Birding Beaumonts

White Stork   Ciconia ciconia  M

 

Migrating birds noted on seven dates (one in spring and six in autumn).

 

27th March (1).

 

15th August (2) , 27th August (136) [SX/DT] , 1st September (1) , 2nd September (4) , 3rd September (87) [SX/DT] , 15th October (2).

Photo: 27th August

Mute Swan   Cygnus olor  S

 

Rare at Beaumonts. Observed once in spring.

 

10th May (3)

 

The birds flew over the park in the early morning.

Black Kite   Milvus migrans  M

 

1-3 birds noted on ten dates (nine in spring and one in autumn).

 

28th March (1) , 29th April (1) , 30th April (1) , 2nd May (1) , 11th May (1) , 12th May (1) , 13th May (3) , 15th May (1) , 23rd May (1).

 

15th August (1).

Photo: 30th April (D.Thorns)

 

Montagu’s Harrier   Circus pygargus   M

 

An excellent year ; observed on three dates (twice in spring and once in autumn).

 

2nd May (1) , 12th May (1).

 

23rd August (1).

Photo: 12th May 

European Honey-buzzard   Pernis apivorus  M

 

A good year ; observed on 25 dates (10 in spring and 15 in autumn). At least 73 birds are involved, and the passage of 13 in under two hours on 11th May was exceptional.

 

5th May (2) [PR/DT] , 9th May (1) , 10th May (5) [PR/DT] , 11th May (15) , 12th May (2) , 13th May (1) , 15th May (3) , 22nd May (1) , 23rd May (1) , 24th May (1).

 

Photo: 26th August

5th August (1) , 6th August (1) , 13th August (1) [SX/DT] , 19th August (5) , 20th August (1) , 23rd August (1) , 26th August (7) [SX/IM/PR] , 27th August (7) [SX/DT] , 2nd September (8) [SC/SX/ED/ML/PR/DT] , 3rd September (1) [SX/DT] , 9th September (2) , 10th September (3) , 16th September (1) [ED/ML/DT] , 17th September (1) [PR/DT] , 30th September (1) [SC/DT]. 

 

Eurasian Sparrowhawk   Accipiter nisus  S

 

1-3 birds noted regularly throughout the year. Breeding probable in the Bois de Bordure although unconfirmed ; contrary to previous years begging calls from juveniles were not to be heard at the end of July.

 

In spring and especially autumn small numbers of birds apparently migrating occasionally noted. 

 

Photo: 26th April

 

Eurasian Kestrel    Falco tinnunculus  S M

 

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

Although the vast majority of records refer to local birds the species was noted apparently migrating on six dates (three in spring and three in autumn).

Eurasian Hobby   Falco subbuteo E M

1-2 birds observed occasionally in spring, summer and autumn.

Noted for the first time in spring on 18th April.

Observed twice in July (the 23rd and 29th), suggesting breeding in the vicinity of the park.

Recorded on nine dates in autumn from 19th August to 7th October.

Photo: 18th April

Peregrine   Falco peregrinus  S M

 

The presence of breeding peregrines in and around Paris has rendered it less of a rarity. Observations refer usually to single birds wandering aimlessly high in the sky.

1-3 birds noted on 16 dates.

28th March (1) , 16th April (1) , 2nd May (1) , 4th May (2) , 5th May (1) [PR/DT] . 15th May (1) , 23rd May (2) , 24th May (1) , 28th May (2).

Photo: 23rd May

 

13th August (1) , 20th August (1) , 2nd September (1) [SC/DT] , 15th October (1) , 5th November (1) , 19th November (3) , 26th November (1).

 

The bird on 2nd September was carrying prey (apparently a pigeon).

Merlin   Falco columbarius  M

 

Birds in active migration noted on three dates in spring.

 

14th April (1) , 5th May (1) , 10th May (1).

 

 

Photo: 10th May

 

 

Common Moorhen   Gallinula chloropus  S

 

Common resident – 1-8 birds observed regularly throughout the year.

 

Breeding confirmed at the Mare Perchée with a (large) chick present on 24th May, and two noted on 29th May.

 

Construction of a second nest observed on 30th May.

 

Unfortunately the healthy population of rats at the Mare Perchée is probably responsible for the loss of several chicks.

 

 

 

Northern Lapwing   Vanellus vanellus  M H

 

Observed flying over the park on four dates in autumn.

 

15th October (87) [IG/RN/FR/DT] , 4th November (9) [ED/IG/ML/DT] , 7th November (2) , 19th November (c100).

 

 

 

European Golden-Plover   Pluvalis aricaria  H M

 

Observed flying over the park on two dates in autumn.

 

22nd October (13) [IG/DT] , 28th October (9) [ED/ML/DT].

 

 

 

Green Sandpiper   Tringa ochropus   M

 

Observed on three dates in spring.

 

3rd April (1) , 11th April (1) , 19th April (1).

 

 

 

Arctic Skua   Stercorarius parasiticus   M

 

One observation in autumn.

 

3rd October (1).

 

Without doubt the bird of the year, this dark-phase adult was a first record for Beaumonts and only a second for the department of Seine-Saint-Denis. The bird flew steadily northwest, early in the morning.

 

 

 

Black-headed Gull   Chroicocephalus ridibundus   S M

 

Small numbers (generally 1-10 birds) seen flying over the park in winter, early spring and autumn. Rather uncommon and irregular from May to August.

Mediterranean Gull   Larus melanocephalus   M

Uncommon migrant. Three records in spring (as was the case in 2016).  

30th April (2) , 4th May (2) , 24th May (2)

 

Photo: 30th April

Herring Gull    Larus argentatus  S M

Seen flying over the park irregularly in small numbers in winter, spring and autumn.

 

 

 

Yellow-legged Gull   Larus michahellis  H M

Probably under-recorded due to the difficulty of identifying distant large gulls in flight. Rather fewer birds compared to recent years (especially in spring).

Small numbers (1-12 birds) noted in spring on four dates (22nd January, 29th April, 9th & 29th May).

In autumn 1-18 noted on seven dates from 2nd September to 26th November.

 

 

 

Lesser Black-backed Gull   Larus fuscus  S M

 

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

 

 

 

Rock Dove (« Feral Pigeon »)   Columba livia  S

 

Common resident, seen daily.

Stock Dove   Columba oenas  S M

 

A relatively common resident breeding in the immediate vicinity of the park, most often noted in small groups flying eastwards.

 

2-3 birds sometimes recorded on the roofs of buildings on and around the rue Paul Doumer (outside the park). On 3rd March noted feeding on site inside the Savanna.

 

Photo: 24th April

 

Common Wood-Pigeon   Columba palumbus  S M

 

Common resident, breeding inside the park – seen daily.

Small numbers on site supplemented by local movements of birds flying over the park in diverse directions. In general birds fly to the northeast in the mornings and return towards Paris later in the afternoons.

From the end of June groups comprising adults and juveniles regularly noted on the lawns in the northern section of the park. 



Large migrating flocks noted flying south on two dates in autumn : c200 birds on 28th October and 1163 on 7th November.  

 

 

 

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 confirmed – a couple observed nest-building on 4th May.

 

 

 

Short-eared Owl   Asio flammeus  H M

One observation in autumn.

3rd October (1).

The bird flew slowly southwards, high in the sky, early in the morning.

Common Swift   Apus apus  E M   

 

Common in summer – seen daily. Breeds in the immediate vicinity of the park.

 

Noted for the first time on 18th April.

 

In general, fewer birds noted compared to previous years. Local populations appeared to have settled in by the 29th April with several pairs noted copulating on 2nd May. Roughly 100 seen regularly over Montreuil during May.

 

Photo: 19th April

Autumn passage apparent on 23rd July and noted thereafter until late August. A lonely-looking individual flying south on 9th September was the last of the year.

 

 

Eurasian Hoopoe   Upupa epops   M

Very rare migrant. One observation in spring.

28th March (1)

This was a big surprise - only the fifth record for Beaumonts. The bird was in active migration, flying low and purposefully north over the Cascade early in the morning.

 

Rose-ringed Parakeet   Psittacula krameri  F

 

Relatively common resident – numbers have increased sharply over recent years. Breeding birds have now established themselves in the tall trees in the southwestern « Mabille » section of the park.

 

Observations usually consist of individuals or small groups flying noisily overhead – it is presumed that a large number are moving back and forth from other breeding/roosting sites in Vincennes, Roissy, or the nearby parc Montreau in Montreuil.

 

 

 

Green Woodpecker   Picus viridis  S

 

Resident frequently seen or heard throughout the year. At least one pair breeding inside or close to the park. Discreet in summer.

 

 

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker   Dendrocopos major  S

 

At least one resident breeding pair – seen or heard almost daily throughout the year. Like the preceding species, more discreet in late July.

 

 

 

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker   Dendrocopos minor   S

 

Discreet resident, perhaps breeding on site. The species has become more uncommon over recent years. Individuals noted on 11 dates, most of which falling in the second half of the year.

 

10th January (1) , 22nd January (1) , 26th March (1) [DM] , 22nd April (1).

 

23rd August (1) , 26th August (1) , 2nd September (1) [SC/ED/ML/DT] , 17th September (1) , 15th October (1) , 28th October (1) , 7th November (1).

 

On 1st April a female was seen and heard drumming from a large tree bordering the cemetary on rue Galilée, just outside the park.

 

 

 

Eurasian Skylark   Alauda arvensis  M

 

Seen flying over the park. Fairly common passage migrant in spring and (especially) autumn.

 

Not recorded in spring this year.

 

In autumn noted on 11 dates from 5th October to 18th November with a small peak of 80 on 5th November [IG/DT].

Wood Lark   Lullula arborea  M

 

A regular but uncommon passage migrant.

 

Not recorded in spring this year.

 

In autumn noted on six dates from 7th October to 18th November with a peak of 11 on 7th November.

Photo: 7th October

Bank Swallow (Sand Martin)   Riparia riparia  E M

 

Rather uncommon but regular passage migrant in spring and autumn.

 

In spring 1-8 noted on four dates from 5th – 12th May.

 

In autumn 1-10 noted one three dates from 27th August to 17th September.

Barn Swallow   Hirundo rustica  E M

 

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

 

Observed almost daily from 29th March to 22nd May with a maximum of 82 on 5th May [PR/DT].

 

Small numbers noted regularly in autumn from 6th August to 14th October – maximum of 95 on 27th August [SX/DT].

Photo: 30th April

 

 

 

Northern House-Martin   Delichon urbicum  E M

Fairly common passage migrant in spring and autumn. Small numbers noted irregularly in summer.
 


First recorded in spring on 30th March [PR/DT]. 1-36 noted thereafter fairly regularly until 24th May.

Observed fairly regularly in autumn from 5th August to 30th September – small peak of 15 on 17th September.

Meadow Pipit   Anthus pratensis  M

 

A common migrant in spring and (especially) autumn.

 

Noted regularly in spring from 28th March to 2nd May with a peak of 116 on 11th April.

 

Absent in summer. First recorded in autumn on 16th September [ED/ML/DT]. Observed regularly thereafter in small numbers until 7th November, with a small peak of 55 on 15th October [IG/RN/FR/DT].

Photo: 17th April 

 

 

 

Tree Pipit   Anthus trivialis  M

 

Relatively common passage migrant in spring and autumn. A poor year with fewer records than usual.

 

Observed for the first time in spring on 17th April. Singles noted thereafter on four occasions until 9th May.

 

Absent in summer. Surprisingly only two autumn records : 26th August (1) and 10th September (1).

 

Usually noted in flight, it was exceptional that two of the April sightings involved birds singing on site.

 

 

 

 

White Wagtail   Motacilla alba  M

 

Fairly common migrant in spring and autumn.

 

Very few spring records this year : 1-3 noted in flight on three dates, from 28th March to 30th April.

 

Absent in summer. Observed regularly in autumn from 9th September to 1st November, with a peak of 68 on 15th October [IG/RN/FR/DT].

Western Yellow (« Blue-headed ») Wagtail   Motacilla flava flava  M

 

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

 

First noted on 15th April. Small numbers (1-11) observed thereafter on eight dates up to 11th May.

 

Noted only twice in autumn : 26th August (1) , 10th September (1).

 

Photo: 15th April

The species only rarely lands on site and so the presence of three birds feeding together at the Mare Perchée for around twenty minutes on 15th April was exceptional.

[Grey-headed Wagtail] (Motacilla flava thunbergi) M

 

One observation in spring.

 

10th May (1).

 

A bird photographed in active migration appears to confirm this Nordic subspecies of Western Yellow Wagtail at Beaumonts this year.

 

 

 

 

Grey Wagtail   Motacilla cinerea  S M

 

Rather uncommon non-breeding resident and migrant.

 

One (sometimes two) noted on site, especially during the second half of the year. The species is particularly attracted to the recycling plant with its stands of water - the majority of records refer to birds flying back and forth from this area and the town center.

 

One flying south in active migration on 10th September.

 

 

 

Winter Wren   Troglodytes troglodytes  S

 

Common breeding resident – small numbers seen or heard daily.

 

Dunnock   Prunella modularis  S M

 

Common breeding resident – small numbers seen or heard daily. More discreet in summer.

Photo: 17th April

 

 

 

 

European Robin   Erithacus rubecula  S M

 

Fairly common breeding resident, seen or heard daily. More discreet in summer.

 

Adult observed feeding a juvenile on 6th May.

 

 

 

Common Nightingale   Luscinia megarhynchos  E M

 

Another disappointing year, no doubt caused by the removal of much of the species’ required habitat the end of 2014. Breeding inside the park is now an unlikely prospect. 

 

One record in spring ; a singing individual on 16th April [PR/DT].

 

Migrants noted twice in autumn ; 19th August (1) , 2nd September (1) [SC].

 

 

 

Black Redstart   Phoenicurus ochruros  M

 

Rather irregular and uncommon migrant. Absent in summer, although breeds in the immediate vicinity of the park.

 

Not recorded in spring.

 

As usual, distant birds observed regularly in autumn perched on buildings outside the park.

 

In late autumn 1-3 noted in active migration on three dates (14th and 15th October & 1st November).

 

 

 

 

Common Redstart   Phoenicurus phoenicurus  M

 

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

 

Not recorded in spring this year.

 

In autumn 1-3 noted on seven dates from 20th August to 10th September.

 

 

Northern Wheatear   Oenanthe oenanthe  M

Very uncommon migrant. One observation in autumn.

16th September (1).

 

This was a distant bird perched on a rooftop just outside the park. Stationary and visibly fatigued it was given close attention by the local Black Redstarts which eventually drove it away from the area.

Whinchat   Saxicola rubetra  M

 

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

 

29th April (1).

 

2nd September (2) [SC/DT] , 16th September (1) [ED/ML/DT].

European Stonechat   Saxicola rubicola   M

 

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

 

3rd March (1) [PR] , 31st March (1) , 1st April (1).

 

30th September (1) [ED/ML].

 

Photo: 31st March

 

 

 

Ring Ouzel   Turdus torquatus  M

 

A regular but uncommon passage migrant. Noted on four dates in spring.

 

16th March (1) [PR] , 31st March (1) , 22nd April (1) , 24th April (1).

 

 

 

Eurasian Blackbird   Turdus merula  S M

 

Common breeding resident. Small numbers (usually 1-5) seen or heard daily.

 

During « skywatches » in late autumn, 1-10 noted on seven dates in active migration, from 14th October to 18th November.

 

At least 25 noted on site on 30th December [PR].

Fieldfare   Turdus pilaris  H M

 

Rather uncommon migrant and winter visitor.

 

A better year than average with the exceptional presence of up to 34 birds on site at the beginning of the year.

 

17th January (1) , 19th January (3) [PR] , 22nd January (12) [PR] , 26th January (34) [PR] , 18th February (1) [PR].

Photo: 26th January (Pierre Rousset)

22nd April (1).

 

Migrating birds in autumn noted on six dates from 28th October to 19th November, with a maximum of 41 on 7th November.

 

Present on site at the end of the year with three sightings in December : 17th (1) [PR] , 23rd (4) [PR] , 28th (1) [PR].

 

 

 

Song Thrush   Turdus philomelos  S M

 

Common but rather discreet resident breeding on site (at least three pairs estimated). Generally 1-5 birds noted daily. Numbers bolstered in spring and autumn by passage migrants.

 

Fewer birds noted in active migration compared to previous years. In spring, small peak of 34 on 28th March. In autumn (from 7th October to 7th November) peak of 106 on 15th October [IG/RN/FR/DT].

 

 

Redwing   Turdus iliacus  H M

 

Fairly common migrant – irregular in winter.

 

Present on site at the beginning of the year : noted on four dates in January with a maximum of 36 feeding in the Savanna on 19th [PR].

 

Rather insignificant passage in spring (noted lastly on 13th April).

 

Noted for the first time in autumn on 7th October. Migration observed thereafter until 26th November with a peak of 124 on 28th October [ED/ML/PR/DT].

 

Present on site at the end of the year : noted on six dates in December with a maximum of 31 on 23rd [PR].

 

 

 

 

Mistle Thrush   Turdus viscivorus  S M

 

Relatively common resident ; 1-3 birds noted regularly throughout the year. Breeding probable.

 

Active autumn migration more conspicuous than usual this year : noted on seven dates from 7th October to 4th November with a peak of 16 on 15th October [IG/RN/FR/DT].

 

 

 

 

Reed Warbler   Acrocephalus scirpaceus  E M

 

Irregular summer visitor and passage migrant. Breeding confirmed.

 

First recorded on 7th May. Rather discreet in spring with feeble song heard sporadically in May and June at the Mare Perchée. At least three individuals there throughout August, with adults and juveniles present on 5th.

 

Recorded for the last time on 9th September.

 

 

Marsh Warbler   Acrocephalus palustris  E M

Rare migrant. Singing birds observed twice in spring.

11th May (1) , 15th May (1) [PR].

 

Sedge Warbler   Acrocephalus schoenobaenus   M

Rare migrant. One observation in spring.  

23rd April (1).

This was a difficult bird, only briefly glimpsed. It sang discreetly and intermittently throughout the morning from deep inside the bushes at the Compost.

 

 

Garden Warbler   Sylvia borin  E M

 

Summer visitor and migrant – two breeding pairs estimated.

 

Observed for the first time in spring on 14th April [PR/DT]. 1-2 birds noted regularly thereafter around the Petite Prairie, with a pair apparently collecting nest material there on 2nd May. A second pair noted at the other (southern) end of the park on 4th May.

 

Discreet in summer (not recorded in June or July). Singles noted occasionally in August and September.

 

Last seen on 26th September [PR].

Blackcap   Sylvia atricapilla  H E M

 

Common summer visitor and migrant, breeding on site. 1-12 birds either seen or heard daily. 

 

No records in winter. Noted for the first time in spring on 10th March [PR].

 

Rather uncommon in autumn. At least five on site on 30th September but, as was the case last year, remarkably absent in October. Indeed there was just one record, on 29th October, the last of the year.

 

Photo: 30th April

 

 

Lesser Whitethroat   Sylvia curruca  E M

 

Uncommon migrant – has not bred at Beaumonts since 2010.

 

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

 

14th April (1) [PR/DT] , 22nd April (1) , 2nd May (1).

 

20th August (1) , 26th August (1).

 

 

 

Greater Whitethroat   Sylvia communis  E

 

Fairly common summer visitor, usually breeding on site. Fewer birds noted than in previous years. One breeding pair confirmed.

 

First noted in spring on 16th April.

 

1-3 birds noted regularly thereafter and, contrary to previous years, more often in the Savanna than elsewhere. Here, in the southwestern corner, a pair was observed nest-building on 24th April, and carrying food to the nest on 26th May.

 

Singles noted irregularly in autumn. Last seen on 10th September.

 

 

 

 

Melodious Warbler   Hippolais polyglotta  E M

 

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

 

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

 

22nd April (1) , 26th & 28th May (1).

 

26th August (1).

 

The severe cutting of its habitat in 2013 has had a negative impact on this species at Beaumonts.

 

 

 

 

Willow Warbler   Phylloscopus trochilus  E M

 

Rather uncommon but regular migrant – does not breed at Beaumonts. Small numbers noted irregularly in spring and early autumn.

 

Noted first in spring on 15th April. 1-3 observed thereafter up to 12th May.

 

Relatively uncommon this year in autumn ; 1-2 noted on five dates from 20th August to 26th September.

 

 

 

Common Chiffchaff   Phylloscopus collybita  E M H

 

Common in summer – seen or heard every day.

 

Observed for the first time in spring on 10th March (at least 5) [PR].

 

Up to six noted daily during spring and summer. Numbers bolstered in autumn by migrants – about 15 on site on 30th September.

 

Once again a rather feeble presence in October. 1-4 birds noted in late autumn up to 26th November.

 

A single bird noted on site on 30th December [PR].

 

 

 

Goldcrest   Regulus regulus  S M

 

Rather uncommon resident. Breeding confirmed.  

 

Relatively few records this year ; 1-2 noted occasionally.   

 

An adult observed feeding a juvenile in a conifer in the northern section of the park on 3rd September.

 

 

 

Firecrest   Regulus ignicapillus  S M

 

Uncommon resident. Breeding possible but unconfirmed.  

 

Noted for the first time on 26th March [DM]. As in previous years, a singing male present for several days at the end of March and beginning of April.

 

Not recorded from 29th April – 30th September.

 

1-4 birds noted fairly regularly in autumn. Present on site at the end of the year with three December records : 9th (1) [PR] , 19th (1) [PR] , 30th (3+) [PR].  

Spotted Flycatcher   Muscicapa striata  M

 

Uncommon but regular passage migrant. Observed on 10 dates (four in spring and six in autumn).

 

6th May (1) , 7th May (2) , 8th May (1) , 9th May (2) [PR/DT].

 

19th August (1) , 20th August (2) , 26th August (1) , 2nd September (1) , 9th September (1) , 17th September (1).

 

Photo: 7th May

Pied Flycatcher   Ficedula hypoleuca  M

 

Fairly common passage migrant in autumn ; rare in spring.

 

Observed on eight dates in autumn.

 

19th August (2) , 20th August (1) , 24th August (1) , 26th August (2) , 2nd September (2) [SC/ED/ML/DT] , 9th September (1) , 10th September (2) , 17th September (1).

 

 

 

Eurasian Great Tit   Parus major  S M

 

Common breeding resident – small numbers seen daily.

 

 

 

Eurasian Blue Tit   Cyanistes caeruleus  S M

 

Breeding resident – a little less common than the preceding species ; normally 1-4 birds seen or heard daily.

 

Active migration noted in late autumn ; 1-13 noted flying over the park on seven dates from 14th October to 7th November.

Crested Tit   Lophophanes cristatus   S M

 

Rather rare resident. Breeding confirmed in the park in 2015.  

 

Observed once in spring. A pair was seen in a conifer in the northern (and rather under-watched) section of the park on 29th May, suggesting possible breeding on site.

 

 

 

Marsh Tit   Parus palustris  S

 

Uncommon. 1-2 noted irregularly throughout the year.  

 

Breeding confirmed : adults observed feeding juveniles on 13th May.

 

 

 

Coal Tit   Periparus ater    H M

 

Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Observed on 10 dates during the second half of the year.

 

9th September (3) , 10th September (1) , 14th October (6) , 21st October (2) , 28th October (6) , 1st November (3) , 4th November (4) , 5th November (5) [IG/DT] , 19th November (1).

 

19th December (1) [PR].

 

 

Long-tailed Tit   Aegithalos caudatus  S

 

Fairly common resident. 1-15 observed irregularly throughout the year.

 

Breeding confirmed : birds carrying nest material noted on the 16th [PR] and 27th March. Juveniles observed on 22nd May.

 

 

 

Eurasian Nuthatch   Sitta europaea  S

Inexplicably discreet and/or rare at Beaumonts. Observed on three dates.

 

29th April (1) [AB] , 3rd September (1) , 28th December (1) [PR].

 

 

 

 

Short-toed treecreeper   Certhia brachydactyla  S

 

Fairly common resident – at least two breeding pairs estimated. Individuals noted sporadically throughout the year.   

 

Breeding confirmed ; an adult feeding recently-fledged juveniles in the Mabille sector of the park on 4th May.

 

 

Common Magpie   Pica pica  S

 

Very common resident, breeding on site. Up to around 20 birds observed every day.

 

 

 

Eurasian Jay   Garrulus glandarius  S M

 

Fairly common resident, breeding on site. Usually 1-3 oiseaux observed daily.

Eurasian Jackdaw   Corvus monedula  H M

 

Uncommon. 1-22 birds noted flying over the park on 10 dates (two in spring and eight in autumn).

 

28th March (1) , 2nd May (2)

 

16th September (1) , 7th October (2) , 14th October (2) [ED/IG/ML/DT] , 15th October (4) [IG/RN/FR/DT] , 1st November (22) [IG/DT] , 5th November (1) [IG/DT] , 18th November (1) , 19th November (2).

 

 

Photo: 14th October

Rook   Corvus frugilegus   M

 

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

 

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

 

22nd March (22) [PR] , 11th May (2)

 

16th September (5) , 28th October (2) , 1st November (4) [IG/DT] , 5th November (1) [IG/DT] , 7th November (6).

 

 

 

Carrion Crow   Corvus corone  S

 

Common breeding resident – up to about 10 birds seen daily.

European Starling   Sturnus vulgaris  S M

 

Fairly common resident, breeding inside the park. Small numbers seen daily.

 

Breeding confirmed - birds observed carrrying food for young, flying back and forth from the Savanna to the nest sites in the woodland on 24th April.

Photo: 18th April

Feeble presence in June and July. Increased numbers from mid-August with around 85 regularly noted, often gathered on the large crane to the northwest of (and outside) the park, or on the surrounding buildings.

 

In late autumn, from 14th October to 19th November, groups sometimes observed migrating high in the sky to the southwest, with a maximum of 253 on 7th November.

 

 

 

 

Eurasian Golden Oriole   Oriolus oriolus  M

 

Rather rare but regular passage migrant in spring.

 

30th April (1).

 

This was a singing male which spent about half-an-hour on site in the Bois de Bordure.

 

 

 

House Sparrow   Passer domesticus  S

 

Fairly common resident, nesting around the urban edges of the park. Usually 1-4 seen regularly.

 

 

 

Chaffinch   Fringilla coelebs  S M

 

Fairly common resident, especially in winter – small numbers seen almost daily.

 

Song heard regularly from the northern section of the park from April to June. Three singing males there on 29th May. More discreet and infrequently seen in summer.

 

Common passage migrant : in spring small numbers observed regualrly flying northeast from 10th March to 21st April.

 

In autumn observed regularly from 16th September to 18th November, with a peak of 697 on 15th October [IG/RN/FR/DT].

 

Roughly 30 birds observed on site twice at the end of December (23rd & 30th [PR]).

Brambling   Fringilla montifringilla  H M

 

Uncommon but regular migrant and winter visitor.  

Not recorded during the first half of the year. Noted on 12 dates in autumn, from 7th October to 18th November. Maximum of 77 on 7th November.

 

Present on site at the end of the year with two sightings in December : 23rd (3) [PR] , 30th (1) [PR].

 

Photo: 1st November

 

 

 

Eurasian Linnet   Carduelis cannabina  S M

 

Fairly common passage migrant noted in spring and autumn.

 

First observed in spring on 24th March [PR]. 1-9 noted thereafter until 4th May.

 

Rather feeble presence in autumn : 1-15 noted on seven dates from 7th October to 7th November.

 

Breeding not impossible in the vicinity of the park – an apparently « local » bird noted on 24th May.

 

 

  

Lesser Redpoll   Acanthis cabaret   H M

 

Uncommon migrant and winter visitor. Although not observed during the first half of the year this was a good year for redpolls : noted flying over the park (very occasionally landing) on five dates in autumn.

 

14th October (1)* [ED/IG/ML/DT] , 28th October (11)* [ED/ML/DT] , 1st November (5)* [IG/DT] , 4th November (1) [IG/DT] , 5th November (10) [IG/DT]

 

*indeterminate – it is often difficult to separate Lesser from the (much rarer) Common Redpoll.

 

 

 

European Goldfinch   Carduelis carduelis  S M

 

Relatively common resident, breeding inside or near the park

 

Small numbers noted irregularly throughout the year.

 

Birds apprently on migration observed in spring : 1-4 noted on seven dates from 28th March to 24th April.

 

In autumn migration noted on ten dates from 7th October to 18th November, with a small peak of 19 on 1st November.

 

A group of around 20 noted on site on 12th December [PR], with 12 on 28th December [PR].

 

 

 

 

European Greenfinch   Carduelis chloris  S M

 

Common resident, breeding in or near the park. 1-5 birds noted regularly throughout the year. More discreet in spring and summer.

 

Maximum of eight on site on 23rd August.

 

 

 

 

Eurasian Siskin   Carduelis spinus  H M

 

Relatively common passage migrant ; uncommon in winter.

 

No winter records this year (December-January), and only observed once in spring (9 on 25th March [PR]).

 

Noted in small numbers in autumn, from 14th October to 7th November, with a maximum of 49 on 28th October [ED/ML/PR/DT].

 

 

 

 

European Serin   Serinus serinus  S M  

 

Relatively common resident, breeding in or near the park.

 

No records in winter this year (December–January) and less conspicuous in general compared to previous years. Not heard singing in spring.

 

In spring 1-2 birds observed on eight dates from 28th March to 11th May.

 

Apparently absent in summer, and feeble presence in autumn : 1-4 noted on four dates from 14th October to 18th November.

 

 

 

 

Eurasian Bullfinch   Pyrrhula pyrrhula  S

 

Discreet resident. Has become scarcer over recent years. Noted on seven dates in late autumn.

 

14th October (1) [ED/IG/ML/DT], 28th October (3) [ED/ML/DT] , 1st November (4) [IG/DT] , 4th November (1) [ED/IG/ML/DT] , 5th November  (3+) [IG/DT] , 7th November (1) , 12th November (2).

Hawfinch   Coccothraustes coccothraustes  H M

 

Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor.

 

Not recorded at the begnning of the year. A pair in apparently local flight noted in spring on several dates from 26th April to 13th May, suggesting breeding in the vicinity.

 

Photo: 21st October

Exceptional numbers in autumn : small groups noted flying over the park (occasionally landing) on ten dates, from 30th September to 5th November. Maximum of 40 on 1st November [IG/DT].

 

A single bird noted on site on 30th December [PR].

 

 

 

 

Red Crossbill   Loxia curvirostra  M

Irregular and scarce migrant. A good year with birds flying over the park on three dates in autumn.  

27th August (c13) , 10th September (4) , 15th October (1) [IG/DT].

Reed Bunting   Emberiza schoeniclus  H M

 

Uncommon and irregular in winter. Fairly common passage migrant in spring and autumn.

 

Not recorded during the fist half of the year. In autumn small numbers (1-6) noted on eight dates from 26th September to 7th November.

 

 

Photo: 5th November

 

 

Yellowhammer   Emberiza calandra  M

 

Very uncommon migrant. Observed flying over the park on two dates in late autumn.

 

28th October (1) [ML/DT] , 7th November (1)*.

 

*heard only