Forest view
Drake Mandarin
Mandarin pair
Stonechat pair
A few of Thrush flock at pits
Stonechat
Main pit views early
Returning Oystercatcher
With the forecast slightly better than midweek suggested myself and Mrs D had an enjoyable morning around the Forest of Dean. Sightings were mixed but we enjoyed some good walking in a fantastic place.
Cannop Ponds was host to 14 Manadrin, mostly drakes, a Marsh Tit, a flyover Goshawk, 2 Cormorant, 22 Greylag and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Parkend was very quiet with not a single Hawfinch about. There was very little seen where the photographers usually sit so perhaps feeding elsewhere.
We did note plenty of Chaffinch, Siskin, Sparrowhawk & Buzzards on our route but not a great deal else. The wind got up more each hour making it more difficult.
I really enjoyed the pits on Sunday morning where our pair of Oystercatchers had returned. I hope they can find some suitable area to nest with the high water levels. The only other birds on the island were two forlawn Lapwing. Whilst watching a Snipe on the Old Workings lagoon the two wintering Stonechat appearing which was pleasing. It seems they have relocated to the central lagoon. 260 Linnet were flying around providing a real winter sight. Other sightings included a Grey Heron, 4 Shoveler, 14 Cormorant, 4 Mute Swan, Buzzard, Pied Wagtail, Jay, 1 BHG, 4 Herring & 1 LBBG.
After lunch I made my second visit of the weekend to Studley Castle / Sewage works that I'm going to visit regulary during the year ahead. It offers a real range of habitats and is pleasurable to walk around unlike the pits. On this visit, I located a Cetti's Warbler in the reed bed which I was delighted with. This area is now being visited by Mark Clarke & Richard Harbird and I'll try and post sightings at regular intervals.
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