A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square

Hedge Witch · #1 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 11:49 AM

Does anyone know a reliable spot for hearing Nightingales in or around London these days (preferably North London)?

I know they are reliably heard at Paxton Pits, but being very "green" I prefer to spot birds without having to travel too many miles (public transport excepted)

Tringa · #2 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 01:14 PM

Don't know for sure, but would have thought the Lee Valley Park may be a good bet.

RoyW · #3 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 04:16 PM

The area around the electricity substation, at Fishers Green in the River Lee Country Park, is a guaranteed place to hear them at the moment (best early or late in the day). There are also a few individuals that are fairly easy to see. PM me if you would like more detailed information.

Roy.

Hedge Witch · #4 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 04:27 PM

Thank you both ever so much, and I may just take you up on that Roy

Hedge Witch · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 09:30 PM

Yes, Lee Valley Park is a great place to hear Nightingales

I wouldn't have found them without a bit of inside knowledge

What a wonderful experience!

Mungo · #6 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 07:53 AM

Really pleased you got to see/hear them HW

RoyW · #7 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

Yes, Lee Valley Park is a great place to hear Nightingales

There's something to see all year round!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

I wouldn't have found them without a bit of inside knowledge

Happy to have been able to help!

Roy.

Green Man · #8 (**permalink**) 12-05-2009, 09:07 PM

25 years ago Broxbourne Woods used to be a regular site for nightingale and hightjar but haven't been back for what seems like ages. Always remember the lions at nearby Paradise Park roaring - quite disconcerting when you're walking back to the car in the dark!!

Hedge Witch · #9 (**permalink**) 13-05-2009, 05:35 AM

This is interesting, Green Man. Broxbourne Woods are lovely. I wonder if they still have those species?

RoyW · #10 (**permalink**) 13-05-2009, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Man

25 years ago Broxbourne Woods used to be a regular site for nightingale and hightjar but haven't been back for what seems like ages. Always remember the lions at nearby Paradise Park roaring - quite disconcerting when you're walking back to the car in the dark!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

This is interesting, Green Man. Broxbourne Woods are lovely. I wonder if they still have those species?

Sadly the answer is no on both counts.

Breeding is difficult to prove for both species, but Nightjars probably last bred in 1990 (with very few records in Hertfordshire since then). Nightingales last bred at Broxbourne Woods at around the same time, perhaps a couple of years later, and, until very recently were considered to be scarce passage migrants in Herts which last bred in 1994 (although some spring males would be singing and occasional breeding could have taken place). In the last few years there have been pairs just inside Hertfordshire in the Lee Valley though - and with luck these will continue to slowly increase in number.

Roy.

PS. I know what you mean about the lions Green Man!