December 2010

Waxwings in Balham!!!!

Waxwings near Pegwell, Kent.

Grey heron on the pond.

Robin by the pond.

Another busy month with few opportunity to get out. However, there were a good surprises and unfortunately one of the Robins down, due to a Sparrow hawk. Once again, heavy (ish) snow and the common was covered. Clearly, I had to go and take a 'Robin in the snow picture'. I was in the middle of it, when two Robins started scrapping, continuing into a nearby bush. Whoosh!!!! And before I could register what was going on, out came a female Sparrow hawk and only one Robin...

Otherwise: Little owls (2), were heard calling on the way back from Brian's on the 5th. Not seen at the usual tree yet. A Dozen Redwings beside the pond (23rd). The pond has been largely frozen trough out, though on the small open patch has been Cormorant and Shoveler (8) and 60 Black headed gulls.

Of more note, were the Waxwings seen in the area. I had a job in Folkestone and popped up to Pegwell to look at the Waxwings there (published in The Times) to see an email from Duncan on my return, who had seen a group of around 50 in the trees beside his house near Streatham Hill (17th). Go figure! Brian and I went for an early look the following morning to no avail. Luckier for Duncan who had 150 there later in the morning. Over 50 were also seen by Clapham south tube on the Friday, presumably the same group. I finally tracked them down on the Sunday 100 apprx, (19th) on Hanson Close, just off Balham High Street. Not my find, but pleased to see them! They stuck around for most of the week and when I went to the sorting office this morning (31st), 50 were feeding on the berries besides Waitrose, brilliant!!