Mandarin Drake.
Month: April 2026
Pay to Park.
From yesterday, the Forestry Commission has introduced parking charges for cars parking in the New Forest, so no longer a free day out when we visit the forest.
Nuthatch.
English Bluebells.
In spring, bluebells create a stunning blue carpet in woodlands across the UK, Almost half the world’s bluebells are found in the UK – they’re relatively rare elsewhere.
Why is a Turnstone called a Turnstone?
A picture {or afilm says a 1000 words!}
Female Stonechat.
Siskins.
These small, brightly coloured birds are said to be a common sight in UK woodland, although I rarely see them! I spotted this pair in the early evening in one of the New Forest car parks, where people regularly feed birds, but everyone had gone home, and some seeds were on one of the poles. The Blue Tits and Great Tits had also gone, so these Siskins came in.
Changes.
The Brent Geese have left and are heading north to their breeding grounds. Most of the Sanderlings have also left. With the shift in season, the return of Terns is due on our shores.
I did spot two Sandlings who may have decided to remain here this year.
Sparkle.
A lone Starling in the sun.
Fun in the Mud .
Hampshire Fire & Rescue mud rescue training on the mud flats at Calshot Point this morning. Mud rescues are undertaken by several agencies in the UK. Fire Service, The Coastguard and The RNLI.
We stumbled across this training exercise and took up a vantage point to watch.
Watching, it becomes evident how hard work walking through the mud is, with each step requiring immense effort as feet sink into the thick, slippery mud.
Turnstone.
A couple of hours watching Turnstone around the harbour at Titchfield,
Continued Reflections from my World. 