Marsh Tits seem scarce these days. They stopped visiting our garden feeder a few years ago, and those that remain appear to have retreated into woodlands. So I was pleased to see one today on Moel-y-Golfa, above Trewern village. Voice is often the best way to separate it from Willow Tit, but this one was silent. I identified it by a combination of features: lack of pale wing panel, glossy cap, smaller bib and on habitat, as Willows prefer wetter woodland. Marsh Tit is not a bird of marshes!
Notable Recent Sightings
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Chiffchaff - Montgomery
Chiffchaff are regularly showing up in the garden now Spring has sprung. Also, it is a welcome sight to see Red Kites so frequently flying around the area.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Llyn Coed-y-Dinas
As you probably all know, MWT have had to close all reserves. While securing the site yesterday, and standing at the gate, a female Hawfinch appeared briefly at the edge of the carpark.
So, only yards from the site where on was reported on 22nd January.
Meanwhile, today in the garden, a Blackcap sang briefly, and was not seen or heard again, so probably a migrant passing through.
So, only yards from the site where on was reported on 22nd January.
Meanwhile, today in the garden, a Blackcap sang briefly, and was not seen or heard again, so probably a migrant passing through.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Swallow in Carno, March 25
Barry Long reports our first SWALLOW on wires near Carno midday yesterday, March 25th. Also in our garden in Middletown, a BLACKCAP has returned on the same date.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Fieldfare and Redwing
The valley northwards from Talerddig rarely fails to have something of note, and the usual good numbers of Mistle Thrush were augmented by flocks of about 80 and then 12 Fieldfare. At dusk, arriving home in Welshpool, 12 Redwing dropped into the garden to roost in Rhodedendron cover.
Social Distancing in Mid-Wales.
No decent photos, but a great day at Clywedog where song-flighting Siskin were active, and Crossbills in evidence. Buzzards displaying everywhere, and no less than 4 Goshawk in view at one time, though distant.
On to Glaslyn, which was probably more crowded than Euston Station today. Several miles from anywhere it was great to see my erstwhile partner, Eryl, and Rita Selly at 2 metres distance. No sign of any Red Grouse, but Stonechat and Meadow Pipits marking territory. One less of the latter as a Merlin carried it off. (Very close to where you parked your car, Eryl, but you probably don't want to know that!)
On to Glaslyn, which was probably more crowded than Euston Station today. Several miles from anywhere it was great to see my erstwhile partner, Eryl, and Rita Selly at 2 metres distance. No sign of any Red Grouse, but Stonechat and Meadow Pipits marking territory. One less of the latter as a Merlin carried it off. (Very close to where you parked your car, Eryl, but you probably don't want to know that!)
Pwll Penarth.
Several Chiffchaff, 2 pair of LTT nest building, pair little grebe, Water Rail along path to reserve, 1 very vocal, very mobile and very invisible Cettis Warbler, plus plenty of common garden birds.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Thursday, March 19, 2020
...........and now for some good news
Amidst all the current doom, gloom and uncertainty, it has been good to have some pleasant surprises in the neighbourhood recently.
Last Friday I certainly wasn't expecting to see a stonechat on my walk around the Wern.
This morning, we watched a mistle thrush in the garden, stripping sizeable pieces of lichen from our damson tree, and flying off with them, although unfortunately we didn't manage to see where it took them. It would be great if a pair were nesting in the garden, as they did several years ago.
Later today, on a walk around the local lanes, there were more treats. The first, a skylark singing, and a chiffchaff too. Then moments later, a kestrel flew overhead and away towards the Breidden. Soon the characteristic song of a yellowhammer, which was so engrossed in its repertoire that it didn't leave its perch even as I stood directly beneath it.
Last Friday I certainly wasn't expecting to see a stonechat on my walk around the Wern.
This morning, we watched a mistle thrush in the garden, stripping sizeable pieces of lichen from our damson tree, and flying off with them, although unfortunately we didn't manage to see where it took them. It would be great if a pair were nesting in the garden, as they did several years ago.
Later today, on a walk around the local lanes, there were more treats. The first, a skylark singing, and a chiffchaff too. Then moments later, a kestrel flew overhead and away towards the Breidden. Soon the characteristic song of a yellowhammer, which was so engrossed in its repertoire that it didn't leave its perch even as I stood directly beneath it.
From the same viewpoint, my attention was drawn to the field opposite by the calls of lapwings - 16 in total. I could hardly believe it......................................
and then, to top it all, the unmistakeable 'curlee' call of the bird I'd love to have seen, but on this occasion only heard.
But there's always tomorrow......................and as many of us are minimising our contact with other folk, it's good to know that we can still enjoy some fresh air, and that spring is here. Fortunately, the joys of the natural world can lift our spirits and restore a bit of calm in these troubling times.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Curlew @ Newchapel
Monday 16th March 2020 16:00
2 Curlew flying towards the Severn from Newchapel, nr Llanidloes
2 Curlew flying towards the Severn from Newchapel, nr Llanidloes