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Brent geese on the water

January birdwatching: the best time to see birds on the coast

January, believe it or not, is one of the best times to get into birdwatching. It brings thousands of wintering birds to the Solent, transforming the coastline into a lively feeding ground.

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An illustration of 15 garden birds including: • House sparrow – brown, chunky and sociable; cheerful chirping; feeds in noisy groups. • Starling – dark with iridescent spots; whistles and clicks; arrives in flocks and probes lawns. • Blackbird – male black, female brown; rich melodic song; forages on lawns. • Dunnock – brown and streaky; thin, high call; feeds quietly at ground level. • Wren – tiny and round; surprisingly loud song; hops quickly through shrubs. • Robin – red breast and upright stance; clear, sweet song; bold and territorial. • Collared dove – pale with a black neck ring; soft three note coo; feeds on seed and grain. • Wood pigeon – large grey body; five note cooing; feeds on plants and spilt seed. • Blue tit – blue, yellow and very active; high pitched calls; regular at feeders and nest boxes. • Great tit – larger with bold black stripe; two note “teacher teacher” call; assertive at feeders. • Long tailed tit – tiny with long tail; soft contact calls; travels in family flocks. • Carrion crow – large black bird; harsh caw; highly intelligent and adaptable. • Great spotted woodpecker – black, white and red; distinctive drumming; visits peanut feeders. • Nuthatch – blue grey with chestnut sides; loud piping call; climbs down trunks head first. • Sparrowhawk – slim bird of prey; generally silent; brief hunting flights through gardens.

The Big Garden Birdwatch: garden regulars and birdwatching tips

To inspire your own Big Garden Birdwatch, Ranger Tony has shared the 15 species he sees most often in his garden – and they’re all birds you might spot too.

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Dark-bellied brent geese at sunset

Top ten species spotted during this year’s Great Coastal Birdwatch

Thanks to everyone who took part in this year’s Great Coastal Birdwatch.  It’ll come as no surprise to learn that dark-bellied brent geese have once again scooped the top spot.

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An illustration by Will Rose of 6 brent geese flying over salt marsh seen from overhead

Behind the scenes: meet the animator who brought Bird Aware’s new animation to life

Find out more about illustrator and animator Will Rose, and why he believes learning to appreciate nature makes us more likely to protect it.

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Sanderlings roosting on the shore at Ryde, Isle of Wight, taken by Ranger Charlotte

Picture-perfect and bird-friendly: our guide to responsible wildlife photography

With every great wildlife photo, the welfare of the birds comes first. With a little care and planning, we can take stunning shots while keeping birds safe and undisturbed.

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Bird flying above stormy seas

Bird flu concerns

We are very concerned about the impact of bird flu, and we know that many local people are too.

Here’s some guidance on what to do to help if you find a dead wild bird.

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The sign for Titchfield haven nature Reserve with views over sunlit rushes at the wildlife reserve

Titchfield Haven open day – the halfway point for the Great Coastal Birdwatch

This year’s open day at Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve once again marked the halfway point for the Great Coastal Birdwatch.

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Two brent geese standing on the edge of the water

8 birds to look out for in this year’s Great Coastal Birdwatch

If you’re out on our beautiful coastline this autumn, here are some of the birds you’re likely to spot, based on the results of last year’s Great Coastal Birdwatch.

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Brent geese flying over Portsmouth sunset

The long flight south: what brings birds to the Solent?

As the days grow shorter, the Solent begins to come alive with bird activity. So why do birds travel here from so far away? And how did our ancestors make sense of this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon?

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An osprey with a fish in its talons flying low over water

Five passage migrants to look out for

While thousands of birds spend the winter on the Solent coast, others, known as passage migrants, are just passing through. Take a look at Ranger Richie’s pick of passage migrants to spot along our shores.

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Two black-tailed godwits standing in water - one is in summer plumage with terracotta feathers while the other has paler plumage for the winter.

Seasonal style – plumage changes from summer to winter

As the seasons shift, so too do the wardrobes of many birds. These transformations aren’t just for show – they play vital roles in camouflage, breeding and survival.

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Five black-headed gulls sit on stones in a group. One has a white head from summer feathers - others have dark heads

Gull guide: telling apart the Solent’s six most common seagulls

With a mix of seagull species regularly seen along the Solent coast, it can feel like a feathery puzzle. But with a few tips and a bit of practice, you’ll be spotting the differences like a pro.

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Two shelduck flying over grasses and reeds in golden light

The mysterious migration of the common shelduck

As the summer draws to a close, shelducks seem to disappears from our coastline. But where exactly do they go? The secret lies in their unusual moulting behaviour.

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A kayaker in a green kayak and a paddleboarder kneeling on their board on the water which sparkles in the sunshine. The sky is blue and there is a wooded area on the land.

Watersports with wildlife: enjoying the Solent responsibly

Bird Aware’s newest recruit to the team, Ranger Joe, explains why the Solent is a fantastic place for watersports, and how we have the opportunity to help nature thrive while out on the water.

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Tern Raft

Raft refuge: giving terns a safe place to nest

Tern rafts might look a little out of the ordinary — but find out how they’re a lifeline for some of the Solent’s furthest-travelling summer visitors.

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A common tern flying with a blurred background of vegetation

Telling apart common, little, Sandwich and roseate terns

Terns are elegant seabirds which travel thousands of miles from Africa to breed along our shoreline. But telling one species from another can be tricky—especially when they’re all white, grey, and black with similar silhouettes.

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All the presenters at this year's mitigation Meet Up

Mitigation Meet Up 2025

Every year, mitigation professionals from around the country gather together to share learning and experiences. Find out from Anna Parry, our Partnership Manager, about this year’s event, organised by Bird Aware Solent.

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Grey heron at Bembridge taken by Ranger Charlotte

Wellbeing walks in nature

Our relationship with nature is critical to supporting good mental health. At the start of Mental Health Awareness week, Ranger Tony shares his advice about the benefits of wellbeing walks.

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