Saturday, 31 March 2012

Change in the weather

I've been feeling a little under the weather these last few days and the temperature drop (to 8 degrees C) following the recent fine days was a bit of a shock to the system on arrival at Mynydd Mawr this morning. "Maybe that was summer then?" I thought as I struggled into my winter waterproofs, hat, gloves, scarf etc.

Fortunately there were a few migrants around to remind me that Spring is here - three smart Wheatears and a Chiffchaff calling from the gorse. Ten Redpoll sp headed over with 17 Goldfinch and a Siskin.

A brief seawatch from St Mary's Well resulted in a year tick as two Manx Shearwaters headed south. Great to see these back! Talking of Manxies there's a seabird inspired storytelling evening next week at Menter y Felin Uchaf

Although it's rumoured to be the best day of the year for finding Gyr Falcons (I have fond memories of the South Stack bird - was it really ten years ago?), none materialised - despite a valiant attempt -  although I did have a Canada Goose moving through the Swnt for consolation!

A quick stomp around Pwll Bron-llwyn resulted in... nothing at all, not even a Snipe, never mind a Jack Snipe. Seems like the good weather might have inspired some migration.

Porth Meudwy was rather quiet. Mostly the usual species but Chiffchaffs seemed to have increased somewhat, with a conservative count of 16 birds. Finally, a male Blackcap down near the cove announced it's presence with a burst of beautiful song - it was great to hear this again after so long!

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