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Report of Stapleford Bird Club - September 2018

On yet another sunny morning with only a light breeze, we stayed in the car park for a few minutes to check the birds present, and it became apparent that few birds were on show. Other than two Magpies calling to each other, Robins were the only other species seen or heard there. After a period of several weeks with little or no singing by most species, we were pleased to hear two of the Robins singing – it is normal for them to resume singing in late summer after their moult has finished. Males and some females will aggressively try to maintain territories throughout the winter, and song is one important way to defend them though it is softer and more melancholic at this time of year.

A Green Woodpecker was calling in Memorial Wood. At Little Trees Hill, we heard more Magpies, a singing Blackbird, Robin and Woodpigeons. Chaffinches and a Goldfinch were seen. A small warbler busily feeding in the bushes was either a Chiffchaff (shown left) or a Willow Warbler (see right) but views were brief and it refused to call. When it isn’t obvious which of these two species the bird belongs to it can still be called a “willow-chiff” so the record isn’t lost, though on this occasion the greenish-brown hues of the plumage pointed to a Chiffchaff. A large brown bird sitting in a tree was a Buzzard – normally we only see them soaring or hunting over the Down.   Feoffee’s Fields held a few Linnets and Goldfinches. Within the Trust land, about 70 Rooks, two Carrion Crows and two Jackdaws were searching for grubs in the part of the large field which has now been cultivated after the Oilseed Rape crop. Unsurprisingly there were none in the part still with barley harvest stubble and as yet uncultivated. A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over but did not land. Vestey Wood seemed quiet and added only a single, calling Great Tit to our list.

The Club is involved in the latest BTO survey which focuses on the incidence of Tawny Owls. Individual club members are surveying three designated 2x2 km squares in the area, out of 2500 for the UK in total.  The first visit of the three autumn visits to Magog Down to listen for owl calls was made by a group of club members and Trust volunteers (including our blind member who was in her element) and our results will be revealed in our next report.

Altogether, we recorded 15 species. We needn’t be too concerned that fewer birds were seen this time. Many small birds are moulting now, and are trying hard to remain inconspicuous. A lingering search of the hedges and bushes would have revealed more of the species we expect to find there.

     Mike Foley

View the sightings for September comparing all years from 2013 to 2018 here