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This was a day tour in the New Forest, focussing on identifying birds by their songs. The leader, Dominic Couzens, was excellent, tailoring his information to the varying needs of our small group, and providing a wealth of useful information and tips. Overall, a first-class day tour - highly recommended. Very efficiently organised by Naturetrek, with good pre-tour information.
N.R. London, Apr 21
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The New Forest - Bird Song Workshop (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR243A day enjoying and learning the intricacies of birdsong in the New Forest.
1 days
from
£70
£70
Highlights
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Summary
This day is different from most of our single-day outings because it concentrates on just one aspect of enjoying wildlife, in this case the identification of bird songs and calls. There will be detailed instruction and individual attention, as well as explanations as to what bird song is all about. This day is perfect for beginners and we hope that each participant should be able to make at least some progress through the day. There will not be handouts or any necessity to make notes during the day and there will be no playing of bird songs.
We meet at Bolderwood, where we start with a brief introduction about bird songs generally. We then will listen carefully to what is about and walk on a gentle 2km circuit. We concentrate our efforts on common birds and any that the participants struggle with – Blue and Great Tit, Robin, Wren, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Song Thrush are sure to feature, for example. However, since this is the New Forest, we won't ignore specialities such as Redstart or Firecrest. We will obviously look as well as listen to these birds, so binoculars will be necessary as usual.
We will then drive short distances to other habitats than broad-leaved woodland – to conifer woods and heathland, for example. Other species such as Meadow Pipit, Tree Pipit, Crossbill, Dartford Warbler and Siskin will be singing – and if we hear a Cuckoo, that will be a bonus! We will gently listen and try to get to grips with some of these, and of course, won't look away if a Goshawk flies over!
All the walks are short and relatively flat, the countryside is gorgeous and the birds will be in full voice. While requiring concentration, the tutoring will be light-hearted, with the idea of participants making small steps in the difficult process of learning bird songs. It will be fun, but interesting and useful.
- An educational, yet fun, day learning all about birdsong
- Detailed instruction and individual attention provided
- Learn the common species and more unusual alike
- Always a possibility of a Goshawk flying overhead
- Species may include Firecrest, Goldcrest, Crossbill and Tree Pipit
- Typical heathland species include Dartford Warbler, Woodlark and Siskin
- Perfect for those wishing to improve their identification
Day Trip Location
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Wed 30th Apr – Wed 30th Apr
4
£70
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£70
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Mark Edgeller
Tour Leader: Mark Edgeller
Mark has had a life-long interest in wildlife and has been a birder for more than 45-years, initially around the heaths and woods of the Surrey/Hants border near his childhood home and at Pagham Harbour in Sussex.
After studying a degree in Geography, teacher-training brought him to Southampton and he spent 30-years teaching in local primary schools before taking early retirement in 2022. He is an active member of Hampshire Ornithological Society (HOS), serving on several committees, leading guided walks and as a writer for their annual report. He also takes part in local surveys for HOS, the National Trust and the BTO. More recently he has taken up moth-trapping and is enjoying the identification challenges that brings.
His current birding is mostly close to home along the Hampshire coast with regular forays to the bird observatories at Portland Bill and Gibraltar Point. He has been lucky enough to watch wildlife in more than 30 countries with Wallcreepers in the Pyrenees and Orangutans in Borneo a couple of the many highlights.
When not out birding, Mark and his wife Gilly enjoy walking, reading, music and gardening.
Thu 1st May – Thu 1st May
FULL
£70
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£70
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Mark Edgeller
Tour Leader: Mark Edgeller
Mark has had a life-long interest in wildlife and has been a birder for more than 45-years, initially around the heaths and woods of the Surrey/Hants border near his childhood home and at Pagham Harbour in Sussex.
After studying a degree in Geography, teacher-training brought him to Southampton and he spent 30-years teaching in local primary schools before taking early retirement in 2022. He is an active member of Hampshire Ornithological Society (HOS), serving on several committees, leading guided walks and as a writer for their annual report. He also takes part in local surveys for HOS, the National Trust and the BTO. More recently he has taken up moth-trapping and is enjoying the identification challenges that brings.
His current birding is mostly close to home along the Hampshire coast with regular forays to the bird observatories at Portland Bill and Gibraltar Point. He has been lucky enough to watch wildlife in more than 30 countries with Wallcreepers in the Pyrenees and Orangutans in Borneo a couple of the many highlights.
When not out birding, Mark and his wife Gilly enjoy walking, reading, music and gardening.
Wed 7th May – Wed 7th May
SPACES
£70
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£70
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Mark Edgeller
Tour Leader: Mark Edgeller
Mark has had a life-long interest in wildlife and has been a birder for more than 45-years, initially around the heaths and woods of the Surrey/Hants border near his childhood home and at Pagham Harbour in Sussex.
After studying a degree in Geography, teacher-training brought him to Southampton and he spent 30-years teaching in local primary schools before taking early retirement in 2022. He is an active member of Hampshire Ornithological Society (HOS), serving on several committees, leading guided walks and as a writer for their annual report. He also takes part in local surveys for HOS, the National Trust and the BTO. More recently he has taken up moth-trapping and is enjoying the identification challenges that brings.
His current birding is mostly close to home along the Hampshire coast with regular forays to the bird observatories at Portland Bill and Gibraltar Point. He has been lucky enough to watch wildlife in more than 30 countries with Wallcreepers in the Pyrenees and Orangutans in Borneo a couple of the many highlights.
When not out birding, Mark and his wife Gilly enjoy walking, reading, music and gardening.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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