Survey of birds in Dukes Meadows in Chiswick finds 48 different species

A cormorant eating an eel; Photgraph Lorraine Conterio

A year’s bird monitoring completed at Dukes Meadows spots 48 different species

Volunteers monitoring the bird population of Dukes Meadows in Chiswick have found 48 different species over the course of the past year.

The Dukes Meadows Trust joined forces with RSPB Central London to organise monthly bird walks led by RSPB volunteer Andrew Peel, which started last March. Some of the 48 species they spotted were seen regularly, while others, such as the Redwing, spotted  in January, are seasonal visitors.

“The variety of birds at Dukes Meadows shows the importance of urban parks to birds”, said Kathleen Healy, Director of the Dukes Meadows Trust.

Bird numbers have declined by 73 million since the 1950s.

“Dukes Meadows is a particularly interesting place to see birds as it has diverse habitats including grassland, hedges, allotments, trees and the river.  The river is also a valuable corridor for birds to transit along”.

The bird spotting walks will continue but will now be held quarterly instead of monthly.

Photograph by Anna Kunst – annakunstphotography.com

Birdlife in Chiswick; Photograph Anna Kunst

“Ongoing monitoring is vital to understand what is happening to bird numbers”

RSPB volunteer Andrew Peel said:

“Ongoing monitoring is vital to understand what is happening to bird numbers and to inform efforts to help them survive and thrive. This is a great initiative by Dukes Meadows Trust, and I am pleased to support it”.

Kathleen said the RSPB had enabled the Trust to discover a whole new and wonderful aspect of the Meadows, as well as contributing to efforts to protect birds which have declined in numbers and are under threat.

Last year Thomas’s London Day Schools ripped out an established bramble hedge along the boundary of its sports ground, to the dismay of local allotment holders and environmental groups. Not only did it destroy the habitat of various forms of wildlife, but they did it during nesting season

READ ALSO: Hedgehog home and ‘wildlife haven’ destroyed to build private school sports ground

READ ALSO: Dukes Meadows hedgerow set to be restored starting this week

The private schools group promised to create a new hedge and have started the work to put in 16 new trees (hornbeam, rowan, oak and aspen), every 20 m or so, as well as a new hedge, double planted with a mix of native species to include blackthorn, cherry, beech, elder and holly, which are commonly found on Dukes Meadows, as well as hazel, guelder rose, common dogwood, buckthorn and spindle.

Great Tit; Redwing; Goldcrest; Photographs Adobe Stock

Species found in Dukes Meadows

The next walk will be Sunday 31 May starting at 11am. Sign up HERE

Species seen and heard at Dukes Meadows:

Blackca, Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Coot, Cormorant, Dunnock, Egyptian Goose, Gadwall, Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, House Sparrow, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Redwing, Ring- necked Parakeet, Robin, Starling, Teal, Tufted Duck, Wood Pigeon.

Birdlife in Chiswick; Photograph Anna Kunst

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READ ALSO: Brentford Boat Club finds new home in Dukes Meadows

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