Tuesday 18th November 2025. Shatterford Bottom - New Forest - SU 343050 . A day spent searching for the elusive Great Grey Shike that didn't turn up, even with about another 20 birders looking for it too. But not all was lost, I managed to pick up another 3 species for the year list. Crossbill - (small flocks of male & female seen feeding on Larch cones, these were a joy to watch) . Dartford Warbler (4) (one seen and the others heard). Reed Bunting (2) females seen near to the large pond. Other very notable birds were : Kestrel (seen in flight then hovering over the heath). Stonechat - Great spotted Woodpecker - Green Woodpecker - Fieldfare (1st for this winter). Mistle Thrush - Water Rail - (heard near the pond) . Donald Watson sketch of a Great Grey Shike. My last trip to Beaulieu Road Station or Shatterford Bottom was 28 years ago 13th June 1997. These were m...
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