Wednesday 8th January 2025, Moor Green and Send by Peter Knox
A Tawny Owl and plethora of finches in Surrey
Seven members arrived at the carpark on cold and cloudy morning. The first bird we saw was a Treecreeper which was followed by Mike White finding a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker which flew off before anyone else could see it. We were unable to relocate it spending some time trying to. We moved on spotting a Song Thrush. We arrived a gate providing views of one of the lakes from here we had our first views of both male and female Goosanders. As we moved a long the path towards the first hide, we had a few passerines. At the feeder station close the hide we saw Reed Buntings and the first Goldcrest. The first hide provided a Little Egret, Little Grebes, and a few ducks. We moved down the path hearing a Water Rail calling and finding another Treecreeper which I did eventually get to see. Recently the path along the Blackwater River had been flooded but it had now receded allowing us to head to the second hide.
We met a local birder who told us about a Tawny Owl spot. On route to this spot, we found a flock of thirty Siskin feeding in some Alder trees. Some local walkers pointed out the Owl tree showing us a photograph of it, but it was not showing We continued to the second hide once again we had a few duck species. We decided to head back the carpark to go for a coffee. On route we bumped into the couple who had pointed out the Owl tree. They told us the bird was now showing and we hot footed it back to the tree, and we were provided with fantastic views of this beautiful bird. Multiple photographs were taken before we headed back to the carpark which had one last surprise which was excellent close views of a Mistle Thrush. We had a coffee and four of us decided to go to fields near Send in Surrey. There had been report of a large number of finches in fields which had un-harvested crops of Sunflowers. As we walked down the track to the fields, we had a large number of finches flying into trees either side of the track.
As we scanned these birds we found Chaffinches, Bramblings Linnets, Goldfinches and Greenfinches. This was a great end to the day. We had seen fifty-eight species with fantastic views and a nice cup of coffee.
Sunday 26th January 2025, Isle of Sheppey by Chris Turner
With the weather forecast promising heavy rain coming in from about lunchtime, we were never going to have a full day in the field. This meant that we needed to scoot around the main sites if we were to make the most of the morning. And make the most of the morning we did. We started with a Short-eared Owl doing a close flyby as we were heading down towards the point. Once there we were greeted with a large flock of Oystercatchers roosting on the shingle, with smaller number of Curlew, Ringed Plover, Turnstone and Sanderling on the strand line. Further away on the mud behind the point was a large flock of Knot, with assorted Dunlin as well as good number of Shelduck. The highlight was perhaps the 4 Pintail on the sea, although the three or four Marsh Harrier quartering the saltmarsh are always good to see as were the good-sized flocks of both Golden Plover and Brent Goose. Then onwards to the hide at the Swale NNR to see if we could catch up with the wintering flock of White-fronted Goose. We eventually had six on the ground and perhaps another flying 20 over. Again, a real treat and not nearly as common as they used to be.
Back to the cars and we all enjoyed views of another (or perhaps the same) Short-eared Owl hunkered down on the saltmarsh, sheltering from the increasingly “black” wind. It really was then a race against time to see if we could connect with the target species at Chapel Feet and the raptor Watchpoint. Sadly, the weather won, although some of us managed distant views of a male Hen Harrier as well as of another 40 White-fronted Geese, before the rain began to set in. With no chance of a break in the clouds – it was time for a coffee before heading home. Nine hardy birders made the most of the morning. Just 44 species (by my estimate), but some real quality
Wednesday 31st January 2025, Barnes WWT by Jonathan Hannam
On a sunny but chilly day, fourteen of us enjoyed a gentle stroll around the reserve, hoping to see Bittern, Water Rail, Water Pipit, Siskin, Redpoll and Bearded Tit, all of which had been sighted in recent days. After gathering together at the Observatory for an initial look at the main lake, we started off on the South Route. The Dulverton hide didn’t detain us long as the windows were all misted up so we headed of towards the WWF hide. Stopping by the feeders en-route, there were Great Tit and Blue Tit in abundance, with the occasional Greenfinch, Dunnock and Chaffinch. More excitingly, there was a small flock of Siskin with one or two Redpoll in the surrounding trees. Back in the hide, the windows were clearer, giving better views of Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Grey Heron, Lapwing and Great Crested Grebe. On a spit in the lake, there were Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull in various plumages. Unfortunately, no Bittern! Moving on to the Peacock hide, we didn’t find any Snipe or Water Pipit but had good views of Teal, Wigeon and Shoveller, as well as a small group of Chiffchaff that flitting out from the bankside tress to catch flies over the water. There was also distant views of Reed Bunting and rumours of Bearded Tit.
Heading back to the Visitor centre for lunch, we picked up Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackbird and Song Thrush, as well as encountering the Siskin flock again. Afterwards, we headed straight for the Wildside Hide, drawn by a Yellow-legged Gull that Rebecca has heard about and already seen, having opted for a late lunch. The gull was still there and was in nearly adult plumage, lacking only the yellow legs and bill! After the visit officially ended, there were reports of the Bearded Tits being visible from the Dulverton Hide so a few people headed back and were successful in seeing them, albeit a long way away and only visible in a scope. Altogether 52 species were seen by the group, including 50% of the targeted ones.
Sunday 9th February 2025, Blashford Lakes and Blackwater Arboretum by Rebecca Dunne
Eight people gathered for a bright morning walk leaving the rain of SW London behind. The gloom caught up with us at Blackwater Arboretum in the late afternoon but generally we were lucky with the weather. We weren’t so lucky with the birds! Firecrest at Blashford and Hawfinches coming into roost at the Arboretum can usually be guaranteed but not this year. Great White Egrets usually appear at Blashford and a good range of woodland birds on the feeders, but it was all rather quiet. What we did have was good numbers of ducks especially Pintail, a distant Green Sandpiper, a fluffy bottomed, Black-necked Grebe, at least 10 Goosander and an escaped hybrid Maccoa/Ruddy Duck type duck. It can’t be added to year lists but provided an amusing ‘Where’s Wally’ type game amongst the 600 or so Pintail. The windows were all misted up in the Woodland Hide so it was hard to see the feeders, but we did see some handsome male Siskin mixed in with the Great Tits, Blue Tits, Chaffinch and Nuthatch. Despite missing Firecrest in their usual spot on the Holly and Ivy lined path we did have Goldcrest and Redwing foraging in the leaf litter. A possible Firecrest was glimpsed but nothing was confirmed. Ivy Hide North added calling Cetti’s Warbler to our list and I think a few people saw a Kingfisher from South Hide overlooking Ivy Lake. We left Blashford Lakes at 2pm and drove across the New Forest to Blackwater Arboretum.
Our hour and a half staring at the top of large conifers at the Arboretum, hoping for Hawfinch to come into roost was a big disappointment, but we did have nice views of 2 Marsh Tits, Coal Tits and Goldcrest. A few Goldfinch did a rather taunting impression of Hawfinch in the top of the trees, catching us out a couple of times. By 4 o’clock we gave up and retreated to the mobile kiosk in the car park for hot drinks and a quick lesson in New Forest birds to the young people manning it! I spoke to the ecologist Marcus Ward of Wild New Forest during the following week who said that Hawfinch were leaving the roost there but coming in late. The following Sunday I visited with another group but no Hawfinch had appeared by 4:40pm!
Wednesday 12th February 2025, Home Park by Mike White
We commenced our walk from the Bushy Park car park to a soundtrack that was to stay with us for most of the morning, the raucous honking of territorial Egyptian Geese, pairs of which were located all around the park. Also present were the ubiquitous Ring-necked Parakeets, Jackdaws and Crows. The Diana Fountain is under-going restoration so there were no ducks on the water. Entering Home Park via the Paddock Gate path a Jay hopped up on a wall and a single Common Gull in the adjacent paddock gave excellent views. Emerging into Home Park the first of several Mistle Thrush was noted and a small bird fluttering in the low branches was the only Goldcrest seen.
Continuing along Kingston Avenue Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Goldfinch were recorded, and the usual very large Gull flock were on the Lawn Field, (later to move on to The Longwater and give better views). We had also noted a few Redwing flying through but on approaching the end of the avenue a large flock, probably around a hundred, were feeding on the ground and were accompanied by a similar number of Starlings which performed a mini murmuration. We also disturbed a Kestrel which flew over towards Bushy Park. Crossing the road and turning towards the Golf Club we noted a small flock of Pied Wagtails on the short turf, the small pond alongside the paddocks wall held Coot and Canada Geese and further along the water filled ditch held two pairs of Mallard and a Song Thrush sat up in a small tree.
After a quick coffee stop at the Golf Club we made our way to the Longater where Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Moorhen and numerous Coot were on the water. The gull flock were at the far end and gave good views allowing comparison of Black-headed and Common Gull, a few juvenile Herring Gull were also present. A total of thirty-four species recorded but very unusually no Stock Dove.
Sunday 23rd February 2025, Abberton Reservoir by Ruth Shinebaum
Fourteen of us met up at the Layer Breton causeway, scopes at the ready, for a day of duck hunting. A male and two female Marsh Harriers greeted us as we quickly amassed the more common duck species – Tufted, Pochard, Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon. However we scanned in vain to find the reported Canvasback, a theme that would continue throughout the day. We were rewarded with a single Barnacle Goose and 3 White-fronted Geese amongst the more common goose species. Cormorants and Grey Herons were very active around the nests and there was a single Great Egret in the area although the other ‘white’ birds which nest there – Cattle Egret and Spoonbills – were not yet in residence. A pair of Great-crested Grebes were displaying close in. We stopped off at the Layer de la Haye causeway on the way to the Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre, just in case the Canvasback was there – it wasn’t. So, we had to make do with a number of Black-necked Grebe some of which were beginning to show their summer plumage, close male and female Goosander looking magnificent and two very obliging Slavonian Grebes still very much in winter plumage. A couple of Redshank started our wader list for the day.
Next stop was the centre where we paid our dues, used the loos and had coffee/breakfast before heading for the Hide Bay Hide. Two Spoonbills and a Caspian Gull were the highlights here, along with a couple of Black-tailed Godwit, Pintail and Goldeneye, and more Great Egrets. Local knowledge made us decide to forgo the other hides and take the 10-minute drive to the Lodge Lane viewpoint for more duck hunting. The paths were rather muddy but worthwhile as after much peering and scoping we picked up male and female Greater Scaup among the flock of Pochard and a very distant male Smew. A female Greater Scaup giving us a very close fly-by was a great sighting. Whilst we were at Lodge Lane, a report came up of the Ring-necked Duck being sighted from the Billets Farm screen, so that was our next port of call. The light had been worsening through the day so it was difficult to see the inactive duck bobbing up and down in the distance among the Tufted Duck but eventually we all got on the bird. Most of us also managed to pick out the Mandarin on the far shore too. There were a couple of waders there too, Dunlin and Ruff.
At this point, the party split up as there were number of options, with one car heading for the nearby Copt Hall reserve where the Great Grey Shrike had been seen until recently but no luck. Others went back to the centre for more coffee, a look at the usual tits and finches on the feeders and a pair of Red Crested Pochard across the water. On the way home most of us stopped for one last unsuccessful look for the Canvasback which had been reported in the afternoon, but instead added a final wader, a Green Sandpiper to the day list of 71 species seen and 2 others heard.
Sunday 2nd March 2025, Acres Down by Peter Knox
More heard than seen.
Eight members arrived on a bright and sunny morning. Rebecca had arrived earlier than the rest and was rewarded with some nice views of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The rest of us missed it but did get some views of small numbers of Crossbills. We waited around to see if the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker would return to its favourite group of trees. It did not return and so we headed off the raptor viewing area. On route we heard Woodlark singing but were unable to see them due to the sun. We set up our telescope and scaned the horizon looking for Goshawks. At first, we had plenty of Buzzard sightings and a single Red Kite. We also had a couple song flights by Woodlark and views of Stonechats and Meadow Pipits. Eventually we found a Goshawk soaring in the distances. We also had couple of Raven interacting with each other in flight.
After lunch we started a circular walk into the forest. First stopping unsuccessfully again at the woodpecker trees. As we progressed, we could hear plenty of birds, but it was hard to see them. As our path circled back towards the carpark, we found two Woodlark foraging on the track providing excellent views. Further on we had our second Goshawk again soaring above us. Once again, we waited around the woodpecker trees unsuccessfully. On our walk back the carpark we first heard and had a brief views of a Marsh Tit. This was an enjoyable way to finish the day. It was enjoyable day in the sunshine with a species list of thirty-five birds. Not bad for an inland outing in the early spring.
Wednesday 12th March 2025, Hogsmill River Walk by Stephen Waters
Surbiton birders assembled at the Hogsmill NR and were met by reserve manager Kristian Boudeau. We were led to the South Hide where we enjoyed good views of gulls and ducks while being plied with coffee and biscuits by our host. Kristine took this opportunity to give us a run down on the work on the reserve. We left at 10 walking along the lower marsh lane and following the river into Kingston and its entry into the Thames. Several vocal Wrens sang from the bushes on the riverbank and a Grey Wagtail was seen feeding near to the Kingston University Art School. We passed a sleeping Grey Heron and had good views of a Peregrine Falcon perched on a clock tower that then flew off towards the town centre. We walked through the Guildhall grounds past the Kingston Coronation stone and down from the Clattern Bridge to the Thames. We crossed Kingston Bridge and entered Bushy Park where we stopped for coffee at the Pistachios café. The weather closed in to a drizzle and we neither heard or saw Skylarks but did catch a brief glimpse of Stonechat. At this point we called it a day and left the park returning through Kingston back to the Hogsmill reserve to pick up the cars, finishing about 1.30
Sunday 6th April 2025, Seaford and Newhaven by Rebecca Dunne
Our change of meeting place to West Beach, Newhaven proved successful enabling all 13 attendees to see a Woodchat Shrike as it hunted from brambles and fencing at the base of the cliff. For many it was a lifer. A Raven on its nest of sticks high on the chalk cliffs above and 2 Fulmars, cruising the cliffs, were added bonuses. Behind us we glimpsed 3 Purple Sandpipers feeding on under Newhaven’s East Pier. From here we moved on to Splash Point at the end of Seaford Esplanade, our original meeting point…but not a single Kittiwake was visible around their famed nesting cliffs. Peering out to sea we thought we could see a large group of small gulls feeding near a fishing boat but only one was positively identified. More visible were several small groups of Common Scoter sitting on the water and flying past plus fishing Sandwich Terns and a Gannet. Our next stop was South Hill Barns at the top of Seaford Head. Immediately after leaving the car park, we heard the scratchy song of Common Whitethroat, a year first for all of us. The most productive area for birds up here was Hope Bottom, a sheltered path through trees and thick scrub leading down to Hope Gap at the sea end. Here we found our first Willow Warblers of the year although we spent a long time confirming this. Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tits, and Collared Doves.
A picnic at Hope Gap overlooking The Seven Sisters was most enjoyable and a Meadow Pipit hopped nearby. Following this we followed the cliff edge down into Cuckmere Haven. It was busy with people but we still added 2 Corn Buntings, Rock Pipit, Redshank, 3 Brent Geese, Shelduck, Teal, and Canada Geese. We took the path back up Hope Bottom to return to our cars and heard the Willow Warblers singing – a definite confirmation! As we’d drawn a blank on Kittiwakes we returned to Splash Point before heading home. By now at least 220 were bobbing around on the sea near the cliffs or competing for a few posts with Black-headed Gulls. More Common Scoter were seen and a flight of Brent Geese flew east. A Rock Pipit flitted in and out of large concrete slabs. Probable Arctic Skua harassing gulls far out to sea were a good way to end the day…apart from the ‘Holy Cow’ ice cream cones! There was a considerable queue at the Holy Cow hut but the ice cream was worth the wait.
Wednesday 16th April 2025, Staines Moor morning walk by Rebecca Dunne
After a recce in sunny, still weather the previous afternoon, with 5 Wheatear and 14+ Yellow Wagtails amongst the cows, the chilly, windy morning that greeted 9 of us was a bit of a shock! Highlights – 2 Wheatear, lots of singing Sedge Warblers sitting on the leeward side of bramble patches, a couple of Common Whitethroat, a Water Pipit seen by 3 people at the back of the group, a passing Marsh Harrier, 5 Kestrels including a female Kestrel running along the ground, between mole hills, in search of invertebrates 43 Species: Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Buzzard, Cetti’s Warbler, Carrion Crow, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Coot, Cormorant, Egyptian Goose, Feral Pigeon, Great Tit, Green Woodpecker, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Linnet, Little Egret, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Marsh Harrier, Meadow Pipit, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Red Kite, Reed Bunting, Robin, Sedge Warbler, Shoveler, Skylark, Song Thrush, Stonechat, Swallow, Water Pipit, Wheatear, Whitethroat, Woodpigeon, Wren. Sunday 27th April 2025, Otmoor by Paul Spencer A party of eleven enjoyed the delights of Otmoor RSPB on a rather hot sunny day. Nine warbler species were recorded during the day. The most vocal were Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler and Sedge Warbler, the latest giving a masterclass in song ! Most sought out though were Lesser Whitethroat which rattled away in dense scrub at two locations along the main path and which was glimpsed once and Grasshopper Warbler. The ‘’groppers’’ only gave themselves vocally to Rebecca and Paul. Paul heard a faint 30 second reel that was confirmed by Judy’s merlin app but most people’s focus was at that moment on a Cuckoo which gave great perched views.
There was no need to use an app to hear the two Common Cranes which flew across the Big Otmoor, the male trumpeting loudly. The curlews were evocatively calling too and with Lapwings ‘’peewiting’’, Skylarks arising!, Cuckoos cuckooing and Pheasants croaking it was splendid! The Big Otmoor had Lapwings mobbing a Red Kite, a selection of common wildfowl including Shoveler and Gadwall, two Oystercatchers and two piping common Redshanks. A Bullfinch ‘’peuwing’’ from cover sped away. A Wheatear, although close, took some finding as it merged against tussocky grass, near the Wetland watchhide. The Reed bed screen was full of action with two Bitterns booming from the reedbeds. Two juvenile Grey Herons were partially hidden in the reeds. A pair of Marsh Harriers tussling in the air was captured well by Jeff and Robert with almost identical photograph sequences. However he and the other cameramen had a tougher job with the 10 + Hobbies which were zooming back and forth, very high and low for insects over the reedbed. The Hobbies were eating their prey on the wing and Jim caught one tucking in having just torn the wings off a dragonfly. Six of us went on to Farmoor reservoir which was quiet due to sailing, fishing and probably the good weather; it was rather languid with only a couple of Swallows. A Raven mobbed by Carrion Crows, a smart male Grey Wagtail and two Common Terns on buoy number 9 were the causeway highlights but we had a nice walk which took in the shrike meadow hide and new Pinkhill meadow hide. 67 species recorded plus Rook on route. Finally, most people only had one Red kite on the M40 and M25 on route to Otmoor but had lots of Red kite on the way back who were taking advantage of the warm air.
Wednesday May 7th 2025, Pulborough Brooks by Mike White
Whilst waiting for the group to assemble we had a look over the heathland area and Wren, Pheasant, Blackbird and Blue Tit were seen, with Green Woodpecker and Garden Warbler heard. Moving to the viewing area by the dipping pond we added House Sparrow, Magpie and five flyby Swifts. Strangely no hirundinids were seen all day. Here, we also heard the first Cuckoo of the day, and despite another 2-3 calling for most of the day only one member was able to get a sighting. Heading down the zig-zag path we were serenaded by the first of many Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat. At the bottom of the path the target bird (Nightingale) was going through his repertoire but remained out of view unlike a Garden Warbler who sat on a bare branch allowing some of the group good views. W e moved on to West Mead hide where the water here held Canada, Egyptian and Greylag Geese, Avocet, Lapwing, Mallard and Redshank, whilst above 2 Hobbies were flying. The tiny Lapwing and Canada Goose chicks keeping us entertained for some-time. Two of the Lapwing, which, whilst happy to share a very small island and stand fairly close together were at other times very aggressive towards one another, leaving us wondering whether it was an inter-pair battle or a very serious “domestic”.
Following the path on towards Winpenny hide the resident pair of Stonechat appeared and sat on a post giving nice views whilst a Sedge Warbler sat in a small tree trilling away allowing scope views. From Winpenny we added Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Shelduck, Gadwall, Shoveler and Wigeon and had good but distant views of Greenshank. Buzzard and Red Kite were seen overhead and another birder pointed out a Hobby perched on a distant post. Eagle-eyed Paul then spotted a large incoming raptor which was indeed an adult White-tailed Eagle. The sun highlighted the white tail as the bird turned. Between Winpenny and the Hanger viewpoint we added the only Chaffinch and Song Thrush of the day and heard a brief snatch of Reed Bunting song. Just below the Hanger viewpoint another Nightingale was singing but again would not show itself, whilst on the north brooks we added Teal to the waterfowl list. From the new viewpoint above Netleys hide we saw a lone Black-tailed Godwit a small flock of Common Sandpiper and probably the most unexpected sighting of the day, a Black Swan. From Netleys we saw Little Egret and a further 5 Greenshanks. Making our way back towards the visitor centre we stopped at the bottom of the zigzag but no further Nightingale song, although we did have a Cetti’s Warbler explode into song in a small bush a few feet away and then fly across the path. We also saw a pair of Longtailed Tit and further up a Greenfinch sat “wheezing” at the top of a tree.
Sunday 18th May 2025, Stodmarsh by Peter Knox
An Abundance of Raptors and a wader surprise
Unfortunately, John Barkham was stuck in Greece and so I stepped into the breech to lead this outing. Eight members assembled in the car park on a grey cool morning with sharp northerly wind. We moved into the wet woodland quickly arriving at the start of the reedbeds. Initially we heard a Cuckoo, and a few members had a brief view. We also started to hear a booming Bittern, but we did not see it. We did see the first of many Marsh Harriers. Our first stop was at the Marsh hide initially we found a Greenshank but soon a pair of Garganey swam into view and we had more views of Marsh Harriers. While members were trying to view a distant Hobby (our first of the day). I spotted a Turtle Dove which powered past the hide so quickly that no one else saw it. Leaving the hide, we went looking for Cattle Egrets that we had been told about by a local. First, we spotted a small flock of Little Egrets in flight. As always when looking for Cattle Egrets you need to find the grazing animals. So, when we found some cattle, we found circa fourteen Cattle Egrets. The next stop was the David Feast hide which provided little, so we moved on to the Ramp at Grove Ferry. Here we saw three Little Grebes a few Reed Warblers and more Marsh Harriers.
It was now lunch time, and a few members needed a coffee. Two members on route to our lunch stop pick up a Garden Warbler. After lunch we started our return route to Stodmarsh along the river. When we came to an open area which allowed us to view over the reedbeds we found a number of distant Hobbys feeding low over the reedbeds and a closer Cuckoo perched in a tree. Just as we were about to move on, I spotted what initially looked like a Red-Footed Falcon with the Hobbys which instantly had every bodies telescopes focused on the area. This confirmed my sighting and so another good bird added to our list. We gradually move along the path to the Tower Hide. Here we had Common Terns, Great Crested Grebes, and better views of the female Red-Footed Falcon plus Common Buzzards and of course more Marsh Harriers. As we were about to move on Rebecca mentioned that a recent sighting had been reported at the Marsh Hide of a Temminck’s Stint. So, after a brief discussion we could not pass up this opportunity and so we headed off to this hide. Once in the hide we started to look in multiple directions. Then Rebecca found it and we all good views at distance. This a wonderful way to finish the day. On the way back to the carpark Chris and Lynda had a good view of a Cuckoo.
Overall, we had a good day with the weather warming up in the afternoon and a species count of sixty-three. Not bad for an inland site.
Friday 23rd May 2025, Woolbeding Common by John Barkham
Nine members met at the Woolbeding Common raptor watchpoint on a fine sunny morning. A pair of Honey Buzzards were soon sighted, albeit at some distance and on the opposite side of the valley. One of the birds occasionally raised its wings high above its back and quivered them several times; the so called ‘wing-clapping’ display of a male. We had repeated sightings of the birds throughout the morning and more ‘wing-clapping’, mostly at long-range where the diagnostic flight on flat or slightly bowed wings was noted. A third Honey Buzzard in moult was also seen, having a missing 3rd primary feather. This bird later flew past our viewpoint at closer range in the afternoon. There were several Common Buzzards sighted, which helped to fine-tune our Buzzard ID skills. Additional raptors seen included several Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and White-tailed Eagle. Throughout the morning Cuckoos called and the song of Yellowhammers was heard, with several birds on view. A successful trip enjoyed by all.
Wednesday (morning) 28th May 2025, Tolworth Court Farm by Thelma Caine
15 members joined Elliot Newton on the Moated Manor site. At the start, Elliot gave a talk about the history of the site and the Tolworth Court Farm rewilding programme. Among the interesting features on the Moated Manor site are large anthills made by yellow meadow ants. Elliot informed us that the queen ants can live for over 20 years and one had been known to live for 24 years! The worker ants harvest aphids and stimulate them with their antennae to produce sugary secretions to feed the queen. He informed us that the earlier mowing regime was damaging to the nests of these ants, so they had introduced scything by hand instead in recent years. Elliot pointed out the Kestrel nest box in the barn where one of the parent birds was visible peering out from the entrance. He also showed us special wooden enclosures being stored in the barn that will be used for reintroducing water voles along the River Hogsmill at the Chamber Meads reserve. These have a water container inserted beneath so the young voles can learn to swim and build their strength before they enter the river.
We crossed the road to Tolworth Court Farm fields where SDBWS club members have been monitoring birds for the last 3 years. New entrances will be installed at five access point round the site, each of which will be given names. Elliot informed us of the plan to introduce a small number of Sussex cattle to the fields to keep the grass short and avoid mowing, which will improve the biodiversity. A number of trained volunteers will be checking on the cows’ health on a regular basis. Pigs will also be used for rootling the undergrowth for a short time (either Tamworths or a Hungarian breed). There is funding to provide fencing round the site and the cattle will be fitted with special collars to avoid them escaping. Elliot pointed out the area where a wetland will be created, near the Hogsmill River. This was formerly a wetland before the route of the Hogsmill River was straightened and Elliot told us about several wetland invertebrates which have manged to cling on here and maintain a small population since that time. He also told us how the project team plan to engage with the local community to encourage them to take an interest in the wildlife site. While we were receiving this fascinating insight into the plans for the site, we kept a watch on the birds which included a hunting Kestrel, Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Starling, Great Tit, Stock Dove, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and Magpie, while birds heard in the hedgerows included Robin, Wren, Blackcap, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, and several Song Thrushes.
Sunday 1st June 2025, Rye Harbour by Rebecca Dunne
A good turnout of 11 members had a rather windy day at the Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Rye Harbour reserve with a strong south westerly! It wasn’t the best time of year for a visit, but we enjoyed ourselves and still had a respectable 66 species seen or heard. However, quite a few of these were of one bird glimpsed or heard by just a couple of people. It was an excellent time of year for nesting Black-headed Gulls which already had chicks and Common, Sandwich and Little Terns which were in their distinct breeding colonies but didn’t have any young yet. This gave our day’s highlight. As we watched for the first hour all the gulls and terns kept coming up in panic and we eventually spotted a Peregrine Falcon stooping down on them. It was finally successful and carried off a decent sized Black-headed Gull chick in the direction of Dungeness after which the birds settled down.
On arrival we ticked off the regular Collared Dove and House Sparrow by the car park. Walking towards the Visitor Centre Mediterranean Gulls flew overhead. From Gooders hide we had a distant colony of Sandwich Terns to our right and Common and Little Terns ahead and left. The Little Terns were a nightmare to find once they’d landed amongst the stones on their favoured island. Oystercatchers, Redshank, Avocet and Little Egret were present along with a variety of geese. Looking over Flat Beach well camouflaged Ringed Plover were spotted with 3 more on the banks of the Rother. On the beach Steve spotted 2 Grey Plovers and seals popped their heads up at the river mouth. A few Linnets were seen on sheltered bushes along with Meadow Pipit attempting song flights in the strong wind. Skylark were around but hard to hear in the conditions. From Parkes Hide many adult Cormorants were seen sitting on an island, many preening; maybe taking a rest from their nest sites on Castle Water.
Denny Hide faced away from the wind so we stopped here for a sheltered lunch, but we only saw Black-headed Gulls nesting amongst grassy vegetation and Common Terns on the sandy areas except for a Ringed Plover which came very close and pleased the photographers. One Common Tern kept returning with a silver fish but seemed unsure what to do with it – where was its nest or partner? Walking on to the Barns we increased our total of passerines including Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Reed Warbler. One Lapwing was seen very briefly. Walking back past the Salt Pool a Shelduck was seen by some but then vanished! A Lesser Whitethroat singing from brambles by the mobile home park was a surprise.
After a break in the café we drove back up Harbour Road and walked in round the back of Castle Water. This proved fruitful for our species list. More House Martins than most of us had seen all year fed over the lake and sheep pasture along with Swifts, Swallows and one Sand Martin. Lots of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls sat around amongst the sheep, along with a couple of Great Black-backs. A Marsh Harrier was our first of the day along with a Moorhen, more Shelduck, Pochard and Gadwall. We eventually found the Reedbed viewpoint and heard our first Little Grebe but a flock of Long-tailed Tits was the best thing here – no Bearded Tits or booming Bittern but who could blame them in the wind.
Sunday (morning) 8th June 2025 Farnham Heath RSPB by Thelma Caine
Seven members joined me for this morning walk. The trees around the car park produced the first birds of the day including Goldfinches, Blue Tits, Blackbird and Stock Dove which was heard giving its territorial call. In the first conifer wood, a family of Coal Tits flitted high up in the tree canopy and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over, giving a rattling alarm note. As we emerged from the pines, songsters included Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wren in the birch scrub. Taking the right-hand path, we scanned a patch of low heath finding a very active male Stonechat. Crossing the main sandy track, we made our way to a wider expanse of heath, where another male Stonechat was located flying up from the heather to the lower branches of a pine tree. We headed up to the line of conifers, finding more Coal Tits and a singing Chaffinch. Goldcrests were also heard but difficult to spot in the canopy. Further along, a Jay was spotted on the edge of the wood and while we stopped for a coffee break, a Buzzard circled high in the sky.
We made our way down a track, scanning the heath on either side and found a small group of Linnets, including a good view of a male showing its pinkish breast. Soon afterwards, a small brown bird flew up to the top of a conifer. We couldn’t see its tail but in head-on view and in difficult light conditions, we could see it had a whitish eyestripe, a streaked upper breast and white unstreaked lower breast and underparts. After comparing features of Tree Pipit and Woodlark, we considered it most likely to be the latter but it flew off before we were able to get a better view. Fortunately however, Jonathan managed to get several photos of the bird, one of which clearly showed the characteristic black & white wing marking along the lower edge of the closed wing, confirming its identity as a Woodlark. A small group of Swifts and several Swallows flitted overhead as we made our way across the lower end of the heath, and a falcon flashed by, landing briefly in a group of conifers. From its rather narrow wings, which looked to be grey, this was likely to have been a Hobby. Feeding on the ground as we neared the end of the track was a Mistle Thrush and the Merlin app. came up with Siskin and Redstart in the nearby conifer wood.
At that point, we met up with Steve Waters who had been watching the Redstart a short way along the track. We located the bird, a handsome male, perched up on the fence post on the edge of the path and later heard it singing. An excellent finale to an enjoyable walk.
Wednesday 2nd July 2025, Evening Walk in Richmond Park by Rebecca Dunne
I rashly offered an evening stroll around the centre of the park with the possibility of owls which, needless to say, everyone interpreted as a promise of owls! 10 eager members consequently met me at Robin Hood Gate. I’d been twice the previous week with the RSPB and had at least 9 Little Owls and a Tawny Owl on each occasion, but we weren’t quite so lucky. The Tawny Owl wasn’t in its usual hole and despite hearing a couple of Little Owls on Sidmouth Slope we didn’t see any until we were near the end of the walk. I was getting desperate peering at every fallen log in the woods and listening for adult calls and youngsters hissing until I finally spotted an adult on its favourite fallen log behind the Royal Ballet School. It flew off before everyone had seen it, but Gordon found it again on a tree enclosure on the other side of the road. It appeared that many youngsters were now more independent than in the last couple of weeks and were no longer hissing for their parents to come and feed them. The 3 or 4 birds we saw were a family group of 2 youngsters, an adult and an unidentified one which shot into the back of a tree. Luckily 3 of the birds were easy to see. The youngsters hopped on and off fencing searching for food then one sat rather foolishly in the middle of the road giving great views.
Earlier on in our evening stroll we had Purple Hairstreak butterflies in combative or seductive mode at the top of Oak trees, a Red Kite and Green Woodpeckers. On the Upper Pen Pond there was a Little Egret at the top end, Sand Martins circling around their nest bank, a family of Tufted Ducks, Mandarin Ducks and also a pair of Great Crested Grebes on Lower Pen Pond. Geese were everywhere moulting and therefore flightless and some were both unable to fly but with youngsters at various stages. Away from the ponds Whitethroat, two Kestrels and a couple of Swifts were seen along with butterflies, Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Small Skipper, We left the park after dark and we’d had a pleasant evening’s stroll as promised! At least everyone saw a few Little Owls; some for the first time.
Sunday 27th July 2025, Oare Marshes by Rebecca Dunne
A successful visit for 15 people on a day that stayed dry, if not sunny, despite the forecast. On arrival we headed straight up onto the seawall to find the Bonaparte’s Gull and there it was, sitting obligingly on a concrete block on the muddy foreshore. This is the 13th summer that it has returned to Oare. Later we were pleased to spot it in the high tide roost and later still Paul saw it bobbing on the Swale before flying off towards Sheppey.
Our route took us clockwise around East Flood so we could look over the mudflats before the tide covered them and back over the scrapes in the other direction. Several Whimbrel were seen with other waders near the Slipway but kept disappearing into the reeds. We heard Bearded Tits near the sluice but couldn’t see them. Next, we were watching a Green Woodpecker in the corner of a field when a mystery bird landed on a five-bar gate. It was a juvenile Cuckoo but was quickly chased off unfortunately. A quick deviation up Church Lane for excellent views of a Turtle Dove preening on a telegraph wire was followed by a long stop looking over East Flood. Finally, having managed to persuade those who wanted an early tea break, we followed the sea wall up to Dan’s Dock. Only then did we round off the day with a visit to the café in Oare!
Highlights in addition to the Bonaparte’s Gull, Turtle Dove and juvenile Cuckoo:
East Flood – About 1700 Black-tailed Godwit and numerous Redshanks were the main birds which we watched flying into the high tide roost. Running between their legs were 5 Red Knot in beautiful breeding plumage and a few Turnstones and Dunlin. A Spoonbill, which showed its bill a few times, provided a useful marker point for finding the other birds, especially a lone Bartailed Godwit. Further back 2 Greenshank sat with the Lapwing. A Water Rail skulked along the edge of the reeds behind 2 of the several Green Sandpipers we spotted around the East Flood. Staring at the Rail meant that some of us had a brief glimpse of a Bearded Tit in the same area. Sea wall west to Dan’s Dock – At least 3 families of Yellow Wagtails, one group mixed with families of Meadow Pipits on top of the old bunkers and another with Pied Wagtails on the sea’s muddy edge. Stock Dove are always to be found on the warm bunker rooves and did not disappoint. A quartering Male Marsh Harrier which we saw several times during the day. Up by the dock we had a Whitethroat and an unexpected Corn Bunting. The earlier reported 3 Whinchat were nowhere to be found.
Sunday 10th August 2025, Denbies Hillside by John Barkham
This trip was originally scheduled for the week before, but was postponed due to poor weather conditions. The rescheduled day provided perfect summer weather for our butterfly walk. 11 trippers met at the National Trust car park and we walked across Steers Field to enjoy panoramic views towards Dorking and Leith Hill beyond. We soon found the first of many Chalkhill Blue butterflies Our key target was the Adonis Blue and a fine male was soon sighted, followed by several more. We gradually descended the hillside and then took a rather steep path through woodland to return to the car park. Holly Blue, Speckled Wood and Silverwashed Fritillary were added to our list. Robert took a slight detour and found a Silver-spotted Skipper. The walk was rounded off with a coffee served from a vintage Citroen H Van in the car park.
Sunday 17th August 2025, Dungeness by Mike White
The best laid plans etc etc.
My plans A & B both went out of the window as we approached Dungeness Estate, via the airwaves, word reached us of a Zitting Cisticola found at Galloways (part of the Lydd Ranges) a matter of minutes from Dungeness. When the group had assembled we drove round to the ranges, parked up and joined several other birders looking for the bird. The Cisticola (formerly known as Fan-tailed Warbler) is a skulking warbler, best seen in song flight, and over the course of the next hour or so the bird was seen twice, unfortunately not picked up by all of the group. This bird will be the 11th for the UK if accepted by the BBRC. Moving to the RSPB Visitor Centre, where Great Tit and Robin were noted on the feeders, we had a quick coffee, some to celebrate others to drown their sorrows, refreshed we walked out on to the reserve. We restricted ourselves to the Firth lookout and the new Shirley Coward hide from which we saw, Common Terns, Dunlin, Lapwing, Ruff, Lesser & Greater Black-backed Gulls, Coot, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Egyptian Goose, Cormorants and heard only Cetti’s Warbler.
Leaving the reserve we noted 6 Cattle Egret feeding among the cattle at Boulderwall Farm, we then crossed the road to the ARC Pit and headed to the Hanson hide, the wind blowing directly into the hide made conditions somewhat challenging and it has to be said a bit chilly. Many of the birds were hunkered down and with the majority of the ducks still in eclipse plumage it was a good identification work out, however we soon noted Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Little Egret and Great White Egret. A Marsh Harrier was located tucked into some foliage devouring its latest prey item. On the shingle islands were Snipe, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Green and Common Sandpipers, Dunlin, Ruff, Little Ringed Plover and eventually we located the reported Little Stint. We decided to leave the hide and walk round to the viewing screen to see if we could get a better view of the Stint. On leaving the hide two birds were noted simultaneously, a flyover Hobby and the other a juvenile Cuckoo.
Arriving at the viewing screen we got better views of the Little Stint but were unable to add any further species to our list. We now moved to the station car park and after a quick ice cream we walked out to the sea-watch hide, noting a Linnet on the power station wall. The sea was pretty quiet but we did add Gannet and Yellow-legged Gull, with several Common Tern moving back and forth. We then walked to the observatory and around the moat and out towards the Polish memorial, this was also quiet apart from several windblown Wheatear and eventually we located a Whinchat, a nice finish to the day.
A group total of 64 species. A few of us then returned to Galloways in the hope of another view of the Cisticola, but on arriving were told the bird had not been seen since early afternoon and with two (expletive deleted) photographers ignoring the MOD signs and walking out into the area flushing everything we decided to call it a day. The bird was last seen on the 21st.
Wednesday 3rd September 2025, Chamber Mead Wetlands by Erica Gill
The construction of these Wetlands from a field system involved changing the water flow along the Green Lanes Stream. Instead of running straight into the Hogsmill River it was diverted through a sediment trap and two ponds in order to improve water quality for a 200 metre section of rare chalk stream. At the other end, a stream connected into the Hogsmill River, downstream of the stepping stones. The work was completed in 2024 when the wetlands were planted with a range of diverse plant species, advised by a wetland specialist, and in Spring 2025 over 100 water voles were released into the Wetlands, the main river and the Green Lane stream.
Despite the weather forecast of wind and rain showers, six of us met by the Ewell Court Lake, where Herons on nests Mallards, Coot and Moorhen families were busily going about their morning routines. We walked on towards the Wetlands, seeing a Robin, Collared Dove, Magpie, Blue Tit and Woodpigeon en route. The Wetlands were also buzzing with families of Mallards, Coots and Moorhens, and 2 Herons indifferent areas of reedbed. One Mallard had used a raft with a solar powered monitoring system as a site for its nest. A Little Egret was seen hiding in the reeds, the vegetation having grown up covering ground, and banks of stream and ponds. Despite the poor weather several small white butterflies were flying and in a brief bit of sun two male Common Blue butterflies flew out looking for females. Sadly, no water voles were seen or heard, but rodents were present for at the end of the walk, 2 members saw a large rat running towards a flock of pigeons, which all took flight very speedily. We luckily completed the walk before the forecasted rain shower descended. On our way back to the car park we stopped to look at an Edwardian Folly. The Fernery Grotto is a small enclosure behind a steel gate which had been part of a conservatory attached to Ewell Court House. The artificial stone surface is shaped into nooks and crannies with soil pockets planted with ferns and orchids. Numerous fairies and tiny dwellings complete the scene.