A trip to Bolderwood in the New Forest.

Saturday 13th May 2023.

The Hawfinch seen by the Car Park at Bolderwood, in the New Forest.

As there were no reports of both the Moltoni’s Warbler and Long-billed Dowitcher, I decided to head to Bolderwood for both the Wood Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher, which is normally a reliable site from previous years. However, it was not to be as both species were never seen today despite a lengthy search in the most likely areas. Thankfully, the site held a nice array of birds and other natural history as always and best of all, it is such a beautiful woodland.

Above, my first Small Dusty Wave moth of the year by my moth box. 

Above and below, one of many Firecrests seen in Bolderwood.

My day kicked off very early by checking the moth box that I had on overnight. There were 17 moths of 9 species found this morning including my first Small Dusty Wave of the year, another species that is relatively common throughout the year in my garden and was later seen flying across the garden later in the afternoon when I got home.

• 1 Small Dusty Wave
• 2 Buff Ermine
• 1 Lime-speck Pug
• 1 Double-striped Pug
• 2 Brimstone Moth
• 1 Shuttle-shaped Moth
• 1 Yellow-barred Brindle
• 7 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Tachystola acroxantha

Above, a Foxglove in leaf and below, the glorious trees in leaf within Bolderwood.

Below, Spurge was growing along the footpaths. 

A check of Andy Fisher’s moth box revealed just one moth, a Light Brown Apple Moth, that was on one of the egg trays. After a cup of coffee, we were then on our way back into the New Forest again. We arrived in the large car park beside Bolderwood and almost immediately, Andy was on his first ‘year-tick’ of the day when I spotted a calling Hawfinch flying low over the trees. Thankfully, the bird landed on top of the tallest tree and I managed to grab a quick photo before it flew off.

Above, wild Bluebells and below, Lesser Celandine (I think?) also growing beside the footpaths.

Within the woodland, we heard ‘drumming’ from one of the Woodpecker species and about an hour later, we were sure that one of them was most definitely a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. While sitting on a bench, the ‘drumming’ started up again and Andy went off to investigate. He found a dead tree within a stretch of woodland and called me over only to point out a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker preening on top of the dead tree. We saw the distinctive barring on the upperparts, but it flew off before I could get a photo of the bird. Andy now had his second ‘year-tick’ of the day.

Above, this gorgeous stream within the woods holds a variety of Dragonflies and Damselflies during the summer months and below, we found at least three Wood Ant nests.

There was a good variety of birdlife within Bolderwood and I was pleased to see so many Firecrests within the area. I think this species easily outnumbered Goldcrests (a few were present singing happily away around the conifers) by at least 5 to 1. Siskins were abundant throughout the wood with a few males displaying overhead. Both male and female Blackcap were seen well and we also had at least four, possibly 5 sightings of Treecreepers including a pair flying together.

Above, a herd of Fallow Deer crossed the path in front of us and headed off into the woodland and below, a Speckled Wood butterfly by the main footpath.

A Marsh Tit showed well, busy searching for insects in the lower branches of the trees, but where we saw it was where we saw the Spotted Flycatchers last year. But none were seen or heard today. Good numbers of Song Thrushes were seen rooting about the leaf litter with equally good numbers of Blackbirds and even a pair of Mistle Thrushes were seen flying through the tree canopy. We were pleased with a Woodlark flying high over the woodland, singing its sad song as it disappeared out of view behind the tree tops. 

Above, the Marsh Tit seen within the woodland and below, a Holly Blue butterfly settled right by Andy's feet by the footpath.

The stream within the woodland held a Grey Wagtail (always see one here) that was both vocal and flighty and never settled all the time we were there. Though it was cold and overcast at first when we arrived, the clouds eventually started clearing and bright sunshine took its place, which hopefully would encourage the insects to come out. Both Holly Blue and Speckled Wood butterflies were seen and I even found my first Damselfly of the year, which I believe was a Small Red Damselfly, but the bugger flew off as I was just about to take the photo. Hurrumph! Several Wood Ant nests were also found which is a great source of fascination for me, though you don't get too close to them as previous experiences have resulted in some nasty bites!

Andy practising his Gandulph impression within the woodland and below, my first Bee Fly of the year.

There was a good variety of plants on show that included the beginnings of Foxgloves, Wild Bluebells (the UK variety and not the Spanish type that seem to be everywhere), Yellow Pimpernel and Dog Violets. All these plants were growing along the edge of the bridle paths, which always kept me intrigued. On the way back to the car, more and more people were arriving to take a walk through this beautiful woodland and on reaching the now packed Car Park, we made our way for our obligatory Ice Cream from the Van nearby. While enjoying our refreshment, a Common Buzzard drifted low over the Car Park and headed off north over the woodland to round off our trip here.

Above, an unidentified Moth species within the woodland. It was very difficult to photograph and below Yellow Pimpernel flowers. 

Not done in searching for Wood Warblers and Spotted Flycatchers, we tried our luck within the woodland from Longcross Car Park near Fritham. Again, none to be seen, but we had a variety of birds including Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Siskins and a male Grey Wagtail by a small stream (second one of the day). Best of all was a calling Raven flying high over the woodland that rounded off our hours stay in this lovely part of the world.