I had a brilliant day last Saturday in the New Forest with my good friend Phil Wallace with 3 British ticks and 2 lifers. The two lifers were LOONNGG overdue and quite embarressing so I'll get them over with- Crossbill and Tree Pipit! Honey Buzzard is pretty tarty for Britain too so it was nice to get that.
Other birds seen were several Redstarts, including families with juveniles, a Wood Warbler, 2 Ravens, a Peregrine, a Little Egret, a very showy and stunning Firecrest, a Goshawk and a few Common Buzzard.
On the way home we popped into Pulborough Brooks RSPB for Nightingale and Marsh Tit. We heard a Nightingale singing at very close range but failed to see it. We were also successful with Marsh Tit, getting it on the feeders outside of the visitor centre. Marsh Tit was a year tick for me.
A very enjoyable day, especially considering I hadn't been expecting much.
David.
