Anser birding half day in the Forest of Dean 25 March 2006

A male Brambling at Highnam Woods 25 March 2006 J.S.Lees.

Male Common Crossbill at Woogreens 25 March 2006 J.S. Lees

We met up at New Fancy View and spent until 1300 birding various sites around the Forest of Dean. At least 15 Brambling, 3 Hawfinch, a displaying female Sparrowhawk, Red Deer and numbers of overflying Siskin were noted at Brierley. A pair each of Mandarin and Grey Wagtail plus displaying female Goshawk with attendant male were seen at another site. At New Fancy view what appeared to be three different displaying female Goshawk each with a male were seen over different parts of the forest. At one point Sparrowhawk was up with them for a good comparison. Views were prolonged with some closer sightings for good measure. A pair of Crossbill flew past. A further search of sites only added commoner species but another pair of Grey Wagtail, Mandarin, Little Grebe, Treecreeper and two rosy Lesser Redpoll drinking were appreciated. A walk around Woorgreens area added the breeding Greylag Geese (nesting/behaving naturally in such a suitable habitat). More Siskin and one Lesser Redpoll were seen as well as a perched male Crossbill (well done Bob). We then moved onto RSPB Highnam Woods where a very busy selection of woodland passerines were around and on the feeders (a great display). Nine Brambling (six males), a pair of Siskin, Nuthatches, 2-3 Great-spotted Woodpecker and Marsh Tits performed brilliantly alongside the commoner tits and finches.