Forest of Dean-16 March 2013

0700 departure from Whitminster and returned by 1410.

Highlights from Forest of Dean 16 March 2013

Wild Boar- 5 at Wenchford

Dipper- a pair at Wenchford
Hawfinch-6 at Parkend Church and 3 at Brierley

(note, if looking for them, please be Hawfinch wise, they are shy and generally need a bit of space. Most great photos are taken from hides/cars with lots of preparation, usually it is not possible to get too close without the use of a scope or being patient with binoculars)

Brambling- 40 at Parkend Church.
Mandarin-pair at Wenchford, 12 at Cannop Ponds.
Little Grebe- 5 at Cannop Ponds and 2 at Woorgreens.
Marsh Tit- one at Cannop Ponds
Kingfisher- one along Cannop Brook.
Siskin- seen at New Fancy View (NFV), Woorgreens and Yew Tree Brake in full song.
Lesser Redpoll- one over NFV and c 12 at Woorgreens.
Raven- 2pairs at NFV, 5 at Woorgreens and 2 at Brierley.
Goshawk- a female displaying and showing well around 1030 at NFV.

Crossbill- a flock of c45 flew over Crabtree Hill heading toward Cinderford
Goosander-one male and 4 females at Woorgreens
Stonechat-male at Crabtree Hill

Also noted…Buzzard, Green and Great spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Pied and Grey Wagtail, Coal, Blue and Great Tit, Cormorant, Greylag and Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Coot, Mallard, Song, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Nuthatch, C Crow, Rook, Jackdaw and more.

We had a quick look for Whooper Swan at Walmore Common and for the Waxwings at Newnham on Severn but no success.

Thanks to Ruth, Morris and Colin for your company and humour.

Martin J McGill