We arrived at Parkend, a village in the heart of the forest on what was a seriously cold morning. We then parked up by what must be one of the best spots in the country for Hawfinch, with a large circle of yew trees in front of us. We set about scanning here and the big tall trees on the other side of the road.
It wasn't long before we were onto a couple of Hawfinch flying down to the ground, feeding amongst the leaf litter under the yews. We proceeded to have at least 4 on the ground giving great scope views.
The numbers soon increased further with at least 8 in total. The air filled with their 'ticking' calls. As quickly as they appeared the birds soon stealthily melted away, however we had been treated to a brilliant encounter with these illusive beasts!
After a bracing but rewarding session with the Hawfinch, we stopped off at a brilliant nearby cafe, putting away an awesome sausage and bacon roll and a welcome coffee! We then drove onto nearby New Fancy View, a great and well known spot to scan for Goshawks. The weather was looking far from ideal with it being a grey old day but it was certainly worth a go.
Soon after arriving several Siskin and Crossbill could be heard calling frequently from the trees below us. I soon picked up a large bird cruising along a ridge probably at least a couple of miles away! It quickly perched up in a bare-looking tree. After a bit of deliberation and deduction, we decided it probably was a Goshawk however it was just too far away to be sure. Of course as soon as we looked away it had gone, however thankfully we soon picked it up again in the air and that typical shape soon made it obvious that it was indeed a Goshawk. Get in! It slowly cruised at quite a height towards us and effortlessly drifted over our heads and away into the distance.
We soon got onto another large bird zooming across the distant treetops before pitching up at the top of a pine...another Goshawk! We watched it for a while before it vanished.
Time was pressing on so it was time to head off, going onto Cannop Ponds to enjoy the Mandarins! They didn't disappoint with around 15 coming down to the loaf of bread Dave had picked up in Parkend!
We planned to stop off at Hawling, east of Cheltenham for Short Eared Owl, however before we left Cannop we enjoyed some of the birds coming down to food put out on the bird table close to the car park.
We arrived at the rough grassland habitat near to Hawling (Gloucs) late afternoon. The site has become very popular in recent weeks for the several Short Eared Owl present here. Before we'd even got out of the car, Dave spotted one on a nearby fence post...the signs were good!
We went on to enjoy good views of around 4 birds, along with a single Barn Owl and a showy pair of Stonechat.
Was then time to head for home via the pub of course!
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