Overview
Emer Bog and Baddesley Common is an area of grassland, heath, bog and forest in the Test Valley, Hampshire, UK.
It is owned by the Hampshire Wildlife Trust who have provided and maintain boardwalks to help you get around the main bog. The main bog or Emer Bog as it is called is the main habitat.
Birds
Notable Species
In winter Snipe and Jack Snipe feed here, as do Mallard and the occasional Teal.
In summer Woodcock can be watched roding over here, while Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler and perhaps still Grasshopper Warbler breed. The woods around here hold commoner woodland birds including all 3 woodpeckers and there appears to be a particularly high density of Treecreeper. Marsh Tit is also present and Common Crossbill have been seen in the pines. Several Water Rail were present in the autumn of 2007.
Baddesley Common is often worth a visit, and under-watched might be and under-statement. Woodlark, Tree Pipit, Cuckoo, Stonechat, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Bullfinch breed, as do many commoner species. Nightjar formerly bred but could not be located in 2007, but with Woodcock and Tawny Owl this should make a good location for an evening visit.
The alders here are a favourite spot for wintering Siskin and Lesser Redpoll (a large flock of about 100 Siskin was present in January 2007), and Brambling appear to be regular visitors. Fieldfare and Redwing are numerous here, as are Goldcrest.
Baddesley Common regularly attracts migrants including Wheatear, Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart, while Wryneck and Red-backed Shrike have been recorded in recent years. In the winter 2006/2007 Northern Goshawk was seen. Northern Hobby are regular overhead in summer, and Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk & Kestrel breed.
Rarities
Spotted Crake was located at Emer bog in August 2007. Wryneck] and Red-backed Shrike have occured on passage. Marsh Harrier has been seen flying over.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
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Other Wildlife
Butterflies are very well represented with Silver-washed Fritilary and White Admiral being numerous at Emer Bog in the summer, and Purple Emperor is also present but typically elusive. On Baddesley Common Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small and Large Skippers, Brimstone, Small and Large Whites, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral are all numerous.
Dragonflies can be seen at Emer Bog including a colony of Ruddy Darter.
Roe Deer are numerous and frequently seen, often in Emer Bog itself where they are useful for flushing out Snipe!
Adders are often seen, Grass Snakes are presumably present in what seems like good habitat, and Common Lizards can often be seen basking on the boardwalks at Emer Bog.
Site Information
History and Use
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Areas of Interest
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Access and Facilities
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Contact Details
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