Saturday 19 March 2011

Brent Reservoir and Woodland Park

This morning was spent at Brent Reservoir from 8:30 until 12pm.  1 Greenfinch was in a tall tree neighboring the playing fields and 1 Sparrowhawk flew over.  The trees and rough grassland was also very productive and I found 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (we (Ephraim and I) had at least 4 more individual sitings along the path.  We also came across several singing Chiffchaffs.  On the Reservoir itself (most birds were seen from the hide) there were 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 4 (possibly 5) Snipe, 126+ Black-headed Gulls were resting on the mud in front of the hide and a further 100+ Black-headed Gulls were also in the western corner of the Reservoir.  There were also 17+ Common Gulls (together with the BHGulls most still in winter plumage).  Ring-necked Parakeets kept flying over and I saw them in most areas around the reservoir.  At least 4 Little Grebes were on the Reservoir (mainly near the centre), 2 Reed Buntings were on the south bank, 1 Sparrowhawk flew over the reeds and 1 ad. Ruddy Duck was skirting the south bank, often diving and difficult to pick up on.  2♂ Shoveler were also in front of the hide together with numerous Pochard, Tufted Ducks, Gadwall, Great Crested Grebes and Herring Gulls.
The northern part of the reservoir, just after crossing Cool Oak Lane also had a lot of bird life including 2 more Ruddy Duck (1 ad. and 1 juv.).  There were also more Great Crested Grebes, Pochard, Gadwall and Ephraim found a Chiffchaff in the small woods to the left of the path.


Ruddy Duck in the northern part of the reservoir, after crossing the road.
Great Spotted Woodpecker on the northern bank of the reservoir (a lot of drumming was going on)

Mute Swan
1 of 2 Mistle Thrushes in the woods neighbouring the reservoir

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