Vale and Forest Sightings

Saturday 2nd February 2008

On a sunny but cold day, I spent most of the day birding with Andy. On the way around Gloucester, c3000 Starlings were in the air at Over, going in the direction of Maisemore. First stop was Hasfield Ham to see two Egyptian Geese (below) reported yesterday. Nearby there was a flock of 40 Lesser Redpolls and 1-2 Water Rails squealing. Next stop was Highnam Wood where there were two Marsh tits, three Treecreepers, two Bullfinches, 30 Redwings, a male Great Spotted Woodpecker, a calling Green Woodpecker and a Stock Dove.


In the Forest of Dean the birding was superb with everything falling into place:
Brierley
Five Hawfinches, three Willow Tits (top photo and photos below), a Raven, a Sparrowhawk, 30 Siskins and two Bullfinches.


Boys Grave
The Great Grey Shrike (below) and three Crossbills (many more were heard in the woods).

Cannop Ponds upper pond
A Dipper, a male Mandarin, two Little Grebes, a Grey Wagtail and a Mistle Thrush.
New Fancy
Three Goshawks (one displaying), a Sparrowhawk, two Ravens, 12 Bramblings and five Goosanders flying distantly to the west.

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