Around this time of year I always spend a few mornings wandering around Ashridge Forest, in what sadly, seems to be an increasingly futile search for a Lesser-spotted Woodpecker. Ashridge used to be an excellent site for these increasingly elusive birds, but has become more and more unreliable over the last few years. Despite failing to find any Lesser-spots it is wonderful to be out in the forest on a cold bright morning with the low sun cutting through the Beech trees in thick smoky shafts. The woods echo to the drumming of Greater-spotted Woodpeckers and the songs of Nuthatches and Treecreepers. Stock Doves moan from the high branches and float lazily between the tree-tops, while nervous chattering flocks of Lesser Redpoll bounce busily through the Silver Birches. Fallow Deer relax in the golden light, soaking up what warmth they can glean from the cold sun, enjoying the peace and quiet before the joggers and dog-walkers arrive. Then it's time to leave, before the sounds of the forest are drowned out by the racket of dogs and their owners.
Early morning sun in Ashridge Forest (21/03/2011)
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