RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas

There are some places in the UK that for me are are just pure magic.  Wales in one of them, and specifically mid-to-north Wales.  For the second year running, a visit was made to the fabulous RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas reserve around ten miles from Tregaron.

It was spectacular, and much like last year, the sun was shining against a crisp blue sky.

It started with a showy Garden Warbler singing freely near the top of a willow.  At least two Willow Warbler were in song in the vicinity.  The boardwalk enters the woodland where a subtle sounds of the Welsh woodland specialties draw in the senses.

Wood Warbler are particularly vocal, the trills echoing through the sun mottled woodland, with a couple of males seen displaying and at least six males heard around the reserve.

Pied Flycatcher are seen all around the reserve as are Common Redstart.  At one point, a male of each species were within ten metres of each other, while Tree Pipit and Wood Warbler provided a beautiful melodic soundscape.

The walk takes around two hours and should not be rushed.  The river held a couple of active Dipper and a Grey Wagtail.  The backdrop provided by a glowing hillside.

The woodland was carpeted with bluebells.

I cannot speak more highly of this place.

The drive to Tregaron is equally as picturesque as the road winds through the Twyi forest.

En route, a Whinchat flew past the car and perched up on a fern by the roadside.

A single Common Sandpiper fed along a mountain lake.  Red Kite and Common Buzzard soared through the valleys.