2014 so far at Longham (plus late autumn 2013)
March 21st There was 1 Siberian(-type) Chiffchaff among more typical birds at Longham this morning, on the north-west side of Longham Reservoir North. Also 5 Mediterranean Gulls and lots of Reed Bunting (Lorne Bissell). March 18th The highlight of a mid-afternoon...
Penduline Tit at Longham Lakes
As of yesterday, there is a Penduline Tit at Longham Lakes, on the bulrushes at the southern end, on the edge of the small pond.
The Crossley Blog Tour
Welcome to day 9 of the Crossley Blog tour. The idea of this tour is to publicise the new Crossley Guide to Britain are Ireland, written by Richard Crossley and myself. We are very excited, because we think it is revolutionary, and personally I've already been very...
Bat-Boxing
There's nothing quite like a good autumnal dose of bat-box checking. Last Saturday I enjoyed a trip to Hurn (near Bournemouth International Airport) to see what was lurking in their boxes. As it turned out, a lot was. The Brown Long-eared Bat was a first for the site,...
Early October Update
2nd October A very interesting day at Longham Lakes, with the site's 2nd Avocet swimming in the deep water of Longham Reservoir South this morning, close to the main island. Presumably it was stopping off on its way to Brownsea Island, where these birds winter. At the...
Autumn’s Upon Us, the Birding is Great
...so why not book a birding session with me in the next few months? All are welcome, but please pre-book by e-mail. FULL DAYS (10.30am-4pm) £15 per person. Tuesday 8th October – Pagham Harbour Friday 18th October – Calshot Spit, Hampshire Tuesday 22nd October –...
Birds ID Insights is now out!
My newest book is now out, and it's a field guide ideal for beginners and improvers. Sales so far have been excellent, and you can order a signed copy from me to collect on a field trip. Cost: Just £16.99. You can also place an e-mail order using this website and add...
August 2013 Highlights
28th August 2013 Bird ringing this morning was a dead loss, but there was a dead gain, too, with the finding of a juvenile Water Shrew, the first for Longham and the 26th mammal species to be recorded on site. For interest's sake, the 26 species are: Grey Squirrel,...
Wood Sandpiper and other July Highlights
29 July 2013 Chris Parnell found a Wood Sandpiper this evening at Longham, seemingly commuting between the main island on Longham Reservoir South and the boat ramp at the east end of the causeway. Also at least 3 Common Sandpipers and 5 Lapwings. In the ne corner...
Midsummer Update
21st June: The latest Constant Effort Site ringing today revealed 18 new birds, most of which, encouragingly enough, were juveniles. Totals were 3 adult Reed Warblers (2 retraps), 2 juvenile Blackcaps, 1 adult and 2 juvenile Common Whitethroats, 1 juvenile Chiffchaff,...