Guided Tour 04/10/2009

"A group of 34 birders met at Hackbridge station at 915 on a beautiful autumnal morning. David Lindo, the “Urban Birder” from “The One Show” had joined us. He began his birding career at Beddington Farmlands, and was keen to see the changes that the passage of time had made to the farm. Leading the group was Peter Alfrey, assisted by Paul Walker and we were joined by Nick Gardner (and Russell “Gripper” Gardner).On our trip to the main lake, our first port of call, we had good views of a passing Sparrowhawk, and we were able to get fleeting views of several Tree Sparrows.The main lake was profitable, with views of good numbers of Teal, Lapwing and a passing flock of Shoveler. The group also had good views of Common Sandpiper, Common Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Little Grebe and Grey Wagtail. A pair of Skylarks and a small flock of Meadow Pipits overhead reminded the group that autumn migration is in full swing.We then moved on to 100 acre via the permissive footpath. The resident Green Woodpecker made its usual, noisy exit as we proceeded north.On 100 acre there were 3 more Common Snipe on the conservation bed, along with the good numbers of Teal and Lapwings. There were good views of Black-Headed Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull and a Juvenile Herring Gull. A male Kestrel flew into the trees overlooking the golf course. Many of the group were able to get excellent views of this stunning raptor via the telescopes that were on hand.The group returned to the main lake and a number of the group wanted to check out the presence of the 3 Water Rail that had been seen by the Sand Martin bank, but sadly, there were no sightings of this most elusive bird.The tour finished at approximately 1200 and hopefully the tour registered and reinforced the importance of the farm in the local community."

Beddington Farmlands and the Beddington Farm Bird Group