I was staying down in the Sherwood area this weekend and booked onto the RSPB Nightjar walk from the Sherwood Forest visitor centre. The walk was around three miles and I think we were close to Budby. Saw and heard at least two male Nightjar and saw one female. The ranger and the local RSPB expert were friendly and knowledgeable. Recommended if anyone is in the area. It was my third time seeing Nightjar but I'll never tire of the churring...
Also on various cycle ways around the forest highlights were Wood Warbler, probable Goshawk [heard only but pretty confident on ID], Crossbill, Redstart, Tree Pipit and lots of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers
We spent some time here last night looking for Nightjar but apart from one brief sighting by one member of our group we drew a blank. Its almost impossible to see these birds when they stop churring. Plus, you dont see Woodcock flying over if you visit so late in the season.
Earlier in the afternoon however we had one of those golden moments in birding that you never forget. Turning onto a path with puddles alongside a wire fence, we noticed a lot of movement and set up our scopes. Flitting up and down from the fence and a gorse bush were families of Tree pipits, Stonechats, Linnets and Redstarts, the adults all in summer plumage still. Even better, further along the path were a pair of stunning adult Woodlarks shuffling about and feeding. We stood there for ages not wanting to carry on and disturb the birds.
Also on the common we saw Tree pipits and Woodlarks carrying food and several Green woodpeckers, including a party of 5 birds. A mixed flock of 70+ tits, Treecreepers, Willow warblers and a Goldcrest kept us entertained as they flitted from tree to tree. There were also lots of Yellowhammers on the common and the adjoining farmland produced a female Yellow wagtail and dozens of Swallows and House martins.
