Mark Ash and Dur Hill (17th March)

[simoncurson]

The dog got me up early this morning and seeing it was sunny I went out to see what I could find.
I parked at Mark Ash Wood first. At least 3 Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers drumming and good views of two of them (where were they a few weeks ago!). The commoner woodland birds were all present and singing - even a few Blackbirds singing now.

I drove on to Anderwood and had a quick walk here. Many Redwing in the tops of the trees and a good view of a Firecrest as it sang. Further down the road towards Burley I stopped at Lucy Hill for a short walk. No more Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers as I had hoped but 2 Firecrests singing.

I then drove through Burley and stopped in Burbush Hill car park and walked over to Dur Hill. Great views of Several Crossbills here. It is the second time I have seen them here in a few weeks and I wonder if they bred here. At least 2 Woodlarks were singing briefly further on. Stonechats and a few Dartford Warbler were singing a little too.

So, this month is a great time for a wander in the older New Forest woods and over the heaths as all the specialities are singing. Early in the morning is best.

Simon Curson.

[Weaverbird]

Hello Simon,
Thank you for an excellent day. Seeing the bizarre stoned curlew was amazing. I have now seen three species in this family and I am truly delighted. Thank you so much. I have emailed you and hopefully you'll get the photos this time. Am looking forward to seeing you again.
Weaverbird

The dog got me up early this morning and seeing it was sunny I went out to see what I could find.
I parked at Mark Ash Wood first. At least 3 Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers drumming and good views of two of them (where were they a few weeks ago!). The commoner woodland birds were all present and singing - even a few Blackbirds singing now.

I drove on to Anderwood and had a quick walk here. Many Redwing in the tops of the trees and a good view of a Firecrest as it sang. Further down the road towards Burley I stopped at Lucy Hill for a short walk. No more Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers as I had hoped but 2 Firecrests singing.

I then drove through Burley and stopped in Burbush Hill car park and walked over to Dur Hill. Great views of Several Crossbills here. It is the second time I have seen them here in a few weeks and I wonder if they bred here. At least 2 Woodlarks were singing briefly further on. Stonechats and a few Dartford Warbler were singing a little too.

So, this month is a great time for a wander in the older New Forest woods and over the heaths as all the specialities are singing. Early in the morning is best.

Simon Curson.