The Great British Bird Race - Hampshire

Summary

Kickstart your birding year with an action-packed Naturetrek bird race in Hampshire, a county with a rich diversity of habitats and winter birding highlights.

The goal: to record as many bird species as possible in 48 hours. We will be in friendly competition with the best birding counties in Britain, so every species will count.

From the ancient woodlands and heathlands of the New Forest to the estuarine mudflats of the Solent, we’ll be racing to record as many species as possible in two exhilarating days.

Our route takes us through old enclosures where Hawfinch may be glimpsed feeding quietly on the ground. We’ll seek Crossbill in the pines, and on the open heath we’ll search for Woodlark and the flickering movement of Dartford Warbler, even in the chill of January — a rewarding challenge for any birder.

Along the Solent, we’ll scan for geese, grebes, gulls and flocks of waders and ducks in sheltered bays. Coastal castles may hold Purple Sandpipers, and marshes will be scanned for wintering harriers or maybe a Short-eared Owl. Inland, farmland edges may yield wintering flocks of Linnet, Redwing, Fieldfare, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting, with the chance of a rare surprise always on the cards.

Led by expert local guides, this tour combines strategic birding with the fun of a team challenge. Whether you’re chasing your personal best or soaking in the scenery, Hampshire in winter offers a bird race packed with variety, excitement and unforgettable moments. At the end we will find out how we have fared against the other great birding counties of Britain.

Join us for birds, banter, and the thrill of a winter bird race!

• The thrill of the bird race
• Woodlark & Dartford Warbler in the New Forest
• Hawfinches & Crossbills
• Geese & wildfowl along the Solent
• Wintering Great Grey Shrike possible
• Search for owls after dark
• Wintering raptors
• Potentially a big total in a rich and diverse county