Forest of Dean + Ticks

Date: 26/01/2015

Location: Parkend - Nags Head RSPB, Forest of Dean 

Observation: With Lauren still away in New York, and Snowed in! Her List is up to 10 new birds I think so it was of to the Forest of Dean for a couple of ticks. Not the stick on yer leg suck your blood kind ! 

Its the first time here so explore and wander! So with reports of Parkend being the place to go headed there early being tight decided not to pay toll, headed up towards Gloucester after traffic, should have paid the toll! 

Arrived at Woodgreens saw a Hawfinch and no camera handy !!!! Headed down to Nags Head RSPB and parked up, Goldfinch, Coal Tit and Greater Spotted Woodpecker on walk along to Cannop Ponds .

At Cannop Ponds Saw Nuthatch 4 Female Goosanders 

At main car park just missed a Dipper ! But 5 or 6 Mandarins Duck were Floating along.

Nice Tick 1

Headed Back round towards Parkend up to Church. Surprised to see so many people Scopes and cameras! Just missed Crossbill in puddle 5 ft in front of photographers!

Crossbills were in Trees above but white sky didn't help pictures .

But A Ticks a Tick ! 2

While watching Crossbills a Goshawk buzzed overhead then as I left 2 Sparrowhawk appeared over woods .

After walking down towards Parkend Train Station saw I think a Willow Tit ! 

On getting home checked sound it was making i think it is, another first ! 3 

             Headed back towards Nags head and to van. On Way home went to Fancy Viewpoint just a reckie almost dark so nothing about. Parking everywhere in Forest a definite return soon ! 

Weather: Grey Skies - no light :( 

Other Species: Coal Tit, Willow Tit or Marsh, Nuthatch, Mandarin Duck, Crossbill, Goshawk, Buzzard, Mistle Thrush, Siskin, Sparrowhawk & Lots of Great & Blue Tits.

Plus everything else I missed !