Recently, Stephen Moss reflected on the rare Sabine’s gull that unexpectedly appeared on the Somerset coast. This month marks his 1,000th contribution to the outdoors, a journey that began half his lifetime ago.
His first Birdwatch, published in January 1993, focused on gulls, celebrating their beauty and adaptability—traits often overlooked by the public.
Over the decades, Britain’s avifauna has transformed significantly. During the 1960s and 1970s, the number of new breeding species was minimal, with a few notable exceptions like the Cetti’s warbler and Mediterranean gull.
Climate change has since altered the landscape, allowing species such as little egrets and marsh harriers to thrive in his adopted county, while once-common birds like the swift and house martin have declined alarmingly.
Hope lies in the younger generation’s dedication to reversing the impacts of climate change.As he transitioned into a wildlife TV producer at the BBC Natural History Unit, Moss documented his birding adventures around the world, sharing these experiences.
He also kept a close eye on his local patches, recognizing their importance to the community. His early columns blended personal reflections with natural history, a hallmark of his writing style.
Now residing in Somerset, Moss frequently explores the Three Rivers—Huntspill, Parrett, and Brue—with companions, where he recently spotted his 150th species.
While new arrivals are exciting, he mourns the loss of familiar species due to the biodiversity and climate crises. With the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern now containing 73 species, the future remains uncertain.
As he ponders whether he’ll still be writing in 32 years, Moss finds hope in the younger generation’s commitment to environmental activism. Perhaps they will succeed in reversing some of these troubling trends, allowing birds to once again fill the skies.