Army Birding

there's been a savi's warbler reeling in the fishers green lake, lee valley park for the last few weeks & is still going strong. Take junction 26 off the m25 & head towards waltham abbey, then north towards fishers green north along the B road (I think it's the B186). Park at the hooks marsh carpark at the end of fishers green lane (a small left hand turn). Cross over the footbridge & follow the footpath north to post 24 (not that I've found it or any other numbered posts) for only another 200 yards at most until you can hear the reeling or see the trampled undergrowth. It gets very busy during the day & especially at weekends so an early visit is recommended, the carpark's left open for the fishermen.

The nightingales & other warblers are singing on the electtricity sub station island too.

good luck

Tony

Tony,

I have been for the Savi's too. I spent more than 14 hours waiting for it. Heard it several times, very faintly compared to a Grasshopper Warbler; possibly due to the wind and background noise at the site (trains, planes and automobiles). I did not definitely see the bird in that time, nor did anyone else that day.

As you mention, Hooks Marsh Car Park at the end of Fishers Green Lane is the best car park for anyone who is not familiar with the area, as it is not locked in the evening until 0830/0900 hrs in the morning. When I visited, I had to head left from the car park and across an open area, keeping the large lake on my right. I followed the lake about 50-100 metres to the large footbridge. Over the bridge you had to ignore the first left turn and follow the path around a bend until you came to a 'T' junction. At the junction you turned right and followed the path about 200 metres and viewed the lake through the large gap (which is about 50-100 metres short of the orienteering Post 24 which does not give a view of the lake, even if you can find the little post on the right of the footpath).

In addition to the many Nightingales at this site, there are also good numbers of Hobby and commoner warblers.

Good luck to anyone who goes!

Tim