Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: another cold, bright morning with a blustery NE wind - and again, nothing of note except the usuals. (MJP)

Abney Park Cemetery: we're checking regularly on the Tawny Owls presently, but still just the one adult was visible today. Otherwise both Chiffchaff and Blackcap were present. (MJP, LP, AJD)

Hackney

The calm before the storm continues, with very little of note over recent days. As we inch closer to the first trans-Saharan arrivals back into the borough - and with them, the first real proof of spring proper - conditions have been pleasantly bright over recent days, but with cold winds from the north and east and sharp over-night frosts. With similar conditions forecast for the next week, perhaps it's best that our first Sand Martins are still in southern Europe....

Stoke Newington Reservoirs hosts the usual late winter species at present, although filming with the BBC's Natural History Unit (for a Natural World, to be broadacast next year) at least offorded the opportunity to find a minimum of five Water Rails along the southern and eastern sides of the East Res; at least two pairs of Reed Buntings were here too.

Abney has one or two singing Blackcaps, odd Coal Tits and Goldcrests, and the male Tawny Owl in one of his favoured day-roost sites - we're hoping to find the family out and about anyday now. Thanks to all (25+) who came along for guided walk this morning, I hope you enjoyed the cemetery in such pleasant conditions. (MJP)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: another sunny, bright and springlike day today, and almost all the common species seem to be in song again. No well-camouflaged, reed-bed dwelling star-turns today, but a dark Common Buzzard high and slowly south 1145-1204, a male Peregrine in the skies with displaying Sparrowhawks, and a Red Admiral was in the LWT garden. (MJP)

Abney Park Cemetery:Tawny Owl, two Lesser Redpolls and a singing Blackcap (MJP).

Springfield Park: a single Skylark and a further 23 Stock Doves over this afternoon. (MJP)

Below - Bittern, East Reservoir, 1st March. A short video taken with a pocket digital camera through Swaroski 'scope (with 60x zoom on full!) (c Mark Pearson).

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: a beautifully spring-like day at the reservoirs today, with a star turn in the reedbed throughout. It's only a year or so since the idea of a Bittern in our area was little more than a pipe-dream, with only one previous Hackney record (the infamous Bus-shelter bird of winter 1962); as of this morning, we've been graced by no less than three this winter alone.

The first routine scan of the East Res from the obs platform revealed an odd shape in the reedbed on the far side of the reservoir; a quick check through the scope and there it was, a Bittern perched halfway up a bunch of phragmites.

Throughout the rest of the morning and early afternoon, the bird performed superbly (although at long distance), slealthily crawling along the water's edge, fishing, neck-craning, avoiding two ambushes from local foxes and flying short distances between feeding spots; and all this while the disturbance of the neighbouring building site and TW staff went on around it.

Middlesex Filter Beds NR: four Chiffchaffs today (JP).

Hackney

The February 2010 bird summary is now live - click the link on the left to read all about the ornithological month in the borough.

Little to get the blood flowing over the last couple of days, with the usual reports from the main sites. Still, the first spring migrants may only be days away.....

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: another typical late winter day in Hackney - vaguely springlike for brief periods, followed by blustery winds and leaden skies.

A typical cast of late-winter species, too, except for (yet) another interesting duck. Initially viewed snoozing quietly in the far corner of the East Res with Common Pochards and Tufted Ducks (just like the first-winter drake Greater Scaup several weeks ago), the light and long distance contributed to the short-lived hope that one of the Scaup species may indeed be involved.

But even under poor viewing circumstances, and with its head buried permanently in its wings, the birds features didn't add up. Although superficially resembling e.g. Lesser Scaup (grey upperparts, peak of crown apparently at rear), or Greater Scaup (seemingly bulky and similar in size to nearby Common Pochards, rounded crown from certain angles), features in favour of one or the other cancelled each other out.

And when the light temporarily improved - ie when the sunlight was muted by cloud cover - the shade of the upperparts appeared subtly but distinctly darker than the flanks (a rough idea of range and plumage tones is illustrated in the seventh image below, with the bird in the centre of the photo).

However, much better views were gained soon after, when the bird quickly revealed its hybrid credentials. In much better light, the upperparts were substantially darker; size was easier to compare, and was closer to Common Pochard than e.g. Tufted Duck; the hind-crown was indeed distinctly peaked; and the bill showed extensive black at the tip (clearly ruling out either Scaup sp.).

So, another hybrid appears to keep us on the ball - added to this season's Ring-necked Duckalike (the presumed Ring-necked Duck x Tufted Duck drake), and female presumed Greater Scaup x Tufted Duck. At least we had a genuine Greater Scaup recently; otherwise frustration would be over-shadowing such entertainment..... (MJP)

Little else of note from the last few days, but Redwings are still very much in evidence (with over a hundred in Clissold Park, 70+ on Stoke Newington Common and singing birds on London Fields) and the male Brambling is being reported daily at the feeders in Clissold.

below - presumed Common Pochard x Tufted Duck hybrid drake, Stoke Newington Reservoirs, 26th Feb 2010 (c MJP)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: another grey, cool day with little new to report and wildfowl numbers quite low. However, the Cetti's Warbler piped up for the first time in several weeks, and at least three Water Rails were recorded. (MJP)

With the three long-staying Cetti's having survived the worst Hackney winter in several decades, we'll be doing them a favour and ceasing reporting their endeavours as the breeding season approaches.

Hackney

16th - 22nd February update

Very much as you were over the last week at key local sites (despite our continuing best efforts).

The wintering Cetti's Warbler was recorded at Middlesex Filter Beds yesterday (PW) (but neither of the north Hackney birds have been seen recently); the male Brambling has returned to our feeding station in Clissold Park on several dates; male Blackcaps are sprinkled across the north of the borough, with at least two in Abney, one at the reservoirs and one in a garden in E8 (PM); several Water Rails and the hybrid female Aythya remain at the reservoirs; and the male Tawny Owl is presently faithful to a favoured roost site in Abney. (MJP, TB et al)

Hackney

Stoke Newington Reservoirs: a miserable, wet and cold day in Hackney, although with an unexpected and quality bird appearing at the death.... with a very small area of mud exposed in the north-west corner of the East Res, a Jack Snipe tried its luck amongst the Gadwall and gulls, scurrying around and 'bouncing' several times just before dusk.

Also recorded - three Water Rails and the female presumed Greater Scaup x Tufted Duck hybrid. (MJP)

Abney Park Cemetery: the male Tawny Owl remains at a favoured roost spot, and three Goldcrests, two Coal Tits and a pair of Rose-ringed Parakeets prospecting a nest hole (previously occupied by Stock Doves) were also recorded. (MJP)

Stoke Newington Common: the feeding flock of 70+ Redwings remain. (MJP)

Clissold Park: after an absence of several weeks, presumably the same male Brambling is back at the feeders in the deer enclosur. (TB)

Hackney

Update, 8th - 15th February

The relatively quiet period continues, with few notable records over the last week or so. however, Abney Park Cemetery has a singing Blackcap along Yew Walk, the male Tawny Owl at a traditional day roost, good numbers of Redwings, and six Lesser Redpolls in the birches by the church st. entrance to at least the 13th;

Clissold Park has up to 100 Redwings and a few Fieldfares, plus a Jackdaw over today;

Stoke Newington Reservoirs has the expected wildfowl, and at least two Water Rails;

Stoke Newington Common has about 100 Redwings, often feedjng close to the main road.

(MJP, TB et al)

(As an aside, a full trip report (including numerous photos) of your author's recent trip to New England can be found at http://northernrustic.blogspot.com/)

Hackney

We're back.... and evidently didn't miss much, with not a great deal to report from the borough over the last fortnight. The most notable records are listed below.

Nothing of much note at the reservoirs over the last two days, except for both hybrid aythya ducks still, and a single Water Rail today. (MJP)

Red-crested Pochard - three at the West Res, 29th Jan

Redwing - well scattered, with a good count of c100 on the 7th at Stoke Newington Common (NM) and 60+ in Clissold Park (MJP)

Cetti's Warbler - still in Clissold Park til at least the 8th (TB).

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)