Hackney

Apologies for the lack of news over the last week or so - your author is in New England enjoying a differently-flavoured avifauna, and will collate an update upon return in about a week's time.

Mark

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: no sign of the Greater Scaup this morning (although an immature drake appeared this morning at Blunham in Bedfordshire - a journey of about 60 km up the A1 if it's our bird), and generally quiet, but for some briefly showy activity from the Cetti's Warbler. (MJP, TB)

Clissold Park: the male Brambling returned to the feeders this morning, and at least 60 Redwings remain. (TB)

below - in the absence of the Scaup today, the photos and video below are unfortunately the best we have from yesterday (you can't win them all)... (c Mark Pearson)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: another mild, dull day, with drizzle in the afternoon promised little, but delivered much.... regular readers will be aware of our efforts (multiple times on most days) in scrutinising the wildfowl flocks for scarcer visitors, which in recent times has resulted in two interesting hybrids, but in truth, not much else.

All the eye-strain finally paid off today, when a first-winter drake GREATER SCAUP was found snoozing in the distance among a group of Common Pochards and Tufted Ducks. Easily missed (or dismissed), the bird picked the furthest corner to lurk in and rarely woke up until late in the afternoon, when it began to feed with its congeners. Another long-hoped-for addition comes to pass.

Otherwise, the Cetti's showed briefly in its favoured place, about 50 Redwings were scattered around, the hybrid drake presumed Ring-necked Duck x Tufted Duck was present, and various passerines were again in song (including Coal Tits and Goldcrest). (MJP, TB, LP)

Clissold Park: Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff, plus nine Common Pochard, c50 Redwings, a Coal Tit and four Shovelers (MJP, TB).

Bethune Road: Two Coal Tits and a Goldcrest in song, plus c25 Redwings on the berry-bearing bushes still. (MJP)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: the usual extended coverage throughout the day produced little more than the Cetti's Warbler, three Water Rails and the hybrid female aythya; two Great Black-backed Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull were in the evening pre-roost gathering. (MJP, LP)

Clissold Park: the Cetti's remains, as does the male Brambling at our feeding station and the Chiffchaff by the lakes. (TB)

Hackney

Stoke newington Reservoirs: the Cetti's Warbler was again calling at dusk (after being awol for ten days), a Chiffchaff was in the LWT garden, two Egyptian Geese came in to roost at dusk, a Kingfisher was along the New River, and a single Meadow Pipit flew west.

A Yellow-legged Gull, a Great Black-backed Gull and at least 3 argentatus Herring Gulls were in the pre-roost gathering, and our monthly BTO WeBS counts produced the following:

Tufted Duck - 142

Common Pochard - 46

Shoveler - 16

Ruddy Duck - 1

Gadwall - 54

Coot - 310

Mallard - 18

Mute Swan - 4

Great Crested Grebe - 3

Little Grebe - 11

Clissold Park: Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff (TB).

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: a full afternoon session in cold, dull, dreary and mostly very wet conditions today (the kind of day we're thankful for the partial roof on the obs platform); again not a great deal new, but the female aythya presumed Greater Scaup x Tufted Duck hybrid continues to briefly send pulses racing on the East Res, and duck numbers are high (including 82 Gadwall and over a hundred Tufted Ducks).

We've been paying closer attention to the pre-roost gathering of gulls on the East Res in recent weeks, and will continue to do so in the near future when possible. All the commoner gull species are well represented, with three figures of Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Common, and four figures of Black-headed; most obviously use the reservoirs as a potential stop-off en route to a major roost in the Lea valley, and many take the opportunity to feed, preen and bathe.

The chances of finding rarer relatives in the throng, although limited at such a small site in such an urban setting, are tempting enough to inspire closer attention; this evening's session provided another adult Yellow-legged Gull and our first Great Black-backed Gull of the year. (MJP, LP, JP)

The external office lights attracted our first moth species of the year (and a first for the site) - two male and aptly-named Early Moths.

The exceptionally cold spell is now well and truly over in the borough, with temperatures hitting the heady heights of 3 - 4 degrees c over the last couple of days and all of the remaining snow finally thawing. Having lasted almost exactly a month (see latest sightings for mid-December onwards), it's provided us - and judging by the messages, many of you - with some memorable avian-related experiences.

Hackney

Clissold Park: arriving an hour before dawn and armed with flashlights, we decided to try and find a Woodcock this morning within the shrubs and undergrowth. No luck this time (and plenty of funny looks from early morning dog walkers), but we were serenaded by the park's star bird, the Cetti's Warbler, which inevitably approached to within a couple of metres with patience.

Both lakes are still mostly frozen, but a small open area on Beckmere held three Common Pochards and a male Shoveler; a male Goldcrest was singing near the cafe, and estimates of 100 Redwing and 25 Fieldfare were made. (MJP, TB)

A Common Buzzard drifted north during the afternoon (JP).

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: the West held good numbers of ducks and gulls, despite still being about 50 % frozen, but nothing unusual; one of two Kingfishers patrolled the stream by the climbing centre (with a second near the LWT garden). Over on the East, a pair of Teal were feeding along the edges - the first in some time, and (with the Wigeon a few days ago) at least indicative of some wildfowl movement.

At least two Water Rails were on show, a Meadow Pipit flew west, a Chiffchaff was in the garden, and the hybrid female presumed Greater Scaup x Tufted Duck has returned to the East Res - where a very odd-looking hybrid Shoveler x ? is also present. (MJP, TB)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: very little new today on a cool, drizzly, dull day, except for an argentatus (northern) Herring Gull. (MJP)

Abney Park Cemetery: the Tawny Owl and several Coal Tits were recorded. (TB)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: the thaw continues, and few birds to speak of today, except for four Water Rails, a male Goldcrest in song, 65 Redwings, 13 Fieldfares, and four Reed Buntings at the feeders. (MJP)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: slightly milder again today, with a fairly rapid thaw of still-lying snow and dull grey skies. Not much of note at the reservoirs, although a concerted grilling of the huge number of large gulls which are presently gathering pre-roost on the East Res produced not one but two adult Yellow-legged Gulls and at least two argentatus (Northern) Herring Gulls. (MJP)

Abney Park Cemetery: the Tawny Owl was in the usual spot oday. (TB)

below - one of at least two adult Yellow-legged Gulls this evening (in fading light at dusk), and an odd juvenile gull (with a disproportionately long bill, overall dark plumage and particularly dark 'face') in similar condtions. Any comments on the latter welcome. (c MJP)

Hackney

Srpingfield Park: a visit primarily to check for Woodcock (no joy) and the absent Mediterranean Gull on nearby Clapton Common (no joy) provided an opportunity to count the finch roost, which last year attracted Siskins and redpolls; no luck this time but totals of 50 Greenfinches, 25 Goldfinches and 20 Chaffinches were recorded (MJP).

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: slightly milder today, with a gradual thaw and grey skies (but still cold by normal standards). Five Wigeon and two Egyptian Geese were grazing with Canada Geese on the banks of the West Res, at least one Brambling was at the feeders again, and five Water Rails were present (MJP, LP, TB). The male aythya hybrid was also seen again (DH).

Clissold Park: Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff (MJP, LP, TB).

Abney Park Cemetery: Tawny Owl, five Coal Tits (MJP, LP, TB).

Springfield Park & Marina: Two Egyptian Geese, and good numbers of thrushes; a roost count in the park later of 170 Fieldfares and 120 Redwings (MJP).

Clapton Common: still no sign of the Mediterranean Gull which has frequented the site over the previous two winters, but high numbers of the commoner gulls may just encourage it, or another, back before the end of the winter. (MJP)

Middlesex Filter Beds NR: two Meadow Pipits feeding on the ice (MJP)

Lea Navigation (Springfield to Middlesex FB): a Water Rail, 20 Mute Swans, 15 Little Grebes, 18 Teal, female Tufted Duck, male Shoveler, three Grey Wagtails and 10 Gadwall (MJP).

Thanks to Tim Evans for the report of a male Blackcap in a garden on Chatsworth Rd, Clapton on 5th and 8th Jan - a scarce bird this winter in the borough; thanks also to Billy Tollemache for the photo below of a Woodcock in a garden on Albion Rd, Stoke Newington on 26th November las year - particularly timely, with a mini-influx of the species into the capital, and yet none in Hackney as yet (despite daily efforts....)

below - Wigeon, Brambling and Fox from the reservoirs, partially albinistic / leucistic Moorhen from Clissold Park, Egyptian Goose and one-footed Pied Wagtail (which seemed to have no problems feeding) from Springfield, Common Gulls from Clapton Common, and the aforementioned Woodcock (all c Mark Pearson except the Woodcock c Billy Tollemache).

Hackney

A brief appeal - as we all know here in Hackney, the conditions are and have been exceptionally cold and harsh in recent weeks. A similar situation throughout the UK and across much of Europe is resulting in extraordinary strain being put upon our bird populations, and in such trying times they benefit enormously from our help.

Gardens, parks, and other urban habitats are presently full of birds trying to survive these conditions, and putting out food and water for them provides a very important lifeline. Go to http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=1899 for more information, and http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/feeding/index.aspx for feeding advice.

Lots of coverage today throughout the borough (and thanks as ever to all who send in their sightings):

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: another day, another Scandinavian landscape, with temeperatures overnight well below zero and barely much higher through the daylight; the chilling north-easterly made it feel even colder, and snowstorms in the afternoon topped up the presently non-melting cover anywhere off the streets.

An afternoon session at the reservoirs produced classic hard-weather species, including single Common Snipe and Lapwing over (both firsts for the year), a Skylark over, two male Bramblings at the feeding station amongst the throng of hungry passerines, and winter thrushes - which were estimated today at 200 Fieldfare and 75 Redwings. Plenty of them were still arriving, at head height, through the snow at dusk. The female Ruddy Duck was still present. (MJP, LP, DB)

Clissold Park: Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff again today (DB, IB, DH).

Abney Park Cemetery: Tawny Owl, and 'notable numbers' of Redwing and Fieldfare over (LP).

Clapton: a Curlew flew over at 2210 this evening (JP).

Middlesex Filter Beds: a feeding party at water's edge included a Cetti's Warbler, a Chiffchaff, and a Grey Wagtail; several Gadwall and Shoveler were on the river, a Common Snipe was flushed from reeds, and skating Meadow Pipits were on the ice again (FaL).

Hackney

Clissold Park: another winter-wonderland day today, with the park (as well as Abney and the reservoirs) coated in snow and ice. If anything, this morning felt even colder than of late, with a biting north-easterly breeze adding significant wind-chill.

A check on Clissold's Cetti's Warbler was once again entertaining, with the bird feeding in snow-laden reeds and approaching to within a metre (and therefore too close to photograph). Otherwise, Redwings are omnipresent and numerous, Fieldfares were trickling over, and the lakes are bereft of much activity but for forlorn-looking Coots and Moorhens on the ice. (MJP, JP, TB)

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: a look at the 80% frozen West Res and New River was quiet, but for good numbers of Common and Black-headed Gulls; the East Res, meanwhile, remains almost ice-free, although there were no notable wildfowl arrivals today. Up to four Water Rails were present, as were good numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares, but the pick of the day was a cracking Brambling feeding with Chaffinches around in the LWT garden. (MJP, TB, JP)

Abney Park Cemetery: six Lesser Redpolls remain tamely feeding in the birches by the Church St entrance, a Coal Tit was in song, thrushes were numerous and a Tawny Owl - presumably the male, assuming the female is now sitting - was at the day roost. (MJP, TB, JP)

Rough (and conservative) day totals for thrushes stood at 250 Fieldfares (including 70 north at dusk) and 200 Redwings.

below - Redwings and Cettti's Warbler in Clissold Park; Brambling at the reservoirs (unfortunately through double-glazing); and Lesser Redpolls in Abney (all c Mark Pearson)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: a memorable day at the East Reservoir against a backdrop of deep snow (untouched but for fox prints), low temperatures and increasing sunny intervals.

With the adverse conditions continuing locally, nationally and on the near continent (and throughout the northern half of Europe), the possibility of a related movement or scarcity remains high. And today provided ample reward for a stakeout from the observation platform, with several highlights - the runaway being a stunning Bittern.

Coming in low from the east at around 1340 and maniacally harassed by a group of Carrion Crows, the bird looked to put down in the reedbed, but was recieving too much hassle; instead of continuing west (like the first site record of this species, in late October last year), opted to swing around and land in the crown of a tree on the Woodberry Down estate.

Visible from the LWT office window and garden, it remained in the treetop for at least ten minutes, defending itself admirably against a group of 15 Carrion Crows and three Magpies. Despite constant attack, it managed to aim a potentially mortal blow at one of the crows, which tumbled out of sight. Its whereabouts after this are unknown, but there is a strong possibility it found its way into reedbed.

A Common Buzzard, also in from the east and lost to the west at 1123, would otherwise have been the bird of the day, it being our first borough record in January (only November and December now remain Buzzard-less). A host of other notable records include a male Peregrine over at 1202, a Siskin, a Meadow Pipit, two Skylarks, 203 Fieldfare and 98 Redwings over (and down), and a Chiffchaff along the New River.

Wildfowl numbers on the East Res are high, especially with West Res almost completely frozen, although as yet a scarcer visitor has yet to materialise; but a female Ruddy Duck was the first of the species for some months today. The Cetti's Warbler was again active in front of the platform, after going awol for a fortnight, and the presence of at least seven Water Rails made for a record site count (and plenty of entertainment on the snow and ice). (MJP)

Abney Park Cemetery: a Tawny Owl, six Lesser Redpolls and a singing Coal Tit were recorded today (TB).

Middlesex Filter Beds: late afternoon - Woodcock high over, also Fieldfare; c10 Redwing foraging on river bank with two Song Thrush and Blackbirds; 3+ Meadow Pipits, Chiffchaff calling from low branches over river. (FaL)

Late news for yesterday - Clissold Park still hosts the Cetti's Warbler and a Chiffchaff, and another Chiffchaff was in Abney (along with a Tawny Owl).

Below: highlights from the East Reservoir today, including Bittern, Fox, Cetti's Warbler, Common Buzzard, Water Rails and Long-tailed Tit (all c Mark Pearson).

Hackney

Nothing of interest to report today, so some photos from yesterday at the reservoirs - the displaying Sparrowhawks (male, first three, female remainder), and three species currently common at the feeding station - Greenfinch, Starling and Redwing. (c MJP)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: another very cold, sunny morning with a sharp frost, resulting in 85% ice coverage of the West Res, but only about 20% on the East. Ducks were concentrated on the latter, with c150 Tufted Ducks and good numbers of the other commoner species.

Otherwise, once again, the highlight of the day was thrush passage - a minimum of 430 Redwings and 95 Fieldfares passed through and dropped in. Other records included a Chiffchaff, three Water Rails, a singing Coal Tit, three Reed Buntings, and a pair of Sparrowhawks displaying overhead. (MJP, TB)

Abney Park Cemetery: at least six Lesser Redpolls were present again today, although mobile; Redwings - over and down - numbered at least 200. (LP)

Clissold Park: no sign of the Cetti's today, but at least 150 Redwings were recorded here and along nearby Green Lanes. (TB)

Allens Gardens:a singing Coal Tit and 25 Redwings were amongst good numbers of common passerines. (MJP)

Stoke Newington / Stamford Hill: thrush passage continued throughout and strengthened towards dusk, with an conservative estimates of another 200 Redwings and 70 Fieldfares - bringing the day totals to 1005 Redwings and 165 Fieldfares (MJP, DT, TB, LP) - one wonders how many more passed into Hackney airspace through the course of the day, but it's still our second highest day count ever.

Finally, visiting Californian birder Tom Grey has just spent a couple of weeks based close to Clissold Park, and has some nice shots of local birds - his site is well worth a visit and can be found at http://www.pbase.com/tgrey/london09

Hackney

Abney Park Cemetery: another cold, sunny and frosty day today. The highlight in Abney was a group of a least seven Lesser Redpolls feeding in birches, as well as plenty of Redwings throughout (perhaps 50 or more), a few Fieldfares, three Coal Tits (including a pair copulating), a singing Goldcrest and a Tawny Owl. (MJP, LP)

Clissold Park: once again the Cetti's Warbler showed superbly. More Redwings and a few Common Pochards were also present. (MJP, LP)

Below - Cetti's, Grey Heron and Moorhen in Clissold, Lesser Redpolls, Redwings and Brown Rat in Abney (all c MJP)

Hackney

Hackney Marshes: 46 Teal were on the river, as were seven Little Grebes and a Chiffchaff along the bank. (JP)

Clissold Park: the Cetti's was present again today (mo)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: a crisp, clear, sunny and cold morning in Hackney, with a light dusting of snow and a perfect day to shake off last night's excesses. not a great deal at the reservoirs, but a Chiffchaff, three water Rails, four Reed Buntings, a Meadow Pipit low and north, about 50 Redwings and two Fieldfares were recorded. (MJP)

Clissold Park: our long-staying, very accomodating Cetti's Warbler kindly decided to stick around long enough to be added to the Hackney year list (see photos below); probably one of the UK's most urban and tolerant representatives of this notoriously shy and uncommon species. (MJP, TB, FF)

Abney Park Cemetery: both Tawny Owls were roosting together today. (MJP)

Overall thrush counts for the day, from Clissold, Green Lanes, the reservoirs, Abney and overhead elsewhere totalled c350 Redwings and 35 Fieldfares.

Below - photos from today of Cetti's Warbler, Clissold Park; Jay and Tawny Owls, Abney; and Dunnock and Robin, the reservoirs. (all c MJP)

Hackney

Happy New Year from Hackney Wildlife!

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this year's latest news, the most comprehensive coverage the borough has ever had. Keep the records coming and we look forward to 2010 being another memorable year.

The Monthly Summary for December 2009 is now live - click on the link on the left to read.

All best and good birding

Mark

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: an extraordinary and very memorable day for cold weather movements at the reservoirs. After a sharp overnight frost, and with the freezing conditions having dominated locally and further afield for some days now, hopes were still relatively high of an associated movement or oddity; especially with the last few days having produced record numbers of Lapwings, impressive numbers of Redwings and two Jack Snipe (a real rarity locally).

Initially bright and crisp, several cloud belts and light showers moved in from the south, with a slight rise in temperatures by late in the day. Redwings were already on the move over the streets en route early on, and over a hundred birds were flushed from the LWT garden by opening the gate - an impressive sight in itself, and as it turned out, a harbinger of the riches to follow.

Observations began early at the platform, and it was soon apparent that a huge movement of thrushes was underway. Massive numbers of Redwings were almost constantly moving overhead, at varying altitude - some high, some at eye-level and at all points inbetween. Unprecedented flock sizes proved challenging to count, with upwards of 200 birds in single groups by no means unusual, with the largest flock numbering at least 450.

Clouds of birds habitually dropped into the area to pause on their generally eastbound journeys, often to feed; groups pitched down onto treetops, open ground, TV aerials and even the reedbed - a breathtaking sight, and providing a final tally that was almost certainly a substantial underestimate.

Fieldfares were also moving in previously unrecorded numbers, and an equally conservative estimate of 650+ smashed all preceding counts over years of sky-watching; likewise, many birds were pitching down, and mixed flocks made for a colourful, noisy cacophony throughout the session.

Lapwings numbered 88 (in three flocks of variable size, the largest 53) after a new record of 103 was set two days ago, and hopes of connecting with their traditional winter companion have hence been higher over the last couple of days. At last, it finally happened - as thrush passage quietened down and time cracked on, a flock of no less than 80 Golden Plovers gunned silently south across the reservoir. A long hoped-for and often near-missed addition to the local avifauna was finally enjoyed.

A Jack Snipe bulleted eastbound from the southern perimeter around midday, the fourth bird this year of this extremely rare local species; the snow-weighted reedbed in front of the platform again held a Cetti's Warbler and at least four Water Rails (with several of the latter on show today); and two Chiffchaffs again fed along the New River.

Wildfowl numbers remained oddly high considering the conditions, which saw 95% of the West Reservoir and 85% of the East covered with ice. Common finches continue to flock around the feeding station. (MJP, TB)

Below - Golden Plovers, Lapwings, Redwings and Fieldfares (and a Great Spotted Woodpecker), Water Rail and Fox from today (all c MJP)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: another day of temperatures around freezing, with some snow lying and about 50% of the reservoirs frozen, today was dull early on with clear skies and bright sunshine by lunchtime.

Another day of cold-weather movements - although Lapwings failed to repeat yesterday's record counts, winter thrushes were seemingly everywhere. Estimates of 330 Redwings and 45 Fieldfares were doubtless on the low side, with observations confined to a couple of hours mid-morning and then again from 1330 to dusk, and counts were clouded by the number of birds temporarily dropping in.

The Cetti's Warbler called from the LWT garden, four Water Rails were audible (and two visible) from the platform, wildfowl numbers remain high and similar to yesterday, 14 Little Grebes were on the East Res, and pre-roost gull counts included c2200 Black-headed Gulls, c260 Herring Gulls, c180 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and c250 Common Gulls.

More and more passerines are using the section of reedbed near the platform to roost, with c45 House Sparrows, 25 Long-tailed Tits, 7 Reed Buntings and c20 Blue Tits this evening. Common finches are increasing in numbers around the feeding stations, although as yet no scarcer species have arrived. (MJP, TB)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: again, cold and initially clear, but with encroaching cloud and light snow / rain from the south from 1000hrs.

A memorable morning for cold weather movements - a joint effort from both reservoirs between 0845 and 1200 produced a record count of Lapwings, high numbers of Redwings and other bits and pieces moving in small numbers, with almost all birds moving into the northern half of the compass. The final counts were:

Redwing - 383

Lapwing - 103

Movements dried up by around 1100, when precipitation began to set in; the above birds were doubtless on the move just ahead of the weather front which brought rain, sleet and eventually heavy snow from the south - hence the northbound direction.

Wildfowl counts (with both reservoirs more than half frozen over) included 470 Coot, 31 Shoveler, 64 Common Pochard, 120 Tufted Duck and 60 Gadwall. Four Water Rails, two Chiffchaffs and the Cetti's Warbler also remain at the East Res. (MJP, TB, JP)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: another very cold, frosty, sunny day with little wind and still a dusting of snow in places. A flock of 20 Lapwings flew low and west, with c30 Redwings and two Fieldfares doing likewise; a Water Rail was on the East Res and two Chiffchaffs were feeding together along the New River. (MJP, LP)

Clissold Park / Abney Park Cemetery: nothing of note.

Stamford Hill: 30 Lapwings flew west mid p.m. (MJP)

Dalston: four Lapwings north (JP)

Hackney Marshes: three Lapwings, 20 Skylarks (the latter an exceptional local count) (RB)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: Very cold conditions continue, with temperatures barely making it above freezing today; however the Reservoirs have yet to freeze over to any degree beyond their very fringes, and heavy snow over the last two nights have left only a light dusting.

A full afternoon at the East Reservoir, in clear, sunny, increasingly cold conditions justified a thorough search, with cold weather movements and new arrivals making for an interesting array of records. Undoubtedly the stars of the show were two Jack Snipe - picked up circling the reedbed with four Common Snipe, before putting down along the northern bank - only the third record this decade (and second this year).

Other notables included a Chiffchaff along the New River, a Peregrine low over, four Reed Buntings, 50+ Redwings (both grounded and overhead); a stakeout on the Obs platform beyond dusk, as the temperature dropped sharply, produced at least three Water Rails and the Cetti's Warbler singing five times (after going unrecorded for a least a week). (MJP)

Hackney Marshes: a Little Egret was reported from the river today via the news services - any confirmation welcome.

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: Another fairly settled, cold day with brief wintry showers; not too much to report apart from a Kingfisher, seven Redwings over, a Water Rail, and the female aythya hybrid still. (MJP)

Hackney

Clissold Park: as relatively settled and much colder conditions continue, with high pressure finally dominating the weather, the long-staying (almost two months) Cetti's Warbler was watched and heard again in its usual place today, although it's been much less showy of late. (MJP, TB)

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: a thorough scan of the West Reservoir this morning produced little of note but for an argentatus Herring Gull and the female aythya hybrid amongst the usuals (MJP, TB); the East Reservoir, meanwhile, held at least three Water Rails calling shortly after dusk, and four Reed Buntings at the feeding station. Sadly no repeat of this day last year, when an Iceland Gull and a drake Goldeneye made for a memorable day's watching. (MJP)

The conditions which have begun to dominate over the last few days look set to intensify over the coming week, with temperatures dropping further and the freezing conditions deepening both in London and over the near continent; as a result, we'll be checking and hoping for an associated arrival, especially at the reservoirs.

Hackney

Not a great deal to report today, with nothing new at the Reservoirs (although at least four Reed Buntings are amongst the throng of passerines visiting the feeding station), but a few reports from the last couple of days:

The pair of Tawny Owls are showing on and off in Abney, where Coal Tits remain omnipresent; the Cetti's Warbler remains in Clissold Park to at least the 13th, when a Peregrine flew low overhead; and the Orange-winged Amazon was seen once again in Springfield Park on the 11th. (TB et al)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: A very pleasant, mainly sunny winter's day today, but very little to report apart from four Reed Buntings at the feeding station. (MJP)

The Cetti's Warbler was present in Clissold Park yesterday (TB, JP), and Kestrels are more noticeable in the park and at the Res, as are Redwings - there seems to have been a recent arrival, with birds often heard overhead at night over the past week or so. (MJP)