Crossbills, Nuthatch, Brent Geese and early migrants highlights of March bird round-up for Walthamstow Wetlands on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com with bonus, late Feb summary. Thanks to Sam O'Donnell Chris Farthing Ivor hewstone HB Steve N Rom London & MLP

Woodberry Wetlands: I often see a kingfisher fly up the water outlet and perch out of sight. Today I found a spot where you can see the perch. Stand near the Bug Hotel, facing the outlet, walk 5 paces forward and look through the green metal fence. This was my view this morning:

Still there this morning. Exact location is ///shield.descended.able #londonbirds

Woodberry Wetlands: LWT put a few small Alder saplings along the New River in around 2018 and we've been saying one day there will be Siskins ever since. Today was the day and it was my 131st species for the site. #londonbirds

I thought I might have found a nice near-adult Caspian Gull on Stoke Newington West Reservoir this morning. After taking a few opinions though (Thanks!), I think it is going to go down as gull sp., with hybrid HG x LBBG perhaps being most likely.

Two patch rarities for Walthamstow Wetlands were on offer today. First a male Mandarin on Reservoir no.1 island (only my 4th ever here), then Siskins seemed to be all over the place after first appearing yesterday. Maybe just about annual here (discounting autumn flyovers) #londonbirds

Another one of yours Bill. U483 Greylag, Walthamstow Wetlands 03/03/24. It is paired with 5286282 which I think might have been ringed here. Bill Haines (West London Birding) Daniel Whitelegg

U374 Greylag this morning (01/03/24), Walthamstow Wetlands, London. Bill Haines (West London Birding)

Now that we've had the green light to take up to six non-native domestic animals into Abney Park Trust, can we have clarifications on which animals are allowed? Cats, dogs, horses presumably fine. What about Sheep, Cows, Snakes, Crocodiles, Bedbugs? Abney Park Users Stokey Updates

Whoops, sorry Matt & Bill, copied in wrong person. Bill Haines (West London Birding)

12 Waxwings in tree outside 88 Bouverie Road N16 (along W side of Abney Park Trust) per Richard Beesly. If anyone goes along and sees them, please update me.

The first Long-tailed Duck for 5 years highlight of an excellent January Walthamstow Wetlands Round-up on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com shows 9 more species recorded than last year. Thanks to Ivor hewstone Sam O'Donnell Chris Farthing HB, David Callahan & MLP for pics.

This Bar-tailed Godwit on Lockwood reservoir Walthamstow Wetlands today was a surprise. There are a few London records most winters, but as far as I can find, only in the Thames estuary. #londonbirds

Spot the Snipe this morning at Woodberry Wetlands. London Wildlife Trust

Bittern at Woodberry Wetlands this morning. Found by Tony Butler. It was in the flooded area in the section of cleared reed-bed at the red X, has now wandered into the reeds out of sight but is definitely still there. London Wildlife Trust #londonbirds

Round- up for a rather dull December Walthamstow Wetlands now on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to Sam O'Donnell Chris Farthing wheresrhys & MLP for pics. Year list stuck on 143 but not bad for what is very much an urban site.

Ducks and, unusually, waders were among the highlights of November Walthamstow Wetlands Monthly round-up now on walthamstowbirders.blogspot.com Thanks to Sam O'Donnell David Callahan Chris Farthing HB Ivor hewstone and MLP for photos.

Spent the afternoon touring sites in Stoke Newington where I saw Waxwings in 2017/19. No luck yet, though there are plenty of berries (Springdale Rd best). Also walked through Abney Park to look for Firecrest and soon found this little chap, my 170th bird spp in London this year.

Grey Phalarope this morning at King George V Reservoir, Chingford (permit only). It showed superbly along the east bank of the north basin. #londonbirds

Grey Phalarope KGV Reservoir (permit only) E side of the North basin. #londonbirds