newsletter NO 95 WINTER 2018

Newsletter Editor: Linda Tagg 3, Carpenter Way, Potters Bar, EN6 5PZ Tel: 01707 656 715 email: [email protected]

GROUP LEADER’S COMMENTS by Ian Sharp

As I write this newsletter, we are well into autumn and memories of our hot dry In summer are already fading. Nature and farming, along with our parched brown lawns, this have had to cope with difficult conditions so let’s hope winter will be kind to us all. At our October meeting, I was delighted to be able to Issue present two RSPB volunteering awards. Joy Rowley organises speakers for the Wednesday meetings, looks after sales of cards and calendars and regularly helps News out at events. Joy received the five year Swift award. Group Leader’s Comments……....1 Forthcoming Events & Keeping in Special appreciation goes to Pam Wright who received Touch……………….……………..12 the ten year Puffin award. Pam has faithfully taken 100 Club & Application Form…..12 our money at the door, gives talks and has Joy Rowley with her Swift Award Group Activities always been a willing supporter of the Group, despite her Local Outing Reports………...…...2 wide range of other interests. Midweek Summer Coach Outings.2 Pam has finally decided to give up her role on the door. Coach Outings……………..….…...3 We will miss her welcome as we enter the hall but Local Bird Report………………….6 fortunately Jean Pollard has agreed to step in to the role, Group Holiday, Kenya…………....8 for which we are all grateful. Group Holiday Suffolk…………..10 Members of the Group recently returned from a four day The Puffin Award for Pam Wright Contributions holiday to Suffolk which proved very successful. We are A poem, “The Cuckoo”……… .10 grateful to two excellent guides, Steve Piotrowski and John Grant, for taking us to

Notices several little known reserves and sharing their expertise with us. A full report will be Local Group Website…………….12 published in the next Newsletter. Newsletter Copy Date………...…12 As well as organising two holidays away this year, the Outings Team have continued to Data Protection ………..…………12 organise varied day trips, including visits to Rye Harbour, Pensthorpe, Oare Marshes in Kent and Nymans Gardens. Next year’s trips have already been planned and are just as Advertisements varied. Minuteman Press….………….…...5 Covers Outdoor Store…….……...11 If you don’t already do so, may I encourage you to participate in RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch (BGBW) next year, 26-28 January 2019. BGBW has been running for 39 years Group Website: and the information makes a huge contribution to our understanding of changing bird www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ populations. It only takes an hour of your time and the results help RSPB develop their pottersbarandbarnet or just search strategies for supporting nature. To participate, just go onto the RSPB website and for Potters Bar and Barnet RSPB search for ‘Big Garden Birdwatch’ and register.

The Royal Society Finally, may I also encourage you to attend our Wednesday afternoon and/or Friday for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a evening monthly meetings. We are a friendly group and always have excellent registered charity: speakers, with a short break for refreshments and a chat. RSPB and non-RSPB members England and Wales no. 207076, are welcome and no group membership is required. We just charge a small entrance fee Scotland no. SC037654 to cover the cost of the speaker. Any advertisements enclosed with I hope you all have a good Christmas and New Year and I look forward to seeing you at this newsletter are not specifically our regular meetings over the winter. endorsed by the RSPB or the Potters Bar & Barnet Local Group

Local Outing Reports: by Mark and Cilla Mead whitethroat, red kites, buzzards and a lovely reed warbler. among the list. Sunday 06 May A visit to Little Paxton gravel pits A walk on the dragonfly trail also produced some great this morning, a truly lovely day sightings: red-eyed damselflies and an emerald damselfly, with bright sunshine, no wind emperor dragonflies, four-spotted chaser, and broad-bodied and 240 C. chaser dragonflies. A very nice morning walk with a diversity of wildlife! All in all a good day with lots of warblers including lesser whitethroat and many garden Hobby (RSPB Images) Note: Due to work commitments Mark and Cilla have had warblers. Good views of hobby, cuckoo and a glimpse of a to give up organising these local outings. wonderful nightingale. A very nice day out. The committee would like to express their thanks to them for running this activity and reporting their interesting and lovely Sunday 03 June sightings over the past years. Our local outing this month to Amwell; it was a wonderful They are now looking for someone interested in taking over this morning with light, if any wind, clear skies and very warm. role. In the meantime the committee hope to organise one or two Birds were a little thin on the ground but we did manage 50 local outings. species including tree creeper, marsh tit, common

MIDWEEK SUMMER COACH OUTINGS

These relaxed summer outings are an opportunity to visit places of general interest.

Nymans National Trust Wednesday 20 June by Joy Rowley A midweek summer outing to West Sussex and the famous gardens, set around the house and ruins of what was once the home of the Messel family. The extensive gardens were looking lovely in the pleasant sunny weather, especially the rose garden and the colourful herbaceous borders. Many wild areas too, where common-spotted orchids and various butterflies flourish. In the house we enjoyed impressive floral displays and an exhibition about the women who influenced the garden’s design, including Anne Messel, mother of Lord Snowdon. Some enjoyed the tranquillity of the woodland trail hearing chiffchaff and woodpecker and spotting grey wagtail, blackcap and brimstone butterflies. In the Rose Garden at Nymans

Henley River & Rowing Museum & Greys Court Wednesday 18 July by Eileen Eyles The superb UK summer continued for this little gem of an outing—a venture into the Thames Valley. We were sorry that not more people could join us as it was a lovely day. The River & Rowing Museum on the banks of the Thames at Henley is a modern building (rather in the style of a boathouse), and is full of yes, you’ve guessed it, all types of rowing boats, mostly suspended upside down from the ceiling, making good use of the space. After coffee on the terrace, we explored the themed galleries. The history of people using the Thames over the years and the many types of boat is presented. Most interesting was information about the University Boat Race, the history of Henley town and its famous regatta, our Olympic success, how the River Thames came to be, and archaeological finds eg Iron Age gold coins, a Bronze Age sword, and prehistoric wooden tree boats. The museum is also home to an exhibition of British WWII artist John Piper and to the magical Wind in the Willows exhibition, bringing to life that much loved story. There is much more to see and learn than we could manage in the time we had. We arrived in time for lunch at Greys Court, a few miles from Henley, with its lovely setting and views of surrounding countryside. Red kites were calling and circling and there was a green woodpecker in the field. Greys Court was formerly the home of Sir Felix and Lady Brunner and bequeathed to the National Trust, in 1969. The interior of the Tudor house is intimate and laid out as a family home in the 1930’s. The site still has the donkey-wheel well house, very rare, located in a separate building close to the house—the well is 200 feet deep. The walled garden is delightful and is in fact four distinct gardens separated by wooden doors. Walking through a massive 125 year old wisteria was like being in the presence of a garden dinosaur. With more time the surrounding parkland offers nearly two miles of walks through classic Chiltern beech woodlands.

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COACH OUTINGS by Elaine Eyles Photographs R Buxton and J Rowley

Rye Harbour RSPB Reserve Sunday 22 April The weather was just right, dry, warm sun, and no wind. The signs of new spring growth over the countryside were Fairly short distances to stroll, four designed gardens to lovely, and contrasted with the stark shingle at Rye Bay. A seal explore; paths take you through a variety of habitats alongside was spotted in the river channel in Rye town—some two miles meres and lakes, (former gravel pits), with plenty of peaceful from the sea. spots to picnic and enjoy the wildlife of the area. The trees in full flower and scents to experience; nine species of butterfly Petty Pools, usually good for spotted, plus bees and flying insects and a muntjac deer. birds, did not show many on this occasion. Those A new large hide overlooks the Wensum wetland, as well as the seeking shelter behind the smaller farmland and woodland hides, and other hides sea wall from a strong wind overlooking the wader scrape with wide open view beyond. In coming off the sea were the distance a sparrowhawk was spotted, doing one of its shelduck, little and great distinctive stoops. crested grebe and pochard. In the aviary, captive birds: bearded tit, avocet, turtle dove, ruff, Shelduck RSPB Images High above us the speck of a redshank – live together and are completely at ease with singing skylark. The tide was right out and the beach was bare, visitors. Other roaming small ducks are outside on the mill the only birds too far away to identify. pond; red squirrels and cranes are also kept, as conservation is a Back to Rye Harbour reserve with more wind, which meant top priority for the Trust. seeing small birds was a challenge. We headed to the Colin A great day out; a day’s total count of 52 bird species (seen in Green hide, a welcome shelter to eat in whilst looking out over the wild) including lapwing, oystercatcher, common tern, reed the wader pool. Birds: ring plover, avocet, a couple of bunting, reed warbler, great spotted woodpecker, treecreeper, shelducks and oystercatchers. nuthatch, jackdaw, rook, coal tit, swallow, blackcap, shelduck At the river mouth looking east the land kite surfers on Camber and oystercatcher. Sands were flying high. To the west the old lifeboat station is Go in summer and see the wildflower meadow at its best, a real the focal point of the area. Wheatear was spotted by some who spectacle. walked that far. Others visited the other hides sheltered from the wind. At Ternery Pool hides - common and Sandwich terns Oare Marshes & Reculver Country Park Sunday 10 June and black-headed gulls; common, greater and lesser black- The day started rather disappointingly weather wise, no sun backed, and herring gulls were also about. and rather chilly and blowy for June. After a motorway The shorter circular walk was the usual route taken, others services stop off, we arrived at Oare Marshes Nature Reserve - chose to make their way back to the tea rooms at Rye Harbour only one way in/out and no visitor centre. village and respite from the wind. The churchyard had On the pools and island there were numerous black-tailed goldfinches. godwits but just a sprinkling of Off the Harbour Road, the area surrounding Camber Castle has other species including avocet, various habitats, including reed beds. From the viewpoint, we little grebe, reed warbler. A noted a tree full of nesting cormorants, the calls of cuckoo, heron was seen eating a grass Cettis warbler, chiffchaff and wren; and croaks of marsh frogs snake—it was not an easy feat. in a drainage ditch. A mistle thrush and peacock butterfly were We could see masts of sailing a pleasure to see. boats drifting along the horizon, The day’s total count of 60 bird species (seen). quite tranquil to watch, yes the tide was right up and so A new visitor centre is planned for Rye Harbour reserve with Bonaparte’s Gull, Oare Marshes café, toilets and educational areas. We look forward to visit. unfortunately when we reached the shoreline, not a

wader in sight. But then right in front of us and to our surprise Pensthorpe Natural Park (Norfolk) Sunday 20 May was a Bonaparte’s gull swimming and quite at ease, it being off- A welcome return visit for most of the group of 20 to this course from its usual home of America. We were lucky as this wonderful setting, 700 acres, with the river Wensum at its heart sighting had been reported for only the last week. Further up making its way through the valley. A land train travels round the path, we had views of reed bunting, a male bearded tit and parts of the site so it can be enjoyed by those not wanting or greylag geese. able to walk far. The river is crystal clear and luckily for us . was at a normal level now, having recently flooded the path continued over alongside.

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We made a short drive to the coastal cliffs and shore of Reculver. of us, a fat water vole eyeing us up at Kits Pond (and then being The historic twin towers set right on the coast are protected from pursued by another). Butterflies on the wing were oblivious to erosion which plagues the rest of the area. Only half of the the heat and numerous in all areas of their preferred patches eg garrison square fort remains. We walked along Saxon Shore ringlet, gatekeeper, and small skipper. Way and Oyster Bay Trail, very scenic with a wide swathe of The group bird total for the day (including those spied “en wild flower meadow including grass vetchling. route”) 56 species including lapwing, little grebe, shelduck and The field margins alongside the open farmland had various low their young, redshank, greenshank and black-tailed godwit. shrubs perfect for perching birds. We had sightings of singing skylarks, whitethroat, Walton-on-the-Naze Sunday 9 September meadow pipit, and a corn Naze comes from the old English “Naes” meaning nose; the bunting. A rare privilege Naze peninsula is roughly three miles long and one and a half to see this once common miles wide. Behind it, sheltered from the North Sea, is Hamford bird, we had to check the Water. The Naze Centre with its green roof, café and shop was book to be sure we were very welcoming and with information about the geology of the not mistaken. Somewhat cliffs and their importance as a Site of Special Scientific Interest surprising was a green (SSSI). woodpecker foraging on We were very pleased to welcome two new people on our the grassy slope of the cliff outing. We had fine weather throughout the day, broken clouds side. Sedge Warbler, Oare Marshes and fairly warm, ending with a spectacular lava orange band Once the tide started to recede an oystercatcher turned up along along the horizon at sunset. with a little egret. It was only at 3pm that the sun arrived and an The walk along the cliff top was done with care, staying well hour later our day’s birding concluded. 52 bird species. The away from the crumbling edges. Rather elusive in the shrub visitor centre provided drinks and ices. land, was a flock of long-tailed and other tits, jay and blackcap. But the day still had an unexpected twist as on the way home the During the walk to the John Weston nature reserve we saw minibus broke down on the M2. We waited nearby, admiring kestrel, deer and a lizard. In the grass we were fascinated to find the view and wild flowers; fortunately there were steps to sit on wasp spiders, quite a rare sight; also eight species of butterfly, and spaces to walk—at least we were only 16 in number and the such as small copper and small heath; a Cetti’s warbler was sun was shining! Eventually a big white coach came to our heard, but of course not seen. Once the tide started to recede, rescue and we made it back home, rather hungry as our food waders arrived: ring plovers, sanderlings, redshank, turnstone provisions had run out. and dunlin.

But the highlight for a few of us was whinchat because this is not Fingringhoe Wick Sunday 8 July a bird seen often by the group. Other little flocks of goldfinches A hot day for our return to this Essex Wildlife Trust managed and linnets were seen too. reserve. Staff at the visitor centre were very helpful indicating Not everyone followed the where notables might be found. Sitting in the cool centre it was trail into the Naze; a few possible to see goldfinches, greenfinches and sparrows on the made it to the pier to the feeders and swallows flying. south, and so saw some The 200 acres is a mix of undulating terrain with diverse habitats different birds to the rest. of woodland, thickets, dense scrub, ponds and a lake, and are There was time to climb the but a short distance from the Colne estuary. We trod the mix of metal lattice, spiral stairs of sandy, dry baked, hard cracked paths in the sunshine with little the Naze tower built in 1720 cloud or shade. It was not ideal for us or the wildlife who were to warn sailors off the West Wasp Spider, Walton-on-the-Naze all finding the overly hot summer “a bit much”. Thankfully Rocks. From the top a panoramic view: the tall cranes and huge Fingringhoe has many hides and benches in the best places, from container ships at the Harwich docks and the wind farm; inland which to rest, enjoy the views and eat. the town, Hamford Water and the countryside beyond. Those who chose to venture inland did miss the sea breezes. Swallows skimmed around the clifftop grassland. Around the estuary the birds were scattered as the tide was right Waiting for the coach we were entertained by young pied out; elsewhere most others were seen only fleetingly. The two wagtails chasing around the parking area; and crows with a species seen in numbers were, surprisingly, little egret and rook. curlew. Just the sounds of the chugging engine of a small boat, The group’s bird total for the day, 42 species, was not as many as oystercatchers, chiffchaff, green woodpecker, whitethroat, we would have hoped compared to the number compiled by the blackcap, reed bunting and our voices punctuating the silence. Essex Wildlife Trust but—very impressive, including some rare Trickiest view: a kestrel and young one sitting on top of their migrants. box; furthest sighting: a speck of a marsh harrier. Right in front continued over

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British Birdwatching Fair Friday 17 August monitors migratory birds of prey and helps track turtle doves, A group of us travelled to Rutland Water Nature Reserve to or the history of women’s contribution to the study of the attend this big annual event, being held over the weekend natural world. “Butterfly Conservation Turns 50 (the work of Aug17-19 and which is jointly sponsored by Leicestershire and the Butterfly Conservancy Council,) or “Woodpeckers and Rutland Wildlife Trust and RSPB. For several it was a first Parrots of Columbia”, and “Then and Now”-Simon King time visit to “The Birdfair”. reflecting on the changes over the past 30years that he has been studying birds and nature. The weather was warm and dry, which made getting about and eating lunch “al fresco” from the wide choice of food stalls, Many of the subjects reflected the concerns with the loss of quite pleasant, despite the crowds. habitat and environmental challenges that wildlife is now contending with worldwide, as well as illegal bird hunting and Marquees housing everything “birdy” from optical and poaching. photographic equipment, companies providing wildlife and/ or birding expeditions all over the world, clothing, books, arts and Very interesting was the BTO stand (British Trust for crafts, to food and more besides. Organisations and charities Ornithology), where demonstrations of bird-ringing were associated with nature and wildlife as well as birds, were well attracting steady crowds all day. A delight to see birds, represented. including a marsh tit and reed warbler so close, and the awe on a teenager’s face as he experienced having a bird fly from his In conjunction with all this, talks by experts and enthusiasts, hand. including well-known figures, on a wide range of subjects. Some held in lecture tents to large audiences, others given very So much to see and hear, a very stimulating, interesting day. informally to small groups gathered round. Do try it next year. Most of us attended at least one or two of the talks, for instance: the plight of curlews round the world, or the work of the Antikythira Bird Observatory (the only one in Greece) which

We are indebted to our printer Minuteman Press who has kindly printed this edition without charge.

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LOCAL BIRD REPORT from Philip Brown

As you can see from the map our local area is divided into 4 sections. Each area has a corresponding column on the table which lists the species observed. The areas are split east to west by the M25 motorway, north to south by the A1 (M), and bordered to the south by the A406 and to the west by the M1 motorway. The border to the north is OS TL15 and to the west is OS TL40.

Key AM Amwell HPR Hillfield Park Reservoir HW Heartwood Forest KGV King George V Reservoir RM TH Tyttenhanger TP Trent Park

The species listed do not include many of the more common birds as it is a selected list, and the lack of a cross in the column may just be that the area or bird has been under recorded. This is particularly true of zone B. This report covers the period from 1 April to 30 September 2018.

The most remarkable sighting in the period was a penduline tit at Tyttenhanger on 16 April, which was a first for . Amwell was a good location for comparative rarities, with an Arctic skua on 8 April, a turtle dove on 15 May and a spoonbill on 21 May. Turtle doves were also seen at two other locations. A crane flew over Hertford on 8 May, and an osprey was at nearby Panshanger Park for around two weeks from 9 September. Corn buntings were seen at Coopers Green gravel pits in June and a black kite was at Folly Farm in Totteridge on 16 September. Adverse weather at the beginning of the period delayed the migration of winter species such as brambling, siskin and hawfinch. First appearances of sand martin, swallow, house martin and swift do not seem to have been greatly delayed, however. There were also surprise appearances of a smew at Friday Lake and a bittern at Rye Meads in August. Apart from the species mentioned above, Tyttenhanger was visited by grey partridge, sanderling, whimbrel, curlew and wood sandpiper. Amwell had great white egret, pink-footed and white-fronted geese, red-breasted merganser, turnstone and barn owl. Rye Meads had garganey, marsh harrier, avocet and cuckoo and King George V Reservoir sightings included red-throated diver, black-necked grebe, brent goose, scaup, little stint, Arctic, little and black terns, and wryneck.

My thanks go to everyone who has contributed reports for this item. Please keep sending your reports to Philip Brown, Tel: 020 8441 3830, E-Mail: [email protected]

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SPECIES AREA NOTES SPECIES AREA NOTES A B C D A B C D

RED-THROATED DIVER X King George V Reservoir 10 Apr MEDITERRANEAN GULL X X Amwell 10 Apr, Rye Meads 19 Apr, Tyttenhanger 8 Jun LITTLE GREBE X X X LITTLE GULL X X X KGV (14 ON 14 Apr), Hilfield Park (6 on 16 Apr) , Amwell BLACK-NECKED GREBE X X Hilfield Park Res (5 on 18 Apr), King George V Res YELLOW-LEGGED GULL X X Tyttenhanger, Amwell BITTERN X Rye Meads 14 Aug CASPIAN GULL X X Tyttenhanger, Amwell GREAT WHITE EGRET X X Tyttenhanger 7 Apr, Amwell 25 Apr & 30 Sep SANDWICH TERN X X X X Tyttenhanger, Hilfield Park, Amwell, Rye Meads LITTLE EGRET X X X X COMMON TERN X X X X SPOONBILL X X Amwell 21 May & 8 Jun, Tyttenhanger 22 May ARCTIC TERN X X X Hilfield Park, Amwell, KGV PINK-FOOTED GOOSE X Holyfield Hall Farm & Amwell 13 May LITTLE TERN X King George V Res 6 May WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE X Amwell 6 Aug BLACK TERN X X X Amwell (7 on 24 May), KGV 23 May & 29 Aug, Heartwood BARNACLE GOOSE X X X Willows Farm, Aldenham Country Park, Rye Meads TURTLE DOVE X X KGV 15 Apr, Amwell 15 May, Totteridge 31 May BRENT GOOSE X 5 at King George V Res 12 & 15 Apr RING-NECKED PARAKEET X X X X EGYPTIAN GOOSE X X X Verulamium Park, Stanstead Abbots Lakes, Totteridge CUCKOO X X X Frogmore Lakes, Panshanger Park, Rye Meads SHELDUCK X X Amwell, Rye Meads, Enfield Lock BARN OWL X X Heartwood Forest, Willows Farm, Amwell MANDARIN X X X Coopers Green, Panshanger Park, Trent Park LITTLE OWL X X X Willows Farm, Stanstead Abbots, Totteridge WIGEON X X X TAWNY OWL X Oak Hill Woods, Arnos Park GADWALL X X X X SWIFT X X X X First - 20 Apr (Grovelands Park); Last - 24 Sep (Heartwood) TEAL X X X Trent Park, Darlands Lake KINGFISHER X X X X Tyttenhanger, Hilfield Park, Rye Meads, Trent Park PINTAIL X X Amwell 9 Sep, Pattypool Mead WRYNECK X King George V Res 31 Aug GARGANEY X X Rye Meads, Darlands Lake, KGV LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER X Totteridge 6 Apr & 21 Jun SHOVELER X X X X WOODLARK X Heartwood Forest 26 Sep RED-CRESTED POCHARD X Tyttenhanger 28 Sep SKYLARK X X Tyttenhanger, Gunpowder Park, Trent Park POCHARD X X X SAND MARTIN X X X X Last - 26 Sep (Heartwood Forest) SCAUP X King George V Reservoir SWALLOW X X X X Still being sighted into October LONG-TAILED DUCK X King George V Res 21 Jun HOUSE MARTIN X X X X First - 2 Apr (KGV); Last - 26 Sep (Heartwood Forest) COMMON SCOTER X X X X Hilfield Park Res (9 on 8 Apr), KGV (8 on 9 Apr) TREE PIPIT X Totteridge 16 Apr & 31 May GOLDENEYE X X X Hilfield Park, Amwell, KGV MEADOW PIPIT X X Tyttenhanger, Trent Park, Gunpowder Park SMEW X X KGV 2 Apr, Friday Lake 6 Aug YELLOW WAGTAIL X X X X Redbournbury (30 on 27 Aug), Tyttenhanger, Gunpowder Pk RED-BREASTED MERGANSER X Amwell (3 on 3 Apr) GREY WAGTAIL X X X X GOOSANDER X KGV 2 Apr, Gunpowder Park (3 on 25 Apr) WHITE WAGTAIL X X Tyttenhanger (2 on 7 May), KGV 9 Apr GREY PARTRIDGE X Tyttenhanger Farm 4 Apr, Symondshyde Farm 18 Jul NIGHTINGALE X Fishers Green 19 Apr, Potters Bar 3 Jul RED KITE X X X X including Trent Park, East Barnet and Oakleigh Park BLACK REDSTART X X Rye Meads 8 Jun, Holly Hill Farm (Enfield) 17 Apr, KGV MARSH HARRIER X X X Tyttenhanger 16 Apr, Rye Meads 8 Apr, 16 & 24 Jul REDSTART X X X Tyttenhanger, Essendon, KGV SPARROWHAWK X X X WHINCHAT X X X Ellenbrook Fields, Rye Meads, Trent Park BUZZARD X X X X STONECHAT X X Heartwood Forest, Amwell OSPREY X X X Welwyn GC 21 Apr, Panshanger Park from 9 Sep, KGV WHEATEAR X X X X Willows Farm, Hilfield Park, Rye Meads, Sewardstone Marsh KESTREL X X X X RING OUZEL X Ellenbrook Fields, Hatfield Aerodrome HOBBY X X X X Tyttenhanger, Bricket Wood, Rye Meads, Totteridge FIELDFARE X X Last - 12 Apr (Coopers GPs); First - 28 Sep (Cheshunt) PEREGRINE X X X Heartwood Forest, Rye Meads, Totteridge REDWING X X Last - 14 Apr (Tyttenhanger); First - 30 Sep (Sewardstone Mar) BLACK KITE X Folly Farm (Totteridge) 16 Sep CETTI'S WARBLER X X X WATER RAIL X X Tyttenhanger, , Rye Meads GRASSHOPPER WARBLER X X X Tyttenhanger, Kings Meads, Rammey Marsh CRANE X over Hertford 8 May REED WARBLER X X X X OYSTERCATCHER X X Tyttenhanger, Amwell, Rye Meads SEDGE WARBLER X X X X AVOCET X X Hilfield Park Res, Rye Meads LESSER WHITETHROAT X X X Ellenbrook Fields, West End, Totteridge LITTLE RINGED PLOVER X X Tyttenhanger, Rye Meads, Kings Meads WHITETHROAT X X X X RINGED PLOVER X Tyttenhanger 7 May & 24 Aug GARDEN WARBLER X X X X GOLDEN PLOVER X Tyttenhanger 16 Sep BLACKCAP X X X X GREY PLOVER X Amwell 24 May, Rye Meads 29 May CHIFFCHAFF X X X X LAPWING X X X Tyttenhanger, Amwell, Rye Meads, Totteridge WILLOW WARBLER X X X X SANDERLING X Tyttenhanger 23 May FIRECREST X X X , Fir & Pond Woods, Totteridge LITTLE STINT X King George V Res 31 Jul SPOTTED FLYCATCHER X X X Heartwood Forest, Woodside, Totteridge Fields DUNLIN X Amwell 28 Apr, Rye Meads 19 Jul PIED FLYCATCHER X Hooks Marsh 6 Aug, 9 Aug JACK SNIPE X King's Meads PENDULINE TIT X Tyttenhanger 16 Apr (FIRST for HERTFORDSHIRE) SNIPE X X X Tytttenhanger, BrIcket Wood, Rye Meads, Kings Meads MARSH TIT X X Sherrardspark Wood, , Amwell WOODCOCK X X Garden Wood 3 Apr, Totteridge 5 Apr RAVEN X X X Tyttenhanger, Amwell, Trent Park BLACK-TAILED GODWIT X X Tyttenhanger, Amwell, Rye Meads TREE SPARROW X Tyttenhanger (highest 15 on 30 Sep) BAR-TAILED GODWIT X X Amwell 13 Apr, Tyttenhanger 14 Apr BRAMBLING X Northaw Great Wood, WHIMBREL X X X KGV 13 Apr, Tyttenhanger 18 Apr & 24 Aug SISKIN X X Garden Wood, Colney Heath, Amwell, Brookmans Park CURLEW X X Sewardstone 2 Apr, Tyttenhanger 14 Apr LINNET X X X X REDSHANK X X Tyttenhanger, Kings Meads, Amwell, Rye Meads LESSER REDPOLL X Heartwood Forest, Tyttenhanger GREENSHANK X X Tyttenhanger 20 Apr & 6 May, Rye Meads 21 May BULLFINCH X X X X Aldenham CP, Rye Meads, Totteridge GREEN SANDPIPER X X Lemsford Springs, Tyttenhanger, Rye Meads HAWFINCH X X Northaw Great Wood, Totteridge WOOD SANDPIPER X Tyttenhanger 19 May & 3 Sep YELLOWHAMMER X X Heartwood Forest (15 on 5 Apr), Tyttenhanger, Woodside COMMON SANDPIPER X X X Tyttenhanger, Hilfield Park, Aldenham CP, Rye Meads REED BUNTING X X X TURNSTONE X Amwell 25 May CORN BUNTING X Coopers Green GP 12 & 17 Jun, Symondshyde Farm 8 Jul ARCTIC SKUA X Amwell 8 Apr

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Group Holiday Kenya 14-26 May 2018 Excerpts from the Group Reports (compiled by the Editor) Photographs by the Group

Kenya lies across the equator in East Africa, with a coastline on the Indian Ocean. Its terrain includes savannah, the dramatic East African Rift Valley, lakes and mountain highlands. Such diversity yields a variety of climates and supports an abundance of wildlife much of which is now protected by reserves and national parks. The tour was planned and led by Chris Field, a scientist who settled in Africa many years ago and has a wide knowledge and interest in the natural world. Yvana coordinated all the planning and preparations from this end liaising with Chris and his brother, Colin in the UK, to make sure all the arrangements were in place and that the trip would proceed smoothly. Our journey would take us first northwest from Nairobi to follow the Rift Valley exploring three of the lakes: Lake Naivasha staying at Elsamere, Lake Elementaita a soda lake, and finally much further north, Lake Baringo to stay on Ol Kokwe Island. From there we would turn southeast climbing up to Thompson Falls in the Aberdare Mountains, before a long drive east crossing the wide Laikipia Plain and then pushing north to reach the Samburu/Shaba Game Reserves. Finally as we return south towards Nairobi, stopping in the area by Mount Kenya. Eight of us in one land cruiser including Bob our driver. The itinerary should provide a great variety of birds, some particular to specific habitats as well as those found widely across East Africa. Chris had prepared a list of some 295 species that we might see on the trip, if we managed 2/3 of them we would be doing very well indeed! An extended rainy season, was causing considerable disruption to infrastructure in places, with sometimes tragic consequences. On the other hand some areas normally much drier by this time of year, were still lush; wild life was flourishing, with birds in mating plumage.

View from the Bungalow at Elsamere On reaching Elsamere, (the former home of Joy and George Adamson), we were captivated; the atmosphere there tranquil, somehow serene. A series of wooden bungalows set in lawns and gardens, surrounding the modest main house, with its dining room and veranda; also an interesting museum with Adamson memorabilia. Colobus monkeys played amongst the surrounding tree tops. Several of us drew back the curtains of our bungalows early next morning to see a giraffe and several zebra grazing just outside— what a beginning! The haunting call of the tropical boubou, began our group's birding on the lawns before breakfast. Exotic Fischer’s lovebirds and the red-headed weaver made for particularly colourful sightings. Then a morning’s boat trip along the margins of Lake Naivasha, amongst the water hyacinth and papyrus swamp and further out in the lake, gave us more delightful birds: the delicate jacana, a fleeting view of little bittern, cormorants posing on a bough in the lake and a yellow-billed duck with his fish lunch in his bill were memories to treasure. A fish eagle swooped down to catch fish thrown from our boat, its piercing cry quintessential Africa. A distant pod of hippo bobbed up briefly to see us. Lake Elementaita had a very different feel, the volcanic nature of the Rift more apparent and exemplified by the rock formation known as the Sleeping Warrior seen across the water from our lodges on the eastern shore. One of the soda lakes, its high biomass is important for flamingos, which we were keen to see. We spent an excellent day on the Soysambu Conservation Area, situated on the west The Sleeping Warrior, Lake Elementaita side of the lake. This gave us our first close sight of some of the mammals including zebra, water-buck, elegant Thompson’s gazelle, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Astonishingly, we were witness to the aftermath of a lion kill, heralded by circling white-backed vultures above us. Through ‘scope and binoculars we watched the two lionesses guarding the young eland they had killed, while vultures and a marabou stork patiently waited nearby to eat, also silver- backed jackals. Ultimately there were probably another thirty vultures circling above, a rare sight these days. continued over

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The area also hosted a wonderful variety of birds, such highlights as lilac-breasted roller, helmeted guinea fowl and pin-tail whydah. In particular the joy of watching a long- tailed widow bird in display flight, seemingly hardly able to fly with such a huge tail. Arriving at the lake shore we were happy to find large flocks of greater flamingos, a few lesser amongst them. We picnicked and then birded along the beach, yellow-billed stork, great white pelican, African spoonbill and many more. On our journeys we often stopped by small lakes on the roadside where we were regularly rewarded with excellent sightings of water birds. These breaks gave us our first hamerkop, blacksmith lapwing, and many others such as white-faced whistling duck and Flamingo on Lake Elementaita perhaps loveliest of all, the grey-crowned crane, the latter ultimately voted our “bird of the trip”. Overhead power lines also offered good sightings-such as common fiscal and white-crowned shrikes, various weavers, even a black-headed heron. A long-crested eagle flew low across us one morning as we were travelling along and landed on top of nearby shrubs, where we enjoyed good views.

The journey to Lake Baringo took us much further north, to a hotter, more arid region, passing through areas of acacia trees hanging with bee nests for honey collection. Our two night stay at Island Camp in the lake, was another special experience. The island bird guide, Johnson, was excellent and led us quietly on a pre-breakfast walk to see such highlights as African paradise flycatcher-the white morph, northern crombec, red-billed buffalo-weaver, Hempricht’s hornbill and olive-green camaroptera. Our boat trip with him around the nearby islands, with trees laden with weavers’ nests overhanging the water, gave memorable sightings: goliath herons, (one nesting and two others in beautiful breeding plumage standing guard among the vegetation), malachite

Malachite Kingfisher, Lake Baringo kingfisher, a male Jackson’s golden-backed weaver displaying to attract a mate, fish eagles swooping and, just as we were returning to the jetty, Madagascan bee-eater. Oh, and there were crocodiles! Hot springs bubbled steam in some of the coves, a reminder of the volcanic nature of the area. The drive to Thompson Falls became a wet affair as we climbed from Nakuru through upland forest, into cooler air. When we arrived, the falls themselves noisily impressive in the chilly, misty rain. A walk to view hippo in the evening had us all soaked though, thank goodness for the open fires in the rooms! The next day, the long drive east started in damp weather again, but by lunch the skies cleared, and north of Nanyuki, the temperature rose and we looked out on wide open views across the landscape to mountains far beyond. Eventually turning off the highway onto the bumpy track into the Shaba Reserve, we stopped to watch a white-throated bee-eater and several other lovely new sightings. From the shadows of the vegetation, a young male elephant peered at us, before stepping out behind our vehicle. A red-billed hornbill took a dust bath on the road ahead; what an amazing place this was going to be. The Sarova Shaba Lodge is set beside the Ewaso Ng’iro river, running fast and orange- brown after the rains; only a lone crocodile manages the beach where there is usually evening feeding. In the grounds hadada ibis poke about, olive baboon in the trees above. That evening we find our rooms “invaded” by camel crickets, and due to the weather, our time there was shared with these harmless but disconcertingly jumpy companions! The following morning we set out on what was a truly memorable day’s safari on the nearby Samburu Reserve. Herds of Grevy’s zebra (characterised by their large ears and thinner stripes), all the antelopes, including oryx and the strange gerenuk, with its exceptionally long neck, and a “journey”of giraffes. A very emotional, magical few minutes for the whole group as a massive herd of some 150 elephants passed quietly round Grevy’s Zebra, Shaba Reserve our land cruiser - an image to hold forever. A secretary bird appeared prodding the ground in a variety of postures, presumably looking for snakes. Among the new birds a kori bustard with two chicks, looking persistently skyward for possible eagles, and two pale-chanting goshawks in a tree. The following morning the Shaba Reserve presented a drier, more open landscape, dotted with acacia, occasional small oases with palms, and a backdrop of mountains. continued over

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This is where Joy Adamson actually worked with the lions and where she is buried in a secret mountain location. We saw cinnamon-chested bee-eater, sandgrouse, scarlet-chested sunbird, red-and-yellow barbet. A grand pair of Somali ostrich, the male swishing his fine plumage and sporting a blue neck, and the grey female; a broad-billed roller gave us a wonderful display of rolling. We head south in the afternoon sun back to the more temperate conditions around Nanyuki and Mount Kenya. The next day, a morning’s birding along the roadside on the outskirts of Nanyuki town was a delight. By the edge of a military airfield, bronze and golden winged sunbirds darted in the bushes, while across the road a red-collared widowbird held our attention for quite some time as it kept displaying across the top of the long grass in a nearby field. As we drove up the winding road to the Mount Kenya Safari Club later that afternoon, the rain set in again; the peak of the mountain was obscured and sadly did not reveal itself the next day, even though the weather had cleared. The Club, now a luxury hotel surrounded by over 100 acres of landscaped grounds, sits astride the equator at an elevation of 7000ft. Walking uphill was hard work! The main buildings are very well appointed, liberally decorated with stuffed animal heads and horns, and photos of the rich and famous, invited there when it was owned by the Hollywood star, William Holden. Adjacent and associated with the Club is a wildlife sanctuary and a sizeable reserve. The following morning, there was time for a last birding walk. As we headed across the lawns, black crake were feeding in the wet grass, good sightings of tawny-flanked prinia, a grosbeak weaver, Cape robin-chat and red-throated wryneck. Some of the group headed for the animal orphanage, with captive breeding programmes for some endangered species, such as the bongo. We gathered for lunch, in the hotel’s restaurant, our final meal of the trip, where we were regarded somewhat sternly by a marabou stork on the veranda, Finally the long drive back to Nairobi, when we reflect quietly on the wonders of the last 12 days. Grey-Crowned Crane, Our final bird count for the trip 185 species. Lake Elementaita Our bird of the trip: grey-crowned crane—coincidentally the national bird of Kenya!

Group Holiday Suffolk October 2018 Look out for the next issue of the Newsletter which will have a full report of the group holiday to Woodbridge, Suffolk 15- 18 October. A great success, 33 members went and had a lovely time with some excellent sightings. Our top five birds were: black tern, Dartford warbler, great white egret, lesser yellowlegs, and ferruginous duck. Other highlights for us: seeing a crimson speckled moth (a rarity); and the clouded yellow butterfly. Bird count 94 (to be verified and excluding those only heard such as the tawny owl).

A member, Chris Hamilton Jeans, has kindly sent in one of his poems. Silently she waits by the warbler's nest In the depths of winter, a poignant reminder of spring. Who is unaware of her covert guest The coast is clear, the egg is laid The Cuckoo Unnoticed in this daylight raid. by Chris Hamilton Jeans The cuckoo soon outgrows his sibling chicks The cuckoo calls for all to hear Ere long there's only two from six But no one knows if far or near The rest are sent to soggy graves Enchanting tones from all around Adopted parents now his slaves Just echo back and then rebound What monstrous twist of fate is this For in England's springtime woodland's green That nature does not think amiss The cuckoo's heard but seldom seen. To allow the cuckoo's murderous ways Those reassuring notes to charm As this world continues to amaze. Should instead for some birds cause alarm For the Cuckoo is like no other bird A dark secret, she has, not all have heard

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OUR LOCAL GROUP WEBSITE NEWSLETTER COPY DATE www.rspb.org.uk/groups/pottersbarandbarnet or search for Many thanks to all our contributors for their much Potters Bar and Barnet RSPB. valued input to this newsletter. I will be delighted to You will find lots of information about the Group’s activities receive your articles, notices, news items, including our outings booking form and meetings programme. photographs, correspondence. (Click on News and then News Archive - January2018) [email protected] This newsletter can also be viewed there with the added bonus that Closing date for copy for our next edition will be all the photographs are in colour. Friday 12 April 2019

FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND KEEPING IN TOUCH Newcomers are always very welcome at the Group meetings and coach outings. You don’t need to be experienced. Information is in your programme, but here is a taster of events in the New Year. Wed 9 Jan Wildlife in Parks – Simon Braidman warden of Stanmore Common Nature Reserve will talk about the wildlife which inhabits our local public places. Fri 18 Jan Bear Mountains and Pelican Delta – speaker Chris Ward on the great birds and wildlife from Transylvania to the Danube Delta. Sun 13 Jan Coach Trip to Rainham Marshes RSPB Reserve - 411 hectares of ancient, low-lying grazing marsh in the Thames Estuary with a wonderful cafe if the weather is bad! If you would like to receive the monthly update by email, or your newsletter and programmes by email, please email to [email protected] with your request, name and postcode. (You can always unsubscribe if it does not suit you). John Rowley Website Editor

100 Club The 100 Club works by members subscribing to one or more of 100 numbers. A subscription costs £12 per number per year. There is a monthly draw with prizes of £20 and £10 and an extra prize of £50 in June and December. The remaining funds, after minimal expenses, are donated to the RSPB. There are only 9 spare numbers before we reach our target of 100. Why not take out a subscription – you could be one of the lucky ones and you would be helping the RSPB. There is an application form below, or we are usually at the Friday evening meetings so you can speak to us there. Many thanks, good-luck to those who already support the 100 Club. Chris & Ron Youthed

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