Beddington Farmlands and the Beddington Farm Bird Group

BFBG

BEDDINGTON FARMLANDS: REVIEW OF 2011

One only has to bird watch at Beddington for a relatively short time before realising the dramatic effect of weather systems on resident species and migrants alike and how this determines what may be seen at given periods throughout the year, though there are always exceptions – and surprises – to what might turn up! With this in mind, it is worth recounting that after a very chilly 2010, last year turned out to be the second warmest year on record. Spring, in fact, was the warmest and driest across England and Wales since 1893, which, together with our second warmest autumn, bookended a cool summer. Apart from January, which endured the knock-on from the cold December in 2010, the only other months in 2011 that had below-average temperatures were June, July and August. Even last month’s temperatures were, on average, eleven degrees warmer than those in December 2010!

For resident birds the harsh beginning of the year meant severe mortality affected many species. According to the British Trust for Ornithology, national populations of Dunnocks, Song Thrushes and Reed Buntings fell to their lowest-ever recorded levels. Wren populations plunged 31 per cent and Robins by 30 per cent. Greenfinches and Chaffinches also suffered big losses. However, the unseasonably warm spring allowed many of these species - as well as larger birds, including raptors - to build up numbers; the warm, dry weather providing perfect feeding/ hunting conditions. Birds were not the only group experiencing unusual fortunes. Butterflies and moths were, according to Butterfly Conservation "bamboozled" by the weather; many species appeared earlier or later than in a typical year, which might help explain one or two unusual records at Beddington this year.
Members of the Beddington Farm Bird Group (BFBG) recorded 157 species in 2011. This included ten species of raptor, including the site’s first ever Black Kite, twenty four waders, with Pectoral Sandpiper again helping establish Beddington as a regular site for this North American wanderer. The landfill operations continue to ensure varied numbers of gulls, with eleven species noted in 2011, including Glaucous and Iceland, but with good numbers of Caspian. Ten species of warbler, nine finches and fourteen species of duck helped to underline the noted variety of bird species to be seen. Although seven shy of the record number of species seen in 2010, this number still compares very favourably with recent years and is a remarkable total for an inland, ‘unmanaged’ site in the South East of England.

Jan – The year started well with a Golden Plover (an occasional passage migrant) and a flock of 25 White-fronted Geese on the 1st. Following the massive influx of records in 2010, a flock of eight Waxwings were recorded on the 8th. A first winter Iceland Gull put in an appearance, as well as an adult Caspian and a red-ringed Mediterranean Gull on the 24th. The following day a Jack Snipe, a regular winter species at Beddington, appeared on the edge of an overgrown island on the lake and, a another small flock of Waxwings on the 26th. With cold easterlies continuing, up to eight Reed Buntings were often around the feeder by the hide, occasionally joined by a Water Rail, and two Firecrests overwintered.

Feb - An adult Caspian Gull was present on the 14th, together with at least three adult Mediterranean Gulls in amongst the thousands of Black-headed Gulls. It is probable, judging by ages and ringed or unringed birds that we have double figures of Mediterranean Gulls wintering at Beddington. However, it’s not all about gulls, as on the 21st a Treecreeper was located on the boundary with Mitcham Common. This may seem an odd bird to highlight, but it is a decidedly difficult species to see at Beddington! A Grey Plover circling over the lake on the same day was a good record for this near annual passage migrant.

Mar – The month started well with three Black-tailed Godwits on the 3rd and a Merlin flying north on the 6th (the first of three records this year). Spring began on the 9th with a Little Ringed Plover and a male Wheatear. On 21st likely our third Iceland Gull this winter was still present. Our first returning Sand Martin was sighted the same day. Seven Water Pipits were found on the 24th and two Red Kites, a Marsh Harrier and two Common Buzzards were recorded. On 25th a singing Willow Warbler was present and another Red Kite was seen on the 28th together with a strong Common Buzzard passage and our first Swallow of the year.

Apr – A male Marsh Harrier was seen on the 19th. Nine days earlier there had been a sighting at the Farm (not recorded by the Group) of two Common Cranes, so, when one was spotted, also on the 19th it caused some excitement!. This species had not been recorded at Beddington prior to 2010, but in just under a year, there have been two single adults, the pair early in April and what transpired to be a well watched juvenile, as this bird continued to circled lower until landing on the north lake, where it remained for three days. Two Bar-tailed Godwits were seen on the 29th and a Curlew (a good number this year) on the 30th.

May – a now uncommon species at Beddington – a Spotted Flycatcher - sallied back and forth, alongside the path on the 14th. A Wood Sandpiper was present on 15th and an elusive Oystercatcher seen briefly on the 18th together with a flock of eleven Crossbills flying low and headed SSW. This mixed flock of males and females probably comprising the largest seen at Beddington. A Red Kite on the same day was the 18th record for the year (compared with just fifteen records in total from 1966 to 2005). Two Avocets were seen on the 25th.
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Beddington Tree Sparrows
The record of the year’s events would not be complete without reference to our most important breeding bird, the Tree Sparrow. Beddington is a regionally and nationally important site for this species, with one of the largest remaining colonies in the country. They are extremely scarce elsewhere in London and Surrey.

The BFBG is closely involved with the welfare of this species and in recording its breeding success. In May young Tree Sparrows from the first broods begin to leave their nests and are then seen particularly near the feeders (which we ‘top up’ throughout the year). Ringing of Tree Sparrows, in association with the RSPB and Viridor Waste Management, as part of the London Tree Sparrow Partnership, is an on-going project and over the years thousands of young birds have been ringed, (in 2007 a record of 958 nestlings, this year 554). However, there have been very few recoveries.

A new project, to colour ring birds, started in 2010, which will, it is hoped aid identification.
In 2011 we used red rings. If you see a Tree Sparrow away from Beddington Farmlands let us know, please. This information will be important in determining dispersal from the site and, ultimately, will help to maintain a healthy population. The more we learn about the species movements and habits, the better our chances to preserve them.
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Jun – Two more Curlews were seen on the on 21st and a total of eleven Black-tailed Godwits were recorded this month (including a flock of ten). However, Beddington is not just about birds. There is a thriving community of species. An independent ecological survey, which included the laying of ‘reptile mats’, resulted in 18 Common Toads being located and Common Lizards (although quite possibly already present) were this month regularly recorded near the hide. Bats at Beddington are much in evidence at this time of the year, (up until the end of Sept) with Noctule, Leisler’s Serotine, Daubenton’s, Soprano and Common Pipistrelle all regularly seen. BFBG members are also now compiling the Farm’s first Botanical Inventory. 250 species have been recorded, but we have at least another year’s work ahead in order to get to grips with grasses, sedges, willows and dog roses!

Jul – A Ruddy Duck on the 9th was notable. This species is now a rarity at Beddington, with one sighting in 2009 and none in 2010. Beddington is a good site for resident, summer and migrating birds of prey, with a distinct Spring and Autumn raptor passage, mostly of Common Buzzard, but suitable weather conditions for a large bird of prey on the 15th were realised when Beddington recorded its first Black Kite (only the fourth record for Surrey). Our second Whimbrel appeared on the North Lake during drizzly conditions on 16th July and three adult Garganey were on the North Lake on the 23rd with a fourth bird seen on the 29th.

Aug – Beddington’s established Wasp Spiders (a recent colonist to Britain) were again present on the south side of the site towards Beddington Park. Three Wood Sandpipers, which first appeared on the 3rd, stayed until mid-month. A Tree Pipit was recorded on the 7th and by mid-month Green Sandpiper numbers had built up to some 30 birds. Another Curlew was seen on the 18th. Eleven Arctic Terns flew South on 26th whilst a Little Stint gave good views on the North Lake on the same day. Our first Ruff of the year appeared on the 26th. A Migrant Hawker Dragonfly was seen on the 29th. Unfortunately, "odonta" were slightly less in evidence this year on the Farm due to habitat restoration on the southern lake, but, notable were Banded Demoiselle and Broad-bodied Chaser and, more commonly, Black-tailed Skimmer. Of the damselflies both Azure and Common Blue occur, but they need close examination to determine. On 29th the BFBG had a stall at the Carshalton Environmental Fair, which attracted much public interest, whilst helping to promote our objective of establishing a major urban nature reserve at Beddington to protect the nationally and regionally important species to be found there. Perhaps no better illustration of this occurred in late Aug with the discovery of a number of Dewick’s Plusia at Beddington, suggesting a resident colony. This moth is a vagrant to Britain and, if confirmed, would be the first recorded breeding site in the UK for this species.

Sept - An Osprey was seen on the 6th and a Curlew Sandpiper on the 8th which stayed a few days. On 12 Sept another five Crossbills flew South and four waders flying together to the North Lake revealed themselves as three Ruff and a juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper (our eleventh record, making Beddington the most reliable site in London and Surrey for this species). A female Brown Hairstreak was seen on just one day, the 14th September; constituting, we believe, the closest sighting of this species to the centre of London. It follows another unusual butterfly record for Beddington this year - a Green Hairstreak. Some 17 Common Buzzards passed over on the 22nd. Our first Little Stint appeared on the 26th. In a good year for sightings of this species an immature Marsh Harrier flew over on the 27 Sept. Two Whinchats first appeared on the 30th and stayed for a few days. By end Sept wildfowl numbers always begin to build up at the Farm, so the arrival of our first Wigeon of the autumn was not too surprising, but a pair of Pintail on the 29th was a good record.
 
Oct – Three Sandwich Terns flew south on the 1st. A Spotted Crake was found on the 7th Two Little Gulls flew high over the lake on the 13th and on the 16th a Coal Tit appeared - a very uncommon bird for Beddington. The very next day a Cetti’s Warbler was located. This is only the third record for the Farm. The bird is now overwintering by the North Lake and we are hopeful that he will survive and find a partner! A Woodlark flying south over the lake on 22nd was only the fourth record for the Farm and the first since 1995. A Short-eared Owl on the 25th was Beddington's first of the year and another Firecrest was present on the 28th.

Nov – A Yellowhammer was recorded on the 1st and another Short-eared Owl on the 3rd. A good day on the 6th included 1 Brent Goose which flew west, five Red-breasted Merganser flying south, a Woodcock and also c1800 Woodpigeons flying SW. Another Golden Plover was seen on the 7th followed by two winter Iceland Gulls on the 8th and a male Mandarin on the 9th (another comparatively rare bird at Beddington). Also, the same day, a male Snow Bunting was found at the north end of enclosed lagoons, it having first been noticed by Viridor workers interested in the white chick-like bird flying up in front of their vehicles. A second Short eared Owl appeared on the 12th and a second Brent Goose on the 14th.
 
Dec - A Kumlien's type Iceland Gull also present on 28th Nov stayed into Dec, when it was joined by an adult Glaucous Gull, (the first adult recorded at Beddington). A Common Redpoll was found on the 4th feeding with a flock of Lesser Redpolls on Silver Birch. Three Goosander flew south on the 11th and our final Red Kite for the year was seen on the 27th.

Beddington Farmlands is a site of regional importance to wildlife; our population of breeding tree sparrows (a UK Biodiversity UK Action Plan Priority Species) is of national significance. Some 40 bird species regularly breed at Beddington, including, notably, some twelve pairs of Lapwing; it is home to many wintering species, as well as performing a vital role as a green ‘stepping stone’ for birds on migration. Despite the current landfill operations and delays in restoration work, it remains of exceptional value for birdlife and has a high diversity of species annually recorded. Designated by the Greater London Authority (GLA) as Metropolitan Open Land, Beddington Farmlands is one of the largest such areas remaining in South London. It is a Metropolitan Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), a potential SSSI, and forms part of the key strategic framework for biodiversity described in the GLA London Plan. It is the intended centrepiece of the Wandle Valley Regional Park.

The BFBG is dedicated to continue the work that commenced at Beddington over 60 years ago, to study, ring, record, and, wherever possible, safeguard the value of this special site for birds and other wildlife.

Keith Millar
Chairman, Beddington Farm Bird Group
Jan 12