tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034787798182233522024-03-13T16:32:18.641+00:00Hilly Fields BirdwatchNews of the Bird Champion Project of Hilly Fields, Brockley and Ladywell, SE London.hillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16461919915413171161noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-88454096476547328392024-02-03T17:56:00.005+00:002024-02-03T19:41:37.653+00:00Hilly Fields Big Birdwatch 2024 Report<p> We were lucky to have sunny windless weather for the 2024 Big Birdwatch on 28 January. Around 50 people visited the Friends stall where we handed out bird ID leaflets and sold some 'merch' including postcards and our Birds of Hilly Fields booklet. Approx 20 people came on the bird walk and 20 bird species were recorded including great spotted woodpeckers, redwings, a mistle thrush and Britain's smallest bird, the goldcrest. The stats will be forwarded to the RSPB as part of their Big Garden Birdwatch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgle5oOYw-TSFT-s7724EdZfnYChBrBVs5vESaXBT2iHVx-B5lpbIBfJg0wAdN5_y-Nci0-RlWhq_kQTJeHGE4X1zfavh3PEm2vaPXu9yvr0McjzqBnLyajdSTWaHH_szKWk2uQULBYzU1kRPfODeNQBtTWpMzTMHswR5ibpTMwBBs3q7R9Fo2ip9UI9tM/s844/PHOTO-2024-02-02-15-47-50%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="844" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgle5oOYw-TSFT-s7724EdZfnYChBrBVs5vESaXBT2iHVx-B5lpbIBfJg0wAdN5_y-Nci0-RlWhq_kQTJeHGE4X1zfavh3PEm2vaPXu9yvr0McjzqBnLyajdSTWaHH_szKWk2uQULBYzU1kRPfODeNQBtTWpMzTMHswR5ibpTMwBBs3q7R9Fo2ip9UI9tM/w400-h300/PHOTO-2024-02-02-15-47-50%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">A steady flow of children got stuck in (literally) to making fatballs for the birds, several of which ended up hanging from nearby trees. And someone created a new species of leaf bird. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjORLa1u5CtnI7ViWRh1lTZt9FLsVsz8IOubC9w83w9KbiJ-y93tD-aayiZTxggsf9gPbGPC3zP0hcHfOW1FzjK0BmwfniHUej_zN4x2LR4wInbmspukkQPI9l76kQXi9a8E73BCkpTH_2x82iWOI7ah06zan466UgYPeuugSl3E2NSVgdHDVzL6vX6Y/s844/PHOTO-2024-02-02-15-45-08%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="844" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjORLa1u5CtnI7ViWRh1lTZt9FLsVsz8IOubC9w83w9KbiJ-y93tD-aayiZTxggsf9gPbGPC3zP0hcHfOW1FzjK0BmwfniHUej_zN4x2LR4wInbmspukkQPI9l76kQXi9a8E73BCkpTH_2x82iWOI7ah06zan466UgYPeuugSl3E2NSVgdHDVzL6vX6Y/w400-h400/PHOTO-2024-02-02-15-45-08%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_I2_EfB2ltg1LzZT66qZsrXIfkFgmQZK4nsvTlnD8L-xUqVGZWhOziYjxXQLmBhQ3mssfVviRYB-RtdGAtBkV6eBEzxsh9vXfINSTguGEvTg3U-RHQDkCy2U0GinIdHP3Coyp1raILB-aAk4bOfko8HbiSMu3hwRLM3Iv41cqC9bj1-gAcA-44YuKio/s844/PHOTO-2024-02-02-15-47-50%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="844" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_I2_EfB2ltg1LzZT66qZsrXIfkFgmQZK4nsvTlnD8L-xUqVGZWhOziYjxXQLmBhQ3mssfVviRYB-RtdGAtBkV6eBEzxsh9vXfINSTguGEvTg3U-RHQDkCy2U0GinIdHP3Coyp1raILB-aAk4bOfko8HbiSMu3hwRLM3Iv41cqC9bj1-gAcA-44YuKio/w400-h400/PHOTO-2024-02-02-15-47-50%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBvAX-ZolirFFB_GjzwFN2u8IL6iaouBVFz1RWYJFb329cYB1KgvIhszuPf-xRWpyP9Eg8jDb1024goOWZy32BWzrlLW5P4ibgS1R6qBoYWfbjtlx1X5Tk0M5Ws4awpTElZHsRDwhXTPy1tT2vkPJDS1iSyMWRHWYmQsMLnIDALL9CnVJgJi9cbMgAOg/s641/IMG_0139%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="641" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBvAX-ZolirFFB_GjzwFN2u8IL6iaouBVFz1RWYJFb329cYB1KgvIhszuPf-xRWpyP9Eg8jDb1024goOWZy32BWzrlLW5P4ibgS1R6qBoYWfbjtlx1X5Tk0M5Ws4awpTElZHsRDwhXTPy1tT2vkPJDS1iSyMWRHWYmQsMLnIDALL9CnVJgJi9cbMgAOg/w400-h339/IMG_0139%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks to Rachel from the Friends for organising the event and managing the stall, to Emily from Glendale for support, to the birders who helped identify the birds (you know who you are), to Sadie, Oliver and Daniel who volunteered at the stall as part of their Duke of Edinburgh course, to anyone I've forgotten and everyone who came along! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgBft8fHEWwZpRi4aPxKR4wy9GVzQdUdoUULdP8otlApFY5tCe2Qx5X033sKmkMRWOFAA5DZbkVXO8ZjWEW-FwZ59pZk3RAZq7bF3yJkhfa9q5Hmcy17FFy9gLp4Lau38AT24poQZfItxtBrqy13k3XlVLDiynBoqtlrv1vmt07PHmzQK8NElHeJZxYs/s844/PHOTO-2024-02-02-15-45-08%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="844" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgBft8fHEWwZpRi4aPxKR4wy9GVzQdUdoUULdP8otlApFY5tCe2Qx5X033sKmkMRWOFAA5DZbkVXO8ZjWEW-FwZ59pZk3RAZq7bF3yJkhfa9q5Hmcy17FFy9gLp4Lau38AT24poQZfItxtBrqy13k3XlVLDiynBoqtlrv1vmt07PHmzQK8NElHeJZxYs/w400-h400/PHOTO-2024-02-02-15-45-08%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div>What's next? Why, the annual wassail which happens in the Hilly Fields orchard (down the slope from the stone circle) at <b>3.30 pm this Sunday 4th February </b>– so plenty of time for you to scrap all your other plans and come along. Please bring a mug if you can to sample the alcoholic or non-alcoholic hot drinks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauXgaA3-kr-UhyphenhyphenHAF6mcr_li9UMWODAtdV5m47yyT0kQPHq4SdUP0sgLM7fSBbVx4faOVG46VENb4si9EYh7CH25ysTWW6qYrQGfyRdtVSem7-DQtXRuvGanDPBZnSO3NRNJbYk2cHlVjtJAzFrbYLywpOC5eOp7pbwwGc47ySYIPz8AC9o1GTWayPgk/s844/PHOTO-2024-02-02-15-48-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="624" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauXgaA3-kr-UhyphenhyphenHAF6mcr_li9UMWODAtdV5m47yyT0kQPHq4SdUP0sgLM7fSBbVx4faOVG46VENb4si9EYh7CH25ysTWW6qYrQGfyRdtVSem7-DQtXRuvGanDPBZnSO3NRNJbYk2cHlVjtJAzFrbYLywpOC5eOp7pbwwGc47ySYIPz8AC9o1GTWayPgk/s320/PHOTO-2024-02-02-15-48-19.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-89936402183641758622024-01-14T16:09:00.001+00:002024-01-14T16:09:22.507+00:00Hilly Fields Big Birdwatch 2024<p><i><b>Attention all bird lovers!</b></i> It's time once again for the Friends of Hilly Fields Big Birdwatch event. Date and time: <b>Sunday 28th January</b> between <b>10.30 – 12.30</b>. Our stall will be based outside the Hilly Fields cafe as usual. We will have Bird ID sheets and children will be able to make fatballs and bird feeders. These can be hung from trees in the park or taken home to hang in your own garden. Everything is free.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWhMyANOdpgSnSvCYA-WN86rjaG4k2fjy-3kQrMVqm275jF3BfmS4UlxyguhJ67Ed5Q1Ad7egkK0vGXGbsaKftdFlJ0_IfvehxxfhnbcpaKwMWEptZlRkRpCccrYEkyfRDCYAAPL4yv8jkkbtXL0jTAzY-PMcXBswNHjnCUJ5nSGKRU7K0uwp4xz-dzw/s4025/P1060026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4025" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWhMyANOdpgSnSvCYA-WN86rjaG4k2fjy-3kQrMVqm275jF3BfmS4UlxyguhJ67Ed5Q1Ad7egkK0vGXGbsaKftdFlJ0_IfvehxxfhnbcpaKwMWEptZlRkRpCccrYEkyfRDCYAAPL4yv8jkkbtXL0jTAzY-PMcXBswNHjnCUJ5nSGKRU7K0uwp4xz-dzw/w400-h323/P1060026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>A <b>guided walk</b> will set off from outside the cafe at <b>11.00</b> approx. If you have binoculars, please bring them. Alternatively, you can grab a Bird ID sheet and go round by yourselves, but please observe these basic rules:</p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.84px;">(i) only count the maximum number of each species that you see <u>at any one time</u> (to avoid duplication); (ii) don't count birds that fly over without stopping - only birds within the park. </b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.84px;">We will collate the results at the end on our Big Blackboard and submit the results to the RSPB.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zeCUdDUYXH1zm04Z2obVsIEygWkgLggErcs4xI5pFWRiWpAHhKJMdqeMlU0MRt1KIydUIWpwZXpLROiEk6iUAsNVIZDEPjgqYalBVX3cNeWtSR8ChzBN9J4MHNXWrw0gHk8_Ycpf_eerKDvUk4K5MQNVdBrULqwMULUdTOlwwox22K-MVouE-VryAHY/s785/HF%20BigBirdwatch%20Blackboard%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="785" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zeCUdDUYXH1zm04Z2obVsIEygWkgLggErcs4xI5pFWRiWpAHhKJMdqeMlU0MRt1KIydUIWpwZXpLROiEk6iUAsNVIZDEPjgqYalBVX3cNeWtSR8ChzBN9J4MHNXWrw0gHk8_Ycpf_eerKDvUk4K5MQNVdBrULqwMULUdTOlwwox22K-MVouE-VryAHY/w400-h286/HF%20BigBirdwatch%20Blackboard%202022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-size: 15.84px;">It's all about helping people to learn a little bit more about birds and how our parks and green spaces are such important habitats for them. It's also about supporting the RSPB as the whole weekend is part of their National Big Garden Birdwatch. And we still have a few copies left of our celebrated </span><b style="font-size: 15.84px;">Birds of Hilly Fields</b><span style="font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 15.84px;">booklet which will be on sale at the stall – £5.00 all proceeds to the Friends of HF. We looking forward to seeing you there.</span></p></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1ZtZa-Ez_cDr_NmtVMxL7WNAWyZ0YcTgGbc8NXePbHJLw18nPmqo4PSI2UYeU9ptsi4lq7JLGyxc-Dlz3ZryhpYR511ZwEeQpM0K3T8lBP8-RIuCOrBQWNiBQlEM5yrFyC4gHP5hWL-iSwS9wu7QGQ-pyMMA-FctngAVS_8KXIx1EI5LMwNNRNsBtcw/s608/BlueTit%20-%20Photo%20by%20Rebecca%20Simmons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="608" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1ZtZa-Ez_cDr_NmtVMxL7WNAWyZ0YcTgGbc8NXePbHJLw18nPmqo4PSI2UYeU9ptsi4lq7JLGyxc-Dlz3ZryhpYR511ZwEeQpM0K3T8lBP8-RIuCOrBQWNiBQlEM5yrFyC4gHP5hWL-iSwS9wu7QGQ-pyMMA-FctngAVS_8KXIx1EI5LMwNNRNsBtcw/w400-h313/BlueTit%20-%20Photo%20by%20Rebecca%20Simmons.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Rebecca Simmons</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBd_A7K03OOi492W6AT-RUtiemgLV818CEWG9sghpLNmgyBMNliQ4CEchSjrw1p7nrUwOCOUZodQXC8OEQzOXiJOURKTIM4kdBsgyOrrus3fH0ULJ0xZNBC_-eJsoqJCtlmrZ8K9XdHV9YpJjhJIybbK1RrP7dzlqWTDDeKZmAg-XAeLXMkKTYuk2J1c/s851/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBd_A7K03OOi492W6AT-RUtiemgLV818CEWG9sghpLNmgyBMNliQ4CEchSjrw1p7nrUwOCOUZodQXC8OEQzOXiJOURKTIM4kdBsgyOrrus3fH0ULJ0xZNBC_-eJsoqJCtlmrZ8K9XdHV9YpJjhJIybbK1RrP7dzlqWTDDeKZmAg-XAeLXMkKTYuk2J1c/w283-h400/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-28169544997897388072023-01-13T20:16:00.040+00:002023-01-14T09:06:41.463+00:00Big Garden Birdwatch 2023<p> Another year, another Big Birdwatch on Hilly Fields. The Friends of Hilly Fields annual bird watching event will take place this year on<b> Sunday 29 January</b> from <b>10.30 – 12.30</b>. We will be based outside the cafe, everyone is welcome and it's child-friendly.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbYTe7gawcNquOfPdUc-I2FrHvu3zmsLrYd2fJsAmDe1CD1sILoWYPDX-iooBcwCIUZ0S2VNkowy5Ao_B-iHmk0w48yN-s_hOblGamHjtRN5lehGWLKBdl_RBV-Bq3JsYBBHj_1TYEEKl80sQTtVgz549i3jTxw8hQ1rgQONqVvl1fCIg7ds0hOTi/w400-h300/P1090551.JPG" width="400" /></div><br /></div>There'll be a <b>guided walk</b> starting at <b>11.00 am. </b>Alternatively you can grab a <b>Bird ID sheet </b>from the stall and go around by yourself/selves. Bring binoculars if you can. On the practical side, there'll be <b>stuff for kids</b> to make bird feeders and fatballs with. These can be hung on trees in the park or taken home to your own garden/balcony/window box. And it's all free...<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXC5X-dt_qHuKiq4qGkjVRAo455OVZ9mib4fTW4y3BqijTknsu2x9LnFICdifU64izc5C99KwHlGOY4AQnlZAoGH6kaxmYUBvsIrIBQ13e5fu81HemBLeEBnJHHuLnsRMvNpcSnrSG9cOurQHhzxaYH0RczgXIbW4zHI75PIGhvpDQ-AS_uXW6y4kR/s1024/XWQI1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="727" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXC5X-dt_qHuKiq4qGkjVRAo455OVZ9mib4fTW4y3BqijTknsu2x9LnFICdifU64izc5C99KwHlGOY4AQnlZAoGH6kaxmYUBvsIrIBQ13e5fu81HemBLeEBnJHHuLnsRMvNpcSnrSG9cOurQHhzxaYH0RczgXIbW4zHI75PIGhvpDQ-AS_uXW6y4kR/w284-h400/XWQI1439.JPG" width="284" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">If you do the Birdwatch by yourselves, please remember the basic rules: </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">(i) only count the maximum number of each species that you see at any one time (to avoid duplication); (ii) don't count birds that fly over without stopping - only birds within the park. </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">We will collate the results at the end on our Big Blackboard and submit the results to the RSPB.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfo4zuX1maorWZJRD_RmJyoCCKfEMkgHCYuNZGJ4ntE4ldsyVOGuqgep-GtCKDvoQ9Ps6WEYZIwybiXNjKzoQ9Y7F09oYcdyBAhQmEg0zloqIC0lMRwalsjUSCv6-q1RbTPxwUd1lRoM3SWgvKoqYXyTgTDSE-Bc3nkCOa5z-ibp8SoURYpJm6LZK/s4320/P1100901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfo4zuX1maorWZJRD_RmJyoCCKfEMkgHCYuNZGJ4ntE4ldsyVOGuqgep-GtCKDvoQ9Ps6WEYZIwybiXNjKzoQ9Y7F09oYcdyBAhQmEg0zloqIC0lMRwalsjUSCv6-q1RbTPxwUd1lRoM3SWgvKoqYXyTgTDSE-Bc3nkCOa5z-ibp8SoURYpJm6LZK/w400-h300/P1100901.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It's all about helping people to learn a little bit more about birds and how our parks and green spaces are such important habitats for them. It's also about supporting the RSPB as the whole weekend is part of their National Big Garden Birdwatch. And we still have a few copies left of our celebrated <b>Birds of Hilly Fields</b> booklet which will be on sale at the stall – £3.50 all proceeds to the Friends of HF.</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk8GrBtVNC-0rekAIn1JWaXUxJSZKm-kID4EyWkGkLr95C8rgpWSLlvC0vbrfHZZFte1RHIAzGnXsxo0X3mqS1yCoUVdLFbpBuVIBOceKdeU7aHssY0LJP9_Yq7FtIxqGSsd_my20i5ZOo31igCsbWDihXV8RwZvedcPtOrUIAGQA02TNfGE08Aon/s851/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk8GrBtVNC-0rekAIn1JWaXUxJSZKm-kID4EyWkGkLr95C8rgpWSLlvC0vbrfHZZFte1RHIAzGnXsxo0X3mqS1yCoUVdLFbpBuVIBOceKdeU7aHssY0LJP9_Yq7FtIxqGSsd_my20i5ZOo31igCsbWDihXV8RwZvedcPtOrUIAGQA02TNfGE08Aon/w283-h400/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><p>So come along. You might see a great spotted woodpecker. You might see a jay. You might see a nuthatch. You'll almost certainly see "the UK's only naturalised parrot"! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzaTaXgSk29WlZEgHBzHK-9b4w03XITIJ9hYYDCG1o744p0QFvsMfWftWSxE-nrCr1gXhlej4H2U8K6C74gkSjzzBVPPqng7aMIvBaOsoCbTDQh85fjFpwexbfTSnROXMvUQLiEKs6XhSbAUiig0sYkJZhV5VSlJ2jPEF0rZc_DeOgmdb3kEIuCDt/s1600/P1080299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzaTaXgSk29WlZEgHBzHK-9b4w03XITIJ9hYYDCG1o744p0QFvsMfWftWSxE-nrCr1gXhlej4H2U8K6C74gkSjzzBVPPqng7aMIvBaOsoCbTDQh85fjFpwexbfTSnROXMvUQLiEKs6XhSbAUiig0sYkJZhV5VSlJ2jPEF0rZc_DeOgmdb3kEIuCDt/w400-h300/P1080299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeXcxZXRNM3ZpvoDdx1hzJBuA-ckUwiJEyK5tgljyP46zRwfh9OkJXw12erNZFpKPBGmKkkaJEA6DObMR8Z8UuYlCgQd6lFg6wpnWzySA9qm-TLgbu1RLY28jMF33zshrRcdD9IDbdwhoyvV6va0cwmr32iiRYZRMJ15t4NjXcw0YziKS-OHotHyw/s2932/Jay1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2199" data-original-width="2932" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeXcxZXRNM3ZpvoDdx1hzJBuA-ckUwiJEyK5tgljyP46zRwfh9OkJXw12erNZFpKPBGmKkkaJEA6DObMR8Z8UuYlCgQd6lFg6wpnWzySA9qm-TLgbu1RLY28jMF33zshrRcdD9IDbdwhoyvV6va0cwmr32iiRYZRMJ15t4NjXcw0YziKS-OHotHyw/w400-h300/Jay1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2a9irAa3r9NuVlq7_vnZhAt6yTRQoBJS37IawFNnY2g0C1eH6EPoIeVvzROUYfo86zA4aMiD0y-rumS-tIjYbuuW7gnUr2X_gMML5qgPqtb2xy1PJSvA_LEk9eaHeJlRsw_1-16aselEvBDzIKvYdZssiJwFhV9AUg-gqNzR3lLfNMV-Y9N7R_Kd/s1280/nuthatch-david-chapman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2a9irAa3r9NuVlq7_vnZhAt6yTRQoBJS37IawFNnY2g0C1eH6EPoIeVvzROUYfo86zA4aMiD0y-rumS-tIjYbuuW7gnUr2X_gMML5qgPqtb2xy1PJSvA_LEk9eaHeJlRsw_1-16aselEvBDzIKvYdZssiJwFhV9AUg-gqNzR3lLfNMV-Y9N7R_Kd/w400-h300/nuthatch-david-chapman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: David Chapman</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYSvkOB-iM9whIijQ5gPLrOJwk7esbFQjdDDYZkUUlET1aZlWAIZhNaQ_exXgm3ixwQeZNZEJzSTKYqWJNdu_LMgvqsr0HHtz-LC6I3u7xkT-xjNFNiGLRRwVlF1rRVWmQL6cFHxjqjjPDuMbI9LNqy4d821_n4R-QVIHCbMu1ukRqH4cMg5ilBym/s1280/Ring-necked%20Parakeets%20-%20mother%20feeding%20young%20(1280x925).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1280" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYSvkOB-iM9whIijQ5gPLrOJwk7esbFQjdDDYZkUUlET1aZlWAIZhNaQ_exXgm3ixwQeZNZEJzSTKYqWJNdu_LMgvqsr0HHtz-LC6I3u7xkT-xjNFNiGLRRwVlF1rRVWmQL6cFHxjqjjPDuMbI9LNqy4d821_n4R-QVIHCbMu1ukRqH4cMg5ilBym/w400-h289/Ring-necked%20Parakeets%20-%20mother%20feeding%20young%20(1280x925).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>"What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?" Sir David Attenborough.</b></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-89495177377137116692022-06-20T16:34:00.013+01:002024-01-23T08:50:09.936+00:00Red Kite - Bird 52!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A red kite was observed over Hilly Fields on the morning of 25 May, flying over the trees in the north east corner of the park before
disappearing further east. Normally we wouldn't count birds
which fly overhead without landing as 'park records', but this one
was flying just low enough to be mobbed by three crows - our 'avian security guards'. We are therefore
adding it to our bird list - the 52nd 'bird of Hilly Fields' to be
recorded in the last 15 years.</span></div>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br />
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqePg3FzKLxVR_-eko4WBL9d5mLv9HdBEOMGNgOY-bJA_yFGP9zoLc1ebfZtAlFOTKNYaXcqnFJ5gCjZIO0Xb9lNrCEzJdNsdgfUv9gFRp6tnCfBDzBXtDnXuETKclKyD8b7fQf0uwN5v9GPoHIDe8Y1Yb0KuWjyJJsT2qnuuaYZkXD2G_kDzgTv-P/s1024/Red%20Kite%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqePg3FzKLxVR_-eko4WBL9d5mLv9HdBEOMGNgOY-bJA_yFGP9zoLc1ebfZtAlFOTKNYaXcqnFJ5gCjZIO0Xb9lNrCEzJdNsdgfUv9gFRp6tnCfBDzBXtDnXuETKclKyD8b7fQf0uwN5v9GPoHIDe8Y1Yb0KuWjyJJsT2qnuuaYZkXD2G_kDzgTv-P/w400-h300/Red%20Kite%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: eBird</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The red kite (<i>Milvus milvus</i>) is a bird of prey and belongs to the same family as buzzards, eagles and harriers. It has a reddish-brown body, a wingspan of almost six feet and can be identified from below</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> by its forked tail. In the middle ages, kites were common birds and scavenged on London's streets, but
persecution drove them almost to extinction. Thanks to the RSPB and
other conservation efforts, numbers have increased and they can often
be seen flying over London again, though not at street level! In
rural and suburban areas, there have been reports of them swooping
down to take chickens or even picnic lunch food. Scavenging again after all those centuries.</span></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo2jtNbcVmHu_JbaUBDU3LGTrYSRaOGS48ITy3RVquUI28kjgysQjTELfecNKdH9tVUG-nVjmgsMO4M5QqwN75Hy8UsEg5jjpR4zOX0_lusSgU6OGILWFcKJL865rCg-UCo_XLu6u0QnjkMXRBynYSYk862yjzODv_H5H7_D0OYJymnswfHN9fc0o/s851/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo2jtNbcVmHu_JbaUBDU3LGTrYSRaOGS48ITy3RVquUI28kjgysQjTELfecNKdH9tVUG-nVjmgsMO4M5QqwN75Hy8UsEg5jjpR4zOX0_lusSgU6OGILWFcKJL865rCg-UCo_XLu6u0QnjkMXRBynYSYk862yjzODv_H5H7_D0OYJymnswfHN9fc0o/s320/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" width="226" /></a></p><br /><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Our booklet 'Birds of Hilly Fields' will be on sale at the Hilly Fields Midsummer Fayre this Saturday 25 June. We will also have tote bags, postcards and other items to buy, as well displays of our plans to make the park even better. Drop by and see us at the Friends of Hilly Fields stall.</span></div>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-13318297065638742142022-03-27T17:32:00.000+01:002022-03-27T17:32:46.937+01:00Dawn Chorus Walk 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">We will be holding our first dawn chorus walk since 2019 on </span><b style="text-align: left;">Thursday 31 March</b><span style="text-align: left;">. Meet outside the cafe at </span><b style="text-align: left;">6 am</b><span style="text-align: left;">. If you have binoculars, please bring them. We'll do a circuit of Hilly Fields and and identify common bird songs and calls such as those of the blackbird, robin and wren, as well as the song and mistle thrush and the migrant warblers blackcap and chiffchaff if they happen to be vocal. If we're lucky, we might hear a great spotted woodpecker drumming or a nuthatch calling. We'll point out as many birds as we can whether they're singing or not!</span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcng10zBxDsp580LaQZ-3_JQIZg8c1JrPJXqPtr5F6RQqelkQi4OZr21gkhSsjZT2WGEv9qidVnYLYXtq1hjkJeJx5XMlFwD1t_CbZ9AX2UE9dyZdYFyIpte4E9J2F_cnP8fDsWQAXs3c-DkrS2UELc3dMPpt8jwBH_6QjLTDd_6WQLkUHNfpeSJ2/s1007/thumbnail%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="1007" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcng10zBxDsp580LaQZ-3_JQIZg8c1JrPJXqPtr5F6RQqelkQi4OZr21gkhSsjZT2WGEv9qidVnYLYXtq1hjkJeJx5XMlFwD1t_CbZ9AX2UE9dyZdYFyIpte4E9J2F_cnP8fDsWQAXs3c-DkrS2UELc3dMPpt8jwBH_6QjLTDd_6WQLkUHNfpeSJ2/w400-h184/thumbnail%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In past years, we've been able to extend the walk to include the Brockley and Ladywell cemeteries. With council permission, a member of the Friends Group would admit us at 7am via a gate on Brockley Grove. That seems unlikely to happen this year as the gate was blocked with an earth bank during lockdown and that is still in place. The walk will finish therefore by 7am. If by any chance, we can gain access to the cemeteries, finishing time will be 7.45 approx. People can drop out at any time though if work calls.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEuG2Iig_IULiumjzeSJePGCGr0_-O3OJTVJUg63SrL__7ULATdt329bC_Y1KpQjqWmmb1qYR09Zs3SqspMXewlTWdixMSRoIrdAVqEoRWgXgoP3IvBuRLjETRBh231PYsIb6XP2SnWKfpOE14NdK8nxrAQ0u1Z7RFCUQy5isub3krIQ789BdhGPX/s400/P1090266.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="400" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEuG2Iig_IULiumjzeSJePGCGr0_-O3OJTVJUg63SrL__7ULATdt329bC_Y1KpQjqWmmb1qYR09Zs3SqspMXewlTWdixMSRoIrdAVqEoRWgXgoP3IvBuRLjETRBh231PYsIb6XP2SnWKfpOE14NdK8nxrAQ0u1Z7RFCUQy5isub3krIQ789BdhGPX/w400-h256/P1090266.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mistle Thrush<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We will have a few copies of our Birds of Hilly Fields booklet for sale if anyone has not yet bought a copy. These are £3.50 and all profits go to the Friends of Hilly Fields.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf5f4m-hWQad3707--12gliX0MutwoE9qL0aaVpDg2lQmYK69ldtnpB4NdI5LbWi2lRmov5_XDAQdalFBJGhjZC9YICZcx0AnGDQWsJlkrgWFV1lAkPuTeeM_pzlR0JN3hHqBJx9frdgiF-ageqmqVPfiDXm3h6_rqq2gdab562yq4-430gW492fe/s851/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf5f4m-hWQad3707--12gliX0MutwoE9qL0aaVpDg2lQmYK69ldtnpB4NdI5LbWi2lRmov5_XDAQdalFBJGhjZC9YICZcx0AnGDQWsJlkrgWFV1lAkPuTeeM_pzlR0JN3hHqBJx9frdgiF-ageqmqVPfiDXm3h6_rqq2gdab562yq4-430gW492fe/w283-h400/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-45031406283594001942022-02-18T18:13:00.004+00:002022-02-18T18:30:38.484+00:00Hilly Fields Big Birdwatch 2022 Report<p>Our Hilly Fields Big Birdwatch on 30 January was the first since January 2020 and we had probably the best ever attendance. It was particularly good to see so many children brought along by their parents and making bird feeders at the Friends stall or coming round on the guided walk. </p><p>22 species were recorded which is not a record breaker, but still a healthy total. Surprisingly, the highest individual total was the Common Gull of which 22 were counted on the north field. Despite its name, this bird is usually outnumbered by the Black-headed Gull which in winter is the most common gull in London and the UK. Next highest were the Starlings at 16 and Goldfinches at 12. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmTLrD67UxGDQkml5W8Sk6OMZmYc7kxP1WqvH6w8HB9OxL388e2aCjvDAcPDKOaSuZjfu2PcYuiy3S_RMuRLSZ4uQWW3Da80vj1hMPwIc4ftBVoVOx8GrSoUudz_QdcwIRwrCCIow0nHT4PpJPaKsKkbVOGTVbMfsE7wtQYgMF6lkO7V8j6eNuoEGP=s1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmTLrD67UxGDQkml5W8Sk6OMZmYc7kxP1WqvH6w8HB9OxL388e2aCjvDAcPDKOaSuZjfu2PcYuiy3S_RMuRLSZ4uQWW3Da80vj1hMPwIc4ftBVoVOx8GrSoUudz_QdcwIRwrCCIow0nHT4PpJPaKsKkbVOGTVbMfsE7wtQYgMF6lkO7V8j6eNuoEGP=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Gull left, Black-headed Gull right</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">At the other end of the scale, a single Greenfinch and Redwing were seen. It was good to catch sight of the Nuthatch pair who hopefully will be breeding in the park again this year. We had a good view of them on the Lane during the guided walk. Sadly, no Great Spotted Woodpeckers turned up this year, nor did we see any Song or Mistle Thrushes (though a Song Thrush was seen and heard on the Lane on 1st January).</span></div></blockquote><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzVwxppUYpyW-dsl_LBDUwNtY8s6YDzf2cqlFkEYlxlBpMAvYLdGuezla7mIdH399usYjFpHtVEHBddjDeVg_YgZkp60xHsJ6WExqhCTkzug--n4HuI7R-9PHMCr4Ir6yC3-3fHfi2v6LNkNoRgGiN4w9N2H5-Kwmq9AafoW5fgIP4FD9SwZxWCc6_=s2168" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="2168" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzVwxppUYpyW-dsl_LBDUwNtY8s6YDzf2cqlFkEYlxlBpMAvYLdGuezla7mIdH399usYjFpHtVEHBddjDeVg_YgZkp60xHsJ6WExqhCTkzug--n4HuI7R-9PHMCr4Ir6yC3-3fHfi2v6LNkNoRgGiN4w9N2H5-Kwmq9AafoW5fgIP4FD9SwZxWCc6_=w400-h271" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenfinch at Hilly Fields</td></tr></tbody></table>Thanks are due to Rachel who masterminded the stall as usual, to Sue, Judith, Conrad and Lawrence who helped on the guided walk, to Lee the parkie who lugged stuff around for us, to the cafe for all their support and to Debbie who volunteers with the <a href="http://www.london-peregrine-partnership.org.uk/">London Peregrine Partnership</a> and brought along two fine displays of bird feathers for the stall. <div><br /></div><div>For early risers, we'll be doing a dawn chorus walk on <b>Thursday 31 March</b>, starting from the cafe at <b>6 am</b>. And in the meantime, our Birds of Hilly Fields booklet can be bought from the cafe or via <a href="https://supportmylocal.org/store/rachel-mooney/">this link</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr5NWjDWJPfg5dwD0EuywEXBXfsVV4dgAgT_-HgCajwz4xgf8N4UoUCQ6eHcIuZdQ0d92VwkTgvjdSPvHrFHRBacx-BjWV6sRjLXkMq0spbWJofCel-UXK26mHSNatNklC0UcQnONg02G8Rrsy2A9wQK7yFHQyAt5Ol01CTNIcPSPr5GyGRkroptJx=s851" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr5NWjDWJPfg5dwD0EuywEXBXfsVV4dgAgT_-HgCajwz4xgf8N4UoUCQ6eHcIuZdQ0d92VwkTgvjdSPvHrFHRBacx-BjWV6sRjLXkMq0spbWJofCel-UXK26mHSNatNklC0UcQnONg02G8Rrsy2A9wQK7yFHQyAt5Ol01CTNIcPSPr5GyGRkroptJx=w283-h400" width="283" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-45707222402460624902022-02-05T00:54:00.001+00:002022-02-05T00:54:23.996+00:00WASSAIL<p> Wake up the trees! Join us at Hilly Fields Wassail on Saturday 12th February, 2022. 3pm in the orchard. </p><p>That is just beyond the stone circle. <br /></p><p>Please bring your own mug if you can. We'll have Wassail (mulled cider) and hot spiced apple juice to share. </p><p>The orchard maintenance session will take place at 10-30 until 12.30 in the morning. If you wish to join us, it would be helpful to contact us: email hillyfields4@googlemail.com</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRby5JMlGW43Sxy80cIjQ1L6BdNyi4Opwli6jpr-r1lwvkRjF_aryM4vxwEK2peH5AlvhdvGYenJSGMsjWKUSlZ612P9qmREHdHh785s1Qvvb_D4F1OHOEiL0jcQ0ockN9LS3R3msfdrF2tU3QLYx1vP6KRVevi6ZacUXlsgF6ebS2AXuPYsGhODCk=s2413" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2413" data-original-width="2031" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRby5JMlGW43Sxy80cIjQ1L6BdNyi4Opwli6jpr-r1lwvkRjF_aryM4vxwEK2peH5AlvhdvGYenJSGMsjWKUSlZ612P9qmREHdHh785s1Qvvb_D4F1OHOEiL0jcQ0ockN9LS3R3msfdrF2tU3QLYx1vP6KRVevi6ZacUXlsgF6ebS2AXuPYsGhODCk=s320" width="269" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wassail Hilly Fields <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>hillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16461919915413171161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-56113438890895552202022-01-13T09:59:00.002+00:002022-01-15T19:17:22.442+00:00Hilly Fields Big Birdwatch 2022<p> Pleased to say that the Friends of Hilly Fields are going ahead with the Big Birdwatch this year after last year's lockdown. The event will be held on Sunday 30 January from 10.30-12.30 and is timed to coincide with the <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/">RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch</a> which takes place that weekend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXP2l3gNrEXXRPGha9LGib3Po2_GwFf4S9hOnmM5pe3MleoQ2ZQOh8i8EUN4xcr5xxhxyamuI1JWFb5k7rgcLDogoD2v8lCMt42lOummgbWb5CnhuBVXqZ2j4D8CtBYRD4IWBJOq5qO-0nNX1NtnXmRj878QIHPHEzy5vQDKWQi01hO5IiZGtkCtpE=s1754" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1754" data-original-width="1215" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXP2l3gNrEXXRPGha9LGib3Po2_GwFf4S9hOnmM5pe3MleoQ2ZQOh8i8EUN4xcr5xxhxyamuI1JWFb5k7rgcLDogoD2v8lCMt42lOummgbWb5CnhuBVXqZ2j4D8CtBYRD4IWBJOq5qO-0nNX1NtnXmRj878QIHPHEzy5vQDKWQi01hO5IiZGtkCtpE=w278-h400" width="278" /></a></div><br /><p>If you want to come along to Hilly Fields, the Friends will have a stall outside the cafe. You can either pick up a Bird ID form from there and go round by yourselves or join the guided walk at 11.00. If you have binoculars, please bring them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_ESWqZpoF0WVcGOJFm6-mzHhe5hPMwSs6V_qcF_XUiZN3eAUBIAWF2FVgnTgwNoRDaBF154HOqGEUrHQfgbv3AfkvcGnklq2T7_oJaqJJ0Bt-v3uBnVzzxNLLrX5KFYHITPJlmRa_uBF18iFJhJA4xlPDDW_G26LCUp-vwPeNQDoigeNob1ZQ15gO=s3509" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2481" data-original-width="3509" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_ESWqZpoF0WVcGOJFm6-mzHhe5hPMwSs6V_qcF_XUiZN3eAUBIAWF2FVgnTgwNoRDaBF154HOqGEUrHQfgbv3AfkvcGnklq2T7_oJaqJJ0Bt-v3uBnVzzxNLLrX5KFYHITPJlmRa_uBF18iFJhJA4xlPDDW_G26LCUp-vwPeNQDoigeNob1ZQ15gO=w400-h283" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>There will also be children's activities including a bird quiz and bird feeder making. Children are welcome to come on the walk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLdmSoQkZA5aMSEiBIf2t67yjHdAc9Kl-41D-BD8jJqt0CZlTKA36h_iGBysRPL0zI9-USIcfZ9zDaySsxoBRXtdSlUV41EaQWYatC3BQCtkdFpXkodM8eCY10fqNGIXxj9re10RYxC6W0_9a1rVUcJbjJrjDBTnMw2ONsN03Jjgmi5YXBYo21b4ET=s4025" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4025" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLdmSoQkZA5aMSEiBIf2t67yjHdAc9Kl-41D-BD8jJqt0CZlTKA36h_iGBysRPL0zI9-USIcfZ9zDaySsxoBRXtdSlUV41EaQWYatC3BQCtkdFpXkodM8eCY10fqNGIXxj9re10RYxC6W0_9a1rVUcJbjJrjDBTnMw2ONsN03Jjgmi5YXBYo21b4ET=w400-h323" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>If you go round by yourselves, please hand in your results at the stall afterwards. The basic rules are: <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>(i) only count the maximum number of each species that you see at any one time (to avoid duplication); (ii) don't count birds that fly over without stopping - only birds within the park. </b>We will collate the results at the end on our Big Blackboard and submit to the RSPB.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5GpS9-dyyqLs_MlD2tAqOdIL1SyZNo6916zZun7cNYxqnciqkbJSWBkf-WEMtIPG-Ov7OpGhfa8V_7iJzFvRsxeEN_wekWQSg-KzeCFS00J7QBAeKfKKa_uByOg756V438D7MfBN_NfgLrWRBYiWlrfQgvSbLblKxVPkyFEvvWzXEsnV09vh29xzf=s4320" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5GpS9-dyyqLs_MlD2tAqOdIL1SyZNo6916zZun7cNYxqnciqkbJSWBkf-WEMtIPG-Ov7OpGhfa8V_7iJzFvRsxeEN_wekWQSg-KzeCFS00J7QBAeKfKKa_uByOg756V438D7MfBN_NfgLrWRBYiWlrfQgvSbLblKxVPkyFEvvWzXEsnV09vh29xzf=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>And finally we will have copies of our much-praised Birds of Hillyfields booklet on sale for £3.50 if you haven't yet bought one. All proceeds go to the Friends group. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizfdmBkPSZ_JbVOudDQzCztCwikrfOF4-bL78ksf_zGc6upJwWrkprgjm9J6WMRnV6ZryLKyEi9BJnKoXK6hJhFpGbotJrXp5gScAxKQwvNkS3bWirERK3N2ZaFVBm3ZMVqDJWKS1BqmXWNlLHQpA_vDAxFDgNWOLomXL-pLuzxGe1KRdU8kMpdS3V=s851" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizfdmBkPSZ_JbVOudDQzCztCwikrfOF4-bL78ksf_zGc6upJwWrkprgjm9J6WMRnV6ZryLKyEi9BJnKoXK6hJhFpGbotJrXp5gScAxKQwvNkS3bWirERK3N2ZaFVBm3ZMVqDJWKS1BqmXWNlLHQpA_vDAxFDgNWOLomXL-pLuzxGe1KRdU8kMpdS3V=w283-h400" width="283" /></a></div><p>Hope to see you there.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-47080653858732535722021-12-07T18:01:00.003+00:002021-12-14T22:41:00.121+00:00Sparrowhawk On The Fence<p> Thanks to whoever shared this photograph on the Cliffview Road WhatsApp group last month. It shows a male sparrowhawk sitting on a fence in one of the gardens that back onto Hilly Fields. If you look closely, you can see a mouse or vole held between its talons. Proof that these marvellous birds of prey do prey in the gardens that border our park. And that they don't just prey on sparrows as their name suggests.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzFgkj8qQEs/Ya-UfRFOigI/AAAAAAAACm4/ZVtwZpA_mZE29dXggX9DEmzrKNQKD0ANgCNcBGAsYHQ/s667/PHOTO-2021-11-29-09-01-30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="667" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzFgkj8qQEs/Ya-UfRFOigI/AAAAAAAACm4/ZVtwZpA_mZE29dXggX9DEmzrKNQKD0ANgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PHOTO-2021-11-29-09-01-30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We have a similar photograph of a male sparrowhawk in our <i><b>Birds of Hilly Fields</b></i> booklet along with the following description: 'A woodland predator, it has evolved great skill in flying fast around and between trees and usually succeeds in catching prey through the element of surprise. Its extra long toes also help to catch birds in flight. The male is smaller than the female and has a less fierce, almost dopey look. It has a reddish barred chest and grey back, whereas the female has grey-brown barring to the chest, a white stripe over the eye and brown back.' This photo was taken in 2015 by Keith Ward in his Cliffview Rd back garden.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1I6T__zSzE/Ya-aCg4h8SI/AAAAAAAACnA/4w7ZusgkZeINgq5ktEBHe8VlCtmXlP7JACNcBGAsYHQ/s1050/Sparrowhawk%2B%2528Keith%2BWard%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1050" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1I6T__zSzE/Ya-aCg4h8SI/AAAAAAAACnA/4w7ZusgkZeINgq5ktEBHe8VlCtmXlP7JACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Sparrowhawk%2B%2528Keith%2BWard%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Our booklet has sold well, but copies are still available from the Hilly Fields cafe or online from <a href="https://supportmylocal.org/store/rachel-mooney/">https://supportmylocal.org/store/rachel-mooney/</a> where you can either buy it alone for £3.50 or in various deals with tote bags and other items. Ideal gifts for Christmas and all profits go to the Friends of Hilly Fields.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JfU7mJ5img/Ya-dXDbzzgI/AAAAAAAACnI/gsoonE9k7ykepgQUMZ2fWZU0KTUpJaYSwCNcBGAsYHQ/s851/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JfU7mJ5img/Ya-dXDbzzgI/AAAAAAAACnI/gsoonE9k7ykepgQUMZ2fWZU0KTUpJaYSwCNcBGAsYHQ/w283-h400/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><p>At the moment, the RSPB still intends to hold their annual Big Garden Birdwatch event at the end of January: <i>'Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park between 28 and 30 January 2022.' </i>Last year we had to cancel our Big Birdwatch event, but hopefully we will be able to hold it again on Hilly Fields on Sunday 30 January with the usual display table outside the cafe, ID sheets, activities for kids and a guided walk. More details next month.</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-66454730357507490742021-07-05T17:53:00.002+01:002021-07-05T18:04:02.968+01:00Five Nuthatch Fledglings<p style="text-align: justify;">Migrant Blackcaps arrived on Hilly Fields in early April this year, perhaps slightly delayed by uncooperative weather. Three males were seen in the park that month, but there was no sight or sound of that other common spring migrant, the Chiffchaff. The highest count during our monthly survey was 60 Starlings. A Greenfinch was heard of which more later. The Black-headed and Common Gulls that had been living off the Hilly Fields worm population all winter were gone. The complete count was 3 Blackbird, 3 Blackcap, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Crow, 1 Collared Dove, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Great Tit, 1 Greenfinch, 2 House Sparrow, 2 Magpie, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 7 Robin, 60 Starling, 1 Stock Dove, 4 Woodpigeon, 8 Wren.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkRsNeOYV9Y/YOMzJC_scoI/AAAAAAAACkk/yMOQ25w9D1EfHE-HbE2pMplmMt5lAhueACLcBGAsYHQ/s705/P1010651.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="705" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkRsNeOYV9Y/YOMzJC_scoI/AAAAAAAACkk/yMOQ25w9D1EfHE-HbE2pMplmMt5lAhueACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h276/P1010651.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starlings gang up on lone Gull.</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">The highlight of our May survey was seeing five Nuthatch fledglings. This is the second, possibly the third year in a row that Nuthatches have nested in the park. Perched on a maple branch close to where the path separates the north and east fields, they waited while their parents scouted for food. A pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers was also seen and five Swifts soaring overhead at one point. The complete count was 3 Blackbird, 2 Blackcap, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Crow, 10 Goldfinch, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Great Tit, 1 Herring Gull, 10 House Sparrow, 2 Magpie, 7 Nuthatch, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Ring-necked Parakeet, 10 Robin, 30 Starling, 5 Swift, 3 Woodpigeon, 4 Wren.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dw2zNvE_s4/YNoBbQJIzUI/AAAAAAAACjM/lLspOb9gZgoJD6E8zRZ04muYGWWYULBqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/P1120373.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1024" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dw2zNvE_s4/YNoBbQJIzUI/AAAAAAAACjM/lLspOb9gZgoJD6E8zRZ04muYGWWYULBqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h315/P1120373.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuthatch fledglings...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RODzQkSGFs0/YOMitxRfoHI/AAAAAAAACkU/zKF5ZlOf1Qslpupzvb7V9Wckpd5Dn1gRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s3945/P1120378.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2155" data-original-width="3945" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RODzQkSGFs0/YOMitxRfoHI/AAAAAAAACkU/zKF5ZlOf1Qslpupzvb7V9Wckpd5Dn1gRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h219/P1120378.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...anticipating food.</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">During our June survey, we were surprised to hear two Chiffchaffs singing. As we haven't heard or seen them in April and May, it's unlikely they've nested in the park, but more likely to be visiting from another local site. We also saw a female Greenfinch on the Lane which is not a common sight. Greenfinches are not fazed by humans staring through binoculars at them or pointing cameras and will stay in the same position for as long as it suits them. You can just about see the 'heavy-looking conical bill' (RSPB).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB8zNHtuZsE/YOMo5Qif5ZI/AAAAAAAACkc/0bBd8BW45gs369cJc6uLCalOSi7hGQFbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2168/P1120388.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="2168" height="271" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB8zNHtuZsE/YOMo5Qif5ZI/AAAAAAAACkc/0bBd8BW45gs369cJc6uLCalOSi7hGQFbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h271/P1120388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="text-align: center;">On the opposite side of the Lane, a female Great Spotted Woodpecker preened for at least five minutes which means I should really have got a better photo. But there you are.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-uEjvq48yU/YNoCVmy_-rI/AAAAAAAACjg/8VYiB2taME8btB1J9WJK8-hIPcZhyAVNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s3729/P1120390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2740" data-original-width="3729" height="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-uEjvq48yU/YNoCVmy_-rI/AAAAAAAACjg/8VYiB2taME8btB1J9WJK8-hIPcZhyAVNQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h294/P1120390.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The complete count for June was 3 Blackbird, 2 Blackcap, 2 Blue Tit, 4 Crow, 2 Feral Pigeon, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Great Tit, 1 Greenfinch, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Magpie, 2 Nuthatch, 3 Ring-necked Parakeet, 7 Robin, 3 Starling, 1 Swift, 2 Woodpigeon, 6 Wren.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Incidentally, if you're wondering where 'the Lane' is or any other locations mentioned, take a look at our new site map on the home page and right click on it to get a readable version.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Reminder: our new booklet <b>Birds of Hilly Fields</b>, produced by the Friends of Hilly Fields, has<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: justify;"> been selling well, despite lockdown. The feedback has been good, but we still have plenty of copies in stock. At present, it's available online (see link below) and can be purchased either by itself at £3.50 or with a tote cotton bag and postcards for £10. The link is </span><a href="https://supportmylocal.org/store/rachel-mooney/" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: justify;">https://supportmylocal.org/store/rachel-mooney/</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: justify;">We deliver to your door within a radius of 2 miles and all profits go to the Friends of Hilly Fields</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: justify;">. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lhh55ZXssw/YG3cTWzhPSI/AAAAAAAACh4/MHcxNFptwosxnqtGlnqr7z5xmr31Zi5BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s851/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lhh55ZXssw/YG3cTWzhPSI/AAAAAAAACh4/MHcxNFptwosxnqtGlnqr7z5xmr31Zi5BQCLcBGAsYHQ/w283-h400/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-6764890034044142682021-04-07T17:31:00.002+01:002021-07-09T08:59:57.489+01:00Of Doves and Dunnocks <p> Our January 2021 survey was covered in the previous post as it doubled for the RSPB Big Birdwatch count. The highlights were 150 gulls and 60 redwings in the north field. In our next survey on 22nd Feb, the redwings were still there but the number had dropped to 30. The gull count was down to only 10 black-headed gulls and 2 common gulls. Also of note were 24 starlings, 20 house sparrows, 11 robins and 5 dunnocks which is a record count for that species. Also recorded: 3 blackbirds, 3 blue tits, 6 carrion crows, 1 collared dove, 7 goldfinches, 4 great tits, 5 magpies, 5 ring-necked parakeets, 1 song thrush, 1 stock dove, 5 woodpigeons and 7 wrens. I think this is the first time we've seen collared dove and stock dove on the same survey. There's a photo of collared doves in our wonderful new <b>Birds of Hilly Fields</b> booklet (see below). The stock dove has a green patch on its neck and a buff breast.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCO4lWDzmlw/YG3adwxPLuI/AAAAAAAACho/B3PMq-bn2K83lVK80JDLEZqCudxQIXoUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/1200px-Columba_oenas1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCO4lWDzmlw/YG3adwxPLuI/AAAAAAAACho/B3PMq-bn2K83lVK80JDLEZqCudxQIXoUACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/1200px-Columba_oenas1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stock Dove (stock photo)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On the 22nd March survey, it was nice to see a chaffinch near the stone circle, a female great spotted woodpecker drumming on the Lane, a pair of long-tailed tits in the Shade Garden, a pair of very active nuthatches which looked as if scouting for a nest site again and a pied wagtail on the bowling green. Redwings were down to 5 and they've probably flown back to Scandinavia by now. Also recorded: 3 blackbirds, 1 blackcap, 3 blue tits, 4 crows, 1 collared dove (heard only), 2 dunnock, 2 goldfinches, 2 great tits, 4 house sparrows, 2 magpies, 2 ring-necked parakeets, 10 robins, 8 starlings, 1 stock dove (again!), 8 woodpigeons and 8 wrens. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAJhaZbk3rE/YG3bwarZjnI/AAAAAAAAChw/egw1I6LzcYQQCJcjATBEjWapjJdP3rorACLcBGAsYHQ/s951/Dunnock.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="951" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAJhaZbk3rE/YG3bwarZjnI/AAAAAAAAChw/egw1I6LzcYQQCJcjATBEjWapjJdP3rorACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h295/Dunnock.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dunnock on HF (doesn't always look this pretty)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Can't finish without mentioning our new booklet, <b>Birds of Hilly Fields</b>, produced by the Friends of Hilly Fields. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: justify;">It's been selling well, despite lockdown, and the feedback has been good, but we still have plenty of copies in stock. At present, it's available online (see link below) and can be purchased either by itself at £3.50 or with a tote cotton bag and postcards for £10. The link is </span><a href="https://supportmylocal.org/store/rachel-mooney/" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: justify;">https://supportmylocal.org/store/rachel-mooney/</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: justify;">We deliver to your door within a radius of 2 miles and all profits go to the Friends of Hilly Fields</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: justify;">. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lhh55ZXssw/YG3cTWzhPSI/AAAAAAAACh4/MHcxNFptwosxnqtGlnqr7z5xmr31Zi5BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s851/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lhh55ZXssw/YG3cTWzhPSI/AAAAAAAACh4/MHcxNFptwosxnqtGlnqr7z5xmr31Zi5BQCLcBGAsYHQ/w283-h400/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-22719700869453489582021-02-13T22:07:00.006+00:002021-02-14T08:19:17.186+00:00RSPB Big Birdwatch 2021<p style="text-align: justify;"> We've been holding Big Bird Watch events on Hilly Fields on the last Sunday in January since 2009. Alas, Covid-19 put a stop to that this year, but we managed to do a survey on Friday 29 January in two groups of two. Alas again, it rained from start to finish, probably the worst weather that we've ever surveyed in. Water was streaming off the hill. In the circumstances, a count of 19 species was not too shabby, particularly as it included 150 Black-headed Gulls in the north field which is probably a site record, 60 Redwings, 26 Starlings, 25 House Sparrows, 12 Robins and 10 Magpies. Sue also heard a Nuthatch calling and it's good to know that they're still around. Also recorded were 3 Blackbirds, 3 Blue Tits, 3 Crows, 1 Collared Dove, 7 Common Gulls, 1 Dunnock, 5 Goldfinch, 5 Great Tits, 2 Herring Gulls, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Woodpigeons and 1 Wren. We sent our results off to the RSPB for their annual survey.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gW-X8QXcpvU/YChKTYls9YI/AAAAAAAACgc/67tH04dtqoAEkjFCg1ssfUs9pEXGdgIqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2880/P1070616.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2880" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gW-X8QXcpvU/YChKTYls9YI/AAAAAAAACgc/67tH04dtqoAEkjFCg1ssfUs9pEXGdgIqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/P1070616.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-headed Gull - winter plumage</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The reason why we had so many gulls is simple. Rain brings worms to the surface. They listen to the rhythm of the falling rain and slink upward from their burrows. We saw them everywhere on the surface, on paths as well, and the gulls had a feast. Some of the other birds were joining in including the Redwings and Starlings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lb6Xt9Xf2gc/YChLi_gtb8I/AAAAAAAACg0/EEMFmByg5VQ9o6wzjIw3vetGzI8cqWl-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Black-headed%2BGulls%2Bin%2Bspring%2Bplumage.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lb6Xt9Xf2gc/YChLi_gtb8I/AAAAAAAACg0/EEMFmByg5VQ9o6wzjIw3vetGzI8cqWl-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Black-headed%2BGulls%2Bin%2Bspring%2Bplumage.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-headed Gulls breeding plumage in spring</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Just a reminder about our new booklet 'Birds of Hilly Fields'. It's been selling well, despite lockdown, and the feedback has been good, but we still have plenty of copies in stock. At present, it's available online (see link below) and can be purchased either by itself at £3.50 or with a tote cotton bag and postcards for £10. We deliver to your door within a radius of 2 miles and all profits go to the Friends of Hilly Fields. It can also be bought from the Hilly Fields cafe when open.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bFc3CIvZjw/YChMf6DtmtI/AAAAAAAACg8/ULBXmnje0zUcU7G2gGXixhAvXjKDk3mRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s851/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bFc3CIvZjw/YChMf6DtmtI/AAAAAAAACg8/ULBXmnje0zUcU7G2gGXixhAvXjKDk3mRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Booklet_Birds-of-Hilly-Fields-1-600x851.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> </span><a href="https://supportmylocal.org/store/rachel-mooney/" style="text-align: left;">https://supportmylocal.org/store/rachel-mooney/</a><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-18176866786677710362021-01-15T08:02:00.003+00:002021-01-28T17:51:12.218+00:00'Birds of Hilly Fields' <p><b>'Birds of Hilly Fields'</b> is a new 32 page booklet produced by the Friends of Hilly Fields. Based on the surveys we've conducted since 2007, it includes our bird list and 'pen portraits' of all 51
species recorded during that time, as well as selected photographs,
habitat description and advice on how to learn more about birds and how you can help them. Copies are only £3.50 and all profits go to the Friends of Hilly Fields. For the time being, please buy it from <a href="https://supportmylocal.org/store/rachel-mooney/product/birds-of-hilly-fields/">here</a>...although you can also buy copies directly from the Friends if you're friendly with us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAtMNqj1Ls8/YADAb1IJvVI/AAAAAAAACf8/u7Jzgsi0MtQVjo0AkpBZdkAHAzkAtB-xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s3163/P1120300.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3163" data-original-width="2354" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAtMNqj1Ls8/YADAb1IJvVI/AAAAAAAACf8/u7Jzgsi0MtQVjo0AkpBZdkAHAzkAtB-xwCLcBGAsYHQ/w298-h400/P1120300.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br /><p>We managed to keep the bird surveys going during 2020 despite the pandemic. The list of species recorded shows winter and spring as the peak months for activity (finding food, nest-building, mating, feeding chicks, arrival of spring migrants), the low point between July- Sept ('the quiet quarter') and then the gradual increase in numbers as gulls and starlings return for the winter and the cycle begins again.</p><p> Jan Feb March Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec</p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>24<span> <span> </span>24<span> </span><span> 16<span> </span><span> 21<span> </span><span> 16<span> </span><span> 17<span> </span><span> 13<span> </span><span> 11<span> </span><span> 12<span> </span><span> 17<span> </span><span> 22<span> </span><span> 22</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span> </span><span> </span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span> March was a low count as we had only one observer and he didn't stick around for long (I can tell you) as other people threatened his 2 metre space. 'Social distancing' was still a new concept. </span></span></p><p><span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gFszFyYltK8/YACItW2J3QI/AAAAAAAACfw/Uewc1Dpff5gmmsK2m4JgsWAecw9oFDPZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/P1120002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1024" height="323" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gFszFyYltK8/YACItW2J3QI/AAAAAAAACfw/Uewc1Dpff5gmmsK2m4JgsWAecw9oFDPZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h323/P1120002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuthatches about to...you know.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The highlight of the year was a pair of nuthatches who bred successfully for the first time in the park as far as we know, using a nest box near the tennis courts. Blackcaps and chiffchaffs returned in the spring and this time chiffchaffs stayed for the summer. It was nice to see greenfinches again in October, a pair of pied wagtails in November and a coal tit in December. Our friend Conrad saw a peregrine high overhead in December as well, though we don't count flyovers. Anyway, here's to 2021, more birds in Hilly Fields and hopefully a happier year.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-68307495097034885482020-04-24T16:58:00.001+01:002022-06-21T07:53:33.643+01:00The Upside Down Bird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
In the past, the Nuthatch has been an infrequent visitor to Hilly Fields, but since last September we've seen or heard them on our surveys every month. Now as recounted in the <a href="https://hillyfields.blogspot.com/2020/04/dawn-chorus-walk-2020.html">previous post</a> we've discovered that a pair are nesting in the park, which means that new little Nuthatches should soon be on the way. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54WBf5FGK-0/XqL-8ylUquI/AAAAAAAACcI/bQe-Gd3ZY2MtLcezavz_YJUy_ldtX-cwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/nuthatch-david-chapman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54WBf5FGK-0/XqL-8ylUquI/AAAAAAAACcI/bQe-Gd3ZY2MtLcezavz_YJUy_ldtX-cwACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/nuthatch-david-chapman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: David Chapman</td></tr>
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The Nuthatch is about the same size as a House Sparrow. It has a long pointed bill, blue-grey upperparts and buff underparts with chestnut flanks. It also has a long black stripe running through its eye to the back of its head. This and the pointed bill make it easy to identify. According to the RSPB, it is the only British bird which 'descends a tree trunk head first'. Why do Nuthatches go up and down tree trunks? To dig insects out of the bark, which is what the pointed bill is for. They also eat seeds which they store sometimes in cracks in the bark. And believe it or not, Nuthatches eat nuts which they wedge within cracks in the bark and crack open - again with that powerful bill. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuthatch on Hilly Fields just behind the tennis courts</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The female on the right is displaying to the male. Mating took place shortly after.</td></tr>
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Usually, Nuthatches nest in tree holes and have a well-known habit of plastering the rim of the hole with mud to reduce its diameter, thus preventing larger birds (eg. Magpies) from stealing the chicks or nestlings. On Hilly Fields, however, they're using one of the newly-installed Schwegler nest boxes which have small predator-proof holes.</div>
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The most common call of the nuthatch is easy to remember: a single note rapidly repeated, rather like someone whistling melodiously for their dog. It can be heard from 19 seconds onward in the video below.</div>
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Finally, Nuthatches do visit garden bird feeders and can be quite assertive towards other birds while doing so. This picture shows one in Keith Ward's garden which backs onto Hilly Fields. It seems even on feeders they prefer the upside down approach!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-11783520274641838022020-04-04T21:44:00.002+01:002020-04-05T07:53:08.259+01:00Dawn Chorus Walk 2020<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Rupert King has provided this report on the two person Dawn Chorus Walk on 2 April!</i></span><br />
Sadly, as with so many community events, the 2020 Dawn Chorus Walk around Hilly Fields Park had to be cancelled. So instead I met Rachel at 6.00am in the Shade Garden (next to the Bowling Club) to do our own Dawn Chorus Walk – while maintaining social distancing of course! It was a chilly start, overcast but still. The first songbirds we encountered were a blackbird, a robin, a wren and a dunnock, while a great tit called loudly above us. As we moved south along the perimeter path we came upon the large flock of resident sparrows busily chattering away in the dense bushes that line the rear gardens. Such a joyful sound!<br />
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The walk began to liven up as we reached the southeast boundary of the park with its rich mix of trees and shrubs: a song thrush singing loudly, some wood pigeons cooing softly and a greater spotted woodpecker hammering out his message across the park. We saw a small flock of redwings – winter visitors that will soon be flying north back to Scandinavia.<br />
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By the time we reached the Nature Area (south of the Stone Circle) the sun was rising – there was a brief blaze of colour on the eastern horizon before the sun disappeared behind a bank of cloud. As we hoped the Nature Area provided a proper chorus of birdsong this time including two rival blackcaps, a chiffchaff (our first summer visitors) and some twittering goldfinches. We were very pleased to see that a pair of great tits is now building a nest in a new Schwegler nest box – just 2 weeks after it was put up!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Blackcap</td></tr>
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As we listened intently to the birds we couldn’t help but notice how quiet the background noise was for a change. Just two planes passed overheard during our walk and traffic along the busy Adelaide Avenue has been reduced to a trickle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Chaffinch</td></tr>
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We carried on up Eastern Road with its rich mix of hawthorn and bramble scrub – perfect habitat for birds! Plenty of birdlife here and we discovered a wood pigeon sitting on a nest concealed in ivy. As we reached the top of the road we came upon two male chaffinches behaving very differently: one singing from a tree, the other attacking its own reflection in the wing mirror of a parked car! I have seen this obsessive behaviour before with dunnocks and pied wagtails. Indeed the bird was so obsessed we were able to approach to within a few feet to record it. When we saw a female chaffinch nearby we wondered aloud which male she might prefer?!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svGKmBcvFok/XojuG-jxsII/AAAAAAAACbg/pjiNIdDuRmcD5M2MqGsTqj_phRMWdkvzQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBfqpD0kK-FQEX16rE574q-aXTpS2QZ2s6XrW30lOT1Csfhjq3CjB6qGKXgBABPjLeLQkISwe0p-HuakGJsHxCPt8w-OAFerXFm0ye3pBunGRZ22_AhsUfXrR8ncSKDte8Jy49mvaccifU4DMNERWImXjnfcqGJ822kwqc-UfPRUKICBpskQqrgx_MODrGfnk79Y-6pte0jhGLOJBW1-DhVw1o9vJIlR0fhVTC1uB6F6hRINkLtTi3QphhLWynchMDhRJ4DjONOLJJsy3mErGSz2IziAH-QyWOJ2yi4AnV4RPy7kd7x2tzk8DznzJ-20A-rsOS6BPQG03fyYDsMKciHI8AGPL6sqjuK9XmkhxKYbqJSUqw-WPUsj-SC6lFdpcosf8fcSV42W9XDfCG39BfrGZqyeIiJ75aI9PiMRn0JRbhKhqxcWKOWE-4oSZ271TB-PGQfsIWa-48cC-KgEh4-Jc0MVlNzHS3CLHWfThTkzgIvMlBI_JqB-1NPDwzBdioYJOq4pbmSvQSslyE6clxms9k1ik4ZdC0i4lDotNjfTo1yBspKkrvMDZtQJLbjXNSbsT2lnIEZ_3njIbaApzlJYIZAmcdRSmVCMKvho_QF/s1600/thumbnail%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="787" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svGKmBcvFok/XojuG-jxsII/AAAAAAAACbg/pjiNIdDuRmcD5M2MqGsTqj_phRMWdkvzQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBfqpD0kK-FQEX16rE574q-aXTpS2QZ2s6XrW30lOT1Csfhjq3CjB6qGKXgBABPjLeLQkISwe0p-HuakGJsHxCPt8w-OAFerXFm0ye3pBunGRZ22_AhsUfXrR8ncSKDte8Jy49mvaccifU4DMNERWImXjnfcqGJ822kwqc-UfPRUKICBpskQqrgx_MODrGfnk79Y-6pte0jhGLOJBW1-DhVw1o9vJIlR0fhVTC1uB6F6hRINkLtTi3QphhLWynchMDhRJ4DjONOLJJsy3mErGSz2IziAH-QyWOJ2yi4AnV4RPy7kd7x2tzk8DznzJ-20A-rsOS6BPQG03fyYDsMKciHI8AGPL6sqjuK9XmkhxKYbqJSUqw-WPUsj-SC6lFdpcosf8fcSV42W9XDfCG39BfrGZqyeIiJ75aI9PiMRn0JRbhKhqxcWKOWE-4oSZ271TB-PGQfsIWa-48cC-KgEh4-Jc0MVlNzHS3CLHWfThTkzgIvMlBI_JqB-1NPDwzBdioYJOq4pbmSvQSslyE6clxms9k1ik4ZdC0i4lDotNjfTo1yBspKkrvMDZtQJLbjXNSbsT2lnIEZ_3njIbaApzlJYIZAmcdRSmVCMKvho_QF/s400/thumbnail%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The highlight of our walk was undoubtedly the sight of two noisy nuthatches who have taken over another Schwegler nest box near the tennis courts. This is a remarkable development. Personally I only started seeing nuthatches for the first time in the park and nearby cemetery last autumn. Now they are nesting in the park!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuthatch at nestbox</td></tr>
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During our walk we also saw several carrion crows (two pairs are nesting in the park), magpies, ring necked parakeets, starlings and blue tits. On our return to the Shade Garden we saw a pair of greater spotted woodpeckers and a solitary stock dove high up in the canopy – a bit of a rarity in the park. So in all we saw 21 bird species and heard a lot of birdsong. A successful walk and a delightful way to start the day!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-30433526277180489872020-03-29T17:01:00.000+01:002020-04-03T21:47:00.333+01:00The Birds Are Still Singing<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everywhere is closed except for supermarkets.</span> Everything has been cancelled or 'postponed' while we hide from Covid-19. Brockley Max has been postponed until August ('fingers crossed'). The BrocSoc Midsummer Fayre has been postponed until autumn ('hopefully'). And now to top it all the Friends of Hilly Fields Dawn Chorus Walk has been <b>cancelled</b>. Not postponed. Not resting. Cancelled. It is an ex-walk. There is <i>no</i> dawn chorus to be heard in August or autumn - it's a thing of the spring. But if we're very, very lucky, we might be able to hold one next year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lane</td></tr>
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The good news is that the birds are still singing. The residents such as Blackbird, Robin, Song Thrush and Wren can be heard every day on Hilly Fields and have been joined by the usual spring migrant warblers - Blackcap and Chiffchaff. And even more good news, we seem to have a resident pair of Nuthatches who've been seen and heard regularly over the last few weeks. Hopefully, they will nest in the park. So why not go up there on your daily exercise walk and have a listen? It doesn't have to be at dawn, but morning is the best time. A good place to hear the warblers is the lane that runs into the park from Eastern Road with all the trees on either side and the little wood beside it.<br />
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If you fancy learning a few bird songs to while away the time, there are loads of recordings on You Tube and the RSPB's website has audio recordings of all British birds along with identification features. A good one to start with is the Chiffchaff which has a simple repetitive song of staccato notes as per above. It's unforgettable. Listen to it on the web, then listen to it on Hilly Fields, but hurry. In the last two years, it hasn't hung around for very long. After that, you can try the more varied and melodious songs of the Blackcap and Song Thrush. Good luck and don't forget the social distancing! I'm going back into my bunker now.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-63349797207013384182020-02-01T12:41:00.000+00:002020-02-06T17:01:00.048+00:00Big Birdwatch 2020: The ResultsThis year's big birdwatch took place on the morning of 26th January. The sky was overcast most of the time, but the weather was mild and about a dozen people came with us on the guided walk. We spent a hour walking through most areas of the park and saw 24 species which is not a record, but a respectable tally. The highlights were a pair of nuthatches and 15 Redwing all seen in the east field.<br />
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The nuthatch has blue-grey upperparts, buff underparts, a black stripe across the side of its head and a long pointed bill which it uses to dig insects out of tree trunks. It is very agile and the only British bird that can descend a tree trunk head first. There are better photos on the web, but the one above (taken in Sydenham Hill Wood a few years ago) shows it in action. It has a distinctive call which can be listened to on the RSPB website. The fact that we saw two together is a hopeful sign that they will nest and breed in the park this coming spring.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redwings on Hilly Fields: 2018</td></tr>
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The Big Birdwatch is the first time we've seen Redwing in the park this winter. Redwings are thrushes which migrate here in the autumn from Scandinavia and depart in the early spring. Berries and fruits are their food of choice but when those are running out, they'll make do with worms and insects. The red under the wing which gives them their name is not always as obvious as in the above photo, but the white stripe arching over the eye is another distinctive feature.<br />
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The rest of the count as recorded on the Big Birdwatch Blackboard is as follows: 35 Black-headed Gull, 20 Starling, 12 Common Gull, 10 Goldfinch, 10 House Sparrow, 5 each of Great Tit, Robin and Woodpigeon, 4 each of Blue Tit, Crow and Ring-necked Parakeet, 3 each of Feral Pigeon and Magpie, 2 each of Blackbird and Chaffinch, 1 each of Coal Tit, Collared Dove, Dunnock, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Song Thrush and Wren.<br />
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Rachel and Emily did a sterling job on the Big Birdwatch Table outside the cafe and persuaded numerous children to make seedballs which hung from nearby trees at the end of the event. Thanks to the 'other bird champion' Sue and to Conrad, Lawrence and Rupert for lending their expertise, to Judith from Glendale for her support and to the cafe as always just for being there. Our Dawn Chorus Walk will be on <b>Thursday 2nd April</b> at <b>6.00 am</b>. See you there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-86390753616318219462020-01-06T17:03:00.001+00:002020-01-31T16:45:08.150+00:00Hilly Fields Big Birdwatch 2020Our annual Big Birdwatch event on Hilly Fields will take place this year on <b>Sunday 26 January</b> from <b>10.30 - 12.30</b>. As usual, this is timed to coincide with the RSBP Big Garden Birdwatch weekend. The Friends of Hilly Fields will have a stall outside the cafe with fun activities such as seed ball making for children and illustrated guide sheets to help you identify the birds you see in the park. Just remember the two golden rules: <b style="font-style: italic;">(i) only count the maximum number of each species that you see at any one time (to avoid duplication); (ii) don't count birds that fly over without stopping - only birds within the park. </b>Return your findings to us and the Friends will collate the results on the Big Blackboard. If you don't want to attempt it on your own, come on the guided tour which will start at <b>11.00 approx.</b><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JL1AZ7Fg-X8/WnnMFkCPWrI/AAAAAAAACSM/AKNZOlEeI7gpz2jPIIStSejULHYZ_6KdgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1100902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JL1AZ7Fg-X8/WnnMFkCPWrI/AAAAAAAACSM/AKNZOlEeI7gpz2jPIIStSejULHYZ_6KdgCLcBGAs/s400/P1100902.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our last three monthly surveys of 2019 have been encouraging with the count rising steadily from 17 species in October, 19 species in November, 24 species in December including both Song and Mistle Thrush, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Coal Tit and Greenfinch. Last year, a strong north wind meant one of the lowest counts we've had for January, so let's hope for decent weather this time round.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Juq3kIpdwAQ/XhNnUqBf4yI/AAAAAAAACZs/ggKSe48a5Dcr0HKWjzti6PZeQyci8MrPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1110911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1024" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Juq3kIpdwAQ/XhNnUqBf4yI/AAAAAAAACZs/ggKSe48a5Dcr0HKWjzti6PZeQyci8MrPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P1110911.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mistle Thrush, Hilly Fields, 19/12/19</td></tr>
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We've had several reports of a Tawny Owl being heard in or near the park. I heard one 'hooting' (it's actually their song) a few nights ago from the direction of Hilly Fields and my house is about 300 yards away as the owl flies. So if you live in the vicinity, keep an ear open. If you're lucky enough to see one in the park, please let us know. Nb. the Tawny Owl is smaller than you might think, averaging about the same size as a Woodpigeon.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thelife-animal.blogspot.com/2012/10/tawny-owl.html">https://thelife-animal.blogspot.com/2012/10/tawny-owl.html</a></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-41358522230124830772019-09-29T17:17:00.000+01:002019-10-05T08:04:39.259+01:00Falcon Over the FieldsOur monthly bird survey on 27 September was almost over, when Conrad spotted a Hobby being chased by Crows over the north field. We had only a brief glimpse at first, but it reappeared having shaken off its pursuers and spent five minutes gliding and swooping over the park. The Hobby has long wings for its body size and catches most of its prey in flight, so its aerial abilities are quite special. It feeds mainly on small birds (though it does catch Swifts) and insects including dragonflies. In this case it was feeding around the plane trees that line Hilly Fields Crescent and we saw it transfer an insect from claw to beak in mid-flight. The plumage was not as dark as usual, so our bird may have been a juvenile. It was either too high or too fast to get a photograph - the image below is from the NatureSpot website.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flPpWy4LrVc/XZCJUl_cFXI/AAAAAAAACYI/-i3BUTXWRRwv4VMxmoO-URq9IM1vHdKHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/med-p15o2bijqq1dm81d3177o1fp61e662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="235" height="391" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flPpWy4LrVc/XZCJUl_cFXI/AAAAAAAACYI/-i3BUTXWRRwv4VMxmoO-URq9IM1vHdKHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/med-p15o2bijqq1dm81d3177o1fp61e662.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Chris Lythall</td></tr>
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The Hobby is one of four wild falcons which can be seen in Britain. The other three - Peregrine, Kestrel and Merlin - are resident all year round, whereas the Hobby is a spring migrant which flies here from Africa to breed in our cooler climate and returns in autumn. The hobby we saw will be away any day now. Its scientific name is <i>Falco subbuteo</i> and yes - the fingertip football game <i>Subbuteo</i> is named after it. Its inventor Peter Adolph was a bird lover and first tried to patent the game under the name of 'The Hobby'. When that was turned down as being too general, he used the species name instead which in Latin means 'near to' (<i>sub</i>) 'a buzzard' (<i>buteo</i>).<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goBCit5ygpY/XZDHT3Ig6QI/AAAAAAAACYg/_PtU2bn9YmUfv64vT6duA98aCZAGTh6_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/subbuteo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1135" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goBCit5ygpY/XZDHT3Ig6QI/AAAAAAAACYg/_PtU2bn9YmUfv64vT6duA98aCZAGTh6_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/subbuteo-4.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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We recorded twenty other species that day which is a good record for the time of year. These were 14 Woodpigeons, 11 Feral Pigeons and 11 Magpies, 5 Robins (at least), 4 Great Tits, 3 each of Blackbirds, Blue Tits, Crows, Goldfinches, Jays and Wrens, 2 each of Black-headed Gulls, House Martins (passing over) and Song Thrushes, 1 each of Chiffchaff, Herring Gull, House Sparrow, Nuthatch, Ring-necked Parakeet and Starling. The Hobby can be celebrated as the <b>51st species on our list</b>, but let me also put in a word for the Crows. They tend to get taken for granted but are vigilant birds and defenders of the realm and they do draw attention to birds of prey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wS53lxpBJso/XZDbnnbOfUI/AAAAAAAACY4/g9X8iWIm55s-s2jP9KI3A8xmQmbQiUw9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1110871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1024" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wS53lxpBJso/XZDbnnbOfUI/AAAAAAAACY4/g9X8iWIm55s-s2jP9KI3A8xmQmbQiUw9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P1110871.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrion Crow on Hilly Fields, 27-9-19</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-26105576534102498942019-07-20T12:13:00.001+01:002019-07-20T12:55:03.985+01:00The Big Five-O<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After more than ten
years surveying birds on Hilly Fields, we have recorded our
49th and 50th species: a Redstart and a Linnet. The Redstart (a summer migrant) was a one-off sighting on the Cliffview Road edge of the
park. The Linnet (a member of the Finch family) was seen in
the same area and then heard singing for 2-3 weeks afterwards from
one of the long Veda Road gardens that back onto the park. It may
have nested and bred there. A revised list is at the end of this post. Thanks
to Rachel Mooney and her neighbour Eddy on Cliffview Road for
reporting these sightings. The images below are from the website of Bob Jones, aka Bob the Birder.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwH42tdl79E/XTLy7rC6tTI/AAAAAAAACXg/RRRlE9cJ0dMRMpx1sUFGT_DMcduxHb86wCLcBGAs/s1600/js640_047_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="492" height="390" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwH42tdl79E/XTLy7rC6tTI/AAAAAAAACXg/RRRlE9cJ0dMRMpx1sUFGT_DMcduxHb86wCLcBGAs/s400/js640_047_1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Redstart</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ef-RTXIIeYY/XTLxjs-oPqI/AAAAAAAACXU/wkcEYJsnIK8XMefpYxSzG1_9e2chrGeAwCLcBGAs/s1600/js640_039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="497" height="385" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ef-RTXIIeYY/XTLxjs-oPqI/AAAAAAAACXU/wkcEYJsnIK8XMefpYxSzG1_9e2chrGeAwCLcBGAs/s400/js640_039.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Linnet</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">The results of our monthly survey in June are as follows:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6 Blackbirds, 3
Blackcaps, 1 Blue Tit, 7 Crows, 1 Collared Dove, 6 Goldfinches, 1
Great Tit, 1 Greenfinch, 1 House Sparrow, 2 Magpies, 1 Nuthatch, 1
Ring-necked Parakeet, 3 Robins, 2 Song Thrushes, 1 Swift, 4
Woodpigeons, 8 Wrens and 2 Starlings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A total of 18 species which is good considering that the main breeding season has come to an
end and bird life in the park is calming down. It was particularly nice to see and hear the Song Thrushes and to hear the Nuthatch.
Nuthatches have been seen on at least one local bird feeder, so presumably have nested somewhere in the neighbourhood.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1H0-04METOU/XTL2httuonI/AAAAAAAACXs/T9rGtbn4KBQJhsj31U_MM8MFt8ImlRFTQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1110578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1H0-04METOU/XTL2httuonI/AAAAAAAACXs/T9rGtbn4KBQJhsj31U_MM8MFt8ImlRFTQCLcBGAs/s400/P1110578.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Song Thrush</td></tr>
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<b style="color: navy; font-family: arial, serif;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="color: navy; font-family: arial, serif;"><b style="color: navy; font-family: arial, serif;">BIRDS
OF HILLY FIELDS: 2007-2019</b></b></div>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 100%; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><u><b>Everyday</b></u></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>1. Blackbird</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>2.
Black-headed Gull </b></span></span></span></span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>3.
Blue Tit</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>4.
Carrion Crow</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>5.
Common Gull </b></span></span></span></span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>6.
Goldfinch</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>7.
Great Tit</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>8.
House Sparrow</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>9.
Magpie</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>10.
Ring-necked Parakeet</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>11.
Robin</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>12. Woodpigeon</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>13. Wren</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><u><b>Regular</b></u></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>14. Blackcap
</b></span></span></span></span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>15. Chaffinch</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>16. Chiffchaff
</b></span></span></span></span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>17. Common
Swift </b></span></span></span></span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>18. Dunnock</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>19. Feral
Pigeon</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>20. Great
Spotted Woodpecker</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>21. Greenfinch</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>22. Jay</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>23. Long-tailed
Tit</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>24. Mistle
Thrush</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>25. Pied
Wagtail</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>26. Starling</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><u><b>Occasional</b></u></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>27. Coal
Tit</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>28. Collared
Dove</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>29. Fieldfare</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>30. Goldcrest</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>31. Green
Woodpecker</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>32. Herring
Gull</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>33. House
Martin</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>34. Kestrel</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>35. Lesser
Black-backed Gull</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>36. Nuthatch</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>37. Redwing</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>38. Song
Thrush </b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>39. Sparrowhawk</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>40. Stock
Dove</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>41. Tawny
Owl (heard, not seen)</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>42. Willow
Warbler</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><u><b>Rare*</b></u></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>43. Bullfinch</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>44. Cuckoo
(heard not seen)</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>45. Linnet</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>46. Little
Owl</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>47. Mallard</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>48. Redstart</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>49. Short-eared
Owl</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span lang="en-US"><b>50. Spotted
Flycatcher</b></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
* = rare on Hilly Fields, not nationwide</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-10784422125438731802019-03-20T22:34:00.000+00:002019-03-20T22:34:02.320+00:00Dawn Chorus Walk 2019This year's dawn chorus walk will be held on Thursday 4 April, starting at 6 am. We will meet outside the Hilly Fields cafe.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nz5jeLa4198/XJK-VatuFNI/AAAAAAAACWE/Pav_OgVQXZ08niuWkMmblF8uScsAkEioQCLcBGAs/s1600/_1050682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nz5jeLa4198/XJK-VatuFNI/AAAAAAAACWE/Pav_OgVQXZ08niuWkMmblF8uScsAkEioQCLcBGAs/s400/_1050682.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_551923573"></span><span id="goog_551923574"></span><br />
One of our bird champions will lead the walk identifying birds by their calls and song. As it gradually gets lighter, we should get clear sightings of all the common birds and perhaps some of the less common.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8vKg_z3UG4/XJK-5b98G8I/AAAAAAAACWM/tdBO3a9sbe0TvSarruoZjGSIE31UlKaeACLcBGAs/s1600/P1110478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8vKg_z3UG4/XJK-5b98G8I/AAAAAAAACWM/tdBO3a9sbe0TvSarruoZjGSIE31UlKaeACLcBGAs/s400/P1110478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As in previous years, the walk will continue to the Brockley and Ladywell cemeteries where a member of the Friends Group will let us in. The walk will be over before 8 am, but people can leave at any time if work calls! We look forward to seeing you there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBT4NonIhAE/XJK_ipXhW9I/AAAAAAAACWU/ASkOgfmszlcIGevfBfErSEiWFUI4x5eLwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1040287%2B%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBT4NonIhAE/XJK_ipXhW9I/AAAAAAAACWU/ASkOgfmszlcIGevfBfErSEiWFUI4x5eLwCLcBGAs/s400/P1040287%2B%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-31221600660760118582019-02-01T22:41:00.000+00:002019-02-01T22:44:13.747+00:00Big Birdwatch 2019: The ResultsA cold sharp wind blowing from the North West affected this year's Big Bird Watch and although a good number of people came round on the guided tour, the weather conditions kept bird numbers down. Gulls are made of hardy stuff though and they were out in force on the north field - 36 Black-headed and 10 Common. We saw a flock of 20 Starling, another flock of 12 Goldfinch and it was also nice to see a Jay, the most colourful member of the Corvid family.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szJsB_zLxuM/XFTKgjZuKsI/AAAAAAAACVY/pVMcmkEejtMrpCEmCMeVzD4VP4d9fnAYwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020768%2B%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szJsB_zLxuM/XFTKgjZuKsI/AAAAAAAACVY/pVMcmkEejtMrpCEmCMeVzD4VP4d9fnAYwCLcBGAs/s400/P1020768%2B%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Other than that, it was the usual suspects: 11 Crows, 9 Woodpigeons, 8 Feral Pigeons, 6 Blackbirds, 6 Magpies, 4 Blue Tits, 4 Parakeets, 4 Robins, 2 Great Tits, 2 House Sparrows, 2 Long-tailed Tits and 2 Wrens - a total of 17 species, some way below the usual tally for these events. Never mind - our monthly surveys demonstrate that the birds are still around. They just don't like piercing cold winds any more than we do!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UukeCgrSceg/XFSz6N1ya9I/AAAAAAAACVM/zxZSMv-OyOcl6VlZ4fdTTMpVFMvgJdKkgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1110439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UukeCgrSceg/XFSz6N1ya9I/AAAAAAAACVM/zxZSMv-OyOcl6VlZ4fdTTMpVFMvgJdKkgCLcBGAs/s400/P1110439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At the stall outside the cafe, around 12 children enjoyed themselves making fat balls and bird feeders during the course of the morning. We also sold a few bird books kindly donated by Crofton Books which helped raise funds for the Friends of Hilly Fields. Thanks to Rachel from the Friends for all the work she put into this event, to Judith of Glendale who donated seeds and lard, to Richard from Brocsoc for help on the stall (and Trudy) and to ace birder Conrad who came round with us on the walk. Here's to better luck and better weather next year!<br />
<br />
<b>Our next bird event will be the annual Dawn Chorus Walk, currently scheduled for Thursday 4 April at 6am.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-59202782822155726042019-01-06T22:40:00.000+00:002019-01-06T22:42:46.166+00:00Big Birdwatch Event: 27 January 2019Saturday 26 January to Monday 28 January is the <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/">RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch</a> - an annual bird count in gardens and green spaces across Britain. And as we have done for the last ten years, the Friends of Hilly Fields will be holding our own Big Birdwatch event on Hilly Fields on Sunday 27th January from <b>10.30 to 12.30</b>. During that period with your help, we will try to identify and count all the birds in the park.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9e0QYpz3Zw/XDJ4HfkID5I/AAAAAAAACUc/MT5PUEuNssQKe0MNs0ZnvQ5hesr7D5VCgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1100902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9e0QYpz3Zw/XDJ4HfkID5I/AAAAAAAACUc/MT5PUEuNssQKe0MNs0ZnvQ5hesr7D5VCgCLcBGAs/s400/P1100902.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We'll be based outside the cafe and will have the Big Blackboard on which to record sightings. We'll have fun activities such as seed ball making for children and guide sheets to help you identify the birds you see in the park. Just remember the two golden rules: <i><b>(i) only count the maximum number of each species that you see at any one time (to avoid duplication); (ii) don't count birds that fly over without stopping - only birds within the park. </b></i>And if you don't want to attempt it on your own, come on the guided tour which will start at <b>11.00 approx.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9-6zO19jFw/XDJ75sxipBI/AAAAAAAACUo/a_7rkdHGhP42fE-9gmySNt4cy0diq029wCLcBGAs/s1600/P1110428%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="910" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9-6zO19jFw/XDJ75sxipBI/AAAAAAAACUo/a_7rkdHGhP42fE-9gmySNt4cy0diq029wCLcBGAs/s400/P1110428%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's a pretty boy then? Long-tailed Tit admiring itself on Hilly Fields</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What birds might you see and hear? Great Tits, Blue Tits, possibly Long-tailed Tits, Robins, Blackbirds, Crows, Magpies, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Starlings, Goldfinches, Thrushes and more. Last year, we recorded 23 species (the most common were Starlings and Black-headed Gulls). Let's see if we can match that this year - or even beat it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwP1l2u2cnc/XDKAyWhMMlI/AAAAAAAACVA/E4KHS6kGkL8Dfgs33MRpD8V6Z4UJ3QtgACLcBGAs/s1600/P1070777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwP1l2u2cnc/XDKAyWhMMlI/AAAAAAAACVA/E4KHS6kGkL8Dfgs33MRpD8V6Z4UJ3QtgACLcBGAs/s400/P1070777.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starlings on Hilly Fields</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By the way, children are welcome at this event. It's all about raising awareness of the nature on our doorsteps and the need to support and protect wildlife. And inspiring the next generation to carry that on.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1WI0huECfw/XDJ9opjVS8I/AAAAAAAACU4/UptqJDvbjWMDHLPQB44LCSrOY8n2fvjKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1060026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="1600" height="321" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1WI0huECfw/XDJ9opjVS8I/AAAAAAAACU4/UptqJDvbjWMDHLPQB44LCSrOY8n2fvjKgCEwYBhgL/s400/P1060026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-16046425137841400722018-03-17T13:21:00.000+00:002018-03-17T13:23:22.485+00:00Dawn Chorus WalkThe next Dawn Chorus Walk will be held on <b>Thursday 29 March</b>. Meet outside the cafe at <b>6 am</b> for a walk around Hilly Fields and the Brockley and Ladywell cemeteries. Listen to the birds greeting the dawn, see the birds and, depending on weather conditions, see the sunrise. You'll feel so much better for it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVnvgSEyJhM/Wq0VuZ4FKCI/AAAAAAAACTg/sHH17vFn1yQC_RvF2emR9UKkYXlBsXKkwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/_1050682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVnvgSEyJhM/Wq0VuZ4FKCI/AAAAAAAACTg/sHH17vFn1yQC_RvF2emR9UKkYXlBsXKkwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/_1050682.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Birds we should definitely hear include Great Tits, Blue Tits, Blackbirds, Robins and Wrens. Birds we may hear include Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, Goldfinches and Starlings. We'll be finished by 8 am though people can get away whenever they need to. Hope to see you there.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkvyB5F-M7o/Wq0PYiVvmvI/AAAAAAAACTM/BkU7aQ-S2w4uIUwbBXnlLvGr9HU4y5LaQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1090295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkvyB5F-M7o/Wq0PYiVvmvI/AAAAAAAACTM/BkU7aQ-S2w4uIUwbBXnlLvGr9HU4y5LaQCLcBGAs/s400/P1090295.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Tit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403478779818223352.post-9282799958059671482018-03-07T17:55:00.002+00:002018-03-07T17:55:41.298+00:00RedwingsRedwings have been seen twice this week on Hilly Fields, twittering in the trees and feeding on the ground near the stone circle. I counted circa 40 birds on Monday afternoon and Rachel saw a similar number this morning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2ZNcWeBfBc/WqAl2aVNg9I/AAAAAAAACS0/_5olnUqTKc8mblTZ47dwvoJEpqRpDaN6ACLcBGAs/s1600/P1110001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1024" height="242" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2ZNcWeBfBc/WqAl2aVNg9I/AAAAAAAACS0/_5olnUqTKc8mblTZ47dwvoJEpqRpDaN6ACLcBGAs/s400/P1110001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Redwings are members of the Thrush family, as are Blackbirds, Fieldfares and of course the Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush (and, further north, the Ring Ouzel). Redwings get their name from a red patch under the wing which can clearly be seen in my photos but isn't always visible. The stripes around the head are a more reliable ID feature, particularly the creamy white stripe over the eye. They have a similar spotted breast to other thrushes. Their twittering is a form of 'subsong' which the dictionary describes as 'an unstructured, often rambling vocalisation of low volume'. I couldn't have put it better myself.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2t7vULJ9Wc/WqAmPD4QS_I/AAAAAAAACS4/SDfSKe4_KsM-fNxFwlOMgko3qv6r56uAgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1110007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2t7vULJ9Wc/WqAmPD4QS_I/AAAAAAAACS4/SDfSKe4_KsM-fNxFwlOMgko3qv6r56uAgCLcBGAs/s400/P1110007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Most of the Redwings seen in Southern Britain are migrants from Scandinavia. They arrive in autumn and feed on fallen fruit and berries. They get through the winter mainly on a diet of earthworms and depart in early spring. It's unusual to see so many on the ground in Hilly Fields, but they would have been frustrated by last week's snow and are making up for it now. They'll also be 'feeding up' for the flight home. The 'subsong' is usually a sign that they're thinking of departure and also of courtship when they get back. It's lovely to see and hear them. Let's hope they return in similar numbers in the autumn.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2