Single Mistle Thrush the highlight of a quiet day

A two hour visit on a falling tide, probably my last of this year, produced virtually nothing of note; Common Teal numbers had slightly recovered from the recent slump with c220 counted throughout the site, with only three present on the basin which is still partially frozen, especially on the western side with no Little Grebes noted in their usual spot; a pair of Shelduck and two Redshank were on Bow Creek and that was about it until I found a single Mistle Thrush in gardens on the west side of the basin before it flew off north, only my second record this year of this unaccountably rare species. Yesterday I paid a brief visit to the Lea a mile upstream from the patch at Three Mills and found the area covered in wildfowl, at least 30 Gadwall were noted along with lots of Common Teal, a handful of Shelduck and a few Tufted Duck, It seems slightly anomalous that Gadwall, a species I struggle to record annually at the patch should be present in good numbers just a five minute flight away; I don't think the salinity of the water is an issue as Gadwall are found commonly further downstream at Barking Bay and Crossness, the habitat is virtually identical but there is clearly some limiting factor at work here. Finally the lard cake I put up last week at the basin is being eaten by Great and Blue Tits and I've got my fingers crossed that it will attract something a little more unusual, a Brambling would be nice.

Common Snipe increase as hard weather sets in

Black-headed Gull at East India Dock, December 2010

The heavy snow that fell yesterday has had a dramatic effect on the birdlife of the lower Lea, many of the Common Teal seem to have cleared out, I didn't make a comprehensive count but a rough estimate of 150 would be generous, the female Pintail is still in the area, flying into the basin from the Thames at high tide this afternoon, other wildfowl included five Shelduck and a female Tufted Duck. The wader roost was under an inch of snow but still held eight Redshank, a Common Sandpiper and five Common Snipe, the first time I have seen this species in the roost and five Lapwing flew south-east. A probable female Peregrine was on the dome early morning with a pair there in the afternoon, possibly a different male flew north at the ecology park early afternoon with a female type Kestrel also seen there. Four Reed Buntings were in the pylon reedbed, my first sightings here since the spring, two or three Meadow Pipits were at the water meadow and a Chiffchaff was calling in the ecology park. A single Chaffinch was in the copse, 13 Goldfinches were feeding in birches in the ecology park and two Linnets flew east. A mixed bag, obviously heavily affected by the weather with the low count of Redshank particularly disappointing in conditions that have produced three-figure counts in the past.

Personal best high count of Common Teal

Great Crested Grebe at East India Dock Basin, December 2010

A much colder day than yesterday with an overnight frost and light northerly wind, six Shelduck were on the basin along with eight Tufted Duck, a single Little Grebe and a 1st-winter Great Crested Grebe, by no means an easy species here; I made a very extensive Common Teal count and totalled c430, my best ever count, my previous best was c380 on January 14th this year, a cold snap over the new year could push numbers past the often punted 500 mark, a good count anywhere let alone a small urban reserve in an Inner London borough. Two Redshank were on the creek and I had calling Chiffchaffs in the northern scrub at the basin and in the ecology park. Despite the cold several passerines were singing including Dunnock, Great Tit and Goldfinch; overhead passage was negligible with three Woodpigeon high east the only birds of note.

First Pintail for over four years

Gloves were an optional extra as I set out this morning, so I didn't have very high hopes of finding anything interesting. As I arrived at the basin seven Shelduck were just leaving with another nine feeding on the mud, 16 in total is a good December count; a Mute Swan was also on the basin along with three Canada Geese and 11 Tufted Duck and I made total site counts of c370 Common Teal and c80 Mallard, then I struck gold when I found an extremely wary female Pintail with Mallards on Bow Creek, she flushed at around 30 yards and flew down the Lea and despite extensive searching I could not relocate her, this is my first record since January 22nd 2006 and my first female. Although the tide was out I managed to find at least three Redshank and had distant views of a Common Sandpiper as it flew across Bow Creek, not surprisingly, given the conditions these were the only waders I saw. Good passerines were fairly thin on the ground but included a 1st-winter type Black Redstart, two Redwing and a Chiffchaff in the copse at the basin, a Meadow Pipit west over the ecology park, two Pied Wagtail, one Grey Wagtail and two Chaffinch whilst three Jays feeding in gardens on the west side of the basin is my best count here, all in all a satisfying visit in rather unpromising conditions.

A late afternoon visit on a falling tide

I arrived at East India Dock Basin with barely an hour of daylight remaining thanks to a combination of work and a lengthy detour to Beddington to successfully twitch a 1st-winter Common Crane which takes my London List to 262. Although the recent cold weather had ameliorated somewhat it was immediately obvious that Common Teal numbers were well up on my previous visit so I did a fairly comprehensive count missing out only a couple of the more unproductive areas in the failing light, there were around 280 present, my best count since February. Also on the basin were nine Shelduck, my first since May, eight Tufted Duck, a species which is becoming more difficult here due to the silting up of the basin and four Little Grebe in the usual spot in the north-western corner. As the tide was on the ebb there were no waders in the roost but I did have a Common Snipe which flew high north over the basin, a Lapwing north-east over the ecology park and a Common Sandpiper flying down the Lea, the only other bird of note was a calling Chiffchaff in the ecology park.

The Birds

The following annotated list is a comprehensive account of all the species known to have occurred on the patch, not all of them were recorded or seen by me and these are marked as follows: a single asterisk * denotes a species seen by me but not found by me; a double asterisk** denotes a species I have not seen.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

A regular visitor which can occur in any month but especially in the spring; recent counts have included eight in early May 2008 and 2009 and nine in late April 2010; breeding has not been noted but a pair was observed mating on May 5th 2008.

Greylag Goose Anser anser

An occasional visitor, often coming in at dusk to roost at East India Dock Basin, recent counts include ten on November 15th 2009 and a skein of ten flying high east on November 21st 2010.

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

A frequent visitor with a pair breeding most years on the tern rafts at East India Dock Basin; during the winter this species often roosts on the basin with a peak count of 17 on February 25th 2009.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

One briefly on March 28th 2010 and two on August 22nd 2010 are the only records.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

An increasingly frequent visitor, usually from mid November to May; up to four pairs were present in both 2009 and 2010 and although behaviour strongly indicative of breeding was noted no ducklings were seen. Up to ten are usually present during the winter but in early spring the numbers increase with a peak count of 22 on March 4th 2010.

Mandarin Aix galericulata **

An adult drake at East India Dock Basin on May 14th 2004 is the only record.

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope

A drake at Bow Creek on an unspecified date in March 1998 and a female on the Thames off East India Dock Basin on January 10th 2010 are the only records.

Gadwall Anas Strepera

An uncommon visitor, more frequent in recent years, all known records are given and refer to East India Dock Basin unless otherwise stated: two from January 28th into February 2004, two on December 30th 2005, two on January 17th 2006, a pair on the Thames on January 1st 2009, single drakes on January 9th and March 31st, an eclipse drake intermittently from August 5th to 10th, a drake on January 3rd 2010 and an eclipse drake on June 19th 2010.

Common Teal Anas crecca

Mainly a winter visitor which has increased in numbers dramatically over the past few years as a result of the silting-up of East India Dock Basin. The first birds of the autumn usually appear in mid August with numbers gradually building up to a peak in late December or early January; the record site count is a high tide gathering of 410 at the basin on December 31st 2009 with 400+ during freezing weather on January 12th 2010; three-figure counts can persist into March if the weather stays cold with one or two pairs occasionally staying into late April.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Resident with between two and five pairs breeding annually, numbers are augmented in autumn and winter by migrants with three-figure counts noted most years and a peak count of 166 on August 29th 2010.

Pintail Anas acuta

An uncommon winter visitor, formerly more regular, all records are given: Bow Creek adult drakes on January 17th 2001, January 26th and November 3rd 2004, November 25th and 29th 2005 and January 14th, 15th and 22nd 2006, a female on December 11th 2010. East India Dock Basin; adult drakes on January 25th 2001 and January 1st 2006.

Garganey Anas querquedula **

A drake at East India Dock Basin on May 1st 2001 is the only record.

Shoveler Anas clypeata

An uncommon winter visitor usually during hard weather, all records are given: a drake on December 31st 2001, a drake on February 21st 2006, one over on February 14th 2008, a drake on nine dates between December 17th and 2008 and January 8th 2009, three drakes and a duck on January 9th 2009, two drakes on January 10th and 11th 2009, all records are from East India Dock Basin.

Pochard Aythya ferina

A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, the silting-up of East India Dock Basin has made it unattractive to this species, the last record was of four on April 27th 2010.

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris **

One report of an adult drake at East India Dock Basin on January 7th 2002, but I can find no reference to this record in the relevant London Bird Report.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

One or two pairs have attempted to breed each year usually with little success; 2010 was the first blank year as the ongoing silting-up of East India Dock Basin makes it unsuitable for this species; during the autumn numbers start to build up from September onwards and a wintering flock of between ten and 20 is usually present into early March. Before the silting-up of the basin numbers were significantly higher during the winter months with counts of between 50 and 80 and a peak count of 94 on January 2nd 2002.

Scaup Aythya marila

Three winter records involving eight birds; a drake on January 8th 2001, a 1st-winter drake intermittently between January 24th and February 29th 2004, both at East India Dock Basin, and a flock of six flew west along the Thames on January 10th 2010.

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

Two records, both on the Thames off East India Dock Basin: one flew west on October 29th 2009 and one flew west after being flushed by a boat on April 4th 2010.

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

A scarce winter visitor, formerly more regular, the silting-up of East India Dock Basin has seriously affected the status of this species which is now more likely to be encountered on the river; the last record was of one at Bow Creek on December 20th 2006.

Ruddy Duck Oxjura jamaicensis **

A female on the Thames off East India Dock Basin on January 1st 2004 is the only record.

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

The only record is of a male in the copse at East India Dock Basin on February 26th 2006, it probably originated from one of the small discrete populations further up the Lea Valley at Mill Meads or Stratford Marsh.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

A passage migrant and winter visitor, usually arriving in late September and leaving by mid March with the odd individual remaining in early April; most winters two or three are present at East India Dock Basin with a peak count of six on December 1st 2008.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

A decidedly scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, just about annual and more likely to be encountered on the river, recent records include one at Bow Creek on February 7th 2010 and one on the Thames on September 19th 2010.

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus **

One was observed on the Thames from the Kent side, but close into the Essex shore on September 7th 1997, it was attacked by a Great Black-backed Gull and seriously injured, it then drifted upstream on the rising tide and was seen to pass East India Dock Basin, it constitutes the 50th record for the London Area (McKenzie D. The Birds of the Charlton and Woolwich Area 1993-2003 [in prep] ).

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

A common visitor at all times of the year with both birds probably originating from the Walthamstow Reservoirs rookery which contained over 300 nests in 2005, the peak count for the lower Lea is 30 on January 1st 2009.

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis **

There appears to be only one record, on an unknown date during January 2000.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

A scarce but fairly regular spring and summer visitor with the first record on July 31st 2004; since 2006 a small breeding colony has become established at Walthamstow Reservoirs which should lead to an increase in sightings, the last record was of one flying north at East India Dock Basin on April 11th 2010.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

A common visitor at all times of the year, probably from the Walthamstow Reservoirs heronry which contained over 80 nests in 2006; there is a high tide roost on the eastern side of Bow Creek Ecology Park which can hold up to a dozen birds, at low tide the Millennium Dome mud flats are a favourite fishing area with 12 present on April 2nd 2010.

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

An immature, first seen downstream at Crossness, was relocated on the Millennium Dome mudflats where it stayed for 20 minutes before being pushed off by the rising tide, it flew off west but returned five minutes later, circled the dome and flew off high upstream following the course of the Thames until it was lost to view.

Honey-buzzard Pernis aviporus **

One record of two birds flying north on August 25th 2006.

Red Kite Milvus milvus **

One flying south-west on June 12th 2010 and one flying north-east on September 4th 2010 are the only records.

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

An occasional visitor on hunting forays at any time of the year, often seen around the copse at East India Dock Basin, it almost certainly breeds locally but the available habitat is probably too marginal for a successful breeding attempt at the lower Lea.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo **

Two flying east on March 30th 2009 and singles flying south on April 9th and 11th and May 4th and east on September 2010 are the only records.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus **

One drifting slowly north-east on May 6th 2010 is the only record.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

An occasional visitor at any time of the year but more regular in winter and spring and formerly more frequent. The habitat does not exist to support a breeding pair although breeding is strongly suspected from a locality to the north of the A13. The increase in Peregrine numbers may also have a limiting effect, a hovering Kestrel would be an easy target for a hunting Peregrine.

Merlin Falco columbarius **

Three winter records: one on January 15th 2001, a female flew west on January 28th 2007 and a male flew west on December

Hobby Falco subbuteo **

A very scarce passage migrant with just three spring records: one on May 1st 2007, one flew north-east on May 11th 2009 and one flew north on April 27th 2010.

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

A fairly frequent and increasing visitor in all months but especially between October and March; there are at least three eyries within a three mile radius of the lower Lea and multiple sightings are not uncommon; on May 19th 2002 a pair resident on the Greenwich Peninsula attacked an interloping male forcing it to ground in the old gravel works before chasing it off north-east over Canning Town and four were seen in the air together over East India Dock Basin on March 28th 2010.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus *

Surprisingly, given the relative abundance of suitable habitat, there is only one record of a single bird that overwintered at East India Dock Basin from November 7th 2008 to January 13th 2009; it spent most of it's time in or near the western reedbed but was also seen at the eastern reedbed on January 3rd 2009.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

A common resident with three or four pairs breeding annually, often utilizing the tern rafts at East India Dock Basin; recent high counts have included 15 on December 3rd 2008 and 14 on December 27th 2009.

Coot Fulica atra

A common resident with two or three pairs breeding annually which, like the previous species, often utilises the tern rafts at East India Dock Basin; it can but quite scarce during the autumn and winter with a peka count of nine on August 29th 2009.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

A fairly frequent visitor at any time of the year although scarcer in the winter months, most records involve between one and four birds with a peak count of ten in two groups of five flying west up the Thames on July 13th 2008.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

A passage migrant and breeding summer visitor, at least one pair oversummer every year and breeding almost certainly takes place locally; 1n 1997 a pair made three breeding attempts in the old gravel works, none of which were successful, probably due to corvid predation, the following year a pair were seen to mob a Sparrowhawk and behaved as if they had chicks although none could be found, in 2009 at least one and probably two pairs were present and breeding was believed to have taken place on the Pura Foods peninsula, two pairs were present at this locality in 2010, frequent display flighting and territorial behaviour was observed but no solid proof of breeding was obtained.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

A scarce passage migrant, a pair were present at East India Dock Basin on an unspecified date in April 1998 but were mobbed and chased off by a territorial pair of Little Ringed Plovers, a pair were also present during June 2001; other recent records include five flying down the Thames on August 18th 2001, one on the Thames on August 26th 2001, one on May 26th 2007, one on August 22nd 2007 and one flying east on May 4th 2009.

European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

The only record is of a flock of three that circled East India Dock Basin before flying north-east on October 18th 2009.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola **

The only record is of two flying east at East India Dock Basin on April 25th 2009.

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

A scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, 13 flying north over East India Dock Basin on December 31st 2008 is the highest site count.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

A scarce passage migrant, all records are given: one in February 2001, one in summer plumage on May 12th and 14th 2007, two flew north on April 30th 2008, one on September16th 2009.

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

The only record is of two at Bow Creek Ecology Park during freezing weather on January 10th 2010.

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

An uncommon winter visitor usually during hard weather and almost certainly under recorded, all records are given: one on January 14th 2006, one on August 14th 2006, one on January 4th 2009, one on February 2nd 2009, four on January 9th 2010, three on January 10th 2010.

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola **

One flushed from the copse at East India Dock Basin during freezing weather on December 1st 2010 is the only record.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus **

A very scarce passage migrant with only five spring records: one flew down the Thames on May 9th 2004, one briefly at East India Dock Basin on April 27th 2006, one initially on the Millennium Dome mudflats before flying north over East India Dock Basin on April 20th 2008, two flew north at East India Dock Basin on May 7th 2009 and singles flew north and west on May 14th 2009.

Curlew Numenius arquata **

One record, a bird at Bow Creek during freezing weather on December 9th 2010.

Redshank Tringa totanus

A passage migrant, more regular in autumn, and winter visitor; a high tide roost has become established on the western side of the Bow Creek Ecology Park peninsula, which, in an average year can hold between ten and twenty birds, in hard weather this number can rise and occasionally reaches three figures with a record count of 141 on January 19th 2003.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia **

Singles at East India Dock Basin from September 1st to 8th 2005 and on August 22nd 2007 are the only records.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

A regular passage migrant, more frequent in autumn, and winter visitor, one or two birds usually winter at the Lower Lea with a peak count of three roosting with Redshank on several dates in February and March 2009; autumn passage can commence as early as mid July with a peak count of seven on August 15th 2010.

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

A common passage migrant and winter visitor, there is often a build-up of non breeding 1st-summer birds in June with the first juveniles usually appearing in mid July; during the autumn and winter a roost has become established on the Pura Foods peninsula with a peak count of c320 on February 15th 2007, there is often a sizable pre-roost gathering on the Thames with a peak count of c3,000 on January 30th 2004.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus **

A total of seven records, all but one in the summer months and almost certainly under-recorded: an adult on the Thames on July 13th 2001, an adult on the Thames on November 22nd 2002, a 2nd-summer on the Thames on July 29th 2005, an adult at East India Dock Basin in August 2005, an adult at East India Dock Basin on August 31st 2008, an adult flew west at East India Dock Basin on June 28th 2009 and an adult flew west at East India Dock Basin on August 3rd 2010.

Little Gull Larus minutus **

A scarce passage migrant with just two records: an adult drifted past on the Thames on August 15th 2000 and two adults flew west on April 17th 2003.

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis **

An adult was seen on the Millennium Dome mudflats during November and December 2000, these sightings almost certainly relate to the long-staying adult which overwintered in the area from 1996 to 2010.

Common Gull Larus canus

A passage migrant and winter visitor usually appearing in mid to late August and building up to a peak of up to 20 in January, there is usually a small but distinct passage in March and most have departed by the first week of April, with two 1st-summers at East India Dock Basin on April 27th 2006 the latest spring record. The largest count is of 107 on the Thames on March 13th 2000.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

A common visitor at all times of the year, breeding locally on piers, barges, warehouse rooves and at nearby Billingsgate Fish Market; at low tide there is a gathering of up to 40 birds on the Millennium Dome mudflats.

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

An uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor, one or two are recorded most years with a peak count of four on August 22nd and September 9th 2008 with most birds favouring the Millennium Dome mudflats; an adult bird has returnrd to winter for at least the last three years frequenting the old gravel works and the adjacent Thames foreshore.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

A frequent visitor at any time of the year, breeding locally at Billingsgate Fish Market but less commonly than Lesser Black-backed Gull; likt the other large gull taxa it is often found loafing on the Millennium Dome mudflats.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

A frequent visitor and recent local breeder, there is a late summer build up with a peak count of 13 on August 23rd 2008; during the winter months numbers start to build up in late November or early December with a peak count of 24 on March 2nd 2010.

Kittiwake Rissa Tridactyla **

One on the Thames off East India Dock Basin on October 7th 2009 is the only record.

Little Tern Sternula albifrons **

Fifteen on September 12th 2000, the 3rd largest flock to be recorded in the London Area, and an adult on July 13th 2001 are the only records.

Black Tern Chlidonias niger **

A scarce passage migrant usually observed passing through on the Thames; recent records include one on August 18th 2001, 18 flying east on August 26th 2001, two on August 24th 2005, one flying west on September 10th 2007, two juveniles flying west on August 20th 2008, six flying west on August 31st 2008 and one on September 5th 2010.

Sandwich Tern Sterna Sandvicensis

A scarce passage migrant, all records are from the Thames off East India Dock Basin: two on August 6th 2001, two on May 4th 2002, two flew west on August 31st 2008, one flew east on June 7th 2009, two flew west on August 2nd 2009, eight flew west on September 16th 2009 and three flew east on August 15th 2010.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

A passage migrant and breeding summer visitor, a small colony has become established on three purpose built rafts at East India Dock Basin, numbers of breeding pairs fluctuate from year to year with ten in 2002, six in 2008 and a single pair in 2009 and 2010. The silting-up of East India Dock Basin is having a detrimental effect on numbers and it may be lost as a breeding species if something is not done to reverse the effects of the silt. The first birds usually arrive in mid April with the earliest record of two flying west on April 7th 2009; there is usually a strong autumn passage on the Thames with recent counts including 76 on September 3rd 2006, 90 west on August 24th 2008 and 85 on August 15th 2010. The highest count is 258 moving west on August 26th 2001. Most birds have departed by the first week of September with the latest record of a singleton at East India Dock Basin on September 26th 2006.

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii *

A pair in summer plumage was at East India Dock Basin and the adjacent Thames on May 14th 2002, both birds were colour-ringed (white on both legs) and were ringed at Coquet Island, Northumberland: this pair constitutes the 17th record for the London Area. One was at East India Dock Basin from 12:30 to 15:15 on May 16th 2006, it constitutes the 21st record for the London Area.

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

A scarce passage migrant, more frequent in the autumn, recent counts include 47 flying west on August 21st 2008 and 13 flying west on September 12th 2008; the most recent record is of one flying west on April 25th 2010, all records concern birds passing through on the Thames off East India Dock Basin.

Rock Dove Columba livia

Feral birds are present all year round and breed locally, mainly under bridges spanning the Lea and in disused warehouses; they can often be found foraging on the foreshore at Bow Creek with up to 25 noted.

Stock Dove Columba oenas

A casual visitor at any time of the year, one or two are usually recorded with four on June 13th 2006. Spring and summer occurences are a little puzzling because there is no suitable breeding habitat locally. The only notable passage counts are of nine flying north on November 8th 2009 and seven flying south on October 10th 2010.

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

A common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor with two or three pairs breeding annually; numbers are swollen by migrants during the winter months and a small passage usually occurs in late October or early November with a peak count of 151 flying mainly south on November 8th 2009.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

A casual visitor at any time of the year with most records involving single birds; this species is still in the process of colonising central London and can be expected with increasing frequency in the future; recent records include three flying west on April 25th 2010 and singles flying north and west on October 10th 2010.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

The only records are of two flying west on May 9th 2006 and one flying west on May 10th 2006.

Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri *

One at Bow Creek on March 22nd 2009, two flying west on April 19th 2009 and two flying west on May 23rd 2010 are the only records but large numbers are being noted from localities across the Thames and records from metropolitan Essex are becoming more frequent so it seems this species will be encountered with increasing regularity in the future.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus **

The only record is of one on April 9th 2005, briefly in the copse at East India Dock Basin.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammea **

On November 8th 1998 one was observed from the Kent shore as it flew north over the Thames and East India Dock Basin (McKenzie D. The Birds of the Charlton and Woolwich Area 1993-2003 [in prep] ).

Common Swift Apus apus

A passage migrant and summer visitor that can be surprisingly scarce with a high count of 200+ flying west on July 14th 2008.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Mainly a winter visitor to East India Dock Basin where one or rarely two birds are present from late September to early March with the earliest record on August 18th 2008 and the latest on April 3rd 2008; artificial nesting banks have been constructed at East India Dock Basin and Bow Creek but so far no breeding activity has been noted.

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis *

One on August 23rd 2003, one on April 13th 2009, one flying south at East India Dock Basin on April 25th 2010 and one at East India Dock Basin on September 30th 2010 are the only records.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

A casual visitor at any time of the year, nearly all records are of single birds with two on August 7th 2008 the only multiple count.

Skylark Alauda arvensis

A surprisingly scarce visitor, all records are given: one over East India Dock Basin on November 8th 2009, three on the meadow at East India Dock Basin on December 19th 2009, five flew north-west on September 26th 2010, seven flew east in one flock on October 11th 2010 and one on October 17th 2010.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

A passage migrant and recent colonist; since 2007 a pair has bred in a drainage pipe in the lock wall at East India Dock Basin, two pairs bred in 2009 and three pairs in 2010. The first migrants usually appear in mid April with the earliest record of two on March 18th 2010, the highest count was of c280 flying north-west in two hours during an unprecedented hirundine passage over London on September 26th 1999; most birds have departed by the end of July with the latest record on September 26th 1999.

Swallow Hirundo rustica

A passage migrant, usually more frequent in the spring, the first birds normally appear during mid April, with the earliest record on March 30th 2009. The highest count was of c650 flying north-west in two hours during an unprecedented hirundine passage over London on September 26th 1999 which is also the latest date for this species.

House Martin Delichon urbicum

A surprisingly scarce passage migrant, not recorded annually, earliest and latest dates are: one on April 24th 2007 and an unprecedented movement of at least 197 including c140 in a single flock on on September 26th 2010.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

A passage migrant and winter visitor with a peak count of 13 on October 13th 2006, one or two occasionally overwinter and the odd bird has been seen during the summer but no evidence of breeding has been noted.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus **

One on October 15th 2006 and one on September 12th 2008 are the only records.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava **

One over East India Dock Basin on August 24th 2009 is the only record.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

A resident with one or two pairs breeding locally.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

A resident and passage migrant with two or three pairs breeding locally; the peak passage count is 11 on April 7th 2007, this total includes two birds showing characteristics of the continental race alba.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

A common resident with eight to ten pairs breeding annually.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

A common resident with six to eight pairs breeding annually.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

A common resident with four or five pairs breeding annually.

Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos *

A singing male in the northern scrub at East India Dock Basin on April 13th 2008 is the only record.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

A winter visitor, passage migrant and occasional breeder; at least one singing male is noted each spring and breeding almost certainly takes place locally. In recent years this species has become a fairly reliable winter visitor with one or two present intermittently and a peak count of four at East India Dock Basin on November 26th 2007.

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus **

A female on April 23rd 2006 is the only record.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra **

Two on September 16th 2006 and one on September 13th 2008 are the only records.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

A scarce passage migrant with two or three recorded annually, usually in the autumn; an adult male at East India Dock Basin on March 1st 2009 constitutes the earliest record for the London Area, three together on the Pura Foods peninsula on March 21st 2010 is the largest multiple count.

Blackbird Turdus merula

A Common resident with four or five pairs breeding annually, numbers are augmented in autumn and winter by continental migrants with a peak count of c20 on November 26th 2007.

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

An uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor, not recorded annually, the best count is 28 on January 1st 2010.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

A scarce resident with one or two pairs present locally in recent years: six flying north-east on January 3rd 2010 were almost certainly migrants.

Redwing Turdus iliacus

A passage migrant with one or two occasionally wintering. The peak count is 114 (14 south and 100 west) on December 10th 2009.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

A surprisingly scarce visitor that can turn up in any month, rarely more than two or three records annually with the occasional blank year.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus **

A scarce passage migrant, not recorded annually, the last record was of one in the eastern reedbed at East India Dock Basin on April 24th 2010.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

A passage migrant and summer visitor with four to eight pairs breeding annually. The earliest record is of one singing in the ecology park on April 9th 2011.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

A passage migrant and summer visitor with four or five pairs breeding annually, one or two may overwinter, uaually in the copse at East India Dock Basin and adjacent gardens.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

A scarce passage migrant, not recorded annually, the ocassional pair may breed locally.

Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria *

A somewhat elusive 1st-winter was present on September 25th and 26th 2006, it frequented the northern scrub at East India Dock Basin and constitutes the eighth record for the London Area.

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curraca

A scarce passage migrant and summer visitor with at least one pair breeding locally, but probably not annually, the earliest record is of single birds on April 20th in both 2007 and 2010, and the latest a singleton on September 11th 2008.

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis

A passage migrant and summer visitor with two to four pairs breeding annually.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

A passage migrant and summer visitor which may rarely stay on to breed, one or two and exceptionally up to four may overwinter; one in the copse at East India Dock Basin on January 19th 2006 was thought to be one of the eastern forms.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

A passage migrant with singing birds ocassionally lingering into the summer but it is not thought to have bred; the earliest record was of one at Bow Creek Ecological Park on March 27th 2010 with the latest a single on September 29th 2008.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

An unaccountably rare visitor with the only records pertaining to a small influx during the autumn of 2008 and into 2009; two were at East India Dock Basin on September 29th, one or two were then recorded on most dates with four on November 27th and December 18th, after this date only singles were noted until the last report on March 8th 2009.

Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla

A scarce passage migrant, all records are given: East Indis Dock Basin: one on April 3rd, two on April 6th and 7th and November 5th 2008; one on April 20th 2010. Bow Creek Ecology Park, one singing on October 9th and one on November 1st 2008.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

A scarce passage migrant, all records are given: East India Dock Basin, two on August 22nd 2006, one on June 3rd 2007, one on August 21st 2008, two on September 16th and 17th 2009.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

A passage migrant and winter visitor, probably breeds locally; most winter flocks contain between three and eight birds with a peak count of 10+ on November 3rd 2008.

Blue Tit Cyanisties caeruleus

A common resident with four to six pairs breeding annually.

Great Tit Parus major

A common resident with three to five pairs breeding annually.

Jay Garrulus glandarius

A scarce resident with a pair probably breeding locally most years.

Magpie Pica pica

A common resident with four to six pairs breeding annually.

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

A scarce passage migrant, not recorded annually, the last record was of four flying north at East India Dock Basin on March 21st 2010.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

A common resident with two or three pairs breeding annually and several more pairs breeding in the vicinity; resident numbers are augmented by migrants during the winter with a peak count of 26 on March 10th 2009.

Rook Corvus frugilegus

There are two records of single birds flying east on September 12th 2010 and April 17th 2011.

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

A common resident with a handful of pairs breeding locally, during the winter numbers are augmented by migrants with a peak count of 26 on February 12th 2009.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

A scarce visitor at any time of the year, usually found in private gardens adjacent to East India Dock Basin; there are at least two discrete breeding colonies within a kilometre of the reserve and birds should occur with increasing frequency as this species recovers from the recent catastrophic decline in numbers.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

A passage migrant and winter visitor, never in large numbers, the peak count is of eight together on December 27th 2009; occasionally one or two birds linger into April and a singing male my hold territory but no evidence of breeding has been noted.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla **

An uncommon winter visitor, all records are given: one at East India Dock Basin on April 10th and 11th 2004, one on April 15th and 16th 2007.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

A common Resident and passage migrant with two or three pairs breeding annually, numbers build up from late autumn and usually peak around the turn of the year with a high count of 42+ flying in to roost in trees behind the Esso garage on February 28th 2010.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

A common resident and passage migrant with three or four pairs breeding locally; numbers build up in winter with a peak count of 15+ on March 21st 2010.

Siskin Carduelis spinus **

A flock of ten in Alders in the eastern clump at East India Dock Basin on December 19th 2007 isthe only known record.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

An uncommon resident with perhaps one or two pairs breeding locally; numbers build up during the winter months with a peak count of 26 on November 8th 2009.

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

A very uncommon visitor, the last record was of nine feeding in Silver Birches on the west side of Bow Creek Ecology Park on March 21st 2009.

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

An uncommon resident, one pair may breed but probably not annually, numbers build up during the winter with a peak count of nine on December 11th 2009.