Crossbills.

Crossbills showing well with one group of 12, another of 8 plus several pairs spaced along the Kerry Ridgeway, both on welsh and English sides. Also lots of Coal Tits, Siskin, Goldfinch, Mistle Thrush, and one

Brambling seen.

Llyn Coed-y-Dinas

On cue, in the last week of February, the Black-Headed Gulls have returned to the reserve. Approx 120 this morning, and with a supporting cast of 2 Male Shoveler, 1 female Goldeneye, 2 Pochard, Teal, Mallard, Tufted Ducks, 8 Lapwing, and a pair of Oystercatcher + the usual suspects, there is much to enjoy.

Barn Owl - Welshpool

One seen flying above the hedge 18:45 tonight opposite the entrance to the Coed Y Dinas nature reserve.

Sarn 18th Feb

Mark Wilson's garden at Sarn has lots of birds including Siskin, Greenfinch (not many of these in the county), Brambling (this one ringed near Dolfor on 31st Dec 18) and Great spotted Woodpecker

Llyn Coed y Dinas 17th Feb

The 2 Pochard remained distant but Mark Wilson was able to focus on Goldeneye and Water Rail -

Curlew and Lapwing Survey Needs More Helpers

Although this is a Shropshire-based survey, readers may be interested in helping either of the recently-formed groups operating just across the border from Montgomeryshire.

Two Community Wildlife Groups in the west of Shropshire are about to begin the second year of their Lapwing and Curlew projects.  The Tanat to Perry (TP) group covers an area immediately south of Oswestry and stretching from the Welsh border to Ruyton-XI-Towns, while the Severn-Vyrnwy Confluence (SVC) group is, unsurprisingly, centred around the rivers' confluence near Melverley.

Both groups are seeking additional volunteers to continue the fieldwork started last year.  You don't need to be an expert birdwatcher to join in: Curlews and Lapwings are easy to identify, and you'll be given help to get going.  The survey is straightforward and requires only three visits between late March and mid June on dates to suit you.  Records of casual sightings within each group's study area are also welcomed.

Results from both groups feed into the county-wide 'Save Our Curlews' campaign led jointly by Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Shropshire Ornithological Society.   

The project is motivated by the plummeting populations of these once familiar birds.  In Shropshire, the breeding population of Curlew has fallen from approximately 700 pairs in 1990 to around 160 in 2010, and that of Lapwing from an estimated 3,000 pairs to only 800 over the same period; declines of 77% and 73% respectively. 

The aim of this year's fieldwork is to confirm the locations of birds found in 2018 and to find any that were missed.  Once we have established where these birds remain, we can work with landowners and farmers to attempt to reverse their decline.

If you're interested in taking part, or would simply like to learn more about these charismatic birds, come and meet us - you'll be sure of a warm welcome!

• Severn-Vyrnwy Confluence meeting 7.30pm Tuesday 19th February at Alberbury Village Hall
• Tanat to Perry meeting 7.30pm Tuesday 5th March at Morda Village Hall

Further information - including maps of each group's study area - at www.shropscwgs.org.uk or contact Claire Backshall on 01691 830691 or tpcwg@shropscwgs.org.uk

Picture credits: Curlew by Leo Smith; Lapwing by John Harding.

Dipper

Dipper are early nesters and will be on territory now. This one at Sarn today was found by Mark Wilson

15th Feb

A nice spring-like day and Mark Wilson was at the Ceri Ridgeway locating 20+ Crossbill and c.150 Golden Plover. Then Mark went to Llyn Coed y Dinas where 2 Pochard (very scarce in Montgomeryshire) kept a distance, but 2 returning Oystercatcher were more confiding (would be good if someone can read the ring on the Oystercatcher...)

Next Bird group meeting - Jim Almond

Just a quick reminder that the next Bird Group meeting will take place on Wednesday 20th February, 7.30 pm at Welshpool Methodist Church Hall.

 Jim Almond will speak on "Another Shropshire Birder's Year." Jim is a deservedly popular speaker, and an excellent ornithologist, whose photos are stunning. It promises to be an excellent evening, and is only £2.50 , including home-made refreshments.

Hope to see you there.

Sarn 10th Feb

It looks like a good spring for Brambling and Siskin numbers at feeders - these pics from Mark Wilson

National Willow Tit Survey 2019 - 2020

Willow Tit is the second fastest declining bird in Britain. To try to better understand the reason for the decline, a national Willow Tit survey is being run by the RSPB and Rare Breeding Birds Panel in 2019 & 2020.

We need your help to locate Willow Tit in Montgomeryshire between mid Feb and mid April. 

The survey method involves walking along likely habitat, playing Willow Tit song every 200m and noting any Willow Tit or Marsh Tit that respond. Full instructions, maps and recording sheets will be provided. If you would like to get involved please contact Mike Haigh (montbird@gmail.com) for further details.

Any general Willow Tit sightings will also be gratefully received. The Willow Tit below at Lake Vyrnwy is busy caching sunflower hearts...

 

pwll Penarth

2 Water Rail in old canal opposite derelict building. At least 3 on reserve. Several Goldcrests, Long Tailed Tits, Tree Creeper and supporting cast of Great and Blue tits.

Female Merlin

Female Merlin this morning 

Goshawk in Middletown

On Feb 1, a Goshawk gave us good views over the garden for some minutes, making a change from the regular Sparrowhawks. Unfortunately their nearest likely nesting area on Breidden Hill has frequent pheasant shoots and is heavily keepered.  

Llyn Coed y Dinas 2nd Feb

Mark Wilsons pics -

Cerri Ridgeway

Plenty of Crossbills calling and collecting nesting material today, although always distant. Also much Siskin activity.