New Forest Birds - an introduction

The New Forest is a wonderful place to see birds. The wide variety of habitats, many of which are rare or scarce elsewhere in Britain, and relatively mild climate provide a home for a great many species. And of course, much of this ancient landscape has not been affected by modern agricultural methods or other trappings of 21st century life.

Here throughout the year Buzzards can be seen soaring on the thermals, whilst the rare Honey Buzzard is a regular late-spring and summer visitor. Goshawks have made an impressive return to the area, and so have Ravens. Hen Harriers patrol the winter heaths, whilst Great Grey Shrikes use gorse and birch for perches whilst they wait to strike at passing insects, small birds, mice and voles.

The New Forest wetlands in spring witness the warning cries of displaying Lapwings, the sound of drumming Snipe and the mournful calls of Curlews. Redshanks, too, the yelpers of the marsh, call out their agitated warnings to intruders, whilst Hobbys hawk above, searching for flying insects.

Dartford Warblers frequent the heaths, and so, too, do Stonechats, Woodlarks and breeding Linnets. Nightjars, too, can be found on heathland, and also in areas of woodland clear-fell.

Woodpeckers, Crossbills and Hawfinches are year-round residents, whilst the ancient, unenclosed woodlands attract breeding Redstarts and Wood Warblers. And Kingfishers and Grey Wagtails enliven the streams, sometimes in company with Mandarin ducks and Little Egrets.

In all, the New Forest is home to around 100 species of breeding birds, whilst a further 20 or so, can be seen as regular winter visitors or passage migrants.

Details are provided here for many of the more notable species - just click on the links below. There's also an introduction to bird identification; guidance for those wanting to purchase binoculars or a field guide; and advice on bird sound recognition.

	Tawny Owl