We are now in our second year of formal bird surveys at Albourne Estate which are being conducted by the British Trust for Ornithology.

Over the 4 surveys completed last year, a total of 47 bird species were identified, many of which are common UK residents or winter visitors, but with a few noteworthy species appearing.

In April and May 2026, a total 39 species were recorded over the two surveys, 8 of which were not previously recorded at Albourne.  A full species list is included below.  Many of the species present are fairly common breeding species, however the range of different habitats at Albourne Estate adds to the variety of species present.   The variety of habitats include wooded areas, hedgerows, scrubland, uncut and undisturbed grassy margins, late cut grass fields and a lake.

Wooded areas are important for many species.  Some are cavity nesters such as the tit species, stock dove and Jackdaw, others make their own holes in trees including the two species of woodpecker present (green and greater spotted). One species of note was nuthatch as they prefer older trees.  Some species also build nests in the canopy, including rooks which breed in colonies and buzzard.

In the hedgerows and scrub belts a variety of species nest in the dense scrub these include resident species such as robin and wren and summer migrants such as the warblers, blackcap and whitethroat.

Of particular note are two farmland bird species, linnet and yellowhammer, both of which have declined in recent decades.

Another important farmland bird species, the skylark is a ground nesting species, often in taller grass or crops, however they are easily disturbed by agricultural activities or free roaming dogs, so areas of relatively undisturbed grassland are good for this species.  Several singing males were noted on both surveys.

Water is important for all wildlife and islands or vegetated margins create breeding opportunities for ducks, geese and moorhens.