Notable Recent Sightings

01/10 Glossy Ibis 1, photo'd by Osprey camera at Cors Dyfi
17/09 Grey Phalarope 1 juv, Red Ridge Centre, Cefn Coch, photo'd
29/05 Pink-footed Goose 1, over Welshpool, photo'd on 09/06
01/05 Red-throated Diver 1, Llyn Clywedog
07/02 Whooper Swan 44, Lake Vyrnwy
31/01 Whooper Swan 51, Haimwood, Llandrinio
17/11 Firecrest 2, Castle Caereinion
07/11 Barnacle Goose 1 among Canada Geese, Llyn Coed-y-Dinas
07/11 Hawfinch a few, Lake Vyrnwy, also Bramblings
01/11 Short-eared Owl 1, Cefn Coch Wind-farm
01/11 Great Grey Shrike Gregynog
28/10 Great Grey Shrike Lake Vyrnwy, also 1 on 30th at Eunant
25/09 Gannet 1 juv grounded near Caersws
07/09 Nightjar 1, photographed near Pontrobert
17/07 Quail RSPB Lake Vyrnwy, also heard 20/06 and 08/07
24/04 Long-eared Owl 2, RSPB Lake Vyrnwy
16/04 Purple Heron 1, Cors Dyfi
05/03 Firecrest 1, Lake Vyrnwy
05/03 Short-eared Owl 1, Lake Vyrnwy
14/01 Pink-footed Goose 1, Dolydd Hafren
03/01 Waxwing 20, Meifod; also 5 Welshpool by canal on 01/01. Last: 6 Bwlch-y-Garreg 17/03
   
See Sightings Archive for older records

Friday, October 18, 2019

Vis Mig? - Woodpigeons

For the last 20 years or so, I have noted a West to South-West movement of Woodpigeons in October/November. This occurs, over Welshpool, usually from 8-10 am, and is more obvious on calm days. Today, there were flocks of 15-30 (3), and one flock of about 90 birds. It would be interesting to know if this is occurring elsewhere in Wales, and maybe being observed to the west of here. Could they be bound for Ireland?
Other birders feel that these birds are just moving locally to feed, and it would be interesting to know which theory is correct.
Certainly it is not a difficult exercise to observe them - (I can often do it from the comfort of my bed!). Walking the dogs can be equally productive.

2 comments:

  1. Further flocks this morning of 15 and about 45. Also 80+ Fieldfare west.

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  2. Calm, clear morning and flocks of approx 15, 30 twice, 70, and 100 before 09.00.
    More South-Westerly than Westerly today.

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