Birds at Bolderwood

Treehawk · #1 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 03:53 PM

Hi,
I really suggest Bolderwood as a birding spot at the moment and I have managed to tick off several birds such as:

Crossbill

Willow Warbler? juvenile

Greater Spotted Woodpecker

Siskin

Cuckoo + Wren

Wren (I don't think its my unlucky bird any more).

Honey Buzzard??

Very reddish Blackbird?

Song Thrush

and this lovely Eyed ladybird

Wood Warbler, Bullfinch, Buzzard and Marsh/Willow Tit were heard but not seen. There is still a few birds I heard and have not identified yet.

The Hawfinches and Firecrests don't seem to be around the part I walked.

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 05:32 PM

Some excellent birds there.

Both the Willow Warbler + Blackbird are juveniles.

The buzzard is a Common Buzzard.

Treehawk · #3 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 06:36 PM

What is it that makes it a Common and not a Honey Buzzard? I still cannot find any good ways to tell them apart.

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treehawk

What is it that makes it a Common and not a Honey Buzzard? I still cannot find any good ways to tell them apart.

Wing structure + solid head; HB has thinner neck/more pigeon like head. A much rarer bird too.

Deer Stalker · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treehawk

The Hawfinches and Firecrests don't seem to be around the part I walked.

Hi Treehawk,

The Hawfinches are mainly around the actual deer sanctuary in the Winter - they sometimes like to roost in the Holly holm near the fields. They will be close by though, especially in Mark Ash Wood where you can see them all year.

You have to listen out for the Firecrests, they will be there, but mostly in the tall conifers.

Although your bird is a Common Buzzard, Honey Buzzards can be seen there too.

Treehawk · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 08:53 AM

I forgot to mention the Buzzard was at Acres Down, not far from Bolderwood

Thanks for the info about the 2 birds.

Goatboy · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 11:52 AM

Love the picture of the wren and cuckoo

Treehawk · #8 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 06:34 PM

Must be a hard life for such a tiny bird! I say that but I doubt it feeds a cuckoo any more often than it would a baby of its own kind...

Deer Stalker · #9 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treehawk

I forgot to mention the Buzzard was at Acres Down, not far from Bolderwood

Thanks for the info about the 2 birds.

Acres Down is a well known site for watching Honey Buzzards.

Treehawk · #10 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 09:12 PM

Thats what made me think it might be one. Shame that its just a "normal" one. Honey Buzzards are my favourite birds (not sure why...) and I still haven't seen one.