My Blog - Jeff Clarke

Wood and Waters

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All images unless otherwise stated © Jeff Clarke 2012

Just back from Gloucestershire where I was running an adult education bird identification course and giving a talk to the Cheltenham Bird Club, I managed to book-end the long weekend with a few hours for photography, when I split my time between the Forest of Dean and Slimbridge trying to make the best of the iffy light conditions.

We began the course at WWT Slimbridge and made a prompt start in order to beat the crowds that the annual Festival of Birds always generates. The icy conditions meant that many of the waters were entirely frozen and those spots still open were crowded with thousands of Wildfowl. Rushy Pen always looks a bit artificial but it doesn't seem to deter the Bewick's Swans, or the hordes of dabbling and diving ducks, including a 'returning' vagrant in the form of Lesser Scaup. This female was present last winter and she is clearly undertaking parallel migration through northern Europe, equivalent to her native North America.

Much of the open water was within the collection area and this had encouraged many wild birds to take refuge within the grounds, the presence of people being less of a distraction when starvation was the other option. The small bird feeder areas were fizzing with small passerines and this was echoed in the forest the following day. Despite the weather and the early date we also saw a Water Vole feeding on bramble leaves next to the waters edge in one of the ponds next to the Martin Smith hide. The day closed with persistent snow and watching the spectral shapes of distant White fronted and Barnacle Geese through the veil of falling flakes was a memorable sight. Most of us endured an 'interesting' drive to our overnight accommodation, 2nd gear descents on the forest roads at least kept me on the tarmac, but the ascents were even worse as the car slithered around and the wheels span. It was a relief to reach Parkend in the heart of the forest.

Sunday was much brighter and we convened at New Fancy viewpoint, wild boar tracks in the snow revealed a recent visit, but the pesky pigs eluded me once again. Not so the Goshawks, two of which perched up prominently, if distantly, a reward for those in the group who had endured torrential rain at the  same location last year. Speech House woods provided views of our first Hawfinches of the day, whilst the Cannop Ponds area came up trumps with Red Kite and Water Rail, the latter giving fantastic, prolonged views in gentle sunshine as it poked about among the Water Horsetail stalks. We later returned to New Fancy and enjoyed a procession of finches passing by on the way to roost, including at least 5 Hawfinches.

Despite poor light conditions on the monday I took the opportunity to return to Cannop Ponds and Slimbridge and managed to photograph a few interesting things, the highlight of which was probably a couple of Water Rails near the feeding station close to the Robbie Garnett hide, before rain finally stopped play.

For those interested in staying in the Forest of Dean I can recommend my B&B 'Deanfield' in Parkend, lovely people, very comfortable beds and a tasty breakfast.