Posted by Andy Bate on February 19, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Im off on a short trip this weekend to Upton Warren and Forest of Dean, not sure if its worth taking my gear as its just a birding weekend! has anyone been to either of these and are they any good for photography??
Thanks
Andy
Posted by Rob Fisher on February 19, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Andy,
Upton Warren is my local reserve. It's a nice reserve but it's more setup for birding than photography. There has been at least one Bittern overwintering -although I haven't been for a while so it may have left by now.
I take my gear when I go, but more often than not it remains in the bag.
Rob
Posted by jack chapman on February 19, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Ditto what Rob said about Upton Warren, nice enough place but not much to be had photography wise, can't speak for the Forest of Dean though
Good luck
Posted by Ian Cook on February 19, 2009 at 1:27 PM
had some very very close encounters with Bittern at Upton Warren in the last few weeks, one was even so close i couldnt fit all of it in to frame, with the 600 !
Posted by David J Slater on February 19, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Forest of Dean isn't for mere mortals
Honestly, keep to the lakes this time of year. Feeder at New Fancy View courtesy of Brian Davis. Hawfinch now gone sadly. Some wild boar about, with piglets, I've been photographing, but not easy to predict at all.
Posted by Brian Davis on February 19, 2009 at 6:34 PM
Ditto what Dave says, the lakes at Cannop & mallards pike are usually good for little grebe and mandarin duck. New fancy has had a great grey shrike this past week showing from the viewpoint, The feeders are good for brambling, GSW, marsh tit, coal tit, greenfinch. but be prepared to share with others. Theres always the chance of deer anywhere in the forest and as Dave says if you are off the beaten track anywhere theres a possible chance of Boar.
I can only tell you that the hawfinch was at the feeders on Tues for a short while, I've been away yest and today so it may have gone. It'll be back!!!
Whatever you do enjoy the rising sun at moseley green for lunch (two mins from new fancy) or the cafe at beechenhurst for a snack type meal.
Discussion
5 repliesThanks
Andy
Upton Warren is my local reserve. It's a nice reserve but it's more setup for birding than photography. There has been at least one Bittern overwintering -although I haven't been for a while so it may have left by now.
I take my gear when I go, but more often than not it remains in the bag.
Rob
Good luck
Link to a pic http://www.cookster.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/bittern4.jpg this was from the car park hide, and it was literally 20-25 feet absolute maximum from the hide.
Honestly, keep to the lakes this time of year. Feeder at New Fancy View courtesy of Brian Davis. Hawfinch now gone sadly. Some wild boar about, with piglets, I've been photographing, but not easy to predict at all.
I can only tell you that the hawfinch was at the feeders on Tues for a short while, I've been away yest and today so it may have gone. It'll be back!!!
Whatever you do enjoy the rising sun at moseley green for lunch (two mins from new fancy) or the cafe at beechenhurst for a snack type meal.