Grebes on Testosterone.

With water levels dropping at L. Cyd the two pairs of GCGrebes both had their sights set on the reedbed in front of the hide. Each pair was displaying peacefully until the 2 males became aggressively confrontational, and the fight above ensued with one male attacking and submerging the other for at least 30 seconds. no lasting harm done!
The best news, however is that somehow the Oystercatchers have 3 live young on the island, despite the flood in mid-week.

Out & About

Before being forced out of the Hafren Forest by the Plains Rally (130+ rally cars and bird photography do not a happy marriage make) managed a few shots - click to expand

Garden Birds

A bit of sunshine would not go amiss.

An hour in the garden

Large amount of activity around the garden and feeders at the moment - big numbers of Siskin and Goldfinch in particular with a couple of other notables

Ringed Greenfinch

I am getting daily visits from this Greenfinch which has been ringed, perhaps someone local may know of this having been carried out. I will try to get a better shot of the ring details !

L. Cyd update

A large dirty flood is receding, leaving BHG eggs scattered over Oak Island - no other islands visible. Rafts are all OK. Some BHGs are back on their nests and a few pairs may have survived at the highest part of the island, but I fear many are on eggs that were wet and chilled. The Oystercatcher is still about, as are 2 pairs of GC Grebes. The Reed Warbler nest I was watching is gone - but the coots are busy building again and I guess as water levels fall the other species will try again. Anything ground-nesting close to the Severn will have failed.

Wash Out at L. Cyd.

After the 2 inches of rain overnight, the Severn rose rapidly this morning, and consequently water levels at L. Cyd have risen to obliterate the Oak Tree island by 7pm.
 I counted 300+ BHG nests last weekend - all are destroyed + the Oystercatcher nest.  Probably the same fate for Sand Martins at Dolydd.......

Swift arrive at Llandyssil.

Just noticed a couple flying around the village.
                               They used to nest in the Church spire until a few years ago. The nesting area must have been blocked off by one of the Lords'  Not so bright and beautiful creatures.

Black Tern @ Dolydd Hafren

(via Wyn and Brenda) One present today.

Gt Pecker

Sat in the hide in the garden this afternoon hoping for a better shot of the Redpoll but they didn't show - hmmm, has Mr Pollard 'birdknapped' them?? Adult male 'pecker showed well though (strangely had 2 adult males on one feeder yesterday - never seen that before!)