January's highlights in what was otherwise a dull month were a drake Scaup back on No 4 and a Barn Owl as well as the long-staying Great White Egret. Collective efforts on New Year's Day saw 64 species recorded which was one below last year. With the weather relatively mild, only eight more species were added across the rest of the month with the 72 total one less than last year. It is also two down on the year before and three below 2020 so let's hope we can buck the trend next year.
Late News: It turns out the month was not so dull after all with AW having a Little Owl on the side of No 4 on January 23. It may be the first record this century although they are seen regularly - if with difficulty - further south down the Lea Valley. It means the total was 73.
The visiting Barn Owl received the traditional Wetlands' welcome @MLP
The Wetlands used to be one of the capital's most regular sites for Scaup with a drake wintering for five years from 2014. In recent times, any appearances at Walthamstow have been both sporadic and brief. But the smart drake found by PL on No 4 on the 5th remained throughout the month to raise hopes that it will again be a familiar sight.
Compared to last year when up to three birds were regularly seen, Goosander have been scarce this winter with a maximum count of two and records on only a couple of days in January. Up to seven Goldeneye are wintering although counting is difficult as they appear to be moving between reservoirs more this year.
January is rarely a good month for waders but the colder weather mid-month saw a small movement of Lapwing with five on the 13th & 21st and nine two days later. Singles were also seen on the 3rd, 19th and 25th. The first Green Sandpiper of the year was seen on the 18th with two seen next day and until the 25th.
The Great White Egret made itself very much at home pic @Elliott81758817
November's Great White Egret continues to find the Wetlands to its liking. It was seen throughout the month, often on the islands of No 3 reservoir or East Warwick. The first Buzzard of the year was seen on 21st with a second on the 23rd. Barn Owl, although still rare, appears to becoming slightly more regular at the Wetlands. The bird found by MLP flying over East Warwick - with the usual welcoming committee of crows - is the fourth record in less than 12 months. Kingfishers continued to put on a good show with pairs on both the north and south sides.
The berries around the the Sensory Garden attracted small numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare. Despite the removal of so much of the bramble from the sides of East and West Warwick - which is sadly going to have an impact on the numbers of Whitethroat and Sedge Warblers this summer - at least one pair of Stonechats fed on the stubble.
DB @porthkillier
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