Always one of the last to arrive in the UK for the summer, the Spotted Flycatcher has undergone a huge population drop and they are now a very scarce breeder in our area with only one or two pairs to be found.
When I were a lad they use to nest in all the urban parks from East Ham, Ilford, Wanstead and Barking and could often be found nesting in gardens with enough cover to host a pair.
I have vivid memories of a pair…