Jack Snipe at Llyn Coed-y-Dinas

Thanks to Steve Benbow for finding, photographing and reporting a Jack Snipe with a Teal and 8 Common Snipe at Llyn Coed-y-Dinas this morning. Jack Snipe are smaller and shorter billed than the Common Snipe. When flushed, they typically fly only a very short distance. They nest in remote Arctic bogs, and their display is a rarely seen flight above their territory, in which they vocalise with a sound 'like galloping horses': kollarap, kollarap. Once in the 1980s, I was lucky enough to hear and watch one flying high over a Norwegian bog at about 70 degrees north while leading a group. They are not uncommon as winter visitors to UK, but very elusive. They are usually found in freshwater margins, or at night by ringers looking for snipe and Woodcock in grazed fields or moorland. When feeding they bob up and down as if on springs.  

Gannet in Newtown!

 

A record shot of an adult Gannet in Newtown yesterday. It was rescued and taken to Cuan House in Much Wenlock for rehabilitation and (hopefully) coastal release. Thanks to Wendy Smith for the record and the photo, and to Marc Hughes for passing them on. 

Goldcrest portrait and Dolydd Hafren news

 

 

Many thanks to Aneurin Lloyd for this fine portrait of a Goldcrest near Llanerfyl on 30 Sep. 

 

Also, a reminder from MWT: "Dolydd Hafren is temporarily closed to the public for health and safety reasons while essential reserve maintenance is carried out. The reserve will re-open again on Saturday 10th October. Many thanks for your patience."

Raptor Action at Dolydd Hafren

Many thanks to Steve Benbow for this action shot at DH this morning. Steve writes, "A great morning at Dolydd Hafren where the wind seemed to encourage the raptors to fly. Saw 2 Buzzards, 7 Red Kites, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Ravens and the Osprey amongst a species list of 47. The Osprey seemed to be cavorting with a Red Kite as they flew together not showing any aggression."

Reed Bunting at Llyn Coed-y-Dinas

 

Many thanks to Paul Davies for this portait of a female or juvenile Reed Bunting at Llyn Coed-y-Dinas on 3 Sep. 

Dolydd Hafren closed for maintenance

Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust has let us know that Dolydd Hafren is now closed until 11 Sep for essential maintenance. 

MWT Reserve Manager Rob is also planning to trim the reeds in front of the hide at Llyn Coed-y-Dinas on Tuesday or Wednesday (1 or 2 Sep) - if the water level stays low enough.  The reserve will remain open but there may be disturbance for visitors. 

Ospreys

Our final visit for this year and a glimpse of one fishing near the Clwyedog dam and then a distant one eating in a tree near the old nest-such a shame re the strange accident earlier. We ended up at Dyfi osprey  and were treated to Telyn performing a few dives while one youngster spent ages with half a fish! Once again thanks to Emyr&Janine for their sterling work and of course all the volunteers-keep it up guys!It's brilliant.
 

Green Sandpiper at Llyn Coed-y-Dinas

 

Many thanks to Mark Wilson for this flying portrait of a Green Sandpiper on 21 Aug at Llyn Coed-y-Dinas. Note the white rump and lack of wing bar, which distinguish this from the Common Sandpiper. Mark also reports 2 Great Egret, 1 Little Egret, and 1 Common Sandpiper.  

Mandarin family at Dolydd Hafren

Many thanks to Steve Benbow for this portrait of a family of Mandarin Ducks at Dolydd Hafren on 15 July.
 

Green Woodpecker at Powis Castle

 

Many thanks to Aneurin Lloyd for another stunning photo series: this time a female Green Woodpecker at Powis Castle on 12 July. Not an easy subject perched, let alone in flight!