Vince Halley-Frame

I started birding at Dagenham Chase in my early teens, and started listing there in 1988. At the time of posting this profile,(31st Dec 05) i have seen 165 species at Dagenham Chase from a total list of about 192 species recorded. The best birds that i have found over the years include, Slavonian Grebe(pair),3 Whooper Swans,(imm),3 Honey Buzzards,3 Red Kites,Kittiwake, 2 Quail, Water Pipit, Several Ring Ouzels, Marsh Warblers (breeding),and Red-backed Shrike. My worst omission is Oystercatcher, in 2005 i missed one by 2 minutes ! I have also seen the only two official rarities recorded at Dagenham Chase, Great Snipe and Pine Bunting. For all my effort over the years i have yet to find an official rarity on site, it will probably happen when i least expect it! My current London list is 212,(Female Montagu's Harrier at Rainham being the latest addition). My foreign birding is limited to just three trips, Canada, Lesbos and USA, and my world list is less than 1000 species.