2nd December

Regent’s Park

Little Grebe: 3 present by area 8.

Mute Swan: 3 cygnets flew west at 8.52am, one returned a few minutes later.

Northern Shoveler: 64 around the eastern side of Heron Island, area 8.

Common Teal: 3 with the Shovelers.

Mandarin: 56 on area 8.

Red Crested Pochard: 48 also on or close to area 8.

Yellow-legged Gull: 3rd winter present on the lake.

Fieldfare: 10 flew north-east.

Redwing: 8 birds by St Marks Bridge Lodge.

Firecrest: one by the gate to The Holme, area 10 briefly at 8.45am.

Goldfinch: 18 birds in my garden.

Siskin: 2 flew east.

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These 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers flew high westwards.

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3rd winter Yellow-legged Gull

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The longer legs were obvious as was his big mouth.

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Common Gull

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Black-headed Gull

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Lesser Black-backed Gull

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Herring Gull 1st winter

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This flock of Red crested Pochards flew in from the north. Where else do these birds hang out?

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Comments

birdman_euston said…
On today's Firecrest, Dave mentioned to me recently that he considers The Holme to be prime Firecrest habitat. Let's hope it decides to winter there!
Dave is right. When it used to be part of my regular walk they were found in the grounds. Since it became a private residence we have only seen the ones that have come close to the boundary. Mind you Firecrests are increasing in the UK.
David Brett said…
Hi, we live very close to the northern side of Primrose Hill Park. I was in our garden this afternoon when what I can only describe as a "bird of prey" swooped down to attack a pigeon. This was within 15 feet of where I was standing and the bird then flew off passing probably withing 6 feet of us. Quite a surprise! A large bird actually flew into our living room window last week (they're about ten feet tall). We're wondering if it may have been the same bird? Any idea what species of bird this may have been?
Hello David, the bird in question was no doubt a Sparrowhwak.. When they have food on theirs minds they become very focused and can come very close to people. I knew someone that was feeding sparrows on his hand when a Sparrowhawk swooped down and snatched one. They are very prone to flying into large windows when chasing birds. I hope this is useful. Tony
David Brett said…
Thanks very much. We'll keep an eye out for it....be great to get some photo's of it.
birdman_euston said…
3 Dec:
1♀ Blackcap (NW corner of Avenue Gardens, area 20 at 09:45).
It flew in from E on mild morning to the same chinese crabapple trees that hosted a Waxwing nine days ago; alas, there are practically no berries left so it quickly departed whence it came.