Forest of Dean - Sat 8 Mar

A trip up to Gloucestershire today and a long-overdue visit to the Forest of Dean (I'd not ventured this way for several years). Arriving at the church at Parkhead at around 8.30am after leaving home just before 7.00am (picking up a couple of mates in Yeovil en route) we were out of the car for less than five minutes as a Hawfinch flew in to the trees in the graveyard before being spooked by a few Goldfinches, target bird number one safely in the bag it was on to Brierley arriving at about 9.00am.
Parking up the track opposite the Total garage we took a walk up to Serridge Ridge and after much searching and a fortunate encounter with a chap who recognised the call we eventually connected with a small flock of at least five Two-barred Crossbills (4+ males and 1+ female)! We had brilliant views of the birds as they fed in the larches above us and a wonderful comparison as a male Common Crossbill popped in to join the flock and had a face off with a male Two-barred Crossbill. We also saw a few Siskin and lots of Coal Tits whilst in the woods.
Back at the car and after a bit of info from the same birder who helped us find the Two-barred Crossbills we were parked near Speech House and walking out towards Crabtree Hill where before too long I located the wintering Great Grey Shrike. Some cracking views of this bird too as it hunted bumble bees and perched in a small silver birch.

Another quick drive and we were at New Fancy and the raptor viewpoint. It was now midday and the weather was wonderful, as a result it was perhaps not that surprising that over the next thirty minutes we saw at least six Goshawks, as well as several Buzzards and three or so Raven. The walk back to the car provided an Adder soaking up the sun's heat and a Red Admiral on the wing for a little non-bird interest.
Off again and another quick stop at Parkend produced nothing so we left the Forest of Dean after a brilliant morning's birding.