I was fortunate with the weather once again on my final two visits of the year, on December 13th and 20th. Both days brought some welcome sunshine to round off the year nicely.
December 13th
On the way to the Outfall, I came across the pair of Common Buzzards on the Thames Water side. As you may recall, they lost their single juvenile back in October, possibly to predation by Crows.
At the Barrier, the tide was high but falling. A lone Common Sandpiper showed briefly on the mud, though most of the birds present were Black-headed Gulls.
I then checked the usual Redshank roost and was pleasantly surprised to find a large gathering using the jetty roost instead. Scanning through with bins, I initially estimated around 140 birds. However, after reviewing the photos a couple of times, the count came out closer to 167, give or take a few hidden behind others. Also present within the roost was a single Dunlin, which provided a welcome year tick and took my total to 98 species for the year — just two short of the target.
It was a very encouraging count and once again highlighted the importance of the upriver mudflats as a winter-feeding resource.
Kestrels were unusually hard to locate. Eventually, I found the male at the back of the Sewage Works, engaged in a brief dispute with a Jay.
A well-fed Sparrowhawk was also seen, its large crop suggesting a recent successful hunt. This is yet another raptor species breeding on site at the Sewage Works.
December 20th
With the tide rising, I focused my attention on the Outfall mud. A light easterly breeze gave me hope that I might add a couple of quality birds and reach the magic 100.
A group of 62 Black-tailed Godwits was a good start, along with a Curlew, a Common Sandpiper and 14 Redshank making up the rest of the waders. Despite spending a couple of hours carefully scanning the river, no further additions were found — even after scrutinising every bird in the hope it might turn into something special.
Pied and Grey Wagtails seemed to be everywhere, but I also caught up with a Goldcrest. Surprisingly, they can be quite tricky to find at times on the Sewage Works.
Both Common Buzzard and Kestrel pairs were present. The Kestrels are fairly approachable, unlike the Buzzards which remain extremely camera-shy. The Kestrels’ tolerance, combined with using the car as a ‘natural’ hide, allows for some close photographic opportunities.
I finished the year on 98 species seen or heard — just short of three figures — nothing earth shattering in terms of ‘Rares’ but enjoyable as ever.
New Years Day will again see me starting off the year, just haven’t decided where yet.
A very Happy Christmas to everyone, and best wishes for 2026.
On the way to the Outfall, I came across the pair of Common Buzzards on the Thames Water side. As you may recall, they lost their single juvenile back in October, possibly to predation by Crows.
At the Barrier, the tide was high but falling. A lone Common Sandpiper showed briefly on the mud, though most of the birds present were Black-headed Gulls.
I then checked the usual Redshank roost and was pleasantly surprised to find a large gathering using the jetty roost instead. Scanning through with bins, I initially estimated around 140 birds. However, after reviewing the photos a couple of times, the count came out closer to 167, give or take a few hidden behind others. Also present within the roost was a single Dunlin, which provided a welcome year tick and took my total to 98 species for the year — just two short of the target.
It was a very encouraging count and once again highlighted the importance of the upriver mudflats as a winter-feeding resource.
Kestrels were unusually hard to locate. Eventually, I found the male at the back of the Sewage Works, engaged in a brief dispute with a Jay.
A well-fed Sparrowhawk was also seen, its large crop suggesting a recent successful hunt. This is yet another raptor species breeding on site at the Sewage Works.
December 20th
With the tide rising, I focused my attention on the Outfall mud. A light easterly breeze gave me hope that I might add a couple of quality birds and reach the magic 100.
A group of 62 Black-tailed Godwits was a good start, along with a Curlew, a Common Sandpiper and 14 Redshank making up the rest of the waders. Despite spending a couple of hours carefully scanning the river, no further additions were found — even after scrutinising every bird in the hope it might turn into something special.
Pied and Grey Wagtails seemed to be everywhere, but I also caught up with a Goldcrest. Surprisingly, they can be quite tricky to find at times on the Sewage Works.
Both Common Buzzard and Kestrel pairs were present. The Kestrels are fairly approachable, unlike the Buzzards which remain extremely camera-shy. The Kestrels’ tolerance, combined with using the car as a ‘natural’ hide, allows for some close photographic opportunities.
I finished the year on 98 species seen or heard — just short of three figures — nothing earth shattering in terms of ‘Rares’ but enjoyable as ever.
New Years Day will again see me starting off the year, just haven’t decided where yet.
A very Happy Christmas to everyone, and best wishes for 2026.
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Redshank a roosting
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So many of these on the Sewage Works
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Kestrel
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Goldcrest
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Female Sparrowhawk and Kestrel
Common Sandpiper
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Black Tailed Godwit
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