Yellow-browed Warblers

I started the day intent on carrying out a visible migration count at Uwchmynydd and was pleased to hear the first Redwings of the year passing over as I set off from Rhiw.

On arrival at Mynydd Mawr, a few Fieldfare could be heard and soon these - and a nice range of other species - were seen overhead. The weather was mild and dull with drizzly showers clearing later and a light SW breeze.

Totals between 0700-0900 hrs (with most birds heading SW) came to: 45 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, a Great Spotted Woodpecker - which headed over then circled back, 12 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 49 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 8 alba wagtail, 117 Redwing, 285 Fieldfare, 5 Jackdaw, 259 Starling, at least 1,110 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 14 Goldfinch, 20 Siskin, 63 Linnet, 1 Redpoll and 10 Reed Bunting.

Peter Hall reported a massive arrival of winter thrushes at Llithfaen this morning with approximately 3,000 Fieldfare and 'thousands' of Redwings. 

A grounded Ring Ouzel was located in the area plus 25+ Chough, a Peregrine and 14 Yellowhammer between here and Ystolhelyg while the 'odd amphibian record of the day' goes to a large Toad walking down the road by the mountain.  

Next stop was Porth Meudwy where one of the first birds I encountered was a Yellow-browed Warbler feeding with a mixed tit and warbler flock at the top of the valley before flying off in the direction of Cwrt farm. I never tire of watching these superb phylloscopus warblers that reach the west coast annually in small numbers all the way from Siberia.

Working my way down the valley a male Ring Ouzel was located then I heard another Yellow-browed' calling from the willows below the landslide down from the campsite. Having spent some time waiting for it to appear I continued past and saw it - or another bird - feeding with Goldcrests in a different willow clump. For a moment I had a flashback to Shetland where I had my last multiple inornatus moments. Eddie Urbanski then had the good fortune to turn up and see this bird.

Other bits and pieces on site included 9 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush, 8 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 9 Goldcrest, 60 Fieldfare and 4 Bullfinch. Eddie and I headed out towards Solfach and Pen-y-Cil later, which was v.quiet, highlight being a late Lesser Whitethroat at Pwll Cyw.

Also, Dei Rhys Jones reports a pod of ca.12 dolphin spp species feeding off Aberdesach this morning.