Birdwatching in London – The birds I saw and heard

I recently visited London with my huge microphone and camera to see what birds I could find. The last time I visited was in 2004 and it rained every day. This time I got lucky with sunshine!

This blog posts shows where I went to see birds and how it was for bird photography and audio recording.

Quick Jump

• London Wetlands
• Beddington Farmlands
• Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
• Brampton Cemetery
• Final List and Trip Report

Next stop, London Wetland Centre

Did you know there is a wetlands in London? The London locals I mentioned it to didn't seem to know it existed. They were all non-birders, though. I rode the bus there!

London Wetlands

📷 Photography: Easy with lots of large birds in open spaces. Bird feeders and vegetation attract many smaller birds.
🎙 Recording: Tricky on busy days. Noisy planes fly overhead frequently from Heathrow.

The bright red bus, number 485, stopped directly in front of the London Wetlands Centre. I jumped off and got in line for the 10 AM opening

An elderly dragonfly photographer asked about my giant parabolic microphone while we waited in line. He asked if it can hear insect noises (it unfortunately can, lol).

I visited the wetlands twice during my trip, the first time it was packed with families, but the second time it was basically empty. The property is large and divided into two halves with numerous wildlife hide buildings you can use to observe birds without disturbing them. On both visits I chose to start on the west route and walk toward the "Wildside" area.

There were many birds scattered along the west route and the water birds caught my eye first.

Eurasian Coot

The coot goes honk, honk, honk.

Common Shelduck

Common Pochard

There are a bunch of short trails to take on both sides of the wetlands where you'll hear birds singing in the trees and shrubs.

Common Kingfisher

The Common Kingfisher was one of the highlights of my whole trip. I was lucky to spot two kingfishers while visiting the wetlands. The first one appeared while I was in one of the hides. I saw a small bird zip by just above the water. I suspected it might be a kingfisher and walked down the trail after it until I saw it perched on a dragonfly art installation protruding above the pond.

Long-tailed Tit

Common Wood Pigeon

The Wood Pigeon goes "hrrruu-hoo-who-whop."

Carrion Crow

The Carrion Crow has a higher-pitched caw.

Common Chiffchaff

The "Chiffchaff" is a Pokémon bird. It sings its name.

Beddington Farmlands

Beddington Farmlands is a nature reserve in South London that is a hotspot for birds. It is easily accessible via the train and is heavily wooded with nice footpaths.

European Herring Gull

A flock of gulls call out into the morning air. So relaxing.

Eurasian Jackdaw

The jackdaw makes a squeaky cry.

Great Tit

The Great Tit's song is a fast sequence of notes.

The Great Tit's rising call

Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens

Hyde Park is spacious and had many birds all over the park. I saw almost 30 species of birds while there.

Great Crested Grebe

This grebe mother was busy fishing and feeding her babies.

Eurasian Magpie

Brampton Cemetery

The Brampton Cemetery attracts a lot of birds with lush trees and plant overgrowth. The old mausoleums and tombstones offer a unique backdrop for photos. It's a popular place for a stroll and has a coffee shop on one end.

European Robin

The Robin's warbling song

The Robin's call is a 'pew' sound

Dunnock

The Dunnock is unassuming at first glance. But its colorful eyes caught my attention and I realized it warranted a closer look.

The Final London Bird List

Click here to view my London Trip Report on eBird