23rd October. Stanwell Moor A juvenile gannet flew over from KGVI Reservoir on 26th September and five bramblings were seen on 25th October. Teddington Lock An adult yellow-legged gull was here on 12th/22nd November. Thorpe, Longside Lake Held a black tern on 2nd October and five goldeneyes on 12th November. Thorpe Park A female smew on 9th December was joined by a drake by the 13th. Thursley Common Migration in late August/early September brought two wood sandpipers, several whinchats, a grasshopper warbler and two spotted flycatchers. A ringtail hen harrier was presently briefly on 9th October when a merlin also went through. The wintering great grey shrike was first reported on 12th October and was still present on 9th December. A ring ouzel was on Shrike Hill on 13th October, a mealy redpoll was with 80 lesser redpolls on 27th November and a peregrine took a lapwing on 28th November. Tice’s Meadow This well watched site near Farnham gets a regular flow of waders with wood sandpiper, up to 7 greenshank, curlew, ruff, black-tailed godwit, ringed plover (2), dunlin, redshank, little stint and even a juvenile pectoral sandpiper all being seen to mid-October. None waders were wheatears, yellow wagtails and three yellow-legged gulls. With winter approaching, golden plover became more frequent visitors, peaking at 400 on both 19th and 20th November. Other winter birds were regular dunlins and common redpolls plus a jack snipe and a little egret on 1st December. Unstead Sewage farm A spotted crake was present 12th – 23rd September. Walton Reservoir The black-necked grebe stayed until 27th August, with another reported on 3rd December. Other long-stayers were two garganeys, which were first reported on 3rd September, one staying until 17th November. The velvet scoter from Island Barn reservoir arrived on 26th November and was still present on 10th December. A drake scaup was first reported on 7th December and was still present on the 10th. Other autumn migrants were up to three greenshank until 7th October, up to five wigeon (25th/31st August), a little egret (1st September), two dunlin (13th/25th) and ruff (18th). Winter arrivals were a pintail (29th September), red-breasted merganser (1st October), two white wagtails (7th), two wheatears (19th), up to six goldeneyes (29th/30th and 8th November). December brought a Slavonian grebe and 12 goosanders (5th) and five curlew and 43 barnacle geese (9th). Wisley Airfield Had 13 golden plover on the 1st November and a tree sparrow and four bramblings on 5th December. Woking A Pallas‟s Warbler was at a private site on 6th November – only the third county record for Surrey. Six waxwings on 24th December. Wonersh A raven was noted on 11th September. Worplesdon, Hollow Farm Grasshopper warblers continued to be trapped/recorded here up to 1st October, with a total of around 26 for the autumn, a juvenile peregrine was seen on 12th August, also whinchats 6th/9th/23rd September, two wheatears 23rd September, an Arctic skua over on 24th September and five waxwings on 9th November. Wraysbury Reservoir Present on 4th December were a red-necked grebe (and 6th), Slavonian grebe and two great northern divers. RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 18 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654

If you see anything of interest, please let me know and also mail to: [email protected]

All reports sent to the SBC will be forwarded on to the Surrey Bird Recorder. Thank you in advance for sending them in.

BOURC DECISIONS AND TAXONOMIC CHANGES The following items are a brief extract from the British Ornithological Union Records Committee (BOURC) web site http://newsbou.blogspot.com/ The BOURC maintain the British List and the latest updated version is available on their site. Please also refer to the BOURC site should you wish to read the full reason for their decision.

CHANGES TO THE BRITISH LIST ADDITIONS TO CATEGORY A Thursday, 9 September 2010 Amur Falcon Falco amurensis Second calendar year, male, Tophill Low, East Yorkshire, 14 September – 15 October 2008. It should be placed after Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus on the British List. Tufted Puffin Fratercula cirrhata Adult, Oare Marshes, Kent, 16 September 2009. It should be placed after Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica on the British List. Eastern Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus First-winter, Trow Quarry, South Shields, Co. Durham, 22–24 October 2009. It should be placed after Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus on the British List. Citril Finch Carduelis citrinella Adult, male, Fair Isle, Shetland, 6–11 June 2008. It should be placed after Greenfinch Carduelis chloris on the British List. In addition: Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus Adult or first-summer, Donmouth, North-east Scotland, 18–19 August 1991. The species has already been admitted to Category A but this individual has been accepted as the first record, predating the 1997 record from Pagham Harbour, West Sussex. It was accepted as attributable to the C. m. mongolus/stegmanni group.

The British List now stands at 592 species. (Category A = 573 Category B = 9 Category C = 10)

The latest version of the British List can be found here: http://www.bou.org.uk/recbrlst1.html

PRESS DATE FOR THE SPRING NEWSLETTER

Please let me have items for the newsletter as soon as possible to avoid a last minute rush.

Topical items should be with me by:

Saturday 9th April

Items may be submitted on a CD/DVD, typed manuscript or as an email attachment (preferred). You can also send short items to me directly by email as I can cut and paste straight into my document.

If you cannot provide any of these, hand-written articles can be accepted but please allow time for typing up.

Do not bother formatting documents, other than the basic paragraphs and headings, as they will need to be re-formatted to fit the page layout.

RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 19 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654

A million voices for nature

The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing – help us keep it that way.

The RSPB is part of BirdLife International, the global partnership of bird conservation organisations.

The North West Surrey RSPB Local Group

The group was established in 1974 and is run by volunteers. We hold regular indoor meetings between September and June at the Sir William Perkin‟s School in Chertsey. Outdoor meetings are held throughout the year both locally and further afield, including holidays in Europe. Members of the public are welcome to attend both the indoor meetings and local and regional outdoor meetings. Longer trips are available to group members only.

If you would like more information, please contact our membership secretary at the address below or visit our web site:

www.nwsurreyrspb.org.uk

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

GROUP LEADERS Dave & Mary Braddock 20 Meadway Drive, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey. KT15 2DT Tel. 01932 858692 email: Dave:[email protected] email: Mary: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIPS Mick Cooper 95, Station Crescent, Ashford, Middlesex. TW15 3HN Tel. 01784 251708 email: [email protected]

NEWSLETTER EDITOR Peter Hambrook 20, Wendley Drive, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3TR Tel. 01932 346565 email: [email protected]

TREASURER Angela Pugh Tel. 01784 457714 email: [email protected]

INDOOR MEETINGS Brian Shreeve Tel. 01932 341012 email: [email protected]

OUTDOOR MEETINGS* Frank Clark Tel. 01784 421240 email: [email protected]

PUBLICITY & EVENTS DIARY Alan Sharps Tel. 01784 244665 email: [email protected]

COMMITTEE MEMBER Alan Pugh Tel. 01784 457714 email: [email protected]

SECRETARY Jan Bagley

RSPB SALES position vacant

* For Mid-week Walks, contact Peter Hambrook above.

RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Winter 2010 Page 20 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654