Birds of London UK

I took a short trip to London, UK to help my daughter get settled as she began her studies at UCL. I was to return to the states in 5 days and my main focus was to help her find a place to stay. Fortunately we found a place for her right away and after she moved in and met up with some of her friends I was no longer needed! I brought my camera along hoping that I would have some time to explore the city’s parks. In addition, Jonathan my Word Series of Birding teammate who lives in London had suggested that I visit the Rainham Marshes which are accessible via public transportation.

On day three of my stay, I headed to Regent’s Park which was within walking distance from my hotel. It took me about 40 minutes to get there and since I had done some research on the park through the internet I had a good idea of where to go and what to expect. The park was very nice and not too crowded and the weather cooperated for the most part. Carrion Crows were my first new species and very easy to get. A very inquisitive European Robin responded to my pishing allowed me to take some very nice close up photos. Wood Pigeon, Tufted Duck, Common Pochard and Greylag-Goose were all new birds for me and fairly easy to get. A Winter Wren was one of the last birds I photographed as I decided to head back to the hotel after spending four hours at the park.

The next day I headed to the Rainham Marshes. I had to take the ‘tube’ at Russell Square, switch trains a couple of time and end up at Purfleet in Essex county. Even though this was the very first time I used the tube, I somehow managed to get there. I checked in at the visitor center, and after getting a drink and a quick update on what was around from a staff member I was on my way. Chiffchaff was my first species and that was followed by Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Northern Lapwing. At some point, I was fortunate enough to meet Andy R. who visits Rainham fairly regularly and with his help I captured a number of new species ( Stonechat, Whinchat, Linnet, Meadow Pipit and Northern Wheatear). I left the reserve after 5 hours of birding and with 6 new species. Day five was dedicated to spending time with my daughter and visiting the British Museum so I had to settle for 12 new species for the trip which is not bad at all…