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.