Simon Boyes to give Bird Group talk next week

Just a reminder  about the forthcoming meeting of the Bird Group next Wednesday, October 17th, at Welshpool Methodist Church Hall.

Simon Boyes, an excellent, experienced and very popular local ornithologist will speak on the subject of "Wild Hawaii and its Birds" .

Entry is only £2.50, and includes home-made refreshments.

We hope to see you there.

Golden Plover

A trip to Glaslyn, on what may prove to be the last day of summer, was rewarded with this close view of a single Golden Plover. Uncropped shots from my hide, (aka car). Near the Star Inn, Dylife, about 20 Fieldfare had discovered the rowan trees.

Tawny Owl Calling Survey - it's a hoot!

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is asking the great British public to participate in a national study of Tawny Owls and their calling behaviour by listening out for them between now and 31st March.

The Tawny Owl population is thought to be in decline and the species has recently been added to the Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern. The Tawny Owl Calling Survey is designed to help BTO researchers understand more about the current state of the bird’s population and the impact of factors such as urbanisation and light pollution.

Anyone can participate from their garden or local green space. All you have to do is listen for 20 minutes one evening each week, anytime between dusk and midnight, and note the number of calling or hooting tawnies that you hear.  You don’t need to commit to recording every week but you’ll be contributing valuable data by listening for as many weeks as you can.

Zero results are valid too: it’s important to know where tawnies aren’t to be found, as well as where they are, so don’t be deterred if they are not regular visitors to your patch.

The BTO has set an ambitious target of 10,000 volunteers for this survey so please give it a go if you can. It could hardly be easier: you can even take part from the comfort of your bed!  Alternatively, wrap up warm, take a mug of cocoa into the garden and enjoy the music of the night.

Find out more and register.   

Image: Lawrence Liddy/BTO

Swallow

A juvenile Swallow passed south through Llyn Coed-y-Dinas this afternoon, while a Chiffchaff was skulking silently to the left of the hide.

Female Kingfisher, river severn Newtown, 26.9.2018

Great White Egret

One at Llyn Coed-y-Dinas this morning. (Reported by Ken Clarke).

Llyn Coed y Dinas

A Kingfisher from Sunday and 300+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls yesterday from Mark Wilson. A more accurate count while they are still around over next few days would be welcome!

High water levels.

The recent rain has resulted in all the mud at LCYD being covered completely so no waders seen today. Only bird of note was this Little Grebe which could now access water at the side of the hide.

Little Grebes Aberhafesp today, very rarely seen on Severn by myself and I spend a lot of time on river

Manx Shearwater - Llanidloes 16th Sept

A juvenile Manx Shearwater was blown off course and crash landed in a Llanidloes garden yesterday. The first county record since 2007. The bird was taken to Aberystwyth for safe release and got away well.

There were reports of more in the town - definitely worth keeping an eye open for them in the forthcoming bad weather. If you do find one then put it in a strong cardboard box and contact me and we'll arrange for release at the coast.