The Common Tern is one of the most familiar seabirds of our coastlines and inland waters, yet it often goes unnoticed behind its larger cousin, the Caspian Tern, or is mistaken for the Arctic Tern, which it closely resembles. With its pearl-grey plumage, black cap, bright orange-red bill with a black tip, and deeply forked tail, it has the look of an elegant little sailplane skimming above the waves. It is found wherever there is a fish-rich stretch of water — coastline, estuary, lake, broad river, or flooded gravel pit — hovering over the surface, freezing in mid-air, then plunging abruptly to seize a fish.

The Common Moorhen is one of the most familiar aquatic birds of our ponds and quiet waterways, yet it often goes unnoticed behind its more conspicuous cousin, the Eurasian Coot. With its slate-grey plumage, bright red frontal shield and red bill with a yellow tip, it has the look of an elegant little hen that slips between the reeds. It can be found wherever there is a sheet of freshwater bordered by vegetation, pecking at aquatic plants, swimming with its tail cocked, or vanishing suddenly into the reed beds.

The Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) is one of the smallest passerines observable in our woodlands, gardens, and forests. With its discreet silhouette, dull olive-brown plumage, and constantly active behavior, this bird is difficult to approach but its characteristic song regularly reveals its presence. This small insectivorous migrant is one of the first signs of spring's return in our temperate zones.

The Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) is one of the most familiar aquatic birds of our ponds and lakes, and one of the most easily recognised. With its deep black plumage, striking white bill and characteristic frontal shield, it resembles a small grebe that never goes unnoticed on the water. It can be seen on the surface whenever there is calm water, pecking at aquatic plants, diving briefly, or swimming with that distinctive gait that makes its entire body vibrate.