Saturday 8 February 2020

Poulter Park and Beddington Farmlands

Being at my parents' for the weekend, I had a lazier than usual start to the morning before making my way to Poulter Park in Mitcham for the local wintering warbler fest along the River Wandle. It was immediately obvious why this stretch of river was so popular with insectivores, with a continuous cloud of midges along the path and over the water. It feels like a real local winter goldmine of a site for uncommon and rare passerines - hopefully now it's on the map half an eye will be kept on the area The Yellow-browed Warbler - the star attraction - was soon located and went on to perform almost continuously (and occasionally calling) over the time I spent on site, along with a couple of lovely Siberian Chiffchaffs, two Firecrests and two Blackcaps (one heard singing and a female). Other birds included a Kingfisher, up to 10 nominate Chiffchaffs, two Grey Wagtails, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, a Little Egret and two Egyptian Geese. It was great to catch up with Paul Goodman, Shaun Ferguson, Nick Gardner, Ian Ward and Arjun Dutta.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Poulter Park

Yellow-browed Warbler at Poulter Park

Siberian Chiffchaff at Poulter Park

Firecrest at Poulter Park

Firecrests at Poulter Park

Grey Wagtail at Poulter Park

female Blackcap at Poulter Park

Paul and I then went to Beddington Farmlands for a quick look from the hides. It was quiet, with a Water Rail, two Stonechats, four Shelducks, 19 Lapwings, a Kestrel, three Buzzards, 11 Grey Herons and two Redwings the best on offer. Another Redwing and a singing Treecreeper were in Beddington Park.

Kestrel at Beddington Farmlands