The Last few Days

This is just a short catchup on the last few days, a visit into the New Forest on the 6th March for raptors was successful with amazing views of displaying Goshawks, three Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard.  Though there is only a shot of the Goshawk that soared right in front of us, thanks to Peter for the shot, should have carried my own camera, though I doubt my shots would have been better.  We also had Hawfinch, three Woodlark and Crossbills of note.

Goshawk - New Forest © Pete Dixon

Today (7th March) we walked around Studland, best of the day was seeing a stunning summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe found by Fran & Chris off South Beach where we caught up with the local Ring-necked Parakeets.

A pair of adult Mediterranean Gull in full summer plumage off Middle Beach were looking smart alongside several partial summer accompanying individuals.  Further out I managed to find the wintering four scoter. One drake and two duck Common Scoter with what now appears an immature drake Velvet showing a black head and neck with dark brown body and showing a little yellow on the bill.  Today it was most cooperative in that it was have a wash and brush up and kept flapping his wings showing the white secondaries.

Ring-necked Parakeet - Studland © Nick Hull

I hadn't realised how Ring-necked Parakeets can frown when they are looking at you.

Returning home we took a little detour into the Lower Frome where we came across a large number of winter thrushes frantically feeding up after the recent cold weather.

Fieldfare - Lower Frome Valley © Nick Hull