Birding in May

I’ve been trying to think of a title for my new blog, which is really a mix of my birding adventures in May. A bit about me—recently I read an Instagram post from someone at Birds of Poole Harbour, describing how she grew up as a young birder without knowing anyone who shared her passion, and how discovering the BTO changed everything for her. It took me back to my own childhood in Birmingham in the 70s, when I was fascinated by birds but knew no one else who was. I’d wander through fields and along canals near home, chasing butterflies and catching red-breasted sticklebacks, dragonfly larvae, and caddis-type creatures. I didn’t have binoculars back then, and my only bird book (which I still have) was Garden and Field Birds, a 10th birthday gift from my mum, brother, and sister. I soon learned to identify Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, and in summer, Swifts, Swallows, and House Martins, though I still wonder what more I might have known. In 1978, Mum, my sister, and I moved to Dorset. Starting a new school and making friends was daunting, and again, no one I knew was into birds or wildlife; though fishing was popular. Then came an embarrassing moment at school around 1979 or 1980. Gazing out the window, as I often did, wishing I was outside, I spotted a large bird flying toward the building. As it got closer, I could make out its shape but couldn’t identify it. Excitedly, I blurted, “Miss, there’s a stork flying over the playground! I need to phone the RSPB!” I was told off for staring out the window and informed that storks don’t come to this country, while classmates teased me with silly comments. Later, I read in the Evening Echo about a White Stork sighted near Ringwood. After that, I stepped back from birding for a while, spending more time fishing with friends, though I still loved spotting kingfishers, coots, and moorhens.

My first bird book

Jumping ahead to 2011, I gave up fishing as birds began to draw me in again. This time, with the internet at my fingertips, I discovered Blashford Lakes, the BTO, and the Dorset Bird Club, all of which boosted my confidence. It wasn’t until I found the Birds of Poole Harbour that my confidence truly grew, thanks to bird walks led by Paul Morton. Paul would guide small groups across heathland and around the harbour, sharing his knowledge about the area and its wildlife. It was thanks to him that I saw my first Great Northern Diver, a bird I never thought I’d spot in Dorset. I’ve had quite a few firsts on those walks, but one I’ll never forget was a day on Morden Bog in May 2014 what an experience.

So, what’s my point? Without people like Paul and the Birds of Poole Harbour, the Dorset Bird community offering help with IDs and encouragement, I’m not sure where I’d be. For any young and aspiring birders or birdwatchers out there, I would say get involved with the BTO youth programs and the Birds of Poole Harbour youth events. It’s a fantastic time to be a young naturalist, with so many resources available, and I hope it only gets better from here!

A Bird Walk

On May 9th, 2026, I joined a good friend for a bird walk around our local heathland. It’s not my first time helping with such walks and won’t be the last, with a Nightjar walk coming up soon and a wildlife walk at Longham Lakes on May 30th. We met at Whitesheet car park at 9:30 a.m. for a leisurely stroll, keeping an eye out for birds and plants. Right after leaving the car park, we heard a Blackcap singing and Goldcrests calling, spotting two of them flitting about in a pine tree. Further along, we came across a Lapwing, which sprang into action to chase a low-flying Buzzard. George mentioned a good spot ahead for Tree Pipits, and sure enough, one perched atop a small birch began singing. Just as I hoped it might parachute down, it did so, landing on a dead tree stump. Along the way we also noted Jay, Whitethroat, Skylark, and while some heard a Nightjar and a Woodlark, I unfortunately missed them. We spotted Lesser and Greater Stitchwort, Tormentil, and Speedwell Germander. A Chiffchaff was heard, and the sight of two Dartford Warblers in a dispute, topped off by the call of a Cuckoo, made for a truly delightful walk.

Tree Pipit

May 16th 2026

Durlston Country Park

I visited Durlston with my son to see the Guillemots and Razorbills, and they didn’t disappoint. There were around 100 Guillemots, with rafts of them on the water and many more packed onto the ledges it seemed there was barely enough room for them all. Among them, the Razorbills stood out with their dark black backs and stout bills. We stayed for a while, watching and listening, as Fulmars glided in and out from the cliff face on stiff wings; a real delight to see. Reaching the lighthouse and gully, we soon heard singing Whitethroats and spotted another target bird for the County List, the Rock Pipit. Four Swallows came in off the sea just before drizzle moved in from the west, and two Gannets headed west into the mist; an adult followed closely by what I took to be a second-year bird. With little else spotted, we hiked back up the road to the sounds of Chiffchaffs, Blackbirds, and more Whitethroats, heading for the car and home after another pleasant walk.