03/12/2013 Chiffchaff seen feeding in the hedgerows by the sewage works at Pwll Penarth

Fieldfare

50+ Fieldfare at Old Churchstoke in one group and 6 in another seperate group .

Leucistic Goldfinch?

Thought I'd spent some time in the garden today, and this Leucistic (?) Goldfinch appeared.  Also, since switching from black Sunflower seed to Sunflower hearts, the Goldfinch have ceased to eat Nyjer seed in favour of the hearts; the change was 5 weeks ago.  Could this be that the hearts have been shelled or it is more accessible through a large holed feeder (vs thin slits on Nyjer feeder).  Thoughts welcome!

Pwll Penarth

 
 
 
 

 Its been a long time since I visited the reserve but have always had a lot of luck seeing Water Rail and today was the best I have ever had with 5 all visible at the same time, Looked like they were fighting over territory with 1 eventual winner.

 

A Dunlin made a brief appearance maybe the same one Mark mentions passing through?

Other Birds on the reserve were 20+ Teal, 6 Mute Swans, 2 Little Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Green Woodpecker and a sparrow Hawk



LCyD Morning - Dunlin

Red kite, Peregrine, pair Goosander, 20 or so Wigeon, plenty Teal, pair Bullfinch, plenty LTTs and this was at the reserve when I arrived first thing behind the scrub on the LH side.  Flew off at 1005 by which time it had emerged into the open for all of 10 seconds - even this had to be shot through the top of the reeds. This looks right for a winter plumage Dunlin

 Pair of Reed Bunting

Mr Mandy still there finally emerging from RH side of main island - hopped across to the far right bank, had a quick preen then went to sleep behind the tree just to the left so for me just a very long distance record shot

PHOTOS FROM 25TH, COED-Y-DINAS

At last I can put some images on. The C Snipe is one of 7 which moved high up the left hand bank to the hedge.The Mandarin only showed for a short while and against the early light. Had a quick chat with Wynn this morning and it appeared from behing the big island in the afternoon, could be still at the reserve!

LCYD

Following Brian's post there were 4 Bullfinch on the left side of the hide this morning and also a shy Goldcrest

Dolydd hafren

1 little egret 4 common snipe 28 curlew 3 treecreeper 5 goldcrest 1 marsh tit 4 water rail still 2 blackcap {pair ? }500 + canada geese all flew in at once impressive sight and noise

Red Bank, Welshpool late Pm

2 Redwing top of Red Bank feeding with mixed flock including Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch ,Blackbirds and Bluetits.
1 calling Raven flying north
 Large group of gulls, probably 200+ , maybe Lesser Black Back flying along Severn valley seen from top Red Bank.
 An owl has been seen and heard top Laundry Lane ,Welshpool area during last few days.The species was not known, over to you Chris if you see or hear it.

Coed-y-dinas am

The Mandarin was still present till about 9am then disappeared. 7 Common Snipe on left hand side hide, they are making good use of the vegetation which thankfully had not all been cut down close to the waters edge.5 of the Snipe moved up the slope to the right hand side of the gravel bank.
Also around was a single female Bullfinch, pair of Wigeon, 7 Lapwing, a male Goosander,7 Teal, several Tufted duck and Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 2 Greylag, single rather ill looking Black-headed Gull plus usual species.
Not able to download photos at present!