Easter Saturday was a free day for me so I headed east into the Forest of Dean to take advantage of the better weather there. I left at 730 am and duly arrived just after 830 in the Speech House Woodland carpark where there were already a few cars parked. I followed the signs for Woorgreens Nature Reserve as I knew that would take me out on to the heathland where I was going to look for the great grey shrike which is still being recorded there. It was dry but quite chilly as I walked and few people were about as I scanned the area for the bird with no success. I did see my first stonechat of the year though.
I stopped to speak to a couple who were approaching me on the path, and as we were discussing the shrike, we suddenly saw a grey and white shape fly across from our right and land in a willow. Using binoculars we were able to confirm the bird was in fact the great grey shrike, but it was much too distant for any photos. I headed down to the path below. where I would get closer, but though I could hear it calling, it was obscured from view and I didn't want to go past the tree in case I disturbed it. However, it subsequently flew from the tree across the heathland where I couldn't see it any longer. Although disappointed at not getting any photos, I was pleased that I had managed to see the bird again this year.
After returning to my car I then travelled the short distance to RSPB Nagshead reserve. The visitor centre and hides were closed but nevertheless the trails were open. As it was still only 1030 am I decided to do the longer trail which would take an hour and then have my picnic lunch in the car before heading down to the Lower Hide. Although a pleasant walk, through woodland and heathland, the only new birds I saw on the long trail were a couple of stock doves. On my return I decided to call into the Campbell Hide area; although the hide itself was not open, it was possible to have the same view by standing next to it and on my arrival I found a small herd of roe deer in good view. No other birds of note apart from a quick fly past from a grey wagtail which made up for yesterday's lack of sighting!.
However, the Lower hIde proved more productive with some good though distant views of a pied flycatcher ( my first for over 40 years!). It was flitting between a holly bush and a small island on the pond. Again very distant but nevertheless easy to spot with its striking black and white plumage. On the pond there was also a pair of mandarin ducks.
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