SBBOT Field Centre
Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (SBBOT)
Hot off the press - keep up to date with the arrivals and movements of winter visitors by visiting our bird sightings page.
The back wall photographic exhibition during February features work by Steve Ray. His work has also appeared in the most recent SBBOT Annual Report and newsletters. The Black Redstart pictured here is a regular Spring and Autumn migrant at the Bay.
Steve only started birding in spring 2006 and, as with all beginners, having struggled to identify many of the birds he saw, decided that a camera would improve things.
His first serious set up was a Sony alpha 200 with Sigma 170-500 (Feb 2008) but in April 2009, shortly after retiring, he traded up to the Sony alpha 700 plus 70-400mm lens. Most of the pictures in the exhibition, predominantly from Kent, were taken with this set up. Just about all of Steve's birding has been done in Kent, mostly at Sandwich and Grove/Stodmarsh, though he has strayed across the border to Rye on occasions.
Please visit this free exhibition to see some superb images during our open hours of 10.00 - 16.00, 7 days a week.
Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Field Centre aims to both educate & entertain all visitors to this wonderful area.
Our Field Centre is located on the Kent coastline in the Sandwich and Hacklinge SSSI, the large floodplain of the river Stour that nestles between the White Cliffs of Dover to the south and the Isle of Thanet to the north. It is the base for the ongoing work of Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust, which has been recording all aspects of the wildlife of Sandwich Bay for over 50 years.
The primary function of the Trust is that of an accredited Bird Observatory, monitoring migration and carrying out a scientific programme of bird ringing, in support of many national and international projects. We also have particular interests in the butterflies, dragonflies and unique flora of the area, which includes many rare species of orchid (please see sightings for the most recent news and what to see for more general information). This work is carried out by our warden, Ian Hodgson, with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We have a programme of weekly events for members and non-members including walks, talks and workshops; please see our events for more information. The Field Centre is a modern well equipped building with accommodation for all visitors to the area and other facilities including a well stocked shop for naturalists.
As an independent charity we rely on the support of our members and volunteers to maintain the Field Centre (open 10.00 – 16.00, 7 days a week) and our reserves. New members and visitors are always welcome, however please note that there is a charge of £1 at the tollgate for non-members.
