When and where to go
You can do your birdwatch at any time from Saturday 14 October to Sunday 29 October, for up to an hour. You can choose any spot you want on the Solent coast within the Bird Aware area – see our map – although this must be an area of public access and not private land. Please ensure you check the tide times before you go.
Take care
Make sure you follow the Coastal Code: look out for birds, move further away if they become alert, keep dogs close and follow requests on signs.
While everyone who takes part is responsible for their own safety, we recommend you look at our advice for staying safe and healthy during your watch.
What to bring
You’ll need a paper and a pencil or some other means of keeping a tally of the birds you see. Dress appropriately for the weather with warm layers, waterproofs and suitable footwear – or a sunhat and sunscreen. Carry a mobile phone with you in case of emergencies.
It might also be useful to bring:
- Binoculars or telescope
- Camera
- Flask with a hot drink and some snacks
- A bird guide (book or app) or a smartphone to check our Meet the Birds guide
Many of the birds on the coast are identifiable without binoculars using our online bird identification guide. But remember not to get too close and to follow the Coastal Code so that you don’t disturb the birds while on your watch.
Completing your recording form
Download our printable Great Coastal Birdwatch recording form. Most of the names of the birds that you might see have been written on the form for you already, you just need to make a note of which you saw. If you see a different species that isn’t on the list, just add it in yourself in the ‘other’ section.
If you want, you can add to our data by letting us know how many of each species you’ve seen. For each species count the maximum number you see at any one time so that you avoid double counting the same birds. For example, if you see a group of three oystercatchers together and then later on another two, and after that another one, the number you should submit is three.
Once you’ve finished your birdwatch, you’ll be able to Great Coastal Birdwatch online form to tell us what birds you’ve seen.
You can do as many birdwatch sessions as you like during the Great Coastal Birdwatch. Fill in and submit a separate recording form for each watch.
If you’d rather not keep a record of your watch, you’re free to enjoy birdwatching without counting birds or knowing what they are. Just getting out to your coastline and enjoying seeing the birds around you makes you a participant. If you see anything interesting, please feel free to contact us at info@birdawaresolent.org, and keep an eye on our social media pages (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) to see updates throughout the week.
What happens to the data?
Bird Aware Solent will review all the data submitted to find out what was seen during the week, and then publish any interesting results found. This will then be shared on our website and social media pages.
Coastal canines
Dogs are welcome to join the Great Coastal Birdwatch but make sure they don’t disturb the birds and that they follow the Coastal Code too. They should look out for birds, move away if they become alert, keep close to their owners, and follow requests on signs.
Problems and concerns
We have every expectation that this will be a positive and enjoyable experience for you, however we wanted to let you know that if for whatever reason you encounter anything at all that makes you feel uncomfortable, please do not continue. Feel free to stop at any time and just note the time that you stopped on your recording form.
Do let our team know if you encounter any problems during your watch. Similarly, let us know if you have had a great time participating in the Great Coastal Birdwatch, and why. If you have any questions or concerns at any point, then please do get in touch with us by emailing info@birdawaresolent.org.
If there is an emergency, please call 999.
If you need to speak to the RSPCA regarding the welfare of any wildlife, please contact 0300 1234 999.
