New Forest, & Southern Kent

The morning started off well in the New Forest, for which sites i will keep as undisclosed for now. But Wood Warbler sung well, with Tree Pipit, Crossbill, Siskin, Woodlark, Tawny Owl.

Not an easy bird to photograph in the canopy, but this bird was constantly in song, and went crazy when, its song was played back to it. © Ashley Howe

Then moving to another site in the Forest, we went and got Crossbill, but there was no-sign of any Red-footed Falcons, hmmm i wonder which site this is? :-s These Crossbills with a variety of other common birds showed really well.

Male Crossbill coming down for a drink, and shoveling through a slection of cones on the deck, with Treecreeper, and House Martin also Showing well. © Ashley Howe

Back to another site, we ticked Honey Buzzard, Hobby, and several Buzzards over the woods. And after stopping at Eyeworth Pond where there was only one female Mandarin, the rest obviously off breeding. But some nice photography.

They might be as common as, but god Mallards are quality birds. © Ashley Howe

We thought we were using abit of initiative, and decided to go for the Terek Sandpiper in Kent. Once at Jury's Gap we realised there was good reason why know one had reported anything on it, simply the MoD were blowing the shit out of the place. Moving onto, Dungeness there was still nothing of any note, but there were some smart Yellow Wags knocking about.

Reducing myself to a two headed Sheep to photograph, thats poor. © Ashley Howe

At another site later in the evening we had a hunting adult Long-eared Owl, with a juvenile calling. At this site we also had Green Sandpiper, Garganey, Turtle Dove, Barn Owl & LRP. It was a late night by the time we got home!