Trip reports
Walk around Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits
Tree Sparrow, RSPB Images
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Despite much of the site still being used for gravel extraction, Tyttenhanger attracts a wide range of bird species. The area around Tyttenhanger Farm is well known locally for its flock of Tree Sparrows, attracted by the feed put out for the Red-legged Partridges released by a shooting syndicate. It is also one of the best areas in Hertfordshire for breeding waders.
Highlights:
We all had excellent views of a small party of Yellowhammers and several Tree Sparrows, along with Reed Buntings, Chaffinches and Goldfinches, in the hedgerows surrounding Tyttenhanger Farm. But while we were admiring the gathered throng, this encounter was topped, when two Red Kites decided to put in an appearance and drifted overhead!
55 species were recorded during the walk, including a Tawny Owl calling from the woodland and a Ruddy Shelduck of unknown origin.
Species List:
Great crested grebe, little grebe, cormorant, grey heron, greylag goose, Canada goose, shelduck, ruddy shelduck, teal, gadwall, mallard, shoveler, pochard, tufted duck, red kite, buzzard, kestrel, red-legged partridge, moorhen, coot, ringed plover, lapwing, common gull, black-headed gull, herring gull, lesser black-backed gull, stock dove, woodpigeon, collared dove, tawny owl, green woodpecker, skylark, pied wagtail, wren, dunnock, robin, blackbird, fieldfare, redwing, long-tailed tit, goldcrest, coal tit, blue tit, great tit, magpie, jackdaw, rook, carrion crow, jay, house sparrow, tree sparrow, chaffinch, goldfinch, yellowhammer and reed bunting.
Many thanks to Mike for leading this walk.
Information on Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits can be found on the Herts Bird Club website, details below: