Our Marine office in Southampton has welcomed plenty of visitors over the years, but two feathered friends have become firm favourites among the team.

Recently, colleagues came to the rescue of a young Whitethroat after it accidentally flew into the canteen window. Graham Osman gently picked up the dazed bird, which sat calmly on his hand for around five minutes before moving to his shoulder, where it remained for another 10 minutes. After taking advice, the team prepared a box and placed it in a shaded area to give the bird time to recover. However, as soon as it was placed in the box, it flew off happily on its way, much to everyone’s relief.

The office is also home to a much more familiar avian character: Kevin the Oystercatcher. Named after a former employee, Kevin first earned his reputation by taking a particular interest in the wheels of Kevin’s car, frequently admiring his reflection in the shiny surface. He also became known for pecking at the office window and leaving his mark on the windowsill!

While Kevin the employee left the business in 2018, Kevin the Oystercatcher remains a loyal visitor. Every year, he returns to nest near the office, continuing his tradition of pecking at windows, inspecting reflections and keeping colleagues entertained with his larger-than-life personality.

These unexpected wildlife encounters are a reminder of the unique location of our Marine operations and the wonderful connection we share with the natural world around us. Whether it’s helping a young Whitethroat back into the wild or welcoming the return of a familiar feathered friend, there’s never a dull moment at Southampton Marine!