Field Meeting Reports
Lymington – Keyhaven Nature Reserve – Saturday 12 April 2025
Probably our most ambitious and longest journey for the 19 SBC members, but on a beautiful Spring day we were not disappointed. Splitting the day into two visits; the plan was to visit Normandy Marsh at the Lymington end first thing, with the afternoon walking the Keyhaven to Pennington loop.
As usual the nature reserve at Normandy Marsh was a hive of activity with birds singing as soon as we reached the path: Cetti’s, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, Wren and Greenfinch all made themselves heard. As we looked right on to the main Reserve it was difficult to know where to focus first with so much going on. Avocets were everywhere (we think we saw a minimum of 120 in the day) with many already on eggs, as were Lapwings. Plenty of wildfowl were still in evidence including 3 late Dark-bellied Brent Geese with 2 Egyptian grazing with the Canadas. Waders were in evidence, especially as there was a high tide pushing many of the birds across the sea wall into this safe haven, with Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover feeding avidly. Of note was a single Greenshank in the shallows close to a Bar-tailed Godwit going into summer plumage (there were 4 more on the seaward side but distant). One of our very observant members picked out 3 roosting Eiders on the saltmarsh with 3 more seen on the sea further round the seawall path. Gulls and terns were busy courting, displaying, feeding and squabbling – with a good number of Common Terns showing on Tern Island along with 3 superb Little Terns – what a great bird! Gulls were also in residence including, amongst the Black-headed, a few Mediterranean in all their fine crisp summer plumage. As we walked back to the cars, we found Whitethroats singing, a male Bullfinch, Sand Martins and a solitary Swallow. A good start with 58 species seen.
Onto Keyhaven with a stop off at the Milford Conservation Avon Flood Observatory: a weird juxta-position with brackish and saltwater inlet and lagoon side by side. A good number of birds were on the brackish Avon Flood with Avocet, Blacktailed Godwit, Shelduck, Teal and Gadwall being the primary species with a pair of quartering Marsh Harriers over the far reedbeds. Onto the sea wall and whilst making our way passed Iley Point and onto Keyhaven Lagoon, we had a pair of Sandwich Terns on a buoy. Further along there was a stationary flock of Great Black-backed Gulls numbering at least 10. A few Meadow Pipits were calling along with the ever-present Linnets. With the lagoon drying out, the water depth was perfect for the longer-legged waders and so the Avocets were feeding in abundance. 20+ Mediterranean Gulls were also showing well. Fishtail Lagoon, which normally is the harbinger of a rarer wader or duck, yielded very little other than a solitary Snipe and even more Avocets! As we walked along the path we could see two large white birds across the reedbeds to Butts lagoon, soon to be identified as a pair of Spoonbills (an adult and juvenile). To add to the excitement, there were a fishing Little Tern, a pair of Ravens which flew right above us (showing their distinctive diamond-shaped tail), a Red Kite in the distance and large numbers of Great Crested Grebes on the sea. Gradually making our way back along the Ancient Highway, still with an expectation to see even more species, we found very little of note until we got back to the Avon Flood where we all heard (but not all saw) a pair of early Reed Warblers. and, for some, the final bird of the day was a Little Ringed Plover on the dried-out saltpan back at the Observatory. A long but very exciting day’s birding with a total 84 species seen or heard.
Dungeness Bird Observatory & RSPB – Wednesday 26 March 2025
A planned trip to the famous Dungeness Observatory and Reserve had been on the cards for a few years and very pleased that we finally got this on the calendar. 19 SBC members made the trip, meeting by the lighthouse early, to start with some classic sea-watching. Over the first hour or so, we had a good list of birds including Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe, Sandwich Tern, Gannet, Barn Swallow and an overhead Red Kite. A seal and a good number of porpoises were constantly seen breaching. Behind the Sea-watching Hide, on the power station wall, both Meadow Pipit and a female Black Redstart showed well – as we walked over to the Observatory we had a number of additional Black Redstarts including 2 or 3 resplendent males. A walk round the Heligoland trap, Moat and further around the Trapping Area yielded very little, which can be the case at Dungeness if conditions are not right for a fall of migrants.
Arriving at the RSPB Reserve at lunchtime and taking lunch in Dennis’s Hide, we had time to scan Burrowes Pit. Good numbers of wildfowl were still present with more beautiful Goldeneye, together with Tufted Duck, Pochard, Eurasian Teal, Shoveler and a few Wigeon and Gadwall. We had another chance to identify the vast array of gulls on the various islands with 5 species being identified – Common, Herring, Lesser and Great Black-backed and 3 Caspian Gulls; – having learnt the characteristic features when some of us were at Abberton earlier in the year. With the water level high there were limited waders seen but where there was land exposed, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Curlew and Oystercatcher were noted. There was little evidence of early migration taking place, but we were lucky to find a single Sand Martin and singing Chiffchaff and (within the reedbed at The Ramp) a first Sedge Warbler – in full voice! Raptors were in short supply but Marsh Harrier, Buzzard and a Peregrine made an appearance. The highlight of the Reserve visit at the main reedbed, was hearing the characteristic “pinging” call first and, then seeing, two male Bearded Tits, albeit a short flight but thankfully everyone got a view. The final stop was the ARC Pits, but again the water was too high for any roosting waders. Much of the same was seen here but with the added bonus of a squealing Water Rail. A great day out with an impressive total of 68 species.
Hayling Island – Sunday 16 March 2025
An early morning meet time, saw 27 SBC members head off along the Hayling Billy Trail in search of waders, early summer visitors and lingering wintering birds.
Before we had got across the connecting bridge, we already had notched a good number of waders with Redshank, Ruddy Turnstone, Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit all seen at close quarters. Meeting the rest of the group, we headed onto to the Trail with our first scan of Langstone Harbour finding distant Red-breasted Merganser, Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, Wigeon and many Dark-bellied Brent Geese. Overhead there was the constant distinctive call of Mediterranean Gulls, one of the speciality breeding birds along this coastline. A sharp-eyed observer picked out a whitish bird with a more buoyant flight – a Sandwich Tern (the earliest tern to return although some do overwinter).
Within the various partly-enclosed areas of the old oyster beds, flocks of waders battled for dry land on the on-coming high tide, giving great views of groups of Redshank, Ruddy Turnstone and Dunlin. A more forensic searching through these gatherings found Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Red Knot and a single Avocet.
A small grey / brown passerine flew by calling and landed on the rocky shoreline – to be identified as a Rock Pipit. Heading back along the path behind the coast trail we picked up various woodland and hedgerow birds including Green Woodpecker, Song Thrush, Greenfinch, Wren and Great Tit. An excellent early spring walk in a beautiful part of the South Coast with some great birds and first class company. In total we saw and heard 43 species.
Abberton Reservoir & Copt Hall Marshes – Tues 18 February 2025
The long drive to Abberton Reservoir was worth the effort for the 15 SBC members to experience this Essex haven for wintering birds. Meeting at the Layer Breton Causeway, we immediately found the 8 Greater White-fronted Geese that had been reported over the last few days. The expected wildfowl were present along with 3 Goldeneyes (2f; 1m) plus 2 Great White Egrets around the water’s edge and with up to 4 Marsh Harriers quartering the reedbeds and surrounding farmland. Off to the Layer de-la-Haye Causeway (which is set up beautifully with a pedestrian walkway and parking off the road). There was so much to see here, with amazing views of Goosanders (up to 10 birds), and, again, all the regular wildfowl, with waders in the form of Redshank and a large feeding flock of Black-tailed Godwits. However, the highlight was to see 4 species of grebe with large numbers of Great Crested, supplemented with a couple of Little, – but of note, 2 very obliging and close-in Slavonian and 8 Black-necked in a tight flock further out. More Great White Egrets were seen with a reported 30+ at the Reserve that day! A Red Kite drifted over.
Onto the Visitor Centre and associated hides. The main hide at Hide Bay was most productive with plenty of Goldeneye, Goosander and Great Crested Grebe, but gulls were the order of the day with Black-headed, Common, Herring, Great Black-backed and 4 Caspian. We spent some time going through the large flocks of gulls and picked out the 4 Caspians, noting their long, more slender bill, flatter forehead, small black eye and whiter head than the Herring Gulls. A Ruddy Turnstone was an interesting find too! Popped by Billets Farm on our way to Copt Hall Marshes to find a really good spot for future visits where there was a huge number of birds sheltering in the bay with Ruff, Dunlin, Lapwing and a marauding Peregrine to add to the list. The final venue was Copt Hall, where a Great Grey Shrike had been residing for the last 10 days. Thinking the chances of finding it would be limited, John Darter located it within minutes! Brilliant find, with everyone getting excellent scope views of this rare winter visitor. Other birds of note, as we walked along the estuary bank, were skeins of Dark-bellied Brent Geese, a 25+ flock of Golden Plover and an obliging Stonechat.
Overall, a brilliant day with a total of 69 species seen.
Isle of Sheppey – Sunday 9 February 2025
A truly superb day’s birding with excellent views and lifers for many. 19 SBC members made the trip to the Isle of Sheppey, which during late winter, is one of the key locations in the Home Counties for both rarities and large numbers of birds. The morning and early afternoon were spent at the fabulous Elmley Nature Reserve. Huge thanks to their wardens who made us extremely welcome and helped us find some of their speciality birds.
Whilst waiting to enter the Reserve, we had a Red Kite overhead – a good start for the day. Our drive through the wilderness of open rough ground, ditches, ponds and dykes with the characteristic huge skies, was breath-taking with an enormous number of birds wherever you looked. Flocks of wildfowl – Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Pintail, Mallard and Gadwall wheeled around the skies as did Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Redshank, many flushed by the large numbers of Marsh Harriers and Common Buzzards. Dark-bellied Brent, Greylag and Canada Geese were abundant across the grassy areas.
As we all parked up in the visitor car park, some had already watched a hunting Barn Owl. Thanks to the warden, Fiona, we were all soon admiring a Long-eared Owl in the scrub, with both Barn and Short-eared Owls hunting in front of us – truly magical.
The walk from the car park to the screen overlooking the River Swale and then onto the hides allowed us to see many more species – the more notable being Raven, Water Rail, Pied Avocet, Ruddy Turnstone, Eurasian Curlew, Grey Plover and Eurasian Oystercatcher. As we arrived back in the car park, Fiona was waiting for us and very kindly took us to see a very well-hidden Little Owl. Four owl species in one day!
Off to the RSPB Raptor Viewpoint next where, thankfully, the weather remained dry and not too cold. Directly next to us within a ploughed field was a flock of some 150+ Greater White-fronted Geese – we think the largest gathering recorded in Southern England this winter. Whilst our main focus was birds of prey, we had a good supporting cast of single Corn and Reed Bunting, a Common Snipe, Cetti’s Warbler, Red-legged Partridge and Water Rail. It was a great sight seeing the Marsh Harriers gathering for their late afternoon roost in the nearby reedbed with the bonus of a female Hen Harrier and a superb Barn Owl quartering the fields. A brilliant day of quality birding, seeing a total of 76 species
London Wetland Centre : Sunday 26th January 2025
We had such a good turnout (19) that we split the group into two halves so that we did not overwhelm the hides. We had found out that a Bittern had been seen that morning from the Headley Hide; so everyone went there first in the hope of seeing a Bittern. Unfortunately one did not show itself there or indeed at all for the whole of the trip. Despite this, it was an extremely good morning. It was pretty chilly, but it was not raining, and nearly everyone saw all the other target species save for the Water Pipit which was only seen by one group. No one managed to see a Snipe which was extremely unusual as, in the past, all field trips to LWC in the winter have seen that particular species. As is the case with so many field trips, we had a mixture of very experienced and new birders. This worked well and I am pleased to report that most of the new birders spotted some lifers. Quite a few of us went to enjoy the food and hot drinks in the café afterwards; so it was a great social event too.
Dukes Warren, Leith Hill, Dorking Sunday 12 January 2025
With the challenges of the weather thwarting a number of venue arrangements, 18 SBC members met at the highest point in Surrey for a stunning early morning walk through the snow. With the partly resurfaced road up to the cricket club, most were able to park by the pitch where almost immediately Goldfinch, Coal Tit and a pair of Treecreepers were seen by all. We all felt extremely privileged to be in such a beautiful setting, but all that we needed to complete the morning were some birds; but sadly they were very thin on the ground. Maybe it was the recent Arctic temperatures that had pushed the birds to lower levels or the distinct absence of food on the trees and bushes, but the lack of bird song and overhead movements were extremely unusual. An excellent spot from George found a Common Buzzard camouflaged in a tree (extremely pale breast colouration) with everyone getting good scope views. The regular calling of the Coal Tits broke the silence, but there was little bird song, although as we made our way back to the car park both Blackbird and Wren started making themselves known. Paul spotted a raptor further ahead, which was identified to be a resplendent male Kestrel; it flew in front of us and with the superb light we all managed to see its plumage – dark moustache, speckled breast, grey head and the reddish-brown back with dark-edged tail flight feathers.
Despite the distinct lack of birds, the stunning scenery together with the first-class company made for an enjoyable first outing of 2025. In total we saw and heard 19 species:
| Stock Dove | Eurasian Jay | Great Tit | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Woodpigeon | Eurasian Jackdaw | Long-tailed Tit | European Robin |
| Common Buzzard | Carrion Crow | Goldcrest | Common Chaffinch |
| GreatSpottedWoodpecker | Coal Tit | Eurasian Treecreeper | European Goldfinch |
| Common Kestrel | Eurasian Blue Tit | Eurasian Wren | Leith Hill |
Andy Harding
Holmethorpe Lagoons Nature Reserve & Mercers Lake, Merstham Sunday 8 December 2024
Still in the grip of Storm Darragh, 17 intrepid Surrey BC members braved the elements for a damp and windy walk round this excellent Reserve bringing together gravel pits, lakes, streams, farmland, reedbeds, scrub and water meadows. Our thanks to Ian Kehl and Gordon Hay, who guided us superbly and found some excellent birds, as always. From the car park we had Tufted Duck, Coot, Little Grebe, Mallard and a pair of Great-crested Grebes, all on Mercers Lake. My usual request to Gordon to find us the regular Little Owl as we walked across the fields to Spynes Mere yielded a Barn Owl instead – cowering in a hole in an oak tree close to our path – what a start! As we headed to the look-out at Spynes Mere, a group of very small finches flew up calling – a nice small flock of Siskins. Sadly no Water Rails squealing but Redwings and a Song Thrush were calling from the hedgerow scrub. A large number of birds greeted us at the Mere including Mute Swan, a pair of Egyptian Geese, Gadwall, a single Shoveler, Teal, Pochard and a good number of Tufted Duck. On the island there were 25 Lapwings which all lifted off in unison as a Sparrowhawk came over our heads to rain havoc on the lake occupants. After a good half an hour of watching, we headed back, beyond the car park towards the farm before crossing the road to the cricket club. The field we crossed had some interesting passerines including 3 Yellowhammers, 8 Skylarks, a Reed Bunting and Pied Wagtail. The Barn Owl had remained in situ, still shivering from the cold. A beautiful Redwing sat in a bush in the field by the farm giving great views as we continued across the road and walked along Chilmead Lane. Relatively quiet along this track but a Common Buzzard and Kestrel were seen and a Collared Dove was added to the list. The main track around Holmethorpe Moors was flooded so we made our way as far as we could picking up Goldcrest, Cetti’s Warbler, a calling Treecreeper and a very showy Grey Wagtail. Saying farewell to our excellent and attentive leaders, we walked through the paths around the south side of Mercers lake back to the car adding Ring-necked Parakeet, a few Cormorants and a Grey Heron. Despite the expectation of a tough outing given the elements, it turned out to be a brilliant morning, with a total of 55 species:
| Mute Swan | Eurasian Coot | Common Kestrel | Song Thrush |
| Egyptian Goose | Northern Lapwing | Ring-necked Parakeet | Redwing |
| Northern Shoveler | Black-headed Gull | Common Magpie | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Gadwall | European Herring Gull | Eurasian Jackdaw | Fieldfare |
| Eurasian Wigeon | Great Black-backed Gull | Carrion Crow | European Robin |
| Mallard | Little Grebe | Eurasian Blue Tit | Dunnock |
| Eurasian Teal | Great Crested Grebe | Great Tit | House Sparrow |
| Common Pochard | Great Cormorant | Eurasian Skylark | Grey Wagtail |
| Tufted Duck | Grey Heron | Cetti’s Warbler | Pied Wagtail |
| Feral Pigeon | Eurasian Sparrowhawk | Long-tailed Tit | European Goldfinch |
| Stock Dove | Common Buzzard | Goldcrest | Eurasian Siskin |
| Common Woodpigeon | Western Barn Owl | Eurasian Treecreeper | Yellowhammer |
| Collared Dove | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Eurasian Wren | Common Reed Bunting |
| Common Moorhen | Eurasian Green Woodpecker | Common Starling | Holmethorpe |
Andy Harding
Canons Farm, Banstead Wednesday 20 November 2024
A new venue for Surrey Bird Club, Canons Farm has been avidly watched by a group of birders over the last 10 years with superb patch ticks including Dotterel, Hen Harrier, Brambling, Hobby and Short-eared Owl. 11 Club members took the 3.5 mile circular walk across farmland with intriguing areas of woodland and thankfully well-managed hedgerows (an excellent spot for breeding Yellowhammers, although sadly none seen on this walk). There is an excellent map on the Canons Farm blog: https://cfbwbirds.blogspot.com with all the fields and areas named. Walking along the path with the old barns to our right we had various passerines flitting in front of us, mainly Wren, Dunnock, Robin and a single Chaffinch. As we walked out on to Broadfield West, a few Skylarks flew up, soon to be joined by quite a flock of some 30 birds. As we continued across this field and along the southern edge of Lambert’s Field, a high pitched call was heard by some and a small bird was seen feeding mid-height in some pines. The Merlin app helped with the identification of a Firecrest. Passing Ruffett Wood and then heading south towards Perrott’s Farm, we had both Fieldfare and Redwing fly over, being able to tell the considerably greater size of the Fieldfare and different flight pattern. Nuthatches were calling from the wood along with Blue, Great and Coal Tits, all being able to make out the differing calls. We made a slight detour and headed into Banstead Woods which was disappointingly quiet; so we gradually headed back to the cars with Broadfield East on our right. This area proved very productive with a Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Jay and Green Woodpecker all giving excellent views.
A very enjoyable walk with excellent company with, in total, 30 species seen:
| Common Pheasant | Common Kestrel | Great Tit | European Robin |
| Feral Pigeon | Ring-necked Parakeet | Eurasian Skylark | Dunnock |
| Stock Dove | Eurasian Jay | Common Firecrest | Pied Wagtail |
| Common Woodpigeon | Common Magpie | Eurasian Nuthatch | Meadow Pipit |
| European Herring Gull | Eurasian Jackdaw | Eurasian Wren | Common Chaffinch |
| Red Kite | Carrion Crow | Redwing | European Goldfinch |
| Common Buzzard | Coal Tit | Eurasian Blackbird | |
| Green Woodpecker | Eurasian Blue Tit | Fieldfare | Canons |
Andy Harding
Oare Marshes & Isle of Sheppey Sunday 10 Nov 2024
A firm favourite with Surrey Bird Club, 15 members headed over to Oare Marshes, North Kent for the morning with some making a day of it also taking in Harty Marshes on Sheppey and ending at the RSPB Raptor Viewpoint.
After doing some rapid SBC lapel badge sales, we stopped off to scan the River Swale at low tide, with our young birder Jack immediately pointing out 4 Bearded Tits behind us in the reeds! Plenty to see with usual waders and gulls – Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank and Dunlin with gulls in the form of Black-headed, Common, Herring and 2 Great Black-backed. The ubiquitous Shelduck were scattered all along the mudflats on both banks.
A lone Sandwich Tern was expertly identified on one of the buoys. As we made our way along the road to the East Flood look-out, Cetti’s Warbler, Water Rail, Reed Bunting and Wren all made themselves known within the reeds – a great opportunity to hone our song and call identification skills. Marsh Harriers were spotted regularly quartering the distant fields.
As we reached the East Flood we were greeted by the overhead arrival of 8 Spoonbills! What a sight as they circumnavigated the outer edge of the water-body before choosing a spot to settle. Great views were had by all. The usual wildfowl were in evidence – Shoveler, Coot, Moorhen, Eurasian Teal, Gadwall, Mallard together with a significant number of winter-plumaged Black-tailed Godwits feeding in mid-water. Behind us, high above the fields, a flock of c.200 Golden Plover flew in one large flock, occasionally catching the sunlight to show some beautiful golden tones. Making our way to the East Flood hide we heard some cronking above and 4 Ravens passed overhead. Little new to report there but as we walked to the far corner of the Reserve to overlook Faversham Creek, some of our group got distracted by something in the reeds. Everyone was then treated to superb views of 3 or 4 Bearded Tits at very close quarters. What a bird!
As if this was not enough, a weird croaking call signalled the pass-by of a resplendent Eurasian Bittern, flying low over the reed directly in front of us. You wouldn’t get a better view of a flying Bittern – an unexpected addition! We did see it a couple of times as it tried to settle into the reeds.
Lower down the “wow” factor, we managed to identify a Rock Pipit, having already seen a few Meadow Pipits, but managed to pick out its much greyer tones and darker legs. At the 2nd hide overlooking the Swale we started to see the movement of Dark-bellied Geese off the river and into the surrounding fields. About 20 Avocets were counted on the mudflats.
A superb morning with 60 species being seen.
11 of the group remained for the afternoon as we drove round to the Isle of Sheppey, parking at St.Thomas the Apostle Church and walking down towards the Swale from the opposite bank to the morning (this walk takes you into the western entrance to The Swale National Nature Reserve, but we didn’t venture that far). It was well worth a visit with some superb additions to our day list with up to 7 Western Cattle Egrets in amongst the cattle (as you would expect!) with an accompanying cast of both Little and a single Great White Egret. Again Marsh Harriers were active with both Common Buzzard and Kestrel showing. We had good views of both Redwing and Fieldfares in the fields and more passerines with Linnet, Goldfinch, Chaffinch together with a pair of Stonechat.
Final stop was the chilly RSPB Raptor Viewpoint. With all parts of the compass covered with our scopes we waited in anticipation of what might pass us by on their way to roost. The reliable flock of 30+ Corn Buntings were in the bushes and on the telegraph wires with both Cetti’s and Water Rail calling from the reeds in front.
A Green Sandpiper called and flew past us (a good tick) as we watched the Marsh Harriers, Buzzards, Kestrels and a lone Peregrine wheel about looking for the last meal before sun down. Steve called it, and in the distance, but coming our way, was a resplendent male Hen Harrier – one of the specialities of Sheppey. Superb! Sadly no owls although Louise had 3 Barn Owls on post as she drove back towards the local pub for an early tea. At the 3 venues we saw a total of 74 species with 60 being seen at Oare Marshes in the morning (not marked below) with additional birds at Harty Marshes (shown below with a “*”) and at the RSPB Capel Fleet Raptor Viewpoint (shown with a “+”):
| Dark-bellied Brent Goose | Grey Plover | Great White Egret * | Common Starling |
| Greylag Goose + | Eurasian Golden Plover | Grey Heron | Song Thrush |
| Mute Swan | Northern Lapwing | Western Marsh Harrier | Redwing |
| Mallard + | Eurasian Curlew | Hen Harrier + | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Common Shelduck | Black-tailed Godwit | Common Buzzard * | Fieldfare |
| Northern Shoveler | Common Redshank | Green Woodpecker | European Robin |
| Gadwall | Dunlin | Common Kestrel | European Stonechat |
| Eurasian Wigeon * | Black-headed Gull | Peregrine Falcon + | Dunnock |
| Eurasian Teal | Common Gull | Common Magpie | Pied Wagtail |
| Common Pheasant | European Herring Gull | Eurasian Jackdaw | Meadow Pipit |
| Stock Dove | Great Black-backed Gull | Rook + | Rock Pipit |
| Common Woodpigeon | Sandwich Tern | Carrion Crow | Common Chaffinch * |
| Collared Dove * | Little Grebe | Common Raven | European Greenfinch |
| Water Rail | Great Crested Grebe | Eurasian Blue Tit | Common Linnet |
| Common Moorhen | Great Cormorant | Great Tit | European Goldfinch |
| Eurasian Coot | Eurasian Spoonbill | Bearded Tit | Corn Bunting + |
| Green Sandpiper + | Eurasian Bittern | Common Chiffchaff + | Common Reed Bunting |
| Pied Avocet | Little Egret | Cetti’s Warbler | |
| Eurasian Oystercatcher | Western Cattle Egret * | Eurasian Wren | Sheppey |
Andy Harding
RSPB Otmoor Wednesday 23 October 2024
A dry and relatively warm autumnal day in Oxfordshire greeted 9 SBC members. This is an exciting Reserve with a great variety of bird species, particularly surprising given its location in the heart of England. Whilst waiting in the car park, we all had great views of both male and female Bullfinches. Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Robin and a Blackbird were also added.
The first long path, bordered by high scrub and hedgerow, had small birds flitting along the vegetation – turning out to be mostly Reed Buntings, intermingled with Wren, Goldfinch, a Chiffchaff and Dunnock. A Kingfisher flashed past on the other side of the hedge – to be seen much better later. At the feeders there was a feeding Pheasant along with Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits and a female Chaffinch . Looking over the first wet meadow, we all were taken with the huge amount of activity as we stood for probably 20 minutes -skeins of Canada Geese, a family of Mute Swans, small flocks of Mallard and Gadwall, much larger flocks of Lapwings with Golden Plovers flying a layer above, showing their golden plumage in the sunlight. Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and a distant Peregrine were all noted as was the continual pig-squealing call of the Water Rail (they were conspicuous by their calls throughout the Reserve). Cetti’s Warblers were also evident despite none of us getting even a glimpse. What we did see was a resplendent Kingfisher posing on an overhanging bush, which some but not all of us saw. On the non-avian list were Roe and Fallow Deer, Grey Squirrel, Brown Rat, Common Darter and Red Admiral.
As we made our way along the straight path towards the only hide, we also had a pair of Little Egrets, an increasing number of Common Snipe (the largest a flock of up to 8 birds), Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. At the intersection of the paths, we managed to find a spot to overlook the flooded field where the plovers had been flying over – both the Lapwings and Golden Plovers were gathered in the field allowing us superb views through scopes of these beautiful and enigmatic birds. One very observant member of the group spied a raptor on a bare tree at the back of the field – turning out to be a very late Hobby, which given the number of dragonflies still airborne, was perhaps understandable. We had two screens to visit with views over open water – the first was fairly limited in terms of birds with just Coot, Shoveler, Gadwall, Cormorant and Little Egret; the second was more interesting with a Great White Egret showing very well and en route we had a very showy Kestrel, a small family of Stonechats, a pair of Wigeon and a second Hobby.
We gradually made our way back, via the Wetlands Hide, to the car park without adding to our excellent species tally. A great morning’s birding with 59 species being identified
| Greylag Goose | Northern Lapwing | Common Magpie | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Canada Goose | Common Snipe | Eurasian Jackdaw | Fieldfare |
| Mute Swan | Black-headed Gull | Rook | European Robin |
| Egyptian Goose | Lesser Black-backed Gull | Carrion Crow | European Stonechat |
| Northern Shoveler | Great Cormorant | Eurasian Blue Tit | Dunnock |
| Gadwall | Little Egret | Great Tit | Grey Wagtail |
| Eurasian Wigeon | Great White Egret | Eurasian Skylark | Pied Wagtail |
| Mallard | Grey Heron | Barn Swallow | Meadow Pipit |
| Eurasian Teal | Western Marsh Harrier | Common Chiffchaff | Common Chaffinch |
| Common Pheasant | Red Kite | Cetti’s Warbler | Eurasian Bullfinch |
| Stock Dove | Common Kingfisher | Long-tailed Tit | European Greenfinch |
| Common Woodpigeon | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Eurasian Wren | Common Linnet |
| Water Rail* | Common Kestrel | Common Starling | European Goldfinch |
| Eurasian Coot | Eurasian Hobby | Song Thrush | Common Reed Bunting |
| European Golden Plover | Peregrine Falcon | Redwing | Otmoor |
| (*heard) |
Andy Harding
Beddington Farmlands Sunday 6 October 2024
Firstly, a huge thank you to Charlie Owens, Warden at Beddington Farmlands, who gave up his Sunday morning to escort us around the Reserve – his insight, passion and knowledge was appreciated by all.
19 SBC members met at the Mile Road gate. After a scan over both South and North Lakes, picking out an array of wildfowl (Canada Geese, Mute Sawans with cygnets, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Eurasian Teal and Tufted Duck) we made our way along the path to the east of the North Lake to the new hide. There had been a report of a Marsh Harrier the day before, so we were all delighted to find the raptor, being “escorted” by various corvids, as it scanned the wildfowl for an easy meal. A juvenile bird, it showed well for some 20 minutes giving us time to check out any other birds which were flushed by its presence – Lapwings were especially skittish as was a Common Snipe.
Despite being early October, Barn Swallows and large number of Western House Martins filled the air over the Lakes. Both Little and Great Crested Grebes were on the North Lake, the latter not a common bird on the Reserve. We scanned the Wet Grasslands for waders, but none were showing although a Green Sandpipers was disturbed as we walked along the outlet channel.
Over the Mound, we picked out some very obliging Stonechats on vantage points along the path. Skylarks (a real specialty of the Reserve) were in good voice and easy to locate, counting 10 as we walked to the Phase III area. A good number of jackdaws, Stock Doves and Meadow Pipits were also in the grassed areas. A good variety of gulls were on the scrapes – Black-headed, Herring and Lesser Black-backed with both Little Egret and Grey Heron seen hunting in the shallows. As we walked back to the Mile Road gate a very obliging and tame, well-conditioned Red Fox walked contentedly along the fence line in front of us.
A real privilege to be taken on a tour around this iconic and famous Surrey Reserve by Charlie, during which we managed to see 47 species:
| Canada Goose | Common Snipe | Eurasian Green Woodpecker | Cetti’s Warbler |
| Mute Swan | Green Sandpiper | Common Kestrel | Long-tailed Tit |
| Northern Shoveler | Black-headed Gull | Ring-necked Parakeet | Common Starling |
| Gadwall | European Herring Gull | Common Magpie | European Robin |
| Mallard | Lesser Black-backed Gull | Eurasian Jackdaw | European Stonechat |
| Eurasian Teal | Little Grebe | Carrion Crow | Dunnock |
| Tufted Duck | Great Crested Grebe | Eurasian Blue Tit | Pied Wagtail |
| Stock Dove | Great Cormorant | Great Tit | Meadow Pipit |
| Common Woodpigeon | Little Egret | Eurasian Skylark | Common Linnet |
| Common Moorhen | Grey Heron | Barn Swallow | European Goldfinch |
| Eurasian Coot | Western Marsh Harrier | Western House Martin | Common Reed Bunting |
| Northern Lapwing | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Common Chiffchaff |
Andy Harding
Pagham Harbour & Medmerry Saturday 21 September 2024
A fantastic day of birding, at a fabulous Reserve – with good weather, the tides in our favour and a great group of people. Meeting 26 SBC members at the Visitor Centre, the plan was to work our way up the west side of the Reserve via the hide overlooking the Ferry Pool, to reach Church Norton and then the sea and the reedbed at The Severals.
The Ferry Pool never disappoints with a good array of wildfowl and waders – most notable being Avocets, Black-tailed Godwits, Common and Green Sandpipers and a pair of Spotted Redshanks. Red Kite, Common Buzzard and Kestrel were also in the immediate area. A Whinchat was seen by some of the group near the feeders, which was an excellent find.
Up the west path, seeing farmland birds on one side (Wheater, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Raven, Red-legged Partridge and superbly plumaged Yellowhammers – one of the star birds of the trip) and estuarine on the other (Pintail, Wigeon, Shelduck, Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew) until we reached the shingle spit at Church Norton. With the tide out the mudflats were attracting a huge variety of birds with a chance to identify Mediterranean from Black-headed Gulls, Whimbrel from Curlew and Bar-tailed from Black-tailed Godwits.
The sea and The Severals didn’t yield anything other than Great Crested Grebes, so we headed back via the cemetery at Church Norton. More of the same on the way back but stopped off to recheck the Ferry Pool. Our timing was perfect as a Peregrine stopped down and scattered all the feeding birds – a great sight with the Peregrine failing to find its prey.
After lunch, 9 of the group headed to Medmerry. It is a reasonable walk from the car park through the farmland to the path to the Stilt Ponds. It was quiet on the way, but as we got close to the ponds and the sea, some great birds were found. A Great White Egret was disturbed from a reedbed and flew towards the sea giving us great views. As we got close to the ponds, a large white bird caught our eye – a Spoonbill which was very obliging giving us great views. Behind us we heard the peep-peep of a Kingfisher, who buzzed around the saltmarsh. Waders were not so plentiful but had Redshank, Lapwing, Common Sandpiper and a Greenshank, with raptors in the form of Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard and Kestrel.
A superb day’s birding with an excellent group of people, and a total of 77 species being seen across the two Reserves (* RSPB Medmerry only)
| Canada Goose | Bar-tailed Godwit | Grey Heron | Common Chiffchaff |
| Common Shelduck | Black-tailed Godwit | Western Marsh Harrier | Cetti’s Warbler |
| Gadwall* | Common Sandpiper | Red Kite | Common Starling |
| Eurasian Wigeon | Green Sandpiper | Common Buzzard | Long-tailed Tit |
| Mallard | Common Redshank | Common Kingfisher* | Eurasian Blackcap |
| Northern Pintail | Spotted Redshank | Eurasian Green Woodpecker | Common Whitethroat |
| Eurasian Teal | Common Greenshank* | Common Kestrel | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Common Pheasant | Dunlin | Peregrine Falcon | European Robin |
| Red-legged Partridge | Black-headed Gull | Eurasian Jay | Whinchat |
| Feral Pigeon | Mediterranean Gull | Common Magpie | European Stonechat |
| Stock Dove | European Herring Gull | Eurasian Jackdaw | Northern Wheatear |
| Common Woodpigeon | Great Black-backed Gull | Rook | Dunnock |
| Common Moorhen* | Lesser Black-backed Gull* | Carrion Crow | House Sparrow |
| Eurasian Coot | Sandwich Tern* | Common Raven | Meadow Pipit |
| Pied Avocet | Little Grebe | Eurasian Blue Tit | Common Chaffinch |
| Eurasian Oystercatcher | Great Crested Grebe | Great Tit | European Goldfinch |
| Grey Plover | Great Cormorant | Sand Martin | Yellowhammer |
| Northern Lapwing | Spoonbill* | Barn Swallow | |
| Whimbrel | Little Egret | Western House Martin | |
| Eurasian Curlew | Great White Egret* | Willow Warbler |
Andy Harding
Hersham Bird Ringing Group Saturday 3 August 2024
13 members were treated to an excellent and very informative morning with the Hersham Bird Ringing Group based at the Queen Mary Reservoir, Ashford.
We were first shown some of the birds the Group had caught just before we arrived, including young Blackcaps, a Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and a fairly aggressive juvenile Blue Tit! Surprisingly Blackcaps were currently the most abundant bird to be caught. It was a real privilege to see up close the difference between a Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler – the much yellower plumage of the juvenile Willow Warbler self-evident. After a very informative briefing as to the history of the Group, how data is collected and recorded, changing bird numbers over the years and answering a myriad of questions, we were taken on a tour of the site visiting a number of mist net positions.
(Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blue Tit: Gail Huckle)
We were treated to the site of the adult Hobbies (recently nested) harassing a Red Kite over the Reservoir as we walked the site. Returning to the Ringing Station, further birds were collected and processed. Those caught and ringed were Eurasian Blue, Tit, Great Tit, Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Common Reed Warbler, Eurasian Wren, Robin and Dunnock.
(Common Whitethroat, Great Tit, Eurasian Wren and Dunnock: Jack Taylor)
We finished our morning with a walk up the steps to view the Reservoir – what a view! Other than the Hobbies (which were ever present), we had a Common Sandpiper close by with Mute Swans, Great Crested (many) and Little Grebes, rafts of Tufted Ducks and Coots and a large group of Egyptian Geese on the far bank.
A very enjoyable morning. Huge thanks to Tony Beasley and his colleagues at the Hersham Bird Ringing Group for giving up their time and imparting their knowledge and expertise. Whilst this was not a usual birding trip, for the record, we recorded 30 species during the morning:
| Canada Goose | Eurasian Coot | Eurasian Hobby | Eurasian Blackcap |
| Mute Swan | Common Sandpiper | Common Magpie | Common Whitethroat |
| Egyptian Goose | Black-headed Gull | Carrion Crow | Eurasian Wren |
| Mallard | Herring Gull | Eurasian Blue Tit | European Robin |
| Tufted Duck | Lesser Black-backed Gull | Great Tit | Dunnock |
| Little Grebe | Great Cormorant | Common Reed Warbler | Common Linnet |
| Great-crested Grebe | Red Kite | Willow Warbler | |
| Feral Pigeon | Great spotted Woodpecker | Common Chiffchaff |
Andy Harding
Papercourt Saturday 6th July 2024
20 people met in the Tannery Lane Car Park on a blustery and showery morning.
We walked back down the lane, with a ploughed field to our right, and, scanning the field, could see Stock Doves feeding and a single Red-Legged Partridge hunkered down on the ground, avoiding the wind.At the end of the path, we walked through the trees to our right, seeing a Red Kite gliding over the field through the trees. Turning down the path to the left we were sheltered from the wind, and the sun was warming; a woodpecker could be heard in the trees to our left, and looking into the private area we saw a rather obscure bird sunning itself in the branches of a tree. On closer inspection (with a scope) it turned out to be a Jay.
We reached the sailing club and lake, and could immediately see what looked like an extended family of Egyptian Geese on the shore, with birds of various ages. Continuing along the path, Common Terns were seen flying by, as well as a Kestrel hovering and later perched conveniently on a nearby post. There was a good view of a singing Whitethroat, and Canada Geese and Great Crested Grebe were seen on the lake. Moving onto the path, perpendicular to the lake, we walked towards Papercourt Lock.
Kestrel Gail Huckle
Swifts and Goldfinches were seen flying around and overhead, and a sharp-eyed member spotted a juvenile Green Woodpecker sitting on the ground in the field to our right. Looking upwards, a large-winged bird was seen circling, and closer inspection revealed a grey heron on the wing.
Nearing the lock area, there were Chiffchaffs in the nearby bushes and a Buzzard was seen being attacked by two Crows and ejected from nearby trees. Swallows and House Martins were skimming the field to our right and a couple of Reed Buntings made a brief appearance in bushes to the left. Walking over the bridge by the lock a Grey Wagtail took to the wing, and somebody was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Kingfisher as it flashed past and into a canal-side tree. On the final leg of the walk between the River Wey and Papercourt Meadows, the weather deteriorated a little but we were lucky to catch sight of a solitary Stonechat perched on grass stem deep in the meadow. Overall, an enjoyable walk with 34 species seen.
| Green Woodpecker, | White throat | Canada Goose, | Egyptian Goose, |
| Kingfisher, | Red Kite, | Common Buzzard, | Carrion Crow, |
| Jackdaw, | Reed Bunting, | Stonechat, | Red-legged Partridge, |
| Stock Dove, | Woodpigeon, | Chiff Chaff, | Swift, |
| House Martin, | Swallow, | Mallard Duck, | Tufted Duck, |
| Great Crested Grebe, | Jay, | Starling, | Grey Wagtail, |
| Grey Heron, | Goldfinch, | Kestrel, | Common Tern, |
| Herring Gull, | Coot, | Moorhen, | Wren, |
| Blue Tit, | Great Tit. | ||
Ed Hilton
Thursley Common Wednesday 19th June 2024
With the lack of Nightjar sightings at our May outing, it was decided to make amends with a further visit in mid-June, when the Thursley Nightjars would be in full song and active before nightfall. Incredibly we had 42 attendees, keen to hear and see these crepuscular and extraordinary birds on one of the most iconic Surrey heaths. Almost immediately, a very distant Hobby was identified with scope views through the trees – a great spot! Later at the top of Shrike Hill, better views of this superb summer falcon were also had.
Taking the same route as the May outing, circumventing the main bog, and heading to the back of Shrike Hill via the sandy paths, the air was full of the Willow Warbler’s descending and slightly melancholy song. Most of the group managed to first hear and then see the skulking Dartford Warblers and fortunately two very obliging Tree Pipits sang from clear vantage points. Walking over Shrike Hill and along the boardwalk through Pine Island, we stopped off at Pudmore Pond for any wildfowl and, possible waders, but other than the usual Canada Geese, Mallard and Tufted Duck there was nothing notable.
Stepping off the boardwalk, we all stood expectantly, along the sandy path close to the telegraph lines and within 10 minutes, the first Nightjar started churring. It wasn’t long before wing clapping and frog-like grunts helped locate the bird, moving through and behind the nearby trees. We were then all treated to some great views of probably up to four birds working their way around the woodland, over the path and bog into nearby trees where better views could be had.
My personal highlight was the unexpected Curlew flying high above us going into the Common, just before nightfall. An excellent evening’s birding with, despite only 20 species being seen, most of the target Surrey heathland birds being found.
| Canada Goose | Eurasian Curlew | Barn Swallow | European Robin (h) |
| Mallard | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Willow Warbler | European Stonechat |
| Tufted Duck | Eurasian Green Woodpecker | Common Chiffchaff | Tree Pipit |
| Common Woodpigeon | Eurasian Hobby | Dartford Warbler | Common Linnet |
| Eurasian Nightjar | Carrion Crow | Eurasian Wren | European Goldfinch |
Andy Harding
Newlands Corner Friday 17th May 2024
In seemingly perfect weather for an undulating walk in the Surrey Hills, 17 people set off towards St Martha’s Church from Newlands Corner car park.
At our first stop just below to take in the view, we saw several Whitethroat as well as a smart pair of Linnets, a “chinking” Chaffinch and the ever-present Chiffchaff. At the bottom, we heard the faintest hoo-woo of a Tawny Owl, possibly an owlet, from the dense scrub and the first of many singing Blackcap. Descending through a cereal field, towards New Barn Farm, we observed several singing Skylarks ascending into blue skies. A distant bird took flight from the field & on closer inspection by the group, consensus was reached that it was a Lapwing, in fact a pair were then seen together back on the ground -an unexpected sight here and a patch first for me! Walking through the grounds of the farm and its out-buildings, we saw House Sparrows and a pair of Pied Wagtail, both species appearing to have nests in the corrugated roof of a barn. It was unusual to not see hirundines here, which are normally flitting about & perching on telegraph wires.
Heading upwards again now and onto a sandy bridle path with pines on the left and a scrubby, rabbit-filled field to the right. A Stock Dove was spotted perched in an old oak and, further along, a noisy flock of Starlings swirled around some more farm buildings. Crossing White Lane, we began the long climb up St Martha’s Hill. Against a backdrop of more singing Blackcap, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Robin was the sound of a singing Firecrest. Pausing to try to catch a glimpse, it was evident that two Firecrests were singing either side of the path, claiming their territories & warning each other away. Eventually the group had clear views of one Firecrest in a pine, continuing to sing as it searched for food. Climbing further and with the village of Chilworth coming into view below, some of the group had a good view of a perched Mistle Thrush, commonly seen and heard in this location.
The churchyard of St Martha’s at the very top of the hill afforded us a welcome pit stop, a spectacular view and glimpses of another Whitethroat, Goldfinches overhead and a distant, soaring Buzzard. Revived and rested, we began our descent through Rhododendrons and briefly paused for a very good view of a smart, male Blackcap. As the woods turned from deciduous to coniferous, we heard our first Goldcrest, a solitary Coal Tit and then another singing Firecrest. Further along, as we returned back across White Lane, a kerfuffle in the trees was revealed to be two Firecrests and the group were all able to see them at very close range, as well as our only view of hirundines – two Swallows flying overhead. Climbing the path back up to Merrow Downs, edged by newly laid Hawthorn hedge, we saw a hovering Kestrel and another distant Buzzard.
Emerging out onto the chalk grassland slope below Newlands Corner offered another stunning viewpoint to the South, and the sounds of chattering Whitethroat and singing Blackcap. Leaving open ground and entering the cool, shady woods, another Firecrest encounter amongst the first of the ancient Yew Trees. Our hopes for a possible sighting of Marsh Tit, Bullfinch or even a Hawfinch did not bear fruit; so we made our final descent through mixed woodland and on to the Yew Tree Project boardwalk for some “forest bathing”. Finally, a Nuthatch is heard amongst the Tits, a vocal Song Thrush and more Blackcaps as we made our way back up to the car park.
The total tally of species seen (or heard (*) was 36 :
| Lapwing | Wood Pigeon | Stock Dove | Blackcap |
| Pheasant* | Skylark | Wren* | Chiffchaff |
| Blue Tit | Great Tit | Coal Tit | Song Thrush |
| Mistle Thrush | Blackbird | Jay | Magpie |
| Jackdaw | Carrion Crow | Goldcrest | Firecrest |
| Nuthatch* | House Sparrow | Swallow | Pied Wagtail |
| Goldfinch | Buzzard | Red Kite | Kestrel |
| Starling | Whitethroat | Linnet | Chaffinch |
| Robin | Dunnock | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Tawny Owl* |
Clare Harrington
Thursley Common Thursday 9th May 2024
With 23 intrepid birders out for an evening’s stroll around the magnificent Thursley Common, thoughts were for Nightjars, Woodcock, Dartford Warblers, Redstarts and Tree Pipits. Sadly not all the iconic heathland birds showed but nevertheless we all enjoyed a very successful walk. Heading our customary “right” at the base of the boardwalk, taking an anti-clockwise route to the rear of Shrike Hill, over the top and then settling near the main boardwalk to hopefully see our main quarry – the Eurasian Nightjar.
The birdsong was superb with Willow Warblers, Common Redstarts, clicking Stonechats and the repetitive song of the Chiffchaff ringing out. Stopping to look over the heathland, we all managed views of both singing and displaying Woodlark (we had up to six around the Common) and the elusive Dartford Warbler – now quite common at Thursley, but still a real thrill to locate one. As we were about to head up behind Shrike Hill, someone shouted “Cuckoo” and sure enough the falcon-like silhouette moved across the sky and just above the woodland canopy – great spot given it wasn’t calling. Very good views of Tree Pipit and Woodlark were had and some managed to find the unusually shy Common Redstart.
We got to the Nightjar spot slightly early; so we headed to Pudmore Pind via the boardwalk, and picked out Canada and Egyptian Geese, Mallard, Tufted Duck and Eurasian Coot. Sadly despite a long wait, we clearly had mis-timed our visit by a few days as no Nightjars appeared or were heard and disappointingly the normally guaranteed Woodcock also failed to show.
This did not stop everyone having a great visit and meant an excuse for a further visit in June. An excellent evening’s birding with 30 species being seen.
| Canada Goose | Grey Heron | Barn Swallow | Eurasian Blackbird |
| Egyptian Goose | Great Spotted Woodpecker | Willow Warbler | European Robin |
| Mallard | Common Kestrel | Common Chiffchaff | Common Redstart |
| Tufted Duck | Eurasian Jay | Eurasian Blackcap | European Stonechat |
| Common Pheasant | Carrion Crow | Common Whitethroat | Tree Pipit |
| Common Woodpigeon | Eurasian Blue Tit | Dartford Warbler | European Goldfinch |
| Common Cuckoo | Woodlark | Eurasian Wren | |
| Eurasian Coot | Eurasian Skylark | Mistle Thrush |
Andy Harding