BEDDINGTON FARMLANDS SYSTEMATIC LIST

This systematic list is aimed at complimenting the Birds of Beddington Farmlands (Peter Alfrey, Brian Milne, Derek Coleman and the BFBG 2010) in providing an up-to-date species list for Beddington Farmlands and also to provide an update for the number of records of rarely recorded species.  This systematic list builds on an earlier Systematic list by Johnny Allan (J.Allan 2012) and Peter Alfrey/BFBG (2012)

The Birds of Beddington Farmlands covered the period up to and including 2007 and full details of records of rarely recorded species can be found therein. Additional records since 2007 are included separately in the Status columns in the Systematic List below and details of these records can be found in either the 2008 Beddington Farmlands Bird Report and also the Beddington Farmlands Bird and Wildlife Report 2012 (including summary for 2009 to 2011) and further reports from 2013-2019. Records from 2020 onwards can be found on Ebird.

The aim is to update this systematic list on a regular basis.

The following status abbreviations have been utilised:

R: Resident
Re: Regular
B: Breeding
HB: Has Bred
S: Spring Migrant
AU: Autumn Migrant
W: Winter Visitor
Su: Summer Visitor
HW: Hard Weather Migrant
Ir: Irregular
Sc: Scarce Migrant (annual or less than annual)
Ve Sc: Very Scare
V: Vagrant (ten records or fewer)
FS: Former Status

Trends in recent years (approx. last decade) for more regularly occurring species include strong positive (+) , strong negative (-) and no significant change known (*)

The Systematic List is separated into different categories:

A: Nominate forms of Species recorded at Beddington Farmlands

B: Sub-species recorded at Beddington Farmlands

C. Hybrids recorded at Beddington Farmlands.

D: Escaped bird species recorded at Beddington Farmlands

A: Nominate forms of Species recorded at Beddington Farmlands. Taxonomy as recognised by the British Ornithological Union (BOU) in 2025. All species (where relevant) accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) and local rarities committees of the Surrey Bird Club (SBC) and London Natural History Society (LNHS) . * Conservation Status as per Birds of Conservation Concern 5 (Eaton et al 2021) and Overwinter population estimates of British Waterbirds (Musgrove et al 2011). National Status as per BB and BBRC classification

Common NameScientific NameConservation Status/ National StatusLocal StatusTrend
Mute SwanCygnus olorAmberR, B+
Bewick’s SwanCygnus columbianusAmberVe Sc W, 15 records
14 records <2007, 1 record of 2 birds in 2016
 
Whooper SwanCygnus cygnusAmberV, 2 records
1 in 1981, 1 in 1996
 
Tundra Bean GooseAnser serrirostrisAmberV, 2 records
1 record 1997, 1 record 2010
 
(Taiga Bean Goose)Anser fabilisAmberV, 1 record
Following review this species has been removed. The record has been accepted as Bean Goose sp. but not identified to species.
 
Pink-footed GooseAnser brachyrhynchusAmberV, 2 records
1 record consisting of 11 birds in 1938, 1 in 1963
 
Greater White-fronted GooseAnser albifronsRedVe Sc W, 19 records
14 records <2007, 2 records 2010, 2 records 2011, 1 record 2012
 
Greylag GooseAnser anserAmber/ Cat. CRe, recently bred+
Canada GooseBranta canadensisCat. CR, B+
Barnacle GooseBranta leucopsisAmber/ Cat CV, 2 records of wild birds.
Several records of BOU ‘Category C’ birds including a flock of 68 in 2017 which were presumed to be of feral origin.
 
Brent GooseBranta berniclaAmberSc Au, W 
Egyptian GooseAlopochen aegyptiacaCat. CFormerly rare, e.g. only 5 records between 1976 and 2001. Now R+
Common ShelduckTadorna tadornaAmberB+
Mandarin DuckAix galericulataCat. CVe Sc, 26 records
9 records <2007, 2 records 2009, 1 record 2011, 1 record 2012, 3 records 2014, 2 records 2015, 2 records 2016, 2 records 2017, 1 record 2021, 1 record 2024, 2 records 2025
 
Eurasian WigeonMareca penelopeAmberAu, W
GadwallMareca streperaAmberR, B+
Eurasian TealAnas creccaAmberW, Au
Green-winged TealAnas carolinensisScarceV, 2 records
1 record of a drake in 1997, which stayed into 1998, 1 record of a drake in 2005
 
MallardAnas platyrhynchosAmberR, B*
Northern PintailAnas acutaAmberIr W, Au*
GarganeySpatula querquedulaAmberSc S, Au*
Northern ShovelerSpatula clypeataAmberHas bred. W, Au*
Red-crested PochardNetta rufinaCat.CVe Sc, 12 records (presumably all BOU ‘category C’)
First record 1940, 6 records between 1940 and 2002, and a returning bird between 2003-2007. 1 record 2019, 2 records 2020, 1 record 2021, 1 record of 2 birds in 2024
 
Common PochardAythya ferinaRedW*
Ring-necked DuckAythya collarisScarceV, 1 record
1 female in 2002
 
Ferruginous DuckAythya nyrocaBBRC rarityV, 1 record
1 adult male in 1990
 
Tufted DuckAythya fuligalaGreenR, B
Greater ScaupAythya marilaRedV, 6 records
5 records <2007, 1 record 2010
 
Common EiderSomateria mollissimaAmberV, 1 record
2 females/immatures in 1993 (Belatedly accepted by Surrey Bird Club and LNHS Rarities Committees)
 
Long-tailed DuckClangula hyemalisRedV, 1 record
1 eclipse drake in 1975
 
Common ScoterMelanitta nigraRedV, 6 records
1 record 1937, 1 in 1951, 1 in 1976, 1 in 1994, 1 record in 2005 consisted of 6 birds, 1 record 2006
 
Velvet ScoterMelanitta fuscaRedV, 1 record
1 1st winter male in 1993
 
Common GoldeneyeBucephela clangulaAmberSc W
Not recorded between 2006 and 2011. 1 record 2012
SmewMergellus albellusAmberVe Sc W, 12-13 records <2007
Last record 2004
 
Red-breasted MerganserMergus serratorGreenVe Sc W, 14 records
10 records <2007, 2 records 2008, 1 record 2010, 1 record 2011
 
GoosanderMergus merganserGreenSc W 
Ruddy DuckOxyura jamaicensisCat. CFS Re up to 2008.
Currently Ve Sc following DEFRA cull.
Last record 2011
Red-legged PartridgeAlectoris rufaCat. CFS R, B. Currently Ve Sc
Last sighting in 2021
 
Grey PartridgePerdix perdixRedFS R, B Extinct on site since 1980
1 subsequent record in 2014
 
Common QuailCoturnix coturnixAmberV, 3 records
1 in 1987, 1 in 1997, 1 in 2024
 
Common PheasantPhasianus colchiusCat. CFS R, B Currently increasing+
Red-throated DiverGavia stellataGreenV, 2 records
1 in 1991 and 1 in 1996
 
Northern FulmarFulmarus glacialisAmberV, 2 records
1 in 2001 and 1 in 2008
 
Little GrebeTachybaptus ruficollisGreenR, B+
Red-necked GrebePodiceps grisegenaRedV, 1 record
1 adult summer in September 1995
 
Great-crested GrebePodiceps cristatusGreenIr, has bred*
Black-necked GrebePodiceps nigricollisAmberVe Sc, 12 records
10 records <2007, 1 record of 2 birds in 2015, 1 record of 2 birds in 2020
 
White StorkCiconia ciconiaScarceV, 3 records
1 record 1978, 2 records 2016 (see Category E for 2020, 2021 and 2023)
 
Eurasian SpoonbillPlatlea leucorodiaAmberVe Sc, 16 records
4 records <2007, 1 record 2009, 1 record of 2 birds in 2014, 2 records in 2018 (flocks of 19 and 16 birds on different dates in September), 2 records in 2019. 1 record in 2020, 1 in 2021, 1 in 2022, 1 in 2023, 1 record of 8 birds in 2024, 1 record of 2 birds in 2025
 
Glossy IbisPlegadis falcinellusScarceV, 5 records
First site record 2014, 1 in 2018, 1 in 2022, 2 records in 2025
 
Eurasian BitternBotaurus stellarisAmberV, 7 records
1 record in 1928, 1 in 1947, 1 in 1968, 1 in 2012, 2 records 2013, 1 record 2017
 
Little BitternIxobrychus minutusBBRC rarityV, 2 records
1 in 1954, 1 record of a long staying pair in 1956 (breeding was suspected)
 
Grey HeronArdea cinereaGreenR
Purple HeronArdea purpureaScarceV, 4 records
1 record 1982, 1 in 1999, 1 in 2005, 1 in 2022
 
Wetsern Cattle EgretBubulcus ibisScarceV, 8 records
First site record 2017, second record in 2020 concerned a flock of 6 birds (a Surrey record), 1 record 2022, 2 records 2024, 3 records 2025
 
Great White EgretArdea albaScarceFS Ve Sc, currently Ir, approx 65 records
First site record 2008, 2 records 2012, 1 record 2013, 3 records 2014, 1 record 2015, 2 records 2016, 2 records 2017 (may have involved the same bird?), 4 records 2018 including 1 record of 2 birds, 5 records 2019, 5 records 2020, 4 records 2021 including 2 records of 2 birds, approx 8 records 2022, 8 records 2023 (including 4 birds in one day), 12 records 2024 (including two flocks of 6 birds), c7 records 2025 (including flock of 6 birds)
+
Little EgretEgretta garzettaGreenPreviously only 10 records between 1991 and 2001
Now regular/resident
+
Northern GannetMorus bossanusAmberV, 9 records
6 records <2007, 1 record 2010, 1 record 2012, 1 record 2013
 
European ShagGulosus aristotelisRedV, 6 records
5 records <2007, 1 in 2008
 
Great CormorantPhalacrocorax carboGreenR+
European Honey BuzzardPernis apivorusAmberVe Sc, 23 records
17 records <2007, 1 record 2008, 2 records 2010, 1 record 2015, 1 record 2016, 1 juvenile 2025
 
Black KiteMilvus migransScarceV, 1 record 2011 
Red KiteMilvus milvusGreenPreviously scarce with 15 records between 1966 and 2005. Now Re+
Western Marsh HarrierCircus aeruginosusAmberSc S, Au, 122 records
24 records between 1954 and 1996, 35 records between 1997 and 2005, 19 records between 2006 and 2014, 18 records between 2015 and 2020, 5 records 2022, 5 records 2023, 9 records 2024, 8 records 2025
*
Hen HarrierCircus cyaneusRedVe Sc, 16 records
11 records <2007, 1 record 2008, 1 record 2010, 1 confirmed (+1 unsubmitted) record 2016, 1 record 2017, 1 in 2019
 
Eurasian GoshawkAccipiter gentilisGreenV, 5 records
1 record in 1960, 1 in 2013, 1 in 2014, 1 in 2017, 1 in 2020
 
Eurasian SparrowhawkAccipiter nisusGreenR, B 
Common BuzzardButeo buteoGreenFormerly rare with 13 records between 1946 and 1996 increasing to 75 records between 1997 and 2005.
Now R, B, S, Au (first bred in 2020)
+
OspreyPandion haliaetusAmberVe Sc S, Au, 33 records
20 records <2007, 1 record 2013, 2 records 2014, 2 in 2015, 1 in 2018, 1 in 2021, 2 records 2022, 3 records 2023, 1 record 2024
 
Common KestrelFalco tinnunculusAmberR, B
MerlinFalco columbariusRedVe Sc Au, W, 16 records
13 records <2007, 2 records 2011, 1 record 2014
 
Eurasian HobbyFalco subbuteoGreenSu*
Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinusGreenFormerly rare with only two records between 1957 and 1993. Now R+
Water RailRallus aquaticusGreenW+
Spotted CrakePorzana porzanaAmberVe Sc, Bred 1963-1965, 10 records since
7 records <2007, 1 record 2011, 1 in 2017, 1 in 2021
 
Little/Baillon’s CrakeZapornia parva/pusillaBBRC rarityV, 1 record 1955 
CorncrakeCrex crexRedFS, V Bred until 1918, 2 records since
Last recorded in 1964
 
Common MoorhenGallinula chloropusGreenR, B*
Eurasian CootFulica atraGreenR, B*
Common CraneGrus grusAmberV, 6 records
2 records 2010, 1 record 2011, 1 record of 2 birds in 2013, 1 in 2021, 1 record of 2 birds in 2023
 
Eurasian OystercatcherHaematopus ostralegusAmberSc, Ir, Au*
Black-winged StiltHimantopus himantopusBBRC rarityV, 2 records
1 in 1955 and 1 female in 2022
 
Pied AvocetRecurvirostra avosettaAmberVe Sc, 36 records
15 records <2007, 1 record 2011, 2 records 2012, 5 records 2016, 1 record of 2 birds in 2017, 2 records 2018, 1 in 2019, 2 in 2022, 6 in 2024 (including 2 birds together), 1 record 2025
 
Eurasian Stone-curlewBurhinus oedicnemusAmberVe Sc, 11 records
1 record of 2 birds in 1955, 1 in 1957, 2 records in 1971 including 2 birds together, 1 in 1979, 1 in 1982, 1 in 2015, 1 in 2018, 1 in 2019, 1 in 2022, 1 in 2023
 
Little Ringed PloverCharadrius dubiusGreenSu, B, S, Au
Common Ringed PloverCharadrius hiaticulaRedS, Au
KilldeerCharadrius vociferousBBRC rarityV, 1 record
1 1st winter in 1984
 
Pacific Golden PloverPluvialis fulvaBBRC rarityV, 1 record 2010 
European Golden PloverPluvialis apricariaGreenIr W, Au, HW*
Grey PloverPluvialis squatarolaAmberIr, Sc*
Northern LapwingVanellus vanellusRedR, B, HW, Au
Red KnotCalidris canutusAmberSc W, Au*
SanderlingCalidris albaAmberSc Au, S, W*
Little StintCalidris minutaGreenFS Au, currently Sc Au
Temminck’s StintCalidris temminckiiFormer UK breederVe Sc, 12 records
10 records <2007, 1 record 2017, 1 in 2021
 
Pectoral SandpiperCalidris melanotosScarceVe Sc, 13 records
9 records <2007, 1 record 2008, 1 in 2010, 1 in 2011, 1 in 2014
 
Curlew SandpiperCalidris ferrugineaAmbeeSc Au
Purple SandpiperCalidris maritimaAmberV, 1 record 1956 
DunlinCalidiris alpina alpinaAmberS, Au, W
RuffCalidris pugnaxRedSc S, Au, W
Jack SnipeLymnocryptes minimusGreenA major historical decline but now stable. Au, W*
Common SnipeGallinago gallinagoAmberA major historical decline but now stable. Au, W+
Eurasian WoodcockScolopax rusticolaRedSc W, HW*
Black-tailed GodwitLimosa limosaRedIr S, Au Nominate not recorded (see sub-species)+
Bar-tailed GodwitLimosa lapponicaAmberSc S
90+ on April 18th 2020 was a Surrey record.
*
Eurasian WhimbrelNumenius phaeopusRedSc S, Au
Eurasian CurlewNumensis arquataRedSc W, Au
Common SandpiperActitis hypoleucosAmberS, Au
Green SandpiperTringa ochropusAmberR, S, Au
Spotted RedshankTringa erythropusAmberFS Re, currently Sc. Decline in records since 1992.
1 record 2007, 2 records 2013, 1 in 2014, 1 record of 2 birds in 2015, 3 records in 2018, 1 record in 2020, 1 record in 2023
Common GreenshankTringa nebulariaAmberS, Au
Lesser YellowlegsTringa flavipesBBRC rarityV, 1 record
1 juvenile in 1984
 
Wood SandpiperTringa glareolaAmberIr S, Au
Common RedshankTringa totanusAmberFS Re, currently Ir, S, W
Ruddy TurnstoneArenaria interpresAmberSc S, Au*
Grey PhalaropePhalaropus fulicariusScarceV, 3 records
1 in 1987, 1 in 2014, 1 in 2025
 
Arctic SkuaStercorarius parasiticusRedVe Sc, 11 records
Not recorded between 2002 and 2019.
1 record 2020, 1 record of 2 birds in 2021, 1 record 2025
 
Long-tailed SkuaStercorarius longicaudusGreenV, 2 records
1 in 2012 and 1 in 2024
 
Great SkuaStercorarius skuaAmberV, 1 record 1998 
Sabine’s GullXema sabiniScarceV, 4 records
1 record 1987, 1 record of 3 juveniles in 2007, 1 in 2016, 1 in 2017. The bird seen in 2017 was possibly the same bird seen in 2016.
 
Black-legged KittiwakeRissa tridactylaRedSc W
Last record 2025
Black-headed GullChroicocephalus ridibundusAmberR
Little GullHydrocoloeus minutusGreenSc Au, S, W 
Mediterranean GullIchthyaetus melanocephalusAmberW, S, Au
Common GullLarus canusAmberW, S, Au
Ring-billed GullLarus delawarensisScarceV, 1 record
1 adult in 1995
 
Lesser Black-backed GullLarus fuscusAmberR
Nominate not recorded- see sub-species
European Herring GullLarus argentatusRedFormerly abundant. See sub-species Argenteus R, 1% threshold wintering site (Musgrove et al, 2011). Sizable decline since cessation of landfill operations
Yellow-legged GullLarus michahellisAmberW, Au
Caspian GullLarus cachinnansScarceW, 1% threshold wintering site (Musgrove et al , 2011). First recorded in 1999.  Following the closure of landfill, the species status is changing. High count of 7 in one day in January 2022. Since 2022 records have significantly dropped off. 3 records in 2023, 3 records 2024, 4 records 2025
Iceland GullLarus glaucoidesAmberIr W, approx. 61 records
11 records <2007, 2 records 2008, 3 records 2009, 1 record 2010, 2 records 2011, 14 records 2012, 2 records 2013, 4 records 2015, 5 records 2016 (one of which was the same bird in late 2015) , 8 records in 2017 inc. the bird seen in late 2016, 5 records in 2018, 3 records in 2019, 3 records in 2021
Glaucous-winged GullLarus glaucescensBBRC rarityV, 1 record
Ringed 3rd winter in 2007 (also see hybrids)
 
Glaucous GullLarus hyperboreusAmberSc W, 31 records
15 records <2007, 2 records 2008, 1 record 2009, 2 in 2010, 1 in 2012, 1 in 2015, 1 in 2016, 6 records 2017 inc. the bird seen late in 2016, 1 record 2018, 2 in 2019
Great Black-backed GullLarus marinusAmberW
Little TernSternula albifronsAmberVe Sc, 12 records
9 records <2007, 1 record 2008, 1 in 2012, 1 record of 3 birds in 2015
 
Black TernChlidonias nigerGreenSc S, Au
Sandwich TernThalasseus sandvicensisAmberSc S, Au
Last record 2024
*
Common TernSterna hirundoAmberSu, S, Au
Arctic TernSterna paradisaeaAmberSc S, Au*
Common GuillemotUria aalgeAmberV, 2 records
1 in 1986 and 1 in 1998
 
Feral Rock DoveColumba liviaGreenR, B*
Stock DoveColumba oenasAmberR, B, Au, W*
Common WoodpigeonColumba palumbusGreenR, B, Au, W, HW*
Eurasian Collared DoveStreptopelia decaoctoGreenR, B*
European Turtle DoveStreptopelia turturRedFS Su, currently Sc S, Au. Becoming rarer.
Last record 2025
Ring-necked ParakeetPsittacula krameriCat. CR, B+
Common CuckooCuculus canorusRedFS Su, currently Sc S, Au
Western Barn OwlTyto albaGreenFormerly Sc W, now a breeding resident.+
Little OwlAthene noctuaCat. CFS R, B, currently Sc 
Tawny OwlStrix alucoAmberIr 
Long-eared OwlAsio otusGreenVe Sc W, 22 records (including long staying birds and roosts)
11 records <2007, 1 record 2008 to 2009, 4 records 2013 (group of 4 flushed), 1 record 2015, 2 records 2016 and 1 record in 2017, 2 records in 2018. Roosts of several birds have been discovered in 1995, 2006 and 2008 to 2009.
*
Short-eared OwlAsio flammeusAmberFS W. Currently Sc Au, W
Alpine SwiftTachymarptis melbaScarceV, 1 record 1967 
Common SwiftApus apusAmberSu*
Common KingfisherAlcedo atthisAmberRe*
European Bee-eaterMerops apiasterScarceV, 1 record
1 adult in 1958
 
Eurasian HoopoeUpupa epopsScarceV, 4 records
1 record in 1956, 1 in 1959, 1 in 1968, 1 in 2018
 
Eurasian WryneckJynx torquillaFormer UK breederV, 3 records
1 in 2008, 1 in 2014, 1 in 2024
 
European Green WoodpeckerPicus viridusGreenR, B*
Great Spotted WoodpeckerDendrocopos majorGreenR, B*
Lesser Spotted WoodpeckerDendrocopos minorRedIr
Red-backed ShrikeLanius collurioRedFS Su, B
Last recorded in 1956
 
Great Grey ShrikeLanius excubitorScarceV, 10 records
Last recorded in 1993
 
Woodchat ShrikeLanius senatorV, 1 record
1 1st summer male in 2024
Eurasian Golden OrioleOriolus oriolusRedV, 1 record
1 immature female in 1994
 
Eurasian MagpiePica picaGreenR, B*
Eurasian JayGarrulus glandariusGreenR, B*
Western JackdawColoeus monedulaGreenR, B
RookCorvus frugilegusGreenRe
Carrion CrowCorvus coroneGreenR, B
Hooded CrowCorvus cornixGreenVe Sc, 15 records (including several long staying birds)
Last recorded in 1985
 
Common RavenCorvus coraxGreenFS Ve Sc, currently Ir. Approximately 75 records
1 record <2007 1 record 2008, 2 record 2009 (including one 05/09/09 omitted from report, NG), 1 in 2013, 3 records (of a total of 5 birds) in 2014, 3 records (including one record of 2 birds) in 2015, 1 record in 2017, 3 records in 2018, 7 records in 2019, 19 records of up to 2 birds in 2020, approximately 10 records 2021 (many may have involved the same returning birds), approximately 7 records 2022 (again possibly involving returning birds), approximately 7 records 2023 (including a peak of 5 birds together), 10 records 2024
+
Bohemian WaxwingBombycilla garrulusGreenVe Sc, 12 records
4 records <2007, 1 record 2009, 2 records 2010 (including a high count of 50), 1 in 2011, 1 in 2012, 3 records 2017 (including a high count of 18)
 
Eurasian Blue TitCyanistes caeruleusGreenB, R*
Great TitParus majorGreenB, R*
Coal TitPeriparus aterGreenSc*
Willow TitPoecile montanusRedFS Sc, now rare
Last recorded in 1979
 
Marsh TitPoecile palustrisRedFS Sc, now rare
Recorded in 1996, 1 record in 2014 was the first since 1996, 1 record 2016
 
Bearded TitPanurus biarmicusGreenVe Sc, 15 records
9 records <2007, 1 record 2010, 2 records (inc one record of 3 birds) in 2014 with 2 birds staying present into 2015, 1 further record in 2015, 1 record 2016, 1 record of 2 birds in 2024 (1 staying into 2025)
 
Eurasian Penduline TitRemiz pendulinusScarceV, 1 record
1 juvenile in 2021
Greater Short-toed LarkCalandrella brachydactylaScarceV, 1 record 1966 
WoodlarkLullula arboreaGreenVe Sc, 11 records
3 records <2007, 1 record 2011, 1 record 2012, 1 record 2015, 1 record 2018, 2 in 2019, 1 in 2021, 1 in 2022
 
Eurasian SkylarkAlauda arvensisRedB, R, S, Au, HW
Sand MartinRiparia ripariaGreenSu, S, Au, FS B
Breeding absence 2015-2023
Barn SwallowHirundo rusticaGreenSu, S, Au*
Western House MartinDelichon urbicumAmberSu, S, Au, FS B*
Red-rumped SwallowCecropsis dauricaScarceV, 4 records
1 record 1999, 1 in 2003, 2 records in 2013
 
Cetti’s WarblerCettia cettiGreenFormerly Ve Sc, currently R, B
16-17 records before 2017. Now established and increasing breeding population. First site record 2002, 1 in 2009, 1 record 2011 to 2012 (long staying bird), 3 records 2014, 2 records (inc. a record of 2 birds) in 2015, 8-9 records 2016, up to 5 territories allocated in 2017, highs of 5 recorded in 2018, 9 territories in 2020, 17 territories 2021, 16 territories 2022, peak count of 12 in 2023
+
Long-tailed TitAegithalos caudatusGreenB, R*
Wood WarblerPhylloscopus sibilatrixRedInadvertently omitted from The Birds of Beddington Farmlands 2010. Ve Sc, 14 records
11 records <2007, 1 record 2013, 1 in 2016, 1 in 2018
 
Yellow browed warblerPhylloscopus inornatusScarceV, 5 records
First site record 2016, 2 records 2020, 1 record 2024, 1 singing in spring 2025
 
Common ChiffchaffPhylloscopus collybitaGreenR, Su, B, W, S, Au*
Willow WarblerPhylloscopus trochilusAmberSu, S, Au*
Aquatic WarblerAcrocephalus paludicolaRedV, 2 records
1 juvenile in 1959 and 1 in 1965
 
Sedge WarblerAcrocephalus schoenobaenusGreenSu, B, S, Au
Marsh WarblerAcrocephalus palustrisRedV, 3 records (including probable breeding record in 1995) 
Common Reed WarblerAcrocephalus scirpaceusGreenSu, B, S, Au+
Common Grasshopper WarblerLocustella naeviaRedVe Sc, 42 records
18 records <2007, 1 record 2010, 1 in 2011, 2 records 2013, 1 in 2015, 1 in 2016, 1 in 2018, 1 in 2019, 1 in 2021, 2 records 2022, 2 records in 2023, 7 in 2024, 4 records 2025
 
Eurasian BlackcapSylvia atricapillaGreenSu, B, S, Au, Sc W*
Garden WarblerSylvia borinGreenS, Au*
Lesser WhitethroatCurruca currucaGreenSu, B, S, Au*
Common WhitethroatCurruca communisGreenSu, B, S, Au*
Dartford WarblerCurruca undataAmberVe Sc, c26 records
11 records <2007, 2 records 2008/2009, 1 record in 2015 into early 2016 + 1 further record in late 2016. The bird present at the end of 2016 stayed into 2017. There was 1 further record of the species in late 2017. 2 records in 2018 including 2 present together during the ‘Beast from the East’, approximately 3 records in 2022 (including a long staying pair and a new site record count of 5 birds), approximately 5 records in 2023 (one of which included 3 birds from 2022, plus suspected local breeding following 1 record of a fresh juvenile in July), 1 record 2024, 1+ records 2025
*
GoldcrestRegulus regulusGreenW,Au*
Common FirecrestRegulus ignicapillaGrewnVe Sc, 38 records
12 records <2007, 2 records 2010/2011, 3 records 2015, 5 records 2016, 10 records 2017 (inc. a high of 2 birds), 2 records 2021, 1 record 2022, 3 records 2024 (including long-staying birds and a juvenile in July), same long-staying birds from 2024 remained until March 2025, 2 records of long-staying birds in 2025
+
Eurasian WrenTroglydytes troglydytesGreenB, R+
Eurasian NuthatchSitta europeaGreenSc*
Eurasian TreecreeperCerthia familiarisGreenSc*
Common StarlingSturnus vulgarisRedR, B*
Ring OuzelTurdus torquatusRedSc S, Au*
Common BlackbirdTurdus merulaGreenB, R, Au*
FieldfareTurdus pilarisRedW, Au*
Song ThrushTurdus philomelosRedB, R, Au+
RedwingTurdus iliacusRedW, Au*
Mistle ThrushTurdus viscivorusRedIr*
Spotted FlycatcherMuscicapa striataRedFS B, R
Currently Sc S, Au
European RobinErithacus rubeculaGreenB, R+
Common NightingaleLuscinia megarhynchosRedVe Sc, 26 records
12 records <2007, 1 record 2010, 2 records 2012, 1 in 2017, 1 in 2019, 1 in 2020, 2 in 2021, 1 in 2023, 2 in 2024, 3 in 2025
 
BluethroatLuscinia svecicaAmber/ScarceV, 4 records
1 1st winter female 1963, 1 1st winter female in 1976, 1 first year male ringed in 1997 was incredibly re-trapped in 1999 and held territory.
 
Red-breasted FlycatcherFicedula parvaScarceV, 1 record 1955 
European Pied FlycatcherFicedula hypoleucaRedFS Sc, currently Ve Sc, S, Au
2 records in 2022 were the first since 2003, 1 record 2024, 1 in 2025
*
Black RedstartPhoenciurus ochrurosRedFS B. Currently Sc
Recorded in 2008, 2014, 2016 and 2017, 1 record 2019, 1 in 2021, 1 in 2022, 1 in 2023, 1 in 2024, 5+ records 2025
Common RedstartPhoenicurus phoenicurusAmberSc S, Au*
WhinchatSaxicola rubetraRedS, Au*
European StonechatSaxicola rubicolaGreenW, Au+
Northern WheatearOenanthe oenantheGreenS, Au*
DunnockPrunella modularisAmberR, B*
House SparrowPasser domesticusRedR, B*
Eurasian Tree SparrowPasser montanusRedFS R, B
Recent population crash, extinct as breeding species since 2020, last record of 1 bird in April 2020
Western Yellow WagtailMotacilla flavaRedSc S
See sub-species, flavissima status is S, Au
Citrine WagtailMotacilla citreolaBBRC rarityV, 1 record
1 juvenile in 1993
 
Grey WagtailMotacilla cinereaRedR, B*
White WagtailMotacilla albaGreenIr S, Au*
Richard’s PipitAnthus richardiScarceV, 3 records
1 record 1958, 1 record consisting of 2 birds in 1970, 1 in 2018
 
Tawny PipitAnthus campestrisScarceV, 2 records
1 record 1989, 1 record of 2 birds in 1992
 
Tree PipitAnthus trivialisRedIr S, Au
Meadow PipitAnthus pratensisAmberS, Au, W, FS B
Last bred in 1985
*
Red-throated PipitAnthus cervinusScarceV, 4 records
1 record in 1995, 1 in 1996, 1 in 1998, 1 in 2000
 
European Rock PipitAnthus petrosusGreenAu*
Water PipitAnthus spinolettaAmberW+
Eurasian ChaffinchFringilla coelebsGreenR, B, S, Au, W*
BramblingFringilla montifringillaGreenAu, W*
European GreenfinchChloris chlorisGreenR, B*
European GoldfinchCarduelis carduelisGreenR, B, Au*
Eurasian SiskinSpinus spinusGreenAu, W*
European SerinSerinus serinusFormer UK breeder/scarceV, 1 record
1 adult male 2015
 
Common LinnetLinaria cannabinaRedR, B, Au, W+
TwiteLinaria flavirostrisRedV, 3 records
1 record 1991, 1 record of a colour ringed male bird in 2017, which stayed into early 2018, 1 record of 2 birds in 2020
 
RedpollAcanthis flammeaRedAu, W*
Common CrossbillLoxia curvirostraGreenVe Sc, 31 records
12 records <2007, 2 records 2008, 2 in 2011, 2 in 2012, 1 record of 3 birds in 2015, 1 record (a dead specimen) in 2016, 4 records 2020 (including 10+ on 3rd July), 2 records in 2021, 1 record of 2 birds in 2024, 4 records 2025
 
Common RosefinchCarpodacus erythrinaScarceV, 1 record
1 adult male in 1995
 
Eurasian BullfinchPyrrhula pyrrhulaAmberIr+
HawfinchCoccothraustes coccothraustesRedVe Sc, 12 records
2 records 1954, 1 record 1971, 1 in 2015, 2 records of 6 birds (consisting of a duo and group of 4) in 2017, 2 in 2018, 1 record of 2 birds in 2021, 1 in 2022, 1 record of 4 birds in 2024, 1 record 2025
 
Snow BuntingPlectrophenax nivalisAmberV, 10 records
7 records <2007, 1 record 2010, 1 in 2011, 1 in 2021
 
Lapland BuntingCalcarius lapponicusAmberVe Sc, 12-13 records
9-10 records <2007, 2 records 2010, 1 record 2013 (NB: 1 unsubmitted report 2015)
 
YellowhammerEmberiza citrinellaRedSc W*
Cirl BuntingEmberiza cirlusRedV, 1 record
1 male in 1954
 
Ortolan BuntingEmberiza hortulanaScarceV, 5 records
1 record 1972, 1 in 1994, 1 in 1995, 1 in 1999, 1 in 2004
 
Rustic BuntingEmberiza rusticaScarceV, 1 record 1993 
Little BuntingEmberiza pusillaScarceV, 2 records
1 acceptable record of 1 bird in 1956 (2 others reported with it), 1 record 1993
 
Common Reed BuntingEmberiza schoeniclusAmberR, B
Corn BuntingEmberiza calandraRedFS W. Currently Ve Sc
Last record 2021
 TOTAL 261 species 

B. Sub-species recorded at Beddington Farmlands

Common NameScientific NameConservation Status/National StatusLocal Status
Pale-bellied Brent GooseBranta bernicla hrotaAmberV, 1 record 1998
‘Continental’ CormorantPhalacrocorax carbo siensisGreenRe
Dunlin (schinzii)Calidris alpina schinziiAmberRe
Dunlin (arctica)Calidris alpina arcticaAmberV, 1 record
‘Tundra’ Ringed PloverCalidris hiaticula tundraeRedRe
‘Icelandic’ Black-tailed GodwitLimosa limosa islandicaRedThe only form of Black-tailed Godwit recorded at Beddington
Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii)Larus fuscus graellsiiAmberR
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Intermedius)Larus fuscus intermediusAmberS, Au, W
‘British’ Herring Gull Larus argentatus argenteusRedR, formerly 1% threshold wintering site (Musgrove et al, 2011), recent sizable decline since cessation of landfill operations
‘Northern’ Herring GullLarus argentatus argentatusRedW
Yellow-legged Gull (lusitanius)Larus michahellis ‘lusitanius’BBRC rarity?V, 1 record 2012
‘Kumlien’s’ GullLarus glaucoides kumlieniScarceV, 2 records
1 in 2011/2012 and another 1 in 2012
Yellow Wagtail (flavissima)Motacilla flava flavissimaRedRe
‘Grey-headed Wagtail’Motacilla flava thunbergiRedV, 5 records
1 record 1962, 1 in 1986, 2 records 1991, 1 record of 2 birds in 1994
‘Ashy-headed Wagtail’Motacilla flava cinerocapillaRed/ScarceV, 1 record 1976
Pied WagtailMotacilla alba yarrelliiGreenRe
‘Scandanavian Rock Pipit’Anthus petrosus littoralisGreenS,Au (possibly the only form of Rock Pipit recorded at Beddington?)
Siberian ChiffchaffPhylloscopus collybita tristisGreen4 records
1 record 2016, 2 records 2017, 1 in 2022
Lesser RedpollAcanthis flammea cabaretRedAu, W
Mealy RedpollAcanthis flammea flammeaAmberV, 1 record 2009
 Total 19 sub-species (15 additional taxa to Table A)

C. Hybrids Recorded at Beddington Farmlands

Common NameScientific NameStatus
Canada Goose x Greylag GooseBranta canadensis x Anser anser1 record 2016, 1 regular bird throughout 2021, 2022, 2023 and start of 2024
Unspecified hybrid duckUnspecified1 record in 2016
Unspecified Aythya sp. HybridAythya sp x Aythya sp1 record in 2017
Pochard x Ferruginous duckAythya ferina x Aythya nyroca1 record in 2018 (NB: exact identity of this hybrid is presumed)
Tufted Duck x PochardAythya fuligula x Aythya farinaSeveral
Yellow billed pintail x ?Anas georgica1 record in 2016
Glaucous-winged Gull x American Herring GullLaurs glaucescens x Larus smithsonianusV, 1 record 2009
(Either a hybrid or a Glaucous-winged Gull). This record is still in circulation with the BBRC.
Caspian Gull x Herring GullLarus cachinnans x Larus argentatusRe W
‘Viking Gull’ (Herring Gull x Glaucous Gull)Larus argentatus x Larus hyperboreusSc W
Lesser Black-backed Gull x Herring  GullLarus fuscus x Larus argentatusRe W
‘Channel Wagtail’Motacilla flava x Motacilla flava flavissimaSc S
 Total hybrids11

D. Escapes recorded at Beddington Farmlands

Common NameScientific NameStatus
White-faced Whistling DuckDendrocygna viduata2 records in 2000 (1 record consisting of 5 birds)
Snow GooseAnser caerulescens1 record of 2 birds in 1987
Emperor GooseAnser canagicus1 record 1987
Pink-footed GooseAnser brachyrhynchus2 records (1 in 2013) Also recorded in a wild state
Bar-headed GooseAnser indicusSc
Lesser Canada Goose (Cackling Goose)Branta hutchinsii1 record 1986/1987
Ridgway’s Cackling GooseBranta hutchinsii minima1 record 2014
Ruddy ShelduckTadorna ferruginea11 records
8 records <2007, 1 record 2012, 1 record 2013, 1 in 2023
Cape ShelduckTadorna cana2 records
1 record of a pair in 1997, 1 long-staying female throughout 2023 also seen in 2024
Australian ShelduckTadorna tadornoides2 records
1 record 1984, 1 record of a pair in 2014
Black SwanCygnus atratus10 records
Including 1 in 2017, 1 in 2019, 1 in 2022
Muscovy DuckCairina moschata2 records
1 record 1988, 1 record of 4 birds in 2005
Wood DuckAix sponsa2 records
1 in 1993 and 1 in 2008
BuffleheadBucephala albeola1 record 2018
Maned DuckChenonetta jubata2 records (1 in 2012, 1 in 2013; same bird)
Madagascar TealAnas bernieri1 record 2008
Chestnut TealAnas castanea3-4 records
1 record 1998, 1 in 1999, 1 in 2012, plus 1 presumed hybrid chestnut teal in 2014
Speckled TealAnas flavirostris1 record 1998
Red-billed TealAnas erthrorhyncha1 record 1996
Ringed TealCallonetta leucophrys3 records
Cape TealAnas capensis3 records
1 record 1997, 1 in 1999, 1 in 2000
Yellow-billed PintailAnas georgica2 records
1 record <2007, 1 record 2008
Red ShovelerAnas platalea1 record
Cape ShovelerAnas smithii1 record
Maccoa DuckOxyura maccoa1 record
African White-backed VultureGyps africanus1 record 2006
GoshawkAccipter gentilis2 records
1 record in 1969, 1 in 1998. Also recorded in a wild state
Harris’s HawkParabuteo unicinctus2-3 records
White StorkCiconia ciconiaA overwintering bird in 2020-2021 was from the Knepp re-introduction project. A couple of other flyovers in 2021 were also presumed to be reintroduced birds, as was the bird in 2023
Demoiselle CraneAnthropoides virgo1 record 1960
Grey-headed GullLarus cirrocephalus1 record 2001; same bird returned in 2002
CockatielNymphicus hollandicusMany
Red-rumped ParakeetPsephotus haematonotus1 record 1999
Plum headed parakeetPsittacula cyanocephala1 record 2016
Monk ParakeetMyiopsitta monachus2 records
1 in 2002 and 1 in 2018
Rosy-faced LovebirdAgapornis roseicollis2 records
1 record in 1998, 1 record of 2 birds in 1999
BudgerigarMelopsittacus undulatesMany
African Grey ParrotPsittacus erithacus1 record 2004
‘Amazon’ ParrotAmazona sp1 record
Yellow-crowned BishopEuplectes afer2 records
1 in 2004 and 1 in 2020
African Golden WeaverPloceus subaureus1 record
Zebra FinchTaeniopygia guttata3 records
Reported in 1987, 1 record of 2 birds in 1993, 1 in 2002
Orange-cheeked WaxbillEstilda melpoda2 records
1 record of 2 birds in 2001, 1 record 2002
Common WaxbillEstrilda astrild5 records
3 records 2001 (2 records consisting of 2 birds), 2 records 2016
Spotted MuniaLonchura leucosticte1 record 2002
Pin-tailed WydahVidua macroura1 anecdotal record 1980’s near rifle range
CanarySerinus canaria2 records
1 in 1996 and 1 in 2021
Red-crested CardinalParoaria coronata1 record 2005
 TOTAL46 species
*Yellow-billed Pintail hybrid?Anas georgica x ?1 record 2012

References:

Peter Alfrey, Brian Milne, Derek Coleman and the BFBG, 2010. The Birds Of Beddington Farmlands.  Lulu Publishing

Peter Alfrey editor. 2012. The Beddington Farmlands Bird and Wildlife Report 2012,  Beddington Farmlands Systematic Bird List Update 2012

J.Allan, 2012. Beddington Systematic List, http://www.diporglory.com

M. Eaton et al 2009. Birds of Conservation Concern 3. The population Status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, British Birds, Vol 102 pp296-341

Andrew J.Musgrove et al 2011. Overwinter population estimates of British Waterbirds, British Birds, Vol. 104. 364-397