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Great day's birding in the New Forest with a very nice group of like-minded people and the wonderful Byron Palacios guiding us. Exceeded all expectations. Highly recommended!
R.C. Wiltshire, May 21
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The New Forest (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR87A day walk in the New Forest, exploring a mix of ancient woodland, lowland heath and pasture, in search of a range of special birds and other wildlife.
1 days
from
£50 (land only)
£50 (land only)
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Join well-known writer and naturalist, Dominic Couzens, or long-standing tour leaders Byron Palacios, Martin Pitt or Andrew Cleave for a day walk in the New Forest in search of a range of special birds and other wildlife. The New Forest National Park straddles the counties of Hampshire and Dorset and is a wonderful mix of ancient woodland, lowland heath and pasture. Across the seasons, there is a huge amount to enjoy here and, along with the brilliant birdlife, we will also enjoy the superb range of dragonflies, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and butterflies. We expect to cover around 5 miles during the course of the day and we may take a short drive between sites.
As we run this tour throughout the year, please click on our 'detailed information' below to read about the highlights of the different seasons.
- One of the most ecologically important areas in Britain
- Brilliant winter wildlife including Hawfinch, Brambling, Crossbill, Redpoll and Siskin
- Wildlife-rich habitats
- Home to half the British population of Dartford Warbler!
In the spring and summer, highlights may include Goshawk, Honey Buzzard, Cuckoo, Woodlark, Redstart, Dartford Warbler, Firecrest and Crossbill and with luck we may even find Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. At this time of year the birds will be setting up territories and breeding, so we can expect a cacophony of bird song and this day will be perfect for those looking to further their learning of bird song. A range of habitats will be explored throughout the day, from open heathland, coniferous and deciduous forest, to shallow pools and open grassland. Roe, Muntjac and Fallow Deer may be encountered with a range of butterflies and dragonflies possible.
In the autumn and winter, huge numbers of birds arrive in the forest and highlights may include Hawfinch, Brambling, Crossbill, Redpoll and Siskin with finch flocks a feature of a winter walk in the forest. Redwing and Fieldfare may be found and again we can hope for Goshawk and Dartford Warbler with Lesser Spotted Woodpecker possible. Roving flocks of more common woodland species can be enjoyed which often include Eurasian Treecreeper and Nuthatch, Goldcrest and Marsh Tit. From mid-November onwards in some years, a Great Grey Shrike spends the winter here.
Whichever season you visit, this is sure to be a most rewarding and wildlife filled day in the superb habitats that the New Forest National Park is renowned for.
Day Trip Location
Reviews
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It was a crisp and sunny day with little wind so an ideal day to be out in the Forest. Dominic Couzens, our tour leader for the day, arrived just before we did and as soon as we walked with him away from the car park we were delighted to begin seeing birds that we would not otherwise have seen. His knowledge of the Forest, the birds and their habitat was comprehensive and we couldn't have wished for more. During the day, Mr Couzens introduced us to a variety of sites (with short drives in between and plenty of walking) tailoring the day to our preferences and what we were likely to see where (e.g. hawfinches, goldcrests, coal tits, marsh tits, Dartford warblers), also mentioning other species (e.g. woodcock, goshawks, crossbills and hen harriers) that we might see on a return visit. Oh and of course, we saw plenty of ponies and donkeys as well as pigs and deer, all foraging the landscape. Our second day trip. We will certainly look out for more.
J.L.M. Wiltshire, Dec 20
Dates & Prices
2024
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 30th May – Thu 30th May
SPACES
£50
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£50
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Byron Palacios
Tour Leader: Byron Palacios
Byron is an Ecuadorian Ecologist and Field Ornithologist who has been working as a researcher and bird watching tour leader since 2000. A keen birder and nature lover by 'nature', Byron has a vast knowledge of the neotropical and Western Palearctic avifauna, particularly in his native Ecuador and other neotropical countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Colombia and the Caribbean region, including southern USA. His sharp ears and eyes permit him to locate the most elusive forest-dwelling birds in the field, successfully leading more than two-hundred trips so far! As a Field Ornithologist, Byron has contributed with many important discoveries for the Ecuadorian Ornithology, all published in scientific magazines and bulletins, such as the first record for Ecuador of the Thicket Antpitta (Hylopezus dives), Feb. 2007; the rediscovery of the Yellow-eared Toucanet (Selenidera spectabilis), Aug. 2006; and the discovery of the Choco Vireo (Vireo masteri), Sep 2004, A New Bird Species for Ecuador. Byron currently works as an independant Wildlife Consultant for leading wildlife companies and conservation organisations, having also become actively involved in many birding and conservation programmes in Spain, where his birding field skills have rapidly made him one of the authorities amongst the Iberian wildlife world. He endorses Leica Optics and Gitzo tripods, and currently lives in west Dorset, England, with his daughter Isabel and fiancé Gail.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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Tour Reports
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