November 26, 2006
Sunday 26th November
THE NEW FOREST - BLACKWATER
It was chucking it down with rain this morning, but we decide to go out anyway. We had no plans other than to drive down to the New Forest and go for a walk as soon as the rain stopped. We got as far as Blackwater, on the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive north-west of Brockenhurst. We had a circular walk in Poundhill and Vinney Ridge Inclosures.
We didn't see or hear many birds on the walk, but Crossbills were chipping in the conifers around the car park, and a Mistle Thrush sang from a lofty perch, appropriately just as a shower began. We also came across a mixed flock containing Long-tailed, Marsh, Coal and Great Tits and Goldcrests.
The highlights of the walk though were Red Deer, two young stags along with four hinds, and later a large, older stag, with a dozen or so hinds.
Red Deer
Fungi
Autumn Leaf