Goshawk.....

Friday 29th February 2008

I’ve been out of action for the past week, so this is just a quick update on what I saw the other week...


male chaffinch

On Friday the 29th Feb, we had a quick afternoon trip to Blashford Lakes. I was hoping to see a redpol, as a couple have been seen on the feeders near the visitor centre. But no, didn't see any... Then we had a walk down to the woodland hide where we saw lots of nice birds, including a nuthatch, treecreeper, brambling, siskins, various finches and tits. I even managed to get a bird for the year list, when a couple of Jays appeared.


wild daffodils outside the woodland hide at Blashford..


Saturday 1st March 2008

On Saturday we went to a well known (secret!) location, in the New Forest, looking for Goshawks. It’s that time of the year, when they do their amazing sky-dance courtship display.

It was very cold and windy, so we wrapped up warm.... but after the first hour of standing around, I was absolutely freezing cold!! By then we had seen, woodpeckers, stonechats, pipits, crows, a sparrowhawk and seven buzzards, but no Goshawks!! Time for a cuppa I thought...and headed back to the car....

After the teabreak we decided to walk back for another hour. I'm so glad we did, as within ten minutes of watching and waiting, a female Goshawk appeared in the distance. Mind you, It was only in view for two minutes before dropping out of sight. No sky-dancing or photos, but at least I now have a Goshawk for the list.

So that’s it...... I didn’t get out last weekend and I’m not sure what’s happening this weekend. Just as well I have the goldfinches in my back garden to keep me going...

107. jay
108. goshawk