New Forest Trip

An early start from Whitchurch saw us arrive at Shatterford at around 8:15am. We were soon onto Curlew, Lapwing, Little Egret and Buzzards after walking a few 100 yards south of the car park. A male Dartford Warbler was located on song and we had quite close views. Meadow Pipits were around too, and we got a distant Hobby. Further down the track we got male and female Dartford Warblers. Back at the car park, two Woodlarks were seen over the trees and were located feeding amongst some settled cows. A male Wheatear was digiscoped. On to Denny Wood, where we located Spotted Flycatcher (x2) and a male and female Redstart. Bolderwood was next for Firecrest, but we dipped. Sixpenny Handley had no Montague's Harrier on show, but we got Red-leggged Partridge, Stock Dove and Corn Bunting. We faired littled better at Martin Down, with only a pair of Yellowhammers, a few Whitethroats with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap singing. Jeff was lucky enough to see a Turtle Dove. The Stone Curlew scrapes were vacant. We rounded the day off at Avebury, where Tree Sparrow was added to the list, and we had nice views of a Hobby overhead.

Lists ... lists ... lists

Okay, I've finally got hooked. After the exploits of the last two weeks, I've now added my totals up. For 2005, I have lists of:

• 40 - Work
• 66 - Rhondda Cynon Taf
• 94 - East Glamorgan
• 117 - Glamorgan
• 120 - Wales
• 145 - UK

Way behind Tim I know, but where are Dan and Jeff? Best birds so far include Long-billed Dowitcher at Goldcliff and Long-tailed Duck at Slimbridge.

Black-winged Stilts at Fretherene

Digiscoped by Tim. A UK tick for me.

Egyptian Geese at Coombe Hill Meadows

Digiscoped by Tim.

Drake Long-tailed Duck at Slimbridge

Digiscoped by Tim. A lifer for me (and Alec).

Breeding Nuthatch at Darren Woods, Maesteg

Digiscoped by Jeff.