Bexley RSPB
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Welcome

Welcome to the Bexley Local Group website of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, especially if you are interested in birdwatching, conservation and the environment in North West Kent, England. This site provides details on how to access the RSPB website, our local Members' Group, this year's programme of illustrated talks, our birdwatching field trips and our latest newsletter.

We hope you enjoy your visit. To find out more please click on the links opposite.


BIRD OF THE MONTH: YELLOW WAGTAIL

Yellow Wagtail. Picture by Peter Kite

The appearance of yellow wagtails in Britain is always welcome since it signals the approach of summer. Some might turn up in late March, but the main influx occurs in April and more arrive in early May. Mostly seen on the ground, yellow wagtails are usually found in grassy areas walking and flitting around the legs of cattle in a search for insect food. They also perch on low bushes, gates and posts and breed in pastures, meadows and marshes. Grass length is vital: not too short and not too long. A single pair can produce up to a dozen young in two broods. Among the best times to see yellow wagtails is late summer when family parties join up in loose flocks which can number around 50 birds. They begin to leave in August and the last birds migrate in September, some to France and Portugal or Spain then to North Africa, possibly crossing the Sahara desert. Often confused with the grey wagtail, a British resident which also sports yellow underparts but is distinguished at all times by its dark grey head. The yellow wagtail population is estimated to have plunged by 50% in 25 years. See yellow wagtails at Stodmarsh, Oare Marshes and at Elmley RSPB where they can be numerous, especially along the entrance track.

Eric Brown


What is the most frequently reported bird in Bexley gardens

CLICK HERE


Contributions to this site of text or photographs (especially digital) from Bexley Group Members are welcome.

Public contact: Tony Banks
Tel: 020 8859 3518
email: tonybanks@fsmail.net

RSPB Main Site


Latest News
New group leader elected
Click Here

Bexley Local Group Annual General Meeting Click Here for details
 

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