Common Terns and Sandwich Terns roost at low tide on the Hill Head beach

Thursday 5^th September, 2019

At passage time, many species of waders, passerines, terns and raptors gather at this coastal launch pad. It is possible to find the odd Roseate Tern or Black Tern, while Osprey and Marsh Harrier are quite possible. This site is good for scarce waders and has hosted more than a few interesting passage passerines: Barred Warbler and Siberian Stonechat have occurred in recent years. At this time of year, Bearded Tits make family flights above the reeds.

Meet at 9.30 a.m. on Meon sea-front (SU535023/ PO14 3JT)

Saturday 14^th September, 2019

Situated close to the coast east of Colchester, these two contrasting North-east Essex sites offer a good mix of habitats. Fingringhoe Wick has woodlands, fresh water pools and estuary, while the reservoir has green margins, soft shorelines and a vast expanse of open water. Almost anything may turn up at this time of year.

Meet at 7 a.m. at Braywick Park (Braywick Sports Ground) Braywick Rd Maidenhead (SU892798 / SL6 1DX)

Bewick’s Swans arriving at dusk

Sunday 12th January, 2020

(Entry non-members of WWT, circa  £12.50/£9.50)

Bewick’s Swans and White -fronted Geese have trekked from deepest Siberia  to winter at this major conservation site, together with masses of wildfowl and waders, also from the far North. The local Crane population can be relied on to join the show, as can Peregrines and Ravens. And then there is the spectacular collection of native and exotic wildfowl; the Spoon-billed Sandpiper conservation unit; spectacular Flamingos; and the floodlit feed. It’s a must!

 Depart: 7.30 a.m. at Finchampstead Village Hall (SU792631/ RG40 4JT)

Pick-up: 8.00 a.m. Whiteknights Park, Shinfield Road main entrance (SU728719 / RG6 6UR)

N.B. The closing dates for bookings will be 10^th December, 2019

This juvenile Red-necked Phalarope was at Kelling in 2017

Friday October 4^th– Sunday 6th October * 

The leader will organise car-shares and very good value accommodation at a well-trusted guest house. An early start on Friday ensures a good day’s birding. We then have a full day at some of the best sites in the country and use the return trip to visit other exciting sites. This is a great introduction to a wide variety of birds, but it also throws up some real rarities too. Make an early booking to guarantee a place.

* N.B. The dates for this trip have been amended: it is now two weeks earlier than originally published.

An Osprey fishing at Rutland Water

Saturday 17th August 2019

This is a trip to the biggest gathering of bird enthusiasts in Britain. There are extensive exhibitions of all sorts, and a wide range of free talks by some of the world’s experts. There is the chance to do some special bird watching too, since the site is a magnet to all sorts of birds – not only the Ospreys which breed locally and, increasingly, Great Egrets, but also a wide range of passage waders, wildfowl, terns etc.

(NB. This trip will now be biennial, so your next chance will be in 2021.)

Depart 7.00 a.m. Whiteknights Park, Shinfield Road main entrance (SU728719 / RG6 6UR)

Pick up: 7.30 a.m. at Braywick Park (Braywick Sports Ground) Braywick Rd Maidenhead (SU892798/ SL6 1DX)

Common Pipistrelle bat

(Image copyright Hugh Clark/www.bats.org.uk. Reproduced with permission of the Bat Conservation Trust)

Thurs July 25th 2019

Something completely new… For most of us, bats are a mystery, but BOC member, Elaine Charlson, knows them well and will lead us on a trial walk to find and identify some local species. We might even get an owl or two. Don’t expect an early night, of course!

Meet at 20.45 at the entrance to the Harris Garden (behind School of Biological Sciences) (SU 737714/ RG6 6UR) Parking is available in Pepper Lane and in car park 1A in Whiteknights.

Stonechat is typical of this heathland habitat

Thursday 27^th June 2019

We will visit this heathland site to look for such as Dartford Warbler, Tree Pipit and Woodlark while waiting for the dusk flights of Nightjar and Woodcock.  There is always a bit of magic about the sights and sounds of this late part of the day.

Meet at 8 p.m at the north end of Kings Ride, Camberley (GU15 4NG / SU880622)

The chances of seeing a Bittern well are slim, but it does happen

Sunday 9^th June 2019

This site on the Somerset Levels is at the heart of the area used for the reintroduction of Cranes, but is just as famous for its breeding Bitterns, Great Egrets and other much scarcer members of the family. Join us to explore this highly esteemed site – a new summer venue for BOC.

Depart 7.00 a.m. Braywick Park (Braywick Sports Ground) Braywick Rd Maidenhead (SU892798/ SL6 1DX)

Pick up: 7.30 a.m. at Whiteknights Park, Shinfield Road main entrance (SU728719 / RG6 6UR)

Wood Warblers can be found if you know their spinning song

Thurs 23^rd May 2019

This could be a two-part day for early risers, or one-part if you want a later start. There is nothing like an early morning stroll around the forest, since there is the chance to see and hear some of the specialities of this area, such as Redstart, Firecrest and Wood Warbler – and maybe much more. Those arriving later can join us when we move to the raptor viewpoints to look for such as Goshawk and Honey Buzzard, and should find such as Tree Pipit and Woodlark too.

Meet at Bolderwood car park (SU244083/ SO43 7GE nearest) at 7 a.m. OR at Acres Down car Park at 10 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED -Leader unwell

Avocet chicks are very precocious, but are heavily protected by feisty parents. Titchwell is a good place to see them

Saturday 4^th May 2019

Yes, it is a long way to go for a day, but that is reasonable when someone else is driving. It is well worth visiting this major reserve for its richness: there are Bearded Tits; Water Rails; breeding warblers, waders and ducks. There may also be the chance of  finding something a bit special on passage: at that date there is still movement both on land and sea, so who knows what might turn up?

Meet at 7 a.m. at Braywick Park (Braywick Sports Ground) Braywick Rd Maidenhead (SU892798 / SL6 1DX)