Watching migration in London

[Deb London]

Can anyone recommend a good location for watching migration in London, preferably north of the river?

I'm quite new to birding and am confused at this point. On the one hand I am led to believe that I can see and hear migrants anywhere. Then, on the other, I go out with a group and am shown specific areas where everyone stands in one spot, or even an embankment that birds pass along during migration. Is it simply the case that the spots where people stand are chosen for their views, but people go back again and again because of the crowd that gathers there? More people to chat to; more eyes to watch with? Or is there something special about these locations? And is it true that migrants travel along certain "large hedges"? If so, how does one chose a hedge to watch?

I have looked for literature on the subject, but I drew a blank. Does anyone know of any books I can read to understand migration over the capital more thoroughly?

Thanks. [Girl with hat smilie]

I originally posted this in another forum hoping for a targeted response, so apologies for the specificity of the post. If anyone here wants to have a stab at answering, please do.

[aeshna5]

You should be able to watch migration anywhere where you have lots of sky to view + see birds coming from all directions. In practice an elevated site is useful in such a built-up area such as London.

Physical features can be productive such as the Thames where sea/water birds can be observed following the river- just see some of the stuff seen flying over the London Wetland Centre (sadly a lot keep going) by the regular observers sat on the bank sky watching.

Observers at Brent Res are currently seeing a lot of visible migration.

Just go to your nearest hill in an open space, get there early + look + listen. Knowing flight/contact calls will be essential to ID many species, so can be a bit tricky for a relatively novice birder, but great fun learning. Obviously weather patterns play a large role in migration patterns.

[The Woodman]

There you are, Deb, a quick responce from an experienced and trusted member!

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

There you are, Deb, a quick responce from an experienced and trusted member!

If I need a character reference I'll know who to ask!

[Tursiops2]

I've heard Primrose Hill can be good for vis. mig., but can't vouch for it myself.

T2

[Deb London]

Thanks all for the replies.

The spot where the Brent Birders stand is one that I discovered recently, and one of the reasons why I started to ask questions. It's a triangle of flattened grass in an open area (the name escapes me, something like the dump maybe?). It only measures a few metres along each side. All very mysterious.

Primrose Hill of course is a good one which I never thought of. I shall seek out my nearest hill then.

And maybe I will forget about all the magic. Although after learning about a "magic bush" I now have my "magic hedge" above which I have seen a Buzzard, a Hobby and a Red Kite, on which I saw my first Fieldfares of the year, and into which I think I have seen two species of owl fly; this is part my magic hedge for those who still believe: Ahhhhoooooow.m4v - YouTube .

Thanks for the vote of confidence Woodman. I can honestly say that WAB is the best.

[Wild-Woman]

What about Alexander Park Deb. That's got to be one of the most elevated areas in London.

[Deb London]

Ahh, yes W-W, so it is. Good idea!