(New) Forest (of Dean) for Easter?

[hollis_f]

I'm planning a two-day trip away over Easter and I was thinking of either the New Forest or the Forest of Dean. Am I right in thinking that April 7th will be too early for Pied Flycatcher at the latter? What other goodies might be present at either site?

[teamsaint]

New Forest should be good at that time of year. Wood Warbler, Redstart, Cuckoo should be arriving and Woodcock may still be displaying. The heathland around Beaulieu Rd Station and Shatterford is excellent for Woodlark, Dartford Warbler & Crossbill. Go down to the coast though for the best things. If you get up early go and sewatch from the end of Hurst Beach. Arctic Skua, Velvet Scoter, Black Tern etc are likely. Then have a walk around the marshes at Keyhaven for newly arrived migrants and waders like Spotted Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, Wheatears, Winchats, Warblers etc
Wherever you go though you should be able to see a few birds.

[allnmark]

I'm planning a two-day trip away over Easter and I was thinking of either the New Forest or the Forest of Dean. Am I right in thinking that April 7th will be too early for Pied Flycatcher at the latter? What other goodies might be present at either site?

Forest of dean is coverred well on Mike King's Gloucester Birder.

Just engrose yourself in archive year reports;

http://www.birder.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

In short - New Fancy View - Goshawk, xbill, siskin
Cannop Ponds - Manderin Duck, Marsh Tits
Nagshead - everything else ;)