Birds of Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath 2016 Report now available

We are very lucky to have the expertise of local bird expert, Dave Wills, on the Commons.  Dave has been producing an annual Bird Report for us since 1998, but the report itself has been produced since 1974, giving us a very comprehensive picture of the bird life here on the Commons.  

2016 has been quite an exciting year, albeit with the usual ups and downs. Dave commented "There have been three outstanding observations this year in the form of Marsh Tit, European Bee-eater and Dartford Warbler, with the Marsh Tit providing the first positive evidence of breeding on the Common since 1979".  The downs were the failure of several species to breed, particularly the swans at Queensmere, and the Hobbies.  This was particularly disappointing as they have bred here every year since 2000.

Additional sightings compared with the 2015 list are: Teal, Tree Pipit, Grasshopper Warbler, Dartford Warbler and European Bee-eater. Absentees were Whooper Swan, Common Pochard, Pheasant, Short-eared Owl, Yellow Wagtail, Linnet, Common Crossbill and Snow Bunting.

Copies of Dave's report are available from the Ranger's Office for £4.50