123 species were identified this year (just beating last year’s total, by one). Most of the ’uncommon’ species appeared at least once, although notable absentees included Common Cuckoo, Common Sandpiper, Eurasian Snipe, Marsh Warbler and Cirl Bunting.

The highlight of 2014 was the observation of an Olive-backed Pipit in early October. A real rarity, especially inland, this was the first record for the Ile-de France region. Another species (Eurasian Whimbrel) was added to the park bird list during the year.

Other highlights included the third record of Northern Pintail, further sightings of both Little and Great Egrets, a singing Sedge Warbler in spring and the second autumn record of Golden Oriole.

During spring and autumn a total of 372 hours of “skywatching” was made, an increase of 20% on 2013. However, in spite of the increased coverage, 13% fewer migrating larger raptors were observed (184 individuals).

2014 was an important year for the ecological future of the park: in recent years the area of open prairie has gradually diminished under the encroachment of woodland. In October a project to drastically clear this woodland and to re-establish a much larger area of open land got underway. Although certain breeding species, such as Garden Warbler, might suffer from this measure in the short term, the changed habitat might encourage previously ‘lost’ species such as Stonechat to return once more to Beaumonts; only time will tell…

The new-look Savanna : 13^th September 2014.

Observers mentioned at Parc des Beaumonts in 2013 :

AL= Alban Larousse AM= Annette Bonhomme CG=Christian Gloria DT= David Thorns JA= Jacques Anjuerer OL= Olivier Laporte PD= Pierre Delbove PT= Philippe Maintigneux PP=Philippe Pirard PM= Philip Redman PR= Pierre Rousset QD= Quentin Dubost RP= Roland Paul SX=Suzanne Cox SO=Sean Offord TW=Ted Wolff

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 S M

Noted twice in winter : 2, 11^th January – 2, 28^th January.

Recorded in spring from 2^nd February to 25^th May, the first significant flock (35 birds) appearing on 6^th March [AL]. Daily maximum of 77 on 9^th March.

Noted in autumn from 3^rd August, the first southbound flock passing on 28^th August [DT]. Recorded regularly up to 21^st November with a maximum of 104 on 24^th October.

Grey Heron (Héron cendré) Ardea cinerea S M



Single birds observed infrequently and irregularly on site throughout the year, either fishing at the Mare Perchée or perched in the surrounding trees.

Apparently absent in summer; no records from 22^nd May – 9^th September.

Unlike previous years rather rare on site, most observations concerning 1-3 individuals flying over the park, occasionally at great altitude and apparently on migration (for example 2 southwest on 9^th September [DT]).

Great Egret (Grande aigrette) Casmerodius albus M

Recorded twice in late autumn.

1, 12^th October [DT] - 4, 23^rd October [AL/DT].

C.albus has now been recorded for three consecutive years, perhaps unsurprising considering its expansion in northern Europe.

Photo: 23^rd October 2014 (D.Thorns).

Little Egret (Aigrette Garzette) Egretta garzetta M



Observed once in autumn.

2, 16^th August [DT].

The birds (probably juveniles) flew rather low to the north early in the morning.

White Stork (Cigogne blanche) Ciconia ciconia M



Observed migrating over the park on 8 dates (4 in spring and 4 in autumn).

1, 23^rd February [DT] - 2, 9^th March [DT] - 2, 5^th April [AL/PR/DT] - 4, 24^th May [DT].

3, 9^th August [PR/DT] - 2, 31^st August [DT/PR] - 7, 11^th October [SX/DT] - 1, 19^th October [DT].

Photo: 9^th March 2014 (D.Thorns).

Black Stork (Cigogne noire) Ciconia nigra M

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

1, 30^th March [PR/DT].

1, 23^rd August [DT] - 1, 7^th September [SO/PR/DT].

Photo: 23^rd August 2014 (D.Thorns).

Mute Swan (Cygne tuberclé) Cygnus olor S

2, 16^th May [DT].

The birds were seen flying northwest, early in the morning.

Greylag Goose (Oie cendrée) Anser anser M



Observed migrating over the park on 6 dates (2 in spring and 4 in autumn).

25, 16^th February [PR/DT] - c50, 22^nd February [DT].

3, 19^th October [DT] - 8, 23^rd October [AL/DT] - 16, 29^th October [PR] - 1, 11^th November [DT].

Photo: 11^th November 2014 (D.Thorns).

Canada Goose (Bernache du Canada) Branta canadensis F



Observed flying overhead on 7 dates.

1, 26^th February [DT] - 2, 9^th March [AL/QD/DT] - 6, 17^th March [DT] - 3, 26^th April [DT] - 1, 30^th April [DT] - 1, 5^th May [DT]

1, 10^th November [PR].

Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorne casarca) Tadorna ferruginea F

Observed twice in spring.

2, 15^th & 22^nd May [DT].

On each occasion the birds flew around the Mare Perchée before departing away towards the nearby Chateau de Vincennes (where a pair can be regularly seen).

Photo: 15^th May 2014 (D.Thorns).

Northern Pintail (Canard pilet) Anas acuta H M

Rare migrant. One observation in early spring.

c13, 15^th March [QD/DT].

The birds flew north in the middle of the afternoon. Rarely seen on migration in Ile-de-France it is interesting to note the observation of 60 birds at Coteau de Tréchy the following day*. [1]

Mallard (Canard colvert) Anas platyrhynchos S M

1-6 birds observed irregularly throughout the year, although present mainly between mid-January and the end of May.

A pair was settled at the Mare Perchée by the end of March and copulation observed on 16^th May [DT]. However breeding attempts in spring were once again unsuccessful, most probably due to the irresponsibility of dog-walkers allowing dogs to run around freely and to enter the water. The absence of any authority on site to enforce park rules is detrimental to this species (which has somehow managed to breed successfully twice in recent years).

Apparently absent in summer (recorded just once between 25^th May – 27^th August). A pair noted at daybreak at the Mare Perchée at the end of August was probably roosting on site at this period.

Almost absent during the last four months of the year; 2 birds noted flying east on 10^th November [PR].

Osprey (Balbuzard pecheur) Pandion haliaetus M

Recorded migrating over the park on 5 dates (3 in spring and 2 in autumn).

1, 13^th April [PR/DT] - 1, 18^th April [DT] - 1, 20^th April [DT].

1, 31^st August [PR/DT] - 1, 6^th September [SO/PR/DT].

Photo: 18^th April 2014 (D.Thorns).

Red Kite (Milan royal) Milvus milvus M

Observed migrating over the park on 2 dates (1 in spring and 1 in autumn).

1, 5^th March [PR].

1, 12^th October [DT].

Black Kite (Milan noir) Milvus migrans M



Observed on 6 dates (4 in spring and 2 in autumn).

1, 6^th April [DT] - 3, 20^th April [PR/DT] - 2, 21^st April [DT] - 1, 23^rd May [DT].

2, 27^th July [PR] - 1, 1^st August [PR].

Marsh Harrier (Busard des roseaux) Circus aeruginosus M

A poor year compared to 2013 : recorded flying over the park on 11 dates (3 in spring and 8 in autumn). At least 21 birds are involved.

4, 29^th March - 1, 13^th April - 1, 7^th May.

1, 21^st August - 2, 29^th August - 3, 31^st August - 1, 1^st September - 4, 7^th September - 1, 9^th September - 1, 12^th September - 2, 21^st September.

Marsh Harrier, migration 2014; source: www.trektellen.org

Hen Harrier (Busard Saint-Martin) Circus cyaneus M

Recorded on 6 dates (1 in spring and 5 in autumn).

1, 5^th April [DT].

2, 7^th September [SO/DT] - 2, 14^th September [DT] - 2, 11^th October [DT] - 1, 22^nd October [DT] - 3, 11^th November [DT].

Photo: 22^nd October 2014 (D.Thorns).

Common Buzzard (Buse variable) Buteo buteo M

Noted on 37 dates (16 in spring and 21 in autumn). At least 67 birds are involved.

Spring passage noted from 23^rd February – 25^th May with a daily maximum of 6 on 9^th March [AL/QD/DT/PR].

Recorded in autumn from 26^th July – 20^th November with a daily maximum of 6 on 11^th November [DT].

Photo: 11^th November 2014 (D.Thorns).

Common Buzzard, migration 2014; source: www.trektellen.org

European Honey-Buzzard (Bondrée apivore) Pernis apivorus M

Observed migrating over the park on 25 dates (6 in spring and 19 in autumn). At least 59 birds are involved.

Individuals landing on site were noted on two occasions in autumn, on 2^nd September [OL] and 13^th September [DT].

1, 11^th May - 2, 17^th May - 2, 18^th May - 1, 23^rd May - 2, 25^th May - 1, 8^th June.

Photo: 13^th September2014 (D.Thorns).

1, 2^nd August - 5, 9^th August - 1, 11^th August - 2, 14^th August - 3, 15^th August - 2, 16^th August - 1, 18^th August - 2, 20^th August - 2, 21^st August - 6, 23^rd August - 3, 24^th August - 6, 30^th August - 7, 31^st August - 1, 2^nd September - 1, 7^th September - 2, 8^th September - 3, 13^th September - 1, 14^th September - 1, 21^st September.

Honey Buzzard, migration 2014: source: www.trektellen.org

[Unidentified larger raptors] (Grands rapaces non identifié)

9 unidentified larger raptors were observed on 8 dates (3 in spring and 5 in autumn).

Goshawk (Autour des palomes) Accipiter gentilis M

One observation in autumn.

1, 8^th September [PR].

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Epervier d’Europe) Accipiter nisus S

Recorded almost daily (usually 1-3 individuals) throughout the year. Breeding confirmed with the begging calls of juveniles heard from the Bois du Bordure (2^nd August [PR/DT]).

In spring and (especially) autumn small numbers occasionally noted migrating during skywatches.

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 were apparently in active migration; particularly noteworthy was the passage of at least 6 birds south on 21^st September [DT].

Eurasian Hobby (Faucon hobereau) Falco subbuteo E M

Up to 3 birds observed occasionally in spring, summer and autumn.

First recorded in spring on 19^th April [DT]. Noted on 8 further dates up to and including the 25^th May.

Observed quite frequently in autumn from 2^nd August. As in 2013 a lone individual noted flying northwest in the early mornings around the third week of August.

At 08h45 on 21^st August an individual noted flying east carrying prey (probably a Common Swift) [DT].

Last autumn sighting on 14^th September [DT].

Peregrine Falcon (Faucon pèlerin) Falco peregrinus R M

The presence of breeding birds in and around Paris has made the species less of a rarity.

Recorded on 12 dates: 1, 23^rd February [DT] - 1, 5^th March [PR] - 1, 3^rd & 25^th May [DT] - 1, 9^th August [DT] - 1, 4^th September [PR] - 1, 14^th September [PR/DT] - 1, 21^st September [DT] - 1, 12^th & 19^th October [DT] - 1, 1^st November [JA/DT] - 1, 2^nd November [DT].

Merlin (Faucon émerillon) Falco columbarius M

Observed twice in active migration; once in spring and once in autumn.

1, 29^th March [PR/DT].

1, 8^th November [DT].

Photo: 8^th November 2014 (D.Thorns).

Common Moorhen (Poule d’eau) Gallinula chloropus S



A familiar resident breeding species with 1-7 birds observed almost daily throughout the year.

Breeding confirmed at both ponds: chicks first observed at the Mare Perchée on 21^st May [RP], and at the Mare de Brie on 25^th May [DT].

A pair at the Mare de Brie produced a second brood; 2 recently fledged chicks observed there on 12^th July [PR].

Unfortunately the healthy population of rats at the Mare Perchée continues unabated and is probably responsible for the loss of fledglings each year.

Northern Lapwing (Vanneau huppé) Vanellus vanellus H M

Seen flying over the park on 8 dates (3 in spring and 5 in autumn).

C445, 23^rd February [DT] - 60, 9^th March [DT/PR] - 22, 16^th March [PR].

310, 12^th October [DT] - 79, 26^th October [DT] - 84, 1^st November [JA/PR/DT] - 364, 11^th November [DT] - 12, 20^th November [PR].

Eurasian Golden Plover (Pluvier doré) Pluvalis aricaria H M

A good year – noted almost as often as the preceding species. Seen flying over the park on 7 dates (1 in spring and 6 in autumn).

c50, 15^th March [QD/DT]

9, 23^rd October [AL/PR/DT] - 25, 24^th October [PR/DT] - 18, 2^nd November [AL/PR/DT] - 10, 8^th November [PR/DT] - 2, 10^th November [PR] - 42, 11^th November [DT].

Eurasian Whimbrel (Courlis corlieu) Numenius phaeopus M

One observation in autumn.

3, 11^th August [DT].

The birds flew high to the south early in the morning – the first record for Beaumonts.

Photo: 11^th August 2014 (D.Thorns).

Green Sandpipier (Chevalier cul-blanc) Tringa ochropus M

Observed once in spring.

3, 10^th April [DT/TW].

Eurasian Woodcock (Bécasse des bois) Scolopax rusticola M H

Observed twice in late autumn.

1, 8^th November [DT] - 1, 25^th November [PR].

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



Low numbers (generally 1-10 birds) observed flying over the park almost daily in winter, early spring and autumn. Uncommon and almost absent from early May – late August.

During March and September, small groups noted flying northwards in the early mornings [DT].

Common Gull (Goéland cendré) Larus canus S M

Uncommon in all seasons – noted twice in late autumn.

1, 28^th October [PR] - 1, 1^st November [DT].

Herring Gull (Goéland argenté) Larus argentatus S M

Small numbers seen irregularly (usually 1-2 birds) in winter, spring and autumn.

Yellow-legged Gull (Goéland leucophée) Larus michahellis H M

Probably under-recorded due to difficulties with the identification of large gulls. Although observed less frequently than the preceding species, 2014 was a good year with an increase in records.

Noted on 17 dates (once in winter, 13 in spring and 3 in autumn), the majority (65%) occurring in May.

Photo: 14^th April 2014 (D.Thorns).

The spring birds, noted flying east of northeast, were possibly on their way to the commune of Lesches (77) where up to 300 birds were present at this period*, an area lying some 36km (as the gull flies) from Beaumonts. [2]

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

Fairly common - reported in small numbers in winter, spring and autumn. Autumn migration was notable on 31^st August when at least 94 birds flew south west in flocks during the afternoon [PR/DT].

[Unidentified larger gulls] (Goéland indéterminé) Larus spp

Unidentified larger gulls regularly noted in small numbers in winter, spring and autumn.

Common Tern (Sterne pierregarin) Sterne hirundo M

Recorded on 3 dates (twice in spring and once in autumn).

1, 19^th April [PR/DT] - 1, 19^th May [DT] - 1, 13^th August [DT].

Rock Dove (Pigeon biset) Columba livia S

Common resident – seen daily.

Stock Dove (Pigeon colombin) Columba oenas S M



A reasonably common non-breeding resident. Observed fairly regularly flying over the park throughout the year in low numbers (usually 1-6 birds).

As usual small groups sometimes noted flying eastwards in spring (especially February/March).

Breeding possible but unconfirmed (noted landing on site and displaying over the Bois de Bordure during April [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. In general birds fly to the northeast in the mornings and are seen returning southwest towards Paris later in the afternoons.

Post breeding (from the end of June) groups comprising adults and juveniles regularly noted on the lawns in the northern section of the park.

Flocks in active migration noted from 12^th October – 11^th November, with a maximum of 408 on 11^th November [DT]. Migrating flocks in autumn characterised by being denser than those of local birds and by using a different flight path (north-south axis).

Eurasian Collared-Dove (Tourterelle turque) Streptopelia decaocto S

Fairly common resident. 1-2 birds regularly observed in flight or (rarely) perched in trees at the Mare Perchée or inside the recycling plant.

Unusually a flock of 5 birds noted flying southwest on 2 dates in November [DT].

Turtle Dove (Tourterelle des bois) Streptopelia turtur M

Uncommon migrant. Recorded on 3 dates (2 in spring and 1 in autumn, as was the case in 2013).

2, 1^st May [DT] - 1, 8^th May [DT].

1, 11^th September [DT].

The (unseen) individual on 8^th May was recorded singing from a tree in the Savanna early in the morning.

Short-eared Owl (Hibou des marais) Asio flammeus H M

1, 16^th September [DT].

The bird flew slowly east over the park, early in the morning.

Photo: 16^th September 2014 (D.Thorns).

Tawny Owl (Chouette hulotte) Strix aluco S

Rather rare and irregular at Beaumonts, perhaps under-recorded.

1, 28^th-29^th October [DT].

The bird was heard calling just before daybreak, from trees lining the entrance path behind the college.

Common Swift (Martinet noir) Apus apus E M

A common summer visitor, seen daily.

First spring arrival noted on 17^th April [DT].

As was the case in 2013, rather fewer birds around the site in general, with no more than about 100 birds noted in June and July.

Active migrants in autumn noted from 26^th July – 6^th September, with up to 119 birds noted flying south during the afternoon of 3^rd August.

Last recorded on 6^th September [DT].

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

Reasonably common resident, perhaps breeding inside the park for the first time (although this unconfirmed).

Single birds and/or small flocks of up to around 20 birds seen or heard regularly throughout the year flying noisily over the park, presumably to and from breeding colonies at Parc Montreau and Roissy.

There has been an increase in the number of birds landing and feeding on site.

Budgerigar (Perruche ondulée) Melopsittacus undulatus C

1, 28^th August [DT]

The bird was initially seen and heard as it flew over the Savanna; it was relocated later in the morning, perched high in trees along the entrance path behind Jean Moulin college.

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.

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.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Pic épeichette) Dendrocopos minor S

A discreet and rather uncommon resident, probably breeding on site. Single birds observed irregularly in spring, autumn and winter.

Breeding possible but unconfirmed: a pair noted at a site in the Parc Mabille from 23^rd March-12^th April, the male observed drumming there. However no subsequent sightings until 11^th September.

Eurasian Wryneck (Torcol) Jynx torquilla M

Very uncommon passage migrant. Recorded on 3 dates in early autumn.

1, 30-31^st August [DT] - 1, 5^th September [PR].

Photo: 31^st August 2014 (D.Thorns).

Eurasian Skylark (Alouette des champs) Alauda arvensis M

Reasonably common passage migrant in spring and (especially) autumn; seen or heard flying high over the park.

Few observations in spring: 1-4 birds noted on just 3 dates between 9^th March – 3^rd May.

Recorded regularly in autumn from 4^th October – 21^st November with a daily maximum of 793 on 18^th October [DT].

Woodlark (Alouette lulu) Lullula arborea-) M H

A regular but uncommon passage migrant.

Noted just once in spring, a bird landing at the Compost in the late afternoon of 6^th March [AL].

Recorded on 11 dates in autumn from 4^th October – 11^th November with a daily maximum of 44 on 12^th October [AM/PT/PP/DT].

Photo: 11^th November 2014 (D.Thorns).

Bank Swallow (Hirondelle de rivage) Riparia riparia E M

Rather uncommon but regular passage migrant in spring and autumn.

In spring 1-7 birds noted on 7 dates from 5^th April – 15^th May.

Small numbers observed on 5 dates in autumn from 9^th August – 13^th September.

Barn Swallow (Hirondelle de cheminée) Hirundo rustica E M

Common passage migrant in spring and autumn. Almost absent in summer (June-July).

First recorded in spring on 5^th April [PR/DT]. Up to 20 birds noted regularly up to 25^th May.

Autumn migrants noted regularly from 14^th August – 28^th October [PR] with a daily maximum of 55 on 7^th September [SO/PR/DT].

House Martin (Hirondelle de fenêtre) Delichon urbicum E M

Fairly common passage migrant in spring and autumn. Small numbers noted irregularly throughout the summer.

First recorded on 12^th April [PM/PR/DT]. In spring up to 34 birds noted regularly up to 18^th May. Observed almost daily during August (up to about about 20 birds around the antenna-building, as has been the case in previous years).

Noted just twice during October. As in 2013, the last sighting was on 18^th October [DT].

Meadow Pipit (Pipit farlouse) Anthus pratensis M

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

Observed in spring from 12^th March – 23^rd April, with a maximum of 47 on 13^th April.

Absent in summer. First noted in autumn on 16^th September. Small numbers observed regularly thereafter until 11^th November with a peak of 64 on 18^th October [PP/DT].

Tree Pipit (Pipit des arbres) Anthus trivialis M

Reasonably common passage migrant in spring and autumn.

First recorded in spring on 14^th April. Small numbers (1-4 birds) noted irregularly thereafter up to and including the 20^th May.

Absent in summer. Recorded in autumn from 16^th August, with small numbers noted up to 27^th September. As in previous years A.trivialis was observed relatively late in autumn, with singles on site on 11^th October [DT] and 16^th October [PM].

Olive-backed Pipit (Pipit a dos olive) Anthus hodgsoni M

1, 5^th October [DT]

Easily the bird of the year, this was a first for the region Ile-de France. Found early in the morning the bird was flushed from long grass at the Compost into a small tree, low down and just a few metres from the observer. It remained stationary and in full view for roughly a minute before flying off, unfortunately never to be seen again. The record has been accepted by the French Rarities Committee (CHN).

Water Pipit (Pipit spioncelle) Anthus spinoletta M

Uncommon passage migrant, probably under-recorded.

Observed twice in autumn.

1, 12^th October [PP/DT] - 1, 11^th November [DT].

White Wagtail (Bergeronnette grise) Motacilla alba M

A fairly common passage migrant in spring and autumn.

First reported in spring on 6^th March. Small numbers noted fairly regularly thereafter until 19^th April, with a maximum of 22 on 12^th March.

Absent in summer. Noted regularly in autumn from 15^th September – 1^st November, with a daily maximum of 38 on 12^th October [AM/PT/PP/DT].

Western Yellow Wagtail (Bergeronnette printanière) Motacilla flava flava M

Passage migrant noted flying over the park in spring and autumn.

First reported in spring on 29^th March [DT]. Up to 6 birds noted on 10 further dates up to and including the 16^th May.

1-3 birds recorded on 9 dates in autumn from 19^th August – 13^th September.

Grey Wagtail (Bergeronnette des ruisseaux) Motacilla cinerea S M

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

As usual observed mainly during the second half of the year. Recorded on 13^th March [DT] but no sightings thereafter until 20^th August. From this date onwards 1-2 birds seen almost daily until late November, sometimes feeding at the Mare Perchee, but usually flying back and forth between it and the nearby recycling plant on the edge of the park.

Contrary to previous years, almost no active migration apparent during September (singles on 5^th and 9^th [DT]).

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.

European Robin (Rougegorge familier) Erithacus rubecula S M

Common breeding resident – 1-4 birds seen almost daily. Like the preceding species, discreet during the breeding season.

Juvenile noted at the Mare Perchée on 29^th April [DT].

Daily totals bolstered in early spring and autumn by migrants (for example, 8+ on 26^th October [JA/DT]).

Common Nightingale (Rossignol philomèle) Luscinia megarhynchos E M

A better year than last; breeding possible but unconfirmed.

First recorded in spring on 14^th April [PR]. At least 3 singing birds on site on 20^th April [DT]. At the Mare de Brie a singing male present daily from mid-April – 17^th May [AL/OL/PR/DT].

Not recorded in summer (18^th May-18^th August).

As usual, passage migrants observed occasionally in early autumn: 1, 18^th August [DT] - 1, 21^st August [PR] - 1, 24^th August [DT] - 1, 6^th September [PR/DT].

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). 1-2 birds noted on 10 dates (3 in spring and 7 in autumn).

1, 13^th March [DT] - 1, 16^th March [PR] - 1, 20^th March [DT].

1, 11^th September [DT] - 2, 28^th September [PR] - 2, 19^th October [JA/DT] - 1, 31^st October [DT] - 1, 2^nd November [PR/DT] - 1, 5^th November [PR]- 2, 24^th November [PR].

Common Redstart (Rougequeue à front blanc) Phoenicurus phoenicurus M

Uncommon but regular migrant.

Not recorded in spring this year. 1-3 birds noted on 9 dates in autumn, from 24^th August – 17^th September.

Northern Wheatear (Traquet motteux) Oenanthe oenanthe M

Uncommon migrant - observed on 3 dates (once in spring and twice in autumn).

1, 8^th May [DT].

1, 8^th September [DT] - 1, 14^th September [PR].

Whinchat (Tarier des prés) Saxicola rubetra M

Uncommon passage migrant.

1-2 birds observed on 7 dates in autumn, from 1^st September – 17^th September.

1, 1^st September [DT] - 1, 2^nd September [OL/RP] - 1-2, 4^th September [PR/DT] - 1, 5^th September [PR] - 1, 6^th September [PR/DT] - 1, 8^th September [OL/PR] - 1, 17^th September [PR].

Photo: 2^nd September 2014 (R.Paul).

Common Stonechat (Traquet pâtre) Saxicola rubicola M

Uncommon passage migrant.

Observed once in autumn.

1, 20^th September [DT].

Ring Ouzel (Merle à plastron) Turdus torquatus M

Uncommon but regular passage migrant. Noted on 9 dates in spring.

1, 28^th March [DT] - 2, 3^rd & 4^th April [DT] - 2, 6^th April [PR/DT] - 1, 10^th & 17^th April [DT] - 3, 18^th & 22^nd April [DT] - 6, 24^th April [DT].

Common Blackbird (Merle noir) Turdus merula S M

Common breeding resident. Small numbers (usually 1-5 birds) seen daily. Higher daily totals noted sometimes in late autumn and winter (for example, 15 on 9^th December [PR]).

Fieldfare (Grive litorne) Turdus pilaris H M

Rather uncommon migrant in spring, late autumn and winter. Noted on only 4 dates (3 in spring and 1 in autumn).

1, 18^th January [PR] - 3, 5^th March [PR] - 5, 7^th March [PR]

c25, 24^th October [DT].

Song Thrush (Grive musicienne) Turdus philomelos S M

Rather discreet but common breeding resident. 1-5 birds usually seen or heard daily. Passage migrants increase numbers in spring and autumn.

Active migration in spring noted from 10^th March – 18^th April with a daily maximum of 63 on 29^th March [PR/DT].

Return passage observed regularly from 24^th September – 11^th November, with a maximum of 175 on 4^th October [CG/DT].

Photo: 17^th September 2014 (P.Rousset).

Redwing (Grive mauvis) Turdus iliacus H M

Reasonably common migrant in spring and autumn – observed irregularly in small numbers in winter.

Up to 7 birds present at the beginning of the year, even heard singing discreetly on 3^rd January [PR]. Spring migrants flying north noted from 6^th March – 6^th April, with a daily maximum of 37 on 4^th April [DT].

First observed in autumn on 19^th October [DT]. Migration noted thereafter up to 9^th November with a maximum of 18 on 23^rd October [AL/PR/DT].

Recorded once in December (the 6^th) [PR].

Mistle Thrush (Grive draine) Turdus viscivorus S M

Reasonably common resident with 1-3 birds seen almost daily in early spring, autumn and (especially) winter. Breeding probable either in or very close to the park.

Very discreet and seldomly observed in late spring and summer. Recorded only once between 24^th May- 20^th September; on this occasion (June 12^th) an adult was observed carrying food [DT].

As usual, small numbers observed on migration: in spring 2 noted on 26^th February [DT].

Visible migration in autumn much more apparent than in previous years: birds flying high to the south noted on 8 dates from 24^th September – 9^th November with a maximum of 24 on 19^th October [JA/PP/DT]. Included in this total was a single group of 16 birds, by far the biggest flock ever seen at Beaumonts.

Grasshopper Warbler (Locustelle tachetée) Locustella naevia M

Rare migrant. 1 observation in autumn.

1, 15^th August [DT].

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

Another good year since the two ‘blanks’ in 2011 and 2012; breeding confirmed again at the Mare Perchee.

First recorded in spring on 26^th April, and 2 singing birds present on 8^th May. A singing bird present daily at the Mare Perchée thereafter until the end of May.

Adults feeding young (away from the reed bed) observed on 24^th August [DT]. Up to 3 birds noted irregularly throughout September. Last recorded on 7^th October [DT].

As was the case in 2013 the authorities refrained from cutting the reed bed in early spring, which undoubtedly benefits this species at Beaumonts.

The singing bird at the end of May was initially quite confusing, so atypical was its song at times. Quite possibly the same individual as in 2013, it was an exceptional mimic whose song evoked regularly that of Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris). This recording [DT] was posted on the website, and on the database ‘’Faune Ile-de-France’’.

Sedge Warbler (Phragmite des joncs) Acrocephalus schoenobaenus M

Usually a very uncommon (and silent) passage migrant, this was a good year with a singing bird at the Mare Perchée for 3 consecutive days in spring.

1, 12^th April [PR/DT] - 1, 24^th – 26^th April [PR/DT].

The bird on 12^th April, found early morning near the Mare de Milieu, was also singing, albeit very discreetly. This recording [DT] was posted on the website and the database “Faune Ile-de-France”.

Garden Warbler (Fauvette des jardins) Sylvia borin E M

Reasonably common summer visitor, breeding on site. 1-2 breeding pairs estimated. First reported in spring on 21^st April [DT]. 2 singing birds heard regularly in the Savanna from the 27^th April through to mid-June.

Discreet and seldomly observed in summer. 1-2 birds noted irregularly until 7^th September.

Photo: 1^st May 2014 (D.Thorns).

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

Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. 1-12 seen or heard almost daily.

A male present in January, seen on four occasions feeding on mistletoe [PR].

Singles noted in spring from 16^th February, with 3 on 14^th March, and at least 10 on 29^th March [PR].

Adult carrying food to young on 12^th May [OL].

Up to around 30 birds (usually 1-15) noted in late August and September, with an apparent exodus during the night of 21^st September [DT]. 1-2 birds seen thereafter, irregularly up to 25^th October [DT].

Lesser Whitethroat (Fauvette babillarde) Sylvia curruca E M

Sadly now an uncommon non-breeding migrant. Not recorded in spring. Migrants noted on 3 dates in autumn.

1, 31^st August [DT] - 1, 12^th September [PR] - 1, 18^th September [DT].

Common Whitethroat (Fauvette grisette) Sylvia communis E

A reasonably common summer visitor, although in lower numbers than in previous years. 1-3 birds noted irregularly throughout the summer – breeding probable but unconfirmed.

First reported in spring on 11^th April [PR]. Last sighting on 15^th September [DT].

Melodious Warbler (Hypolaïs polyglotte) Hippolais polyglotta E M

Unfortunately no breeding pair for a second consecutive year.

Migrants observed on 6 dates (3 in spring and 3 in autumn).

1, 8^th May [DT] - 1, 11^th May [DT] - 1, 12^th May [OL].

1, 25^th & 26^th & 28^th August [DT].

The clearance of many small bushes and trees at the beginning of spring 2013 has had a negative impact on the well-being of this species in the park.

Wood Warbler (Pouillot siffleur) Phylloscopus sibilatrix M

Rare migrant. One observation in spring.

1, 6^th May [DT].

The bird sang (in the rain) for a brief period from the tops of trees lining the entrance path behind the college.

Willow Warbler (Pouillot fitis) Phylloscopus trochilus E M

A rather uncommon non-breeding species observed irregularly in spring and autumn.

First recorded in spring on 17^th April [DT]. Singing birds noted on 4 further dates up to and including the 6^th May.

1-2 birds noted in autumn from 16^th August – 18^th September [PR].

Common Chiffchaff (Pouillot véloce) Phylloscopus collybita E M

Common summer visitor, seen daily. 1-2 birds present on site in winter at the beginning and end of the year of the year.

First heard singing fully on 17^th February [PR]. Thereafter generally 1-6 birds noted daily throughout the spring and summer.

Adult observed carrying food on 3^rd August [DT].

Higher numbers occasionally noted in autumn (for example, c25 on 11^th October [DT]).

Goldcrest (Roitelet huppé) Regulus regulus S M

Rather uncommon resident – breeding unconfirmed. Small numbers (1-6 birds) at the beginning and the end of the year. Not reported from 19^th March – 4^th November.

Firecrest (Roitelet triple-bandeau) Regulus ignicapillus S M

Rather uncommon resident. Breeding possible but not confirmed.

Present on site at the beginning of the year. As usual, singing male observed in early March.

Not recorded between 17^th March – 17^th August.

1-3 birds noted fairly regularly in autumn and winter, from 17^th August to the end of the year. At least 8 birds on site on 13^th September [DT].

Spotted Flycatcher (Gobemouche gris) Muscicapa striata M

Rather uncommon but regular passage migrant. Observed on 11 dates in autumn.

1, 16^th August [DT] - 1, 21nd August [PR] - 1, 22^nd-24^th August [DT] - 1, 26^th -27^th August [DT] - 1, 30^th August [PR/DT] - 1, 2^nd September [OL] - 1, 8^th September [PR] - 1, 14^th September [DT].

Photo: 23^rd August 2014 (D.Thorns).

European Pied Flycatcher (Gobemouche noir) Ficedula hypoleuca M

Fairly uncommon but regular passage migrant. 1-4 birds recorded on 12 dates in autumn.

1, 11^th & 16^th & 23^rd & 31^st August [DT] - 1, 2^nd September [OL] - 4, 5^th September [PR] - 3+, 6^th September [PR/DT] - 1, 8^th September [DT] - 1, 14^th & 17^th – 18^th September [DT] - 1, 28^th September [PR].

Great Tit (Mésange charbonnière) Parus major S M

Common breeding resident – usually 1-10 birds seen daily.

Coal Tit (Mésange noire) Periparus ater H M

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Observed once in autumn.

2, 9^th November [PP/DT].

Eurasian Blue Tit (Mésange bleue) Cyanistes caeruleus S M

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

Crested Tit (Mésange huppée) Lophophanes cristatus H M

Very uncommon. Recorded twice in autumn.

1, 31^st August [DT] - 1, 5^th November [PR].

Marsh Tit (Mésange nonnette) Poecile palustris S

Uncommon resident. A good year with 1-2 birds seen or heard fairly regularly at the beginning and end of the year. Breeding probable but not confirmed. 1 or 2 birds noted on several occasions at the same site during May [DT].

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

Fairly common breeding resident. Usually up to around 12 birds seen irregularly throughout the year (although 25 noted on 9^th December [PR]).

Adults and juveniles observed at the Mare de Milieu on 1^st May [DT].

True to form, a caudatus was either very discreet or absent for a period in summer (no records between 20^th May – 6^th September).

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sittelle torchepot) Sitta europaea S

Inexplicably scarce at Beaumonts. Observed on 5 dates, mainly at the beginning of the year:

1, 8^th January [PR] - 1, 23^rd January [PR] - 1, 14^th March [PR] - 1, 31^st March [OL].

1, 25^th November ]PR].

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

Fairly common breeding resident (at least 2 pairs estimated). Singletons observed regularly throughout the year.

Adults feeding juveniles (at least 4 birds) were observed in the Parc Mabille on 17^th and 18^th May [DT].

Common Magpie (Pie bavarde) Pica pica S

Common breeding resident – usually 5-20 birds seen daily.

Between 40-50 birds regularly feeding on the newly-cleared Savanna during November.

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 5 dates (3 in spring and 2 in autumn).

4, 7^th March [DT] - 3, 28^th March [DT] - 4, 3^rd April [DT].

2, 27^th October [OL] - 2, 10^th November [PR].

Rook (Corbeau freux) Corvus frugilegus M

A rather uncommon migrant. Records typically involve small, loose groups of less than 10 birds flying purposefully overhead. Noted on 17 dates (10 in spring and 7 in autumn).

3, 24^th February [DT] - 2, 4^th March [DT] - 1, 19^th March [PR] - 1, 28^th March [DT] - 1, 5^th April [PR/DT] - 1, 11^th April [DT] - 2, 13^th April [PR/DT] - 1, 20^th April [PR/DT] - 2, 1^st May [DT] - 1, 2^nd May [DT].

3, 19^th October [DT] - 3, 26^th October [PR/DT] - 9, 28^th October [PR] - 3, 31^st October [PR/DT] - 6, 1^st November [JA/DT] - 1, 2^nd November [PR/DT] - 2, 10^th November [PR].

Carrion Crow (Corneille noire) Corvus corone S

Common breeding resident. Usually between 1-10 birds noted daily. Larger numbers occasionally present (for example, a flock of 35 on a nearby building on 22^nd February, and a similarly-sized group in the Savanna on 23^rd October [DT]).

European Starling (Etourneau sansonnet) Sturnus vulgaris S M

Common resident, breeding inside the park. Small numbers observed daily. In autumn, notable increase in numbers on site around the middle of August [DT].

As usual, distant flocks sometimes observed associating with gliding raptors. For example, on 21^st September a large group of about 170 birds closely followed a Sparrowhawk for several minutes [DT].

Photo: 14 February 2014 (P.Rousset).

Up to 40 birds observed apparently migrating in spring, on 7 dates between 23^rd February – 26^th March.

Up to 153 birds observed migrating in autumn on 15 dates, from 4^th October – 24^th November.

Eurasian Golden Oriole (Loriot d’Europe) Oriolus oriolus M

Uncommon but regular passage migrant. A very good year with several birds in spring and a very rare autumn sighting.

1, 4^th May [DT] - 1, 5^th May [DT] - 1, 16^th May [DT] - 1, 17^th May [DT] - 1, 23^rd May [DT].

1, 14^th August [DT].

The bird on 16^th May was present on site at dawn, singing briefly from behind the college. A sound-recording was posted on the website and on the database “Faune Ile-de-France”.

House Sparrow (Moineau domestique) Passer domesticus S

Fairly common resident breeding near the park; 1-4 birds seen daily (with effort).

Chaffinch (Pinson des arbres) Fringilla coelebs S M

Fairly common in winter with small numbers seen daily. Discreet and rarely seen in summer (although singing heard regularly from April into July [PR]).

Common passage migrant: in spring regularly noted flying northeast from 2^nd February – 11^th April, with a maximum of 301 on 12^th March [DT].

Migration noted at the end of autumn, from 24^th September – 24^th November [PR], with a daily maximum of 668 on 18^th October [PP/DT].

Brambling (Pinson du nord) Fringilla montifringilla H M

Uncommon but fairly regular winter visitor and passage migrant. Recorded once on site in winter; 1, 19^th January [PR].

Migration noted in spring and autumn.

In spring 1-2 birds on 7 dates from 17^th February – 20^th March.

In autumn up to 7 birds noted on 8 dates from 11^th October – 24^th November.

Eurasian Linnet (Linotte mélodieuse) Carduelis cannabina S M

Fairly common migrant noted on passage in spring and autumn.

First recorded in spring on 11^th March [DT]. Up to 17 birds noted fairly regularly up to 17^th May.

First recorded in autumn on 23^rd September. Noted on 10 further dates up to and including the 10^th November, with a maximum of 45 on 19^th October [JA/PP/DT].

Common Redpoll (Sizerin flammé) Carduelis flammea H M

Uncommon winter visitor and migrant.

Birds flying over the park recorded on 2 dates (once in spring and once in autumn).

1, 29^th March [DT].

1, 24^th October [DT].

European Goldfinch (Chardonneret élégant) Carduelis carduelis S M

Reasonably common resident, breeding in or near the park. Small numbers noted fairly regularly, although rarely seen in summer (no reports between 28^th April – 18^th September).

Noted fairly regularly in winter – a flock of up to 24 birds present on site during November and December.

Small numbers in active migration observed fairly regularly : in spring 1-7 birds from 10^th March – 29^th March, and in autumn noted on 6 dates from 12^th October – 11^th November, with a maximum of 18 on 19^th October [JA/PP/DT].

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

Common resident breeding in or near the park. Usually 1-6 birds noted daily, although more discreet in summer.

Larger numbers present on site at the end of the year – a rather large group noted regularly feeding in the Savanna with a maximum of 25 on 8^th November [PR/DT].

Eurasian Siskin (Tarin des aulnes) Carduelis spinus H M

Noted on migration in spring and autumn (no records between 22^nd March – 12^th October)

Observed once in winter (7 on 19^th January [PR]).

In spring noted on just 4 dates; up to 18 birds from 10^th-22^nd March [DT].

Small numbers seen regularly in autumn from 12^th October – 23^rd November, with a maximum of 36 on 18^th October [PP/DT].

European Serin (Serin cini) Serinus serinus S M

Reasonably common resident with 1-2 breeding pairs estimated in or very near the park.

Noted for the first time on 5^th March [DT]. Singing male seen and heard regularly during the latter half of April into early May.

Small group present on site in late autumn (maximum of 8 noted on 23^rd October & 1^st November [PR/DT]).

Photo:1^st November 2014 (D.Thorns).

Observed once in winter at the end of the year (2 on 30^th December [RP]).

Eurasian Bullfinch (Bouvreuil pivoine) Pyrrhula pyrrhula S

A discreet but reasonably common resident, usually breeding inside the park (although not confirmed this year).

1-3 birds seen or heard fairly regularly, although not reported between 19^th March – 9^th August.

An apparently bonded pair present at the Mare de Brie on 15^th February, the male observed singing there on 22^nd February [DT].

Hawfinch (Grosbec casse-noyaux) Coccothraustes coccothraustes H M

Rather uncommon and irregular winter visitor and passage migrant. Noted on 14 dates (once in winter, 4 in spring and 9 in autumn).

1, 11^th January [DT].

2, 24^th & 29^th April [DT] - 1, 1^st & 23^rd May [DT].

3, 11^th October [DT] - 2, 12^th October [DT] - 2, 14^th October [PR] - 1, 18^th October [DT] - 7, 19^th October [JA/DT] - 3, 26^th October [DT] - 1, 28^th October [PR] - 3, 1^st November [JA/DT] - 1, 8^th November [DT].

Red Crossbill (Bec-croisé des sapins) Loxia curvisrostra E M

Uncommon and irregular migrant. Noted flying over the park once in late autumn.

6, 31^st October [PR].

Reed Bunting (Bruant des roseaux) Emberiza schoeniclus H M

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

First noted on 24^th February [DT]; 1-3 birds seen regularly on migration thereafter up to and including 20^th March.

In autumn, small numbers noted regularly from 11^th October – 11^th November, with a maximum of 21 on 19^th October [JA/PP/DT].

Yellowhammer (Bruant jaune) Emberiza citronella M

Uncommon migrant. Observed once in spring.

1, 16^th March [PR].

Corn Bunting (Bruant proyer) Emberiza calandra M

Uncommon migrant, probably under-recorded.

1, 12^th March [DT].

The bird landed inside the park and called briefly from a small tree near the Cascade before continuing north.

David Thorns

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