More from the forest

Another day in the Forest of Dean was tougher for images but there is a wonderful green vibrance as the leaves unfurl with fresh colour. The adders too are around but can be hard to find tucked in the vegetation.

With the breeding season underway the mandarin drakes too are keen to show off their exotic plumage to its full extent and raise their crests for passing females.

Spring in the Forest

It's spring and my favourite time of year. The time always flies by though so this year I have booked a few days to spend in the Forest of Dean determined to get more images for the new talk.

I have been trying really hard to get close to hawfinch as this is certainly one of the key species of the  forest. Up to yesterday though I have had no joy but finally with some friendly advice I have been able to get my lens on these cracking birds.

As ever I am always in the Forest before first light (no mean feat when you live 80 miles away) just so I can catch the shy boar before they retire for the day. As the mornings are drawing out now I have managed to find some in daylight too so images are improving all the time.

This female has approached me twice now on separate visits, I stay still and quiet and she loses interest and trots back to her family. It is such a thrill to have an encounter with such a charismatic creature.