Wednesday 9th - Friday 11th March: The New Forest
We have never stayed on the New Forest before but regularly drive through on our way to Dorset. Having read the excellent book ‘Rebirding’, this wood pasture area is praised for its mosaic of habitats creating ideal conditions for a variety of bird species. So we decided to book a two night stay and see what we might find.
Day 1: We began at Piper’s Wait, a viewpoint overlooking some forest where historically there had been Goshawks. It was cold and windy, so we didn’t linger too long, but managed to spot a pair of likely looking suspects flying around near a row of distant pylons. We went back to the car and studied the map, identifying a road which appeared to pass near these electricity wires so set off in that direction. We pulled in to a layby where an RSPB van was parked, thinking they may be watching our target birds. But as it happened, we had stumbled across an RSPB reserve, Franchise’s Lodge, which had been acquired in 2018, but was not yet widely publicised as a lot of work was needed.
We chatted with the warden, who confirmed the presence of Goshawk and set off along the track. Some Redwing and Grey Wagtail were foraging in a damp field and some Mistle Thrush were also active. The trees were full of the regular tits and as we got further into the wood we found some alders alive with twittering Siskins. A mewing sound drew our attention, and looking up we were able to see a Goshawk circling above us, although the view was partly obscured by trees. Several Marsh Tits were seen.
We descended through the wood to a lower path, with open grassland stretching beneath the pylons. As I turned to speak to Tim, we briefly saw a pair of Goshawks flying low before disappearing into the tree line. Continuing on we were delighted to find a pair of Woodlark at the side of the path, our first of the year.
This was not what we had planned for our first day, but it was an enjoyable walk, and certainly a location we would like to return to.
 |
| Marsh Tit |
 |
| Woodlark |
Day 2: we started at Acres Down, and set off through the wood hoping for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker or Hawfinch which are known to frequent the area. The walk was lovely, but unfortunately we failed to find either species. We met some friendly locals who suggested Millyford Bridge, but we also drew a blank there, although a female Bullfinch offered some consolation. Undeterred, we set out in the afternoon for Bratley Bottom, in search of a Great Grey Shrike. As we arrived at the car park, some other birders asked if we’d seen the Crossbills that had just flown over. No, we had not!!!! On for our target species, but that was not playing ball either, with several people watching and waiting but there was no sign. However, a Dartford Warbler showed well on some gorse and a Firecrest posed briefly in a small bush at close range, giving excellent views. Again, an enjoyable day in lovely surroundings, but disappointing on the bird front.
Day 3: the forecast was for heavy rain, so we had decided on a visit to Blashford Lakes, with a plan to hide in the hides! But before the rain set in, we drove to nearby Denny wood, where we had been tipped off for a possible Lesser spot. Yet again no luck, but this was a site popular with local photographers who put out seed for the birds, so we had point blank views of a variety of woodland species, the highlights being Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Marsh Tit. A Chaffinch showed very scaly legs, but was still managing to feed satisfactorily. We wandered a short distance into the attractive open woodland with plenty of mature oaks and spotted a Treecreeper scurrying quietly up the trunk. Another place worth returning to, and we were wishing we had booked to stay a bit longer!
 |
| Marsh Tit and Blue Tits |
 |
| Great spotted Woodpecker |
As the rain started to fall more heavily we drove on to Blashford Lakes. We started at Tern Hide which overlooks Ibsley Water. There was a good mixed ensemble of water birds, including Goldeneye, Pochard and Goosander. We searched for the Ring billed Gull which has been present for some time, but the conditions were atrocious making visibility very poor. A group in the hide thought they had the bird, but we were unconvinced. Although it’s possible they were right, we felt it was just too far away and too dark to confirm an identification, as there are some immature gulls which show similar markings on the bill. Very frustrating. We continued on to the woodland hide, where Brambling, Redpoll, Reed Bunting and Siskin were highlights, all feeding at close range.
 |
| Brambling |
 |
| Siskin |
 |
| Reed Bunting |
Comments