Blashford Lakes greenfinch
Had a great time yesterday, nice and sunny not too cold so went to Blashford Lakes for a couple of hours, what a great place (New Forest, Ringwood) this is one of my better shots and my first greenfinch off the feeders
Ann
That's a lovely shot Ann, not been to Blashford, may have to get down there later in the year..gif "Smile")
Yep, certainly is a fine shot.
where abouts is it, i was driving up through ringwood on sat and was planning to go back to the deer place once they start feeding again... So would be tempted to find this place, though in the forest i do tend to get lost on purpose as its such fun...
Billy - re: Blashford Lakes
Billy - off the 338 (going towards Salisbury) there is a sign for water skiing, it doesnt actually say Blashford Lakes but once you take that signpost there is another not far from it which will say Blashford Lakes the hides are signposted you want the visitor centre, that will take you to the woodland hide - if you find the tern hide once inside Blashford the woodland hide is on the opposite side of the road with plenty of parking, its also not far from the museum and a cafe hope this helps. Here is a link that might also help you - good luck there is a little map if you use the link, the turning is soon after the museum
Blashford Lakes Wildlife Reserve
Ann
blashford lakes
6rBlashford lakes is just north of ringwood on the west side of the new forest. This place is easy to find with ample parking by there tern hide, and lovely walks round to the other 5 hides.
Though i didnt get round them all i have to say all the hides are good for birdwatching but not all are good for photos. Ivy hide north if i rember rightly is all plastic windows, bar the side ones makiing photo taking hard. Woodland hut is brilliant, with the bird feeders but again the plastic window infront of one makes taking photos hard. Ivy hide south is brilliant, with all the windows able to open and take pictures.
Though a pain it cant take away how brilliant a location this is, with a vast number of walks, where your surrounded in the sun by all sorts of insects and other wildlife.
The ability to hire a buggy to get round, and all they ask is a donation makes this place for me. There are also a large number of routes, set up to take the buggy with the use of the radar key system. You can get to all the hides with them, though not into them though i tried to drive through one when i forgot to break.
Also the people in the hides are so helpful and the staff they help you id things, point out places to see certain things. I was lucky to see the grass snake before sheding, dragon flies, damsel flies, loads of fox gloves, rabbits, deer, hobby, little grebe, great creasted, plover, the list goes on.
This isnt a place for a short visit its a place for the whole day, cause you will spend hours watching for various things esp on a hot day.
My one major downside appart from the plastic windows, is they dont open hides till 9am and close them all at 4.30 which on a nice day feels way too early.. though the paths are still open...
some pics from the place...
What a great description of the place, Billy! Many thanks for taking the time to describe the site.
Although we stay fairly near to Blashford Lakes, we 've only passed them twice. Now I feel we need to go back and have a closer look!
its well worth a closer look and i loved the buggy i did try to fit it on my car roof but im not that strong....Originally Posted by Catherine
What a great description of the place, Billy! Many thanks for taking the time to describe the site.
Although we stay fairly near to Blashford Lakes, we 've only passed them twice. Now I feel we need to go back and have a closer look!.gif "Big Grin")
Nice account Billy, have moved the thread to places to visit section.
Sounds like a great place, and I love the fact that they provide a buggy. Billy, brake.. I SAID BRAKE!!!!
It's a pity about the windows, though. I suspect that many people are disappointed by it. Maybe they will do something about that when they have saved up some money. But I love the fact that they mark up what has been seen recently on the board - it gives you something to realistically aim for. You didn't see the Osprey though I suppose (or you would have been talking about it)
well i did think the hide needed to be nearer the water!! lol...Sounds like a great place, and I love the fact that they provide a buggy. Billy, brake.. I SAID BRAKE!!!!
It's a pity about the windows, though. I suspect that many people are disappointed by it. Maybe they will do something about that when they have saved up some money. But I love the fact that they mark up what has been seen recently on the board - it gives you something to realistically aim for. You didn't see the Osprey though I suppose (or you would have been talking about it)
Got to say though a pain, it doesnt detract from how cool this place is, for supporting less able people and getting people so close to wildlife. Like the grass snake, looking at the pics it shows its ready to shed...
New forest.wmv,this is a basic video of the pics i took over the day...
Very nice, Billy - I love your titles
well my alarm went off at 2am 2.30 and finally got up 3am so only just got there in time for that kind of light... should go out in the winter more, longer lie in's!!Very nice, Billy - I love your titles
Thankyou, and thankyou everyone for giving me the names for most of them.
Longer lie-ins, perhaps... but you may come back missing the odd toe or finger from the cold
thing is my better half would be the first to notice i dont feel the cold easily!! so long as my photo finger survives it will be fine!!Longer lie-ins, perhaps... but you may come back missing the odd toe or finger from the cold
Very nice write up Billy well done. You seem to have had a lovely day I'm so pleased for you
Loved the Video
I have been here myself a few times, a nice reserve,with plenty of hides,I could not find the Great White Egret.
I am taking a trip to Blashford lakes in a few days and was told recently that there is a spot nearby where hawfinches roost (about 5 or so). I have forgotten the name of it, does anybody know where I am talking about, if so, what is it called?
Many Thanks
Alex
In case you haven't noticed. Interesting happenings this weekend at Blashford Lakes;
Dragonfly Walks
Interactive map of the New Forest
and Minibeasts
http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/map/de...5801&easi=true
I know there are many of you who love to photograph those insects! (Though you might need to 'borrow' a child for the second one!)
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