NEW FOREST - ACRES DOWN
We went on the Wiltshire Ornithological Society's field trip to Acres Down in the New Forest, as well as an opportunity to see raptors it was also an opportunity to catch up with old friends. We started at the viewpoint overlooking Holmhill and Highland Water Inclosures, and immediately had good ,if distant, views of a Goshawk soaring with Common Buzzards. This was soon followed by closer views of two Honey Buzzards also keeping company with a Common Buzzard enabling direct comparison.
A pair of Crossbills were in a conifer in frot of the group, and a male Redstart flew all around us. Among the other birds seen or heard in the two hours or so we spent at the watch point were Cuckoo, including the lovely bubbling call of a female, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, Stock Dove, and Green and Greater-spotted Woodpeckers.
The walk continued through Holmhill and Highland Water Inclosures, where singing Wood Warblers, Siskin, Tree Pipit, Treecreeper, and Jay were added to the day list. While having our lunch, a Honey Buzzard soared low overhead, and a Hobby dashed through. Later on the walk we had even better views of a Honey Buzzard.
Posted by Frampton25 at June 10, 2006 12:00 PM