Beginning with Gilbert White’s Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, first published in 1789, the ornithological record continues with three avifaunas and, since 1958, increasingly comprehensive annual bird reports. This is a report summarising the results of a study of the Solent carried out between December 1990 and January 1992. The Langstone Hotel is located just 8 miles from Portsmouth, outside of Havant on the northern shore of Hayling Island. If walking in the area be careful as the nests can be near paths, and if you bring a dog make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t disturb the birds.

It continues to explore other, more recent developments in Hampshire’s birding scene and sets the background for the bulk of the book, which consists of accounts for 186 species, plus seven distinctive subspecies, all meeting the rarity conditions and approaching half of the county list of 389 species. A guide to all the species of birds recorded in the new forest and adjoining contrasting past and present knowledge, plus information on where to watch and with a useful checklist. An unrivalled collection of photos is included, complemented by a unique series of paintings and sketches of Hampshire rarities as seen through artist Dan Powell’s eyes. Majestic red kites have been seen soaring across the area, as well as brightly coloured yellowhammers, hoppy fieldfares and chirpy woodlarks.

Now it's popular for hiking, and the chalk grasslands are rich in wildlife to admire, such as flowers like the rock rose and Osmia bicolour bees. The accounts will certainly bring back vivid memories to the rarity finders themselves, all of whom are named in the book, as well as to the innumerable visitors who travelled to catch up with new or unusual species.

The present volume provides further recognition of the 'systems approach' to science and management, which attempts to integrate multidisciplinary science through interaction with various decision-making authorities. Hampshire’s coastline supports substantial colonies of breeding Black-headed Gulls, Sandwich Terns and Little Terns, and in winter, the harbours are taken over by vast numbers of migratory waders and wildfowl, including internationally significant numbers of Brent Geese, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit and many other species. Receive our free weekly newsletter which includes our popular Photo of the Week and Review of the Week features, plus competitions, special offers and much more. The next highest ascent for bird watching trails is South Downs Way (Complete) with 4,237 m of elevation gain.It is internationally important for the bird population that is supports, such as bearded tit, sedge and reed warblers. Many unpublished accounts of the discovery of rarities are included, as well as several amusing anecdotes. While the terrain is mostly flat, you will pass through a variety of ground surfaces, such as a road, gravel, a sandy path, and a wooded area. Blashford Lakes nature reserve has a variety of habitats including ancient woodland, a New Forest stream and alder and willow carr woodland which surround a complex of flooded former gravel working.