Where to Find and Photograph Birds in our area?

[alexberryman]

I live in Fleet, Hampshire and there are some species I would like to photograph in 2011.
The species I would like to photograph are
- Whitethroats
- Avocets
- Scoters
- Little Ringed Plovers
- Sand Martins
- Sanderling
- Firecrest
- Honey Buzzard (if possible)
- Crossbills
Does anybody know the best places (within an hour and a quarter preferably)that are good for one or more of these species? Also time of year?
Many Thanks
Alex

[alexberryman]

oh, and hawfinch to

[rolf]

Whitethroats almost anywhere Alex, hedgerows near crop fields are certainly a start. Sand Martins, try reserves where they have special habitat walls, or even the river Kennet in Reading centre, they nest in the canal wall below a block of flats, see HERE. Not sure of the other ones, although the London Wetlands Centre would probably be a good start.

[joe]

There is a sandmartin wall in london wwt, there are also 2 at Dinton pastures (1 on lavell's lake and 1 on lea farm gravel pit). I have seen and photographed sandmartins at all three.

[Catherine]

Alex, you'll find lots of Sand Martins nesting in the softer layers of the cliff face at Milford on Sea each summer.

Whitethroats are in number right along the bottom of the sea cliffs at Barton on Sea and Milford, as well as very common at Keyhaven and in the reserve all along the coast to Lymington.

When at Milford, you must visit the new hide behind the new Art Deco-style café at the Spit end of Milford. Lots of Linnets in that area too - as well as a fantastic variety of water birds on the scrape!

(As a Scot down south, had to check Fleet was! It takes us 50 mins to get to Basingstoke, and only 10 to 15 to get to Milford. Barton is much nearer us. Hope that helps!)

[Vastra]

Am told there are Crossbills in the North East Corner of Swinley Park Nr Ascot, tho have not seen them as yet,. Give me shout when the weather is Nice and we can meet up someplace and go there. As would like to see them also.