BEDDINGTON FARMLANDS APRIL 2011 HIGHLIGHTS AND SUMMARY

Common Crane on April 25th was the highlight of the month. Two birds also flew over on 16th.

2 Wood Sandpipers on 30th were very approachable. There was still a Green Sandpiper on the last day of the month- the last of the wintering birds.

April is becoming known for it's impressive raptor passage over Beddington. There were up to 20 Common Buzzards on one day (reported nearly every day with 80+ through the whole month) and also nine Red Kites and 3 Marsh Harriers through .

April 2011 stands out for its impressive Wheatear passage with several waves of migrants utilising the new mound habitat.

Chiffchaffs seem to be doing well with 4-5 singing birds still holding territories by the end of the month. Singing Willow Warblers earlier in the months moved on.

The obliging Tree Pipit presented a rare opportunity at Beddington to see one well- usually they are seen in flight calling overhead.

Late April begins the prime time for wader passage which goes on into May and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits on April 29th were part of a regional movement right across the south-east. 2-3 LRPs were present throughout and by the end of the month there were Greenshanks (up to 11), Common Sandpipers (max 5), Redshank, Ringed Plover and Curlew recorded.

Four singing male Lesser Whitethroats by the end of the month mark a good showing of this species. Common Whitethroat also appeared in good numbers with 40+ singing males. Reed Warblers are also doing well with 15-20 territories. Sedge Warblers were pretty thin on the ground. One Grasshopper Warbler was recorded.

Previous Aprils at Beddington:
Highlights of April and early spring 2010
http://peteralfreybirdingnotebook.blogspot.com/2010/04/spring-migration-beddington-farmlands.html
Good April day in 2009
http://peteralfreybirdingnotebook.blogspot.com/2009/04/beddington-130409.html