News archive

Monday, 27 February 2017

Grey Wagtails in the UK.

At Farlington on Saturday 25th Feb among the 50 odd species seen was a very confiding Grey Wagtail who bobbed down the path just moving ahead of the group.These birds are on the Red List- there has been a slow long term decline in their numbers . (visit the link below for more info.)

The grey wagtail is more colourful than its name suggests with slate grey upper parts and distinctive lemon yellow under-tail. Its tail is noticeably longer than those of pied and yellow wagtails. They have gradually increased their range in the past 150 years and in the UK have expanded into the English lowlands from the northern and western uplands.

Found over most of the UK, with the exception of the Northern and western isles of Scotland. Likes fast flowing rivers in summer their greatest densities are in the hills of England, Scotland and Wales. In winter they can be seen around farmyards and lowland streams, even in city centres. Scarce in central and eastern England in summer and from upland areas in winter.

Thursday, 2 February 2017

Birding in Barbados

In February last year I was fortunate to book a guide for the day whilst on holiday in Barbados in an area called Mullins Bay which is on the leeward side of the island. I found him on a website named "birdingpal.org". This website lists birding pals all over the world. Some are professional guides and charge a daily fee but others are just locals who enjoy birding and are willing to impart their knowledge. The locals might ask for petrol money or a spot of lunch, depending on a short or full day trip. The guide I found in Barbados supplemented his normal job by taking out holiday makers from single persons to small groups. I was in fact quite lucky as he had just returned the previous day to the island after being in the UK for several months. His name is Ryan Chenery if you ever need a guide in the Caribbean. He has a website at:

http://www.birdingtheislands.com/


If you are interested and would like more information open the PDF file.

Graham Whitehead (local website editor)

Download file

Thursday, 2 February 2017

Tern Island project this spring

Last year a whole bunch of enthusiastic volunteers ventured out in to Tern Island, in the centre of the harbour (at low tide I may add) to carry out a vegetation clearance project (weeding) to ensure that there was plenty of open shingle for the returning Little Terns in April. It is an ideal opportunity to view the reserve from a different aspect, which few have the opportunity to do.

If you are interested in any of the sessions below and want more information or wish to join us then please contact me on ivan.lang@rspb.org.uk or 01243 641508. To join us meet at Church Norton car park, which is at the end of Rectory Lane off the B2145 just before reaching Selsey.

On 22nd February 2017 meet at 13.45, on 8th March 2017 meet at 13.00, on 22nd March 2017 meet at 11.30, on 5th April 2017 meet at 12.30.

Please ensure that you have wet weather gear, warm clothes as it can be chilly out on the island, and wellingtons are essential to cross to the island. If you have work gloves and a garden fork that would be useful to bring but not essential. Thank you, your help will be appreciated by all the birds that use the island this summer.