RSPB East

Grey Partridge in snow Local Group

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2011 No 49

LEADER’S BLOG ways we can all contribute to the before this infamous ‘crash’ in The cold weather - remember the knowledge of our birdlife and numbers the bird was an ex- snow and ice in December? – highlight areas of needed inter- tremely rare visitor to our area. disrupted our Christmas party vention or success. So please Thankfully today they are en- arrangements. Undeterred we had continue to support the work of countered far more regularly and mince pies, sausage rolls and the RSPB. But more importantly have bred successfully in nearby mulled wine at our first Christmas get out and enjoy your birding urban locations such as at Sutton party of 2011 at our January and report anything interesting or and central Croydon. Whilst they meeting instead! In February we unusual. Finally pencil in the 28th may not be every racing pigeon had a fascinating insight into the October in your diaries as we are enthusiasts’ favorite bird, there is international work of the RSPB holding another ‘fish and chips no denying their majestic form. from Dieter Hoffman, Head of quiz night’. Who would have ever predicted Global Programmes at HQ. Our John Lawrence that instead of having to travel to recent raffles collected over £100 PEREGINE SUCCESS STORY the Nagshead cliff face in the to purchase trees for planting in Forest of Dean to see them, we Harapan, Indonesia. The talk also would have them nesting on our highlighted many of the problems own ‘office block cliffs’ here in faced by our spring migrants as Surrey! they make it back to our shores to LOCAL BIRD SIGHTINGS breed. The first local bramblings were The extent of public spending seen in game cover crops above cuts are only now beginning to Nore Hill Chelsham on 18th unfold and we wonder how the October. The following day at Coalition’s “Big Society” vision Peregrine falcon Golf Club Wold- That brilliant creature, the pere- will impact on environmental ingham small parties of siskins grine falcon, is arguably our most groups and interests. At least our were feeding in the alder trees, spectacular bird of prey. Yes the protected woodlands are safe and parties of meadow pipits were fastest animal on the planet, following the concerns expressed moving through the area travel- capable of ‘prey stoops’ in excess by the RSPB and many of its ling north. Again at Nore Hill on of 200 mph, is now virtually on members against recent privatisa- the 20th two parties of fieldfares, your doorstep, so why not get out tion proposals. The RSPB is totaling some 180 birds, moved there and find one for yourself! committed to a strategy of through NW directly into a stiff The poisonings from pesticides growth, sustaining and develop- wind. A single flyover crossbill (Aldrin, Dieldrin, and DDT) in ing its work programmes, but demonstrating its distinctive the food chain in the late 1950s there will inevitably be tough ‘chipping’ call was at the same almost brought the species to th decisions ahead. site on the 30 . Almost on the extinction in the UK. There can’t Did you take part in the Big Gar- county border with Kent in be many sadder sights than den Bird Watch at the end of Beddlestead Lane Chelsham on watching incubating birds crush- January? Were you lucky enough 25th November a large female ing their own eggs because of to see Waxwings in your peregrine passed south flushing neighbourhood? In these small calcium deficient shells! Even huge numbers of migrant wood- 17th and whilst none fell on the same again. To quote John pigeons and mixed corvids, in- Christmas Day there was still a 3 Cantello: “his skill as a birder and cluding some 300 jackdaws. A inch deep frozen layer on what artist was only exceeded by the tawny owl was flushed from its was now the 25th day of snow! warmth and generosity of his daytime ivy-clad oak tree roost in Into the New Year, on 23rd Janu- character. Did I ever meet him the same road near Beddlestead ary, a long staying bittern turned without coming away with a Farm. It was a very cold and up at Bay Pond , as did smile? I doubt it. Ray was one of frosty morning on 29th November one at Hedgecourt Lake those rare people who enhanced at Holt Wood Chelsham and 60 together with a red-crested- life and we are all the poorer for stock doves were feeding there in pochard. Gill Flinn chanced upon his passing. I'm sure that the rough pasture. The following an amazing 12 plus bullfinches Elysian Fields are already echo- day, some 8 inches of snow fell in feeding on blackberry seeds on ing with his cheerful banter as he , with a further 6 Riddlesdown on 30th, and contin- gets to grips with a whole new inches on 1st December - quite ued the purple patch by finding avifauna.” unprecedented conditions so early 13 waxwings at the same locality MAGIC OF THE FARNES nd in the winter! The writer braved on February 2 . Other highlights It was the spring of 2009 and my the conditions for a circular walk during that month included the son Sam wanted to check North- around the Chelsham countryside, first full chorus of song thrush on umbria University out- it wasn’t th but birds were very much con- 7 near Warlingham Green, 500 so much the academic qualities spicuous by their absence with the common gulls ‘loafing’ in the but more the nightlife, pubs, and exception of a lone buzzard: even pasture adjacent to rugby facilities! When he had th that was flying south no doubt Station on 14 , and a herd of 18 completed his in depth recce, we looking for warmer climes! What Fallow deer on Gangers Hill decided to travel north from was interesting however was Woldingham the same day. Newcastle to view the beautiful chancing upon a magnificent countryside and heritage coast- ‘igloo castle’ in a stubble field at line. It is truly stunning and well Harrow Road Farleigh- the snow worth a visit. conditions were obviously perfect for its construction, but it was that good I was left wondering if there were any Inuit’s living locally!

Mealy Redpoll I purposely delay cutting my lavender to attract finches to the seed heads. To date the gold- Male Eider Duck finches and redpolls have de- After checking out the famous clined the bounty this year, but Craster kipper smokery we the latter have been regular on headed to Seahouses and were ‘Editor’s’ Waxwing Gordon Holmes’ feeders in Ca- very lucky that the sea conditions It didn’t take long for those terham. He might even have had were just about safe enough to get magnificent winter visitors the the rarer mealy redpoll amongst a boat out to the famous Farne waxwing to move from Scotland the more common lessers! Islands. Our route took us close down into our area. Finally a pack of some 30 hare to several islands and past the A flock of 30 were at Redhill on hounds from Poynings, Sussex lighthouse from which Grace 11th December and after a wait of were ‘working’ the fields between Darling in 1838 made her heroic some 64 years your Editor finally Beddlestead and Biggin Hill on sea rescue of 9 survivors of a saw them in his own Warlingham 17th, and as many as 8 hares were paddle steam ship wreck. We had garden on 3rd March, with 10 seen. This is a remarkable recov- picked the perfect time of the year birds feasting on cotoneaster ery of the species in the Chelsham (May); since breeding birds filled berries. area where they have been largely the air, cliffs and sea around us – At Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve absent for the past 5 years. everywhere we looked in fact. there were black-necked and red- RAY TURLEY Grey seals were in abundance, necked grebes, goosander and a I, like so many others, was and the diminutive and comical smew, together with at least two shocked and saddened by the puffins darted past the boat from bitterns during this cold snap and recent and sudden death of Ray all directions. We were dropped a flock of over 80 siskins graced Turley. Birding at Dungeness off on the main island and for two the alder carr there on 15th. A and elsewhere will never be quite hours we were at one with nature further 5 inches of snow fell on in a magical and almost ‘surreal’ acre holding. The odd pheasant west to Chelsham and the county setting. has been caught in the past, but border in the east, and Kenley and on 24th February he was doing his Warlingham in the north to usual 7.30 a.m. rounds when he Bletchingly, Godstone and found a grey backed bird in the in the south); preliminary figures trap which from his overhead from the BTO’s nationwide viewpoint he initially took to be Breeding Bird Atlas (2007-2011), some type of dove. On closer has only shown presence of the inspection, however, he was ada- species in 6 of the 25 two kilo- mant he had caught a cuckoo!! meter square subdivisions (tet- Both Brian and I quizzed him rads)! Some of these may only Shag separately and at some length on have been single sightings or Nesting eider ducks, common and the bird’s ID. Unfortunately he records of the odd calling bird. In arctic terns, guillemots, razorbills, explained he was so concerned to this connection many mistaken puffins and shags were all around release the bird as soon as possi- reports of calling cuckoos turn out us and virtually at our feet. The ble that he didn’t think to take a to be very good imitations made experience with the wildlife photo. We suggested a ‘grey’ by collard doves! I have failed to reminded me of my trip to the sparrow hawk as a possible con- see or hear a cuckoo in Warling- Galapagos, everything was so fusion species but he knew this ham/ Chelsham/ Woldingham for close; you could almost touch the species well and ruled it out at least 5 years! It has long been birds sitting on their nests or out- straight away on the basis of a my view that a shortage of insect side their burrows. The cacoph- non hawk like bill shape. He food is the main problem for the ony of sound was something else described the extent of its barring, cuckoo and explains the loss of (as was the reek of guano), and its long wings and short legs other insectivores. I am not say- the diving terns didn’t disappoint perfectly and I have to say that ing it is the sole reason since either! this doubting Thomas was im- problems on migration and in the If you are ever up in the North- pressed!! As you will know the wintering grounds could also be East don’t miss out on the experi- very first cuckoos to reach the involved. A Dutch researcher, H ence; you won’t regret it. There UK from Africa have been known Tennekes has made the case that is so much else to see in the area, to be here in late March, with the neonicotinoids, a special group of especially the spectacular castles first song heard in mid April. insecticides, are causing a catas- at Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh This famous sound of Spring trophe in the insect world, which ,Alnwick and of course the magi- triggered perhaps the most cele- is having a knock-on effect for cal Lindisfarne. brated correspondence in history - many of our birds. These chemi- the first cuckoo letters to the cals were introduced in the 1990’s Times. It’s a great shame there- and it wasn’t long afterwards that fore that we can’t authenticate our beekeepers noticed massive de- ‘rattrap visitor’! The bird also clines in bee numbers (Colony inspired great composers like Collapse Disorder). France Handel, Beethoven, Saint-Saëns banned the use of one of these and Frederick Delius. The last chemicals on sun flower seed in named of course wrote ‘On hear- 1999, and Germany and Italy

Lindisfarne ing the first cuckoo in Spring’ and have banned two types on maize. You have also got Kielder forest was incidentally laid to rest at St We took far too long to listen to, nearby and it’s only a stones Peter’s alongside Sir or heed the warnings of Rachel throw to the picturesque border Thomas Beecham. Official fig- Carson’s ‘Silent Spring’ half a town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. ures suggest that this iconic century ago. Let us hope for the Sam got a place at University and harbinger of Spring has declined future of the charismatic cuckoo whilst he is there I will be making in this country by over 65% since and other birds that we get our act more trips north to see him, and 1980. As previously discussed it together in time, and are not to further explore a spectacular is my view that the species travelling down another DDT and unspoilt gem of a county. decline locally in the last 10 years precipice! has been nothing short of catas- GOING CUCKOO IN CAPEL MONEY MONEY MONEY trophic and far in excess of the Brian Hobley had a bizarre phone The grand sum of £1600 has been official figures from the British call recently from a gentleman raised by the group this year and Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and living at Capel, a village between is to be targeted towards Wood- others. In the Dorking and Horsham. Appar- land schemes. Pat yourselves on 10 kilometer square ‘TQ 35’ ently he has a large ‘humane’ the back. (encompassing in the peanut bated rat-trap in his 15 Brian Thomas EVENING MEETINGS 2011 FIELD TRIPS 2011 th th

Wed 12 Gordon Langsbury: “ Bird Islands of Britain” Sun 16 Dungeness. A last visit to the Group by this AN

J renowned bird photographer. Wed 9th Dieter Hoffman, Head of Global Sun 13th Harty Ferry & Elmley.

Programmes, RSPB. “A trip around the globe” – an overview FEB of the RSPB’s valuable international work. th th

Wed 9 Bill Coster: “Namibia and Sun 27 Rye Harbour Hawaii/Midway” Two inimitable digital presentations of MAR these less well-known areas. Wed 13th AGM – followed by Peter Holden: “A Sun 17th Selsey Bill & Church Norton

Celebration of Birds”

APR Recollections with film clips of his 40 years’ work for the RSPB. th th Wed 11 Glenda Law: “Wildlife of Guyana”. Sun 8 Minsmere (Godstone at 7.30a.m Coach A recent visit to this under-reported Trip). nd MAY birding destination. Sun 22 Acre Down New Forest (7.00am Godstone) Wed 8th Jackie Garner: “Birds in Art”. Fri 3rd Ashdown Forest [Nightjar Watch]* th Enjoy the work of this talented artist, Sun 12 Amberley Wild Brooks & Pulborough combining her love of birdwatching with Fri 17th Ashdown Forest [Nightjar Watch]* JUN painting. *7.30p.m. at Godstone, 8.00p.m. at Long Car Park th th

Wed 13 Barry Wright: “Travels in South America” Sun 17 Mystery trip. Birds, scenery and other strange antics

JUL from Venezuela to Argentina. th Sun 14 Stodmarch & Grove Ferry. SUMMER BREAK AUG

th th

Wed 14 John Wyatt: “The Fauna of Ancient Egypt” Sun 18 East Head & Snowhill Marsh. More highlights from recent research

SEP and a fascinating book in the making. th th Wed 12 David Boag: “The Kingfisher”. Sun 16 Reculver & Oare Marshes. A reprise of his innovative study of one of

OCT our most colourful birds. Wed 9th Dennis Newland: “On elephant back in Sun 13th Pagham Harbour & The Burgh.

Nepal”

NOV A journey through the country’s National Parks and cultural sites. th th Wed 14 Christmas Meeting – members’ Sun 18 Shellness & Harty Ferry. tales/photographs. DEC

All trips start from Godstone Pond at 8.00a.m. except where stated above Visit our website for all the latest news: www.eastsurreyrspb.co.uk

Field trips start from Godstone Green Car Park at 8.00 am, unless otherwise stated. Part day trips – see above for time and place. For details of coach trips contact Brian Hobley (01883 625404). Warm waterproof clothing and stout footwear should be worn. Bring a packed lunch for day trips. No dogs. Alterations to some of the proposed venues may be necessary at the last minute. NOTE: If going direct to venue please notify leader at least 24 hours in advance in case of changes. Indoor Meetings will be held at the White Hart Barn, Godstone in 2011 starting at 8.00 pm. Admission currently £3.00 for adults, £1.00 for fledglings. Other events arranged during the year are advertised at the indoor meetings and on the website: http://www.eastsurreyrspb.co.uk. There is no group subscription, new visitors are always welcome. Group Leader: John Lawrence (01737 553316) Newsletter Editor: Brian Thomas (01883 623149) RSPB is a registered charity: and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654 If you would like to receive this publication by e-mail contact the Editor, Brian Thomas (e-mail: [email protected]). Publications sent by e-mail will be in glorious colour.