Bird Migration in September 2009

Wanstead Flats continues to provide excitement by providing a host of bird species over the last few weeks. Whilst Whinchats and Wheatear are still around, it seems now to be the turn of Spotted Flycatchers.

Stuart Fisher counted at least 7 Spotted Flycatchers on his way home on 7th September, plus a female or immature Redstart, 8 Blackcap and a Hobby. The previous day (6th) in Wanstead Park he had a brief view of a female Garganey on the Heronry Pond before she flew off, and also 5 Teal.

Before 8am on the 8th, Tim Harris reported just one Wheatear and one Whinchat on Wanstead Flats, so it seems that some change had occurred from the previous week or two. Perhaps the smaller migrants had been ousted by the incredible number of Canada Geese that morning: 324!

Tim Harris captured the photograph below of one of the Spotted Flycatchers near Long Wood.

Spotted Flycatcher