Emer Bog and Baddesley Common

Emer Bog and Baddesley Common is an area of grassland, heath, bog and forest in the Test Valley, Hampshire, UK. It is owned by the Hampshire Wildlife Trust who have provided and maintain boardwalks to help ypu get around the main bog. The main bog or Emer Bog as it is called is the main habitat. In winter Snipe and Jack Snipe feed here, as do Mallard and the occasional Teal. In summer Woodcock can be watched roding over here, while Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler and perhaps still Grasshopper Warbler breed. The woods around here hold commoner woodland birds including all 3 woodpeckers and there appears to be a particularly high density of Treecreeper. Marsh Tit is also present and Crossbill have been seen in the pines. Baddesley Common is often worth a visit, and under-watched might be and under-statement. Woodlark, Tree Pipit, Cuckoo, Stonechat, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Bullfinch breed, as do many commoner species. Nightjar are another speciality, and along with Woodcock and Tawny Owl this should make a good location for an evening visit. The alders here are a favourite spot for wintering Siskin and Redpoll (a large flock of about 100 Siskin was present in January 2007), and Brambling appear to be regular visitors. Fieldfare and Redwing are numerous here, as are Goldcrest. Baddesley Common regularly attracts migrants including Wheatear, Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart, while Wryneck and Red-backed Shrike have been recorded in recent years. Hobby are common overhead in summer, and Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk & Kestrel breed.