13/03/2017 New Forest again.

Monday 13 March 2017
New Forest, Hampshire

Mark Ash Wood, New Forest

• We came tantalisingly close to seeing a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Mark Ash Wood this morning.  It was drumming away several times but each time we moved nearer it managed to elude us.  

• The Tawny Owl decided not to show while we were there, despite the glorious weather.

• Pick of the passerines had to be the Hawfinches which were seen flying between the canopies of the trees.

Acres Down, New Forest

• Our first major success was at Acres Down where we had several excellent views of at least 4 Goshawks.
• Other birds seen included Siskins, Firecrests and, of course, Woodlark - my first sighting of 2017.

Blashford Lakes, New Forest

• There was lots to see at Blashford Lakes - nothing spectacular but a good number of interesting birds including Brambling, Goosander, Goldeneye, Great White Egret and Crossbill.

• The best moment was in the concreted area outside the Tern Hide where Pied Wagtail, White Wagtail and Grey Wagtail could be seen in the same binocular view.

A lovely day out but we expected to see more on this most glorious of days.