Mapping the Territory

 

If there's one thing I've learnt about birding, it's that mapping the territory is important. I've taken a Shaun Ferguson approach here (thanks!) and taken a screenshot of the Park and highlighted key areas. This is to save crass descriptions like 'I saw it in the bit where there's lots of trees!'

First off, it's important for me to note that I enter the Park from the Ewell side (West side). I've already covered a mile once I arrive at the Park, so it's rare that I can survey all of the key areas on the Ewell side and make it across to the Cheam side (East side), and then back home again. This is why most of the map is West side heavy.

I've tried to keep some of the old key that David Campbell used in his blog, but have had to rename some areas. I appreciate there's quite a lot of segmentation in the map, but I've highlighted key areas in which I see species habitually, and are surveyed as one.

Warren Farm is highlighted, and I personally won't be counting it as part of the Nonsuch patch, however I am so close to it, that I will check in and report anything of interest. In my posts, I will do that very clearly, so that it's not confused with anything seen specifically in the Nonsuch boundary.

Summary:

Zones - (Zone 1, Z2 - Z8). These are vast areas of open land, usually broken up by a tree line that stops you seeing much beyond the Zone you are in. Zone 1 is the largest, and visitors will know why I have made this all one Zone, because this whole area has several vantage points where you can survey the full area (and sky) at once.

No Dog Areas - (ND1 - ND3). As you may have guessed, these are designated areas where dogs are not allowed. I mainly only get to ND1 (as that's where I enter). ND1 I believe is the biggest no dog area, and has quite a few Corvidae and Columbidae. These areas are nice and quiet, and I usually scan them before entering.

Ponds - (P1, P2). The ponds at Nonsuch took me a very long time to find. They're nestled away, and appear quite dried up in the summer (so have very few visitors). In my experience, access to both ponds is quite difficult - there is no true path to both, you have to sort of forage your way to them. P1 is fenced, with a gated access, and is pleasant. P2 is a little bit shady.

Tree Lines -  (TL1 - Tl4). I spent quite a bit of time wondering what to call these areas. They're borderline scrub, shrubbery and trees. However, I have had some excellent finds in them, and if nothing else, they have some classic passerine ticks that bump up the daily lists.

Mansion - An easy landmark, and an interesting area. There are some formal gardens near the Mansion and often quite a bit of activity (functions etc.). 

As ever, any additions, comments, or corrections are welcome, but this is what I will use to make reference to my sightings.