We're off to the Forest of Dean (Lydney) for a week from the 17th April - and mid-range weather guesses currently look promising, although presumably that will end up as rain and gales when the seaweed is properly tuned in!
Does anyone have any suggestions for the best wildlife watching places in that neck of the woods (sorry..)
We plan to do Nagshead (just up the road from our digs) and make a return to Symonds Yat (looking DOWN on soaring buzzards last time was a bit surreal) Not sure about Slimbridge - a bit put off by the captive collection bit of the set up.
Any hidden gems or local knowledge gratefully accepted ;-)
Hi fittmonk,
Don't let the collections put you off Slimbridge (although they are fascinating. Check out the tropical house). It's a fantastic set-up, and a real piece of conservation history. There's plenty of opportunities to watch "real" birds, with several hides overlooking the "Dumbles" saltmarshes. Winter's probably the best (White-fronts, Bewicks etc), but there should be plenty of migrants funnelling up the Severn Estuary at the moment.
Enjoy,
mickycoop
Hi,
Slimbridge is great for checking out female duck plumages up close and great for photos :)
Check that your bins and camera wont steam up in the tropical house !
S
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
Hi there,
In the forest itself, apart from Nagshead check out New Fancy View just down the road. This is a super viewpoint on top of an old coal spoil heap that gives an amazing 360 view across the tops of the trees for miles around. It's well known as the best spot to see displaying goshawks, which outside of early spring when they are up and soaring in their displays are almost impossible to see. However April 17th might be a bit late for these - a March visit gives the best chance. Still, on a warm day there's always a chance, and you should still get views of soaring buzzards, sparrowhawks, kestrels, maybe a kite, plus the chance of siskins and crossbills buzzing over the tops of the conifers.
Another spot reputed to be good (for hawfinches) is the lime tree grove around Parkend church. Early morning is a must. Having said that the only hawfinch I ever saw was at Nagshead when a male flew right through my scope view while I was watching a singing pied flycatcher.
Not far away you also have Highnam Woods RSPB reserve, which is good for nightingales. They just might be in and singing by the 17th...
Have a great trip!
Thanks to you all - looks like I will have to consider letting some moths out of my wallet and going to Slimbridge - it goes against the grain paying when I am used to members entrance to RSPB reserves, and also free to NT & EH sites as a lifer for them.
New Fancy View sounds intriguing Colin - I've put my order in for some warm days (LOL) so we'll see ...
Laurence
At least you know your shillings will be well spent.
http://www.wwt.org.uk/
Have a good 'un