Does Regent's Park have something that wild birds find irresistible?

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by pressld2

Good point Nige. I see them at Elmley Marshes which is grazed by both sheep and cattle and therefore has churned up ground. Don't recall ever seeing any grazing animals or churned up ground in Regent's Park so it must be something else that attracts them.

Dave P.

A tired migrant Yellow Wagtail may drop in on any area of open grass, and if there is a pond or other wet area so much the better (wet areas tend to mean more insects).
In the case of Regents Park they are perhaps just as likely to be heard flying over though (and perhaps seen passing over once located by call). I know some patch workers who have seen several Yellow Wagtails at their sites this spring, but have commented that none of them have actually been seen to land.

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Deb London

There are some animals that could replace the need for the bovine and ovine animals. Some interesting cameline, zebrine and hippopotamine or ceratorhine(rhino) varieties maybe. Not sure what species London Zoo has, but I think it might be worth a look if, even if you are just passing through on migration.

Might come as a bit of a shock to a migrant Yellow Wagtail that thought it had left such animals hundreds of miles behind though!

[pressld2]

LOL!

"Blimey, all that way and I'm still in Africa!"

Dave P.

[htcdude]

Originally Posted by pressld2

LOL!

"Blimey, all that way and I'm still in Africa!"

Dave P.

It's a big, big world



There were some Yellow Wagtails land at Staines Moor, as they usually do, for a few days a while ago. Get more in October though usually, quite decent numbers (flocks of 20+ last year)

Nige

[Deb London]

Originally Posted by RoyW

Both of the factors that you mention here apply to many sites, including Hampstead Heath. There have been some very good birds found on Hampstead Heath in the past, and there is absolutely no doubt that regular coverage from an experienced birdwatcher visiting at the right times would turn up regular migrants such as Redstarts and Warblers, as well as occasional birds of prey overhead. Whether this theoretical experienced birder would then report his or her sightings (either to bird information services, on websites, or by later reporting them to the county recorders) is another matter. At the very least everyone should be encouraged to report their sightings to their local county recorders, even if only at the end of the year, because this could potentially help to protect a site in the future by showing that it is important for birds (or other wildlife)




Any location with a reasonable amount of suitable habitat available can attract birds, so within built up areas migrants will often often find themselves in parks and other similar areas, which are effectively 'oasis's' of habitat within largely unsuitable areas. Most small birds are night time migrants, so if your local park gets busy during the day, early morning visits will often be more productive because the birds may be disturbed and move to other areas (eg. an undisturbed private garden, or a patch of 'waste'land). If your local park has corners that are generally much quieter, then this is where birds will tend to go later in the day.
Different species prefer different sorts of habitat of course, so the best patches will tend to be those that have a good selection of different habitats available. Night time migrants will tend to carry on flying after dawn until they find themselves passing over a patch of habitat that looks suitable, and the species that migrant during the day will often drop down to investigate potential feeding spots - even if they ultimately head straight over (reservoirs and large gravel pits/ponds are often 'checked out' by waders and terns).

Knowledge of the weather conditions that will tend to cause 'falls' of the more interesting migrants is also very useful - experienced birders will make every effort to get out when the conditions are potentially good (and will often visit 'just in case' when the conditions don't seem suitable as well). Easterly and south-easterly winds often bring interesting migrants in (like the Wryneck), with the chance of these being grounded often greatly increased if there is overnight rain or fog. Rain and fog, especially with strong winds, will often bring interesting seabirds to large reservoirs as well - but good weather is generally better for migrant raptors (not too good though, or they will tend to pass over too high to be seen!).


As well as experience (which helps to prevent you overlooking good birds), the amount of time that you spend at a site tends to be closely correlated with the number of good birds that you find. The most 'productive' patch workers that I know either work at their patch, or don't work (eg. are retired), so are able to visit the sites for a reasonable period of time on an almost daily basis - and for every day where they find a good bird they will probably have ten visits where they saw very little of any real note.

Thanks Roy.
You have also answered another question that I had. I've been told to visit sites before people are about, and before dogs disturb the birds. So come 8 or 9 o'clock in the morning, most of the birds have left the places I would look for them. I often wonder where they all go.

[Dorts]

As a lad, living in Finchley, I would visit the Zoo very reglarly. I was always amazed at how many unlikely species of birds I would see on the outside of the larger aviaries. It became a habit to look to the top of these large structures to see what was there.
I would suggest, as have previous posters, that if these aviaries still exist, that is certainly a large contributing factor.
Dorts.

[Deb London]

I haven't been for years, but the internet suggests there are some large aviaries. Thanks Dorts.

[pressld2]

Originally Posted by Deb London

I often wonder where they all go.

Round to my place - we're having a party!

I think the Snowdon aviary now enjoys listed status (but I may have dreamt that). It was built in '64 and is definitely still there.

Dave P.

[Deb London]

[aeshna5]

Over the last few years Wormwood Scrubs has also had a dedicated band of observers who have found some excellent sightings on a regular basis.

Unfortunately I'm not able to watch my patches on a daily basis + usually on a weekly basis, but it is amazing what can turn up + it is very rewarding.