Print pageStar species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Blackcaps are migrants, with most arriving by the end of April - listen for the male's fluty song. However, some spend the winter here after breeding in southern Germany or Holland. |  |
Bullfinches are quite shy, unobstrusive birds. They are best located by listening for their gentle 'pew' calls; the males have a bright pink breast and black cap, with the females and juveniles more subdued. |  |
In spring and summer, listen for the garden warbler's exuberant, bubbling song (quite similar to the blackcap's). They can be hard to see as they hide among woodland and scrub. |  |
Less colourful than other members of the tit family, marsh tits can often be seen foraging for food not far from the ground. Listen for their distinctive 'sneezing' 'pitchoo' call. |  |
Though the species is much less common than it was formerly, turtle doves can still be seen and heard at Garston in the spring and summer. Listen for their gentle 'purring' from trees and hedges. |  |