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Forest & River & Goshawk Day Highlights August 2021
Mon 23rd Aug, 2021
After a wonderful spring full of very special birds in the glorious Great Yorkshire Forest, July and August have produced even more great sightings.
Common Kingfisher on our Forest & River trips August 2021 © Richard Baines
Our local Kingfisher nest hatched three juveniles, what a treat it was to watch them with their parents learning how to fish. Nearby the adult Dippers and Grey Wagtails also performed well on most of our trips.
Spotted Flycatcher on our Forest & River trips August 2021 © Richard Baines
In the riverside woodlands and forests we have watched Spotted Flycatchers on just about every trip. The juveniles have still been present until a few days ago, practising flycatching in the dappled sunlight.
Willow Warbler on our Forest & River trips August 2021 © Richard Baines
Amongst the flycatchers we have enjoyed Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Garden Warblers, Marsh Tits, Willow Tits, Nuthatches, Treecreepers and small numbers of Crossbills. Young Tree Pipits have been feeding on insects by the sides of tracks, giving their distinctive high pitched explosive call when flushed.
Northern Goshawk (juvenile) Goshawk Safari August 2021 © Richard Baines
Late July and August is usually a great time for Goshawks and this summer has not disappointed. Its flight club month for the new youngsters. They cant resist a tussle above the forest with each other or an unsuspecting Common Buzzard. Although a close Peregrine rising above the trees was wisely left alone by a nearby juvenile Goshawk!
Grey Wagtail on our Forest & River trips August 2021 © Richard Baines
Our six one day trips have all struck Goshawk gold this summer. We even managed to see one on a rainy day. Alongside the Goshawks we once again been blessed with Honey Buzzard sightings on two out of the six raptor dates.
We cant wait until next year now when our Forest Trips and Goshawk Safaris start again!
Yorkshire Coast Nature