Patchwork Challenge

Patchwork Challenge Logo

The birding fraternity has seen a shift in attitudes recently, with many birders turning their attention from twitching to more intensive study of a local patch. The advantages of watching a local patch are obvious. Low fuel costs, environmental benefits and travel time aside, great pleasure can be derived from getting to learn a place inside out, adding detailed information to the bird databases and getting value from common species that otherwise wouldn’t get a second glance. The Patchwork Challenge adds a structure and a little friendly competition to patch birding.

The score each bird earns will be related to … Read more

Season’s greetings

Winter 22 Tices (Colin Varndell )

Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year to all members.

21/12/2022 (Photo: Colin Varndell at Tice’s Meadow)

December 2022

Saturday 31st

London Wetland Centre: Bittern on Main Lake; also Jack Snipe and 2 Shelduck (A Salmon).

Friday 30th

London Wetland Centre: 2 Bitterns on Main Lake; also Water Pipit, Jack Snipe, Pintail, Goldeneye, Brambling and Dartford Warbler (R Dunne/A Salmon).

Sutton Place: 3 Jack Snipe at Triggs Lock (C Badenhorst).

Thursday 29th

Mediterranean Gull, Papercourt GPs (R Clark).
Mediterranean Gull, Papercourt GPs (R Clark).

Beddington Farmlands: Water Pipit and drake Shelduck (Z Pannifer).

Chessington: Jack Snipe at Rushett Farm (A Quinn).

Effingham Forest: 4 Hawfinches at Dick Focks Common (S Portugal/C Smith).

Leatherhead: drake and redhead Goosander on … Read more