Birdwatching with Merlin at Reddings Retreat

Discover the joy of birdwatching at Reddings Retreat, where the variety and abundance of birdlife create a truly exceptional experience. The diverse habitats here attract a wide range of species, making every birdwatching session a new and exciting adventure

Whether you’re an experienced birder or a complete novice, birdwatching at Reddings Retreat is for everyone. The stunning surroundings and the thrill of spotting new species make it a rewarding experience for all ages and abilities.

Why Merlin?

With Merlin Bird ID as your guide, bird identification becomes easy and enjoyable. This free app helps you identify birds by photo, sound, or simple questions, and lets you log your sightings into a personal “life list.” It’s like having an expert in your pocket — giving you confidence to spot and identify more species during your stay.

🛠️ Getting Started

Download the Merlin Bird ID app (free on iOS & Android).
Install the “Britain & Ireland” bird pack for offline use.
Allow microphone access if you’d like to use sound ID.
Optional: create a free Cornell Lab account to save your sightings.

🔍 How to Use It

Photo ID: Take or upload a photo of a bird — Merlin suggests likely matches.
Sound ID: Record birdsong; Merlin shows live matches on screen.
Step‑by‑step ID: Answer a few quick questions (size, colour, location).
Log your sightings: Save birds you’ve spotted to your personal life list.

📍 Reddings Retreat Hotspots

The Meadow & Hedges – robins, wrens, pheasants.
The Riverbank – kingfishers, swallows, chiffchaffs.
The Skies Above – red kites, buzzards, peregrines.

💡 Pro Tips

Early mornings are best for sound ID (dawn chorus).
Switch to offline mode if you’re walking in areas with poor signal.
Compare calls: Merlin shows spectrograms so you can see the sound as well as hear it.
Holiday bird list: Create a “Reddings Retreat” list to log all your sightings during your stay.

🌿 Final Note

With Merlin as your guide, bird identification becomes easy and enjoyable. If you capture a special sighting, feel free to share it on social media and tag us, or send it directly to Charlotte — we’d love to celebrate your discovery and, with your permission, feature it in our Spotter’s Log or future guide updates.