Slavonian Grebes are often seen here in winter

Saturday 8^th December 2019

Pagham Harbour is a winter paradise for huge numbers of birds. The birds at Ferry Pools can now be viewed from a magnificent new hide, while the low-tide harbour mud and gullies host many species of wader, wildfowl and gull, which in turn attract raptors such as Peregrine and Merlin. Off-shore at Church Norton there are often divers, sea ducks and grebes.

Meet at 9.30 a.m. at the Ferry Pools RSPB centre, Selsey Rd (SZ856966 /PO20 7NE) 

Winter Chiffchaffs are often found here, some with characteristics of the northern races 

Thurs 22^nd November

A nature reserve is built into the Thames flood relief channel and attracts a wide selection of wetland and farmland birds. Neighbouring Dorney Common can also hold some interesting birds.

Meet at 10 a.m at the Dorney Wetlands car park beside the B3026 Lake End Road north of Dorney village (SU928795/SL46QS nearest ).

The setting of the reserve reminds us that it has been regenerated from an industrial past

Saturday 10^th November 2018.          

This Thames-side reserve is something of an oasis in an area surrounded by the London sprawl, with marsh, pools and scrub which attract wildfowl, waders, gulls and passerines, including rarities. It is surprisingly close, via the M25.

Meet at 9.30 a.m. at the reserve  car park at New Tank Hill Rd (TQ547787/RM19 1SZ)

Grey Wagtail at Southcote Lock

Thursday October 25th, 2018

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

There will be a wide variety of birds in the very varied habitats of this area.

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

For outgoing migrants this is the last feeding area before the Channel crossing

Saturday 15^th September 2018

There should be sea-bird passage and migratory movement of land birds at Portland Bill, while Radipole often has a surprise or two in its reed-beds and open water.

Meet at 7 a.m. at Braywick Park (Braywick Sports Ground) Braywick Rd Maidenhead (SU892798 / SL6 1DX) OR at 7.30 a.m. Whiteknights Park Whiteknights Park, Shinfield Road main entrance (SU728719 / RG6 6UR)

Monday 10^th September 2018  

Titchfield is good at this time of year for gatherings of terns in the reserve or on the beach at Hill Head, which may include several species, including the rare Roseate Tern. There could be passage raptors, assorted waders and outgoing song birds too. Bearded Tits are most obvious at this season and there is always some off-shore interest

Meet at 8.30 a.m. on Meon sea-front for sea watch etc or 9.30 at reserve centre. Park at the sailing club because of ultra high tide expected. (SU535023/ PO14 3JT)

The reintroduced Cranes are now well-established: this one was close to the hides in 2017

Sunday 14^th  January 2018

Cost £15, plus entry charge for non WWT members

Slimbridge is always popular, with its wonderful collections and excellent facilities. For the serious bird watcher it is unparalleled for its wildfowl and wader spectacles and for the chance to see elusive species like Water Rail and Bittern.

Depart :7.30 a.m. Finchampstead Village Hall: RG40 4JU

Pick-up: 8 a.m. Reading (Whiteknights Park, Main entrance ) RG6 6UR

A scarce Pectoral Sandpiper was among the birds at Titchwell in 2016

Friday 6^th – Sunday 8^th October 2017

Long weekend trip by car to North Norfolk

Based in Hunstanton, we will visit sites along the iconic North Norfolk coast to look for migrants. Rarities are usually on the menu.

N.B. this trip was advertised and booked earlier, but there still may be a chance to be included. To be repeated in 2018 (see below)

Extra event in July 2018:  

If there is interest, we will organise a small-group visit (or visits) by car to the area where the reintroduced birds are now living and breeding in the wild and can be visited by special arrangement. Would-be participants will need to be flexible as to date, time and car sharing. Lifts can be arranged. Visit costs £15.

N.B. Please notify your interest in this idea by the end of May 2018 to allow time for planning

Nightjar often sit churring in the half-light on a pine branch

Thursday 28^th June 2018

This trip is about the birds that perform as the evening light fades. There may be the odd Cuckoo or Hobby still out and about, as song-birds sing gently to reaffirm their territories before bed-time. Then the Woodcock begins to patrol his territory, flying on slow, deep wing-beats – an act known as roding. With a bit of luck he will come close to check us out. There may be Tawny Owls calling close by too. Then as twilight deepens the first Nightjar will start to chur, a sound to send tingles up your spine, but the real thrill is to see the long-winged silhouette flit close by. This is a truly magical experience. Activity usually climaxes at around 10 p.m. at this time of year, so you will  be a bit late to bed.

Meet at 8 p.m. at the car park at the junction of Reading Rd/Baughurst Rd and Rectory Rd. (SU 619 648 / RJ7 4JB) N.B. a bit closer to Aldermaston than the site visited in previous years