went to CORS DYFI yesterday 6th aug with phil kelly to see the ospreys,did see 2 juvenilles and adult male on and around the nest site no signs off female and other juvenile,close by i presume. did however see one osprey in the distance from the boardwalks hunting and hovering,eventually lost sight of it. first birds to fledge in over 400yrs, absolutely fantastic
after here went on to YNYS HIR, lovely place first time here for both off us. not a great deal off birds about but still had some good birds.... at least 12 little egrets out on the marsh peregrine falcon flying around and then eventually landing on the marsh, without kill others on the marsh.. oystercatchers, g-b-b gulls, l-b-b gulls, b-h gulls, cormorants, grey herons, shellducks, goosanders, curlew and hundresds off canada goose + 1 white goose in with them not quite sure what it was ravens over, lots off crows about. in and around woodlands all usual stuff about,but did manage excellent views off adult spotted flycatchers doing what they do best. did also have another adult feeding 2 juvenilles. after spending a lot off time in and the 2 reserves only managed to see 1 red kite and that was fling over cors dyfi,still a good day and thanks again phil
Matt Potter said
Thu Aug 4 9:50 AM, 2011
All 3 Osprey chicks have now fledged! As said before the first birds the fledge in over 400 hundred years. Equally impressive is that its rare for first time breeders to get 3 birds off first time!
So well don to the team down there.
The Manx Shearwater/Gannet spectacular continues off Borth!
Matt Potter said
Thu Jul 28 2:22 PM, 2011
The eldest Osprey chick has now fledged. The first on the Dyfi for over 400 years! The Osprey team are pretty chuffed. Fingers crossed the other 2 get off as successfully!
Also, the bi annual gathering of Manx Shearwaters is taking place off Borth Beach. Just been down and there are 10's of thousands of them sat on the water and flying up and down the coast. A spectacular sight. PLenty of Gannets around too and a few Balearics around too.
Matt Potter said
Tue Jun 7 2:46 PM, 2011
And now number 3 chick is breaking out of its egg! Good luck to this little brood!
Matt Potter said
Tue Jun 7 1:55 PM, 2011
Superb news from the Dyfi Ospreys, 2 chicks now hatched! The first Osprey Chicks on the Dyfi for over 400 years! To say the project team are excited is an understatement!
Also, our local RSPB reserve is the home of Springwatch at the moment, which is showing the Ospreys too!
Nice to see where we live on the TV!
Cheers.
Sean Sweeney said
Mon May 23 12:50 PM, 2011
A further belated report from a 4 day survey I was completing between Tues 10th to Fri 13th May), where I was completing various bird surveys (mostly for breeding waders) between Llanerfyl (southwest of Welshpool) and Newtown. As with last month it was a mixture of sunshine, wind and a little light rain, but the birds did not hold back and I found some pairs of Curlew still hanging on to terriotories, as well as a bit of wader passage on the tops and a cracking Osprey that left me flabbergasted on my final day..............
Teal 2 Buzzard 20+ Red Kite 6 Sparrowhawk 1 Peregrine 4 (two pairs, 1 with chicks) Osprey 1 (soared over lake then went north) Lapwing 10 adults plus some juvs Curlew 5-6 pairs (got some cracking photos thias year) Oystercatcher 1 Common Sandpier 2+1 Dunlin 1+3+2 Ringerd Plover 1 (tundra like) Dipper 2 (pair still at a nest) Sand Martin 60+ Swallow 100+ Willow Warbler 100+ Chiffchaff 40+ Grasshopper Warbler 15+ Sedge Warbler 5+ Lesser Redpoll 100+ Siskin 100+ Crossbill 4 Redstart 20+ Pied Flycatcher 4 Stonechat 16+ Whinchat 8+
I still have another week there in June, then some follow up surveys in July for a few days, so looking forward to a bit of sunshine and less wind next month.......
Sean Sweeney said
Mon May 23 12:42 PM, 2011
Elan Valley I thought I'd put this in the proper region this time, as although it feels like a long drive down to the Elan Valley, it is still in Mid Wales, despite me starting a new South Wales thread. Anyway, to the birds I suppose, as I should have posted this late last week, but have been all over the place!?!?
I repeated some of my surveys from last month, plus a few new ones around the tributaries off the main rivers through the Elan Valley on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th May. I stayed in the Elan Valley Hotel, a really lovely place and cracking food too. I visited some extremely remote areas this time round, at least 7-8 km from the nearest houses/proper roads, so a beautiful place indeed.
The following are what I saw this time between 5 small valleys I was surveying:
-- Edited by Sean Sweeney on Monday 23rd of May 2011 12:43:27 PM
Matt Potter said
Tue May 3 9:44 AM, 2011
The female Pied Flycatcher has now been joined by a male!!! I have never made and put up a nest box so quick in my life!! Fingers crossed they take up home!!
The Ospreys on the Dyfi, first time breeders now have 3 eggs!! There is now a round the clock shift process to protect the eggs until they hatch, first one due 1st June.
Matt Potter said
Sun May 1 9:40 PM, 2011
Two new garden ticks this weekend, Garden Warbler and Pied Flycatcher!!
Matt Potter said
Fri Apr 29 10:17 PM, 2011
Today where we live, there were Redstart, Willow Warbler, Linnet and Pied Wagtails absolutley everywhere. I dont think I have seen so many Redstarts in one day! I dont know if its new arrivals or a good breeding season last year. Heard a larger number of Yellowhammer as well. Hopefully a few more terrotories up here.
We seem to have a brand new Sand Martin colony as well. Not had one before and now we have more than 12 Sand Martins flying around the old mines looking very likely to set up home!
Matt Potter said
Tue Apr 26 4:56 PM, 2011
Rob Smallwood wrote:
Long-billed Dowitcher again at Borth...
And I am stuck in Chester until Thursday night....
It would be a nice year tick and Country tick!!
Rob Smallwood said
Tue Apr 26 3:46 PM, 2011
Long-billed Dowitcher again at Borth...
Matt Potter said
Tue Apr 26 1:57 PM, 2011
Well the Dyfi Osprey project has its first egg, laid yesterday!
Even more fingers crossed that its a success!!!
Other stuff about around our village - Redstart, several males on territorys, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs everywhere, Yellowhammer (quite a scarce bird in Ceredigion) Cuckoo, Housemartins are back, and Wheatears everywhere!
Sean Sweeney said
Mon Apr 25 7:21 PM, 2011
Belated reports (due to being away on holiday) from several weeks back (Tues 11th to Fri 15th April), where I was completing various bird surveys (mostly for breeding waders) between Llanerfyl (southwest of Welshpool) and Newtown. It was a mixture of sunshine, wind and a little light rain, but the birds did not hold back:
Teal 6 Buzzard 20+ Red Kite 2 Sparrowhawk 2 Goshawk 1 (female) Peregrine 1 (male) Lapwing 18+ (not bred in area for a while now, so fingers crossed) Curlew 20+ (poss 6 pairs so far located) Dipper (pair at a nest) Sand Martin 30+ Swallow 20+ Willow Warbler 50+ Chiffchaff 60+ Grasshopper Warbler 4 Lesser Redpoll 100+ Siskin 100+ Crossbill 25+ (many fresh faced juvs in small family groups) Redstart 6 Stonechat 16+
Nice to see so many migrants back up on the tops after a long hard winter up there. Last years successful breeding looks like it might provide a new generation of breeding birds to take back the areas where they have left in recent times!?!?
Off back down that way, but a little further south, tomorrow evening where I'll be doing some Merlin monitoring and surveys, so looking for to getting back in the fresh air.
Matt Potter said
Sun Apr 10 8:32 PM, 2011
The Cors Dyfi Osprey project has has a good start this year. The Male was back last week and already a female has been on the nest and they have been showing breeding behaviour.
Fingers crossed for a first succesful breeding season for this pair!
Pete Welch said
Mon Apr 4 9:26 PM, 2011
Hello Matt, Coed Y Dinas was certainly worth a look - only visited one hide and possibly only an hour to take it all in but still a little gem! Peter
Matt Potter said
Mon Apr 4 9:32 AM, 2011
Pete Welch wrote:
Went to Gigrin today and had excellent views of the white Red Kite and plenty of resplendent Rooks and Ravens amongst the rest of the kites. Proceeded back through mid Wales via the lovely reserve at Welshpool - Llyn Coed Y Dinas which has a fantastic Sand Martin cliff [within metres of the hide] not occupied yet but there were[well coloured] Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting showed well and a chap who I think was the warden was most helpful.
Worlds end followed [posted in t'other thread]
There are a few Leucistic Red Kites over near us at Nant Yr Arian. Quite a beautiful bird in its own right. ANd down in Cwm Rheidol there are a number of Buzzards which are almost all white.
Not been to Coed Y Dinas yet but looks like a nice place to visit.
Locally, the Wheatears are flocking in as are Sand Martin. Heard a few Chiffchaff and over the weekend a Willow Warbler was in our garden along with a few distant singing individuals. Also heard a few Skylarks now too!
Pete Welch said
Sat Apr 2 9:35 PM, 2011
Went to Gigrin today and had excellent views of the white Red Kite and plenty of resplendent Rooks and Ravens amongst the rest of the kites. Proceeded back through mid Wales via the lovely reserve at Welshpool - Llyn Coed Y Dinas which has a fantastic Sand Martin cliff [within metres of the hide] not occupied yet but there were[well coloured] Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting showed well and a chap who I think was the warden was most helpful.
Worlds end followed [posted in t'other thread]
Matt Potter said
Wed Feb 2 11:38 AM, 2011
The Golden Eagle debate rumbles on in its thread on Bird Forum. Soem other pics that have emerged of the bid from last March, do show, albeit not very clear, possible leather patch on left leg.
I have spoken to guy in the know and he seems to think its an escape. Not sure why supressed for so long. Is it because of other possible escapes in Wales, breeding may occur? I dont know but its certainly stirring up intrest!
Matt Potter said
Sun Jan 30 10:51 PM, 2011
Golden Eagle showing very well in Pontrydygroes in Ceredigion. Very near where we live! Origins unknown but wonderful to see all the same!
Compared to a Buzzard, it was huge!
cheers.
Mike Chorley said
Fri Jan 28 7:47 PM, 2011
Mark Rigby wrote:
Vanellus from the Latin word Vannus (winnowing basket)? Explain that one Mr.chorley
Simples - the shape and motion of the wing
Mark Rigby said
Thu Jan 27 11:24 PM, 2011
Vanellus from the Latin word Vannus (winnowing basket)? Explain that one Mr.chorley
Mike Chorley said
Thu Jan 27 9:23 PM, 2011
Parus major leucurus?.......Vanellus leucurus = White-tailed Plover
Matt Potter said
Wed Jan 26 2:14 PM, 2011
Feeding frenzy at the moment!
On the feeders in our garden, all the usuals including:- Chaffinch - Approx 20 Siskin - 10 Greenfinch - 4 Bullfinch - 2 (male and female) at edge of garden Goldfinch - 6 Blackbird - 3 Blue Tit - 10 Great Tit - 12 Coal Tit - 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker - 2 females Nuthatch - 2 Starling - 8 House Sparrow - 5
Intrestingly, one of the Great Tits had an all white tail. I am going to insist that the BOU accept this as a new species - White Tailed Great Tit - Parus major alba caudus Cue Mike 'Latin' Chorley!
Quite a lot of displaying calls at the moment. A bit earlier than normal but with slightly better weather than recently, you cant blame the birds to think its spring! There has been the odd pair of dispalying Red Kite about too. And generally lots of Kites about - as you can imagine!
A pair of Kestrels have been seen near a place where I think they breed. Quite a rarety around these parts!
-- Edited by Matt Potter on Wednesday 26th of January 2011 02:20:26 PM
Matt Potter said
Mon Jan 10 10:13 AM, 2011
Ian McKerchar wrote:
I'm assuming (hoping) you've reported the incident then Matt?
The police have been contacted and they have said it is reportable for a whole host of reasons. I have been trying to find the bird as proof but cant find it anywhere. There are lots of things about this that cant really be made public on a forum as in the sensitivty of this incident. But I will keep you posted of what ultimately happens.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Jan 9 11:59 PM, 2011
I'm assuming (hoping) you've reported the incident then Matt?
Matt Potter said
Sun Jan 9 9:16 PM, 2011
A rather sad day yesterday when the gun happy local farm hand shot a Jackdaw. Not only was he less than 50m from our house and the road, a law which is another story, the Jackdaw wasnt killed and he walked off. I tried to catch it to put it out of its misery and had to chase the poor bird around until in went to ground and I couldnt locate it in the brambles. He had shot it through the wing and it was dangling from its body.
Its unlikely he has the required license to shoot Jackdaws under the required legislation. Again, another story.
I tried to locate it again this morning with no success. So it dies a slow painful death, or was taken by a predator. Probably not a fox though as they get blasted up here too!
Its lovely to live it such a beautiful area, but the shooting and general bad farming around here really taints it to the pint of wanting to move away!
Matt Potter said
Thu Sep 30 11:33 AM, 2010
The Barnacle Geese have started to arrive back at Ynys Hir with a peak count so far of 305.
Matt Potter said
Sun Aug 22 9:46 PM, 2010
Only 220 Med Gulls this afternoon reported!
Pete Welch said
Sun Aug 22 9:35 PM, 2010
Cheers Ian, I'll remember that!
And thanks to Jonathan Platt who I now realise I met today at the coast and gave me some good advice without us realising we were both on here...
Ian McKerchar said
Sun Aug 22 8:08 PM, 2010
I think you'll find that Ian likes to be troubled with ID's. It's what he does
The 'other place' you mention has some very good birders on it but lots of 'keyboard birders' too (and is why I prefer not to have open ID queries on here), so separating the wheat from the chaff isn't always easy when you don't know who you're talking too
Pete Welch wrote:
I will admit to using another place for the odd ID when I'm not sure ... rather than trouble Ian for IDs
And my first thought in the field was Sooty too but then I had no experience of Shearwaters 'til today.
I've sent Ian the piccies for Out of County so they'll be available for scrutiny shortly. Cheers, Peter
JOHN TYMON said
Sun Aug 22 7:14 PM, 2010
nice link here to the shearwaters on video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbJK_3kUlWY
Pete Welch said
Sun Aug 22 6:46 PM, 2010
I will admit to using another place for the odd ID when I'm not sure ... rather than trouble Ian for IDs
And my first thought in the field was Sooty too but then I had no experience of Shearwaters 'til today.
I've sent Ian the piccies for Out of County so they'll be available for scrutiny shortly. Cheers, Peter
Matt Potter said
Sun Aug 22 6:30 PM, 2010
Rob Smallwood wrote:
Looking at the photos (on another forum ) they were Balearic..
Which forum was that Rob?
Matt Potter said
Sun Aug 22 6:29 PM, 2010
Mike Crawley wrote:
should have been in Llanon yesterday evening/this morning (long story), I'd have liked to see that
We will pop down in the week to see them!!
Matt Potter said
Sun Aug 22 6:28 PM, 2010
Mark Rigby wrote:
" 264+ MED GULL IN FIELDS S/OF LLANON 08:00"
Was the message I got on my iPhone. Have you got one yet Matt?
Not yet Mr Rigby! Next phone will be though!!
Rob Smallwood said
Sun Aug 22 5:04 PM, 2010
Looking at the photos (on another forum ) they were Balearic..
Henry Cook said
Sun Aug 22 5:01 PM, 2010
Have you ruled out Sooty Shearwater Pete? Several of this species were also reported amongst the large shearwater feeding frenzy in the last few days.
Pete Welch said
Sun Aug 22 3:05 PM, 2010
Got the time to make a very early trip this morning for my first go at sea watching - tempted by a video of Shearwaters feeding in the surf last week I went to Borth on the Welsh coast.
Saw flocks of Shearwaters which were sweeping down the coast in a southerly direction and then out into the bay and back round every 20 minutes or so - I was really pleased to see them even at 100m out they were fascinating to watch. Also with each of the two main flocks were darker individuals which thanks to some help I now believe were Balaerics.
Other notable birds were immature and adult Sandwich Terns and Ringed Plovers on the beaches plus Red Kite and Merganser on the trip home.
Mike Crawley said
Sun Aug 22 12:33 PM, 2010
should have been in Llanon yesterday evening/this morning (long story), I'd have liked to see that
Mark Rigby said
Sun Aug 22 12:05 AM, 2010
" 264+ MED GULL IN FIELDS S/OF LLANON 08:00"
Was the message I got on my iPhone. Have you got one yet Matt?
Matt Potter said
Sat Aug 21 10:16 PM, 2010
Note of intrest today, over 300 Med Gulls in Llanon, a coastal village. Last years highest count was around 100! Seems to be up and coming excellent spot for them!!
Matt Potter said
Sat Aug 21 11:47 AM, 2010
Our feeders have been very busy thi summer!
Many fledgling Blue and Great Tits, Chaffinch, Siskin and Greenfinch. The Greenfinch have been badly affected by Trichomoniasis so we have been cleaning the feeders everyday and it seems to be working as we have more healthy looking Greenfinches now!
We also have young and adult Dunnock and Robins and a regular Yellowhammer!
Round about we have lots of wheaters with juveniles and similar Pied Wagtails. A cracking pair of Stonechats, and lots of Restarts with young.
Plenty of Red Kites and Buzzards. A pair of Kestrels with 2 young birds - pretty scarce around here unless you get on the cliffs at the coast. And recently an area first, a juv Peregrine Falcon!
Cheers
Matt Potter said
Fri Jul 2 12:53 PM, 2010
Wednesday night we had a first for our Garden, a stunning male Redstart, eyeing up the feeders!! Fantastic view!
Our feeders are getting a right bashing from many birds, juveniles and adults alike!
Siskin Blue and Great Tits Blackbird Dunnock Willow Warbler Greenfinch Chaffinch Robin Jackdaws being very acrobatic on the peanut feeders!
-- Edited by Matt Potter on Friday 2nd of July 2010 12:54:20 PM
Matt Potter said
Thu Jun 17 1:57 PM, 2010
Last night we had a walk around Ystumtuen where we live and saw:-
A stunning male Redstart in an area we have never seen them in before. Buzzard Wheater including two different sets of juveniles. Lots of Meadow Pipits Linnets Up on Bryn Bras there were male and female Tufted Ducks, Swallows and 2 adult and 6 juvenile Pied Wagtails on the pond.
We also went up to Look for Nightjars and we rewarded at 10.45pm with a lone bird flying close over us and along the road just north of Llyn Blaenmelindwr, slightly beyond the house. We then heard it in flight. It seemed to take an intrest in our 'A4 white paper male Nightjar'! We also heard a very distant flight call from the area in front of the Cow and Calf Standing Stones. But no churring heard at all. Lots and lots of midgies up there which took no notice of our Skin So Soft!
Sean Sweeney said
Mon Jun 14 3:14 PM, 2010
Belated reports from last week (Weds 9th and Fri 11th), where I was completing various bird surveys between Llanerfyl (southwest of Welshpool) and Newtown. Up the hills most of time battling against the mist, but plenty of sunshine in between:
Buzzard 20+ Red Kite 2 Sparrowhawk 2 Snipe 15 (all birds in call on breeding territory - some seen) Curlew 4 pairs (1 male with 4 chicks) Tree Pipit 15+ Garden Warbler 5 Lesser Whitethroat 2 Redstart 12 Pied Flycatcher 4 Spotted Flycatcher 1 Whinchat 9 Stonechat 10 (some with juvs too)
Back in a few weeks to check on Curlew chicks and assess other areas for Snipe, so looking forward to it. Also many other species with fresh young from Great Spotted Woodpecker to Skylark!?
Matt Potter said
Mon Jun 14 2:34 PM, 2010
Over the weekend, our feeders had:-
Blue and Great Tits - Many birds including adults and newly fledged birds. Chaffinch - 5 Goldfinch - 3 Siskin - 2 Male and Female Greenfinch - 2 Nuthatch - Several! Including Fledglings being fed! Dunnock - 2 Willow Warbler - Just Looking! Blackcap - Heard Only.
Locally to our house (within a few mins walk), usual Cuckoo - you can tell by its sore throat on the third or fourth cuckoo! Redstarts, quite a few up the lane from us. Linnets- Seem to be everywhere! Red Kite - Many over. Swallows, House Martins, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits! And Repoll over too. Buzzard - up to 4 birds around.
Not a bad little list!
Matt Potter said
Thu May 20 10:46 AM, 2010
For those of you still missing, or low on Swallow numbers, there have been reports of large migration numbers heading north over the Ceredigion coast. Someone reported over 4600 birds in an hour!
Matt Potter said
Mon Apr 26 9:33 AM, 2010
A nice weekend weather wise apart from a bit of rain Sunday!
A Barn Owl near our house and a lrge increase in Willow Warblers this weekend. Lots of Wheatears about! And the Swallow numbers are increasing too. Heard Cuckoo too.
And Ynys Hir
Excellent views of many male Pied Flycatchers, all lookign at propsctive nest boxes! Lots of Wood Warblers all very obliging. Whitethroat, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Pied Wagtails, Common Sandpiper, Little Egrets, Great and Blue Tits, Song Thrush and heard Sedge Warbler and Grasshopper Warblers.
Cheers
Jon Taverner said
Tue Mar 9 9:34 PM, 2010
Visited Gigrin Farm both Sunday and yesterday. The Black Kite made a 30 second appearance on Sunday - unfortunately I had just left the hide to get a cup of tea and to thaw out so I missed it!! Yesterday, it came flying high over the car park but decided to keep on going so no joy again. Was told that although it does come every day, it tends to come later on , often after 3.30pm and that it appears to have found other plentiful sources of food so it is not now reliant on the farm. However, a wonderful place to be - watching the Red Kite and had an excellent walk around the Elan Valley with Dippers on the River Wye.
after here went on to YNYS HIR, lovely place first time here for both off us. not a great deal off birds about but still had some good birds....
at least 12 little egrets out on the marsh
peregrine falcon flying around and then eventually landing on the marsh, without kill
others on the marsh..
oystercatchers, g-b-b gulls, l-b-b gulls, b-h gulls, cormorants, grey herons, shellducks, goosanders, curlew
and hundresds off canada goose + 1 white goose in with them not quite sure what it was
ravens over, lots off crows about.
in and around woodlands all usual stuff about,but did manage excellent views off adult spotted flycatchers doing what they do best. did also have another adult feeding 2 juvenilles.
after spending a lot off time in and the 2 reserves only managed to see 1 red kite and that was fling over cors dyfi,still a good day and thanks again phil
So well don to the team down there.
The Manx Shearwater/Gannet spectacular continues off Borth!
Also, the bi annual gathering of Manx Shearwaters is taking place off Borth Beach. Just been down and there are 10's of thousands of them sat on the water and flying up and down the coast. A spectacular sight. PLenty of Gannets around too and a few Balearics around too.
Also, our local RSPB reserve is the home of Springwatch at the moment, which is showing the Ospreys too!
Nice to see where we live on the TV!
Cheers.
Teal 2
Buzzard 20+
Red Kite 6
Sparrowhawk 1
Peregrine 4 (two pairs, 1 with chicks)
Osprey 1 (soared over lake then went north)
Lapwing 10 adults plus some juvs
Curlew 5-6 pairs (got some cracking photos thias year)
Oystercatcher 1
Common Sandpier 2+1
Dunlin 1+3+2
Ringerd Plover 1 (tundra like)
Dipper 2 (pair still at a nest)
Sand Martin 60+
Swallow 100+
Willow Warbler 100+
Chiffchaff 40+
Grasshopper Warbler 15+
Sedge Warbler 5+
Lesser Redpoll 100+
Siskin 100+
Crossbill 4
Redstart 20+
Pied Flycatcher 4
Stonechat 16+
Whinchat 8+
I still have another week there in June, then some follow up surveys in July for a few days, so looking forward to a bit of sunshine and less wind next month.......
I thought I'd put this in the proper region this time, as although it feels like a long drive down to the Elan Valley, it is still in Mid Wales, despite me starting a new South Wales thread. Anyway, to the birds I suppose, as I should have posted this late last week, but have been all over the place!?!?
I repeated some of my surveys from last month, plus a few new ones around the tributaries off the main rivers through the Elan Valley on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th May. I stayed in the Elan Valley Hotel, a really lovely place and cracking food too. I visited some extremely remote areas this time round, at least 7-8 km from the nearest houses/proper roads, so a beautiful place indeed.
The following are what I saw this time between 5 small valleys I was surveying:
Goosander 1
Red Kite 20+
Buzzard 20+
Peregrine 2
Merlin 1 (heard only)
Common Sandpiper 4
Dunlin 7
Curlew 1
GS Woodpecker 6+
Treecreeper 2
Nuthatch 5
Pied Wagtail 10+
Grey Wagtail 3
Dipper 2
Cuckoo 5
Sand Martin 100+
Swallow 60+
Stonechat 6 (plus some young families)
Whinchat 20+
Wheatear 20+
Skylark 100+
Meadow Pipit 300+
Tree Pipit 4
Sedge Warbler 3
Grasshopper Warbler 8
Wood Warbler 20+
Willow Warbler 80+
Chiffchaff 20+
Garden Warbler 15+
Blackcap 20+
Goldcrest 4+
Redstart 30+
Pied Flycatcher 20+
Raven 20+
-- Edited by Sean Sweeney on Monday 23rd of May 2011 12:43:27 PM
The Ospreys on the Dyfi, first time breeders now have 3 eggs!! There is now a round the clock shift process to protect the eggs until they hatch, first one due 1st June.
We seem to have a brand new Sand Martin colony as well. Not had one before and now we have more than 12 Sand Martins flying around the old mines looking very likely to set up home!
And I am stuck in Chester until Thursday night....
It would be a nice year tick and Country tick!!
Even more fingers crossed that its a success!!!
Other stuff about around our village - Redstart, several males on territorys, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs everywhere, Yellowhammer (quite a scarce bird in Ceredigion) Cuckoo, Housemartins are back, and Wheatears everywhere!
Teal 6
Buzzard 20+
Red Kite 2
Sparrowhawk 2
Goshawk 1 (female)
Peregrine 1 (male)
Lapwing 18+ (not bred in area for a while now, so fingers crossed)
Curlew 20+ (poss 6 pairs so far located)
Dipper (pair at a nest)
Sand Martin 30+
Swallow 20+
Willow Warbler 50+
Chiffchaff 60+
Grasshopper Warbler 4
Lesser Redpoll 100+
Siskin 100+
Crossbill 25+ (many fresh faced juvs in small family groups)
Redstart 6
Stonechat 16+
Nice to see so many migrants back up on the tops after a long hard winter up there. Last years successful breeding looks like it might provide a new generation of breeding birds to take back the areas where they have left in recent times!?!?
Off back down that way, but a little further south, tomorrow evening where I'll be doing some Merlin monitoring and surveys, so looking for to getting back in the fresh air.
Fingers crossed for a first succesful breeding season for this pair!
I have spoken to guy in the know and he seems to think its an escape. Not sure why supressed for so long. Is it because of other possible escapes in Wales, breeding may occur? I dont know but its certainly stirring up intrest!
Compared to a Buzzard, it was huge!
cheers.
Simples - the shape and motion of the wing
Explain that one Mr.chorley
On the feeders in our garden, all the usuals including:-
Chaffinch - Approx 20
Siskin - 10
Greenfinch - 4
Bullfinch - 2 (male and female) at edge of garden
Goldfinch - 6
Blackbird - 3
Blue Tit - 10
Great Tit - 12
Coal Tit - 1
Great Spotted Woodpecker - 2 females
Nuthatch - 2
Starling - 8
House Sparrow - 5
Intrestingly, one of the Great Tits had an all white tail. I am going to insist that the BOU accept this as a new species - White Tailed Great Tit - Parus major alba caudus
Quite a lot of displaying calls at the moment. A bit earlier than normal but with slightly better weather than recently, you cant blame the birds to think its spring! There has been the odd pair of dispalying Red Kite about too. And generally lots of Kites about - as you can imagine!
A pair of Kestrels have been seen near a place where I think they breed. Quite a rarety around these parts!
-- Edited by Matt Potter on Wednesday 26th of January 2011 02:20:26 PM
The police have been contacted and they have said it is reportable for a whole host of reasons. I have been trying to find the bird as proof but cant find it anywhere.
There are lots of things about this that cant really be made public on a forum as in the sensitivty of this incident. But I will keep you posted of what ultimately happens.
Its unlikely he has the required license to shoot Jackdaws under the required legislation. Again, another story.
I tried to locate it again this morning with no success. So it dies a slow painful death, or was taken by a predator. Probably not a fox though as they get blasted up here too!
Its lovely to live it such a beautiful area, but the shooting and general bad farming around here really taints it to the pint of wanting to move away!
And thanks to Jonathan Platt who I now realise I met today at the coast and gave me some good advice without us realising we were both on here...
The 'other place' you mention has some very good birders on it but lots of 'keyboard birders' too (and is why I prefer not to have open ID queries on here), so separating the wheat from the chaff isn't always easy when you don't know who you're talking too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbJK_3kUlWY
And my first thought in the field was Sooty too but then I had no experience of Shearwaters 'til today.
I've sent Ian the piccies for Out of County so they'll be available for scrutiny shortly. Cheers, Peter
Which forum was that Rob?
We will pop down in the week to see them!!
Not yet Mr Rigby! Next phone will be though!!
Saw flocks of Shearwaters which were sweeping down the coast in a southerly direction and then out into the bay and back round every 20 minutes or so - I was really pleased to see them even at 100m out they were fascinating to watch. Also with each of the two main flocks were darker individuals which thanks to some help I now believe were Balaerics.
Other notable birds were immature and adult Sandwich Terns and Ringed Plovers on the beaches plus Red Kite and Merganser on the trip home.
Was the message I got on my iPhone. Have you got one yet Matt?
Many fledgling Blue and Great Tits, Chaffinch, Siskin and Greenfinch. The Greenfinch have been badly affected by Trichomoniasis so we have been cleaning the feeders everyday and it seems to be working as we have more healthy looking Greenfinches now!
We also have young and adult Dunnock and Robins and a regular Yellowhammer!
Round about we have lots of wheaters with juveniles and similar Pied Wagtails. A cracking pair of Stonechats, and lots of Restarts with young.
Plenty of Red Kites and Buzzards. A pair of Kestrels with 2 young birds - pretty scarce around here unless you get on the cliffs at the coast. And recently an area first, a juv Peregrine Falcon!
Cheers
Our feeders are getting a right bashing from many birds, juveniles and adults alike!
Siskin
Blue and Great Tits
Blackbird
Dunnock
Willow Warbler
Greenfinch
Chaffinch
Robin
Jackdaws being very acrobatic on the peanut feeders!
-- Edited by Matt Potter on Friday 2nd of July 2010 12:54:20 PM
A stunning male Redstart in an area we have never seen them in before.
Buzzard
Wheater including two different sets of juveniles.
Lots of Meadow Pipits
Linnets
Up on Bryn Bras there were male and female Tufted Ducks, Swallows and 2 adult and 6 juvenile Pied Wagtails on the pond.
We also went up to Look for Nightjars and we rewarded at 10.45pm with a lone bird flying close over us and along the road just north of Llyn Blaenmelindwr, slightly beyond the house. We then heard it in flight. It seemed to take an intrest in our 'A4 white paper male Nightjar'! We also heard a very distant flight call from the area in front of the Cow and Calf Standing Stones. But no churring heard at all.
Lots and lots of midgies up there which took no notice of our Skin So Soft!
Buzzard 20+
Red Kite 2
Sparrowhawk 2
Snipe 15 (all birds in call on breeding territory - some seen)
Curlew 4 pairs (1 male with 4 chicks)
Tree Pipit 15+
Garden Warbler 5
Lesser Whitethroat 2
Redstart 12
Pied Flycatcher 4
Spotted Flycatcher 1
Whinchat 9
Stonechat 10 (some with juvs too)
Back in a few weeks to check on Curlew chicks and assess other areas for Snipe, so looking forward to it.
Blue and Great Tits - Many birds including adults and newly fledged birds.
Chaffinch - 5
Goldfinch - 3
Siskin - 2 Male and Female
Greenfinch - 2
Nuthatch - Several! Including Fledglings being fed!
Dunnock - 2
Willow Warbler - Just Looking!
Blackcap - Heard Only.
Locally to our house (within a few mins walk), usual Cuckoo - you can tell by its sore throat on the third or fourth cuckoo!
Redstarts, quite a few up the lane from us.
Linnets- Seem to be everywhere!
Red Kite - Many over.
Swallows, House Martins, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits!
And Repoll over too.
Buzzard - up to 4 birds around.
Not a bad little list!
A Barn Owl near our house and a lrge increase in Willow Warblers this weekend.
Lots of Wheatears about! And the Swallow numbers are increasing too. Heard Cuckoo too.
And Ynys Hir
Excellent views of many male Pied Flycatchers, all lookign at propsctive nest boxes! Lots of Wood Warblers all very obliging. Whitethroat, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Pied Wagtails, Common Sandpiper, Little Egrets, Great and Blue Tits, Song Thrush and heard Sedge Warbler and Grasshopper Warblers.
Cheers