Epsom Downs

Epsom Downs is a large open space south of Epsom that is dominated by the world famous race course. Surrounding this is a mixture of golf course, paddocks, farmland and woodland. There are a number of public car parks that are all free (when there is no racing taking place) and numerous footpaths that allow the area to be explored easily. The area is most productive during spring and autumn (particularly the latter) when visible migration is often notable, mostly pipits and hirundines. Wheatears, Whinchats and a good cross section of warblers are to be expected from August onwards. Caught up with these commoner species it is possible to turn up the odd good bird: recently Honey Buzzard, Red Kite, Pied Flycatcher and Great Grey Shrike have been recorded.

2006 Patchlist as at 07/01/06

In order of appearance: 1)Black-headed Gull 2)Carrion Crow 3)Pied Wagtail 4)Robin 5)Common Gull 6)Wood Pigeon 7)Jay 8)Blue Tit 9)Great Spotted Woodpecker 10)Great Tit 11)Magpie 12)Greenfinch 13)Starling 14)Blackbird 15)Goldfinch 16)Dunnock 17)House Sparrow 18)Collared Dove 19)Wren 20)Feral Rock Dove

and subsequently, in order of appearance:

21)Sparrowhawk 22)Lesser BB Gull 23)Skylark 24)Meadow Pipit 25)Fieldfare 26)Herring Gull 27)Bullfinch 28)Goldcrest 29)Ring-necked Parakeet 30)Stock Dove 31)Mistle Thrush 32)Pheasant 33)Song Thrush 34)Redwing 35)Jackdaw 36)Chaffinch 37)Kestrel 38)Rook 39)Grey Heron 40)Long-tailed Tit 41)Coal Tit 42)Nuthatch 43)Green Woodpecker 44)Golden Plover 45)Wheatear 46)Willow Warbler 47)Chiffchaff 48)Cormorant 49)Blackcap 50)Kestrel

17th April Red-legged Partridge (2), Swallow (3), Wheatear (1 male), Blackcap (8), Willow Warbler (2), Chiffchaff (3), Siskin (1), Brambling (1). Also of note was a flock of 5 Sparrowhawks that circled high then purposefully left northward together. 06 Patchlist: 55 species

19th April Cracking male Common Redstart (56 species)

22nd April An obvious arrival of Whitethroats (5 birds) plus Linnet (suprisingly new for the year) (58 species)

29th April One male Whinchat (59 species)'''

7th May Swift (60), Garden Warbler (61), House Martin (62)

14th May Lapwing (63), Lesser Whitethroat (64)

20th May Common Buzzard (2 maybe 3 birds, species 65) Mallard (66)

Steve Gale'''