Watching from the first screen at this time of year can be rewarded with views of such as Bittern and Marsh Harrier

Thurs 25^th April 2019

This iconic valley site contains large areas of marsh and reed-beds, as well as dense hedgerows, so it is a magnet to all sorts of species, including Cranes, which have attempted to breed here. In late April many of the warblers, including Grasshopper and Lesser Whitethroat, will be singing and displaying. Marsh Harriers and Bittern are now regular breeders, as are many species of waders and wildfowl. This is a good place to hear and see the display flight of Snipe. The Cuckoos  and Hobbies should be back and hopefully also the iconic and increasingly rare Turtle Doves.

Meet at the car park at 10 a.m. (SP569125/OX3 9TD nearest)

The Hamble Estuary and its adjacent marsh are next to the car park. At low tide these are home to a wide range of birds

Sunday 7^th April 2019

Passage migrants may drop into hedges, fields and marshes, waders will be in the estuary, pools and beaches, and sea-birds may be offshore in the Solent. With so many habitats, this site can be very rewarding at this time of year.

Meet at 10 a.m. in the Passage Lane public car park (with toilets), Warsash. (SU489062 / SO31 9FW)

Wood Sandpiper graced the Fobney floods in 2017

Sunday 24^th March 2019

This is a 4m (7K) return walk which follows the River Kennet through the Fobney Island reserve to Fobney  Meadow.

Spring migrants will be arriving and this area regularly sees scarcer species, such as Wood Sandpiper, Garganey and Grasshopper Warbler. Who knows?

Meet at 10 a.m. at Circuit Lane, Southcote. Parking is limited (alt. no 25 bus). (SU692717/RG30 3HH)

Guillemots and Razorbills on the sea below their breeding ledges at Portland Bill

Sunday March 17^th 2019

Early migrants will be coming in; sea-birds will be arriving on the cliffs or passing the Bill; and the odd rare wader might turn up at one of the several sites in the area. The final plan will be kept flexible according to the news and the conditions. It will be a fairly early start, so you can either plan an overnight stay or drive down on the day.

Please contact the leader at least a week beforehand for an up-date on details.

Short-eared Owls sometimes hunt by day near the Ridgeway in winter

Thursday 14^th February 2019

The walk will take in a stretch of the Ridgeway and its surrounds. At this time of year we may expect flocks of winter thrushes, finches and buntings. If we are lucky, the odd owl, shrike or raptor may show. A pub lunch is optional.

Meet at 10 a.m. at the Bury Down car park near West Ilsley off the A34. (SU478841/ OX12 8QX nearest)

The strange environment of Dungeness attracts many surprises

Sunday 3rd February 2019

Dungeness is a site famed for its huge variety. In winter there will raptors and owls in the gravel wilderness; Bearded Tits in the reed-beds; scarce grebes and rare ducks such as Smew in the pools; and assorted sea-birds off-shore. With luck you might find Black Redstarts, which are resident at the power station.  This is a site that never disappoints.

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

Gulls are never easy: a Ring-billed Gull is hidden in this flock (the one asleep near the front) 

Thursday 24^th January 2019

This site has woodland and lakes, and plenty of hides, where a wide variety of birds can be found. It is a very good place to look out for Bramblings, Water Rails, Bitterns and Great Egrets. The gull roost has contained a number of rare and scarce species in recent years and is always worth close scrutiny, as the above photo shows.

Meet 10 a.m. at the visitor centre  (SU150080/ BH24 3PJ nearest)

Wild Pintails line up for the floodlit feed

Saturday 12^th January 2019

The Slimbridge experience is unique, with an extensive collection of wetland birds surrounded by a patchwork of water, marsh and fields, where thousands of wild birds gather. Rarities are frequent. The facilities and food are excellent. (N.B. Additional entry charge for those not members of WWT: concessions available: see their website).

Depart 7.30 a.m. Whiteknights Park, Shinfield Road main entrance (SU728719 / RG6 6UR)

Smew are occasional visitors to this site

Thursday 3^rd January 2019

Open your year-lists with a walk around one of the richest winter sites in the area. There is always an assortment of gulls and wildfowl, including Goosanders, as well as the chance of owls, raptors, winter thrushes and finches.

Meet at 10.a.m. at Moor Green car park off Lower Sandhurst Road (SU805 628 / RG40 3TJ)

Red-crested Pochards sometimes visit

Tues 18^th  December 2018

 The walk will check out the birds on and around the lakes. At this season there should be plenty to see. Following the walk there will be a special Christmas lunch at the Fox and Hounds. Join in either or both of these events as suits you.

Meet for the walk (no need to book) at 10 a.m. at the Fox and Hounds car park (SU649698 / RG7 4BD)                                   

N.B. BOOKING FOR LUNCH IS ESSENTIAL: menu and all details from the organiser