Winter Dunlin feed in Pagham Harbour at low tide

Sunday 15th March, 2020

At low tide, Pagham Harbour is an area of mud and gullies that attracts large numbers of wintering waders and ducks, and often raptors attracted by the rich pickings: Peregrines and Merlins are regular. Sea ducks, divers and  and grebes will be found offshore from the extensive shingle beaches. With favourable weather conditions we may even see some early spring migrants in the scrub behind the shore or in the trees and meadows at Church Norton. This wonderful site is usually full of surprises.

Meet at 9:00 at the Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre (SZ856966/PO20 7NE)

Water Pipit can often be seen on the margins of Ibsley Water

Thursday 20th February, 2020

Postponed to Thursday 27th February, 2020 due to bad forecast

There is always a lot to see at this site. Woodland birds abound, with the likes of Brambling, Siskin and Redpoll possible at the feeders at Woodland Hide. Some of the lakes are frequented by such as Bitterns and Great Egrets, while others host an assortment of wildfowl and waders. Rarer gull species are a frequent feature of this trip. Water Rails often show up in the wet gullies and ditches.

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

N.B. There are toilets, but no catering facilities.

Woodlark can often be seen at this time of year

Tuesday 7th April, 2020

At this time of year this heathland habitat may reveal a variety of passage birds, which stop to refuel on their way to their breeding areas.  One year some of us had Wheatear and Ring Ouzel in the same scope view as a pair of Dartford Warblers, and later found a Blue-headed Wagtail among Yellow Wagtails in among the cattle. A memorable morning indeed! There should be Stonechats, Linnets and Woodlarks and maybe a few early warblers around the margins.

Meet at 10 a.m. at the central control tower car park  (SU498651/ RG19 8DB)

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This gorgeous drake Garganey was close to the Causeway

Sunday 26th April, 2020

Most winter birds will have disappeared, but at this time of year a great many passage birds drop in to refuel on water-borne food and round the margins. There could be as assortment of terns and waders, assorted wagtails, hirundines and swifts, and even Osprey. The nearby riverside habitat usually produces a good range of warblers and the odd chat. Much depends on the weather. The early start is essential if we are going to get the best out of the day, as passage birds often move on by midday.

Meet at the reservoir car park at 8.30 a.m. (SP451060 / 0X29LU nearest. N.B. There will be a small parking charge, circa £2) 

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This Bittern was one of six seen within a few minutes from Bittern Hide

Saturday 16^th May, 2020

This is a fascinating time of year at the RSPB’s flagship reserve. There are myriad breeding waders, such as Oystercatchers, Redshanks and Avocets, as well as numerous gulls.  Bitterns are plentiful and visible, Sand Martins are numerous in the nesting bank, and there may even be the odd Stone-curlew nesting on the heath. It is probably the best season to visit the reserve.

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

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Seen form the board-walk, the bog with the heath beyond

Thurs 11th June 2020

This site contains extensive heathland and a large area of bog, making it one of the most interesting sites for a range of birds, plants and insects. There is a possibility of finding such as Redstart, Woodlark, Tree Pipit, Dartford Warbler, Cuckoo and Hobby, but there should also be plenty of dragonfly and butterfly interest, as well as some curious plants.

Meet at 10 a.m. at the car park to east of Thursley Road (south of Elstead) (SU900415 /GU8 6LW)

N.B. There are no facilities at this site.

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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.