October birdlife watch at Southwark Park

We are pleased to collaborate with Southwark Park Association 1869. This week we are pleased to pass on information about the birdlife in Southwark Park provided by John and Janet, members of association

Migration

In October John and Janet witnessed an influx of birds migrating through Rotherhithe during the journeys. They counted at least 250 Redwing, 3 Meadow Pipit, 6 Linnet, 1 Swallow and 2 Chaffinch. On the lake, Shoveler returned early this year with small numbers dropping in and leaving every few days with a high count of seven. By the end of the month all the Shoveler had left. 

Our bird watchers were also lucky enough to find a pair of Gadwall which were new species in the park. 

Black Headed Gull numbers rose through the month with over 60 on the lake by the 20^th of October 2020. Of summer visitors few remained, a female Blackcap was in the Ada Salter Gardens on 8^th and at least one Chiffchaff remained at the end of the month.

A male Greylag Goose paired with a Canada Goose returned to the park with their 2 hybrid young raised at Globe Pond earlier this year.

Southwark Park Association 1869 is a voluntary community organisation, founded on 18^th July 2018. Their principal aims are to promote and protect Southwark Park and King’s Stairs Gardens for the benefit of the public, by working in partnership with local authorities, other democratic organisations and individuals. The Association is a strictly non-party political organisation.