Trip reports

OWN TRANSPORT TRIP TO THE NEW FOREST - SUNDAY MAY 4TH 2008

Sunday, 4 May 2008

19 members arrived for the morning walk from the Bolderwood car park on an overcast day with occasional light showers forecast. Within two minutes of setting off the first of at least 6 firecrests were heard singing. Sadly none gave easy views, most being high up in the trees, although one particular individual allowed several members fleeting glimpses before moving off. This set the tone for the morning, with birds being surprisingly scarce and difficult to see. Nevertheless, a redstart was heard in spluttering song and a close encounter with a pair of mating goldcrests provided a dramatic moment. As we made our way around the back of the deer enclosure, a song thrush and unexpectedly, a sedge warbler, were 'scoped in the hedgerow dividing the grassy fields. A coffee break overlooking the open heath brought brief but good looks at a cuckoo, with buzzards overhead. Further into the forest, the typical species gave themselves up rather reluctantly, but diligent searching found nuthatch and treecreeper. Bird of the morning here was undoubtedly a singing wood warbler, which once located, provided everyone with splendid views. Shortly afterwards, a pair of calling hawfinches arrived, but sadly only 2 of our party had convincing looks. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the morning was an overflying red kite! As we returned to the carpark for lunch and a well earned ice cream, several more "invisible" firecrests were heard.

11 of us decamped to the High Corner car park, where four other members were waiting to join us for the afternoon walk in Broomy. First was a singing willow warbler, which perched up for everyone to enjoy. Another pair of hawfinches flew past before we entered the wood. Again, birds were generally scarce, but we did see another singing wood warbler and by way of something extra, palmate newts in their flooded ditch. Patient watching then allowed all to see at least the underside of a singing firecrest. Emerging onto the heath, where despite light rain, the gorse lit up the landscape, there was suddenly a plethora of new species. Meadow pipit, skylark, stonechats and a superb male dartford warbler were joined by a passing female whinchat - a great way to end the day.

Most participants who stayed all day recorded some 40 species.

Reported by Steve Oakes