Sunny early morning in the Forest.......

Feb 17 - A pre-work trip to the Forest of Dean as a perfect sunny late winter's day. At Brierley I picked up a Hawfinch sitting unobtrusively in the canopy til it flew off, then at Serridge Ridge a female Brambling was with 30+ Chaffinches around the beech area. Only one seen though, numbers seem very low this winter. A large finch flock flying around the larches contained a mixture of Redpolls and Siskins, totalling at least 100 birds. Wenchford gave nice views of Marsh Tit and Nuthatch.

New Fancy View gave a superb panorama in the sunshine and a Goshawk was seen immediately on arrival, perched and then in display flight, alongside several Buzzards. 2 Ravens and 4 Siskins also flew over here. Finally, a quick check at Wenchford did not reveal any Dippers, but obliging Marsh Tits and Nuthatches posed for the camera at the feeder. Year list 137. Photos JM.