31 members turned out on the annual Tuesday visit to The Forest of Dean. The chosen time was perfect, a bright clear and almost cloudless day, perfect Goshawk watching weather. The Goshawks did not disappoint us. We witnessed some brilliant displays by at least three birds high in the sky, which included an aerial battle between Goshawk and Sparrowhawk, keeping us entertained for some time. The group then moved to Speech House corner to look for Hawfinches, but drew a blank. The walk through the woodland to Beechenhurst Lodge produced little except the tit family. Lunch was taken at Cannop Ponds picnic site. Afterwards we walked around the larger lake. Several Treecreepers were sighted in the trees between the two lakes, also Grey Wagtail feeding in the stream, Mandarin Duck, Bullfinch, Siskin and Greylag Goose A very close view of a male Great Spotted Woodpecker above our heads was a highlight of the day. Most of the group finished our walk back at the picnic site, but two of the party moved on to Nags Head Reserve. A beautiful bright spring day was enjoyed by all.
Colin Morris