Favourite Habitats

[thebeard]

What is everybody's favourite habitat for birding/wildlife watching and why?

there's loads that are good, but i think my favourite is farmland, as you can never really tell what you're going to see. i like it also as you can just go to any bit of farmland anywhere (where there's access ) and the habitat is always different, there's often patches of woodland, hedgerows, fields and waterways, allowing for a range of species to be seen.

wetlands are also good, and the majority of reserves that i visit tend to be wetland orientated, but sometimes i think these managed reserves can almost seem a bit unnatural, even though they are quality habitats. farmland is a little more 'natural' to me, even though its a very human environment!

any thoughts?

[caernerch]

I have a spot near me which is a path alongside arable farmland with hedgerows so I can watch grey partridge corn buntings and tree sparrows on one side - the other side is saltmarsh with snipe and water rail next to the mersey estuary with flocks of 1,400 shelduck 6-700 redshank not to mention the odd Iceland gull, my best day ever was 48 species in 3hours and an 800yard walk. who needs more - and all within the city boundary.
the best habitat is "mixed"
caernerch

[Dogghound]

Good question, it is extremely hard to answer for me. I must admit I like them all, I would possibly say coastal has a slight importance to me as it boosts the chance of seeing a rare migrant species. For sheer enjoyment I always try to incorporate several habitats such as farmland, wetland and woodland into a birding walk to boost the amount of birds which can be seen.

[AshLee]

A rare treat for me is to visit heathland. For a fantastic variety of species that I would seldom see otherwise.

Now if it surrounded a large body of reedy inland water, was next to a rocky/sandy beach, with a mountain to the rear, mature woodland to the left and farmland on the right then I would be laughing

Heaven

[darrenm]

I like them all but nothing beats the coast for me during peak bird migration periods and it can also throw up anything at any time and i also really enjoy sea watching

[SheffieldLass]

Mixed woodland, grassland, heath mosaic with reservoir, cliff edge and moorland edge/bogs and flushes and streams, and with a few scattered farms/houses (with bird feeders in the gardens) ... yes it does exist. And has a good mammal population too. Although in harsh winter it is quieter than other areas, though many birds just move down to the woodland on the sunny side of the reservoir. It needs a little bit of arable to make it perfect, oh and the sea is rather a long way away too, but it does get gulls and curlew, golden plover, common sandpiper, cormorant ...

I think that could be called a "mixed" habitat .

[ChrisJB]

No contest, moor and mountain in late spring. Curlews, golden plover, ring ouzels, grouse, wheatears.....gradely!

Regards, Chris

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by thebeard

What is everybody's favourite habitat for birding/wildlife watching and why?

Anywhere teeming with wildlife!

Having said that, mountains and upland areas have always held a fascination for me even if finding wildlife can be much more challenging.

Since there are not many mountains and upland areas in Essex (well, I haven't come across them yet ), I have to find a fix at least twice a year in Scotland and Wales!

Mind you, the coastal wetlands and marshes of East Anglia are special too and Essex can claim to have these .

Richard

[John]

Hi Rich

Almost word for with what I would say.

I can enjoy wildlife in any setting, from my garden through to the mountains but I must admit Scotland north of Perth always holds a passion for me. Hopefully I will get up there in the next couple of months.

I know that's not stating a habitat but the diversity is what enthrals me and what different habitats can turn up, sometimes unexpectedly.

John

Originally Posted by rlchew

Anywhere teeming with wildlife!

Having said that, mountains and upland areas have always held a fascination for me even if finding wildlife can be much more challenging.

Since there are not many mountains and upland areas in Essex (well, I haven't come across them yet ), I have to find a fix at least twice a year in Scotland and Wales!

Mind you, the coastal wetlands and marshes of East Anglia are special too and Essex can claim to have these .

Richard

[Adam Cheeseman]

You can't beat estuaries for sheer numbers, variety and excitement. In terms of management I love reedbed and fen habitats, which are also pretty good for birds and other wildlife.

My favourite regular birding places are Pagham Harbour, Farlington Marshes, Shell Ness, Dungeness and the north Norfolk coast.