A male Yellowhammer is not a bird to ignore

Thursday 14^th June

This walk usually finds us many of the downland specialities, like buntings, finches, larks, pipits and partridges, but we will be seeking out the odd rarity too. The success of the evening depends on the weather, but if it is fine expect to get home late.

Meet at 7.30 p.m. just past Starvall Farm: 1 mile north of Aldworth (SU544810 / RG8 9TX)

The reed-beds at Oare Marshes are a good place to find Bearded Tits

Friday 18th-Sun 20^th May 2018

Kent has some wonderful sites: Cliffe, Elmley, Oare Marshes, Grove Ferry and Dungeness to name a few. This trip will cover a number of these at one of the most productive seasons. That corner of the country can produce all sorts of surprises, so this is one not to miss.

N.B. Early booking is essential. Full details will be issued to participants.

Osprey is still rare enough to cause a real stir

Saturday 5^th May 2018

The visit starts at the Lyndon Centre with an introductory talk and a guided walk to see the nesting Ospreys. After that the coach will transfer us to Egleton Birdwatching Centre where there are a number of hides to visit in search of the wide variety of birds that breed there. The hides are well spread out, so be prepared for a bit more walking if you want to visit them all.

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

Cost £20

Red-necked Grebe in breeding splendour at Farmoor, April 2016

Due to unforeseen circumstances, postponed to Sunday 29th April 2018

(N.B. Parking charge £2)

At this time there is often a lot of interest, with late-staying wintering divers or wildfowl, rare gulls and terns, rare grebes, passage waders, a passing Osprey, assorted wagtails, hirundines etc. The nature reserve by the river always has a selection of warblers by this stage. Much depends on the weather. The early start is essential if we are going to get the best out of the day.

 Meet at 8.30 a.m. in the reservoir car park (SP451060 / OX29LU nearest)

The southwards view from Combe Gibbet

Thursday 12^th April 2018

At this time of year migrant Ring Ouzels, Wheatears etc. stop to feed and rest on this magnificent limestone ridge, sometimes in good numbers. It is also a good site to view a variety of raptors: on one of our trips there was a passing Osprey. Ravens are almost guaranteed, and migrating hirundines frequently skim the ridge on their way north.

Meet at the Combe Gibbet car park at the top of the ridge at 9 a.m.  (SU370620 /RG17 9EL nearest)

Wishmoor’s open heath is surrounded by woodland

Thurs 22^nd March 2018

This is a mixed habitat of heath and woodland, which can produce a variety of special birds, such as Dartford Warbler, Crossbill, Woodlark and Great Grey Shrike. The mix will depend on the way the season goes, but it is always an interesting site.

Meet at 10 a.m. at the extreme north end of Kings Ride, Camberley (SU875620/ GU15 4LY)

Fieldfare and other winter thrushes may still be lingering

Thurs 8^th March 2018

We will take pot luck with the birds of a transitional season in the lakes and hedgerows during a gentle walk, which will be followed by an optional visit to the pub for some social time over a drink or lunch.

Meet at 10 a.m. in the car park of the Waggon and Horses, Twyford (SU 784760 /RG10 9GA)           

Purple Sandpiper normally features during a stop at Lowestoft Ness

Thursday 22^nd -Sun 25^th February 2018

This trip will be a little later than normal, but will follow the traditional pattern of visiting the Suffolk coast, with an overnight stay in Great Yarmouth, before two further nights at Hunstanton. The itinerary can vary according to what is about, but it normally takes in such major sites in one of best birding regions in the country. Large numbers of wintering wildfowl, waders and raptors may be seen.  The trip list for this weekend is usually impressive and can include many scarce or rare species, since we visit a huge variety of habitats.

Early booking is essential. Full details will be issued to participants.

The bird-rich scrapes of the Cley reserve

Friday 5^th to Sunday 7^th October 2018

Based close to the iconic reserves of this bird-rich coast, this has become a regular event. The variety and quantity of birds at this season offer a rewarding weekend for birders of all experiences.

Early booking is essential Full details will be issued to participants.

The RSPB chose the Avocet as their symbol to mark the bird’s first post-war success at Minsmere

Sunday 4^th February 2018

This coastal site is a winter magnet for a variety of species – wildfowl and waders are attracted to the marshes and pools, while the shore could produce some excellent sea-watching too. Bittern and a variety of raptors are all possible. All sorts of odd things turn up there at any season, so it is well worth the trip.

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

 Cost £20