Do you want to come on an evening adventure with us at RSPB West Sedgemoor, a reserve that is normally closed to the public, and discover the secrets of the moor at night? Then why not sponsor one of our quail surveys for this unique opportunity to join a member of the RSPB West Sedgemoor team on a survey listening out for these secretive creatures and other wildlife that makes its home on the moor. You may be lucky enough to hear the ‘wet-my-lips’ call of an elusive quail, listen to the rhythmic drumming of courting snipe or glimpse a stately barn owl gliding across the levels and moors as it hunts.
Quail surveys are undertaken on weekdays from late May through to the beginning of July. Early in the season our surveyors will also be listening out for spotted crake as they establish their territories and call for a mate. During the survey you will visit a number of points across the moor spending five minutes quietly listening at each of the points for the distinctive call of the quail as well as the other evocative sounds of the moor at night. Photography is welcome on the surveys but this is a real survey and it is up against a time limit. You need to be prepared to move fast between the points and return to the vehicle immediately at the end of the listening time to get to the next point. While you need to be quiet at the points there is time to ask any questions when travelling between points.
The surveys are weather dependant so you need to be prepared to be called at short notice (a couple of days) to join a survey. We operate a waiting list system and cannot guarantee that a survey will happen on a day when you are available. We will be driving on rough and unlit tracks so you need to be prepared for a bumpy ride and able to climb in and out of a high 4 x 4 truck. Sturdy footwear, warm clothes and a flask are a must for this night time adventure.
We ask for a minimum donation of £50 which allows up to two people accompany survey which is payable on the day by cash or cheque. This experience is suitable for age 12+ when minors are accompanied by a responsible adult who stays with them at all times. For booking and more information please contact Paul Parmenter on paul.parmenter@rspb.org.uk or 07770932412 to experience the sights and sounds of RSPB West Sedgemoor at night for yourself.