© Chris Lamsdell

          Introduction

The area of Greater London is covered by the London Natural History Society who publish the London Bird Report. The report being based on a 20 mile radius from St Pauls Cathedral has covered the same area since its first publication. It therefore extends into parts of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent and Surrey. The report covers an area of Surrey, that was previously in Middlesex which is not covered by the Surrey Bird Report (which is based on the old vice County of Surrey). The report also covers other small areas that are omitted from other reports due to county boundary changes, but also overlaps with the bird reports covering these respective Counties.

Despite the area's urbanised state, a surprising tally of 354 species has been seen in London, of which 339 have been recorded this century. Whilst undoubtedly central London is ornithologically speaking possibly poor, a surprising variety of birds can be seen in some of the parks and on the River Thames that runs east-west through the whole recording area. The Thames dominates the east, where it is tidal, flowing through the remnants of the Thames-side marshes in Essex and Kent, through Central London up to Ham Lock, where the tidal flow stops and the river becomes fresh water. The presence of the tidal Thames has brought many coastal birds into central London. An influx of Guillemots in 1986, were seen as far up as Brentford. The gales of October 1987 brought an influx of sea birds into all parts of the London area, with many Sabine's Gulls being seen, along with Leaches Petrels, Red-necked and Grey Phalaropes; and Pomarine and Great Skua's, along with other birds as a supporting cast. In 1994 a Fulmar was even seen flying under Tower Bridge.

The East, both north and south of the Thames is dominated by the remaining Thames-side marshes which still attract, but in much reduced numbers Raptors, Owls and other coastal species. The north is dominated by the Lea Valley with its complex of Gravel Pits and Reservoirs. The West by the gravel pit complexes in the Colne Valley and the West London and Surrey reservoirs and adjacent gravel pits that extend from the M4, south-west towards Molesey. The south is primarily known for Beddington SF, which is in the slow process of being turned into a Country Park, and remains to be seen whether ornithologically it will remain as important as it is at present.

Changes have occurred, as they have elsewhere through out the UK. Wryneck and Red-backed Shrikes have long since disappeared as London breeding birds, Tree Pipits are declining, Redstarts are now rarely found on territory in the summer, and Willow Tit is declining. But, on the other hand since the 1940's Little Ringed Plover, Collared Dove and Black Redstarts now breed in the area. Wood Larks that disappeared with the Wryneck are making a come back in the West and South on suitable heathland type habitat. Buzzard and Peregrine have bred in the area in recent years. Avocets even managed to breed in 1996 when their usual sites in Norfolk were unsuitable due to winter storm damage, but unfortunately they never repeated the event. Some of the declines are due to habitat loss through expanding urbanisation, others are in line with those experienced in other parts of the UK.

So despite its apparent lack of appeal, London has a wealth of birds to offer, whether it be for the casual birdwatcher, to those who hunt rarities.

The main Birdwatching areas are divided into:

1. Lea Valley
Extends from Walthamstow in the south to Amwell in the north, just inside the boundary of the LNHS recording area. The area covers a variety of habitats, with four main reservoirs in the south. Walthamstow, then to the north are Banbury, Wm Girling and finally King George V reservoirs. There is then a series of gravel pits to the north, starting at Cheshunt, following the course of the River Lea, finishing at Amwell. The area is inter spread with a variety of other habitats including Walthamstow Marsh in the south, Sewardstone Marsh north of the King George V Res, Cornhill Meadows and Hall Marsh in the Lea Valley Park near Waltham Abbey, and finally Rye House Marsh RSPB reserve and Rye Meads SF near Hoddesdon. The reservoirs in spring/autumn passage attract occasional Divers, the rarer Grebes, Scaup, Scoter, Terns (Arctic, Sandwich, Little and Black) and the occasional Waders, which are dependant on water levels. In winter months Black-necked Grebes over winter at Wm Girling and King George V Res. Hard weather influxes in winter months can bring Divers, Grebes, wild Swans, Geese and sea ducks. Under the right circumstances anything can turn up from sea birds such as Manx Shearwater after westerlies in September, Little Auks after north-easterlies in October, through to passerines such as Snow Buntings, with the odd rarity thrown in for good measure. Both of these reservoirs have large Gull roosts, which can attract white-winged Gulls in winter. There is also a Gull pre-roost gathering at Nazeing GP. In winter Smew can be found at Amwell and Holyfield Marsh (Fishers Green) GP's, and Bitterns can be seen at the now famous Bittern watch hide at Seventy Acres (Cheshunt GP) at Fishers Green. Occasionally Cetti's Warbler have summered or wintered in the Lea Valley GP's. Occasionally Bearded Tits have wintered at suitable locations at Gravel pits and water Pipits over winter at Rye Meads SF. Raptors can occasionally be seen migrating along the Valley, including Osprey and Marsh Harriers. Unfortunately only Walthamstow and King George Reservoirs have access to holders of Thames Water birdwatching permits available from the office at Walthamstow Res (King George also requires a key) (tel: 0208 808 1527). Most of the other sites fall within the Lea Valley Park and have more or less open access, with the exception of Rye Meads SF, some which has access through Rye House Marsh RSPB reserve, with access through Rye Meads RG to the other areas.

2. West London & Surrey Reservoirs
Extends from Queen Mother Res in the west to Island Barn Res in the south. The area covers a variety of habitats, with eight main reservoirs starting first with Queen Mother Res, then working across southwards with Wraysbury, King George VI, Staines, Queen Mary, Walton, Queen Elizabeth II and finally Island Barn. Unfortunately access is restricted, with the only open access being to the central causeway at Staines, with restricted viewing from the sailing club house at Queen Mother. Access to Queen Mary and Walton is to holders of Thames water birdwatching permits (The Wardens Lodge, Thames Water Utilities, Cumnor Road, Farmoor,Oxon, OX2 9NS). The remainder have no public access. Staines is the first reservoir to be drained at times of water shortages and has resulted in the site having some excellent wader records over the years. There are a series of gravel pits in the area, with the main ones being Horton, Wraysbury, Shepperton GP's and Thorpe Water Park. The other areas of interest are Staines and Stanwell Moors. The species seen on the reservoir are the same as described under the Lea Valley reservoirs, with Staines Res being known for its spring and autumn passage of Black-necked Grebes. All of these reservoirs have large Gull roosts, which can attract white-winged Gulls in winter. In winter Smew and Goosander can be found at Bedfont Lakes CP, Wraysbury GP and Thorpe Water Park, with birds also occasionally seen at Horton and Shepperton GPs. Bitterns can be seen most winters at Bedfont Lakes CP and Wraysbury GP, but are often difficult to see. The Wraysbury area is a regular site for Ring-necked Parakeets, though they can usually be seen anywhere in the area. Wraysbury GP is a good area for Warblers in spring and summer with all common British species including Grasshopper. In addition Nightingales are present most years. Staines and Stanwell Moor occasionally have flashes that attract waders and have produced the odd rarity in recent years. Near by Esher Rugby Club (TQ123661), south of Queen Elizabeth II Res has held a very large Ring-necked Parakeet roost of between 600-1000 birds. Most sites other than the reservoirs mentioned have more or less open access.

3. Thames-side Marshes
The habitat has declined much over recent years with the only sites of any value being at Barking Bay/Marsh and Rainham Marsh in Essex on the northern bank of the Thames, and Thamesmead and Dartford Marsh in Kent on the southern bank. The RSPB have taken over the management of Rainham and hopefully this site will become much improved, returning to the days of over wintering Hen Harriers and Bearded Tit. Of these four sites the better two areas tend to be Dartford and Rainham Marshes, which can still attract raptors such as Hen and Marsh Harrier, and Merlin passing through, with Peregrine now breeding in the area. Geese can occasionally turn up on the grazing marsh, either on passage or during hard winter weather. Occasionally Twite, Lapland Bunting and other unusual passerines have been seen, with Rainham holding reasonable numbers of over wintering Rock and Water Pipits, plus a few Short-eared Owls. Barn Owls can be found at both Dartford and Rainham Marshes. Long-eared Owls have over wintered in the area. There is also a large infill site at Rainham attracted a variety of Gulls. The Thames can attract divers and sea duck during passage times and harsh winters. Terns are seen during the spring/autumn passage, along with a variety of waders which pass through on passage. These are best looked for at low tide when the most mud is exposed, with Ringed Plover, Dunlin, and Redshank being regular; with the odd Oystercatcher breeding.

4. The Colne Valley
Extends from Harefield in the south to Rickmansworth in the north. The area is predominately a series of gravel pits with the main ones being at Broadwater and Stocker's Lake, and a nature reserve at Maple Lodge, which has restricted access to members only (details from Thames Water). The area is less attractive than the Lea Valley but during passage Terns pass through in small numbers and occasionally rare Grebes turn up at either Broadwater or Stocker's Lake. The odd sea duck has turned up such as Scoter, Merganser and a Long-tailed Duck had returned for nine consecutive winters to Broadwater GP until 1999. Smew can be seen in winter at Tilehouse GP, but also occur on Broadwater and Stoker's Lake. The area is good for Ruddy Ducks, with Broadwater being the strong hold in winter. Water Rails can usually be seen with relative ease in winter at Stoker's Lake. The occasionally Cetti's Warbler has been present at various locations in the Valley. Occasionally raptors can be seen migrating along the valley, usually Ospreys, but Red Kites have also been seen.

5. Central London Parks
Most hold common passerine species, with open areas of water holding common ducks, and ornamental birds. The occasional unusual bird has turned up. The parks that are regularly watched such as Battersea Park, Regents Park and slightly further north, Hampstead Heath, in spring and autumn turn up migrant species such as Tree Pipit, Redstart, Whinchat, Wheater, RingOuzel, Wood Warbler, Firecrest and Pied Flycatcher, with the occasional migrating raptor thrown in. Hampstead Heath due to its larger size and more varied habitat also has most common Warblers present or passing through. Further east the old London docks at Royal Albert and Royal Victoria Docks during winter months, especially during hard weather have been found to hold Divers, Grebes and the occasional seaduck. With the opening of Barn Elms WWT reserve, as the site has been changed much from its originally condition as a reservoir, it is very much an unknown quantity, but it should prove to be an excellent additional site for birdwatching so close to Central London.