Ranger Helena was recently given an opportunity to join the Swale Wader Group for bird ringing on the Swale. In this blog she shares what it was like, and which birds were seen. When people see us on site, they often ask us if we are counting the birds we see. I like to say – “no, we are counting … Read More
Time for the summer wardrobe – summer plumage in waders
We are excited to start welcoming our waders back to our coast but don’t worry if some of them look a little different to when they left our shores earlier this year. Many of the birds returning through late summer will be in their breeding plumage. Just when you think you’ve got identification sorted the birds throw in breeding plumage … Read More
Birding Basics – Wader Wonderland – Part 2
In part 1 of this blog we introduced some of the more common waders and tips on how to identify them. In this part, Ranger Mel goes into more detail and looks at some of the similar species that can easily be confused. Dunlin Vs Knot Dunlins have dark legs and a black bill. Of our 3 reference species these … Read More
Birding Basics – The Wonderful World of Wader ID – Part 1
In the next instalment of our Birding Basics series, Ranger Mel takes us on a journey through the wonderful world of waders and shares some handy hints and tips to help you identify the ones we see in north Kent. There is a short video clip to help you practice at the end and part 2 will follow this Friday. … Read More
On your marks, get set…….
Taxi-ing onto the runway – Ranger Mel takes a look at the pre-flight preparations our ducks, geese and waders are undertaking as we head towards spring. As we Bird Wise rangers approach the end of our seasonal contract we aren’t the only ones getting our house in order. It’s that time of year when the vast array of over-wintering birds … Read More