Pied Flycatcher - Dulwich Park!

After a slow start, spring arrived in force today with a stunning fall of migrant birds across London. Significant numbers of Wheatear, Willow Warbler and Redstart were recorded all over town and Dulwich Park got in on the act with this superb male Pied Flycatcher, found by Gavin Horsley this morning.

Thanks for the superb photos Gavin...

Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) Dulwich Park, 15/4/13

The bird was favouring the American Garden - in particular the younger silver birches near the Rhododendron border along one side of 'the hollow'. It frequently disappeared into cover but generally showed well throughout the day. Apparently this has been a reliable spot for the species with several individuals recorded in the same area over 5 years at least from 1991 (Thanks DC) Pied Flycatchers are a long distance migrant, wintering in West Africa and returning to Europe to breed in spring.

Also noted in the park today were c60 Willow Warbler (across the park -an incredible number), c10 Chiffchaff, c7 Swallow, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Little Grebe, 6 Coal Tit (inc singing males) 5+ Goldcrest (1 with nest material), 1 Nuthatch (calling).

A fantastic start, keep 'em coming!