[Mark A Spedding]

Hello.

My in-laws are spending a week in the New Forest next month.

My father-in-law would like to see Honey Buzzard - is there a raptor watchpoint in the New Forest where he may stand a chance of seeing this species?
In addition, is there a reliable site for Firecrest - another species he would like to connect with whilst down there.

Thanks in advance

Mark

[gareth_blockley]

Acres Down is a good watchpoint and is listed in the where to watch birds book. I went once but didn't see Honey Buzzard.

Gareth

[pdwinter]

From what I read Firecrests are now fairly common in the New forest.

Probably worth going to
http://www.goingbirding.co.uk/hants/birdnews.asp
and searching for recent sightings

e..g 15/04 5 singing at Exbury Gardens

I would look in the Boldrewood / Highland Water area perhaps parking by the Canadian War Memorial SU240093.

I expect that walking around Acres Down would also bring Firecrest.

[Tri-Counties Birder]

Firecrest is common in the New Forest, wherever there are Hollies. But, unless you know thier song and calls, they are elusive.

I agree that Acres Down near Lyndhurst is the place to go, where in good conditions, Honey Buzzard and Goshawk can be seen. Firecrest are also in the surrounding woodlands (along with Lesser Spot, Wood Warbler, Redstart etc.).

There is a more reliable site for raptors in the forest, but its not widely publicised.

Acres Down is here:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x...ay=108705&lm=0