Bird species to see at Compton Verney

Bird species to see at Compton Verney
Top 30 Bird species to see at Compton Verney

Interested in bird watching?

If your answer is yes and you are in reach of south Warwickshire then Compton Verney could be worth a visit. Although an art gallery with all the modern conveniences, Compton Verney happens to be situated in 120 acres of designed landscape and is surrounded by many more acres of woodland and beautiful countryside; it is quite simply a magnet for a wide range of bird species!

Great Crested Grebe bird species at Compton Verney. Alwyn Knapton.

Great Crested Grebe at Compton Verney. Alwyn Knapton.

 

Connected woodland parcels, hedgerows and streams direct birds from surrounding farmland to the wildlife site that is Compton Verney, and with an ever-growing path network that is easy to navigate, not to mention our bird hide; opportunity to spot birds is better than ever!

Over 100 bird species recorded.

Bird species recorded on site topped the 100 mark last year, and all were sightings by our resident bird spotter Alwyn Knapton who visits each week, adding to our knowledge of resident and migratory birds that rely on Compton Verney. From the lists I’ve picked out 30 that are typically seen, and the areas where you’re most likely to see them.

If you’re a keen bird watcher, I’d suggest bringing some binoculars and dressing up in greens to maximise your chances of seeing a bird before it sees you! If you’re just visiting normally however, I’d just suggest sitting for a while on one of the many benches, and the birds are sure to come near before too long.

Just last week I was chatting to a local Barn Owl expert near the Adam Bridge when two kingfishers parted as they flew past our heads, their tweets vanishing along with that flash of colour down towards the lakeside reeds. A treat indeed……

Top 30 to look for:

Ice House Coppice

(The mixed woodland suits the following and many other species) :

Nuthatch; Coal Tit; Treecreeper; Goldcrest; Jay; Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Upper (Adam) Bridge

Great Crested Grebe; Reed Warbler; Common Sandpiper; Swallow; House Martin.

Lawns

(Looking over lake/reeds) :

Kingfisher; Coot and Moorhen; Grey Lag Goose; Cormorant; Heron.

Ha-Ha

(Viewed from the west lawn) :

Long Tailed Tit; Wren; Blackcap; Chiff-Chaff.

West Lawn

Jackdaw; Raven; Pheasant; Pied Wagtail.

Old Town Meadow

(Circular paths around parkland) :

Green Woodpecker; Kestrel; Buzzard; Goldfinch; Skylark.

Long-tailed Tit Bird Species at Compton Verney. Alwyn Knapton.

Long-tailed Tit at Compton Verney. Alwyn Knapton.

If you do visit and capture a favourite bird or wildlife image at Compton Verney, we’d love to see and share it if you agree – the easiest way is to tag your image on twitter or instagram with #ComptonVerney and/or #CVwildlife.

To access the park visiting conditions do apply: lease check out www.comptonverney.org.uk for further details.

Best wishes

Gary Webb, Head of Landscape and Gardens at Compton Verney.