We gathered at Parkend to look for the Hawfinches. To start with the main activity was greenfinches and the occasional nuthatch. Eventually a single bird appeared, posed for a few seconds and the disappeared into a yew tree. Unfortunately, that was the last we saw of it. We then had a rather muddy walk along the brook looking for dippers, but river levels had risen after the overnight rain and there were few perching points for the birds. We did find two grey wagtails.
The weather didn’t help us at the next stop, New Fancy View raptor viewpoint. Low cloud and damp conditions meant birds of prey were not up soaring or displaying. Despite the lack over birds, much was to be enjoyed with the views across the forest.
We moved on to Cannop Ponds where we had good views at least twelve mandarin ducks amongst the trees at the water’s edge and male and female goosanders. Thanks to Geoff Bryant And Stuart Ablett for the photos.
