I was up and out at the crack of dawn heading to Beddington
Farm to catch up on some species to add to my September challenge. The site is far
from what it used to be and the new access and site “crystal maze” obstacle
course does not appeal to my patch watching senses like it used to! The wet
grassland area is still being dug with the few Tree Sparrows that are left
ducking and diving between feeding as the machinery bypasses the feeder
stations!
Once complete the area will have to be drained for three
years to allow seeding and growth before the area can be flooded and become “operational”.
100 Acre also seems to be out of bounds with no route through to this area! If
you are on site dressed in your PPE hi-viz gear you cannot access the hides and
visa versa making full site coverage tricky to say the least!
The areas to and on to the mound are now lined with fencing
which has allowed the scrub to grow providing a useful migrant trap. Several
Whinchat was seen in this area with a Stonechat, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and
other common passerines.
The North Lake held a variety of waterfowl including a
female Pintail which has been present for a few days.
Whilst checking through the Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal, Tufted
Duck, Mallard and Pochard a Wigeon was spied. This species does not appear in
any great numbers on the Farm and therefore was a welcome addition to the day
list.
Most of the gulls were frequenting the area for the proposed
wet grassland so I spent some time looking through a reasonable number of
Herring, Lesser Black Backed, Black Headed, Greater Black Backed and a few odd
looking gulls.
Whilst doing this Dodge messaged me with news of a Spotted
Flycatcher behind the hide! I debated whether to trek back having had one yesterday
at Canons Farm but joined Dodge, Tank and Glen on the Sand Martin bank.
Other migrants seen during the morning Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and Buzzard.
Other migrants seen during the morning Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and Buzzard.
I recorded 54 species during my morning visit back to Epsom Downs for Geese watch later!
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