Thornbury U3A Birdwatching Group –
Forest of Dean 3.2.25
Seven of us set out on a misty day across the Severn Bridge via Lydney and Parkend to Cannop Ponds. The feeders hanging outside the stoneworks and bird food scattered in the car park attracted the usual selection of tits, Chaffinches, Robins and a Nuthatch. 7 Mandarin Ducks were sheltering on a small jetty in the fine drizzle which soon stopped and 5 male Goosanders with one female were spotted on the Lower Pond with a Mute Swan in the distance.
We set out walking towards the Upper Pond and heard and saw a Song Thrush, the first of many on the day. Tufted Duck were sighted on the water and a pair of what we thought were Little Grebes were seen in the distance. But the Grebes weren't behaving normally as they were swimming on the surface but after about 5 minutes, they finally dived and confirmed our diagnosis.
On reaching the Upper Pond, we found the bank had been raised, a new wooden bridge erected and a pipe installed to drain off water to the stream below. There was also considerable water being discharged down the slipway, which help achieve the target of reducing the water level in the Upper Pond. As a consequence, the stream below was moving and provided us with the best sighting of the day, a Dipper. It had settled on a rock for some time, which allowed photos to be taken. A Grey Wagtail was also observed. There was nothing new to be seen on the Upper Pond apart from a pair of Wigeon and a Cormorant, which later flew to the top of a tree, where it spread its wings.
En route back to the stoneworks, a Dunnock was seen and the sun came out! The sun seemed to lead to much more activity on the feeders in the sunshine, which included half a dozen Goldfinches, a Siskin and a few Nuthatches. There was no sign of the Mandarin Ducks though.
We then headed back to Parkend hoping to see hawfinches in the trees adjacent to the cricket pitch. We heard plenty of birdsong in the smaller yew trees, which a Merlin app indicated the presence of Hawfinches, confirmed by another birder. Aware that the birds tended to stay in the yew trees unless they felt safe and there were no disturbances, we returned to our cars and observed from there. We soon had plenty of Chaffinches, Dunnocks and Robins descend to feed below the trees but sadly no Hawfinch. A Jay, however, was seen in front of the tall trees and a Pied Wagtail on the cricket ground.
A couple of drivers independently decided to drive up to Parkend Church, where up to about 10 years ago, Hawfinches and Crossbills were often seen. Sadly, the only birds seen were Robins and Chaffinches.
We all enjoyed our day of birding, but missed seeing Stuart who understandably was not able to join us because of his sad loss. We hope to welcome you back Stuart, as soon as you are able.
Our full list of the 31 sightings:-
Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Herring Gull, Blackbird, Mandarin Duck, Robin, Coot, Mallard, Goosander, Mute Swan, Song Thrush, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Long-tailed Tit, Cormorant, Dipper, Wigeon, Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Siskin, Carrion Crow, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail
Alan
