Woodland Walk

At last a day with almost no rain.  We took a walk in the RSPB Dinas reserve in North Carmarthenshire.  It is one of the finest examples of Welsh woodland which juxtaposes with other habitats such as grassland, open mountain and fast flowing river.

Common Sandpiper

We went there not just to get some fresh air but also to complete the BTO Atlas work on that square.  What was most obvious was the cold and damp within the woodland which made finding birds difficult at first.  In some of the brief sunny spells birds started to get active and it was gratifying to see so many young birds.  Juvenile Marsh and Blue Tits were obvious as were family parties of Nuthatches.  Scanning the river a female and 5 young Goosanders were easy to find as were Grey Wagtails.  A Common Sandpiper called anxiously suggesting young nearby.

Common Redstart

Searching more within the woodland we noted quite a few Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers all accompanied by fledgling young.  Tree Pipits were collecting food which I assume meant young were nearby.  I was glad to see a lot of young birds because the weather had been so poor of late.  Perhaps understandably only one Wood Warbler was heard.

Red Kite

Back at the car park it was raptor time.  A pair of Buzzards and a Red Kite were overhead and a little later a Peregrine.  All received the appropriate attention from a family group of Ravens.

Great Spotted Woodpecker in the garden

Back home the sunshine was more prolonged as well as welcome.  I spent time watching the young birds at the feeders and at last got a half decent shot of the male Great Spotted Woodpecker.

It was nice to be out.