Bird Wise North Kent

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

01/09/2026

With meteorological autumn starting today, 1 September, and astronomical autumn just around the corner on 23 September, we have to say we are enjoying 🍂 ornithological autumn! 🍂

The bird migration season is already underway, with our summer visitors departing, and the arrival of passage migrants and wintering birds. At the moment these particularly include smaller wading birds such as ringed plover and dunlin. 🦆

Passage migrants are birds that are just stopping off to rest and feed as a sort of pit stop on a longer journey, or on passage. Other birds will spend the winter season here, spending all their time feeding and resting, and enjoying a relatively mild winter compared to what they might experience in the Arctic! 🌍

💔 Which birds are you going to miss?
🥰 And which birds are you looking forward to seeing again?

24/08/2026

For thousands of years, pigeons have lived alongside us. They have carried messages across vast distances, including race results and military news.

One of the most remarkable examples of this partnership comes from World War I. A carrier pigeon named Cher Ami delivered a critical message while seriously injured, helping to save the lives of nearly 200 trapped soldiers. For this act of bravery, the bird was awarded the French Croix de Guerre.

Despite often being overlooked today, pigeons remain a fascinating reminder of the long and complex relationship between humans and wildlife. Their resilience, intelligence, and ability to thrive alongside us make them one of our oldest urban companions.

Next time you spot a pigeon, take a moment to appreciate the incredible history behind one of the world's most familiar and perhaps underrated birds.

21/08/2026

You may have seen us out and about throughout August, but you might have noticed that it’s got a bit quieter for birds!
Do you ever wonder why? 🤔

🌍 Migration: In August, many birds are preparing for long journeys southwards in the next couple of months, feeding up to make sure they have energy to make it to wherever they will spend their winter season, such as Africa.

🪶 Moulting: After the breeding season, around August, many birds begin their moult. They shed their tatty old feathers and grow new ones. This takes energy, and can make them vulnerable, so they stay hidden and quiet! These new feathers will help make any migratory journeys easier.

🪱 Resting and feeding: It’s been a busy breeding season for many birds! As well as moulting into fresh feathers, they will be recovering from the busy spring and summer months. They need to rest and feed to get their energy, which will help them to migrate, or cope with the incoming cold weather. Some birds may even be stockpiling food in this period.

Other things such as weather or the abundance of natural food sources can also affect where birds go, and how visible or vocal they seem! 🫣

You can help them out by giving them plenty of space to do what they need to do undisturbed, and providing some clean, fresh water they can drink or have a bath in. 🐦

20/08/2026

We seem to have picked up a new team member today at Gravesend Promenade 🦢
We’re here with until 130 with craft activities, birdwatching and nature trail 🌳🐦‍⬛
☀️