Working together to support Ryde’s wintering sanderlings
Protecting coastal birds is a shared effort, and this winter we’re delighted to be part of a partnership working to support one of the Isle of Wight’s most familiar winter visitors.
Blog
The Solent’s great autumn arrival: eight birds making an extraordinary journey
Every autumn, the beaches, mudflats and saltmarshes that seemed relatively quiet over the summer begin to fill with life as thousands of migratory birds return for the winter.
Passing through: migratory birds to spot around the Solent this autumn
At this time of year, many migratory birds are passing through the Solent, using our coastline like a service station to rest and refuel during long journeys south. These temporary visitors are known as passage migrants.
Ducks in disguise: why males look like females in summer
At the end of summer, you might notice something rather strange at your local duck pond. The brightly coloured males seem to disappear, leaving only females behind. So where have they gone? The answer is that they haven’t vanished at all. Instead, the male ducks are undergoing a remarkable change known as an eclipse plumage.
Brown mask or black hood? Telling black-headed and Med gulls apart
At first glance, black-headed gulls and Mediterranean gulls can look remarkably similar, especially when both are sporting their breeding plumage. But look a little closer and there are a few tell-tale features that make separating them much easier.
How birds keep their cool in the heat
As temperatures soar, coastal birds face the same challenge we do – finding ways to beat the heat. Fortunately, they have ingenious ways to help them stay cool during the hottest days of summer.
Life on the lagoon: birds, chicks and first flights at Lymington-Keyhaven
The Bird Aware Solent team and board members recently enjoyed a fantastic visit to Lymington–Keyhaven Nature Reserve, with a refreshing sea breeze providing welcome relief from the summer heat. Find out what birds and chicks we spotted.
Simple ways to help ground nesting birds
Most of our coastal birds nest out in the open, directly on the ground, relying on camouflage and highly alert parents to protect nests from danger. The good news is that we can all help give them the best chance of success.
Mental Health Awareness Week: Action and our Blue Spaces
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, our new Watersports Industry Outreach Ranger, Sophie, shares some thoughts on the connection between coastal environments and wellbeing.
Celebrating the winners of the 2026 Bird Aware Solent Photography Competition
With more than 400 entries showcasing the beauty, drama and character of the Solent’s wildlife, our judging panel had an inspiring (and at times very challenging) task on their hands. Find out more about the winners and finalists.
The beginner birder’s best friend? A good hide
If you’re just starting out on your birdwatching journey, there’s no better place to begin than a bird hide. Here’s our guide to some of the best hides and viewpoints across the region.
What to look for on a spring walk
If you’re out exploring the shoreline, here are some of the seasonal signs that reveal how the coast is changing at this time of year.
The Solent’s breeding birds: part 2 – terns
The second instalment in Alana’s breeding‑season guide, this time focusing on another group of long‑distance travellers that arrive on our coastline – the terns that return each year from Africa to breed.
The Solent’s breeding birds: part 1 – gulls
Read Alana’s breeding season primer to the gulls you’re most likely to see nesting on our shores in the spring and summer.
Why responsible wildlife photography matters
Wildlife photographer Steve Laycock explores what responsible photography looks like in practice and offers some helpful tips to keep animal welfare at the heart of all of our photos.
Getting ready for spring migration
What looks like enthusiastic feeding or gentle preening from a distance is, in reality, a finely tuned sequence of physical and behavioural changes. These birds are getting ready for one of the most demanding journeys in the natural world.
Why the Solent is one of world’s vital wildlife havens
The Solent may look like a calm stretch of water between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, but for birds it’s a haven away from the harsh winters of the Arctic, a crossroads for global migration, a nursery for summer breeders, and a year‑round home for resident species.
Taking nature photos with a mobile phone
This year’s Bird Aware Solent photo competition once again includes a special prize for images taken on a mobile phone. So what simple techniques can help us get the best from the camera built into our phones?
