A spring woodland walk in Chiltern’s country
This Forestry Commission holding between Wendover and Tring (of more than 300 hectares) harbours a range of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees. A large, mature Norway Spruce plantation is famous for its breeding Firecrests and as such one of the walking trails is named after this tiny waif. A section of the walk skirts a downland valley where passage migrants such as Ring Ouzel are possible. Red Kite is a common sight wheeling overhead.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Deciduous woodland around the car park should yield a range of common tits including Long-tailed Tit and a chance of Marsh Tit, plus singing Blackcap or Chiffchaff. Muddy rides can attract Woodcock, Chaffinch and the occasional laggard Brambling. Also present are Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Jay and Tawny Owl at dusk. Check bird feeders for tits and finches.
2
A viewpoint across a wooded valley is the perfect spot to scan for raptors such as Buzzard, Red Kite, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, plus an overhead passage of Meadow Pipits, Sky Larks and Common Gulls.
Check open fields and margins for passage Wheatear and Ring Ouzel. Late winter thrushes could still be present in scrub along with Bullfinch, Linnet and Yellowhammer. As spring progresses Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat, Willow and Garden Warblers arrive, plus a chance of Hobby and Cuckoo.
3
Stands of mature conifers attract breeding Firecrest, where a purpose-built hide is positioned among the pines. Search for Goldcrest, Coal Tit and an outside chance of Lesser Redpoll, Crossbill and Siskin. A favourite daytime roosting site for Tawny Owl. At dusk, thrushes, Woodpigeons and corvids come to roost.