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  • The National Body for Naturalists

    Founded in 1905 with the sole aim of promoting the study of all branches of Natural History and continues to do so to this day
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WELCOME TO THE BNA WEBSITE

We hope you find it interesting and stimulating, and hope you will join the Association and swell the numbers of Britain’s Naturalists.

Join the BNA the national body for naturalists, founded in 1905, and extend your interest in the British countryside by taking part in a wide range of activities together with fellow enthusiasts of all ages. With the help of our experts, you will be able to learn more about our native flora and fauna and develop an in-depth understanding of how our natural world develops and changes increasingly important in view of the changes in our climate.

At national level, the BNA organises lectures and exhibitions, publishes Country-Side, British Naturalist, the BNA website and the BNA holds occasional conferences and Field Trips at a different location each year.

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2024 Field Day at Selborne in August and the Encaenia in October

Read the Reports here>>Archive Events

What to look for in November from the BNA

Photos: D. Farrar

As many duck species arrive in the UK to spend winter here, now is a great time to head off to wetlands, lakes or coastal areas to see them. Together with our own native birds, they are a spectacular sight, as large, noisy flocks gather in their search for food.

 

 

WigeonAnas Penelope.  You may probably recognise these attractive birds from their ‘whistling’ call.  They gather in large flocks on water feeding by dipping their heads in but also spend a lot of time grazing on wet grass.

 

 

 

PintailAnas acuta. Pintails are more likely to be seen in winter amongst groups of other ducks. They feed on plant material found near the surface of water but their long necks enable them to reach further down for food than other dabbling ducks. They have long pointed tail feathers and are quite slim in appearance.

 

 

 

TealAnas crecca. Commonly found in winter on wetlands, mudflats and meadows.  Our smallest duck, having a squarish shaped head and a short neck, they sit quite high up in the water. The head is chestnut and green marked with a buff-coloured border. The bright green wing patch can be seen clearly when in flight.

 

 

ShovelerAnas clypeata. A stunning looking duck, the Shoveler has a green head, white and chestnut plumage and yellow eyes.  They get the name from their bill, which is huge and ‘shovel’ shaped. They are known to move around in circles as they filter food from mud, swishing their bills from side to side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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