The Wyre Forest

The Wyre Forest is somewhere I've had on my mind to visit for the last couple of years, simply because, it's less than an hour and a half away and particularly in May, offers the chance to see several fab woodland bird species on their breeding grounds - most of which are only occasionally encountered on passage in our area.

That, coupled with a seemingly thriving colony of Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries, meant that it was somewhere that had to be done!

So with the weather set to be sunny throughout Sunday 12/05, I decided to give the Wyre a go, joined by fellow birder Dylan, who luckily knew his way around from visiting the forest before.

We arrived around 10am and began walking along the old railway line, quickly encountering the brilliant shivering song of a male Wood Warbler, singing pretty much non-stop around his chosen territory. 



We wandered on, encountering our first Tree Pipit characteristically song-flighting and then foraging in some nearby leaf litter. A sun-lit bank further on, looked to be the place for the Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries and low and behold, we were soon seeing quite a few, already warmed up but the morning sun, busying about.











We carried on the planned circuit, heading back down along the Dowle's Brook. Before we did, we encountered a very timid and fresh Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, presumably having not long emerged. A proper treat!









The Dowles Brook area was certainly the most productive in terms of variety, with singing Redstart, plus more Wood Warblers, Tree Pipit, Cuckoo & a Marsh Tit.







The brook also produced several sightings of Dipper - this included a characterful juvenile bird, hiding away awaiting it's next feed. Both it and the adult had been rung.









We headed up a steep incline behind Knowles Mill, to a really nice bit of largely Oak woodland, adorned with lots of nestboxes. It was here, after a bit of searching, that we found the only Pied Flycatcher of the day - a singing male. It was fairly brief and not all that close, but still cracking to see! A Wood Warbler was singing it's little heart out here too, as was a beautiful male Redstart which, after a while, we realised was also 'toing and froing' from a nest hole up in a nearby Oak, together with a female too.

There was one last treat in store before we left, with two separate encounters with a day-flying Tawny Owl, providing amazing views as we just stood open-mouthed, as it flew past. It's pretty rare to see a sunlight Tawny (!), really allowing you to appreciate what a lovely rich colour they are!

It was then time to get back to the car, rest the legs and head for a home. A wicked day with some tip-top company!