Forest of Dean

Saturday 19th March 2011. Myself Paul F and Brendan G visited the following sites in the Foest of Dean; New Fancy, Symonds Yat Rock and RSPB Nagshead. First port of call was New Fancy, we arrived at approximately 08:17, nothing much of note for the first 45 minutes except for 3 Goosander in flight, then at a 09:00 we saw the first of 5 or maybe 6 Goshawk, also noted at this site were several Buzzard. Next up was Symonds Yat Rock. On route we noted a Sparrowhawk. First birds noted at Symonds Yat were 2 Nuthatch collecting nesting material, then from the watchpoint we had good views of Peregrine, Raven, Buzzard, Red Kite and up to three Goshawk including one male performing display flight (stunning!,) also noted were 3 Goosander on the river. Next up was RSPB Nags Head, not quite as much excitement as the 2 previous sites but we did note the following; Buzzard, Siskin, Bullfinch (pair,) Nuthatch, Treecreeper (upto 6,) Goldcrest, Coal Tit, 3 Mandarin including 2 summer plumaged males. On the way home we called in at Marlow Gravel Pits where we noted the following; 4 Egyptian Geese, 100+ Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, 2-3 Kingfisher, several Red Kite and a lone Mediterranean Gull.