Birding Beaumonts

Great Egret   Casmerodius albus  M

Observed on three dates in autumn.

6th October (2)  -  4th November (1) [IG] , 5th November (1) [IG].

C. albus is now recorded almost certainly every year, in keeping with its expansion in northwest Europe.

Photo: 6th October

White Stork   Ciconia ciconia  M

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

5th May (3) [IG/DT].

24th August (24) [ED/ML/DT] , 25th August (37)  -  14th September (c30)  -  9th November (c30) [IG/DT].

Photo: 5th May

Osprey   Pandion haliaetus  M

Migrating birds observed flying over the park on five dates (one in spring and four in autumn).

30th March (1).

24th August (2) [ED/ML/DT] , 31st August (1) [ED/ML/DT]  -  14th September (1)  -  23rd October (1) [IG/DT].

Photo: 31st August

Western Marsh Harrier   Circus aeruginosus  M

A rather disappointing year – noted only once in spring. Observed in active migration on six dates. At least 23 individuals are concerned in total. The passage of 14 birds on 14th September in a little over three hours was exceptional.

30th March (1).

Photo: 14th September

31st August (1)  -  1st September (3) [IG/DG/DT] , 7th September (3) [ED/ML/DT] , 8th September (1) , 14th September (14) [ED/ML/DT].

Common Buzzard   Buteo buteo  M

Over the course of recent years buzzards have become more common, mainly due to the presence of local birds around the nearby Bois de Vincennes. This has complicated the situation and made it difficult to be precise about the real numbers involved. The « Vincennes birds » (3-4 individuals in general) are most visible in spring, from late February to the end of May.

Little evidence of migration this year : observed apparently migrating on ten dates. In spring, singles noted on three dates (17th February, 30th March and 13th May). In autumn 1-2 noted on seven dates from 24th August to 17th November.

European Honey-buzzard   Pernis apivorus  M

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

26 birds are concerned in total. A passage of 10 on the 24th August was exceptional.

13th May (3) [IG/DT]  ,  18th May (1).

Photo: 13th May

24th August (10) [ED/IG/ML/DT] , 31st August (6) [ED/ML/DT]  -  1st September (2) [IG/DT] , 8th September (1) , 14th September (3) [ML/DT].

[Unidentified Raptors]

Seven large raptors seen in autumn, from 1st September to 26th October, were unidentified.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk  Accipiter nisus  S

Observed regularly (normally 1-3 birds) throughout the year. Breeding probable in the Bois de Bordure, with displays noted and a bird carrying food to this area during May. Unlike in some previous years, no begging calls from juveniles heard in summer.

Migrating individuals sometimes noted in spring and (especially) autumn. Migration very evident on 23rd October with 5 individuals flying high to the southwest [IG/DT].

Eurasian Kestrel   Falco tinnunculus  S M

Breeds in the immediate surroundings. 1-3 (usually one) individuals observed every day.

Photo: 9th March

Eurasian Hobby   Falco subbuteo E M

Relatively few records this year. 1-2 noted on seven dates from 21st April to 14th September.

Almost all records involved local-looking birds. Two birds, visibly a pair, were observed together over Bois de Vincennes on 11th May.

21st April (1)  -  11th may (2) , 18th May (1) , 25th May (1).

31st August (1) [ML/DT]  -  8th September (1) , 14th September (1) [ED/ML/DT].

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.

1-2 noted on seven dates.

17th February (1)  -  31st March (1)  -  22nd April (2).

1st September (1) , 7th September (1) , 28th September (1) [IG]  -  6th October (1).

The bird on 28th September was apparently on migration.

Merlin   Falco columbarius  M

One observation in autumn.

14th September (1) [ED/ML/DT].

Common Moorhen   Gallinula chloropus  S

Usually a faithful resident and a familiar sight for all, this was a disappointing year. For the first time since 2003 the species was apparently absent for the majority of the year and did not breed on site.

1-4 birds noted (sometimes in the prairie) on 12 dates from 4th January to 25th May.

One can only speculate as to the reasons for this sudden evacuation since moorhens have always shown great resilience to the day-to-day disturbances at the Mare Perchée. Perhaps the role of the (much smaller) Mare de Bas has been under-estimated - breeding at this « secondary » site was unimaginable by the summer months with the almost total removal of its reedbed. At the same time the water levels at the Mare Perchée were lower than usual and this, coupled with a particularly dense bed of tall reeds, perhaps also played a part in its disappearance.

Birds migrating over the park at night were recorded on two occasions :

28th March (1)  -  14th May (1).

Water Rail   Rallus aquaticus   M

Recorded on nocturnal migration twice in late spring.

17th June (1) ,  30th June (1).

Eurasian Coot   Fulica atra   M

Recorded on nocturnal migration on three dates in spring.

26th February (1)  -  28th March (1)  -  15th April (1).

These constitute the first records for the park.

Little Ringed Plover   Charadrius dubius  M

Recorded on nocturnal migration once in autumn.

18th July (1).

The bird flew over the cascade at about 03h20.

Greater Ringed Plover   Charadrius hiaticula  M

Recorded on nocturnal migration once in autumn.

22nd July (2+).

The birds flew over at about 02h10.

Northern Lapwing   Vanellus vanellus  M H

Observed flying over the park on six dates (one in spring and five in autumn).

17th February (2).

23rd October (391) [IG/DT]  -  4th November (2) [IG] , 9th November (95) [IG/DT] , 16th November (142) , 17th November (315) [IG/ML/DT].

European Golden Plover   Pluvalis aricaria  H M

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

9th March (13).

23rd October (2) [IG/DT]  -  9th November (28) [IG/DT] , 10th November (19) [IG/DT].

Photo: 9th November

Turnstone   Arenaria interpres  M

Recorded on nocturnal migration once in autumn.

20th August (1+).

The bird(s) flew distantly over the park at around 01h15. It was an exciting discovery of perhaps the best bird of the year, constituting the first record for Seine-Saint-Denis. [Brisechant E.,2014. Les oiseaux de Seine-Saint-Denis, CORIF.]

Green Sandpiper   Tringa ochropus   M

Recorded on nocturnal migration on three dates in autumn.

17th June (1)  -  21st August (1)  -  8th September (1).

Common Sandpiper   Actitis hypoleucos  M

Recorded on nocturnal migration on four dates in autumn.

6th July (2)  -  20th August (1)  -  3rd September (2) , 6th September (1).

Eurasian Woodcock   Scolopax rusticola  M H

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

26th March (1).

17th November (1).

Black-headed Gull   Chroicocephalus ridibundus   S M

Observed regularly in small groups (in general 1-10 birds) flying over the park in winter, early spring and autumn. Rather irregular and uncommon from May-August.

Herring Gull   Larus argentatus  S M

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

Yellow-legged Gull   Larus michahellis  H M

Probably under-recorded due to the difficulty of identifying distant gulls in flight. Most notable in spring, especially May.

In spring 1-5 noted on six dates. Noted only once in autumn.

17th February (3) [PR/DT] , 24th February (4) [ED/ML/PR/DT]  - 31st March (1) [SC/ML/PR/DT]  -  5th May (5) [IG/DT] , 14th May (1) , 16th May (1).

Photo: 5th May

20th October (1).

Lesser Black-backed Gull   Larus fuscus  S M

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

Migration southwest (the vast majority adults) evident on 17th November [IG/ML/DT].

[Unidentified Gulls]   Larus sp.

Unidentified gulls noted regularly in winter, spring and autumn.

Common Tern   Sterna hirundo   M

Rather rare passage migrant – one observation in spring.

27th April (1).

The bird flew northwards over the park in the early morning.

Rock Dove [Feral Pigeon]  Columba livia  S

Common resident – seen daily.

Stock Dove   Columba oenas  S M

Breeds in the immediate surroundings. A relatively common resident, noted flying over the park in small numbers (usually to the east).

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.

Large groups of migrating birds noted on eight dates in late autumn from 13th October to 17th November, with a peak of 1940 on 23rd October [IG/DT].

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 but unconfirmed.

Photo: 9th September

Tawny Owl   Strix aluco  S

Until now considered irregular and probably under-estimated, the sound recordings made this year during many nights have clarified the situation.

Individuals recorded on 20 dates –the species would appear to be relatively common at Beaumonts.

25th February  -  27th March  -  23rd May  -  15th & 17th June.

17th & 18th & 20th & 21st & 25th July  -  20th & 26th August  -  3rd & 4th & 8th & 12th & 13th & 17th September  -  3rd & 26th October.

The fascinating recording on 4th September involved a bird calling in tandem with a Red Fox at about 04h30.

Barn Owl   Tyto alba  S M

Recorded during the night on two occasions in autumn.

31st August (1)  -  16th September (1).

One of the highlights of the year, this was a real surprise. The species has been thought of as extremely rare, with only one previous record of a roosting bird, discovered in broad daylight, in October 2008. However it now appears that the Barn Owl is rather an uncommon and irregular visitor to Beaumonts.

Short-eared Owl   Asio flammeus  H M

A good year – observed on three dates (two in spring and one in autumn).

31st March (1) [SC/ML/PR/DT]  -  14th April (1) [IG/DT].

12th October (1) [IG/DT].

Common Swift   Apus apus  E M   

Common in summer – observed every day. Breeds in the immediate vicinity. 

Noted for the first time in spring on 14th April [IG/DT]. Observed for the last time on 25th August.

Photo: 1st May

In general fewer birds than in previous years. The local population had arrived by 30th April [PR]. Copulation noted amongst the pairs flying over and around the Mare Perchée on 12th May.

A building opposite the park entrance in the Cite Jean Moulin was once again a breeding site for a small colony of birds – at least eight active nests noted there on 6th July.  Although the colony had evidently left this area by 13th August at least one active nest remained longer – calls heard and birds observed (either leaving or flying close to the building) on 17th and 21st August.

Relatively little evidence of autumn migration – 53 birds on active migration on 24th August (the day before the last bird of the year).

Hoopoe   Upupa epops   M

Rare migrant. One observation in spring.

21st April (1).

The bird was observed flying over the central prairie, chased and apparently removed from the area, unfortunately, by a local magpie.

Budgerigar   Melopsittacus undulatus   C

Noted once in spring. 

18th May (1).

Rose-ringed Parakeet   Psittacula krameri   F

Relatively common resident, nesting now on site in the Parc Mabille - numbers have increased sharply over recent years.

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.

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. Very vocal and easy to find in March.

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

Over recent years this species has become rare. Observed just once this year.

29th March (1) [PR].

Whether a coincidence or not the demise of this species at Beaumonts correlates with the inverse fortunes of the Rose-ringed Parakeet.

Eurasian Skylark   Alauda arvensis  M

Fairly common passage migrant, especially in autumn.

No spring records this year.

Observed on 10 dates in autumn from 12th October to 17th November, with a peak of 65 on 23rd October [IG/DT].

Photo: 23rd October

The species is almost exclusively noted in flight and so a migrating bird's descent to the lawns in the northern sector of the park, where it fed for at least twenty minutes, is worth highlighting. It allowed for the first ever photographs to be taken of it on the ground.  

Wood Lark   Lullula arborea  M

A regular but rather uncommon passage migrant.

24th February (21) [ED/ML/PR/DT].

Noted on eight dates in autumn from 5th October to 5th November, with a peak of 82 on 12th October [SC/IG/DT].

Bank Swallow [Sand Martin]   Riparia riparia  E M

A regular passage migrant in small numbers. A rather disappointing year – observed on five dates.

20th April (2) , 21st April (1)  -  1st May (2).

15th August (2)  -  14th September (1).

Barn Swallow   Hirundo rustica  E M

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

In spring observed on 18 dates from 30th March to 25th May, with a peak of 47 on 1st May [IG/DT].

Small numbers noted in autumn on 11 dates from 24th August to 23rd October – peak of 277 on 28th September [ED/ML/IG].

Northern House-Martin   Delichon urbicum  E M

Fairly common passage migrant – small numbers in spring and autumn.

First recorded in spring on 20th April. Spring migration not particularly evident – 1-4 noted on seven dates up to 25th May.

Observed on only five dates in autumn from 24th August to 10th November – small peak of 13 on 24th August.

The November bird was a late and lonely-looking individual, beating a rather slow path over the cascade through a fine, misty rain [IG/DT].

Meadow Pipit   Anthus pratensis  M

A common passage migrant in spring and (especially) autumn.

Migration in spring from 30th March to 30th April ; noted on eight dates with a peak of 83 on 12th April.

Absent in summer. Observed for the first time in autumn on 28th September. Small numbers noted regularly therafter until 17th November with a peak of 193 on 12th October [SC/IG/DT].

Tree Pipit   Anthus trivialis  M

A relatively common migrant in spring and autumn.

First noted in spring on 12th April. 1-2 observed thereafter on six dates to 12th May (the majority were found on site in the prairie).

Absent in summer. In autumn 1-6 noted on seven dates from 20th August to 28th September.

White Wagtail   Motacilla alba  M

Relatively common migrant in spring and autumn.

Very few spring records : 1-2 noted on five dates from 30th March to 5th May.   

Absent in summer. Observed on 12 dates in autumn, from 1st September to 9th November with a peak of 135 on 12th October [SC/IG/DT].

Western Yellow Wagtail [Blue-headed Wagtail]   Motacilla flava flava  M

Relatively common migrant in spring and, to a lesser extent, autumn. A surprising and disappointing year – only one observation in spring.

22nd April (1).

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.

Noted twice during the first half of the year (28th April and 13th May).

House Wren   Troglodytes troglodytes  S

Common resident – normally 1-4 birds seen or heard every day.

Dunnock   Prunella modularis  S M

Common resident, breeding inside the park. Observed daily.

European Robin   Erithacus rubecula  S M

Fairly common resident, breeding inside the park. 1-4 noted daily. Like the preceding species, rather discreet in summer.

A juvenile noted on 3rd September.

Common Nightingale   Luscinia megarhynchos  E M

One observation in spring.

21st April (1).

The bird sang briefly from the Petit Prairie early in the morning.

This was another disappointing year compared to previous ones, no doubt due to the reconstruction of the prairie in 2014 and the removal of suitable breeding habitat. Breeding inside the park is now very unlikely.

Black Redstart   Phoenicurus ochruros  M

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

30th March (1) , 31st March (1)  -  1st April (1) [PR].

15th September (1)  -  12th October (2) [IG/DT].

Common Redstart   Phoenicurus phoenicurus  M

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

13th April (1) [RJ/DT]  -  11th May (1) , 12th May (1).

31st August (1) [ED/ML/DT]  -  1st September (1) [IG/DT]  -  12th October (1) [SC/IG/DT] , 20th October (1).

Photo: 12th October

Whinchat   Saxicola rubetra  M

Uncommon migrant. One observation in spring.

11th May (1).

Ring Ouzel   Turdus torquatus  M

Regular but uncommon migrant. Observed twice in spring. 

13th April (1) , 21st April (1).

Photo: 21st April

Eurasian Blackbird   Turdus merula  S M

Common breeding resident. Small numbers observed daily.

In late autumn noted more often actively migrating than in previous years - on seven dates from 23rd October to 17th November with a peak of 24 on 23rd October [IG/DT].

Fieldfare   Turdus pilaris  H M

Rather uncommon in late autumn, spring and winter.

Just one observation in winter at the beginning of the year – 10th January (1) [PR].

Observed once in active migration in spring, a nice image of four birds flying north together on 20th April [ED/ML/DT].

In autumn noted on six dates from 23rd October to 17th November, with a peak of 97 on 17th November [IG/ML/DT].

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

Song Thrush   Turdus philomelos  S M

Common resident although rather discreet, breeding inside the park. Small numbers (1-3) seen or heard daily. Numbers bolstered in spring and autumn by passage migrants.

Fewer birds noted actively migrating in comparison with earlier years. In spring noted on five dates from 30th March to 21st April with a peak of 78 on 31st March [SC/ML/PR/DT].

Migration noted in autumn from 5th October to 17th November with a small peak of 32 on 12th October [SC/IG/DT].

Redwing   Turdus iliacus  H M

Migrant and winter visitor, relatively common in spring and late autumn. Rather irregular in winter.

Present in winter on site at the start of the year with small numbers (about 15) noted irregularly from 28th January [PR/DT].

Photo: 9th February

In spring, 1-32 observed on four dates from 31st March to 14th April.

Noted for the first time in autumn on 6th October. Small numbers seen or heard therafter until 17th November with a peak of 126 in active migration on 23rd October [IG/DT].

Mistle Thrush   Turdus viscivorus  S M

Relatively common resident – 1-3 birds noted regularly throughout the year. Singing very evident in January and February.

Noted once in active migration in spring ; 31st March (8) [SC/ML/PR/DT].

Autumn migration evident from 6th October to 17th November ; observed on nine dates with a peak of 12 on 13th October [IG/ML].

Eurasian Reed Warbler   Acrocephalus scirpaceus  E M

Irregular migrant and summer visitor. A disappointing year – noted only on three occasions.

Exceptionally discreet or absent in spring. A singing bird noted at the reedbed on 11th May.

Observed twice in autumn, a discreet and silent individual in the Petite Prairie on 7th and 8th September.

Garden Warbler   Sylvia borin  E M

Summer visitor and migrant. Breeding possible but unconfirmed this year.

Noted for the first time in spring on 22nd April. Vigorous singing heard daily therafter until 6th July (indicative of an unpaired male).

Photo: 18th May

Observed twice in autumn ; 24th August (1) [ED/IG/ML/DT]  - 15th September (1).

Blackcap   Sylvia atricapilla  H E M

Common breeding summer visitor and migrant – 1-12 birds seen or heard daily.

Recorded on 16th February with the first singing male present on 24th February. At least 10 on site by 21st March [PR].

As was the case last year, feeble presence in October. Noted for the last time, a male, on 9th November [IG].

Lesser Whitethroat   Sylvia curruca  E M

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

Heard singing discreetly once in spring.

1st May (1).

Greater Whitethroat   Sylvia communis  E M

Fairly common summer visitor, breeding on site, although fewer than in previous years. At least one breeding pair.

First noted in spring on 20th April [PR/DT].

Photo: 18th May

1-3 seen or heard regularly in spring. Three pairs estimated on site during the third week of May. Adults observed carrying food to a nest in the western sector of the prairie on 15th June.

Noted for the last time on 8th September.

Melodious Warbler   Hippolais polyglotta   M

Uncommon migrant – has not bred at Beaumonts since 2012.

One observation in spring.

8th May (1).

Pied Flycatcher   Ficedula hypoleuca  M

Uncommon in spring ; regular and fairly common in autumn.

Noted once in spring, a fine male at the « butte sud » on 24th April.

In autumn, 1-6 observed on 11 dates, from 24th August to 7th October.

Photo: 31st August

Great Tit   Parus major  S M

Common breeding resident – 1-10 seen daily.

Starling   Sturnus vulgaris  S M

Common resident, breeding inside the park. Small numbers noted daily. 

Breeding confirmed - adults and juveniles in the prairie on 13th May.

Little sign of migration in spring. In autumn, flocks noted on 15 dates from 1st September to 17th November with a maximum of 255 on 9th November [IG/DT].

Photo: 20th April

House Sparrow   Passer domesticus  S

Fairly common resident, breeding in the immediate vicinity of the park. Relatively few records of the species inside the park this year. 

Chaffinch   Fringilla coelebs  S M

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

Singing heard, as usual, in the northern sector of the park throughout the spring. Discreet and infrequently seen in summer.

Very common migrant ; in spring small numbers flying to the north on six dates from 23rd February to 13th April with a peak of 105 on 31st March [SC/ML/PR/DT].

Migration noted on 16 dates in late autumn, from 28th September to 17th November, with a peak of 2024 on 12th October [SC/IG/DT].

Brambling   Fringilla montifringilla  H M

Regular but rather uncommon passage migrant – irregular in winter. 

Not recorded in winter or spring this year. 

In autumn noted on 12 dates from 3rd October to 17th November, with a small peak of 12 on 9th November [IG/DT].

Eurasian Linnet   Carduelis cannabina  S M

Fairly common passage migrant in spring and autumn.

First noted in spring on 23rd February. Small numbers (up to 19 birds) noted thereafter on 17 dates up until 21st April.

In autumn observed on seven dates, from 12th October to 5th November, with a peak of 60 on 13th October [IG/ML]. 

European Goldfinch   Carduelis carduelis  S M

Relatively common resident, breeding in or near the park. Small numbers observed irregularly throughout the year. 

In winter, small groups sometimes noted feeding in the northern sector of the park (up to 12 birds in February, about 7 in December).

Active migration noted mainly in autumn - up to 46 on 12 dates, from 12th October to 17th November.

European Greenfinch   Carduelis chloris  S M

Common resident, breeding in or near the park. 1-7 noted regularly throughout the year. More discreet in spring and summer. 

Eurasian Siskin   Carduelis spinus  H M

Uncommon and irregular in winter. Noted regularly on passage in spring and autumn.  

Not recorded in winter this year. Only one record in spring – 24th February (7) [PR/DT].

1-19 noted in autumn, on 11 dates from 5th October to 17th November.

European Serin   Serinus serinus  S M  

Uncommon resident, probably nesting in the vicinity of the park.

As was the case last year, relatively few records. Noted on six dates (two in spring and four in autumn).

31st March (1)  -  13th April (2) [ED/RJ/ML/DT].

15th September (1) [ML/DT]  -  12th October (1) [SC/IG/DT] , 19th October (1) [IG/DT] , 23rd October (1) [IG/DT].

Eurasian Bullfinch   Pyrrhula pyrrhula  S

Discreet resident, apparently in decline and observed less frequently than in preceding years. Observed on seven dates. 

21st January (1) [PR].

A pair observed at the Mare Perchée on 21st April.

In autumn, during « skywatches » from the cascade, up to four noted on five dates between 23rd October and 17th November, either perched (and calling) nearby or flying overhead, apparently on migration [IG/ML/DT].

Hawfinch   Coccothraustes coccothraustes  H M

Uncommon winter visitor and migrant. 

Absent in winter this year. As usual, several interesting observations made in spring (14th April - 5th May) when 1-2 birds , sometimes clearly a pair in local flight, would fly over the park in diverse directions. 

Feeble presence in autumn – noted on three dates :

19th October (5) IG/DT] , 26th October (1) [IG/DT]  -  17th November (1).