The land locked county of Surrey contains large areas of inland water. This is made
up of large reservoirs, gravel pits and a number of important sewage farms.
These waters provide valuable breeding, stopover and wintering sites for many
species of wildfowl, waders, migrants and breeding passerines. Species regularly
seen are Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Shoveler.
Waders include Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank, Snipe and Dunlin.
On occasions the reservoirs are drained for maintenance and this provides
a rich habitat for waders and dabbling ducks. At these times they support
good numbers of birds which can include Avocet, Ruff, Pectoral Sandpiper,
Wood Sandpiper, Curlew and Oystercatcher. During
passage periods this can be supplemented by an occasional rarity such as Spoonbill
or Red-Necked Phalarope. Staines Moor is one good site very
close to Heathrow airport. Recent rarities there have include Red-Backed
Shrike and Hoopoe.
The best known feature of the county is its heathland, which covers much
of the western part of the county. Some of the most important areas are Chobham
Common, Thursley Common and Bookham Common. In the Summer, these areas support
important numbers of breeding Dartford Warblers, Stonechat, Tree Pipit,
Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Hobby. Chobham Common is also well known
for its population of breeding Nightjar and Woodcock.
While Bookham Common in the Summer contains a small population of breeding
Nightingales and Mandarin Duck. Winter in
these areas can also be fruitful with wintering Great Grey Shrike
(particularly at Thursley Common), Siskin, Redpoll and an
occasional Crossbill.
The varied countryside of this county supports a large diversity of species
which include Tawny Owl, Little Owl, Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk,
Goldcrest and Firecrest.
South East Bird Tours
