south London dump area

[lovemypt]

Just a quick trip to London and stopped by the dump area to south of city which had reports of up to 11 snowies there around Christmas. Winds were brutal and kept birds at bay but still managed to find 1 immature bald eagle and good size flock of Horned Larks with several Lapland Longspurs mixed in.......I have been looking for these longspurs the last two years

[Axeman]

Are dumps good places to bird? For snowies?

[lovemypt]

http://www.mail-archive.com/birdalert@o ... 32082.html


Yes, especially this year when so many snowys around and all competing for food. The dump there has hundreds of seagulls on any given day there, alot of birders just go so see them and the snowys will certainly take seagulls if opportunity is there. They don't necessarily feed on the dump contents but go after whatever does eat there....rats, mice, seagulls, other birds. Also good place to see hawks, eagles , and other predators on edges waiting for a meal

[Axeman]

In that case I'm going to check out my local dump....it's only open on saturday

[cmshucks]

hello, I just recently moved to London, where is the dump you are speaking of?
any other good birding areas?

thanks

[lovemypt]

Take Wellington road south of 401, turn left 3 lights south of 401 onto Manning Road and head west, dump is on north side ( you will smell it long before you get there). I don't belief it is open to public access, but alot of gulls and hawks can be seen along roadways surrounding dump area