Photography competition celebrates Solent wildlife
The winners of this year’s Bird Aware Solent Photography Competition showcase the beauty and diversity of wildlife along the south coast.
Blog
Heralds of summer: terns and gulls return to the Solent coast
It’s not just the winter when the Solent is home to a whole host of protected species. In spring and summer we welcome the return of far-travelled terns and gulls.
Solent Spotlight: A Hidden Gem on Hayling Island
Read all about Hayling Islands Oysterbeds, from commerical fishery to wildlife haven, and what species to look out for in the lagoons.
Telling apart whimbrels and curlews
At first glance, whimbrels look very similar to curlews. If you think you’ve spotted a whimbrel in the spring or autumn, here’s a few differences for which to look.
The Solent: the great migration hub for coastal birds
As winter’s grip begins to loosen and the first hints of spring emerge, the Solent coastline transforms into a vital hub for migratory birds.
Cormorant or shag?
Cormorant or shag? It’s certainly a question that even the most avid of birdwatchers ask from time to time, but how on earth do you tell the difference? Have a read of their defining features in this blog.
Solent Spotlight: a haven for wildlife at East Head
Ranger Richie tells us why East Head is one of his favourite spots along Chichester Harbour and gives tips on enjoying its stunning landscapes while keeping the wildlife safe.
A ranger’s account of this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch
Every year, we ask a member of the team to show us their results from the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, and this time we have recruited Ranger Eloise to tell us how she got on.
Ten birds to look out for on the Solent coast
Winter is the perfect time to look out for birds when we’re out on our beautiful coastline. Read about 10 species for which to look out.
A deep dive into dark-bellied brent geese
Brent geese are a much-loved winter visitor to our coastline. Ranger Tony tells us all you’ll ever need to know about this intrepid goose.
Our rangers’ highlights of 2024
The last 12 months have been a busy and rewarding for the Bird Aware Solent team. Here’s some of our favourite wildlife experiences over the last year.
Brent geese take top place in 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.
Surviving winter challenges
Cold weather, shorter daylength and stormy dilemmas. How do coastal birds survive during the most challenging time of the year?
A parcel of oystercatchers: collective nouns for birds
A spring of teals, a deceit of lapwings, an unkindness of ravens. How did such inventive terms come about?
We’re half-way through this year’s Great Coastal Birdwatch
We’ve been delighted to see so many of you taking part already. Find out how Kate, who looks after Bird Aware Solent’s marketing and comms, got on:
Get ready for this year’s Great Coastal Birdwatch
If you’re on the coast at anytime from 19 October to 3 November, we want you to take part.
Nature: food for the mind
To mark this year’s World Mental Health Day, Ranger Tony gives us his personal perspective of the need to make a connection with nature, not just for the wellbeing of ourselves but for the planet too.
Bird ID skills for beginners
Winter is a wonderful time of year to get into birdwatching, especially around our internationally important Solent coast. Here’s some simple tips from Ranger Tony to help you name that bird in one!
