Annual Report 2022-EN | Birding Beaumonts

114 species were identified in 2022, a good score although 11 fewer than last year's total. The lower number can be explained by less-than-usual observer coverage in the second half of the year, particularly in late autumn.

A new species for the park list was recorded, a Cattle Egret, which flew high overhead one early morning in May.

Aside from this "first", many other interesting species were recorded such as Curlew, Whimbrel, Short-eared Owl and Hoopoe. A rare Penduline Tit was heard flying over in April and a group of around 40 calling Bee-eaters migrating overhead one afternoon in August was a spectacular sight.

Nocturnal sound-recordings, conducted for a fourth consecutive year revealed the presence of birds that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. This year they included Great and Little Bitterns, Ringed Plover and Ortolan Bunting.

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

view to the north from the cascade - December 2022

Species notable for their absence this year included Woodcock, Merlin, Turtle Dove, Lesser Whitethroat and Lesser Redpoll.

With regard to breeding species the highlight of the year was a pair of Marsh Warblers which nested succesfully in the reedbed at the Mare Perchée. Although no fledgings were seen breeding was confirmed by the sighting of an adult carrying a faecal sack. On a more negative note there was no confirmed breeding of Garden Warbler - they were either exceptionally discreet or largely absent this year.

The successful breeding of Mallard at the Mare Perchée, for the fifth time since 2009, is also noteworthy. Regrettably, however, the female and the 10 ducklings completely vanished almost as soon as they appeared, this following the incursion of two hunting dogs which managed to jump the perimeter fence. All recent breeding attempts by Mallard since 2013 have failed due to disturbance by dogs and the irresponsibility of their owners.

A total of 212 hours of "skywatching" was carried out in 2022 (roughly the same amount as last year). The traditional "Journée de la Migration" occurred this year in mid-October, an annual event dedicated by birders across the region to observing and counting the visible migrants overhead. Although rather unspectacular this year there were nevertheless good numbers of Chaffinches and Woodlarks, and only the second Great Egret of the year was seen flying south.

Enclosed by a perimeter fence the prairie saw once again the introduction of cows and goats for several months (until late November) with the objective to control the growth of the vegetation.

It is worth mentioning that the number of visiting birders has increased significantly, thanks largely to outings arranged by both Est Ensemble and the local LPO group, the latter created last year after the initiative of Thomas Puaud and Emma Adler - long may this continue

20221016-journee de la migration (1 of 1).jpg

An outing of the local LPO group, led by Thomas Puaud...

Photo: Emmanuel Gauvin

The annual "Migration Day" took place on 16th October...

Photo: Isabelle Giraud

Observers mentioned in the text:

Stéphane Chambris (SC)

Arnaud Chambon (AC)

Adèle Cramaix (ACR)

Sylvain Clède (SCL)

Hugo De Verges (HV)

Isabelle Giraud (IG)

Remi Jugieux (RJ)

Eloi Khattab (EK)

Sebastien Klein (SK)

Emir Kort (EKT)

Arnaud Ladole (AL)

Nadia Lalami (NL)

Laurent Pascual-Le Tallec (LP)

Thomas Puaud (TP)

Hélène Redel (HR)

David Rosane (DR)

Pierre Rousset (PR)

David Thorns (DT)

Anne Lisbeth Tollanes (ALT)

Unless stated otherwise, referenced observations made by DT only.

SYSTEMATC LIST

C = Captive (escape)

E = Summer Visitor

F = Feral

H = Winter Visitor

M = Migrant

S = Resident

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix M

Sound-recorded in active migration once in spring.

1, 11th May

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax cargo M R

Small numbers recorded throughout the year - the species seems well-established at nearby Lac Daumesnil and local-looking birds are increasingly observed outside migration periods.

In spring a maximum of 100, in a single group, noted flying to the northeast on 23rd April [SC/DT].

In autumn observed on migration from 25th August to 20th October, with a small peak of 29 on 29th October [IG/EK/AL/HR].

Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris M

Sound-recorded once in autumn.

1 , 31st August.

This is the third record for Beaumonts - the bird flew over the park at around 02h30.

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus M

Sound-recorded migrating over the park once in autumn.

1 , 27th August.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea S M

Observed fairly regularly throughout the year. Records almost exclusively involve birds flying over the park. Although the recently installed perimeter fence around the marsh offers more protection for the heron, it is a species which quickly arouses the wrath of the local crows which systematically chase it away and prevent it from landing.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis M

Observed once in spring.

1, 11th May.

The bird flew high overhead towards the north early in the morning.

It constitutes the first record for Beaumonts.

Great Egret Ardea alba M

Recorded on two dates - one in winter and one in autumn.

2, 11th January [PR].

1, 16th October [IG/EK/DT et al]

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

White Stork Ciconia ciconia M

Observed in active migration on seven dates (two in spring, one in summer and four in autumn).

1, 9th April - 5, 23rd April [SC/DT].

1, 26th June [SC/DT].

c36, 25th August [DR/ALT/DT] - 18, 27th August [IG/DT] - 1, 29th August [EK/DT] - 26, 1st September [DR/PR/DT].

Greylag Goose Anser anser M

1, 7th May [IG].

The bird flew northeast early in the morning.

Canada Goose Branta canadensis S

Flyovers. Uncommon at the park - small numbers noted occasionally throughout the year.

Observed on seven dates (all in spring).

3, 19th March - 2, 20th and 27th March - 1, 30th March - 10, 31st March - 7, 9th April - 3, 23rd April.

The observation of 20th March was exceptional and involved two birds landing on the pond for the first time ever (as far as we know)

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos S M

Another encouraging year thanks to the building works carried out at

the Mare Perchée in November 2020. 1-5 birds noted fairly regularly

throughout the year.

A pair noted for the first time on 5th February. Breeding confirmed

on the 13th April with the appearance of 10 ducklings swimming

around the female.

Regrettably this happy scenario was to last just 24 hours, all of these birds vanishing (presumably killed) the following day following the incursion of two hunting dogs inside the perimeter fence. The directive to keep dogs on a lead is ignored by almost every dogwalker at parc des Beaumonts.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus M

Observed migrating over the park on four dates

(two in spring and two in autumn).

1, 3rd April [SC/DT] - 1, 23rd April [SC/DT].

1, 29th August [EK/DT] - 1, 1st September [DR/DT].

photo: 23rd April

Black Kite Milvus migrans M

Noted on 10 dates (nine in spring and one in autumn).

1, 12th March - 1, 10th April [SC/RJ/DT]

- 1, 16th April [EK/EKT/SK/DT] - 1, 17th April [SC/EK/DT] -

1, 18th April [SK/DT] - 1, 24th April [EK/DT] - 1, 30th April

[SC/EK/NL/RJ/DT] - 1, 1st May [SC/SK/DT] - 1, 7th May [IG/EK/DT].

1, 1st September [PR/DT].

photo: 16th April

Red Kite Milvus milvus M

Observed migrating over the park on four dates (one in spring, two in autumn and one in winter).

1, 10th April [SC/RJ/DT].

1, 17th October [IG/DT] - 5, 18th October.

2, 7th December [PR/DT].

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus M

Observed migrating over the park on 13 dates (five in spring and eight

in autumn). At least 37 birds are involved.

All the spring records occurred in April. Passage on the 9th was exceptional

with 12 birds seen before midday !

1, 4th & 7th April - 13, 9th April - 5, 10th April - 1, 24th April.

1, 24th August - 3, 25th August - 4, 26th August - 1, 27th & 30th August

- 4, 1st September - 1, 10th September - 1, 16th October.

photo: 1st September

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus M

Recorded only once, in spring.

1, 9th April.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo M

Over recent years buzzards have become more common, due largely to the presence of a certain number of local birds in and around the nearby Bois de Vincennes. This has complicated migration counts, and producing accurate figures is now difficult.

The Vincennes birds (3-4 in general) are particularly visible from late February to late May (displaying noted on 28th May).

Little evidence of migration in spring, nor particularly in autumn, although a group rose on a thermal to the north on 4th September [LP/HV]. A similar group of four birds was observed on 22nd October [IG/AL].

Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus M

Observed migrating over the park on eight dates. Exceptionally there

were no records in spring this year. At least 40 birds are involved in total.

4, 23rd August - 3, 24th & 25th August - 1, 26th August - 11, 27th August -

3, 30th August - 2, 31st August - 13, 1st September.

One of the birds on 27th August, a very white-looking juvenile, was heard

calling en route

The total on 1st September included a spectacular group of nine together.

photo: 1st September

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus S

Usually 1-3 regularly observed throughout the year. Breeding unconfirmed this year. Displaying individuals noted in early April. An apparently bonded pair observed on 1st May.

In autumn, birds visibly migrating noted from 30th August - 1st September.

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus S M

Breeds in the immediate vicinity of the park. 1-3 birds (usually one) observed almost daily.

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo E M

Once again relatively few records: 1-2 birds observed on nine dates

from 24th April - 10th September.

As in certain previous years, breeding possible near the park (an individual

flying low to the south and carrying prey on 1st September).

A bird in active migration to the north noted on 8th May [SC/DT].

photo: 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 three dates in spring.

1, 10th April [SC/RJ/DT] - 1, 17th April [SC/DT] - 1, 14th May.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus S

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

1-3 birds sound-recorded at night on eight dates in spring, from 10th February - 13th May.

Noted on site at the pond for the first time on 13th March. A pair present there on 30th March.

Breeding confirmed on 29th May with the appearance of two chicks. Eight chicks noted on 6th June [AC].

Observed for the last time on 8th July.

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra M

Sound-recorded flying over the park at night on six dates in spring.

2, 10th February - 1, 24th February - 1, 16th , 18th and 22nd March - 1, 16th April.

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus M H

Another disappointing year - one observation in autumn.

c110, 18th October.

The record involved two groups flying high to the south, disappearing intermittently behind the clouds.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula M

Sound-recorded on nocturnal migration once in autumn.

1 , 27th August.

The bird flew over at about 04h00.

Eurasian Golden Plover Pluvalis aricaria H M

A disappointing year - only noted once (on nocturnal migration) in spring.

1 , 24th February.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata M

Observed in active migration to the northeast once in spring.

1, 26th February [EK/DT].

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus M

One observation in spring.

1, 23rd April [SC/NL/DT].

The sighting was of a distant bird flying northwards mid-morning.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus M

Observed on five dates in spring.

1, 7th April - 2, 9th April - 3, 16th April - 1, 18th April - 1, 27th April

Sound-recorded on nocturnal migration once in autumn.

1 , 31st August.

April is the best month for this species. The bird on 7th landed briefly

on site at the pond, early in the morning.

photo: 27th April

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos M

Sound-recorded on nocturnal migration on two dates (once in spring and once in autumn).

1, 13th May.

1, 27th August.

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus S M

Singles or small groups observed regularly flying over the park in winter, spring and autumn. Rather uncommon and irregular from May to August.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus M

Uncommon migrant. Observed once in spring.

3, 17th April [SC/DT].

April is by far the most favourable month for this species at Beaumonts.

European Herring Gull Larus argentatus S M

Flyovers. Small numbers observed irregularly in winter, spring and autumn.

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis H M

Probably under recorded due to the difficulties identifying gulls at distance.

1-7 noted on 11 dates during the first half of the year, from 19th February - 2nd June.

One observation in autumn (2 on 16th October).

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus S M

Relatively common - small numbers noted in winter, spring and autumn.

Four adults flying over the cascade westwards in the early morning of 10th March were sound-recorded.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo M

Rather rare migrant. One observation of a bird flying north in spring.

1, 9th April.

Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia S

Common resident - seen daily.

Stock Dove Columba oenas S M

A relatively common resident, breeding in the vicinity of the park.

Small groups flying over (generally towards the east) noted throughout

the year.

Although rarely observed landing on site, breeding nevertheless possible

- display flights observed over the Bois du Bordure on 10th March.

photo: 18th March

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 contrast to many previous years, little evidence of southward migration in late autumn (small peak of 199 on 29th October [IG/AL/EK/HR]).

Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto S

Relatively common resident. 1-2 birds observed almost daily, either flying overhead or perched on site near the Mare Perchée or inside the re-cycling plant. Breeding probable.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus H M

One record in autumn.

1, 1st September [EK/DR/DT].

This was an exciting observation of a bird which flew in from the north

and circled the prairie, visibly in an attempt to land. However, as is the

case with most raptors, it was quickly spotted by the local crows which

rapidly drove it away from the site.

Tawny Owl Strix aluco S

Nocturnal recordings in recent years have confirmed that the species occurs regularly inside the park. However this year it was apparently largely absent, being heard on only one occasion (24th August).

Common Swift Apus apus E M

Common in summer - observed daily. Breeds in the immediate vicinity of the park.

First arrival recorded on the relatively late date of 21st April.

Copulation observed on the 4th May, when only one pair was in evidence overhead.

Small numbers noted daily up until the third week of August (maximum of about 50 on 18th June).

photo: 15th May

The so-called "Cosmos" building, opposite the park in the Residence Jean Moulin, saw once again a small breeding colony.

Little evidence of autumn passage - noted for the last time (3 birds) on 1st September [PR/DT].

Hoopoe Upupa epops M

A bird on site for two days in autumn.

1, 8th & 9th September.

photo: 8th September

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster M

One observation in autumn.

c40, 23rd August [PR/DT].

Perhaps the highlight of the year, it involved a group of migrating birds flying and circling south in the middle of the afternoon.

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri F

Common resident - their numbers have increased in recent years.

Now breeds inside the park.

Observations usually consist of individuals or small groups flying noisily

overhead – it is presumed that a large number involve birds moving back

and forth from other breeding/roosting sites in Vincennes, Roissy, or the

nearby Parc Montreau in Montreuil.

photo: 12th May

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis S

At least one pair breeding in or close to the park - seen or heard regularly throughout the year.

An adult and juvenile observed in the prairie on 27th August.

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 - breeding confirmed on 27th May by two adults feeding young [AC].

Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus medius S

Rare at Beaumonts. A good year again - noted on three dates.

1, 24th January [HV] - 1, 4th July - 1, 22nd October [AL].

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor S

Has become much rarer in recent years. Observed on five dates.

1, 11th February [PR] - 1, 2nd March [PR] - 1, 3rd April [TP] - 1, 2nd July [SC/DT] - 1, 29th October [IG/AL].

Sky Lark Alauda arvensis M

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

In spring, sound-recorded on nocturnal migration on 24th February. Found on site on two dates (2nd & 23rd March).

Observed in autumn on six dates from 15th - 29th October, with a peak of 171 on 29th [IG/EK/AL/HR].

Woodlark Lullula arborea M

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

Noted twice in spring.

9, 26th February [EK/DT] - 1, 30th April [SC/RJ/EK/DT].

Observed on four dates in autumn from 16 - 29 October, with a peak of 53 on 16th [IG/DT et al].

The April bird is relatively late for the department of Seine-Saint-Denis.

Bank Swallow (Sand Martin) Riparia riparia M

Flyovers. Regular migrant in small numbers.

Noted on four dates (two in spring and two in autumn).

1, 17th April - 2, 28th April.

2, 1st September - 1, 6th September.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica E M

Fairly common migrant in spring and autumn. Rarely observed in summer.

1-13 noted regularly in spring from 10th April - 15th May.

A bird hawking insects over the prairie on 17th July [PR].

Autumn migrants noted from 25th August - 29th October ; small peak of 58 on 5th September.

House Martin Delichon urbicum E M

Fairly common migrant in spring and autumn.

First noted in spring on 10th April. 1-9 observed regularly thereafter until 1st June.

Small numbers (up to 19) noted in autumn from 24th August - 16th October.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis M

A common migrant in spring and autumn.

Noted regularly in spring from 27th February - 6th May, with a peak of 106 on 10th April.

Absent in summer. Small numbers noted regularly in autumn from 15th - 29th October.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis M

A relatively common migrant in spring and autumn.

Observed for the first time in spring on 9th April. 1-12 noted thereafter regularly until 1st May.

Absent in summer. 1-8 noted in autumn from 24th August - 7th September.

Sound-recorded on nocturnal migration in autumn (five dates from 27th August - 6th September).

White Wagtail Motacilla alba M

Flyovers. Fairly common migrant in spring and autumn.

First noted in spring on 27th February. Small numbers observed thereafter until 27th March.

Exceptionally an individual found on site on 10th June [PR].

Observed regularly in autumn from 16th - 29th October, with a peak of 77 on 16th [IG/DT et al].

Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flava M

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

As was the case last year, a good spring - small numbers noted almost daily from 29th March - 6th May.

Observed on five dates in autumn from 25th August - 7th September, with a peak of 25 on 5th September.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea S M

Rather uncommon non-breeding resident and migrant.

As is often the case, almost absent during the first half of the year (recorded only once, a flyover on 21st April).

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.

An individual clearly migrating south on 5th September.

House Wren Troglodytes troglodytes S

Common breeding resident - usually 1-4 observed daily.

Dunnock Prunella modularis S M

Common breeding resident, seen or heard daily.

European Robin Erithacus rubecula S M

Fairly common breeding resident. 1-4 noted daily. Like the preceeding species, more discreet during the breeding season.

Juveniles observed for the first time on 27th May [AC].

Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos E M

Uncommon migrant - has bred occasionally.

A poor year - noted on two dates.

1, 12th April [PR].

1, 7th September.

The autumn bird was only detected thanks to a sound-recording

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra M

Uncommon migrant. One observation in autumn.

1, 25th August [DR/DT].

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros M

Rather uncommon and irregular migrant. Absent during the summer although breeds in the immediate surroundings.

3, 2nd March [PR] - 1, 10th & 24th April.

1, 27th July [LP].

1, 21st August [LP] - 1, 18th October.

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus M

Uncommon migrant. Noted in spring and (especially) early autumn.

Observed on five dates (two in spring and three in autumn).

1 (a singing male), 28th April - 1, 30th April.

1, 31st August [EK/DT] - 2, 4th September [LP] - 2, 5th September [IG/DT] - 1, 10th September.

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus M

A regular but uncommon migrant (occurs especially in April).

Exceptionally, more evident in autumn than in spring this year.

Noted on four dates (one in spring and three in autumn).

1, 17th April.

1, 14th October [IG/RJ/DT] - 1, 16th October [HV/DT] - 1, 22nd October [IG/AL].

photo: 17th April

Common Blackbird Turdus merula S M

Common breeding resident. Small numbers (usually 1-3) seen or heard daily.

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris H M

Uncommon migrant in late autumn and spring - very irregular in winter.

Apparently absent in winter this year.

1, 17th & 28th March - 1, 5th April.

24, 22nd October [IG/AL] - 3, 29th October [IG/AL].

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos S M

Common resident, although rather discreet, small numbers breeding in the park. Generally 1-3 birds seen or heard daily. Numbers are bolstered in spring and autumn by passage migrants.

Migration evident in spring from 2nd March - 29th April, with a peak of 223 on 9th April.

In autumn, migration noted in October, from 16th - 29th, with a peak of 80 on 17th [IG/DT].

Redwing Turdus iliacus H M

Fairly common migrant in spring and late autumn. Rather uncommon and irregular in winter.

Small numbers present on site during the first winter period. Migration evident in spring from 2nd March - 3rd April (1-39 birds noted regularly).

Not particularly evident in autumn this year. Noted for the first time on 17th October. Up to 10 observed on only four later dates to 12th November.

1, 13th December [PR].

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus S M

Relatively common breeding resident - 1-3 birds noted regularly throughout the year.

An individual observed carrying moss to a nest site on 28th March (only for a nearby Great Tit to steal it immediately after its departure).

Adult feeding a juvenile observed on 20th May.

Noted in active migration on one date in spring (2nd March).

Migration in autumn observed on four dates in October (1-4 noted from 16th - 29th).

Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus E M

An uncommon and irregular migrant and breeding species.

As usual, discreet in spring (feeble song heard in a dry area, away from the reedbed.).

1, 4th May [SK/DT].

Observed on four dates in autumn:

1, 26th & 29th August - 1, 15th October [EK/DT] - 1 , 18th October.

Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris M

One of the highlights of the year, a breeding pair present in late spring and

summer.

A singing male observed daily at the Mare Perchée from 29th May - 4th June,

after which time it became more discreet, (silent and difficult to observe by

18th June).

A second bird suspected in the reedbed on 23rd June.

Breeding confirmed on 3rd July when an adult was observed leaving the reeds

at the water's edge and dropping a fecal sack.

Observed for the last time on 8th July.

photo: 2nd June

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin E M

Breeding summer visitor and migrant.

A very disappointing year - exceptionally very few records, and breeding unconfirmed.

1 (singing), 5th May - 2, 8th May [ACR].

1, 27th July [LP].

2, 4th September [HV] - 1, 5th September.

Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta E M

Uncommon migrant - has not bred at Beaumonts since 2012.

1, 30th April.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H E M

Common breeding summer visitor and migrant.

1-18 birds seen or heard daily.

Present on site during the first winter period (1, 2nd February). A discreetly singing male noted on 2nd March. Juveniles noted for the first time on 25th May [LP].

Contrary to last year, observed regularly throughout October. Last recorded on 29th October [IG].

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis E

Fairly common summer visitor, although fewer birds than in previous years.

Breeding probable but unconfirmed.

Observed for the first time on 20th April. 1-3 noted regularly thereafter until 10th September.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus E M

Rather uncommon migrant - does not breed at Beaumonts. Noted irregularly in spring and autumn.

First noted (singing) in spring on 29th March. 1-3 observed thereafter until 5th May.

1, 27th July [LP].

In autumn, 1-4 observed on nine dates from 21st August - 22nd September.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita E M H

Common summer visitor - seen or heard every day.

Present on site during the first winter period (1, 24th January [HV]).

The first singing bird in spring noted on 26th February. Observed regularly thereafter (up to 14 birds) until late November.

Juveniles noted on 27th July [LP].

Singing heard frequently during October.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus S M

Rather uncommon resident - breeding probable in the northern sector of the park but unconfirmed.

1-4 noted irregularly throughout the year.

Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus S M

Rather uncommon resident - 1-2 noted on 17 dates throughout the year.

As usual, breeding possible but unconfirmed. A singing male heard from 12th March - 5th May.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata M

Uncommon but regular migrant. Noted on 12 dates (two in spring and 10

in autumn).

1, 12th May [SK/DT] - 1, 13th May.

Several birds on site in early autumn, from 21st August - 5th September.

Maximum of six observed the 4th September [HV].

Sound-recorded on nocturnal migration once in spring, on

11th May

Photo: 29th August

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca M

Uncommon migrant in spring. Quite common and regular in autumn.

Not recorded in spring this year.

1, 9th July.

In autumn, 1-5 noted regularly from 21st August - 19th September.

Great Tit Parus major S M

Common breeding resident - 1-10 seen or heard daily.

Roughly 40 on site in mid-January [PR].

Coal Tit Peripatus ater H M

Uncommon migrant and winter visitor.

1-2 present in the northern sector of the park during the first winter period - observed from 8th January - 3rd March.

Noted on migration twice in spring : 3, 27th March - 8, 10th April [RJ/DT].

Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus M H

Rather rare at Beaumonts - noted on two dates.

1, 24th January [HV].

1, 10th April [SC].

Marsh Tit Poecile palustris S

Curiously uncommon and irregular at Beaumonts.

1, 8th January - 1, 22nd January [EK/DT] - 1, 28th May [EK/SK/DT] - 1, 26th June [SC/DT] - 1, 29th June - 1, 26th August.

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus S M

Common breeding resident.

Juveniles noted for the first time on 21st May [TP].

Active migration evident in autumn (1-12 observed on three dates from 16th - 29th October).

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus S

Fairly common breeding resident. Groups of around 10 birds seen regularly throughout the year.

32 noted on site on 11th January [PR].

Adults accompanying juveniles noted for the first time on 12th May.

Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus M

One observation in spring.

1+ , 10th April [RJ]

A real rarity at Beaumonts this was an extraordinary find, since none of the three observers present saw the bird. Thanks are due to Rémi Jugieux who heard the calls of bird/s flying overhead and suspected them to belong to r.pendulinus. Since the sound-recorder was running at the time they were safeguarded for future examination. The identification was duly confirmed several days later (with the valuable assistance of Julien Rochefort and Stanislas Wroza).

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea S

Curiously absent and uncommon at the park. A good year - noted on six dates.

1, 24th January [HV] - 1,27th February - 1,28th February [HV/SCL] - 1,6th April [LP] - 1,4th September [HV] - 1,11th October [PR].

Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla S

Breeding resident (at least two pairs estimated). Singles observed

regularly throughout the year.

Breeding confirmed - adults observed feeding young on 1st may.

photo: 25th June

Eurasian Magpie Pica pica S

Very common breeding resident. Usually 5-20 birds noted daily.

c80 noted on site on 11th January [PR].

photo: 22nd June (Pierre Rousset)

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius S M

Fairly common resident - breeds inside the park. Usually 1-3 birds seen or heard daily.

Copulation observed (and heard) on 27th April.

Migration evident in spring from 16th April - 1st may (up to 12 birds noted on four dates).

Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula H M

Uncommon - observed flying over the park on seven dates.

1, 12th March - 2, 20th March - 1, 23rd March - 6, 9th April - 2, 18th April.

4, 25th June [EK/SK/DT].

6, 22nd October [IG/AL].

Rook Corvus frugilegus M

Uncommon but regular migrant. Records typically involve small, loose groups of

less than 10 birds flying purposefully overhead.

Observed on 16 dates.

In spring, 1-6 noted on 13 dates from 10th February - 11th May.

1-4 observed in autumn on three dates from 15th - 22nd October.

photo: 10th March

Exceptionally a migrant on 10th March landed briefly on site amongst a group of Carrion Crows.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone S

Common breeding resident - about 10 birds seen daily.

An individual found on 21st August was ringed (colour green, numbered MNHN G522) [LP].

About 40 on site on 12th November [PR].

Starling Sturnus vulgaris S M

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

Little migration evident in spring. In autumn, noted on five dates from 16th - 29th October with a peak of 136 on 29th October.

Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus M

Uncommon migrant. Two observations in spring.

1, 27th April - 1, 30th April.

On 30th April the bird could be heard singing in the distance

House Sparrow Passer domesticus S

Fairly common resident, breeding in the immediate surroundings of the park.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs S M

Fairly common resident, especially in late autumn and winter. Small numbers seen daily.

Common migrant: in spring flyovers noted in small numbers from 2nd March - 1st May with a peak of 223 on 25th March.

Migration noted regularly in October, from 14th - 29th with a peak of 2686 on 17th [IG/DT].

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla H M

Regular but rather uncommon migrant - irregular and uncommon

in winter.

Present during the first winter period (1-3 noted on several dates).

In spring, noted several times on migration during March - small

peak of 25 on 9th March.

Noted on site in April : 1,2nd - 2,6th - 1,13th & 18th.

Autumn passage noted on six dates in October (small peak of 14 on 22nd).

photo: 2nd April

Eurasian Linnet Linaria cannabina M

Fairly common migrant in spring and autumn.

More evident in spring than in autumn this year.

First observed in spring on 28th March. Small numbers on migration noted thereafter until 13th May.

Absent in summer. In autumn, 1-43 noted from 15th - 29th October.

European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis S M

Fairly common resident, breeding inside or near the park. Small numbers seen irregularly throughout the year.

Little sign of spring migration. In autumn, noted from 15th - 29th October with a maximum of 98 on 22nd [IG/AL et al].

European Greenfinch Chloris chloris S M

Common resident, breeding inside or near the park. 1-7 observed regularly throughout the year.

More discreet in spring and summer. A group of 15 noted on 2nd March [PR].

Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus H M

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

Absent during the first winter period although 3 birds observed on 7th February [PR]. Migration evident from 26th February - 23rd April with a maximum of 50 on 27th March.

Small numbers observed regularly in October from 15th - 31st, with a peak of 97 on 22nd [IG/AL et al].

European Serin Serinus serinus S M

Uncommon resident, perhaps breeding in the vicinity of the park. The species is in decline and becoming much rarer at Beaumonts.

An even worse year than the last - noted flying over the park on two dates.

1, 17th April.

1, 16th October [HV/DT].

Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula S

Uncommon and disreet resident. In decline and observed less frequently than in previous years.

One observation in autumn.

1, 11th October [PR].

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes H M

Uncommon migrant and winter visitor. Not observed in winter this year and more evident in spring than in autumn. Noted on 11 dates.