Oystercatchers getting ready to kick off spring migration

Typically when we think of spring migrants, it’s April and May that come to mind and the arrival of Swifts, Swallows and Cuckoos as the days get warmer. But some birds start to arrive in Herts much earlier in the year and one of the first back is the Oystercatcher. Over the past few years, the pattern has been quite consistent with the first Oystercatcher arriving back between 1st and 11th February, usually at Tyttenhanger, Stocker’s Lake or Tring Reservoirs. So keep an eye out over the next few days for the first arrivals. They often migrate at night so it’s also worth keeping an ear out after dark for a loud peep overhead.

 

Tips for submitting records to the website

Now that 2024 is here we thought it would be a good time to give a few reminders about submitting records to the website:

Anyone can submit records – you don’t need to be a member of the Herts Bird Club to submit a record.  We welcome records from anyone, whether experienced or new to birding.

Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits Bird Report 2022 published

The Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits Bird Report for 2022 is now available. Download a copy HERE

This 60 page report continues the tradition of detailed and well written reports about this site.  Edited and produced by Ricky Flesher and Peter Christian, it includes a review of the year; accounts for all 128 species recorded at Tyttenhanger in 2022; many photos; insightful data and graphics; a breeding birds summary; arrival and departure dates for migrants; species year lists back to 2004, and much more!

Go to Tyttenhanger Site Guide to download reports back to 2011

 

Helping Swifts in South East Herts

Following the success of the David Attenborough’s ‘Wild Isles’ series earlier this year, Aviva, in partnership with the WWF and the RSPB, is making £1 million pounds available to support community wildlife projects. Aviva will ‘double match’ donations made, so for every £1 donated £2 will be added to it.

The South East Herts RSPB Group have created a crowdfunding project and would appreciate your support. They are hoping to raise £5,000 which will enable the purchase 100 Swift nest boxes, callers to attract the birds and to pay the cost of the boxes being erected.

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