Battersea - October 11th

Hi, another good visit on Saturday arriving a little later than usual, London traffic - Road Works seems to get worse every month. Getting from A to B these days in London, without hitting a detour over the weekend is not easy.

My usual start was on the Coaling Jetty, the regular species were encountered on arrival although no female Peregrine present, after checking all of the Northern Face of the Power Station, and additionally the local Cranes.
Eventually the Falcon arrived from the direction of Vauxhall, carrying small prey and commenced to feed on the northern façade. With the Tiercel disappearing and last seen in May, she is still hanging on despite her age.

Moving on, I then had a look round for the Kestrel, got lucky and found him up at the southern end of the Power Station, he was being given a hard time by both a Crow and a Magpie. Both we know will mob Kestrels and torment them to no end, it's not something they often do with Peregrines, simply too dangerous.
Good to see the little chap again, obviously now very territorial a good few months on, the next step will be for him to get a mate for the spring, hopefully in the meantime, we can get a nest box up for him to show off........

After checking most of the areas, I then headed to another location having arranged access. I spent a good amount of time here in this area, from the word go it was obvious that it was alive with birds.
The target species - Black Redstarts, a pair were very obviously present, the male a full adult and not a 1st year singing as well.

I have never heard one singing this late in the year, it will be interesting to see if they both stay and winter on site, normally they go and return in the Spring. It could be that with our milder winters, and a good number of green/sedum roofs will keep them here throughout the winter providing food sources.

Looking around showed many species, no less than 15 Goldfinch eating the Buddleia seeds, Blue and Great Tits, Robins, Wrens, Pied/Grey Wagtail and a Chiffchaff.

Black Redstarts however, stole the show, like the Peregrines also Schedule 1, were very present around the grounds and at times giving stunningly close views.

Got some shots, just a pity about the poor light but wasn't complaining given how close they were coming.

With 2 broods this year, it has been another good year for them.