Monday, 29 September 2025

Slavonian Grebe, West Kirby Marine Lake 29th September 2025


A Slavonian Grebe was found last Saturday, 27th September 2025, on West Kirby Marine Lake by local birder John Williams.

I traveled over today and found the Slavonian Grebe immediately at the north end of the lake. I watched it for ages, at first towards the far side of the lake. Later it came a lot closer to the road side of the lake & attracted not only a bunch of birders, but also many members of the public who were interested to see what we were looking at. It was diving frequently when closer & fed successfully. Once done with feeding it drifted further away to preen & rest up.

Although not a rare bird locally, more often seen out to sea along the north Wales coast, it is scarce & rare to have such prolonged, close views.

Sunday, 7 September 2025

A Guide To Garden Birds


A GUIDE TO GARDEN BIRDS (320kbs-m4a/156mb/67mins)

BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 28th July to 1st August 2025

Here's a helpful, practical guide to help you sort your Blue Tits from your Great Tits and your Hedge Sparrows from your Tree Sparrows.

Recorded on location in the Somerset Levels, Brett Westwood and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson are in the garden of keen birdwatcher, writer and broadcaster, Stephen Moss.

Packed with useful information and helpful tips, the series will appeal to both the complete novice, and the experienced birdwatcher who simply wants to know more about the birds in their garden.

Producer: Sarah Blunt

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2007.

A GUIDE TO GARDEN BIRDS - 1. THRUSHES (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 28th July to 2025

For starters, they're setting out to sort out the members of the Thrush family, including Blackbird, Mistle-Thrush, Song Thrush and Robin.

A GUIDE TO GARDEN BIRDS - 2. TITMICE (320kbs-m4a/31mb/13mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 29th July to 2025

It's time to observe and sort out the members of the Titmice family, including Blue Tits, Great tits and Long-tailed Tits.

A GUIDE TO GARDEN BIRDS - 3. FINCHES (320kbs-m4a/31mb/13mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 30th July to 2025

All ears are now on members of the Finch family, including the Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Greenfinch.

A GUIDE TO GARDEN BIRDS - 4. WOODLAND VISITORS (320kbs-m4a/31mb/13mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 31st July to 2025

Time to listen out for feathered visitors to woodland, including the Great Spotted Woodpecker and the skulking Dunnock.

A GUIDE TO GARDEN BIRDS - 5. HOUSE GUESTS (320kbs-m4a/31mb/13mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 1st August to 2025

Time to listen out for feathered visitors nesting on or around our homes, like House Sparrows and House Martins.