Down to Gloster for a spot of birding

I just did not get round to any birding yesterday for some reason.  Looking at all the bird news services all the excitement seems to be around the coast at the moment and miles away and the most exciting thing nearby is a Red Necked Phalarope at Coombe Hill Meadows.  I therefore made my way down to Coombe Hill Meadows this morning and after several attempts decided to not risk parking down the lane but in the pub car park at the top of the road.  I was wise to do so as I witnessed many cars trying to negotiate turning around in a space you could not swing a cat in.

Coombe Hill Meadows was a delightful place to be this morning with many warblers singing their hearts including Chiff Chaff, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps, Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers.  A Cuckoo was also calling the entire time I was there.  The floods had a variety of birds including, Lapwing and Redshank and after relocating to a different view, I got a glimpse of the Phalarope, although not the best of views due a heathaze.

After looking at a map, I discovered that Highnam Woods was not that far away and decided to pay the reserve a visit.  Unfortunately the RSPB have closed the car park and I had to find a space in a layby nearby (not the safest of places to park).  My search for Nightingales proved to be fruitless and after half an hour I gave up due to the heat and hunger pangs, I will catch up with Nightingales hopefully in a couple of weeks time anyway.