Barn Owl at Canons Farm

The male BARN OWL above has been showing well at Canons Farm during the daytime recently. It was first seen on Dec 10th and was again present on the 15th and has now been seen for two days running, on the 20th and 21st. It's likely that when it hasn't been on view it has been in a different part of the barn.

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Staying SNOW BUNTING

Ian Ellis today identified a SNOW BUNTING that has been present just north of the enclosed lagoons at Beddington Farm - initially found but not named by a worker. There is no general access to this area of the site.

Snow Bunting at Beddington today

 Other highlights so far this November...

A flock of 39 Dark-bellied BRENT GEESE flew SW over Canons Farm on Sunday 6th with a single over Beddington on the same day when 5.RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS flew over and the first local Woodcock of the autumn was flushed. The male CETTI'S WARBLER present since October continues to sing in the SW corner of the Main Lake. Today (9th) a drake Mandarin moved from the South Lake to the Main Lake there.

24 of 39 Dark-bellied Brent Geese over Canons Farm on Sunday

A late OSPREY flew over Holmethorpe Sand Pits this afternoon and a female Goldeneye was found on Mercers West Pit this morning - remaining till PM at least - the first of the autumn at in the local area and at the only site in the area where they are not a mega rarity.

A Golden Plover flew over Beddington on Monday when 2.over Holmethorpe was only part of an excellent morning which also involved a 1st-winter LITTLE GULL and a SHORT-EARED OWL.

Crane remains for 3rd day and biggest Waxwing flock of winter so far

The 1st winter COMMON CRANE is remarkably present for its third today on the lake at Beddington Farm this morning. The bird is viewable from various points along the public footpath running from Beddington Park to Mitcham Common (depending on its exact location). Park off the A237 London Road and walk up Mile Road.

At Holmethorpe Sand Pits a flock of 19.WAXWINGS were reported this afternoon by the railway behind the Water Colour Lagoons at 4.10pm. The female GOLDENEYE remains on Mercers West Pit this morning.