I have recently
taken over the Beddington Farm WeBS count from Derek Coleman who has had me
shadowing him for the last few months. I set out early starting my count at
0700hrs which would give me plenty of time to cover the Farm before the
predicted 25c sunshine took effect.
I started with a
brief look at the lakes before moving down to 100 Acre. The first shorebird I
heard was a Green Sandpiper which was picked up in the binos whizzing low
across the sludge beds towards Jim’s bed which is a small rectangular lake at
the far N end of the Farm’s boundary with Mitcham Golf Course. This area can be
quite hazardous for birders and wildfowl alike as many a stray golf ball finds
its way into the water!
A Redshank was the
next up taking a short flight from the back of Jim’s onto the main island.
There were a mix of ducks, Canada Geese and a Mute Swan on this lake. A handful
of Lapwing had taken residence on the mini mounds in this area.
The Farm’s small
population of Shelduck were also present.They are usually noted on the North
and South lakes.
After covering this
area and the beds in front of the incinerator I moved to the North Lake where a
male Pintail which arrived yesterday was associating with a Gadwall. There were
still a variety of species of duck on the lake including, Teal, Shoveler,
Tufted, Gadwall and Mallard.
I walked to the SE
corner via the South Lake to complete the days count. I returned via the
landfill to bump into a couple of Tree Sparrow sat in the fence at the top of
this area. To think that only a few years ago the BFBG were collating just
short of 1000 birds including pulli! The nest boxes were full of this species
which has all but been wiped out on the Farm. Loss of habitat I believe is the
main cause but no one takes responsibility for this and the matter is buried
under the landfill carpet when the rapid decline is mentioned!!
A sky watch with
Dodge rounded the day off nicely with a Little Egret on the North Lake. A
return to the nets tomorrow for more thrills and spills at the Farm!
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