randombirder

Generally slim pickings locally but putting in a bit more effort is probably required. Rewards such as this female type common redstart along the track south of Weston Hills makes it all worthwhile.

A brilliant week in North Wales celebrating all kinds of things from birthdays to engagements.  The holiday destination of my childhood, it's always great to return with memories of hill climbs with my late dad, and arguments with my sister at the back of the car which always felt like a journey that required an overnight stay. Not that I've grown up much since, the four and half hour drive seems to flash by while I lament the changing perception of time. A week in Wales is never exclusively about birding but it's hard to ignore what this part of the UK offers - a range of rare breeders against a mountainous backdrop resting against a foreground of lush mature woodland. Conwy was our base for the week, a really impressive town with an eclectic mix of locals gave the place an interesting vibe and provided plenty of amusing moments.  The castle lies imperious on the edge of town, and the quay is great place to sit and watch the this small corner of the world pass by.  A day...

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 Warb...