Historic Birdlife Records of Milford (1802-2022)

Keith Metcalf’s second wildlife book; ‘The Historic Birdlife Records of Milford-on-Sea’ is on sale from 1st October. His first major book, ‘The Natural History of Milford-on-Sea’ was published in 2020 and sold-out within a year of publication.

Keith said; “This is the second book in my 4-book wildlife series with this one being devoted entirely to our local birdlife. It is an historic record covering the past 220 years”.

Keith continued; “Whilst I was researching early birding records, I noted that there was a plethora of published material going back as far as the 1800s. These historic books and magazines often contained obscure but important references to Milford’s birds. 

The more I delved, the more interesting the records seemed to become. I doubted that many readers would have come across these important older books and reports so, despite the enormous amount of additional work and time this took to include, I thought it was imperative that these old, often obscure records be fully embraced and shared with everyone. It added about a year to the books writing and production, but for those with an interest in local bird history it will at least allow readers to go to a one-book source and pick out the most interesting birding information for each species recorded in our area since 1802”.

Keith went on to say; “In the 1800s I was intrigued to read about black grouse and capercaillie in the New Forest, these being raised and reintroduced by local gamekeepers. Blackcock was regarded as a ‘Royal’ bird and kept only for the King’s table. At this time it was even thought that with the spread of Scottish fir plantations in the New Forest that both black grouse and capercaillie might feel quite at home here and survive … which of course they didn’t! According to a story published in one of Colin Tubbs books, black grouse actually did survive for a time in the extreme north of the Forest until well after the 1939/45 second world war had ended.”

Keith told us that without the collaborative help from Marc Moody, Peter Hobby, the late Tony Locke and Chris Barrass (MCV & Wings) each of whom has submitted their individual records to be included in this book, the more modern birding history for Milford-on-Sea, Hurst and Keyhaven would have been so much the poorer.

Signed copies of Keith’s 400 page A4-size full-colour book are available to order online from: keithmetcalf2022@btinternet.com at a recommended retail price of £49. A free handy bookmark that gives the key to all the important nature reserve sites and the acronyms used to the older historic records is included with each order. There is also free delivery to any address in Milford-on-Sea parish (including Keyhaven, Lymore, Agarton and Downton), plus Everton, Lymington, New Milton and Barton-on-Sea. For deliveries elsewhere a £13.50 p&p charge should be added to the payment. Alternatively, books can be collected (by arrangement with Keith).

A £1 contribution for every book sold will be donated to ‘Wings’ youth group to put towards one of their visionary birding conservation projects. Online payment details will be sent upon receipt of all email orders.

Picture taken from Keith's kitchen window overlooking
 the Pond courtesy of his neighbours Anne and Connie & John
cutting their hedges low for him to observe the birds.