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This was a very good year with 122 species identified. It was notable for a large number of rarer species, an exceptionally good tally of waders and the prolonged presence, in early spring, of a Siberian Chiffchaff.

Nine species were recorded at the park for the first time: Great-crested Grebe, Purple Heron, Northern Shovelar, Short-toed Eagle, Black Kite, Water Rail, Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank and Greenshank.  
 

Observers at Parc des Beaumonts in 2007 :
 
AD= Anne-Laure Dussuchal    BF= Benoît Fontaine    DG= Didier Godreau     DT= David Thorns   JB= Julien Birard    FC= François Chiron    FP= Florence Picard    HD= Henri Dahiot    LD= Léo Darrigade    LS= Laurent Spanneut      MZ= Maxime Zucca     OL=Olivier Laporte    PD= Pierre Delbove       PM= Philip Redman     PR= Pierre Rousset    RP= Roland Paul    SC= Stéphane Chambris    VB= Vincent van de Bor            
 
 
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 Crested Grebe  (Grèbe huppé)  Podiceps cristatus  M

1 record in autumn.

1, 2nd September [LS/PR].

A totally unexpected first for the park and surely one of the most extraordinary sightings at Beaumonts. The bird flew low towards the north, just over the heads of the 2 observers present.

Great Cormorant  (Grand cormoran)  Phalacrocorax carbo  M

Relatively few observations. Noted in small numbers during the migration periods – absent in summer (no records between 6th May – 11th August).

In spring, observations mainly in April (recorded on 7 dates with a maximum of 60 on 1st April [DT]).

Noted in autumn from 11th August (7 birds) until 13th November (5). The majority of observations in October (noted on 6 dates with a maximum of 31 flying south on 6th October [DT]).

Observed once in winter at the end of the year (2 on the 8th December [DT]).


Grey Heron  (Héron cendré)  Ardea cinerea  S M

Observed fairly regularly throughout the year – a single bird usually present either fishing at the Mare Perchée or perched in nearby trees. Sometimes more than 1 bird noted (for example 3, 17th March – 2, 31st March and 22nd April [DT]).  

Occasionally noted at distance in ‘migratory’ flight (for example ; 2, 14th October and 1 on 18th October [PR]).

 
Purple Heron  (Héron Pourpré)  Ardea purpurea  M

1 record in spring.

1, 12th May [PR].

The first record for Beaumonts - the bird was observed flying north at 16h30.

 
White Stork  (Cigogne blanche)  Ciconia ciconia  M

Observed migrating over the park on 2 dates in spring.

2, 16th February [PR]  -  2, 7th April [DT].

 

Black Stork  (Cigogne noire) Ciconia niger  M

1 record in spring.  

1, 24th May [PR].
 

 

Greylag Goose  (Oie cendrée)  Anser anser   M

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

13, 18th February [PR]  -  5, 22nd February [PR].

5, 30th September [PR]  -  16, 6th October [PR]  -  3, 19th October [PR].
 

 

Canada Goose  (Bernache du Canada)  Branta canadensis  F

Observed on 6 dates ; in spring (especially March) and summer.  

2, 9th March [PR]  -  2, 13th March [PR]  -  2, 14th March [PR/DT]  -  2, 18th March [PR]  -  5, 21st April [PR]  -  5, 17th June [PR].

 

 

 

 

 

Ruddy Shelduck  (Tadorne casarca)  Casarca ferruginea  F

1 record in spring.

2 flying north on 15th March [OL/PM/PR/DT].

Photo: Ruddy Shelduck; O.Laporte, 15th March 2007

 

 

 

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Mallard  (Canard colvert)  Anas platyrhynchos  S M

Observed regularly at the Mare Perchée from 5th February to 13th May. Breeding unconfirmed, although no doubt attempted. During this period a pair was accompanied by up to 4 males. Not recorded in spring after 13th May although single birds were noted on 2 occasions in summer (16th June and 7th July [PR]).  

The species is easily disturbed at the park by the presence of dogs ‘off leash’.   


Northern Shovelar  (Canard souchet)  Anas clypeata  M  

1 record in autumn.  

1 flying south on 24th September [LS].

This constitutes the first record for Beaumonts.


Osprey  (Balbuzard pêcheur)  Pandion haliaetus  M

2 records (1 in spring and 1 in autumn).

1, 4th March [PR] (exceptionally early).

1, 30th September [PR/DT].


Black Kite  (Milan noir)  Milvus migrans  M

1 observation in autumn.

1, 28th August [PM].

A long-awaited first for Beaumonts. The bird flew relatively low over the park, westwards towards the cemetery.  


Western Marsh Harrier  (Busard des roseaux)  Circus aeruginosus  M

4 records (3 in spring and 1 in autumn).

1, 5th April [PR]  -  1, 7th April [PR/DT]  -  1, 26th April [PR].

1, 23rd September [PR/DT].
 

Common Buzzard  (Buse variable)   Buteo buteo  M

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

1, 10th March [PR/DT].

1, 23rd September [LS]  -  1, 24th September [LS]  -  2, 6th October [PR/DT]  -  1, 27th October [PR]  -  1, 18th November [DT].
 
 
European Honey-buzzard  (Bondrée apivore)  Pernis apivorus  M

Observed on 10 dates (2 in spring, 1 in summer and 7 in autumn).

2, 1st June [PR]  -  1, 10th June [PR].

1, 7th July [PR].

6, 21st August [PR]  -  1, 29th August [LS]  -  2, 2nd September [LS]  -  1, 16th September [DT]  -  1, 18th September [PR]  -  1, 20th September [PR]  -  1, 30th September [PR/DT].
 
 
Short-toed Eagle  (Circaète Jean-le-Blanc)  Circaetus gallicus  M

1 observation in autumn.  

1, 2nd September [PR].

The first record for the park. The bird flew northwest at 10h50.

 
Eurasian Sparrowhawk  (Épervier d’Europe)  Accipiter nisus  S M

Observed regularly (normally 1-3 birds) throughout the year. Breeding confirmed inside the park for the first time (at least 2 juveniles heard and seen daily during the last 3 weeks of August).

 
Eurasian Kestrel  (Faucon crécerelle)  Falco tinnunculus  S M

Breeds in the immediate vicinity of the park. 1-2 birds noted almost daily throughout the year.
 

Eurasian Hobby  (Faucon hobereau)  Falco subbuteo E M

1-2 birds observed on 13 dates (4 in spring and 9 in autumn).

Observed for the first time on 20th April - last recorded on 20th October.

1, 20th April [PR]  -  2, 12th May [LS/PR]  -  1, 13th May [PR]  -  1, 24th May [PR].

1, 6th August [PR]  -  1, 12th August [DT]  -  1, 18th August [DT]  -  1, 21st August [PR]  -  2, 2nd September [LS/PR]  -  1, 6th September [PR]  -  1, 24th September [LS]  -  1, 12th October [PR]  -  1, 20th October [PR].


Merlin  (Faucon emerillon)  Falco columbarius   M

1 record in autumn.

12th October (1) [PR].


Water Rail  (Rale d’eau)  Rallus aquaticus  M

1 observation in early autumn.

1, 3rd August [PR].

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This constitutes the first record for Beaumonts.


Common Moorhen  (Poule d’eau)  Gallinula chloropus  S

Common resident – seen almost daily. Breeding confirmed.

Noted collecting nest material on 5th April [PR]. 2 nests in evidence on 15th May when 3 adults and 12 young chicks (of varying sizes) were observed at the Mare Perchée [PR].


Eurasian Curlew  (Courlis cendré)  Numenius arquata  M

Observed on 2 dates (1 in spring and 1 in autumn).

1 flying north on 7th April [DT].

4 flying south on 20th October [PR].

The sighting in spring constitutes the first record for the park.


[Ringed Plover sp.  (Gravelot indéterminé)  M]

A charadrius sp (c.hiaticula or c.dubius) was observed on site on the fringes of the Mare Perchée on 12th June [VB].

 
Northern Lapwing  (Vanneau huppé)  Vanellus vanellus  M

Observed flying over the park –almost always in flocks. Just 2 records this year (1 in spring and 1 in autumn).

50, 7th April [PR/DT].

55, 18th October [PR].


Eurasian Woodcock  (Bécasse des bois)  Scolopax rusticola  M

1 observation in late autumn.

1, 17th November [DT].


Common Redshank  (Chevalier gambette)  Tringa totanus  M

1 record in spring.

1, 2nd April [PR].


Greenshank  (Chevalier aboyeur)  Tringa nebularia  M

1 record in spring.

1, 5th May [DT].

An incredible observation of a bird standing in the middle of the Mare Perchée early in the morning. It constitutes the first record for Beaumonts.   

 
Green Sandpiper  (Chevalier cul-blanc) Tringa ochropus   M

2 records (1 in spring and 1 in summer).

1, 29th April [DT].

1, 20th June [DT].
 

Common Sandpiper  (Chevalier guignette)  Tringa hypoleucos   M

1 record in summer.  

1, 21st July [LS].   


Black-headed Gull  (Mouette rieuse)  Larus ridibundus M

Observed irregularly in small numbers throughout the year, although apparently not recorded this year during the months of May, June or August. Usually 1-10 birds noted either as singles or in small groups. Larger numbers occasionally recorded (for example, 42 on 11th February and 44 on 23rd September).
 

Mediterranean Gull  (Mouette mélanocéphale ) Larus melanocephalus  M

1 record in spring.

2 flying north on 14th April [LS/PR].


Common Gull  (Goéland cendré)  Larus canus  M

Uncommon. Single birds noted flying over the park on 5 dates.

1, 1st April [PR/DT]  -  1, 2nd June [PR]  -  1, 4th June [PR]  -  1, 31st October [DT]  -  1, 18th November [DT].   


Herring Gull  (Goéland argenté)  Larus argentatus M

Observed fairly regularly flying over the park in small numbers (usually 1-2 birds). Higher numbers noted occasionally in winter. Maximum of 19 flying west on 4th March [PR].
 

Yellow-legged Gull  (Goéland leucophée)  Larus michahellis  M

Less common than the preceding species – recorded in small numbers throughout the year. Noted on 6 dates.

1, 4th March [PR]  -  13, 17th June [PR]  -  1, 1st July [PR]  -  1, 9th July [PR]  -  3, 9th August [PR]  -  1, 10th October [PR].
 

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

Small numbers seen irregularly throughout the year flying over the park. Noted on 6 dates.

1, 11th February [PR]  -  1, 13th March [PR]  -  7, 17th March [PR]  -  4, 1st April [PR]  -  1, 9th July [PR]  -  1, 14th July [LS].


[Unidentified Gulls  (Goéland indéterminé)  Larus sp.]

Gull identification can be challenging and many of them observed at Beaumonts are left unidentified. Small numbers of such birds are noted throughout the year (although far fewer during summer).   


Common Tern  (Sterne pierregarin)  Sterna hirundo  M

2 records in late spring.

28th May (1) [LS]  -  8th June (1) [PR].


Rock Dove  (Pigeon biset)  Columba livia S

Common resident, seen daily.


Stock Dove  (Pigeon colombin)  Columba oenas  S

Breeding in the immediate vicinity, a reasonably common resident. Generally 1-2 birds seen almost daily flying over the park. Up to 4 birds seen regularly on the roof of a building to the northeast of (and outside) the park.

 
Woodpigeon  (Pigeon ramier)  Columba palumbus  S M

A common breeding resident – seen daily.

There were noteworthy movements of c.palumbus early in the morning of 17th June, when at least 2000 birds flew north in the space of 1 hour [PR].
 

Collared Dove  (Tourterelle turque)  Streptopelia decaocto  S

Fairly common resident. Usually 1-2 birds seen flying over the park or, more rarely, landing on site at the Mare Perchée or the re-cycling plant.


Turtle Dove  (Tourterelle des bois)  Streptopelia turtur  M

Uncommon passage migrant. Singles noted on 4 dates between 2nd June and 31st August.  

1, 2nd June [PR]  -  1, 4th August [DT]  -  1, 16th August [PR]  -  1, 31st August [PR].

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

1 record in autumn.

1, 12th September [PR].


Common Swift  (Martinet noir)  Apus apus  E M

Common summer visitor – seen every day, with the largest numbers (roughly 200) observed at the end of July and the beginning of August.

First recorded in spring on 14th April [LS/PR]. Recorded for the last time on 2nd September [PR].

 
European Bee-eater  (Guêpier d'Europe) Meriops apiaster M

1 record in autumn.

1 flying north on 31st August [PR].

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

Very occasionally seen flying over the park – feral populations in the region. 1 record in August.

1, 3rd August [RP].

 
Green Woodpecker  (Pic vert)  Picus viridis S

At least 1 breeding pair either in the park or in the immediate surroundings – heard or seen almost daily throughout the year.

 
Great Spotted Woodpecker  (Pic épeiche)  Dendrocopos major S

At least 1 breeding pair – either heard or seen almost daily throughout the year.


Middle Spotted Woodpecker  (Pic mar)  Dendrocopos medius  H

1 record in spring.

1, 13th March [PR].


Lesser Spotted Woodpecker  (Pic épeichette)  Dendrocopos minor  S

A discreet resident, probably breeding inside the park. Noted irregularly and infrequently throughout the year.  
 

 

Wryneck  (Torcol)  Jynx torquilla M

Rare migrant. Observed on 2 dates in autumn.

1, 10th September [PM]  -  1, 13th September [PR].
 

 

Skylark  (Alouette des champs)  Alauda arvensis  M

A fairly common migrant noted flying over the park in spring and autumn.

First recorded in spring on 17th February [PR]. Surprisingly small numbers noted fairly regularly thereafter up to 17th April.

Observed for the first time in autumn (30 birds) on 6th October [PR]. Up to 60 birds then noted almost daily until 21st October.


Wood Lark  (Alouette lulu)  Lullula arborea  M

An uncommon but regular migrant in autumn. Noted flying over the park on 4 dates in October.

3, 14th September [PR]  -  3, 6th October [PR/DT]  -  1, 11th October [PR]  -  3, 12th October [PR].  


Crested Lark  (Cochevis huppe)  Galerida cristata  H M

1 record in autumn.

11th September (1) [PR].

 
Meadow Pipit  (Pipit farlouse)  Anthus pratensis  M

Fairly common passage migrant in both spring and autumn.

First spring record 4th March [PR]. Noted almost daily thereafter with a peak of 246 moving north on 14th April [LS/PR]. Noted for the last time in spring on 6th May [DT].

Absent during summer. First autumn sighting on 22nd September [PR/DT]. Rather low numbers noted regularly until 3rd November [DT] with a peak of 25 on 6th October [PR/DT].


Tree Pipit  (Pipit des arbres)  Anthus trivialis  M

A relatively common migrant in spring and autumn.

Observed for the first time in spring on 6th April [LS]. Up to 6 birds noted irregularly thereafter until 1st May [DT].

Absent in summer. Noted for the first time in autumn on 21st August [PR]. 1-4 birds noted irregularly thereafter until 29th September [DT].


Tawny Pipit  (Pipit rousseline)  Anthus campestris  M

1 record in autumn.

1, 2nd September [LS/PR].

The bird was in active migration, flying south over the Cascade at 08h35.

 
Sand Martin  (Hirondelle de rivage)  Riparia riparia  E M

Rather uncommon passage migrant. Surprisingly just one record in spring.

1, 3rd April [LS/PR].


Barn Swallow  (Hirondelle de cheminée)  Hirundo rustica  E M

Common passage migrant in spring and autumn. Small numbers noted during the summer (breeding presumed in the immediate vicinity of the park).

First recorded in spring on 1st April [DT]. Small numbers in active migration (1-12 birds) noted fairly regularly in spring until 12th May.

Noted quite frequently in summer with 1-5 birds observed flying around the park and coming down to drink from the surface of the Mare Perchée. Such birds included a juvenile on 17th July [PR].  

Up to 41 birds noted irregularly on autumn passage, between 2nd September – 14th October.
 

House Martin  (Hirondelle de fenêtre)  Delichon urbicum  E M

Relatively common passage migrant in spring and autumn. Seen fairly often in small numbers over the site during summer.

First recorded in spring on 14th April [PR/LS]. Small numbers (1-7 birds) noted thereafter on migration until 6th May.

Up to 12 birds observed fairly regularly in summer (end of May and July – August [PR]).

Return passage noted between 21st August (4 birds) [PR] and 24th September (20 birds) [LS].


White Wagtail  (Bergeronnette grise)  Motacilla alba M

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

First reported in spring (a singleton) on 4th March [PR] and up to 9 birds noted thereafter until 19th April [PR/LS].

Absent during summer. Relatively few records in autumn, migration noted for the first time on 1st September [LS]. Small numbers observed thereafter until 20th October [PR], with a maximum of 15 on 6th October (which unusually included a group of 6 feeding on the lawns).  
 

Blue-headed Wagtail  (Bergeronnette printanière)  Motacilla flava  M

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

In spring, up to 11 birds noted migrating northwards over the park from 3rd April [LS] to 5th May [DT]. 3 birds observed feeding on the lawns on 21st April [PR/DT].

Observed for the first time in autumn on 23rd August [LS]. Small numbers noted thereafter on 5 dates until 23rd September.


Grey Wagtail  (Bergeronnette des ruisseaux)  Motacilla cinerea  M

Rather uncommon non-breeding resident and passage migrant – observed irregularly.

Recorded on 3 dates in spring (March 4th[DT], 10th [PR] and 31st[DT].

1-2 individuals observed on 16 dates in autumn between 2nd September (apparently in active migration [PR]) and 13th November [DT].


Winter Wren  (Troglodyte mignon)  Troglodytes troglodytes  S

Common resident – at least 7 breeding pairs estimated. Seen or heard daily.


Dunnock  (Accenteur mouchet)  Prunella modularis  S M

Common resident – at least 6 breeding pairs estimated.

Usually 1-5 birds noted daily. More discreet during the breeding season when rather difficult to find.

 
European Robin  (Rougegorge familier)  Erithacus rubecula  S M

Fairly common breeding resident : usually 1-4 birds seen or head daily.

As is customary, e.rubecula was rather more numerous in late autumn with the passage of migrants on site (for example, notable ‘fall’ on 3rd October when at least 12 birds noted in the early morning [DT]).  


Nightingale  (Rossignol philomèle)  Luscinia megarhynchos  M

Uncommon migrant. Noted on 5 dates (2 in spring and 3 in early autumn).

1 (singing), 8th April [PR]  -  1, 19th May [PR].

1, 11th August [DT]  -  2, 16th August [PR/DT]  -  2, 19th August [DT].


Black Redstart  (Rougequeue noir)  Phoenicurus ochruros  M

A rather uncommon and irregular passage migrant, nesting in the immediate vicinity of the park.

1-3 birds noted on 8 dates in spring, between the 4th March and 10th May.

1-7 birds noted often (almost daily) in autumn between 15th September and 21st October.
 

 

Common Redstart  (Rougequeue à front blanc)  Phoenicurus phoenicurus M

Rather uncommon migrant. Noted once in spring and on 10 dates in autumn.

1, 15th March [PR].

First recorded in autumn on 5th September [PM]. 1-2 birds noted thereafter on 9 dates up to and including 30th September.
 

 

Whinchat  (Tarier des prés)  Saxicola rubetra  M

Uncommon migrant. Recorded on 7 dates in autumn.

1, 11th August [PR/DT]  -  1, 30th August [PR]  -  1, 1st September [LS]  -  1, 7th September [PR]  -  1, 9th September [PR]  -  1, 14th September [PR]  -  1, 15th September [DT].
 

 

European Stonechat  (Traquet pâtre)  Saxicola rubicola  M

Now an uncommon migrant – no longer breeding on site. Noted on 10 dates (9 in spring and 1 in autumn).

1, 25th February [DT]  -  1, 2nd March [DT]  -  1, 4th March [PR]  -  1, 13th March [PR]  -  1, 14th March [PR/DT]  -  1, 17th March [PM/DT]  -  1, 18th March [PR]  -  1, 25th March [PR/DT]  -  1, 26th March [PR].

1, 11th October [PR].

 
Ring Ouzel  (Merle à plastron)  Turdus torquatus  M

Recorded on 6 dates – 3 in spring and 3 in autumn.

1, 21st February [PR]  -  2, 7th April [PR/DT]  -  1, 18th April [LS].

2, 3rd October [PR]  -  1, 8th October [PR]  -  1, 14th October [PD].


Common Blackbird  (Merle noir)  Turdus merula  S M

Common resident – usually 1-6 birds seen daily. At least 7 breeding pairs estimated.

Juveniles noted on 7th July [DT].


Fieldfare  (Grive litorne)  Turdus pilaris  H M

Uncommon. 1 record in January. 1-5 birds noted on 5 dates in spring between 14th March and 15th April.

Recorded for the first time in autumn on 22nd September [PR]. Not observed again until 12th October. Up to 23 birds noted on 7 dates between 24th October and 15th November.

2 interesting observations in December: 41 birds flying south (and landing briefly in the Savanna) on 8th  , and 15 noted flying south the following day [LS].

 
Song Thrush  (Grive musicienne)  Turdus philomelos  S M

Fairly common but rather discreet  resident - at least 3 breeding pairs estimated. In general 1-3 birds noted daily.

Numbers bolstered in spring and autumn by migrants: in spring a maximum of 23 flying north on 15th April [LS]. In autumn a maximum of 41 south on 14th October [PR/DT].


Redwing  (Grive mauvis)  Turdus iliacus  H M

Relatively common passage migrant in spring and (especially) autumn. Rather uncommon in winter.

1-7 birds noted on site in January and in March-April (apparently no records in February). Uncommon at the end of the year in winter – just 4 observations in November-December.

Migrants observed in small numbers during migration periods, although no large flocks observed as in some years. In spring a feeble peak of 24 flying north on 14th March [PR/DT]. In autumn noted for the first time on 29th September [DT].


Mistle Thrush  (Grive draine)  Turdus viscivorus  S M

Relatively common resident in small numbers; 1-3 birds noted almost daily in winter, early spring and autumn. Breeding likely in or very near the park. Very seldom reported in late spring and summer.

Numbers increased with migrants moving south in late autumn; for example 17 on 14th October [PR/DT].


Garden Warbler  (Fauvette des jardins)  Sylvia borin  E M

Relatively common summer visitor; 2-3 breeding pairs estimated.  

First recorded in spring on 21st April [PR/DT]. Reported singing in the Savanna throughout July and as late as 1st August [PR]. Last observation in autumn the 1st September [PR].
 

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

Presence in winter – noted twice in February, and further records at the beginning of March and in November.

Common in spring and summer – about 7 birds usually seen daily. Although noted irregularly throughout March, considered to be ‘’installed’’ on site by the 2nd April [PR].

Numbers bolstered in autumn with passage migrants – up to around 25 birds noted daily during the second half of September. Numbers dropped at the beginning of October and the last observation was of a singleton on 15th October [PR] (although a (wintering?) individual was noted later on 10th November [DT].


Lesser Whitethroat  (Fauvette babillarde)  Sylvia curruca  E M

Uncommon in summer – 1 breeding pair confirmed for the second consecutive year.

First recorded in spring on 15th April [PR/LS]. A pair present at the end of April when rather easily found (much more discreet in May).

A female observed carrying food on June 10th [PR].

Heard singing on 4th [PR] and 12th [DT] August. Recorded for the last time on 14th August [PR].


Common Whitethroat  (Fauvette grisette)  Sylvia communis  E

Common in summer – up to 5 birds seen or heard daily. 4-5 breeding pairs estimated.

First recorded in spring on 15th April [PR]. Juveniles noted on 7th July [PR]. Last reported on 9th September (rather earlier than usual) [PR].

 
Reed Warbler  (Rousserolle effarvatte)  Acrocephalus scirpaceus  E M

Summer visitor heard or seen daily in late spring and summer. A pair bred successfully at the Mare Perchée.

First recorded in spring on 12th May [LS]. 3 birds observed singing at the Mare Perchée on 15th and 16th June [PR/DT]. An additional singing bird was also noted on four occasions at the Mare de Brie during the second half of June [PR]. An adult was observed feeding a juvenile on 28th July [PR].  

Last reported on 13th September [PR].


Marsh Warbler  (Rousserolle verderolle)  Acrocephalus palustris E M

Rare passage migrant. Exceptionally a singing bird was present on site between 27th May – 25th June. Probably an unpaired male it is unlikely that breeding occurred. Records from 27th May no doubt concern the same individual.

1, 8th May [MZ]  - 1, 27th May [PR/DT]  -  1, 30th May [PR]  -  1, 4th June [PR]  -  1, 8th June [PR]  -  1, 9th June [PR]  -  1, 12th June (singing from the Savanna at 01h00 !) [LS]  -  1, 16th June [DT]  -  1, 17th June [PR]  -  1, 20th June [DT]  -  1, 25th June [PR].

 

Sedge Warbler  (Phragmite des joncs) Acrocephalus schoenobaenus  M

Rare passage migrant. Exceptionally an individual present in the Savanna during early autumn for almost a week.  

1, 13th August [DT]  -  1 (presumably the same), 19th August [DT]  -  1, 21st September [PR].

 
Melodious Warbler  (Hypolaïs polyglotte)  Hippolais polyglotta E M

Relatively common summer visitor. 2 breeding pairs estimated.

Recorded for the first time in spring on 23rd April [PM]. An adult observed feeding a juvenile at the Mare de Brie on 7th July [PR].

Observed for the last time on 21st August [PR].

 
Willow Warbler  (Pouillot fitis)  Phylloscopus trochilus  E M

Fairly common in spring and autumn – very few records in late spring and summer (breeding improbable).

Observed for the first time in spring (singing) on 12th April [PR/DT]. Noted irregularly thereafter until late May. Recorded once in June (17th) [PR] and twice in July (7th and 13th) [PR].

1-5 birds noted irregularly from early August until early September. Recorded for the last time on 10th September [PR].


Wood Warbler  (Pouillot siffleur)  Phylloscopus sibilatrix  M

Reported once in early autumn.

1, 18th August [PR].


Common Chiffchaff  (Pouillot véloce)   Phylloscopus collybita E M

Common summer visitor – seen daily. At least 7 breeding pairs estimated.

Recorded for the first time in spring on 18th February [DT]. Generally up to 6 birds seen daily in spring and summer. Numbers bolstered in late autumn with the arrival of migrants, peaking in late September (between 21st – 29th) when 12-18 birds noted daily. Numbers much lower after mid October – up to 5 birds seen daily until mid November.

Wintering individuals on site at the end of the year; 1-2 birds noted irregularly through the latter part of November until the 29th December [PR].
 

 

[Siberian Chiffchaff  (Pouillot véloce sibérien)  Phylloscopus collybita tristis  M ]

On 17th February an unusual, pallid-looking, ‘grey

-and-white’ Common Chiffchaff p.collybita was

observed briefly. It had the appearance and

call of a typical tristis (a single plaintive ‘peep’ note), but

it was unfortunately not relocated during the following

days [PR/DT]. 
 

As fortune would have it the bird was relocated almost

one month later, on 12th March, by Maxime Zucca who

was conducting research in the park. He found the bird

at the Mare Perchée and was fortunately able to

establish that the bird had reliable habits: it would visit

this area in the early mornings between 08h30-09h30

and forage for some 15-30 minutes in the reedbed

before  disappearing for the rest of the day, exiting the

area quickly through the bushes lining the Sentier des

Vergers.​

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This information enabled several other birders to see

the bird over the course of the following days. Several

photographs and sound recordings were taken. The bird

spent roughly 2 months on site, being last observed on

15th April [PR].
Photo: Siberian Chiffchaff; O.Laporte, 15th March, 2007

Incredibly what appeared to be the same individual put in another appearance, several months later, during the morning of 24th November [PR/DT]



Goldcrest  (Roitelet huppé)  Regulus regulus S M

Small numbers seen irregularly throughout the year, although observed principally in late autumn and winter (between mid October and the end of November). An individual observed singing on 15th April [PR]. Breeding possible but not confirmed.
 

Firecrest  (Roitelet triple-bandeau)  Regulus ignicapillus  S M

Uncommon resident – breeding possible but unconfirmed.

Present in winter – noted only once at the beginning of the year (22nd February [PR]) but on several dates at the end of the year. Just one record in spring (the 15th April [PR]). Apparently not observed between 15th April – 13th September.
 

Spotted Flycatcher  (Gobemouche gris)  Muscicapa striata M

Uncommon but regular passage migrant. Recorded on 5 dates in autumn.

29th August (1) [LS]  -  2nd September (1) [PR]  -  7th September (1) [PR]  -  11th September (1) [LS]  -  15th September (3) [DT].

 
Pied Flycatcher  (Gobemouche noir)  Ficedula hypoleuca  M

Passage migrant noted on 11 dates in autumn between 13th August – 15th September.  

13th August (2) [DT]  -  14th August (2) [PR]  -  15th August (1) [PR]  -  18th August (3) [PR/DT]  -  31st August (1) [PR]  -  1st September (1) [LS]  -  2nd September (1) [PR]  -  7th September (1) [PR]  -  9th September (1) [PR]  -  11th September (1) [LS]  -  15th September (1) [DT].


Great Tit  (Mésange charbonnière)  Parus major  S M

Common resident – usually 1-6 birds seen daily.


Coal Tit  (Mésange noire)  Periparus ater  H M

Very uncommon. Noted on 2 dates in autumn.

13th October (1) [PR]  -  27th October (1) [DT].
 
 
European Blue Tit  (Mésange bleue)  Cyanistes caeruleus  S M

Common breeding resident- 1-6 birds usually seen daily. Juveniles noted on 7th July [PR].

Autumn passage evident in late autumn – notable increase in numbers during the first 2 weeks of October [PR/DT].


Marsh Tit  (Mésange nonnette)  Poecile palustris  S

Uncommon. Noted on 4 dates in autumn.

5th August (2) [PR]  -  11th August (1) [DT]  -  27th October [PR/DT]  -  17th November (1) [PR/DT].


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

Relatively common resident. Breeding confirmed.

1-14 birds noted fairly regularly throughout the year. A pair observed building a nest on 3rd March [DT].

As usual A.caudatus was either absent or very discreet for a period in late spring and early summer; apparently not recorded between 12th May – 28th July (when  juveniles were noted for the first time [PR].


Penduline Tit  (Mésange remiz)  Remiz pendulinus   M

Very rare passage migrant. One record in autumn.

5, 6th October [DT].

An exciting discovery of 5 birds heard and subsequently seen flitting around the reedbed at the Mare Perchée in the early morning. Visibly unsettled they unfortunately didn’t stay long, quickly regrouping and taking off together to fly away high to the north.  


Eurasian Nuthatch  (Sittelle torchepot)  Sitta europaea  S

Rather a rare resident – numbers have declined over recent years. Observed on 3 dates.

30th March (1) [PR]  -  19th May (1) [PR]  -  30th August (1) [PR].


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

Fairly common resident – at least 2 breeding pairs estimated. 1-2 birds (usually 1) noted fairly regularly throughout the year.

 
Eurasian Magpie  (Pie bavarde)  Pica pica  S

Common breeding resident. Usually about 15 birds noted daily.  


Eurasian Jay  (Geai des chênes)  Garrulus glandarius  S M

Fairly common breeding resident – usually 1-3 birds noted daily throughout the year.


Western Jackdaw  (Choucas des tours)  Corvus monedula  M

Uncommon – observed on 8 dates flying over the park. Small groups of up to 43 birds noted in October.

11th February (1) [PR]  -  10th March (2) [PR]  -  1st May (1) [DT].

12th August (2) [PR]  -  13th October (5) [PR]  -  20th October (31) [PR/DT]  -  21st October (43) [PR/DT]  -  24th November (7) [PR/DT].


Rook  (Corbeau freux)  Corvus frugilegus  M

Like the previous species uncommon at Beaumonts. Observations usually consist of loose groups of under 10 birds flying purposefully, high overhead. Recorded on 9 dates (2 in spring and 7 in autumn).

9th April (2) [DT]  -  21st April (4) [PR].

23rd September (1) [LS]  - 24th September (1) [LS]  -  13th October (3) [PR]  -  14th October (4) [PR]  -  21st October (1) [PR/DT]  -  24th October (3) [DT]  -  31st October (11) [DT].


Carrion Crow  (Corneille noire)  Corvus corone  S

Common breeding resident – up to 15 birds seen daily. 1 bird observed occupying a nest on 31st December [PR].


Common Starling  (Étourneau sansonnet)  Sturnus vulgaris S M

Common breeding resident – small numbers observed every day. Greater numbers sometimes noted on site in late autumn and in winter (for example : c150 on 15th September [DT], 18th October [PR] and 31st December [PR]).

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

Rather rare but regular passage migrant. Recorded on 2 dates in spring.

25th April (1) [PR]  -  1st May (1) [DT].
 

House Sparrow  (Moineau domestique)  Passer domesticus S

Fairly common resident, nesting outside the park. Usually 1-4 birds noted daily.


Tree Sparrow  (Moineau friquet)  Passer montanus  S H

Uncommon resident, probably breeding near the park by the cemetary where up to 3 birds occasionally noted.

A small flock of up to 14 birds present around the edges of the recycling plant during the last 3 weeks of December.

8th Avril (1 flying over the Savanna) [PR]

18th August (1) [PR]  -  21st September (1) [PR]

8th December (14) [DT]  -  15th/16th December (10) [DT]  -  29th December (6) [DT]  -  30th December (1) [DT].


Common Chaffinch  (Pinson des arbres)  Fringilla coelebs  S M

Relatively common in winter. Probably breeding in or very near the park the species is very discreet or absent in late spring and summer, and rarely recorded (roughly mid-April to mid-September).

Common passage migrant in spring and (especially) autumn. Small numbers noted on spring passage during April with a maximum of just 59 on 3rd April [PR].

Observed migrating generally southwest on 14 dates in autumn between 22nd September – 27th October, with a maximum of 131 on 14th October [PR/DT].


Brambling  (Pinson du nord)  Fringilla montifringilla M

Rather uncommon but regular passage migrant in spring and (especially) autumn. Uncommon on site in winter.

Not recorded in spring. In autumn noted flying over the park on 9 dates between 11th – 31st October, with a maximum of 9 on 27th October [PR].

Small numbers recorded on site on 3 dates in November : 1st November (10) [DT] – 2nd November (5) [PM] – 13th November (4) [DT].


Linnet  (Linotte mélodieuse)  Carduelis cannabina  M

Passage migrant noted in both spring and autumn.

Although observed on 8th March [PR], spring records almost exclusively in April (noted on 13 dates with a maximum of 14 on 7th [PR/DT]).

Few records in autumn: 1-3 birds noted on just 4 dates during the first half of October.


Lesser Redpoll  (Sizerin cabaret)  Acanthis cabaret H M

Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Usually observed flying over the park. Recorded on 3 dates in late autumn.

13th October (1) [PR]  -  27th October (1) [PR]  -  31st October (1) [DT].


European Goldfinch  (Chardonneret élégant)  Carduelis carduelis S M

Relatively common resident, probably breeding in or very near the park. Usually 1-3 birds seen almost daily.

Active migration occasionally noted (small numbers) during both spring and autumn passage (mainly in April and October).


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

Common resident, breeding in or very near the park. Usually about 5 birds noted daily, although almost absent in summer and rarely seen (mid May-mid August).


Eurasian Siskin  (Tarin des aulnes)  Carduelis spinus H M

Uncommon in winter but fairly common and regular passage migrant in spring and (especially) autumn.

2 noted on 3rd March [PR] but no later observations in spring.

Small numbers recorded regularly (on 14 dates) in autumn between 23rd September [LS] and 3rd November [DT]. Observations almost exclusively in October, with a maximum of 18 southwest on 6th October [DT].

25th November (1) [PR/DT].


European Serin  (Serin cini)  Serinus serinus S M

Relatively common resident, breeding in or very near the park. Small numbers (usually 1-4 birds) observed regularly, although no winter records (January and December).

Heard singing for the first time on 21st February, and song flights and copulation observed on 12th April [PR]. Rarely noted in summer (recorded on just 2 occasions between 1st June and 31st July [PR/DT]).

More numerous in late autumn: 1-6 birds noted almost daily in October.  


Eurasian Bullfinch  (Bouvreuil pivoine)  Pyrrhula pyrrhula  S

Discreet but relatively common resident in small numbers. Up to 3 birds noted fairly regularly throughout the year. 1 pair bred successfully in the park.

3 juveniles observed on 20th June [DT]. 1 juvenile noted on 21st and 30th June [PR].
 

Hawfinch  (Gros-bec casse-noyaux)  Coccothraustes coccothraustes  H M

Uncommon but regular passage migrant and winter visitor. Recorded on 4 dates (1 in winter, 1 in spring and 2 in autumn).

1, 28th January [PR].

1, 17th April [LS].

1, 16th October [PR]  -  1, 24th October [LS/DT].

 

 

Common Reed Bunting  (Bruant des roseaux)  Emberiza schoeniclus  H M

Uncommon in winter – noted fairly regularly on passage in spring and autumn.

1-5 birds noted in spring on 13 dates between 18th February [PR] and 17th March [DT].

1-6 birds recorded on just 4 dates in autumn between 13th October [PR] and 13th November [DT].

Photo: Common Reed Bunting; V. der Bor, 23rd February 2007

 

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Yellowhammer  (Bruant jaune)  Emberiza citrinella  M

Very uncommon migrant. Recorded on 2 dates (1 in spring and 1 in autumn).

1, 11th March [PR].

2, 14th October [PR].
 

 

 

Cirl Bunting  (Bruant zizi)  Emberiza cirlus  H

Sadly now rather uncommon – no longer a breeding

species at Beaumonts.

1-3 birds noted irregularly on 8 dates at the beginning

of the year, between 5th January and 15th March

(when heard singing).

1, 5th January [PR]  -  3, 26th January [PR]  -  3, 10th

February [DT/VB]  -  3, 16th February [PR]  -  2, 17th

February [PR/DT]  -  1, 20th February [PR]  -  1 singing

male, 15th March [PR].

Photo: Cirl Bunting; V.der Bor, 10th February 2007

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