Recent highlights

Common (Mealy) Redpoll (bottom right) with Lesser Redpolls

At Headley Heath, a huge flock of c.400.Lesser Redpolls was discovered on Sunday containing several COMMON (MEALY) REDPOLLS, today double figures of Mealies were present with the huge Redpoll flock. Also 1.Bullfinch there today.

DIRECTIONS:

Park at the car park near the village, opposite the cricket pitch and walk SW, you will pass a clear stony area and today the birds were flocking in the area that you will reach if you continue on, bearing left at the clear stony area.

Waxwings

Near Epsom Downs, off Tattenham Crescent, at Shawley Crescent a small flock of 5.WAXWINGS were discovered on Friday. On Saturday morning the flock swelled to 11. and all birds were still present this morning. Park at Shawley Crescent and there is an obvious green area on a slope. There is a rowan tree with a mistletoe in it and this is the tree that the birds favour. They can also get in the taller trees surrounding so make sure you check all these too.


At Banstead Downs recently the Firecrests have been seen to return for the winter at the golf course west of the A217. Park at Banstead Downs Golf Club and walk along the wooded footpath at the west side of the site bordering the gardens of The Drive. The birds are normally somewhere around half way but can be found pretty much anywhere along that path.


At Canons Farm recent highlights have included a male HEN HARRIER, a SHORT-EARED OWL and a CORN BUNTING but all have been quite brief.


Sites not covered here in detail unless a significant local rarity turns up there are as follows:
Beddington Farm - plenty of info on www.diporglory.co.uk
Canons Farm and Banstead Woods - plenty of info on canonsfarm.wikia.com
Holmethorpe Sand Pits - plenty of info on holmethorpe.blogspot.com