Chris Farthing

@chris-farthing.bsky.social

Birding in the LNHS recording area. Sites most often visited (in decreasing order of frequency): Woodberry Wetlands Walthamstow Wetlands King George V Reservoir Rainham Marshes Cheshunt/Fishers Green Also invertebrates.

Bar-tailed Godwits are fairly scarce away from the coast in the winter in the UK. This bird in spectacular transitional plumage was on Lockwood reservoir at Walthamstow Wetlands first thing this morning (March 17th). We also had one last winter, on Feb 7th. #londonbirds

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Early migrants seem a bit thin on the ground this year. After a couple of Sand Martins on Lockwood Reservoir at Walthamstow on March 10th, this drake Garganey was at King George V Reservoir on the 13th. Some of the supporting cast were more photogenic (Drake Smew & Black Redstarts). #londonbirds

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Why do patch birders bother? Today I went out in the dark on a wet & windy day. Didn't see much, but 10 miles in, heard the familiar call of a Great Northern Diver. The next hour was mostly panic but eventually I got good views and so did the regulars. @E17wetlands #londonbirds

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I was on the 279 bus home from KGV Res. (close views of Great Northern Diver in murky light) when news came through of 3 Whooper Swans on no.5 Res. @E17Wetlands. I jumped off and got on the 123, still on a hopper fare (thanks @SadiqKhan) and was soon +1 for the London list.

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Still no Yellow-browed Warbler on patch but can't really grumble about the current birds on offer. Photos show 3 Black-necked Grebe, f-type Wheatear, Barnacle Goose at Walthamstow Wetlands this morning. Also seen: 3 Common Sandpiper, Stonechats.

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