New Forest Bird Watching

This weekend, from the 26th - 28th January the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch takes place and when your back garden is the New Forest National Park, you're spoilt for a spot of birding!

Take a look at the types of birds that can be found on and around the Beaulieu River and start your New Forest bird watching... The Godwit is a wading bird that has a long bill and long legs, allowing it to wander along the riverbank probing deeply in the riverbed for aquatic worms and mollusks. The Lapwing is a bird that has a spectacular songflight and can be seen zigzagging, rolling and diving, and producing a wailing cry. Recognisable by their iridescent dark green and purple wings and pink legs. The Curlew is easily recognisable by it’s long slender bill that curves down. They have mottled brown plumage and can be seen along the water’s edge. Oyster Catchers are a small wading bird, look out for their black and white feathers and orange/red bill. They love to eat the mussels and cockles found in the river. Sandpipers are another type of wading bird that love to wander along the riverbank. One of the smaller waders, they are contrasting brown on top and white underneath. Buzzards are a medium-to-large bird of prey, with an eagle-like look. As you paddle down the river keep an eye in the trees along the riverside, you may see one resting in the branches. Kingfishers are stunning bright blue and orange birds that love to eat the fish in the river. You may spot one on a low hanging branch before it dives in for the catch! Heron are easily recognised for their long legs and long necks. With a large wingspan they are easy to spot as they glide over the river, wading in the shallows fishing for their lunch. Cormorants also have a long neck, but much shorter legs and a stout beak. They are quite large, black, birds, that also enjoy fishing from the Beaulieu River. Osprey are another eagle-like bird of prey that like to swoop in for large fish in the river. Incredibly this bird became extinct in England for 150 years before being reintroduced in the 1950s, so spotting one on the Beaulieu River is a real treat. Want to try a spot of birdwatching from the Beaulieu River itself? Join our canoeing and kayaking tours and take a look for yourself!