Bird Watching の December 2018 の目次

With only 40 or so British breeding pairs, the Black Redstart is a bird in trouble over here, as Ian Parsons explains on page 28 Seen bird and wildlife art on a street wall near you and wondered what’s going on? Matt Swaine meets street artist ATM on page 34 Some birding moments are never forgotten, such as when Ruth Miller was amazed by the sight of a huge flock of waders in north Norfolk. Page 66 The seemingly average Redshank is indeed average in many ways, but still utterly fascinating, suggests Dominic Couzens. P 70 David Lindo marvels at raptor migration and other great birds in Batumi, in Georgia. Join him ‘looking up’ on page 92…

In late October, my dear wife Jo and I headed north for another one of Bird Watching’s ‘regular’ reader holidays based at the Grant Arms Hotel, in Speyside. If you are yet to go, it is a wonderful place. Not only is the hotel itself the perfect home for wildlife lovers, but it is brilliantly set on the edge of Anagach Woods (which hold Capercaillie, Crossbill and Crested Tit, as well as ‘easy’ Red Squirrels); and it is within respectable driving distance of many of the best Highland birding localities. And visit many of those sites we did during our ‘week’ based at Grantown-on-Spey. A personal highlight for me was a visit to Chanonry Point on the Black Isle. Boy, was it windy, but we found a sheltered spot to…

Finch investigation Observations by citizen scientists have helped vets at the ZSL (Zoological Society of London) investigate a condition affecting British finches. A study published in Scientific Reports shows that reports of leg lesions peak in winter, from November to March, which may be linked to the annual influx of migratory Chaffinches from mainland Europe. Leg lesions, commonly known as ‘scaly leg’ or ‘tassel foot’, are growths on the legs and feet. Volunteers taking part in the BTO Garden BirdWatch survey, have helped shed light on the problem. Epic journey A Spoon-billed Sandpiper reared by a WWT conservationist in Russia was sighted by a friend in China just weeks later. The young bird was identified in Jiangsu, more than 3,000 miles from the Russian east coast, where it was raised…

Ultimately we can, and must, welcome birds and ecological abundance back to our country. Birds are often the most noticeable creatures to disappear, their loss the warning sign that something is fundamentally wrong in the way we treat our environment. They are the canary in the mine. We as human beings are very much a part of the whole web of nature, dependent on a healthy environment like every other living creature. It is so easy to forget this in our modern industrialised world where we are insulated by comfort and technology. We must learn a greater love and respect for other living things if we are to avert global disaster. My hope is that together we really can bring about fundamental change in modern farming practices, city planning and…

Yes, it’s freezing; but it is supposed to be cold in December! Wrap up warm and face the weather, down at the coast. Here, a whole bunch of fascinating and beautiful birds are ignoring the chill and getting on with their winter holidays down by the seaside. And you can look at them in the warmth and comfort of your home. Coastal birds are a diverse bunch, from small seed-eaters nibbling their way along the strand line or shingle banks to huge seabirds like Gannets powering along the shore. There may be waders or wildfowl and everything else. All you have to do, as usual, is identify and put a name to the birds in the photographs, then turn the page to see our solutions and answers. Then, turn the…

GRID REF: TM 463 555 POSTCODE: IP15 5DE HOW TO GET THERE: From the A12 south of Saxmundham take the A1094 to Aldeburgh. Follow the car park signs along Slaughden Road to the south of town WHERE TO PARK: In Slaughden car park, by the sea wall TERRAIN: Mostly on the level, though tracks can be muddy after rain. For those with mobility issues parts of the marsh can be viewed from Slaughden Road ACCESS: Full public access throughout the year FACILITIES: None on site apart from information boards. Full range in Aldeburgh PUBLIC TRANSPORT: First Eastern Counties provide a bus service (No. 64) from Saxmundham to Aldeburgh. Traveline, web: traveline.org.uk ORGANISATIONS: Aldeburgh Town Council, web: aldeburghtowncouncil.co.uk Suffolk Ornithologists’ Group, web: sogonline.org.uk COUNTY RECORDER: Scott Mayson, email: smsuffolkbirder@gmail.com MAPS: OS…

The Redshank isn’t well-named. The legs, or ‘shanks,’ are not red, but orange, so I propose that a change is made. The name ‘Orange-shank’ is too much of a tongue-twister, so here is the perfect alternative. The new English name for Tringa totanus should be ‘Midshank.’ It makes sense. Redshank is a medium-sized wader, dwarfed by a Curlew but towering over a Dunlin – so it’s middling in size. It has a medium-length, straight bill, lacking excessive length or curvature, but considerably longer than that of any plover, for example – so, a bill in the median range. The legs, too, are longer than those of a Knot or a Dunlin, but not as lanky as those of a godwit, or an Avocet, or indeed a Spotted Redshank. The legs…

Scott O’Hara Scott grew up in Montrose on the Scottish east coast and is an experienced Heatherlea guide. When not guiding groups, Scott is an enthusiastic and avid birder with a particular passion for waders, wildfowl and seabirds. John Picton John has been actively watching wildlife in the Highlands for more than 30 years and has been guiding full time in Scotland for more than eight years. A good all-round naturalist, John specialises in birds and has a special interest in raptors.…

GREATER YELLOWLEGS There have been more than 50 records of this North American ‘equivalent’ of the Greenshank. But several of these refer to the same birds, moving to ‘nearby’ sites, reducing the total to more like 40. It is still a very rare bird. They are Greenshank-like, but with yellow legs and square white rump. LITTLE BUSTARD In December 2014 (into January 2015), there was a mini-influx of this rare bustard species into the country, with individuals in East Yorkshire, East Sussex, Dorset and one even found shot in Norfolk. The chances of a repeat of this are admittedly slim, but you’ve got to dream! GREAT BLUE HERON There have only ever been two accepted records of this large North American heron in the UK. Both were from St Mary’s,…

Most rare breeding birds in the UK tend to be associated with remote places, making it difficult for us birders to connect with them. Black Redstarts, though, are different. If you want to see breeding Black Redstarts, then you don’t need to head to the remotest parts of the country, you need to head to the cities. Breeding Black Redstarts are very much an urban bird. You can also see them in coastal areas during spring passage and in autumn at places like the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall. In winter, the birds can be seen in Lancashire and Lincolnshire southwards and along the south coast.…

It’s happened to many birders – you find an unusual looking bird, a funny looking duck or goose, a flamingo or a pelican… “What is that doing here?” you think to yourself after you have calmed yourself slightly. “Surely, it must have hopped the wire from the local zoo or collection? Surely, it can’t have flown all the way from Asia/Africa/America? Surely, it can’t be a first for Britain, here on my local patch at this time of year?” What next? What should your approach be now? Should you make the assumption that it’s an escape straight away, ignore it and move on? Should you report it immediately to the Bird Information Services or the Rarities Committee? Is anyone interested? My advice in this situation is ‘back to basics’ birding…

K E Y Sites may be best visited by car, or a car may be required to get from point to point. Requires birding to be done on foot. Specified points to visit, but can be done in any order (known as KEYPOINTS) Specified points to visit and are best done in numerical order (known as WAYMARKERS) NB: The MILES ON FOOT is the amount of miles you will need to walk and not necessarily the amount of miles in the whole route. The TIME is how many hours we recommend. So, if there are fewer miles per hour, it could be that there is more to see. COLLECT & KEEP Every month we bring you 10 more sites to build up your GO BIRDING collection…

POSTCODE: KW17 2NH GRID REF: HY 345 260 HOW TO GET THERE: The main road is the A966 out from Kirkwall. There is a sign for the Broch which has Historic Scotland on the sign. The RSPB hide is well signposted 1.5 miles along the road WHERE TO PARK: Main car parking area by the broch but there are several locations you can stop at, like the Sands of Evie, which has its own car park on a second track past the cemetery. Another car park is found by the RSPB hide TERRAIN: Anything from sand to tarmac to cover the area. The broch is closed in winter but you can view the area from the track down to it OPENING TIMES: 1 Apr to 30 Sept, 9.30am to 5.30pm…

GRID REF: NU 127 420 POSTCODE: TD15 2SG HOW TO GET THERE: If you are travelling up the A1 turn off at Gulf Lindisfarne service station, 16 miles north of Alnwick and 8 miles south of Berwick on Tweed. Follow on across the railway line until you drop to the causeway. With the tide out drive onto the island taking the first left in the village after the large car park WHERE TO PARK: There is a National Trust car park as you rise up on the island on your left. A second car park is close the start of the Straight Lonnen. Both are pay and display TERRAIN: Sandy and wet if that makes sense. Beware of Pirri pirri growing in the dunes sticking to your’s and your dog’s…

GRID REF: NY352619 POSTCODE: CA6 4BL HOW TO GET THERE: Leave the M6 at Junction 44 and drive onto the Carlisle bypass signed for Workington. Take the first right turn off the first roundabout and drive to Rockcliffe village driving through this and taking the second left turn which brings you to the River Eden. For the Boat House, keep going and, on a sharp bend to the right, drive straight on. For Gretna, keep on this minor road until you hit the road parallel to the motorway and turn left and left again into Gretna. Take the first left at the roundabout by the garage and left at the sharp bend to the right. Old Graitney is on the back road in Gretna. Old Sandsfield can be found off…

GRID REF: SJ 495 149 HOW TO GET THERE: From the north side of Shrewsbury take the A528 to Hubert Way (east side of A528) about 1.5 miles from the town centre WHERE TO PARK: Hubert Way , grid ref: SJ 495 149 TERRAIN: Mainly level; tracks can be a bit muddy at times particularly after heavy rain ACCESSIBILITY: Limited but good disabled access for about half of the walk. Dogs allowed under control FACILITIES: None on site but all in Shrewsbury PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Nearest Railway Station is Shrewsbury. National Rail Enquiries, tel: 08457 700 240. Bus services Traveline, tel: 08712 002 233 ORGANISATIONS: Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council CLUB CONTACT: Shropshire Ornithological Society, tel: 01743 761 507 Web: shropshirebirds.com COUNTY RECORDER: Martyn Owen, 34 Peacock Hill, Alveley, Shropshire WV15…

GRID REF: SP 216 804 POSTCODE: B92 0LS HOW TO GET THERE: The reserve is situated to the east of Solihull mid-way between Balsall Common and Hampton in Arden off the A452 Kenilworth dual carriageway at Marsh Lane WHERE TO PARK: At the main entrance of the reserve (key required) TERRAIN: Good hardcore paths for most. Suitable for wheelchair access with assistance ACCESSIBILITY: Open to permit holders only. Annual permits should be applied for by post only from Packington Hall, Packington Park, Meriden CV7 7HF. Day permit and key to reserve gates by collection (cash refundable deposit required): Somers Fishery (top of car park to Stonebridge Golf Centre), Somers Road (off Hampton Lane), Meriden CV7 7HF. Tel: 01676 523833 FACILITIES: Hides and viewing screens on reserve. Plenty of shops and…

GRID REFERENCE: SO 445 669 HOW TO GET THERE: From the B4361 from Ludlow take the B4362 to the hamlet of Cock Gate WHERE TO PARK: Either at the castle (free), grid ref: SO 450 655, or up to the end of the minor road north west from Cock Gate and park in one or two small areas, grid ref: SO 458 658 TERRAIN: Good tracks but quite hilly so good boots and a compass are recommended ACCESSIBILITY: Very limited disabled access. Some swing gates. Dogs on a lead FACILITIES: Café and toilets on site next to the castle otherwise all in Ludlow or Leominster PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Nearest train station is Ludlow or Leominster, National Rail Enquiries tel: 08457 700 240, bus services, Traveline, tel: 08712 002 233 ORGANISATIONS: National…

GRID REF: SN610 225 POST CODE: SA19 6RT (For Newton House, the mansion on the eastern boundary of the Deer Park) HOW TO GET THERE: Reach Llandeilo from east or west by way of the A40 or from the south by the A483, the entrance drive for Newton House is on the western edge of the town WHERE TO PARK: At Newton House, fee payable TERRAIN: Grassland and woodland footpaths with moderate climbing, steep if heading for the castle ACCESS: Open 10am-6pm mid-March to end of October, otherwise 10am-4pm. Fee payable to non-members of the National Trust FACILITIES: All available at Newton House or close by at the Castle Walk Café PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Reach Llandeilo Mondays to Saturdays by bus from Carmarthen. Rail service three times a day from Swansea…

GRID REF: TL 385 120 POSTCODE: SG12 8LZ HOW TO GET THERE: From Hertford take the A10 south for 1.5 miles turning off at A414 to Harlow. At the roundabout, take the B181 for one mile to Stanstead Abbotts WHERE TO PARK: Pay and display in Stanstead Abbott TERRAIN: Mostly on the level with good paths, some surfaced and suitable for wheelchair users beside the River Lee ACCESS: Year-round access on public footpaths FACILITIES: Full range in Stanstead Abbotts, plus several interpretive boards on site PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Buses operate between Hertford and Stanstead Abbotts, web: stagecoach.com / trains on the Hertford East to Liverpool Street line stop at St Margaret’s, web: greateranglia.co.uk ORGANISATIONS: Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust, Grebe House, St Albans, AL3 4SN. Tel: 01727 854542, web: hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Lee Valley…

HOW: Park in either Burham or Wouldham villages accessed from Rochester in the north or Ditton in the south and choose a route NE TERRAIN: Undeniably hard going if you climb the down. The section along past the Robin Hood Inn is flat tarmac so could create a mini walk available to all FACILITIES: Pubs and shops in Burham and Wouldham. The Robin Hood Inn along the North Downs Way has food and a garden which attracts plenty of bird species PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Buses are regular in the villages ORGANISATION: Kent Ornithological Society, web: kentos.org.uk COUNTY RECORDER: Barry Wright, email: umbrellabirds66@gmail.com MAP: OS Explorer 148, OS Landranger 178…

By its very nature, birdwatching is just that. Birdwatching. There’s very little suggestion in those semantics of the other ways in which we might use our senses to immerse ourselves in the activity that brings us so much joy. Bird spotting could be another way to describe what we do but, again, that’s all about what we see. It neglects what we hear, feel and smell. You’ll notice I’ve left out taste – for obvious reasons. If you want to eat the birds we feature here, this is definitely not the magazine for you. I just want you to think for a moment of your favourite experience. Don’t close your eyes just yet, I want you to read on. Let’s say you woke up early and you wandered into a…

Moved by Lest we forget Thank you for the moving and interesting article Lest we forget in the November issue. It was a fitting tribute from birders to those who died in the Great War, and a reminder of the value of the natural order in people’s lives, then, now and in the future. Ruth Iredale Eat more plants! I completely agree with Bo’s article on meat consumption in the November issue. As food and agriculture expert Michael Pollan put it in his book The Omnivore’s Dilemma – ‘Eat food, not too much, mostly plants’. Dave Sanderson Loafing about! Reading Dominic Couzens’ article on herons ‘loafing about’ reminded me of just such a group at Radipole Lake RSPB, Dorset, recently. It’s not the best photo but there were 16 herons…

• Capercaillie • Black Grouse • Ptarmigan • Crested Tit • Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill • Golden Eagle • White-tailed Eagle • Probables: Red Grouse Red-throated Diver Black-throated Diver Great Northern Diver Slavonian Grebe Scaup, Long-tailed Duck Common Scoter Velvet Scoter Red-breasted Merganser Goosander,Purple Sandpiper Iceland Gull, Dipper Hooded Crow, Raven Tree Sparrow Twite, Lesser Redpoll Snow Bunting Corn Bunting • Good chances: Bean Goose Barnacle Goose Brent Goose Grey Partridge Hen Harrier, Goshawk Merlin, Peregrine Glaucous Gull, Waxwing Great Grey Shrike Brambling Crossbill • Possible rarities:  Red-breasted Goose American Wigeon Green-winged Teal Black Duck Ring-necked Duck Black Scoter, King Eider Surf Scoter White-billed Diver Red-necked Grebe, Bittern Bonaparte’s Gull Ring-billed Gull Ross’s Gull Ivory Gull Brünnich’s Guillemot Little Auk (This is not a definitive list of all rarities we could…

Despite from sounding like a destination in darkest deepest Congo, Batumi is in fact a resort city on the Black Sea coast of Georgia. Situated on the western side of the country and a short Honey Buzzard flight from neighbouring Turkey to the south, Batumi has an interesting history. Formally under the control of Russia and latterly despot warlords, it is now the playground of oligarchs hell-bent on building yet more skyscraping hotels in this city of 155,000. Its geographical positioning is also perfect for observing transiting raptors from further north and east en route to their sub-Saharan wintering quarters. Indeed, between mid-August and the end of October in excess of one million raptors pass over the bird counting stations in the mountains surrounding Batumi, making the area one of…

STEPHEN MOSS Tour leader Stephen is one of Britain’s best-known naturalists, authors and wildlife TV producers. His TV credits include Springwatch and Birds Britannia, while his many books include The Robin: A Biography. Stephen moved to Somerset 12 years ago with his family, and loves showing people the bird and wildlife wonders of his adopted home. GRAEME & KAY MITCHELL ran a holiday company for 25 years. Having settled with their family in Somerset two decades ago, they founded Somerset Birdwatching Holidays in 2017. Graeme’s guiding skills and Kay’s wonderful cooking make them the perfect hosts for your stay.…

Camera manufacturers and equipment companies would have us believe that a plethora of accessories are needed for us to become better bird photographers. Much of what we read, or are told, is hype. And it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that buying the latest gizmo will improve our photography, when really what we need are more opportunities, and to hone our skills. Nevertheless, there are a handful of accessories  that are vital for bird photographers, and others, that protect equipment and just make life a whole lot easier. 1 Tripod A tripod is essential if you use a heavy lens and you want to leave it poised, hands-free, while making camera adjustments or while inside a portable hide. It needs to be sturdy enough to support…

SOUTH WEST Highlights There is no doubt that the UK’s second ever Grey Catbird (at the Lizard, 15th-29th) was the star bird of the region. Ample back-up came from a Green Warbler identified from photographs on Lundy, Devon, and a Bobolink briefly seen on St Mary’s, Scilly, (15th). AVON CLEVEDON-WESTON-SUPER-MARE: Sand Point had a Kittiwake, Goshawk, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Ring Ouzel, Yellow-browed Warbler, two Firecrests, 2,000 Chaffinches and 31 Bramblings. Shelducks included 500 at Clevedon-Yeo and 380 at Uphill. There were 11 Little Egrets at Backwell Lake and 35 south of Clevedon. Seven Great White Egrets flew over Weston-super-Mare, with smaller numbers elsewhere. An Avocet was on the Axe. Sand Bay had a Red-breasted Merganser, eight Goosanders, 18 Swallows and four House Martins. Clevedon-Yeo had a Mandarin, Marsh Harrier,…

Despite being exhausted the day after the last British Birdfair, I still had to wake at sparrow-fart because I’d promised to take a visiting American friend birding. After all, he had shown me Swallow-tailed Kites near Kissimmee and taken me for a magical morning on Merritt Island. We added some birds, bringing his life list to 1,300. However, even with my built-in British bias, I could hardly claim that Grey Partridge and Garden Warbler were fair exchange for Redcockaded Woodpecker and Worm-eating Warbler. We chatted about our different experiences and his dayjob as ‘recreation co-ordinator – trails’, for a Florida county. The difference in accessibility between there and here is a chasm, and, to my mind, an outrage. We might pride ourselves on political correctness, but we should be ashamed…

“WINTER SHOULD SEE PLENTY OF BRENT GEESE AND WILDFOWL AS WELL AS A SMATTERING OF WINTER WADERS, AND THE CHANCE OF GOOD RAPTOR- AND OWL-WATCHING OVER THE MARSHES LOOKING TOWARD THE WASH” Here are some great sites around the country to visit this December to help give a final lift to your #My200BirdYear list. As anyone who has seen Bird Watching magazine before will know, we feature 10 Go Birding sites every month, and have done so since May 2000. So, that would be nearly 200 sites just for December, around the country! There are far too many great sites to list them all, so here are just a few from the different regions of the country to get you thinking about December’s riches. Burghead, Moray…

Winter buntings: Lapland Bunting vs Reed Bunting Lapland Bunting • Long wings, relatively short tail • Open face, with black line ‘around’ ear coverts • Red-brown and black upper parts • Two transverse white wing-bars • Buff bill Reed Bunting • Short wings, relatively long tail • Striped face with multiple stripes including eye stripe and lateral throat stripe • Golden-brown and black upperparts • No white wing-bars • Grey bill Female sawbills: Red-breasted Merganser vs Goosander Red-breasted Merganser • Bill fine and upturned • Spiky feathers on head • Indistinct transition between orange upper neck and grey lower neck • Smaller, more delicate bird Goosander • Bill strong and distinctly hook-tipped • Fuller, neater feathers on head • Clear cut transition between orange upper neck and pale lower neck…

Orkney is no stranger to ancient history, and the Broch of Gurness is one of the most outstanding surviving examples of a type of Iron Age settlement unique to northern Scotland. It also gives you the chance to cover an area of the mainland you may have otherwise driven past. It also has the Sound of Eynhallow to scan over, for feeding divers and sea ducks. Birders have also found a wide variety of passage migrants here, which makes the area even more interesting to explore. Breeding Red-throated Divers drop down to the sound to feed before flying back to their nesting areas. They are joined by Great Northern Divers in winter and plenty of sea ducks like Goldeneye, Eider and Long-tailed Duck. Red-breasted Mergansers are resident and breed in…

The history of Holy Island has been as much about monks as migrant birds, so many of the people who flock to it may have a different religion to the birder looking for a good migrant. I have travelled here many times, not by walking barefoot across the sands, but driving over the causeway at low tide. I have always loved the island for what it is – full of history and often birds, some common but always different in their location. The Straight Lonning is as magical as the abbey and the castle to birders, such is the anticipation as you walk along after an easterly in spring and especially autumn. One of my best days here saw eight Bluethroats. None on the first walk down, just a Red-backed…

This is the largest single saltmarsh in Britain, growing at a rate of 100 acres a year, with so much sediment coming down the rivers Esk and Eden. The Old Boat House gives you an idea of what was here before – nothing – as this was the only way to get to Scotland, by boat! There were no bridges as the rivers were too wide and tidal. Now, of course, you have several roads, a motorway and rail link crossing slightly inland. This must rate as Britain’s most underrated bird site, as it is a 12-month, of the year location, but access is restricted by the owner, even though the site is leased to the Cumbrian Wildlife Trust, which issues the permits. Winter sees tens of thousands of geese,…

This area on the edge of town is fascinating both historically as well as naturally. Something like 10,000 years ago, the River Severn meandered round the area that eventually became the town of Shrewsbury. However, a few thousand years later, the river became larger and cut through the loop of the old river leaving a large area, usually called an oxbow, which, over the years, silted up and left us with a rather interesting nature reserve! So, the old riverbed is now a fairly broad swathe of marsh with lush growth of reed, sedge and horsetail being predominant. You will also see Meadow Sweet and Yellow Flag. Also, of course, there are many insects and, in summer, you will see dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies. And what about the birds? Of…

It has been some 10 years since I first wrote about this reserve, which was opened to the public in 2001, although the former gravel workings were well watched for many years before the opening. The land is owned by Packington Estates and after gravel extraction was complete, work started on establishing a nature reserve with shallow pools, reedbeds and islands provided. Since those early days, the reserve has gone from strength to strength, with a bird list now standing at a very creditable 203 species, with rarities, such as Bonaparte’s Gull, Rough-legged Buzzard and Bee-eater, while just outside the main reserve, a Dusky Warbler skulked for nearly a week in local surrounding hedgerows. The reserve (although permit only) is worth a visit at any time of the year, with…

This is one of those walks in Herefordshire where you can spend the whole day wandering through a hilly woodland with ancient oak and Sweet Chestnut trees and with a hill fort from ancient times, a castle from more recent times and fish pools to add to the interest. The hill fort – a Scheduled Ancient Monument – dates back to around 550BC and up to the Iron Age and is one of the most significant in this country. It has magnificent views across the beautiful Herefordshire countryside and, of course, it makes it easier to see high-flying birds, with Red Kite lately seen in the area more frequently. There are quite a few tracks to explore the woodlands and you can test your knowledge of bird calls. So, expect…

The River Alde and wetlands to the east of Aldeburgh have long been noted as a birding hotspot, and they fall within the boundaries of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, alongside much of the Suffolk coast and hinterland. There is good public access from footpaths and a raised embankment beside the river, while the sea at Aldeburgh Bay should not be ignored, particularly when the wind is onshore. A variety of bird-rich habitats await the walker, including shingle foreshore, freshwater broads, marshes, reedbeds, farmland and grazing meadows, plus the River Alde with its meandering reaches. As a consequence, the number of possible species is high and an ideal walk to kickstart that year list. The wet meadows often attract a small flock of tundra Bean Geese among the more…

There is nowhere else in Wales quite like Dinefwr. In 1775, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown wrote that “nature has been truly bountiful” when making suggestions for the park to then owners George and Cecil Rice. Its beauty was also recognised by Catherine the Great of Russia, who, when commissioning a china dinner-set, chose Dinefwr Deer Park to sit alongside other majestic scenes from across Europe. From the moment you begin the approach drive you are amid history. Immediately, on the right you’ll see the site of an extensive Roman fort, perhaps the largest in Wales, close by a medieval village. A little further on, a view of Dinewfr Castle situated on the highest point of the ridge. Forwards stands Newton House, one of the great treasures of the National Trust in…

Situated at the northern end of the Lee Valley Regional Park, this walk includes the local Wildlife Trust’s important wetland reserve at Amwell comprising lakes, reedbeds, islands, shallow margins and willow scrub. The river, canal, adjacent woodlands, farmland and damp fields combine to form a wide range of habitats ensuring a decent variety of birds throughout the year, particularly considering how close the site is to the hurly-burly of London. The main viewpoint overlooking the managed islands and reedbeds is a focal point for scanning the flocks of wildfowl, gulls and waders, while most winters a rarity, such as Smew or Goosander, is recorded on Great Hardmead Lake. It is also a good spot for watching birds moving along the Lee Valley to feeding and roost sites and in the…

Once my local patch – and it kept me fit – this intriguing oasis of calm and green rises up and above the ever expanding urban whirl of Rochester and Chatham and is always a productive walk. The noise of the M2 and the large populace around you seem intriguingly remote and I love this tiny tract of the North Downs ‘squashed’ between the sprawl on the west and the River Medway to the east. The topography protects three villages that remain relatively untouched and also offers a birdwatcher a variety of habitats which always gives my notebook at least 35 species; once – in May - 65! Referred to locally as Blue Bell Hill (which, in winter is an icy devil of a road) it is the interesting linear…

There are some bird species that taken individually are fairly unremarkable but, seen on mass, become astonishing. Take the Knot; as an individual, it is a medium-sized, dumpy, grey wader, with medium-length legs and a medium-length bill, the Mr Average of the wader world. In fact, a Knot’s most distinguishing feature is its lack of distinguishing features. However, pack tens of thousands of Knots together in one place and they become a spectacle that will take your breath away. Perhaps the best place to witness this transformation is Snettisham RSPB on The Wash in Norfolk. Time your visit carefully. You need to be there at least an hour before high tide in autumn or winter, when high tides and waders coincide. It’s a bit of a walk to reach the…

• Robins, of course, will be singing even on the coldest, shortest days, with males staking out territories for the coming breeding season. If you want to encourage them to stay on and breed, put an open-fronted nest box up now, but choose a spot that Grey Squirrels and cats can’t climb or jump to. • You could plant a rugosa rose (a non-native shrub) now, to provide hips for birds next year. • It’s also a time to plant other trees, hedges, and shrubs, but only if the weather remains relatively mild. • If you have a greenhouse, then now’s the time to tidy it up. When you do (and indeed when doing any tidying at this time of year), take care not to disturb hibernating creatures such as…

• Seven nights comfortable accommodation at The Mountview Hotel, VisitScotland rated 3 Star. All rooms are en suite, with TV and hospitality tray. There is no single supplement, and guests are never expected to share. • Full Scottish breakfast, a substantial packed lunch, and a delicious dinner. • Six full days wildlife watching with Heatherlea, VisitScotland rated 5 stars for ‘Wildlife Experience’. • Guidance from professional group leaders. • All transport by comfortable PCV minibus, including Capercaillie safari in Heatherlea’s private estate grounds (weather permitting). • A checklist specifically prepared for your holiday to record your sightings and notes. • Courtesy bus service to and from Aviemore. Whats not included • Travel to The Mountview Hotel. • Insurance, drinks and other items of a personal nature.…

CRANE The Crane (or Common Crane, or Eurasian Crane), Grus grus, is the most widespread member of its genus, being found across the Palearctic from Iberia and the UK in the west, to eastern Russia in the east. In the UK, they are rare breeding birds, but rapidly expanding, with a nesting population of about 50 pairs, mainly in East Anglia (including the RSPB sites of Lakenheath in Suffolk and Nene Washes in Cambridgeshire). This burgeoning population is being supplemented by a reintroduction scheme centred in the south-west of England: thegreatcraneproject.org.uk Numbers are boosted somewhat in the winter by birds from the continent.…

PALLID HARRIER Once upon a time, the Pallid Harrier was a mystical bird that UK birders dreamt about seeing. Now, thanks to their range expanding westwards, Pallid Harrier sightings have increased phenomenally and it probably won’t be long before they are classed as scarce migrants. Smaller and daintier than the Hen Harrier, the Pallid was historically a denizen of the southern parts of Eastern Europe and into Central Asia, wintering in India and southeast Asia. Its flight is more graceful than the Monatgu’s Harrier, although, despite this, females and immature birds can be tricky to identify for the unwary. In Batumi, come September, it is more likely to be seen than the more numerous Montagu’s Harriers that mostly pass through earlier in the season.…

Spring Spectacular Choose from two dates, each with two-and-a-half days birding and three nights DBB • Fri 10 May-Mon 13 May • Mon 3 June-Thu 6 June • Details: All accommodation is en suite in luxury converted cottages or an adjacent B&B, and the holiday price includes dinner and drinks, self-service breakfast, pub lunch, all transport during your stay, and the services of guides Stephen Moss and Graeme Mitchell. Group size maximum seven clients. • Price: £565pp (deposit £100) Single room supplement £75pp • To book: Call 01934 712831 or visit somersetbirdwatchingholidays.com and click on ‘Birdwatching Packages’ then ‘Birdwatching Reader Holiday’.…

1 GREAT WHITE EGRET: Our star species – and the proud logo of Somerset Birdwatching Holidays – is one of Britain’s greatest conservation success stories. Having arrived on the Avalon Marshes less than a decade ago, these stately herons now breed in large numbers – sightings are guaranteed. 2 BITTERN: Or ‘toasted heron’, as one local schoolboy named it. One of Britain’s most elusive species, it has made an extraordinary comeback, from 11 booming males in the 1990s to more than 50 now on the Avalon Marshes alone! We’ll keep a sharp eye out for them on the edges of reedbeds. 3 CRANE: Europe’s tallest bird – and one of its most spectacular – can be hard to track down in this huge wetland, but we’ll check out the latest…

RSPB BIRDS OF PREY 2019 CALENDAR, £10 A 30.5cm x 30.5cm calendar, that is even bigger, of course, once it’s opened and hanging. With one photo per month and another on the cover, if you see all of these next year you should be pleased with yourself. And when you get to December… well, there’s no traditional Robin to enjoy, but there is some red, with a kite. UK made and FSC certified. There’s a special offer – buy two large 2019 calendars for £17. shopping.rspb.org.uk ALPKIT FIRN DOWN JACKET, £99 A lightweight, water-repellent, toasty jacket that packs small, won’t break the bank and is loaded with ‘ethically-sourced duck down’ to keep you cosy. You can wear it as an outer layer, or as a mid-layer for extra warmth during…

What first sparked your interest in birdwatching, and when? My father encouraged me to watch birds when I was a child. We lived near a forest and that made things easier. After a while, I got a pair of binoculars and convinced the boy next door to wander through nature on Wednesday afternoon. I still remember going to the River Scheldt near Antwerp with my father on a dull Sunday. There, I saw Avocets for the first time. Wonderful birds! It became the best Sunday ever. Since then, I’m fascinated by shorebirds: at times easy to see, but also hard to identify. Who was your birdwatching inspiration or mentor? My father brought me to a bird hide somewhere in Holland to meet a birder, named Johan. He was obsessed with…