In the last week I returned to the Lac de Créteil to see what else had been arriving during the lively Autumn period. Overall, there has not yet been a dramatic change in the overall composition of interesting birds, but there continues to be an interesting trickle of migrants passing through that continue to make the site interesting and enjoyable to visit.
The lake itself saw a rather unexpected and pleasant surprise with a flock of no less than 13 Common Sandpipers flying around when I visited on Monday. Not long after however, the flock seems to have dispersed, as I did not record them again. The only other bird of note interacting with the lake was another, or the same, 1st year Mediterranean Gull that flew over distantly on the Wednesday.
In the bushes there continues to be Pied Flycatchers, with five the highest count on the Wednesday. As per my previous visits, some of these have been quite showy. The same can not be said for the one Spotted Flycatcher I’ve seen in this period, which remained high in the canopy and out of sight. Additionally, there has been Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and abundant Blackcaps to enjoy. A juvenile Hobby flying over the lake was also a nice bonus.
There was also an additional bird for my patch list, but unfortunately not one of any notable origin, when I found two Alexandrine Parakeets perched up. These larger versions of the very abundant Ring-necked Parakeet will soon also be dominating European cities, I am sure.
