MONTGOMERYSHIRE BIRDS: Avian Flu

Notable Recent Sightings

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

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Avian Flu

Yesterday afternoon I received an e-mail from the BTO telling me to stop all ringing at my address immediately. There are 2 outbreaks of Avian Flu in the vicinity, one towards Newtown and one in Welshpool. Both are associated with Pheasant rearing.

In fact the Defra map, APHA Interactive Disease Map (arcgis.com) shows an outbreak on The Rhallt, and another near Bwllch-y-Ffridd. Culling is taking place.

Ironically, I am within the circle by less than 100 yards, and Sue and Brian are outside it by not much more! I have Bramblings queueing up to be ringed, and I have to disappoint them.

Stay safe. It's an ornithological nightmare with Corvid and Avian Flu!!