DEVON
MAX MILES ON FOOT: 4 MIN TIME : 3 HOURS
Search for raptors and migrants on the Great Haldon ridge
Sandwiched between Dartmoor and the Exe Estuary, Haldon Forest is a large block of mixed woodland managed by Forestry England.
While the area around the park visitor centre can be busy, a variety of marked trails afford good access to the quieter reaches of the forest, including two spectacular viewpoints suitable for watching soaring birds of prey. Raptors present can include both Goshawk and Honey Buzzard, while small numbers of Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler still summer, along with Nightjar and Grasshopper Warbler. Marginal fields on adjacent hillsides may also attract a few Cirl Buntings and the chance of Dipper along watercourses.
WHERE TO WATCH
1Check along Bramble Brook for Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher and an outside chance of a Common Sandpiper on passage. A good spot for spring Willow and Garden Warblers among the bankside tangle of sallows, along with resident Reed Bunting, Marsh and Long-tailed Tits. Adjacent mature coniferplantations harbour mixed passerine flocks including Goldcrest, Treecreeper and Coal Tit, plus a few Crossbill, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and the chance of a Firecrest.
2A well marked viewpoint affords panoramic views over the forest canopy and surrounding countryside, perfect for soaring raptors. Most likely are Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Red Kite and Buzzard, along with the likelihood of Goshawk in early spring and maybe a Honey Buzzard later on. A dawn visit in late winter may deliver passerines on the move, such as larks, pipits, thrushes, finches and buntings,along with gulls, corvids and pigeons. Scan the canopy in summer for Swift, Swallow and martins feeding on flying insects.
3The track passes through deciduous woodland suitable for a range of resident species including Tawny Owl, Green, Lesser and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Marsh and Long-tailed Tits. By far the most numerous summer warblers are Chiffchaff and Blackcap while a few pairs of Wood Warblers still haunt the hillside trees along with Redstart, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers. Search for the chance of Wood Lark, Tree Pipit, Grasshopper and W
