Wednesday 14th January 2026, Home Park by Jonathan Hannam

The weather at the start of this walk was very photogenic but a bit frustrating for the seven members who joined me, as there was a low mist that obscured the view. The flock of gulls on the Diana Fountain pond were mainly invisible, but we did managed to identify Cormorant and Mute Swan. Entering Home Park via the Paddock gate, a Pied Wagtail was seen but not much else until we got near the gate into the Main Park. We’d stopped to look at Robin and Blue Tit but then, much to our amazement, a male Blackcap was seen, posing nicely on top of the bramble. Moving on to the Long Water, the visibility was still poor, but there were pairs of Egyptian Geese and a few Coots. Further along the Long Water, a large flock of gulls slowly emerged into view, as the sun cleared away the mist. They were mainly Black-headed Gulls, but we were able to distinguish a few Common Gulls and Herring Gulls amongst them, as well as some Tufted Ducks. Heading towards the Stud House, Green Woodpeckers were heard and then seen, along with Stock Dove, a Jay, a couple of Mistle Thrush, a Blackbird, one Redwing and brief appearance of a Sparrowhawk. Onwards to the Wick Pond, those at the back had three Meadow Pipit fly past. On the pond, there were more Mute Swan and Tufted Duck, as well as a pair of Mallard, a pair of Shoveller and some Moorhens. A very photogenic Grey Heron was on the far bank, nicely reflected in the water.
By mutual consent, we decided to return to the cars via Bushy Park, where we added Kestrel, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Longtailed Tit to the list.
Overall, 36 species were recorded by the group

 

Wednesday 21st January 2026, Moor Green Lakes by Peter Knox Goosanders, the more we searched the more we found

Four members arrived at the car park on a cloudy but clearing morning with a brisk easterly wind. We noticed a new path heading west and decided to try it out. We found it overlooked a number of pools which contained a sizeable number of ducks. We also found some Redwings, Fieldfare and Greenfinches after a while we decided to retrace our steps back to the car park seeing a Red Kite and a Common Buzzard. Once there we moved along the main path towards one of the main lakes. There are large breaks in the vegetation to view the lake. Here we found our first Goosanders and after a little more searching we found more, both male and female. On the largest island there was a small flock of Barnacle Geese. We moved further down the path to the bird feeders and here, we found Reed Buntings, Coal Tits and Nuthatches to name the highlight birds. From here we carried along path to a viewing screen where we saw a Little Egret and Little Grebe. We soon reached the Blackwater River and headed east along the river finding Siskin and Redpoll as well more Goosanders. We eventually arrived at a tree where a Tawny Owl had been seen recently as it had been last year but not this time.
The next stop was the next large lake where we found a range of ducks as well more Goosanders. We turned around at the next hide heading back to the car park and we still did not see the Tawny Owl. We did have a Goldcrest, Siskin, and Redpoll. Then all a sudden the Long-Tailed Tits started to alarm call and a Sparrowhawk zoomed low along the river.
Back at the car park we pack up and headed to the café for a coffee. Afterwards three of us decided to head towards Unstead SF to look for a Siberian Chiffchaff without success but we did see and hear a number of Common Chiffchaff.

The light now started disappearing and so we headed home after a successful day seeing fifty-eight species.

 

Sunday 25th January 2026, Hayling Island by Rebecca Dunne

7 people gathered in The Ship car park at Langstone for a tour of Hayling Island. The weather was mixed but not as wet as forecast. A surprising number of Avocets could be seen amongst the waders and ducks (including Pintail, Wigeon, Shelduck, Goldeneye, Dunlin, Redshank, Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher and Curlew) as we looked across the mudflats from the pub car park. Brent Geese were present at every place we visited and were scanned hopefully, although without success, for Black Brant.
We were looking into the sun from the pub car park, so we drove across Langstone Bridge and looked back across the water from either side of the bridge for a better view. A Kingfisher perched between posts on the west side of the bridge and a second flashed past. Next stop was a muddy Northney from where we looked across the Emsworth Channel towards Thorney Island. This was a rather quiet stretch of water, apart from more Brent Geese and a few Curlew, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Grey Plover and Shelduck but we did add Linnet, Long-tailed Tit, Song Thrush and Greenfinch to our list. Fourth stop was Sandy Point where we watched 3 Great Northern Divers and Great Crested Grebes fishing in the estuary mouth and a Shag flew past. Our fifth stop was Sparkes Marina looking over the mudflats. A good selection of waders could be seen here including more Dunlin, Grey Plover and Redshank and we added Turnstone to our day list. Another Shag was seen along with 4 Little Grebes, a Little Egret and Shelduck. By now coffee was needed so we took a break at Northney Farm Tea Rooms before our last stop at the Oyster Beds. They are part of West Hayling NR and overlook Langstone Harbour and its islands.
It was about high tide, so hundreds, if not thousands, of waders jostling for position on the remaining fragments of land were quite a spectacle. These included more Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Ringed Plover and our only Greenshank of the day. An unexpected Sandwich Tern also flew over. In the Oyster Beds themselves we were surprised to see 12 Red-breasted Mergansers which had ganged together and were pursuing shoals of fish. Scanning Langstone Harbour gave us the best birds of the day but they took a lot of finding. Amongst Great Crested Grebes, Red-breasted Mergansers and Goldeneye, we spotted a Rednecked Grebe, a male Scaup, a female Long-tailed Duck and 5 Great Northern Divers all fishing together. 2 Rock Pipits on the shoreline were our final species of the day, seen as we returned to the car park in the gathering gloom.

 

Tuesday 3rd February 2026, Barnes WWT by Jonathan Hannam

Twelve members braved the damp and chilly weather for a morning visit to the London Wetlands Centre. While waiting for the Visitor Centre to open, we observed a small flock of Redwing in the trees outside. We then assembled in the warm and dry Observatory, from where we picked out Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, a distant flock of Lapwing, a couple of Pochard and a Great Crested Grebe. There was also a solitary Oystercatcher. Following the usual Western Route, we sheltered in the Dulverton and WWF hides where we got closer views of the ducks and added Shelduck and Grey Heron to the list. There was a noticeable absence of Gulls, apart from a few Black-headed Gulls and Herring Gulls. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen later on. At the feeders, there were several Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Coal Tit, with a couple of Dunnock on the ground. A small flock of Siskin were seen in the surrounding trees. We then made our way to the Peacock hide. Mike was hanging back and was therefore the only one who saw a Bittern as it flew from the Main Lake to the Sheltered Lagoon. This was the only bittern sighting of the day. Unfortunately there were no snipe to be seen either but we did add Wigeon, Teal and Little Grebe to the list. On the way back to the Visitor Centre, we heard a brief snatch of Cetti’s Warbler and passed another larger flock of Siskin. After refreshing ourselves at the café, we did a brief excursion along the western route, which was very quiet. However, leaving the Discovery Hide on our return, Steve spotted a Water Rail that remained in view for some time, as it foraged in an open area in the middle of the Collection. Undoubtedly the highlight of the day. Altogether, 41 species were seen by the group

 

Sunday 8th February 2026, Blashford Lakes and Blackwater Arboretum by Peter Knox Hawfinches in the rain

Seven members arrived on an overcast and misty morning. After getting kited up we headed off towards the Woodland Hide listening and looking out for whatever birds we could find. We could hear and see Siskins high in the trees. Unfortunately, when we entered the hide all the windows were misted up with condensation on the outside and so we headed for the Ivy South hide. Just before the hide George spotted a Treecreeper and then John found a Goldcrest. From the hide we had plenty of ducks mainly Wigeon. We did not stay to long in the hide before retracing our steps back to the Woodland Hide and finding that the windows had been cleared allowing better views of Siskins, Greenfinches and other passerines coming to the feeders. Our next move was to head for the Ivy North Hide where we were surprised to see a Firecrest moving around the reed bed. Now we headed for the Tern Hide on Ibsley Water checking out the trees for any birds and finding some Redwing. Rebecca and Judy were slight behind the rest of the group and were reward with views of some Bullfinches that some other visitor had found. From the hide we found more ducks including more Wigeon and other species including Goldeneye, Pintail and Pochard. Two wader species were also found (Snipe and Oystercatchers). We also saw Stonechat on top a bush along the shoreline. Our next step was to head off towards the Rockford lake hoping to find a Red-crested Pochard. On route we saw a Mistle Thrush and another Firecrest as well more Goldcrests.
We scan the lake without any success with the Red- crested Pochard. We made the decision to head for Blackwater Arboretum with a stop on top of the New Forest to try and see a Great Grey Shirke. At this point, the rain had started to fall but not too heavy yet. We had no success with the Shrike so made for the arboretum for coffee in the carpark. After our coffee we headed into the arboretum and the rain start to fall and did not stop. We found shelter under the large pines. Rebecca found the first Hawfinch at the top of a pine. The movement of birds was a bit slow, but we found up to five more Hawfinches and a flock of mobile Crossbills. A single Crossbill did perch for a short while. We also found some Bullfinches.
We gradually became wetter and eventually we decide to finish for the day our species count was fifty-five not bad for an inland outing in winter.

 

Sunday 15th February 2026 Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve by Thelma Caine

Despite relentless rain, the four of us who made this trip had a successful day’s birding. Layer Breton produced the “birds of the day’ with two male Smew diving and resurfacing on the western side of the causeway. Much of the wildfowl was congregated on the pools at the southern end and on the adjacent fields, including Mute Swan, Canada, Greylag and a few Egyptian Geese, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck and Gadwall. Coot, Black-headed Gulls and Herring Gulls were also on the reservoir, and Herons were at their nesting colony in the trees. The opposite side of Layer Breton causeway produced good views of male and female Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebes and more Tufted Duck and Gadwall, together with small numbers of Pochard. Many Cormorants were on their nests in the large colony at the northern end of the causeway on the eastern side. We made our way from here to the Visitor Centre where one of the highlights was a large flock of several hundred Fieldfares which were flying up and landing to feed on hawthorn berries.
The small pools close to the centre produced views of Moorhen and Little Grebe. Also, around the main reserve we spotted a male Pheasant and a Kestrel. From the centre, we headed for Gwen’s Hide, seeking shelter from the rain. This looks out over the southern part of the reservoir where a sizeable flock of Lapwings were gathered along the opposite shoreline. Two Black-necked Grebes were diving and resurfacing out on the water, one near, the other more distant. Close to the hide several Redshanks were feeding and were joined by a Ruff, probing the mud. Several Pied Wagtails were also feeding along the shoreline. We had good views of Goldeneye from here, as well as Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Great Crested Grebes and more distantly, a male Goosander and two male Shovelers.
A group of gulls gathered on the shoreline included a number of Great Black-backs. Moving on to Island Hide, several birders pointed out a distant Peregrine at its favourite perch on top of the Pumping Station roof, and in front of the hide, singles of Grey Plover and Turnstone fed along the water margin. Most of the duck species seen earlier were also seen from this hide in good numbers. We carried on from here to Hide Bay hide finding plentiful Lapwing out on the mud, as well as Mute Swan, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Teal, Wigeon and a Snipe. A Kestrel was spotted and a flock of around 25 Dunlin flew in and were joined by a Ringed Plover. We had lunch here before returning to the centre for a hot drink. We had intended Billets Farm as our next port of call but finding the gates padlocked, we headed instead for the watchpoint at Abberton Church with a Buzzard seen along the way, perched on a roadside post. We negotiated a large muddy pool of water just beyond the gate from the car park and headed down the path avoiding the largest puddles.
With steady rain still failing, but warmer air arriving from the south, conditions had turned misty by the time we reached the viewing screen. Nevertheless, we saw a number of Great Crested Grebes and flocks of Tufted Duck, Coot and Goldeneye before turning back along the path. We then made the short trip along the road to Lodge Lane. Setting off from here, we were surprised to find the rain had stopped. A short distance along the footpath, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tits and Great Tits were active in the hedgerow but the highlight was mixed flock of finches flitting among the trees, including around 40 Chaffinches, one or two Greenfinches and small numbers of Goldfinches and Linnets. Opposite, on the fields several Fieldfares flew across and a large flight of around 400 Lapwings was an impressive sight. More distant was another large aerial flock of hundreds of Jackdaws. From the top of the path, the Pumping Station roof was visible. Again, we located the Peregrine there, this time devouring prey. We then headed down the right-hand path, finding good numbers of duck on the lagoon, including Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall and Mallard, together with Mute Swan, mixed Gulls, Lapwings and several Redshanks. Further out on the reservoir were Great Crested Grebes, flocks of Coot, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye and a few Pochards. To finish the day, while George and Judy headed for Layer Breton to see the Smew, Paul and I stopped off at Layer de la Haye, with another Buzzard seen on route.
As we arrived, a Sparrowhawk flew over, and we had a brief view of a Marsh Harrier. Out on the water, a group of male Goldeneyes were displaying to the females, characteristically throwing their heads back and we located a pair of Goosanders resting on the shoreline. In the trees at the far end of the causeway, we found Long-tailed Tits and Goldfinches and back in the car park, we were treated to the spectacle of two huge flocks of over a thousand Starlings, heading to roost, bringing the day’s tally to 60 species. Saturday 21st February 2026, Horton Country Park by Paul Spencer Seven club members and two guests joined me on a mild overcast morning on my local patch. I recorded 37 species including a pig squealing Water Rail on Meadow Pond which was my 50th species for my winter bird count for the site. I think Redwing and Peregrine Falcon were the star birds. I promised Redwings and we were treated to some very close views, especially in the dip at Filby Road, Chessington where up to 40 birds were seen moving through the trees along the Bonesgate Stream valley, some feeding on ivy berries. The male Peregrine was perched on overhead electrical wire near top of its favourite pylon on Park Farm near Pond Wood, whilst the female Peregrine was perched imperiously on the window ledge of the Water Tower on the Noble Estate. We also saw a Common Buzzard being mobbed by Herring Gulls over Castle Hill and a very distant Red Kite over Tolworth. We saw two Skylarks singing on Park Farm (Dog kennel end) and a Little Egret was present in one of the waterlogged horse fields. We also got a lovely view of a Song Thrush singing at the top of its voice and some nice views of Pied Wagtail.

 

Sunday 8th March 2026, Acres Down by John Barkham

This outing was postponed by a week on account of a wet weather forecast. Although there was no rain, a lingering mist and grey skies proved unsuited to see Goshawk. However we were successful with Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, being initially heard by Rebecca and then sighted by Lynda as it landed in its favourite dead tree. We later walked over heathland and located 2 Woodlarks, initially in flight and then observed feeding on the ground. Numerous Ravens were heard and sighted. As the mist was not lifting, we decided to relocate to nearby Blashford Lakes. Siskin, Nuthatch and Tree Creeper were seen in the woodland around the visitor centre and Firecrest in the ivy along the stream. Ibsley Water still held large counts of wintering wildfowl. We ended the day at Hockley’s Farmyard Café in the nearby village of Mockbeggar

 

Wednesday 11th March 2026, Hogsmill River by Stephen Waters

The morning walk started at the Hogsmill Nature Reserve as we spent an interesting hour in the south hide overlooking the pond. There were 2 Mediterranean Gulls, mixed in with the many Black headed Gulls, and a solitary Lesser Black-backed Gull. Two pairs of Little Grebe we seen, one pair on the north side of the pond and another much closer on the south side. Four Coots (possibly two pairs but they interacted together unsure of who was meant to be with who)} displayed and fought vigorously right in front of the hide.
A solitary Pochard displayed to an imaginary other. We left along the Lower Mash Lane and down Portland Road until we picked up the Hogsmill at Kingston University Art College. Just before we emerged to cross the College roundabout we saw a Grey Heron perched in exactly the same spot as we saw one on this walk last year. We walked through the grounds of Kingston Council buildings and spotted a Grey Wagtail near the Coronation Stone. A short walk down passed the Clattern Bridge bought us out to where the Hogsmill flowed into the Thames. We cross over Kingston Bridge to Hampton Wick and, just before the roundabout, we spotted a King fisher in the edge of Home Park. Robert managed a photo before if flew further into the park. We entered Bushy park and stopped for a coffee break at the café near the skatepark.
Despite the cloudy sky and stiff breeze we did hear Skylarks and got a brief glimpse of one in the air. Further into the park we heard a Little Owl call , We walked as far as the Heron Pond just as a Grey Heron flew in and then turned back to walk through Kingston to pick up the cars.

 

Sunday 29th March 2026 Rainham Marshes RSPB by Rebecca Dunne

Nine members enjoyed a rather chilly and breezy, but nevertheless rewarding, walk at Rainham Marshes. Wheatear and Water Pipit were target species and these were found. Corn Bunting would have been good, but a circling Kestrel sent them to ground as we crossed the landfill mound where others had seen them minutes earlier. Even before we’d left the car park we had already heard or seen Collared Dove, Starling, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Dunnock, Robin, Great Tit, Magpie, Canada Goose and the busy colony of House Sparrows attempting to take very long pieces of vegetation into their nest boxes on the visitors’ centre!
Starting at the centre for the latest news we then headed along the lower Thames path to Aveley Bay arriving just in time to catch the waders before the tide covered the mudflats. 32 Avocet and a group of Black-tailed Godwit going into full breeding plumage were the highlights here with Wigeon out on the river and a few Redshank. We noticed a couple of men staring into the rank riverside vegetation and detritus and hurried over to find a Wheatear briefly visible on a couple of large timbers – first of the year for many.
Carrying on up to and over the landfill mound Skylark, Meadow Pipits and Linnets were heard and seen. A Kestrel hovered in the wind. Ruth and Steve sat by the Serin Mound and added a Pochard, a Little Egret, a stooping Peregrine Falcon and heard a Little Grebe. We took a fairly brisk walk back to the centre, stopping at a Stonechat and to chat with 3 reserve volunteers who’d just finished a survey. They showed us where Ravens were nesting on a distant pylon to the east but despite spotting the nest we failed to see the adult birds flying back and forth to the tip as we were told they were doing. With our backs to the tip we also failed to see the 2 White Storks that were spotted flying over at the exact time of our walk back to the centre!
Lunch in the warmth of the centre was much appreciated. Purfleet Scrape was our next stop as we headed clockwise around the main reserve. A Snipe, a pair of Pintail, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and several Curlew were amongst the species seen but more excitement was shown over a Moorhen! It is easy to visit the whole reserve and not see a Moorhen and so it’s seen as a bit of a challenge to Ruth and Julie who’d joined us from Ware! Needless to say, we saw lots of Moorhens after that! Of more interest to the rest of us was a handsome pair of Grey Wagtails flitting between the islands.
Purfleet hide gave a different angle on the scrape but didn’t add any more species. From here we walked round to the Target Pools which have been opened up by recent reed cutting. The main birds present were Gadwall, Shoveler, Coot, a couple of Snipe, a female Marsh Harrier and 2 Sand Martins – another year first for many.
As we reached Shooting Butts Hide there was some excitement as we realised that people were watching a Water Pipit. It stayed in view long enough in the cut reed area for everyone to see and had the pinkish breast of a bird going into breeding plumage. From this vantage point we managed to find at least 20 Snipe – 13 all feeding furiously in one corner of the Target Pools. Just below the hide windows a Little Grebe in handsome breeding plumage popped up and down along the edge of Butts Scrape.
After this the weather became distinctly cold and windy and enthusiasm waned as all the smaller birds stayed out of sight and no new species were spotted. Near where the Barn Owl viewing area had been (tree fell down but they are putting a new box on a post!) we caught a glimpse of tussle between a Buzzard and a Marsh Harrier. The woodland area was almost devoid of small birds.
The approaching rain did bring down a little pulse of hirundines onto Purfleet Scrape. We didn’t see the earlier reported Swallow but at least 10 Sand Martins swooping down felt very spring like despite the cold and now drizzle. A nice cup of tea would have rounded off the trip but let’s hope that before our next visit a hot drinks machine appears in the centre!
A total 67 Species seen or heard.

 

Sunday 12th April 2026, Dungeness by Chris Turner

A days birding on the shingle spit of Dungeness is always a treat, with April my favourite time to visit. Most of our winter visitors have left and it is time to welcome the spring migrants to our shores. It was, therefore, with some anticipation that a group of eleven members headed off towards the Hanson Hide overlooking the RSPB’s ARC pit.
We were soon surrounded by Sedge Warblers singing their hearts out to get an early start in attracting a mate. As we walked the 100 meters or so towards the hide we all have excellent views of these charismatic warblers both perched on the brambles and song flighting from the bushes. Less easy to see were the typically skulking Cetti’s Warblers. Amazing to think that these used to be quite a rare bird not so very long ago. There were also a couple of Common Whitethroat scratching away from more distant brambles. With the water level on the ARC pit a little high it lacked the mud which might have been expected to hold many waders. However, we did enjoy an excellent view in a Little Egret in full breeding plumage as well as a handful of Avocets making their present known with their distinct “clute clute” calls. We also had views of Shoveler and a few Teal, all looking stunning in the bright sunshine. Over the reeds we also had Sand and House Martins as well as a few Swallows, all fresh in from crossing the channel.
Once we had had our fill we walked back to the cars before heading off to Dungeness point itself and the Power Station. Some of use has good views of one of the resident Black Redstarts feeding along the path and on the boundary wall itself, but unfortunately it disappeared before we could all get on it. With a moderate south-westerly breeze we through it would be worth spending a little time seawatching, and were quickly rewarded with views of a distant Arctic Skua as well as a modest passage of “comic” and Sandwich Terns heading west along the Channel.
With a smattering of Gannet, a couple of small parties of Common Scoter and three Brent Goose with decided it was time to get out of the wind and have a quick look near the observatory to see if there were any migrant passerine. No Wheatears, but a single Willow Warbler, showed that birds has been moving. Whilst scanning the area we found a Peregrine sitting on one of the pylons. There has been a lot of grumbling recently about the “decline” of the main RSPB reserve. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see that one could still get a cup of tea in the main centre and was very impressed by the new hide overlooking the Burrows Pit. And the birding wasn’t too shoddy either.
We enjoyed excellent views of a Great White Egret as well as a single Dunlin, three Ringer Plover and two Greenshank. There were a couple of Goldeneye hanging on, as well as the usual Shelduck, Teal and Gadwall. As we waked around the reserve we had excellent views of Marsh Harriers, more Avocet and more Egrets. A booming Bittern was a true sign of spring. We finished off with views of a small party of Beaded Tits before calling it a day and heading home. By my count 63 species of bird. A thoroughly enjoyable day.

 

Wednesday 22nd April. RSPB Pulborough Brooks by Mike White

Whilst waiting for everyone to arrive and the visitor centre to open we viewed Uppertons Field and the South Brooks from the cafe terrace. Early arrivals were given brief views of a Nightingale in the adjacent scrub and most people saw Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Dunnock, Linnet, Whitethroat a distant Stonechat and the resident flock of House Sparrow.
On to the reserve proper where Chiffchaff and Blackcap were noted. The Nightingale at the top of the zig-zag path serenaded us but refused to be seen, and a Greenfinch “wheezed” from a treetop perch. Further down the path a Swallow flew over and as we approached Fattengates Courtyard another Nightingale sang and the explosive call of a Cetti’s Warbler came from the top of a bush, at which point several of the group managed brief views as the bird relocated. Wren, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Blackbird were also seen in the courtyard. Approaching West Mead hide several Swift were noted and a Kestrel hovered over the fields.
Viewing the South Brooks from West Mead and then Winpenny Hides we saw Canada, Greylag and Egyptian Geese, Little Egret, Lapwing, Redshank, Shoveler, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover and three, very unexpected, Wood Sandpipers with their gorgeous spangly backs. Overhead were Buzzard and Red Kite with Skylark in towering song flight.
At this point Lesley had to leave us and on her return to the visitor centre got nice views of a Nightingale. We continued on to the Hanger Viewpoint where many of the previously seen wildfowl were again noted with the addition of Greenshank and Great White Egret. A pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were sitting out on one of the islands with several Pied Wagtails flitting about, a pair of Stock Dove feeding on the short grass and a pair of Jays perching on the fence line.
Returning towards Fattengates we saw Treecreeper and Chaffinch. The Nightingales in the courtyard and along the zig-zag path continued to sing but alas no clear views were had so we retired for coffee.

 

Sunday 26th April 2026, Otmoor and Farmoor by Paul Spencer

A very enjoyable day’s birding began with spotting Red Kite and Rook down the M40. On arrival at Otmoor we almost immediately got superb views of Male Bullfinches in the nearby bushes and within 45 minutes had ticked off 10 Warbler species starting with Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler in the first 100 yards from the carpark. Cetti’s Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler and Reed Warbler soon followed.
We had three Groppers including one, which gave, in Mike White’s words, that’s my best sighting ever’’ in the ‘’ Moverley’’ scrub enclosure, its lower body shimmering as it sang. I think we heard 4 or 5 Lesser Whitethroats rattling away but only one popped up to be seen well and the Garden Warbler sang beautifully but remained hidden. Three Lesser Redpoll seen feeding was a great spot, and I think a new species to SDBWS Otmoor trip lists. There were two, maybe three, Cuckoos calling on the reservice and we had good telescope views of one on the return leg high in a tree. Male Reed Buntings were calling everywhere with four feeding with a female Yellowhammer outside the Wetlands Hide.
The Oxford Mammal Group had a macabre display of mammal skulls inside the hide, although I was more interested in pointing out a Curlew that was hard to find in the tussocky grass! A Ruff, a few Common Redshanks and what looked like a hybrid Emperor Goose were seen on the fields known as Big Otmoor but everyone’s attention was grabbed by the raptors in the sky as the day hotted up . There were several Red Kites, some mobbed heroically by Lapwings wishing to protect their eggs/young, a statuesque Common Buzzard perched on a telegraph pole, a pair of magnificent Marsh Harriers twisting and turning and a very impressive 8 to 9 Hobbies zooming back and forth over the reedbeds.
We got much closer views from the first reedy screen where we heard a Bittern booming away. I ventured to the second viewing area in search of reported Glossy Ibis – no luck but three noisy Common Terns was some compensation. Moving on conditions were very benign at Farmoor Reservoir. A protective pair of Grey Lag Geese with 7 waddling goslings and a family group of Grey Wagtail along the causeway produced aahs. Unfortunately, none of the recently reported Little Gulls or Black Terns were about – we had to settle for a single Whimbrel and a House Martin for our birding thrills. On the journey home a Little Egret flyover was a motorway tick!
A party of 14 , who were great company, enjoyed 64 species.

 

Sunday (morning) 3rd May 2026 Staines Moor by Thelma Caine

Along the path over the railway leading to the moor, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit and Great Tit were all in good voice and we were serenaded by a Garden Warbler but the bird stayed in cover. A Moorhen was spotted below on the Wraysbury River and several Stock Doves flew across and called from the nearby trees. Two Common Terns also flew over as we continued along the path. Before reaching the moor, a Common Whitethroat sang from the hedgerow and a male Greenfinch was located high up in a tree.
We made our way to the banks of the Colne, finding Coot, Moorhen and Mallard on the river. Overhead, Swallows, House Martins and a few Swifts were hunting aerial insects. After crossing the first bridge, we made our way towards the clumps of sedges and brambles and soon located the first of a number of Sedge Warblers, singing their buzzing song and rising in song flight. This also proved a good area for Reed Buntings which sang from the tops of the bramble clumps and low trees giving a good photo opportunity. A Pheasant called from cover and whilst in this area, we spotted a strange brown clump of something dangling from a tree and couldn’t work out what it was. Roy made his way towards it and took a photo, which, when enlarged, showed it was a mass of swarming bees- amazing.
After this interesting interlude, we continued along the path, scanning on both sides. Groups of Linnets provided good views as they perched up on the brambles. A Meadow Pipit flew up and landed briefly on a bush top and a Stonechat was spotted on the other side of the path. It wasn’t long before we had our first Skylark, rising high in song flight. A Kestrel flew across overhead and we also spotted a Red Kite perched in a tree on the edge of the moor.
As we continued towards the river at the north end of the moor, a Hobby appeared, hunting actively, at first low over the ground, then rising as it characteristically transferred its catch from its feet to its bill. As we watched this bird, another appeared, also hunting for prey. We watched these birds for several minutes. Later, a loud honking signalled the arrival Canada Geese and several landed on the moor accompanied by two Greylags. As we reached the river at the far end of the moor, a pair of Gadwall were spotted near the bridge but soon made their way out of sight. We headed for patch of reeds in the far corner finding singing Reed Warblers and a Cettis Warbler, then made our way over the stile and on to the boardwalk. In the scrub bordering the path, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and a Song Thrush were all singing and in the nearby trees, Long-tailed Tits flitted through the foliage. A distant Cuckoo was calling to our right, then a few minutes later it seemed to be closer on our left.
As we made our way along the boardwalk, those at the front of the group spotted it on bare tree before it flew off. When we returned to the moor, a Buzzard was circling overhead and a Grey Heron flew across to the nearby reservoir. In the riverside scrub, several Common Whitethroats were perched up on the bush tops singing their scratchy song. We briefly heard the unmistakeable rattle of a Lesser Whitethroat here too but didn’t manage to locate the bird.
Crossing the next bridge, a Green Woodpecker yaffled as we made our way towards the high bank which gave a vantage point over the small, reed fringed gravel pit below (Butts Pond). Several Reed Warblers were singing here and one popped out in full view and made its way to the top of a reed giving excellent views. We then heard the rattle of another Lesser Whitethroat from the scrub at the back of the pit and the obliging bird, flew right up to the top of a small tree singing for several minutes, showing the characteristic dark mask through the eye. It was probably one of the best views many of us will have of this normally skulking bird! As a bonus, a male Reed Bunting also appeared at the top of a tree nearby, so we had excellent views of both. On the return route, we located another singing Garden Warbler and several of the group had a brief view as it flew across into the hedgerow.
Soon after we had a great view of a Raven overhead carrying food, so evidently it was breeding nearby. A Jay was added to the list before we finished the walk, giving a total of 52 species for this enjoyable morning.

 

Thursday 7th May 2026, Chamber Meads NR by Catriona Coull.

Five of us met up at Tolworth to take the bus to Grange Mansions, Ewell where we were joined by four more before entering the woodland walk beside the Hogsmill. We were greeted by a barrage of bird song with Robins and Wrens taking the lead and the occasional thrush. In fact bird song was really the focus of the morning as spotting the Nuthatch, Chiffchaff and Blackcaps was nigh on impossible with so much deep foliage. We did however catch glimpses of Blue and Great Tits.
The walk crosses small bridges over feeder streams then through a tunnel under the railway line soon to emerge into more open land but not before spotting a Buzzard and Red Kite above us. In the open field we spotted Starlings, Magpie, Crows, Sparrow, Wood Pigeons and a Sparrow Hawk. On the edge of the river as we approached the Chamber Meads wetland a Grey Wagtail bobbed, while in the main pond, and on top of the floating water monitor a Moorhen brooded some eggs. Built a year ago by students of King’s College and installed with South East Rivers Trust it only took a fortnight for a Coot to build a nest on top! Mallards, Coots and Moorhens were the main occupants of the ponds.
It was then a short walk further to the Ewell Court pond with its many waterfowl and gulls where we stopped to check out the small heronry before wonderful coffee in The Secret Garden. After refreshments five of us carried on to Tolworth Court Farm spotting an Egret which flew up into the trees as we approached. It was also good to spot Blackbirds which have become quite rare. Reaching the fields we heard Greenfinch and a Whitethroat but sadly not the six conservation cattle which were probably chewing the cud peacefully in the wooded area.
All in all, although we didn’t spot anything out of the ordinary it was a lovely walk in good company with a spot list of 26 birds.

 

Sunday 10th May 2026, Pagham Harbour & Pulborough Brooks by Mike White.

Unfortunately the weather forecast for the day proved to be correct, with a cold north east wind pushing through frequent squally showers, necessitating a change of plan. Our first stop was the Ferry Hide overlooking the recently remodelled Ferry Field where there were small numbers of Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet, Shelduck and a lone Shoveler. In the channel behind us were singles of Curlew, Whimbrel and Greenshank and further along a pair of Mute Swan.
Walking on towards the Long Pool we heard/saw Blackcap, Sedge, Reed and Cetti’s Warbler with flyover Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, a small Linnet flock and a Skylark on the adjacent farmland. At this point we decided some warm refreshment was needed and headed for the visitor centre, only to find it packed to the rafters with a coach party from Derby! We swerved round the centre and headed for the local Costa Coffee (other coffee establishments are available). Slightly warmer we moved on to Church Norton, where the islands were busy with large numbers of Black-headed Gulls and Sandwich Terns amongst which were small numbers of Mediterranean Gull and the diminutive Little Tern. Waders included Redshank, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and a single Bar-tailed Godwit. Several Swallow were also noted.
A very brief look at the sea was virtually birdless. With lunch time approaching, and the hide at Church Norton closed, we needed some shelter so relocated to the covered terrace at Pulborough Brooks. During lunch we had wonderful close views of a Song Thrush perched on the surrounding fence. Lunch complete we headed down the zig-zag path hearing small snatches of half-hearted Nightingale song as we went. Viewing the North Brooks from Hanger viewpoint we saw, Canada and Egyptian Geese, Teal, Gadwall and a lone Wigeon. Steve then found two Cattle Egret which gave good views whilst further out was a Great White Egret. Sand and House Martins were present in good numbers with smaller counts of Swallow and Swift.
As we walked towards the South Brooks a large mixed flock of hirundines gathered overhead alerting us with their twittering calls. On the South Brooks were many Redshank and Lapwing, the latter with good numbers of chicks of varying sizes to keep us entertained. The small pond outside Winpenny Hide held a family of Moorhen with chicks just 2-3 days old. The only raptors were a Red Kite and then John found a distant dot (possibly in the next county) which was a Buzzard.
On our walk back the rain had all but stopped and a Nightingale could be heard somewhere in Fattengates Courtyard, we walked in and after a few minutes Steve located the bird perched on a bare branch giving a nice view and a good way to end what had been a difficult days’ birding. Despite the conditions we had a group total of 73 species.