Birding Beaumonts

 

Great Cormorant   Phalacrocorax cargo  M

 

Spring migration noted from 24th February to 11th May, with a peak of 53 on 4th April. 

Observed migrating in autumn for the first time on 17th August. Noted regularly thereafter until 14th November, with a small peak of 70 on 13th October.

24th February

The species appears well-established at the nearby Lac Daumesnil - birds in apparently local flight are noted with increasing frequency outside migration periods.

 

 

 

 

 

Great Bittern   Botaurus stellaris  M

 

Sound-recorded in active nocturnal migration once in late autumn.

1, 4th November.

This constitutes the first record for Beaumonts - the bird flew overhead at about 00h40.

 

 

 

 

Little Bittern   Ixobrychus minutus  M

 

Sound-recorded in active nocturnal migration twice in autumn.

1, 28th August  -  1, 1st September.

 

 

 

 

 

Grey Heron   Ardea cinerea  S M

This was another optomistic year for the heron which, after a long absence, has returned to feed on site at the Mare Perchée. As was the case last year, it was noted in the latter part of the year (from 27th August). The pond has become a more attractive proposition since the construction work undertaken in November 2021, the surrounding reedbed and protective fence offering more shelter and protection from the usual disturbances.

 

Aside from this particular individual, however, observations remain relatively few and far between and generally involve birds (sometimes in small groups) flying overhead in the distance. The species was sound-recorded on several occasions, flying over at night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purple Heron   Ardea purpurea  M

 

Sound-recorded once in nocturnal migration in spring.

1, 5th June.

 

 

 

 

 

Great Egret   Ardea alba   M

 

Observed twice in autumn.

 

3, 7th October [IG/DT]  -  1, 14th November.

 

A. alba is practically guaranteed each year, in keeping with its range expansion in northwestern Europe.

Little Egret   Egretta garzetta  M

 

One observation in autumn. 

1, 27th August [DR/LT/DT]

 

White Stork   Ciconia ciconia  M

 

Observed in active migration on five dates (one in spring and four in autumn).

2, 28th March [AC/RJ/DT].

 

6, 26th August [IG/RJ/DT] -  17, 5th September [RJ/DT] -  7,10th October,  1,24th [IG/DT].

10th October

Mallard   Anas platyrhynchos  S M

 

Thanks to the construction work carried out at the Mare Perchée last year this was an encouraging year - up to six birds noted (usually a couple) throughout the year.

 

A pair was observed for the first time on 18th February and noted fairly regularly thereafter. A number of additional males appeared at times, especially in mid-April with 5 present on 16th and 3 in dispute over a female on 18th [AC]. 

22nd May

A breeding attempt was suspected (as was the case last year) although this was evidentally unsuccessful.

A number of nocturnal sound-recordings suggest that the species is very active at the pond during the night.

 

 

 

 

Northern Pintail   Anas clypeta   M

 

Sound-recorded once in active nocturnal migration in spring.

2+, 26th March.

A rarity at Beaumonts, this was a very good record. The birds flew overhead at around 00h58, the evocativeness enhanced further by a distant Tawny Owl hooting simultaneously.

 

Osprey   Pandion haliaetus  M

 

Observed migrating over the park on three dates in autumn.

1, 25th August, 1, 27th [DR/LT/DT]  -  1, 5th September [RJ/DT].

 

27th August

Short-toed Snake-Eagle   Circaetus gallicus  M

 

One observation in spring.

 

1, 20th April [RJ/DT].

The bird flew high to the northeast, early in the afternoon, in identical fashion to the bird in 2019 (and on almost the same date). 

 

Black Kite   Milvus migrans  M

 

Observed on six dates - four in spring and two in autumn.

 

2, 28th March [RJ/DT]  -  1, 18th April  [SA/RJ], 1, 20th [RJ/DT]  -  1, 11th May [SA/RJ]. 

 

1, 21st August [EKB/DT], 2, 27th [DR/LT/DT]

 

 

20th April

 

 

Red Kite   Milvus milvus  M

Observed migrating south over the park on two dates in autumn. 

 

1, 19th October   -  1, 1st November. 

Marsh Harrier   Circus aeruginosus  M

Observed less frequently than last year with relatively few records in autumn. Seen migrating overhead on 16 dates (10 in spring and 6 in autumn). At least 35 birds involved.

1, 26th March, 9, 28th  -  1, 5th & 6th April, 3, 7th, 1, 15th & 16th, 3, 18th  -  2, 11th May, 1, 23rd.

 

6th April

 

 

Hen Harrier   Circus cyaneus M

 

One record in autumn. 

 

1, 6th October. 

 

Montagu's Harrier   Circus pygargus   M

 

Very rare migrant - one observation in autumn.

 

1, 27th August [DR/LT/DT].

 

This was an exciting observation of an adult male in active migration, flying purposefully high to the southwest in the mid-afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Buzzard   Buteo buteo  M

 

Over recent years buzzards have become more common at Beaumonts, thanks in part to a number of local birds in the vicinity of the nearby Bois de Vincennes. This has complicated migration counts and producing precise figures is difficult. 

The birds around Vincennes (3-4 individuals in general) are particularly visible from late February to late May (display flights observed on 7th April and 27th May).

 

Honey-buzzard   Pernis apivorus  M

 

Observed on 16 dates (two in spring and 14 in autumn) with a total of 35 birds. The feeble presence in spring can be attributed to a lack of observers.

6, 11th May [SA/RJ] , 1, 27th.

 

2, 12th August, 1, 17th & 18th, 5, 21st, 1, 24th, 2, 26th, 3, 27th, 1, 28th & 29th, 4, 31st  -  1, 1st September, 3, 5th, 2, 11th, 1, 12th.

 

 

 

 

Eurasian Hobby   Falco subbuteo E M

 

Observed less frequently than last year. 1-2 birds noted on only 10 dates (two in spring and eight in autumn).

Observations generally relate to local birds, although apparent migration observed on 18th April, 18th August and 6th October.

1, 15th April, 1, 18th [SA/RJ].

1, 18th August, 2, 21st, 1, 24th & 26th & 27th  -  2, 1st September, 1, 11th  -  1, 6th October.

1st September

Peregrine Falcon   Falco peregrinus  S M

 

Breeding peregrines in and around Paris have rendered it less of a rarity at Beaumonts over recent years. Observations generally involve single birds wandering aimslessly high in the sky, usually to the north of the park.

Noted on five dates.

1, 28th March [RJ/DT].

1, 21st August  -  1, 13th & 23rd [IG/DT] October  -  1, 1st November.

 

Merlin   Falco columbarius  M

 

An excellent year - observed in active migration on six dates (two in spring and four in autumn). 

1, 5th April [TP/DT], 1, 20th [LM/DT].

1, 13th October, 1, 16th [IG/DT] & 17th [EG/IG/TP/DT] & 24th [IG/DT]  -  1, 17th November.

17th October

 

Common Moorhen   Gallinula chloropus  S

 

Another good year - breeding confirmed at the Mare Perchée. As last year, almost absent during the second half of the year.

Noted at the pond for the first time on 27th February [IG], birds still present there four days later [JA].

A pair noted regularly from late March to early July. Breeding confirmed with six chicks visible on 27th May. Adults observed in the company of eight chicks on 9th June.

22nd May

It appears that the birds deserted the site on or around the 9th July, with the exception of one juvenile which remained alone and was seen on several occasions up until 28th July (the last on-site observation of the year).

 

As usual the species was sound-recorded several times on nocturnal migration (12 dates in spring and once in autumn) :

1, 24th February, 1, 27th  -  1, 3rd & 19th March, 5, 20th, 1, 23rd  -  2, 1st & 2nd April, 1, 7th, 13th & 18th  -  1, 5th June. 

1, 13th October.

 

 

 

 

 

Eurasian Coot   Foulque macroule   Fulica atra   M

Sound-recorded on nocturnal migration on 12 dates in spring.

 

 

 

 

Northern Lapwing   Vanellus vanellus  M H

Noted flying over the park on only four dates (one in spring and three in autumn).

 

56, 24th February [IG/DT].

c55, 9th October, 1, 17th [IG/DT]  -  2, 4th November*.

 

 

 

 

European Golden Plover   Pluvalis aricaria  H M

 

A rather disppointing year - noted twice flying over in autumn.

25, 24th October [IG/DT], 2, 31st [EG/DT].

 

 

 

 

Eurasian Curlew   Numenius arquata   M

Sound-recorded on nocturnal migration twice in spring.

2+, 8th April, 1, 13th.

 

 

 

Whimbrel   Numenius phaeopus  M

 

One record in autumn.

1, 27th July.

This was a surprising observation of a bird flying relatively low to the southwest early in the morning.

 

 

 

Eurasian Woodcock   Scolopax rusticola  M H

 

Noted twice (once in spring and once in autumn).

 

1, 14th March [RJ/DT].

 

1, 13th November [SC/DT].

 

 

 

 

 

Green Sandpiper   Tringa ochropus   M

 

Recorded on migration on five dates (four in spring and once in autumn). 

 

1, 1st April*, 1, 8th, 22nd & 24th. 

1, 17th August*.

 

April is the best month to see this species at the park. The birds on 8th and 22nd landed on site at the Mare Perchée, early in the morning. 

* nocturnal sound-recordings

 

 

 

 

Common Sandpiper   Actitis hypoleucos  M

 

Sound-recorded flying over the park on nocturnal migration eight times in autumn.

1, 7th, 8th, 18th, 19th, 27th & 31st August  -  1, 3rd & 9th September.

 

 

 

 

Black-headed Gull   Chroicocephalus ridibundus   S M

 

Singles or small groups (generally 1-10 birds) fly over the park in winter, early spring and autumn. Less common and irregular between May and late August.

 

 

 

Mediterranean Gull   Larus melanocephalus  M

 

Uncommon migrant - observed on two dates in spring.

 

 

 

 

 

Common Gull   Larus canus   M

 

Sound-recorded on nocturnal migration once in spring.

1, 27th February. 

 

 

 

 

Herring Gull   Larus argentatus  S M

 

Flyovers. Observed irregularly in small numbers (usually 1-2) in winter, spring and autumn.

Yellow-legged Gull   Larus michahellis  H M

 

Probably under-recorded due to difficulties with identifying distant gulls. Unusually, recorded more often in autumn than in spring this year. 

 

In spring 1-4 noted on three dates. 1-14 recorded on nine dates in autumn. 

 

2, 26th May  -  3, 1st June, 4+, 2nd. 

 

1, 26th August  -  1, 2nd & 9th October, 14, 10th, 6, 17th [IG/DT], 2, 19th, 11, 23rd, 6, 31st  -  8, 1st November. 

 

 

1st November

Lesser Black-backed Gull   Larus fuscus  S M

 

Relatively common - 1-6 noted in winter, spring and autumn. 

 

 

 

 

Rather rare migrant. Sound-recorded once on nocturnal migration in early autumn. 

 

1, 5th August. 

 

 

 

 

Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon)   Columba livia  S

 

Common resident - seen daily. 

 

 

 

 

Stock Dove   Columba oenas  S M

 

A rather common resident - breeds in the vicinity of the park. Small numbers noted regularly throughout the year (generally seen flying in small groups eastwards).

 

 

 

Common Wood Pigeon   Columba palumbus  S M

 

Common resident, breeding inside the park – seen daily.

Numbers on site supplemented by local movements of birds flying over the park in diverse directions. In general birds are seen flying to the northeast in the morning, returning towards Paris later in the afternoon.

 

In autumn, groups visibly migrating to the south noted on six dates from 9th - 24th October, with a peak of 1591 on 24th [IG/DT]. 

 

 

 

Eurasian Collared Dove   Streptopelia decaocto  S

 

Breeding probable in the same sector as last year, along the Sentier des Vergers (copulation observed on 18th April).  

 

 

European Turtle Dove   Streptopelia turtur  M

 

Uncommon passage migrant. Observed flying over once in spring. 

1, 29th April.

 

 

 

 

Cuckoo   Cuculus canorus   M

 

Rather rare migrant - recorded once in spring. 

 

1, 27th May. 

 

The bird was heard early in the morning, singing briefly and distantly from the southern sector of the park.

 

 

 

Long-eared Owl   Asio otus   M

 

One observation in late autumn.

 

1, 13th November [AC/SC/DT].

 

This was an exciting discovery of a bird perched next to the path on the northeastern corner of the prairie. Its presence was only revelead by the alarm calls of blackbirds and chaffinches.

 

 

 

 

Tawny Owl   Strix aluco  S

Nocturnal recordings this year confirm again that the species occurs regularly inside the park. However, contrary to 2019, it was apparently absent during the middle part of the year, from 19th April to 8th September. 

Sound-recorded fairly regularly from 23rd February to 18th April, and from 9th September to 18th November. 

 

Common Swift   Apus apus  E M

  

Common in summer - observed every day. Breeds in the vicinity of the park. 

Noted for the first time in spring on 20th April. Seen for the last time on 12th September.

Copulation noted by the pairs flying over and around the Mare Perchée early in the mornings in late May and early June.

 

4th June

 

The "Cosmos" building, situated just outside the park in the Residence Jean Moulin hosted once again a breeding colony. 

It was here that a dead individual was found on 30th May, dangling from a window pane, the bird having unfortunately hung itself on some protuding wire. Birds continued to inspect this nesting site without entering the cavity itself, at one point two indiviudals landing together momentarily on top of the dead bird (photographs below).

Black Woodpecker   Dryocopus martius  S

 

Rare at Beaumonts this was an exciting find - another record of a wandering male prospecting the site in April.

The bird was present for two consecutive days:

1, 23rd [TP/DT] & 24th April.

Though more heard than seen, it did offer a good brief view near the cascade.

 

23rd April

 

 

 

Green Woodpecker   Picus viridis  S

 

At least one breeding pair breeding in the park or in the immediate surroundings. Seen or heard regularly throughout the year.

 

 

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker   Dendrocopos major  S

 

At least one resident breeding pair – seen or heard almost daily throughout the year.

 

Drumming heard in late March and April - two pairs suspected 21st March [AC]. Breeding confirmed by an adult accompanying a juvenile on 26th June. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Middle Spotted Woodpecker   Dendrocopus medius  S

 

A rarity at Beaumonts this was a good year - an inividual apparently on site for a prolonged period in autumn. Seen or heard on five dates.

1, 9th & 12th [TP] September  -  1, 9th, 16th [IG] and 24th [IG/DT] October.

 

 

 

 

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker   Dendrocopos minor   S

 

The species has become much rarer over recent years. Noted on three dates in October.

1, 9th [IG/EKB/DT], 13th [DR] and 18th [PR] October.

 

Wryneck   Jynx torquilla  M

 

Uncommon migrant. Observed on three dates (two in spring and one in autumn). 

 

1, 18th & 27th [PR] April. 

1, 21st August [EKB/DT].

 

 

 

 21st August

 

Skylark   Alauda arvensis  M

 

Flyovers. Fairly common migrant in spring and (especially) autumn.

More evident in spring this year than usual - 1-17 noted on five dates from 24th February to 27th March.

Observed on 14 dates in autumn from 9th October to 4th November, with a peak of 71 on 27th October. 

Included in the figures are two nocturnal sound recordings (3rd March and 4th November).

 

 

 

 

Woodlark   Lullula arborea  M

 

Flyovers. Although less common than the preceding species, a regular migrant.

No observations in spring this year.

In autumn noted on 12 dates, from 7th October to 1st November with a peak of 36 on 13th October [DR/DT].

 

 

 

 

Bank Swallow [Sand Martin]   Riparia riparia  E M

Regular migrant in small numbers.

A disappointing year - noted on only three dates (twice in spring and once in autumn).

 

3, 20th April [RJ/DT], 1, 27th.

 

2, 1st September.

 

 

 

 

 

Barn Swallow   Hirundo rustica  E M

 

Common migrant in spring and autumn. Rarely observed in summer.

In spring, 1-13 noted on 15 dates from 28th March to 26th May. 

Autumn migrants noted on 11 dates from 21st August to 9th October - small peak of 29 on 5th September [RJ/DT].

House Martin   Delichon urbicum  E M

 

Regular migrant in spring and autumn in small numbers. 

Observed for the first time on 17th April. 1-9 noted thereafter on six dates to 2nd June.

Water Pipit   Anthus spinoletta  M

 

Uncommon migrant - one observation in spring.

1, 13th April.

The identification was based on photographs - the species does not land at Beaumonts and is surely under recorded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meadow Pipit  Anthus pratensis  M

 

Common migrant in spring and (especially) autumn.

Spring migration noted regularly from 24th February to 20th April, with a peak of 64 on 20th April.

Absent in summer. First recorded in autumn on 2nd October. Seen or heard regularly thereafter until 18th November, with a small peak of 54 on 24th October.

 

 

 

 

Tree Pipit   Anthus trivialis  M

 

Relatively common migrant in spring and autumn.

Observed for the first time in spring on 5th April (the same date as last year). 1-10 noted thereafter on six dates to 27th April.

   

Absent in summer. 1-4 noted in autumn on 12 dates from 21st August to 14th September. 

Sound-recorded on nocturnal migration : once in spring (23rd April) and nine times in autumn from 18th August to 14th September. 

 

 

 

 

White Wagtail   Motacilla alba  M

 

Fairly common migrant in spring and autumn. 

 

Noted for the first time in spring on 21st February [AG]. 1-5 observed thereafter on 15 dates up until 10th April.

 

Western Yellow Wagtail   Motacilla flava flava  M

 

Fairly common migrant in spring and (to a lesser extent) autumn.

A good spring - higher-than-usual numbers noted almost daily in April from 4th-29th. A peak of 29 on 20th April. 

Small numbers noted in autumn on six dates from 24th August to 14th September.

 

25th April

 

 

 

Grey Wagtail   Motacilla cinerea  S M

 

Rather uncommon migrant and resident - does not breed at Beaumonts. 

 

One (sometimes two) birds noted on site, sometimes feeding on the edges of the pond. The species appears attracted to the re-cycling plant where there are areas of standing water.

 

House Wren   Troglodytes troglodytes  S

 

Common breeding resident - normally 1-4 birds seen or heard daily throughout the year. 

13 singing males counted on 29th March [AC].

An adult feeding juveniles observed on 29th August (the persistant calls of the young sound-recorded).

Dunnock   Prunella modularis  S M

 

Common breeding resident - seen or heard daily. 

 

 

 

10th June

 

European Robin   Erithacus rubecula  S M

 

Fairly common breeding resident - 1-4 birds noted daily. Like the preceding species rather discreet during the breeding season.

An adult observed carrying food for young on 20th June [TP]. A juvenile noted on 23rd July.

Roughly eight counted on 12th September, including an adult feeding a juvenile in the Petite Prairie [AC].

 

 

 

 

Common Nightingale   Luscinia megarhynchos  E M

 

Uncommon migrant - has bred occasionally.  

 

In spring 1-2 singing males noted on seven dates from 10th-23rd April, raising hopes that last year's breeding success might be repeated - alas this was not to be.

Only observed once thereafter, when a passage migrant was sound-recorded near the cascade early in the morning.

 

 

 

Black Redstart   Phoenicurus ochruros  M

 

Rather uncommon migrant - absent in summer although breeds in the immediate surroundings of the park.

In spring 1-2 noted on seven dates : 1, 23rd & 24th March, 2, 30th [AC]  -  1, 4th April, 1, 19th [PR] & 20th  -  1, 30th May [EK].

In autumn observed on seven dates : 1, 11th September  -  1, 2nd October [IG/DT], 1, 7th [IG/DT], 9th, 10th, 13th & 16th.

 

Common Redstart   Phoenicurus phoenicurus  M

 

Rather uncommon migrant. Observed in spring and (especially) early autumn. 

Noted on 10 dates (four in spring and six in autumn).

1, 10th April, 1, 16th, 18th & 19th [PR].

1, 24th August  -  1, 4th September, 2, 5th, 1, 9th & 10th, 3, 11th [IG/DT].

 

18th April

 

 

 

European Stonechat   Saxicola rubicola  M

 

Alas now a rather rare migrant - one observation in spring.

1, 26th March [AC].

Ring Ouzel   Turdus torquatus  M

 

Uncomon but regular migrant, especially in April.

Observed on eight dates (seven in spring and one in autumn).

2, 5th April, 1, 8th, 10th, 13th & 18th*, 3, 22nd, 1, 23rd.

1*, 13th October.

*nocturnal sound recording

8th April

 

 

 

 

Common Blackbird   Turdus merula  S M

 

Common breeding resident. Small numbers (normally 1-3 birds) observed daily.

In October, 1-6 noted in active migration on seven dates from 9th-24th.

 

 

 

 

Fieldfare   Turdus pilaris  H M

 

Rather uncommon migrant and winter visitor - not recorded in winter this year.

Noted on five dates in early spring : 1, 4th & 23rd March, 2, 26th  -  4, 1st April, 1, 13th.

Its absence during autumn skywatches was notable. An individual, clearly the same, observed on site on five dates around the Petite Prairie, from 18th-27th November.

 

 

 

 

Song Thrush   Turdus philomelos  S M

 

Common resident, although rather discreet - breeds in the park. Generally 1-3 noted daily - numbers on site bolstered in spring and autumn by passage migrants.

Migration evident in spring from 16th March to 20th April, with a small peak of 49 on 28th March.

In autumn migration noted in October, from 7th-26th with peak of 72 on 9th October [IG/DT].

 

 

 

Redwing   Turdus iliacus  H M

 

Relatively common migrant in spring and autumn - irregular on site in winter.

 

Lesser Whitethroat   Sylvia curruca   M

 

Uncommon migrant - has not bred in the park since 2010.

Observed once in spring and once in autumn.

1, (heard only), 27th May.

1, 21st August [EKB/DT].

Melodious Warbler   Hippolais polyglotta  E M

 

Uncommon migrant - has not bred in the park since 2012.

1, 24th May.

Willow Warbler   Phylloscopus trochilus  E M

 

Rather uncommon but regular migrant, does not breed at Beaumonts.

First noted in spring on 23rd April. 1-2 singing males thereafter, on only three dates, up until 2nd May. 

In autumn, 1-4 observed on 14 dates from 10th August to 16th September.

 

 

 

 

Chiffchaff   Phylloscopus collybita E M H

 

Common breeding summer visitor - seen daily.

Noted in winter at the beginning of the year (1, 8th January [PR]).

In early spring the first singing male observed on 24th February [AC/IG]. Small numbers seen regularly thereafter until late November.

 

An adult carrying food for young on 23rd May. Song heard regularly during October.

 

 

 

 

 

Goldcrest   Regulus regulus  S M

 

Rather uncommon resident, most often seen in the northern sector - breeding probable here although unconfirmed. 

 

1-2 observed irregularly throughout the year - a group of about six noted on 12th September [AC].

Firecrest   Regulus ignicapillus  S M

 

Rather uncommon resident.

Relatively few observations this year - 1-4 noted on 18 dates.

First recorded on 19th February. 

As usual, breeding unconfirmed. Contrary to previous years, no singing male present in the usual spot in early spring.

 

 24th March

Spotted Flycatcher   Muscicapa striata  M

 

Uncommon but regular migrant. Rare in spring. 

Observed on 13 dates in autumn.

1, 8th August, 1, 19th & 22nd, 3+, 26th, 1,27th [PR/DT], 1, 29th  -  1, 3rd, 4th & 5th September, 3, 11th & 12th [AC/TP], 1, 13th [PR] and 3, 16th [PR].

 

 

 

Pied Flycatcher   Ficedula hypoleuca  M

 

Fairly common passage migrant in autumn (rare in spring).

 

 

 

 

Great Tit   Parus major  S M

Common breeding resident - 1-10 seen daily.

 

 

Coal Tit   Peripatus ater   H M

 

Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. A good year - noted on migration on 11 dates in autumn from 7th October to 1st November, with a peak of 23 on 31st October.

Recorded twice on site in winter at the end of the year - 2, 9th November [PR] and 1,17th December [SC].

 

 

 

 

Crested Tit   Lophophanes cristatus   M

 

Rare at Beaumonts - observed once in summer.

1, 23rd July.

Marsh Tit   Poecile palustris   S

 

Rather rare and irregular. This was a good year with several observations in late autumn, suggesting an individual present on site. 

 

1, 15th March [AC]. 

 

1, 9th September  -  1, 7th [IG/DT] & 30th October  -  1, 27th November  -  1, 9th [PR], 19th & 30th [PR] December. 

7th October

Blue Tit   Cyanistes caeruleus  S M

 

Common breeding resident - seen daily. 

 

Juveniles "everywhere" on 23rd July. 

 

Active migration evident sometimes in autumn - 1-18 observed on nine dates from 2nd-27th October. 

 

 

 

 28th March

 

Long-tailed Tit   Aegithalos caudatus  S

 

Fairly common breeding resident. Small numbers observed irregularly throughout the year. 

 

Adults carrying nest material observed on 4th March. Adults with juveniles noted on 15th June [AC].

 

 

 

Eurasian Nuthatch   Sitta europaea   S

 

Curiously absent and rare at the park. Observed on six dates in the second half of the year.

 

1, 28th August [TP]  -  1, 1st, 14th, 18th [PR] & 21st November  -  1, 4th December.

Short-toed Treecreeper   Certhia brachydactyla  S

 

Breeding resident, observed almost daily (at least two pairs estimated).

Breeding confirmed - adults observed feeding young on 24th May and 3rd June.

5th June

Eurasian Magpie   Pica pica  S

 

Very common breeding resident - up to about 25 noted daily.

29th May

 

Eurasian Jay   Garrulus glandarius  S M

 

Fairly common breeding resident - usually 1-3 birds noted daily. 

Migration evident in autumn from 2nd-17th October - individuals or small groups flying slowly overhead, high in the sky, observed on seven dates with a maximum of 161 on 7th October [IG/DT].  

 

Eurasian Jackdaw   Corvus monedula  H M

 

Fairly uncommon migrant. Higher numbers this year - 1-92 observed flying over on 15 dates (five in spring and 10 in autumn).

3, 24th February  -  1, 4th & 28th March  -  1, 4th April  -  1, 5th June.

3, 5th September  -  7, 7th October, c92, 9th, 2, 12th, c42, 19th, c32, 31st  -  1, 1st November, 1, 24th, 13, 25th.

24th February

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rook   Corvus frugilegus  M

 

Uncommon but regular migrant. Records typically involve small, loose groups of less than 10 birds flying purposefully overhead.

Observed on 17 dates (seven in spring and 10 in autumn).

 

 

 

 

Carrion Crow   Corvus corone  S

 

Common resident, breeding on site - roughly 10 birds noted daily.

On occasions in early October a group of about 20 birds gathered on top of trees close to the pond, early in the morning - about 45 were observed there on 9th October.

 

 

 

Starling   Sturnus vulgaris  S M

 

Fairly common resident, breeding in the wooded areas of the park. Small numbers noted daily. 

Breeding confirmed in June - many juveniles with adults on 17th [AC].

Little evidence of migration in spring. In autumn migration noted on 12 dates from 5th September to 27th October, with a peak of 293 on 23rd October.

 

Golden Oriole   Oriolus oriolus  M

 

Uncommon migrant - one observation in spring.

1, 29th May.

The bird flew south over the prairie in the early morning.

 

House Sparrow   Passer domesticus  S

 

Fairly common resident, breeding in the immediate surroundings. Few observations of birds inside the park this year.

 

 

 

Chaffinch   Fringilla coelebs  S M

 

Fairly common resident - small numbers noted daily. 

 

Song heard daily, as usual, from the northern sector of the park during spring. 2-4 singing males noted on 26th March [AC].

More discreet and infrequently seen in summer. 

Very common migrant: in spring small numbers flying over to the northeast noted from 24th February to 18th April, with a peak of 186 on 18th March. 

Migration noted regularly in autumn, especially in October - it was noticeable that the main migration phase occurred much later in October than is usually the case. Peak of 487 on 24th October [IG/DT].

 

Brambling   Fringilla montifringilla  H M

 

Rather uncommon but regular migrant - very uncommon and irregular in winter.

Absent on site in winter at the beginning of the year. Only observed once in spring, on 20th April.

Higher-than-usual numbers observed in autumn than usual. Noted for the first time on 9th October - thereafter on 19 dates up to 25th November. Peak of 103 on 23rd October [IG/DT]. 

 

23rd October

Two birds feeding on site with chaffinches on 1st November.

Noted twice in December (singles on 2nd & 11th).

 

 

Eurasian Linnet   Linaria cannabina   M

 

Fairly common passage migrant in spring and autumn. More evident in spring than in autumn this year.

First observed in spring on 18th March. Small numbers noted thereafter until 29th April. Two isolated records later in spring (22nd May and 19th June).

23rd March

 

 

 

 

Lesser Redpoll   Acanthis cabaret  H M

 

Very uncommon migrant and winter visitor - observed on five dates (four in spring and one in autumn).

3, 24th March, 1, 27th  -  1, 1st April, 3, 16th.

1, 31st October.

 

European Goldfinch   Carduelis carduelis  S M

 

Relatively common resident, probably nesting in the immediate vicinity. 

Small numbers observed irregularly throughout the year.

Active migration noted in spring - 1-7 observed on seven dates from 20th March to 20th April.

Migration in autumn evident from 2nd-23rd October (up to 15 noted on six dates).

22nd May

 

 

European Greenfinch   Chloris chloris  S M

 

Fairly common resident, breeding in or near the park. 1-5 birds noted regularly throughout the year.

More discreet in spring and summer. A group of 11 present on 10th March, and 10 on 13th November.

 

 

Eurasian Siskin   Spinus spinus  H M

 

Uncommon and irregular in winter. Passage migrants noted regularly in spring and autumn.

Absent in winter this year. 1-7 observed on six dates from 4th-31st March. Birds were heard twice later in the season (27th April and 30th May).

In autumn, two rather early birds seen and heard flying over on 5th September [RJ/DT].

Small numbers noted regularly in autumn from 2nd-27th October, with a small peak of 26 on 10th October.

 

 

European Serin   S M  

 

Uncommon resident, probably breeding in the vicinity. The species is in decline and becoming increasingly rare at Beaumonts. 

 

A year even worse than the last - noted on four dates (all in spring), and only seen once landed on site. 

Eurasian Bullfinch   Pyrrhula pyrrhula  S

 

Discreet and uncommon resident. In decline and becoming rarer at the park. 

Noted on only four dates in autumn.

1,14th October [PR], 1,26th [IG/RT/DT] & 31st  -  1, 1st November.

26th October

 

 

Hawfinch   Coccothraustes coccothraustes  H M

 

Uncommon and irregular winter visitor. Small numbers in spring and autumn. 

Apparently absent in winter this year. Noted on 14 dates (three in spring and 11 in autumn).

2,18th April [SA/RJ], 1,28th  -  1,28th May. 

1,7th October, 2+,9th, 1,10th, 2,23rd, 6,24th [IG/DT], 2,26th [IG/DT], 1,27th, 6,31st  -  7,1st November, 1,19th-20th.

 

 

 

Ortolan Bunting   Emberiza hortulana   M

 

One observation in autumn.

1, 3rd September.

Recorded for a second consecutive year. Seen as well as heard, this also involved a bird flying south over the cascade in the early morning.

 

 

 

 

Uncommon and irregular in winter. Passage migrants noted fairly frequently in spring and (especially) autumn.

Relatively few records this year.

1,4th, 10th & 18th March.

In autumn singles noted on seven dates from 13th October to 1st November.