Within the village the design of the buildings has resulted in an increase of the House Martin population. We now have 50 pairs, one of the largest colony’s in Hampshire. We are hoping the colony will continue to grow.
Stanbridge Earls is a 32 acre mixed habitat site, home to many birds and wildlife. The Stanbridge Earls Nature Group is a group of homeowners who have collectively recorded the birds spotted at Stanbridge Earls (and additionally within two miles of the village). Mr Trevelyan (Group Chairman) and Mr Finney who compiled the 2025 Bird List have kindly shared details of their experiences below.
Away from the landscaped and dwelling areas, 3 specific locations provide differing habitats, each with it’s own regulars. These are;
The mixed species woodland
Currently due to Ash Die back affecting many trees a Management Plan is being established to create new habitats as we move forward.
The Wildflower Meadow
Seeding took place last year and we look forward to a full season of wild flowers this year. We are excited to see how the meadow develops and what farmland species this will attract. Incidentally the Nature Group is producing a species list for the meadow and currently 58 species have been noted.
Bird and wildlife boxes
There are bird boxes throughout the village, initially erected by Audley or incorporated into the buildings, including Swift, Sparrow, Blue Tit, House Martin, and Starling boxes.
Bat and Dormouse boxes have been established in the woodland. The Bat boxes are slowly being used although the Nature Group has unfortunately reported no Dormice to date.
Additionally a Barn Owl box, a Tawny Owl box and a Kestrel box have been installed during the past year. We are hoping we see some residents in the next year or two.
Mr Finney and Mr Trevelyan, how did you first get involved in the Stanbridge Earls Bird Watch?
"I have always had an interest in birds, but not the extent of chasing around the country to see a new/rare species – i.e “not a twitcher”. It was natural when we arrived at Stanbridge Earls in 2019 to record the species seen and produce a year by year record. More owners moved in with interest in Nature in general. Some had a specific interest in birds. I acted as the recorder and the Stanbridge Earls list was created from the birds spotted by the owners. " Mr Finney
Nature Group Chairman Roy Trevelyan comments “I have been into birdwatching all my life so naturally wanted to continue when we moved here nearly 5 years ago. I have always kept a bird notebook to record my sightings.”
As a collective Nature Group, how did you go about capturing this information throughout the year?
Mr Trevelyan - I contribute my sitings to Peter Finney who was already keeping an annual list when we moved in to the village. I walk regularly around the site and also report birds visiting my feeders
How do your neighbours react to your birdwatching. Do they join in or ask questions?
The owners are interested in all Nature related topics. The Nature Group organises monthly meetings and walks throughout the year. Neighbours are interested and sometimes pass on sitings I may have missed. Most owners here have bird feeders on their terrace or balcony.
There was a lot of interest in the Chukar which visited a lot of gardens earlier this year
For you, what has been the highlight this year?
Last winter two Swift boxes were installed and for a number of weeks in the Spring / early Summer a pair of Swifts showed interest. Hopefully this will lead to the boxes being used in the next year or two.
This Autumn, a Green Woodpecker reappeared after a 5 year absence, and the occcasional Kingfisher is seen as a flash of blue as they cross one of our lakes.
Did you notice any seasonal patterns across the year?
Yes. A couple of years ago we had sitings of Wheatear,Tree Pipits ,Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers during Spring and Autumn Passage, and visiting Redwings in Winter. We now have a large population of breeding House Martins [c.50 pairs] and new this year we’ve seen interest from a pair of Swifts.
Were there any challenges in identifying or tracking certain species?
The Chukar is very similar to a Red Legged Partridge and 2 years ago we had a visit from a Honey Buzzard which is similar to Common Buzzard.
Have any birds returned regularly that feel almost like familiar visitors?
The return of Siskins to the feeders in mid-winter, and our resident House Martins.
Will you continue your Stanbridge Earls Bird List into 2026?
Absolutely!
Are there any birds you hope to spot in the future?
As a group we would love to see one of the White Tailed Eagle from the Isle of Wight relocation project flying over the village.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own bird list?
Buy some binoculars (RSPB have some at a reasonable price) and keep a bird notebook of your sightings. Before you know it you’ll have a list which grows as the year passes.
