randombirder

A first visit during the spring was relaxing and low-key but as always a great experience to be back on the Isles.  As well as the incredible scenery and pure island relaxation, there was a smattering of bird interest without the expected dash for the ultimate mega. It was springtime after all and a little early in the season for the real wayward migrant to grace these shores. Wheatear were inevitably ubiquitious around the island with plenty of smart males scattered along the coastal paths. On the airfield, a Richard's pipit that had been present for a large part of the winter was seen hunkered in the long grass viewable from the Terminal. Stonechat are resident birds but always lovely to see. Willow warbler were new in and singing nicely with this one showing well at Periglis on St. Agnes. A couple of local scarcities included a fine wood warbler along the treeline at the far end of the football pitch on the Garrison.  This male woodchat shrike , a perennial visitor to t...

It's a well trodden path but it doesn't make it any less magical.  Bialowieza.  Probably renowned for its' primeval forest but the area in general holds plenty of interest.  Just park the car and walk. Having employed the services of a guide on a previous trip, I decided to go it alone this time.  The result was simple.  Plenty of time staring at Woodpecker-less trees and definitely no Owls.  That was ok though.  It was to be expected.  The forest spans just over 3000 square kilometeres.  That's a lot of ground to cover and that's a lot of trees. I appreciate that the (mis)management of the reserve has its critics, there are problems for sure, but the habitat is nothing like what we see in the UK.  Well not on this scale anyway.  Let's hope it remains this way. The forest speeds away at an astonishing rate where a short walk can easily turn into a serious hike.  The meandering trails hold the promise of an interesting...

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...

A first visit to this RSPB reserve in Camarthenshire and it blew my mind.  Set in the glorious valleys of Central Wales, the circular walk route through breathtaking scenery, beguiling woodland, alongside a pristine mountain stream that looked perfect for Dipper. It was a decent drive from Llan-Mill after an enjoyable late luncheon stop at Narberth. There were quality birds everywhere, at least six singing male Pied Flycatcher , the same number of Wood Warbler in full cascading 'spinning top' melody, at least one superb male Common Redstart in the treetops, and a single Tree Pipit deep within the woodland.  These were accompanied by the more common species, Nuthatch and Treecreeper also seen there. No sign of Dipper unfortunately but just taking in the immaculate backdrop was enough for me.