Twilight at Nagshead: Churring Nightjars, Returning Flycatchers and Spring Migration

PARKEND WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Twilight at Nagshead: Churring Nightjars, Returning Flycatchers and Spring Migration

A 2.5-hour guided evening walk at RSPB Nagshead that follows scenic woodland trails as spring migrants arrive—useful for anyone planning to spot Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers, nightjars and bats.

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Twilight at Nagshead: Churring Nightjars, Returning Flycatchers and Spring Migration.

Duration
2.5 hours
Location
Parkend
Operator
WildSpace
Category
Walking Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a guided bird walk at RSPB Nagshead in the Forest of Dean. As the woodland bursts into life, this relaxed evening tour explores scenic reserve trails in search of returning summer migrants, with opportunities to listen for churring nightjars, hear warblers, and observe flycatchers among ancient oaks.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SPECIES

Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers and Spring Migrants

The walk focuses on spring arrivals — keep watch for Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers among the trees as migrants return to the reserve. Guides share identification tips and migration insights along the route.

NIGHT WILDLIFE

Nightjars and Bats in Twilight

This is an evening tour that takes participants through twilight, listening for the churring of elusive Nightjars and scanning for bat activity as dusk falls over the woodland.

THE EXPERIENCE

Close-up Views with a Scope

Guides use a scope to give everyone close-up views of migrants and special sightings, making the experience accessible to both newcomers and seasoned birders.

What the day feels like

What the evening feels like

Over 2.5 hours the group walks scenic trails at RSPB Nagshead at dusk, pausing to listen and scan for returning songbirds and crepuscular species. The relaxed pace is designed to let participants hear warblers and churring nightjars, watch flycatchers among the oaks, and gather at vantage points for scope views and identification pointers.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this walk suits — and why.

1
Active FamiliesFamilies with children aged 5 and up can take part, as the walk accepts participants from age 5 onward.
2
Beginner BirdersThe walk is relaxed and welcoming, explicitly described as suitable for beginners, with guides offering identification tips and migration context.
3
Seasoned BirdersExperienced birdwatchers benefit from focused evening searching for migrants and the chance to use scope-assisted viewing to confirm tricky IDs.
4
Twilight & Night Wildlife SeekersObservers interested in crepuscular species will find targeted listening and viewing for nightjars and bats during the evening portion of the walk.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is a 2.5-hour evening walk through the reserve.

Meeting Point

The group meets at Parc Cwm Darran before setting out onto the trails.

What to Expect

The guided walk includes dusk-time listening for nightjars and bat activity and scope-assisted close-up viewing of migrating birds.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the walk?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours.

Where do we meet?

Participants meet at Parc Cwm Darran.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes — the activity is suitable for ages 5 and up.

What species might we see?

Expect to search for spring migrants such as Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers, listen for nightjars, and look for bats and warblers.

Is the walk suitable for beginners?

Yes — the walk is described as relaxed and friendly, suitable for beginners as well as seasoned birders.

Will there be scope viewing?

Guides provide scope-assisted close-up views of migrants during the walk.