A walk in the woods

Tuesday 13th March 2012
Misty, cold, dry, light winds.

Today I kept away from the coast, instead I took a trip to Lyminge forest. I walked for several hours in the mostly coniferous woodland, and it was for the most part earily quiet. However, there were a few nice birds around, though hard to see at times.

Plenty of Siskins calling as they flitted about the tree tops, and Coal Tits calling on most of the walk. There were several sightings of Buzzards throughout the day.

Late in the afternoon I had my highlight of the day, when I could hear several Crossbills calling, though I couldn't see them through the trees. Wandering towards a more open pathway, I came across a fantastic little area of trees where there must have been a dozen or so Crossbills, calling, singing and displaying. There were 20+ Siskins in one small area, some singing, and a small flock of Redpolls flew over calling.

Walking back towards the car park, after a thoroughly enjoyable stroll, I came across a small tit flock, mostly Coal and Blue Tits, but alerting me to their presence with their distinctive calls, a pair of Marsh Tits. Great fun.