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Greater London

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus ©Ian Coleman Website

Birding London

The area of Greater London is covered by the London Natural History Society who publish the London Bird Report. The report being based on a 20-mile radius form St Pauls cathedral has covered the same area since its first publication. It therefore extends into parts of Berks/Bucks, Essex, Herts, Kent and Surrey. The report covers an area of Surrey, that was previously in Middlesex that is not covered by the Surrey Bird Report (which is based on the old vice County of Surrey). The report also covers other small areas that are omitted from other reports due to county boundary changes, but also overlaps with the bird reports covering these respective Counties.

Despite the area’s urbanised state, a surprising tally of 370 species have been seen in London. Whilst undoubtedly central London is ornithological speaking rather poor, a surprising variety of birds can be seen in some of the parks and on the River Thames that runs east-west through the whole recording area. The Thames dominates the east, where it is tidal, flowing through the remnants of the Thames-side marshes in Essex and Kent, through Central London up to Ham Lock, where the tidal flow stops and the river becomes fresh water. The presence of the tidal Thames has brought many coastal birds into central London. An influx of Guillemots in 1986, were seen as far up as Brentford. The gales of October 1987 brought an influx of sea birds into all parts of the London area, with many Sabine’s Gulls being seen, along with Leach’s Petrels, Red-necked and Grey Phalaropes; and Pomarine and Great Skuas, along with other birds as a supporting cast. In 1994 a Fulmar was even seen flying under Tower Bridge.

The East, both north and south of the Thames is dominated by the remaining Thames-side marshes, which still attract, but in much reduced numbers raptors, owls and other coastal species. The northeast is dominated by the Lea Valley with its complex of gravel pits and reservoirs. North London has a lot of small but bird-rich suburban sites such as Woodberry Wetlands, Alexandra Park, Hampstead Heath and Brent Reservoir. The West, by the gravel pit complexes in the Colne Valley and the West London and Surrey reservoirs and adjacent gravel pits that extend from the M4, southwest towards Molesey. The south is primarily known for its large parks such as Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common as well as Beddington Farmlands, which has very restricted access although there are plans to convert it to a Country Park. Also south London is home to the London Wetland Centre in Barnes which is now the best place in London to see Bittern in winter.

Changes have occurred, as they have elsewhere throughout the UK. Wryneck and Red-backed Shrikes have long since disappeared as London breeding birds, and more recently so have Tree Pipit, Common Redstart and Wood Warbler. But, on the other hand Little Ringed Plover, Collared Dove and Black Redstart all colonised in the Twentieth Century. Raptors such as Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Peregrine and even Marsh Harrier all breed in the area and are continuing to increase. Avocets have even managed to breed a few times and may yet colonise London. Some of the declines are due to habitat loss through expanding urbanisation; others are in line with those experienced in other parts of the UK.

So despite its apparent lack of appeal, London has a wealth of birds to offer, whether it is for the casual birdwatcher, or to those who hunt rarities.

The sites below are within the Greater London area and carry brief accounts of what might be seen at each location. These sites are those that on a regular basis turn up the more interesting birds, as per the London Bird Report – for further details and more sites see the London Bird Club wiki.

Top Sites

Alexandra Park
Satellite View
Migrant passerines in spring and autumn.
Battersea Park
Satellite View
Migrant passerines in spring and autumn.
Bedfont Lakes Country Park
Satellite View
Migrants in spring and autumn. Bittern and Smew in winter.
Brent Reservoir
Satellite View
Migrants in spring and autumn, including wildfowl, raptors, terns and passerines. Large Common Tern colony. Wildfowl in winter with the occasional rare Grebes, Bittern and Smew. Moderate sized Gull roost.
Bushy Park
Satellite View
Migrant passerines in spring and autumn. Occasionally wintering Stonechat and Dartford warbler. Goosander in winter.
Hampstead Heath
Satellite View
Migrant passerines in spring and autumn. Also a good site for celebrity watching.
Hounslow Heath
Webpage Satellite View
Migrant passerines in spring and autumn. Jack Snipe and Stonechat in winter.
King George V Reservoir
Satellite View
Large London reservoir at which anything can turn up at any time if conditions are right. Permit required from Thames Water.
London Wetland Centre
Information Satellite View
An urban oasis for wildlife and people, just 10 minutes from Hammersmith. Stroll among the lakes, ponds and gardens. The café is perfect for relaxing, and kids will love the play areas.
Rainham Marsh
Webpage Satellite View
One of very few ancient landscapes remaining in London, these medieval marshes right next to the River Thames were closed to the public for over 100 years and used as a military firing range.
Regents Park
Satellite View
Migrant passerines in spring and autumn. Also has an impressive record of raptors during passage periods.
Richmond Park
Satellite View
Migrant passerines in spring and autumn. Breeding Mandarins.
Royal Albert Dock
Satellite View
Good site in winter for wildfowl, including Divers, sea ducks and Smew.
Royal Victoria Dock
Satellite View
Good site in winter for wildfowl, including Divers, sea ducks and Smew.
Staines Reservoirs
Satellite View
Viewing from the causeway between the two reservoirs… good for wintering black redstart, passage migrants and winter wildfowl etc. Park very carefully off the road near the old water pumping station.
Walthamstow Wetlands
Website Satellite View
Welcome to Walthamstow Wetlands, a new nature reserve now open to the public. Just 15 minutes from central London, you will find a unique haven to explore, enjoy and connect with your better nature. A 211 hectare operational Thames Water site, Walthamstow Wetlands has been designed to give you an unforgettable experience getting close to nature.
Wraysbury
Satellite View
See Berkshire Page

Contributors

Chris Lamsdell
http://lamsdell.blogspot.co.uk
Andrew Self
Revised Intro 2018 See Below

County Recorder

Roger Payne
40 Lyndhurst Drive, Harpenden, Herts AL5 5RU
rogerwpayne@gmail.com
07930 608005

Number of Species

Number of bird species: 362

[There is no county bird as yet, but several have been suggested including the cockney sparrow, London pigeon (columba livia); Kestrel (symbol of the OS) and Black Redstart which colonised the bombed out buildings after the second world war…]

Useful Reading

Birdwatching London

| (All the Best Places to See Birds in the Capital) | by David Darrell-Lambert | Safe Haven Books | 2018 | Paperback | 192 pages, colour photos, 1 colour map | ISBN: 9780993291159 Buy this book from NHBS.com
The Birds of London

| By Andrew Self | Christopher Helm | 2014 | Hardback | 464 Pages | 32 Colour Plates | 150+ Illustrations | ISBN: 9781408194041 Buy this book from NHBS.com
The Breeding Birds of the London Area

| Edited by Jan Hewlett | London Natural History Society | 2002 | Paperback | 294 pages, line illustrations, distribution maps | ISBN: 9780901009128 Buy this book from NHBS.com
The London Bird Atlas

| By Ian Woodward, Richard W Arnold & Neil Smith | John Beaufoy Books | 2017 | Hardback | 416 pages, 200 colour photos, 500 colour distribution maps, colour tables | ISBN: 9781909612990 Buy this book from NHBS.com

Useful Information

Nature Reserves of London
Interactive Map
I hope the map will encourage Londoners and tourists alike to discover and enjoy a wild space local to them, and embrace the enormous area of woodlands, wetlands and parkland London had to offer.
London Bird Report (sales)

Catherine Schmitt, 4 Falkland Avenue, London, N3 1QR.

Museums & Universities

Capel Manor College - Arboriculture & Countryside
Courses
A career working in arboriculture, countryside management, environmental conservation or outdoor adventure is for you if you have a passion for the outdoor environment, its preservation and protection. The industries are rewarding, vast and still expanding, if this is your ambition we can help you realise your dreams.

Organisations

Army Ornithological Society
Website
Welcome to the Army Ornithological Society's website. Within these pages you will get an idea of the sort of birding that we do, the diverse activities which we enjoy, and the contribution that the Army Ornithological Society makes to conservation at home and abroad. From Aldershot to Afghanistan and a few places en route, this website will give you a taste of Army Birding.
Dartford Ringing Group
Website
We are a group of amateur ornithologists, ringing (banding) wild birds in the counties of Kent and Surrey in the southeast of the United Kingdom. The Dartford Ringing Group was formed in 1968
Flock Together
Website
Flock Together is a birdwatching collective for people of colour. Nature is a universal resource. For too long black, brown and POC have felt unwelcome and marginalised in spaces that should be for everyone. Together we are reclaiming green spaces and rebuilding our relationship with nature - one walk at a time.
Linnean Society of London
Website
As we enter the 21st century the Linnean Society of London remains a leading forum for contemporary discussions on genetics, natural history, systematics, biology and the history of plant and animal taxonomy. As the world`s oldest extant biological society, we are also proud of our heritage.
London Bird Club
Website
This site has all the information you need to know about birding in London – based on the LNHS Recording Area. It’s run by London Birders - see Birders Profiles but anybody can contribute to it. If you want to ask a question about birding in London, please visit our forums. Also see the twitter site: https://twitter.com/londonbirdclub?lang=en
London Natural History Society
Website
The London Natural History Society aims to foster the appreciation and study of London's wildlife and natural environment. We strive to achieve this aim by engaging and informing both members and public alike with a variety of activities and resources.
London Wildlife Trust
Website
The London Wildlife Trust fights to sustain and enhance London`s wildlife habitats to create a city richer in wildlife.
Marylebone Birdwatching Society
Website
Marylebone Birdwatching Society is a society for birdwatchers who live or work in and around central London, with meetings and field trips to sites such as Minsmere. You are welcome to join us, whether you are an experienced ornithologist or just wanting to learn a little more about the birds around you
RSPB Bexley Local Group
Webpage
This is the website of the Bexley Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
RSPB Bromley Local Group
Webpage
This is the website of the Bromley Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
RSPB Central London Local Group
Webpage
The Central London RSPB Members Group website, if you are interested in birdwatching, conservation, natural history, the environment or the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and you live or work in London or are planning a visit…
RSPB Croydon Local Group
Webpage
This is the website of the Croydon Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
RSPB Enfield Local Group
Webpage
This is the website of the Enfield Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
RSPB Havering Local Group
Webpage
This is the website of the Havering Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
RSPB North East London Local Group
Webpage
This is the website of the North East London Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
RSPB North West London Local Group
Webpage
This is the website of the North West London Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
RSPB Pinner & District Local Group
Webpage
This is the website of the Pinner & District Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
RSPB Richmond & Twickenham Local Group
Webpage
This is the website of the Richmond & Twickenham Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
Swift Conservation
Website
Our aim is to protect and encourage Swifts, truly amazing birds that live with us for just three months every Summer. We provide advice to homeowners, construction professionals, educators, and government. Find out why Swifts matter, what they give us, and how you can get a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction helping them survive and thrive
Zoological Society of London
Website
In Africa, Asia and the Middle East, ZSL staff are involved in many projects where there are threats to wildlife, but few resources to address them. Find out about ZSL's projects in Ethiopia, Nepal, Rwanda and Saudia Arabia, where our staff work closely with the country's local people and train them to protect and manage their own wildlife

Reserves

Abbreviations Key

HNCF Bentley Old Vicarage Nature Reserve
Information Satellite View
Bentley Old Vicarage Nature Reserve is a small woodland reserve in Harrow, in the north west suburbs of London. (go to How to find it…) Where the reserve is now was the vicarage of All Saints Church, built along with the church itself in 1848. The vicarage fell out of use in 1924 and was finally demolished in 1955. A few of the trees you see now are relicts of the vicarage garden while most have grown up since that time. In 1987 a group of volunteers took over the site and were soon sponsored by the Herts. and Middx. Wildlife Trust. It us now managed by Harrow Nature Conservation Forum.
Hampstead Heath
Webpage Satellite View
Hampstead Heath (locally known simply as the Heath) is a large, ancient London park, covering 320 hectares (790 acres). This grassy public space sits astride a sandy ridge, one of the highest points in London, running from Hampstead to Highgate, which rests on a band of London Clay. The heath is rambling and hilly, embracing ponds, recent and ancient woodlands, a lido, playgrounds, and a training track, and it adjoins the former stately home of Kenwood House and its estate. The south-east part of the heath is Parliament Hill, from which the view over London is protected by law.
Highgate Wood
Webpage Satellite View
Highgate Wood is a 28 hectare (70 acre) area of ancient woodland in North London, lying between East Finchley, Highgate Village, and Muswell Hill. It was originally part of the ancient Forest of Middlesex which covered much of London, Hertfordshire and Essex and was mentioned in the Domesday Book. It lies in the London Borough of Haringey, but is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation.
LNR Beddington Farm
Website Satellite View
Beddington Farmlands, which incorporates Beddington Sewage Farm and Viridor waste management is situated in Greater London / Surrey. Longitude: 00.11w- Latitude: 51.21N- Grid ref: TQ29766581. The site covers about 400 acres of mixed habitats. From a small lake, reed beds, scrubland, sludge beds, shallow pools, meadowland and eventually a flooded grassland area…
LNR Hounslow Heath
Webpage Satellite View
Hounslow Heath is a large area of open heathland and scrub woodland of ecological value and was declared a Local Nature Reserve in 1991…
LNR Oxleas Wood, Meadows & Eltham Park North
Webpage Satellite View
Oxleas Wood is one of the few remaining areas of ancient deciduous forest in Eltham in the Royal Borough of Greenwich (with a small amount passing over the boundary into the London Borough of Bexley), in southeast London. Some parts date back over 8,000 years to the end of the last Ice Age, the Younger Dryas.[1] It is part of a larger continuous area of woodland and parkland on the south side of Shooter's Hill: other parts are Jack Wood, Castle Wood, Oxleas Meadows, Falconwood Field, Eltham Common and Eltham Park North (the latter being divided by the A2 main road from its southern section). Eltham Park North includes the ancient Shepherdleas Wood. It is also home to Severndroog Castle.
LNR Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
Information Satellite View
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is a historic cemetery located in the Mile End area of London, E3 and is in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and Bow in the East End of London. The cemetery opened in 1841 and closed for burials in 1966. It is regarded as one of the seven great cemeteries of the time (now known as the 'Magnificent Seven'). It was originally named The City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery but was called Bow Cemetery by locals. It is now a nature reserve, and other land has been added to the park, including 'Scrapyard Meadow'.
LNR Walthamstow Wetlands
Website Satellite View
Welcome to Walthamstow Wetlands, a new nature reserve now open to the public. Just 15 minutes from central London, you will find a unique haven to explore, enjoy and connect with your better nature. A 211 hectare operational Thames Water site, Walthamstow Wetlands has been designed to give you an unforgettable experience getting close to nature.
LWT Camley Street Natural Park
Webpage Satellite View
A wild oasis nestled between two of London’s busiest railway stations and beside Regent’s Canal, this reserve was created from wasteland and is now a haven for diverse wildlife.
LWT Hutchinson's Bank, Chapel Bank & Threecorner Grove
Webpage Satellite View
A large area of secluded chalk grassland and woodland, supporting many rare plants and insects, which has benefited from the return of traditional grazing
LWT Woodberry Wetlands
Website Satellite View
A working reservoir in Manor House, closed to the public for almost 200 years, is now a beautiful urban wetland nature reserve. Woodberry Wetlands was opened by Sir David Attenborough in 2016, having previously been known as Stoke Newington East Reservoir. The wetlands are the result of a proposal by the Trust to enhance the reservoir for wildlife and open it up so people can access a high quality, natural space in a densely built-up environment.
Putney Common
Website Satellite View
Birds are well represented with more than 80 species observed annually of which 42 species were known to have bred. Since bird records began in 1974 there have been sightings of 122 species. See also Wimbledon Common
RP Lee Valley
Website Satellite View
Covering a thousand acres on either side of the River Lee between Waltham Abbey (Essex) and Broxbourne (Herts) River Lee Country Park is a unique patchwork of lakes, waterways, green open spaces and countryside areas all linked together by paths, walkways and cycle tracks. The River Lee Country Park abounds with wildlife throughout the year and is the perfect venue for informal, outdoor recreation.
RSPB Rainham Marshes
Webpage Satellite View
There are only a few ancient landscapes left in London and this RSPB reserve is one of them. Bought from the Ministry of Defence in July 2000, its former use as shooting ranges has preserved much of the original medieval land-form and marshland wildlife and is now the largest remaining expanse of wetland bordering the upper reaches of the Thames Estuary…
Thames Barrier Park
Information Satellite View
As the park overlooks the River Thames many bird species associated with the river can be seen, especially in winter. Grey Herons feed along the shore at low tide and large numbers of Teal and Shelduck join the ubiquitous Mallards at both low and high tide. Cormorants common throughout London can be seen drying themselves at low tide or feeding in the river when the tide is up. Sparrowhawks, Kestrels and occasionally Peregrines can be seen flying over the park. There are several wading birds, which are uncommon on the river such as Redshank, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher…
WWT London Wetland Centre
Webpage Satellite View
Twenty-five minutes from Westminster in the heart of London, the Wetland Centre is unique in being the first created wetland habitat (105 acres) to have been developed in any capital city throughout the world.
Wimbledon Common
Website Satellite View
Birds are well represented with more than 80 species observed annually of which 42 species were known to have bred. Since bird records began in 1974 there have been sightings of 122 species. See also Putney Common

Forums & Mailing Lists

East London Birders Forum
Facebook Page
Welcome to the website of the ELBF. Mike Dent got the group going in August 1997 as a forum for local birders to network more easily and to accumulate data on the local avifauna and most importantly to promote the importance of local patch birding. It has evolved somewhat over the last ten years with the creation of our website and our continued involvement in local events and surveys. We have become the information hub for this area but rely on your records and photos to keep things fresh and up to date.
London Bird Club Wiki
Sightings & News
Sightings and news on a daily basis
London Birders Yahoo Group
Mailing Group
Bird Chat and Information Email Group…

Guides & Tour Operators

West London Birding
Tour Operator
Are you a birder? Are you visiting London either for a holiday or business? Perhaps you are new to birdwatching and need some pointers or want to brush up your identification skills. Maybe you are changing flights or have a layover and have a few hours or a day to spare? Do you want to see parts of the UK that you wouldn

Trip Reports

Click on WAND to see Fatbirder’s Trip Report Repository…

2004 [02 February] - Fraser Simpson
Report
Walton-on-Thames • Barn Elms WWT • River Lee Country Park

Greater London

Birding London

Alexandra Park

Battersea Park

Bedfont Lakes Country Park

Brent Reservoir

Bushy Park

Hampstead Heath

Hounslow Heath

King George V Reservoir

London Wetland Centre

Rainham Marsh

Regents Park

Richmond Park

Royal Albert Dock

Royal Victoria Dock

Staines Reservoirs

Walthamstow Wetlands

Wraysbury

Chris Lamsdell

Andrew Self

Roger Payne

Number of bird species: 362

Birdwatching London

The Birds of London

The Breeding Birds of the London Area

The London Bird Atlas

Nature Reserves of London

London Bird Report (sales)

Capel Manor College - Arboriculture & Countryside

Army Ornithological Society

Dartford Ringing Group

Flock Together

Linnean Society of London

London Bird Club

London Natural History Society

London Wildlife Trust

Marylebone Birdwatching Society

RSPB Bexley Local Group

RSPB Bromley Local Group

RSPB Central London Local Group

RSPB Croydon Local Group

RSPB Enfield Local Group

RSPB Havering Local Group

RSPB North East London Local Group

RSPB North West London Local Group

RSPB Pinner & District Local Group

RSPB Richmond & Twickenham Local Group

Swift Conservation

Zoological Society of London

HNCF Bentley Old Vicarage Nature Reserve

Hampstead Heath

Highgate Wood

LNR Beddington Farm

LNR Hounslow Heath

LNR Oxleas Wood, Meadows & Eltham Park North

LNR Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

LNR Walthamstow Wetlands

LWT Camley Street Natural Park

LWT Hutchinson's Bank, Chapel Bank & Threecorner Grove

LWT Woodberry Wetlands

Putney Common

RP Lee Valley

RSPB Rainham Marshes

Thames Barrier Park

WWT London Wetland Centre

Wimbledon Common

East London Birders Forum

London Bird Club Wiki

London Birders Yahoo Group

West London Birding

2004 [02 February] - Fraser Simpson

Binoculars Expert

Black Redstarts

Fraser's Birding Website

Regent’s Park Birds

The Urban Birder

Widerscoped

Alex Liddle - Greenshank Birding

Chris White - Lewisham Birder