Better late than never so here is my November Summary for the reserve....
Hints of a summer past lingered on during November with the last House Martin hawking for insects on the 5th and two Swallows through on the 11th. Wader numbers slowly built up and by the end of the month there were about 1500 Lapwing, 150 Golden Plover, 400 Dunlin and 250 Black-tailed Godwits using Purfleet Scrape at high tide along with the wintering Spotted Redshank, nearly 30 Curlew and a few of the Redshank although the bulk of these and the small Ringed plover flock roosted elsewhere. Singles of Knot and Grey Plover were also recorded as were over 50 Snipe.
Out on the Thames there was a Merganser (5th), Guillemot (23rd), Goldeneye (29th), Brent Geese on three dates, six Scoter and a Kittiwake (27th). Up to ten different Caspian Gulls and over 20 Yellow-legs were seen on the landfill and two adult Med Gulls were also reported. Rock Pipits peaked at 20 with at least two Waters while a Richard’s Pipit was photographed as it flew over on the 17th.
An influx of thrushes included a late Ouzel (18th) and Robins were still numerous on the trails. The feeders attracted many Green and Goldfinches along with the odd Brambling Redpoll and even two Tree Sparrows (18th). A Waxwing dropped in on the 24th with another on the 30th. Two Bearded Tits were seen on the 10th and a Snow Bunting (11th) was the first of the autumn.
Marsh Harriers were a daily feature with at least four seen while the odd Buzzard, Peregrine and our tame Kestrels were also seen. A ringtail Hen Harrier (4th) was the only one seen while three Short-eared Owls were occasionally seen and the Barn Owl was often caught looking out of its box.
Female Stonechat (Dawn Cowan)
17-12-12