A frosty but bright morning, welcomed our first mid-week walk for several years. The weather encouraged 29 members and friends to this convenient venue together with 57 species of bird. Wildfowl seen included, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler and Pochard. Glimpses were seen of Water Rail, Golden Plover, Lapwing and Common Snipe. Good views were had of Ring-necked Parakeet, Kingfisher, Green and Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat, Fieldfare, Redwing, Brambling, Reed Bunting and Siskin. Roundmoor Ditch provided Grey Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll. An excellent 2 ½ hour’s birding, with little interruption from dog walkers, runners or cyclists.

8 members and friends met in the car park on a very cold, blustery and overcast morning. Our spirits rose, however, as we entered the raised hi-tech visitor centre and saw the panoramic views of the marshes. We set off on the 3km circular trail with good location tips from the very efficient volunteers. Among the pools and reeds were seen Little Egret, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Water Rail, Lapwing, Dunlin, Common Snipe, Curlew, Redshank, Kingfisher, with a brief glimpse of a female Scaup in Winter plumage. Of a reputed large population, one Water Vole was seen. The drier areas produced Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat, Reed Bunting and Brambling close to the visitor centre. After lunch, a stroll along the exposed public Riverside Walk produced Water Pipit. A group total of 59 species was listed. This carefully managed and unique ex-military site would be certainly worth a Spring visit.

11 members and friends met on a fine morning at the Startops End car park. Our walk along the path between Startop’s End and Marsworth Reservoirs produced the usual wildfowl and geese. Crossing to Tringford Reservoir produced Wigeon, Gadwall and Teal. At Tringford Pumping Station, a group decided to carry on to the hide at Wilstone Reservoir while the rest of the group returned to their cars for a drive to the same reservoir. Wilstone hide was, by far the most productive area, with Pintail, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Snipe and Kingfisher. The walk back to the carpark revealed, Stonechat, Fieldfare, Goldcrest, Grey Wagtail and Yellowhammer. Over tea in the café a group total of 49 species was logged.

Carol has a knack of picking weekends for this trip which guarantee beautiful weather. However, the migrants tended to fly over the reserve making the most of the good conditions, few landing to feed and rest. Even the local ringers were disappointed. Despite this, a group total of 101 species was ticked. Perhaps the ‘star bird’ was the Short-eared owl hunting in front of the lounge at dusk with a Black Redstart feeding on the picnic tables nearby. One ‘twitch’ for a Yellow-browed Warbler met with mixed success. 29 members and friends were treated to rum punch before the Saturday evening presentation on Trinidad and Tobago. The celebrations, however, did not continue at a local hotel, later in the evening, when birds were forgotten and England were seen to lose the World Rugby Cup final!

Thanks go to Bernie Upton for leading this trip. Unfortunately, it was not the best-attended outdoor meeting more the pity as many good birds were seen. Included in the 69 species seen were Common Scoter and Eider from the beach. Spoonbill, Bar-headed Goose, Sparrowhawk, Water Rail, Ringed,Grey and Golden Plover, Snipe, Mediterranean Gull, Arctic Tern and Bearded Tit.

The first coach trip of the season saw some 25 members and friends enjoying a beautifully sunny and calm day at the coast. Good numbers of waders, gulls and raptors were seen but passerines were surprisingly scarce, a pair of Redstart being the exception. Curlew Sandpiper started the day off well, seen in the Ferry Pool and were soon joined by Turnstone, Knot, Redshank, Curlew and Whimbrel. Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Merlin and Peregrine fed eagerly over the meadows. A Cattle Egret was reported to be on site by a pager service with much excitement from local birders. Closer examination and photographs of the bird revealed it to be a probable juvenile Little Egret. A group total of 93 species was seen on this excellent trip.

Travelling to the site involved driving through bands of fierce rain and bright sunlight. Arriving in the car park, we were met by dry and sunny conditions which lasted throughout the trip apart from five minutes of spasmodic rain. In total 53 species were seen including Cetti’s, Sedge and Reed Warblers. Good views were had of Kestrel, Hobby, Sparrowhawk and Marsh Harrier. A very obliging Turtle Dove and Green Sandpiper added to the total. Our thanks to Peter Newbound for guiding us around his once ‘local patch’. A pleasant site, worthy of another visit.

Dry and bright conditions but with a very strong wind accompanied this walk. 75% of this site was devastated by fire almost exactly one year ago and signs of this were still very evident. The heathland appeared to be slowly recovering, but it will take much time to return to its original state. Consequently, with the wind adding to the problems, we did not see a great deal of wildlife. However, good views of Stonechat were seen on recovering gorse and Great Spotted Woodpecker in the remains of the copse at the end of the boardwalk. One species of dragonfly was noticed, possibly the Common Darter. It would be very interesting to visit Thursley Common in a year’s time.

15 members and friends met in the car park on a pleasantly warm morning with thanks to Jacqui Green for leading the group at short notice. All the target birds were seen including Cuckoo, Hobby, Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Skylark, Turtle Dove, Bullfinch, Linnet and Wheatear (Greenland race). On the lakes were Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck, Shoveler and Little Grebe. A total of 52 species were recorded on a very successful visit.

18 members and friends took to the coach on a cold, blustery and overcast morning. The site was quite busy but there was plenty to see. The beach provided Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Little Egret, Little Gull, Knot, Ruff, Sanderling, Ringed Plover and Turnstone with rafts of Scoter, Velvet Scoter and Eider on the sea. The lakes provided Avocet, Common Sandpiper, Greenshank and interesting views of Curlew Sandpiper. Bearded Tit, Blackcap, Whinchat, White Wagtail and Willow Warbler were seen in other areas. Also, excellent views of hunting Marsh Harriers were obtained. Despite the unfriendly conditions, a very good group total of 95 species was recorded. Ironically, as we boarded the coach, the clouds parted and brilliant sunshine accompanied us all the way home!

8 members met on a perfect Spring morning at this Wildlife Trust site to search the Bluebell-lined woodlands and the nearby gravel pit. Whitethroat, Blackcap, Nuthatch and Chiffchaff were quickly seen in the wood. Whilst Sky Lark, House Martin, Swift, Redshank and Egyptian Geese were seen adjacent to the pit. Altogether, 37 species were seen in the space of two and a half hours during a very pleasant walk.

A beautiful morning welcomed the 11 members and friends to this coastal site. The migrants we had hoped for had not arrived. Despite this it was a very pleasant outing, some forty seven species being noted. There were plenty of Little Egrets in breeding plumage, and off the beach there were a couple of Common Scoters, two Red-breasted Mergansers and a Peregrine Falcon. Redshank were quite common along the river but these, a few Oystercatchers and a single Ringed Plover were the only waders seen. House Sparrows were welcome guests along the café wall.

On an overcast morning with rain threatening, 11 members and friends were greeted by Ring-necked Parakeets in the car park. A walk through the 'World Wetlands' consisting of diverse wetland habitats produced excellent, close-up views of captive birds, including Goldeneye and Smew. Moving on to the 'Wildside' and 'Waterlife' areas, mainly wild birds were evident such as Gadwall, Pintail, Wigeon and Teal together with a young Sparrowhawk, within almost touching distance, near some feeders. Excellent views of a Scaup and, the star performer, a Bittern were seen from the WWF hide. With rain now setting in, a visit to the shop and café was obligatory. A superb site with wonderful visitor facilities gave a total of 37 (wild) species seen.

30 members and friends took the coach to Dungeness RSPB reserve on a cold, but bright morning. This trip was a bit of a gamble as we had not visited the site at this time of year before. There were surprisingly few passerines, but it was pleasing to find a couple of Twite and a single Black Redstart. Raptors were obliging with Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, and a superb pair of Marsh Harriers being seen. Smew, Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck and Pintail featured amongst the wildfowl, as did solitary White-fronted and Egyptian geese. The afternoon was spent sea-watching adjacent to the power station. A total of 74 species were observed during the day.

A very fortunate break in the inclement weather saw 38 members and friends (the highest number for some years) meeting in the sunny car park. Again, deep mud and flooding alongside the river was encountered. A solitary Fieldfare was seen in the trees alongside the railway line before viewing the waters of the main pit and the spit. Seen swimming were Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Teal, Pochard, Wigeon, Shoveler and Pintail. On the spit were observed 4 Common Snipe, Lapwing, 2 Ruddy Shelduck, c350 Golden Plover with the usual Gulls. Passerines seen included Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest and a pair of Siskin. A total of 49 species were observed in under 3 hours, not a bad haul for 'the morning after'.

Nine members and friends visited the gravel pits on a bright, sunny morning. Wellies were the order of the day as it was very wet underfoot. There were not huge numbers of wildfowl present but this was compensated for by very good views of Smew (two males and a female), a couple of pairs of Goosander and some male Goldeneye. Redwings were fairly elusive and there were no Fieldfares as might be expected at this time of year. One very lively Red Admiral butterfly made an appearance from hibernation and took in the sun just as we were leaving the site.

A foggy drive to the reserve was rewarded by a beautiful, sunny Autumn morning. A Nuthatch was spotted from the car park. Entering the excellent visitors' centre resulted in views of Fallow Deer with stag disappearing into the mist. A flock of six Bullfinches caught the eye as the main reserve was entered. The first hide visited gave good views of a resting Peregrine Falcon, to be seen even more clearly as the walk progressed. Unfortunately, reported Ruff was not seen. The visit ended with refreshments in the café and a count of 49 species seen on this special reserve. Despite the leader's car refusing to start and having to call out a recovery service, a very worthwhile day's birding.

Extensive work has been carried out at this site during the summer. Probably as a result of this the number of species seen on our outing was disappointing. The only wildfowl present in significant numbers were Mallard and Canada Geese. There were only small numbers of Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Teal and Shoveler and just one Wigeon. Good numbers of Lapwing and about fifty Golden Plover were on the new lagoon area. Passerines were almost totally absent.

26 members and friends spent a comfortable residential weekend at the newly refurbished Wash Study Centre. Moderate winds and a full moon resulted in a very high tide on Saturday morning, with the majority of local paths flooded. The winds, and their direction, kept the number of species seen down, although large flocks of Knot, Ruff. Starling and Goldfinch were evident, especially on Sunday. Despite pleasant sunshine, the group managed the modest total of 85 species during the 36 hour stay.

The early morning torrential rain no doubt pursuaded many members to stay in bed but the small intrepid group of 5 who went to Pagham Harbour were rewarded with a dry mostly sunny day and a total of 69 species. Pagham is one of our regular almost annual destinations and we were not disappointed this time around with high counts of waders and ducks. Picnic lunch was enjoyed on the beach sea-watching, although the only real entertainment was provided by a solitary Gannet diving for food. The highlight of the day was a Honey Buzzard seen gliding overhead. It was a good day for raptors with Hobby, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard also noted.

A fine day welcomed our 28 hopefuls on arrival at Minsmere on Saturday 9th September, where we had been told to expect few waders due to dry conditions but hopefully plenty of passerines on passage. The first hide revealed a good number of ducks and geese, but all silhouetted against the sun; an interesting challenge but we soon decided to ease our task by relocating. The way to the next hide took us through reed beds where just a single Bearded Tit was heard and one Reed Bunting glimpsed, tho a beautiful Hobby did fly right over our heads. The beach, and sea, seemed deserted, but with good fortune a lone, dark gull was followed a while whence it leapt up and attacked another. We soon realised we were observing the piratical actions of an Arctic Skua. The sea-side hides gave us excellent views across the scrapes which, to our delight, had an assemblage of wading species to work our way through. With patience, we were soon separating Curlew Sandpipers and Little Stints from intermediate-sized Dunlin, working out which of the two Godwit species were dozing, noting the elegance of Spotted Redshank and the upturned bill of a Greenshank, all to the backdrop of hundreds of ducks, mainly Wigeon. A Sparrowhawk caused a commotion as it landed on a nearby bank whilst tantalising views of a small distant falcon may well have been the Red-footed known to be around the reserve.

From the woodland hide, fleeting glimpses of Bittern in flight and up to 4 magnificent Marsh Harriers entertained us whilst a busy group of mixed woodland birds were feeding all around us, enabling the calls of Coal and Marsh Tit to be identified, and the buzzing of Treecreepers to be picked up.

The canopy hide gave us elevated views of nothing at all so a final scan of the reserve spread out before us from the hill-top reserve car park added a handful of last-minute species, and yet another brief glimpse of the Red-footed Falcon, before heading back to the Centre. Our mixed group, with many visitors from BBOWT and ROC, had all enjoyed a good day, and although we ended up actually finding more waders and fewer passerines than advice had suggested, between us we amassed a grand total of 87 species. The day was not quite finished however as a Deaths Head Hawk Moth had been taken into the Centre and many of us admired this stunning creature before embarking on our return journey.

Thank you to all who came and contributed to a memorable day and to the staff of Minsmere for maintaining a wonderful reserve.

The nine members and friends attending this late evening walk saw (and heard) three of our target birds - Tree Pipit, Nightjar and Woodcock all showing well. Overall, it was very quiet, with just eight other species identified during the two hours spent at the site. Even moths were infrequently seen, but a nice female Ghost moth was captured and identified at dusk.

Any visit to this area is guaranteed to produce Red Kites and we were not disappointed with frequent views of up to eight in the air together. A further group of eight was seen on the ground apparently basking in the sun, and we had a good view of one perched in a tree. There were plenty of other raptors: Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard and even Hobby. The smaller passerines included Common Whitethroat, Yellowhammer. Many Blackcaps were singing, though elusive, but a family group of Nuthatches were more obliging.

After a week of rain, 15 members were fortunate enough to have a dry, but breezy morning at this reserve of mixed habitats including wet and dry meadows, reedbeds, pools, hedgerows and scrub. Swallows, House Martins and Swifts were evident but the strong wind meant that only fleeting glances of Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting were obtained. Turtle Dove and Grasshopper Warbler were heard but not seen, however good views were had of two target birds: a Hobby resting on a path after feeding and a Cuckoo calling from an overhead branch. Altogether, 46 species had been seen by lunchtime when showers again threatened.

19 members and friends travelled on the coach with 2 other members arriving by car. This oak and conifer woodland contained open areas, scrub, ponds and streams. Large numbers of nest boxes were available to the birds. Marsh tits and Pied Flycatchers were soon seen on the short trail. A Nuthatch was seen preparing its nest whilst a Redstart was seen during the lunch break. In the afternoon, despite oncoming showers, good views were seen of the elusive Wood Warbler and Blackcap on the long trail. Raptors included Red Kite, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and a possible Goshawk. 47 species were seen by the group which might have been added to if the trip was taken a little later in the year with birds feeding the young. A pleasant and well-maintained site for woodland species.

On a wet morning, 7 members met in the car park to the south of Christchurch Harbour. After a warm drink in the café, the heathland and sheltered woodland site was explored. Amongst the 40 species seen here were Wheatear, Whinchat, Whitethroat, Swallow, Sand Martin, House Martin, Linnet, Stonechat, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, Little Egret (perching in tree) with Skylark establishing territory. Sea watching produced Common and Sandwich Tern with Black- headed, Great Black-backed and Lesser Blacked-backed Gulls.

With the rain now stopped we took a short(ish) drive to Stanpit Marsh. The tidal mud around this area produced Grey Plover, Brent Goose, Redshank, Curlew, possible Wood Sandpiper and a flock of feeding Whimbrel.

The final afternoon visit took us to Beaulieu Road in the New Forest. This heathland site had been recently managed, but Goldcrest, Willow and Long-tailed Tit, Willow Warbler, Meadow and Tree Pipit were amongst the birds seen. The final, and most elusive bird of the day, Crossbill, awaited us with falling cones as we returned to the car park. In all, 61 species were seen during this most pleasant day's outing.

The recent cold weather gave way to a bright and warmer morning as a group of 10 of us enjoyed a stroll around part of the Theale Gravel Pits complex. Our first target was the male Ring-necked Duck, an American species, reported the previous day on the Main Pit and this was soon found trying to befriend 2 female Tufted Ducks! At the same spot a Peregrine Falcon wearing jessies was seen perched on a pylon. In total over 40 species were seen by the group.

6 members met in Fishers Green car park on a cold, but bright morning, the low turn-out possibly being due to the threat of snow in the Maidenhead area. The Bittern Watchpoint produced a brief sighting of one Bittern, together with Teal and Pochard. Proceeding to the Grebe Hide, good views of Goldeneye were seen. Excellent close ups of Treecreepers were obtained on the way to Ashley, where Goosanders were spotted. After lunch, flocks of Lapwings with Golden Plover were seen on Hall Marsh scrape. Despite very variable weather conditions, 44 species were listed.

Twenty nine members and friends, enjoyed a good day's birding at the Elmley Marshes on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. Although the sun was seen for a few minutes, the weather was overcast and cold with a slight breeze. Highlights of the day included good close-up views of Peregrine, Merlin, Red-breasted Mergansers, a Short-eared Owl quartering over the fields and a handful of White-fronted and Brent Geese, as well as waders and ducks. In all a total of 68 species were seen by group.

Some 21 members and friends celebrated the New Year with a morning's walk around this popular site in South Bucks. We started off in a cold drizzle with the weather then improving slightly as the trip progressed. In two and a half hours, a very good total of 67 species were identified including flocks of Siskin and Redpoll (see Photos page). Raptors included Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Red Kite. Common Snipe also created interest as the only waders seen.

These After a misty start it turned out to be a wonderful morning for the 8 members who arrived. Some 50 species were seen. Redwings were in the field by the car park, Little Egrets, Egyptian Geese and assorted wildfowl including Goosander were on the first lake. We had good views of a flock of Siskin with one or two Redpolls feeding in Alder trees. A Barn Owl could just be discerned in a distant nest box. Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Common Buzzard flew over. A couple of Goldeneye were busy feeding in the last lake we visited.

A cold, still, but bright morning, saw nine members gather in the car park. A very productive walk around the lake and a short visit to Stockers Lock on the Grand Union Canal produced 49 species. These included Gadwall, Goldeneye, Goosander, Pochard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Black-necked Grebe and a fleeting view of a Water Rail. Amongst the other birds seen were Blackcap, Siskin, Chiffchaff, Redpoll, Treecreeper and Fieldfare. At the end of the morning, four brave members travelled to Northaw Great Wood, near Potters Bar, to twitch the Grey-cheeked Thrush.

We got off to a flying start with Kingfisher and Green Woodpecker sighted just after entering the reserve. The only waders found were Lapwing and Snipe, but there was a good variety of waterfowl including Gadwall, and some early Redwings were seen. The woodland pond was the scene of much activity with, amongst other species, a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a Treecreeper showing very well.

20 members and friends enjoyed a very pleasant, comfortable and productive weekend around this reserve, sited at the northern extremity of The Wash. The warm weather and the varied habitats attracted some 81 species of bird. These included a flock of Ring Ouzels; Water Rail; Short-eared Owl; Redpoll; Brambling; Yellowhammer; Pied Flycatcher and Winter Thrushes. A 'fall' of Goldcrest kept the local ringers busy and provided many close-up opportunities for the photographers.

A disappointing turn out for this excellent little reserve, but the few people who did go had a very pleasant day. There were quite large rafts of eider off shore and a couple of sandwich terns. The reserve itself had a good variety of species, reed and willow warblers, chiffchaff and blackcap, kestrel, sparrowhawk and common buzzard. There was also an obliging water rail, a delightful juvenile little stint and three green sandpipers.

After the recent hot weather we were treated to a day of cold wind and rain but this did not stop a good-sized group of 30, including many welcome newcomers, enjoying a good day out and just over 100 species! Those who braved the elements on the beach were rewarded with sightings of Great Skua, Gannet, Fulmer, Common Scoter, Eider and a Red-Throated Diver. The pools on the reserve were full of many different species of waders and ducks along with an escaped Cattle Egret mingling with the Little Egrets!

A good-sized group of 25, including some very welcome non-members, enjoyed a summer evening walk around this heath and woodland site. There were not many birds showing, one notable exception being a solitary Tree Pipit (see 'Photos' section), but we were waiting for the sun to go down and the prospect of Nightjars and Woodcock. Around 10 pm the sound of a Nightjar churring grabbed everyone's attention. We were rewarded with good views of at least 2 of the birds flying, as well as a Woodcock. Another Nightjar was heard as we headed back to our cars in the fast fading light.

16 members and friends visited this attractive woodland site. With only a slight breeze and mostly bright sunshine, 30 species were seen in just over 2 hours. Spectacular views of circling Red Kites and Common Buzzards were seen, along with feeding families of Long-tailed Tits and Coal Tits. Good sightings of Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Marsh Tit were also obtained. From the hide a Bullfinch was seen. A good range of flowering plants were also identified. This site, with excellent visitor facilities, can be thoroughly recommended.

A cold, bright and windy morning attracted 9 members to this mixed woodlands site. Descending from the car park, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit and a fleeting Firecrest were seen. Scanning the new plantation brought Blackcap, Whitethroat, Goldcrest and a Green Woodpecker. A Treecreeper and Jay bade us farewell having seen a total of 27 species.

With a full coach and over 90 species being seen, there was something of interest for everyone Marsh Harriers were much in evidence and there were good views of Hobby from Island Mere. Bitterns, Bearded Tits, Nightingales and, of course, Avocets were among the speciality birds seen along with Spotted Redshank and Little Stint.

We enjoyed a fine, sunny morning at this chalk hillside location near Dunstable. A singing Blackcap, Willow Warblers and a low flying Hobby were soon seen. This site is renowned as a Spring stop-off point for Ring Ouzel and despite pessimism from a local birder, good views were obtained of a fine male bird feeding on open grass. With singing Chiffchaffs, it was clear that Spring had arrived.

Despite a 2 hour journey from Maidenhead and strong, cold winds, there was a good turn-out by Members. Nearly 60 species of birds were seen including Red-breasted Merganser, Sparrowhawk, Red-legged Partridge and Little Egret. A pleasant day's birding along this undeveloped stretch of Sussex coastline.

As popular as ever, 35 members and friends turned out for our traditional New Year's day outing. The 40 or so species seen included Fieldfare, Redwing, Ring-necked Parakeet, Golden Plover, Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Ruddy Duck, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Kingfisher.

Despite early fog and very damp conditions underfoot, an interesting morning's visit. The usual variety of waterfowl was present on the lakes including Smew and Gadwall. An informative interlude was provided observing bird ringing. The star bird was undoubtedly the Redpoll seen leaving a ringer's hand. Does this count as a 'tick'?

A gloomy start to the day with rain falling most of the morning. The walk started at the Rangers Gate car park and then on to Cranbourne Tower before crossing back via the park road south of the village and returning via Queen Anne's walk and Russel's pond. Mixed habitats. Some 22 species of birds were identified including Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Ring-necked Parakeet and Redwing (in flight).

A very wet start to the day. Initially, we walked through the riverside woodland site maintained by BBOWT. Golden Plover were seen on the way to the gravel pits. From the hide, Ruddy Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Snipe, Redshank and Kingfisher were sighted. In all, 48 species were seen.

The weekend weather was pleasantly dry and sunny giving good viewing conditions. A quiet period for birding with none of the usual 'falls' or rarities of previous years. An interesting sighting was a Brambling considering the low numbers seen this Winter. A thoroughly enjoyable weekend with comfortable accommodation and good food.

A group of 8 travelled to a grey and misty start with the day finishing taking tea in warm sunshine. Eider and Common Scoter were seen from the shore with good views of Bearded Tit in reeds from the roadside. A worthwhile journey to this pleasant reserve with 67 species seen in total.

A successful sighting of night jar although no sign of woodcock. Rather quiet following the recent poor weather although goldcrest, tree pipit and willow warbler were all seen.

Half a dozen members braved the weather and had good views of Dartford warblers, stonechats and tree pipits, but hobbies were surprisingly elusive. Curlew and green and great spotted woodpeckers were also seen briefly. The Moat pond had tufted duck, mallard, little grebe, coot and moorhen. An interesting variety but nothing of great significance.

Otmoor came up trumps again with two white fronted geese although the glossy ibis was nowhere to be seen. Plenty of hobbies about although we were maybe too late in the day to hear grasshopper warblers. Also plenty of reed and sedge warblers in this relatively unvisited reserve. It's also getting bigger every time we visit.

Another excellent visit to this renowned spot. Plenty of seabirds including turnstone, curlew sandpiper, razorbill, shag, various types of gull as well as grassland birds on the headland. A good day out.