Down in the forest something stirred...

was it a bee or was it a bird, it was in fact Wild Boars sighted in the Forest of Dean!

7th-10th February.
The Wild Boars were sighted as we made our way home after an enjoyable long weekend in the Forest of Dean! The weather could have been kinder but on the other hand could have been much worse. Sunshine, rain showers and a cold at times wind blowing did not dampen the spirits in seeking out wildlife and enjoying good walks, good food and good company especially so at the Yat Rock viewing point!

Areas visited:
Symonds Yat: The Yat Rock area was a real treat in that we had our best views of Goshawks after several visits in the area in the past. 2 Goshawks were enjoying the fairly brisk wind blowing, I was informed that Goshawks are frequently seen in the air when there is a wind blowing such as we had that morning! It was quite gusty in fact! I had a good conversation with a very knowledgeable Lady who visits Yat Rock at least twice a week, travelling 30 miles each way in the process!
Buzzards, Ravens, Peregrine, Cormorants, Grey Heron, Goosanders, Mandarins and Canada Geese were other highlights at Yat Rock.
Yat Rock would seem now to be possibly a better place to see Goshawks in flight rather than New Fancy View which is the viewing area that attracts many birders for sightings of Goshawks. I have had very distant and I do mean very distant views of a Goshawk at New Fancy View on past trips. The trees in front of the viewing platform are growing at a pace which also hinders views in my humble opinion.

Cannop Ponds is a good place to park up and walk around or to just sit in your car by the feeding table and enjoy the bird species that frequent the table and area below the table. Take plenty of seed mixture if possible if you visit as the birds are always hungry whatever the season.
Marsh, Blue, Great and Coal Tit were hardly away from the table though a Nuthatch was forever trying to defend the seed and chasing them off! Blackbird, Chaffinch, Dunnock and Robin were also sighted frequently with a couple of appearances from a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Grey Squirrel!
Mandarin Ducks and Mallards were good to see as they made their way through the low vegetation behind the feeding station in search of insects and  worms etc. Several Mandarins were also on the ponds.
Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Grey Heron, Raven, Jay, Song Thrush, Cormornat, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Greylag Geese, Little Grebe, Nuthatch, Blackbird and Starling were also sighted whilst walking around the ponds.

Parkend.
Parkend was visited several times and many an hour spent here in the hope of sighting Hawfinch and/or Crossbills, unfortunately they did not put in an apppearance. However on my return I see they have been noted a few times at Parkend since my return, maybe due to the weather improving somewhat. However a Dipper was the highlight here! The Dipper was seen in the River Lyd which runs behind the Fountain Inn. Hooray!! Success with a Dipper after several dips on previous trips!

A few images attached. The light was not good when taking most of the pics...that is my excuse anyway.lol


                                                         Yat Rock
                  Goosanders, Canada Geese and a pair of Mandarins were seen on the river.

                              Buzzards flew close enough for a half decent photo.

 
                                   View from the viewpoint of the River Wye.

                                         
                                                     
                                                       Cannop Ponds.

                                                                3

                                                                   2

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Please keep dogs on a lead!!!

 

 

                           The female Mandarins blend in well in the vegetation.

 

 

                                                             Parkend.

The Grey Squirrels were quite photogenic in the absence of Hawfinch and Crossbills!

 

Fountain Inn, Parkend.

 

The Fountain Inn has a relatively small 'Beer Garden' but with a wealth of information and a handy 'Hotel' for bugs and beasties!

 

 

 

Go through the gate at the bottom of the garden, it is a public footpath, and you immediately see the River Lyd behind the garden and Inn.

 

I cannot tell you how excited and pleased I was to see a Dipper as soon as the small bridge over the river had been crossed! 

 

 

      New Fancy View.   

 

View from the viewing platform. Gloomy weather and not a bird to be seen!

 

The 'Miners Memorial' at New Fancy.

 

 

Finally the Wild Boars! They were sighted in the forest alongside the Speech House Road. If you look carefully you can just make them out, I did not venture away from the car just in case they spotted me. lol There were 4 adults and at least 6+ piglets with them.

 

 

It was a great few days away!

 

Thank you for reading, I hope you have enjoyed the post.