Sidlesham/Church Norton 1 February 2025

Seventeen of us set off from the visitors centre at RSPB Pagham harbour, and, with the fluting accompaniment of two Song Thrushes, we headed straight for the Ferry Pool, which, at first, looked a little bare, but, on closer inspection, revealed plenty of ducks (Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Shelduck) and a small group of Black-tailed Godwits.

A few yards further on, we enjoyed super views of a male Kingfisher on the edge of the main channel. Intriguingly, he launched his fishing forays from the muddy bank and sat in the open for long periods.

We then picked our route carefully along the main path.  It was quite tough going on account of the slippery, muddy surface!  (Thankfully, no one fell over all day.)

From the lookout point just past the reedbeds, we could see literally hundreds of birds in massive flocks over the main harbour ahead.  Frustratingly, all the action was taking place a long way away, but that encouraged us to continue along the bund.

When we got closer, we saw just about every wader species you might hope to spot, including large groups of Golden Plover (200+) and Knot (400+).  Perhaps one of the most ‘productive’ Pagham Harbour visits for the group ever!  Skeins of Brent Geese were constantly flying directly over our heads.

We eventually reached the beach and enjoyed a bit of sea-watching.  We had plenty of telescopes trained on distant specks, one of which was identified as a Long-tailed Duck!  A few Red-throated Divers flew past, plus a couple of auks which were probably Guillemots.

We had our lunch at Church Norton, but by now the tide had reached its highest point and very few birds were left in view.  

Returning through the Churchyard initially, a Mistle Thrush gave good views perched high in a conifer.  The highlight of our return walk was seeing a hunting female Sparrowhawk which landed in view and remained so for the next ten minutes!  There were also three Red Breasted Mergansers in the main channel and other small birds such as Yellowhammer were seen.  A small contingent went on after the main walk to another undisclosed location on the Selsey peninsular and were successful in seeing the long-staying Long-eared Owls there.  Although not all of us had seen all the birds by any means, a total of 57 species were seen during the course of the day.

Isle of Sheppey 11 January 2025

Eight of us braved the early morning ritual of defrosting our cars in minus 5 degrees, to convene at the sea wall of Leysdown on Sea on the Isle of Sheppey.  On arrival we began to see Oystercatcher, Redhsank, Sanderling and Turnstone, at times very close in front of us.  On close inspection one or two Grey Plover emerged amongst the more numerous waders.  There were some Shelduck out on the sea and Herring, Black headed, and Common Gulls.  A large flock of Brent Geese flew in and landed in front of us.  Then it was possible to start picking out numerous Red Throated Diver.  In all we estimated there to be at least 75 visible, a number which none of us had ever seen together in one place before.  We spent some time watching and soaking in this spectacle, and in pondering whether there were any Black Throated or Great Northern amongst them (inconclusive.)

We re-grouped further down the sea wall at a parking place and walked down the track to Shellness.  A large number of Golden Plover glinted in the sunlight along with a handful of Ringed Plover in an adjacent field.  The first of numerous Marsh Harrier for the day drifted across in front of us.  A couple of Stonechat flitted around in the undergrowth nearby and a pair of Reed Bunting sat obligingly in some bushes.

We then returned to the cars and transferred to the RSPB Raptor viewpoint.  Lapwing, Red Legged Partridges and Corn Buntings were in the fields and scrub.  One of the group had a brief glimpse of a small falcon flying, probably a Merlin.  More Marsh Harriers appeared, then a ringtail Hen Harrier was picked out with the characteristic white ring around the tail.  Another raptor turned out to be a passing Peregrine which sped off.  A Kestrel sat on a telegraph pole giving a prolonged view.  Whilst taking in all the sights we also heard the squeal of a Water Rail and the explosive song of a Cetti’s Warbler from the reedbeds.

Some of the group then decided to go on to Elmley nature reserve.  Most of the shallow pools were still frozen along the entrance track.  Lapwing were dotted about here and there, and one or two Black Tailed Godwit could be observed.  Arriving in the car park a Barn Owl was seen flying over, and then we spotted the first of around seven Short Eared Owls, perched on fence posts and in flight.  Some of the group had good views of Bearded Reedlings further out onto the reserve.  Unfortunately the resident Little Owls stayed hidden away in the old schoolhouse building and the Long Eared Owls were not showing either by the toilet block, but despite this we really had a very enjoyable day with some wonderful sightings with 45 species seen and 2 heard.

Riverside Park 2 January 2025

The traditional New Year’s day walk at Riverside Park took place on the 2nd January in 2025, and we enjoyed much more pleasant birding conditions than we otherwise might have done as a result.  As we started out around Bowers Lock the birds were active, with a large flock of Long Tailed, Blue and Great Tits.  As we stood watching the Tit flock they were joined by Nuthatch and Treecreeper, and the first Red Kite of the morning drifted overhead. A group of about a dozen Siskin were flying from tree to tree before settling in one to feed alongside a couple of Goldfinch.

In a distant pool the other side of the river there were Canada Geese, Egyptian Geese, and some Mallard and Teal.  A pheasant was spotted and a male Sparrowhawk perched in a tree.  Two Grey Herons flew into the same pool we had been watching.  Walking further on by the river a Little Grebe was working it’s way along the opposite bank, staying submerged for long periods and keeping well hidden amongst the reeds.  Small groups of Cormorant flew past us occasionally and a Kestrel hovered above a field.  A Goldcrest and a Robin provided some entertainment close to us and we then turned our attention to the Gulls on the recycling and waste centre.  They were mainly Black Headed and Herring Gulls, but with one or two Greater and Lesser Black Backed amongst them.  A pair of wrens were singing and chasing each other around and a Chiffchaff showed well.

As we came to Stoke Locke the explosive song of a Cetti’s warbler rang out and this bird did obligingly pop out into view for us a few times.

Crossing back over the river bridge and making our way along the board walk, we had some closer views of a couple of Teal.  The lake itself was quiet in terms of ducks, with only Mallard and Tufted Duck present, but there was a Coot and many more Gulls.

Returning to the car park there was a wonderful finale in the form of a Peregrine that soared overhead, closely followed by a Kestrel once again flying through and perching in a tree.  A good start to a new year’s sightings for everyone, as by the end of the walk the group had seen a total of 41 species.

Frensham Great Pond 13 December 2024

After a series of events cancelled due to storms, it was a relief to have calm weather for December’s walk at Frensham Great Pond, and eighteen Guildford members came to take advantage of our final outing of 2024. The birding was fairly quiet but with some pleasant sightings nonetheless. 

From the car park we had a small flock of Chaffinches, together with a Goldcrest and Blue and Great Tits, soon followed by an active group of Long-tailed Tits.  Moving along the lake shore we located four drake Goosanders and one female on the far shore – the only views of the day, probably due to the sailing activity later in the morning. As we watched a Kingfisher shot past, seen by a few. Opposite the hotel there were several Tufted Ducks, a few Mallards, and a nice view of fifteen male Pochards.

At the outfall we were watched by two Grey Herons perched high in the trees. Further along the lower path a Little Egret also moved to perch high up. Blue, Great and Coal Tits were seen or heard, and there were good numbers of Blackbirds, but otherwise the lower path was not that busy with bird life.  A flurry of activity as we approached the hotel added a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a distant Mistle Thrush, and two or three Tree Creepers.

The walk through the conifers along the south shore of the lake was peaceful if somewhat slow from a birding point of view. Two Great-crested Grebes were close by, but were disturbed by several noisy Egyptian Geese flying in.

The return to the carpark was pleasant in the sunshine, and we finally encountered some winter thrushes – a mobile flock of Redwings, the first of the winter for several members.  A Red Kite, a passing Grey Wagtail and a (heard) Green Woodpecker added to a final bird count of 32.

Barn Elms WWT London 16 November 2024

Twelve of us met in the car park of the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust in Barn Elms London on an overcast and chilly November day.  We could hear and see Ring Necked Parakeets whilst getting ready, and a single Redwing was spotted sitting high in a tree.  As we made our way to the Visitors Centre the pools outside contained the first of many Coot and Moorhen.

The spectacular (and warm) view from the main observatory gave us the chance to see a variety of ducks such as Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Shoveler, Mallard, Wigeon and Teal, along with Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe and Grey Heron.   Geese were represented by Canada and Egyptian varieties and a flock of Lapwing took off and swirled around in the sky at regular intervals.   As we watched all the activity one of the group called out a raptor flying low over the reeds which turned out to be a Sparrowhawk.

We made our way to the south route first and as we followed the path, we saw Blue Tits and a busy Chiffchaff in the Birch trees.  A group of Long Tailed Tits worked their way along the tree line.  The next two hides offered little in the way of new birds for the list but did give us the chance to brush up on our gull identification, comparing the Black Headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Lesser Black Backed Gulls and Common Gulls as they stood side by side.  

The bird feeding station was busy with Blue and Great Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch.  There were also one or two Siskin feeding in the Alder trees alongside.  Roger introduced us to his friend the Robin who flew over for the sunflower seed produced from his rucksack.  A Great Spotted Woodpecker also came down to the feeders.

The Peacock hide was surprisingly quiet but we stayed for a while enjoying more of the same birds already seen.  A Blackbird was in front of us on the path back to the Visitors Centre where we had our lunch.  Another Robin (or perhaps the same one from earlier) sat on one of our telescopes looking for crumbs that we might spill during lunch.

The word then spread that the hoped for Bittern had been seen from the Headley hide on the Western route, so we set off again with a purposeful stride, pausing only to admire the close-up views of the captive Barnacle and Red Breasted Geese.  Some of the group who had been quicker off the mark had already seen the Bittern, but it had vanished into the reeds again just before the latecomers arrived at the hide.  There were also views of a distant Peregrine from here on it’s usual perch on one of the buildings outside the reserve.  On walking to the Wildside hide, this also proved quiet, although there were a pair of Stonechat on the fences here which were a nice addition to the list.

We then made our way back to the Otter enclosure for the feeding session, noticing the captive White Storks and Common Cranes on the way.  These birds are clearly not yet fully on display but are gradually being prepared for more extensive viewing, presumably to highlight the recent conservation work with both these species here in the UK.  

Some of the party who had not seen the Bittern returned to the hide at this point and were successful, so that all the group had then seen the secretive star of the show.  The resident Asian Short Clawed otters were delightful at their feeding time, but the commentary stressed their important place in the eco-system as an apex predator rather than the cuteness factor.  

This brought our visit to a satisfactory close and with the birds heard throughout the day (Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher and Cetti’s Warbler,) we had managed a respectable tally of 50 bird species in all, excluding the captive specimens.

Pulborough Brooks 13 October 2024

Fourteen members of the group had an enjoyable morning walk round the RSPB’s Pulborough Brooks reserve in West Sussex on what turned out to be a cool, slightly cloudy but rain-free day.

We started outside the visitor centre, looking over Upperton’s Field towards West Mead and beyond to the River Arun and South Downs. A Kestrel was perched on a dead tree and a Sparrowhawk flew over the field.

Next stop, Fattengates Courtyard. Here we saw a range of garden birds such as Blue and Great Tits, House Sparrow, Robin, Dunnock, Chiffchaff and Chaffinch, no doubt encouraged by the sunflower seeds that had helpfully been scattered just before our arrival. We also heard Green and Greater Spotted Woodpecker and, just as we left, a flock of about 20 Long-tailed Tits flew over.

Next, we headed for the hairpin viewpoint overlooking the North Brooks. Here we saw good numbers of Teal, Lapwing and Canada Goose, with Greylag and Egyptian Goose, Mute Swan, Shoveler (many still partially in eclipse), Mallard and Black-tailed Godwit amongst them. A solitary Ruff was feeding at the water’s edge and a few Swallows and House Martins were still flying.

We then walked to Hanger View to look over the southern part of the North Brooks. Here we found more Teal with smaller numbers of Wigeon.

From Winpenny hide, the main excitement was provided by very active Marsh Harrier flying low over the marsh and at least three Buzzards.  There were also several Gadwall and a Snipe, the latter well camouflaged in the reeds at the edge of the water. Among the cows was a juvenile Cattle Egret.

The view from West Mead hide included many more Canada Geese, as well as a solitary Shelduck amongst the other duck species.

In the afternoon, the walk leaders headed to the viewpoint at Rackham, overlooking Amberley Wild Brooks, where we were rewarded with good views of a young White-tailed Eagle perched in the “eagle tree”. A Raven flew over and a Bullfinch was perched in the shrubs in front of the viewpoint.

The overall total for the walk at Pulborough was a respectable 50 species.

Farlington Marshes 6 October 2024

Six of us had a very enjoyable, if slightly damp stroll around Farlington Marshes.

On our arrival the tide was completely out but a Cetti’s warbler welcomed us with a burst of song and large flocks of Starling flew in all directions.  Once on the sea wall we began to see Black Tailed Godwits in some numbers, with three at very close range.  Also out on the mud were plenty of Redshank, Oystercatcher and Curlew and a large group of ducks, mainly Wigeon, in non-breeding plumage. Little Egret were numerous and occasionally Grey Heron were seen.  Arriving at The Lake the water levels were too high for any of the usual waders. There was no shortage of Coot however, and we saw two Little Grebe and a Great Crested Grebe here diving for food.  Sharp eyes picked out a Kingfisher sitting in a bush near the lake.

Continuing around the sea wall we were able to see numerous Meadow Pipit, a couple of Stonechat and a little Chiffchaff busily flitting around in the scrub.

Many birds were at some distance out in the harbour but the increasing drizzle and wind made identification difficult.  The Deeps was strangely quiet but fortunately here the rain eased off and we were able to see large numbers of Brent Geese flying in out at sea.  On Biness Island a large bird perched in the dead trees was confirmed on closer inspection through telescopes to be a Peregrine, and three Greenshank were spotted on the shoreline as the tide was coming in.  A group of Shelduck did a flypast for us.  Six Cattle Egret could be seen in the fields living up to their name by associating with the livestock.  Closer inspection revealed half a dozen or so Yellow Wagtail also present.  A Raven ‘cronked’ as it flew by and landed in one of the fields.

We had our well-earned lunch in the visitor’s centre hut and as we were finishing a Marsh Harrier began to quarter the fields and reed beds.  The stream was very quiet initially but as we cut across the fields and scrub we also saw some Shoveler and Pintail along with groups of Black Headed Gull and two Common Gull.  A Buzzard began circling around in the sky.

As we climbed the steps up to the sea wall again the tide was fully in on the other side and numerous Brent Geese bobbed around on the open water.  We had seen a respectable total of 52 species for the day.

Pagham Harbour 15 September 2024

A dozen of us enjoyed glorious weather – sunshine and a light breeze – for this stroll along the edge of Pagham Harbour.  The Ferry Pool was glassy and still, reflecting the Avocets, Lapwings, Black-tailed Godwits and Teal roosting there.  Both Common and Green Sandpiper were busy feeding along the edges, while the scrub and wooded area behind the hide offered close-up views of Common Whitethroat, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Robin, Tits and Sparrows.  Various raptors appeared for us: Buzzards, Peregrine and Kestrel.  A little later, along the walk to Church Norton, we added a flying Sparrowhawk, plus many of the usual harbour birds (Little Egrets, Redshanks, Curlew, Great-crested and Little Grebes) and, in the walk-side bushes: Chiffchaffs, Cetti, Stonechat and a young Yellowhammer.  Newly released Red-legged Partridges scampered about in the fields.  The tide was still quite high by the time we reached the beach.  Sadly, only a few gulls (and no terns) were visible out on the open sea.  Back on the shingle spit in the harbour, we ate our picnic lunch with fairly distant views of Cormorants, Oystercatchers, Turnstones and a solitary Bar-tailed Godwit.  Some of us tried our best to convert the young (i.e. shorter-billed) Curlews into Whimbrels!  On our return walk, we simply enjoyed the lovely warmth and the many Migrant Hawker dragonflies.  Our bird species total was 67 – a great day out!

Is the Great Bear Rain Forest on your birding wish-list?

Andrew Macdonald

Andrew MacDonald (Naturalist, British Columbia, Canada) explains why it should be!

British Columbia (BC) is Canada’s westernmost province and is home to the Great Bear Rainforest, which was described by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as “the planet’s last large expanse of coastal temperate rain forest.”

Stretching for more than 250 miles along the coast of BC, the 21-million-acre wilderness is sometimes called the Amazon of the North. The vast, sodden land encompasses 1,000-year-old cedars, waterfalls spouting off the sides of moss-covered mountains, granite-dark waters, and glacier-cut fjords. It is the most biologically diverse region in Canada, with an abundance of wildlife. Including coastal grey wolves, grizzly bears, Sitka deer, whales, salmon, sea otters and its most famous resident, the rare, cream-coloured Kermode bear (also known as the Sprit Bear).

Spirit bear
Spirit bear

The tremendous diversity of the area means there are large numbers of both resident and migratory birds. Around 520 species of birds have been recorded in BC and some can only be found here. But it’s not just the variety and numbers of birds that makes it so special for wildlife and bird lovers. It’s the unique possibility of seeing birds and mammals together. The sighting of gulls can signal the arrival of a pod of whales – humpbacks and orcas can be regularly spotted, with Fin Whales increasing in numbers on outer shores. Hearing the Sandhill Cranes while watching the elusive Sea Wolf hunting in the early morning mist is an unforgettable experience. Finding Harlequin Ducks on a rock as the humpbacks perform their acrobatic breeches and spy hops is mesmerising.

Humpback whale
Humpback whale

If I had to choose my three favourite Great Bear Rainforest birds, these would be the Steller’s Jay, the Varied Thrush and the Harlequin Duck. The gregarious, omnivorous Steller’s Jay is the provincial bird of BC. It’s an excellent imitator of other birds and animals, and even mechanical sounds such as those made by phones, sprinklers, and squeaky doors. With a subtly beautiful plumage of sooty black and rich blue shades the Steller’s Jay easily blends into its shaded forest surroundings.

Stellers Jay
The Steller’s Jay is the provincial bird of BC

The extremely shy but very handsome Varied Thrush is similar in size and shape to a robin but with a slighter build and a bolder pattern. It winters along the coast of Alaska and British Columbia and has a haunting call consisting of a single, vibrating and nasally tone drawn out over a few seconds. It repeats the note several times in different pitches, with a few seconds rest in between.

Varied Thrush
Varied Thrush

Small flocks of Harlequin ducks can be seen on the rocky coastline, where they choose fast-flowing mountain streams for breeding. They are small ducks with small bills and the males have a striking plumage, with chestnut flanks and distinctive white patches on the head and body. Females are dusky brown with two or three whitish patches on their face. For a sea duck, Harlequins are pretty vocal with a mouselike squeak which varies in frequency and intensity.

In the Great Bear Rain Forest, it’s very likely you’ll see all three birds. They provide a splash of colour in a world dominated by blues and greens.  Their calls are quintessentially West coast and there is nowhere else in the world where all three can be heard together. Their calls mean there could also be wolves, grizzlies, Spirit Bears or humpbacks close by.

Other notable birds include the Bald Eagle – the largest bird in BC, with a wingspan of up to 2.5metres. This white-headed bird of prey mates for life and has an amazing mating ritual. They lock talons in mid-air, then spin at breakneck speed, before hitting the water together. The salmon run often attracts large numbers of Bald Eagles, where they are versatile and agile hunters.

Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle

Black Turnstones winter along the rocky shores, with a high, shrill rattling call. The sight and sound of a large flock wheeling over the crashing waves can never be forgotten.

Whilst there are so many birds to add to a tick-list, the truly unique experience is to watch birds and mammals together. There is no better place on Earth!

The “invisible bird watcher” — Bence Mate

At the age of 14, Bence Mate won the title ‘Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year’, but it was not just his photographic talent that impressed the judges, it was his passion for wildlife and conservation. Mark Carwardine, a BBC zoologist and one of the judges, presented Bence with his award. He recalls “Bence was and still is an outstanding naturalist, due to spending every available moment in the field photographing the behaviour of his beloved birds. Even as a teenager his stated ambition was to earn money from his photography so he could set up his own hides, to encourage more people to appreciate birds and wildlife.”

22 years later, Bence Mate has more than achieved his teenage ambition. He’s designed and built 24 very different hides around his farmhouse in Hungary. He pioneered the use of one-way glass to allow bird watchers and photographers to get close to the shyest of birds without disturbing them. Described by Mark (now a regular visitor) as “some of the most imaginative and inspiring bird hides I have ever seen”.

Theatre hide in spring – photo by Bence Mate

The hides include a 12 metre high Tower Hide which is home to numerous nest boxes and perches, which says Bence “encouraged numerous prospective tenants. A pair of kestrels chose a nest box right under the window of the hide. They actively defended their territory, even against Common Buzzards, three times their size.”

“The success of the first Tower Hide led to the building of a second one close to a site favoured by a Red-footed Falcon colony. We mounted four nest boxes on the hide and four more close by. Red-footed falcons are  known to occupy nest boxes but we were very surprised when the first pair returned from Africa and immediately occupied one of the boxes.”

Roller Hides in Hungary – Photo by Bence Mate

Key species which can be seen from the hides in winter include otters, white-tailed eagles, common buzzards, bitterns, great white egrets, grey herons, water rail, kingfishers, marsh harriers, spoonbills, great cormorants, caspian gulls and black-headed gulls. Later in the year they are joined by goshawks, sparrowhawks, little egrets, squacco herons, European bee-eaters hoopoe, European rollers (from early turtle doves, little owls, black woodpeckers and Mediterranean gulls.

The hides and plentiful supply of nest boxes have also attracted one of the most colourful birds in Europe – the Roller. A few decades ago it was rare to see breeding pairs in Hungary . The roller mainly nests in tree cavities but due to extensive logging such holes became scarce. However, a nationwide nest-box project supported by Bence proved very successful and now the population is thriving. Says Bence “rollers regularly occupy nest boxes around the hides, where their behaviour can be observed at very close quarters. I can state with confidence that their spectacular colour is only matched by their meanness! I’ve seen them fearlessly attack Turtle Doves, Lesser Grey Shrikes, Common Kestrels and even Buzzards, during the mating season.”