Barking Bay October 30th

Morning visit, good to see some sunshine for a change, although it was not set to last with rain forecast in the afternoon. As many may know the Bay is scheduled for development over the coming years, sightings and records will now become more and more important, if more records are generated, more mitigation can then be put in place. If anyone does visit can you send your records into Francesca Barker of the London Wildlife Trust, e-mail
fbarker@wildlondon.org.uk
If you do visit, the area has a reputation for car break ins , best to park further back where there is civilization and then walk down to the entrance gate.





Goldfinch on Thistles

 Tide was out on the river, on the way I had a good flock of Linnet numbering around 80 birds in the scrub, scanning the river and mud produced:
Teal- 36
Rock Pipit 1 – rocks                                                                                                                           Shelduck – 71
Curlew – 2
Redshank – 9






Curlew

Other species seen were 16 Reed Bunting in the scrub, 7 Goldfinch, Fieldfare over, Green Woodpecker ground feeding, 14 Skylark, and a calling Water Rail. Also had 2 Sparrowhawks interacting, looked like a male and female getting all frisky in the sunshine, even the Skylarks were singing.






Sparrowhawk

 

Sparrowhawks tangling

Good light for a change