Wednesday 14 October 2009

ASHRIDGE FOREST - 14/10
















Whilst working in Ashridge Forest (Herts) yesterday at 14.55 I noted 4 COMMON CROSSBILLS heading S low over the canopy just N of the turning for Monument Drive, calling as they went. I also heard a MARSH TIT there. There were many REDWINGS in the treetops particularly around Ashridge College late morning, here there were also very high numbers of GOLDCRESTS and GREAT TITS, the Great Tits seeming extremely inquisitive with up to 5 birds at a time coming to within 3 feet of me when I made a 'pishing' sound. I could hear BUZZARDS 'mewing' here & also saw 2 beautiful SMALL COPPERS on the golf course, a larger duller individual chasing a smaller, more brightly coloured but damaged one. The smaller one 'quivered' its wings whenever it landed whilst the larger one crawled up behind it each time. Also lots of splendid FALLOW DEER stags where strutting their stuff, particularly on the field surrounded by forest S from the college, it appeared this area is one of the main 'rutting' areas (Dan Forder).

No comments: