Saturday 22 April 2006

MBS coach trip to New Forest. Warmest day of the year so far. I caught the sun.
Beaulieu Road. Four new birds! House martin, cuckoo, redstart and garden warbler. Cuckoo was heard when we were eating our sandwiches, then seen. Another seen later on coach. Someone thought it was a sparrowhawk at first, but as it came closer it was identified due to its wings going beneath the level of its body when flying.
Heard several willow warblers: I think I have learnt this song now.
Bolderwood. Did not see the firecrest (others did). Got a good look at another male redstart: it was furiously wagging its tail up and down. Also mandarin duck and stock dove.