Beckton Sewage Works

November 12th



Hi, with the arrival of the colder weather, I visited the Barrier at the usual first light on Thursday.

Quite obvious that there were more birds present as I looked over the river wall and the tanks, a very good count of 44 Shovelers were present, along with 37 Black Tailed Godwit on the mud with a single Curlew.

Redshank numbers have gone through the roof with 84 present, but the pick of the waders will go down to a calling Grey Plover heading down river. Exceptionally rare this far up river, the last record I had of this species at the Barrier was December 3rd 2010! They usually only go as far up as Rainham RSPB and even then only usually in singles. Flying downriver where it came from I do not know.


Year tick no 96 was then quickly followed by year tick no 97 in the shape of a Little Grebe in the old tanks, again cold weather movement but very welcome, again not common here. Another bird that only moves around at night being a weak flyer.

I also caught up with not one but 2 Black Redstarts, as we know a wintering species at Beckton. These were along the River Wall area but very likely making their way to the Sewage Works where they will possibly winter.

Jackdaw singles do often appear at McGraths Refuse, but shortly after dawn, 5 came over from the south side of the river, and started to feed on the road in front of me. It represents the largest number I have had at the Outfall, however others may well have seen more.

A good visit, just 3 to go to reach the annual target - 45 species recorded on the day.

                                                                     Black Redstarts