The Great British Bird Race - Gloucestershire

Summary

Join Naturetrek for an exhilarating winter bird race across the rich and varied landscapes of Gloucestershire. From the wild woodlands of the Forest of Dean to the world-renowned wetlands of Slimbridge and the rolling limestone hills of the Cotswolds, this county offers a superb range of habitats and species diversity.

We will visit the ancient oaks and conifer plantations of the Forest of Dean, where winter gatherings of Hawfinch can be found in quiet corners while Goshawk may be seen overhead. Here, we’ll also look for Crossbill, Bramblings, Marsh Tit and Siskin in mixed flocks of woodland birds with Mandarins lurking quietly in shaded pools and Dippers on forest streams.

To the south, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve at Slimbridge offers an exciting winter spectacle, with great numbers of wildfowl, including Bewick’s Swans, White-fronted Geese, and flocks of ducks such as Pintail, Wigeon and Teal. Raptors such as Peregrine and Marsh Harrier may be present, and egrets which may include Great White and Cattle have become regular.

Rounding off the weekend, the Cotswolds offer rolling farmland, sheltered valleys and honey-coloured stone-walled villages where winter thrushes, Corn Buntings, Little, Short-eared and Barn Owls may be found. Other exciting possibilities include Merlin & Hen Harrier.

Led at a brisk but manageable pace, this bird race promises variety, challenge and great birding in equal measure.

• The thrill of the bird race
• Bewick’s Swans, Marsh Harrier & wildfowl at Slimbridge
• Hawfinches, Crossbills & Bramblings in the Forest of Dean
• Goshawk
• Dippers on streams with Goosander & Mandarin on forest ponds
• Short-eared, Barn & Little Owls, plus Hen Harrier & Merlin possible
• Bonus Wild Boar!
• Potentially a big total in a rich and diverse county