113 species were recorded this year which was notably fewer than in 2008, the drop no doubt largely explained by fewer observer hours spent at the site

Several half-expected species did not make the list, most notably Turtle Dove (Tourterelle des bois), Marsh Warbler (Rousserolle verderolle) and Crossbill (Beccroisé des sapins). It was also a poor year for owls

Although Common Sandpiper (Chevalier guignette) went unrecorded again this was a reasonable year for waders with Green Sandpipier (Chevalier cul-blanc), Eurasian Snipe (Bécassine des marais) and higher than usual numbers of Golden Plover (Pluvier doré) recorded

Although there were generally fewer visits made to the site by birdwatchers ‘skywatching’ hours from the Cascade were just as intensive which resulted in another good year for raptors and storks. In the spring White Stork (Cigogne blanche) was observed on no less than 5 occasions and spotting at least one large bird of prey has become almost guaranteed at certain times of the year. A summary of raptor migration at the park may be found at the end of the report (Appendix I & II)

Three new species for Beaumonts were recorded in 2009: Mute Swan (Cygne tuberculé), Great Black-backed Gull (Goéland marin) and Eastern Rosella (Perruche omicolore)

Observers at Parc des Beaumonts in 2009 :

AB= Alain Bloquet BD= Benoit Delbove BW= Bruno Walter CB= Christophe Brillaud DT= David Thorns FP= Florence Picard HD= Henri Dahiot LS= Laurent Spanneut OP= Olivier Laporte PD= Pierre Delbove PM= Philip Redman PR= Pierre Rousset RB= Rabiah Brahim RP=Roland Paul SC= Stephane Chambris SM= Stephane Malignat VB= Vincent van de Bor YF= Yves Fleury-Collet

 SYSTEMATIC LIST

The status symbols employed are those employed by Pierre Rousset in the original birdlist :
C = Captive (escape) E = Summer Visitor F = Feral
H = Winter Visitor M = Migrant S = Resident

Great Cormorant (Grand cormoran) Phalacrocorax carbo M

Recorded fairly regularly throughout the year although only noted twice in January and almost absent during the months of June and July

Spring migration noted principally in March which saw the highest monthly total (538). During this month roughly 40 birds were seen daily with a maxima of 88 on 14^th March [PR]

In autumn most were reported during October with a notable group of 130 birds flying south in the late afternoon of 10^th October [PR]

Grey Heron (Héron cendré) Ardea cinerea S M

Usually 1 individual on site and up to 6 migrating birds reported irregularly throughout the year. Sadly last year’s very confiding bird is assumed to have disappeared from the park

Conspicuous by its absence at the start of the year, A.cinerea was not reported before 15^th March when an individual took flight from the Mare Perchée in the early morning [DT]. Subsequently noted infrequently there in the early mornings or late evenings, rather more often by dog walkers than birdwatchers

Occasionally 2 birds noted at the Mare Perchée in late September and early October (M.Peladen pers comm)

’Migrating’ birds occasionally noted on skywatches, ex: 2 E, 15^th February [DT] – 5 , 21^st March [PR/DT] – 1 NE, 23^rd March [DT] – 2, 31^st March [LS/DT] – 2, 5^th April [PR/LS/DT]

White Stork (Cigogne blanche) Ciconia ciconia M

Observed migrating over the park on 7 dates (5 in spring, 2 in autumn)

2 NNE, 25^th February [DT] - 14 NNE, 13^th March [PR/DT] - 2 E, 19^th April [PR/DT] - 1 SSE, 1^st May [BD/DT] - 2 SW, 2^nd May [PR/DT]

2 S, 6^th September [PR] - 1 S, 9^th September [PR]

Black Stork (Cigogne noir) Ciconia niger M

1 spring record

1 gliding high to the northeast on 7^th May [PR]

Mute Swan (Cygne tuberculé) Cygnus olor M

2 records (1 in early spring and 1 in autumn)

1, 14^th March [PR/LS] - 2, 10^th September [PR]

Given that c.olor may be found quite easily in the neighbouring Bois de Vincennes it is rather surprising that these are the first records for the park. Both involved birds in flight: the first was of a distant bird flying low and westwards along the river valley. The second (rather more spectacular) involved a pair flying purposefully southwards, high overhead

Greylag Goose (Oie cendrée) Anser anser M

Observed on 5 dates (2 in early spring, 2 in late autumn and 1 in winter)

80 NE, 14^th February [DT] - 2 NE, 2^nd March [DT] - 22 S, 5^th November [PR] - 1 S, 6^th November [PR] - 26 W, 20^th December [PR/DT]

Canada Goose (Bernache du Canada) Branta canadensis F

Low-flying flocks observed on 6 dates

5, 17^th & 27^th February [PR/DT] - 6, 22^nd March [LS/DT] - 2, 3^rd April [PR] - 11 N, 6^th April [LS] - 8 NE, 25^th October [MP/DT]

Mallard (Canard colvert) Anas platyrhynchos S M

First reported on 6^th February with a pair present at the Mare Perchée. Breeding confirmed there for the first time with a pair rearing 10 ducklings. Larger numbers occasionally reported with up to 5 birds usually flying over the park or, more rarely, on site (eg; 3 drakes on 26^th April [DT] , 5 on 18^th October [MP])

The breeding pair was noted daily at the Mare Perchée from 22^nd February to 31^st March. At this time the female ‘disappeared’ to incubate inside the reedbed and was not seen again until 2^nd May when she reappeared with 10 ducklings [DT]

During the following two weeks the female and the ducklings were seen daily and became a much talked-about feature of the park. Occasionally the female was joined at the pond by 1 or 2 drakes. Two of the ducklings were lost during this period, with 9 present from May 7^th and 8 present on May 26^th

Sadly this was the last date that the birds were observed. It is highly probable that they were poached illegally that evening by travellers from Eastern Europe who had been seen on occasions wading into the pond in the late evenings, supposedly in search ‘of food’ (MP,RB,PR pers comm). This depressing episode only served to exacerbate the anger felt by many at the time towards the park authorities who appeared to show little interest in offering the reserve adequate protection

Eurasian Teal (Sarcelle d’hiver) Anas crecca H

2 flying north on 23^rd March [PR]

Osprey (Balbuzard pêcheur) Pandion haliaetus M

Despite intensive skywatching at the right time of year, just 2 autumn records

1 S, 6^th September [DT] - 1 S, 10^th October [PR]

See Appendix I & II

Red Kite (Milan royal) Milvus milvus M

Observed migrating over the park on 3 dates (2 in spring, 1 in autumn)

1 NE, 17^th March [PM/DT] - 1 NE, 25^th April [DT] - 1 SW, 7^th November [DT]

A photograph of the individual observed on 7^th November appears on the website

See Appendix I & II & III

Black Kite (Milan noir) Milvus migrans M

Observed on 2 dates in spring

3 SW, 8^th May [PR/DT] - 1 S, 10^th May [PR/DT]

See Appendix I & II

Marsh Harrier (Busard des roseaux) Circus aeruginosus M

Recorded on 14 dates (5 in spring and 9 in autumn). At least 30 birds were involved

1, 29^th March [PR/LS/DT] - 3, 5^th April [PR/LS/DT] - 1, 25^th April [DT] - 1, 26^th April [PR/DT] - 1, 7^th May [PR]

1, 23^rd August [DT] - 4, 5^th September [PR/DT] - 5, 6^th September [PR/DT] - 5, 10^th September [PR] - 2, 11^th September [PR] - 1, 12^th September [SM/PR/LS/DT] - 2, 13^th September [CB/PR/DT] - 2, 20^th September [PR/LS/DT] - 1, 27^th September [PR/DT]

See Appendix I & II & III

Hen Harrier (Busard Saint-Martin) Circus cyaneus M

Recorded on 7 dates (4 in spring, 3 in autumn)

1 SW, 14^th March [LS] - 1 S, 22^nd March [BW/LS/DT] - 1, 24^th March [PR/DT] - 1 NW, 5^th April [PR/DT]

1, 19^th September [PR/LS/DT] - 1, 25^th October [DT] - 1 SW, 8^th November [DT]

See Appendix I & II

Montagu’s Harrier (Busard cendré) Circus pygargus M

1 male moving northeast on 5^th April [PR]

This was only the second record for the park, the observation occurring on an extraordinary day for circus spp with 11 individuals noted in a 3 hour period in the early afternoon

See appendix I & II

Common Buzzard (Buse variable) Buteo buteo M

Recorded flying over the park on 36 dates, (2 in winter , 22 in spring and 12 in autumn). At least 68 individuals were involved

1, 6^th January [DT/VB] - 1, 9^th January (probably the same bird) [PR/DT]

1, 28^th February [PR/DT] - 1, 3^rd March [DT] - 1, 13^th March [PR/DT] - 1, 14^th March [LS/PR/DT] - 2, 15^th March [LS/PR/DT] - 3, 16^th March [DT] - 1, 18^th March [DT] - 2, 20^th March [PR/DT] - 1, 24^th March [PR/DT] - 1, 27^th March [PR/DT] - 1, 29^th March [LS/PR/DT] - 1, 4^th April [DT] - 3, 5^th April [LS/PR/DT] - 2, 12^th April [SC/PR/DT] - 1, 13^th April [PR/DT] - 1, 19^th April [PR/DT] - 2, 23^rd April [PR] - 1, 26^th April [PR/DT] - 7, 30^th April [PR] - 3, 1^st May [BD/DT] - 1, 7^th May [PR] - 4, 10^th May [PR/DT]

1, 11^th August [PR] - 1, 22^nd August [DT] - 2, 29^th August [PR/DT] - 5, 6^th September [PR/DT] - 1, 8^th September [PR] - 1, 10^th September [PR] - 1, 11^th September [PR] - 3, 19^th September [SM/LS/PR/DT] - 1, 20^th September [PR/LS/DT] - 4, 27^th September [PR/DT] - 3, 17^th October [DT] - 2, 18^th October [DT]

The bird on 6^th January flew unusually low over the site and was observed to land briefly in a tree in the Parc Mabille - the first report of this species landing on site [VB]

See Apprendix I & II

Honey-Buzzard (Bondrée apivore) Pernis apivorus M

Fewer reported than in 2008 with surprisingly few noted in spring. Recorded flying over the park on 17 dates (3 in spring, 14 in autumn). At least 39 individuals were involved

2, 10^th May [PR/DT] - 1, 21^st May [PR/DT] - 3, 1^st June [AB/DT]

1, 10^th August [PR] - 1, 11^th August [PR] - 1, 12^th August [PR] - 1, 13^th August [PR] - 3, 22^nd August [DT] - 1, 23^rd August [DT] - 6, 29^th August [PR/DT] - 6, 30^th August [PD/PR/DT] - 1, 5^th September [PR/DT] - 6, 6^th September [PR/DT] - 2, 9^th September [PR] - 1, 12^th September [SM/PR/DT] - 2, 13^th September [CB/PR/DT] - 1, 20^th September [PR/LS]

The individual noted on 12^th September (a dark juvenile) probably landed on site

A photograph of the individual on 20^th September [LS] appears on the website

See Appendix I & II & III

Unidentified larger raptors (Grands rapaces non identifié)

Unidentified larger raptors reported on 14 dates

25 individuals were involved : 14 in spring ( February-May ) and 11 in autumn ( August-September)

See Appendix I & II

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Epervier d’Europe) Accipiter nisus S

Regularly recorded (usually 1-3 individuals) throughout the year. Breeding confirmed for a third consectutive year in the woodland bordering the Parc Mabille with begging calls from juveniles heard in this area at the end of July and early August (as was the case in 2007 and 2008)

At least 2 juveniles observed on 26^th July [PD]

Eurasian Kestrel (Faucon crécerelle) Falco tinnunculus S M

Breeding in the immediate vicinity of the park, 1-3 birds (usually 1) noted almost daily

Although the vast majority of sightings refer to local birds, some birds were perceived to have been in active migration ( ex: 1 N , 14^th March [DT] )

Eurasian Hobby (Faucon hobereau) Falco subbuteo E M

Observed less frequently than in 2008. Up to 3 birds noted occasionally in spring, summer and autumn

In spring, observations at the end of April and early May. In autumn, sightings mainly at the end of August and in early September

In notable contrast to last year, almost absent during the summer (June - August) with just 3 sightings during this period

First recorded in spring on 15^th April [DT] - last autumn sighting 10^th October [PR]

1, 15^th April - 1, 25^th April - 3, 30^th April - 1, 3^rd May - 2, 8^th May - 1, 26^th May - 1, 11^th August - 1, 16^th August - 1, 29^th August - 1, 5^th September - 1, 8^th September - 2, 9^th September - 2, 10^th September - 1, 19^th September - 1, 20^th September - 1, 10^th October

Peregrine Falcon (Faucon pèlerin) Falco peregrinus M

For a ‘rare’ species this was an interesting year, the apparent presence of a pair at Porte d’Ivry (94) no doubt accounting for a sharp increase in sightings

Single birds were observed in flight on 9 dates between 27^th March – 27^th September, most appearing high in the sky and seemingly wandering rather aimlessly around the area

1, 27^th March [PR/DT] - 1, 3^rd May [PR/DT] - 1, 7^th May [PR] - 1, 23^rd May [PR] - 1, 1^st June [DT] - 1, 5^th July [DT] - 1, 11^th August [PR] - 1, 9^th September [PR] - 1, 20^th September [PR/LS/DT] - 1, 27^th September [PR/DT]

Merlin (Faucon émerillon) Falco columbarius M

1 record in early spring

1 migrating north on 20^th March [PR/DT]

Common Moorhen (Poule d’eau) Gallinula chloropus S

A familiar resident breeding species with 1-5 birds seen daily throughout the year

Breeding confirmed at the Mare de Brie with 3 feeble-looking chicks noted there on 21^st June, although these were not observed subsequently

Breeding attempted at the Mare Perchée with copulation and nest-building observed in the early morning of 13^th April [DT]. Although no chicks were observed at this location a single juvenile was present there on 19^th September [DT]

Aggressive behaviour amongst the adults noted occasionally – a particularly violent and drawn-out battle between 5 birds at the Mare Perchée was witnessed on 24^th July [PR]

Eurasian Golden Plover (Pluvier doré) Pluvialis apricaria M

Observed flying over the park, always high and in very small flocks, on 4 dates in autumn

9 S, 3^rd October [DT] - 7 S, 5^th November [PR] - 2 S, 7^th November [PR/DT] - 7 S, 11^th November [DT]

Northern Lapwing (Vanneau huppé) Vanellus vanellus M

Seen flying over the park, almost always in flocks, on 9 dates (4 in spring – 5 in autumn)

Birds observed in spring moved generally northeast – those in autumn generally southwest
180, 25^th February [DT] - 165, 3^rd March [DT] - 68, 13^th March [PR/DT] - 1, 5^th April [PR/LS/DT]

247, 31^st October [PR/DT] - 343, 7^th November [PR/DT] - 252, 8^th November [PR/DT] - 45, 10^th November [PM/PR] - 51, 11^th November [DT]

Green Sandpipier (Chevalier cul-blanc) Tringa ochrocus M

2 records in spring

1, 14^th March [LS/DT] - 1, 21^st April [PM]

Both observations involved individuals flying towards the site and circling the Mare Perchée, unfortunately deterred from landing there by the presence of people and dogs

Eurasian Woodcock (Bécasse des bois) Scolopax rusticola M

3 records (1 in late autumn and 2 in winter). One wintering individual is probably involved

1, 31^st October [DT] - 1, 19^th December [DT] - 1, 25^th December [PR]

Eurasian Snipe (Bécassine des marais) Gallinago gallinago M

1 record in early spring

2, 22^nd March [PR/LS/DT]

The birds arrived from the east and flew briefly over and around the site, on occasions almost landing at the Mare Perchée before disappearing away to the west

A photograph appears on the website [LS] (see Appendix III)

Black-headed Gull (Mouette rieuse) Larus ridibundus S M

Low numbers (generally 1-10 birds) observed flying over the park fairly regularly in winter, early spring and autumn

The highest daily total was 513 moving eastwards during the late afternoon of the 17^th January [PR]

Larger numbers sometimes noted in other months, ex: 32, 22^nd February [DT] – 58, 13^th March [PR/DT] - 43, 7^th April [DT]

Infrequently observed between April and September and, like the other larides, almost absent in summer (June-August)

In identical fashion to last year a lone individual appeared particularly interested in the site during the late autumn and would often swoop low around the Mare Perchée, very rarely landing briefly on site

Mediterannean Gull (Mouette mélanocéphale) Larus melanocephalus M

1 record in autumn

1 flying west on 10^th October [PR]

Common Gull (Goéland cendré) Larus canus M

Singles recorded on 7 dates in winter

1, 11^th January [PR] - 1, 17^th February [DT]

1, 17^th October [DT] - 1, 19^th October [DT] - 1, 7^th November [DT] - 1, 10^th November [PR] - 1 N, 28^th December [PR]

Herring Gull (Goéland argenté) Larus argentatus S M

Regularly recorded in small numbers (usually 1-2 birds) in winter, spring and autumn. Slightly larger numbers sometimes reported during the winter months (eg, 8+ , 11^th January [PR])

Yellow-legged Gull (Goéland leucophée) Larus michahellis M

Observed less frequently than the preceding species (7 dates) – similarly noted in small numbers in winter, spring and autumn

4, 11^th January [PR] - 8, 17^th January [PR] - 1, 27^th March [PR/DT] - 1, 4^th May [DT]
4, 17^th October [DT] - 3, 18^th October [DT] - 1, 8^th November [PR/DT]

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Goéland brun) Larus fuscus M

Not uncommon – reported in small numbers in winter, spring and autumn

1, 11^th January - 5, 17^th January - 1, 25^th February - 1, 14^th March - 3, 9^th April
1, 5^th September - 2, 20^th September - 2, 27^th September - 5, 10^th October - 2, 16^th October - 4, 22^nd October - 1, 8^th November - 3, 5^th December

Great Black-backed Gull (Goéland marin) Larus marinus M

1 record in autumn

1, 10^th October [PR]

A real rarity inland this was one of the highlights of the year and a new species for the park. The bird, probably a 3^rd year, was seen in the late afteroon lumbering southeast in the loose company of around 15 Herring/Yellow-Legged Gulls

[ Unidentified larger gulls (Goéland indéterminé) Larus spp ]

Unidentified larger gulls regularly noted in small numbers in winter, spring and autumn.
Occasionally larger groups noted ( ex: 15+ on 10^th October [PR] )

Rock Dove (Pigeon biset) Columba livia S

Common resident – seen daily

Stock Dove (Pigeon colombin) Columba oenas S

A reasonably common non-breeding resident. Observed fairly regularly flying over the park throughout the year in very low numbers (usually 1-3 birds). Up to 6 birds observed perched on buildings to the north-east (and outside) of the park where breeding is suspected

Eastward movement of birds in both spring and autumn: in spring small flocks noted in mid-March (13^th-20^th) with daily totals peaking at 41 on 14^th [PR/LS/DT]. Similar flocks observed in autumn (17^th October – 13^th November) with a highest daily total of 26 on 18^th October [DT]

Common Wood-Pigeon (Pigeon ramier) Columba palumbus S M

Common breeding resident – seen daily

Small numbers on site supplemented by local movements of birds flying over the park in diverse directions (often in small flocks)

Larger groupings of feeding birds, both adults and juveniles, occasionally noted on the Northern Fields in late autumn and winter (ex: 23 on 31^st January, 54 on 17^th October)

Unlike last year no significant southward migration was observed in late autumn although a flock of 80 birds flying south was noted on 25^th October [DT]. Two such flocks were observed much later in the year (130 S, 27^th December - 200 S, 30^th December [PR])

Eurasian Collared-Dove (Tourterelle turque) Streptopelia decaocto S

Fairly common non-breeding resident. 1-2 birds regularly observed in flight or (rarely) perched in trees at the Mare Perchée or the re-cycling plant

Long-eared Owl (Hibou moyen-duc) Asio otus M

1 observation in late autumn

1, 8^th November [PR]

The bird was observed flying low over the park towards the southeast – mobbed continually by several Carrion Crows (Corvus corone)

Common Swift (Martinet noir) Apus apus E M

A common summer visitor, seen daily

First recorded on 10^th April [PR]. Last reported on 6^th September [PR/DT]

Although single birds (presumably migrants) were noted in mid-April the local populations appeared to arrive in force on 24^th April - roughly 60 birds were then noted daily until the end of June

Numbers swollen by juveniles during July when around 150 birds seen daily throughout the month. Local populations appeared to have left by the beginning of August - the majority of birds noted during the last three weeks of the month (1-50 birds daily) were considered to be migrants

None was seen between 31^st August – 5^th September. The last report was of 5 on 6^th September [PR/DT]

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Perruche à collier) Psittacula krameri F

Reasonably common non-breeding species. Single birds and/or small flocks seen irregularly throughout the year flying noisily over the park, usually towards the northeast

Observed rather more frequently than in 2008 although not recorded in April and apparently absent during the summer (June-August)

Reported often in late autumn with 50+ birds (the highest daily count) on 10^th October [AB/DT]. On this date one individual perched in a tree by the Mare de Brie, the first report of this species landing on site -a photograph appears on the website [AB] (see Appendix III)

Eastern Rosella (Perruche omnicolore) Platycercus eximius C

A single bird observed on 3 dates in early spring

1, 27^th February [DT] - 1, 28^th February [AB] - 1, 16^th March [DT]

Perhaps the most extraordinary event of the year, this was a new species for the park. On each occasion the bird was seen rather briefly both in flight (calling frequently) and perched in the treetops

A photograph appears on the website [AB] (see Appendix III)

Black Woodpecker (pic noir) Dryocopus martius S

2 records - 1 in early spring and 1 in late autumn

1 flying west over the park on 5^th March [PR] - 1 in the Parc Mabille, 15^th October [PR]

Green Woodpecker (Pic vert) Picus viridis S

At least one resident breeding pair in or around the park – seen or heard almost daily throughout the year.

At least 1 juvenile noted during the late summer and autumn (first appearing in the park on July 26^th [PR])

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pic épeiche) Dendrocopos major S

At least one resident breeding pair in or around the park – seen or heard almost daily throughout the year

Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Pic mar) Dendrocopos medius H

2 records in winter

1, 23^rd January [PR] - 1, 15^th February [AB]

In spite of increased coverage over the past few years this remains a rarity – birds involved are most probably wanderers from the nearby Bois de Vincennes

A photograph of the bird observed on 15^th February [AB] appears on the website (see Appendix III)

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Pic épeichette) Dendrocopos minor M

A rather discreet resident, presumed breeding. As in previous years relatively few records and extremely discreet in spring and summer (apparently not observed between 30^th March – 16^th August)

Eurasian Wryneck (Torcol) Jynx torquilla M

1 record in spring

1, 13^th May [PD]

Eurasian Skylark (Alouette des champs) Alauda arvensis M

Common spring and autumn passage migrant – singles or (usually) small flocks regularly observed flying over the park

Fewer noted in spring than autumn : first recorded (45 birds) on 21^st February [DT] – last spring bird noted 17^th March [DT]

First recorded in autumn on 17^th October and small flocks subsequently noted almost daily into early November, daily totals peaking at 145 on 31^st October [PR/DT]. Last reported in autumn on 8^th November [DT]

Very unusually a.arvensis was recorded in winter - 2 birds moving west in hard, snowy weather on 6^th January [DT]

Woodlark (Alouette lulu) Lullula arborea M

A regular but rather uncommon passage migrant

1 record in early spring. Singles or small flocks noted fairly regularly flying over the park in late autumn [PR/DT]

1, 26^th February [BW/DT]

7, 27^th September - 2, 11^th October - 2, 14^th October - 9, 15^th October - 2, 17^th October - 2, 18^th October - 3, 19^th October - 2, 23^rd October - 15, 25^th October - 2, 31^st October

Rarely observed landing on site the spring bird put in a fine performance, flying unusually low around the Mare Perchée, vocalising often, and eventually landing on the barren flat ground nearby. Although frequently disturbed by dogwalkers it spent roughly 30 minutes on site

Bank Swallow (Hirondelle de rivage) Riparia riparia E M

Fairly regular passage migrant in small numbers (usually 1-2 birds noted) – observed rather less frequently than in 2008 and, unlike previous years, observed in roughly equal measure in spring and autumn

First recorded in spring on 23^rd March [DT]. Noted on 7 further dates up to and including 7^th May

Unlike in 2008 not reported at all during summer (8^th May – 30^th August)

Observations in autumn occurred in late August and in the first half of September. Last reported on 20^th September [PR/LS]

Barn Swallow (Hirondelle de cheminée) Hirundo rustica E M

Common passage migrant in spring and autumn. Present in low numbers throughout the summer (breeding in near vicinity)

First recorded in spring on 20^th March [PR/DT]. Last reported in autumn on 26^th September [SC/PR/DT]

Spring migrants noted in small numbers almost daily up to 3^rd May with a peak of 27 on 5^th April [PR/LS/DT]

Small numbers (1-3 birds) reported during summer flying ‘locally’ around the site, occasionally swooping low over the Mare Perchée to drink and/or bathe

Autumn migrants noted regularly from 15^th August - 26^th September with larger numbers observed between 8^th – 20^th September. The highest daily total during this period was a staggering 1068 birds noted in the afternoon of 20^th September [LS/PR]

House Martin (Hirondelle de fenêtre) Delichon urbicum E M

Passage migrant in spring and autumn. Small numbers noted irregularly throughout the summer

First recorded 9^th April [DT]. Last reported on 20^th September [PR/LS]

Few birds noted migrating north in spring with 1-2 birds on just 4 dates to 8^th May

Low numbers reported during autumn migration (nothing like those reported for h.rustica) between 10^th August – 20^th September. The highest daily total was 286 moving south on 20^th September [PR/LS]

Meadow Pipit (Pipit farlouse) Anthus pratensis M

A fairly common passage migrant in spring and (especially) autumn

First recorded in spring on 27^th February [DT]. Up to 13 birds subsequently seen almost daily up to and including 15^th April

Absent during the summer with no reports between 16^th April – 18^th September

First reported in autumn (3 birds) on 19^th September [DT]. Small numbers almost daily throughout the autumn with a peak of 53 on October 12^th [PR]. Last autumn sighting on 13^th November [PR]

Unusually there was a report of a.pratensis on site in winter – a singleton near the Mare Perchée on January 3^rd [DT]

Tree Pipit (Pipit des arbres) Anthus trivialis M

Reasonably common passage migrant in spring and autumn

First recorded in spring on 31^st March [LS/DT]. 1-4 birds seen on 6 further dates up to and including 26^th April

First autumn record on 5^th September. 1-4 birds subsequently seen on 4 dates up to and including 1^st October

Although usually seen migrating overhead, individuals sometimes noted on site (eg, 31^st March, 19^th April, 26^th September)

White Wagtail (Bergeronnette grise) Motacilla alba M

A not uncommon passage migrant in spring and (especially) autumn

First reported in spring on 27^th February – a singleton flying northeast and landing briefly on site [DT]. Small numbers reported between 11^th March – 12^th April with peak passage occuring in mid-March. Maximum daily total 44 on 14^th March, 3 of which landed to feed on the Northern Fields [PR/LS/DT]

Just one sighting in summer - 2 birds on 1^st August [DT]

Small numbers noted almost daily during autumn between 10^th-31^st October with a maximum daily total of 54 on 11^th October [PR]

Yellow Wagtail (Bergeronnette printanière) Motacilla flava M

Passage migrant noted in spring and autumn. Contrary to last year seen more often in spring than in autumn (no doubt because of few early morning autumn skywatches)

First reported in spring on 26^th March [DT] and 1-4 birds subsequently noted on 5 further dates up to and including 20^th April

Recorded only twice in autumn : 1, 30^th August - 5, 5^th September

Grey Wagtail (Bergeronnette des ruisseaux) Motacilla cinerea S M

A rather uncommon and irregular non-breeding resident and passage migrant

As was the case in 2008, almost absent during the first half of the year with just 2 records in March (singles on 6^th and 21^st [DT])

Rather uncommon and irregular during latter part of the year, although birds apparently migrating south noted on 5 dates between 27^th September – 22^nd October

1, 15^th August [DT] - 1, 19^th September [DT] - 1 S, 27^th September [PR/DT] - 1 S 30^th September [PR] - 2, 1^st October [DT] - 1, 4^th October [PR/DT] - 2 S, 10^th October [PR] - 5 S, 11^th October [PR] - 2 S, 22^nd October [PR] - 1, 31^st October [DT] - 2 W, 19^th December [DT]

The 2 birds observed on 1^st October fed together for several minutes on the edges of the Mare Perchée

Winter Wren (Troglodyte mignon) Troglodytes troglodytes S

Common breeding resident – usually 1-4 birds seen or heard daily throughout the year

Dunnock (Accenteur mouchet) Prunella modularis S M

Common breeding resident – 1-4 birds seen almost daily

1 juvenile observed on 1^st July [DT]. Discreet in July and August when rather difficult to find

Ubiquitous in February (especially the second week) during which p.modularis was ‘singing everywhere’ and up to 9 birds could be seen daily

European Robin (Rougegorge familier) Erithacus rubecula S M

Common breeding resident – 1-4 birds seen almost daily

Like the preceding species heard singing in mid-February (eg, 2, 19^th February) and similarly discreet during the breeding season with few sightings between the beginning of April and the end of August

Daily totals bolstered considerably by passage migrants in autumn (roughly between 19^th September – 1^st November) when up to 15 birds noted

Common Nightingale (Rossignol philomèle) Luscinia megarhynchos M

A good year - present on site for short periods in spring and autumn

1 heard singing on 19^th April [DT/PR]. Presumably the same bird was heard and/or seen on 9 further dates up to and including 10^th May

In autumn, 2 seen on 15^th August near the Mare Perchée [PR] and 2 birds heard calling there the following morning [DT]. At least 2 birds heard and/or seen on a further 5 dates up to and including 6^th September

A rather late individual was heard singing briefly near the Compost on 26^th September [SC/PR/DT]

A sound recording was made of the spring bird on 26^th April which may be heard on the website (http://www.skutchia.com/sounds/nightingale%20-parc%20des%20beaumonts-%2026apr09.mp3)

Black Redstart (Rougequeue noir) Phoenicurus ochruros M

Rather irregular and uncommon migrant. Absent during the summer (although breeding in the immediate vicinity of the park)

Noted on 5 dates in spring from 15^th March – 2^nd April

Noted on 5 dates in autumn from 20^th September – 5^th November
1, 15^th March [PR/LS] - 1, 23^rd March [DT] - 2, 26^th March [PR] - 1, 29^th March [DT] - 1, 2^nd April [PR]

1, 20^th September [DT] - 1, 26^th September [DT] - 3, 25^th October [DT] - 1, 29^th September [DT] - 1, 5^th November [PR]

P.ochruros was also observed frequently just outside the park in the vicinity of the cemetary on rue Galilee - a male sang here in spring and especially autumn when it was heard daily throughout the month of September [DT]

Common Redstart (Rougequeue à front blanc) Phoenicurus phoenicurus M

Uncommon migrant. Not observed in spring although, as was the case last year, at least one individual remained on site for several days during the autumn

1, 20^th-27^th September [PR/LS/DT] - 3 (including an adult male) present in and around the Petit Prairie on 29^th September [PR]

Whinchat (Tarier des prés) Saxicola rubetra M

Uncommon passage migrant. Just one record in early autumn

1, 22^nd August [DT]

Common Stonechat (Traquet pâtre) Saxicola torquata M

Another poor year for this species which has declined markedly in recent years. Just one 1 record in early spring

1, 14^th March [PR/LS/DT]

A photograph of the bird appears on the website [LS] (see Appendix III)

Ring Ouzel (Merle à plastron) Turdus torquatus M

3 records – 1 in spring and 2 in autumn

1, 14^th April [PR]

1, 11^th October [PR] - 1, 17^th October [DT]

Common Blackbird (Merle noir) Turdus merula S M

Common resident – small numbers seen daily

Usually 2-5 birds observed daily. Higher daily totals (up to 15 birds) during winter. Notable increase in numbers in late autumn with the presence of migrants on site (ex, 35 on October 8^th [PM])

Fieldfare (Grive litorne) Turdus pilaris H M

Rather uncommon. Up to 11 birds noted on just 6 dates in winter and only observed as ‘present’ on site on 2 occasions (19^th March and 1^st November)

3, 2^nd March [DT] - 1, 19^th March [PR] - 1, 24^th March [DT]

1, 31^st October [DT] - 1, 1^st November [DT] - 11 S, 10^th November [PM/PR]

Song Thrush (Grive musicienne) Turdus philomelos S M

Common, if rather discreet, breeding resident with 1-3 birds seen on most days – passage migrants increase the numbers observed both in spring and in autumn

In spring up to 26 birds noted on site and/or in migratory flight north/northeast (last 3 weeks of March and 1^st week in April)

Discreet between mid-April and mid-September when single birds occasionally noted. Often heard singing on site in summer (between mid-June and mid-July). 1 observed carrying food on 15^th August [DT]

Numbers bolstered by migrants in autumn (mid-September – late October) when up to 36 birds seen daily, either on site and/or in southward flight

Redwing (Grive mauvis) Turdus iliacus H M

Reasonably common migrant in late autumn – small numbers on site during the winter

1-5 birds observed on site almost daily in January and February. Spring migration noted from 1^st –27^th March with small numbers often observed on skywatches with a peak of 83 moving east on 2^nd March [DT]

First migrants in autumn (25 birds) noted on 17^th October [DT] but seldom observed subsequently, no doubt because of a lack of observer coverage in the early mornings

Curiously absent in November with just a singleton noted on 8^th November [PR]. Small numbers (up to 22 birds) on site from 5^th December to the end of the year

Mistle Thrush (Grive draine) Turdus viscivorus S M

Reasonably common resident with 1-3 birds seen almost daily in early spring, autumn and winter.

Estimated 1-2 breeding pairs either in or very close to the park. Very discreet in late spring and summer (almost absent between 1^st April – 30^th September)

Heard singing in March and December

Small numbers visibly migrating occasionally noted in spring and autumn (eg, 2, 11^th March [LS] - 7, 9^th October [PR])

Garden Warbler (Fauvette des jardins) Sylvia borin E M

A poor year. Although seen and/or heard daily in early spring there were notably fewer birds than in 2008. Estimated 1-2 breeding pairs

First recorded in spring on 24^th April [PR]. Last reported on 15^th August [LS]

1 individual carrying nest material on 9^th May [DT]. Discreet and very rarely observed from mid-May – mid August

Although singing appeared to stop after the first week of June, brief song was heard in the Savanna on 25^th July [DT]

Blackcap (Fauvette à tête noire) Sylvia atricapilla H E M

Common summer visitor and passage migrant – seen or heard daily between mid-March and the end of October

First seen (and photographed) in spring on 3^rd March [AB]

No subsequent records until 15^th March - up to 8 birds seen thereafter throughout the spring and summer. Numbers supplemented occasionally in spring by migrants (eg, 12 on April 12^th [DT]).

Typically sharp increase in numbers in autumn with in excess of 20 birds noted daily on site throughout September. Apparent halt to autumn migration in mid-October with 1-4 birds on site daily during the last 2 weeks of the month

As was the case last year, birds noted on site in winter : 2, 5^th December (one of which was singing discreetly) [LS] - 1 female, 12^th December [DT]

Lesser Whitethroat (Fauvette babillarde) Sylvia curruca E M

Uncommon summer visitor. Breeding on site possible but not confirmed

First observed on 11^th April [DT]. Heard singing two days later but then no reports until 30^th April. A single bird subsequently seen or heard thereafter up to and including 4^th July

Contrary to previous (breeding-proven) years s.curruca continued to sing into July and was relatively easy to observe during this period

Common Whitethroat (Fauvette grisette) Sylvia communis E

A relatively poor year with fewer birds than in 2008, although remaining a common summer visitor with up to 4 birds seen or heard in spring – 3 breeding pairs estimated

First reported in spring on 9^th April (2 birds) [PR]. Last seen in autumn on 6^th September [DT]

1 male observed in the Savanna carrying nest material [DT]. An adult observed feeding juveniles on 1^st July [DT]

Eurasian Reed-Warbler (Rousserolle effarvatte) Acrocephalus scirpaceus E M

Summer visitor, seen or heard daily throughout the late spring and summer. One pair bred successfully at the Mare Perchée

First recorded in spring with a bird singing discreetly at the Mare de Brie on 9^th May [DT]

A pair carrying nest material observed at the Mare Perchée on 30^th May [DT]. An adult seen feeding a juvenile there on 10^th July [PR]. Dispersal from the Mare Perchée noted in mid-July with individuals noted in the Savanna and at the Mare de Brie on 18^th July [DT]

At least 2 birds noted at or near the Mare Perchée until 5^th September. Thereafter singletons noted irregularly until 8^th October, the last reported sighting [PM]

Melodious Warbler (Hypolaïs polyglotte) Hippolais polyglotta E M

Reasonably common summer visitor although a relatively poor year with fewer birds than in 2008 - estimated 2 breeding pairs

First reported in spring on 1^st May [BD/DT]. At least 2 birds either seen or heard between 8^th May and 7^th June (which was surprisingly the last reported sighting). Contrary to previous years no definitive proof of breeding (although its apparent absence in late summer was typical)

Willow Warbler (Pouillot fitis) Phylloscopus trochilus E M

A better year for this species. Breeding possible but not confirmed

Much earlier arrival in spring compared to 2008 – first reported (singing) on 3^rd April [PR] and up to 2 birds then either seen or heard irregularly up to and including 8^th May

Thereafter seen on just 3 occasions up to and including 16^th August (2 birds) [DT]. 1-3 birds seen daily in early September – the last reported sighting was on 19^th September [DT]

Wood Warbler (Pouillot siffleur) Phylloscopus sibilatrix M

1 record in early autumn

1 at the Mare de Brie, 14^th August [PR]

Common Chiffchaff (Pouillot véloce) Phylloscopus collybita E M

Common summer visitor, seen daily. At least 5 breeding pairs estimated

1^st reported (singing) on 28^th February [YF]. No subsequent reports until 11^th March [LS] – up to 5 birds seen or heard thereafter throughout the spring and summer until the end of August

Increased numbers during autumn with the arrival of migrants - roughly 10-15 birds noted daily throughout September. Sharp drop in numbers in mid-October with 1-4 birds noted daily during the latter half of the month

1-2 birds present on site throughout November (3, 1^st November - 1, 8^th November - 2, 28^th November [DT])

Goldcrest (Roitelet huppé) Regulus regulus S M

Observed less frequently than in previous years. Breeding unconfirmed

Observed only in winter although presumed to be present on site throughout the year. 1-5 birds observed almost daily in January-March and in the latter part of December

Firecrest (Roitelet triple-bandeau) Regulus ignicapillus S M

Rather uncommon resident. Breeding possible but not confirmed

Present in winter and early spring with singles noted on 20^th-21^st February and 16^th March [DT]

Unusually at least 4 birds were observed on 26^th March [DT] – possibly migrants

No reports between 12^th April – 29^th August. 3 were noted on 30^th August [DT] and subsequently 1-2 birds noted irregularly throughout the remaining months of the year

Spotted Flycatcher (Gobemouche gris) Muscicapa striata M

Rather uncommon passage migrant in spring and autumn

1 record in spring and 1-2 birds reported on 8 dates in autumn between 1^st August – 8^th September

1, 16^th May [DT]

2 birds together behind the Mare de Mileu on 1^st August [DT]. A singleton noted in or near this area on 7 further dates in autumn (no doubt the same individual):

1, 12^th August [PR] - 1, 18^th August [PM] - 1, 22^th August [[DT] - 1, 30^th August [DT] - 1, 5^th September [DT] - 1, 6^th September [DT] - 1, 8^th September [PR]

European Pied Flycatcher (Gobemouche noir) Ficedula hypoleuca M

Passage migrant recorded on 7 dates in autumn

First reported in autumn on 14^th August – the same date as in 2008 !

2, 14^th August [PR/DT] - 1, 5^th September [DT] - 2, 8^th September [PR] - 1, 9^th September [PR] - 2, 12^th September [DT] - 1, 19^th September [DT] - 1, 1^st October [PR]

Great Tit (Mésange charbonnière) Parus major S M

Common breeding resident – usually 1-6 birds seen daily

Coal Tit (Mésange noire) Parus ater H M

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant – singles observed on 6 dates at the beginning of the year

1, 11^th January [PR] - 1, 25^th January [PR] - 1, 11^th February [PR] - 1, 31^st March [DT] - 1, 1^st April [PR] - 1, 20^th April [LS]

The birds noted on 31^st March and 20^th April both appeared to be in active migration, flying purposefully eastwards and perching briefly in bushes en route

Eurasian Blue Tit (Mésange bleue) Parus caeruleus S M

Common breeding resident, although slightly less numerous than p.major - usually 1-4 birds seen daily

Marsh Tit (Mésange nonnette) Parus palustris S

Uncommon resident – breeding attempted without success

A pair was present around the Ave des Marronniers at the beginning of the year and showed signs of nesting, collecting nest material near the Mare Perchée on 22^nd and 23^rd March [PR/DT]. However, for reasons unknown, one of the birds disappeared at the end of the month and the last sighting of p.palustris was of a very agitated and very vocal single bird on 31^st March [DT]

Sadly the bird which disappeared was a colour-ringed individual which had been present in the park since 1^st September 2008 – his or her photograph appears on the website (see Appendix III)

Long-tailed Tit (Mésange à longue queue) Aegithalos caudatus S

Fairly common resident – 2 breeding pairs estimated

Up to 11 birds seen fairly regularly in winter months and autumn, from 1^st January – 5^th March and from early August – 31^st December

Only single birds or pairs noted from mid-March – mid-May. One pair observed nest-building in the Savanna on 17^th and 18^th March [DT]. One of these birds was ringed (silver-coloured on left leg)

Second pair noted on 1^st May in the woodland bordering the Parc Mabille [DT]

1 adult observed feeding fledglings on 16^th May near the ‘Danton’ park entrance [DT]

True to form, a caudatus was either very discreet or absent in late spring and summer (no records between mid-May and early August)

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sittelle torchepot) Sitta europaea S

Few records - inexplicably scarce at Beaumonts. The species has declined over recent years

4 records in winter

1, 1^st January [PR] - 1, 9^th January [AB] - 1, 11^th January [DT] - 1, 11^th February [DT]

Short-toed Treecreeper (Grimpereau des jardins) Certhia brachydactyla S

1-2 breeding pairs. 1-2 birds usually seen or heard daily throughout the year

Common Magpie (Pie bavarde) Pica pica S

Common breeding resident, usually up to 20 seen daily

A group of 51 birds on the roof of a neigbouring building was observed on 28^th December [PR]

Eurasian Jay (Geai des chênes) Garrulus glandarius S M

Fairly common breeding resident, usually 1-3 birds seen daily

Eurasian Jackdaw (Choucas des tours) Corvus monedula H M

Uncommon. Recorded on 8 dates ( 2 in winter, 5 in early spring and 1 in late autumn)

Usually single birds noted. Unlike previous years, not reported in large flocks

2 W, 11^th January [PR] - 1 W, 11^th February [PR] - 1, 28^th February [PR/DT] - 2 E, 1^st March [LS/DT] - 1, 17^th March [DT] - 1, 22^nd March [PS/LS/DT]

1 S, 10^th November [PM/PR] - 2, 27^th December [PR]

Very unusually an individual was observed to land on site on 2 occasions (17^th and 22^nd March) – probably the same bird was involved. A photograph appears on the website [LS] (see Appendix III)

Rook (Corbeau freux) Corvus frugilegus M

Like the above species, a rather uncommon corvid. Recorded migrating over the park on 24 dates - 11 in spring and 13 in autumn

Records typically involve small, loose groups of less than 10 birds flying purposefully overhead

Observed much more often in spring than in 2008. First reported on 11^th February (1 SW [DT]) and subsequently noted on 10 further dates up to and including 9^th April (2 SE [PR])

The maximum daily count in spring was 7, flying north on 28^th February [PR/DT]

First observed in autumn on 26^th September - 4 birds flying south [SC/DT]. Subsequently noted on 12 further dates up to and including 8^th November (2 SW [PR/DT])

The maximum daily count in autumn was 25, flying west on 25^th October [AB/PR/DT]

Carrion Crow (Corneille noire) Corvus corone S

Common breeding resident – 1-15 birds noted daily

Occasionally much higher numbers noted (eg, 50 on the roof of a nearby building on January 29^th [PR] - 42, 11^th February [DT] - 50 to north of the park on 13^th September [CB/PR/DT])

European Starling (Etourneau sansonnet) Sturnus vulgaris S M

Common breeding resident, small numbers seen daily

In spring a notable flock of 300+ flying westwards on 19^th March [PR]

More discreet in midsummer – relatively few sightings from late June - early August

The presence of juveniles at the end of summer and migrants in late autumn increases numbers significantly. Roughly 30 birds on site from mid-August into early September. Autumn passage noted in late autumn, ex: 80, 25^th October - 94, 31^st October - 300 on 7^th November - 300+ (including 207 flying SW), 8^th November [PR/DT]

Larger numbers occasionally noted in December, ex: 250, 5^th December [DT] - 320 flying southwest in small groups, 28^th December [PR]

House Sparrow (Moineau domestique) Passer domesticus S

Fairly common resident breeding near the park – usually 1-4 birds seen almost daily

Tree Sparrow (Moineau friquet) Passer montanus H

Very uncommon resident – breeding confirmed just outside the park by the cemetary wall on rue Galilee

Recorded on 5 dates – 4 in winter and 1 in spring

6, 11^th January [PR] - 8, 5^th February [DT] - 5, 20^th February [DT] - 2, 17^th April [PR] - 2, 19^th December [DT]

All reports concerned birds either inside or around the edges of the re-cycling plant. 1-2 birds noted occasionally in spring outside the park by the cemetary – 1 individual observed carrying food there on 16^th May [DT]

Chaffinch (Pinson des arbres) Fringilla coelebs S M

Fairly common in winter with up to 20 birds on site in winter (flocks regularly found lower down near the ping-pong tables)

Very rarely reported during the summer - almost absent from mid-April to mid-September with just the occasional sighting of 1 or 2 birds (eg, 1, 8^th May - 2 (a pair), 25^th July - 1, 6^th September)

Common passage migrant in early spring with small numbers noted flying northeast from 6^th March – 5^th April, with a maximum daily count of 116 on 22^nd March [LS/PR/DT]

Much higher numbers flying west or southwest on return passage between 25^th September – 13^th November, with a daily maximum count of 401 on 25^th October [AB/PR/DT]

Brambling (Pinson du nord) Fringilla montifringilla H M

Regular but rather uncommon passage migrant recorded in spring and autumn – usually observed flying overhead

Recorded on 11 dates – 1 in winter, 4 in spring and 6 in October

1, 11^th February [PR]

1, 14^th March [PR/LS/DT] - 1 NE, 15^th March [PR/LS/DT] - 2 E, 17^th March [DT] - 1 N, 22^nd March [PR/LS/DT/BW]

2 SW, 17^th October [DT] - 1, 19^th October [PR] - 1, 23^rd October [PR] - 1, 24^th October [DT] - 2+, 25^th October [DT] - 2+, 31^st October [DT]

3 of the records involved birds perched in trees on site (11^th February, 14^th March and 24^th October)

Eurasian Linnet (Linotte mélodieuse) Carduelis cannabina M

Reasonably common passage migrant noted in spring and autumn

First reported in spring on 5^th March [DT]. Noted on 23 further dates up to and including 23^rd April (2, N [PR/DT] with a maximum of 24 on 22^nd March [DT]

Few reports in autumn (a lack of early morning skywatches probably to blame). First noted on 19^th September [SM]. 1-3 birds reported on just 4 further dates up to and including 31^st October [DT]

Birds quite often noted landing on site (ex, 14 feeding on stubble ground near the Mare Perchée on 22^nd March [DT])

Common Redpoll (Sizerin flammé) Carduelis flammea H M

Uncommon winter visitor and migrant

A poor year in comparison to 2008 – 3 records (2 in early spring and 1 in autumn)

1, 20^th February [DT] - 1, 28^th February [PR]

1, 15^th October [PR]

European Goldfinch (Chardonneret élégant) Carduelis carduelis S M

Fairly common resident, breeding in or near the park. Usually 1-3 birds seen almost daily throughout the year

1 juvenile on 5^th September and a flock of 14 birds (mainly juveniles) observed on site on 1^st October [DT]

Occasionally noted on skywatches and perceived to be migrating (ex, 2 E, 14^th March - 6 SW 4^th October - 5 SW, 18^th October)

European Greenfinch (Verdier d’Europe) Carduelis chloris S M

Common resident breeding in or near the park. Usually 1-6 birds noted daily

Highest daily totals noted in early spring (up to 20 birds on site around the 21^st February). Rather discreet later in spring when seen less frequently and in fewer numbers (1-2 birds)

Eurasian Siskin (Tarin des aulnes) Carduelis spinus H M

A reasonably common winter visitor and passage migrant in early spring and late autumn

Present in winter with 3 birds noted on 31^st January [DT]. Up to 30 birds noted on site from 21^st February – 2^nd March when a small flock could be seen either in flight or feeding on the ground near the Mare Perchée

Visible migration in spring noted from 19^th February (17 birds flying northeast [DT). Thereafter seen irregularly in small numbers up to and including 9^th April [PR]

Return passage noted from 25^th September [PR] – 11^th November [DT]. Observed irregularly in small numbers flying generally southwest with a maximum daily count of 26 on 18^th October [DT]

European Serin (Serin cini) Serinus serinus S M

Fairly common resident with 1-2 breeding pairs estimated in or very near the park - small numbers (usually 1-4 birds) seen regularly from early March throughout the year

Irregular appearance on site in winter – oddly no records in January apart from 22 birds present on 14^th [DT], and in February noted only between 5^th-20^th (up to 14 birds)

Eurasian Bullfinch (Bouvreuil pivoine) Pyrrhula pyrrhula S

A discreet but reasonably common resident, although in very low numbers. 1-4 birds seen fairly regularly, one pair breeding successfully in the park and raising at least 2 young

Unlike 2008 present on site at the beginning of the year with 1-4 birds seen daily up to 16^th February. A definite pair was noted for the first time on 3^rd February which was seen during the days that followed (with courtship behaviour observed on 5^th February [DT])

Very discreet from the third week in March to the end of August when rarely heard or seen

A juvenile noted at the Mare de Mileu on 30^th August [DT] and 1-3 birds (including 2 juveniles) noted irregularly thereafter until 7^th November (the last reported sighting of the year)

Hawfinch (Grosbec casse-noyaux) Coccothraustes coccothraustes H M

An interesting year : a flock of up to 10 birds present on site at the beginning of the year and a pair noted on two occasions in spring and summer, raising the possibilty that the species bred either in or very near the park for the first time

Usually 5-10 birds seen daily from 1^st January – 1^st March. During March seen less frequently and in lower numbers. 2 birds considered to be a ‘pair’ were observed on site on 24^th March [DT]

Few reports (1-3 birds on 4 dates) in April – these included an extraordinary observation of an individual inside an abandoned nest of Common Wood-Pigeon Colombus palumbus on 4^th April [DT]

Astonishingly a pair flew in to land briefly in the trees around the Mare Perchée on 1^st June [AB/DT] – the first report of c.coccothraustes in summer at Beaumonts. A photograph of one of these birds appears on the website [AB] (see Appendix III)

A further ‘summer sighting’ occurred on 13^th August – 1 (possibly 2) birds in northward flight [PR]

Just 2 records in autumn : 2, 29^th September [PR] - 1, 10^th October [PR]

Recorded twice in winter at the end of the year – 2, 20^th December [PR] - 2, 30^th December [PR]

Corn Bunting (Bruant proyer) Emberiza calandra M

1 seen and heard flying southwards over the park in summer

1, 25^th July [DT]

Reed Bunting (Bruant des roseaux) Emberiza schoeniclus H M

Rather uncommon and irregular winter visitor. Recorded fairly often in spring and autumn

2 birds present on site from 14^th January – 20^th January, one of which was ringed (one silver-coloured ring on left leg). Thereafter 1-4 birds noted (usually 1 or 2) almost daily up to 4^th April. These included a pair moving around the site together on 5^th March [DT]

Absent in late spring and summer (not recorded on site between 5^th April and 10^th October)

Almost no visible migration in spring (1 N on 15^th March and 5 E on 18^th March)

Small numbers seen regularly on migration in late autumn from 11^th October – 10^th November with a daily maximum total of 22 on 6^th November [PR]

1 individual present around the Mare de Brie at the end of the year (19^th December [DT] and 22^nd December [PR])

Cirl Bunting (Bruant zizi) Emberiza cirlus H

Sadly now an uncommon, non-breeding species.

1 male wintering on site at the start of the year – present from 1^st January – 26^th February. Noted singing on 22^nd February [DT] and 26^th February [PR]

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 APPENDICES

Appendix I : Migration of larger raptors - 2009 (179 individuals)

Appendix II : Migration of larger raptors - 2009 (179 individuals)

Appendix III - Photo

Not reproduced here. See:

http://www.skutchia.com/annualreport09en.htm

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